| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08465375B2 |
Underwater device for generating or shooting a vortex ring
An underwater device for generating a vortex ring includes a liquid chamber, and a fluid or air chamber contiguous to the liquid chamber and separated by a partition wall. The liquid chamber includes a generally rigid section and a compressible or flexible section. The rigid section includes an opening for selectively loading the liquid chamber with a liquid and for discharging a vortex ring therefrom. |
| US08465374B2 |
Damping system and method for eliminating torsion vibrations
A damping system for damping torsion vibrations of shafts in machines is provided. A torque sensor detects torsion vibrations. A magnetostrictive actuator device creates a mechanical counter-vibration and a control device registers a measurement signal of the torque sensor in a time-resolved manner and creates a phase-shifted signal for a counter-vibration and drives the actuator device. Further, a method for eliminating torsion vibration of shafts in machines with such a damping system is provided. The torsion vibration of the torque of the shaft is registered in a time-resolved manner, a phase-shifted signal is created for a counter-vibration, and a mechanical counter-vibration is created using at a magnetostrictive actuator device. |
| US08465372B2 |
Torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus
The torque fluctuation absorber includes a flywheel fixed on a first rotating shaft by a fixation member, a damper unit connected with a second rotating shaft and absorbs fluctuation of torque occurred between the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft by elastic force, and a limiter unit provided on a power transmission path between the flywheel and the damper unit and inducing a slide when the fluctuation of the torque exceeded a predetermined value. A predetermined member rotates with the first rotating shaft on a power transmission path between the first rotating shaft and the limiter unit. The predetermined member has a side plate at the damper unit and a guide portion that prevents movement radially of a hub member, and the guide portion is provided at radially internal side of the fixation member. |
| US08465370B2 |
Application-centric user interface techniques
Various application-centric user interface techniques are described. A user can easily launch, add, or update applications. An application-centric activity center can be presented as part of a user interface for an operating system shell. A file defining metadata for an application can be defined. The techniques can be applied to game-related software. |
| US08465368B2 |
Method and apparatus for conducting event betting
The field of the invention relates generally to sports and event betting, and more specifically to the use of the Internet in land-based casino sports and event betting. A bettor signs onto an Internet website to find what bets are being accepted and the bettor then places and registers a bet. The player then goes and places pays for the bet at a land-based casino prior to the start of the event. Further, follow-up rounds of making a wager may then be performed over a network such as, for example, the Internet. |
| US08465364B2 |
Gaming tables with multiple player positions and common display
Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have a casino table with changeable displays for players and a common or central display. The displays portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. Shuffling, cutting, dealing, betting and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards. The invention allows casinos to speed play and reduce the risk of cheating while maintaining the attractive ambiance of a live table game. The systems can also be multi-user slot machines using the processor to associate or assign one or more symbols either with the virtual playing cards or as slot symbols in participant subsets. The participant subsets are compared to a predetermined list so that payoffs can be awarded on the basis of winning symbols or combinations of symbols. |
| US08465359B2 |
Gaming device for determining a re-drawing group for following games
To display a plurality of symbols in a plurality of display regions, upon starting a game, and in a case where trigger symbols are stop displayed in any of the plurality of display regions, to draw for specific display regions where trigger symbols are displayed, from a plurality of types of symbols so that the symbols are displayed having a predetermined relationship among the symbols in at least game units, and at the same time, to draw for general display regions that have symbols other than the trigger symbol displayed, from a plurality of types of symbols so that arbitrary symbols are independently displayed. |
| US08465356B2 |
Display puzzle
A geometric toy having a two or more axes originating from the center of the toy. The geometric toy includes cubelets. A predetermined number of the cubelets are rotatable about the axes. Display screens are connected to the cubelets and allow for the display of preprogrammed images. At least one microprocessor is in communication with the display screens to control the display of images on the display screens. A connection means allows for the rotation of the cubelets about the axes while still maintaining communication between the microprocessor and the display screens to provide for the continual display of images on the display screen. |
| US08465355B1 |
Multiplayer electronic word game
A method and apparatus is provided for conducting a word game that is intended to be played by a plurality of participants though not necessarily at the same time or from the same location. The game may be played using one or a plurality of electronic client devices. One or more participants are assigned one or more words or phrases and tasked to create a work that includes text that should contain a predetermined number of the assigned words or phrases. Such work may also include other assigned materials such as images, moving images, other visual objects, audio pieces, other text or instructions. The participant(s) submit the work to a contest to be judged by other participants and also participate in judging contests containing the works of other participants. |
| US08465353B2 |
Game device, control method for game device, and information storage medium
Provided is a game device for executing a game of a sport to be played by using a moving object including: a position acquiring section for acquiring an initial position of the moving object when the moving object starts to move in a game space; a direction acquiring section for acquiring an initial direction of the moving object when the moving object starts to move in the game space; and a movement control section for causing the moving object to start to move based on the initial position acquired by the position acquiring section and the initial direction acquired by the direction acquiring section, to thereby move the moving object, in which the movement control section changes a moving direction of the moving object a plurality of times to a moving direction determined based on an original moving direction of the moving object and a random number. |
| US08465352B2 |
Game device, image generation method, information recording medium and program
A plane defining unit (241) defines a horizontal plane in the field of view, within whose bounds an own character exists. A block division unit (242) divides the defined plane into a plurality of blocks. An aiming position selecting unit (243) randomly selects a predetermined number of aiming positions, which are arbitrary positions in each of the blocks thus divided. An reaching determining unit (244) determines whether a bullet can reach each of the target positions thus selected, based on a positional relationship with an opponent character, who conducts shooting, and the like. An aiming position deciding unit (245) randomly decides one target position from among the target positions determined to be reachable. An image generating unit (250) generates a game image including the own character attacked by a bullet shoot at the decided target position. |
| US08465347B2 |
Retractable water dispenser arm for grinder/polisher
A retractable water dispenser arm system for a grinder/polisher includes a flexible hose formed, in part in a loop and affixed at at least one location to a base of the grinder polisher. A spout is mounted to an end of the flexible hose. A biased tension arm engages the hose at the loop, and is moveable, along with movement of the hose, to maintain the hose in tension. The biased tension arm includes a roller over which the hose traverses. A mount on the base is configured to receive the spout and is further configured for traverse of the hose therethrough. The mount includes a mount roller operably mounted thereto for guiding the hose through the mount. |
| US08465341B2 |
Compression support bra
A bra for compression stabilizing the breast mass against motion relative to the torso includes a closed cell foam layer having a front, back, sides, and shoulder straps in a pattern to approximately match the contours of a female user's torso. A first fabric layer adjacent to the inner surface of the cell foam layer adjacent to the user's skin, substantially matching the pattern of the closed cell foam fabric layer, provides moisture wicking and comfort. A portion of the closed cell foam fabric layer extends below the breast line and encircles the torso to add motion stabilizing support to the breasts. |
| US08465339B2 |
Wheeled toy vehicles and playsets for use therewith
A play system includes a toy vehicle and a playset for use therewith. A toy vehicle includes a chassis having a bottom surface that is at least partially magnetic and a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the chassis. A playset includes a base, a launch ramp mounted to the base and having an upper end and a lower end that includes an upwardly-inclined section terminating in a jump lip, and a magnetic element selectively positionable within a predefined range of positions relative to the jump lip. |
| US08465338B2 |
System and method for toy adoption and marketing
A method and computer system for providing a virtual world are disclosed. First and second registration codes, which are different and are obtained from purchasing items are used to access different portions of a website. Subsequent to accessing the portions of the website using the registration codes, a first image and a second image are accessed to be viewed, each by using a user identification name and a password without reentering the first and second registration codes. A name is to be selected for each of the images after using the registration codes. After entering the user identification name, the first and second images are to be interacted with to bring about changes to the first and second images, and the changes are based on the interacting. An invitation is to be extended to at least one friend on the website, the at least one friend to view at least one of the first and second images in a virtual room owned by and customizable by the user. |
| US08465336B2 |
Expandable packaging assembly
A packaging assembly for a reconfigurable toy includes a base component and a side component movably connected to the base component. The toy includes a main body and an extendable member movably connected to the main body. The toy is reconfigurable between a first configuration in which the extendable member is retracted relative to the main body and a second configuration in which the extendable member is extended relative to the main body. The main body of the toy is coupled to the base component and the extendable member of the toy is coupled to the side component, so that the toy is reconfigurable between its first configuration and its second configuration while remaining coupled to the packaging assembly. |
| US08465335B2 |
Color calibration system for a video display
Large digital displays for entertainment, architectural and advertising displays have interconnected display panels with pluralities of light emitting elements. To solve calibration problems, each of the display panels stores measured luminance and chromaticity data for each of the light emitting elements of the panel. The luminance data is independent of the chromaticity data. A central controller can then perform calibration procedures so that the light emitting elements are matched across the entire display. |
| US08465328B2 |
Connector assembly and male-side connector
On a front surface (one of opposite surfaces) 11a of a male-side connector 10, first guide projections 15 are provided, which have a projection height that is higher than columnar bumps (male-type terminal portions) 13. and on a back surface (other of the opposite surfaces) 21b of a female-side connector 20, hole portions 25 are provided, which have a size allowing slight movement of the first guide projections 15, wherein the columnar bumps 13 and the cross-like slits (female-type terminal portions) 23 are positioned with each other by the first guide projections 15 being inserted through the hole portions 25. |
| US08465323B2 |
Electrical connector with interface grounding feature
An electrical connector that includes a connector body having a conductive surface configured to oppose an engagement side of a mating connector. The electrical connector also includes electrical terminals that are held by the connector body and located in an array along the conductive surface. Adjacent terminals are separated by gaps that collectively form an interwoven reception region along the conductive surface between the electrical terminals. The electrical connector also includes ground contacts that are coupled to the conductive surface and are located in corresponding gaps. The ground contacts include flex portions that are configured to be compressed between the conductive surface and the engagement side of the mating connector when the mating connector is coupled to the electrical connector during a mating operation. The ground contacts are configured to electrically couple the conductive surface and the mating connector. |
| US08465318B2 |
Cord organizer device and method of use
The present invention is a cord organizer device that includes a horizontal base surface, spools to receive and control one or more power cords from one or more electrical devices, a plate with a distal end disposed on the top of the spools to label the spools and the power cords, holding clips that are disposed on the sides of the spools to secure the power cords against the horizontal base surface. There is also a cover that is disposed over the spools, the plates and the holding clips to protect and to hide the spools, the plates and the holding clips, a power strip to provide power to the device that is secured by a fastener to the horizontal base surface and a mounting hole to mount the device against a vertical surface. |
| US08465313B2 |
Connector and connector assembly
Catches (37) project from a female housing (11) and end surfaces of a seal (12) define pressing surfaces (32). The pressing surfaces (32) are pressed to push the seal (12) to a mount position in the process of mounting the seal (12) into the female housing (11), and the seal (12) resiliently moves past the catching pieces (37) and engages with the catches (37) at the mount position. The pressing surfaces (32) of the seal (12) are arranged at positions overlapping the catches (37) in projecting directions of the catching pieces (37) when the seal (12) is mounted into the female housing (11). |
| US08465311B2 |
Connection device
A connection device includes an adapter that covers a connection target that is connected to a connector, where the adapter is secured to a connection apparatus that is provided with the connection target. The connection device includes a housing that has a cylindrical portion that holds the connector such that the connector is movable relative to the cylindrical portion in an axial direction, where the cylindrical portion is engaged with the adapter such that the connector is connected to the connection target, and a first spring that urges the connector toward the connection target. |
| US08465308B2 |
Connector having self-wiping contacts
Connectors that may be incorporated and used in electronic devices in a reliable manner. One example may provide a connector that may receive a memory card, such as a Secure Digital, SmartMedia, Compact Flash, or other type of memory card. One example may provide a connector that may connect to other electronic circuits and components in an electronic device in a reliable manner. Another may provide a connector that may reliably form a connection for electromagnetic interference protection during device assembly. Another may provide a connector that may be resistant to damage from debris or other particulate matter that may enter the connector. Another example may provide a connector that has a back that is reinforced to prevent damage caused by the insertion of a card with excessive force. Another may provide a connector having a raised portion arranged to fit in an opening in a printed circuit board. |
| US08465305B2 |
Electrical system having withdrawable electrical apparatus and shutter assembly with ramped engagement surfaces
A shutter assembly is provided for an electrical system including at least one withdrawable electric apparatus, such as a circuit breaker, and an electrical bus member. A protruding structure of the circuit breaker is removably coupled to a corresponding primary contact of the electrical bus member to electrically connect the circuit breaker and the electrical bus member. The shutter assembly includes a pair of cover members that each have a ramped engagement surface and that are movable between a first position in which the corresponding primary contact of the electrical bus member is isolated and a second position in which the cover members are offset from the primary contact to allow the circuit breaker to be connected with the primary contact and the electrical bus member. |
| US08465302B2 |
Connector with impedance tuned terminal arrangement
A connector housing includes a plurality of wafers containing terminal dedicated to either ground signals or differential signals. Terminals in adjacent wafers can be arranged to provide broadside coupled differential signal pairs. Terminals dedicated for use as ground terminals can be wider than the signal terminals to provide shielding between adjacent differential signal pairs. The signal terminals of each differential signal terminal pair can a constant width from their contact portions to a location proximate their tail portions and the terminals diverge from broadside alignment and increase in their width until they end at the terminal tail portions. |
| US08465300B2 |
Cable installation assembly
A cable installation assembly includes a connector, a power wire, a ground wire and two signal wires. The connector includes a base, having a plurality of terminal containing grooves formed in the base and arranged separately adjacent to each other. The power wire includes a power core and a power terminal electrically coupled to power core, and each power terminal is plugged into each corresponding terminal containing groove. The ground wire includes a grounding core and a grounding terminal electrically coupled to the grounding core and plugged into the terminal containing groove. The signal wire includes a signal core and a signal terminal electrically coupled to signal core, and the two signal terminals are plugged into the terminal containing grooves respectively and not arranged adjacent to each other, so that signals can be transmitted without interfering with one another. |
| US08465290B1 |
Athletic training device
An athletic training kit featuring a plurality of diamond shape frames. The frames can interconnect to form various obstacle courses. Each frame has a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. The kit also features various means of connecting the sides of the frames together. Elbow joints, cord cap components, or offset hinges may connect the sides of the frames together. The cord cap components feature a connecting cord. The connecting cords of different frames can be connected in various ways to set up a multi-frame obstacle course. The kit may feature extension connectors, cord connectors, or pin hinges. |
| US08465282B2 |
Oral implant placement system and method
An oral implant system and method. The system includes a positioning tool, a transfer band, a transfer screw, and a transfer drill to provide for accurate placement of a dental implant parallel to other implants and or existing teeth and at predetermined depths. A model is made of the patient's maxilla and mandible. The model is marked for implant position, depth and size. Holes are drilled in the model for implant analogs using the positioning tool. The analogs are installed into the model using the positioning tool and a surveyor. Transfer bands are coupled to the analogs and a surgical stent portion is fabricated. The surgical stent is fitted to the patient's occlusion, secured, and then utilized to accurately drill apertures into the patient's maxilla or mandible. The implants are installed into the apertures and the surgical stent is removed. A final restoration is secured to the implants. |
| US08465280B2 |
Method and system for integrated orthodontic treatment planning using unified workstation
A method and workstation for orthodontic treatment planning of a patient. The workstation is based on a computing platform having a graphical user interface, a processor and a computer storage medium containing digitized records pertaining to a patient including image data (3D image data and/or 2D image data). The workstation further includes a set of software instructions providing graphical user interface tools which the user marks a midline and an aesthetic occlusal plane in a two- or three-dimensional virtual model of the patient, marks an occlusal plane in the virtual model; selects a reference tooth in the virtual model; aligns virtual teeth in the virtual model in a proposed arrangement to treat the patient; manages space between the virtual teeth in the proposed arrangement; and repeats one or more of these steps in an iterative fashion to make any further adjustments in the proposed arrangement. When the adjustments are complete, the user selects or identifies a finalized proposed treatment plan for treating the patient. |
| US08465278B2 |
Apparatus and method for heat recovery from rotary kilns
An apparatus and method for recovering heat radiating from the outer surface of a rotary kiln includes an enclosure formed as a stationary housing that has an axially extending opening and closure flaps on circumferential ends of the housing extending towards the shell to form a chamber and an exhaust fan, arranged to draw a flow of air into the housing, which flow of air recovers heat from the kiln shell and is discharged from the chamber for heat recovery therefrom. |
| US08465277B2 |
Heat engine with nozzle
A heat engine can have a fuel selector valve for selecting between a first fuel and a second fuel. Making the selection with the fuel selector valve can also determine a flow path through the heat engine, there being two different paths, each configured for a different fuel. A burner nozzle can form a single unit with the fuel selector valve. In some embodiments the burner nozzle can also form a single unit with an outlet valve. |
| US08465275B2 |
Candleholder and method
A candle with a smooth exterior surface is configured so that it has a size and shape to substantially fill a hollow interior of the receptacle. The receptacle has an open mouth and a hollow interior having a smooth surface. The smooth exterior surface of the candle and smooth interior surface of the receptacle are in contact and slide past each other upon inserting the candle into the hollow interior to seat the candle on a moveable platform that is near a base end of the receptacle. After the candle is partially burned so an outer end thereof is burned away and displaced from the open mouth of the receptacle, the platform is advanced inward to move the outer end of the candle towards the open mouth to reposition the displaced outer end nearby the open mouth of the receptacle. |
| US08465271B2 |
Injection mold
An injection mold for molding a product including an insert element, which includes a plurality of terminals each having a contacting portion, includes a male mold and a female mold movably engaged with the male mold. The male mold includes a male platen for fixing a fastening element therein. The fastening element defines a plurality of fastening grooves for fastening the contacting portions in a first male groove opened on the male platen. The male mold further includes a supporting element cooperating with the male platen to fixing a locating mold core in the male platen. A top end of the locating mold core projects into the first male groove and further defines a locating groove for fastening one contacting portion adjacent to a male sprue which is opened on the male platen and connected with the first male groove via a second male groove of the male platen. |
| US08465267B2 |
Power connectors for pump assemblies
A pump assembly includes a pump housing, a motor coupled to the pump housing being operated to drive fluid through the pump housing, and a control module operatively coupled to the motor. The control module has a power connector with power contacts, where the power connector has a plug interface. The pump assembly also includes first and second plug assemblies configured to be selectively coupled to the power connector. The first and second plug assemblies have first and second mating interfaces both configured to mate with the plug interface of the power connector. The first plug assembly includes a line cord having a pump plug at one end of the line cord and an outlet plug at an opposite end of the line cord. The second plug assembly includes a conduit box having plug contacts configured to be field wired to a power cable within the conduit box. |
| US08465266B2 |
Vacuum pressure systems
Vacuum pressure systems are provided. In this regard, a representative vacuum pressure system includes: an inlet; and a linear actuator having a permanent magnet, a coil, an inner ferromagnetic core and an outer ferromagnetic core, the outer ferromagnetic core surrounding at least a portion of each of the permanent magnet, the coil, and the inner ferromagnetic core; the linear actuator being operative to exhibit relative motion between the permanent magnet and the coil responsive to an electrical current being applied to the coil such that the linear actuator forms vacuum pressure and draws fluid into the inlet. |
| US08465264B2 |
Jet pump apparatus
A jet pump apparatus for mixing a higher pressure gas and a lower pressure gas, includes an inlet section, an outlet section, a diffuser section and a mixing section. Inlet section includes a higher pressure inlet and a lower pressure inlet. Mixing section includes a plurality of separated mixing chambers. The diffuser section includes diffusers for receiving mixed gases from the mixing chambers. The outlet section receives mixed gases from the diffuser section and conveys those gases to an outlet. The inlet section includes a higher pressure inlet which receives higher pressure gas, and a lower pressure gas inlet which receives lower pressure gas. Each of the mixing chambers has a primary nozzle for introducing primarily higher pressure gas from to a respective mixing chamber, and a secondary inlet for introducing primarily lower pressure gas to each of the mixing chambers. |
| US08465263B2 |
Dynamic control of an electric drive
A fluid delivery system includes a pump operably coupleable to a source of fluid. A reciprocating electromagnetic actuator is coupled to the pump and has a coil that when energized causes the actuator to drive the pump. Coil current sensing circuitry is configured to provide an indication of current flowing in the coil. A controller is coupled to the coil current sensing circuitry and is configured to calculate a coil drive parameter based upon a plurality of coil current indications from the coil current sensing circuitry. Coil drive circuitry is coupled to the controller and is configured to supply current to the coil based on the coil drive parameter. |
| US08465261B2 |
Turbocharger
The invention refers to a turbocharger with a compressor (8) which has a compressor wheel (9) which is fixed on one end of a rotor shaft (6); with a turbine (2) which has a turbine rotor (10) which comprises a turbine wheel (5) which has a connecting journal (17) which can be connected to a connecting section (12) of the rotor shaft (6), and with at least one piston ring groove (11, 11′) which is provided on the turbine rotor (10); wherein the piston ring groove (11, 11′) is arranged on the connecting journal (17). |
| US08465260B2 |
Combination fan propeller structure
A combination fan propeller structure including a hub and at least one first blade assembly. The hub includes a top section and an annular section extending from the top section. The annular section has a free end distal from the top section. The first blade assembly has at least one connection section for connecting with the free end to form the fan propeller structure. |
| US08465259B2 |
Gas turbine spindle bolt structure with reduced fretting motion
A spindle bolt structure is provided in a gas turbine engine. The gas turbine engine includes a rotor including a plurality of turbine disks for supporting rows of blades, a torque tube located on a compressor side of the turbine disks, and a seal disk located between the torque tube and a first stage turbine disk. The spindle bolt structure includes a plurality of spindle bolts extending through the turbine disks and disposed offset from a rotational axis of the turbine disks. The spindle bolts include a first terminal end located adjacent to the compressor side of the turbine disks, and a sleeve member is provided extending over a portion of the first terminal end of each spindle bolt and embedded within a compressor side of the seal disk for effecting a reduction in fretting movement of the spindle bolt relative to the seal disk. |
| US08465257B1 |
Variable pitch propeller
A propeller assembly is disclosed, comprising propeller blades pivotably mounted on a propeller hub. A cam follower is disposed on each propeller blade. A cam is movable between a first position, a second position and a third position. Recesses formed in the cam have a first segment, a second segment and a third segment, oriented at first, second and third angles. The first segment is oriented at a first angle relative to the central axis. The cam followers engage the first segment of the recesses when the cam moves between first and second positions to vary the pitch of the propeller blades between a first pitch and a second pitch. The cam followers engage the second segment of the recesses when the cam moves between second and third positions to vary the pitch of the propeller blades between the second pitch and a third pitch. |
| US08465253B2 |
Pump housing with two-point mount
A pump housing of a rotary pump has a pump chamber in which an impeller can rotate, an intake port, an output port similar to the intake port, the intake and output ports having respective axially oppositely directed flanges centered on a flange axis, and respective unitary projections on the flanges each formed with a respective flat extending parallel to the flange axis. The flats form only two axially spaced mounting points for securing the pump to a support surface extending parallel to the axis. |
| US08465243B2 |
Method and apparatus for picking a package from a dispensing system
A storage apparatus has an rack of storage bins, a pick head drive unit to drive a pick head to an access location for a selected bin, and a platform drive unit to drive a platform forming part of the pick head into and out of the rack to pick or load packages at a selected bin of the rack. The platform has a cam formation which, in the course of entry of the platform into the rack acting to lift a desired package until the platform reaches a clearance position at which the cam formation clears the package. Subsequent withdrawal of the platform from the rack acts to drag the desired package from the selected bin. |
| US08465239B2 |
Drop-in anchor
A drop-in anchor system includes a drop-in anchor having a tubular sleeve with a first end and an expandable second end. The sleeve tapers in inner diameter from the first end to the second end at a sleeve taper angle. The drop-in anchor includes a plug insertable in the sleeve such that when the plug is driven into an installed position in the sleeve the second end expands. The plug tapers at a plug taper angle from a head end to a tip end and a difference between the sleeve taper angle and the plug taper angle is about one degree or more. The system includes an installation tool configured to form a hole in a workpiece into which the drop-in anchor is insertable and to drive the plug into the installed position in the sleeve. |
| US08465238B2 |
Sliding anchor
The invention relates to a sliding bolt (10) for introducing into a bore, having an anchor rod (12), on which is disposed a sliding control element (14) with a through-opening (18), through which the anchor rod (12) extends, wherein the sliding control element (14) comprises a sliding body cage (16) having at least one recess (20) for receiving a sliding body (22) that is in contact with the lateral surface of the anchor rod (12), and having an anchor plate (24), which is intended to lie against a region surrounding the mouth of the bore once the sliding bolt (10) has been introduced into the bore. In contrast to conventional sliding bolts, the anchor plate (24) is in load-transferring connection with the sliding body cage (16), with the result that it is easily possible to provide a device that indicates a sliding path of the sliding bolt that is still available. |
| US08465234B2 |
Drilling bit with the depth-limiting and angle-leading function for the carpenter's work
A drilling bit with the depth-limiting and angle-leading function for the carpenter's work, having a covering sleeve (with a driving shaft) and a bit holder for securing a bit. A limit ring and a screw socket (with female thread) are screwable to the covering sleeve (with the male thread) for adjusting the depth of the spot-faced hole in a workpiece (to be drilled) according to the actual operation requirement. |
| US08465232B2 |
Cutting tool having a retractable nozzle
A cutting tool includes a coolant conveying member, to provide coolant fluid to a cutting area during a cutting operation. The coolant conveying member includes a member body having a fluid passage formed therein, and a nozzle to convey and to jet out the coolant fluid therethrough. The nozzle is shiftable relative to the member body, between a first, extended position and a second, retracted position. In the extended position, for example, assumed during the cutting operation—the nozzle extends out and forwardly from the member body, stabilized by the continuous flow of coolant fluid therethrough, forcing the nozzle forwardly. In the retracted position, for example, assumed when the when the coolant fluid does not flow through the coolant conveying member, or flows at a very low rate, the nozzle may be at least partially accommodated in the fluid passage, to allow, for example, indexing or replacing of the cutting insert. |
| US08465227B1 |
Method of cutting target members using a cutting saw device
A diamond wire saw and method provides a frame that includes a clamp that attaches to a target (e.g. piling, beam, tubular), an elongated toothed rack extending away from the mount and target, and a moving portion that carries the diamond wire and motor drives that advance the moving portion toward the target and along the toothed rack while driving the wire around roller guides. |
| US08465224B2 |
Multi-application apparatus, methods and surface markings
In various embodiments, a multi-application apparatus may be configured to be mounted on a vehicle. The multi-application apparatus may include a sprayer configured to apply a profileable material to an area of a driving surface during a pass of the vehicle by the area to create a first marking. The multi-application apparatus may also include an applicator configured to apply the profileable material to at least a portion of the area of the driving surface during the same pass of the vehicle by the area to create a second marking. The second marking may have a more varied profile than the first marking. In various embodiments, the multi-application apparatus may include controls that enable independent control of various parameters during operation. In various embodiments, profileable material forming the second marking is at least partially fused with the profileable material forming the first marking. |
| US08465223B2 |
Pavement marker, method and apparatus
Disclosed are pavement markers and a mobile highway marking apparatus for advancing in a forward direction along a paved surface of a highway for applying a paint stripe to the paved surface and applying pavement markers at intervals on the paint stripe. The marking apparatus includes a dispenser that is configured for moving a sequence of the pavement markers form the bottom of an upwardly extending stack of the pavement markers first in the forward direction and then down a sloped chute in a rearward direction to the paint stripe without turning the pavement markers over. |
| US08465218B2 |
Aperture unit and lens barrel including the same
An aperture unit includes three or more diaphragm blades, a base plate that supports the diaphragm blades, a drive lever connected to the diaphragm blades, and an aperture motor that rotates the drive lever, wherein, in a range from a reference aperture value to a specific aperture value, a polygonal aperture is formed by aperture edges of two or more of the three or more diaphragm blades that linearly move in a first direction and an aperture edge of at least one of the three or more diaphragm blades that linearly moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein, in a range from the specific aperture value to a closed aperture state, an aperture is formed by aperture edges of two diaphragm blades that move in opposite directions. |
| US08465217B2 |
Focal-plane shutter and optical equipment
A focal-plane shutter includes: a board including an opening; a leading blade and a trailing blade; a trailing blade lever; a first lever; a second lever; a self-holding type solenoid; a leading blade electromagnet and a trailing blade electromagnet; and a set lever. |
| US08465213B2 |
Optical module
An optical component of an optical module has a junction surface facing an optical connector and a pair of side surfaces apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to a connection direction of the optical connector. A support member has a pair of sidewalls facing the side surfaces of the optical component respectively and concave/convex portions provided in the sidewalls and concave or convex toward the side surfaces of the optical component. The side surfaces of the optical component are fixed to the sidewalls of the support member via an adhesive, and the adhesive is also applied on surfaces of the concave/convex portions of the sidewalls. |
| US08465206B2 |
Linear motion guide unit
In a slider of a linear motion guide unit, a carriage in the slider is cut away at undersides thereof to form concaves in which tubular members defining return passages therein are placed. This is in favor of reduced machining cost. The slider is composed of the carriage having an upper portion and side bulges, end caps secured on ends of the carriage, and tubular members installed closely outside the bulges of the carriage in the sliding direction. Sidewise underparts of the carriage is cut away to provide the concaves into which the tubular members fit with tube ends being kept in spigots which communicate with turnaround passages in the end caps. |
| US08465205B2 |
Trash bag
A trash bag includes a bag body being formed of plastic material and a tying element. The bag body includes a first bag sheet overlain with to a second bag sheet. A cavity is formed between the first and second bag sheets, and a top opening is formed along top edges of the first and second bag sheets. The tying element is impermanently integrated with the bag body. After the use of the bag body, said tying element is torn from the bag body to tie a knot around the top opening of the bag body and to seal the cavity. More specifically, the tying element includes a first tying band and a second tying band integrated with the first and second bag sheets of the bag body respectively, which forms the double-layer tying structure to enhance the tying strength of the tying element. |
| US08465200B2 |
Method for implementing depth deconvolution algorithm for enhanced thermal tomography 3D imaging
A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product implement enhanced thermal tomography three-dimensional (3D) thermal effusivity imaging. Experimental thermal imaging data is acquired. A response function is derived and a convolution formulation is constructed from the experimental thermal imaging data. A deconvolution solution procedure is implemented that includes constructing a matrix solution equation with a damping parameter, and solving the matrix solution equation with a selected number of iterations to construct a plurality of effusivity images. Using the novel depth deconvolution algorithm with experimental data acquired from a one-sided pulsed thermal-imaging system provides greater sensitivity for internal sample features substantially eliminating degradation in depth resolution. |
| US08465195B1 |
Device for mixing a bottle of baby formula
A device for mixing a bottle of baby formula preferably includes a device housing, a motor, a drive linkage and a bottle retainer. The drive linkage includes an eccentric drive disk, a drive arm, a pivoting arm and a pivot mounting base. The pivot mounting base includes a bottle drive shaft. The eccentric drive disk pivots the bottle drive shaft through the drive arm and the pivoting arm. The pivot mounting base is secured to the device housing. The bottle retainer preferably includes a bottle housing, a locking door and a bottle drive shaft boss. The locking door is pivotally retained on an open end of the bottle housing. The bottle drive shaft is retained in the bottle drive shaft boss. The motor rotates the eccentric drive disk, which causes the bottle to shake back and forth. A second embodiment replaces the device housing with a support member. |
| US08465194B2 |
Backlight module, light guide plate thereof and ink thereof
The present invention relates to a backlight module, light guide plate thereof and ink thereof. The ink includes a base resin and an additive. The additive is dispersed in the base resin for increasing the printability of the ink. The additive comprises a polymer having hydroxy functional group, ester functional group, ether functional group or combination thereof. Use of the ink of the present invention will reduce the color difference and the variation of color temperature of the light guide plate. In addition, the ink has higher flowability, which increases the printability of the ink. |
| US08465193B1 |
Fully passive diffuser stack for a backlight
A passive backlight film stack can be composed of several light shaping diffusers, which do not use brightness-enhancing films, light pipes or directional turning films. The passive diffuser stack can be used with direct-view backlights or with the diffuser films, each from 100 to 300 micrometers thick, stacked on top of one another. The passive stack assembly can be formed by two elliptical diffuser films (having different light distribution profiles in horizontal and vertical planes) and one circular diffuser film (with homogeneous distribution in both planes). Each film within the stack has a micro-relief surface diffuser pattern ranging from 5 to 200 microns on a rigid substrate achieved by means of single beam recording in photosensitive media. The light shaping diffusers in the proposed stack have special physical and geometrical characteristics. |
| US08465192B2 |
Backlight unit and display apparatus including the same
A backlight unit and a display apparatus including the backlight unit are provided. The backlight unit includes: a light source unit which includes at least one light source which emits light, and a gap maintaining unit; a light guiding plate which guides the light emitted from the light source; and an elastic member which elastically biases the light source unit toward the light guiding plate so that the gap maintaining unit maintains a gap between the light source and the light guiding plate. |
| US08465191B2 |
Planar light emitting device and method of manufacturing same
A planar light emitting device provided with a light source; a sheet-like light guide that guides light from the light source in a planar direction, and has a plurality of light emitting regions, and a through slit formed between the light emitting regions to penetrate the light guide in a thickness direction; a switch sheet arranged so as to face one of the front face and the rear face of the light guide; and a light-blocking layer that has a flange portion that covers an opening edge portion of the through slit, a main body portion that covers at least one of the mutually facing inner wall surfaces of the through slit so as to form a space in the interior of the through slit and that continuous with the flange portion, and a bottom portion that is extended from a lower portion of the main body portion. |
| US08465186B2 |
Moisture resistant coatings for polymeric enclosures
A moisture resistant housing assembly is provided, the housing defining an internal space and an ambient space surrounding said internal space, the housing constructed at least partially of a polymeric material and a moisture barrier layer covering a portion of the polymeric material, the moisture barrier layer having a moisture permeation coefficient that is lower than the moisture permeation coefficient of the polymeric material. |
| US08465183B2 |
Lighting device and method for manufacturing same
A lighting device (1) comprising an LED-unit (5), a collimator (2) and a housing (3), the LED-unit (5) is rigidly coupled to the collimator (2) only, so that no substantial forces can be applied to the LED-unit (5). A non-rigid heat transferring medium (10) is provided in a cavity (12) in the housing (3), to dissipate heat, generated by the LED-unit (5). The LED-unit (5) is therefore at least partly contained in the heat transferring medium (10). |
| US08465181B2 |
Recessed fixture housing having removable ballast box
A recessed fixture housing is provided with a removable ballast box. The removable ballast box is removably received in an aperture provided through the recessed fixture housing. At least one spring clip removably engages the ballast box and maintains the ballast box in position when the ballast box is received in the ballast box aperture. |
| US08465179B2 |
LED lighting device
The present invention is a light generation device utilizing higher efficiency LED's while also allowing for interface with current lighting interfaces. The LED's are replaceable in the unit and may be interchanged with other LED's to affect lighting mood and style or simply for replacement in the event an LED ceases to function. |
| US08465178B2 |
LED lighting fixture
An LED lighting fixture including a housing having a hollow interior cavity defined by a backwall and a surrounding wall extending therefrom to a forward edge. An LED illuminator is mounted in the housing. An LED-support structure extends in the interior cavity from the housing to an LED-supporting surface positioning the LED illuminator in a desired orientation and spaced from the backwall. The LED-support structure is a heat sink transferring heat from the LED illuminator to the housing. |
| US08465175B2 |
LED lighting assemblies with thermal overmolding
