| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08474803B2 |
Rotary shaft flexural vibration damping device
A damping device for damping flexural vibration of a shaft rotating about a first axis, the device having: a supporting body; and a member, which defines an annular opening fitted through with the shaft, and is movable, with respect to the supporting body and radially with respect to the first axis, between a first and a second position when the shaft flexes radially with respect to the first axis. The member is set to the first position, and the opening is traversed loosely by the shaft when the rotation speed of the shaft is within a first range; the member is set to the second position, and the opening cooperates with the shaft, when the rotation speed of the shaft is within a second range differing from the first range and including at least one critical speed of the shaft; and the damping device has elastic means interposed between the supporting body and the member. |
| US08474800B2 |
Fluid filled type vibration damping device
A fluid filled type vibration damping device including an elastic rubber body elastically connecting an inner shaft member and an outer tube member. The elastic rubber body has a solid rubber wall that includes inside face recesses and outside face recesses respectively formed to either side of the inner shaft member in an axis-perpendicular direction so that a pair of thin portions and a pair of thick portions respectively situated in opposition along mutually orthogonal axes lying in axis-perpendicular directions are formed in the solid rubber wall. A deepest part of the inside face recesses is situated towards an axial small diameter side of the solid rubber wall with respect to an deepest part of the outside face recesses, with the inside face recesses and the outside face recesses overlapping one another in the axis-perpendicular direction of the solid rubber wall. |
| US08474792B2 |
Valve device and manually operated shutoff valve device
In a valve device for selectively opening and closing a flow passage formed to open on a valve seat by a valve body through a resin-made seat, a hollow portion is formed on either one of the valve body and the valve seat and receives the resin-made seat therein, the resin-made seat has a thickness so that the resin-made seat partly protrudes from the hollow portion, and when the valve body is operated to close the flow passage, the resin-made seat is compressed to bring an end surface of the valve body into contact with the valve seat. |
| US08474784B2 |
Non-reopening locking pinch clamp for tubing
A tube clamp having first and second opposed jaws (1012, 1014) joined by a hinge (1016), the jaws (1012, 1014) movable between open and closed positions, the tube clamp adapted to attach to a flexible plastic tube (1024) so that the tube (1024) passes between the jaws (1012, 1014), whereby the flow of fluid through the tube (1024) is permitted when the jaws are open but is blocked when the jaws are brought together to the closed position to pinch closed the tube there-between, and locking means (1048,1036,1042) to effect substantially permanent and irreversible locking of the jaws (1012, 1014) in the closed position. |
| US08474780B2 |
Cable retainer for utility pole base
A cable retainer assembly for use inside utility pole base assembly. The cable retainer is anchored to the foundation using the same bolts as the pole base. The cable retainer discourages pole-to-pole cable theft by securing the copper conductor cables to the foundation and pole base plate below the handhole in the pole. Access to the clamps of the cable retainer may be prevented by including a blocking structure positioned between the cable retainer and the handhole in the pole base. |
| US08474779B1 |
Post anchoring device and related methods
A line post anchoring device for a roadway cable barrier system includes a lower helical anchor to which a detachable line post socket member is secured. The helical anchor and line post socket of each line post anchoring device have mating coupling sections that are preassembled and hydraulically screwed into the ground in a single operation. Each socket includes interior guide plates for properly guiding and positioning a line post therein, such that the cabling system can be effectively strung under tension at the same time the anchoring devices are installed in the ground. Damaged sockets are easily replaced with minimal disruption to the surrounding soil by backing the helical anchor out of the ground only so far as necessary to detach and replace the damaged socket, and then reinserting the helical anchor in the same location. There is no delay or multiple operations required for installation or repair, thus enhancing roadway safety by minimizing traffic disruptions and possible accidents incident thereto. |
| US08474778B2 |
Adjustable hands-free mounting apparatus for tablet personal computers
The invention provides an apparatus for adjustably mounting a tablet PC, portable personal computer, or flat panel video display, which is particularly suited for use during travel and in rugged conditions. The apparatus enables stable and versatile emplacement of a tablet PC by incorporating multiple independent adjustment and attachment elements. A mounting means, such as a suction cup assembly, is attachable to various surfaces and is connected to a hanger from which cordage or straps descend to a suspended frame. The frame features clips, resilient spacers, and adjustable dimensions to securely hold any commercially available tablet PC therein. The frame may further comprise various swappable stabilizer elements to separately regulate the orientation and attachment of the tablet PC to a surface. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is mounted to a windshield and the frame positions the tablet PC over the center console in an automobile. |
| US08474776B2 |
Antenna leveling system
An apparatus for manually maintaining the level of a radar antenna mounted on a stern pole affixed to the deck or transom of a vessel providing a platform pivotably mounted to a distal end of the pole and oriented to rotate about an axis substantially parallel to the centerline of the vessel. A controller at the lower end of the pole proximal to the cockpit permits manual adjustment of the horizontal angle of the radar antenna to maintain level due to heeling of the boat. The controller utilizes a first plate secured to the pole having a series of detent positions angularly spaced around and equidistant from a center point and a second plate rotatably secured at the center point. A grip handle projecting from the front surface of the second plate permits rotation of the plate when a cooperatively aligned release handle is grasped to withdraw one or more pins extending through holes in the second plate engage the detent positions. A pair of cable or rod linkages transmit rotation of the second plate to the antenna mounting platform. |
| US08474770B2 |
Wall mounting bracket
A wall mounting bracket assists in mounting equipment to a wall. The wall mounting bracket includes a plate, a post, and a sliding nut. At least a portion of the post extends outwardly from the surface of the plate. The plate is coupled to a stud or other mounting device positioned within the wall behind the sheetrock. The post includes an equipment mounting section and a spacer. The spacer is positioned between the equipment mounting section and the plate and accommodates different wall thicknesses. The bottom surface of the sliding nut is slidably and securely positionable along the top surface of the equipment mounting section. Different types of wall-mounted equipment is coupled to the sliding nut and the equipment mounting section of the wall mounting bracket. Use of the wall mounting bracket allows the equipment to be mounted to the wall without an exposed flange and preserve structural integrity. |
| US08474769B2 |
Mounting apparatus for back panel
A mounting apparatus includes a drive bracket assembly, a back panel, and a securing member. The back panel is mounted to the drive bracket assembly along a first direction. The securing member is slidably mounted on the drive bracket assembly. The securing member secures the back panel to the drive bracket assembly to prevent the back panel moving along the first direction. The securing member is capable of sliding along a second direction that is generally perpendicular to the first direction to a position, so the back panel is capable of moving along the first direction. |
| US08474765B2 |
Releasable barb assembly
The embodiments provide a barb assembly for use with a cable duct component to oppose removal of a cable duct section from the cable duct component. The barb assembly can comprise a releasable assembly for applying a force to a barb and, responsive to the application of the force, for moving the barb and one or more barb arms from an unengaged position to an engaged position without the use of tools. The barb assembly and/or cable duct component can also comprise a spring bias, which can bias the releasable assembly to the unengaged position upon actuating the releasable assembly to the unengaged position. The embodiments also provide methods of installing cable duct components and systems with the above-described features. |
| US08474764B2 |
Lightweight three-dimensional wire structure and method for the production thereof
A lightweight three-dimensional wire structure which includes a plurality of wires that are connected to each other and intersect in the three-dimensional space to form a plurality of cells. In addition, a method for producing the three-dimensional wire structure. |
| US08474763B2 |
Wing arrangement comprising an adjustable flap and fairing element for covering a flap adjustment mechanism of a wing
A wing arrangement includes, but is not limited to an adjustable flap, which is adjustable between a retracted position and at least one extended position, has at least one fairing element for covering a flap adjustment mechanism and at least one cover element. The fairing element extends downstream at least as far as the flap and has, in a surface facing the flap, a cutout which correlates with an intended adjustment movement of the flap. The cover element is movably arranged with respect to the fairing element and adapted such to cover the cutout in the fairing element in the retracted position of the flap and expose at least part of said cutout in an extended position. |
| US08474760B2 |
Polygonal support structure
A polygonal support structure is disclosed herein. The polygonal support structure has a plurality of rigid segments configured to be joined at longitudinal ends by a joint affixed to at least one end of each rigid segment. Each joint is configured to rigidly, rotatingly or hingedly join each rigid segment to an adjacent rigid segment to form the polygonal support structure. A plurality of flexible members are configured and disposed to provide tension between each joint and joints spaced two segments therefrom, in each direction, about the polygonal support structure. One or more joints may be configured to join and un-join two adjacent rigid segments and each rigid segment and each joint may be configured to enable stacking of rigid segment into a compact configuration for transport. In at least one aspect, a polygonal support structure may be configured to support assemblies in a substantially weightless environment. |
| US08474754B2 |
Cargo hold floor for a cargo hold of an aircraft and method for the installation thereof
Cargo hold floors are provided, and comprise panels or similar two-dimensional floor elements for the attachment of roller elements, ball elements, locking bar elements or similar functional elements. Support elements, in particular floor beams, are provided which support the two-dimensional floor elements whereby the floor elements are permanently joined to the support elements to make pre-fabricated floor modules and the floor modules are installable in the aircraft. To make installation work easier, separate load-bearing elements, for supporting the floor modules on and joining the floor modules to a body or a skin of the aircraft, are provided which, before the floor modules are installed in the aircraft, are joinable to the body or skin of the aircraft, and, when the floor modules are installed in the aircraft, are joinable to the support elements. As a result, it is possible in particular cases to make installation significantly easier. |
| US08474745B2 |
Rotor hub vibration attenuator
A vibration attenuator for an aircraft has at least one weight mounted in a rotating system of a rotor hub of the aircraft, each weight being rotatable about an axis of rotation of the hub relative to the hub and to each other weight. Drive means are provided for rotating each weight about the axis of rotation at a selected speed for creating oscillatory shear forces that oppose and attenuate rotor-induced vibrations having a selected frequency. A vertically oriented vibration attenuator is configured to oppose and attenuate vertical rotor induced oscillatory forces that would otherwise travel vertical down the rotor mast and into the airframe. |
| US08474744B2 |
Floor covering storage, dispensing and retrieval rack with blower device
A floor covering storage, dispensing and retrieval rack includes a frame having a roller arrangement for enabling storage, dispensing and retrieval of at least one roll of floor covering relative to the floor surface. A blower device is connected to the frame for supplying a stream of forced air between the floor surface and the floor covering to ease installation and removal of the floor covering relative to the floor surface. |
| US08474742B2 |
Spool for telecommunications cable and method
A spool for a telecommunications cable. The spool winds-up and pays-out the cable without accumulating twist in the cable. The spool can also pay out a distal end of the cable and mount a proximal end of the cable. Because no twist is accumulated in the cable, the first end and/or the second end of the cable can remain connected while the spool is winding-up or paying-out. The spool includes a base, a cable wrap reverser, and a hub. The spool is adapted to wrap the cable about the base in a first wrapping direction and is adapted to wrap the cable about the hub in an opposite second wrapping direction. The cable wrap reverser is adapted to transition and guide the cable from the first to the second wrapping direction. |
| US08474737B2 |
Rotary forming apparatus
A rotary forming apparatus is provided. The rotary forming apparatus includes a separator configured to receive a gas flow having entrained fibrous material and further configured to separate the fibrous material from the gas flow. The fibrous material forms mini-blankets having a length along a longitudinal axis. A milling apparatus is positioned adjacent the separator and configured to receive mini-blankets exiting the separator. The milling apparatus is further configured to grind the mini-blankets into fibers having desired lengths. The milling apparatus is configured to grind the mini-blankets along the lengths of the mini-blankets. |
| US08474730B2 |
Track system including a guardrail
A track system for a railway system includes a base plate configured to be supported on a railroad tie. The system also includes a drive rail and a guard rail. The drive rail includes a head portion, a web portion, and a base portion. The head portion is configured such that wheels of a train car used in the railway system roll thereon. The web portion connects the head portion and the base portion. The base portion is supported on the base plate. The guardrail includes a head portion, a web portion, and a base portion. The head portion of the guardrail is configured to contact the wheels to prevent the wheels from slipping off the drive rail. The web portion of the guardrail connects the head portion of the guardrail and the base portion of the guardrail. The base portion of the guardrail is retained in a support on the base plate. Cross-sections of each of the head portion of the drive rail and the web portion of the drive rail are substantially the same as cross-sections of the head portion of the guardrail and the web portion of the guardrail, respectively. |
| US08474729B2 |
Forced draft direct vent type room heater
The room heater has, in an outer case 1, both a first air flow passage that leads to a vent hole 12 through a section in which the main heat exchanger 6 is arranged and a second air flow passage that does not pass through the section in which the main heat exchanger 6 is arranged but leads to the vent hole 12 through a section in which a supplementary heat exchanger 6′ is arranged provided. At least one of the first damper 20 which can freely block the first air flow passage and the second damper 21 which can freely block the second air flow passage is provided, and the first air flow passage or the second air flow passage is blocked in a weak combustion period. |
| US08474726B2 |
RFID antenna modules and increasing coupling
A transponder with an antenna module having a chip module and an antenna; a booster antenna having a first antenna structure in the form of a flat coil having a number of turns, an outer end and an inner end, and a second antenna structure in the form of a flat coil having a number of turns, an outer end and an inner end; the inner end of the second antenna structure connected with the outer end of the first antenna structure. The antenna module may be positioned so that its antenna overlaps one of the first antenna structure or the second antenna structure. An antenna module having two additional antenna structures is disclosed. Methods of enhancing coupling are disclosed. |
| US08474723B2 |
Method for optimizing auto-exposure performance of an imaging device
An imaging device includes an illumination element; an auto-exposure element; and a processor disabling the auto-exposure element and subsequently disabling the illumination element. |
| US08474719B2 |
Customizable optical reader
An optical reader, which is operable in a “host commands” mode and a “host routines” mode. In the “host commands” mode, the reader receives and executes a script routine module from a host. In the “host routines” mode, the reader receives a script routine Module identifier from the host, and the reader, in turn, executes a selected one of a plurality of reader-stored script routine modules based on the identifier. |
| US08474711B2 |
Interactive customer shopping cart
An interactive shopping system, apparatus and methods are provided for use at a brick-and-mortar merchant location. The interactive shopping system includes a basket for holding items selected by a shopper, and a unique identifier for the basket. An input device is associated with said basket to obtain information regarding specific items as they are placed in the basket. A point of sale system is associated with the input device to collect information obtained from the input device, associate that information with the unique identifier for the basket, and complete a purchase transaction for all items located in the basket at checkout. |
| US08474709B2 |
Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data bearing records to carry out financial transactions. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read data from user cards that corresponds to financial accounts. The machine also includes a display, at least one manual input device, a cash dispenser, and a machine computer that operates to cause financial transactions to be carried out on financial accounts that correspond to data read from cards. The machine computer is also operative to cause digital information to be sent from the machine to a machine user's remote system address. |
| US08474706B2 |
Printing apparatus with pre-charging unit
A charging processing unit calculates a pre-charged amount of money based on print conditions and charges the calculated pre-charged amount of money to a card through a card reader. A job control unit starts a print job to print until a penultimate page, when pre-charging is finished. Further, when an accumulated amount of money is specified by generating image data of the final page and the accumulated amount of money is smaller than the pre-charged amount of money, the printing is stopped before the final page is printed. The charging processing unit causes an UI control unit to display a message requesting to place the card again. When the card is placed in response to the message and pieces of the card information matches each other, a refunding process is carried out. The job control unit restarts printing the final page after a refunding process. |
| US08474705B2 |
Automated banking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records, such as user cards, to cause machine user authorization and financial transfers. Account data read from a user card is associated in a data store with instructions for displaying a customer interface uniquely associated with the particular bank where the user holds the account. The customer interface includes user-selectable financial transaction options. The arrangement enables the customer interface of the user's home bank, with which the user is familiar, to also be automatically displayed when the user operates automated banking machines of other banks. |
| US08474704B1 |
Automated banking machine and monitoring method
An automated banking machine is part of a banking system that can operate to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records, including user cards. The machine is in operative connection with a system operable to capture images related to activity that is conducted at or adjacent to the machine. The machine is positioned at a banking facility having a vault and an entrance. A plurality of cameras are positioned at the facility. Captured images can be analyzed at a remote monitoring center. The monitoring center can operate to assure that employees or customers of the banking facility can safely enter and/or exit the banking facility. |
| US08474703B1 |
Automated banking machine and monitoring method
An automated banking machine is part of a banking system that can operate to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records, including user cards. The machine is in operative connection with a system operable to capture images related to activity that is conducted at or adjacent to the machine. The machine is positioned at a banking facility having a vault and an entrance. A plurality of cameras are positioned at the facility. Captured images can be analyzed at a remote monitoring center. The monitoring center can operate to assure that employees or customers of the banking facility can safely enter and/or exit the banking facility. |
| US08474702B2 |
Automated banking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records
A banking system is controlled responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system includes a card reader that operates to read identifying data from user cards, and can authorize operation of an automated banking machine responsive to the identifying data. The machine can generate and present a check to the machine user in response to user inputs. The machine presents an interface for the user to sign the check. The user's banking account is charged an amount corresponding to the check value. In exchange for the same machine receiving the generated check, the user is provided with cash dispensed from the machine. The machine also allows the user to select having a canceled check image displayed at the machine and/or sent to the user's network address. |
| US08474699B2 |
Automated banking machine controlled responsive to data bearing records
A system controlled responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that is operative to read card data from user cards including financial account data, and causes operation of an automated banking machine to carry out financial transactions responsive to the account data. The automated banking machine is operative to access at least one network. The automated banking machine is operative to receive a gift card code from a machine user, where the code is correlated with a monetary value in a data store. In response to receiving the code, the machine operates to dispense a non-currency gift card that is redeemable at a merchant for the monetary value in at least one of goods or services. |
| US08474698B1 |
Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read card data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The automated banking machine also includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transactions carried out with the machine. The machine is operative to cause a computer determination to be made that the card data corresponds to an authorized machine user. The automated banking machine may also include a storage device that is operative to unlock a secured area including information thereon that is used by the automated banking machine to carry out financial transfers. |
| US08474696B2 |
Payment terminal ESD test
Systems and methods for performing test procedures for measuring and defining the sensitivity of payment terminals to ESD (electrostatic discharge) are disclosed. In some embodiments, a plurality of test equipment in a controlled environment are used to measure the peak discharge current (Ip) when a payment device is inserted into a payment terminal during several simulated conditions. Energy levels of the discharge currents are calculated using an energy calculation program. One or more reference current and energy levels are determined. |
| US08474692B2 |
Analyzer and method of analyzing
An analyzer which analyzes an analyte by using the analyte and consumables, the analyzer comprising: an automatic reading device which reads a first product information related to a consumable via an identifier given to the consumable or a container containing the consumable; and a controller which permits an analysis operation when the first product information is suitable information read by the automatic reading device via the identifier, and prompts an operator to manually enter a second product information comprising information specifying the manufacturer or seller of the consumable when the automatic reading device cannot read the identifier or the information read via the identifier is not suitable as the first product information and permits the analysis operation and storage of the input second product information when the operator has entered the second product information. |
| US08474689B2 |
Method for in-die lamination of plural layers of material and paper-containing product made thereby
A method for making a multilayered paper-containing product, for example a paper plate or tray, includes assembling two or more sheets of paper-containing material cut into blanks. The blanks are pressed together and shaped in a die, usually with a bonding agent being used to secure the blanks. Pleats are formed in the curved portion of the shaped product. However, the pleats on each blank are formed independently so that the folded region formed in the pleats are arranged in a staggered array and are not interleaved with the pleats of the other blank. |
| US08474688B2 |
Box with removable top
A box blank comprises serially attached top, bottom, first side, and second side panels, each having two side edges, with a side flap attached to each side edge. A first tear line extends across the top panel and side flaps attached thereto. A second tear line extends across the top or first side panel, and side flaps attached thereto. The panels and flaps are foldable to form a box with bottom formed from the bottom panel, top formed from the top panel, first side formed from the first side panel, second side formed from the second side panel, third and fourth sides formed from the side flaps. The side flaps are sized so that the third and fourth sides are partially open. The tear lines are positioned so that a top portion of the box is removable by separating it along the tear lines. |
| US08474686B2 |
Corrugated container
A corrugated container for shipping containers, such as glass bottles, includes a shipping box, a liner, one or more cross-pieces, a top sheet and a bottom sheet. The liner, cross-pieces, top sheet and bottom sheet may be made of corrugated or hexacomb material to provide shock absorbing protection to the bottles received within the shipping box. The liner and cross-pieces do not extend the full height of the box to allow the corners of the box to crush or crumple in the event the container is dropped on one of its upper corners. A pair of staggered hand holes may be formed in the opposite sides of the box to enable ergonomic lifting of the container. |
| US08474684B2 |
Segmented mandrel for high temperature bonding of metallic axisymmetric shells having complex curvatures
A method for bonding a composite multi-layer shell having complex curvature by the delta-alpha high temperature bonding process uses a novel tool. The tool includes a plurality of segments that combine to form a mandrel assembly having a substantially continuous outer surface. The outer surface has a substantially axisymmetric shape including a complex curvature. When the segments are combined to form the mandrel assembly, at least one of the segments is configured to be movable in a substantially inward direction without substantial obstruction by any other segment. The segments are constructed of a first material have a first coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than a second coefficient of thermal expansion of a second material of a composite multi-layer shell to be bonded together using the tool. |
| US08474683B2 |
Robotic high density welding body shop
A method and apparatus for managing the delivery of component parts and tooling to a robotic welding assembly positioned on a motor vehicle body assembly line. Automatic guided vehicles deliver component parts from a source of parts to a parts staging area on the robotic welding assembly including a substage awaiting area, a substage in-use area and a substage empty area, and further automatic guided vehicles deliver tooling from a tooling management area to the robotic welding assembly whereafter the tooling, upon model changeover, is moved to a tooling use area proximate the assembly line whereafter, upon further model changeover, the tooling is removed from the tooling use area and loaded onto an automatic guided vehicle for return to the tooling management area. |
| US08474680B2 |
Wirebonding method and apparatus
A method and apparatus are discloses for wirebonding leads of a plurality of lead frames being part of a lead frame assembly by a wirebonding tool to semiconductor products mounted on the respective lead frames. The semiconductor products are clamped by a clamping mechanism comprising a stationary clamp and a movable clamp. The movable clamp follows the indexing movement of the lead frame assembly during wirebonding of the semiconductor products clamped by the movable clamp. The wirebonding process does not need to be interrupted for the indexing. |
| US08474677B2 |
Fastener system comprising a retention matrix and a cover
A surgical fastening system can comprise a plurality of fasteners, wherein each fastener can comprise, one, a base and, two, a leg extending from the base, wherein each leg can comprise a tip. The fastener system can further comprise a retention matrix comprising a first side facing toward the bases of the fasteners, a second side facing away from the bases of the fasteners, and a plurality of retention members configured to engage the legs. The fastener system can further comprise a cover configured to cover the staple tips, wherein the cover can comprise a sheet of material and/or a plurality of caps. |
| US08474675B2 |
Device for automatically controlling the edges of a web of sheeting
A device for automatically controlling the edges of a web of sheeting has a first deflecting roller and a second deflecting roller, which are arranged parallel to each other, and also a drive for shifting the deflecting rollers in opposite axial directions. A sensor detects the position of the sheeting. The drive shifts the deflecting rollers in opposite axial directions and the ratio between the friction of the sheeting on the first deflecting roller and the friction of the sheeting on the second deflecting roller is changed on the basis of the position of the sheeting detected by the sensor. |
| US08474672B1 |
Hiker's buddy apparatus for sharing with a hiker the carrying load of a backpack
An arrangement for replaceably supporting a backpack having a load on the back of a user and transferring the load of the backpack to the ground by way of the legs of the user while allowing the user to take steps unhindered. The arrangement includes a harness and a leg assembly. The harness replaceably supports the backpack having the load on the back of the user. The leg assembly is pivotally mounted to the harness, extends down the legs of the user, and transfers the load of the backpack to the ground by way of the legs of the user while allowing the user to take the steps unhindered. |
| US08474671B2 |
Golf cart bag strap sleeve
A golf cart bag strap sleeve that is capable of protecting a golf bag from damage due to friction between the golf cart bag strap and the golf bag comprising a first layer of durable non-abrasive material, a second layer of foam, neoprene, cloth, or gel padding, and a third layer of durable non-abrasive material suitable for customized advertising. In the first embodiment, the three layers are folded over to form the sleeve with two open ends that engage the strap. In a second embodiment, the sleeve is comprised of two panels, both made of the first layer, second layer, and a third layer. An end cover encloses the three layers to prevent fraying and stitching secures the three layers and the end cover. |
| US08474663B2 |
Adapter for a dispenser
An adapter includes a base having an aperture extending therethrough. A wall extends upwardly from the base, wherein first and second opposing ridges are disposed on an external surface of the wall adjacent a lower end thereof and first and second opposing elongate ribs are disposed adjacent the first and second ridges, respectively. A plurality of outwardly protruding stop members are disposed on the external surface of the wall above the first and second ridges and elongate ribs. |
| US08474659B2 |
Multi-chamber fluid dispensing container with dip tubes
Described is a multi-chamber fluid dispensing container with multiple dip tubes, and a package including the container and trigger sprayer having multiple supply lines for fluid connection to the multiple dip tubes. The container includes a body having a first wall defining a first interior volume and a second wall defining a second interior volume, a first dip tube fluidly connected to the first interior volume, and a second dip tube fluidly connected to the second interior volume. The package may include the container and a trigger sprayer coupled to the container, and fluidly connected to the first dip tube and to the second dip tube. Other embodiments may also be disclosed and claimed. |
| US08474658B2 |
Adhesive dispenser system
A dispenser system employs a packaging module for use with moisture sensitive materials. The packaging module comprises an outer carton and an inner bladder, which is substantially impermeable to moisture and is filled with one part of an adhesive. The carton is loaded on a mobile cart and the one part adhesive is supplied to a pump/mixer without exposure to moisture in the atmosphere. The packaging and dispensing system can be used in conjunction with mechanized adhesive application equipment for the construction trades. |
| US08474657B2 |
Pour spout
In a bottle spout fitment (24) and cap (26) combination, the cap (26) has a removed condition disengaged from the spout fitment and an installed condition mounted to the spout fitment. The cap has a plurality of radially-protruding lugs (132). The spout fitment has a spout (60) and a plurality of channels (118) positioned to receive the lugs (132) in the installed condition to block a longitudinal extraction of the cap from the spout fitment. |
| US08474654B2 |
In-store sample dispenser
A sample dispenser is provided allowing a consumer to sample a product. The dispenser includes a dosing unit having a mechanical pump and a nozzle for dispensing sampling amounts of the flowable substance. The dispenser also includes a cradle assembly featuring a cap and a dock, the dock having a receiving area and therein a floor from which projects an upwardly oriented hollow connector with a plastic wall piercing mouth. The cap is fittable over a product container. Tubing connects the pump and hollow connector allowing communication of the flowable substance between the product container and pump. Also provided is a method to allow a consumer to sample the product. The method includes providing the sample dispenser as described above, and activating the dosing unit to deliver a portion of the flowable substance to the consumer. |
| US08474653B2 |
Method and device for singulating ophthalmic lenses
The present invention relates to a method and a device for singulating ophthalmic lenses, particularly contact lenses. The method and the device are suitable for integration into an automated production of ophthalmic lenses, particularly contact lenses. |
| US08474652B2 |
Moist towelette dispensing apparatus
A moist towelette dispenser device adapted for use in combination with a toilet paper holder assembly having an elongated cylindrical spindle with two ends engageable which mount on a conventional toilet paper fixture to support a roll of toilet paper. The device provides for concurrent dispensing of toilet paper and moist towelettes and an air freshener. A housing provides a dispensing site for the towelettes and is engageable to the room mount by two elongated members. The toilet paper is operatively mounted on the spindle engaged between the members. |
| US08474651B2 |
Towelette dispenser
A towelette dispenser is provided with an integrally molded lid. The lid has a central aperture for allowing access to a roll of towelettes maintained within a tub receiving the lid therein. The separation bar bridges the aperture, and provides a rip fence in the form of a fingered thimble that is angled with respect to the lid as a whole. The thimble is offset near one edge of the annular opening so that a user may access the back side thereof to thread an edge of the leading towelette through the thimble without having to remove the lid from the tub. A well is provided in the smaller portion of the aperture and a cap for the lid is provided with a stuffer tab to urge the leading edge of the next towelette into the well when the cap is closed. Barrier caps are also provided to seal the interior of the tub during shipment and storage before the first use of the towelette dispenser. The barrier caps have removable portions that permit access to the interior of the lid and are removable without having to remove the lid from the tub. |
| US08474643B2 |
Cup lid having a perimeter portion adapted to cause liquid to drain toward a central portion of the lid
A lid for a drinking cup may include a rim portion and a raised cover portion. The rim portion may be adapted to matingly engage an upper peripheral edge of the drinking cup so as to selectively maintain the lid in a covering relationship on the cup. The raised cover portion may extend from the rim portion, and have a perimeter adapted to impede spillage of liquid over a peripheral edge of the lid. Liquid spilled or released on the cover portion or perimeter portion may drain away from the periphery of the cover portion and into the drinking opening or a recess in the cover portion that is adapted to receive a reclosable tab. |
| US08474636B2 |
Twist-cut unsealing mechanism for container
Provided is a twist-cut unsealing mechanism in which an operator can surely sense the fact that twist-cutting of a seal member has completed in assembling of spout and cap of such a type that a container is unsealed by twisting and cutting a seal member for the liquid passage of a spout by means of a cap. A twist-cut unsealing mechanism includes both-side protrusions arranged along a virtual circle rounding around the center line of rotation and an abutment protrusion movable relatively to the both-side protrusions along the virtual circle, and is configured so that one of the both-side protrusion and the abutment protrusion for indicating completion of twist-cut is fixed to a spout (2) and the other protrusion is fixed to a cap (3), the both-side protrusion has a sliding surface of gentle slope and a stopper surface of steep slope wherein projection heights of both surfaces are substantially same in the radial direction and both surface are adjacent to each other along a circle, the abutment protrusion can abut against the sliding surface and the stopper surface, and at a position where the abutment protrusion passed the sliding surface in the rotational direction, the relative rotation positions of the spout (2) and the cap (3) is set above the twist-cut completion position of a seal member (15) and within detachment allowance positional range where the detachment of the cap (3) is permitted. |
| US08474634B1 |
Child resistant closure with vents
A child resistant closure having an outer cap and an inner cap each of which has a base wall on a peripheral skirt with sets of lugs on the inner surface of the outer closure member and on the outer surface of the inner closure member which are adapted to be engaged when the members are moved axially toward one another. The outer surface of the inner cap is provided with a plurality of vents to allow for increased evacuation of fluid between the inner and outer cap. |
| US08474633B2 |
Methods of removing a torque converter and a starting motor from an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine
Methods for moving a starting motor or a torque converter within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine are provided. A removal apparatus, which includes a lifting fixture attached to a beam pivotally mounted on a mast, is secured within the auxiliary compartment. To move the starting motor, a plurality of lifting hooks on the lifting fixture are attached to the starting motor, and the lifting fixture and the starting motor are hoisted. To move the torque converter, a pair of lifting lugs on the lifting fixture is attached to the torque converter, and the lifting fixture and the torque converter are hoisted. Methods are also generally provided for securing a removal apparatus within an auxiliary compartment of a gas turbine. |
| US08474631B2 |
Filter system and filter element for filtering fluids
A filter system for filtering fluids has a filter head and a filter cup with a rim area, wherein the filter cup is connected detachably by the rim area by a rotational and/or plug-in movement to the filter head. A filter element is exchangeably arranged in the filter cup. A sealing device with several sealing areas is provided that seals the filter head relative to the filter cup. The filter element has a connecting end disk arranged at an end face that is facing the rim area of the filter cup. On the connecting end disk at least two of the sealing areas of the sealing device are arranged so as to extend circumferentially in such a way that a first sealing area seals the connecting end disk relative to the filter head and a second sealing area seals the connecting end disk relative to the filter cup. |
| US08474630B2 |
Method and apparatus for isolating platelets from blood
A platelet collection device comprising a centrifugal spin-separator container with a cavity having a longitudinal inner surface. A float in the cavity has a base, a platelet collection surface above the base, an outer surface. The float density is below the density of erythrocytes and above the density of plasma. The platelet collection surface has a position on the float which places it below the level of platelets when the float is suspended in separated blood. During centrifugation, a layer of platelets or buffy coat collects closely adjacent the platelet collection surface. Movement of a float having a density greater than whole blood through the sedimenting erythrocytes releases entrapped platelets, increasing the platelet yield. |
| US08474628B1 |
Presenting a recipient of an e-mail with an option to instant message a sender or another recipient based on the sender's or the other recipient's address and online status
Systems and techniques for transferring electronic data between users of a communications system include a host system structured and arranged to receive and deliver messages of various types between users of the communications system. The host system includes an instant messaging network; a mail gateway; and a configuring network in communication with both the instant messaging network and the mail gateway. The instant messaging network enables instant messaging communication between users of the communications system and has the capability to monitor whether a certain user is capable of receiving an instant message at a particular moment. The mail gateway receives and delivers e-mail messages to users of the communications system. The configuring network is dedicated to automatically configuring instant messaging communication between an intended recipient of an e-mail message and the sender of the e-mail message. |
| US08474624B2 |
Child resistant container
A container and method of opening a container are provided. The container includes a dispensing cartridge defining a storage cavity with an access opening. A blocking member is transitionable from a blocked state to an unblocked state relative to the access opening. The blocking member covers a greater portion of the access opening in the blocked state than in the unblocked state. The outer shell includes a piercing mechanism configured to transition the blocking member from the blocked state to the unblocked state. The method includes using the piercing mechanism to transition the blocking member from the blocked state to the unblocked state. |
| US08474621B2 |
Package system
A package system which combines an article and a container in an integrated package with the article secured in nested relationship within a recess of the container. The recess has sufficient depth such that portions of the side walls of the container extend outwardly effectively beyond an exposed surface of the article so as to protect the article against damage. Alternatively, the package system includes a pair of spaced columns which are integrally formed with the side wall of the container and which extend outwardly from the side wall. A recess is formed between the column members which is configured to receive an article in nested relationship within the recess. Methods for securing the article in nested relationship within the recess of the container are also disclosed. |
| US08474619B1 |
Unitary gift card box
A unitary gift box of clam-shell design constructed of cardboard and decorative wrapping paper is configured to releasably hold a gift card. The gift card is secured within a folded pop-up structure that moves the card to a prominently displayed position when the box is opened. |
| US08474616B2 |
Support for food product arrangement and method for assembling an arrangement
A support for a food product display arrangement is presented. The support includes a cylindrical structure having a diameter, an exterior surface and a height. The cylindrical structure is a food safe, foam material having a density suitable for supporting at least one of food products and display elements. The cylindrical structure is selectively adjustable about its diameter and height to accommodate a container used in the display arrangement. A plurality of supports are disposed in the cylindrical structure at positions and angles to create a visually interesting and aesthetically pleasing food product display arrangement. A plurality of food items are coupled to the supports. |
| US08474615B2 |
Retention dual use bit holder
A bit holder, comprising a base having a plurality of longitudinally oriented bit compartments for releasably storing multiple tool bits, a retention member positioned on the outside of the base for releasably retaining the tool bits within the base, and a magnetic member engaged with the base for allowing the base to be removably attached to a metal surface for storage. |
| US08474613B2 |
Carrier for photographic equipment such as cameras and lenses
A carrier has a variable-length compartment for receiving a device of variable length, such as a lens with a hood that may be alternated between a reversed and an extended or operative position. The carrier has an expansion gusset region that allows expansion of the carrier along one dimension when the device is elongated, whereby the carrier is able to securely accommodate the elongated device within the compartment, and contraction of the carrier when the device is less elongated. |
| US08474606B2 |
Link chain for chain conveyors and horizontal chain links therefor