One or more light emitting diode diodes (LEDs) are attached to a printed circuit board. The attached LEDs are connectable with a power source via circuitry of the printed circuit board. An overmolding material is insert molded an over at least portions of the printed circuit board proximate to the LEDs to form a free standing high thermal conductivity material overmolding that covers at least portions of the printed circuit board proximate to the LEDs. The free standing high thermal conductivity material has a melting temperature greater than about 100° C. and has a thermal conductivity greater than or about 1 W/m·K. In some embodiments, the free standing high thermal conductivity material is a thermoplastic material. |
| US08465173B2 |
LED lamp and street lamp using the same
A light-emitting diode (LED) lamp and a street lamp using the same are provided. The LED lamp includes substrates for mounting LEDs, reflectors, radiators, a mounting frame, a power source, and a top cover. The substrates and the reflectors are mounted on the radiators. Each of the substrates has a condenser cup mounted around a light-emitting surface of the LED, and the condenser cup has a curved wall for condensing light rays emitted by the LED to a certain angle range; each of the reflectors has a curved surface for performing a second time reflection condensing on the light rays that are processed through the reflection condensing by the curved wall. The LED lamp realizes uniform lighting in the whole lighting range through performing reflection twice, thereby achieving excellent directivity of illumination, uniform brightness, eliminating the glare phenomenon, and achieving desirable heat dissipation performance. |
| US08465172B2 |
Lighting module with diffractive optical element
A lighting module having an array of light-emitting elements on a substrate, at least one diffractive optical element arranged to receive light from the light-emitting elements and partially collimate the light. A method of packaging a lighting module including mounting at least one array of light-emitting elements on a substrate in a package, and enclosing the package with a window, the window has a diffractive optical element on a surface of the window closest to the array, the diffractive optical element arranged to partially collimate the light. A lighting module having an array of light-emitting elements on a substrate, at least one diffractive optical element arranged to receive light from the light-emitting elements and scatter the light into a random emission pattern to produce a uniform irradiance at a target surface. |
| US08465160B2 |
Liquid tank, viewing device for under-liquid observation, and optical film
A liquid tank, a viewing device for under-liquid observation, and an optical film are disclosed, each excellent in visibility and durability and being easy to clean. In at least one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a liquid tank having a transparent wall, including, on an internal surface of the wall, a first moth-eye layer having a moth-eye structure, and a protective layer covering the moth-eye structure, in this order from the wall side, and preferably, further including, on an external surface of the wall, a second moth-eye layer having a moth-eye structure, and the second moth-eye layer being disposed in a region facing the first moth-eye layer. |
| US08465155B2 |
Line illumination apparatus using laser arrays
A method for forming, onto a linear array light modulator, a line of illumination that extends in a linear direction, the method includes forming a first linear beam array and a second linear beam array, both linear beam arrays comprising a plurality of laser beams; forming a mixed illumination by aligning the first linear beam array and the second linear beam array in the linear direction and directing the first and second linear beam arrays along a propagation path; magnifying the mixed illumination from the propagation path in the linear direction and relaying the magnified mixed illumination toward the linear array light modulator; and focusing the mixed illumination in the cross-array direction that is orthogonal to the linear direction onto the linear array light modulator. |
| US08465153B1 |
System for clinical examination of visual functions using lenticular optics or programmable displays
A system having one or more lenticular units and more supplementary parts without lenticular properties. The lenticular units consist of lenticular plates that are capable of visualizing various clinically relevant examination objects. In all the examination positions, the system may visualize a fixation area that is shown alone or together with clinically relevant examination objects targeted at the examination of clinically relevant visual functions. Supplementary parts with various optical properties may be fixed or be moved relative to the lenticular units. Various clinically relevant examination objects may be visualized for the right eye and the left eye in that the examination objects of the system are provided with different colors or light polarizations and using eyeglasses with a differently colored glass for the right eye and the left eye or with polarization filters with a different direction for the right eye and the left eye. |
| US08465150B2 |
Eyeglasses
An eyeglass assembly comprising a frame member comprising a tubular terminal portion (2), and eyeglass lens (11) having an engaging portion (112) to which the frame member is fitted, and a composition (219) which (i) provides at least part of an interface between the engaging portion and the frame member and (ii) extends at least part way into a passage (215, 115) which passes from the interface to an exposed face of the frame member or of the lens. The composition can be a UV-cured adhesive which can be weakened by heat so that the assembly can be easily disassembled. |
| US08465148B2 |
Duplex web printer with turning mechanism
A printing machine for printing on a web includes a plurality of guide rollers for guiding the web through a simplex and a duplex path in the printing machine. The duplex path is adjacent and laterally shifted with respect to the simplex path. An apparatus for turning or laterally shifting the web and transfer the web from the simplex path to the duplex path includes four rollers. 90° twists are present between rollers 1 and 2 and between rollers 3 and 4. Rollers 1 and 4 are substantially parallel, and rollers 2 and 3 are substantially parallel. Rollers 1 and 4 are substantially at right angles to rollers 2 and 3. |
| US08465147B2 |
Ink-jet recording apparatus
An ink-jet recording apparatus includes a pair of first rollers which transports a recording medium in a transporting direction, a platen arranged at a downstream side of the transporting direction with respect to the first rollers, and which supports the recording medium, a pair of second rollers arranged at the downstream side of the transporting direction with respect to the platen, and which transports the recording medium in the transporting direction, a recording head arranged to face the platen and which jets ink droplets onto the recording medium supported by the platen, and a guide mechanism which changes an attitude of the guide member between a first attitude in which a front end of the recording medium is guided to a nipping position of the second rollers, and a second attitude in which the front end of the recording medium is guided to a lower position than the nipping position. |
| US08465146B2 |
Roll paper conveying apparatus, inkjet printer, and roll paper conveying method
A movable member encoder is used to detect the position of a movable member, and a correction value calculator calculates a correction value corresponding to the amount of displacement of the movable member from a reference position and the integration of the amount of displacement. The correction value calculated by the correction value calculator is then used in correcting a voltage instruction value output from a feed motor controller to a feed motor. |
| US08465143B1 |
System and method for printing on textiles
Systems, methods and apparatuses are described for a continuous line process of printing a digital continuously variable image on a textile. The systems and methods provide for accomplishing all tasks associated with printing a textile simultaneously for multiple textiles at varying stages of the printing process without interruption. |
| US08465142B2 |
Aqueous inkjet printing fluid compositions
An aqueous inkjet printing fluid composition for use in an inkjet printer including a silicon-based material which contacts the aqueous printing fluid composition, having in a concentration sufficient to inhibit corrosion of the silicon-based material when contacted by the aqueous printing fluid composition a soluble metal ligand complex having a divalent or a trivalent metal M and one or more organic ligands of Formula (I): wherein X may be chosen from the group consisting of H and carboalkoxy, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, hetaryl, carboxy, sulfo and phospho substituents; and Y may be chosen from the group consisting of H and carboalkoxy, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, hetaryl, carboxy, amino, hydroxyl, sulfo and phospho substituents. The useful lifetime of microelectromechanical fluidic devices based on silicon fabrication is extended. |
| US08465140B2 |
Printhead including reinforced liquid chamber
A printhead includes a liquid manifold. A filter is in fluid communication with the liquid manifold. A nozzle plate includes a length and an array of nozzles extending along the length of the nozzle plate. A liquid chamber is positioned between the nozzle plate and the filter. The liquid chamber is in fluid communication with the array of nozzles and the filter and includes a width that is substantially perpendicular to the length of the nozzle plate. The liquid chamber includes a structure that is spaced apart from the nozzle plate and spaced apart from the filter. The structure spans the width of the liquid chamber. A liquid source provides a liquid through the manifold, the filter, the liquid chamber under pressure sufficient to jet individual streams of the liquid from the array of nozzles. |
| US08465138B2 |
Semiconductor device, ink cartridge, and electronic device
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate including an active element formation face on which an active element is formed; detection electrodes detecting a remaining amount of ink by being wet in the ink; an antenna transmitting and receiving information; a storage circuit storing information relating to the ink; and a control circuit controlling the detection electrodes, the antenna, and the storage circuit. |
| US08465137B2 |
Ink cartridge
An ink cartridge is detachably mounted on a cartridge holder. At least one first reflector is provided in the cartridge holder. A reflective-type optical sensor includes a light emitter and a light receiver. The optical sensor is operable to form an optical path originated from the light emitter to the light receiver via the first reflector. A shading member is provided in the ink cartridge operable to shade the optical path when the ink cartridge is mounted on the cartridge holder. A second reflector is provided in the ink cartridge. The second reflector reflects light emitted from the light emitter and varies an intensity thereof in accordance with an ink amount remaining in the ink cartridge. |
| US08465136B2 |
Ink cartridge refill apparatus
An ink cartridge refill apparatus includes an ink cartridge holder and an ink refill unit which are matched with each other. The ink cartridge holder has an accommodation chamber therein to accommodate an ink cartridge. The ink refill unit includes an ink tank and an ink delivery unit. An air extraction mechanism is provided on the ink cartridge holder to extract air from the ink cartridge. The ink cartridge holder has a passage for the air extraction mechanism to extract air relative to a nozzle of the ink cartridge. Through the air extraction mechanism, the ink cartridge is primed after being filled with ink, so that ink can freely flow to the nozzle of the ink cartridge from the ink tank of the ink cartridge. Compared to the prior art ink cartridge refill apparatus which needs an auxiliary tool to extract air after being refilled, the present invention is convenient for operation and can prevent the ink cartridge from leaking. |
| US08465135B2 |
Liquid container for use with liquid consuming devices
The liquid container has a fixing lever, a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, and a corner. The fixing lever engages with a designated portion of the liquid consuming device, thereby fixing the liquid container in the liquid consuming device. The fixing lever is provided on the first surface. A liquid supply port for supplying liquid to the liquid consuming device is provided on the second surface. The third surface corresponds to a surface facing opposite the second surface or to a top surface of the liquid container in a state with the liquid container mounted on the liquid consuming device. The corner has a cutout in contact with the first surface and the third surface. |
| US08465133B2 |
Ink pump with fluid and particulate return flow path
A bidirectional sealless ink pumping system used in an inkjet printing device includes a liquid ink reservoir and a pump. The pump moves ink from the reservoir through a pumping chamber to supply ink to printheads in the printer, and moves ink from a recirculation receptacle through the pumping chamber to the reservoir. A portion of the ink in the pumping chamber is drawn out of the pumping chamber to lubricate the moving member and is filtered before returning to the pumping chamber. |
| US08465132B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is disclosed that includes the pressure adjusting valve including a movable member movably disposed in the pressure adjusting valve, a first throttling part; and a second throttling part, wherein the second throttling part is formed as a gap between an internal wall of the frame of the pressure adjusting valve and the movable member, an internal fluid resistance of the pressure adjusting valve varies in response to the flow rate of the liquid, and when the liquid is discharged from the nozzle, the liquid is fed from the liquid tank to the recording head by the liquid feeding unit in a state where the recording head is in fluid communication with the liquid tank via the pressure adjusting valve. |
| US08465131B2 |
Fluid distribution system having fluid flow restriction
A fluid distribution system having a first fluid container having a fluid outlet, a second fluid container having a fluid inlet, a fluid line interconnecting the outlet of the first container and the inlet of the second container, an inverted umbrella valve between the fluid line and the inlet, the valve arranged to allow fluid flow from the first container to the second container via the fluid line and a restrictor for restricting the allowed fluid flow through the fluid line. |
| US08465130B2 |
Printhead having improved gas flow deflection system
A printhead includes a drop generator configured to selectively form a large volume drop and a small volume drop from liquid emitted through a nozzle associated with the drop generator, the large volume drop and the small volume drop traveling along an initial drop trajectory, and a gas flow deflection system including a gas flow that interacts with the large volume drop and the small volume drop in a drop deflection zone such that at least the small volume drop is deflected from the initial drop trajectory, the gas flow being provided by a gas flow source connected in fluid communication with a gas flow duct, the gas flow deflection system including a gas flow pressure oscillation dampening structure located between the gas flow source and the drop deflection zone. |
| US08465126B2 |
Liquid jet head and liquid jet apparatus
A liquid jet head has an actuator with grooves arranged on a surface of a substrate. The actuator is configured to discharge liquid from nozzles communicating with respective ones of the grooves. A flow path member supplies the liquid to the grooves of the actuator. A damper member is provided between the actuator and the flow path member for coupling the actuator and the flow path member to each other. The damper member is bonded with an adhesive to each of the actuator and the flow path member. |
| US08465124B2 |
Carriage guide mechanism and a printer
A carriage guide mechanism for a printer enables using plural rolling bearings to move a carriage along a guide shaft with no play or vibration. The carriage bearing units of the printer carriage guide mechanism have three rolling bearings each that hold the guide shaft from three directions. The outer ring of each rolling bearing makes line contact with the outer ring roller surfaces, which each face a different direction and are formed on the guide plate of the guide shaft, and contact therebetween is maintained by the urging force of a flat spring. Because chatter and vibration, particularly play and vibration around the center axis of the guide shaft, can be prevented when the carriage moves, a drop in print quality due to vibration of the printhead caused by carriage chatter or vibration can be reliably prevented. |
| US08465121B2 |
Fluid ejecting apparatus and wiping method
A fluid ejecting apparatus includes: a fluid ejecting head in which nozzles that eject fluid are provided; a wiper that wipes a nozzle formation face, in which nozzle orifices of the nozzles are formed, in the fluid ejecting head; and a pressurization mechanism which changes the curvature of a concave liquid surface formed in the nozzle, in the nozzle by performing pressurization on the fluid in the fluid ejecting head at the time of the wiping. |
| US08465120B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device, including a carriage conveyance mechanism, a sheet conveyance mechanism, and a controller including: a failure detecting portion configured to detect a carriage conveyance failure; a position detecting portion configured to detect a carriage position of on a carriage conveyance path; a conveyance start position storage portion configured to store a conveyance start position of the carriage; a failure occurrence position identifying portion configured to identify a failure occurrence position; an outer-edge position identifying portion configured to identify a position of an outer edge of a sheet passing area which is an area in the carriage conveyance path; and a jam judging portion configured to judge that the detected conveyance failure is due to a sheet jam where the outer-edge position is present between the conveyance start position stored by the conveyance start position storage portion and the failure occurrence position identified by the failure occurrence position identifying portion. |
| US08465119B2 |
Cleaning control method for a fluid ejection head, and a fluid ejection device
A cleaning control method accurately detects the nozzle recovery condition after cleaning and efficiently eliminates ejection problems. When a regular cleaning command is received from a host device 31, the inkjet printer 1 applies an ink suction operation to the inkjet head 13 as a first cleaning step. After the ink suction operation ends, a nozzle check is performed after waiting a delay time T. If a faulty nozzle is detected, a second ink suction operation is performed, the delay time T is waited, and the nozzle check is then run again. The ink suction operation, waiting delay time T, and nozzle check repeat during regular cleaning until the number of faulty nozzles is less than or equal to a reference number, or the nozzle check has been performed a maximum number of times. Each delay time T is set according to the suction strength in the ink suction operation. |
| US08465118B2 |
Printing system
A printing system and method form one or more pretreatment compositions on a medium. The one or more pretreatment compositions are selected based upon a parameter of the medium. |
| US08465117B2 |
Fluid ejecting apparatus and fluid ejecting method
A fluid ejecting apparatus includes a head that is provided with a first-nozzle-row and a second-nozzle-row, a platen that is provided with a plurality of convex-portions, and a control unit repeats an operation of ejecting fluid from the nozzles moving in two directions of a forward-path and a backward-path. The control unit adjusts the ejecting time such that, at the medium of the convex-portions, an amount-of-deviation in the movement-direction of the dots formed on the forward-path and the backward-path by the first-nozzle-row is less than an amount-of-deviation of the dots formed on the forward-path and backward-path by the second-nozzle-row. In the ejection operation, and such that the position in the movement-direction of the dots formed by the second-nozzle-row is a position opposite to the side on which the head moves in the movement-direction with respect to the position in the movement-direction of the dots formed by the first-nozzle-row. |
| US08465116B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing method
In a printing apparatus and a printing method, the frequency of an operation of detecting an inappropriate ejection state of each ejection port is increased, while allowing a decrease in throughput to be suppressed. The printing apparatus includes a first ejection state sensing unit for carrying out an ejection state sensing process in which determination of whether or not ejected droplets are normal is executed, during a single process, on all the ejection ports formed in the print head. The printing apparatus further includes a second ejection state sensing unit for carrying out the ejection state sensing process on the ejection ports in a part of a plurality of ejection port groups into which the plurality of ejection ports formed in the print head are divided. |
| US08465112B2 |
Droplet ejecting apparatus and current control method
A droplet ejecting component of the present invention includes an ejecting component having a charge and discharge characteristic, an applying component being provided with a transistor, and an increasing component. The ejecting component ejects a droplet. When a control signal is inputted, the applying component applies an application voltage to the ejecting component, and the increasing component increases the impedance of the transistor. |
| US08465111B2 |
Print head for use in fused deposition modeling system
A print head for use in a fused deposition modeling system, the print head includes a cartridge assembly and a liquefier pump assembly retained by the cartridge assembly. |
| US08465109B2 |
Core bar for rubber crawler
A core bar for a rubber crawler capable of enhancing the durability of the rubber crawler by preventing an end-cutting phenomenon in which cracking is generated at the end of the core bar in a crawler lateral direction of the core bar embedded in the rubber crawler when the rubber crawler rides over a curbstone at the road shoulder of a paved road, stones and obstacles on irregular ground, and is pressed in a lateral direction. In the core bar (1) constituting the rubber crawler (3) and embedded in a rubber crawler body (3a), an enlarged width part (2) is formed by elongating the longitudinal end part of the core bar (1) beyond the width dimension of the core bar. |
| US08465107B2 |
Regenerative air brake module
An air braking system for a vehicle blends regenerative and foundation braking during low deceleration conditions in an effective and controlled manner. The braking system also includes a mechanical override that bypasses system electronics in response to an aggressive brake request such that treadle circuit pressure is sent directly to a brake relay circuit to actuate vehicle brakes. |
| US08465106B2 |
Vehicle wheel and wheel cover assembly and method for producing same
A method for producing a vehicle wheel and wheel cover assembly comprising the steps of: (a) providing a wheel cover having an inner surface and an outer surface; (b) selectively applying at least one shot of a first adhesive material to a portion of the inner surface of the wheel cover to define a predetermined masked area; (c) providing a vehicle wheel having an outboard face; (d) positioning the wheel cover and the vehicle wheel relative to one another whereby at least one cavity is formed between the inner surface of the wheel cover, the outboard face of the vehicle wheel, and the masked area of the wheel cover defined by the first adhesive material; and (e) selectively applying a second adhesive material to the cavity to secure the wheel cover to the vehicle wheel. |
| US08465103B2 |
Self propelled transport device
A transport device has a chassis with a front end and a rear end. The device has a continuous track supporting the chassis above a surface configured to move the chassis along the surface. A handle extends from the front end or rear end of the chassis and has a grip section positioned to be gripped by a user walking ahead of or behind the chassis. A motor is coupled and arranged to drive the continuous track and is operable by a user manipulating the handle. The worktop can be reconfigurable to at least two optional arrangements having different storage or support capabilities. The worktop can also be interchangeable with other different worktops having different storage or support capabilities. |
| US08465101B1 |
Guard device for furniture
A guard device for preventing accumulation of items under a piece of furniture featuring a center panel, a first extension plate, a second extension plate, a third extension plate, a fourth extension plate, and a back panel. The panel and extension plates removably attach to each other via attachment means and together form a barrier around a piece of furniture with the extension plates functioning as side panels. The attachment means allow the height, width, and length of the device to be adjusted to fit around the piece of furniture. The device also features securing tabs pivotally attached to the top edge of both the center panel and back panel. The securing tabs help keep the device secured around the furniture. |
| US08465098B2 |
Adjustable head restraint assembly for vehicle seats
A vehicle head restraint assembly includes a head restraint support adapted to be mounted to a seat back frame. A transverse shaft is pivotally mounted to the support. A post is connected to the shaft for supporting a head restraint. A biasing member is connected to the support and the shaft for biasing the post to a collapsed position. An eccentric projection extends from a central region of the shaft. A latching mechanism is provided on the support and oriented within a path of rotation of the projection to engage the projection and maintain the head restraint in an upright position. Retraction of the latching mechanism permits the biasing member to pivot the head restraint to the collapsed position. |
| US08465097B2 |
Medical support system
A medical support system for medical professionals performing procedures on patients. That medical support system includes adjustable support arms adjacent a patient headrest. The support arms are padded, have concave support surfaces, can freely rotate and pivot, but can also be locked in position via a ball-joint mechanism inside a housing. The ball joint has a compression cap with a conically shaped opening that aligns with a ball that receives a rod that connects to a support arm. Turning the compression cap induces a state of snugness achieved by friction between the ball, the compression cap and the housing. Loosening the compression cap allows rotational and angular positioning of the support arms. The compression cap has a knurled outer surface to assist a medical professional using the medical support system. |
| US08465093B2 |
Vehicle seat covers with interchangeable panels
An automotive seat cover is provided which allows a person to change the appearance of the seat cover without removing the seat cover from the seat. The seat cover includes panels which are removably attachable to the seat cover to alter the functionality or the visual appearance of the seat cover. |
| US08465091B2 |
Adjustable office chair
An adjustable office chair includes a base device, and a seat device disposed on the base device. The seat device includes a fixed seat section, a rear seat section connected pivotally to and disposed behind the fixed seat section, a front seat section connected pivotally to and disposed in front of the fixed seat, and an invertible seat section connected pivotally to a side of the front seat section distal from the fixed seat section. The invertible seat section is movable to a position directly above the fixed seat section to allow a user to sit thereon. The front and invertible seat sections are movable to align with the fixed seat section to allow the user to sit on the fixed seat section. The rear seat section is movable to an inclined position to allow the user to lie on the seat device. |
| US08465090B1 |
Chair for use during wade fishing
A chair for use during wade fishing in order to allow the user to sit above the water line has a director's chair with four feet, two forwardly located and two rearwardly located. Extensions are threadably removed within receivers attached to each foot, the extensions having pointed ends that are received within the sandy bottom below the water line. Steps are located just below the feet to help a user get into the chair. Weight distribution disks are frictionally held on the extensions to prevent undue sinking of the chair. Pouches, both mesh and waterproof, are attached to the arm rests and the seat of the chair. A rod holder is receivable within an opening on the arm rest. A receiver is attached to the frame of an upper portion of the chair to hold an umbrella. |
| US08465084B2 |
Bodyshell structure for a motor vehicle and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to a method for the production of a bodyshell structure for a motor vehicle, wherein a sheet-like textile support element impregnated with a curable matrix material is provided and, following the positioning of suitable reinforcing and molding elements, molded around at least one mold core, whereupon the matrix material is cured. After the removal of the at least one mold core, a single-piece bodyshell structure joined by adhesive force remains. The invention further relates to a bodyshell structure produced by means of this method. |
| US08465083B2 |
Rear structure of straddle-ride type vehicle
In a vehicle whose tire is wholly covered from the left, right and back, a negative pressure area to the rear of the vehicle is reduced. In a vehicle including a left trunk and a right trunk in a rear portion of the vehicle, a rear fender continuous with respective rear faces of the left and right trunks is provided, and a plane formed of the respective rear faces of the left and right trunks and the rear fender is provided with negative pressure correction holes. |
| US08465080B2 |
Sliding pivot assembly for cover systems
A covering system for vehicles and trailers having a narrow pivot assembly with a moveable arm to help deploy the covering system. The pivot assembly has a gear assembly combined with a spring assembly having the power of multiple springs, which are preferably spiral torsion springs, regarding movement of the arm. The pivot assembly may in turn be mounted in a sliding mechanism for covering various heights of detachable containers. |
| US08465079B2 |
Cover coupling structure
There is provided a cover coupling structure including: a coupling groove that is provided to an elongated shaped tonneau cover apparatus including a tonneau cover, the coupling groove including a coupling portion coupled to one end of a sheet-form cover, and an opening portion that is open to the outer peripheral side of the tonneau cover apparatus and is in communication with the coupling portion; an anchor portion provided to the one end of the cover and coupling the one end of the cover to the coupling portion by anchoring to the coupling portion; and a resiliently deformable portion that anchors the anchor portion to the coupling portion, and is set with an external profile dimension along a direction orthogonal to a first face of the cover that is larger than the height dimension of the opening portion when the resiliently deformable portion has been resiliently deformed. |
| US08465078B2 |
Method of designing a driver's compartment
A method of designing a driver's compartment for accommodating different driver's sizes, the compartment having a floor and a top end. The method includes: designing a driver's seat having a seat reference point (SRP) designating the position of a seat rear part and a seat pan height reference point (SPHRP) defining the position of the front portion of the seat. A seat moving mechanism moves the SRP vertically between a smallest position, where the SRP is at a vertical height H1 from the top end, and a largest position where the SRP is at a vertical height H2 from the top end, where H2 is greater than H1. The vertical height H3 of the SPHRP from the floor is maintained and constant. Front portion of the seat remains fixed. The top end is disposed at a vertical distance H4 from the floor, where H4 is the sum H1 and H3. |
| US08465076B1 |
Console assembly
A console assembly having a first storage area and a second storage area, wherein access to the first storage area is possible without having to remove articles supported on the outer surface of the console assembly is provided. The console assembly includes a slidable support is operable to slide between a covered position and a retracted position. In the covered position the slidable support covers the first storage area, and in the retracted position the slidable support is disposed within the second storage area, between each of the pair of second side walls. |
| US08465074B2 |
Pick-up style utility vehicle with expandable cargo bed
A pick-up style utility vehicle having a front seat, a rear seat, and a cargo bed in this order from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a screen shield partitioning the cargo bed and a riding space in front of the cargo bed. The cargo bed is changeable between an expanded state and a non-expanded state. The screen shield is shiftable between an expanded position corresponding to the expanded state of the cargo bed and a non-expanded position corresponding to the non-expanded state of the cargo bed. Fixing devices are provided to fix the screen shield in each of the expanded position and the non-expanded position. The screen shield fixing devices have pin insertion holes of the screen shield, pin insertion holes at the upper ends of side panels, and pins provided so as to be separable from the screen shield and a front panel. |
| US08465073B2 |
Panel assembly for an animal transport vehicle
A panel assembly is provided comprising a first face having an outer perimeter and a second face having an outer perimeter, the second face being directly opposite the first face and having a substantially smooth surface, the first and second faces forming a first panel thickness. A plurality of borders surround the perimeters of the first and second faces. At least one support member is attached and arranged perpendicular to the first face, the at least one support member extending parallel to at least one border, the at least one support member and the second face forming a second panel thickness, the second panel thickness is greater than the first panel thickness. |
| US08465071B2 |
Multiple-unit indexing clamp with mating vertically-grooved stacking units
Disclosed is multiple-unit indexing, mechanical scissor clamp for handling one or more modular segmental retaining wall units, also called “SRW blocks” having opposite ends each provided with a vertical groove. This clamp allows the user to move SRW blocks from a shipping pallet to a wall. The clamp and blocks are lifted using traditional construction machinery such as a backhoe, crane, bobcat, etc. The significant innovation of this clamp/block system is the ability to lift and place more than one large segmental retaining wall block with each installation cycle, substantially increasing installation efficiency. |
| US08465066B2 |
Swivel bearing for a pressing mechanism of a closing device
The invention relates to a swivel bearing for a pressing mechanism of a closing device. In order to create a swivel bearing that is easy to mount and inexpensive to produce, the pivotable unit is connected to the base plate by a journal located on the pivotable unit. |
| US08465061B1 |
Traction system
A traction system featuring a housing with two or more reservoirs adapted to hold traction substances. The bottom of the housing is at a first angle causing the traction substances to collect in the dispensing portion of the housing. Outlet holes are disposed in the dispensing portion of the housing for each reservoir. A pair of doors temporarily covers the outlet holes. When the doors are in the open position, the doors are at angles such that the traction substances mix together as they are dispensed. |
| US08465060B2 |
Assembly comprising first and second fasteners and a baulking element
An assembly includes a first seat, a second seat, a first fastener which fastens against the first seat, a second fastener which fastens against the second seat, and a baulking element disposed between the second fastener and the second seat. The baulking element is arranged with respect to the second fastener and the second seat such that fastening the second fastener against the second seat causes the baulking element to cant from a non-baulking position into a baulking position in which the baulking element prevents further fastening of the first fastener. |
| US08465058B1 |
Sprung mud flap device
The sprung mud flap device provides a sprung connection between a truck or trailer mount plate and a flap assembly. The device negates damages often incurred when a truck or trailer is backed into a berm or other obstacle and the mud flaps damaged by forces between the tires and the berm or obstacle. By allowing the flap to move, move downward, forward, or rearward, and to flex away from the mount plate fastened to a truck or trailer, the flap is not stressed, torn, or excessively worn. The device includes a rain shield. The rain shield includes a rearward angle. The mount plate includes a forward angle. The device includes a rearward angle on the rain shield. The device includes a u-channel as a part of the flap assembly. |
| US08465055B2 |
Seatbelt relief device
A seatbelt relief device for a seatbelt having a shoulder harness utilized by a driver sitting on a seat in a motor vehicle behind a steering wheel. The device comprises a sleeve that fits over a chest portion of the shoulder harness of the seatbelt. A cord assembly extends from the sleeve. A mechanism is for releasably mounting the cord assembly centrally to the steering wheel in a pivotable manner, whereby the sleeve will pull the chest portion of the shoulder harness of the seatbelt slightly away from the chest of the driver to reduce pressure on the chest of the driver. |
| US08465054B1 |
System for providing crash compatibility between automotive vehicles
A system for providing crash compatibility between automotive vehicles is disclosed. The system includes crush horns and a bracket located below the longitudinal axis of the crush horns. |
| US08465048B2 |
Airbag cover
An airbag cover including a front door located in a front area of the airbag cover so as to be openable forward and an ornament located on a top face of the front door. The front door includes a mounting section for mounting the ornament thereon, and the mounting section partially protrudes rearward from the rear edge of the front door. The front door further includes an auxiliary breakable portion that is located at the front edge of the mounting section so as to be breakable when an obstacle contacts with the ornament, and a pair of second hinges located at left and right ends of the auxiliary breakable portion. The mounting section bends about the second hinges relative to the front door in an opposite direction to an opening direction of the front door at breakage of the auxiliary breakable portion. |
| US08465044B2 |
Sports board with an interlocking structure
A sports board, such as a snow board, has a board core structure that provides desired structural characteristics localized to select regions of the board while maintaining predictable produceability and optimum operating qualities of the board. In an embodiment, the sports board includes a plurality of layered elements or segments, of which certain elements or segments are joined using interlocking elements. |
| US08465043B1 |
Vehicular collision protection device
A vehicular collision protection device is provided. The device includes a plastic shaft having a first end portion and a second end portion and extending along a longitudinal axis. The first end portion is received in a vehicle hitch receiver. The plastic shaft has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and are spaced apart from one another. At least one of the plurality of apertures receives a locking pin therethrough that removably couples the plastic shaft to the vehicle hitch receiver. The device further includes a plate member coupled to the second end portion of the plastic shaft. |
| US08465042B2 |
Upper coupler assembly and inspection method therefor
Upper coupler assemblies for mounting coupling devices to trailers, and methods for inspecting upper coupler assemblies. The upper coupler assemblies include a housing having first and second members that define a cavity therebetween. At least the second member has a through-hole adapted to receive a coupling device, such as a kingpin. The cavity contains at least one fluid-tight chamber, more preferably multiple gas-tight and liquid-tight chambers by walls within the cavity. The coupler assembly has at least one fluid inlet for introducing and/or withdrawing a fluid (liquid and/or gas) from one or more of the chambers. The integrity of the upper coupler assembly can be evaluated by introducing or removing a gas from the one or more chambers and detecting the presence of any gas leaks in the one or more chambers. |
| US08465039B2 |
Bike with belt transmission and its frame
Bike comprising a first frame element extending from one end carrying a front wheel housing to a lower end, a second frame element extending to a lower end rigidly fixed to the first lower end, a rear fork comprising a chainstay extending from the first element to a spindle support and a seat stay extending from the spindle support to the second element, a crankset having a lateral chainring, a rear wheel driven by a sprocket inside the fork, a belt engaged with the chainring and the sprocket. The chainstay has a major portion arranged below a straight line passing through the lower ends of the chainring and of the sprocket. The belt extends through the triangle formed by the second frame element, the chainstay and the seat stay, which form an irremovable assembly. |
| US08465035B2 |
Quick change trailer axle hub
An axle-and-hub assembly for a trailer which includes an axle with opposing ends, first and second connecting devices respectively positioned at the opposing ends of the axle, and first and second hub arrangements which are removably secured to the first and second connecting devices. |
| US08465028B2 |
Hand cart braking system
An improved braking system for a hand cart is disclosed. The braking system has a split axle which is rotatably connected to the cart frame. Braking components are affixed to each of the split axle sections. An actuator is connected to a caliper system, which caliper system is used to push the braking components together to lock the split axle into a single axle for braking or controlling the cart. |
| US08465026B1 |
Safe roller shoe structure
A safe roller shoe structure contains a body and a base, the base includes four rollers, characterized in that a pedal is lower than an upper periphery of each roller to lower a gravity center of legs in exercise; the pedal includes the four seats four integrally formed and extending from two sides thereof to correspond to the four rollers. |
| US08465017B1 |
Supply device and image forming apparatus
A supply device includes: a supply roller that rotates around a first axis and supplies a medium; a rotary unit that rotates around a second axis in a determined direction to move the roller from a first position to a second position; a restriction part that, when the roller is at the first position, restricts rotation of the rotary unit in the determined direction; a member that rotates around a third axis; and a swing part that, when rotation of the rotary unit in the determined direction is restricted, swings in a first direction and makes the member separate the restriction part from the rotary unit to move the roller to the second position, and that, when the roller is at the second position, swings in a second direction and rotates the rotary unit in a direction opposite to the determined direction to move the roller to the first position. |
| US08465012B2 |
Creasing device and image forming system
A creasing device that creases sheets on a per-sheet basis and includes: a first member extending perpendicularly to a sheet conveying direction and including a convex blade; a second member extending perpendicularly to the sheet conveying direction and including a concave blade, into which the convex blade is to be fitted; a drive unit that brings the first and the second members into and out of contact with each other, thereby producing a crease in a sheet interposed between the first and the second members; a sheet retainer driven by the drive unit and brought into contact with the second member with the sheet therebetween to retain the sheet across its full width; and a holding unit that holds the sheet retainer in a retaining state during creasing where the contact between the first and the second members starts at one point and develops in one direction. |
| US08465010B2 |
Vibration damping rubber bushing
A vibration damping rubber bushing including: an inner cylindrical member; a main rubber elastic body bonded to an outer circumferential face of the inner cylindrical member; a plurality of anti-slip projections provided on at least one of axial end faces of the inner cylindrical member that project axially outward from the axial end face and extend with ribbed shape in a diametrical direction on the axial end face to produce a spokewise pattern overall; and an annular water barrier projection provided on a diametrical medial section of the at least one of the axial end faces of the inner cylindrical member, projecting axially outwardly and extending circumferentially, with the anti-slip projections being disposed to both radially inner side and radially outer side of the annular water barrier projection. |
| US08465005B2 |
Pneumatic multi-weight balancing device
A pneumatic load balancing device having an inflatable reservoir establishing via an amplifier a pressure within a lift chamber that is sufficient to balance the weight of an object being lifted. The reservoir is inflated and deflated by inflation and deflation valves that may be operated from an operator control center proximal an end effector of the device. The valves may be actuated via pushbuttons or in a mutually exclusively fashion via a neutrally biased reciprocating actuator. The device allows loads of different weights to be lifted in a semi-automatic fashion with operator involvement to select the load balancing pressure. The device may have an air release system that closes a blocking valve in the event of release of the object and optionally in the event of a loss of air supply. The pressure within the lift chamber is thereby preserved and can be vented at different rates. |
| US08465003B2 |
Plumbing fixture made of bismuth brass alloy
A plumbing fixture includes a plumbing fixture body having a composition of, by weight percentage, 58-63 of copper, 0.8-1.5 of bismuth, 0.05-0.15 of phosphorous, and a remainder of zinc and any impurities. The plumbing fixture body includes a first opening and a second opening that are arranged to communicate a fluid there through. The first opening defines a first inner diameter D1 and the second opening defines a second inner diameter D2 such that a ratio of D1/D2 is 1.05-2.3. |
| US08465002B2 |
Valve
The invention relates to a valve comprising a housing and a closing member arranged in the housing, from which member a shaft protrudes via which the closing member is rotatable in the housing. In order to provide a working and easy-to-use valve, the closing member comprises a sector closing the opening, a flexible sector having a thinner wall than the closing sector, a guiding sector having the same radius (R) as the inner surface of the housing wall, and an open sector. |