A link chain or a chain link for scraper chain conveyors with vertical and horizontal chain links which are interlinked in an articulated manner for scraper chain conveyors for use in mining. In particular to horizontal chain links with front sections with a straight face zone and with longitudinal limbs, which connect the front sections around an oval inner opening and which are provided on their outer surfaces with a recess, wherein the rear sides of front sections delimiting the inner opening form a contact zone for circular arcs of vertical chain links. In order to improve the service life of the link chain, the rear sides, which face oval inner opening, of front sections are provided with a surface which has a hollow, which forms a central region of the contact zone, between a fillet cambered in a crowned manner. |
| US08474602B2 |
Multi-piece conveyor belt rollers
Multi-piece rollers for a conveyor belt. First and second roller sections fit together to form a complete roller. The two roller sections together define a bore for receiving an axle. The bore and the periphery of the roller are formed in part by each of the first and second roller sections. The roller is assembled by sliding the two sections together in a direction perpendicular to the axle with the bore closing around the axle. The roller sections have fingers that interdigitate with each other to prevent axial separation of the first and second roller sections. The interdigitated fingers surround a majority of the bore. |
| US08474601B2 |
Container transfer device having a transfer guiding member
Device (10) for transferring containers (2) from a feed rail (9) to a rotary star wheel (3). The device (10) has a transfer wheel (11) provided, on its periphery, with a plurality of recesses (12) for engaging containers (2) under their neck (7) and moving the containers (2) along a transfer path (15) extending from a loading point (13) at an end of the feed rail (9) to an unloading point (16) at the periphery of the rotary star wheel (3). Also included is a guiding member (18) having a flat lower surface (19) extending at least partly above the transfer path (15) at a distance from the transfer wheel (11) substantially equal to the height of the container neck (7). |
| US08474596B2 |
Transfer conveying apparatus
The invention describes a transfer conveying apparatus (1) having small conveying rollers (14) which form a conveying plane (13) for an item of transported goods (3) for a main conveying direction and at least one auxiliary conveying direction with a pivoting apparatus for pivoting the small conveying rollers (14) about pivot axes which extend perpendicularly with respect to the conveying plane (13) and with a drive apparatus for the small conveying rollers (14). A load-bearing frame of the transfer conveying apparatus (1) having at least one row (11) of the small conveying rollers (14) arranged transversely with respect to the main conveying direction and having pivoting transfer and drive transfer for the row (11) of the small conveying rollers (14) forms a conveying module which is connected detachably to a base module having at least one pivoting drive arrangement and at least one small-roller drive arrangement. |
| US08474587B2 |
Bicycle hub assembly with two bearings
A bicycle hub assembly includes a hub having a driving tube connected one end thereof and the driving tube includes a ratchet portion and a sprocket portion respectively defined in an outer periphery thereof. A first recess and a second recess are defined in an inner periphery of the driving tube, wherein the first recess is located corresponding to the ratchet portion and the second recess is located corresponding to the sprocket portion. A ratchet unit is mounted to the ratchet portion and a sprocket unit is mounted to the sprocket portion. A first rotary member and a second rotary member are engaged with the first recess and the second recess respectively. |
| US08474586B2 |
Clutch actuation assembly with satellite pistons
A dual clutch actuation assembly includes a housing, an annular central piston, a plurality of satellite pistons, and an annular apply member. The housing includes an inner cylindrical wall, an outer cylindrical wall, and a plurality of satellite cylindrical walls. The inner and outer walls define an inner piston annulus and the satellite walls define a plurality of satellite piston bores. Each of the satellite walls is disposed at least partially radially outward of the outer wall. The central piston is disposed in the inner piston annulus and is in sliding engagement with the inner and outer walls of the housing. The satellite pistons are disposed in the satellite piston bores and are in sliding engagement with the satellite walls of the housing. The apply member is axially engaged with each of the satellite pistons and includes an annular plate portion disposed radially outward of the outer cylindrical wall of the housing. |
| US08474584B2 |
Tamper evidencing band
A tamper evidencing band for encircling an article includes an elongate strip. The band is provided with a loop. The loop is such that attempted opening or removal of the loop will be evidenced by the band. The strip has a portion distal from the loop, which is insertable through the loop. Attachment means is provided to selectively attach the distal portion onto another portion of the strip to encircle the article whereby attempted removal of the attachment will be evidenced by the band. The tamper evidencing band may be provided as a flat strip with the loop unformed. Alternatively, the tamper evidencing band may be provided in kit form with a separate buckle to define the loop. |
| US08474583B2 |
Impact device and methods of making and using the same
In an embodiment, an impact device comprises: a metal component comprising greater than or equal to three walls forming a metal component channel; and a plastic component having a honeycomb structure with a plurality of walls defining comb channels therein. The combs channels are oriented perpendicular to at least one of the three walls, and the plastic component is inseparable from the metal component without damage to at least one of the metal component and the plastic component. A wall of the metal component can comprise an aperture, and wherein plastic material from the plastic component is located in the aperture. |
| US08474580B2 |
Floating brake disc
The invention relates to a floating brake disc (1), particularly for a motorcycle, particularly an off-road motorcycle, which comprises an outer ring (2) which carries a brake band (23) and an inner ring (3) via which the brake disc (1) is connected to a wheel of the vehicle. According to the invention, at least one region (5) of contact, in particular a number of regions (5) of contact, between the outer ring (2) and the inner ring (3) is/are formed on a circular arc (6) extending, concentrically with the brake disc (1), between the outer ring (2) and the inner ring (3), the outer ring (2) and inner ring (3) being connected to one another in the at least one contact region (5) with at least one connecting means (16), in particular a rivet. The inner ring (3) also has, next to the at least one contact region (5), a projection (7) which engages in an indentation (8) in the outer ring (2) in such a way that a bearing surface (9) between the inner ring (3) and the outer ring (2) can be formed, at least when the brake disc (1) is in operation in a vehicle, particularly a motorcycle. |
| US08474575B2 |
Mounting for a safety system
A mounting for a support post of a safety system has a cylindrical stem to be removably received in a cylindrical socket of an anchor device to be secured to a structure, and a connector enabling connection to the support post of the safety system. The connector is articulated with respect to the cylindrical stem to be adjustable over a range of attitude orientations with respect to the cylindrical stem and a securing device secures the connector at a specific attitude orientation with respect to the cylindrical stem. The mounting may be used in a safety guardrail system for working at height, with a vacuum anchor and a support post to which the guardrail is mounted. The support post is mounted to the vacuum anchor by the articulated mounting to enable the orientation angle of the support post to be adjusted with respect to the anchor device. |
| US08474574B1 |
Sound absorbing structure
PROBLEMSThe present invention provides a sound absorbing structure that enables a sound absorbing rate thereof to be raised in a low-frequency region or medium-high frequency from around 500 Hz to 10 KHz, and a thickness thereof to be reduced.SOLUTIONSThe sound absorbing structure has: a non-air permeable sheet molding object having, on one surface side thereof, a plurality of cavities including recesses formed by bending; and a non-air permeable surface sheet which is layered on the sheet molding object, on a cavity open-top side surface thereof, so as to cover open-top of the plurality of cavities, wherein the surface sheet is fixed at outer peripheral sections of the sheet molding object 11 and is not fixed to the sheet molding object at portions between adjacent cavities. |
| US08474571B1 |
Limited movement ear piece for stethoscopes and other headpieces
An ear piece assembly (10, 100, 200, 300, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000) designed for a stethoscope or other headpiece, and configured to allow rotation of an ear tip (20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620) of the assembly about a central axis (relative to the rest of the assembly) and to allow limited off axis movement of the ear tip (relative to the rest of the assembly). In typical embodiments, the ear piece assembly is designed to fit a user's ear canal and stay in place during typical use without rotational or off axis movement of the ear tip relative to the ear canal, and to provide substantially more comfort to the user than would a headpiece with a conventional ear tip assembly, particularly for prolonged wearing by the user. Other aspects of the invention are a headpiece (e.g., a stethoscope headpiece) or stethoscope including an embodiment of the earpiece assembly, an ear piece housing body configured for use in an embodiment of the earpiece assembly, and an ear tip configured for use in an embodiment of the earpiece assembly. |
| US08474570B2 |
Electric power steering apparatus
An electrical angle estimation section calculates an estimative electrical angle on the basis of an inductive voltage generated in a motor, and obtains an estimative electrical angle by correcting the estimative electrical angle by an electrical angle correction amount. On the basis of a detection value which represents the difference in electrical angle between the q-axis and the δ-axis calculated by an electrical-angle-error detection section, an electrical-angle-correction-amount computation section calculates an electrical angle correction amount such that the electrical angle of the δ-axis falls within a prescribed angular range, which lags behind the q-axis in terms of electrical angle. Thus, when sensorless control is performed, a phenomenon in which the motor loses synchronism can be restrained. |
| US08474564B2 |
Self-propelled wheel for bicycles and similar vehicles
A wheel with a self-contained drive mechanism is provided to propel (or assist in propulsion of) bicycles, tricycles, and similar vehicles. The wheel preferably takes the form of a detachable wheel, which is readily received within the dropouts of a bicycle frame or fork. Thus, the wheel may be added to (or removed from) preexisting standard bicycles and the like. |
| US08474562B2 |
Tractor center control console
A tractor center control console may be assembled before being mounted on a tractor. The tractor center control console includes a one-piece molded plastic pedestal, an instrument panel, and a steering column assembly that is solely supported by the one-piece plastic pedestal. A removable cowl covers at least part of the one-piece plastic pedestal. Electronic components are housed in the one-piece plastic pedestal and covered by the removable cowl. |
| US08474557B2 |
Air guiding device
An air guiding device is arranged in a front end part of a motor vehicle and has an air guiding duct containing a radiator unit through which fresh air flows. A wheel house grille is arranged in the guiding duct downstream of the radiator unit. The wheel house grille has differently positioned air guiding slats for the passage of radiator outlet air. The air guiding slats are positioned so that part of the radiator outlet air is guided to the vehicle outside and a further part of the radiator outlet air can be supplied to the vehicle inside and via a deflecting blade to a wheel brake for cooling. The air guiding slats may also be closed over subregions by means of a facing such that no outlet air can flow through the slats in the subregions. |
| US08474554B2 |
Fast tracked ground vehicle
An unmanned guided vehicle that is at least twice as fast as those of the prior art, lighter, less vulnerable, and more reliable than the prior art having at least one of: a dual-action dogleg suspension system; a track system comprising a plurality of cleats, a rubber insert secured to each cleat, and two cables serially joining each cleat to make up a track; a track guide system comprising a shark fin secured to each cleat that runs through a plurality of track guides; a dry clutch and braking system; a tubular chassis comprising a tubular center chassis and a tubular suspension chassis; a spring-loaded piston track tension compensator system; a flat drive tooth drive sprocket system that allows for clearing foreign debris from between the teeth; and a suspension carrier modular design assembly system comprising a passenger side suspension carrier, center cage, and driver's side suspension carrier. |
| US08474553B1 |
Self-loading locomotion mechanism and application thereof
The present invented mechanism comprises more than two (legs) with phase difference (like polygon-shape, ellipse-shape, and etc) between their rotation angles to produce pre-loading for improved adhesion. Two rigid plates covered with adhesives are attached to each phase difference wheel. Each plate connects to the wheels via a hinge embodying a torsional spring, which forces the plate back to its original position after each contact with surface. The phase difference wheels are made of elastic materials for application of controlled pre-loads at contact surfaces during locomotion. The difference between height and width of each wheel as well as the elastic properties of the materials determine the pre-load pressure applied during locomotion. The pre-load pressure is not strongly dependent on the orientation of locomotion. This enables locomotion in vertical, inclined and even upside-down orientation and also in the non-gravity environment. |
| US08474548B1 |
Measurement while drilling apparatus and method of using the same
The present invention is a method and apparatus used to transmit information to the surface from a subsurface location during the process of drilling a bore hole comprising a pressure pulse generator or “pulser” coupled to a sensor package, a controller, an active electromagnetic system for subsurface collision avoidance, and a battery power source all of which reside inside a short section of drill pipe close to the bit at the bottom of the bore hole being drilled wherein the apparatus or “MWD Tool” can be commanded from the surface to make a measurement of desired parameters and transmit this information to the surface by encoding data in pressure pulses generated by a pulser valve that includes a stator and a rotor which may be open and closed to create pressure pulses. |
| US08474546B2 |
Agricultual implement incorporating disc opener apparatus
A packing pressure adjustment assembly for a ground opener unit of an agricultural implement includes a spring interconnected between a rotatable pressure adjustment arm and a trailing arm to which a packer wheel is rotatably mounted. The pressure adjustment arm is centered about an axle of the ground opener unit and is movable between a set of mounting positions that are defined by a set of teeth spaced and arced from one another along a frame portion of the ground opener unit. As the pressure adjustment arm is rotated, the amount of force exerted by the spring on the trailing arm is varied. The packing pressure adjustment assembly is relatively compact and is useful in providing high packing forces, such as a packing force in excess of 100 lbs. |
| US08474543B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluids from a well below the surface of the water
A fluid control device is provided for controlling and/or halting an uncontrolled flow of petroleum or natural gas from an open well head on the sea floor. The fluid control device includes an elongated member having a diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the well head casing. A tapered section in connection with the elongated section, has a diameter equal to or greater than the inside diameter of the well head casing. An end section connected to the tapered section has a diameter greater than or equal to the outside diameter of the well head casing. The fluid control device, under its own mass or under an external force, overcomes the upward forces created by the flowing petroleum or natural gas, resulting in sufficient downward movement of the fluid control device and contact with the open well to seal the well head casing or drill pipe. |
| US08474541B2 |
Glass forming hardbanding material
A drill pipe and a method of applying hardbanding thereto. A hardbanding alloy comprising iron and manganese present in the range of 67 to 87 weight percent (wt. %), niobium and chromium present in the range of 9 to 29 wt. %, and boron, carbon and silicon present in the range of 3 to 6.5 wt. % may be welded around at least a portion of a tool joint circumference. The hardbanding alloy may exhibit a hardness of 45 Rc to 70 Rc and a wear rate in the range of 0.08 grams to 1.60 grams of mass loss after 6,000 cycles as measured using ASTM G65-04, Procedure A. |
| US08474539B2 |
Pull tube sleeve stress joint for floating offshore structure
The present disclosure provides an improved design for a pull tube sleeved stress joint and associated pull tube for managing stresses on a catenary riser for a floating offshore structure. The pull tube sleeve stress joint includes at least one sleeve surrounding a length of the pull tube with an annular gap between the sleeve and pull tube and a link ring therebetween. For embodiments having a plurality of sleeves, a first sleeve can be spaced by an annular first gap from the pull tube and coupled thereto with a first ring between the pull tube and the first sleeve, and a second sleeve can be spaced by an annular second gap from the first sleeve and coupled thereto with a second ring between the first sleeve and the second sleeve. Both pull tube and sleeves can be made with regular pipe segments welded together with regular girth welds. |
| US08474537B2 |
High capacity wellhead connector having a single annular piston
A wellhead connector for connecting a riser or production tree to a wellhead of a subsea well utilizes a singular annular piston to lock the connector onto the wellhead. The wellhead connector includes a housing that contains dogs for engagement with the exterior of the wellhead housing. A cam ring is also included, which has an inner side for engaging the dogs and moving them inward into a locked position with the wellhead housing. The cam ring is of a reduced proportion relative to prior art. As such, the cam ring outer side is dimensioned to contact the inner side of the connector housing under load. Connecting rods connect the piston to the cam rings. As the piston moves downward, the cam ring also moves downward, forcing the dogs inward into a locked position. As the piston moves upward, the cam ring also moves upward, thereby unlocking the connector. A secondary annular piston is also provided to guarantee unlocking.At preload, a profile on the lower portion of the connector body engages a stepped profile on the outer diameter of the wellhead thereby creating a secondary load path for reacting to the applied bending moment. |
| US08474532B2 |
Invert silicate fluids for wellbore strengthening
A wellbore fluid that includes an oleaginous continuous phase; a non-oleaginous discontinuous phase comprising a water-soluble silicate therein; and an emulsifier to stabilize the non-oleaginous phase dispersed in the oleaginous phase is disclosed. A setting agent, including organic or inorganic setting agent may optionally be included to trigger gelation or precipitation of the silicate downhole. |
| US08474530B2 |
Method and apparatus for a high side orienting sub for multi-lateral installations
An apparatus for indicating the orientation of a structure which includes an orienting sub releasably connected at an outer case. The orienting sub is at a preselected orientation relative to the structure. A change in fluid pressure of a predetermined magnitude of flow rate through the orienting sub will indicate that the structure is at a desired orientation in the well. |
| US08474527B2 |
Mechanism for providing controllable angular orientation while transmitting torsional load
A mechanism for adjusting the relative angular orientation of two coaxial components includes a mandrel having a cylindrical central section between upper and lower splined sections, a sleeve rotatably and slidably disposed around the mandrel's central section, and generally cylindrical upper and lower ratchet members positioned, respectively, about the mandrel's upper and lower splined sections. The ratchet members have internal grooves which receive the mandrel splines for torsional load transfer while permitting limited rotation relative to the mandrel, but their axial positions relative to the mandrel are fixed. The upper and lower ends of the sleeve have circumferentially-arrayed ratchet teeth engageable, respectively, with corresponding teeth on the upper and lower ratchet members. The central sleeve has torque-transferring external splines slidable within matching grooves on the inner surface of a cylindrical tool housing enclosing the mechanism. The mandrel is rotatable relative to the housing, but its axial position is fixed. The teeth of the sleeve and ratchet members are configured such that movement of the sleeve from a position engaging the upper ratchet member to a position engaging the lower ratchet member, or vice versa, will effect an incremental angular shift of the mandrel relative to the tool housing, while maintaining effective transfer of torsional loads therebetween. |
| US08474522B2 |
Downhole material retention apparatus
A debris removal device features structural support from an exterior housing that allows more space for debris collection. The debris enters the collection volume from the top to eliminate debris from having to go through a valve. The screen in the device is disposed internally to protect it during handling and running. A variety of external flow diverters are used to direct debris laden fluid into the tool and to keep debris out of an annular space around the tool that could interfere with its removal. The diverters can be actuated by relative movement in the tool or applied pressure to a piston which can inflate a sleeve or orient or misalign paths through brushes for selective bypassing of fluid exterior to the tool. |
| US08474519B2 |
Methane hydrate dissociation accelerating and methane gas deriving system
Warm water is pumped up by a pump from an underground aquifer present 1000 to 1500 m below the seabed, geothermal energy is caused to flow through a permeable layer below a methane hydrate layer, a dissociation boundary surface of an un-dissociated area of the methane hydrate layer is dissociated to generate methane gas, the methane gas is led into a production well from peripheral areas and through a gas inlet screen and caused to rise so that the methane gas is collected on the sea. |
| US08474518B2 |
Automobile cooling system component
A tank body 125 comprising header tanks 120 of a radiator is composed with a polyamide composition containing polyamide 6,10, glass fiber, copper and nucleating agent. At this time, the polyamide composition contains, based on the total weight of the polyamide 6,10, the glass fiber, the copper and the nucleating agent, (a) 48.9 to 79.988 percent by weight of the polyamide 6,10, (b) 20 to 50 percent by weight of the glass fiber, (c) 0.002 to 0.1 percent by weight of the copper, and (d) 0.01 to 1.5 percent by weight of the nucleating agent, and the result of measuring half-crystallization time of the polyamide composition is 5 minutes or less. In addition, the polyamide 6,10 used has a relative viscosity, as measured in 98 percent sulfuric acid, of 2.3 to 2.9. |
| US08474516B2 |
Heat exchanger having winding micro-channels
A micro-channel heat exchanger suited for use in large-area cold plates includes a heat transfer member having winding micro-channels, a manifold, and a cover plate. The micro-channels' winding design is defined by a nonlinear flow axis that may include a plurality of short pitch and small amplitude undulations, which cause the flow to change directions, as well as two or more large amplitude bends that cause the flow to reverse direction. In low flow per unit area applications, the winding micro-channels allow a user to customize the pressure drop to promote good flow distribution, to achieve improved heat transfer uniformity, and to enable the pressure drop to remain above the bubble point of the heat transfer structure to prevent gas blockage. The winding micro-channels also improve the heat transfer coefficient. |
| US08474515B2 |
Finned cylindrical heat exchanger
A cylindrical heat exchanger for use as a gas cooler in a thermal regenerative machine such as a Stirling engine includes an imperforate middle wall of sufficient strength and thickness to withstand the pressure exerted by the working fluid. The heat exchanger includes an inner corrugated wall located within an axial gas flow passage inside the middle wall, and an outer corrugated wall which defines an axial coolant flow passage along the outer surface of the middle wall. The coolant flow passage preferably contains a corrugated intermediate wall. |
| US08474514B2 |
Carrier structure for partitioning and/or inner partitioning with integrated heating and/or cooling
The invention relates to a carrier structure (1) for partitioning and/or inner partitioning with integrated heating and/or cooling.The structure is characterized in that it comprises mounts (2) that can be fixed to the structure of a building and adapted for receiving a cladding (8); through chutes (5) formed so that they can be attached on said mounts (2); and a network of heating and/or cooling members (6) extending in a portion or the totality of said chutes (5).The invention also relates to a mount and a chute for realizing such a structure, and to a partitioning or inner partitioning for implementing the same. |
| US08474512B2 |
Cooler arrangement for a motor vehicle
A cooler device for a motor vehicle includes a radiator liquid cooler with a first cooler element for cooling radiator liquid for the motor vehicle's combustion engine, a charge air cooler with a second cooler element for cooling of charge air for the combustion engine, the first and the second cooler elements extending substantially parallel and side by side, with a narrow space between the cooler elements. A screening device in the space between the cooler elements regulates the air flow through the elements. A control mechanism switches the screening device to and fro between an open position in which the screening device does not, or at least does not appreciably, limit the air flow through the cooler elements, and a closed position in which the screening device limits the air flow through the cooler elements. |
| US08474509B2 |
Operating system for an architectural covering
Operating system (1) for rotatably controlling retraction and deployment of an architectural covering. The operating system includes a drive pulley wheel (3) having a circumferential rim (5), a length of looped drive cord (9) operatively engaged with the pulley wheel (3) about its circumferential rim (5) and having depending portions on opposite sides of the pulley wheel (3), a cover (7) co-extensive with a portion of the circumference of the pulley wheel (3) and at least one stopper (19) attached to a portion of the length of the drive cord (9) and adapted to engage the cover (7) to stop rotation upon a predetermined amount of rotation of the pulley wheel (3). The pulley wheel is provided with a cavity (17) on its toothed circumference for receiving the at least one stopper (19) to prevent it from engaging the cover (7). |
| US08474505B2 |
Temporary tattoo applicators
A tattoo applicator for applying temporary tattoos to a subject, the tattoo applicator including a handheld housing and a sponge moveably supported by the housing to moisten the temporary tattoo and to apply pressure to the temporary tattoo. In some examples, the housing defines a retaining slot for receiving a tattoo-forming sheet. In some examples, the tattoo applicator includes a timer. In some examples, the tattoo applicator includes a push rod and a tattoo mount supported by the housing, the tattoo mount defining a port through which the push rod extends. In some examples, the tattoo applicator includes a fluid reservoir mounted to the housing. |
| US08474498B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire (1) provided in the tread portion (2) with a row (5R) of crown blocks (5b) divided by crown axial grooves (8), two rows (6R) of middle blocks (6b) divided by middle axial grooves (9), and two rows (7R) of shoulder blocks (7b) divided by shoulder axial grooves (10), Each of the crown axial grooves (8) is circumferentially aligned with one of the middle axial grooves (9) such that the crown axial groove (8) is positioned within a middle-axial-groove range (Mc) defined between 1st and 2nd axial straight lines (Za and Zb) which are drawn passing through 1st and 2nd extreme circumferential end points (9a and 9b) of the middle axial groove (9), respectively. The circumferential length of the middle-axial-groove range (Mc) is not less than 25% but not more than 50% of a pitch length (P) defined between the two 1st extreme circumferential end points (9a and 9a). The middle-axial-groove range (Mc) does not overlap with any of the shoulder axial grooves (10). |
| US08474494B2 |
Roadside repair kit for restoring tire bead integrity
A sealing tube is wrapped around the rim and inflated such as to seal the gap between tire and rim if the seal between the tire bead and rim has lost its integrity. After this, the tire can be inflated to specified pressure at a slow rate using a portable compressor. The repair can be done at roadside on any vehicle using inflatable tires usually without demounting the wheel or even jacking up the defective wheel. |
| US08474491B2 |
Nitrogen tire filling apparatus and method
An apparatus is provided for filling vehicle tires with nitrogen and especially to a customer operated tire inflation system for filling vehicle balloon tires with nitrogen. A plurality of tanks of nitrogen are mounted for rotation on a lazy susan and are connected to a hose on a reel having a tire filling valve on the end thereof for unreeling and filling a vehicle tire. A credit or debit card reader controls a hose reel lock and flow from the nitrogen tanks. |
| US08474488B2 |
Low pressure accumulator for anti-lock brake system
A low pressure accumulator for an anti-lock brake system of a vehicle. The low pressure accumulator includes a cylinder having one end communicated with a fluid path connected to a valve and a pump and an opposite end formed with an opening, a piston moving back and forth in the cylinder, a spring installed in the cylinder to elastically support the piston, and a plug installed in the opening of the cylinder to support one end of the spring. The plug includes a vent to ventilate air through an inside and an outside of the cylinder. |
| US08474486B2 |
Actuator system
An actuator system (14) comprising a valve assembly (40) having an inner spool (50), an outer spool (60), and a sleeve (70). An assembly (80) directly drives the inner spool (50) to move it relative to the outer spool (60), and thereby hydromechanically causes the outer spool (60) to move relative to the sleeve (70). A control assembly (90) provides current input to the drive assembly (80), which converts current input into mechanical motion. The control assembly (90) senses the position of the inner spool (50) and regulates current in accordance with the sensed position. |
| US08474480B1 |
Actuator control valve
A spool valve is formed from a spool having two adjacent lands of equal cross-sectional dimensions, and a third land having greater cross-sectional dimensions than the other two. The spool reciprocably moves through a bore formed in a housing, so as to open and close fluid communication between selected pairs of ports formed in the housing. The bore includes a first chamber which receives the third land of the spool and has no externally communicating port formed in its walls. The spool valve may be used as a control valve for the actuator of a system valve. As the spool valve begins to actuate, the third land becomes exposed to actuator pressure. The greater area of the third land serves to increase the force applied to the spool valve by the actuator pressure source, enhancing protection from unintended or malicious resetting of the spool. |
| US08474478B2 |
Float valve
A float valve comprising a shut-off lever and a float lever is disclosed. The shut-off lever is supported for pivotal movement about a first axis between a first closed position and a second open position. The float lever is supported for pivotal movement about a second axis between a first closed position and a second open position. The float lever and the shut-off lever include cams which cooperate to transmit closing forces and opening forces between the levers. The valve exhibits a snap closing action whereby seeping is prevented over a substantial range of liquid levels. |
| US08474475B2 |
Valve arrangement and construction kit for a valve arrangement
A valve arrangement (1) comprising a valve body (2) for inflating and deflating a vehicle tire and comprising a measuring device (8) for measuring the tire pressure, in which the measuring device (8) is secured on the valve body (2) against axial movement in a pulling direction (Z) away from the valve body (2) by a securing element. The securing element has a profiled element (15) with a fixing element (20) acting on the valve body (2). Furthermore, a construction kit for such a valve arrangement is provided. The profiled element can connect the valve body (2) in a signal-conducting manner to an electronic transmitting unit. |
| US08474470B2 |
Crutch
The invention provides a forearm type of crutch comprising an operatively upright staff having a ground engaging foot at one end and a transverse handle and forearm support assembly at the operatively upper end, and wherein the angle of inclination of the forearm support assembly to the staff is adjustable, wherein the angle of inclination of the forearm support assembly relative to the staff is adjustable by means of a pair of co-operating positioning portions, one being stationary relative to the staff and the other being stationary relative to the forearm support assembly and wherein the positioning portions have complementarily co-operating zones that are engagable in different angular positions of the forearm support assembly and staff to provide a desired angle of inclination of the forearm support assembly relative to the staff and wherein releasable clamping means operatively hold the positioning portions in a selected engaged position for use. |
| US08474468B2 |
Apparatus and method for thermally processing a substrate with a heated liquid
Apparatus and method for heating a substrate in a bath containing a heated liquid inside a vessel of a thermal processing system. The liquid in the bath is heated and the substrate is brought into contact with the liquid in the bath. The substrate is heated to a process temperature by transferring heat energy from the heated liquid in the bath to the substrate. The substrate is removed from the heated liquid and dried before subsequent processing steps. |
| US08474462B2 |
Tongue retaining oral appliance
An oral appliance includes a frame for mounting to a user's teeth and a tongue contacting retaining member extending from the frame and configured in use to limit movement of the tongue toward the user's throat when the user is exercising or sleeping to maintain an open air passageway. The retaining member is positioned relative to the frame such that in use the retaining member contacts the tongue in a zone behind the second molars and in front of the pharyngeal reflex region of the tongue. The retaining member is further configured to lightly contact the tongue, and to apply a restraining force to the tongue as the tongue begins to move toward the user's throat during exercise or as the user falls asleep. |
| US08474461B2 |
Apparatus for holding nasal tubes
The present invention relates to a nasal tube holder having a conformable body with a nose section and a forehead section. At least one nasal tube inserted into a patient's nose is held to the conformable body, and the conformable body is held to a patient's forehead. Also disclosed is a method for securing at least one nasal tube to a patient's nose and forehead. |
| US08474450B2 |
Enhancements introduced into prolonged tracheal cannulation processes
A method for positioning a cannula for permanent implant through the orifice or tracheostoma in a fully aligned manner with the help of an inserter. The inner end or suprastomal extension of the cannula, upon withdrawing the inserter is vertically positioned in the supra-ostial area of the trachea, allowing, once the permanent cannula has been permanently positioned, the introduction of a perforated cannula having a characteristic curvature therethrough. The perforated cannula is oriented, through the lower aperture of the permanent cannula -1-, towards the interior of the lungs in order to allow insufflation of air from the exterior, while the exhaled air is derived through the vertical extension towards the larynx through the orifices disposed in the curvature elbow thereof. |
| US08474449B2 |
Variable length pneumostoma management system for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
A flexible pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes flange attaches to the chest of the patient to secure the device in position. The pneumostoma management device also includes a tube which enters the pneumostoma to allow gases to escape the lung. The length of the tube is selected to match the dimensions of the pneumostoma of a patient. In order to manufacture devices having different tube lengths, the tube is formed at a longer length than required, cut to size and tipped. The tube may be formed by molding or extrusion. |
| US08474448B2 |
Metered dose inhaler
The present invention provides an improved metered dose inhaler utilizing the property of the aerosol canister. The metered dose inhaler includes: a housing body (2); an aerosol canister (3) including a canister body (3a), a valve stem (3b), and a spring urging the valve stem, wherein the valve stem (3b) is held at a fixed position inside the housing body (2), and wherein the canister body (3a) is supported inside the housing body (2) to be depressible against a spring force of the spring; a dose counter (10) including display members (12) and (13) rotatably supported inside the housing body (2), and a control lever (14) swingably supported inside the housing body (2) to rotate the display member (13); and a control cap (20) including a junction member rotatably joined to the control lever (14), and a cap portion (20b) which sheaths the canister body (3a) from a bottom side of the canister body (3a), wherein the control cap (20) causes the control lever (14) to swing. |
| US08474442B2 |
Structural oil baffle for engine covers
An oil baffle, a system, and a method are disclosed for separating a gaseous component from oil in a blow-by vapor for an internal combustion engine. An example system may include a cam cover configured to be mounted on a cylinder head. The system may also include an oil baffle including a first face coupled to the cam cover and may define an oil separation chamber between the cam cover and the first face. The oil baffle may include one or more stiffening members coupled to and extending from and substantially normal to an opposite face in order to reduce noise. |
| US08474438B2 |
Fuel injection valve
A stem is installed to an injector body and is resiliently deformable upon receiving a pressure of high pressure fuel conducted through a high pressure passage of the injector body. A strain gauge is installed to the stem to sense a strain generated in the stem. A molded IC device executes an amplifying operation, which amplifies a signal received from the strain gauge. The stem, the strain gauge and the molded IC device are integrally assembled together to form a fuel pressure sensing unit, which is installed to the injector body by threadably fastening a threaded portion, which is formed at the stem, to the injector body. |
| US08474437B2 |
Fuel injection controlling apparatus of internal combustion engine
A fuel injection controlling apparatus (electronic control unit) of an internal combustion engine, which can cause first to fourth fuel injection valves of respective cylinders connected to a fuel delivery pipe to inject a fuel, which is heated after fed from a fuel pump (feed pump), is provided with a fuel pump control unit that stops a drive of the fuel pump (feed pump) until the heated fuel in the fuel delivery pipe is reduced to a predetermined amount or less. |
| US08474435B2 |
Opposed piston, compression ignition engine with single-side mounted crankshafts and crossheads
In an opposed piston, compression ignition engine two crankshafts are single-side mounted with respect to a row of cylinders, which is to say that the crankshafts are mounted so that their axes of rotation lie in a plane that is spaced apart from and parallel to a plane in which the axes of the cylinders lie. Each piston of the engine is coupled to one of the crankshafts by a single linkage guided by a crosshead. The piston has a piston rod affixed at one end to the piston. The other end of the piston rod is affixed to the crosshead pin. One end of a connecting rod swings on the pin and the other end is coupled to a throw on a crankshaft. Each crosshead is constrained to reciprocate between fixed guides, in alignment with the piston rod to which it is coupled. |
| US08474434B2 |
Motor-driven throttle valve device with inductive throttle sensor and inductive throttle sensor for detecting rotation angle of throttle shaft of motor-driven throttle valve device
In a situation where a conventional inductive throttle sensor is used with a motor-driven throttle valve device to detect the rotation angle of a throttle shaft, plural sensor connection conductor sections for connecting a connector terminal to a circuit board terminal section are formed on the cover on one lateral surface side of a circuit board in the long-axis direction. This increases the dimension of the cover in the short-axis direction (the dimension in the direction of air flow in an intake path). Consequently, it is difficult to install the motor-driven throttle valve device and inductive throttle sensor in a narrow engine room. This problem is addressed by using a separate member to achieve electrical conduction between a stator circuit board and a conductor routed inside the cover installed over the stator circuit board in a concentrated manner on one side of the circuit board. The problem is also addressed by disposing plural electrical conduction spots in a decentralized manner and away from a protrusion provided to limit the amount of axial movement of a gear. |
| US08474433B2 |
Engine braking method and system
During engine braking of a turbocharged internal combustion engine, the exhaust gas pressure increases and this is used to pressurize the seals between the turbocharger shaft and the bearing housing so as to prevent oil leakage into the compressor housing. Immediately after engine braking, stored exhaust gas pressure is used to pressurize the seals at the turbine end so as to prevent oil leakage into the turbine housing. In an alternative arrangement the exhaust gas is used to generate a reduced pressure in the bearing housing to increase the pressure gradient across the seals. |
| US08474428B2 |
Flexible ignitor assembly for air/fuel mixture and method of construction thereof
An ignitor assembly constructed in accordance with one aspect of the invention has an upper inductor subassembly coupled to a lower firing end subassembly for relative pivot movement between the subassemblies. The upper inductor subassembly includes a tubular housing with inductor windings received therein with an upper electrical connector adjacent an upper end of the housing and a lower electrical connector adjacent a lower end of the housing. The lower firing end subassembly includes a ceramic insulator and a metal housing surrounding at least a portion of the ceramic insulator. The ceramic insulator has an electrical terminal extending from a terminal end and an electrode extending from a firing end. A flexible tube couples the upper inductor subassembly to the lower firing end subassembly and maintains the electrical terminal of the lower firing end subassembly in electrical contact with the lower electrical connector of the upper at a pivot joint. |
| US08474418B2 |
Partition member for cooling passage of internal combustion engine, cooling structure of internal combustion engine, and method for forming the cooling structure
The position of a passage separating member in the axial direction of the cylinder bores is determined by causing a spacer to contact a bottom surface of a water jacket. When the separating member is inserted in the water jacket, the width of the separating member is reduced due to elastic deformation, so that the separating member can be arranged in the water jacket. After being arranged, the separating member tightly contacts the inner surface of the water jacket due to elastic restoration force. The tight contact prevents the separating member from moving upward in the water jacket. As a result, coolant is prevented from moving between the upper portion and the lower portion with respect to the separating member. The advantages of separate cooling of the coolant in the upper and lower portions with respect to the separating member are obtained. This reliably reduces the temperature difference along the axial direction of the cylinder bore forming body. |
| US08474417B2 |
Lubricating system for air-cooled general-purpose engine
An air-cooled general-purpose engine includes: a cooling fan fixed to one end portion, protruding outward from one end wall of an engine main body, of a crankshaft; and a shroud which is mounted to the engine main body, and which defines a cooling-air path between the shroud and the one end wall, the cooling-air path guiding a cooling air blown under pressure from the cooling fan. The air-cooled general-purpose engine includes: an oil pump which pumps up an oil from an oil reservoir; and an oil-supply path which is formed in the one end wall, facing the cooling-air path, of the engine main body, and configured to guide the oil discharged from the oil pump to a valve operating chamber in a head portion of the engine main body, and a jet for jetting the oil is provided in an opening of the oil-supply path, the opening being open to the valve operating chamber. Accordingly, it is possible to be excellent in cooling oil and to preferably lubricate a valve operating system in addition to the surrounding of a crankshaft. |
| US08474413B2 |
Pet restraint harness system for vehicles
A pet restraint harness system for use in a vehicle may be installed in a rear or front passenger seat. The restraint system includes a harness fastened about the pet and a restraint framework fastened about the seat and, in some configurations, to manufacturer latch points provided in the vehicle. The restraint framework includes a vertical strap positioned against the seatback and one or more lateral straps attached to the vertical strap to resist lateral movement, vertical movement, or both. One end of the vertical strap and the lateral straps may attach to the manufacturer latch locations. Alternatively, ends of the vertical and lateral straps may attach to each other about the seat. At least two restraining straps are attached to the vertical strap, the lateral straps, or among the combination of both. The restraining straps are configured to attach to an animal's collar, to a harness, or both. |
| US08474412B1 |
Carrier sling for injured or convalescent pets
A carrier sling for supporting and carrying a four-legged animal off the ground has a sling formed of flexible fabric material having leg openings for receiving the forelegs and back legs of the animal that extends along an underside of the animal including the shoulder and hip areas and around the sides of the animal and has a longitudinally extending loop along opposed shorter sides which contain a rigid support rod. Strap handles and a shoulder strap are secured to each shorter side and support rod. When the animal is supported in the sling and lifted by the handles or shoulder strap, the support rods are positioned closely together substantially parallel with one another and extend longitudinally above the animal's back and spine including the shoulder and hip areas to evenly distribute the animal's weight and significantly reduce twisting or bending stresses applied to the axis of the spine. |
| US08474411B2 |
Wild animal deterrent device and method
The invention is an animal deterrent device and method of using the device. The device consists of a dazzler laser that produces eye irritation in an animal which results in the animal turning away from the user of the device. The device incorporates a diverging lens such that the dazzler laser produces a beam with a wide spread that makes it is easy to shine the beam on a potentially dangerous animal, but where the light is of sufficient intensity to irritate the animal's eyes. |
| US08474409B1 |
Ultrasonic stimulating pet toy
The present invention relates generally to an ultrasonic stimulating pet toy and, more specifically, to a mouse-like pet toy comprising a sound chip assembly that emits ultrasonic vocalizations that replicate those studied in mice. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. |
| US08474406B2 |
Device for keeping pets' ears clean or substantially clean
An ear prop prevents a pet's ears from contacting or substantially contacting food or water in a bowl or dish. The ear prop has members for elevating, supporting or displacing the pet's ears, and the ear prop may comprise a shield. A dish for holding food or water for a pet is constructed to keep the pet's ears from contacting or substantially contacting food or water in the dish. The dish comprises a bowl section and an ear prop section. The bowl section has a floor piece with a boundary continuously connectable to a boundary of a side wherein another boundary of the side defines an opening of the dish. The ear prop section is operably connected to the opening to provide a mechanism for elevating, supporting or displacing the pet's ears. |
| US08474405B1 |
Cattle management method and system
An automated method and system for individual animal electronic identification, measurement, and management of cattle in a feedlot. Through the use of a computer system integrated with individual animal identification, multiple measurement and remeasurement systems, and a handling and sorting system, animals are individually identified and measured. The computer system calculates optimum slaughter weight, economic end point and marketing date for shipment to a packing plant. Individual animals are sorted by the computer in response to calculations from the measurements. The computer system stores individual animal measurement, performance and location data, which is used to select animals for shipment to slaughter at the optimum time. At the slaughter facility, the animal's identification is used to correlate the live animal physical characteristics and performance data to the carcass characteristics data and build a-database to more accurately identify and measure value-based characteristics in subsequent animals for more effective selection and management. |
| US08474397B2 |
Transcutaneous analyte sensor
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. |
| US08474395B2 |
Device for lining or repairing offset chimneys including a reticulated centering device with an upper and lower centering guide
A device for repairing or relining an offset chimney includes a spreader assembly for spreading a repair material on the interior walls of a chimney as the device is pulled up the chimney, a pull assembly for pulling the device through the chimney, and an optionally reticulated centering device for keeping the portion of the pull assembly directly above the spreader assembly away from the chimney walls when the spreader blade assembly is moved through a chimney offset. |
| US08474394B2 |
Vertical flag display apparatus
A vertical flag display apparatus comprises a support bar, a flag spar, a flag pole, and locking end caps. The flag spar can be a rod, bar, or other tubular pole. The flag spar threads through a flag sleeve so that the flag hangs down from the spar when the spar is held parallel to the ground. The locking end caps attach to an end of the spar and ensure that the flag can not slide off of the spar. The end caps attach to each end of the support bar securing the spar to the support bar. The flag pole attaches to the support bar and extends downwards and perpendicular to the support bar. The flag pole is attached to the side of a building, etc. so as to hold the flag pole generally 45 degrees out from the side of the building and in an upwards orientation. |
| US08474390B2 |
Structural support to underwater vessels using shape memory alloys
A supporting arrangement for a vessel for counteracting compressive loads at an operating temperature. The supporting arrangement also provides inertial stiffening of the hull of the vessel as well as acoustic and vibration damping. The supporting arrangement includes a support structure that is made from a shape memory alloy that contacts and presses against the inner walls of the vessel. The supporting arrangement utilizes the shape recovery properties and/or the internal energy properties of the shape memory alloy support structure to provide reinforcing and damping forces. |
| US08474389B2 |
Personal watercraft
A sectional shape of a seat provided on a personal watercraft includes first to third seat portions, first to third hip support portions, and first and second rearward inclined portions. The first hip support portion extends rearward to a height higher than the second seat portion from the first seat portion. The second hip support portion extends rearward to a height higher than the third seat portion and higher than the first hip support portion from the second seat portion. The third hip support portion extends rearward to a height higher than the second hip support portion from the third seat portion. The second rearward inclined portion is inclined at an inclination angle larger than an inclination angle of the first rearward inclined portion with respect to a horizontal plane. |
| US08474387B2 |
Method and apparatus for incineration of combustible waste
A method and apparatus for incinerating different types of combustible waste in a cement manufacturing process. Two combustion chambers for incinerating waste are arranged in series, with first combustion chamber being a down draft chamber in which there is a downward flow of combustion gas and waste fuel to a waste and gas outlet. The second chamber is adaptable to support waste on a supporting surface incorporated in the compartment, wherein the waste is transported through the compartment from a waste inlet to a waste outlet along a circular path. |
| US08474384B2 |
Folding armrest tray for wheelchairs
A tray assembly mounted on a wheelchair. A housing containing the tray is mounted along the side of the chair arm. The tray assembly has a tray surface moveable between a stowed and unstowed position. |
| US08474382B2 |
System and method for guiding a galvanizing product wiping device
A system for guiding a mobile carriage in a frame. The frame has three parallel linear-guiding tracks including a first track extending centrally on the frame and second and third tracks arranged laterally of the first track. The carriage has at least two axes of rotation. A first axis drives at least a first wheel in the first guiding track and a second axis drives at least a second wheel and at least a third wheel, respectively, in the second and third guiding tracks. The two axes of rotation are perpendicular. The description also relates to an associated method. A primary object is to enable the end of a mobile beam, such as a beam carrying a device for wiping a galvanizing product off a steel strip, to perform a guided movement with a high degree of freedom while minimizing mechanical stresses. |
| US08474377B2 |
Combination stencil printer and dispenser and related methods
A combination stencil printer and dispenser includes a frame, a stencil coupled to the frame, a substrate support coupled to the frame to support a substrate in a print position, and a print head coupled to the frame to deposit and print viscous material over the stencil. In one embodiment, the combination stencil printer and dispenser further includes a cleaning assembly coupled to the frame to wipe excess viscous material from a bottom surface of the stencil. The combination stencil printer and dispenser further includes a dispenser mounted on the cleaning assembly to dispense viscous material on the substrate when the substrate is in the print position. In other embodiments, the dispenser can be mounted on a movable stencil or on an independent gantry provided within the combination stencil printer and dispenser. |
| US08474375B2 |
Juicer arrangement
A juicer arrangement comprises a motor-driven appliance (1), capable of extracting juice from fruit, and a vessel (10) for receiving the juice. The appliance has a tubular outlet duct (9) through which juice can flow; the duct consisting of an inner portion (12) that is fixed to the appliance (1) and an outer portion (13) which can be rotated, relative to the inner portion (12), about the longitudinal axis (12a) of the tubular outlet duct (9). Near the outlet end of the outer portion (13) of the outlet duct there is provided a chordally-extending internal wall (15), configured such that, in one rotational position of the outer portion (13) of the duct relative to the inner portion (12), the wall (15) is positioned to act as an anti-dripping dam member to resist liquid flow through the outlet duct (9). In another rotational position of the outer portion (13) of the duct relative to the inner portion (12), the wall (15) is inverted, leaving a gap through which juice can be dispensed. Preferably, the vessel (10) has a lid (27) pre-formed with an aperture (28) into which the outer portion (13) of the duct (9) can be inserted, and the outer portion (13) can be rotated relative to the inner portion (12) of the duct (9) whilst remaining inserted in the aperture (28). |
| US08474373B2 |
Device for treating elongate food products with a conditioned airflow
The present invention relates to a device for treating elongate food products in a process space using a conditioned airflow, comprising: a housing bounding the process space, with a feed opening arranged in the housing and a discharge opening arranged in the housing for respectively carrying elongate food products into the process space and discharging thereof from the process space, transport means for displacing the elongate food products through the process space, blowing means for generating an airflow in the process space, and conditioning means for conditioning the airflow. |
| US08474370B2 |
Cooking apparatus and method with product recognition
A method for controlling a clam grill that has first and second platens. The second platen is moved toward the first platen. A signal is provided in response to a detection of an impediment to the motion of the second platen. The motion of the second platen is stopped in response to the signal. |
| US08474367B2 |
Drink preparing machine including a built-in container for cleaning using steam nozzle
Beverage preparation machine comprising a body 2 having a facade, a beverage preparation area (10) delimited on one side by the facade 3, in its upper part by beverage outlets, and in its lower part by a cup rest 8, and a movable steam nozzle 7 connected to the body by a moving device. The body includes a housing 3c defining a cleaning area 25, in which is disposed a rinsing container 12 having a top opening 22 and including a draining device 23, and in which the movable nozzle 7 is driven in a vertical movement by the moving device so that its free end 7a enters the container 12 through its top opening. |
| US08474358B2 |
Pull rod release mechanism for a push-pull table tool
In at least one embodiment, a table saw includes a table, a moveable carriage supported by the table, a saw assembly supported by the carriage, and a pull rod coupled to the carriage. The pull rod is configured to move in a linear direction relative to the housing between a back position and a forward position. The carriage and saw assembly move in the linear direction when the pull rod is moved in the linear direction. A collar is positioned on the pull rod and configured to move in the linear direction between a locked position and an unlocked position. The pull rod is configured to move in the linear direction from the back position toward the forward position when the collar is in the unlocked position, and the pull rod is blocked from moving from the back position when the collar is in the locked position. |
| US08474355B2 |
Vehicle glazing panel cut out
A glazing panel cut out system for use with a cutting wire in cutting out a vehicle glazing panel cut out procedure has a dispenser unit for dispensing cutting wire and a winder unit for winding the wire, both being mounted to the glazing panel during use. The winder unit has one or more winder spools for winding the cutting wire dispensed from the dispenser. The cutting wire is paid out from the dispenser whilst mounted to the glazing panel during the cut out procedure. |
| US08474351B2 |
Ratchet wrench
A ratchet wrench has a through cavity in which a reversing lever is disposed. The reversing lever has a pair of protruding lips formed thereon opposite from one another. A cooperating ledge is formed on the head in the cavity and on the pawl which is adjacent to the reversing lever. A spring-loaded pusher is disposed longitudinally in a blind bore in the reversing lever and the pusher engages a pocket in the pawl. A cover plate is disposed on a shelf recessed on the bottom of the wrench and spaced apart from the reversing lever. |
| US08474350B2 |
Locking flex-head ratchet wrench
A ratcheting tool including a handle formed with an integral yoke at a first end and a tool head coupled to the yoke at a pivot. The tool head has a toothed hub facing rearwardly of the pivot and into the yoke. A locking spool is rotatably carried in the yoke adjacent the toothed hub. The locking spool has a first face, a second face, and a first tooth extending along both the first face and the second face and engaging the toothed hub. The locking spool is rotatable between a first position in which the first face is adjacent the toothed hub, thereby locking the tool head in a selected angular position with respect to the handle, and a second position in which the second face is adjacent the toothed hub such that the tool head is pivotable about the pivot. |
| US08474349B2 |
Idle-able auxiliary drive system
A power transfer unit (PTU) for a motive device includes an outer housing and a torque transferring clutch. The PTU also includes a piston housing located between the outer housing and the torque transferring clutch, and a piston in the piston housing. The piston is arranged to provide actuation forces to the torque transferring clutch, and to restrict reaction forces back to the piston housing. |
| US08474347B2 |
High efficiency right angle gearbox
A right angle gearbox is described that includes an enclosure, an input member, an output member, and an assembly. The enclosure has dimensions such that the gearbox is operable as a drop in replacement for a gearbox that includes a worm gear set. The input member extends from the enclosure and includes a first portion of a helical gear set housed within the enclosure. The output member extends from the enclosure and includes a second portion of a hypoid gear set housed within the enclosure. The output member is substantially orthogonal to the input member. The assembly includes a second portion of the helical gear set and a first portion of the hypoid gear set mechanically coupled to one another. |
| US08474344B1 |
Controllable composite clutch having limited torque while being in released state
A controllable composite clutch device limited torque while in a released state includes a clutch capable of being controlled for performing engaging/releasing function and a limited torque device having relatively smaller torque installed between an input/output shaft and an output shaft, or radially installed between an input shaft and a cylindrical outputting rotation part, so that when the clutch is controlled to be in an engaged state, the rotary kinetic energy between the input shaft and the output shaft is transferred through the clutch, and so that when the clutch is controlled to be in a released state, the limited torque device performs limited torque coupling and the rotary kinetic energy between the input shaft and the output shaft can continue to be transferred, or a slip rotational speed differential is generated due to over-torque. |
| US08474343B2 |
Transmission having a low launch gear
A vehicle transmission includes a pinion secured to an input shaft, a gear meshing with the pinion, an idler secured to the gear, a reverse gear meshing with the idler and secured to a second idler, a low gear supported on a layshaft and meshing with the second idler, and a coupler connecting the low gear to the layshaft. |
| US08474340B2 |
Double clutch transmission
A double clutch transmission with first and second clutches (K1, K2) with input sides connected with an input shaft (w_an) and output sides respectively connected with one of two coaxially arranged transmission output shafts (w_k1, w_k2). At least first and second countershafts (w_v1, w_v2) are provided on which are mounted idler gearwheels (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15), while on the two first and the second transmission input shafts (w_k1, w_k2) are mounted fixed gearwheels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) whereby at least several power shiftable forward gears (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and at least one reverse gear (R1, R2, R3, R4) is shiftable. A maximum of six gear planes (8-12, 9-13, 10-14, 11-4, 5-15) are provided so that at least one winding path gear is shifted upon disengagement of a coupling device (S_ab2) allocated to an output gear (18). |
| US08474330B1 |
Systems and methods for measuring bearing endplay
A system for use in measuring an end play of a wheel hub assembly includes a cap attachable to a shaft of a wheel hub assembly. A frame has a cavity receiving a measurement probe extending outwardly from the cavity. The probe contacts the cap and is configured to measure movement of the cap to determine endplay of the bearing assembly on the shaft. The frame includes a plurality of legs extending from the frame to mount on the shaft. The legs contain torque sockets and torque limiters which are threadably engaged and tightened onto lugs of the wheel hub assembly without exceeding a preselected torque. The torque sockets allow the frame and system to be used on hub assemblies having wheels thereon without removal of the wheels from the hub assemblies or lug nuts from the lugs supporting the wheel. |
| US08474329B2 |
Pipe-shaped sensor device
The invention relates to a sensor device (1) for measuring an axial force in the longitudinal pipe direction of a pipe (4) and/or at least one torque, having a measuring element (2) comprising an adapter connection (3) connected to the pipe by means of a flanged socket part, by means of which the pipe can be fixedly coupled to an adjustment adapter (5), wherein the axial force and the torque can be fed into the adjustment adapter and can be measured by means of strain gauges (11, 12) disposed in a sensor area (9) between the adapter connection and an end of the flanged socket part (6) opposite the adapter connection at strain gauge locations, wherein the flanged socket part having the sensor area is designed in a pipe shape, wherein the sensor area extends from the adapter connection to the end of the flanged socket part and has a smaller outer diameter than the end of the flanged socket part, wherein the end of the pipe facing the adapter connection and extending past the end of the flanged socket part toward the adapter connection is force decoupled from the sensor area and from the adapter connection, and wherein at least three strain gauge measuring locations are disposed on the circumference of the sensor area. |
| US08474327B2 |
Flow meter assembly, gate assemblies and methods of flow measurement
The present invention provides an acoustic flow meter assembly (2) for pipes or open channels, said assembly including a frame (24) with a predetermined geometry. The frame has at least one user accessible port (36-42) with the at least one user accessible port (36-42) adapted to receive an interchangeable cartridge (44) which contains at least one acoustic transducer (46) to measure fluid velocity through said frame (24). |
| US08474326B2 |
Load pin with increased performance
A load pin includes a main body, a plurality of recesses, and a plurality of sensor pockets. The main body has a plurality of loading surfaces and a plurality of relief surfaces formed therein. Each loading surface is disposed between two of the relief surfaces. The recesses are formed in and extend at least partially around the outer surface of the main body. Each recess has a substantially round inner surface, is formed in a different one of the relief surfaces, and is disposed between a different pair of loading surface. The sensor pockets are formed in the outer surface, extend partially into the main body, are disposed between a pair of loading surfaces, and extend through the recess that is disposed between the same pair of loading surfaces. |
| US08474324B2 |
Stress corrosion cracking testing device
The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) testing device includes a corrosion cell for placing a specimen to be tested therein. The corrosion cell is configured to simulate the extreme high temperature and pressure, as well as the corrosive environments experienced by engineered, industrial components. A heating element and a pressurizing assembly are operatively attached to the corrosive cell to simulate the high temperature and pressure environs. A circulation assembly is also attached to the corrosion cell to simulate both flowing and stagnant conditions of the corrosion solution that the industrial component can be subjected to. A loading assembly with a specimen holding shaft is operatively attached to the specimen to place a predetermined and constant tensile load on the specimen until fracture in order to determine KI and KIsec of the engineered component. PTFE seals are used to seal the specimen holding shaft during testing. |
| US08474319B2 |
Detecting an analyte using a piezoelectric cantilever sensor
A piezoelectric cantilever sensor includes a piezoelectric layer and a non-piezoelectric layer, a portion of which is attached to the piezoelectric layer. In one embodiment, one end of the non-piezoelectric layer extends beyond the end of piezoelectric layer to provide an overhang. The overhang piezoelectric cantilever sensor enables increased sensitivity allowing application of the device in more viscous environments, such as liquid media, as well as application in liquid media at higher flow rates than conventional piezoelectric cantilevers. In another embodiment, the sensor includes first and second bases and at least one of the piezoelectric layer and the non-piezoelectric layer is affixed to each of the first and second bases to form the piezoelectric cantilever sensor. In this embodiment, the sensor is robust and exhibits excellent sensing characteristics in both gaseous and liquid media, even when subjected to relatively high flow rates. |
| US08474318B2 |
Acceleration sensor
An acceleration sensor having a support frame, a weight supported within the support frame via flexible beams, semiconductor piezoresistance elements provided on the beams, and wiring interconnecting the piezoresistance elements. The acceleration sensor detects acceleration from changes in resistance of the piezoresistance elements. Stress damping sections are provided on those portions of the beams which exclude the portions where the piezoresistance elements are provided. Each stress damping section is symmetrical with respect to the point of intersection between the length center line of the beam and the width center line of the beam. |
| US08474314B2 |
Fill level switch and sensor element for a fill level switch
A fill level switch (1) for measuring the fill level of a medium in a container (2), having a sensor element (3) for contacting the medium, a sender (4) for applying an electromagnetic emission signal to the sensor element (3) and an evaluation unit (5) for detecting a received signal from the sensor element (3). The sensor element (3) includes at least one cable (6) for guiding the emission signal. To provide a fill level switch, which is based on a sturdy measuring principle and which allows for reliable cleaning, the fill level switch uses a delay line as the cable (6) of the sensor element (3) and the sensor element (3) has a window (7) facing the medium in the mounted position of the fill level switch and at least a part of the cable (6) can be electrically influenced by the medium via the window (7). |
| US08474313B2 |
Process for testing a sample of hydraulic fracturing fluid
An apparatus and process for testing a sample of a hydraulic fracturing fluid is provided. A small quantity of a fracturing fluid sample to be observed and/or tested is placed in a chamber designed with suitable heat and pressure simulation apparatus. With the sample chamber, the efficacy of the fracturing fluid can be ascertained, improper fracturing fluid compositions and/or mixtures, e.g., caused by human error, can be detected, and contamination of the frac-tank can be determined. The overall apparatus is portable and can be transported to the site of the fracturing fluid tank, thereby allowing testing immediately prior to introduction into the well. The samples in the test chamber can be observed for quality control and quality assurance prior to, or during stimulation and water shutoff treatments in the field. |
| US08474309B2 |
Noise existence diagnosis device for fuel injection system
A waveform detector detects a variation in fuel pressure generated by an injection based on a detection value of a fuel pressure sensor as a fuel pressure waveform. A differential calculator calculates a differential waveform representing a variation in differential value of the fuel pressure waveform. A noise determiner determines that noise overlaps with the fuel pressure waveform when the differential waveform has a value higher than a predetermined upper threshold or when the differential waveform has a value lower than a predetermined lower threshold. |
| US08474306B1 |
Method and apparatus for measurement of fluid properties
A method and apparatus for determining the contact angle and/or surface tension of a liquid on a solid surface is described. The method involves placing a fluid drop on a solid surface, and gradually increasing its volume by adding more fluid, while continuing to determine the corresponding increase in fluid height, until the drop attains maximum height beyond which additional fluid only increases the drop footprint and not height, and determining the equilibrium height and in turn the contact angle by means of an equation that correlates contact angle with depth below the fluid surface, together with the fluid surface tension and liquid density. The method may in turn be used to determine the fluid surface tension from the equilibrium height when the contact angle and density of the fluid are known. |
| US08474303B2 |
Chromatographic measurement apparatus
A chromatographic measurement apparatus for measuring a color development state of an insoluble carrier with a sample solution and a label solution developed thereon to test a test article, the insoluble carrier including a test detection area where a material that binds specifically to a test article is immobilized and a control detection area used for determining an end of measurement. The chromatographic measurement apparatus includes: a determining unit for carrying out determination of validity and determination of necessity of amplification of a test result of the test article; and an amplifying unit for amplifying the color development state according to the result of the determination of necessity of amplification by the determining unit. The amplification is carried out only when it is determined that amplification is necessary. |
| US08474300B2 |
Methods to provide a feature on a needle
A gripping surface is provided on an outer surface of a needle shield as incorporated into an intravenous catheter assembly. The gripping surface provides a gripping position nearer the catheter adapter, catheter and needle tip for improved balance and control of the catheter assembly during insertion of the catheter. Additionally, the gripping surfaces include a guard feature to prevent a user's unintended contact with various components of the catheter assembly whereby the contact may result in an undesirable “over the bevel” condition. |
| US08474288B2 |
Method for knitting a garment such as tights or the like, machine to implement this method and garment produced therewith
The method comprises the phases of: knitting at least one part (5 A, 5B) of the body (1) with reciprocating motion of the two cylinders of a double-cylinder machine; —knitting the leg pieces (9A, 9B) with a continuous rotational motion of the two cylinders (11, 13), a first leg piece being knitted by a first of said cylinders and a second leg piece being knitted by a second of said cylinders. It is provided for an arc of needles (C) to be maintained temporarily inactive on each of said two cylinders while knitting said at least one part (5 A, 5B) of the body (1) with reciprocating motion. Furthermore, it is provided that the temporarily inactive needles are set to work at the end of the knitting of said at least one part (5 A, 5B) of the body (1) with reciprocating motion, thus forming an interknitting line (CC) for joining the two leg pieces (9A, 9B), then continuing the knitting with continuous rotary motion with all the needles (15) of both the cylinders (11, 13). |
| US08474286B2 |
Overflow downdraw glass forming method and apparatus
The present invention significantly modifies “The Overflow Process”. It includes a method and apparatus for measuring glass flow rate and maintaining a constant glass flow rate. It also embodies design features and methods that support and stress the forming apparatus in a manner such that the deformation that results from thermal creep is corrected, thus minimizing the effect of the thermal creep on the thickness variation of the glass sheet. The present invention also embodies design features that change the process from a single step (combined flow distribution and cooling) to a two step process; step one being flow distribution and step two being cooling. |
| US08474284B2 |
Decorative bracelet with tradable token insets
A molded silicone rubber bracelet having a plurality (preferably three) specially-formed receptacles for seating and retaining the same number of play-value tokens in a convenient manner for trading and/or playing games. The tokens bear different graphic indicia but all have a uniform size and circular (or alternately-shaped) two-tier cross-section that allows them to be held captive in three outwardly-disposed and uniformly-spaced receptacles in the bracelet in tongue-in-groove manner. Since the tokens are easily removable/replacable/tradable, they can be traded at will for other tokens and/or used for playing a game. The token-carrying functionality of the bracelet coupled with its ornamental token-displaying appearance capitalizes on the popularity of conventional rubber wristbands as well as social trading interaction, resulting in great appeal to teens and youth. |
| US08474283B2 |
Refrigerator
Provided is a refrigerator including a mixing box detachably provided on a refrigerator door. Due to the mixing box, a user can conveniently utilize a beverage having a slushy shape. |
| US08474282B2 |
Water pan for water discharge device of refrigeration/air-conditioning system
Mounted in a bottom side of a water discharge device of a refrigeration/air-conditioning system for collecting waste water, a vermin-protective, high-strength and high beauty water pan is disclosed to include a bottom portion, and an upright peripheral wall extending along the border of the bottom portion and having at least one overflow port. The upright peripheral wall has a part curved inwards, defining a recessed open chamber, a recessed wall portion that surrounds the recessed open chamber, a bridge wall portion that suspends above the recessed open chamber and has the topmost edge thereof higher than the topmost edge of the recessed wall portion, and a plurality of ribs that are connected between the recessed wall portion and the bridge wall portion and divide the space in between the recessed wall portion and the bridge wall portion into multiple overflow holes that form one overflow port. |
| US08474281B2 |
Suspension bracket
Provided, in aspect, is a suspension bracket for use with an HVAC component. The suspension bracket, in one embodiment, may include a base portion, a first tab portion coupled to the base portion, wherein the first tab portion is positioned substantially perpendicular to the base portion, and a second tab portion coupled to the base portion. The second tab portion, in this embodiment, may include a first region and a second region, wherein the first region is positioned substantially perpendicular to the base portion, and further wherein the second region is positioned substantially perpendicular to the base portion and the first region. |
| US08474280B2 |
Refrigerating storage cabinet and control method for compressor thereof
A deviation calculating unit 42 calculates a deviation between an internal temperature detected by a temperature sensor 35 and a target temperature provided from a target temperature setting unit 41 for each predetermined time period. The deviation is integrated by a deviation integrating unit 46. When the integrated value exceeds a predetermined reference value, a rotational speed of an inverter motor that drives a compressor is increased. Therefore, for example, even if an internal temperature temporarily rises because a door is opened temporarily and outside air flows into a storage compartment, because there is no sudden change in the integrated value of the temperature deviation and the rotational speed of the compressor does not react in an oversensitive manner and rapidly increase. Consequently the control is stable. Thus, an unnecessarily oversensitive response to a sudden change in an internal temperature can be prevented, enabling operation at a higher efficiency. |
| US08474279B2 |
Energy management of household appliances
A refrigerator comprises a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment and one or more power consuming features/functions including a refrigeration system for cooling the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of current state of an associated energy supplying utility. The controller operates the refrigerator in one of plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode, in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively schedule, delay, adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the refrigerator in the energy savings mode. |
| US08474277B2 |
Compressor waste heat driven cooling system
Provided in some embodiments is a system that includes a gas compressor including an engine, a compressor driven by the engine, and a vapor absorption cycle (VAC) system driven by waste heat from the compressor, wherein the VAC system is configured to cool at least one medium. In other embodiments is provided a method that includes generating waste heat while compressing a gas, driving a vapor absorption cycle (VAC) system with the waste heat, and cooling at least one medium via the VAC system. |
| US08474276B2 |
Direct expansion ammonia refrigeration system and a method of direct expansion ammonia refrigeration
A direct expansion ammonia refrigeration system and a method of direct expansion ammonia refrigeration is described and which includes a source of liquid ammonia refrigerant which is delivered in fluid flowing relation to a plurality of evaporator tubes which incorporate wicking structures, and which through capillary action facilitated by the wicking structures are effective for drawing liquid ammonia refrigerant along the inside facing surface of the evaporator tubes so as to substantially reduce any stratified and/or wavy flow patterns of the liquid ammonia refrigerant within the evaporator tubes. The invention further includes a novel accumulator vessel and heat exchanger vessel which are coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the direct expansion ammonia refrigeration system and which facilitate the removal of water from the ammonia refrigerant in order to enhance the operation of the direct expansion ammonia refrigeration system. |
| US08474273B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing a temperature-controlled gas
A coolant delivery system and method for maintaining a temperature within a predetermined range of a set-point temperature in a vessel into which a coolant gas is discharged or a temperature of a material onto which the coolant gas is discharged. The coolant gas results from the mixing of a supply gas with a cryogen. Temperature regulation is provided by regulating the flow rate of a cryogen using a proportional valve, while providing an essentially constant flow rate of a supply gas. |
| US08474268B2 |
Method of mitigating undesired gas turbine transient response using event based actions
A method of managing transient events regularly seen during gas turbine operation that may cause undesirable operation and hardware damage. During certain transient operations, a lag may be seen between reference exhaust temperature and actual turbine exhaust temperature. This lag can result in an under-fired condition within the combustion system of variable magnitude and duration. Either fuel split schedules or a control algorithm can be positioned during these transients to prevent combustion dynamics or loss of flame. Combustion dynamics are known to cause damage that may require hardware replacement. Once the transient has completed, normal control operation is resumed. |
| US08474265B2 |
Fuel nozzle for a turbine combustor, and methods of forming same
A fuel nozzle for a turbine engine includes a primary fuel passageway for supplying fuel to a plurality of radially extending fuel injectors arranged around the exterior of the fuel nozzle. A secondary fuel passageway couples an upstream end of the primary fuel passageway to a downstream end of the primary fuel passageway. The secondary fuel passageway acts as a resonator tube to help reduce oscillations in the fuel flowing through the primary fuel passageway. |
| US08474264B2 |
Radial counterflow steam stripper
Turbine exhaust steam, axially fed between counter-rotating radial flow disk turbines, separates into: (1) a radially inward flow of low enthalpy dry steam, and (2) a radially outward flow of high enthalpy steam, noncondensibles, and condensate. The radially inward flow goes to a conventional condenser. The radially outward flow loses enthalpy turning the disk turbines as it passes in the boundary layers against the disks, thus becoming low enthalpy dry steam, and the counter-rotation of the disks by impinging mass flow of condensate, high enthalpy steam, and noncondensibles sustains a cascade of dynamic vortex tubes in the shear layer between the boundary layers. The low enthalpy dry steam resulting from work being done flows into the condenser through the vortex cores of fractal turbulence. Condensate exits the periphery of the workspace, ready to be pumped back into the Rankine cycle. |
| US08474263B2 |
Heat conversion system simultaneously utilizing two separate heat source stream and method for making and using same
A system and method are disclosed for converting heat into a usable form of energy, where the system and method are designed to utilize at least two separate heat sources simultaneously, where one heat source stream has a higher initial temperature and a second heat source stream has a lower initial temperature, which is transferred to and a multi-component working fluid from which thermal energy is extracted. |
| US08474258B2 |
Stoichiometric compression ignition engine with increased power output
A stoichiometric compression ignition engine has a turbocharger coupled to it so that the exhaust from the engine feeds the turbine and the compressor provides combustion air past a throttle and intercooler to the engine intake manifold. An exhaust after treatment device is positioned before the exhaust of the engine. A power turbine is connected in parallel relation to the turbocharger turbine and is controlled by a valve to operate the power turbine whenever either the turbocharger compressor boost or the turbocharger turbine back pressure exceed given limits. The power turbine is connected by a power transmission device to either couple to the engine output or to an electrical generator. An EGR loop may be driven by a pump also connected to the power turbine to lower in cylinder pressures. |
| US08474255B2 |
Forming liquid sprays in compressed-gas energy storage systems for effective heat exchange
In various embodiments, efficiency of energy storage and recovery systems compressing and expanding gas is improved via heat exchange between the gas and a heat-transfer fluid. |
| US08474254B2 |
System and method for enabling floating of earthmoving implements
A system and method for performing a floating function in an earthmoving implement of an earthmoving machine without physically connecting chambers within a hydraulic actuator that is adapted to raise and lower the earthmoving implement. The system includes a device for delivering a pressurized fluid to and receiving pressurized fluid from the actuator, a valve for compensating for differences in volume between chambers of the actuator, and an electronic control circuit that includes electronic sensors for sensing the pressures in the chambers of the actuator, and a controller for receiving outputs of the sensors. The controller calculates an amount of the pressurized fluid that, when delivered to or received from the actuator, achieves a substantially constant pressures in the chambers of the actuator and enables the earthmoving implement to float regardless of motion of the actuator. |
| US08474253B2 |
Pressure accumulator to establish sufficient power to handle and operate external equipment and use thereof
A pressure accumulator (10) to establish the necessary power to drive and operate external equipment is described, such as hydraulic and/or mechanical systems comprising a main body (12) with an inner, longitudinal, main chamber (14) that is divided into several sub-chambers. The inner, main chamber (14) comprises at least three sub-chambers (14a, 14b, 14c) that are separated from each other with the help of mutual, intermediate pistons (16,18), where the first of said chambers is a compensating chamber (14a) arranged to take up the same pressure as the surroundings, the second of said chambers is a gas expansion chamber (14b) encompassing a gas generator (20) with an initiator/detonator (22), and the third of said chambers is a pressure chamber (14c) arranged to be pressurized with the help of the gas expansion chamber (14b) and to exert a force on the external equipment. |
| US08474252B2 |
Oval-to-round exhaust collector system
An exhaust collector system for discharging a flow of exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine. The exhaust collector system includes a plurality of primary headers having their discharge portions merged together at a merge angle into a substantially oval or obround-shaped manifold outlet, and a substantially-round secondary pipe having a pipe inlet with a diameter greater than the diameter of the primary headers. The exhaust collector system also includes an oval-to-round collector flowtube which has a substantially oval-or obround-shaped collector inlet that is coupled with the manifold outlet and a substantially-round collector outlet that is coupled with the pipe inlet. The collector flowtube has a constant circumference along its entire length and a transverse cross-sectional area that continuously increases from the collector inlet to the collector outlet to cause a continuous expansion of the flow of exhaust gases. |
| US08474244B2 |
Method and system for injecting a liquid
Method for controlling an injector intended for injecting a pollution-control liquid additive into the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine at a flow rate governed by a given frequency and opening time of the injector, the injector having a calibration curve that establishes, at given frequency, pressure, temperature and nature of the liquid, the amount of liquid injected during an opening of the injector as a function of the duration of this opening, this curve comprising at least one linear zone (calibration line) and a non-linear zone, said method being characterized in that in the linear zone the parameters of the calibration line are used and in the non-linear zone use is made of a set opening time and a variable frequency according to at least one calibration point established for this purpose. SCR system to which this method can be applied. |
| US08474243B2 |
System for controlling regeneration of an adsorber
A system, method, and software for determining an amount of reductant to be supplied to a NOx adsorber during a regeneration event is disclosed. A reductant calculation module is executable by an electronic control unit for calculating a quantity of reductant delivered which is required to periodically regenerate the adsorber by accumulating the reductant fuel delivered as a function of a total fuel quantity being supplied to the internal combustion engine by a fuel system and subtracting an amount of fuel required to achieve a stoichiometric air to fuel ratio at an inlet of the adsorber. |
| US08474239B1 |
Industrial gas turbine engine
An industrial gas turbine engine capable of operating at higher temperatures than air cooled nickel based alloy airfoils in the turbine. The engine burns stoichiometric or rich to produce a hot gas stream that is mostly without oxygen, and the turbine airfoils are made from a high temperature resistant material such as a refractory material that also has poor oxidation resistance. A second small gas turbine engine is used to compress nitrogen gas that is used to pass through the turbine airfoils for cooling where the film cooling nitrogen gas is injected into the hot gas stream but without igniting the fuel rich gas stream. |
| US08474230B2 |
Saddle tree
The present invention relates to improvements in or relating to saddles and saddle trees, especially English saddle trees, particularly for horses. In particular, we describe a method of manufacture for a tree which is simplified by the use of leather, webbing and plastic in flat sheet material. This fabrication can be simply stitched and riveted together and a Y-bar and headplate are then bolted and or riveted to the finished leather plastic fabrication. This method of making a tree is fast, efficient, cost effective, safe, reliable, provides more consistent symmetrical performance, and above all is very light, providing a weight saving of 60% compared with conventional methods. The tree fabrication requires no additional finishing or tidying, unlike other forms of manufacture. As soon as the parts are assembled they are ready to go to the next stage of making the finished seat for the saddle. |
| US08474226B2 |
Thermal sealing packaging systems and methods for thermal sealing packaging
A thermal seal packaging systems and methods thereof. In one implementation a thermal sealing packaging system has a container transfer unit for transferring a container which is to contain a package item, a measuring unit for measuring the weight of the item that is loaded in the container being transported before it is loaded into the container, a capping film supply unit for a capping film to cover the opening area of the container, an indication means for indicating the measurement data of the measurement unit on the capping film, and a sealing unit for heat-sealing an opening area of the container, into which the package item is loaded, with the capping film, the opening area of the container into which the item is loaded is covered by the capping film on which the corresponding measurement data is indicated. |
| US08474223B2 |
Apparatus for loading and unloading by pallet truck a wrapping surface