| US08465001B2 |
Plug valve indicator
A valve has a body having a rotatable valve element. A drive mechanism has a drive input member and a drive output member that are coupled to the valve element for rotating the valve element. A shear member is operatively located within the drive mechanism between the drive input member and the drive output member for shearing in the event the force to rotate the valve element is excessive. The valve has indicia indicating open and closed positions for the valve element. An indicator is mounted to output drive member to properly align with the indicia regardless whether the shear member has sheared or not. |
| US08464995B2 |
Multi-orientation support
A device support includes a base, a first supporting frame, and a second supporting frame. One end of the first supporting frame is rotatably connected to the base, and an opposite end of the first supporting frame is rotatably connected to one end of the second supporting frame. A sliding plate is rotatably connected to an opposite end of the second supporting frame, and the sliding plate is slidable on the base, and the sliding plate and the base are magnetically attached to each other. |
| US08464991B2 |
Fixing device for planar display panel
A fixing device for a planar display panel includes a fastening fixture for fixing the planar display panel on a carrier stage in which a plurality of slide slots are provided. The fastening fixture includes a driving rod capable of being inserted into one of the slide slots, a fixture body and a bottom plate. The driving rod is connected with the fixture body and the bottom plate, which are respectively provided on two sides of the carrier stage in operation, and a spring is wound around the driving rod and capable of driving the bottom plate to move. |
| US08464989B2 |
Backer strip load distribution device for a support structure
A backer strip load distribution device 10 includes a load distribution member 12 for disbursing a load imparted upon the device 10 over an area of the wall portion 6 engaged by a back wall 14 of the distribution member 12. The device 10 also includes an alignment member 16 for disposing a support structure 4 (prior art) upon a preselected portion of the load distribution member 12. |
| US08464971B1 |
Fracture water treatment method and system
Methods for creating a proppant of a specific size from a slurry extracted from a fractured hydrocarbon well is provided, including the steps of separating water from the slurry, resulting in a solid stream and a liquid stream; mixing the slurry stream with particulate, resulting in a feed material; fusing proppant material in the feed material; quenching the fused proppant material; breaking the fused proppant material; sizing the broken material for the specific size; and mixing broken material that is not of the specific size with the feed material. A system for performing the method is also described. |
| US08464970B2 |
Under-sink waste processing appliance
An under-sink waste processing appliance includes a waste separator which extracts liquid from organic waste and passes such extracted liquid to a residential drain line. The remaining solid, in the form of organic pulp, is dried in a dryer and deposited in a removable collection receptacle. |
| US08464969B2 |
Method of making proppants used in gas or oil extraction
A method of making frac sand having a selected grade from a naturally occurring, mined sand having a SiO2 content of at least about 80 percent and having a particle size range where the maximum particle size is less than about 8.0 mm, comprising: crushing the mined sand into an intermediate particulate material; screening the particulate material into a feedstock with particles having a particle size coarser than about 350 mesh and initial values for roundness and sphericity of the particles; passing the particles of the feedstock through a blast tube with an outlet to pneumatically abrade the particles and propel the feedstock in a stream under a given pressure from the outlet; directing the pressurized stream against a fixed target located at a given distance from said outlet to physically abrade the particles to form an output mass containing abraded particles: and, repeating operations (c) and (d) a number of times or process stages until the particles resulting from the repeatedly abraded output mass is a final output mass having both processed roundness and sphericity values of at least 0.6 and wherein the values are greater than the initial values of the feedstock by at least about 0.10 to 0.50. |
| US08464966B2 |
Delivery module for selective catalytic reduction
The invention relates to a delivery module for a dosage system used to introduce a reducing agent into the exhaust gas tract of an internal combustion engine. The delivery module has a housing, which accommodates various components, and which is produced as an injection moulded component. A heating system is integrated in the vicinity of the center of the housing. The housing has at least one chamber for receiving additional components. |
| US08464963B2 |
Viscous coolant heater with variable coolant pump drive
A system for supplying supplemental heat to a vehicle, particularly a vehicle with a diesel engine, A driven viscous plate with different viscous clutch faces on either side is provided between the engine and the coolant pump. One side clutches to the engine structure (ground) to generate heat, and the other side clutches to the coolant pump to vary the pump drive. The two sides are controlled by a valve operated by signals from the engine computer. The valve varies the supply of viscous fluid from a common reservoir independently to both sides of the driven viscous plate. The signal from the engine control unit is based on the instantaneous desired supplemental heat and coolant flow. In another embodiment, two separate viscous clutches are utilized and positioned on opposite sides of the coolant pump. |
| US08464962B2 |
3-stage temperature control valve
A temperature control valve that effectively manages fluid pressure therethrough, including pressure differentials which may exist therein, such as from the upstream port to the downstream port, and about a piston slidingly disposed therewithin proximate a fluid flow path. In one embodiment a 3 stage valve is provided whereby fluid flows therethrough when the piston is in a first position, fluid flow is inhibited in a second piston position, and an override third position whereby fluid flows therethrough. When the piston is in the second position, the fluid pressure differential across the piston is balanced and an axial spring force on the piston is relatively small, thereby reducing any subsequent axial force required to advance the piston to the third free flow position, and allowing the valve to be comprised of cheaper materials including plastic. |
| US08464961B2 |
Electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus includes a housing and an airflow regulating device. The housing defines an accommodating space therein, and an air inlet that places the accommodating space in fluid communication with the external environment. The airflow regulating device includes a cover panel for covering and uncovering the air inlet, and an actuating mechanism coupled to the cover panel and driving movement of the cover panel to adjust the degree of opening of the air inlet in response to a change in temperature in the accommodating space so as to enhance the heat-dissipating efficiency of a cooling fan, minimize crashing and other problems due to poor heat dissipation, avoid the use of a heat-dissipating module that is high in cost and complicated in structure, and reduce manufacturing costs. |
| US08464954B2 |
Method of improving the barcode recognition efficiency using continuous sampling, computer readable medium, and barcode recognition apparatus
A method of improving multi-type barcode recognition efficiency using continuous sampling is applicable to a barcode recognition apparatus. According to the method, each barcode type is given with a corresponding weight value, and a total weight threshold is set in the barcode recognition apparatus. A barcode pattern is sampled with a limited number of times, and each sampled image sample is only compared with a part of the supported barcode types. When the comparison matches, a weight value is assigned to the matched barcode type, and the weight value is accumulated to acquire a total weight value of the matched barcode type. When comparison of all image samples is finished, the barcode type with the total weight value reaching the total weight threshold is the barcode type of the barcode pattern, and a recognition result of the barcode pattern is output according to the barcode type. |
| US08464952B2 |
Optical reader having improved back-illuminated image sensor
An optical reading device for collecting and processing symbology data comprising: a back-illuminated image sensor for converting light reflected from an information bearing indicia (IBI) into output signals representative thereof; receive optics for directing light from the target to the back-illuminated image sensor; a processor for decoding the output signals; an illumination source for generating illumination light illuminating the target and illumination optics for directing the illumination light onto the target and a housing encompassing the back-illuminated image sensor, receive optics and illumination source adapted for hand held operation. |
| US08464950B2 |
Fast vision system
A method and apparatus for performing a vision process using a camera having a multi-focus lens having a lens field of view where the lens can be set at different focus positions the method comprising the steps of positioning at least one of the camera and an item to be imaged so the lens field of view is directed at the item to be imaged, obtaining a plurality of images where each image is obtained with the lens focus at a different position and after each image is obtained, attempting to perform the machine vision process using the image irrespective of whether or not the lens was focused when the image was obtained. |
| US08464949B2 |
Method and system for countering an incoming threat
A method including detecting a threat incoming to a vehicle, the vehicle having a plurality of countermeasures including a primary armament and an active protection system, communicating the detected threat to a controller, activating, with the controller, a first sensor in response to the detecting, the first sensor tracking the incoming threat and generating tracking data, routing, with the controller, the tracking data to a plurality of fire control processors, each of the plurality of fire control processors being associated with a respective one of the plurality of countermeasures, and the plurality of fire control processors simultaneously computing respective firing solutions using the tracking data, and determining, with the controller, a preferred countermeasure out of the plurality of countermeasures with which to counter the incoming threat. |
| US08464948B2 |
Switchgear cabinet or rack
The invention relates to a switchgear cabinet or rack comprising a mounting unit, the front of which has vertical mounting profiles that laterally delimit an installation frame for installed user-side units, the front of said profiles being provided with flat fixing sections for attaching laterally projecting mounting sections of the installed units, and comprising components of a detection device for determining the presence of an installed unit in an installation position of the installation frame. The components of the detection device have a vertical detector strip that is attached to a mounting section and contains detector elements and code carriers that are provided on the installed units. To achieve a simple assembly with a precise allocation of the components of the detection device, the mounting section has a cavity that is at least partially adapted to the cross-section of the antenna strip, is open at the front and is located laterally outside the neighboring fixing section, an abutment section that is set back in relation to the plane of the fixing section at least by the cross-sectional depth of the detector strip and an inner boundary wall that delimits the cavity on the side facing the installation space. |
| US08464941B2 |
Method and terminal for providing controlled access to a memory card
There is provided a method for providing access to data securely stored in a memory card. An exemplary method comprises receiving the memory card in a terminal. The exemplary method also comprises transmitting a request for accessing the data via a communication link from the terminal to a device. The exemplary method additionally comprises sending first information from the device to the terminal via the communication link upon receipt of the request. In addition, the exemplary method comprises receiving the first information in the terminal and accessing the data using the first information. |
| US08464940B2 |
Consumer self-activated financial card
A pre-encoded financial card is disclosed along with a system and method allowing a user to attach it to pre-existing accounts and activate it instantly. |
| US08464939B1 |
Card registry systems and methods
A card registry system is configured to automatically identify financial card information in one or more credit files associated with a consumer and populate a card registry account of the consumer with the identified financial card information. Once the financial card information has been obtained from the credit file(s), the card registry system may transmit cancellation and/or reissuance requests to the respective card issuers in the instance that one or more cards are compromised, so that the financial cards may be easily and efficiently cancelled and/or reissued at the request of the consumer. |
| US08464938B2 |
Client customized virtual or physical card for use with selected merchants
A client selects several merchants with whom the card may be redeemed, the amount redeemable, and a design for the card, which is personalized for the card recipient. |
| US08464936B2 |
Identification card
A secure identification card and method for authenticating a holder of an identification card is presented. The method stores personal information in the identification card that is personal to an owner of the card. When a holder of the card presents the card, the method allows the personal information that identifies the owner of the card to be extracted from the authorization card at an authorized establishment. The method then allows the authorized establishment to graphically display the personal information at the authorized establishment. This allows a person at the authorized establishment to verify, based on the graphical display of the personal information, that the holder of the card is the owner. |
| US08464935B2 |
In-lane money transfer systems and methods
The present invention provides systems and methods to initiate, facilitate, process and/or perform money transfers. One such method includes receiving a request for a transfer pair verification from a vendor location (360), and verifying that the transfer pair is associated with a valid transfer pair record (362). The method includes sending the transfer pair verification to the vendor location (368), receiving a money transfer request (370) associated with the transfer pair from the vendor location, and authorizing a money transfer (372) to at least one of a first and second customers associated with the transfer pair. In this manner, a vendor location, which may include a point-of-sale device and may be a retail outlet (e.g., grocery store, gas station, or the like), can be used to facilitate a money transfer between two customers. |
| US08464934B2 |
Method and system for purchasing goods and services for a group of individuals through a communication network
Allowing users to organize financial resources, it is one object of the present invention to provide a ticket vending and purchasing system for preventing illegal activities, such as ticket scalping, and for ensuring the price determiner is able to exercise their right to setting the price for events. A group purchasing method and system using the Internet is provided. Members of a group register for an event and provide a method of individual payment. A following permission to allow purchase by a system defined agent allows a single agent to purchase the group package for all registered members. The system uses each person's payment information and not only a single user's. |
| US08464933B1 |
Systems, methods and apparatus for receiving images of one or more checks
Images of a plurality of checks to be presented for payment may be captured through the use of a check sleeve. The check sleeve includes check-holding mechanism to hold one or more checks in place in the sleeve, and contains various types of markings or other features that allow an image of the sleeve to be oriented, and to allow the portion of the image that represents a check to be distinguished from portions of the image that do not represent a check. One or more algorithms may be used to distinguish check from non-check portions of the image, and to orient the image. The check sleeves may have one or more barcodes imprinted thereon, which may encode various types of information. |
| US08464931B2 |
Display device, display method, and program
A display device includes a display unit, a contactless communication unit provided such that at least a part thereof overlaps with the display unit or is provided near the display unit and carries out contactless communication with plural kinds of IC cards, a storage that stores announcement data relating to the kinds of the respective IC cards, a controller that selects the kinds of IC cards, and an operation component for further selection of the kind of one IC card from the kinds of IC cards selected by the controller. The announcement data stored in the storage are displayed on the display unit before readout of the kinds of IC cards by the contactless communication unit. The kinds of IC cards with which contactless communication is possible are selected by the controller, and the kind of one IC card is further selected by the operation component. |
| US08464928B2 |
Multiple punch and die assembly providing hand disassembly, punch length adjustment and replacement
A multiple punch and multiple die assembly has a workpiece protector as a punch lifter that is operatively associated with each punch for supporting each of the punches in an inactive position as an active punch is moved by the ram to the active, i.e. operating position to thereby eliminate scoring or marking of the sheet material or other workpiece that is being punched. To eliminate the need for hand tools and hand assembly or disassembly, a manually moveable retainer on the punch assembly is provided that can be moved by hand between a punch-releasing and punch-retaining position for holding the punches within the multi-punch assembly during operation. To prevent stress fractures that formerly occurred in die carriers, support of each die is distributed between two different die components thereby reducing impact stress on the carrier as the ram drives the punch through the workpiece. |
| US08464926B2 |
Method of friction stir welding dissimilar metals and workpiece assemblies formed thereby
In a process for friction stir welding together pieces of dissimilar material, a first piece of a second metal is overlaid onto a first piece of a first metal that is dissimilar from the second metal such that at least a portion of the first piece of second metal overlaps a portion of the first piece of first metal. A second piece of the first metal is placed in side-to-side relationship with the first piece of second metal and overlies another portion of the first piece of first metal. The relative arrangement between the second piece of first metal and the first piece of second metal define a joint line overlying the first piece of first metal. The first piece of first metal, the first piece of second metal, and the second piece of first metal are friction stir welded together along the joint line. |
| US08464925B2 |
Methods and apparatus for delivering tissue treatment compositions to stapled tissue
A surgical stapler includes first and second tissue clamping members and a reservoir configured to hold a tissue treatment composition. The first tissue clamping member is configured to receive a plurality of staples. The second tissue clamping member comprises an anvil configured to form the staples. The reservoir may be provided in a handle portion of the surgical stapler, and a fluid conduit may be used to communicate the tissue treatment composition from the reservoir. An end effector lumen may selectively communicate with the fluid conduit. The lumen may also be in communication with openings to further communicate the tissue treatment composition to tissue or to a scaffold material positioned adjacent to tissue. A reservoir may alternatively be provided in one of the clamping members. A knife member may pierce a housing defining the reservoir, and a resilient member may then urge a tissue treatment composition from the housing. |
| US08464922B2 |
Variable compression surgical fastener cartridge
A surgical fastener cartridge is provided and includes a cartridge body having a tissue contacting surface that includes a plurality of fastener retention slots. A plurality of surgical fasteners is operatively disposed in the plurality of fastener retention slots. A plurality of pushers is operably associated with the plurality of surgical fasteners. Each pusher is configured for ejecting an associated surgical fastener towards a depression in an anvil. An actuation sled is housed within the cartridge body and includes a plurality of cam wedges. The plurality of cam wedges configured to sequentially contact the plurality of pushers such that a surgical fastener that is ejected closer to a cut line produces a greater compression force to stapled tissue than a surgical fastener ejected further from the cut line. |
| US08464920B2 |
Sack pack sternum clip
A backpack assembly includes a pack configured to be worn on a wearer's back. The backpack assembly also includes straps coupled to the pack and configured to extend over the wearer's chest. The straps include at least one first side strap and at least one second side strap. The backpack assembly also includes a strap retainer. The strap retainer includes a closed loop on a first side of the strap retainer and an open loop on a second side of the strap retainer. The at least one first side strap is slidably retained within the closed loop and the at least one second side strap is slidably retained within the open loop. The open loop also includes a side opening through which the at least one second side straps can be inserted and removed. |
| US08464919B1 |
Infant carrier
An adjustable belt forms a loop around the body of the person at predetermined vertical position. The belt has a pair of releasable fasteners and a post. The belt fasteners are positioned at each end of the belt with the ability to connect to one another within a range of predetermined locations to adjust the diameter of the loop. A carrier receives and supports the baby. The carrier has a receptacle for receiving the belt post and a handle to facilitate gripping by the person. The carrier receptacle is positioned on the carrier for receiving the post to connect the carrier to the belt in a predetermined relation so that the baby is positioned at the ergonomic position substantially over the center of gravity and around the waist of the person so that the weight of the carrier is not concentrated at the lower back of the person. |
| US08464911B2 |
Container for segregating and blending multiple seed types
A container is disclosed which segregates at least two types of seed during storage and blends the at least two types of seed together when emptied from the container. The container has a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment storing a first type of seed and the second compartment storing a second type of seed. A method is disclosed for blending at least two types of seed together. |
| US08464910B2 |
Multi-chamber container system for storing and mixing fluids
The present disclosure is drawn to a multi-component container system and related methods for storing and mixing fluids and associated methods of use. The system provides individual component packaging which increases the shelf-life and usefulness of the multi-component system while reducing or eliminating hazards associated with increased component concentration. Specifically, the system can provide a multi-chamber container system for storing and mixing fluids in which at least one chamber is substantially encapsulated within another chamber. |
| US08464909B2 |
Dispensing system for food products
A dispensing device for a viscous edible product, with a storing unit for storing the viscous product, and a dispensing unit. The dispensing unit includes a flexible packing tube for packing and dispensing the food product, disposed within the dispensing unit such that it comprises a substantially linear portion adjacent its dispensing opening, compression components for pinching said linear portion of tube, compression components being movable in substantially perpendicular and parallel directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the tube, actuation components for reversibly moving said compression components firstly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the packing tube to releasably pinch at least one portion of the flexible tube, and secondly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube towards its dispensing opening, so as to dispense at least one portion of the product packed in the tube. |
| US08464904B2 |
Methods and containers for reducing spillage and residual liquid when pouring liquid out of a container
A method of reducing spillage and residual liquid when pouring liquid includes temporarily deforming a liquid-carrying resilient container to press a buoyant member into a position sealing a fluid flow passage of the container, which is then inverted and the force is released to permit the member to float away from the passage such that liquid freely passes therethrough. When the fluid level is no longer sufficient to float the member away from the passage, an additional step prevents the ball from becoming or remaining seated in the sealing position so that residual liquid left in the container can be drained through the passage. Novel containers feature a ball-shaped member of larger size relative to the passage to ease unseating of the member therefrom for draining of residual liquid, and novel two-piece container constructions accommodate insertion of such larger balls prior to final assembly of the container. |
| US08464901B2 |
Methods and apparatus for dispensing solid articles
An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and a gate system. The housing defines a dispensing channel and a portal through which articles can flow along a dispensing pathway. The gate system includes a gate member positioned in the dispensing pathway. The gate member is selectively positionable between an open position and a closed position. When the gate member is in the open position, the gate member permits the articles to pass through the portal and, when the gate member is in the closed position, the gate member blocks the articles from passing through the portal. The gate system is configured such that the gate member is passively transitionable between the open and closed positions. |
| US08464900B2 |
Sled driven queued item dispenser
A machine particularly adapted for dispensing light items packaged in pliable pouches or packets having a machine graspable crowned carrier. The items are propelled in a queue through a tubular cartridge along a track having a ratcheting mechanism to be individually dispensed. A motorized reciprocation bolt engages the mechanism at the back of the cartridge. Multiple cartridges can be grouped together in an expandable array using an interlocking bar and T system to form a removable magazine. Each cartridge can be selectively addressed and activated by its dedicated motorized bolt. In a preferred embodiment of the ratcheting mechanism, the heads of the package carriers are held within a C-shaped track and propelled by the alternating back-and forth motion of a crenelated drive rack successively pushing a sled at the rear of the package queue. A self-engaging brake impedes backward movements of the sled and packages during a return stroke of the drive rack. A coupler is provided for conveniently transferring a batch of products temporarily mounted on a storage and transportation rail directly onto the ratcheting mechanism from the back of a vending machine. |
| US08464899B2 |
Zero cross-contamination collector
The present disclosure provides a collection device having a base with at least first and second openings and at least first and second collector tubes in communication with the at least first and second openings in the base. The collector tubes each have a curvature configured to define a trajectory path for an object descending in the collector tube toward a common target region below the collection device. The collector tubes are configured to be placed into communication with corresponding unique transport tubes/channels/paths, etc., originating at a singulating device. |
| US08464896B2 |
Straw holder for beverage cup or beverage cup lid
The invention is a container or container lid, including but not limited to a container or lid or container-lid combination of the kind commonly used to distribute bulk-dispensed beverages that features an integrated component used for attaching and holding a straw vertically to the outside of the container. The integrated component may be made a part of the container or a part of the lid, and may take any of a variety of shapes as described in the specification. |
| US08464895B2 |
Beverage container with one-handed operation
A drinking vessel and lid assembly that is adapted for selectively opening an open end of the drinking vessel. The lid is selectively couplable to the drinking vessel and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the drinking vessel and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user by the user pressing a button disposed on a side of the drinking vessel at a location where a user normally grasps the drinking vessel. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, a user may open and close the stopper using a single hand operation without the need to remove the lid from the drinking vessel. |
| US08464890B2 |
Storage device for objects in a motor vehicle
A storage device is provided for objects in a motor vehicle, that includes, but is not limited to a side wall which laterally defines a receiving space for the objects, as well as an elongate, elastic band element, which is mounted in a hinged manner in the region of its ends facing away from each other in the side wall. The band element can be deformed from a first stable curved position into a second stable, oppositely curved position in which it projects into the receiving space. A band-shaped molding is mounted in the band element, which molding projects from the curved plane of the band element. |
| US08464883B2 |
Closure for the metered addition of a separate liquid substance
A closure device for addition of a liquid substance separately packaged therein into an associated container containing a gas release liquid includes a connector sleeve and a twist cap fitting thereon. The connector sleeve holds a cup inside with the cup bottom extending into the container connector. The cup includes therein a substance container containing the liquid substance, disposed above a piercing and cutting mechanism having upwardly directed cutting tips and a downward arbor, and the cup has an opening at the bottom closed by the arbor. When the twist cap is rotated in the loosening direction, the piercing and cutting mechanism is moved upward, causing piercing of the substance container, and exposing the opening thereby pressure compensation occurs between the cup and container. Further loosening of twist cap causes pressure drop in the container, and the liquid substance is injected through the opening of the cup into the container. |
| US08464881B2 |
Coupling device for a cart, and rail-guided cart with a coupling device
A coupling device for coupling two cars includes a coupling body, a bearing with which the coupling body is mounted to pivot about a vertical axis of the car, and a drawbar via which the coupling body is fastened on the bearing and held at a distance to the bearing. The coupling body has on its side facing away from the bearing at least two convex contact spines adjacent to one another and each lying in a plane parallel to the vertical axis of the car whose diameters of curvature are greater than the extension of the contact spines in the direction of the vertical axis and by which at least one of the contact spines is magnetized, so that two of the cars couple by magnetic attraction on contact of the contact spines of the first car with the contact spines of the second car. |
| US08464876B2 |
Banknote handling apparatus
A banknote handling apparatus including a receiving unit that receives banknotes to be counted, a recognition unit that recognizes attributes of the banknotes, a storing unit that stores the banknotes sorted based on a recognition result by the recognition unit, an operation unit for selecting a counting mode and a setting for stacking, and a verification counting process control unit that executes a first counting process when the operation unit selects a verification mode as the counting mode, stores the banknotes in stacking units in a designated first setting for stacking, executes a verification counting process to the banknotes stacked in the first setting for stacking, stores the banknotes in stacking units in a designated second setting for stacking that is different from the first setting for stacking, and determines match/mismatch of the number of banknotes of each denomination in the first counting process and the verification counting process. |
| US08464875B2 |
Apparatus for analysing a security document
We provide an apparatus and method for analysing a security document. An x-ray source is adapted to illuminate at least one inspection region of the security document when located at an inspection position. An x-ray detector adapted to receive x-rays from the at least one inspection region of the document and to generate a corresponding detector response. A processor analyses the detector response and generates an output signal indicative of the structure of the document in the at least one inspection region. |
| US08464863B2 |
Cutting machines
A drive roller assembly for cutting machinery is connected to a drive motor via a drive train to drive a drive belt within the machinery, and the drive roller assembly is configured such that, when the drive belt needs to be changed, the entire assembly can easily be removed and replaced without having to dismantle the assembly or disturb any other mechanisms in the vicinity of the drive roller assembly, as the drive roller assembly includes a drive shaft that has a first end and a second end, a split ring located on the first end of the shaft between a first bearing and the first end of the shaft, the split ring having a conical surface that fixes the first bearing relative to the first end of the shaft, on the second end of the shaft a second bearing is provided that is retained within a housing, and the housing is removably mounted on the machinery. |
| US08464861B2 |
Vibratory conveyor
A balanced vibrating conveyor apparatus is provided by using a torsion bar spring and rocker arm for conveyor trough and balancing weight. The design provides synchronized 180° out of phase vibrations of trough and balancing weight as well as balance at variations in stroke lengths. With a torsion bar spring at the rocker arm node point, dynamic forces are minimized in the conveyor frame, as well as the building support structure. |
| US08464856B2 |
Quick change for transfer starwheel
A machine arrangement including a vacuum transfer turret assembly configured to releasably hold one or more containers and to rotate the one or more containers about the turret assembly when the one or more containers are held by the turret assembly. The turret assembly includes a shaft assembly, a starwheel assembly, and a vacuum assembly. The starwheel assembly is releasably secured to the shaft assembly. The turret assembly is adapted to, when the starwheel assembly is secured to the shaft assembly, rotate the shaft assembly to rotate the starwheel assembly relative to the vacuum assembly and when the starwheel assembly is rotatably released from the shaft assembly, enable movement of the starwheel assembly and the vacuum manifold along the shaft assembly towards and away from the vacuum assembly. |
| US08464855B2 |
Mailing machine having optical sensors with improved immunity to ambient
Circuitry to control reflective optical sensors is provided that reduces false detections due to ambient light without compromising the performance of the optical sensors to detect dark materials. A reflective optical sensor includes an emitter LED and photo-detector arranged to receive light from the LED that is reflected by an object being detected. A first input of a comparator is coupled to the output of the photo-detector. A second input of the comparator is coupled to the output of the photo-detector through a filtering circuit. The filtering circuit operates to filter the detector's output and adaptively adjust the trigger threshold of the comparator, thereby enabling the photo-detector to be sensitive enough to detect dark mail pieces, i.e., those mail pieces that are minimally reflective, while being immune to repeated false triggers due to excessive ambient light. |
| US08464854B2 |
Money handling system and money handling method
A money handling system includes a plurality of money handling machines that are configured to recognize and count money. A management device is provided to assign first and second recognition information for respectively recognizing a transaction of money and for recognizing a group that is created by dividing the money for one transaction. In addition, each money handling machine receives the second recognition information, counts the money of the group corresponding to the second recognition information, and associates the count result with the second recognition information, whereupon the associated count result and second recognition information is transmitted to a management device. The management device manages the count result for each group based on the association between the first recognition information and the second recognition information, as well as on the count results and second recognition information, respectively received from the plurality of money handling machines. |
| US08464853B2 |
Apparatus and system for automatic centrifugal engagement of a pressure plate
An apparatus and system are disclosed for automatic centrifugal engagement of a pressure plate. The apparatus includes a center clutch coupled rotationally with a transmission input shaft, a clutch basket coupled rotationally with an engine output shaft, and a clutch pack disposed between the center clutch and the clutch basked. The clutch pack includes a plurality of drive plates rotationally coupled to the center clutch and a plurality of friction plates rotationally coupled with the clutch basket. The apparatus also includes a pressure plate assembly that is spring-loaded and disposed between the center clutch and the clutch basket. The pressure plate assembly comprises a pressure plate, a spring plate, and a spring disposed between the pressure plate and the spring plate. The system includes the apparatus and a manual override capable of use with cable actuated and hydraulic actuated clutch levers. |
| US08464850B2 |
Gas spring curve control in an adjustable-volume gas-pressurized device
A gas spring curve control valve for a adjustable-volume gas-pressurized device is described. The valve allows for selection from among at least four spring curves and can be packaged in small spaces/devices. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a rotary cam having grooves and lobes that interact with spring loaded ball bearings and an external adjuster knob are used to easily change the gas spring curve “on-the-fly” and with minimal user effort. |
| US08464849B2 |
Disk brake
A disk brake including: a brake pad; a piston; a cylinder bore; an annular sealing groove formed on the cylinder bore; and a rectangular piston seal fitted into the sealing groove sealing between the piston and the cylinder bore, wherein the sealing groove includes: a bottom surface portion inclined as the sealing groove expands its diameter; a lateral surface portion that extends from one end of the bottom surface portion, the one end being a side where the sealing groove has the maximum diameter; and a chamfered portion, and wherein an inclined angle of the bottom surface portion is 2 to 8 degrees, an angle between the bottom surface portion and the lateral surface portion is 82 to 89 degrees, and with the piston installed into the cylinder bore, the piston seal abuts against the bottom surface portion and the lateral surface portion of the sealing groove. |
| US08464845B2 |
Master cylinder lever for a bicycle hydraulic disc brake
A master cylinder for a bicycle hydraulic disc brake configured to be disposed on either a right or left portion of a bicycle handlebar without effecting operation of the master cylinder by a user. |
| US08464843B2 |
Lockable caster wheels
The invention relates a lockable caster wheel. The lockable caster wheel can be widely used in shopping carts, luggage carts, strollers, turnover carts, stretcher cars and many other trolleys. The controlling mechanism of the lockable caster wheel comprises a controller which comprises a signal receiving device and a locking device which is controlled by the controller. The locking mechanism further comprises a revolving damper which comprises a shell having a restricting structure and a damping wheel located inside the shell. The shell, through its restricting structure, separates from or connects with the locking device to form unlocked or locked states. The damping wheel connects with the wheel assembly. The caster wheel uses a damper. Beyond the allowed area of use, the trolleys can be slowly pushed for a few of meters because of the damper effect, but it will not suddenly stop completely. Therefore it will not present danger to the users. It can also prevent the casters from being damaged by a forceful push when they are locked. |
| US08464838B2 |
System and method for generating mechanical movement
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided systems and method for In accordance with embodiments, there are provided systems and method for generating mechanical movement that includes a resilient member having an original shape. A bulwark is connected to the resilient member. A system is provided to selectively apply a torsional force to the resilient member using capillary forces to rotate the resilient member with respect to the bulwark. This places the resilient member in a deformed shape. The system also selectively terminates the capillary forces allowing the resilient member to return to the original shape. These and other embodiments are described more fully below. |
| US08464836B2 |
Lubrication applicator for can processing machine
A lubricating mechanism for a machine arrangement includes a lubricating track. The lubricating track may be connected to or part of an infeed mechanism of the machine arrangement, or may be connected to or adjacent a star wheel. The infeed mechanism is configured to supply articles to be processed to the machine arrangement. The lubricating track includes an outer guide member configured to contact articles adjacent open ends of the articles. The lubricating track also includes at least one opening in the outer guide member for passage of lubricant from the outer guide member to a lubrication path. The lubrication path is configured to be in contact with the articles in the track in order to apply the lubricant to the articles. |
| US08464833B2 |
Adjustable hang ladder with fall arresting and cushioning arrangement
An adjustable hang ladder includes a main ladder section and a hang ladder section secured to the main ladder section. The hang ladder section has a hang ladder insert pivotally secured to an attachment section and locked in place by a locking mechanism. The hang ladder section is provided with a fall arresting and damping arrangement designed for connection to a roofer using the ladder for providing a cushioning effect in the event the roofer falls from the ladder. |
| US08464830B2 |
Soundproof material for vehicle
A first sound absorbing material to be located facing a vehicle room interior side, the air-impermeable material having an air-impermeable film having bonding hot-melts on both sides thereof, and the second sound absorbing material to be located facing a vehicle room exterior side are laminated in this order, and are closely-located between two heating boards and are supplied with hot air to melt hot-melts and thus to make a laminate. The laminate is cold press molded with the first sound absorbing material on a lower mold, and at the same time as the press molding, compressed gas is supplied from an upper mold to apply pressure on the air-impermeable material and thus to compression mold the first sound absorbing material. |
| US08464829B2 |
Method for operating a steering system
A method for operating a steering system and such a steering system are presented. The steering system includes a steering wheel which acts on a steering rack via a steering pinion of a steering column, wherein a steering torque is transmitted to the steering rack by means of the steering wheel. Furthermore, a steering assistance unit is provided, by means of which a steering assistance torque can be applied to the steering rack. A control circuit with which the steering assistance torque is regulated, is used, wherein the control circuit takes into account the mass inertia of the steering column. |
| US08464826B2 |
Hydraulic traveling vehicle
A hydraulic traveling vehicle includes a right-travel motor a left-travel motor, a hydraulic pump, a merging/diverging valve and a travel switching unit. The merging/diverging valve is configured to switch between merging and separating a first hydraulic circuit and a second hydraulic circuit. The travel switching unit is configured to switch between a state where sharp turning takes place as a result of one of the right-travel motor and the left-travel motor being stopped and the other being driven, with the merging/diverging valve being in a merging state, and a state where gentle turning takes place as a result of the right-travel motor and the left-travel motor being driven at different rotational speeds, with the merging/diverging valve being in a diverging state. |
| US08464824B1 |
Off-road wheeled vehicle speed limiting system
An open cockpit off-road vehicle has an engine, four wheels, side-by-side driver and passenger seats, and a driver safety belt which include a seat belt, first and second connecting portions selectively connected to each other, and one of a safety belt sensor and a safety belt switch sensing a state of this connection. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively connects the engine to the wheels. A control unit is connected to the engine. A vehicle speed sensor senses a speed of rotation of a shaft driven by the CVT. The control unit controls the engine in a vehicle speed limit mode when the first and second connecting portions are disconnected. When in this mode, the control unit controls the engine to limit the speed of the vehicle to a predetermined speed and to permit the engine to reach a torque necessary to operate the vehicle at the predetermined speed. |
| US08464822B2 |
Personal vehicle
The present invention relates to components, arrangements and assembly of a personal vehicle and methods for producing same. According to some embodiments of the present invention, there may be provided a personal vehicle including one or more “hubless wheels”. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a HWPV may further include one or more footstands mounted such that they reside within the center of the hubless wheels, such that a rider of the HWPV standing on the footstands is essentially standing with his/her feet within the wheels of the HWPV. |