An apparatus for transferring a palletized load between a pallet truck and a load wrapping surface may include a ramp configured to support at least a portion of the pallet truck. The ramp may include at least one fixed portion. The ramp may also include a movable portion configured to move relative to the fixed portion. The movable portion may be configured to support one or more wheel assemblies of the pallet truck, and move the one or more wheel assemblies of the pallet truck relative to the fixed portion. |
| US08474222B2 |
System for handling and wrapping large bales
A large bale transporter and an accompanying bale wrapper create a system for wrapping plastic around large bales retrieved by the transporter. The transporter has a loading apparatus that deposits large bales onto the load bed of the transporter until filled. The transporter is then manipulated to connect to a bale wrapper physically and operatively so that the bales can be moved into the wrapping apparatus. The frame of the transporter is pivotally connected to the axle to allow the rear end of the frame to be lowered to the ground to engage the bale wrapper and/or retrieve previously wrapped bales. The wrapping apparatus is powered by the drive mechanism of the transporter and is automatically disengaged when a pusher member placed at the end of the bales being discharged engages the drive coupler. An endless chain drive is drivable in opposite directions to move the bales on the transporter. |
| US08474218B2 |
Modular inter-locking exterior wall system
A modular interlocking exterior wall system comprises one or more laminated panels formed of a paper product core sandwiched between two cementitious skins, two vertical posts having laterally extending flanges which interlock in vertical grooves formed in the sides of the panels, and a top rail having a downwardly opening top groove which receives and reinforces the horizontal top edge of the top panel, wherein bottom portions of the posts are anchored below ground. An optional bottom rail has an upwardly opening groove for receiving and supporting the bottom edge of the bottom panel, and laterally extending flanges of an optional mid rail are received in top and bottom grooves, respectively, of bottom and top panels to interlock and reinforce the panels. |
| US08474214B2 |
Connecting structure for automotive trim panels
A connecting structure includes a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The first connecting part has a clip and a stabilizer flange that is spaced apart from the clip. The second connecting part has a first engagement structure that is engageable with the clip of the first connecting part to restrain movement of the second connecting part with respect to the first connecting part in an insertion direction. The second connecting part also has a second engagement structure that is engageable with the stabilizer flange of the first connecting part to restrain movement of the second connecting part with respect to the first connecting part in an elevational direction. |
| US08474200B2 |
Suspended ceiling grid system
A suspended ceiling system has a series of nodes interconnected by grid members to define a grid network. Each node includes a connection plate having a central port area that is adapted to form a recessed part of the finished surface of the ceiling system that is visible between adjacent suspended ceiling panels that conceal the grid members. The connection plate preferably includes grid member connecting arms extending outwardly from the connection plate. The central port area includes a cavity adapted for different purposes. This cavity can receive ceiling components, for example various light fixtures, securing devices or a removable access panel that covers the central port area. |
| US08474198B2 |
Sound insulating glazing device, in particular for aircraft and soundproofing method for glazing
Sound insulating glazing device for aircrafts, ground or maritime transportation vehicles, buildings, or others, including glazing, a sealing joint in a shape and size corresponding to the edge of the glazing and designed for assembly on said edge, sound insulation, made of at least two materials, a first resilient material and a second material with less resilience than the first, the sound insulation being used against the field of said glazing, between the glazing and the sealing joint. The invention is also for aircrafts that are equipped with at least a glazing device and a soundproofing method for glazing. |
| US08474188B2 |
Carrier having a living hinge
The present invention provides for a weatherstrip assembly for a motor vehicle. The assembly includes a carrier having a base and a first and second leg extending from the base to a first and second distal end, respectively. The legs are spaced from each other to define a channel for receiving the motor vehicle. A seal is mounted to the first distal end. At least one securing flange is coupled to the second distal end for fastening the carrier to the motor vehicle. A living hinge is disposed between the securing flange and the second distal end, such that the securing flange is moveable independent of the carrier. The living hinge comprises a first section having a generally recessed configuration and a first thickness, and a second section having a generally planar configuration and a second thickness. The second section comprises a first region extending between the first section and a first terminal edge of the living hinge, and a second region extending between the first section and an opposing second terminal edge of the living hinge. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness. |
| US08474177B2 |
Reflecting device, solar collector, pitched roof provided with a solar collector of this type, and greenhouse
Reflecting device (1) for adjustably reflecting light, such as sunlight, comprising a transparent first wall (3), a transparent second wall (40), which is arranged substantially parallel to and at a distance from the first wall (3), and a regulating layer (7), which is provided with a duct (10), which is bounded between the first wall (3) and the second wall (40), and which regulating layer (7) substantially allows light which impinges on the first wall (3) through to the second wall (40) if the duct (10) is filled with a transparent liquid (9) and reflects light which impinges on the first wall (3) if the duct (10) is empty, the regulating layer (7) being provided with a structure (11) which is prismatic in cross section, characterized in that, the reflecting device is provided with a third wall (41), which is arranged substantially parallel to and at a distance from the second wall (40), and a second regulating layer (7′), which is provided with a second duct (10′), which is bounded between the second wall (40) and the third wall (41), the second regulating layer (7′) being provided with a second structure (12) which is prismatic in cross section. |
| US08474176B2 |
Nit stripping device and method
A nit picking device and method for mechanically stripping nits, eggs, and lice from human hair. The device includes a pair of cooperating tongs each of which is elongated and joined at one end to the juxtaposed end portion of the cooperating tong. The opposite ends of the tong serve to carry an abrasive pad capable of stripping nits from nit laden human hair shafts. As the pads are moved along the length of the hair, the nits are removed from the shafts and in one embodiment captured at least in part in the pads carried by tongs. |
| US08474173B2 |
Sight system
A sight system is provided which may be selectively used in a variety of different ways. In one example, the sight system may be positioned on a rifle to provide a rifle sight system. In this example, the sight system may be positioned on the rifle barrel a substantial distance away from a user's eye. Advantageously, such an implementation may permit a user to effectively sight the rifle without compromising situational awareness. In another example, the sight system may be used to provide a reflex sight with a reticle (e.g., a dot, crosshair, mark, or other appropriate shape) superimposed on an image (e.g., a zoomed or non-zoomed image) displayed from a camera. In another example, the sight system may be used to provide an occluded sight in which a camera and/or display of the sight system is disabled. As a result, a reticle may be displayed over an opaque background. |
| US08474169B2 |
Handle for a semi-automatic firearm
A handle (20) for rapidly firing a semi-automatic firearm (22) having a trigger (24). The handle (20) includes a grip portion (52) defining a channel (54). A block (60) that is connected to the firearm (22) is slidably disposed in the channel (54) for allowing longitudinal movement of the firearm (22) relative to the handle (20). The handle (20) also includes a trigger guard (66) disposed on one side of the trigger (24) and extending longitudinally forward of the trigger (24) by a predetermined distance (D) to an open end. The trigger guard (66) presents a finger rest (70) for placing a trigger finger (74) on the trigger guard (66). The trigger guard (66) restricts access to the trigger (24) until the firearm (22) is moved longitudinally forward by the predetermined distance (D) relative to the handle (20). The handle (20) also includes a lock (44) having an open position for allowing longitudinal movement of the firearm (22) relative to the handle (20) and a locked position for restricting longitudinal movement of the firearm (22) relative to the handle (20). |
| US08474168B2 |
Adjustable sign frame and method of using the same
An adjustable sign frame and a method of using the same are provided. The adjustable sign frame has a main support rod and an adjustable hanging bar. During use, the main support rod and hanging bar are substantially parallel with respect to one another. Further, the main support rod and hanging bar are substantially identical in length. A plurality of wires may be used to hang the main support rod to the ceiling. A plurality of support clamps attached to the main support rod may temporarily hold the hanging bar which may have a retail sign attached thereto. Pegs on the hanging bar may allow a user to adjust the overall location of the retail sign hanging from the main support rod with respect to the ceiling. |
| US08474163B2 |
Apparatus and method for a greeting bag
A greeting bag is described that is includes a gift bag and a greeting card. The gift bag and greeting card connect together to form the integrated assembly of the greeting bag that has a purposefully coordinated single decorative style. The gift bag and greeting card have individual decors that define alternative aspects of that particular theme of a decorative style. An attachment mechanism can also be included in the greeting bag that further fixes the greeting card to the gift bag. The attachment mechanism can have a third decor as well as a size and dimensions that can include an image or sentiment. A method is described wherein a greeting bag is selected by selecting a gift bag from a set of one or more gift bags that share a common decorative style. A greeting card is selected from a set of one or more greeting cards that share the same common decorative style with the gift bag. The optional attachment mechanism is selected from a set of one or more attachment mechanisms that share the same common decorative style with the gift bag and greeting card. The gift bags, greeting cards and attachment mechanisms can be selectively mixed and matched from different sets within the decorative style. |
| US08474162B1 |
Ornament gift card holder
An ornament gift card holder that includes a removably attached gift card, a slot for inserting the gift card into the holder after removal for loading at the point of purchase, a loop, hook or similar means for hanging the holder upon a Christmas tree or other desired location, and audio circuitry for recording and playing sound such as music and/or a message from the gift giver. |
| US08474160B1 |
Center pin support for a dragline excavating machine
A center pivot pin support bearing assembly to provide rotatable center restraint for a dragline excavator machine. Multiple center pin bearing support fittings imparts stabilization and additional bearing wear surfaces for increased pin useful service life before replacement. An axially center pin bore receiving fitting is provided for longitudinal spaced multiple support fits combination with a center pin receiving stabilization base and fit. |
| US08474159B2 |
Land clearing device
A land-clearing implement configured to be attached to a small earth-moving machine, such as a skid loader. The land-clearing device has a pusher assembly with telescopically extendable actuator arms that are operated by a hydraulic auxiliary source accessible from the interior of the earthmoving machine. When the actuator arms are extended, the forward end of the pusher assembly applies a pushing force on the trunk of a tree, pushing the tree until uprooted. The pusher assembly is supported by a mounting bracket that rests on the ground and provides stability to the pusher assembly. A pair of opposing grabber arms with C-shaped hooks is secured to the pusher assembly by pivoting securing rods. The grabber arms partially encircle and the C-shaped hooks dig into the root ball of the tree to provide stability as the pusher assembly is engaged. |
| US08474154B2 |
Footwear for walking or running with rolling action
A footwear sole assembly (10) for walking with a rolling action is described. An elastically compressible midsole element (33) is provided with a rolling element (40) situated in and extending over a portion of the length and over at least a portion of the width of the midsole element (33). The rolling element (40) consists at least partially of a resilient material and is disposed at least in that region of the midsole (33) which is opposite to the arch of the wearer's foot. This shoe offers the rolling gait advantages of the well known MBT shoe, but has a different construction which enables it to retain the outward appearance of conventional shoes such as trainers. |
| US08474152B2 |
Method to detect an empty load in a clothes dryer
A method for determining an empty load in a clothes dryer having a drying chamber with an air inlet, an air outlet and operable according to a predetermined cycle of operation. |
| US08474149B2 |
Concentricity test device
A test device for testing whether an axis of a first portion of an article is coaxial with an axis of a second portion of the article includes a supporting member, a benchmark member fixed to a first end of the support member, and a test member slidably received in a second end of the supporting member opposite to the first end. The benchmark member includes a first test portion to position the first portion of the article that are coaxial within a coaxial tolerance. The test member includes a second test member coaxial with the first test portion. If the second portion is capable of being positioned to the second test portion, the article is qualified. If the second portion is incapable positioned to the second test portion, the article is unqualified. |
| US08474147B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring surface profile of sample
A method for measuring surface profile of a sample, wherein jumping of a probe can be constrained without applying strong force to the sample, and an apparatus employing such a method. Control operation consists of detection of displacement in a probe in the vertical direction on the top surface of a sample being measured by means of a sensor, calculation of velocity and acceleration of the probe in accordance with detection of the displacement in the probe, detection of jumping of the probe through real-time monitoring of at least either velocity or acceleration of the probe, and a control of the current delivered to a stylus pressure generator for the probe. Such a control operation is performed in a small amount of time, and a stylus pressure applied to the probe is increased only while the probe is in the air, while the stylus pressure applied to the probe is returned to an original pressure before the probe touches the sample again. |
| US08474140B2 |
High precision grinding and remanufacturing of machine components
Grinding a machine component such as a valve component during remanufacturing, includes seating one end of the valve component in a chuck of the grinding apparatus, then contacting a steady rest with a reference surface on an outer diameter of the valve component while rotating the valve component, and then reseating the one end of the valve component in the chuck. A first valve surface on an outer diameter of the valve component is ground while contacting the steady rest with the reference surface, then a second, different valve surface on the outer diameter of the valve component is ground also while contacting the steady rest with the reference surface. The valve component is then reassembled with a hydraulically actuated device for service therein. |
| US08474138B2 |
Method of manufacturing the ink-jet head
A method of manufacturing an ink-jet head includes preparing a sheet-like piezoelectric material comprising an internal electrode and forming a plurality of individual electrodes at equal intervals in a drive area and an area around the drive area on a surface of the sheet-like piezoelectric material. The method also includes forming a piezoelectric sheet which comprises the plurality of individual electrodes and the internal electrode opposite to the respective individual electrodes by firing the piezoelectric material in which the individual electrodes are formed and forming a plurality of individual electrodes for drive voltage application on a board which drives the piezoelectric sheet. The method further includes electrically connecting the respective individual electrodes in the drive area of the piezoelectric sheet to the respective individual electrodes formed on the board. |
| US08474135B2 |
Method for fabricating printed circuit board
A method for fabricating a printed circuit board is provided. The method includes manufacturing a base film including a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; printing a first wiring on the first side with a high-viscosity conductive material having a viscosity of 5,000 to 300,000 centipoise (CPS); forming a via-hole that passes through both sides of the base film, and passes by the first wiring; and printing a second wiring on the second side with a low-viscosity conductive material having a viscosity of 100 to 5,000 CPS. The low-viscosity conductive material is applied to an inner wall of the via-hole to conductively connect the first wiring to the second wiring. |
| US08474130B2 |
Tripod constant velocity joint, and method and device for assembling same
Provided are a tripod constant velocity joint, and a method and a device for assembling the joint. The opening of a through-hole formed in an inner member of the tripod constant velocity joint has formed therein a tapered, reduced diameter section having a diameter tapered from the opening toward the inside. A first annular groove is formed in the side wall of a driving power transmission shaft, and a clip serving as an engaging member is engaged with the first annular groove. A second annular groove is formed in the inner wall of the through-hole in the inner member. In inserting the driving power transmission shaft through the through-hole in the inner member, the tapered, reduced diameter section guides the shaft in such a manner that the clip is contracted toward the bottom surface of the first annular groove. The clip expands and contracts due to the elasticity thereof when the positions of the first annular groove and the second annular groove coincide with each other. |
| US08474129B2 |
Method for producing lamination packs
Lamination packs of a controlled height are produced in that laminations are punched with a tool and glue is applied partially onto at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface of each of the laminations without the application device that applies the glue contacting the laminations. Several of the laminations are then assembled to a lamination pack. Height of the lamination packs is controlled by interrupting the application of glue for certain laminations so that between some of the laminations that are stacked for assembling a lamination pack there is no glue. |
| US08474126B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device include forming a capacitor by forming an oxide film on a surface of a valve metal based on anodic oxidization and by forming a conductive part made of a conductive material on the oxide film; adhering the capacitor on a semiconductor element mounted on a supporting substrate; and coupling the capacitor to the supporting substrate via an outside connection terminal. |
| US08474125B2 |
Method and apparatus for electrical component physical protection
A method and apparatus for protecting a heat sensitive component from high temperature, mechanical shock and moisture are provided. An enclosure includes an outer housing surrounding an inner cavity configured to receive a heat sensitive component therein, a cover configured to matingly engage the outer housing such that the inner cavity is sealed from an environment external to the enclosure, wherein at least one of the outer housing and the cover are formed from a ceramic material. |
| US08474122B2 |
Apparatus for compressing an expandable medical device
Systems and methods for compressing a medical device, such as a self-expanding stent, and loading the compressed medical device into a sheath are disclosed. A plurality of moveable blades are disposed about a central axis and form a radially contractible aperture which receives the device. An operating mechanism moves the blades between an expanded configuration and a radially contracted configuration. A subset of the blades is independently moveable in an axial direction with respect to other of the blades while the blades are in a contracted configuration. |
| US08474121B2 |
Alignment tools and methods of tool alignment
An automated driver for tightening a fastener bolt includes a housing body including a handle. A chuck is rotatably connected to the housing body. An actuation system is operatively connected to the chuck for rotating the chuck. A tool element is held by the chuck, the tool element configured to engage the fastener bolt. An alignment tool is connected to the chuck. The alignment tool includes a chuck receiving portion having an opening extending therethrough in which the chuck is located and a bit receiving portion having an opening extending therethrough in which the tool element is located. An end of the tool element extends beyond an end of the bit receiving portion. |
| US08474113B2 |
Buckle assembly
A side-release buckle assembly includes a main housing, a button positioned through a side of the main housing, a metal coil spring biased between an interior wall of the main housing and the button, and a mating member. Movement of the button is directly transferred to the spring, and vice versa. The ratchet strap is moveable through the main housing in a first direction, and when the button is pressed, the ratchet strap is moveable through the buckle housing in a second direction opposite to the first direction. |
| US08474104B2 |
Cable tie
A binding head and binding arrangement that cooperates with an elongate member that has a fastening end and a locking end. The fastening end is spaced apart from the locking end along the length of the elongate member and each elongate member has at least one lengthwise side that includes at least two teeth. The binding head includes a fastening opening for receiving a fastening end of an elongate member. The fastening opening includes a first fastening arrangement configured to cooperate with at least one of the teeth of the elongate member to lock a portion of the elongate member within the fastening opening; and a locking opening for receiving a locking end of an elongate member. The locking opening includes a second fastening arrangement configured to cooperate with at least one of the teeth of the elongate member to lock a portion of the elongate member within the locking opening. A cable tie is also claimed which includes the binding head and binding arrangement. |
| US08474099B2 |
Hinge assembly
A hinge assembly includes a first body, and a second body capable of rotating relatively to the first body. The first body includes a first main part and a pair of stopper portions respectively extending from two sides of the first main part and coplanar with the first main part. Two ends of a shaft are fixed with the pair of stopper portions, respectively. The second body includes a second main part, a pair of blocking portions and a resilient arm located between the pair of the blocking portions. When the second body rotates to be perpendicular to the first body, the second body is positioned stably relative to the first body without an external force, due to an elasticity of the resilient arm of the second body. |
| US08474095B2 |
Constant-power electric system
An electric system that includes a single-phase permanent-magnet electric machine and a control system for driving the electric machine. The control system sequentially excites and freewheels a winding of the electric machine so as maintain substantially constant power over an operating speed range spanning at least 10 krpm and/or an excitation voltage range extending between a minimum voltage and a maximum voltage, the minimum voltage being less than 80% of the maximum voltage. Additionally, a product comprising the electric system. |
| US08474092B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner that is able to form dust and foreign substances collected in a dust collection device provided therein in a single mass shape to discharge it efficiently, not scattered in a dust collecting device. The vacuum cleaner includes a body, a dust separation device mounted in the body, a dust collection device independently provided from the dust separation device, connected to the dust collection device, a compression device provided in the dust collection device, to collect dust and foreign substances collected in a predetermined portion of the dust collection device and to compress the collected dust and foreign substances, and a liquid supply device provided in the dust separation device to supply liquid material to the dust separation device. |
| US08474089B2 |
Cleaning bucket system for flat mops
A double bucket system for flat mops that is mounted in a frame. One bucket contains only clean water. The second bucket is used to hold dirty water. The second bucket has a special fixture attached that the user slides the mop through. The frame compresses the mop as it slides through, which ensure complete, even pressing of the mop to extract the greatest amount of dirty water. The frame includes footpads upon which the user stands during the pressing operation. This ensures that the device remains in place during the pressing. Finally, once the mop has been thoroughly pressed, the user can pick up clean water from the first bucket for the next portion of the floor to be cleaned. In this way, the user is able to quickly clean a large floor with clean water instead of repeatedly dipping the mop back into dirty water. |
| US08474085B2 |
Toothbrush and attachment therefor
An electric toothbrush includes a handpiece and a mountable attachment. The attachment includes a working head and a coupling member which is joined to the working head and connectable to the toothbrush handpiece by positive and/or frictional engagement. The attachment can be an attachment brush for dental cleansing, or for interproximal cleaning devices, such as gum massage heads or other attachment tools for performing similar tasks in the oral cavity. The coupling member is braced against the toothbrush handpiece, to provide a low to zero-play connection which accommodates production tolerances. At least one pivot lever or toggle joint is provided for clamping the coupling member upon the toothbrush handpiece. |
| US08474084B2 |
System for cleaning surface of solar cell panel
There is provided a system for cleaning a surface of a solar cell panel. The system includes a measurement unit measuring a power generation value of a solar cell panel, a reference unit providing a reference value, a control unit comparing the power generation value measured at the measurement unit with the reference value provided from the reference unit to command cleaning of the solar cell panel, a driving unit operating a cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface of the solar cell panel. The control unit commands cleaning of the solar cell panel only when the power generation value decreases because of a contamination of the surface of the solar cell panel. |
| US08474082B2 |
Cleaning system with balls, in particular for a heat exchanger of the plate type
A system includes an installation to be cleaned which has at an inlet a fluid feed pipe fed with fluid and at an outlet a fluid evacuation pipe. A cleaning device is arranged to cause cleaning bodies to flow in the installation, the cleaning device including on an inlet filter elements for filtering the fluid and on an evacuation pipe separator elements for collecting the cleaning bodies. The separator and filter elements are static and include separate filters, the separator elements including a filter member, the cleaning device including a circuit for recovering cleaning bodies circulating in the evacuation pipe and a circuit for reinjecting them into the inlet, the two circuits having in common the filter member and being used alternately by actuating a set of controlled valves in order to cause the fluid to flow either in the recovery circuit or in the reinjection circuit. |
| US08474081B2 |
Vortex turbine cleaner
A suction type turbine-driven pool-cleaners utilizing vortex turbines to propel and steer the pool cleaner is disclosed. The cleaner includes a housing for one or more vortex-turbine mechanisms, each with a chamber and a turbine, tracks for movement over submerged surfaces, a differential mechanism for steering purposes, a reverse of inlet flow mechanism, a cam design for engagement of steering and reversing mechanisms, a means of controller inlet flow for steering purposes, and a means of controlling flow for reversing direction of cleaner movement. |
| US08474077B2 |
Weight-stabilizing stretcher
A flat backboard for an injured person to lie upon is supported between two rigid support poles. The support poles are connected at each end of the stretcher to each other by an elevated support assembly. The support assembly has a handlebar structure and a mount assembly; this mount assembly has a central axle, around which the handlebar assembly fits, allowing for the handlebars to rotate without the mount assembly or the backboard rotating. When the holder of the handlebars generates a rocking motion, the central shaft rotates in the mount assembly, such that the weight of the injured person is supported by the mount assembly, but the rocking motion is not communicated to the mount assembly or the backboard. |
| US08474073B2 |
User interface for power drive system of a patient support apparatus
A patient support apparatus includes a frame, a patient support coupled to the frame, a plurality of casters and a wheel coupled to the frame, a motor coupled to the wheel and operable to rotate the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along a floor, and an electrical system comprising a controller configured to signal operation of the motor to rotate the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along the floor. The electrical system further includes user inputs adjacent at least one end of the frame and adjacent at least one side of the frame. The user inputs including forward and reverse switches that are engaged to determine whether the patient support apparatus is propelled in a forward direction or a rearward direction, respectively. |
| US08474066B2 |
Pair of pants with the L pocket
The cotton pants 1 as a pair of pants with the L pocket is that the front and the reverse edge 3Ab of the storing part 3A is perpendicular against the length direction of the belt part 3. Also because the upper edge of the raw fabric which does not have the rectangle expansion and contraction inside the elongating part 3B is sewn on and the lower edge of the raw fabric which does not have expansion and contraction is sewn on the lower edge of the belt part 3, one part of the raw fabric 6 which does not have expansion and contraction can be seen even if the one who wears it turns over the lower edge of the elongating part 3B by curiosity and the inner structure of the stretch stopper material 11 etc. can not be seen. |
| US08479310B2 |
Dynamic probe detection system
A dynamic probe detection system (29,32) is for use with a scanning probe microscope of the type that includes a probe (18) that is moved repeatedly towards and away from a sample surface. As a sample surface is scanned, an interferometer (88) generates an output height signal indicative of a path difference between light reflected from the probe (80a,80b,80c) and a height reference beam. Signal processing apparatus monitors the height signal and derives a measurement for each oscillation cycle that is indicative of the height of the probe. This enables extraction of a measurement that represents the height of the sample, without recourse to averaging or filtering, that may be used to form an image of the sample. The detection system may also include a feedback mechanism that is operable to maintain the average value of a feedback parameter at a set level. |
| US08479307B1 |
Software deactivation based on a deactivation time period
A method, an apparatus and a system perform software deactivation based on a deactivation time period. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a communication from a first client machine to deactivate a license of a software product that was previously activated on the first client machine. The method also includes determining a specified time period of deactivation. The method includes deactivating the license of the software product from the first client machine responsive to a determination that the license was previously activated on the first client machine during the specified time period of deactivation. |
| US08479306B1 |
Method and system for managing a data object so as to comply with predetermined condition for usage
A method and a system for managing a data object so as to comply with predetermined conditions for usage of the data object. To control the usage of the data object, a set of control data, defining uses of the data object, which comply with the predetermined conditions, is created for the data object. The data object is concatenated with the user set of control data, encrypted and transferred to the user. When the user wants to use the data object, a special user program checks whether the usage complies with the control data. If so, the usage is enabled. Otherwise it is disabled. |
| US08479299B1 |
Strategically reducing the accuracy of geotags in digital photographs
The accuracy of geotag information embedded in digital photographs is reduced. Network traffic is monitored, and transmission of a file stream comprising a digital photograph is identified. A geotag is identified in the file stream, as well as integrity verification information. It is determined that the identified geotag corresponds to a private location. The identified geotag is modified so as to reduce the accuracy of its content. Once the geotag is modified, the integrity verification information is updated to account for the modified geotag. |
| US08479295B2 |
Method and apparatus for transparently instrumenting an application program
Generally, this disclosure describes systems and methods for transparently instrumenting a computer process. The systems and methods are configured to allow instrumenting executable code while permitting legacy memory scanning tools to monitor corresponding uninstrumented executable code stored in memory. |
| US08479294B1 |
Anti-malware scan management in high-availability virtualization environments
A computer system for high-availability virtualization environment includes an originating host machine hosting several virtual machines. Anti-malware scanning on a virtual machine may be initiated in the originating host machine. Prior to completion of the anti-malware scanning, the virtual machine may be migrated to another, destination host machine. The anti-malware scanning on the virtual machine may be resumed in the destination host machine based on a scan state of the virtual machine. The anti-malware scanning of the virtual machine may be suspended and scheduled for execution in the destination host machine. A scan cache of the virtual machine may be preserved depending on information from the scan state. For example, the scan cache may be preserved and employed in the destination host machine when the originating and destination host machines use the same scan engine and pattern version. |
| US08479290B2 |
Treatment of malicious devices in a mobile-communications network
A method of remotely treating malicious mobile terminals connected to a mobile communications network. In one embodiment, when a malicious mobile terminal is detected by the intrusion-detection services of the network, the network changes the subscriber profile associated with the mobile terminal to operate the latter in a quarantine mode. The packet-switched subsystem of the network then links the quarantined mobile terminal to a remediation manager. The remediation manager remotely treats the mobile terminal, e.g., to repair or reinstall any corrupted software, terminate any active malicious processes, delete or quarantine any malware, and restore the operating system, configuration, and/or memory of the mobile terminal to a clean operational state. After the treatment, the network reverts the subscriber profile back to the initial state and removes the mobile terminal from the quarantine. |
| US08479280B2 |
Image processing device and image data transmission method
An image processing device includes: a reading unit to read information stored in a detachable storage medium; a transmission unit to transmit image data outwardly; a determination unit to determine, in a case where the transmission unit transmits the image data, whether or not the information stored in the detachable storage medium is necessary; and a control unit to execute, in a case where the determination unit determines that the information stored in the detachable storage medium is necessary, control to maintain a state capable of reading the information stored in the detachable storage medium until the reading unit reads from the detachable storage medium the information necessary to transmit the image data. |
| US08479279B2 |
Security policy enforcement for mobile devices connecting to a virtual private network gateway
A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing secure policy enforcement for mobile devices is presented. A mobile device is connected to a computer system, the computer system having an active Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnel with a VPN gateway. The computer system runs a security policy check on the mobile device. A determination is made whether the mobile device passed the security policy check and when the mobile device does pass the security policy check, a certificate is issued to the mobile device. The mobile device then uses the certificate to connect to a VPN. |
| US08479273B2 |
Information processor, authentication control method, and storage medium
An information processor is disclosed that includes an authentication part configured to authenticate a user based on predetermined information; an information obtaining part configured to obtain first information to be used to authenticate the user from an external device; and an authentication control part configured to cause the authentication part to authenticate the user by inputting information based on the first information to the authentication part as the predetermined information. The information obtaining part is configured to obtain the first information using a program module whose correlation with the information obtaining part is recorded in a recording medium. |
| US08479272B2 |
Identity assertion
The present invention relates to using authorization information provided by an asserting agent to control identity-related interactions between a receiving agent and an identity agent, which acts on behalf of the asserting agent. The authorization information may be provided to the identity agent directly or through the receiving agent. When the asserting agent is asserting the identity of an associated entity to the receiving agent, the asserting agent delivers assertion information, which may but need not include the authorization information, to the receiving agent. The assertion information includes claim information that includes actual claims or identifies available claims. Upon receiving the assertion information, the receiving agent may interact with the identity agent. The identity agent will use the authorization information to control claim-related interactions with the receiving agent. |
| US08479271B1 |
Hosting edge applications at the edge of a mobile data network
Mobile network services are performed in a mobile data network in a way that is transparent to most of the existing equipment in the mobile data network. The mobile data network includes a radio access network and a core network. A breakout component in the radio access network breaks out data coming from a basestation, and hosts edge applications, including third party edge applications, that perform one or more mobile network services at the edge of the mobile data network based on the broken out data. |
| US08479270B2 |
Method for allocating authorization key identifier for wireless portable internet system
A method and authentication apparatus for sharing information for identifying an Authorization Key (AK) with a Base Station (BS) in a subscriber station are provided. The method includes, in the subscriber station, sharing a root key with the BS by performing an authentication with the BS, sharing an AK derived from the root key with the BS, sharing an AK sequence number of the AK with the BS, and sharing an AK Identifier (AKID) of the AK with the BS. The AK sequence number is generated by a sequence number of the root key. The AKID is generated by a parameter including the AK, the AK sequence number, a Medium Access Control (MAC) address of the subscriber station, and a BS Identifier (BSID) of the BS. |
| US08479262B2 |
Managing electronic devices using an electronic device as a root of trust
Various embodiments pertain to managing electronic devices using an electronic device as a root of trust. According to one embodiment, registration information for an electronic device 150 is received 220. The registration information identifies the electronic device 150 and an environment 130 that the electronic device 150 is trusted in. The electronic device150 is specified 230 as a root of trust device 150 for the trusted environment 130 based on the registration information. The root of trust device 150 is specified 240 as the root of trust for a new electronic device 170 based on new information that identifies the root of trust device 150 and identifies the new electronic device 170. The new electronic device 170 is managed 250 using the root of trust device 150 without requiring the user of the root of trust device 150 and the new electronic device 170 to configure any electronic devices. |
| US08479257B1 |
Method and apparatus for assessing policy compliance of as-built data networks
An as-built network is evaluated by analyzing a model of the network by the steps of determining zones within the network, computing the access between zones, summarizing the access between zones to produce a dataset, then inputting a policy set comprising a collection of approvals, typically in the form of simple white-lists of approvals, then comparing the dataset and particularly the access between zones with the policy set of approvals (white-lists) to determine which access fall outside the approvals, and producing therefrom as an output to an end user a report of compliance and noncompliance, and then repeating the steps of determining, computing, and summarizing, and then the comparing step, after a period or after the network has changed. Thus a network operator or auditor can readily and interactively assess whether the infrastructure is in compliance with regulatory or other design requirements. |
| US08479256B2 |
Merging mandatory access control (MAC) policies in a system with multiple execution containers
Application of a local instance of a general security policy is described. In a system with an instance of a program executing in a path container, a security policy applicable the the instance of the program is managed locally for the path container. The path container provides a confined execution environment for the program instance, and the security policy defines permitted operations for the program an all its instances. The instance of the security policy is associated with the path container, which allows the program instance to “see” management within the path container as though with the security policy, while entities having permissions outside the path container “see” the program instance limited to the path container and its associated security policy instance. |
| US08479254B2 |
Credential categorization
The user can associate metadata with information cards. The metadata can include, among other possibilities, string names, icons, user policies, containers, and hierarchies. The metadata is stored by the computer system. The metadata can then be used to filter the set of information cards that can satisfy a security policy from a relying party. |
| US08479252B2 |
Broadcast reception device
When electronic mail is arrived while digital broadcasting is being viewed in a portable receiving terminal (2), a process for automatically opening the electronic mail, or a process for opening the electronic mail according to an instruction by a user is to be carried out. In addition, when the process for opening the electronic mail is thus carried out while a video obtained by receiving broadcast is being displayed, a process for switching to a display screen for an electronic mail content (body text) is not carried out. Instead, the video obtained by receiving broadcast is remained displayed, and the content (body text) obtained as a result of opening the electronic mail, too, is displayed by an OSD function within the same screen (liquid crystal display panel 202). |
| US08479248B2 |
Startup circuit and high speed cable using the same
A system for providing a power signal of a predetermined voltage to an input of a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) sink device is provided. The system includes an electronic device, generating HDMI signals transmitted on at least one differential signal line to another input of the HDMI sink device, and a startup circuit, providing the power signal of the predetermined voltage. The startup circuit includes a power harvesting circuit for obtaining an electrical power of a lower voltage, lower than the predetermined voltage, from at least one of the HDMI signals on the another input, and a voltage raiser circuit increasing the lower voltage to the predetermined voltage. A corresponding electronic cable containing the start-up circuit is also provided. |
| US08479247B2 |
Upstream bandwidth conditioning device
A device may be used for conditioning an upstream bandwidth. The device can include a return path extending at least a portion of a distance between a supplier side connector and a user side connector, and a coupler connected within the return path, the coupler providing a secondary path. An offset or noise detection circuit is connected electrically downstream the coupler. A microprocessor is connected to the detection circuit. A variable signal level adjustment device is connected within the return path. The variable signal level adjustment device can be controlled by the microprocessor responsive to a detected offset level or noise floor in the return path. |
| US08479245B2 |
Method and system for receiving and processing digital content
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method of storing digital content in a digital electronic system. In one embodiment, datacast information decoded from a digital media signal is monitored to identify newly-received digital content. The monitoring includes configuring a decoder to receive and decode the datacast information, identifying newly-received digital content from the datacast information, and updating an intelligent filter based upon the newly-received digital content, wherein the intelligent filter records the newly-received digital content. Additionally, the monitoring may include repeating the configuring, identifying, and updating. Thereafter, any of the newly-received digital content that is recorded in the intelligent filter may be stored into a cache memory. |
| US08479244B2 |
Receiving apparatus, display control method, and program
A receiving apparatus includes: a receiving means for receiving broadcasted broadcast content and information relating thereto; an acquisition means for acquiring network content and information relating thereto from a predetermined server via a network; and a start-up controlling means for starting up, in a non-display state, a browser which provides a frame display of the broadcast content and the information relating to the broadcast content and also provides a frame display of the network content and the information relating to the network content, and maintaining the start-up condition of the browser, regardless of whether the receiving apparatus is in a broadcast content mode in which at least one of the broadcast content or the information relating to the broadcast content is displayed, or in a network content mode in which at least one of the network content or the information relating to the network content is displayed. |
| US08479243B2 |
System and method for managing services on an internet protocol television system
A service management system for an IPTV network includes a comparison module that provides a list of differences between a channel map and a change manifest, an optimizer module that receives the list and provides another IPTV channel map based on the differences, and a storage module that provides the first IPTV channel map to the comparison module and stores the second list and the second IPTV channel map. A method includes comparing a channel map with a change manifest in a comparison module, providing a list of differences between the channel map and the change manifest, evaluating the list to provide another list of services and another channel map, and storing the second list and the second channel map. |
| US08479242B1 |
Video storage and distribution
Receiving and sending videos over a network such as the Internet. In one implementation, users upload videos to a web site in a variety of formats. The videos are transcoded and other users can view the videos by indicating their desire to do so on the site. In one embodiment, a video is streamed to the watching user using Flash and the user watches the video via a Flash player, for example, a flash player in his browser. |
| US08479241B2 |
System and method to control communication of data
Systems and methods of controlling communication of data are provided. A method of controlling communication of data may include receiving, at a network component, a request for data associated with a data source. The network component may have a limited capacity to distribute data. The method also includes determining whether the network component is exceeding a first capacity threshold. When the network component is exceeding the first capacity threshold, the method includes determining whether the data source meets a popularity criterion. When the data source meets the popularity criterion, the method includes sending the data associated with the data source. |
| US08479238B2 |
Method for content-based non-linear control of multimedia playback
A system and method are provided for content-based non-linear control of video data playback. A multimedia database having multimedia data including multimedia content data is searched based on a user query to determine a first set of multimedia data. The multimedia data includes indexes to and condensed representations of corresponding video data stored in a video database. A portion of the first set of multimedia data is displayed at a control device in response to the user query. A user of the control device selects an element of the first set of multimedia data for video playback and video data corresponding to the element delivered to a video device for playback. A user of the control device selects an element of the first set of multimedia data for additional information and a second set of multimedia data corresponding to the element delivered to the control device. |
| US08479235B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method, and program storage medium
This invention is intended to allow user to easily and quickly set the preset recording of television programs on recording devices. When setting the preset recording of a television program on a VCR, the user of a personal computer first accesses an EPG server on the Internet to download the preset recording data of that program. The personal computer converts the downloaded preset recording data into a G-code and transmits the G-code from a video mouse to the VCR as an infrared signal. The VCR decodes the received G-code, recognizes the program to be preset for recording, and sets the preset recording of the recognized program. |
| US08479232B2 |
Display apparatus and method for scheduling broadcast using the same
A display apparatus and a method for scheduling a broadcast using the same. The broadcast scheduling method includes generating a program information table, in which broadcast information is arranged, if a broadcast program selected by a user in the program information table is moved into an area adjacent to an icon, displaying the broadcast program being added to an item folder, and scheduling the broadcast program. |
| US08479229B2 |
System and method for presenting advertising data during trick play command execution
A computer readable medium is disclosed containing instructions that when executed by a computer perform a method for presenting advertising data, the method including but not limited to receiving a video data stream at an end user device, receiving a video data stream at an end user device; recognizing a pattern in the video data stream indicating a particular arrangement of objects in the video data stream as scene start data; placing scene start marker data in the video data stream at the scene start data; receiving end user trick play command data during presentation of the video data stream at the end user device; and moving to the scene start marker data in the video data in response to the end user trick play command data. A system is disclosed for executing the method. A data structure is disclosed for containing data used by the system and method. |
| US08479228B1 |
Customization of advertisements to content of video data
Metadata associated with video data by a content management system is transmitted to one or more advertising servers to tailor advertisements, or other data, presented in addition to the video data. In one embodiment, a user specifies the metadata associated with the video data, and the management system communicates the metadata to one or more advertising servers. Responsive to a user changing a subset of the metadata using the content management system, the changed subset of the metadata is communicated to the one or more advertising servers, which modify advertisements associated with the video data responsive to the changed metadata. Hence, changes to metadata associated with video data are pushed from the management system to an advertising server, allowing the advertising server to more quickly modify the advertisements associated with the video data. |
| US08479225B2 |
Social and interactive applications for mass media
Systems, methods, apparatuses, user interfaces and computer program products provide social and interactive applications for mass media based on real-time ambient-audio and/or video identification. |
| US08479223B1 |
Control method of spindle motor
A control method for a spindle motor in disk drive including a tray for carrying a disk, a detect switch movable to different inclined positions for detecting different positions of the tray during tray ejection and retraction operation, a firmware for receiving signals transmitted by the detect switch upon reaching the different inclined positions so as to start up the spindle motor in advance. |
| US08479221B2 |
Automatic processing of agricultural data
Methods for agricultural data management include automatically monitoring for events associated with receipt of agricultural data through use of a service executing on a computing device, notifying at least one component of a software system executing on the computing device of the receipt of the agricultural data, processing the agricultural data by the at least one component and storing the agricultural data in a data repository, and automatically distributing the agricultural data from the data repository in a predetermined format. |
| US08479220B2 |
Automatically correlating transaction events
An API can be extended to automatically correlate events based on context. Started events for each context (e.g. threads of execution) are maintained on independent stacks. When an instrumented application starts a new transaction, the API generates a started event. A transaction correlation unit within the API can determine if the new transaction started during a previous transaction. If there is a previous started event on the stack, the new transaction started during the previous transaction. The transaction correlation unit can insert an outbound indicator into the new started event to associate the new transaction and the previous transaction. Then, the new started event can be pushed on the stack. |
| US08479215B2 |
Decentralized load distribution to reduce power and/or cooling costs in an event-driven system
A computer-implemented method, computer program product and computer readable storage medium directed to decentralized load placement in an event-driven system so as to minimize energy and cooling related costs. Included are receiving a data flow to be processed by a plurality of tasks at a plurality of nodes in the event-driven system having stateful and stateless event processing components, wherein the plurality of tasks are selected from the group consisting of hierarchical tasks (a task that is dependent on the output of another task), nonhierarchical tasks (a task that is not dependent on the output of another task) and mixtures thereof. Nodes are considered for quiescing whose current tasks can migrate to other nodes while meeting load distribution and energy efficiency parameters and the expected duration of the quiesce provides benefits commensurate with the costs of quiesce and later restart. Additionally, tasks are considered for migrating to neighbor nodes to distribute the system load of processing the tasks and reduce cooling costs. |
| US08479214B2 |
Hardware throughput saturation detection
Improved hardware throughput can be achieved when a hardware device is saturated with IO jobs. Throughput can be estimated based on the quantifiable characteristics of incoming IO jobs. When IO jobs are received a time cost for each job can be estimated and stored in memory. The estimates can be used to calculate the total time cost of in-flight IO jobs and a determination can be made as to whether the hardware device is saturated based on completion times for IO jobs. Over time the time cost estimates for IO jobs can be revised based on a comparison between the estimated time cost for an IO job and the actual time cost for the IO job using aggregate IO job completion sequences. |
| US08479213B2 |
Load balancing medical imaging applications across healthcare imaging devices in reference to projected load based on user type
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments healthcare imaging processing applications are allocated to computing resources in reference to criteria. |
| US08479211B1 |
Dynamic resource commitment management
Various aspects of a data volume or other shared resource are determined and updated dynamically for purposes such as to provide guaranteed qualities of service. For example, the number of partitions in a data volume and/or the way in which data is stored across those partitions can be updated dynamically without significantly impacting the customer using the volume. The data stored to the volume can be striped or otherwise distributed across a number of logical areas, which then can be distributed across the partitions. Separate mappings can be used for the data in each logical area, and the logical areas in each partition, such that when moving a logical area only a single mapping has to be updated, regardless of the amount of data in that logical area. Further, logical areas can be moved between partitions without the need to repartition or redistributed the data in the data volume. |
| US08479208B2 |
System partitioning to present software as platform level functionality including mode logic to maintain and enforce partitioning in first and configure partitioning in second mode
Embodiments of apparatuses, methods for partitioning systems, and partitionable and partitioned systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes processors and a partition manager. The partition manager is to allocate a subset of the processors to a first partition and another subset of the processors to a second partition. The first partition is to execute first operating system level software and the second partition is to execute second operating system level software. The first operating system level software is to manage the processors in the first partition as resources individually accessible to the first operating system level software, and the second operating system level software is to manage the processors in the second partition as resources individually accessible to the second operating system level software. The partition manager is also to present the second partition, including the second operating system level software, to the first operating system level software as platform level functionality embedded in the system. |
| US08479205B2 |
Schedule control program and schedule control method
A schedule control program that is capable of allocating threads to CPUs so as to effectively use caches. When a thread is executed, the execution start time and the CPU number of a CPU that executes the thread are stored. When an interrupted thread is re-allocated to a CPU to execute it next, an elapsed time t counted from the execution start time is calculated. Time parameters are set to caches that are used by the CPUs in such a way that the higher the level of a cache, the larger time parameter is set. If the elapsed time t is smaller than a time parameter set to an n-level (where n is a natural number of 2 or greater) cache and is equal to or larger than a time parameter set to an (n-1)-level cache, the thread is allocated to a CPU with the lowest load among the CPUs sharing the n-level cache with the last execution CPU. |
| US08479204B1 |
Techniques for determining transaction progress
Described are techniques for determining progress of a transaction. A plurality of weights are received. Each of the weights indicates a weight for a different one of a plurality of tasks performed to complete processing for the transaction. At a point in time, a plurality of first metrics for the plurality of tasks are determined. Each of the plurality of first metrics corresponds to a first of the plurality of tasks and indicates an amount of the first task completed at the point in time. A second metric is determined indicating an amount of processing completed for the transaction at the point in time. The second metric is determined in accordance with the plurality of first metrics and the plurality of weights. |
| US08479202B2 |
Method and system for autonomic application program spawning in a computing environment
A method and system for self-managing an application program in a computing environment, is provided. One implementation involves spawning a primary application for execution in the computing environment; the primary application monitoring status of the primary application and the computing environment resources while executing; and upon detecting a first status threshold, the primary application spawning a secondary application in the computing environment, wherein the secondary application comprises a lower functionality version of the primary application, and the primary application terminating. |
| US08479198B2 |
Hypervisor and server apparatus capable of restoring data inside a failure area
A hypervisor sets all physical areas in an allocation area, which is allocated to a virtual machine from within a physical memory and is configured from a plurality of physical areas, to a write protect mode. In a case where a physical processor identifies that the write-destination area from the virtual machine is in the write protect mode, the hypervisor manages the write-destination area as an updated area, and cancels the write protect mode of the write-destination area. At a certain point in time, the hypervisor copies data inside the updated physical area from within the allocation area to a storage area (a copy area) that differs from the allocation area. In a case where a prescribed failure is detected in the physical area, the hypervisor restores data from the copy area. |
| US08479188B2 |
Binary code change vulnerability prioritization
A human-readable list of patch differences ranked by weight helps vulnerability analysts allocate their time. From binary code, identified source functions and recognized sink functions are used when assigning relative weights to changes caused by a patch. Source functions are identified using an export table, import table, and remote procedure call interface. Sink functions are recognized using blacklisted functions, patch-targeted functions, memory functions, string functions, and functions called with mismatched parameters. A change prioritizer assigns weights based on an architectural graph and a set of prioritization rules that specify what kind of change is made by a patch, and what kind of function is changed. Weight assignments may be additive. Rules may assign certain kinds of change a higher priority for subsequent scrutiny by an analyst. |
| US08479184B2 |
General purpose emit for use in value profiling
An information handling system includes a memory, a processor, and an instruction tracking unit. The processor executes program code and, while the program code executes, the instruction tracking unit decodes a multi-purpose no-op instruction within the program code. In turn, the instruction tracking unit sends an interrupt to the processor, which invokes a profiling module to collect and store profiling data in a profiling buffer. |
| US08479182B2 |
Program, apparatus, and method of optimizing a java object
An apparatus, method and article of manufacture tangibly embodying computer readable instructions for optimizing a Java object on a target computer program. The apparatus includes: a storage unit for storing a value of the object and management information on the object in association with each other; a code generation unit for generating, from the target computer program, optimized code and unoptimized code; a switching unit for switching from executing the target computer program using the optimized code to executing the target computer program using the unoptimized code in response to an event in which the value of the object is written while the target computer program is executed by using the optimized code; and a management unit for managing the object by accessing the management information by a non-detection write operation in which writing to the object is performed without being detected. |
| US08479179B2 |
Compiling method, compiling apparatus and computer system for a loop in a program
A method for compiling a program including a loop is provided. In the program, the loop includes K instructions (K>2) and repeats for M times (M>2). The compiling method comprises following steps: performing resource conflict analysis to the K instructions in the loop; dividing the K instructions in the loop into a first combined instruction section, a connection instruction section and a second combined instruction section, wherein there is no resource conflict between the instructions in the first combined instruction section and the instructions in the second combined instruction section respectively; and compiling the program, wherein the instructions in the first combined instruction section in the cycle N (N=2, 3, . . . M) and the instructions in the second combined instruction section in the cycle N−1 are combined to be compiled respectively. A compiling apparatus and a computer system for realizing the above-mentioned compiling method are further provided. |
| US08479170B2 |
Generating software application user-input data through analysis of client-tier source code
In one embodiment, analyze client-tier source code of a client-server software application to extract one or more software modules that handle user-input data of the software application. For each one of the software modules, extract from the software module one or more user-input constraints placed on the user-input data, comprising: analyze source code of the software module to determine one or more failure points in the source code; perform symbolic execution on the software module to extract one or more first expressions that cause the software module to reach the failure points, respectively; obtain a second expression as the disjunction of all the first expressions; obtain a third expression as the negation of the second expression; and extract the user-input constraints from the third expression. Determine one or more user-input data that satisfy all the user-input constraints. |
| US08479169B1 |
Code analysis via ranged values
A method, computer program product, and system are provided for reducing errors in software code. For example, an embodiment of the method includes defining a range of values for one or more inputs to the software code and evaluating non-conditional and conditional statements in the software code with one or more values from the range of values until a program misbehavior occurs or substantially all statements in the software code have been evaluated. When evaluating the conditional statements, true and false conditions of the statement can be explored using the range of values. For instance, a sub-set of the range of values can be used to evaluate the conditional statement as true and another sub-set of the range of values can be used to evaluate the conditional statement as false. By exploring both true and false scenarios, wide code coverage is possible. |
| US08479158B2 |
Business information warehouse toolkit and language for warehousing simplification and automation
A method for use with an information (or data) warehouse comprises managing the information warehouse with instructions in a declarative language. The instructions specify information warehouse-level tasks to be done without specifying certain details of how the tasks are to be implemented, for example, using databases and text indexers. The details are hidden from the user and include, for example, in an information warehouse having a FACT table that joins two or more dimension tables, details of database level operations when structured data are being handled, including database command line utilities, database drivers, and structured query language (SQL) statements; and details of text-indexing engines when unstructured data are being handled. The information warehouse is managed in a dynamic way in which different tasks—such as data loading tasks and information warehouse construction tasks—may be interleaved (i.e., there is no particular order in which the different tasks must be completed). |
| US08479154B1 |
Interaction with partially constructed mobile device applications
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for creating mobile device applications. In one aspect, a method includes determining that a user has entered one or more user inputs into an integrated development environment, to select or arrange a component that defines a portion of an application, and transmitting interpreter code that corresponds to the component to a mobile device, where the interpreter code, when interpreted by a command interpreter on the mobile device, causes the mobile device to generate a mock-up of the portion of the application defined by the component. |
| US08479153B2 |
Abstracting transformation for model driven architecture
An example embodiment of the present invention provides a process for abstracting an implementation-independent model to an implementation-specific model during transformation in a MDA system. In the example embodiment, the MDA system comprises a transformation engine whose components might include software tools such as AndroMDA and Muse. The transformation engine accepts as input an implementation-independent model written in a modeling language such as UML that provides graphical notation to describe inheritable classes and their attributes and relationships. The transformation engine also accepts a configuration file which allows the designation of a class in the model as a manageable resource. From these inputs, the transformation engine creates a manageable resource corresponding to the class, which resource includes any subclasses by inheritance from the designated class unless the subclass is specifically excluded in the configuration file. In one embodiment, the manageable resources created by the transformation engine are WSMD manageable resources. |
| US08479151B2 |
Converting a statechart from a first statechart format to a second statechart format
System and method for converting a statechart from a first statechart development environment to a second statechart development environment. A first statechart may be received. The first statechart may be created in a first statechart development environment. The first statechart may implement a first functionality. The first statechart may be parsed to determine a plurality of elements of the first statechart. A markup language representation of the first statechart may be generated. The markup language representation may represent the plurality of elements of the first statechart. A second statechart may be generated based on the markup language representation. The second statechart may be in a second statechart development environment. The second statechart may implement the first functionality. The second statechart may be stored. |
| US08479149B2 |
Concept-oriented software engineering system and method for identifying, extracting, organizing, inferring and querying software system facts
Software system facts comprising concepts, concept instances and relationships within the software system are identified and stored in a repository. The software system facts are extracted from artifacts comprising the software system or are provided through explicit definition. Architectures of the software system are recovered from the stored software system facts. Layered views of the recovered architectures are generated. The stored software system facts are checked against architectural rules to ensure architectural compliance of the software system. The impact of proposed changes to the software system is assessed by querying the identified software system facts. |
| US08479148B2 |
Computer method and apparatus for model transformation reapply
Provided is a method and system for model transformation reapply. Through a programming model transformation, a target model is generated. The target model has one or more model elements. As manual changes are made to the target model, parts of the target model are marked as non-changeable by annotations. The annotations are inserted into respective model elements of the target model and indicate which parts are non-changeable and thus preservable. The annotations enable reapplying of the transformation to make changes to the target model but preserve manual changes made to the model elements based on the inserted annotations. The reapply of the transformation may be configured with options to handle the deltas between the existing target model and newly generated target models of the transformation. |
| US08479147B2 |
Server-page based software architecture enabling use-case oriented evolutionary software prototyping
A system for use-case software development includes an interface renderer for interpreting a user interface definition code and displaying a user interface, a request dispatcher for processing a request from the interface renderer, and a request handler for processing the request and checking a use-case name contained in the request. The system further includes a use-case handling program, invoked by the request handler, for performing logic defined by a use-case corresponding to the use-case name and according to a use-case state and returning an interface definition specifying an interface layout and controls that are interpretable by the interface renderer, and a server page container for receiving the interface definition and providing the user interface definition code to the interface renderer. |
| US08479138B1 |
Global constraint optimization
Techniques that can improve the efficiency of routing where connections are subject to elongation constraints. The design can be optimized by estimating elongation needed to meet constraints after an initial routing solution has been generated, but before elongation is actually applied to detailed paths. Paths can be re-routed at this earlier stage if it is determined that too much elongation, or too much elongation in crowded areas, will need to be added after the detail routing stage. |
| US08479137B2 |
Apparatus and method for preventing congestive placement
A congestive placement preventing apparatus for modifying a circuit layout includes an analyzing module, a defining module and an extension module. The analyzing module performs a congestion analysis on the circuit layout to generate an analysis result. The defining module defines a congestion region and a share region adjacent to the congestion region on the circuit layout according to the analysis result. A density of electronic cells of the congestion region is higher than that of electronic cells of the share region. The extension module arranges a plurality of electronic cells in the congestion region to the congestion region and the share region, thereby reducing the density of electronic cells in the congestion region. |
| US08479135B2 |
Automated framework for programmable logic device implementation of integrated circuit design
In an embodiment, a methodology for automating the generation of a programmable logic device implementation of at least a portion of an integrated circuit is contemplated. The methodology may operate on one or more hardware description language (HDL) files which describe the integrated circuit as an input. Additionally, one or more user-generated control files may be input to the methodology. The methodology may process the one or more HDL files, generating a bitstream to program one or more programmable logic devices to implement the described design. The methodology may include automated modification of the HDL files to prepare them for programmable logic device implementation, automated pad ring generation, automated pin multiplexing, daughter card definition, partitioning, etc. |
| US08479132B2 |
Active trace assertion based verification system
A computer processes simulation data indicating values of circuit signals as functions of simulation time to determine whether a circuit exhibits a property defined by an assertion. The assertion expresses the property as a sequence of expressions, each a function of one or more variables, where each variable represents a value of one or more signals or a value of another sequence of expressions. The assertion statement separately defines an evaluation time for each expression, a particular simulation time at which the expression is to be evaluated. Each expression must evaluate true if the circuit has the property. The computer produces a display including a representation of each expression of the property including a separate variable symbol for each of its variables. For each expression that evaluated false, the computer identifies each variable that caused that expression to evaluate false and distinctively marks that variable's symbol relative to other variable symbols within the display. For each expression that evaluated true, the computer identifies the evaluation time contributing the fulfillment of assertion property. The computer also annotates the representation of each expression with its corresponding evaluation time and annotates each displayed variable symbol with a value of the variable it represents. |
| US08479131B2 |
Method of determining FET source/drain wire, contact, and diffusion resistances in the presence of multiple contacts
A method calculates a total source/drain resistance for a field effect transistor (FET) device. The method counts the number (N) of contacts in each source/drain region of the FET device, partitions each source/drain region into N contact regions and calculates a set of resistances of elements and connections to the FET device. The measured dimensions of widths, lengths, and distances of layout shapes forming the FET and the connections to the FET are determined and a set of weights based on relative widths of the contact regions are computed. The total source/drain resistance of the FET device is determined by summing products of the set of resistances and the set of weights for each of a plurality of contacts in series, the summing being performed for all of the plurality of contacts in one of a source region and a drain region of the FET. A netlist is formed based on the total source resistance and total drain resistance of the FET device. |
| US08479128B2 |
Technique for honoring multi-cycle path semantics in RTL simulation
An enhanced RTL simulation including information regarding multi-cycle paths is provided. The multi-cycle path information, which is available in the design constraint file, can be used for timing analysis during RTL simulation. This information can advantageously augment the RTL simulation engine to approximate the cycle delays at the destination registers, thereby providing a more realistic approximation of circuit behavior at the RTL level. Notably, RTL simulation is orders of magnitude faster than gate level simulation. Moreover, design bugs associated with multi-cycle paths are more easily corrected during RTL simulation compared to waiting until the gate level simulation. |
| US08479125B2 |
Lithography modeling and applications
The manufacturing of integrated circuits relies on the use of lithography simulation to predict the image of the mask created on the wafer. Such predictions can be used for example to assess the quality of the images, verify the manufacturability of such images, perform using OPC necessary correction of the mask data to achieve images close to the targets, optimize the printing parameters such as the illumination source, or globally optimize the source and the mask to achieve better printability. This disclosure provides a technique based on the association of at least one kernel function per source region or source point. Each kernel function can be directly convoluted with a mask image to create a prediction of the wafer image. As the kernel functions are associated with the source, the source can be easily changed to create new models. The optical system can be fully described by computing the possible kernels for all possible source points and all possible numerical apertures. Therefore this technique is ideally suited for source-mask optimization as well as source-mask-numerical aperture optimization, and their associated applications. |
| US08479121B2 |
Sign object presentation system
The present Invention provides a sign object presentation system which selects object data for a three-dimensional object, linking the object data with a plurality of sign data for a sign object, and selects proper sign data out of the plurality of sign data based on presentation information for the object data; and displays the three-dimensional object with the selected sign data located at a predetermined position of the three dimensional object. |
| US08479116B2 |
User interface for engineered systems asset analysis
Systems, methods, and computer-storage media of the present invention facilitate the management of assets of an engineered system. These management activities enable a user to understand various conditions surrounding identified system assets and provide tools for guiding decision making in terms of how prioritize projects for such assets. A user interface is also provided to display geospatially associated information relating to a selected portion of a system asset. |
| US08479115B2 |
Predictive scrolling
A system and a method are disclosed for effectively displaying database records on a device having a display area that is small compared to the underlying data being represented. A simulated catalogue is displayed with cards associated with database records. Detailed information is presented for a record on a card obscuring information related to other records. A user is allowed to swipe on the catalogue causing simulated movement of the cards thereby displaying information associated with a database record previously obscured. The catalogue is moved with an initial velocity determined by the speed of swiping and decelerated based on a drag factor until it comes to a stop and displays information for the record reached. The ability to determine the final record displayed when the catalogue stops allows pre-fetching of the data associated with the record. |
| US08479114B2 |
Browser navigation for devices with a limited input system
Methods, system, and computer program products for browsing content with a display area and input system that may be limited in comparison to more traditional browsing systems. Movement between and selection of interactive elements generally occurs in a navigation mode, whereas interaction with a single interactive element generally occurs in an edit mode. In navigation mode, a direction input selects the next interactive element in the direction indicated. If no interactive element is at least partially visible in the direction indicated or if a selected interactive element is only partially visible, the display scrolls. Switching between navigation mode and edit mode is based on the input received, in view of the input supported, by a particular interactive element. Interactive elements may be limited to the width of available display area. |
| US08479110B2 |
System and method for summoning user interface objects
Provided is a system and method for summoning user interface object(s) of a display to a gesture position of a user. In a pressure sensitive display embodiment, a user maintains a convenient touch position to the display, performs a summon gesture, and user interface object(s) are automatically moved to the user's touch position as requested. When a summon gesture is recognized, a user interface object, or point or interest thereof, automatically transitions to a desired position where the gesture was recognized. Objects can transition in a variety of manners. Also, a magnetic mode can be activated for virtually magnetizing objects of interest to a user's position, for example as the user touches various places on the display. A user's configurations can be stored into a cloud system for convenient access and use at a plurality of different data processing system user interfaces. |
| US08479103B2 |
Visualization of real-time social data informatics
Data corresponding to a current activity of a user is formatted for display. A contact list, tags of interest, and visual display mapping preferences associated with the user are received. A real time broadcast of a current activity of the user is received. A tag of interest most relevant to the current activity of the user is selected. Real time broadcasts of current activities of contacts associated with the user are received. Tags of interest most relevant to the current activities of the contacts are selected. The tag of interest selected most relevant to the current activity of the user is compared with the tags of interest selected most relevant to the current activities of the contacts. Data corresponding to the current activity of the user and the current activities of the contacts is transmitted in a format determined by the visual display mapping preferences associated with the user. |
| US08479102B2 |
Apparatus and method for setting user interface according to user preference
Provided are an apparatus and method for setting a user interface according to user preferences, more particularly, an apparatus and method for setting the user interface according to the user preferences, in which the user interface can be set up by reflecting the user preferences, and the set user interface is synchronized in order to be used in other devices. The apparatus includes a user-interface-configuration unit that is notified of an update and rearrangement of a predetermined user interface element by a user, a user-information-management unit that manages security information of the user that reconfigures the user interface element, and a user-interface-tree-management unit that reconfigures a predetermined user-interface tree based on the reconfigured user-interface element. |
| US08479101B2 |
Consistent user interface front end for remote user interfaces
A method and device for providing a single consistent user interface based on replacing disparate user interface constructs (components) with equivalent constructs (components) from a “synonym” database of user interface constructs (components). The database is initiated with a set of foundational “synonym” constructs (components) and extended with user interface constructs (components) as they are discovered during reduction of an inconsistent user interface to a consistent state. |
| US08479100B2 |
Providing a user with a web-supplement
An apparatus and method of providing a user with a web-browser supplement is disclosed. One method includes providing access to a focal group, wherein the focal group includes at least one member having at least one association with the user. Access is provided to information associated with the at least one member having relevance to the focal group. Web browsing by the user is supplemented by the information of the members of the focal group. |
| US08479099B2 |
Group management apparatus and group management system
A group management apparatus manages, as a plurality of groups, numerous installation devices installed in a plurality of buildings. The group management apparatus includes an acquiring component, a summarizing component and a screen generating component. The Acquiring component acquires operating data of the numerous installation devices via controllers. The controllers are placed in the buildings and control the numerous installation devices inside the buildings. The summarizing component summarizes, per group, operating data values that are values represented by the operating data. The screen generating component generates a screen in which results, with respect to the plurality of groups, of the operating data values having been summarized by the summarizing component are juxtaposed. |
| US08479097B2 |
Method and system for generating a control system user interface
A method for providing a user interface for an industrial control system including a computer and a plurality of process graphics including software objects for controlling and/or monitoring real world objects controlled by the control system. A display of selected process graphics, a designated view arranged with a tab or another selector, is automatically generated. The designated view may be generated dependent on selecting one or more logical groupings to which control system software objects representing the real world objects belong. At least one tab on a designated view, or an active link, is arranged to display a small visual representation of a second process graphic to which it is linked on detection of a computer input on or near the at least one tab, or link. |
| US08479096B2 |
Content display device, television receiver, content display method, content display control program, and recording medium
A content display device for displaying content items on a screen includes: an operation instruction receiving section (70d) for receiving, from a user, a switching instruction to switch the content items; a content list analyzing and choosing section (40) for, based on an order prescribed in a content list, choosing a content item that is displayed on the screen, in accordance with the switching instruction received by the operation instruction receiving section (70d); and a content acquisition and display section for causing the content item chosen by the content choosing section (40) to be displayed on the screen. This provides a content display device whose operationality has been improved by comprehensively optimizing a user's content browsing operation from the viewpoint of regarding, as a series of operations, access to the URL of a desired content item and an operation for controlling the display range of a displayed content item. |
| US08479087B2 |
Authoring package files
Various embodiments described herein include systems, methods, software, and data structures of and for authoring and presentation of package files. Some such embodiments include instantiating a package file and receiving a presentation specification to include in the package file, the presentation specification displayable within a media playing application to provide a representation of display elements defined in the package file. Such embodiments may further include receiving content files, defining display elements for each content file, and associating each content file with a respective display element. A package file may then be generated, published, and/or displayed as a function of the presentation specification. |
| US08479083B2 |
Flash memory devices having multi-bit memory cells therein with improved read reliability
Integrated circuit memory devices include an array of nonvolatile N-bit memory cells, where N is an integer greater than one. Control circuitry is also provided to reliably read data from the N-bit memory cells. This control circuitry, which is electrically coupled to the array, is configured to determine, among other things, a value of at least one bit of data stored in a selected N-bit memory cell in the array. This is done by decoding at least one hard data value and a plurality of soft data values (e.g., 6 data values) read from the selected N-bit memory cell using a corresponding plurality of unequal read voltages applied to the selected N-bit memory cell during a read operation. |
| US08479077B2 |
Memory device and bit error detection method thereof
A memory device detects and correct bit errors. The memory device includes cyclic redundancy check (CRC) and error correction code (ECC) circuits. The CRC circuit generates a write CRC code corresponding to data to be stored in memory cells. The ECC circuit generates an ECC code corresponding to the data and detecting and correcting a bit error of the data by means of the ECC code during a read operation. The CRC circuit generates a read CRC code corresponding to data corrected by the ECC circuit during the read operation, and detects a bit error of the data according to a comparison of the read CRC code and the write CRC code. |
| US08479072B2 |
Apparatus and method for automatic retransmission request (ARQ) feedback in wireless communication system
An apparatus and a method for Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) feedback in a wireless communication system are provided. A method for the ARQ feedback at a receiving end includes when receiving an ARQ block from the transmitting end, checking for error in the ARQ block, when the ARQ block has no error, initializing and driving a timer used for determining whether to perform the ARQ feedback according to reception of a next ARQ block, when receiving the next ARQ block without error before the timer expires, initializing and driving the timer, and when the timer expires, performing the ARQ feedback in relation to at least one ARQ block received without error. |
| US08479070B2 |
Integrated circuit arrangement for test inputs
An integrated circuit chip includes a mainline function logic path communicatively connected to a first input/output (I/O) pin, a test logic path communicatively connected to the first I/O pin, a latch disposed between the communicative connection between the test logic function path and the first I/O pin, a second I/O pin communicatively connected to the latch, the second I/O pin operative to send a signal operative to change a state of the latch. |
| US08479068B2 |
Decoded register outputs enabling test clock to selected asynchronous domains
A system, circuit, and device for asynchronously scan capturing multi-clock domains. A system includes a shift register configured to process select data for selecting a clock domain at a time in response to a scan capture pulse and a one-hot n-to-2n decoder connected to the shift register and configured to generate one-hot code based on the select data. The system also includes integrated clock gating cells connected to the one-hot n-to-2n decoder, where the scan capture pulse is applied to each one of the integrated clock gating cells, and where only one of the integrated clock gating cells associated with the clock domain is enabled when the one-hot code is processed by the integrated clock gating cells. Further, the system includes multiplexers connected to the integrated clock gating cells, where the multiplexers are configured to forward the scan capture pulse to the clock domain. |