| US08464814B2 |
Systems for manufacturing downhole tools and downhole tool parts
Methods, systems and compositions for manufacturing downhole tools and downhole tool parts for drilling subterranean material are disclosed. A model having an external peripheral shape of a downhole tool or tool part is fabricated. Mold material is applied to the external periphery of the model. The mold material is permitted to harden to form a mold about the model. The model is eliminated and a composite matrix material is cast within the mold to form a finished downhole tool or tool part. |
| US08464813B2 |
Cutter assembly for a raise boring reamer
A raise boring reamer assembly includes a saddle, and a journal assembly carried by the saddle. The journal assembly includes nose and gage shanks, and a cutter is carried by the journal assembly. Nose and gage wiper rings are positioned proximate to the nose and gage shanks, respectively. The nose and gage wiper rings move debris in opposed directions in response to the rotation of the cutter. |
| US08464812B2 |
Remotely controlled apparatus for downhole applications and related methods
An expandable apparatus may comprise a tubular body, a valve piston and a push sleeve. The tubular body may comprise a fluid passageway extending therethrough, and the valve piston may be disposed within the tubular body, the valve piston configured to move axially within the tubular body responsive to a pressure of drilling fluid passing through the fluid passageway and configured to selectively control a flow of fluid into an annular chamber. The push sleeve may be disposed within the tubular body and coupled to at least one expandable feature, the push sleeve configured to move axially responsive to a flow of fluid into the annular chamber extending the at least one expandable feature. |
| US08464811B2 |
Steerable system
A steerable system comprises a first rotatable housing and a second rotatable housing connected to the first rotatable housing by an adjustable joint. A cam member is held against rotation while in use. Cam follower means are cooperable with the cam member and moveable to drive the second rotatable housing for movement relative to the first rotatable housing about the adjustable joint. |
| US08464808B2 |
Method and device for controlling a rock drill rig
A method and a device for controlling a drill rig (1) which includes a carrier vehicle with at least one feed-beam (3), wherein a drill machine (2) is movable to-and-fro, wherein rig parameters are set by a control unit (6) and wherein each one of a plurality of operating modes (M1-M6) includes specified operating settings for different operating parameters of the rig. Each operating mode (M1-M6) is selectable such that operation of the rig is related to a particular type of rock, in which drilling is to be performed, and each operating mode (M1-M6) includes operating settings that are adapted to the prevailing type of rock. The invention also concerns a drill rig. |
| US08464807B2 |
Electrical hand tool with magnets for absorbing dust
An electrical hand tool device comprises a ventilated housing body, which has inlet and outlet openings for cooling air flow and accommodates the electromotive components of the device, in particular, a motor that is excited by a permanent magnet and is powered by a battery, and a magnet that is provided in the area of the cooling air flow for collecting magnetic or magnetizable dust. In order to protect the electric motor, the device is designed in such a fashion that at least two magnets are provided in the axial direction between the inlet openings and the electromotive components of the device, and a means is provided, which electrically cooperates with the at least two magnets to determine whether a substantial amount of magnetizable dust has collected on the magnets, in which case, a control measure can be performed. |
| US08464805B2 |
Hand-held power tool for percussively driven tool attachments
The invention relates to a hand-held power tool for predominantly percussively driven tool attachments, in particular hammer drills and/or chisel-action hammers. The power tool includes a percussion axis and an intermediate shaft that is parallel to the percussion axis in which a first stroke generating device having a first stroke element for a percussion drive is arranged in or on the intermediate shaft and can be driven by the intermediate shaft. Additionally, at least one other second stroke generating device having at least one second stroke element is provided for driving a counter oscillator. A phase displacement that is different from zero and that is unequal to 180° takes place between a movement of the first stroke element and a movement of at least one second stroke element. |
| US08464795B2 |
Annulus isolation valve
An annulus isolation valve comprises a valve actuation bore and a flow passage capable of providing fluid communication between an upper annulus and a lower annulus. The flow passage comprises a first flow path and a portion of the valve actuation bore. Further, the first flow path has a second longitudinal axis that is different from a first longitudinal axis. The annulus isolation valve further includes a plug gate positioned in the valve actuation bore. The plug gate is configured so that in the open position it allows fluid communication between the upper annulus and the lower annulus. The annulus isolation valve further includes a biasing mechanism positioned in the valve actuation bore. The biasing mechanism is capable of forcing the plug gate into the closed position when the actuation force is not applied. |
| US08464788B2 |
Hydraulic disconnect
A hydraulic disconnect comprises: a downhole housing, an uphole housing, an inner mandrel, a piston, and a lock. The inner mandrel has a latch to restrict the downhole housing from relative downhole movement. The inner mandrel is connected for transmission of torque to the downhole housing. A piston is within the inner mandrel and has a latched position, and an unlatched position. The piston has a valve seat. The lock maintains the piston in the latched position, the lock being adapted to unlock in use upon receipt by the valve seat of a disconnect valve member and a predetermined hydraulic pressure. The uphole housing has a stop for restricting the downhole housing from relative uphole movement. The inner mandrel is threaded to the uphole housing and relative rotation between the uphole and the downhole housing tightens the downhole housing between the latch and the uphole housing. |
| US08464784B2 |
Method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from the surface and tools therefor
According to one embodiment, a system for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes a well bore extending from the surface to the subterranean zone, and a well bore pattern connected to the junction and operable to drain fluid from a region of the subterranean zone to the junction. |
| US08464779B2 |
Heat radiating fin assembly and thermal module formed therefrom
A heat radiating fin assembly is formed from alternately stacked first and second heat radiating fins. The first and the second heat radiating fins each are provided on at least one lateral side with a projected point and a receded point, respectively, to thereby define an airflow guiding section on at least one longitudinal side of the heat radiating fin assembly. The airflow guiding section includes a first and a second airflow inlet, and a middle airflow inlet located between the first and the second airflow inlet. The heat radiating fin assembly can be associated with at least one heat pipe and a base to form a thermal module. The airflow guiding section enables widened airflow inlets, shortened airflow paths, reduced airflow pressure drop and flowing resistance, and upgraded cooling air flowing efficiency, so that the heat radiating fin assembly and the thermal module can provide excellent heat dissipating effect. |
| US08464778B2 |
Heat exchanger for internal combustion engines
A heat exchanger for an internal combustion engine includes a first flow channel; a second flow channel arranged adjacent to the first flow channel; a line separate from the second flow channel; and a valve channel in which an adjustable valve element is disposed. The valve channel is arranged upstream of the first and second flow channels and an inlet channel is arranged upstream of the valve channel in a flow direction of exhaust gas. The valve element includes a baffle plate, the baffle plate having an end portion that extends diagonally in the valve channel with respect to the flow axis of the first flow channel. The valve element includes a flap that is pivotably mounted at the end portion of the baffle plate such that the flap is pivotable about an axis that extends in a direction of a width of a common housing. |
| US08464777B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing turbine or compressor wheels
A method for forming a turbine or compressor wheel from a semi-solid material uses a die assembly that has an inner cartridge made up from a plurality of segments and an outer die. The semi-solid material is injected under pressure and high temperature into the die so that it flows into blade cavities defined between the segments of the cartridge. The cartridge is removed from the outer die and the segments are then separated to release the wheel. |
| US08464775B2 |
Tool for tire uninstalling and installing machines
A tool for tire uninstalling and installing machines includes an element for connection to a movable bearing member of the tire uninstalling and installing machine, which has a longitudinal axis, and a round contact element which is freely and rotatably supported by said connection member about a rotation axis and which has an external outline in contact with a contact portion of a side of a tire installed to a rim, the round element having a flared contacting and lifting surface suitable to contact and lift the tire from the rim, which has a base facing toward the rim and defining a first opposed vertex, touching means extending from the base toward the rim for touching a portion of the rim. |
| US08464770B2 |
Pneumatic tire for motorcycle
The tread portion 2 is divided in the tire widthwise direction into five regions comprising the center tread region A, respective shoulder tread regions C, and respective intermediate tread regions B. A curved length in the tire widthwise direction of a tread surface of the center tread region A is in the range of 10 to 35% of the curved length in the tire widthwise direction of the entire tread surface, and the whole curved length in the tire widthwise direction of a tread surface of the shoulder tread regions C is in the range of 5 to 35% of the curved length in the tire widthwise direction of the entire tread surface. 100% Mod, i.e. the modulus at 100% elongation, of tread rubber forming the intermediate tread region B is larger than 100% Mod of tread rubber forming the center tread region A, and loss tangent of each shoulder tread region C is larger than loss tangent of the center tread region A. |
| US08464764B1 |
Fuel system ullage float assembly
A fuel system ullage float valve assembly is provided for fuel tank and fuel fill line. This assembly is located near the intersection of the fuel fill line entering the uppermost top section of a fuel tank. A ullage float valve assembly includes a cage enclosure having an upper collar, a plurality of leg members and a base, essentially forming a frame-like structure. The upper collar is partially inserted into, and nest within, the fuel fill line as it enters the tank. The leg members extend downwardly into the tank in a generally vertical position. The assembly also includes a buoyant float chamber, having a generally cylindrical base and a generally converging, conical upper section. The float chamber is buoyant and it housed within the cage enclosure, and is slididly movable within the enclosure. During the fueling process as fuel fills the tank the ullage float assembly rises within the cage enclosure and to reach a sealing engagement with the upper collar of the assembly causing termination of the fueling process. The float assembly also includes a fuel bypass port. |
| US08464762B2 |
Straw packaging machine
The invention relates to a machine for conditioning chaff (11) of predetermined diameter, that comprises a filling unit (3) for said chaff (11), including n filling stations (4), and a conveying device (2) for said chaff, said device (2) including at least one conveying member (5) provided with a succession of receiving housings (15) for said chaff (11) arranged along a predetermined pitch (E), said conveying member (5) further including, in addition to said succession of receiving housings (15) for said chaff (11) or first housings, a succession of receiving housings (16) or second housings for the chaff having another predetermined diameter, said second housings (16) being arranged along said pitch (E), and each of said second receiving housings (16) being provided between two first receiving housings (15). |
| US08464761B2 |
Flow control arrangement
Flow restrictors (4), (14) are widely utilized with regard to providing flow control in such situations as with respect to sealing and pressurization of bearing chambers in gas turbine engines. The restrictor (4), (14) restricts a flow (5), (15) but with prior arrangements may be susceptible to deposition upon flank surfaces of the restrictor (4). These depositions may fragment and block an aperture (7), (17) of the restrictor (4), (14) reducing operational effectiveness. By provision of a deflector (18) having a deflector surface (19) flows (15) can be presented such that a greater proportion of the flow including droplets or other matter which may result in surface deposition or erosion will pass directly through an aperture (7, 17) rather than impinge upon the flank surfaces of the restrictor (14). Furthermore, the deflector (18) is dimensioned such that surfaces which may be susceptible to deposition have dimensions smaller than the aperture (17). |
| US08464754B2 |
Valve manifold
A valve is provided including a first valve member and a second valve member. The first valve member includes a first step and a first orifice adjacent the first step. The second valve member includes a second step and a second orifice adjacent the second step. The second valve member is movable relative to the first valve member between an open position, in which the first orifice is fluidly connected the second orifice, and a closed position, in which the first orifice is substantially fluidly disconnected from the second orifice. The first and second steps are fluidly connected to the second orifice and substantially fluidly disconnected from the first orifice when the second valve member is in the closed position, and the first and second steps are fluidly connected to the first and second orifices when the second valve member is in the open position. |
| US08464753B2 |
Valve arrangement
A valve system for activating a piston of a piston-cylinder arrangement for a hydraulic or fluid device includes a pilot control valve including 3/2-way valve and a main valve arrangement having a first and a second main valve. The first and second main valves include 2/2-way valves, wherein in a first position the pilot-control valve is configured to move the first main valve into an open position so as to direct a path for a high pressure fluid to a space above the piston, and wherein in a second position the pilot-control valve is configured to connect the space to a low-pressure tank so as to relieve a pressure in the space above the piston via the second main valve, and wherein the pilot-control valve is configured to open the second main valve and configured to close the first main valve. |
| US08464751B2 |
Oxygen content adjustment apparatus and container data center including the same
An oxygen content adjustment apparatus includes an oxygen content detector, a number of keys, a controller, an oxygen source, a first nozzle, a first valve, a flame retardant gas source, a second nozzle, and a second valve. The controller is connected to the oxygen content detector and the keys. A first terminal of the first valve is connected to the controller. A second terminal of the first valve is connected to the oxygen source. A third terminal of the first valve is connected to the first nozzle. A first terminal of the second valve is connected to the controller. A second terminal of the second valve is connected to the flame retardant gas source. A third terminal of the second valve is connected to the second nozzle. |
| US08464749B2 |
Gas bottle valve body protective device
A protective sleeve for gas bottle valve stems is provided comprised of an elongated tubular body configured to fit on a valve stem. At least one projection extends from an interior surface of the protective sleeve and is adapted to lockingly engage with at least one orifice in an opposing surface of the valve stem whereby the sleeve is prevented from being easily removed from the valve stem upon being placed thereover due to engagement of the projection with the orifice. A tear strip is provided within a side surface of the protective sleeve, whereby a portion of the protective sleeve may be removed to permit disengagement of the protective sleeve. A housing may be provided in the protective sleeve for storage of a washer which may be used to provide a seal between a regulator and the valve stem of the gas bottle. At least one flange extends laterally from the sleeve body and is configured to engage a thumb or finger of the user to assist in placing the protective sleeve upon the valve stem of the gas cylinder by application of downward force, the at least one flange positioned along the longitudinal extent of the protective sleeve between the ends of the protective sleeve. |
| US08464741B2 |
Flow control method for multizone gas distribution
A method of supplying and controlling the flow of a process gas to a process chamber. The method includes initiating a known flow rate of a process gas to a process chamber, dividing the known flow rate of the process gas into a first flow of the process gas at a first flow rate and a second flow of the process gas at a second flow rate, measuring a first pressure associated with the first flow of the process gas, measuring a second pressure associated with the second flow of the process gas, and controlling the first flow rate and the second flow rate according to a target flow condition by adjusting a first conductance of the first flow of the process gas and a second conductance of the second flow of the process gas and monitoring the first pressure and the second pressure. |
| US08464736B1 |
Reclaim chemistry
Systems, apparatus and methods are provided for efficiently reclaiming solvents used to clean surfaces of semiconductor wafers, etc. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a reclaim approach that prevents the evaporation of chemical solvents used to process wafers using proximity heads, by confining hot liquid solvents used to form fluid menisci on the wafer surface with cold liquid solvents of the same chemical composition. |
| US08464734B2 |
Apparatus for wet processing substrate
An exemplary apparatus for wet processing a substantially rectangular substrate includes a conveyor, a supporting mechanism, an adjusting mechanism, a processing module and a dosing system. The conveyor is configured for conveying the substrate to a wet process work station. The supporting mechanism is configured for supporting the substrate away from the conveyor. The adjusting mechanism is configured for adjusting the orientation of the substrate. The processing module is configured for obtaining an area of a surface of the substrate. The dosing system communicates with the processing unit, and is configured for dispensing a corresponding amount of wet processing liquid to the substrate to wet process the substrate according to the area of the surface of the substrate from the processing module. |
| US08464733B2 |
Original eyelash butterfly guard
The original butterfly eyelash guard use in the cosmetic field as a skin, eyes, and eyelash disposable shield in the application of eye makeup and/or as a protector during eye makeup removal, eyelash tinting, artificial eyelash extension, permanent makeup tattooing. The eyelash guard molds firmly around the bridge of the nose, fits perfectly under any size of eyes, and secures to both sides of the face, thereby freeing the hands to apply makeup or to perform other procedures as described. Also, it can be used over eyelids. The eyelash guard is for everyone who wants to look the best, raise job standards and bring enjoyment to the makeup application routine. The original butterfly eyelash guard is for everyone who wants to save a lot of time, money and have a tool that may help to prevent premature aging and damage to eyelashes and skin. |
| US08464728B2 |
Biodegradable composites
The present invention concerns a biodegradable cigarette filter tow comprising composite filaments of cellulose and cellulose acetate, and a process for making such a filter tow comprising providing a solution dope comprising a blend of cellulose and cellulose acetate in an ionic liquid or in N-methylmorphilone-N-oxide (NMMO), and spinning casting the blend into a protic solvent to generate fibers or films, and converting the fibers or films into cigarette filter tow. The invention also concerns cigarette filters and cigarettes made from such a filter tow. |
| US08464725B2 |
Hookah bowl
The present invention is directed to a hookah bowl with a central spire and a hookah bowl system with the hookah bowl and a coal plate. The coal plate fits about the spire and may be retained upon the hookah bowl via multiple means. The spire assists transportation, attachment, use, and removal of the hookah bowl. |
| US08464723B2 |
Methods of evaluating individuals having reversible obstructive pulmonary disease
This relates to treating an asthmatic lung and more particularly, relates to advancing a treatment device into the lung and treating the lung with the device. This also includes additional steps of treating the airway wall, applying energy or heat to the airway wall in an asthmatic lung. |
| US08464722B2 |
Folded telescopic equipment drape and method of folding and using the same
An equipment drape (1000) is made from an elongated drape body (1401) that includes an equipment opening (1041). The elongated drape body (1401) is telescopically folded (1403) to form a telescopic drape body (1404). An accordion fold (1501) is then applied to form a rectangular shape (1503). The distal edges (1011,1012) are then folded back over the rectangular shape (1503) to meet at a longitudinal part (1511). Insertion indicators (1043,1044) can be attached to the equipment opening (1041). A user can easily and quickly insert their hands into the equipment opening (1041) to deploy the equipment drape (1000) with a single motion without having to first fumble with and unfold the drape. |
| US08464721B2 |
Retracting eye drape
A retracting eye drape assembly is disclosed for use around a patient's eye to seclude and seal off the operative field during eye surgery. The drape assembly includes a retraction member connected to the drape and configured to engage the patient's eyelid, an extension member connected to the retraction member or to the drape and configured to substantially enclose the patient's eyelid, and a retraction flap configured to secure the patient's eyelid in a substantially retracted position. A method of applying an eye drape assembly is disclosed. After application of the drape to the patient's face, and while the patient's eyelid is closed, the patient's eyelid is engaged by a retraction member connected to the drape and retracted. While retracted, the patient's eyelid is substantially enclosed to seclude the eyelid and eyelashes from the operational area. The secluded eyelid and eyelashes are then secured in a retracted position. |
| US08464715B2 |
Multipurpose therapeutic face mask
A therapeutic face mask comprises a face-engaging portion and a single connector having a mask-engaging end and a single treatment-receiving end which has a single attachment mounting for detachably sealingly receiving a treatment attachment, such as an oxygen reservoir bag or a nebulizer. A one-way inhalation valve in the connector permits fluid flow from the treatment-receiving end to the mask-engaging end during inhalation and inhibits fluid flow in the other direction. The mask also includes a valve-governed exhalation port and an anti-asphyxia valve assembly configured to permit fluid flow from ambient to the face-engaging portion during inhalation only when inspiratory effort during inhalation exceeds fluid flow to the treatment-receiving end of the connector. Also provided is an oxygen reservoir bag having a neck shaped for removable coupling to a mating connector of a therapeutic face mask. An oxygen reservoir bag may have a metered-dose inhaler port defined in its neck. |
| US08464714B2 |
Breathing assistance device comprising a gas regulating valve and associated breathing assistance method
The invention relates to a breathing assistance device for a patient (P), the device including: —a source of respiratory pressurized gas (S), a gas transmission duct (31) comprising a distal end (31d) coupled to said source and a proximal end (31p) coupled to the patient, —a gas regulating valve (32, 50) interposed in the gas transmission duct at a proximal location, comprising a leakage orifice (531) and an obstruction means (54) capable of varying the opening of the leakage orifice upon signal of controlling means (35) and allowing a bidirectional gas flow through the leakage orifice in both expiration and inspiration phases. |
| US08464709B2 |
Cheek path airway and cheek pouch anchor
The cheek pocket anchor, formed of a resilient filament, fits within a user's cheek pouch. The anchor dynamically spans a user's inter-occlusal space and lip opening as a user's jaws open and close. The anchor can be formed of inter-connected, adjustable loops to enable user adjustment of its whole span. It can stabilize a work piece, such as an airway, in a user's mouth. The cheek path airway fits a path between a user's lips and through the user's cheek pouch and rear-jaw gap, avoiding the user's bite. It provides supplemental air to a user's rear-mouth cavity independently of a user's nasal airways while a user's lips remain closed. It can be used in combination with mandibular jaw-control and tongue-control devices whereby the combination mitigates breathing restrictions in a user's nasal and throat airways. It can be manufactured in-line and folded by a user to fit the user's cheek pathway. |
| US08464704B2 |
Combustion apparatus for solid fuel
A combustion apparatus for the burning of solid fuel using a plurality of secondary combustion zones is disclosed. The combustion apparatus includes primary and secondary air inlets, an inclined hearth and a unique second air source which washes up a window in the combustion apparatus creating a floating flame effect and rendering the window self-cleaning. A series of baffles define a secondary combustion pathway which optimizes secondary combustion of exhaust gasses and particulate matter. Coaxial rear and top direct venting apparatus are also disclosed. The combustion apparatus provided combusts a wide range of solid fuel at a high level of efficiency. |
| US08464703B2 |
Top-burner and cooker comprising the same
A top burner and a cooker having the top burner are provided. A flame transfer slit for guiding the flame formed by the combustion of the mixed gas at an outer burner to an inner burner. A shielding member is provided to shield the flame transfer slit. Therefore, the object to be heated is uniformly heated and the flame transfer from the outer burner to the inner burner can be effectively realized. |
| US08464701B2 |
Chambered flame oven
An oven having a central cooking chamber defined in part by a housing and in visual communication with a flame-producing element. The cooking chamber has a door with a transparent portion providing visual inspection of the cooking chamber and a view of the flame produced by the flame producing element. The cooking chamber has a heat source to provide heat to the cooking chamber. |
| US08464699B2 |
Method for operating an engine
A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a first fuel is reformed into a gaseous fuel comprising H, CO, and CH4, or the fuel may change state to vaporized alcohol. The present method provides for ramping injection of the gaseous fuel so that stoichiometric combustion may be maintained while gaseous fuel is injected to the engine. |
| US08464697B2 |
Integrated clutch supercharger
A clutch assembly configured for use with a supercharger having a first shaft having a longitudinal axis; a pulley connected to the first shaft; a clutch rotor mounted connected to the first shaft; a clutch armature mounted to a second shaft and unconnected to the first shaft; and a clutch coil spaced along the longitudinal axis from the pulley. The clutch rotor rotates around the longitudinal axis. The clutch armature also rotates around the longitudinal axis. The design diameter of the pulley is entirely independent of the diameters of the clutch rotor, the clutch armature, and the clutch coil. A supercharger including the clutch assembly is also provided. |
| US08464694B2 |
Method and system for providing fuel to internal combustion engines
The present invention relates to a system and method for providing fuel to internal combustion engines including fuel activation prior to injection. The method carried out by the system comprises dissolving a mixture of gasses providing improved fuel dispersing after fuel injection into a combustion chamber. Dissolved gasses desorption is stimulated from a unsaturated fuel solution. Full control of fuel flows with dissolved gas/gasses to and from injectors and FET technology is based on Henry's law (dissolving gasses in the liquids) and Kelvin principle (vapor pressure over droplet surface). The system provides fuel to internal combustion engines and consists of compact components, including exhaust gasses recirculation system which can be easily added to existing diesel and gasoline engine fuel supply systems. The method and system were tested with 4 different types of engines. The new method can use any type of liquid fuel—petroleum or synthesized, and provides fuel economy in 12-20% decrease of emissions and up to 25% at variable engine loads and significantly at engine cold start. |
| US08464687B2 |
Control device for compressed self-ignition type internal combustion engine
An object is to provide a control device and control method for a compressed self-ignition type internal combustion engine, which can reduce torque variation due to misfire when the air-fuel ratio varies during compressed self-ignition type combustion, and thereby effectively use the potential for reducing fuel consumption. As the combustion mode, a spark-ignition type combustion mode by use of an ignition plug and a compressed self-ignition type combustion mode which utilizes a pressure increase in a combustion chamber in association with upward movement of piston are selectively set depending on an operational state of the engine, and when the air-fuel ratio in the compressed self-ignition type combustion mode is rich, a regional upper limit of the compressed self-ignition type combustion region is changed toward the lower engine torque side, and when the air-fuel ratio is lean, the regional upper limit is changed toward the higher engine torque side. |
| US08464683B2 |
Engine balancer system
An engine balancer system is provided in which a balancer housing (17) disposed so as to face an oil pan beneath a crankshaft is formed by joining an upper housing (29) and a lower housing (30) via mating faces (P), and the height of the mating faces (P) is lower on a vehicle front side than on a vehicle rear side. Oil discharge holes (45a, 46) for discharging oil that is within the balancer housing (17) are formed in the mating faces (P) on the higher side of the balancer housing (17) and in the upper housing (29) above the mating faces (P) on the lower side of the balancer housing (17). This enables the position of the oil discharge hole (45a) on the lower side to be as high as possible, thereby suppressing penetration of oil into the interior of the balancer housing (17) through the oil discharge hole (45a). |
| US08464679B2 |
Corona tip insulator
This invention relates to a corona discharge ignitor used to ignite air/fuel mixtures in automotive applications and the like. To suppress an arc from forming when a voltage is applied to the ignitor, the corona discharge ignitor has various shapes and configurations, such as angular depressions or grooves, at the tip of the insulator. The shape and configuration of the tip provides a smaller radius which creates a more intensified electric field and provides better combustion. |
| US08464676B2 |
Variable valve timing apparatus
A variable valve timing apparatus according to the present invention may include a camshaft holder connected to a camshaft, a cam sprocket rotating the camshaft, a rotation shaft disposed to the camshaft holder having a moving screw thread formed thereon, a first and second driven bevel gears disposed to distal ends of the rotation shaft, a screw nut engaged with the moving screw thread and moving along length direction of the rotation shaft by rotation of the first driven bevel gear or the second driven bevel gear so as to change relative phase between the camshaft and the cam sprocket and a gear control portion which selectively rotates the first driven bevel gear or the second driven bevel gear. |
| US08464674B2 |
Control apparatus for variable operation angle mechanism
An electronic control unit that controls a variable operation angle mechanism that varies an operation angle of an intake valve reduces an operation angle of the intake valve to a normal startup operation angle after first maintaining the operation angle of the intake valve at a high temperature restart operation angle that is larger than the normal startup operation angle for a predetermined period of time after an engine is stopped. |
| US08464671B2 |
Horizontally opposed center fired engine
The horizontally opposed center fired engine improves on the traditional design of the horizontally opposed engines and center fired engines with a better engine geometry. The present invention utilizes four pairs of opposing pistons to compress a larger volume of air-fuel mixture within four different cylinders. The four different cylinders are radially positioned around a center axle in order to achieve a perfectly symmetric engine geometry. The center axle consists of two different shafts spinning in two different directions, which could drastically reduce engine vibrations in the present invention. Engine vibrations are caused by a change in engine speed and result in a loss of energy. Due to the design, the present invention will only experience energy loss in the form of entropy and friction. Thus, the present invention can convert a higher percentage of chemical energy into mechanical energy than any other internal combustion engine. |
| US08464668B2 |
Vehicle cooling system with directed flows
A cooling system for internal combustion engines provides directed flows of heated or cooled coolant to various engine components and/or accessories as needed. By providing directed flows, the overall coolant flow volume is reduced from that of conventional cooling systems, allowing for a smaller capacity water pump to be employed which results in a net energy savings for the engine. Further, by reducing the overall coolant flow volume, the hoses and/or galleries required for the directed flows are reduced from those of conventional cooling systems, providing a cost savings and a weight savings. Finally, by preferably employing an impellor type water pump, the expense of an electric water pump and its associated control circuitry can be avoided. The direct flows are established by a multifunction valve which, in a preferred implementation, comprises a two-plate valve wherein each plate is operated by a wax motor. |
| US08464667B1 |
Hydrogen system for internal combustion engine
A hydrogen system for diesel and gas engines, comprising a housing assembly containing an aqueous solution. A heating assembly comprises a first inlet, a first outlet, and tubing connecting the first inlet to the first outlet. A hydrogen generator is contained within the housing assembly. It comprises a second inlet and a second outlet, and at least a top wall and a base wall. The top wall is at a predetermined angle to allow the aqueous solution to flow and circulate into a connecting tube. The hydrogen generator comprises negative charged rods and positive charged rods. The hydrogen generator generates hydrogen and oxygen gas for use in an internal combustion engine to improve combustion efficiency and to decrease emissions. The hydrogen generator serves as an electrolysis cell to generate the oxygen and hydrogen gas with electric current from a power source being passed through the aqueous solution. |
| US08464665B1 |
Pet toy convertible between a bone shape and a ball shape
A chew toy assembly that is selectively convertible between a ball configuration and a bone configuration. The chew toy assembly has two invertible structures that are disposed at opposite ends of an elongated body. Each of the invertible structures is selectively configured between a hemispherical shape and a funnel shape by physical manipulation, wherein each invertible structure has a central hub. When the invertible structures are in their hemispherical shapes, the invertible structures form a ball around the elongated body. Alternatively, when the invertible structures are in their funnel shapes, the invertible structures diverge away from the elongated body in opposite directions, therein forming a bone configuration. |
| US08464663B2 |
System and method for controlling animal's egress from a secure enclosure
A system for controlling escape of pets during emergency, such as a fire, smoke, gas or odor emission, includes a passageway from the inside of the enclosure to the outside thereof. The passageway is normally closed by a door and an apparatus is provided for enabling opening of such door during emergency. A pre-recorded message urges the pet or pets to the open passageway only when the alarm device annunciating such emergency is intermittently disabled. A control apparatus is also provided for enabling passage of the pet or pets through the passageway and annunciates location of the pet or pets with respect to interior or exterior of the enclosure. A method is disclosed for remote operation of the controlled pet door to enhance safety of the pet owner attempting to enter residential dwelling. |
| US08464657B1 |
Pet mattress cover
The present invention relates to a novel pet bed cover. The pet bed cover apprises a four-layer system which wicks moisture to keep the outer layer clean and is fitted to make application to a pet bed easy and secure without disturbing any soiling deposited on the cover. |
| US08464655B2 |
Cleaning within a milking system
Methods clean a gripping device (5) of a milking station (1) for milking animals. Methods include initiating (21) a gripper device cleaning procedure, moving (22) the gripper device (5) to a cleaning position, and carrying out (23) the gripper device cleaning procedure. Efficient and automatic cleaning of gripper devices is provided. Milking systems also include apparatuses for cleaning a gripper device. |
| US08464652B2 |
Film forming apparatus and method of forming film
A temperature adjustment unit is provided to a chamber for accommodating a stage, a discharge head, and a maintenance device. The temperature adjustment unit adjusts the temperature of the maintenance area at least while the transport device has the discharge head positioned in the maintenance area to be equal to or greater than the temperature of the drawing area while the transport device has the discharge head positioned in the drawing area. |
| US08464648B2 |
Installation kit for equipping a case as a multifunctional, portable security system and case equipped with such an installation kit
Installation kit for equipping a case (11) as a multifunctional, portable security system (10), and case (11). The installation kit comprises a receptacle area for valuables (13), having an access opening, a cover (12.2), and a protection system. The protection system comprises an electrically triggerable igniter (14) having membrane, an ink module (17) having a liquid for inking the valuables (13), which has a connection for a pressurized connection to the igniter (14) and an outlet area for discharging the liquid, a one-piece distributor plate (18) having at least one integrated liquid channel and multiple outlet openings for the liquid, the distributor plate (18) being connectable to the outlet area of the module (17), a pressurized gas cartridge (15) connectable to the igniter (14), the activated igniter (14) penetrating the membrane, upon which gas flows from the pressurized gas cartridge (15) into the ink module (17) and thus conveys this liquid into the distributor plate (18) and from there through in the direction of the valuables (13) in order to ink them. |
| US08464646B1 |
Table umbrella rain guard assembly
A table umbrella rain guard assembly includes a table that has a pole aperture extending therethrough. A pole has a first end and a second end. The pole has a well extending inwardly from the second end. The first end of the pole is directed downwardly through the pole aperture. The well insertably receives an end of the umbrella shaft. A pedestal is positioned beneath the table. The pedestal insertably receives the first end of the pole. A collar is positioned around the pole so that the collar abuts the table when the pole is extended through the pole aperture. The collar prevents precipitation from passing through the pole aperture. A sleeve is positionable on the pole when the umbrella shaft is not positioned within the pole. A coupler is coupled to an end of the sleeve. A cap positioned on an end of the sleeve. |
| US08464645B2 |
Spill containing refrigerator shelf assemby
The specification discloses a method for containing spills on shelving and the like, and the resulting support members made in accordance with the method, by providing the generally flat top surface of a support with a hydrophobic surface which is arranged in a spill containment pattern and which is generally in the plane of the top surface of the support. The majority of the top surface of the support consists of one or more spill containment areas which are of a non-hydrophobic nature and which are bounded by the hydrophobic surfaces, such that spills on the shelving collect in the non-hydrophobic spill containment area or areas and are prevented from spreading by the hydrophobic surfaces. |
| US08464643B2 |
Railcar bodyshell reinforcing method and railcar bodyshell
A method for reinforcing a railcar bodyshell according to the present invention includes the steps of: in a bodyshell including a metal frame and a metal plate joined to the frame and formed such that a cross section orthogonal to a railcar longitudinal direction has a wave shape, disposing a fiber sheet on at least a part of the plate; and forming a fiber reinforced resin member by bonding the fiber sheet to the part of the plate by an impregnated adhesive resin. |
| US08464642B2 |
Self-orienting, two-wheel pipe crawler
An apparatus for conveying a payload through a pipe having the ability to automatically self-stabilize and orient itself inside the pipe by controlling two pipe tracking contactors so as to maintain contact between the pipe tracking contactors and the pipe wall and maintain the apparatus in a functional orientation. The apparatus includes tilt sensor arrays for continuously monitoring the position of the apparatus with respect to the pipe wall, variable speed drive motors operably connected with the pipe contactors for rotating the contactors, tilt motors operably connected with the pipe tracking contactors to enable movement of the contactors between a non-functional orientation and a functional orientation, and a controller for controlling the motors based upon information provided by the tilt sensor arrays. |
| US08464640B2 |
Controllable digital solid state cluster thrusters for rocket propulsion and gas generation
A thruster stack assembly and method for manufacturing the same is provided. The thruster stack assembly includes a plurality of grain elements having a common core region (e.g., a channel or passageway), where each grain element comprises a volume of electrically ignitable propellant. The thruster stack assembly further includes electrodes associated with the plurality of grain elements, the electrodes adapted for selectively igniting the plurality of grain elements. In one example, one or more of the grain elements may be ignited and combusted without igniting or damaging adjacent grain elements of the stack. The core region serves to channel combustion gases and exhaust from the thruster stack. Multiple stacks may be assembled together to form three-dimensional thruster arrays. |
| US08464639B2 |
Shaped charge fuse booster system for dial lethality in reduced collateral damage bombs (RCDB)
A fuse booster system for a reduced collateral damage bomb or penetrating warhead is described and disclosed. The fuse booster system uses shaped charges that will ignite the main high explosive charge of the bomb or penetrating warhead, and also remove portions of the bomb or penetrating warhead to reduce the power of the bomb at the target in a measurable manner to control the lethality and collateral damage of the bomb or penetrating warhead. |
| US08464631B2 |
Integrated cartridge for extracting a beverage from a particulate substance
A cartridge for extracting a beverage from a particulate substance contained therein by means of water under pressure is provided. The cartridge comprises a main body with a cup portion and a lid portion. The cup portion comprises a base, a sidewall and a rim opposed to the base, while the lid portion is fixedly attached to the rim of the cup portion so as to define an internal volume of the cartridge. The internal volume of the cartridge houses the particulate substance comprised within filtering means for retaining the particulate substance and for percolating fluid substances therethrough. The lid portion comprises a lid port defining a first passage for percolation fluid substances, the base of the cup portion comprising a cup port defining a second passage for percolation fluid substances. The cartridge further comprises a disc of porous material arranged between the filtering means and the base of the cup portion, so as to support the filtering means and the particulate substance and to define a fine canalization between the filtering means and the cup port. |
| US08464626B2 |
Multi-layer metal matrix composite armor with edge protection
The armor tile system embodying the principles of the present invention comprises one or more hybrid tiles which can be connected together to cover a protected structure. Various arrays of material layers may be utilized (1×1, 2×2, 4×4, 2×8, etc) within a hybrid tile system and multiple hybrid tiles may be mounted on the area to be protected. Each hybrid tile comprises one or more material layers stacked within a single metal matrix casting. Each material layer within a hybrid tile includes at least one reinforcement insert arranged along a common surface. The reinforcement inserts comprise material types suitable for containment, structural support, and projectile deflection and destruction. The armor tile system of the present invention is created utilizing a molten metal infiltration process. In the preferred embodiment, the reinforcement inserts are arranged along a common surface within each material layer and further positioned within the mold cavity to create a controlled inner seam between adjacent reinforcement inserts to keep the reinforcement inserts from shifting during metal infiltration. The outer periphery of the material layer(s) and the mold cavity inside periphery has a space defining an outer seam. Both the outer and inner seams may further contain a reinforcement material to enhance the effectiveness of the armor system if desired. The mold cavity is infiltrated with liquid metal which solidifies within the materials open porosity thereby binding the layers together to create a coherent integral structure. |
| US08464617B2 |
Hold and drive tool with disengagement capability
A hold and drive tool and method of operation for fastening parts together with a stud and nut. The tool may comprise a tool body including a drive member therein, with the drive member rotationally driven by a power source; a nut drive member engaging the drive member and including a nut engaging portion received on the nut and rotating the nut relative to the stud; a hold member including a hold shaft connected to a hold bit, with the hold bit located in the nut drive member and received on a hold feature on the stud to prevent the stud from rotating relative to the hold member; and a clutch secured to the tool body and the hold shaft, with the clutch selectively allowing for and preventing rotation of the hold shaft relative to the tool body. |
| US08464616B2 |
Tools with driving rods
A tool includes first, second and third rods which are pivotably and pivotably connected to each other. The first rod is pivotably connected between the second and third rods. Control members, resilient members and contacting members are located at the pivotal portions so as to control the first rod to be pivotable or positioned relative to the second and third rods. |
| US08464612B2 |
Surface protector when hammering nails
The manual nailing process can injure the person's hand gripping the nail when the nail head is missed. The underlying surface of the work (the object being nailed, made of wood or other relevant materials) can be damaged when the hammer hits the work surface instead of the nail or from the hammer claws when the nail is extracted. The nailing aid described in this application holds the nail when it is being started, away from the person's hand. This aid also provides protection for a broad area of the underlying work surface around the nail, when the nail is being struck or extracted. The striking surface of the aid is sloped to prevent it from being trapped by a bent nail or a nail head. The handle of this aid also serves as a holder for an optional nail set or pencil. |
| US08464606B2 |
Shift operation device
A shift operation device that has a simple structure and is provided with a lever knob that can absorb impact load that acts on the lever shaft in the axial direction. A core 11 is provided on the inside of the lever knob, and formed on the core 11 are screw cramps 11b, comprising cylindrical bosses, inside which are inserted screws that fix the core 11 to the lever shaft. V-shaped cut-out grooves 110 formed in the height direction of the cylindrical bosses are provided on the cylindrical parts 11b1 of the screw cramps 11b to reduce the thickness of the cylindrical parts 11b1, providing weak sites with response to the load that acts on the lever shaft in the axial direction. |
| US08464601B2 |
Actuating device comprising a locking mechanism
An actuating device for selecting gear steps in a gearshift transmission. The actuating device comprises a selector lever that can be moved between at least two drive-setting positions and a locking mechanism for restricting the movement range of the lever and locking certain positions or for locking the selector lever. The locking mechanism comprises a locking recess connected to the selector lever and a blocking cam that can be rotated by an actuator. The cam engages in the locking recess. Complex locking tasks are possible with the simplified actuating device. In addition, the range of movement of the selector lever can be freely positioned largely variably and its width can be changed. Furthermore, the selector lever of the actuating device is movable by the actuator or locked in a desired position. |
| US08464598B2 |
Device for measuring the torque transmitted by a power shaft
A torque measurement device including: a power shaft transmitting rotary torque about the axis of the power shaft; a first wheel carrying angle marks, the wheel being secured to the power shaft; a reference shaft including a second wheel carrying angle marks; and a sensor placed facing at least one of the wheels to determine the torque transmitted by the power shaft. The first wheel includes first and second series of angle marks and the second wheel includes third and fourth series of angle marks. The marks of the first and third series are mutually parallel, while the marks of the second and fourth series are mutually parallel and are inclined relative to a first axial plane containing the axis, the marks of the first series being inclined relative to the marks of the second series, whereby the signal supplied by the sensor is representative of temperature of the power shaft. |
| US08464596B1 |
Vortex flow meter with gain control
Vortex-shedding flow meters provide an output signal having a frequency representative of fluid flow rate. At high flow rates the vortices are larger and easier to detect. Adjusting the gain of an output amplifier responsive to the output frequency extends the operating range, or turndown ratio, of a vortex flow meter. |
| US08464594B2 |
Measuring flow properties of multiple gas nozzles of a gas distributor
A gas nozzle measurement apparatus comprises a controllable gas source to provide across a gas plate having gas nozzles, a flow of gas at a constant pressure or constant flow rate, and a sensor plate sized to cover an area comprising at least a portion of the front face of the gas plate. The sensor plate comprises gas flow sensors arranged in locations that correspond to positions of individual gas nozzles of the gas nozzles of the gas plate such that each gas flow sensor can measure a pressure, flow rate, density, or velocity of a gas stream passing through the individual gas nozzle that faces the gas flow sensor, and generate a signal indicative of, or display, the pressure, flow rate, density, or velocity of the gas stream passing through the individual gas nozzle. |
| US08464593B2 |
Integrated micro-machined air flow velocity meter for projectile arms
An apparatus integrated with micromachined (a.k.a. MEMS, Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) silicon sensor to measure air flow velocity on targeting correction for projectiles arms is disclosed in the present invention. The air flow velocity component perpendicular to the travel direction of bullets with respect to projectile arm body (e.g. bullets, shells, or arrows) has main effect to the targeting accuracy. Such effect is pretty much determined by the wind speed and the projectile travel distance. The integration with MEMS mass flow sensor has made the invented apparatus possible to be compact, low power consumption, low cost and high accuracy. The low power consumption characteristic of MEMS mass flow sensor is especially crucial for making the apparatus of present invention feasible by battery operated. |
| US08464592B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining void volume for a particulate material
An apparatus for and method of measuring the compressed volume of a particulate material comprising a chamber for containing a particulate material which will be evaluated; a removable, fixed means at one end of said chamber to enclose said chamber and for containing said particulate material within said chamber; a compression means at the other end of said chamber which further encloses and contains said particulate material within said chamber and which provides a linear force on said particulate material so that one end of said particulate material is linearly movable and said compression means will compress the particulate material in said chamber; means to move said moveable piston away from a particulate material placed inside said chamber to decompress the particulate material in said chamber; means for measuring the distance between said movable piston and said fixed means so to measure the thickness of said compressed particulate material; and measuring means on the moveable piston of said chamber for measuring the applied force of said piston to said particulate material when said piston is compressing said particulate material. |
| US08464590B2 |
Pressure sensor configuration for pressurized tank
In at least some embodiments, a pressure sensor configuration includes a pressure sensor and a switchable valve coupled to the pressure sensor. The switchable valve enables the pressure sensor to measure pressure at multiple ports of a pressurized tank. |
| US08464585B2 |
Combined MEMS accelerometer and gyroscope
A MEMS structure for a combined gyroscope and accelerometer unit (100) based on in-plane vibratory movements comprises a proof mass (101) and comb-drives (102) operable to cause the proof mass (101) to resonate in the x-direction, commonly referred to as the primary mode. Under the influence of a rotation Ωz around the z-axis, a Coriolis force acting in the y-direction results. This excites the secondary (or sense) mode. A set of parallel-plate capacitors 103 are provided to enable position readout along the secondary axis. In addition to the above, the comb-drive capacitors (102) of the primary mode can also be used for readout of position along the primary axis, and the parallel-plate capacitors (103) for actuation along the secondary axis. This can be achieved either by time-multiplexing these capacitors (102, 103) or by providing separate sets of capacitors (102, 103) for sensing and actuation along each axis. The unit can operate in separate ΣΔ force-feedback loops with respect to both axes. This force-feedback approach is already known for readout of the secondary mode of MEMS gyroscopes. It has not previously been applied to the primary mode of a gyroscope for the measurement of a component of acceleration. |
| US08464583B2 |
Ultrasonic level measurement apparatus and method having variable transmit power
The invention provides a method for improving the accuracy of level measurement by reducing or eliminating receive circuit saturation in ultrasound level measurement apparatus. The method involves adjusting the transmit power in order to control echo amplitude, in particular to avoid saturation, when the surface being monitored is within a pre-defined distance from the ultrasound transducer. The particular advantage of the invention is that it may be implemented without change to the electronic circuitry embodied in the apparatus. |
| US08464580B2 |
Apparatus for maintaining tire pressure
An apparatus to maintain optimal air pressure in a tire of a vehicle may use centrifugal force to compress air which may be delivered to the tire when the tire has low air pressure. The necessary centrifugal force to compress air may be achieved through the rotation of the tire itself. A weight may be disposed, in a chamber, near the center of rotation of a tire. The weight may be held in place with a spring or similar device. As the tire rotates, the weight may be forced outward, compressing air present in the cylinder. If the air pressure within the tire is low, the weight will compress air from inside the cylinder into the tire. The apparatus may act autonomously to add air to a low pressure tire, as opposed to simply notifying the driver that tire pressure is low. |
| US08464572B2 |
In-situ sensor for automated measurements of gas content in liquid and related system and method
A system includes a signal source that provides a first signal for measuring a gas content of a liquid sample. The system also includes an analyzer that determines the gas content of the liquid sample using a measurement of a second signal, where the second signal is based on the first signal. The system further includes an apparatus with a walled structure having a cavity. The apparatus also includes a piston that pulls the liquid sample into the cavity and pushes the liquid sample out of the cavity. The apparatus further includes at least one measurement window having at least one inner surface exposed within the cavity. The at least one measurement window receives the first signal from the signal source and provides the second signal to the analyzer. The piston could also clean the at least one inner surface, and the piston can include a reference material for calibrating the analyzer. |
| US08464567B2 |
Distributed drives for a multi-stage can necking machine
A multi-stage can necking machine having distributed drives is provided. The multi-stage can necking machine may include a plural of operation stages, wherein at least some of the operation stages may be configured for can necking operations. Each operation stage may include a main turret shaft, a transfer starwheel shaft, and a support for mounting the main turret shaft and transfer starwheel shaft. Each main turret shaft and transfer starwheel shaft may have a gear, and the gears of the operation stages may be in meshed communication to form a continuous gear train. A plural of motors may be distributed among the operation stages and mechanically coupled to the gear train, wherein each one of the motors may be capable of transmitting power to the gear train. |
| US08464564B2 |
Key ring with compressible gap
This invention relates to a key ring, comprising a wire (2) arranged in at least two rounds (20,21,22) providing a resilient spiral (1), said spiral (1) having a first and a second end (23,24), wherein the first end (23) by means of inertial resiliency is forced to tightly contact a first surface (21 A) of a lower round (21) and the second end (24) is forced to tightly contact a second surface (20 B) of an upper round (20) wherein at least one end (23) is openable, by means of arranging a peak (3 A) providing a compressible gap (5) between said at least two rounds (20,21,22), wherein said wire (2) in at least one of the rounds, preferably all rounds, has a cross-section wherein the thickness (h) and width (w) is such that 2h |
| US08464561B2 |
Front-loading drum-type washing machine having a laundry deflector
A front-loading drum-type washing machine with a housing having a front wall and a housing wall opening disposed in the front wall. A suds container is disposed in the housing, the suds container having a suds container opening. A drum is rotatably mounted in the suds container. the drum has a drum opening with an edge. A bellows seal is disposed between the suds container and the housing wall opening. A laundry deflector is disposed in an upper area of the suds container opening, the laundry deflector being directed toward the drum and extending over the drum opening edge so as to form a gap with the drum opening edge. The laundry deflector is configured such that the extent to which it extends and a corresponding dimension of the gap is variable. The variable gap dimension is controllable and adjustable as a function of a speed of the drum. |
| US08464560B2 |
Washing machine and washing method
A washing machine and associated washing method are provided. The washing machine may include a cabinet, a drum rotatably installed in the cabinet, and a spray nozzle provided inside the cabinet to spray washing fluid into the drum. A spraying direction of the spray nozzle may be varied based on a rotation direction of the drum to improve washing performance of the washing machine. |
| US08464548B2 |
Air conditioner
A printed-circuit board (31) having a power element (33) and a refrigerant jacket (20) to which the power element (33) is thermally connected, with refrigerant circulating therein used in refrigeration cycle, are provided in an outdoor unit casing (70). The printed-circuit board (31) is provided in a switch box (40). A face of the outdoor unit casing (70) has a service opening (71). The refrigerant jacket (20) faces the service opening (71), being closer to the front side of the outdoor unit casing (70) than the power element (33) as viewed from the service opening (71). |
| US08464547B2 |
Cooling rack structure of thermoelectric cooling type
A cooling rack structure includes a cooling plate (1), a temperature conductor (2), a centrifugal fan (3), a cooling body (4) and a thermoelectric cooling component (5). A temperature-super-conducting component (13) is disposed on an inner surface (11) of the cooling plate (1). The temperature conductor (2) is arranged on the temperature-super-conducting component (13). In addition, a heat-exhausting hole (120) is arranged on an upper side of the cooling plate (1). The centrifugal fan (3) is disposed between the temperature conductor (2) and the heat-exhausting hole (120) while the cooling body (4) is disposed between the fan (3) and the heat-exhausting hole (120). A hot side face (501) of the thermoelectric cooling component (5) closely contacts the cooling body (4) while a cold side face (500) is arranged on the temperature-super-conducting component (13). By quickly conducting the low temperature generated from the thermoelectric cooling component (5) onto the cooling plate (1) through the temperature-super-conducting component (13), a low temperature surface can be uniformly provided to obtain a cooling effect. |
| US08464543B2 |
Door mounted ice level detection device
An ice level detection device of a refrigerator includes an ice level detection arm and an ice storage container detection arm, the ice level detection arm operatively connected to a mechanical motor for movement between an ice sensing position with the ice level detection arm extending at least partially into the ice storage container and an ice harvest position with the ice level detection arm being clear of the ice storage container, the ice storage container detection arm abutting the ice storage container while the ice storage container is mounted at the door. The ice level detection arm transitions from the ice sensing position to the ice harvest position for ice harvest by the ice maker. Opening the door disables ice harvest by the ice maker. Upon removal of the ice storage container the ice level detection arm transitions to the ice harvest position and disables ice harvest. |
| US08464542B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for cryogenic refrigeration
Cryogenic refrigeration employs a pulse tube cryo-cooler and a dilution refrigerator to provide very low temperature cooling, for example, to cool superconducting processors. Continuous cryogenic cycle refrigeration may be achieved using multiple adsorption pumps. Various improvements may include multiple distinct thermal-linking points, evaporation pots with cooling structures, and/or one or more gas-gap heat switches which may be integral to an adsorption pump. A reservoir volume may provide pressure relief when the system is warmed above cryo genic temperature, reducing the mass of the system. Additional heat exchangers and/or separate paths for condensation and evaporation may be provided. Multi-channel connectors may be used, and/or connectors formed of a regenerative material with a high specific heat capacity at cryogenic temperature. Flexible PCBs may provide thermal links to components that embody temperature gradients. Various components may be pre-cooled, for example via a switchable thermalization system. |
| US08464540B2 |
Waste to energy process and plant
A plant produces electrical energy from municipal solid waste without exhausting a carbon dioxide or other carbon based gas to the atmosphere. The plant includes a source of artificial light powered by electrical energy, and a reactor into which the municipal solid waste is fed and which is operated under temperature, pressure and flow rate conditions to produced a syngas. An electrical energy generating station at which the syngas is burned produces the electrical energy and a flue gas comprising carbon dioxide and other products of combustion. At least a portion of the electrical energy is used to power the artificial light source. A carbon dioxide collector separates the carbon dioxide from the other products of combustion in the flue gas to provide a clean carbon dioxide suitable as a nutrient for microorganisms, and a farm of the microorganisms is illuminated essentially constantly, alternately with sunlight and artificial light from said source. |
| US08464538B2 |
Trapped vortex combustor and method of operating thereof
A trapped vortex combustor includes a trapped vortex cavity having a first surface and a second surface. A plurality of fluidic mixers are disposed circumferentially along the first surface and the second surface of the trapped vortex cavity. At least one fluidic mixer includes a first open end receiving a first fluid stream, a coanda profile in the proximity of the first open end, a fuel plenum to discharge a fuel stream over the coanda profile, and a second open end for receiving the mixture of the first fluid stream and the fuel stream and discharging the mixture of the first fluid stream and the fuel stream in the trapped vortex cavity. The coanda profile is configured to enable attachment of the fuel stream to the coanda profile to form a boundary layer of the fuel stream and, to entrain the incoming first fluid stream to the boundary layer of the fuel stream to form a mixture of the first fluid stream and the fuel stream. |
| US08464536B2 |
Gas turbine combustion chamber
A gas turbine combustion chamber is provided. The gas turbine includes a combustion chamber interior and a combustion chamber wall which has a substantially rotationally symmetrical cross-section, wherein on the side of the combustion chamber wall facing away from the combustion chamber interior there is arranged over the entire cross-sectional circumference of the combustion chamber wall a corrugated component which, in combination with the combustion chamber wall, embodies a plurality of separate resonance chambers and wherein openings are incorporated in the combustion chamber wall in such a way that a fluidic connection is established in each case between the combustion chamber interior and one of the resonance chambers and wherein the corrugated component has two locking rings which are connected to the combustion chamber wall in order to seal off the resonance chambers. |
| US08464534B1 |
Nitrogen pressure-based engine device
A nitrogen pressure-based engine device featuring a main engine chamber with a turbine blade system; a liquid nitrogen storage tank; a heater/vaporizer chamber for converting liquid nitrogen to gas nitrogen fluidly connected to the storage tank and to the nozzle block of the main engine chamber; a pressure condenser for condensing gas nitrogen to liquid nitrogen fluidly connected to the main engine chamber and to the storage tank; wherein liquid nitrogen flows from the storage tank to heater/vaporizer chamber then gas nitrogen flows to the main engine chamber via the nozzle block, the gas nitrogen drives rotation of the turbine blade system, the gas nitrogen then flows to the pressure condenser to be condensed to liquid nitrogen, the liquid nitrogen then flows from the pressure condenser to the storage tank. |
| US08464533B1 |
Feedwater heating hybrid power generation
The technology combines a secondarily-fueled boiler with a primary-fueled Rankine steam cycle combustion system in a hybrid process. Outputs from a secondarily-fueled combustion system are fed into the feedwater heater(s), deaerators, feedwater heating lines, and/or reheat lines of a primary-fueled Rankine system. The integrated steam flow eliminates or reduces one or more extractions from the steam turbine generator, thereby allowing it to generate more electrical power using the same Rankine system input energy or generate equivalent electrical power using energy inputs from multiple fuel sources. The technology can be utilized in any type and/or configuration of secondary fuel or secondarily-fueled combustion technology and/or can utilize any type of primary-fueled steam source. |
| US08464532B2 |
Power systems and methods for high or medium initial temperature heat sources in medium and small scale power plants
Power generation systems and methods are disclosed for use with medium to high temperature heat source stream, gaseous or liquid, where the systems and methods permit efficient energy extraction for medium and small scale power plants. |
| US08464530B2 |
Control system to manage and optimize a geothermal electric generation system from one or more wells that individually produce heat
A control system manages and optimizes a geothermal electric generation system from one or more wells that individually produce heat. The control system includes heat sensors that measure temperature and fluid flow and are placed at critical points in the wells, in piping, in a hot fluid reservoir, in a cold fluid reservoir and in a cooling system. The control system also includes pump and valve controls, generator controls, a network for gathering information and delivering instructions, and a processing module that collects information and communicates control information to each component. |
| US08464525B2 |
Subsea power fluid recovery systems
Systems and methods for recovering power fluid used to power a device under water and for pumping the recovered power fluid to a fluid container above a surface of the water, the method in certain aspects including: flowing fluid from a subsurface apparatus to a subsurface recovery system, the fluid initially provided to the subsurface apparatus to power the subsurface apparatus; and the subsurface recovery system including a pump system for selectively pumping recovered power fluid to a fluid container above a surface of the water, the pump system having at least one pump and, in some aspects, a first pump, a second pump, and a valve system; the valve system controlling the first pump and the second pump to allow only one pump of the first pump and the second pump to pump recovered power fluid to the fluid container above the surface of the water; and pumping recovered power fluid to the fluid container with only one pump at a time. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b). |
| US08464521B2 |
Method and arrangement for maintaining a diesel particulate filter in a diesel engine exhaust system
A method and apparatus for maintaining a diesel particulate filter (DPF) is provided. A pressure drop across the DPF is measured and an initial estimate of soot loading in the DPF is provided to a recursive filter. Using the recursive filter, the initial estimate of soot loading is updated in view of the measured pressure drop to provide an updated estimate of soot loading in the DPF. Active regeneration of the DPF is triggered when an earliest one of at least one triggering condition occurs, the updated estimate of soot loading reaching a predetermined value being one of the at least one triggering condition. |
| US08464517B2 |
Method of controlling NOx purification system, and NOx purification system
Method to reduce NOx contained in an exhaust gas by including an oxidation catalyst device and a selective reduction type NOx catalyst device, which are arranged in this order from an upstream side, and a NOx purification system. Whether a volume of NO2 adsorbed in the oxidation catalyst device increases or decreases is estimated, and a flow rate of exhaust gas which bypasses the oxidation catalyst device on a basis of the increase or decrease in the estimated volume of adsorbed NO2 is controlled. This avoids incorrect supply of ammonia. |
| US08464512B2 |
Actuator for an aircraft nacelle mobile structure, and nacelle comprising at least one such actuator
This actuator for an aircraft engine nacelle mobile structure (9) comprises a motor (1) intended to be mounted on a fixed part of the said nacelle, an endless screw (21) able to be turned by this motor (1), a slideway (5) intended to be connected to the said mobile structure (9) and comprising a nut (29) in mesh with the said endless screw, and a first ball end (15) allowing an angular offset between the axis of the said endless screw (21) and the said slideway (5). This actuator is notable in that it comprises a sleeve (19) able to accommodate the said screw (21) and extending with clearance inside the said slideway (5), the said nut (29) being mounted on that end of the said sleeve (19) that is closest to the said motor (1), and the said first ball end being interposed between the other end of the said sleeve (19) and the said slideway (5). |
| US08464510B2 |
Air-jet spinning apparatus
An air spinning device has a nozzle body and a hollow spindle with a spindle tip and a longitudinal axis, wherein the spindle tip protrudes into the nozzle body. An outlet channel having a ring-shaped cross-sectional area is formed between an outside surface of the spindle tip and an inside surface of the nozzle body. The gap width at a certain location of the outlet channel normal to the longitudinal axis of the spindle is constant over the circumference of the spindle. The outside surface of the spindle tip and/or the inside surface of the nozzle body is/are shaped in such a way that at least two constrictions are formed in the outlet channel in its course in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the spindle, wherein the outlet channel has a ring-shaped cross-sectional area at each of these constrictions smaller than the ring-shaped cross-sectional area of the outlet channel upstream and downstream from each of these constrictions. |
| US08464509B2 |
Continuous round baler
In an example embodiment, a continuous baler includes a round baler and an adjustable conveyor for providing crop to the round baler. The adjustable conveyor may include a conveyor belt and a controller for manipulating the conveyor belts. In one example embodiment, the speed of the conveyor is adjusted in accordance with the operation of the baler. |
| US08464506B2 |
Mowing finger arrangement
A mowing finger arrangement has a lower element (4) and an upper element (3). The lower (4) and upper (3) elements are connected to each other and form two mowing fingers (1, 2) and a blade gap (15). The blade gap (15) guides a mowing sickle between the lower element (4) and the upper element (3). The lower element (4) forms lower counter cutting edges (20, 21). The upper element (3) forms upper counter cutting edges (22, 23) for the mowing sickle. The two mowing fingers (1, 2) are connected to each other via a rear (26) and a front (29) connection web on the upper element (3) and via a rear (35) and a front (34) connection web on the lower element (4). The two front connection webs (29, 34) of the lower element (4) and the upper element (3) define part of the blade gap (15). |
| US08464505B1 |
Stalk roll
In one embodiment of a stalk roll to be mounted upon a stalk roll drive shaft of a corn harvesting header, the stalk roll comprises a cylindrical shell, at least four flutes affixed to and extending radially from said cylindrical shell, wherein the flutes are arranged in a first group and a second group, wherein the first group and the second group contain an equal number of said flutes, and wherein a peripheral distance between the first group and the second group is greater than a peripheral distance between the flutes within either the first group or the second group. |
| US08464504B1 |
Edger and trimmer for riding mower
A combination edger and trimmer is for mounting on a riding lawn mower's deck. The edger/trimmer comprises a deck mount plate, an intermediate plate and a motor mount plate. The three plates are offset from one another with the intermediate plate hingeably attached to the deck mount plate and also to the motor mount plate. An electric motor with a cutting head is attached to the motor mount plate. The edger/trimmer is positioned in rest, edging, or trimming positions by manually moving the plates about their hinge points. |
| US08464493B2 |
Transportable modular configuration for holding panels
A configuration, all components of which are man portable in some embodiments, for holding panels to protect assets against external force and impacts from airborne projectiles. An open box-like stackable frame module holds panels along a side of the frame. Multiple frames are connected to construct a protective barrier, such as a wall. Frames include provisions for connection in a vertical configuration so as to allow stacking of the frames to increase the height of the barrier. A method of installing is also provided. |
| US08464490B2 |
Construction panel
This application relates to a light-weight, multi-purpose construction panel. The panel may be formed, for example, from molded plastic. Each panel includes a substantially planar deck on a first side thereof and a second side comprising alternating male and female sleeves arranged in honeycomb-like compartments defined by a plurality of wall elements. A pair of panels may be releasably coupled together with their respective second sides facing inwardly to form a construction assembly. When a pair of panels is coupled together, the male sleeves of one panel matingly fit within the females sleeves of the other panel, and vice versa. Each panel may also include guide tubes which are aligned when the panels are coupled together. A plurality of channels may be formed in the deck on the first side of the panel and spaced-apart apertures may be arranged in the channels in alignment with the guide tubes for insertion of fasteners therein or to allow water drainage through the assembly. The wall elements may include spaced-apart notches which together define conduits extending through the interior of an assembly when a pair of panels are coupled together. The conduits are sized to receive fluid delivery tubes for delivering fluid, such as heated air or water, through the panel assemblies. The panel assemblies may be used for many different construction applications including flooring, roofing and wall structures. |
| US08464488B2 |
Anchoring device
An anchoring device is disclosed comprising a generally horizontal top element made of a resilient material embedded with a high-strength material and being of varying thicknesses throughout and having a generally downward extending element of a variety of shapes extending downwardly from the underside thereof. The high-strength material may be of any high-strength material, such as metal, rigid high-strength plastic, or fiberglass, for example and may be embedded as a solid or as particulate material. When used as a particulate, the high-strength material may be embedded in select areas as required to customize the anchor. Where desired, the generally downwardly extending element may also comprise a high-strength material of either solid or particulate form. |
| US08464487B2 |
Modular system for a façade structure
A modular system for a façade structure for a building comprising panels and panel retaining elements for mounting the panels to the building and method for producing said facade. |
| US08464483B2 |
Insulation system
The present disclosure relates to an insulation system for securing cladding to the exterior surface of a building. An insulated panel has a front face and a rear face. Joining elements are defined in horizontal edges of the panel for connecting adjacent panels to each other. A horizontal attachment member, such as a nailing hem, is mounted to the rear face of the panel for attaching the insulated panel to the exterior surface. Receiving members are present on the front face of the panel, and can be located in receiving channels. The receiving member is generally made from a material that is better at retaining fasteners, such as nails, than the material of the insulated panel itself. |
| US08464471B2 |
Panel movement system
The present invention relates to a method of operating a panel system including a moveable panel and an opening, the method characterised by the steps of aligning the panel with respect to the opening in an alignment plane so that the panel is capable of moving across the opening in the alignment plane, and positioning a panel release mechanism such that a user pushing on the panel along the alignment plane causes the panel release mechanism to release the panel from a fixed position within the panel system. |
| US08464466B1 |
Window having a counterbalance system that maximizes egress opening
A counterbalance system for a window assembly having a window sash that moves in a guide track. The counterbalance system has a first stop mounted in the guide track. A spring housing is placed in the guide track above the first stop. The spring housing holds the counterbalance spring that provides the counterbalance force. The spring housing is free to move along the guide track above the first stop. The spring housing is incapable of passing the first stop and traveling below the first stop. A brake shoe is positioned in the guide track. The counterbalance spring has a free end that extends from the spring housing to the brake shoe. The brake shoe is capable of moving in the guide track past the first stop. In this manner, the brake shoe can be raised above the first stop. |
| US08464460B1 |
Transportable shooting bench and target
A trailer mounted shooting bench with a storage container and a detachable target apparatus provides a portable shooting station which is placed in a safe shooting area, with the target apparatus detached from the shooting bench and placed in a selected location prior to the placement of the shooting bench at a selected shooting location. The trailer mounted shooting bench and storage container may also be used while hunting, with the target apparatus remaining attached or set aside. The shooting bench has a storage container built within and upon which the shooting platform is hingeably attached, the shooting bench having one or more seats available for a right handed or left handed shooter to sit while the shooting platform provides a flat level surface, including an arm rest, for a shooter to position themself while shooting at the target apparatus. The storage compartment provides transport storage for firearms, target accessories, ammunition, camping supplies. |
| US08464457B2 |
Firearm handguard system
A clamping mechanism for attaching a handguard to a firearm includes a barrel nut having radially outwardly directed tines, a tubular body having a plurality of longitudinal grooves separated by lands forming an inner surface of the tubular body, and a pair of circumferentially extending grooves traversing the lands, formed forward from a rearward end of the tubular body. A clamp element is carried by the tubular body and includes a body with a beveled end and a heel extending substantially perpendicularly from an opposing end of the body. The clamp element is adjustably positioned within the tubular body with the heel extending radially outwardly and received in the second groove and the beveled end engages the barrel nut. |
| US08464453B1 |
Blowback bolt upper receiver and barrel assembly
Disclosed herein is a modified upper receiver assembly, which in one form is operatively configured to be fitted to a conventional lower receiver of a rifle so the user can use their normal lower receiver having a pistol grip, trigger assembly and butt stock. The upper receiver is configured to provide a blowback bolt assembly of larger mass than would be possible with similar density materials of a bolt fitted within an upper receiver conventionally made for said lower receiver. |
| US08464452B2 |
Firearm maintenance system
A firearm maintenance system wherein a count for the number of times the firearm is fired is kept and stored in memory that is resident on the firearm. Also installed on the firearm are a shot counter device, including an inertia switch, a communication card, and an extended life battery. An epoxy resin encases the memory, shot counter device, communication card and battery to protect them from detrimental environmental effects. The life of various component parts of the weapon are tracked against the shot count of the weapon and replaced at appropriate intervals. Weapon maintenance is performed by transferring the weapon's data from the weapon's memory to an operator laptop computer wherein an algorithm analyzes the data and advises the operator to take necessary maintenance steps, such as replacing parts that have reached the end of their useful life. After performing such necessary maintenance, the operator makes a maintenance data submission that updates the memory to reflect the maintenance data steps taken. Data is transferred between the weapon and laptop computer via infrared communication such that no electrical connection to the weapon mounted device is necessary to communicate data into or out of the device. |
| US08464449B2 |
Diorama and method of making the same
Diorama made from a two-dimensional image having a background panel in which a background section of the image appears and a plurality of additional panels on which additional sections of the image appear. The additional panels extend forwardly from the background panel, with edges of adjacent ones of the panels coming together and the image flowing continuously between the panels. The two-dimensional image is transformed into a diorama by constructing a three-dimensional model of the diorama in the form of a plurality of panels on which different sections of the image will appear, converting the three-dimensional model to a two-dimensional layout guide with guide lines outlining the panels, superimposing the layout guide on the two-dimensional image, adjusting the shape and size of selected areas of the two-dimensional image to match the guide lines and create the panels, adjusting the areas of the image within the panels so that portions of objects appearing in adjoining panels are aligned with each other, printing the adjusted image, trimming the printed image along facing edges of adjacent ones of the panels, and bringing the trimmed edges together to form a continuous three-dimensional image. |
| US08464448B2 |
Mobile assemblies and methods of using same
A mobile comprising one or more: (1) support arm structures (e.g., having one or more elongate arms); (2) charms (e.g., items that are supported by the mobile and that are adapted to provide a desired visual effect); and/or (3) charm attachment members that are adapted to support the mobile's various charms. The mobile may include one or more hanger assemblies for rotatably attaching the mobile (or various individual components of the mobile) to a mobile support or to other components of the mobile. One or more of the hanger assemblies may be adapted to be attached adjacent a plurality of different portions of a particular one of the mobile's support arm structures. This may facilitate adjusting a fulcrum about which the particular support arm structure is supported, allowing the support arm structure to support charms of varying weights and sizes and to, for example, remain in a substantially horizontal orientation while doing so. |
| US08464447B2 |
Signage apparatus having simple magnet-based structure for ease of modification
A readily modifiable modular sign apparatus is especially useful for use as easily changed advertisement media such as in department stores and retail stores. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a preferably translucent substrate or mounting board which is preferably planar and has a front surface and a back surface. Precisely positioned holes are prepared at selected locations. These holes are formed to be aligned with thin metal shims which are affixed on the back surface of the mounting board and receive cylindrical magnets on the front surface. The magnets are attached directly to the rear of printed sheets, each of which may have wording or pictorial information or both. The magnets contact the metal shims through the mounting board holes, and are held firmly in position by virtue of both the magnetic attractive force and the shape of the walls of the mounting board holes. The printed sheets may be provided with indicia carriers to permit personnel to change just numerical data such as prices without the requirement to replace the entire printed sheet. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, such indicia carriers are affixed directly to the front surface of the printed sheets by a separate magnetic structure that provides easy access to the numerical indicia. |
| US08464446B1 |
Portable ironing pad assembly
A portable, ironing pad comprised of a pad adapted to snugly roll up within a cylindrical tubular housing is provided. The pad is spring loaded within the holder. The pad is comprised of a thin, foam material with an outer covering on both the bottom and top outer surfaces, said outer covering coated with a heat-resistant, nonstick, moisture repellent substance such as that sold under the trademark, TEFLON. |
| US08464442B1 |
Shoe device with electronic graphic designs
A shoe device comprising a shoe component; at least one electronic display disposed on a portion of the shoe component, the electronic display is constructed from at least three layers including a center layer constructed from a flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display for providing active color and graphics, a waterproof outer layer, and a fabric inner layer, the outer layer and inner layer sandwich the center layer; a universal serial bus (USB) port; a microprocessor operatively connected to the flexible OLED display and USB port, the microprocessor is configured to send output commands to the flexible OLED display to cause the flexible OLED display to display graphic data; and one or more control buttons for manipulating the microprocessor and flexible OLED display. |
| US08464439B2 |
Contoured fluid-filled chamber with a tensile member
A fluid-filled chamber may include an upper barrier portion, a lower barrier portion, and a tensile member. An upper tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the upper barrier portion, and a lower tensile layer of the tensile member may be secured to the lower barrier portion. The upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion may have first areas and second areas. The first areas may be indentations extending into the chamber, and the second areas may be protrusions extending outward from the chamber. At least a portion of the first areas may be unbonded with the upper barrier portion and the lower barrier portion. Accordingly, one or more properties of the chamber, such as a flexibility, stiffness, rigidity, tensile response, compressibility, or force attenuation property, may be altered. |
| US08464435B2 |
Offset check gauge for flexible bellows
A gauge is provided that may be used to facilitate proper installation of a flexible bellow in a vehicle between an engine and an exhaust treatment system of the vehicle. A method of using the gauge to facilitate proper installation of the flexible bellow in the vehicle is also provided. |
| US08464430B2 |
Retractable safety knife
A retractable safety knife has a hollow handle with an opening at an end thereof, a pusher that is movably disposed within the handle and is operable by a user, and a blade that is connected with an end of the pusher. When the pusher moves from a blade-retracted position to a blade-extended position, the blade extends outwardly from the handle opening and rotates from a nested position to an extended position. |
| US08464426B2 |
Gas turbine engine airfoil
A method of designing an airfoil for a gas turbine engine according to one embodiment of this disclosure can include localizing a sweep angle at a leading edge of a tip region of the airfoil, and localizing a dihedral angle at the tip region of the airfoil. The dihedral angle can be applied by translating the airfoil in direction normal to a chord of the airfoil. |
| US08464416B2 |
Method for manufacturing a railing assembly
A railing and method of manufacturing the railing provide for a guard rail having an upper and lower railing and pickets extending between the upper and lower railing joined to posts such that a rib extends from a surface of one or both of the railings bites into an end of the pickets preventing chattering. The method may use a jig to clamp the railings and pickets together during joining to the posts, such as by welding. |
| US08464415B2 |
Method of installing sealed circular ductwork
A circular sheet metal duct having a sealant applied across the longitudinal seam. The sealant will improve the efficiency and will reduce or eliminate air leakage from the longitudinal seam. The sealant is applied during the manufacturing processes so that an installer does not have to seal the duct work. The method of manufacturing the sealant is provided. |
| US08464413B1 |
Robot gear reducer replacing apparatus and method