| US08479066B2 |
Process for making an electric testing of electronic devices
A process for electrically testing electronic devices includes connecting at least one electronic device to an automatic testing apparatus suitable for testing digital circuits, and sending, through the apparatus, control signals for electrically testing the electronic device. The process further includes electrically testing the electronic device through at least one reconfigurable digital interface connected to the apparatus through a dedicated digital communication channel and comprising a limited number of communication or connection lines strictly appointed to the exchange of the testing information. Response messages are sent from the electronic device to the apparatus through the digital communication channel in response to the control signals. The response messages contain mesaurements, failure information, and data. |
| US08479064B2 |
Safety input device
A safety input device includes an input controller to control transmission of an input signal to an arithmetic device, an output controller to instruct output of preset first self-diagnosis pattern data, a test pattern generating unit to encode the first self-diagnosis pattern data into a pulse train signal having a pulse width equal to or below a predetermined value and output the pulse train signal, a combination input unit to combine the pulse train signal with the input signal, an input interface unit, a pattern reconfiguration unit to decode an output signal from the combination input unit into second self-diagnosis pattern data, and a comparator to compare the first and second self-diagnosis pattern data to judge the presence or absence of a difference between the first and second self-diagnosis pattern data. |
| US08479057B2 |
Aggregator for connection based anomaly detection
A system for detecting network intrusions and other conditions in a network is described. The system includes a plurality of collector devices that are disposed to collect data and statistical information on packets that are sent between nodes on a network. An aggregator device is disposed to receive data and statistical information from the plurality of collector devices. The aggregator device produces a connection table that maps each node on the network to a record that stores information about traffic to or from the node. The aggregator runs processes that determine network events from aggregating of anomalies into network events. |
| US08479054B2 |
SD card memory tool
A method and apparatus that creates situations in which insufficient memory is available to store a file created by a computer game device on an SD memory card, or exactly enough memory is available to store a file or sufficient memory is available to store a file. Depending upon the memory condition that is created, software that is being tested behaves in a particular manner. |
| US08479048B2 |
Root cause analysis method, apparatus, and program for IT apparatuses from which event information is not obtained
In the system management server, an information processing apparatus that is an event-information acquisition target is registered as a monitored apparatus in configuration information; event information that complies with a rule stored in advance is identified from among a plurality of pieces of event information stored in the system management server; a server apparatus for a network service related to the event information is identified; and a message is displayed which indicates that the cause of the event that occurred in a client information processing apparatus which has generated event information is an event related to the network service, which occurred in the server apparatus. |
| US08479047B2 |
Predictive monitoring with wavelet analysis
A computer implemented method, computer program product and system for monitoring a plurality of hardware or software system resources for identifying hidden trends in the behavior of the system resources, includes: collecting metrics of at least one system resource indicative of the behavior of at least one system resource; for each of the at least one system resource, determining a spectrum representative of a time-based signal of the collected metrics; performing a wavelet transform on each of the at least one spectrum; and analyzing the result of the wavelet transform to identify possible linear trends in the behavior of the at least one system resource. |
| US08479034B2 |
Controlling the power usage of a computer
A method and apparatus for controlling the power usage of a processor is disclosed. The power usage of the processor is monitored. When the power usage of the processor exceeds a threshold power usage value, the power used by the processor is reduced or limited. A processor utilization value is also monitored. When the processor utilization value is above a threshold utilization value, the processor is ramped to a higher performance state. When power to the processor is being limited, a first rate is used to ramp the processor to the higher performance state. When power to the processor is not being limited, then a second rate, different from the first rate, is used to ramp the processor to the higher performance state. |
| US08479027B2 |
Computer power supplier with a standby power saving controller
A computer power supplier with a built-in power saving controller has a power input socket connected to external AC power supply. A DC switch circuit is connected to AC power and converts AC into DC. A control switch is connected to the AC power. A computer power supply circuit is connected to the AC power of the control switch and converts the AC into DC. A power output socket is connected to the AC power of the control switch and supplies power to peripheral equipment. A power start-up circuit is connected to the DC power of the DC switch circuit and the control switch, and operates the control switch to transmit AC power. A cluster cable transmits the DC power to the mainframe. A boot button is connected both to the start-up circuit and mainboard, so as to convert the AC into DC for the mainframe and start-up circuit. |
| US08479024B2 |
System and method for customizing information handling system internal power source and service offerings based on usage profiles
Usage data monitored at information handling systems is collected and analyzed to provide a basis for component selection for information handling systems by associating components with end user usage profiles. For example, a monitor tracks usage data at an end user information handling system and determines that the end user's usage falls within usage pattern defined by analysis of plural other end users. The end user is directed towards selection of components associate with the defined usage pattern to replace components of the information handling system or for use in a replacement information handling system. Analysis on an enterprise-wide basis helps an enterprise to allocate components and information handling systems to end users of an enterprise. |
| US08479021B2 |
Secure island computing system and method
A method for generating an n-bit result includes a secured containment device (SCD) receiving a request to generate the n-bit result. The request includes an n-bit generator input and a master secret identifier. The request is sent from an application executing on a host system using an input/output (I/O) interface. The SCD disables all I/O interfaces on the SCD between the host system and the SCD. After disabling all the I/O interfaces on the SCD between the host system and the SCD, the SCD provides the n-bit generator input and the master secret identifier to a secured hardware token over a second I/O interface, receives the n-bit result from the secured hardware token over the second I/O interface, enables at least the first I/O interface after the n-bit result is generated, and provides, after enabling the first I/O interface, the n-bit result to the application using the first I/O interface. |
| US08479016B2 |
Method and system for obfuscating a cryptographic function
A method of protecting an integrity of a data processing system. The method comprises determining (902) a data string to be protected, an integrity of the data string being an indication of the integrity of the data processing system. Computing (904) a set of parameters representing a predetermined data processing function, using a redundancy in the set of parameters to incorporate the data string into a bit representation of the set of parameters. Enabling (906) the system to process data according to the set of parameters. The set of parameters represents at least part of a cryptographic algorithm including a cryptographic key. The set of parameters represents a network of look-up tables. The network of look-up tables comprises a plurality of look-up tables of a white-box implementation of a data processing algorithm. The data processing algorithm comprises a cryptographic algorithm. |
| US08479014B1 |
Symmetric key based secure microprocessor and its applications
An embodiment of the present invention proposes a new secure microprocessor for software protection. The invention presents a secure microprocessor, which embeds a symmetric encryption/decryption hardware a symmetric key (Embedded Key), and a safe cache. The symmetric encryption/decryption is the same for all microprocessors, but the Embedded Key is unique for each microprocessor. |
| US08479011B2 |
Method and apparatus for using cryptographic mechanisms to provide access to a portable device using integrated authentication using another portable device
A method and system for providing authentication of a user to a first peripheral device connected to a host computer using an authentication of the user on a second peripheral device, thereby allowing the user access to both devices through a single authentication. A security function on the second peripheral device is used to create an authorization phrase. Subsequent accesses to the first peripheral device requires the second peripheral device to re-create the same authorization phrase thereby demonstrating that the same second peripheral device is being used to access the first peripheral device and that a user was successfully authenticated to the second peripheral device. Other systems and methods are disclosed. |
| US08479010B2 |
Detecting, capturing and processing valid login credentials
Successful logins are distinguished from unsuccessful logins, and only when a login is successful are the user's login credentials stored and associated with the appropriate login page. Attempts by a user to login to a login page with a set of login credentials are identified. It is determined whether an attempt to login to a given login page with a set of login credentials is successful. If the attempt by the user to login to the login page with the set of login credentials is successful, the set of login credentials can be stored and associated with the login page. If the attempt fails, the credentials are not saved. |
| US08479009B2 |
Wearable time-bracketed video authentication
A wearable video recording system with time-bracketed authentication is provided and includes a article, including a spine, wearable by a user, a recording device, supported on the spine, to generate a recording of a scene, an affecter subsystem, supported on the spine, to influence the scene being recorded with unpredictable data and an untrusted controller coupled to the recording device and the affecter subsystem, the untrusted controller being receptive of the unpredictable data, which the untrusted controller communicates to the affecter subsystem, and being configured to transmit at least hashed digests of the recording to one or more repositories. |
| US08479007B2 |
Document creation and authentication system
A method and system for creating and authenticating a document are disclosed. According to the method, a user of a document creation system is registered to ensure the creation of an authentic document. A document is then created having a user discernable portion and an encoded portion. The encoded portion includes identification data identifying the registered user of the document creation system; as well as contents data corresponding to at least part of the user discernable portion of the document, and authentication data. A central record of the document is created, the record comprising data which corresponds at least partially to the data in the encoded portion of the document. To authenticate the document subsequently, an image of the encoded portion of the document is acquired, for example using fax machine or a camera of a mobile telephone and transmitted to an authentication center. The data in the encoded portion of the document is extracted and the document is authenticated by comparing the extracted data with data in the respective central record. Preferably, the encoded portion of the document contains instructions relating to the authentication process for obtaining biometric data from the respective user of the document creation system. For example, the encoded portion of the document may comprise a password, and the document creator is contacted to generate a live voiceprint of the password to be compared with a stored voiceprint for verification purposes. A system for creating and authenticating a document by the above method are also disclosed. |
| US08479002B2 |
Electronic certificate issuance system, electronic certificate issuing device, communication device, and program therefor
An electronic certificate issuance system comprising at least one communication device, and an electronic certificate issuing device for issuing a set of an electronic certificate and a private key corresponding to the electronic certificate as a certification set for each of the at least one communication device, is provided. The electronic certificate issuing device includes a first connecting interface, an obtaining system, which is adapted to obtain a node ID assigned to each of the at least one communication device, a generating system, and a writing system. The at least one communication device includes a second connecting interface, a judging system, and an installing system. |
| US08479000B2 |
Information processing device, authentication system, authentication device, information processing method, information processing program, recording medium, and integrated circuit
The present invention provides an information processing device, an authentication system, etc. that save a server the trouble of updating a database, etc., even when a software module in a client device is updated, and that are capable of verifying whether software modules that have been started in the client device are valid. The terminal device A100 holds private keys 1 and 2, and performs authentication processing with the terminal device B101 using the private key 2. The private key 1 has been encrypted such that the private key 1 is decryptable only when secure boot is completed. The private key 2 has been encrypted such that the private key 2 is decryptable using the private key 1 only when the application module X that has been started is valid. When the authentication processing is successful, the terminal device B101 verifies that the terminal device A100 has completed secure boot and the application module X that has been started in the terminal device A100 is valid. Also, the terminal device B101 performs the authentication processing using the same private key 2, regardless of whether a program pertaining to the secure boot of the terminal device A100 is updated or not. |
| US08478999B2 |
Congestion management of session negotiations in network devices
A network device implements congestion management of sessions of a network protocol. In one implementation, an incoming request component receives session requests for a negotiation session between the network device and a second network device. A capacity pool stores a value relating to capacity of the network device to continue to efficiently process the session requests. New sessions are initiated when the value stored in the capacity pool is less than an estimate of the capacity of the network device at which the network device maximizes processor usage while minimizing session timeouts. |
| US08478998B2 |
Authenticated communication using a shared unpredictable secret
Systems, methods and computer readable media for authenticating one or more client devices (1) to a server (5). A shared unpredictable secret (50) is generated. The shared unpredictable secret (50) is stored in the client device (1) and in the server device (5). The client device (1) proves possession of the correct shared unpredictable secret (50) to the server (5). The shared unpredictable secret (50) is replaced by a new shared unpredictable secret (54) each time the client device (1) logs in to the server device (5). |
| US08478995B2 |
Method of encrypting and transferring data between a sender and a receiver using a network
A method of encrypting and transferring data between a sender and a receiver using a network thereby transferring data in a secure manner includes the steps of a server receiving from the sender an identifier of the receiver; generating a transfer specific encryption key specific to the transfer; encrypting the data using the generated transfer specific encryption key; the server retrieving information specific to the receiver that is accessed according to the identifier of the receiver received from the sender, and using the retrieved information specific to the receiver to encrypt the transfer specific encryption key; transferring the encrypted data and the encrypted transfer specific encryption key over the network for receipt by the receiver; the server receiving from the receiver the encrypted transfer specific encryption key and identifier of the receiver; the server retrieving information specific to the receiver that is accessed according to the identifier of the receiver received from the receiver, and using the retrieved information specific to the receiver to decrypt the encrypted transfer specific encryption key; and decrypting the encrypted data using the decrypted transfer specific encryption key. |
| US08478993B2 |
System and method for distributing and creating presentations
A slide customization system, comprising an administrator, wherein at least one information presentation is received at the administrator, at least one database, wherein the at least one information presentation is stored, a validator, wherein validation of the at least one information presentation is performed by the validator by validating the at least one information presentation with at least one validation attribute selected by the administrator from a plurality of validation attributes, and wherein the validation of the selected ones of the validation attributes against the at least one information presentation is stored to said at least one database, and a compiler. |
| US08478991B2 |
Management apparatus for managing wireless parameter, control method for the management apparatus, and computer program for instructing computer to execute the control method
A management apparatus for managing a wireless parameter is configured to obtain a certificate from a certificate authority by using a timing related to a setting processing based on a wireless parameter setting method as a trigger and send the obtained certificate to a wireless communication apparatus as well as the wireless parameter. |
| US08478990B2 |
Mobile transaction methods and devices with three-dimensional colorgram tokens
A transaction security process includes authentication and identification parts for pushing an encrypted colorgram for user authentication and persona descriptors for user identification from a transaction server to a first personal trusted device. A decryption of the colorgram is displayed on the first personal trusted device. An image is captured by a second personal trusted device. An encryption of the image captured from the second personal trusted device is uploaded to the transaction server. The persona descriptors are used to build a composite rendering for identification of the first user to the second user. The second user clicks “OK” if they recognize the composite drawing as a reasonable persona of the first user. |
| US08478989B2 |
Method and apparatus to authenticate and authorize user access to a system
A method, apparatus, and system are provided for authenticating a user. According to one embodiment, a request for authentication of a user is received via a secondary site, the request for authentication of the user including user information corresponding to the user. The user information is verified and, based on the verifying, a token associated with the user is generated, the token to be used to enable the secondary site to perform a task on the primary site on behalf of the user. The token is then transmitted to the secondary site. |
| US08478986B2 |
Reducing latency of split-terminated secure communication protocol sessions
A method is provided for establishing a split-terminated secure communication connection between a client and a server. A first network intermediary intercepts a secure communication connection request directed from the client to the server. A second intermediary having a digital certificate in the name of the server (and a corresponding private key) acts in place of the server to establish a first secure communication session with the client, during which it receives a secret from the client for generating the session key. The second intermediary supplies the secret and/or the session key to the first intermediary, which allows the first intermediary to establish follow-on secure communication sessions in which the secret is reused. The second intermediary may also supply the first intermediary with a copy of its certificate so that it can respond to new secure communication requests and, yet further, may also supply a copy of the private key. |
| US08478985B2 |
Determining whether to encrypt outbound traffic
An improved method, apparatus, and computer instructions for processing outbound traffic passing through a port. This port is for a server and receives a request from a client. The request includes a universal resource identifier to a destination. A determination is made as to whether the request requires encryption using the universal resource identifier in the request. The request is sent through the port to the destination in an encrypted form, in response to a determination that the request requires encryption. |
| US08478984B2 |
Data encryption apparatus, data decryption apparatus, data encryption method, data decryption method, and data relay apparatus
A RAID system includes a RAID controller that sends to a disc apparatus data to be encrypted by a data relay apparatus connected to the RAID controller and the disk apparatus. When receiving a data transfer request packet indicating a first receivable size, the data relay apparatus establishes a second receivable size that is equal to or greater than the first receivable size and that is a multiple of an encryption data size. When the RAID controller receives a data transfer request packet containing the established second receivable size, and in response to the data transfer request packet thus received, the data relay apparatus receives data of the second receivable size sent from the RAID controller. The data relay apparatus also encrypts the received data in units of the encryption data size, and then the encrypted data is sent to the disk apparatus in units of the first receivable size. |
| US08478983B2 |
Method and apparatus for preserving security in video multicasting service
A method and an apparatus for maintaining information security in a video multicasting service are provided. The method includes: generating a network abstraction layer unit using received video information; encrypting the network abstraction layer unit of the video information; realtime transport protocol (RTP) packetizing the encrypted network abstraction layer unit of the video information; recording unit format information and field information, included in the network abstraction layer of the video information being stored in a memory, in a header extension field of the RTP header; and transmitting the RTP packet including the encrypted video information to a routing device. |
| US08478980B2 |
System and method for defining programmable processing steps applied when protecting the data
Systems and methods for protecting data being sent between a client and a server include the capability of defining programmable processing steps that are applied by the server when protecting the data and the same steps are applied by the client when unprotecting the data. The programmable processing steps can be defined uniquely for each client, and the programmable processing steps are selected from a number of functions using sequencing data that defines the processing steps. The programmable processing steps allow for each client to process encrypted data in a different manner and the programmable processing steps are defined by what is called a digital rights management (DRM) Sequencing Key, and as such the system and method introduces a key-able DRM whereby each DRM message can be processed in a unique (or pseudo unique) manner. |
| US08478979B2 |
Disable a feature of a computing machine
Managing a computing machine including detecting a signal to disable a feature of the computing machine through an interface of the computing machine, identifying at least one component of the computing machine utilized by the feature in response to receiving the signal, and accessing a hardware switch corresponding to at least one of the identified components to disable the feature. |
| US08478977B1 |
Secure auto-migration program
A system and method for securely and automatically moving a resource, such as a server, between secure network environments include a secure auto-migration control program. The secure auto-migration program may automatically reconfigure a computing resource used in a first secure network environment to be used in a second secure network environment and logically move the computer resource from the first secure network environment to the second secure network environment. |
| US08478976B2 |
System and method of automated function activation for electronic devices
A system and method of storing a default function from among possible functions to be executed by a device, and executing the default function after a pre-defined interval, if during the interval a user does not respond to a notification of the upcoming execution of the default function, through the user's providing a signal of his desire not to execute the default function. |
| US08478970B2 |
Accessing value for local variable from function call stack upon offset matching with instruction extracted stack pointer offset or from cache
There is provided a method and apparatus for accessing a memory according to a processor instruction. The apparatus includes: a stack offset extractor extracting an offset value from a stack pointer offset indicating a local variable in the processor instruction; a local stack storage including a plurality of items, each of which is formed of an activation bit indicating whether each item is activated, an offset storing an offset value of a stack pointer, and an element storing a local variable value of the stack pointer; an offset comparator comparing the extracted offset value with an offset value of each item and determining whether an item corresponding to the extracted offset value is present in the local stack storage; and a stack access controller controlling a processor to access the local stack storage or a cache memory according to a determining result of the offset comparator. |
| US08478967B2 |
Automatically creating parallel iterative program code in a data flow program
System and method for automatically parallelizing iterative functionality in a data flow program. A data flow program is stored that includes a first data flow program portion, where the first data flow program portion is iterative. Program code implementing a plurality of second data flow program portions is automatically generated based on the first data flow program portion, where each of the second data flow program portions is configured to execute a respective one or more iterations. The plurality of second data flow program portions are configured to execute at least a portion of iterations concurrently during execution of the data flow program. Execution of the plurality of second data flow program portions is functionally equivalent to sequential execution of the iterations of the first data flow program portion. |
| US08478965B2 |
Cascaded accelerator functions
Accelerator functions are cascaded, such that a result of one accelerator function is directly forwarded to another accelerator function, bypassing the processor requesting the functions to be performed. The cascading may be provided during compilation of a program specifying the functions to be performed, but can be dynamically reversed during runtime of the program. |
| US08478961B2 |
Dynamic migration of virtual machines based on workload cache demand profiling
A computer-implemented method comprises obtaining a cache hit ratio for each of a plurality of virtual machines, and identifying, from among the plurality of virtual machines, a first virtual machine having a cache hit ratio that is less than a threshold ratio. The identified first virtual machine is then migrated from the first physical server having a first cache size to a second physical server having a second cache size that is greater than the first cache size. Optionally, a virtual machine having a cache hit ratio that is less than a threshold ratio is identified on a class-specific basis, such as for L1 cache, L2 cache and L3 cache. |
| US08478960B2 |
Information processing apparatus and memory protection method
A memory protection method of dividing the address space of a memory into two or more protection regions, and protecting the memory from an unauthorized access to a protection region by a program includes a definition step of defining the relation between protection regions, a determination step of, when the relation between the protection regions is an inclusion relation, determining that an included protection region cannot directly access an including protection region and the including protection region can directly access the included protection region, and a step of, when an access to the protection region determined to be able to be directly accessed is requested, permitting a direct access to the protection region determined to be able to be directly accessed, and prohibiting a direct access to the protection region determined to be unable to be directly accessed. |
| US08478958B2 |
Method and apparatus for de-duplication after mirror operation
De-duplication operations are applied to mirror volumes. Data stored to a first volume is mirrored to a second volume. The second volume is a virtual volume having a plurality of logical addresses, such that segments of physical storage capacity are allocated for a specified logical address as needed when data is stored to the specified logical address. A de-duplication operation is carried out on the second volume following a split from the first volume. A particular segment of the second volume is identified as having data that is the same as another segment in the second volume or in the same consistency group. A link is created from the particular segment to the other segment and the particular segment is released from the second volume. |
| US08478955B1 |
Virtualized consistency group using more than one data protection appliance
In one aspect, a method includes forming a virtualized grid consistency group to replicate logical units, running a first grid copy on a first data protection appliance (DPA), running a second grid copy on a second DPA, splitting to the first DPA IOs intended for a first subset of the logical units and splitting to the second DPA IOs intended for a second subset of the logical units different from the first subset of logical units. |
| US08478952B1 |
Flexible optimized group-based backups
Data indicating a plurality of groups into which data to be accessed from one or more storage media has been divided is received. For each of at least a subset of the groups a parallelization limit for that group is received. A first parallelization limit for a first group in the subset is not necessarily same as a second parallelization limit for a second group in the subset. |
| US08478937B2 |
Method and apparatus for dispersed storage memory device utilization
A method begins by a processing module receiving data for storage. The method continues with the processing module determining storage metadata regarding the data the method continues with the processing module. The method continues with the processing module determining memory device capabilities based on the storage metadata. The method continues with the processing module identifying memory devices based on the memory device capabilities to produce identified memory devices. The method continues with the processing module encoding the data into a plurality of data slices in accordance with an error coding dispersal function. The method continues with the processing module storing the plurality of data slices in the identified memory devices. |
| US08478936B1 |
Spin down of storage resources in an object addressable storage system
Aspects of the invention relate to spin down of storage devices on an object addressable storage (OAS) system. One or more of the storage devices in object addressable storage system may be spun down to achieve a power savings, while other storage devices in the OAS system remain in an active state. |
| US08478933B2 |
Systems and methods for performing deduplicated data processing on tape
A method, computer management apparatus, and computer program product are provided for processing data stored on a sequential storage media within a computational computing environment. A block reference table and most often read blocks are loaded from a modified tape format of a sequential storage media into an internal memory of a sequential storage media device. During write command processing, a data deduplication procedure is performed using a modified block reference table. It is determined if entries from the block reference table must be deleted and responsive to this identifying and deleting host block and device block entries from the block reference table. |
| US08478928B2 |
Data storage device and information processing system incorporating data storage device
A data storage device comprises a plurality of memory devices and a memory controller. The memory controller exchanges data with the memory devices via a plurality of channels. The memory controller decodes an external command to generate a driving power mode and accesses the memory devices according to the driving power mode. |
| US08478925B2 |
Communication device, television receiver, and reproduction device
A communication device includes: a wireless communication unit configured to perform data transmission and receiving with another communication device via a wireless network; and a communication control unit electrically connected with the wireless communication unit via a media independent interface (MII) bus and configured to control the wireless communication unit using a management data input-output/management data clock (MDIO/MDC) included in the MII bus. |
| US08478922B2 |
Controlling a rate at which adapter interruption requests are processed
The conditions under which adapter interruptions are made pending are controlled. Responsive to an interruption being presented to an operating system, subsequent interruptions are suppressed on all central processing units in the configuration. The operating system processes the interruption, including examining and processing indicators of reported events until the operating system discontinues the suppression. This enables the operating system to control the number of pending interruptions and the number of processors processing those interruptions. |
| US08478921B2 |
Communication apparatus implementing time domain isolation with restricted bus access
A communication apparatus includes a radio frequency circuit that operates on a radio frequency signal and a digital processing circuit coupled to the radio frequency circuit. The digital processing circuit includes a plurality of bus masters coupled to a shared bus. A bus arbiter is provided for arbitrating between requests to access the bus by a first bus master and one or more other bus masters. Accesses by the one or more other bus masters to the bus are restricted in response to a signal indicative of a change in a mode of operation of the RF circuit. In one particular implementation, a communication apparatus employs time domain isolation wherein the digital processing circuit may be placed in a shutdown mode when the radio frequency circuit is active. |
| US08478919B2 |
Method and system for controlling the admission of a storage means to a peripheral bus of a data reproduction system
It is an object of the invention to ensure the reliable and flawless operation of a storage means that is connected to a data reproduction system. This object will be met by a method for controlling the admission of a storage means to a peripheral bus of a data reproduction system, wherein a storage means is connected to the peripheral bus of a data reproduction system, the read latency of the storage means is determined, and it is decided based on the determined read latency whether the storage means is admitted to the peripheral bus or rejected. The latency for read requests from the storage means, for instance a USB mass storage device, will be analyzed on first insertion and the results of this analysis will be used to carry out a compatibility check of the storage means with the data reproduction system, for example a car audio system. |
| US08478906B2 |
Wireless device address book updates
A system for maintaining an address book, wherein the address book includes a plurality of entries with each entry containing contact information and wherein address book updates are transmitted over a wireless network. The system includes a gateway for storing the address book and transmitting the address book updates to a wireless device. |
| US08478903B2 |
Shared content delivery infrastructure
A system in which a plurality of content providers provide multiple resources to multiple clients, wherein each content provider provides at least some resources via one or more content sources associated with that content provider. A client requests a resource from a content provider, where the resources includes references to other resources of the content provider. Referenced resources are served to requesting clients from a shared content delivery network (CDN) formed from a plurality of servers distinct from content sources associated with said content providers. The content sources may be origin servers associated with the respective content providers. The referenced resources may be video content, audio content, text, image content, web pages, HTML files, XML files, files in a markup language, documents, hypertext documents, data files, and embedded resources. |
| US08478901B1 |
Methods and systems for robot cloud computing using slug trails
A method includes receiving a first request for a first robot to perform a first task and processing the first request through first and second computing resources to identify instructions for the first robot to perform the first task. The method also includes providing the one or more instructions to the first robot and identifying information associated with the second computing resource, wherein such information includes environmental information related to a location where the first task is to be performed. The method further includes associating the identified information with the first computing resource, receiving a second request for a second robot to perform a second task, processing the second request through the first computing resource, accessing the information associated with the first computing resource, and, based upon the accessed information, providing instructions to the second robot to perform the second task. |
| US08478900B2 |
Determining misconnection of an electronic device to a network device using zone information
Connection of an electronic device to a particular port of the network device is detected. It is determined based on zone information whether a misconnection has occurred. The zone information defines plural zones. |
| US08478899B2 |
Managing communications with global applications through message handlers
A system, apparatus, and method are directed towards managing communications with global applications through message handlers. The message is received by a first message handler that is local to the client device. The first message handler determines if the message is to be forwarded to a global application, and if so, forwards the message to a second message handler, which is configured to be local to the global application. The second message handler forwards the message and receives a response from the global application. The second message handler may then generate a session identifier that is useable to manage its session data for the message/response. The session identifier is sent to the first message handler in lieu of sending the session data, such that the two message handlers manage separately their own session data for the session. The session identifier is useable to relate the separately managed session data sets. |
| US08478898B2 |
System and method for routing directory service operations in a directory service network
A system and method are provided for routing directory service operations in a directory service network. A router may be included in a directory service network. The router may include a server knowledge list that maintains information about one or more directory servers in the directory service network. Directory service operations may be received by the router and may be routed to an appropriate directory server based on availability one or more of the directory servers. |
| US08478894B2 |
Web application response cloaking
Method and system for centralized control of data transfers between a Web client and a Web application by receiving a response from the Web application. After determining an offending character is present, cloaking the response from the Web application to a request from a Web client, and sending the cloaked response to the Web client through a security product which otherwise rejects the offending character. |
| US08478892B2 |
Session initiation protocol (SIP) overload protection
A device receives a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) response that includes a load header associated with a downstream Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) device. The device also determines an amount of traffic to send to the downstream Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) device based on the load header. The device further sends the determined amount of traffic to the downstream Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) device. |
| US08478889B2 |
Real-time mining and reduction of streamed data
A stream data node receives real-time streamed data from one or more input devices, dynamically filters the streamed data to reduce the streamed data, and delivers the reduced data when requested. By providing real-time filtering of the data, the amount of data that must be stored in a database may be substantially reduced. The stream data node can perform aggregation functions, group functions, and select functions, thereby also significantly reducing the amount of data that must be stored in a database. The stream data node may also be part of a query execution data structure, where it delivers its data when requested by another node in the query execution data structure. |
| US08478886B2 |
Method and apparatus for optimization of SIGCOMP UDVM performance
A mobile communication system that utilizes multiple access technologies achieves multiple session registrations by deriving a plurality of extended unique device identifications from a specific unique device identification (e.g., private user identification (PIID) stored on a subscriber identity module (SIM)) assigned to a user equipment. Each of the plurality of extended unique device identifications have the benefit of allowing multiple registrations with one or more access networks while allowing a home subscriber system to detect the one unique device identification embedded in the extended unique device identifications for authentication purposes. Thereby, a large population of deployed UEs and access network infrastructure may benefit without replacement by allowing a UE to maintain session continuity when transitioning between access networks, to select a preferred access technology when in overlapping coverage areas without session interruption, or to maintain multiple sessions (e.g., simultaneous Voice over IP (VoIP) and media streaming) with different access networks. |
| US08478885B2 |
Image photographic apparatus
An image photographic apparatus which includes an information recording medium capable of communicating by use of a communication protocol and recording an image of a subject, and is configured to function as a server to transmit the image of the subject stored in the information recording medium to a client connected to a network by establishing communication based on a request for communication start from the client, the image photographic apparatus including a detection device to detect the request for communication start from the client, a display unit to display other client who transmits a request for communication start based on detection results of the detection device, and a selection-input device to select and input whether allowing communication to the other client transmitting the request for communication start based on the display of the display unit. |
| US08478884B2 |
Wireless remote device management utilizing mesh topology
Disclosed is an end-to-end wireless solution for accessing, monitoring, and controlling remote devices, such as critical server systems, utilizing a mesh topology scheme via a short range, high throughput wireless connection. The present invention provides superior propagation in a multi-path environment as well as a low-power, non-intrusive solution to remotely access and control of a variety of devices. Further, the present invention enables portable management of the remote devices connected within the system. |
| US08478880B2 |
Device profile-based media management
A server configured to provide media to devices remote from the server is configured to provide different media to different devices at substantially a same time. The is server configured to recognize a device that requests media. The server is configured to automatically set a resolution at which a media is provided to the device based on the recognition of the device. |
| US08478876B2 |
System and method for dynamic management and distribution of data in a data network
A dynamic data management and distribution system to interact with network computing devices of a user is provided. The user has memory allocated in the system. The system includes an ingest module for automatically uploading content from every network computing device and storing the content in the memory allocated to the user. Further, the system includes a sourcing module to retrieve information from user subscribed external information management services and storing the information in the allocated memory. The system includes a share module to share data with one or more users from a contact list of the user. Data includes part or whole of the information and content. The system also includes a self adaptive module, for proactively transferring data to one or more users from the contact list of the user based on the past behavior of the user. |
| US08478871B2 |
Gateway registry methods and systems
A gateway device for managing a set of two or more local management devices at a location. A system for networks at a plurality of locations. A method of operating a gateway device in a control network. A method for storing information to operate a gateway device in a control network. A method for storing information to operate a replacement gateway device in a control network. |
| US08478868B2 |
Stagnant visitor management for engagement progression on web sites
A method and system for customizing web sites for visitor to increase the likelihood a visitor becomes deepens the relationship with the web site or becomes a customer is disclosed. A progression level design defines levels and conditions for moving between those levels. At each level, the web site is customized in predetermined ways commensurate with that level. Information on the visitor is gathered to evaluate their level and possibly upgrade or downgrade that level. Reports detail flow of visitors between levels for various time periods. Where that flow is not desired, the progression level design can be changed by adding, removing or changing levels and conditions. |