An apparatus for removing and installing a gear reducer from an assembly, such as a Fanuc robot, is provided. The apparatus includes a bracket that is attached to a casing of the robot in a vicinity of a position where the gear reducer is to be removed or installed. The bracket provides a sleeve that is disposed so as to be spaced from and aligned with the gear reducer when the bracket is mounted to the casing. A guide bearing is slidably received through the sleeve and has a first end that attaches to the gear reducer via an attachment assembly. The gear reducer can then be removed by pulling the guide bearing away from the robot or installed by pushing the guide bearing toward the robot. |
| US08464408B2 |
Hardware for furniture assembly
A hardware system is provided for use in ready-to-assembly (RTA) furniture that allows assembly thereof without the need for tools. The system includes a pin fastener and a pin receiver assembly. The pin receiver assembly is installed into one panel of the RTA furniture while the pin fastener is installed into another panel or component that is to be fastened to the first panel. The pin receiver includes a retaining means therein that serves to releasably engage the pin fastener when it is inserted therein. The pin receiver includes a body having engaging members therein that engage the pin shaft when the pin shaft is inserted into the pin receiver. In a preferred embodiment the pin receiver can be disengaged from the pin fastener using a magnet. |
| US08464406B2 |
Quick release buckle assembly
A quick release buckle assembly has a male portion that is inserted into a female portion. Each female portion has a cavity and at a spring-loaded locking device disposed within the cavity. Each male portion has a base with a locking tongue having an aperture, such that inserting the male portion into the open top of the female portion causes the locking device to snap into the aperture in the locking tongue to lock the two buckle portions together. To release the buckle portions, the locking device is pulled upward, in a direction that is between 45 to 90 degrees to the insertion plane of the female portion, until the locking device clears the aperture in the locking tongue. The motion required to release the male portion from the female portion ensures that the buckle will not be inadvertently released by catching on something in the environment. |
| US08464404B2 |
Water repellent slider cap for zippers
Water repellent slider caps and zipper structures. Certain embodiments provide a male slider cap that receives a slider to thereby reduce the amount of water introduced around the perimeter of the slider. A pull tab on the slider may be inserted into a pocket on the male slider cap that is defined by the inner surface of the male slider cap and a snap tab. In other embodiments there is additionally provided a garage attached to the zipper tape. The garage may receive the male slider cap to reduce the amount of water around the perimeter of the slider and into the garage. Certain other embodiments provide a female slider cap to receive a second slider that may be positioned on the zipper tape. The female slider cap may receive the leading edge of the male slider cap, thus covering any open spaces between the first and second sliders. |
| US08464395B2 |
Multi-directional hinge mechanism
A multi-directional hinge mechanism includes a pair of first rotating assemblies, a second rotating assembly and a connecting member, and is capable of functioning on two perpendicularly-opposed axes. |
| US08464394B2 |
Deceleration device for a hinge and a hinge having the deceleration device
A device for decelerating the rotation of a hinge in particular for furniture, comprises a container accommodating at least one rotating friction element adapted to slide on a friction surface, a slider moveable along a translational direction during the rotation of the hinge, and kinematic means for transforming the translation of the slider into a rotation of the at least one friction element, the slider having first means for receiving its movement during the opening of the hinge, distinct and separated from second means for receiving its movement during the closure of the hinge, the kinematic means comprise a drawing element integrally joined to the slider and permanently confined inside the profile of a cam provided for on the friction element. |
| US08464393B2 |
Hinge device for use in office machine
A hinge device is used in an office machine including a main body and an upper cover. The hinge device includes a base, a rotating shaft and an elastic structure. The base includes a connecting part and a shaft sleeve part. The connecting part is fixed on the main body. The shaft sleeve part has a channel and a baffle. The baffle is arranged at an external surface of the shaft sleeve part. The rotating shaft is penetrated through the channel. The elastic structure includes a fixing part and a bending part. The bending part is correspondingly moved on the external surface of the shaft sleeve part during a process of opening or closing the upper cover. When the bending part is sustained against the baffle, the upper cover is positioned in an open status to define an included angle between the upper cover and the main body. |
| US08464390B2 |
Cleaning glove with agitating feature
An absorbant glove having an agitating feature. The glove is formed from a base material which exhibits a high degree of absorbancy. In order to achieve this high degree of absorbancy, the base material preferably exhibits a very large surface area, such as a synthetic lamb's wool. The glove additionally has one or more areas of a rough, bristled material which is efficient at transmitting mechanical forces from movement of the user's hand to the stain. The bristled material is preferably a synthetic fabric, such as that commonly used for indoor/outdoor carpeting. In certain embodiments, one band of bristled material is formed at an angle to a second band of bristled material, wherein the angle is substantially between 20 degrees and 60 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle is substantially between 30 degrees and 45 degrees. |
| US08464389B2 |
Cleaning device having multiple cleaning surfaces
The cleaning device of the present invention comprises: a cleaning portion, the cleaning portion is provided with a cleaning surface and an opposite surface opposed to the cleaning surface; a supporting arm (4); and a pivoting mechanism (5) for pivotably supporting the supporting arm (4) on the opposite surface. The cleaning surface (3) of the cleaning portion includes a first cleaning material surface (3a) and a second cleaning material surface (3b), the first cleaning material surface (3a) and the second cleaning material surface (3b) come into contact with the surfaces to be cleaned, respectively. When any one of the first cleaning material surface (3a) and the second cleaning material surface (3b) comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned, the other cleaning material surface has an angle (α) from 90 degrees to 180 degrees with respect to the surface to be cleaned. |
| US08464388B2 |
Multi-function brush for overdenture
A multi-function brush for an overdenture includes a brush handle having a head end and a tail end. The head end has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first group of brushes is provided on the first surface of the head end. The second group of brushes is provided on the second surface of the head end. The third group of brushes is provided on the tail end. With these three groups of brushes having different locations, specifications and indications, an overdenture user can clean the tissue surface and the denture surface of the overdenture, the male part of the dental attachments provided on the tissue surface, and the female part of the dental attachments provided on alveolar ridge or roots by this single brush. Thus, the present invention really has convenience and practicability, and the money for buying different toothbrush and denture brush is saved. |
| US08464385B2 |
Vehicle washing installation
A vehicle washing installation is provided having a first and a second support on which at least one treatment tool is mounted in a height-adjustable manner by means of a first and a second carrying means, and having a carrying means drive device from which the carrying means extend to the treatment tool via deflection elements situated on the top of the supports, one carrying means extending above the treatment tool from at least one deflection element situated on the first support to at least one deflection element situated on the second support. To improve the vehicle washing installation in such a way that it may be easily adapted to the height of a washing bay, it is proposed that the deflection elements are mounted on intermediate parts which are fixable to the supports at different vertical positions. |
| US08464384B2 |
Stop and lock for a vertically storing dock leveler
A dock leveler with a pivotal deck includes a stop mechanism that provides the deck with a positive stop at the deck's vertically stored position without the deck's actuator having to be fully extended. With the actuator being less than fully extended, the stop mechanism and actuator can exert opposing forces that help prevent the deck from rocking back and forth as the deck settles to its stationary, upright position. In some cases, the stop mechanism is part of a combination stop-and-lock mechanism that includes a locking device for temporary providing a redundant or alternate lock that prevents the deck from descending unexpectedly while the dock leveler is being serviced or repaired. |
| US08464382B2 |
Multi-functional folding knife
A multi-functional folding knife has a handle and a blade. The blade is rotatably connected to the handle and has a cutting segment, a screwdriver head, a rope recess, a peak segment and an engaging mouth. The cutting segment is formed on a bottom of the blade and has a straight edge and a saw-tooth edge. The screwdriver head is formed on and protrudes from a top of the blade and is slotted and flat in shape. The rope recess is obliquely formed in the top of the blade adjacent to the screwdriver head and has a severing edge. The peak segment is formed on and protrudes from the top of the blade near the middle and adjacent to the rope recess. The engaging mouth is formed downwardly in the top of the blade between the peak segment and a rear end of the blade and has an engaging hook. |
| US08464373B2 |
Bed with slats
A bed has a number of parallel slats arranged at a distance from each other. The slats form a substantially horizontal plane, and in areas near the ends of the slats, the slats are fixed to a frame, with the central portion of the slats forming the lying surface of the bed. The slats, in areas between the central portion and the ends, are bent at least two times in each of the areas, and the stiffness of the slats is higher within an area about the middle of the central portion than at the ends of the central portion. |
| US08464368B2 |
Elevated toilet seat
A toilet seat elevates from a first elevation to a second elevation. If in the first elevation, the toilet bowl seat appears to be a normal toilet bowl seat. To elevate the toilet bowl seat the toilet bowl seat is guided in a slot and locked into an upper elevation and support legs depend downwardly from the seat. |
| US08464363B2 |
Article of apparel with a coated graphic
A method of applying a graphic to an article is disclosed. The method includes applying a graphic to a backer material and covering the backer material with a clear protective layer, which may be silicone, to help prevent degradation of the graphic with time and use. |
| US08464362B2 |
Protective helmets and method of manufacture thereof
A protective helmet includes an outer shell having a generally dome-shaped section and a brim extending outwardly from the dome-shaped section. The dome-shaped section and the brim are formed from a thermoplastic material. The helmet further includes a brim support in operative connection with at least a portion of the brim. The brim support is formed from a material that is more heat resistant than the thermoplastic material. The brim support is sufficiently rigid to limit deformation of the brim upon exposure to high temperature. The brim support material can, for example, have a melting point above 500° F. |
| US08468610B2 |
Determining fraudulent use of electronic devices utilizing matrix codes
In one or more implementations, a computing device may receive information from a matrix code reader that scans multiple matrix codes, each displayed by one of multiple devices. The computing device may determine whether or not the devices are being fraudulently utilized, such as whether the devices are in the same location. Additionally, in some implementations, a computing device may receive a service request from a matrix code reader that includes an associated telephone number. The computing device may extract the number and may handle the service request based on the number. Moreover, in various implementations, a computing device may receive information from a matrix code reader that scans a displayed matrix code. The information may include an electronic signature that is included in the matrix code by the device. After receiving the information, the computing device may analyze the information to determine that the electronic signature is valid. |
| US08468609B2 |
Authenticating use of a dispersed storage network
At least one dispersed storage (DS) processing unit (14), at least one dispersed storage managing unit (18), and at least one dispersed storage unit (44) communicate with each other over a network (20) to authenticate and process a user data transaction within dispersed memory in a dispersed storage network. In a data operation, the DS processing unit (14) first received the request. The unit (14) uses stored security information (80 and 84) to validate that the user requesting the user transaction is a valid user. The unit (18) processes the user transaction to further authenticate that the user is valid and the user transaction requested by the user is proper. Finally, the unit (44) again received user transaction information and performs another authentication to ensure that the distributed network data slices can be properly processed by this user and this user transaction. |
| US08468607B2 |
Associating multiple security domains to application servers
Multiple security domains can be created and associated with various scopes within the cell allowing security configurations of each scope to be managed collectively. Examples of scopes include the entire cell, one or more application servers, one or more applications, one or more clusters, one or more service integration buses, one or more nodes, etc. Security configurations associated with the security domains can be applied to the scopes based on a hierarchy of the security domains. In addition, new security domains may be created automatically based on security requirements of newly installed applications. |
| US08468600B1 |
Handling instruction received from a sandboxed thread of execution
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for enveloping a thread of execution within an IDT-based secure sandbox. In one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method performed in a computer system, the method receiving an instruction from an execution thread where the computer system can be configured for redirection of instructions from the execution thread. The method can determine whether the instruction includes at least one of an interrupt instruction, a system call instruction and a system enter instruction. In response to determining that the instruction includes at least one of the interrupt instruction, the system call instruction and the system enter instruction, the method can further: (i) eliminate the redirection, (ii) modify a stack to specify return of control, and (iii) thereafter, pass the control to an operating system kernel. |
| US08468595B1 |
Content filtering prior to data encryption
A system (and a method) evaluates raw data from an application prior to modification of the raw data. The system inserts injection code into an application. The injection code is configured to hook an application. The application is configured to allow modification of the raw data. Modification includes encryption and/or compression. The system analyzes the raw data in a context of a predefined policy in response to the executing application reaching the injected code during execution. The system instructs the application to cease operating on the raw data in response to the predefined policy prohibiting further processing of the raw data or instructs the application to bypass the injection code in response to the predefined policy no prohibiting processing of the raw data. |
| US08468594B2 |
Methods and systems for solving problems with hard-coded credentials
The present invention discloses methods, media, and systems for handling hard-coded credentials, the system including: an interception module configured for: intercepting credential usage upon receiving an application request for application credentials in order to provide access to a host application; a configuration/settings module configured for reading system configurations and settings for handling the application credentials; a credential-mapping module configured for: applying appropriate credential-mapping logic based on the system configurations and settings; and upon determining that the application credentials need to be replaced, obtaining appropriate credentials from a secured storage. Preferably, the interception module is further configured for: prior to the intercepting, hooking a connection API of the host application upon access of a credential location in which the application credentials are stored; and wherein the credential-mapping module is further configured for: subsequent to the hooking, using the appropriate credentials to connect the host application with the connection API. |
| US08468592B2 |
Native code module security for 64-bit instruction set architectures
Some embodiments provide a system that executes a native code module. During operation, the system obtains the native code module. Next, the system loads the native code module into a secure runtime environment. Finally, the system safely executes the native code module in the secure runtime environment by using a set of software fault isolation (SFI) mechanisms that maintain control flow integrity for the native code module and constrain store instructions in the native code module by bounding a valid memory region of the native code module with one or more guard regions. |
| US08468587B2 |
Binding activation of network-enabled devices to web-based services
A method for associating a networked device with an online service is provided. The networked device may be an appliance or other device that has limited input capabilities, making it difficult to to download information such as digital media files from an online service without having to input a significant amount of information using the device or appliance. The method begins by establishing communication with a service over a network. A claim token is received from the service over the network. The claim token is returned to the service over the network after the claim token has been bound to an authorized user of the service. In response to return of the claim token, a device identifier binds the networked device to an account with the service that is associated with the authorized user. |
| US08468586B2 |
Methods and systems for implementing policy based trust management
This disclosure describes, generally, methods and systems for implementing policy based trust management. The method includes receiving, at an host server, a trust request from a partner, and identifying, at the host server via a trust policy enforcer, parameters and attributes associated with the partner. The method further includes identifying, at the host server via the trust policy enforcer, parameters and attributes associated with the requested resource, and accessing, by the trust policy enforcer, a policy database. Furthermore, the method includes retrieving, by the trust policy enforcer, one or more trust policies associated with the requested resource, and based on the attributes and parameters of the partner, applying, by the trust policy enforcer, the one or more associated trust policies to the request. Further, the method includes based on conformity with the one or more trust policies, providing the partner with access to the requested resource. |
| US08468581B2 |
Method and system for the confidential recording, management and distribution of meetings by means of multiple electronic devices with remote storage
A specific method is provided for recording, management and confidential distribution of meetings by means of multiple electronic devices, fitted with at least one microphone, mainly a mobile phone, an electronic agenda, or laptop. The method includes recording the meeting, sending this recorded data to the remote server, audio track synchronization, selecting optimum track sections to produce an optimum final track, store this ciphered, coded track in the database, and, finally, publish this track in a confidential manner. |
| US08468580B1 |
Secure communication between trusted parties
The present disclosure provides for the establishment of a trust relationship between two parties, such as based on verification by a third-party known to the two parties. In one embodiment, the two parties may include an electronic device (or a user of such a device) on which information about an account is to be stored and an entity having the authority to authorize storing the account information on the electronic device. Once authorization is granted to store the account information on the electronic device, direct communications may occur between the electronic device and the authorizing entity in a trusted manner, without further involvement of the third party. |
| US08468579B2 |
Transformation of sequential access control lists utilizing certificates
The subject disclosure pertains to systems and methods that facilitate managing access control utilizing certificates. The systems and methods described herein are directed to mapping an access policy as expressed in an access control list to a set of certificates. The set of certificates can be used to grant access to resources in the manner described by the ACL. The certificates can be distributed to entities for use in obtaining access to resources. Entities can present certificates to resources as evidence of their right to access the resources. The access logic of the sequential ACL can be transformed or mapped to a set of order independent certificates. In particular, each entry, position of the entry in the list and any preceding entries can be analyzed. The analysis can be used to generate order independent certificates that provide access in accordance with the access policy communicated in the ACL. |
| US08468572B2 |
Distributing digital video content to multiple end-user devices
A technique for managing the distribution of digital video content to multiple end-user devices is disclosed. The technique involves statistically multiplexing multiple VBR encoded video streams into an access channel, such as a data over cable service interface specifications (DOCSIS) bonded group, and utilizing quality of service capabilities of an edge device, such as a cable modem termination system (CMTS) or an edge quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) device, to buffer and schedule IP packets, which carry the VBR encoded video streams, so that packets are not dropped during periods of congestion. Utilizing the quality of service capabilities of an edge device makes it possible to statistically multiplex VBR encoded video streams in a narrowcast application such as Video on Demand (VOD) or Switched Digital Video (SDV) while eliminating the need for process intensive transrating/transcoding operations. |
| US08468571B2 |
Enabling trick plays during VBR playback of a CBR transmitted media file
A method and system for enabling trick plays during a variable bit rate (VBR) playback of a media file transmitted to a user media device as a constant bit rate (CBR) flow includes determining a plurality of access points within the media file. The media file is configured to be played back from each of the plurality of access points. A minimum buffer value is calculated for each of the plurality of access points. The minimum buffer value identifies a minimum amount of the media file to transmit to the user media device before beginning playback of the media file from each of the plurality of access points to substantially ensure that the media file is configured to be played back from each of the plurality of access points continuously and uninterruptedly at a variable bit rate. |
| US08468569B2 |
Content delivery system and method, and server apparatus and receiving apparatus used in this content delivery system
A server apparatus includes a memory which stores a management table relating content identification information for specifying the content and a trick play request and a trick play data, and a transmitter which refers to the management table based on the content identification information and the trick play request, reads out the corresponding trick play data from the management table according to the reference result, to transmit the trick play data to the receiving apparatus from the specified reproduction starting position. |
| US08468567B2 |
Place-shifting apparatus and system
A place-shifting system for distributing video content from a content source (2) has apparatus including a set-top box (STB) (1) with a digital interface to a sender (6). The sender (6) receives video content from the STB (1) conditional upon access permissions that may be associated with a subscription. The permissions may also be determined using the identifier of a viewer device (9). The viewer (9) requests connection to a specific sender (6) by sending an association request to an association server (8) via a network connection (10). The association server (8) returns location information specific to the sender (6) being requested to the viewer (9). The viewer (9) and sender (6) then communicate directly (11) to establish communication and to start transfer of video and other information. The sender (6) can remove content protection from the video content before transcoding, re-applying content protection and sending it. The viewer (9) can act as a remote control for the STB (1) and modifies of the format of On-Screen Display data depending on its video output capability. |
| US08468566B2 |
Control message feedback in a satellite broadcast communication system
A method of communicating control information in a satellite broadcast communication system is presented. In the method, at least one copy of a control message set is transmitted from a control system by way of a satellite to a broadcast receiver. The control message set includes at least one control message. At least one copy of each of the control messages of the control message set is received at the broadcast receiver. A feedback message is transmitted from the broadcast receiver by way of a terrestrial communication link to the control system. The feedback message includes an indication that all of control messages of the control message set were received at the broadcast receiver. The feedback message is received at the control system. In response to receiving the feedback message, transmission of subsequent copies of the control message set is terminated at the control system. |
| US08468563B1 |
Method for ingesting multiple signals of the same meaning
A computer implemented method and system for managing redundant signals are disclosed. At least one server receives a first signal stream with an identifier, the first signal stream having a first time associated with a first signal point. The at least one server receives a second signal stream with the identifier, the second signal stream having a second time associated with a second signal point, wherein the second time is after the first time. The at least one server compares the first time associated with the first signal stream with the second time associated with the second signal stream. The at least one server terminates transmission of the second signal stream and transmits the first signal stream when the comparison is determined to be within a time range tolerance. Both signal streams are transmitted when the comparison is determined not to be within a time range tolerance. |
| US08468559B2 |
Inferring demographic compositions of television audiences
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for inferring a demographic composition of a television audience of a television program. In one aspect, a method extrapolates television audience demographics from rated programs to unrated programs by attributing demographics of rated programs to unrated programs when the rated and unrated program are related by demographically rated channel tunes. |
| US08468552B2 |
Handling dynamically linked function calls with respect to program code conversion
A technique is provided for handling dynamically linked subject function calls arranged pass subject control flow to an intermediate control structure such as a procedure linkage table, then to subject linker code for modifying link information associated with the subject function calls during translation of subject code into target code in a dynamic binary translator. The subject code for execution on a subject processor is received by a translator, and corresponding target code for execution on the target processor is generated. The translator is arranged to build a function linkage table containing an entry giving the location of each function called by the subject code, so that code can be generated by the translator in which subject function calls are associated with code for performing the function, without generating target code corresponding to the intermediate control structure. |
| US08468547B2 |
Method and system for synchronizing thread wavefront data and events
Systems and methods for synchronizing thread wavefronts and associated events are disclosed. According to an embodiment, a method for synchronizing one or more thread wavefronts and associated events includes inserting a first event associated with a first data output from a first thread wavefront into an event synchronizer. The event synchronizer is configured to release the first event before releasing events inserted subsequent to the first event. The method further includes releasing the first event from the event synchronizer after the first data is stored in the memory. Corresponding system and computer readable medium embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08468546B2 |
Merging result from a parser in a network processor with result from an external coprocessor
A mechanism is provided for merging in a network processor results from a parser and results from an external coprocessor providing processing support requested by said parser. The mechanism enqueues in a result queue both parser results needing to be merged with a coprocessor result and parser results which have no need to be merged with a coprocessor result. An additional queue is used to enqueue the addresses of the result queue where the parser results are stored. The result from the coprocessor is received in a simple response register. The coprocessor result is read by the result queue management logic from the response register and merged to the corresponding incomplete parser result read in the result queue at the address enqueued in the additional queue. |
| US08468545B2 |
Interaction management
In a system, at least one web server provides an interface to a web-enabled application to a first computing device, with the web-enabled application and the at least one web server belonging to a first domain. An interaction routing module routes a contact event to the first computing device. At least one application server receives and responds to an Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) request for requested information related to the contact event. The HTTP request is generated by the web-enabled application. An integration module receives the HTTP request from the at least one application server and translates the HTTP request to an application programming interface call to interface with a second computing device storing the requested information in a second domain. A messaging module provides the requested data to the web-enabled application. |
| US08468539B2 |
Tracking and detecting thread dependencies using speculative versioning cache
Mechanisms are provided for tracking dependencies of threads in a multi-threaded computer program execution. The mechanisms detect a dependency of a first thread's execution on results of a second thread's execution in an execution flow of the multi-threaded computer program. The mechanisms further store, in a hardware thread dependency vector storage associated with the first thread's execution, an identifier of the dependency by setting at least one bit in the hardware thread dependency vector storage corresponding to the second thread. Moreover, the mechanisms schedule tasks performed by the multi-threaded computer program based on the hardware thread dependency vector storage to minimize squashing of threads. |
| US08468537B2 |
Systems and methods for distributing validation computations
In one embodiment, a method includes statically analyzing a validation toolkit environment. The method may also include, identifying a plurality of computational threads that do not share data structures with each other based on analysis of the validation toolkit environment. The method may additionally include calculating computational requirements of the computational threads. The method may further include distributing the threads among a plurality of resources such that the aggregate computational requirements of the computational threads are approximately evenly balanced among the plurality of resources. |
| US08468532B2 |
Adjusting CPU time allocated to next thread based on gathered data in heterogeneous processor system having plurality of different instruction set architectures
A method that optimizes system performance using performance monitors is presented. The method gathers thread performance data using performance monitors for threads running on either a first ISA processor or a second ISA processor. Multiple first processors and multiple second processors may be included in a single computer system. The first processors and second processors can each access data stored in a common shared memory. The gathered thread performance data is analyzed to determine whether the corresponding thread needs additional CPU time in order to optimize system performance. If additional CPU time is needed, the amount of CPU time that the thread receives is altered (increased) so that the thread receives the additional time when it is scheduled by the scheduler. In one embodiment, the increased CPU time is accomplished by altering a priority value that corresponds to the thread. |
| US08468530B2 |
Determining and describing available resources and capabilities to match jobs to endpoints
A method, system and computer program product for determining and describing available resources and capabilities to match jobs to endpoints may include applying a set of rules to resource information to at least one of create new resource and attribute information and update existing resource and attribute information. The method may also include applying at least one of the new resource and attribute information and the updated existing resource and attribute information to match jobs to endpoints. |
| US08468529B2 |
Correlating, logging and tracing messaging events between workflow instances with globally unique identifiers
Embodiments are directed to generating trace events that are configured to report an association between a workflow activity and a message. A computer system receives a message over a communication medium, where the workflow activity includes a unique workflow activity identifier (ID) that uniquely identifies the workflow activity. The message also includes a unique message ID that uniquely identifies the message. The computer system generates a trace event that includes a combination of the unique workflow activity ID and the unique message ID. The trace event is configured to report the association between the workflow activity and the message. The computer system also stores the generated trace event in a data store. |
| US08468524B2 |
Inter-virtual machine time profiling of I/O transactions
Disclosed is a virtual machine system where hardware timer interrupts are processed by a first virtual machine. The first virtual machine writes a timer value to a shared memory location while processing the hardware timer interrupt. The timer value may be based on a kernel timing parameter maintained by the operating system of the first virtual machine. A second virtual machine may read the shared timer value from the shared memory location in order to time inter-virtual machine processes such as I/O processing and I/O requests. |
| US08468515B2 |
Initialization and update of software and/or firmware in electronic devices
A system and method to effectively and efficiently update a version of firmware resident in a device memory is provided. A method of identifying one or more versions of firmware is provided by way of initializing a device memory with a known pattern. In addition, the amount of free unused memory space may be identified and calculated in a device memory. The system and method generates software update packages that are minimal in size providing cost benefit to a manufacturer and convenience to a user. |
| US08468514B2 |
System and method for updating unified extensible firmware interface setting information
A system and method can update unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI) setting information of a computer. The method creates a system management interrupt (SMI) function based on a UEFI platform of the computer, and stores the SMI function in a SMRAM of the computer. The method further generates an access address of the SMI function when a configuration command is input from an input device, and generate a SMI handler according to the access address. Additionally, the method calls a runtime service function of the UEFI platform by executing the SMI function through the SMI handler, and executes the runtime service function to configure UEFI setting information stored in a flash memory chip and to update BIOS data stored in a CMOS chip related to the UEFI setting information. |
| US08468510B1 |
Optimization of cache architecture generated from a high-level language description
Approaches for generating a hardware specification from a high-level language (HLL) program. In one approach, a method determines separate accesses in the HLL program to multiple consecutively addressed data items. The HLL program is compiled into an intermediate language program to include one or more instructions that perform functions on the multiple consecutively addressed data items and one or more memory access instructions that reference the consecutively addressed data items. The method generates a hardware specification from the intermediate language program. The hardware specification includes a cache memory that caches the consecutively addressed data items and that accesses the consecutively addressed data items in response to a single access request. The specification further includes one or more hardware blocks that implement the functions of the instructions in the intermediate language program. At least one of hardware blocks has access to the multiple consecutively addressed data items in parallel. |
| US08468507B2 |
Binding executable code at runtime
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for binding executable code at runtime. Embodiments of the invention include late binding of specified aspects of code to improve execution performance. A runtime dynamically binds lower level code based on runtime information to optimize execution of a higher level algorithm. Aspects of a higher level algorithm having a requisite (e.g., higher) impact on execution performance can be targeted for late binding. Improved performance can be achieved with minimal runtime costs using late binding for aspects having the requisite execution performance impact. |
| US08468505B2 |
State as a first-class citizen of an imperative language
A state component saves a present state of a program or model. This state component can be invoked by the program or model itself, thereby making state a first-class citizen. As the state of the program evolves from the saved state, the saved state remains for reflection and recall, for example, for testing, verification, transaction processing, etc. Using a state reference token, the saved state of the program or model can be accessed by the program or model. For example, the program or model by utilizing a state component, can return itself to the saved state. After returning to the saved state, a second execution path can be introduced without requiring re-execution of the actions leading to the saved state. In another example, the state space of an executing model is saved in order to generate inputs required to exercise a program or model. |
| US08468501B2 |
Partial recording of a computer program execution for replay
A method, system and program product for recording a program execution comprising recording processor context for each thread of the program, results of system calls by the program, and memory pages accessed by the program during an execution interval in a checkpoint file. Processor context includes register contents and descriptor entries in a segment descriptor table of the operating system. System calls are recorded for each program thread, tracked by an extension to the operating system kernel and include returned call parameter data. Accessed memory pages are recorded for each program process and include data, libraries and code pages. The program address space, processor context, and program threads are reconstructed from checkpoint data for replaying the program execution in a different operating system environment. |
| US08468498B2 |
Build system redirect
Embodiments may provide a makefile interposer, which enables a makefile to be used for building software for different platforms without modifying the makefile. In some embodiments, the interposer intercepts the commands run by makefile and automatically interposes the correct library files, dependencies, paths, and other information used by make to build the program for a particular platform. Additionally, calls that the invoked tools themselves make are intercepted and the interposer may redirect them to the platform-specific tools or file system locations including redirecting file descriptors. In some instances, when a tool is called that is not in the platform, the interposer may also fall back on the other system tools. |
| US08468497B2 |
Automated defect classification
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to defect classification for software development and provide a method, system and computer program product for automated defect classification in a software development tool. In an embodiment of the invention, a defect classification method can be provided. The method can include computing differences between versions of a line of source code, lexically analyzing the computed differences to produce a lexical construct, mapping the lexical construct to a classification, and assigning the defect classification to the line of source code. |
| US08468496B2 |
Flexible attribute management in workflow processing systems
Methods, systems, and apparatus for improved ease and flexibility in defining attribute values for jobs in a workflow processing system. The job attributes are presented to a user grouped or organized by their relationship to various elements of the workflow model used to process the job type. Further, default values for job attributes may be flexibly defined based on elements of the workflow model that utilize the job attribute and/or based on dynamic computations of functions involving the various job attributes and other parameters. |
| US08468493B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
A method of processing information of an apparatus including first storage means for storing an encrypted application program and data, second storage means for loading a decrypted application program and data and execution means for executing the application program loaded in the second storage section, and controlling a reader/writer reading data from and writing data into a non-contact IC card by executing an application program. The method includes, in response to starting a first application program, reading data corresponding to a second application program different from the first application program from the second storage means; encrypting the read data; storing the encrypted data into the first storage means; clearing the second storage means; reading the encrypted first application program and data from the first storage means; decrypting the read encrypted first application program and data; and loading the decrypted first application program and data in the second storage means. |
| US08468487B1 |
Method and apparatus for implementing cross-talk based booster wires in a system on a field programmable gate array
A method for designing a system on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) includes routing one or more booster wires alongside an interconnect to reduce a delay of a signal being transmitted on the interconnect. According to one aspect of the present invention, the routing of the one or more booster wires is performed in response to determining that a timing requirement of the system has not been met. |
| US08468486B2 |
Electronic device and method of automatically testing transmission lines
An electronic device and method of automatically testing the transmission lines of a PCB. Design requirements of transmission lines are predetermined and a wiring diagram is acquired according to a designated wiring diagram storage path. Some basic parameters of each transmission line of the diagram are applied in excluding one or more transmission lines which may not meet the design requirements, then, the excluded transmission lines are marked and/or highlighted. A report of the transmission lines is generated using a report template. |
| US08468481B2 |
Support program, design support system, and design support method
A design support program executed by a computer includes operations of: locating at least one via hole for coupling target wiring in a first layer in circuit information to wiring in a second layer being different form the first layer; calculating an area of the target wiring based on a length and a width of the target wiring; setting a division condition based on the area and a number of the via hole; dividing the target wiring into divided wirings at a position other than a position where the via hole is provided based on the division condition; generating connection information indicating a connection relationship between the divided wirings and limitation information for coupling the divided wirings via a wiring in a third layer being different from the first layer; and outputting the connection information, the limitation information and circuit information obtained after dividing. |
| US08468476B1 |
Method and apparatus for designing a system on multiple field programmable gate array device types
A method for designing a system to be implemented on a target device includes generating a register transfer language (RTL) representation of the system from a description of the system without pipelined delays. The RTL representation of the system includes pipelined delays to facilitate timing of the system as implemented on a target device identified by a designer. |
| US08468475B2 |
Conversion of circuit description to an abstract model of the circuit