| US08478866B2 |
Device management apparatus, control method, and storage medium
A device management apparatus that enables an information obtaining apparatus to obtain device information from a device management apparatus connected to a first network other than a second network to which the information obtaining apparatus is connected, and manage devices. A communication protocol that can be used by the information obtaining apparatus is extracted from a device information obtaining request from the information obtaining apparatus. When a device connected to the first network is not operating using the communication protocol and is able to activate the communication protocol, the device is requested to activate the communication protocol. When the communication protocol has been successfully activated, and it is necessary to change access settings for the device, the device is requested to change the access settings. When the access settings have been successfully changed, a response concerning device information is created and sent to the information obtaining apparatus. |
| US08478865B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for matching a connection request with a network interface adapted for use with a dispersed data storage network
A gateway module translates access requests from client computers into commands for a plurality of slice servers storing data for a dispersed data storage network. The gateway program maintains a plurality of gateway modules, each providing a different access protocol to the dispersed data storage network, and each also maintaining one or more virtual storage vaults. |
| US08478864B1 |
Topology for showing data protection activity
Systems, methods, apparatus and software can provide visualization of the topology of a data protection system. Various devices making up the data protection system are displayed using graphical user interface elements such as icons. The display of the devices making up the data protection system illustrates the topology of the data protection system, connections among various system devices, device status information, device activity information, and/or device configuration information. |
| US08478857B2 |
Method and system for content categorization
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for content categorization, where the method comprises transmitting, by a content categorization request entity, a categorization ability negotiation request to a content categorization providing entity to request the categorization ability of the content categorization providing entity; receiving the categorization capability of the content categorization providing entity returned by the content categorization providing entity. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention disclose a system for content categorization, content categorization request entity and content categorization providing entity. Categorization ability negotiation or subscription helps to learn the content categorization ability so that the content categorization request entity or content categorization providing entity may mutually and accurately acquire content categorization capability information without delay. |
| US08478856B2 |
Method for transporting digital media
A networked system is provided for transporting digital media packets, such as audio and video. The network includes network devices interconnected to send and receive packets. Each network device can receive and transmit media signals from media devices. A master clock generates a system time signal that the network devices use, together with a network time protocol to generate a local clock signal synchronised to the system time signal for both rate and offset. The local clock signal governs both the rate and offset of the received or transmitted media signals. The system, which can be implemented using conventional network equipment enables media signals to be transported to meet quality and timing requirements for high quality audio and video reproduction. |
| US08478855B1 |
Application control translation
Disclosed are various embodiments that facilitate translation of application controls. An application is executed in a hosted environment that virtualizes a first input device for the application. A video signal generated by the application is encoded into a media stream, which is sent to another computing device. Input data that is generated in a second input device of the other computing device is obtained from the other computing device. A translated form of the input data is provided to the application through the first input device. |
| US08478852B1 |
Policy realization framework of a communications network
Various systems and methods for providing a policy realization framework for a communications network are disclosed. The policy realization framework can be an application and service layer policy framework that is separate and distinct from the network layer policy framework. As such, policy decisions can be made remote from the network layer, and common policies across multiple networks are possible. Methods and systems for providing these and other features are disclosed. |
| US08478850B2 |
Platform component architecture (PCA)-based system, method and application designer
An event management system, comprising a server comprising a platform component architecture (PCA) and a software engine, wherein the PCA is configured to provide runtime discovery and display of system components. The system also comprises a data source for storing user define data objects and applications; at least one system component; and at least one client for administering and monitoring user-defined events, wherein the PCA provides a common interface between the server, the data source, and the at least one client. |
| US08478847B2 |
Blocking a selected port prior to installation of an application
An installer application implemented in a computational device receives a command to install a test application in the computational device. The installer application determines whether a selected port of a plurality of ports of the computational device is to be blocked prior to installing the test application in the computational device. In response to determining that the selected port is to be blocked prior to installing the test application in the computational device, the installer application blocks the selected port, installs the test application by binding a socket to the selected port of the plurality of ports, and tests functions of the test application by executing one or more code paths of the test application, in response to installing the test application. |
| US08478844B2 |
Forming a security network including integrated security system components and network devices
An integrated security system is described that integrates broadband and mobile access and control with conventional security systems and premise devices to provide a tri-mode security network (broadband, cellular/GSM, POTS access) that enables users to remotely stay connected to their premises. The integrated security system, while delivering remote premise monitoring and control functionality to conventional monitored premise protection, complements existing premise protection equipment. The integrated security system integrates into the premise network and couples wirelessly with the conventional security panel, enabling broadband access to premise security systems. Automation devices (cameras, lamp modules, thermostats, etc.) can be added, enabling users to remotely see live video and/or pictures and control home devices via their personal web portal or webpage, mobile phone, and/or other remote client device. Users can also receive notifications via email or text message when happenings occur, or do not occur, in their home. |
| US08478843B1 |
Templates with static parameter caching
Techniques, including systems and methods, for providing content utilize templates. As part of providing content to clients, templates and arguments for the templates are provided to clients. The clients themselves receive the templates and arguments for the templates and instantiate the templates. Templates and arguments for templates may each be cached by clients and/or servers for efficient future use. |
| US08478842B2 |
Data communication in a picture archiving and communications system network
A method and system for accessing a data file is provided. At a server computer a request for accessing a data file of a plurality of data files stored in a database is received. The server computer is connected to the database via a first communication link and a second communication link. Metadata associated with the data file in the database are accessed via the first communication link using a first query protocol. In dependence upon the metadata the data file is located in the database. At least a portion of data stored in the data file is then accessed in the database via the second communication link using a second query protocol. |
| US08478838B2 |
System and method for using a same program on a local system and a remote system
A system and method implemented in a Customer Information Control System (CICS) Application configured to process information residing on remote systems and display such information on a local system, using a same program residing on both the remote system(s) and the local system. The method includes, for example, sending programming functions of a local system with a request for information to a remote system. The method further includes processing the programming functions of the local system with the request for information on the remote system to obtain updated information from the remote system. The updated information is sent to the local system for display. |
| US08478835B2 |
Method and system for using shared memory with optimized data flow to improve input/output throughout and latency
The data path in a network storage system is streamlined by sharing a memory among multiple functional modules (e.g., N-module and D-module) of a storage server that facilitates symmetric access to data from multiple clients. The shared memory stores data from clients or storage devices to facilitate communication of data between clients and storage devices and/or between functional modules, and reduces redundant copies necessary for data transport. It reduces latency and improves throughput efficiencies by minimizing data copies and using hardware assisted mechanisms such as DMA directly from host bus adapters over an interconnection, e.g. switched PCI-e “network”. This scheme is well suited for a “SAN array” architecture, but also can be applied to NAS protocols or in a unified protocol-agnostic storage system. The storage system can provide a range of configurations ranging from dual module to many modules with redundant switched fabrics for I/O, CPU, memory, and disk connectivity. |
| US08478834B2 |
Low latency, high bandwidth data communications between compute nodes in a parallel computer
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for data transfers between nodes in a parallel computer that include: receiving, by an origin DMA on an origin node, a buffer identifier for a buffer containing data for transfer to a target node; sending, by the origin DMA to the target node, a RTS message; transferring, by the origin DMA, a data portion to the target node using a memory FIFO operation that specifies one end of the buffer from which to begin transferring the data; receiving, by the origin DMA, an acknowledgement of the RTS message from the target node; and transferring, by the origin DMA in response to receiving the acknowledgement, any remaining data portion to the target node using a direct put operation that specifies the other end of the buffer from which to begin transferring the data, including initiating the direct put operation without invoking an origin processing core. |
| US08478832B2 |
Checking destination email addresses against historical address information
An email, which includes a header and historical information, is created. The header comprises a destination email address, which comprises a name of an addressed recipient of the email and a domain name of the destination email address. The historical information in the email comprises an approved address for a previously exchanged email with the addressed recipient. The first approved address is compared to a corresponding portion of the first destination email address. In response to the corresponding portion of the first destination email address being different from the first approved address as stored in the storage unit, a warning is outputted. The warning comprises both the approved address, and an unapproved address list that comprises the first destination email address. |
| US08478829B2 |
Asynchronous real-time retrieval of data
A data retrieval system includes a gateway server and an access client. The gateway server is communicatively connected to the access client through a network. The gateway server provides a presentation service (PS) and a real-time service (RTS), which cooperate with the access client to retrieve data from a data store and then provide the retrieved data to a user's remote communication device. More particularly, when a user wishes to retrieve data from the data store or to send data to the data store, the user establishes a communication connection between his or her remote communication device and the gateway server, and then requests the desired data from the gateway server. In response, the gateway server sends a command to the access client, instructing it to retrieve the requested data. The access client retrieves the requested data from the data store, and returns the retrieved data to the gateway server. The gateway server then relays the requested information back to the user's remote communication device. |
| US08478828B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for inter-diameter-message processor routing
According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for routing Diameter messages. The method includes steps occurring at a Diameter signaling router (DSR) comprising a plurality of Diameter message processors. The method also includes receiving, by a first of the plurality of Diameter message processors and from a first Diameter node, a Diameter message, wherein the Diameter message is received via a first Diameter connection. The method further includes determining, by the first Diameter message processor, a next-hop Diameter node for the Diameter message. The method further includes communicating, by the first of the plurality of Diameter message processors and to a second of the plurality of Diameter message processors, the Diameter message. The method further includes communicating, by the second Diameter message processor and to the next-hop Diameter node, the Diameter message, wherein the Diameter message is communicated via a second Diameter connection. |
| US08478827B1 |
Digital media resource messaging
A digital media resource messaging system provides a convenient digital media resource viewing, managing, organizing, and editing platform that facilitates enhanced resource exchange by storing and forwarding digital media resources via a server between multiple resource-sharing partners designated by the user. In one embodiment, the digital media resource messaging system includes services to view, manage, organize, edit, and exchange digital images and video sequences. |
| US08478825B2 |
Method and arrangment in a communication system for delivering messages to a recipient
The described messaging arrangement for delivering communication messages to recipients in a communication system comprises a number of messaging servers (201-204), a common message store (205) and a dispatcher (206). The messaging servers (201-204) are able to receive a message destined to a recipient, to store the message in the common message store and to inform the dispatcher of the received message that has been stored in the common message store. The dispatcher is then arranged to decide which messaging server to invoke for delivery of the message to the recipient. This decision could be made based on delivery preferences of the recipient. Thereafter, the dispatcher invokes the messaging server that has been decided to deliver the message, and the decided messaging server retrieves and delivers the message to the recipient. If necessary, the decided messaging server adapts the message to a message type handled by the decided messaging server. By this solution, a recipient could receive the message in any preferred message type, regardless of originating message type. Also, this arrangement makes it easier for an operator to integrate new messaging technologies handling new message types in the system. |
| US08478823B2 |
Selective data forwarding storage
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for selective data forwarding storage. A method includes, in a network of interconnected computer system nodes, receiving a request from a source system to store data, the request comprising an ownership and a data type, if the ownership and the data type match a corresponding entry in a store, directing the data to a computer memory, and continuously forwarding the data from one computer memory to another computer memory in the network of interconnected computer system nodes without storing on any physical storage device in the network. |
| US08478821B2 |
Network membership management for peer-to-peer networking
A network membership management protocol manages membership in a peer-to-peer networking environment. To join the peer-to-peer network, a new client is introduces itself to a deputy node assigned by the server to act as a point of contact for the new client. The deputy node forwards subscription requests to other neighboring nodes which probabilistically determine whether to accept the subscription request from the new client or forward the message to other neighboring nodes. In this way, a new client gains connections to a random subset of nodes on the network. The membership management protocol further includes a protocol for reassigning neighboring relationships between nodes when an active node leaves the network. Furthermore, the membership management protocol allows nodes to periodically re-subscribe to the network in order to rebalance the network graph. |
| US08478820B2 |
Methods and systems for service discovery management in peer-to-peer networks
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method and an apparatus for managing and optimizing service discovery in a peer-to-peer (P2P) wireless network. Nodes of the P2P network advertise their capabilities to their peers in the form of services. Efficient propagation and management of node's services to other nodes is proposed in the present disclosure. |
| US08478813B2 |
Transparent migration of endpoint
Architecture that facilitates the capture of connection state of a connection established between a client and an intermediate server and forwards the state to one or more target servers. A software component at the target server (as well as the intermediate server) uses this connection state to reply back to the client directly, thereby bypassing the intermediate server. All packets from the client related to the request are received at the intermediate server and then forwarded to the target server. The migration can be accomplished without any change in the client operating system and client applications, without assistance from a gateway device such as a load balancer or the network, without duplication of all packets between the multiple servers, and without changes to the transport layer stack of the intermediate and target servers. |
| US08478811B2 |
Advanced processor with credit based scheme for optimal packet flow in a multi-processor system on a chip
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for optimal packet flow in a multi-processor system on a chip. In operation, a credit is allocated for each of a plurality of agents coupled to a messaging network, the allocating including reserving one or more entries in a receive queue of at least one of the plurality of agents. Additionally, a first credit is decremented in response to a first agent sending a message to a second agent, the plurality of agents including the first and second agents. Furthermore, one of the first credit or a second credit is incremented in response to a signal from the second agent. |
| US08478807B2 |
Digital signal-processing structure and methodology featuring engine-instantiated, wave-digital-filter componentry, and fabrication thereof
Digital signal-processing structure and methodology which feature a time-slice-based digital fabricating engine, and software operating structure operatively associated with that engine structured to operate the engine in a time-slice-based fabrication mode wherein the engine, in a time-differentiated and instantiating manner, functions to fabricate a time-succession of individual, composite wave digital filters. Each of these filters takes the form of (1) a concatenated assembly including one to a plurality of upstream, early-stage, decimate-by-two, signal-processing agencies connected in a cascade series arrangement, with each such agency possessing a first transfer function having a first transition bandwidth, and (2) a single, downstream, later-stage, decimate-by-two, signal-processing agency which possesses a second transfer function having a transition bandwidth which is less than the mentioned first transition bandwidth. |
| US08478804B2 |
Memory compression
Exemplary embodiments comprise memory for storing the look-up table values. One exemplary memory comprises a decoder, an encoder, and one or more patterns of crisscrossed interconnect lines that interconnect the encoder with the decoder. The patterns of crisscrossed interconnection lines may be implemented on one or more planar layers of conductor tracks vertically interleaved with isolating material. |
| US08478802B2 |
Organization system for distributed items
An item grouping mechanism may be applied to files or other computer objects to allow the files or objects to be accessed according to the group definition. The group definition may be defined in a table with other group definitions and distributed across an organization so that each device using the group definition may have files or other items presented in a consistent manner. The group definition may be distributed through a different mechanism than for the files or other items. If a device determines that a file defined in the group definition is missing from a local store, the device may retrieve the file from a distribution server. |
| US08478799B2 |
Namespace file system accessing an object store
Method and apparatus for providing a digitally signed file system wherein a namespace file system accesses an object store in which data, metadata and files are objects, each object having a globally unique and content-derived fingerprint and wherein object references are mapped by the fingerprints; the file system has a root object comprising a mapping of all object fingerprints in the file system, such that a change to the file system results in a change in the root object, and tracking changes in the root object provides a history of file system activity. |
| US08478790B2 |
Mechanism for co-located data placement in a parallel elastic database management system
A database management system implemented in a cloud computing environment. Operational nodes are assigned as controller-nodes, compute-nodes or storage-nodes. The number of operational nodes, and their assignment as compute-nodes or storage-nodes can vary. Queries specify tables, with each such table assigned to a respective group of storage nodes. The number of operational nodes executing a given query may change by (a) changing the compute-nodegroup associated with a connection, or (b) adding or removing nodes from the compute-nodegroup; and/or distributing data from the tables among the nodes in a storage nodegroup. State information is maintained for each client connection, such that steps are executed assuming that the state exists. State changes are recorded during step execution for a given connection, so that subsequent steps from the same connection are executed with the state as left by a prior step, and so that subsequent queries on the same connection are executed with the state as left by the prior query. |
| US08478787B2 |
Name detection
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for name detection. A method includes generating a raw name detection model using a collection of family names and an annotated corpus including a collection of n-grams. The method includes applying the raw name detection model to a collection of semi-structured data to form annotated semi-structured data identifying n-grams identifying names and n-grams not identifying names and applying the raw name detection model to a large unannotated corpus to form a large annotated corpus data identifying n-grams of the large unannotated corpus identifying names and n-grams not identifying names. The method includes generating a name detection model, including deriving a name model using the annotated semi-structured data identifying names and the large annotated corpus data identifying names, deriving a not-name model using the semi-structured data not identifying names, and deriving a language model using the large annotated corpus. |
| US08478782B1 |
System, method and computer program product for sharing tenant information utilizing a multi-tenant on-demand database service
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for sharing tenant information utilizing a multi-tenant on-demand database service. These mechanisms and methods for sharing tenant information utilizing a multi-tenant on-demand database service can allow automatic sharing of information owned by a first tenant with other tenants of the multi-tenant on-demand database service. In this way, collaboration among tenants of the multi-tenant on-demand database service may be enabled via the sharing of the tenant information. |
| US08478778B2 |
Techniques for automatically provisioning a database over a wide area network
Techniques for provisioning databases for users on a wide area network such as the Internet include a first party managing one or more database systems. Second parties subscribe to database services supported by the managed database systems. The first party provides, over a network, to database applications of the second parties, access to database services to which the second parties are subscribed. The database systems may use database appliances hosting both database process(es), and non-database process(es) tailored to the needs of the database process(es). A user is therefore able to obtain database resources from an Internet Database Service Provider (IDSP) without incurring the full costs of database administrator(s), dedicated database equipment facilit(ies), or even dedicated database device(s), depending on usage. Meanwhile, the IDSP incurs minimum staffing loads because of self-service tools. Costing model and automatic billing are also described. |
| US08478773B1 |
Interpreting search queries
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for interpreting search queries. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a search query. The method also selects a disambiguated interpretation of the search query based on analysis of stored search queries and analysis of stored responses of users having a similar characteristic as the user that initiated the search query. The method also provides a set of the search results. The set is selected based on the disambiguated interpretation of the search query. |
| US08478771B2 |
Systems and methods related to a temporal log structure database
In one general aspect, a computer-implemented method includes a computer-implemented method that includes executing, using at least one processor, instructions recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The method includes receiving a request to insert a data record within a database of a data collection system. The data record can be placed within a buffer in a main memory of the data collection system. A record data structure and a record index structure associated with the data record are defined. The record data structure and the record index structure are stored within a storage chunk in a storage medium of the database, and the storage medium is different than the main memory. The storage chunk has an associated index that can be used to retrieve the data record and the storage chunk can include other data records different than the data record associated with the received request. |
| US08478769B2 |
Conversational question generation system adapted for an insurance claim processing system
A conversational question generation system dynamically generates conversational questions for insurance claim processing. The conversational question generation system includes various modules and graphical user interfaces that provide a streamlined mechanism for creating new conversational questions for insurance claim processing. The conversational question generation system may include various levels of usability that distinguish between a question programmer of the conversational question generation system and an insurance claim agent that uses the created conversational questions. In generating conversational questions, the conversational question generation system may include graphical user interfaces directed to the question details, the answer details, the question text, or other aspects of the conversational questions. |
| US08478767B2 |
Systems and methods for generating enhanced screenshots
Systems and methods for generating and providing enhanced screenshots may include executing instructions stored in memory to evaluate at least a portion of a viewing frustum generated by the instructions to determine one or more objects included therein, obtain metadata associated with the one or more objects, and generate at least one enhanced screenshot indicative of the at least a portion of the viewing frustum by associating the metadata of each of the one or more objects with a location of each of the one or more objects within the at least one enhanced screenshot to create hotspots indicative of each of the one or more objects such that selection at least one hotspot by a computing system causes at least a portion of the metadata associated with the at least one hotspot to be displayed on a display device of a computing system. |
| US08478765B2 |
Method and system for compiling a multi-source database of composite investor-specific data records with no disclosure of investor identity
A system and method are disclosed for compiling a database of investor-related data by gathering and linking customer-specific data records from multiple unaffiliated financial institutions, where such data records are coded in such a manner that the database compiler is enabled to link, across data providers and/or time periods, data records that pertain to the same investor without being provided any information that reveals the identity of any investor. |
| US08478754B2 |
Method and system for personality comparison via public consensus
A method and system of comparing data sets related to personality traits to identify various comparison results are disclosed. The method and system include determining, by a processing device, a plurality of data sets. The data sets include information related to a self-evaluation report for a first user based upon the first user's answers to a set of questions. The data sets also include information related to anonymous, aggregated data received from other users. The first user may select a context for performing a comparison of two or more of the data sets, including a self-evaluation report, an aggregated public perception of the first user, or an aggregated public perception of another user. The system performs the comparison to produce comparison results. The comparison results provide the first user with information related to their individual personality and/or information related to an existing or potential relationship between the first user and another user. |
| US08478752B2 |
Methods of accessing a navigation database
A navigation database comprises a first set of elements comprising airports, beacons and waypoints; a second set of elements comprising procedures; and a third set of elements comprising routes. The method comprises a step of creating a pair of indices comprising an index comprising the elements of the three sets; identifier, a type and a functional identifier; a first list of pointers to the memory address where the elements are stored; a pre-index comprising a list of code, each code corresponding to the first characters of each element, the codes being indexed by a family of attributes of elements; a second list of pointers to the identifier of the first element in the first index. |
| US08478743B2 |
Asynchronous transfer of state information between continuous query plans
Described herein are technologies pertaining to migrating state information of operators in a first continuous query plan to a second continuous query plan in an asynchronous manner, such that the first continuous query plan need not cease executing during the migrating of the state information. State information pertaining to stateful operators, such as join operators, is migrated from the first continuous query plan to the second continuous query plan by way of a transformation plan. State matching is utilized to generate the transformation plan. |
| US08478741B2 |
Autonomic refresh of a materialized query table in a computer database
A 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. |
| US08478739B1 |
Universal query search results
Generally described, embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to generate a universal query result set from several different search index result sets by including identifications of items from the different search index result sets in an accurate manner. After a query has been submitted, search index result sets are received from several different search indexes, an allocation score for each search index is computed and a universal item score for the top-level item identified in each search index is computed. The method then combines the allocation score and the universal item score for the top level item for each search index result set and adds the item with the highest combined score to the universal query result set. |
| US08478738B2 |
Object deallocation system and method
A method, apparatus and program product deallocate an object from a memory heap in a virtual machine environment by, in part, determining that the object is replaceable using an object reference associated with the object. The object may additionally be automatically determined as being properly removable by using a value indicative of a number of object references associated with the object. Where these conditions are met, the object may be removed from the memory heap. Where a new object can fit into a space within the memory from which the object was removed, the new object may be automatically allocated into the space. The object may be designated as being replaceable using automated or manual processes. A garbage collector algorithm may additionally execute, as needed. |
| US08478737B2 |
Segmentation of search topics in query logs
A system identifies the tasks that a user is attempting to perform when submitting a series of search queries. A task may be categorized hierarchically into a mission and a goal in order to classify a series of queries and determine the user's intent. The user's mission may be an extended task and the user's goal may be a specific task. A pair of queries may be analyzed to determine whether those queries have the same mission and/or the same goal. For a series of queries, boundaries may be identified between the queries to identify where a user has changed her goal or changed her mission. The identification of goals, missions and boundaries may be automated based on an analysis of features of the queries that are compared. |
| US08478735B1 |
Method and system for ranking results and providing lists of experts from social networks
There is described a method and system for obtaining ranked search results including names of experts who are members of a social network and presenting the ranked search results to a user performing a search from a user interface of a user device. The user is registered on the social network and has connections thereon. The method comprises: indexing data representative of activities of the members on the social network to produce indexed activity data; receiving a search query relative to a subject along with a user identifier from the user device; using the search query and the user identifier, ranking members from the user's connections based on their activities on the social network related to the subject to obtain ranked experts for the subject; returning the names of ranked experts for the subject to the user device for presentation on the user interface. |
| US08478732B1 |
Database aliasing in information access system
A method of database aliasing is provided. A method for aliasing a collection of data includes extracting names and associated terms from the collection of data, generating normalized text from the names and associated terms, parsing the normalized text in conjunction with a grammar to produce meaning fragments and mapping the meaning fragments to a collection of concepts. |
| US08478730B2 |
Scalable deduplication system with small blocks
For scalable data deduplication working with small data chunks in a computing environment, for each of the small data chunks, a signature is generated based on a combination of a representation of characters that appear in the small data chunks with a representation of frequencies of the small data chunks. The signature is used to help in selecting the data to be deduplicated. |
| US08478728B2 |
Online dating with private support groups
Various embodiments of computer systems, methods, and computer programs are disclosed for sharing information in an online dating platform. One embodiment is an online dating computer system comprising a server, an online dating matching component, and a dater support component. The server is configured to communicate with one or more computing devices via a communication network. The server comprises a processor and a memory. The online dating matching component and the dater support component are embodied in the memory and executed by the processor. The online dating matching component is configured to provide a matching service for online dater data and further configured to enable communications among online dater profiles established in memory. The dater support component is configured to provide dating assistance to profiles of online daters, via the online dating computer system, from messages originating from a dater support group associated with the online dater, the dater support group comprising one or more invited supporters. |
| US08478726B2 |
Parallel database backup and restore
Embodiments are directed to simultaneously backing up data from multiple locations to a single location and to restoring data from a single location to multiple locations simultaneously. In an embodiment, a computer system receives a backup command from a user which indicates that various specified portions of data are to be backed up. The data portions are stored in multiple different locations in a parallel database. The computer system generates multiple backup commands specific for each location in which the data is stored. The backup commands initiate a parallel backup from the various locations to a single location in a data store. The computer system also executes the generated backup commands in parallel, so that the data from each of the different locations is backed up in the data store. |
| US08478724B2 |
Information life cycle management system, information management server apparatus, information media controlling apparatus and program
According to one embodiment, even when the information media controlling apparatus which requests replication registration of electronic data and the information media controlling apparatus which acquires a child management file generated by replication registration are separate apparatuses, the information management server apparatus registers a child management ID of electronic data and a post office box ID of the acquisition destination of a child management file, in the post office box management table based on replication registration request information received from one information media controlling apparatus, and has the other information media controlling apparatus which is the acquisition destination acquire the child management file based on the post office box management table. |
| US08478722B2 |
Enterprise level business information networking for changes in a database
Systems, apparatus, and methods for implementing enterprise level social and business information networking are provided. Users can receive relevant information about a database system and its users at an appropriate time. Users can then use this relevant information to reduce errors and limit redundant efforts. For example, an update of a record in the database can be identified, and a story created automatically about the update and sent to the users that are following the record. Which updates have stories created and which stories are to be sent to which users can be configured. Other events besides updating of records can also be tracked. For example, actions of a user that result in an event can be tracked, where such tracking can also be configurable. Subscriptions to follow an object can be automatic, and access checks can be used to ensure that unauthorized users do not see certain data. |
| US08478721B2 |
Synchronization of recurring time-scheduled data objects between incompatible databases
Methods, apparatus and computer program products for storing a recurring time-scheduled data record in a calendaring application that does not support a pattern of recurrence of the record are described herein. The method includes the steps of: 1) receiving from a server, the recurring time-scheduled data record having a first recurrence pattern; 2) determining whether the first recurrence pattern is supported by the calendaring application; 3) if the pattern is not supported, then selecting a closest recurrence pattern supported by the calendaring application; 4) modifying the selected closest recurrence pattern by applying recurrence exceptions to create a second recurrence pattern; 5) modifying the recurring time-scheduled data record based on the second recurrence pattern to create a supported record; and 6) transferring the supported record to the calendaring application. |
| US08478716B2 |
Proximity-based people matching system and method
A people matching system and method matches people in accordance with inferences of mutual interests, location, and/or proximity. Suggested matches may also be based on factors such as mobility inferences and environmental conditions. Inferences of mutual interests may be based on behavioral information. Explanations for the suggested matches may be delivered to users, including behavioral information on which the suggested matches are based. |
| US08478714B2 |
Integrated distribution management system channel adapter
Disclosed are various embodiments for communicating with an integrated distribution management system (IDMS). An IDMS often employs a communications protocol that is incompatible with a service oriented architecture. Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosure can allow utility computing systems in a service oriented architecture or in a messaging based environment to communicate with an IDMS. |
| US08478709B2 |
Evaluation of client status for likelihood of churn
System, including method, apparatus, and computer-readable media, for evaluating client status for a likelihood of churn. Client data may be received, with the client data representing events from a set of different event types performed by clients. Parameters of a statistical model that describes client behavior may be estimated using a computer and based on the client data. A churn type of event may be encoded in the statistical model as an absorbing state of a stochastic process, with a time of transition to the absorbing state modeled as being infinite. At least one of the parameters may correspond to the churn type of event. A likelihood of churn may be calculated for a plurality of the clients at one or more time points using the statistical model and its estimated parameters. |
| US08478707B1 |
System and method for reducing flow rules in forwarding tables
An initial rule set in a table, such as a packet forwarding table, including a plurality of rules each having a key, an action, and a priority, may be reduced to a reduced rule set. Such reduction may include identifying relationships among the plurality of rules in the initial rule set, reassigning priority to each rule in the initial rule set based on its action and the identified relationships, duplicating all rules from each priority into each lower priority to produce an expanded rule set, and for each priority, replacing one or more of the rules with fewer inclusive rules, thereby producing a reduced rule set. Reduction may further include determining whether to perform additional rule processing on the reduced rule set, removing any redundant rules from the reduced rule set, converting any of the rules meeting a predetermined condition into don't care rules, and for each priority, replacing one or more of the rules in the reduced rule set with fewer inclusive rules. |
| US08478701B2 |
Locating a user based on aggregated tweet content associated with a location
A user submitting a query from a computer at an unknown location is located using a language model. The language model is derived from an aggregation of tweets that were sent from known locations. |
| US08478700B2 |
Opportunity identification and forecasting for search engine optimization
A method of optimizing placement of references to an entity includes identifying at least search term to be optimized, determining a score for results of a search of a network with respect to the entity, determining costs associated with improving the score, and determining values associated with improving the score. |
| US08478693B1 |
Framework for specifying access to protected content
A determination is made regarding whether a user is allowed to access a content item. The content item is associated with a website. An offer associated with the website is identified. The offer includes a set of use-time rules specifying time periods during which the offer can be used to access content. A use-time rule is associated with a user class. A class of the user with respect to the offer is determined. The user's class indicates whether the user has accepted the offer or whether the user has registered with the website. A determination is made regarding whether the user is allowed to access the content item based on the offer, the user's class, and a current timestamp. |
| US08478692B2 |
Systems and methods for geographic location notifications of payment transactions
A method and system for providing geographic location notifications of payment transactions is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method including receiving an authorization request message associated with a transaction, the transaction associated with a portable consumer device and an access device at a merchant. A geographic location of the transaction is determined. It is determined whether a notification message indicating that the transaction is occurring is required. Upon determining that the notification message is required, the notification message is sent to a notification device operated by a consumer and the notification device receives the notification message substantially simultaneously with the merchant's receipt of an authorization response message. A graphical depiction of the notification message is displayed on a map on the notification device. |
| US08478690B2 |
Special maturity ASR recalculated timing
An system for and method of repurchasing stock is presented. The system and method improve upon prior art techniques by limiting risk to an investment bank that enables an accelerated stock repurchase. More particularly, such risk is reduced in the event that the repurchasing company announces higher than expected dividends on the stock during the term of the accelerated repurchase transaction. |
| US08478689B1 |
Debit card processing
In a payment terminal that includes a processor and a memory, a request is received to process a transaction using a payment card, the request specifying a transaction amount. It is determined whether the payment card is a debit card or a credit card. If the payment card is a debit card, a service fee to be added to the transaction amount is determined and added to the transaction amount. A request is sent to a payment processor to approve the transaction. If the transaction is approved, the transaction is processed such that a charge in the amount of the transaction amount plus the service fee is associated with the payment card. |