A system and method is disclosed for converting an existing circuit description from a lower level description, such as RTL, to a higher-level description, such as TLM, while raising the abstraction level. By changing the abstraction level, the conversion is not simply a code conversion from one language to another, but a process of learning the circuit using neural networks and representing the circuit using a system of equations that approximate the circuit behavior, particularly with respect to timing aspects. A higher level of abstraction eliminates much of the particular implementation details, and allows easier and faster design exploration, analysis, and test, before implementation. In one aspect, a model description of the circuit, protocol information relating to the circuit, and simulation data associated with the lower level description of the circuit are used to generate an abstract model of the circuit that approximates the circuit behavior. |
| US08468474B2 |
Reducing metal pits through optical proximity correction
A method includes retrieving first layouts of an integrated circuit from a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The first layouts include a via pattern in a via layer, and a metal line pattern in a metal layer immediately over the via layer. The metal line pattern has an enclosure to the via pattern. The enclosure is increased to a second enclosure to generate second layouts of the integrated circuit. |
| US08468472B1 |
Computing device and method of checking wiring diagrams
In a computing device, computerized method, and a non-transitory storage medium, plug-in capacitors are selected from capacitors in a wiring diagram according pin information of the capacitors. A straight line is constructed for each of the plug-in capacitors according to size of holes where pins of the plug-in capacitor are to be inserted into. Paths of all transmission lines in the wiring diagram are obtained, and a determination of, whether any of the paths has at least one intersection point with at least one constructed straight line, is made. One or more paths, which have at least one intersection point with at least one constructed straight line, are recorded into a path list. The path list is then outputted using the computing device. |
| US08468470B2 |
Multi-patterning method
A method comprises (a) receiving data representing a layout of a DPT-layer of an integrated circuit generated by a place and route tool, the layout including a plurality of polygons to be formed in the DPT-layer by a multi-patterning process; (b) receiving at least one identification of a subset of the plurality of polygons that are to be formed in the DPT-layer using the same photomask as each other; (c) constructing a graph of the subset of the plurality of polygons and any intervening polygons of the plurality of polygons, where the subset of the plurality of polygons are represented in the graph by a single node, the graph including connections connecting adjacent ones of the polygons in the graph that are positioned within a threshold distance of each other; and (d) identifying a multi-patterning conflict if any subset of the connections form an odd loop. |
| US08468467B2 |
Display control apparatus, display control method and program for displaying images of a plurality of files
A display control apparatus for displaying images of a plurality of files as a list on a display unit, comprises: a setup unit which sets a specific file type among a plurality of file types as a reference file type; a reference file retrieval unit which retrieves a file of the type set among the plurality of files as the reference file; an associated file retrieval unit which retrieves an associated file from among the plurality of files; and a control unit which controls the display unit such that a list of the images of a plurality of reference files arranged in a first direction and the images of the associated files arranged in a second direction intersecting with the first direction at the location of the image of each reference file. |
| US08468462B2 |
Display management in a multi-window display
Devices and methods for controlling displays in a multi-display environment are disclosed. An exemplary method may comprise the following steps. Initially, an exemplary method may continuously track and record currently active display surfaces. Next, the exemplary method may identify the display surface that is determined to have been active immediately prior to the newly invoked display. After updating the specification file for the newly invoked display to include the identity of the display surface just identified, the exemplary method may be completed by displaying the newly invoked display on the same display surface as previously identified. In the event that the newly invoked display is a critical display, both the newly invoked display and the display determined to have been active immediately prior to the invoked display may be assigned an always-on-top status. |
| US08468460B2 |
System and method for displaying, navigating and selecting electronically stored content on a multifunction handheld device
A method for navigating among activity programs in the memory of a portable handheld multifunction electronic system. Simultaneously displaying on contact-sensitive display a plurality of category icons and a subcategory icon associated with a currently selected subcategory, each category icon having a link to one or more activity programs. If a category has been selected, replacing the plurality of displayed category icons with one or more activity program icons, each of the one or more displayed activity program icons corresponding to a separate one of the activity programs belonging to the selected category and to the currently selected subcategory. If another subcategory has been selected, at least changing the link of each separate displayed category icon to a different one or more activity programs, the different one or more activity program being associated the another subcategory and with each category of the category icons being displayed. |
| US08468451B1 |
Online customer service via website navigation intervention
Tools and techniques for online customer service via website navigation intervention are described herein. Methods provided by these tools may include monitoring activities of a user who is interacting with a website while utilizing a user device. These activities may indicate that the user would benefit from assistance while interacting with the website, and the tools may accordingly formulate data representing an offer of assistance to the user. In some instances, the user device may send a request for assistance to a customer service system, and may surrender control of the user device to the customer service system. The user device may receive assistance from the customer service system, and afterwards, regain control of the device when the assistance is completed. |
| US08468446B2 |
Dynamic method for generating XML documents from a database
The invention describes a method for automatically generating XML documents containing data extracted from a database source. The method consists of defining a number of templates in the format of the database, these templates containing executable statements. Queries associated with each of the templates are also defined. The queries are used for extracting data from the data of the source database in the form of sets of records. The execution of statements of the templates generates at least one XML document that contains the data from the sets of records. By using a call instruction, a template can call any of the other templates for creating an XML document. The inventive method realizes a dynamic definition for accessing data from the database with the aid of nested templates operating directly from the database. |
| US08468445B2 |
Systems and methods for content extraction
A content extraction process may parse markup language text into a hierarchical data model and then apply one or more filters. Output filters may be used to make the process more versatile. The operation of the content extraction process and the one or more filters may be controlled by one or more settings set by a user, or automatically by a classifier. The classifier may automatically enter settings by classifying markup language text and entering settings based on this classification. Automatic classification may be performed by clustering unclassified markup language texts with previously classified markup language texts. |
| US08468444B2 |
Hyper related OLAP
Generating a presentation requested from a graphical data report; comprising: displaying a data report which contains a collection of graphical elements, where a graphical element is bound to a data item, and where a data item is specified by metadata, which comprises one or more of a dimension, a dimension value, and a measure. In response to a user's directed action to the given graphical element, determining at least one association, of a dimension and a measure, by identification of measures and dimensions in the applicable metadata and identification of associations thereof and/or addition of a dimension or measure to an identified measure or dimension. Subsequently, searching for a stored, like association, where stored associations are related to stored presentation properties, and applying the related presentation properties to make a presentation of further data items which are specified by the determined, at least one association. |
| US08468440B2 |
Look ahead of links/alter links
A computationally-implemented method comprising retrieving at least a portion of data from a data source, determining an effect of the data, determining an acceptability of the effect of the data at least in part via a virtual machine representation of at least a part of a real machine having one or more end-user specified preferences and providing at least one data display option based on the determining acceptability of the effect of the data. |
| US08468437B2 |
Filtering method, system and equipment
A filtering method, system, and equipment applied in digital communication technologies are disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention. The filtering method of the present embodiments includes: acquiring filtering coefficients of a part of all subcarriers according to data transmission errors; acquiring filtering coefficients of remaining subcarriers through an interpolation algorithm according to the filtering coefficients of the part of subcarriers; and finally, filtering the data corresponding to the multiple subcarriers according to the filtering coefficients of the part of subcarriers and the filtering coefficients of the remaining subcarriers. The part of subcarriers may be selected at a regular interval, or may be subcarriers which are located at a motion value away from the part of subcarriers selected in the previous update of the filtering coefficients. The method of the present embodiments reduces the amount of operation and hardware expenditure, and saves the cost. |
| US08468436B2 |
Message-passing and forced convergence decoding method
The invention relates to an iterative decoding method of the message-passing type for decoding an error correcting code susceptible of representation by a bipartite graph including a plurality of variable nodes and a plurality of control nodes, said messages being expressed in terms of a log likelihood ratio. At each iteration of a plurality of decoding iterations, for each pair consisting of a variable node and a control node, a change is detected in the sign of the extrinsic information intended to be transmitted (αmntemp) as a message by said variable node to said control node relative to that transmitted (αmn) at the previous iteration, and in the event of a sign change, said extrinsic information is subjected to an amplitude reduction operation (Fred) before it is transmitted to the control node. |
| US08468435B2 |
Method and device for padding optimization of segmented turbo codes
A method for forming a bit sequence having a number of M bits from a bit sequence having a number of N bits, wherein M/2 |
| US08468430B2 |
Product code decoding method and device
A method for a decoding device to decode a codeword matrix of a product code includes: generating a first extended parity check matrix for a vertical code; decoding a horizontal codeword of a plurality of rows in the codeword matrix to thus perform a first decoding process; generating a second extended parity check matrix by removing a column corresponding to a row of the first decoding-succeeded horizontal codeword from the first extended parity check matrix; and decoding the first decoding-failed horizontal codeword by using the second extended parity check matrix to thus perform a second decoding process. Therefore, the simple and reliable product code decoding method is provided. |
| US08468424B2 |
Method for decoding data in non-volatile storage using reliability metrics based on multiple reads
Data stored in non-volatile storage is decoded using iterative probabilistic decoding and multiple read operations to achieve greater reliability. An error correcting code such as a low density parity check code may be used. In one approach, initial reliability metrics, such as logarithmic likelihood ratios, are used in decoding read data of a set of non-volatile storage element. The decoding attempts to converge by adjusting the reliability metrics for bits in code words which represent the sensed state. If convergence does not occur, e.g., within a set time period, the state of the non-volatile storage element is sensed again, current values of the reliability metrics in the decoder are adjusted, and the decoding again attempts to converge. |
| US08468422B2 |
Prediction and prevention of uncorrectable memory errors
A method for predicting and preventing uncorrectable errors that may occur while accessing memory in a computer system. The method involves detecting two or more correctable errors from two or more different physical addresses on each of two or more different bit positions from the same DIMM within a specified period of time, with all of the correctable errors occurring within the same checkword. The method also involves detecting two or more correctable errors from two or more different physical addresses on each of three or more different outputs from the same DRAM within a specified period of time, as long as the three outputs do not all correspond to the same relative bit position in their respective checkwords. This allows a computer system which encounters correctable errors to continue to reliably operate without the unnecessary replacement of functioning memory systems. |
| US08468418B2 |
Systems and methods for queue based data detection and decoding
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for variable iteration data processing. |
| US08468415B2 |
Error recovery storage along a memory string
Apparatus and methods store error recovery data in different dimensions of a memory array. For example, in one dimension, block error correction codes (ECC) are used, and in another dimension, supplemental error correction codes, such as convolutional codes, are used. By using separate dimensions, the likelihood that a defect affects both error recovery techniques is lessened, thereby increasing the probability that error recovery can be performed successfully. In one example, block error correction codes are used for data stored along rows, and this data is stored in one level of multiple-level cells of the array. Supplemental error correction codes are used for data stored along columns, such as along the cells of a string, and the supplemental error correction codes are stored in a different level than the error correction codes. |
| US08468408B2 |
Memory built-in self test (MBIST) circuitry configured to facilitate production of pre-stressed integrated circuits and methods
Integrated circuits with memory built-in self test (MBIST) circuitry and methods are disclosed that employ enhanced features. In one aspect of the invention, MBST circuitry is used set memory elements of arrays to a first state and then to an inverse state during a burn-in operation to maintain each of the two opposing states for a desired time in order to either force a failure of the integrated circuit component or produce a pre-stressed component beyond an infancy stage. Preferably, an integrated circuit is provided having MIBST circuitry configured to serially test multiple arrays of memory elements within a component of the integrated circuit and to also conduct parallel initialization of the serially tested arrays. |
| US08468402B2 |
Test circuit including tap controller selectively outputting test signal based on mode and shift signals
A test circuit includes a plurality of TAP controllers conforming to a standard specification defined in IEEE 1149 and includes a master TAP controller which receives a control code and a test control signal and performs a test on a circuit to be tested and which outputs a shift mode signal, a first slave TAP controller which receives the control code and the test control signal and performs a test on a circuit to be tested, and a first TAP pin control circuit provided to correspond to the first slave TAP controller and which switches between inputting the control code to the first slave TAP controller from the outside and inputting the control code through the master TAP controller, on the basis of the shift mode signal. |
| US08468399B2 |
Cache logic verification apparatus and cache logic verification method
A cache logic verification apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires an ongoing process in each stage of a stepped operation to judge whether data to be read in a cache memory holding a copy of contents of a part of a memory is held or not, and a comparator that compares the ongoing process in each stage acquired by the acquisition unit with a scheduled ongoing process predetermined in each stage of the stepped operation. |
| US08468392B2 |
Controller and control method for a controller
A controller and a control method for a controller can simplify application development and can improve the performance of device control processes. When a request is received from an application 1 and the received process request is an initialization request, whether or not the received request is the first initialization request received after the application 1 started running is determined. If the received initialization request is the first initialization request, the request is passed to the device driver 3 and initialization settings information describing the configuration of the device driver 3 after the initialization process ends is stored. If an error has occurred in the device driver 3 when the device driver 3 status is detected, an error handling process is executed according to the device driver 3 state. When the device driver 3 has recovered, a request for setting the device driver 3 state to the state based on the initialization settings information is asserted. |
| US08468391B2 |
Utilizing log event ontology to deliver user role specific solutions for problem determination
A log event can be received from a log source within an application server environment. The log event can be an error message which is associated with a log level. In one embodiment, the application server environment can be a JAVA 2 ENTERPRISE EDITION runtime environment. The log event can be analyzed to determine the ontology of the log event which can comprise of the log event, the user context, and the relationship of the log event to the user context. The log event can be associated with the user context as determined by the relationship of the log event. |
| US08468389B2 |
Firmware recovery system and method of baseboard management controller of computing device
A firmware recovery method of a baseboard management controller (BMC) of a computing device detects whether a firmware of a default firmware memory of the BMC is damaged by sending a detection command to the BMC at a regular interval. When the firmware of the default firmware memory of the BMC is damaged, the method recovers the firmware according to firmware data of a backup firmware memory of the BMC. |
| US08468387B2 |
Bare metal machine recovery
Provided herein are systems and methodologies for bare metal machine restoration of a client computing environment over a network-based backup system. System recovery can be performed by performing a network boot from a predetermined server or set of servers on the Internet and/or an associated local network, followed by retrieving information relating to an operating system and/or environment of a system being recovered, such as incremental or full operating system images. Upon retrieval of information, the information can be used to conduct a full restore of the operating environment of the computing device. Additionally, a user can restore personal or other system data following rebuilding of the system operating environment. A cloud-based structure is provided herein as well as a hybrid peer-to-peer/cloud-based structure, wherein information used in a restore can be obtained from a global network location (e.g., cloud server(s)) and/or from one or more local peers. |
| US08468386B2 |
Detecting and recovering from process failures
A service is used to process files. The processing of the files is performed by worker services that are assigned to process a portion of the files. Each worker service that is processing a portion of the files is assigned a unique identifier. Using the identifier information, the set of worker services currently active are monitored along with the work assigned to each process. When a worker server determines that a worker service has failed, the work assigned to the failed worker service can be automatically determined and a new worker service can be started to process that work. Any new worker service that is started is assigned a unique identifier, so the work assigned to it can be similarly tracked. |
| US08468380B2 |
Power consumption monitor and method therefor
A power supply unit of an information handling system determines that a power consumption module of the information handling system is available. If the power consumption module is available, the power supply unit measures input power of the power supply unit and provides a representation of the input power to the power consumption module in response to receiving a power measurement request from the power consumption module. If the power supply unit determines that the power consumption module is not available, the power supply unit measures input power of the power supply unit and stores a representation of the input power at the power supply unit independent of a power measurement request from the power consumption module. |
| US08468379B2 |
Systems, methods and devices for control and generation of programming voltages for solid-state data memory devices
In one embodiment, a solid-state drive contains a plurality of data memory devices requiring elevated voltages for erasure and programming operations. A common voltage regulator, external to the data memory devices, provides the elevated voltage, thereby reducing the overall power consumption of the data storage device. |
| US08468377B2 |
Conserving power using predictive modelling and signaling
Methods and systems for conserving power using predictive models and signaling are described. Parameters of a power management policy are set based on predictions based on user activity and/or signals received from a remote computer which define a user preference. In an embodiment, the power management policy involves putting the computer into a sleep state and periodically waking it up. On waking, the computer determines whether to remain awake or to return to the sleep state dependent upon the output of a predictive model or signals that encode whether a remote user has requested that computer remain awake. Before returning to the sleep state, a wake-up timer is set and this timer triggers the computer to subsequently wake-up. The length of time that the timer is set to may depend on factors such as the request from the remote user, context sensors and usage data. |
| US08468375B2 |
Energy consumption management for storage system using upper limit value during predetermined period
In a storage system environment in which an upper limit of electric energy consumption is prescribed for a specific period, operation of a storage device are enabled while keeping the electric energy consumption within the prescribed upper limit, and at the same time, maintaining operations of a disk device of a storage device necessary for providing services to a user. The storage system includes a storage device having one or more energized parts and a management device that manages operations of the storage device. The management device acquires electric energy consumption of the one or more energized parts and controls the operational state of the one or more energized parts so that the electric energy consumption of the storage device over a predetermined period does not exceed a prescribed upper limit. |
| US08468368B2 |
Data encryption parameter dispersal
A method begins with a processing module obtaining encoded key slices from a plurality of user devices and decoding a threshold number of the encoded key slices utilizing a first error coding dispersal storage function to produce a key when the threshold number of the encoded key slices has been obtained. The method continues with the processing module receiving encoded data slices and decoding a threshold number of encoded data slices utilizing a second error coding dispersal storage function to produce encrypted data when the threshold number of the encoded data slices has been received. The method continues with the processing module decrypting the encrypted data utilizing the key and an encryption function to produce data. |
| US08468365B2 |
Tweakable encryption mode for memory encryption with protection against replay attacks
A method and apparatus for protecting against hardware attacks on system memory is provided. A mode of operation for block ciphers enhances the standard XTS-AES mode of operation to perform memory encryption by extending a tweak to include a “time stamp” indicator. An incrementing mechanism using the “time stamp” indicator generates a tweak which separates different contexts over different times such that the effect of “Type 2 replay attacks” is mitigated. |
| US08468364B2 |
Secure processor
A secure hardware comprises a secure pipe, a secure DMA, a secure assist and a secure bus, which connects between those blocks. The secure pipe stores a common encryption key in an encryption key table so as not to be able to access from software. The secure DMA comprises a data common key system process function and a hashing process function. The secure assist comprises a common key system process function and an authentication process function, receives an issued command from a program executed by the processor core via a public IF, and performs setting/control of the secure pipe and the secure DMA via the secure bus. |
| US08468359B2 |
Credentials for blinded intended audiences
Techniques for creating and using credentials for blinded intended audiences are provided. A principal desires access to a target service. An identity associated with the target service is hidden from an identity service via a random identifier. The identity service supplies an assertion with credentials and the random identifier. The principal sends the assertion and an access message, which also includes the random identifier to the target service. The target service compares the identifier included with the message to the identifier in the assertion and when a match occurs access is permitted to the target service, assuming other credentials associated with the assertion are satisfied as well. |
| US08468358B2 |
Methods for identifying the guarantor of an application
Third-party applications for platforms are linked to identified individuals that guarantee the security of the applications. The linkage is achieved by acquiring one or more biometric records of the individual guarantor, storing those records as a signature in a database, assigning a unique identifier to the signature, and embedding that unique identifier in the executable file of the application. The signature of the guarantor can be compared to other stored signatures of other guarantors to check for individuals posing under multiple aliases. The signature of a guarantor linked to a malicious application can be flagged so that a subsequent application guaranteed by the same individual can be disapproved. |
| US08468356B2 |
Software copy protection via protected execution of applications
Methods and apparatus to provide a tamper-resistant environment for software are described. In some embodiments, procedures for verifying whether a software container is utilizing protected memory and is associated with a specific platform are described. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08468355B2 |
Multi-dimensional credentialing using veiled certificates
In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for creating a veiled certificate is provided. The method comprises requesting a certificate from a regulator by sending a message with a digital signature of the message signed by the owner. The message comprises an owner's veiled certificate token, the veiled certificate token comprising an encrypted version of the owner's identification data and the owner's identification public key for the certificate. The message further comprises the identification public key, the whole message being encrypted using the regulator's external public key. The certificate request is validated by verifying the sender's identity through validation of the digital signature using the owner's external public key and verifying the veiled certificate token using the individual' external public key. A veiled certificate is created by combining the veiled certificate token, identification public key and digitally signing the veiled certificate with the regulator's private key, wherein the owner's identification information is inaccessible from the veiled certificate, except to the certificate owner. |
| US08468354B2 |
Broker-based interworking using hierarchical certificates
A method for authentication authorization and accounting (AAA) in an interworking between at least two networks. The at least two networks are capable of communicating with a broker and include a first network and a second network to user certificate from a user device corresponding to a user of the first network. The first network to user certificate is signed by at a first network private key and includes a broker to first network certificate and a user public key. The broker to first network certificate is signed by a broker private key and includes a first network public key. A session key is sent from the second network to the user device when the broker to first network certificate and the first network to user certificate are determined to be authentic by the second network based upon the broker public key and the first network public key, respectively. The session key is encrypted with the user public key. The session key is permitting the user device to access the second network. |
| US08468353B2 |
Method, system and authentication centre for authenticating in end-to-end communications based on a mobile network
The invention discloses a method for authenticating in end-to-end communications based on a mobile network, applied to a system including a first service entity requesting a service, a second service entity providing the service and an entity authentication center, EAC; respectively performing a mutual authentication between the first service entity and the EAC and that between the second service entity and the EAC according to the negotiated authentication mode; if the first service entity requests the second service entity to provide the service, the EAC providing authentication inquiring for the first service entity and the second service entity according to the negotiated authentication mode, and generating a shared derived key according to the negotiated authentication mode; and the first service entity and the second service entity authenticating each other according to the shared derived key and the negotiated authentication mode, and generating a session key for protecting the service. |
| US08468350B2 |
Content transmission apparatus, content reception apparatus and content transmission method
A content transmission apparatus including: an authenticator configured (i) to perform authentication, (ii) to share an authentication key, (iii) to request transmission range acknowledgement and authentication information, (iv) to receive a response, and (v) to share an exchange key; an encryptor to encrypt based on the exchange key; and a timer measuring a time interval between transmission of said request for transmission range acknowledgement and reception of a response; wherein, said authenticator measures said time interval using said timer, and if a time measurement value exceeds a predetermined value, said authenticator does not share said exchange key; and wherein, said response of said request for transmission range acknowledgement includes a data generated based on said authentication information and said authentication key, and if said data is incorrect, said authenticator does not share said exchange key. |
| US08468349B2 |
Wireless communication device, wireless communication method, and program
There is provided a wireless communication device including a storage unit for storing authentication information distributed to a plurality of users including a user of the wireless communication device belonging to a community on a network; an authentication unit for authenticating a peripheral wireless communication device based on the authentication information stored in the storage unit; and a control unit for forming a communication group with the peripheral wireless communication device when the authentication of the peripheral wireless communication device by the authentication unit is successful. |
| US08468348B1 |
Closed loop communication
Disclosed are various embodiments of a system. In one embodiment, among others, a method comprises intercepting a communication between a first party and a second party in a communication forum, the communication including a first party proxy information as an intended recipient information. The method further comprises accessing a communication pair using the intended recipient information, the intended recipient information being associated with a second party proxy information, the second party proxy information being associated with a second party information. Additionally, the method comprises determining whether the identity of the sender is valid. |
| US08468347B2 |
Secure network communications
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to establish a secure communications tunnel between a server node and a client node, and to receive user requests from the client node at the server node via the secure communications tunnel. The user requests may be received in conjunction with a device verification token derived from nonces generated by the server node and transmitted to the client node as part of keep-alive response messages. The nonces may change according to a period of time established by the server node. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08468343B2 |
System and method for securing wireless transmissions
A system and method for securing wireless transmissions is provided. A method for transmitting secure messages includes selecting a bin of codewords from a plurality of bins. The bin of codewords containing a plurality of sub-bins of codewords, and the selecting is based on a first message. The method also includes selecting a sub-bin of codewords from the plurality of sub-bins of codewords based on a second message, selecting a codeword from the sub-bin of codewords, and transmitting the selected codeword to a legitimate receiver. |
| US08468342B2 |
Computer system and method for performing integrity detection on the same
The present invention proposes a computer system and a method capable of performing integrity detection, comprising: a running mode unit which comprises an integrity detection boot variable to determine whether or not to initiate an integrity detection boot mode by judging said running mode unit; an EFI integrity detection unit (5), which is used for performing an integrity detection on EFI image codes in the integrity detection boot mode, and comprises an integrity metric value for being compared with an EFI integrity calculated value generated after the EFI integrity detection unit performs the integrity detection on the EFI image codes, to determine the integrity of the EFI image codes; an operating system integrity detection unit (6); and an integrity management unit. The present invention is based on the EFI BIOS to perform the integrity detection on the operating system during the pre-boot stage, having better reliability and security. |
| US08468339B2 |
Efficient security information distribution
Methods and software for distributing several data objects containing status information about security certificates, and a directory of the data objects, through a peer-to-peer data distribution network. Other methods and software for preparing a certificate status object containing validity information about a security certificate, and a reaffirmation object identifying the certificate status object, both to be transmitted to a requesting client after an expiration time contained in the certificate status object. |
| US08468337B2 |
Secure data transfer over a network
A system and method are described for secure data transfer over a network. According to an exemplary embodiment a system for secure data transfer over a network includes memory and a memory controller configured to transfer data received from the network to the memory. The system includes a processor, having logic configured to retrieve a portion of the data from the memory using the memory controller. The processor also includes logic configured to perform security operations on the retrieved portion of the data, and logic configured to store the operated-on portion of the data in the memory using the memory controller. The memory controller is further configured to transfer the operated-on portion of the data from the memory to the network. |
| US08468331B2 |
Reducing memory requirements of firmware
A mechanism for making increased amounts of firmware available to a computer pre-boot is discussed. To increase the amount of firmware available pre-boot, a design decision is made during the build process as to which segments of the firmware need to be placed on the ROM part and which segments of the firmware can be located elsewhere. The segments of the firmware that are stored remotely from the ROM are referred to as “virtual ROM modules”. Each of the virtual ROM modules is assigned a generated unique identifier, and a “message digest” is constructed for each module using an algorithm such as MD5 or SHA-1. In the software build of the ROM image, the message digest-unique identifier pair created for each Virtual ROM module is used as a logical pointer for the virtual module. Additionally, a search path variable is placed into the ROM image in non-volatile storage. The search path provides for one or more locations in which to look for the Virtual ROM modules, and may be updated at a later point in time. |
| US08468325B2 |
Predicting and avoiding operand-store-compare hazards in out-of-order microprocessors
A method and information processing system manage load and store operations executed out-of-order. At least one of a load instruction and a store instruction is executed. A determination is made that an operand store compare hazard has been encountered. An entry within an operand store compare hazard prediction table is created based on the determination. The entry includes at least an instruction address of the instruction that has been executed and a hazard indicating flag associated with the instruction. The hazard indicating flag indicates that the instruction has encountered the operand store compare hazard. When a load instruction is associated with the hazard indicating flag the load instruction becomes dependent upon all store instructions associated with a substantially similar flag. |
| US08468324B2 |
Dual thread processor
Pipeline processor architectures, processors, and methods are provided. A described processor includes thread allocation counters for corresponding processor threads. For example, a first counter is configured to store a first processor time allocation that controls first periods of processor time for a first processor thread, the first processor thread retaining control of the processor during each of the first periods of processor time. The processor causes data associated with the first processor thread to pass through the processor's pipeline during the first periods of processor time. A second counter is similarly configured. The processor can be configured to receive an input defining processor time to be allocated to one or more processor threads and to use the input to change one or more of the counters such that subsequent periods of processor times for the one or more processor threads are affected. |
| US08468317B2 |
Apparatus and method for improved data restore in a memory system
A process of interacting with a memory module to restore data backed up from volatile memory to nonvolatile memory of the memory module involves a host system configuring the volatile memory of the module to interoperate with a host memory controller via a DIMM memory interface to the module; the host configuring a controller of the module to copy data from the nonvolatile memory to a peripheral I/O bus, the configuration of the controller of the module carried out via the peripheral I/O bus; a host I/O controller receiving the data copied to the peripheral I/O bus and communicating the received data to a host memory controller; and the host memory controller copying the received data to the volatile memory via the DIMM memory interface, thus completing a restore of the data from nonvolatile memory to the volatile memory. |
| US08468316B2 |
Apparatus and method for data backup
A backup control apparatus for periodic data backup, in a virtualized storage system having a point-in-time copy function operable to copy first data into a cascade, comprises a storage targeting component for selecting a target virtual disk for one of a full copy or an incremental copy of the first data; a periodic backup component for triggering a periodic point-in-time copy of the first data to a virtual disk in the cascade; a testing component for testing a status of the full copy, the incremental copy and the periodic point-in-time copy; and a cascade splitting component responsive to the status for splitting the cascade to remove a dependency relationship of at least one of the full copy, the incremental copy and the periodic point-in-time copy on the first data. |
| US08468313B2 |
Asynchronous replication with write concurrency grouping
A method for controlling write order in a remote data storage system used for asynchronous replication. The data backup method includes receiving writes issued concurrently by a host prior to any being completed. An async write manager, such as a software application on a storage controller or on a host, operates to group each of the writes into a concurrency group with a replica write corresponding to each of the host writes being queued for transmittal over a link to a remote data storage system. The replica writes each include a concurrency group identifier, such as a group number or last completed write number, that identifies which concurrency group the replica has been assigned. The method includes transferring the replica writes to the remote data storage system and processing the concurrency group identifiers with a write order manager to determine which subsets of the replica writes to issue concurrently. |
| US08468312B2 |
Indication of a destructive write via a notification from a disk drive that emulates blocks of a first block size within blocks of a second block size
A disk drive receives a request to write at least one block of a first block size, wherein the disk drive is configured to store blocks of a second block size that is larger in size than the first block size. The disk drive stores a plurality of emulated blocks of the first block size in each block of the second block size. The disk drive generates a read error, in response to reading a selected block of the second block size in which the at least block of the first block size is to be written via an emulation. The disk drive performs a destructive write of selected emulated blocks of the first block size that caused the read error to be generated. The disk drive writes the at least one block of the first block size in the selected block of the second block size. |
| US08468310B2 |
Method and system for tracking data correspondences
One embodiment is a method for tracking data correspondences in a computer system including a host hardware platform, virtualization software running on the host hardware platform, and a virtual machine running on the virtualization software, the method including: (a) monitoring one or more data movement operations of the computer system; and (b) storing information regarding the one or more data movement operations in a data correspondence structure, which information provides a correspondence between data before one of the one or more data movement operations and data after the one of the one or more data movement operations. |
| US08468309B2 |
Optimized ring protocols and techniques
Methods and apparatus relating to ring protocols and techniques are described. In one embodiment, a first agent generates a request to write to a cache line of a cache over a first ring of a computing platform. A second agent that receives the write request forwards it to a third agent over the first ring of the computing platform. In turn, a third agent (e.g., a home agent) receives data corresponding to the write request over a second, different ring of the computing platform and writes the data to the cache. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08468306B2 |
Microprocessor and method for deferred store data forwarding for store background data in a system with no memory model restrictions
A pipelined processor includes circuitry adapted for store forwarding, including: for each store request, and while a write to one of a cache and a memory is pending; obtaining the most recent value for at least one block of data; merging store data from the store request with the block of data thus updating the block of data and forming a new most recent value and an updated complete block of data; and buffering the updated block of data into a store data queue; for each additional store request, where the additional store request requires at least one updated block of data: determining if store forwarding is appropriate for the additional store request on a block-by-block basis; if store forwarding is appropriate, selecting an appropriate block of data from the store data queue on a block-by-block basis; and forwarding the selected block of data to the additional store request. |
| US08468305B2 |
Data processing method for removable storage medium and data processing device
A computer-implemented method that enables an operation relative to a removable storage medium connected with a computer includes, obtaining an erasing flag to be set to the removable storage medium on the basis of a predetermined rule when the removable storage medium being connected, obtaining a connection time when the removable storage medium is connected, and identifying whether a program being activated on the computer is an erasing program for erasing data stored in the removable storage medium. The computer-implemented method enables concealing, upon the erasing flag is being on and the program being activated being other than the erasing program, data to be erased classified on the basis of the connection time included in the data stored in the removable storage medium. |
| US08468303B2 |
Method and apparatus to allocate area to virtual volume based on object access type
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a storage system includes a processor; a memory; a disk control module configured to receive a write command for writing to an unallocated area and to identify an object of the write command to be written as a written object; and an object allocation acquisition module configured to obtain object allocation information specifying one or more virtual volume locations for storing the written object. The disk control module allocates, to each of the one or more virtual volume locations, an area selected from a plurality of logical volumes if the written object is predefined as a randomly accessed object. The disk control module allocates to the one or more virtual volume locations a consecutive area of one logical volume if the written object is predefined as a sequentially accessed object. |