| US08478684B2 |
Fuel offering and purchase management system
The present disclosure is directed to facilitating pricing, sales and delivery of a commodity. In one embodiment, a Fuel Offer Generator facilitates the purchase and management of fuel offerings. The Fuel Offer Generator allows Customers interested in securing fuel to obtain an offer for fuel at lock-in prices for various tenors. Fuel Customers may later exercise the fuel offers so their fuel costs are locked-in at desired levels The Fuel Offer Generator may generate hedges to counteract fuel related risks stemming from fuel offer purchases. A customer that purchases a fuel offering can exercise their fuel offering order at a specified price and redeem any difference between the market price for their purchased fuel and the price specified in their fuel offering order. The Fuel Offer Generator determines which metrics are relevant to pricing the fuel offering and then employs those determined metrics to establish the pricing of fuel offerings. |
| US08478683B2 |
Fuel offering and purchase management system
The present disclosure is directed to facilitating pricing, sales and delivery of a commodity. In one embodiment, a Fuel Offer Generator facilitates the purchase and management of fuel offerings. The Fuel Offer Generator allows Customers interested in securing fuel to obtain an offer for fuel at lock-in prices for various tenors. Fuel Customers may later exercise the fuel offers so their fuel costs are locked-in at desired levels The Fuel Offer Generator may generate hedges to counteract fuel related risks stemming from fuel offer purchases. A customer that purchases a fuel offering can exercise their fuel offering order at a specified price and redeem any difference between the market price for their purchased fuel and the price specified in their fuel offering order. The Fuel Offer Generator determines which metrics are relevant to pricing the fuel offering and then employs those determined metrics to establish the pricing of fuel offerings. |
| US08478680B2 |
High speed processing of financial information using FPGA devices
A high speed apparatus and method for processing financial instrument order books are disclosed. With respect to an exemplary embodiment, a reconfigurable logic device is employed to (1) process streaming financial market data, the streaming financial market data comprising a plurality of messages representative of a plurality of offers to buy and sell a plurality of financial instruments, and (2) maintain in real-time a plurality of financial instrument order books based on the messages. |
| US08478679B2 |
System and method for managing initial or variation margin via custody
In various embodiments, a computerized system and method manages custody and mitigates counterparty credit risk exposure associated with a trade of a financial instrument. A custodian computer system is established that receives an initial margin payment from a pledgor and electronically posts the initial margin payment in a custody account record maintained in the database. A control agreement is established between the pledgor and a secured party with agreement details stored in the database. The dual-custody control agreement gives control of the custody account to the pledgor if the secured party defaults on trade obligations, and gives control of the custody account to the secured party if the pledgor defaults on trade obligations. During the life of the trade, the custodian may invest a current margin deposit in the custody account directly through the network into one or more investment vehicles to achieve a greater return. |
| US08478677B2 |
System for intelligent search agent to access data in a distributed network
A commercial search agent (CSA) is used to access data in a distributed communications system. An initial search request constitutes a buyer's first search query at sellers' commercial database network. Analytical agents and seller promotions are used to inform the CSA, while negotiation commences after the initial RFQ. CSA's may be informed by analytical agents. |
| US08478675B1 |
Systems and methods to rebalance portfolios of securities
A system and associated method if provided for rebalancing a client's portfolio of securities. A client device is provided with a client interface that is configured to receive a client's rebalance order which includes fraction shares. A host server is coupled to the client device and executes logic resources for carrying out transactions for a client. A pricing engine and an inventory account are included. A targets engine determines a target number of long and shorted shares of a security to be held by the inventory account. A trading engine that is configured to process a client's rebalance order of a client's portfolio. The client receives a list of current positions, selects a share-weighted portfolio, chooses an alternate weighting, and decides to: (i) add funds, (ii) remove funds or (iii) rebalance the share-weighted portfolio. |
| US08478670B2 |
Method and system for determining which mortgage choice is best for a consumer
A method and system for selecting a preferred debt instrument (e.g., mortgage) for an individual consumer, where the option adjusted spreads (OAS) and risk measures of a plurality of debt instruments are determined and ranked using standard bond valuation methodology. A typical scenario involves a consumer inputting a plurality of mortgages and associated features (e.g., term of loan or type of interest rate) and receiving the option adjusted spread and risk measure for each mortgage, from which the consumer may select the appropriate mortgage having the lowest option adjusted spread within his or her risk tolerance. These steps can be implemented by a computer which includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a computer code operatively associated with the CPU. The relative option adjusted spreads and risk measures of various debt instruments can be displayed on a visual display or used to automatically commence the financing of a mortgage. |
| US08478668B2 |
Hierarchical entitlement system with integrated inheritance and limit checks
A hierarchical entitlement system with integrated inheritance and limit checks is described. In one embodiment, for example, a computer-implemented method is described for specifying and enforcing entitlements for performance of financial transactions, the method comprises steps of: providing a hierarchical entitlement structure with inheritance for specifying entitlements for performing financial transactions; receiving user input for defining a plurality of entitlement groups of the hierarchical entitlement structure, wherein each entitlement group has specified permissions to perform financial transactions, limits on performance of the financial transactions, and membership of each user; in response to a particular user request to perform a financial transaction at runtime, identifying the particular user's membership in a certain entitlement group; and determining whether to allow the particular user to perform the financial transaction based on permissions and limits of the hierarchical entitlement structure applicable to the particular user's performance of the financial transaction. |
| US08478667B2 |
Automated device provisioning and activation
Methods and systems are disclosed for monitoring traffic associated with an end-user device communicatively coupled to a network system over a wireless access network, identifying in the traffic particular data transfers within a service activity category, determining a service usage measure based on the identification of the particular data transfers within the service activity category, and, based at least in part on the service usage measure, generating a notification configured to assist in causing a user interface of the end-user device to present device-specific service usage information. |
| US08478663B2 |
Fit recommendation via collaborative inference
Some embodiments of the invention provide techniques for recommending a size of a subject item to fit a subject consumer. In some embodiments, clusters of consumers with fit characteristics similar to the subject consumer are identified, using one or more data clustering algorithms, based on any of numerous consumer attributes (e.g., self-reported and/or inferred height, weight, body shape, body characteristics, and/or purchase histories (e.g., consumers with high overlap in terms of sets of products purchased)). Information on other consumers in the cluster may be analyzed to draw conclusions on how different sizes of the subject item may fit the subject consumer. For example, the purchase history of other members of the cluster may be analyzed to determine whether other members purchased a particular size of the item, and if so, the size purchased by the other members may serve as a basis to recommend a size that may best fit the consumer. For example, if other members of the cluster purchased a particular size, then that size may be recommended to the subject consumer, or if other members of the cluster purchased and then returned a particular size (e.g., for being too small), then another (e.g., larger) size may be recommended to the subject consumer. |
| US08478656B2 |
Systems and methods for a centralized gift registry with upload and merge of a retailer-specific registry
Systems and methods for that allow for the creation and management of a centralized gift registry are described. A retailer-specific registry is imported into the centralized gift registry. A gift list is created and displayed. Gift givers may select a gift from the gift list of the centralized gift registry. In one embodiment, when a purchase of a gift occurs, the gift list is updated. Updates to gifts are sent between the centralized gift registry and the retailer-specific registries, such that the gifts common to these registries are synchronized. This synchronization may involve the use of APIs at the centralized gift registry or the retailer-specific registries. The centralized gift registry system automatically searches for all retailer-specific registries pertaining to the gift registrant. The centralized gift registry system may request a retailer's system for information on gift items of a respective retailer-specific registry. |
| US08478654B2 |
Information providing device, method, and system
A device executes a program including a process stored in a storage device. The process includes obtaining possessed product information of a possessed product of a user, and usage status information which indicates usage of the possessed product, the process product information being based on a request from the user device, obtaining first product information corresponding to the obtained possessed product information and a second product information of a comparison target product, the first product information and the second product information including a content of the possessed product and the comparison target described in a plurality of items, respectively, extracting a prescribed item from among the items of the first product information and second product information based on the obtained usage status information, and transmitting the content based on the content of the first product information and second product information corresponding to the extracted item to the user device. |
| US08478653B1 |
Tax-free gifting
A method includes receiving, from a computing device of a first party, a request to purchase a gift for a second party, identifying a location of the second party, determining whether a taxing authority of the second party's location imposes a tax on a purchase associated with redemption of the gift or a tax on the receipt of the gift, determining an amount of the tax imposed, generating a payment request for the gift including adding the amount of the tax to a cost of the gift, and transmitting the payment request to the computing device of the first party in response to the request to purchase the gift so that the first party has an option to pay the tax imposed based on the second party's location. |
| US08478649B2 |
Systems and methods for creation of structured order items during availability check
Methods and systems are provided for creating and managing structured order items. In one embodiment, a method is provided for creating and managing structured order items according to a customer order within a supply chain management system, wherein the customer order specifies a plurality of products and required quantities thereof. The method comprises the steps of checking availability of the required quantity of the products, and comparing the available quantity of the products with the ordered quantity of the products. The method further comprises replacing the ordered product by a variant product, if the available quantity of the product does not correspond to the ordered quantity of the product, the variant product comprising a plurality of replacement products. Additionally, the method includes creating structured order items according to the variant product, and updating the customer order to replace the ordered product with the structured order items. |
| US08478646B2 |
Providing targeted content to users based on user interests
Methods for targeting content based on user interests. A graphical user interface may be provided to a first user. A plurality of interest categories may be displayed to the first user through the graphical user interface. An indication of a first category selected from the plurality of interest categories may be received from the first user. Upon receiving the indication of the first category, a plurality of sub-categories of the first interest category may be displayed to the first user through the graphical user interface. Additionally, an indication of at least one selected sub-category chosen from the plurality of sub-categories may be received from the first user. A first plurality of content items based on the at least one selected sub-category may be selected. The first plurality of content items may be provided to the first user through the user interface. |
| US08478644B1 |
Optimizing placement and delivery of advertisements
The efficient allocation of advertisements, also known as creatives, on one or more web sites is provided for while ensuring that guarantees to advertisers are honored. In one embodiment, a linear program solver allocates creatives to advertising slots according to an optimizing function designed to maximize revenue for the site. The linear program solver takes as input a set of creatives, creative performance data, constraints, and slot identifiers. The output of the linear program solver is an optimized schedule not violative of any of the input constraints. |
| US08478643B1 |
Optimal pricing and advertisement slot allocation
An allocation subsystem allocates advertisement slots based on cumulative demand of the advertisement slots. The cumulative demand can be based on a softened demand curve for advertisers that have submitted bids for allocation of the advertisement slot. The demand curves can be adjusted to regulate a variance of the advertisers spend rate throughout a budget period. |
| US08478641B2 |
Managing advertising services for mobile devices and users
This description provides tools and techniques for managing advertising services for mobile devices and users. These tools may provide methods that include establishing advertising databases for storing representations of geographic areas. These methods may include receiving bids from advertisers, with these bids referencing keywords and the geographic areas. The advertisers specified in the bids may be associated with the keywords and geographic areas specified in the bids, such that when a user of a mobile communications device activates the keyword within a geographic area, the mobile device received advertising information associated with the advertiser. |
| US08478640B2 |
System and method for using a card linked to a reward point exchange account for purchase transactions
A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns rewards from a plurality of independent reward issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned rewards. A trading server accumulates some or all of the user's earned rewards from the reward servers and credits the accumulated rewards into a single reward exchange account associated with the user. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated rewards. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the rewards. Reward points may also be redeemed in exchange for services, such as the playing of a video game or Internet access. |
| US08478639B2 |
System and method for a multiple merchant stored value card
The loyalty system allows a consumer to accumulate general loyalty points from one or more merchants, and convert any desired subset of general points to loyalty dollars associated with a specific merchant. The system stores, for each consumer, the merchant loyalty dollars (or monetary equivalent) by merchant within a remotely-accessible host database or within a smart card database. Upon conducting a purchase at a particular merchant, the consumer may utilize a code key to facilitate access to the consumer's own loyalty dollars for the particular merchant. The loyalty dollars are then applied to the purchase transaction as a discount or rebate. The consumer may also re-load the merchant loyalty dollar accounts. |
| US08478636B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing a personal “get out the vote drive” software application
A method and apparatus for a software tool that interfaces with a campaign's Field Operations and allows for voter education, motivation and getting voters out to vote is presented. The software tool incorporates a number of voter informational data fields to provide users of the software with a Voter Score, Voter Scorecard, Post-Election Voter History, Household Visualization, Voter Support Visualization, Household Mailing Labels, E-Mail Voter Footer, and Voter List of Friends and Family. |
| US08478635B2 |
Ticket approval methods of performing quality control in underground facility locate and marking operations
Methods for overseeing and assessing a locate and marking operation. A ticket is received including ticket information regarding the operation, and a first locate technician is dispatched to perform the operation pursuant to the ticket information. A locate manifest is received that includes at least one digital image associated with a dig area in which the locate technician performed the operation. The locate manifest is compared to the ticket information, and a determination is made if the operation is 1) satisfactory, 2) unsatisfactory and requires further quality control assessment and/or at least partial re-performance, or 3) satisfactory but the first locate technician requires coaching. One or more electronic indications of one of 1), 2) and 3) are provided so as to generate an electronic record of a quality assessment of the locate and marking operation. |
| US08478634B2 |
Rehabilitation of underperforming service centers
This disclosure provides apparatus and methods for rehabilitating an underperforming service center operated by an entity. The service center may be included in a plurality of service centers. A service center may be characterized as underperforming based on a calculated health score. The health score may be based on a technology malfunction that occurred at the service center. The health score may be based on an intensity score. The health score may be based on an incident count. The health score may be based on a network count. The health score may be compared to a threshold. If the health score is below the threshold, the service center may be characterized as underperforming. A service center characterized as underperforming may be included in a chronic list. The chronic list may be mined for patterns characteristic of an underperforming service center. |
| US08478633B2 |
Method and apparatus of on demand business activity management using business performance management loops
An architecture, system, and method are provided for a commitment loop solution for on demand business activity management. A Business Performance Management (BPM) loop is defined as a set of nodes each relating to different tasks for processing performance management trigger data generated by a business entity in real time, where the beginning or sensing element of the loop is triggered by a token (representing a business event from a business process) and the ending or executing element provides a business action to be implemented by the business entity. The token is passed from node to node sequentially in a particular order around the loop. Processing of the data represented by the token is governed by policies, which can be changed dynamically and follow a life cycle. On demand business activity management of larger aggregates of business entities (i.e. enterprises and value chains) is achieved by extending this architecture by building upon the BPM loops of the component entities to form a BPM net, adding nodes as necessary. This architecture, system and method can be implemented at multiple levels of granularity from operational or tactical business activities to enterprise wide strategic activities. |
| US08478626B2 |
Systems, methods, and software for managing programs, projects, and various aspects thereof
Systems, methods and software applications for managing programs, projects, and various aspects thereof. A program may include a number of related aspects, such as, assets, contracts, projects, entities, and funding sources. Users may select one or more projects to be grouped as a program. The systems, methods, and software may use a program management application that is configured to provide users with tools for effectively managing programs and projects that may be fully or partially funded from one or more funding sources. |
| US08478625B2 |
Method for operating a gas storage power plant
The present invention relates to a method for operating a gas storage power plant (1) with at least two turbines (3), with at least two compressors (2) and with at least one gas reservoir (4). The compressors (2) are activated for charging the gas reservoir (4) and are at the same time driven by at least one electric motor (7). The turbines (3) are activated for discharging the gas reservoir (4) and at the same time drive at least one generator (12). In order to improve the operating profitability of the gas storage power plant (1), the number of instantaneously activated compressors (2) and/or turbines (3) depends on the current price at the particular time. |
| US08478622B2 |
System and method for scheduling conference resources
The present invention relates to managing and scheduling videoconferences. It introduces a novel mechanism for scheduling a virtual resource connected to an individual or a group of individuals. The virtual resource is associated to one or more conference systems in a conference management system, and an entity representing the virtual re-source is displayed in a conventional resource planning application (e.g. Microsoft Outlook) allowing a user to investigate if the virtual resource, i.e. at least one of the conference systems, is free or busy. The user is then able to schedule a conference with the resource by a familiar scheduling interface, and without having to know with which alternative conference systems the individual or group of individuals connected to the virtual resource is associated. |
| US08478618B2 |
Compensation data prediction
A method of predicting compensation data includes obtaining compensation data, associated with a job category, with at least one datum being associated with each of a plurality of characteristics associated with the job category, determining values of factors, associated with respective ones of the characteristics, and a base value that when used as operands of a function yield estimates of the obtained data such that relationships between the estimates and corresponding obtained compensation data satisfy at least one criterion, and using a portion of the values of factors and the base value by a computer to automatically obtain estimates of compensation data. |
| US08478617B2 |
Methods and apparatus for generating alerts on a locate device, based on comparing electronic locate information to facilities map information and/or other image information
A locate device for a locate operation to detect a presence or an absence of one or more underground facilities is configured to access and display facilities map information, and/or other image information, as a visual aid to facilitate the locate operation. In various aspects, methods and apparatus relate to: selection of an appropriate “base” facilities map, or information from a database of facilities map data, relating to a given work site/dig area; selection of an appropriate pan and/or zoom (resolution) for displaying facilities map information; appropriately updating displayed facilities map information while a locate device is used during a locate operation (e.g. changing pan, zoom and/or orientation); overlaying on the displayed facilities map information locate information and/or landmark information relating to the locate operation; and storing locally on the locate device, and/or transmitting from the locate device, facilities map information and/or overlaid locate/landmark information (e.g., for further processing, analysis and/or subsequent display). In one aspect, a location at which an indication of detection of a facility is generated is compared to a location of a facility line as indicated by the facilities map information/image information, and an alert is generated based on the comparison. |
| US08478616B2 |
Business application development and execution environment
A business application development environment and a corresponding business application execution environment is disclosed. A graphical user interface based Workflow Designer allows a user to easily create business applications graphically. The business applications are converted into the Business Process Modeling Language (BPML). Existing BPML applications may also be edited with the graphical user interface BMPL designer of the present invention. Created business applications (that are represented in BPML) can then be hosted on any XML based web services server system. Business applications generally operate on business objects. The objects allow for fields to include functions that combine other fields. Once an application has been designed, the BPML code may be executed using a BPML execution engine. The BPML execution engine executes the BPML based applications. One embodiment interprets BPML applications with an interpreter in the execution engine. Another embodiment compiles the BPML applications into directly executable code. |
| US08478613B2 |
System and method for providing and displaying dynamic coverage recommendations
A dynamic computer system assists users in selecting insurance coverage types and levels appropriate for their present financial circumstances. The computer system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) with dynamic sliders representative of a user's financial data. The system accesses third party data to validate and enrich coverage determinations. |
| US08478611B2 |
System and method for clinical strategy for therapeutic pharmacies
A system and method of distributing pharmaceutical prescriptions within a network of pharmacies based on the review of prescription claim data and patient medical state to enable stratification of patients, wherein each pharmacy within the network has been established to handle one or more particular patient medical states. |
| US08478610B2 |
Medical imaging device quality control system and method
A method in a computer system is provided for managing medical imaging devices quality control information. In particular, a method and corresponding computer devices are described for evaluating stored quality control test plan data for each of the one or more medical imaging devices being managed on an evaluation date. |
| US08478605B2 |
Appropriateness of a medication therapy regimen
A method of determining the appropriateness of a medication therapy regimen detects and reduces gaps occurring between established standards of treatment and treatment provided to a person through a medication therapy regimen. Methods of determining the appropriateness of a medication or medication therapy regimen and intervention thereof are provided herein. The methods of determining the appropriateness of a medication and intervention include receiving information on a medication for the person, receiving treatment guidelines for treating a chronic medical condition, determining a level of compliance between the medication and the treatment guidelines, and intervening in a medical treatment of the person if the medication does not comply with the one or more treatment guidelines. |
| US08478603B2 |
Method and system for monitoring and reporting to an operator greenhouse gas emission from a vehicle
A method and system for monitoring greenhouse gas emission from a vehicle. The vehicle is monitored for greenhouse gas emission, which includes identifying a running total of greenhouse gas emitted by the vehicle into an external environment that is external to the vehicle and activating a payment triggering condition when the emission exceeds the expected total. Satisfaction of a payment triggering condition that triggers collection of a required payment pertaining to the identified running total of greenhouse gas emitted is detected. Responsive to detecting the satisfaction of the payment triggering condition the required payment is computed as a function of the stored running total of greenhouse gas emitted. |
| US08478601B2 |
Voice recognition apparatus, method for recognizing voice, and navigation apparatus having the same
A voice recognition apparatus includes: a voice input element for inputting voice of an user; a voice pattern memory for storing multiple voice patterns respectively corresponding to multiple phrases; a voice recognition element for calculating a similarity degree between the voice and each voice pattern and determining the highest similarity degree so that one voice pattern corresponding to the highest similarity degree is recognized as the voice; a display for displaying a recognition result corresponding to the one voice pattern; an execution determination element for executing a process according to the one voice pattern when a predetermined operation is input by the user; a load estimation element for estimating a load of the user; and a display controller for controlling the display based on a positive correlation between the load and display repetition of the recognition result on the display. |
| US08478599B2 |
Method and apparatus to determine and use audience affinity and aptitude
An embodiment of the present invention is a method of presenting a media work which includes: detecting media work content properties in a portion of the media work; associating a presentation rate of the portion with the detected media work content properties; and presenting the portion at the presentation rate; wherein the media work content properties include one or more of: (a) indicia of a number of syllables in utterances; (b) indicia of a number of letters in a word; (c) indicia of the complexity of grammatical structures in portions of the media work; (d) indicia of arrival rate of newly presented objects; (e) indicia of temporal proximity of between events in portions of the media work or (f) indicia of number of phonemes per unit of time in portions of the media work. |
| US08478595B2 |
Fundamental frequency pattern generation apparatus and fundamental frequency pattern generation method
A fundamental frequency pattern generation apparatus includes a first storage including representative vectors each corresponding to a prosodic control unit and having a section for changing the number of phonemes, a second storage unit including a rule to select a vector corresponding to an input context, a selection unit configured to select a vector from the representative vectors by applying the rule to the context and output the selected vector, a calculation unit configured to calculate an expansion/contraction ratio of the section of the selected vector in a time-axis direction based on a designated value for a specific feature amount related to a length of a fundamental frequency pattern to be generated, the designated value of the feature amount being required of the fundamental frequency pattern to be generated, and an expansion/contraction unit configured to expand/contract the selected vector based on the expansion/contraction ratio to generate the fundamental frequency pattern. |
| US08478594B2 |
Systems and methods for automatically determining culture-based behavior in customer service interactions
Systems and methods are provided to automatically determine culture-based behavioral tendencies and preferences of individuals in the context of customer service interactions. For example, systems and methods are provided to process natural language dialog input of an individual to detect linguistic features indicative of individualistic and collectivistic behavioral tendencies and predict whether such individual will be cooperative or uncooperative with automated customer service. |
| US08478593B2 |
Enhanced accuracy for speech recognition grammars
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for recognizing speech. A method embodiment comprises comparing received speech with a precompiled grammar based on a database and if the received speech matches data in the precompiled grammar then returning a result based on the matched data. If the received speech does not match data in the precompiled grammar, then dynamically compiling a new grammar based only on new data added to the database after the compiling of the precompiled grammar. The database may comprise a directory of names. |
| US08478590B2 |
Word-level correction of speech input
The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, a computer-implemented method for correcting words in transcribed text including receiving speech audio data from a microphone. The method further includes sending the speech audio data to a transcription system. The method further includes receiving a word lattice transcribed from the speech audio data by the transcription system. The method further includes presenting one or more transcribed words from the word lattice. The method further includes receiving a user selection of at least one of the presented transcribed words. The method further includes presenting one or more alternate words from the word lattice for the selected transcribed word. The method further includes receiving a user selection of at least one of the alternate words. The method further includes replacing the selected transcribed word in the presented transcribed words with the selected alternate word. |
| US08478589B2 |
Library of existing spoken dialog data for use in generating new natural language spoken dialog systems
A machine-readable medium may include a group of reusable components for building a spoken dialog system. The reusable components may include a group of previously collected audible utterances. A machine-implemented method to build a library of reusable components for use in building a natural language spoken dialog system may include storing a dataset in a database. The dataset may include a group of reusable components for building a spoken dialog system. The reusable components may further include a group of previously collected audible utterances. A second method may include storing at least one set of data. Each one of the at least one set of data may include ones of the reusable components associated with audible data collected during a different collection phase. |
| US08478587B2 |
Voice analysis device, voice analysis method, voice analysis program, and system integration circuit
A sound analysis device comprises: a sound parameter calculation unit operable to acquire an audio signal and calculate a sound parameter for each of partial audio signals, the partial audio signals each being the acquired audio signal in a unit of time; a category determination unit operable to determine, from among a plurality of environmental sound categories, which environmental sound category each of the partial audio signals belongs to, based on a corresponding one of the calculated sound parameters; a section setting unit operable to sequentially set judgement target sections on a time axis as time elapses, each of the judgment target sections including two or more of the units of time, the two or more of the units of time being consecutive; and an environment judgment unit operable to judge, based on a number of partial audio signals in each environmental sound category determined in at least a most recent judgment target section, an environment that surrounds the sound analysis device in at least the most recent judgment target section. |
| US08478584B1 |
Method and system for domain-optimized semantic tagging and task execution using task classification encoding
A method and system for performing a task in a natural language processing system. The method includes processing text to obtain a numerical encoding, where the text includes a number of entities, where at least one of the entities is tagged with the numerical encoding, and where the text is derived from an utterance. The method further includes determining that the numerical encoding identifies a task, determining a variable required to complete the task using the numerical encoding, and generating a first dialogue sentence to obtain a variable value for the variable, where the variable is associated with a second numerical encoding, where the second numerical encoding includes the numerical encoding. The method further includes transmitting the first dialogue sentence to a user device, receiving the variable value for the variable in response to the first dialogue sentence, and performing the task using the variable value. |
| US08478583B2 |
Computer system with second translator for vehicle parts
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for automation of auditing claims. Data indicative of an insurance company name is received, the data comprising one or more words. The data is processed through one or more processing steps to generate processed data comprising one or more processed words. One or more candidate word strings are selected based on the one or more processed words. Matching information is associated with each of the one or more candidate word strings. Analysis information is generated for each of the one or more candidate word strings based on the associated matching information. An insurance company identifier is associated with received data based on the analysis information and one or more matching rules. |
| US08478575B1 |
Automatic anomaly detection for HW debug
A method for identifying an anomaly in an electronic system includes receiving, from a computer-readable storage medium, a plurality of entries from a successful simulation test of the electronic system, each of the plurality of entries including information about simulation time. The method also includes, with one or more computer processors, determining time sequence relationship between pairs of entries selected from the plurality of entries and identifying allowable sequences of entries using information related to the first plurality of entries and the time sequence relationship. The method includes receiving a second plurality of entries from a failed simulation test of the electronic system, each of the second plurality of entries including information about simulation time. The method includes analyzing the second plurality of entries and identifying one or more anomalies in the electronic system based on the analysis of the failed simulation test. |
| US08478574B2 |
Tracking array data contents across three-valued read and write operations
A mechanism is provided in an integrated circuit simulator for tracking array data contents across three-value read and write operations. The mechanism accounts for write operations with data values and address values having X symbols. The mechanism performs writes to a tree data structure that is used to store the three-valued contents to the array. The simulator includes functionality for updating the array contents for a three-valued write and to read data for a three-valued read. The simulator also includes optimizations for dynamically reducing the size of the data structure when possible in order to save memory in the logic simulator. |
| US08478572B2 |
Method and system for processing and displaying sheet-metal-forming simulation parameters
In a method for the numerical simulation of sheet-metal-forming processes, forming simulation parameters are visually displayed by: maintaining active values of the simulation-program-control parameters and standard values of the parameters that can be, used as a reference; determining a status of each parameter as being “noncompliant” if and only if the active value of the parameter is not equal to the standard value of the parameter; grouping parameters into display groups, and determining the status of a display group as being “noncompliant” if and only if the status of at least one of the parameters or other display groups assigned to the display group is “noncompliant”; displaying GUI elements showing the active values of the parameters, and GUI elements associated with a display group; and displaying, for each of the GUI elements, a visual indication of the status of the corresponding parameter or display group. |
| US08478569B2 |
Auto adjustment of baseline on configuration change
A baseline adjusting technique allows automatically adjust the baselines of metrics affected by a configuration change a monitored system. If a configuration change is detected, a performance management system retrieves linkages between the changed configuration parameter and one or more metrics. The performance management system then adjusts the baselines of the metric using the baseline adjusting algorithm retrieved from the linkage. |
| US08478561B2 |
Rotation measuring mechanism, sheet conveyance apparatus, original reading apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A rotation measuring mechanism capable of measuring a rotation amount and a displacement amount of a rotary member in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis is provided. An exemplary combination of the rotation measuring mechanism includes a detection target rotating in synchrony with the rotary member and range sensors. Each time the detection target rotates once, each sensor outputs one cycle of a sine wave. The amplitude of the sine wave output from the sensor varies in accordance with the displacement of the detection target together with the rotary member in the direction perpendicular to the axis, thereby obtaining the rotation amount and the displacement amount of the rotary member. |
| US08478545B2 |
Identification of aberrant microarray features
Described herein is a method for identifying an aberrant feature on a nucleic acid array. In general terms, the method comprises: a) obtaining a log transformed normalized value indicating the amount of hybridization of a test sample to a first feature on the nucleic acid array; b) calculating a z-score for the first feature using: the log transformed normalized value; and the distribution of reference log transformed normalized values that indicate the amount of hybridization of control samples to the same feature on a plurality of reference arrays; and c) identifying the test feature as aberrant if it has a z-score that is above or below a defined threshold. |
| US08478544B2 |
Direct identification and measurement of relative populations of microorganisms with direct DNA sequencing and probabilistic methods
The present invention relates to systems and methods capable of characterizing populations of organisms within a sample. The characterization may utilize probabilistic matching of short strings of sequencing information to identify genomes from a reference genomic database to which the short strings belong. The characterization may include identification of the microbial community of the sample to the species and/or sub-species and/or strain level with their relative concentrations or abundance. In addition, the system and methods may enable rapid identification of organisms including both pathogens and commensals in clinical samples, and the identification may be achieved by a comparison of many (e.g., hundreds to millions) metagenomic fragments, which have been captured from a sample and sequenced, to many (e.g., millions or billions) of archived sequence information of genomes (i.e., reference genomic databases). |
| US08478543B2 |
System and method for nucleic acid sequence design
Described herein are systems and processes for designing the sequence of one or more interacting nucleic acid strands intended to adopt a target secondary structure at equilibrium. The target secondary structure is decomposed into a binary tree and candidate mutations are evaluated on leaf nodes of the tree. During a process of leaf optimization, defect-weighted mutation sampling is used to select each candidate mutation position with a probability proportional to its contribution to an ensemble defect of the leaf. Subsequences of the tree are then merged, moving up the tree until a final nucleotide sequence of interest is determined that has the target secondary structure at equilibrium. |
| US08478542B2 |
Non-parametric modeling apparatus and method for classification, especially of activity state
The activity state classification method of the present invention employs a kernel-based modeling technique, and more specifically a set of similarity-based models, which have been created using example data, to process an input observation or set of input observations, each comprising a set of sensor readings or “features” derived there from or other data, to predict the activity state of a person from whom the sensor data was obtained. A model is created for each class of activity. The input data is processed by each model and the resulting predictions are combined to yield a final prediction of which state of activity is represented by the input data. |
| US08478540B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing mineral water
A mineral water producing method includes the steps of inputting basic data to obtain data about human mineral intake and data about average mineral intake from food; selecting a water supply area to obtain data about mineral intake from daily water intake; selecting an eating habit and a physical/mental condition; inputting personal body weight and calculating mineral intake; setting a daily water intake and calculating a daily mineral supplement; and outputting mineral water. A mineral water producing apparatus includes a water inlet and a water outlet; a first filter being connected at a first end to the water inlet and at a second end to the water outlet; at least one mineral substance container being located between and connected to the second end of the filter and the water outlet; and a controller for controlling the mineral substance container to supply a mineral substance. |
| US08478539B2 |
System and method for neurological activity signature determination, discrimination, and detection
A system and method are provided for automatically correlating neurological activity to a predetermined physiological response. The system includes at least one sensor operable to sense signals indicative of the neurological activity, and a processing engine coupled to the sensor. The processing engine is operable in a first system mode to execute a simultaneous sparse approximation jointly upon a group of signals sensed by the sensor to generate signature information corresponding to the predetermined physiological response. The system further includes a detector coupled to the sensors, which is operable in a second system mode to monitor the sensed signals. The detector generates upon selective detection according to the signature information a control signal for actuating a control action according to the predetermined physiological response. |
| US08478537B2 |
Methods and systems for clustering biological assay data
Methods for clustering a data set from a biological assay are provided. Aspects of the methods include applying statistical analyses to bisected subsets of the data at selected cut-of values to identify one or more break points in the data set. In certain aspects, the statistical analyses employed are based on determining the p-values of two-tailed t-tests calculated using the bisected data at each cut-off value. Aspects of the invention further include computer programming and systems which are configured to cluster data sets from biological assays according to the subject methods. |