| US08468299B2 |
Virtualized storage performance controller
An apparatus for real-time performance management of a virtualized storage system operable in a network having managed physical storage and virtual storage presented by an in-band virtualization controller comprises: a monitoring component operable in communication with the network for acquiring performance data from the managed physical storage and the virtual storage; and a cache controller component responsive to the monitoring component for adjusting cache parameters for the virtual storage. The apparatus may further comprise a queue controller component responsive to the monitoring component for adjusting queue parameters for the managed physical storage. The monitoring component, the cache controller component and the queue controller component may be configured to operate periodically during operation of the virtualized storage system. |
| US08468297B2 |
Content addressable memory system
A content addressable memory system, method and computer program product is described. The memory system comprises a location addressable store having data identified by location and multiple levels of content addressable stores each holding ternary content words. The content words are associated with references to data in the location addressable store. The content store levels might be implemented using different technologies that have different performance, capacity, and cost attributes. The memory system includes a content based cache for improved performance and a content addressable memory management unit for managing memory access operations and virtual memory addressing. |
| US08468294B2 |
Non-volatile memory with multi-gear control using on-chip folding of data
A memory system and methods of its operation are presented. The memory system includes a controller and a non-volatile memory circuit, where the non-volatile memory circuit has a first section, where data is stored in a binary format, and a second section, where data is stored in a multi-state format. The memory system receives data from the host and performs a binary write operation of the received data to the first section of the non-volatile memory circuit. The memory system subsequently folds portions of the data from the first section of the non-volatile memory to the second section of the non-volatile memory, wherein a folding operation includes reading the portions of the data from the first section rewriting it into the second section of the non-volatile memory using a multi-state programming operation. The controller determines to operate the memory system according to one of multiple modes. The modes include a first mode, where the binary write operations to the first section of the memory are interleaved with folding operations at a first rate, and a second mode, where the number of folding operations relative to the number of the binary write operations to the first section of the memory are performed at a higher than in the first mode. The memory system then operates according to determined mode. The memory system may also include a third mode, where folding operations are background operations executed when the memory system is not receiving data from the host. |
| US08468293B2 |
Restore index page
Techniques for restoring index pages stored in non-volatile memory are disclosed where the index pages map logical sectors into physical pages. Additional data structures in volatile and non-volatile memory can be used by the techniques for restoring index pages. In some implementations, a lookup table associated with data blocks in non-volatile memory can be used to provide information regarding the mapping of logical sectors into physical pages. In some implementations, a lookup table associated with data blocks and a range of logical sectors and/or index pages can be used. |
| US08468291B2 |
Asynchronous distributed object uploading for replicated content addressable storage clusters
A method performed by two or more devices of a group of devices in a distributed data replication system may include receiving a group of chunks having a same unique temporary identifier, the group of chunks comprising an object to be uploaded; creating an entry for the object in a replicated index, the entry being keyed by the unique temporary identifier, and the replicated index being replicated at each of the two or more devices; and determining, by an initiating device of the two or more devices, that a union of the group of chunks contains all data of the object. The method may also include calculating a content-based identifier to the object; creating another entry for the object in the replicated index, the other entry being keyed by the content-based identifier; and updating the replicated index to point from the unique temporary identifier to the content-based identifier. |
| US08468283B2 |
Arbiter diagnostic apparatus and method
An arbitration diagnostic circuit and method provide diagnostic information in arbitration-based systems and/or provide detection of and response to excessive arbitration delays. For example, in one embodiment, an arbitration diagnostic circuit maintains a chronological memory trace of arbitration events, including resource request events and corresponding resource grant events for two or more entities having arbitrated access to a shared resource. The trace, which may be regarded as a running, ordered list, may comprise time-stamped event identifiers, which aid the analysis of arbitration related errors or failures. Indeed, in one or more embodiments, an arbitration diagnostic circuit is configured to track elapsed times for resource requests, and to detect resource grant delay violations. Delay violations can be logged, along with the other arbitration state information, and the arbitration diagnostic circuit can be configured to freeze systems or sub-systems responsive to detecting delay violations and/or to capture various state information. |
| US08468276B2 |
Configuring an input/output adapter
A computer-implemented method includes initializing a driver associated with an input/output adapter in response to receiving an initialize driver request from a client application. The computer-implemented method includes initializing the input/output adapter to enable adapter capabilities of the input/output adapter to be determined. The computer-implemented method also includes determining the adapter capabilities of the input/output adapter. The computer-implemented method further includes determining slot capabilities of a slot associated with the input/output adapter. The computer-implemented method also includes setting configurable capabilities of the input/output adapter based on the adapter capabilities and the slot capabilities. |
| US08468275B2 |
Hardware support for software controlled fast reconfiguration of performance counters
Hardware support for software controlled reconfiguration of performance counters may include a plurality of performance counters collecting one or more counts of one or more selected activities. A storage element stores data value representing a time interval, and a timer element reads the data value and detects expiration of the time interval based on the data value and generates a signal. A plurality of configuration registers stores a set of performance counter configurations. A state machine receives the signal and selects a configuration register from the plurality of configuration registers for reconfiguring the one or more performance counters. |
| US08468270B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus for archiving networked data
A method for archiving networked data includes repeatedly transmitting an interrupt message to at least one controller, wherein each transmission of the interrupt message includes a data collection command, and wherein a portion of the transmissions of the interrupt message includes the data collection command and a time synchronization command. The method also includes receiving event data from the at least one controller in response to the data collection command, and storing the event data in a memory. |
| US08468269B2 |
Method and system for compressing location data of a radio for over-the-air transmission
Disclosed are methods and systems for compressing location data of a radio for over-the-air transmission. A method includes obtaining raw latitude and raw longitude coordinates reflecting a current location of the client device, the raw latitude coordinate represented by x number of bits and the raw longitude coordinate represented by y number of bits. The raw latitude coordinate is truncated by removing n number of most significant bits from the raw latitude coordinate to create a compressed latitude coordinate. The raw longitude coordinate is truncated by removing m number of most significant bits from the raw longitude coordinate to create a compressed longitude coordinate, where m varies as a function of the value of the raw latitude coordinate. The compressed longitude and compressed latitude coordinates are then transmitted to another network device for decompression and use as an indication of the client device's absolute location. |
| US08468266B2 |
High availability message transmission
A system, method, apparatus, and computer program product uses a plurality of message transmitters to achieve high availability message transmission. The plurality of message transmitters are each operable to transmit a message to a subscriber. In accordance with a determination, for example, of the value of the connections, the message is copied and transmitted to the plurality of the message transmitters so that at least one of the plurality of message transmitters transmits the copy to the subscriber. The at least one message transmitter may be selected by analyzing the message and determining an associated rule based on characteristics of the message. |
| US08468265B2 |
Task-oriented communication filter method and apparatus
A variety of mechanisms are used to determine a user's task orientation. Rich presence detection could be used to identify whether a person is at home, at work, traveling, or the like. Temporal factors can also be considered to determine a user's probable persona such as working, personal time, traveling (business or personal), and the like. Entries in a user's calendar application and/or to-do-list reminders can be searched to add information about a user's task orientation and up-coming deliverables. Activity monitors on phones, computers, and the like, can be used to determine files be accessed, applications being used, out-bound communications being sent, in-bound communications, up-coming meetings, and the like, to further refine the nature of a user's tasks. A program evaluates all of these information sources to determine a user's focus and presents topically relevant communications and filters the rest to keep the user from being interrupted. |
| US08468263B2 |
Onboard network system architecture for improved communication and method of use
A method is present for transferring information in an aircraft network data processing system. A message is received from a process executing on the aircraft network data processing system for a destination to form a pending message. The pending message is received using a common protocol for processes executing in the aircraft network data processing system. A communication service is identified from a number of communication services for use in sending the message to the destination remote to the aircraft network data processing system to form a selected communication service in response to receiving the pending message. A new message is formed from the pending message. The new message has a format usable by an associated protocol for the selected communication service. The new message is sent to the destination using the selected communication service. |
| US08468260B2 |
Method and system for changing selected home operator of machine to machine equipment
A method and a system for changing the Selected Home Operator (SHO) of a Machine to Machine Equipment (M2ME) are disclosed. The method includes: the M2ME establishing a connection with a Registration Operator (RO) through a Trusted Environment (TRE) functional entity, the RO registering the M2ME in the new SHO; the new SHO sending the new International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) to the RO or authorizing the RO to provide a new IMSI after it has passed the verification of the M2ME by the Platform Validation Authority (PVA); the RO sending the new IMSI to the M2ME through the connection established by the TRE functional entity; the M2ME replacing the old IMSI in the Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) with the new IMSI; wherein the UICC and the TRE function entity are all located in the M2ME. |
| US08468256B1 |
Automatically configuring a computer firewall based on network connection
A method, system, and policy file data structure stored on computer-readable medium comprise reading a policy identifier field containing data representing an identifier for a security policy. Further, a protocol identifier field is read containing data representing an identifier for a protocol associated with the security policy identified in the policy identifier field. In addition, a protocol element entry containing data representing a protocol element for protocol identified by the protocol identifier field is associated with a network adapter. |
| US08468255B2 |
Data card and method for internet access of data card
The present invention provides a data card and a method for Internet access by the data card. The method for Internet access by the data card includes: after the data card is connected to a host, mapping the data card into an Internet access device by using an Ethernet interface protocol; obtaining, by the data card, dial-up information; dialing, by using the dial-up information, to request to connect to a network; and performing, by the Internet access device, communication between the host and the network. By using the technical solutions provided by embodiments of the present invention, fast Internet access may be implemented without installing a driver. |
| US08468251B1 |
Dynamic throttling of access to computing resources in multi-tenant systems
Systems, methods, and media for method for managing requests for computing resources are provided herein. Methods may include dynamically throttling requests for computing resources generated by one or more tenants within a multi-tenant system, such as a cloud. In some embodiments, the present technology may dynamically throttle I/O operations for a physical storage media that is accessible by the tenants of the cloud. The present technology may dynamically throttle I/O operations to ensure fair access to the physical storage media for each tenant within the cloud. |
| US08468249B2 |
Unicast/multicast architecture
A system and method for providing content to users including a multicast sub-system providing content to multiple users and a unicast sub-system providing content to individual users. The multicast sub-system being operative to push to each of a plurality of user communities, content relating to the community and the unicast sub-system being operative to provide on demand to a user, content which has not been previously pushed to the user. |
| US08468245B2 |
Delivering resources to clients in a distributed computing environment
A method for delivering resources to clients in a distributed computing environment. At least a first resource associated with a first content provider and maintained on an origin server references a second resource. The second resource is associated with a network formed by a plurality of repeater servers operable to serve the second resource to clients on behalf of the first content provider, the origin server being distinct from the plurality of repeater servers. Responsive to a request that causes the first resource to be served to a client from the origin server, at least one of the plurality of repeater servers is selected to serve the second resource to the client. If a copy of the second resource is available on the selected repeater server, the copy of the second resource is served to the client from the selected repeater server; otherwise, if a copy of the second resource is not available on the selected repeater server, the second resource is replicated on the selected repeater server. |
| US08468240B2 |
Locating network resources
A method for locating network resources includes determining a distance between a client device and each of a plurality of network resources. For each of the network resources, a subset of a plurality of location tags is selected. The subset for a given network resource is selected according to the distance between the client device and that network resource. The method also includes, for each of the network resources, causing a display by the client device, of values for the subset of location tags selected for that network resource. |
| US08468239B2 |
Health presence local management interface
In one embodiment, a method includes monitoring a first current status of a communication link coupling a first health-presence unit at a first physical location to a second health-presence unit at a second physical location remote from the first physical location for a remote health-service session. The remote health-service session includes a health-service provider at the second physical location providing a health service to a patient at the first physical location. The method includes monitoring a second current status of the health device of the first health-presence unit and communicating data indicating the first current status and the second current status to the second health-presence unit for presentation to the health-service provider to facilitate assessment by the health-service provider of a usefulness of the health device to the health-service provider during the health-service session in light of the first or second current status. |
| US08468228B2 |
System architecture method and computer program product for managing telecommunication networks
A system architecture for managing a telecommunication network includes network equipment and supported network services, wherein the equipment has associated control interfaces. The architecture has a base layer proxying the interfaces and decoupling them from management functions, and a support layer having a community of agents co-ordinating operation of the base layer in order to support distributed management functionalities. The base layer and the support layer constitute separated superposed layers in the architecture. The layers in the architecture preferably include components adapted to perform respective functions based on respective instruction information provided to them. A data base is provided for storing the instruction information. The architecture is arranged for distributing the instruction information from the data base to the components. Preferably, all the layers in the architecture include process executors. |
| US08468227B2 |
System and method for rendering content on multiple devices
A method for delivering content to be rendered by multiple devices is provided. Indications of resources available to a user are received, the resources including rendering resources, the rendering resources provided by a plurality of devices, each of the plurality of devices being coupled to a network, wherein at least one of the plurality of devices provides at least one rendering resource available for use of the user, and provides at least one rendering resource available for simultaneous use of another user. Content requested by the user is received, the content including a plurality of content types. A mapping of content types to the plurality of devices is determined, wherein the mapping is based on rendering resources provided by each of the plurality of devices. Content types of the content requested by the user are delivered to the plurality of devices according to the mapping, the content types delivered to the plurality of devices via the network. |
| US08468223B2 |
Cooperation for consumer and service provider MoCA networks
Embodiments may be disclosed herein that provide systems, devices, and methods of operating a Multimedia over Coax (MoCA) network. One such embodiment is a method comprising: designating a selected MoCA device as a network controller; and logically partitioning, into virtual MoCA networks, a predetermined bandwidth reserved for the MoCA network by sending, from the network controller one or more beacons containing virtual network information. |
| US08468218B2 |
Reproducing apparatus, reproducing control method, and program
There is provided a reproducing apparatus including a server, a communication unit for communicating with a control apparatus that transmits a request for setting content, a request for reproducing and a request for stopping, a reproducing processing unit for a processing upon the received request regarding reproducing, and a reproducing control nit for controlling a state of processing execution in the reproducing processing unit, wherein the reproducing control unit sets a primary standby time and maintains a state of reproducing if received the request for stopping in the state of reproducing, or if ended the reproduction of the content data, and further sets a secondary standby time after the primary standby time has elapsed if received the request for setting content before the primary standby time has elapsed, and makes content data being newly set reproduced if received the request for reproducing before the secondary standby time has elapsed. |
| US08468217B2 |
Maintaining portlet data currency while minimizing latency
Providing data to portlets can include a step of registering a plurality of portlets to determine a type of data required by the portlets. The registering can establish a portlet context for handling future data requests for the portlets. A type of information associated with one of the portlets can be determined. A data acquisition process can be initialized to obtain the determined type of information from a data source. A data request can be received for data of the determined type from the associated portlet. Data can be acquired from the data source using the initialized process. The data request can be responded to using the acquired data. In one embodiment, the acquisition of data from the source and the updating of the portlets can occur asynchronously, where a cache is used to temporarily store data acquired from the data source that is used to update the portlets. |
| US08468215B2 |
Simulcast web page delivery
A multimedia system provides program schedule information simulcast as a data stream (e.g., HTML) including commands and displayable, selectable indicia associated with the commands, along with programs for display. A device may be adapted to separate the HTML data stream and to store that data in a cache as pages (e.g., web pages) retrievable by a browser in the device, whereupon the program schedule information is displayed including the displayable, selectable indicia. Selecting the indicia directs the device via the associated command to receive and display a program associated with the displayable indicia. The indicia may be any text, icon, dynamic figurine, and the like. In one example, program schedule pages, including the commands and displayable indicia, are stored and marked on a server coupled to the Internet and to a scanner adapted to scan the server for marked pages, and to upload the marked pages to a transmission system. |
| US08468211B2 |
Communication and synchronization in a networked timekeeping environment
An optimized time and attendance system and methods. In some embodiments, a networked time and attendance system includes a network services server with a global database and a client device terminal with a local database. The device terminal is configured to create new time keeping records on the local database using information stored in the local database. The device terminal is further configured to initiate a connection to the host server and synchronize the local database with the global database. In some embodiments, the client terminal is configured to continue creating additional new time keeping records in the local database even when a connection to the host server is unavailable. In some embodiments, the client terminal includes a user interface, a local database, a first processor configured to control all system functions except for biometric data processing, and a second processor configured to capture and process biometric data. |
| US08468209B2 |
Method of rescinding previously transmitted e-mail messages
A method of rescinding previously transmitted e-mail messages are provided. After a sender composes an e-mail message, the message may be stored on a computing system when it is sent to the recipients. As customary, the e-mail message may contain a list of recipients to whom it is to be sent. A notification message is then generated and sent to the recipients (and to the sender) instead of the actual e-mail message. The notification message allows the recipients to automatically access the stored e-mail message. When and if the sender decides to rescind the message, the user may access the message and modify the list of recipients to exclude any number of recipients as well as to modify the text of the e-mail message. Any recipient whose e-mail address has been excluded will not be allowed to access the e-mail message. |
| US08468208B2 |
System, method and computer program to block spam
A system, method and program product for blocking unwanted e-mails. An e-mail is identified as unwanted. A source IP address of the unwanted e-mail is determined. Other source IP addresses owned or registered by an owner or registrant of the source IP address of the unwanted e-mail are determined. Subsequent e-mails from the source IP address and the other IP addresses are blocked. This will thwart a spammer who shifts to a new source IP address when its spam is blocked from one source IP address. |
| US08468207B1 |
Detection of chain-letters in user-generated comments for websites
Chain-letters within user-generated comments on a website are detected based on an inserted watermark. Comments identified as likely chain-letters are rendered for display with the inserted watermark. When a user propagates a chain-letter by copying and pasting a comment already rendered on the website with the inserted watermark, the inserted watermark is recognized, and a spam score associated with the comment is adjusted. Those comments with spam scores above a pre-defined threshold are displayed on the website in an altered format. |
| US08468206B2 |
Methods, apparatus and systems for notifying excavators and other entities of the status of in-progress underground facility locate and marking operations
Methods, apparatus, and systems for providing information regarding a locate and/or marking operation to identify a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. At least one notification indicating a status of the locate and/or marking operation is electronically transmitted and/or stored so as to inform at least one party associated with requesting the operation (a “requesting party,” e.g., an excavator, a property owner, a facility owner, a regulatory authority, a damage investigator, etc.) of the status of the operation. In one aspect, a requesting party may designate a preferred format, content, and/or method of receiving notifications regarding the locate and/or marking operation. In another aspect, a computer-generated GUI is provided to facilitate submission of requests, generation of “virtual white line” images to indicate one or more dig areas on a digital image of a work site, and/or selection of notifications and preferences for same. In yet another aspect, a requesting party may provide an acknowledgement of receipt (e.g., a “return receipt”) for one or more received notifications. |
| US08468205B2 |
Method and apparatus for selective presence of messaging services
Method and apparatus for maintaining presence settings of a user for buddies selected from different buddy groups regardless of which user accounts and which buddy accounts are used in a plurality of messaging services for the user and the buddies are described. The user may subscribe to the messaging services via one or more user accounts. Each buddy may subscribe to the messaging services via one or more buddy accounts. A presence setting may be associated with a buddy group including at least one buddy account of the buddies. One or more service specific settings matching the presence settings may be identified. Each service specific setting may specify a service specific presence of a messaging service for one of the user accounts and one of the buddy accounts. A presence notification message for the service specific setting may be determined to notify the messaging service for the presence setting. |
| US08468199B2 |
System and method for verifying delivery and integrity of electronic messages
The invention provides a system and method for determining when a message is received by a recipient or an agent for the recipient. A link is activated at the recipient to provide an indication that the message has been opened by the recipient. The activation of the link may cause a server remote from the recipient to take some further action. |
| US08468194B2 |
Expertise referrals using a real-time communication system
A computer-implemented method of providing expertise based referrals can include receiving, from a first user, a voucher specifying a second user seeking expertise and a third user as a potential subject matter expert. Responsive to execution of the voucher, an instant messaging session between the second user and the third user can be established and an input from the second user indicating whether a posed question from the second user is resolved can be received. When the posed question is resolved, a role of maven can be assigned to the first user and a role of subject matter expert can be assigned to the third user. A transcript of the instant messaging session between the second user and the third user, a reference to the first user with the assigned role, and a reference to the third user with the assigned role can be stored as part of a referral transaction. |
| US08468193B2 |
Binary number multiplying method and circuit
A multiplier and a method multiply, using an array of adders, two binary numbers X and Y defining a matrix [Eni=xn−i·yi], wherein the initial matrix [Eni=xn−i·yi] is transformed into a matrix [Eni=(xn−i⊕yi)·(yi−1⊕yi)=(xn−i⊕yi)·Yi] with Yi=yi−1⊕yi or [Eni=eni·Yi] with eni=xn−i⊕yi. A first approximation Un0 and Rn−1i−1 is formed of the sum and carry of the first two rows y0 and y1 of this matrix, and this is used as an input for the following estimation step which is repeated for all the following rows, successively carrying out the addition of the following yi+1 rows up to the last non-zero row, according to a first given series of propagation equations, and then the propagation of the carries Rni−1 is carried out over the zero yi+1 rows according to a second given series of propagation equations, in order to obtain the final result of the product P. |
| US08468191B2 |
Method and system for multi-precision computation
Systems and methods for multi-precision computation are disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of multiply-add units (MADDs) configured to perform one or more single precision operations and an arrangement generator to generate one or more mantissa arrangements using a plurality of double precision numbers. Each MADD is configured to receive and load said mantissa arrangements from the arrangement generator. The MADDs compute a result of a multi-precision computation using the mantissa arrangements. In an embodiment, the MADDs are configured to simultaneously perform operations that include, single precision operations, double-precision additions and double-precision multiply and additions. |
| US08468185B2 |
Data processing method and apparatus having input sample values and applying a filter to limit an output value range to be within a permissible range
A method of data processing. The method comprises applying a filter to an input sample set comprising sample values selected from an input sequence of input sample values, so as to generate a corresponding output sample value having an output sample value position with respect to the input sample set, in which the filter has a maximum output range. The method further comprises deriving a permissible output value range from an input group of two or more input sample values in the input sample set which surround the output sample value position, detecting whether the output of the filter is outside the permissible output value range and, if so, limiting the output of the filter to lie within the permissible output value range. |
| US08468184B2 |
Extract biased exponent of decimal floating point data
A decimal floating point finite number in a decimal floating point format is composed from the number in a different format. A decimal floating point format includes fields to hold information relating to the sign, exponent and significand of the decimal floating point finite number. Other decimal floating point data, including infinities and NaNs (not a number), are also composed. Decimal floating point data are also decomposed from the decimal floating point format to a different format. For composition and decomposition, one or more instructions may be employed, including an insert biased exponent or extract biased exponent instruction. |
| US08468181B2 |
Distributed metadata cache
Apparatuses, methods, and other embodiments associated with distributed metadata caching are described. According to one embodiment, a method includes intercepting a metadata request intended for an NFS server and communicating with a member of the set of peers to satisfy the metadata request from a distributed metadata cache maintained by the set of peers. The metadata request will have originated from a member of a set of peers participating in peer-to-peer distributed metadata caching. |
| US08468178B2 |
Providing location based information in a virtual environment
A method, information processing system, and virtual environment, provide location information to users in the virtual environment. A first user is determined to be communicating with a second user in a virtual environment. One of the first user and the second user is determined to have entered a character set substantially matching a keyword in a database entry. Location information associated with the keyword is identified. The location information indicates a location within the virtual environment. The location information is linked to the character set. The character set is visually changed to indicate to the first user and the second user that location information has been linked to the character set. |
| US08468177B2 |
Content based approach to extending the form and function of a business intelligence system
A business intelligence (BI) system which includes the ability to extend its functionality outside of the project life cycle by means of specific content. Complex multidimensional queries are interpreted as trees of atomic sub-expressions that are combined in a parse-tree-like structure to form the overall query. Each sub tree is valid in isolation when provided with the proper context. Any sub tree can be an expression template, stored as application content, which at generation time uses simple text substitution with instance specific parameters to produce multidimensional expression syntax. The system includes a sophisticated type system and semantic layer that hides the user from the complexities inherent in working with OLAP databases. A business intelligence expert can provide type and semantic cues for each expression template, held as content. The content expression templates are then exposed in the application primarily through a context menu that is filtered for appropriateness, but also in an explorer tree, toolbars, menus and submenus. The functionality from a users perspective is integral to the application. An iterative processing capability to complement these expressions is provided by means of OLAP database stored procedures held as application content. Building on the above, workflow content allows business users to extend the application by creating expert-system-like guided analyses and processes. Of key significance to this innovation is the concept that the expression templates, stored procedures and workflows are application content, and therefore redistributable and unshackled from the classic software development lifecycle and the cost and expertise associated. |
| US08468176B2 |
Extended data storage system
In one embodiment, an extended data storage system employs a first data storage and an extended data storage. A first level of metadata is established with respect to data from the using entity, the first level of metadata is provided in the first data storage. The data from the using entity is stored in the extended data storage. A second level of metadata at least describing the data as stored in the extended data storage is also established, wherein the second level of metadata associated with the first level of metadata for the stored data. The first level of metadata is made accessible to the using entity at the first data storage; and the second level of metadata is made unavailable to the using entity. Thus, the data is stored in the extended data storage and a small amount of metadata is stored in the first data storage. |
| US08468171B2 |
Attributed key-value-store database system
Provided is a mechanism wherein key-value structure data are effectively combined, and dynamic changes in the data structure and amount of data are coped with flexibly; and wherein the throughput in frequent reading of simple tables is improved with this mechanism. A flexible data model is built, by making a referring mechanism for referring to attributes, and a referred-to mechanism wherein references to attributes are made, to be a “referring—-referring” element and a “referred-to—-referred-to” element; making a component by sandwiching key-value-store structure data; and combining components having multiple attributes with each other, as a “referring—referred-to” relationship. Furthermore, receiving search results as a key-value-store structure cache will contribute in simplifying accesses by conventional application programs to the aforementioned flexible data model, which by extension will contribute in making the whole application program more high-speed. |
| US08468161B2 |
Determining a seasonal effect in temporal data
To determine a seasonal effect in temporal data, for each of a plurality of candidate seasons, the following is performed. An interval is defined for the corresponding candidate season. The interval is divided into plural buckets containing respective sets of the temporal data, and statistical measures for corresponding buckets are computed. The computed statistical measures are used to compute a score for the corresponding candidate season. Scores computed for corresponding candidate seasons are used for identifying which of the candidate seasons represents the seasonal effect of the temporal data. |
| US08468155B2 |
Collaborative filtering-based recommendations
Various techniques can be used to implement a collaborative filtering-based recommendation engine. For example, different similarity measures can be used for different users. Different similarity measures can be used for a particular user across time. A superior similarity measure can be found for a user. User-defined similarity measures can be supported. |
| US08468154B2 |
Distribution system for data items
Distribution system for data items where information on amounts of topics may be used to scope further actions on the information. Data items are created topically in various locations, provided with position-based annotation and made publicly available. Search on desired data items is scoped using views that show the amount of available data items for one or more sub-areas of a geographical area. |
| US08468152B2 |
Autonomic refresh of a materialized query table in a computer database
An apparatus and method autonomically refreshes a materialized query table (MQT) in a computer database to improve database performance and utility. In preferred embodiments, the query optimizer autonomically initiates a refresh of MQT depending on an estimated time for the query to access the base tables. In other preferred embodiments, the query optimizer estimates the time for the query to access the base tables and compares it to the estimated time to refresh the MQT to determine whether to refresh the MQT and run the query over the MQT rather than the base tables. |
| US08468150B2 |
Accommodating gaps in database index scans
According to a present invention embodiment, a system conducts a scan on a database object index with one or more gaps. The system generates one or more combinations of values for the gaps within an index with respect to an operation. Each combination of values is generated by scanning the index based on a combination of one or more scan values, adjusting a value for a gap based on scan results, and adjusting the scan values for a succeeding scan based on the scan results to reduce a quantity of scans. The index includes at least two database object elements. One or more scans of the index utilizing the combinations of values are conducted to retrieve data from the database and accommodate each gap in the index. Present invention embodiments further include a method and computer program product for conducting the index scan. |
| US08468141B2 |
Abstract database query
A tangible computer-readable medium encoded with an executable set of instructions for accessing a database with a terminal is provided. A detecting code segment detects connection properties of the database. A determining code segment automatically determines, based on the connection properties of the database and from a plurality of database connectivity drivers stored in a memory, one of the plurality of database connectivity drivers that enables communication with the database. A loading code segment loads the one of the plurality of database connectivity drivers on the terminal to enable the terminal to communicate with the database. |
| US08468140B2 |
Information processing apparatus reading out and displaying contents, and method for the same
The present invention maintains the response speed to users operations when operation-target contents are changed and improves the operability in data retrieval operations. An information processing apparatus for reading out content information from a storage unit accumulating the content information and for displaying the content information holds association information that associates each of extraction conditions used for reading out the content information from the storage unit with a corresponding one of memory areas. The apparatus reads out content information from the storage unit according to the extraction conditions and stores the content information in the corresponding memory areas. The apparatus specifies a memory area corresponding to an extraction condition specified by a user based on the association information, reads out the content information from the specified memory area, and displays an image based on the read out content information on a display. |
| US08468139B1 |
Acceleration of cloud-based migration/backup through pre-population
A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for performing automated, cloud-based migrations of entitled digital assets. A set of entitlement data corresponding to a set of digital assets installed on a first system is processed with a set of digital asset source data to generate an equivalent set of digital assets. A first identifier associated with the source system is then cross-referenced to a second identifier associated with a target system. The second identifier and the set of entitlement data are processed to generate a second set of digital asset entitlements entitling the target system to use the set of equivalent digital assets. A migration request and the second identifier are then processed to provide the set of equivalent digital assets to the target system. |
| US08468136B2 |
Efficient data backup
Systems and methods are provided for storing and restoring digital data. In some implementations, a method is provided. The method includes identifying an item for segmented backup according to one or more specified criteria, and performing a first backup of the item including separating the item into a plurality of first parts prior to backing up the data and including separately storing each part. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, computer program products, and computer readable media. |
| US08468135B2 |
Optimizing data transmission bandwidth consumption over a wide area network
An exemplary embodiment includes partitioning a data message to be communicated from a first data site to a second data site into data chunks; generating a data chunk identifier for each data chunk; determining whether the data chunks are stored at the second data site; when at least one data chunk is not stored at the second data site, adding the data chunk identifier for each data chunk not stored at the second data site to a data structure at the first data site; sending a transformed data message from the first date site to the second data site; wherein, when at least one data chunk is already stored at the second data site, rather than including that data chunk, the transformed data message instead includes at least one tuple to enable the data message to be reconstructed at the second data site without sending the previously stored data chunk, the transformed data message also includes each data chunk not stored at the second data site. |
| US08468134B1 |
System and method for measuring consistency within a distributed storage system
Embodiments may include a consistency measurement component that utilizes memory-efficient sets (e.g., Bloom filters) assigned to different time periods for tracking when different write operations are performed on replicated data objects within a distributed data store. The consistency measurement component may evaluate whether read operations directed to the distributed data store are inconsistent. To do so, the consistency measurement component may determine, for a given read operation, the age of the value read from a given replicated data object (e.g., by evaluating a “last-modified” timestamp). The consistency measurement component may identify a memory-efficient set that includes the key of that replicated data object in order to determine when the replicated data object was last written to. If the age of the value read is older than the time at which the replicated data object was last written to, the consistency measurement component may determine that the read operation was inconsistent. |
| US08468130B2 |
Assisted hybrid mobile browser
A system and a method are disclosed for identifying video files on a webpage and streaming video files to a client device. A server receives browsing data including uniform resource locator for a webpage and identifies missing videos on the webpage. The server identifies a source file for the missing videos including identifying a location for each missing video. The server retrieves a thumbnail for each missing video and provides it to a client device. Additionally, the server transcodes the video file responsive to a user input provided by a user. The transcoded video is streamed to the client device. |
| US08468127B2 |
System and method for synchronizing data records between multiple databases
A communication device includes a database. The database is configured to store data records to be synchronized with a host device and to store, for each record, a corresponding device synchronization parameter (DSP) and a corresponding host synchronization parameter (HSP). The DSP indicates a version number assigned to a current version, of the respective data record, as stored in the database of the device. The HSP indicates a version number assigned to a current version, of the same record, as stored in the host device. |