| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08474708B2 |
Automated banking machine controlled responsive to data bearing records with currency tracking
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data bearing records. Users of the machine may deliver and receive records including individual sheets and stacks of sheets to and from the machine, such as notes, checks, or other documents. Notes assessed by the machine as being of questionable validity can be marked with a removable mark or otherwise identified. |
| US08474707B2 |
Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
A banking system operates to allocate funds in accounts in response to data bearing records in the form of paper financial checks. A mobile phone has a camera and a programmable memory. The memory stores phone user data, including a bank account number and an electronic signature. The camera can be used to capture an image of a paper check which has the phone user as the payee. The phone can wirelessly transmit the account number, the electronic signature, and the check image to a bank deposit system. The system can store the check image and the electronic signature in correlated relation in a deposit transaction record. The system can cause the phone user's bank account to be credited a cash value corresponding to the check value. Confirmation of the check deposit can be transmitted to the user's phone. |
| US08474701B1 |
Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records to sequentially provide preassigned ordered marketing and campaign presentations to a particular individual over different transactions
An automated transaction machine includes a card reader that can read a unique magnetic characteristic of a magnetic stripe on a card. The machine can then send data reflective of the read characteristic to a remote card validator. The card validator can compare the received data to referenced magnetic characteristic data corresponding to cards authorized for use with the machine. The machine can also communicate with a transaction host computer to carry out a financial transaction. As a result of the magnetic data comparison, an invalid card can be discovered and a fraudulent transaction prevented. Communication between the card validator and machine is independent from communication between the transaction host and machine. |
| US08474700B1 |
Banking machine controlled responsive to data read from data bearing records
A banking system operates responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system includes an automated banking machine comprising a card reader. The card reader includes a movable read head that can read card data along a magnetic stripe of a card that was inserted long-edge first. The card reader includes a card entry gate. The gate is opened for a card that is determined to be properly oriented for data reading. The card reader can encrypt card data, including account data. The machine also includes a PIN keypad. The card reader can send encrypted card data to the keypad. The keypad can decipher the encrypted card data. The keypad can encrypt both deciphered card data and a received user PIN. The card data and the PIN are usable by the machine to authorize a user to carry out a financial transfer involving the account. |
| US08474694B2 |
Radio frequency identification purchase transactions
Methods and systems for using a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) payment card are disclosed herein. The method generally comprises receiving an indicia identifying an RFID card, receiving a request to activate the RFID card, activating the RFID card by associating an initial value with a database record associated with the RFID card; receiving a PIN associated with the RFID card; receiving profile information; and associating the profile information with the database record. Systems for using RFID cards generally comprise an RFID card, an RFID account associated with the RFID card, a merchant communication module that receives indicia identifying the RFID card and sends a request to activate the RFID card, and a central processor or intermediary that receives a PIN associated with the RFID card and a request to activate the RFID card from the merchant communication module. |
| US08474691B2 |
System, apparatus, method and computer-readable storage medium for generating medication labels
An apparatus is provided that includes a processor configured to at least perform or cause the apparatus to at least perform a number of functions. The functions include storing an order log for a fill order specifying a medication in a receptacle including an affixed label having a printed pattern of machine-readable dots or markings. The functions also include receiving a digitized signature, initials or marking handwritten on the label and captured by a digital pen based on the pattern printed on the label. The digital pen is registered to a user, and the signature/initials/marking reflects verification by the user that the medication in the receptacle is correct. Recording the events or activities also includes authenticating the user as having authority to verify the fill order based on the registration of the digital pen to the user, and when authenticated, recording the digitized signature/initials/marking in the order log. |
| US08474690B1 |
Alarm and indicating system for preventing burglary and theft
An apparatus includes a depository (10) that can receive deposit containers (20) from persons authorized to open a door lock (24). The depository includes a depository head (12) and a chest (14). A security curtain assembly (36) is movable by an actuator to block the deposit entry opening into the chest. The security curtain assembly comprises a plurality of movable plate members (52, 54, 56). At least one processor is in operative connection with sensors that can sense conditions which correspond to an attack on the depository. The at least one processor causes the actuator to close the security curtain assembly in response to a sensed attack. The processor can also cause alarms to be activated. |
| US08474687B2 |
Nestable rigid U-crates
A high density nesting packaging element is a preformed, rigid U-shaped member. The U-shaped member has a base wall and upstanding opposing side walls, in which the intersection of the base and side walls is rigid. The base wall has a thickness and a narrow slit is formed in the base wall, extending longitudinally along the base wall. The slit is formed from an inner surface of the wall into the thickness of the base wall. The base wall is foldable along the slit so as to form a generally W-shaped configuration cross-section. When folded into the W-shaped configuration, the members are nestable with each other. When the member is unfolded to the U-shaped cross-section, the opposing surfaces formed by the slit abut one another to maintain the member in the U-shaped configuration. |
| US08474685B2 |
Hexagonal package, and efficient configuration of several hexagonal packages
A hexagonal box is formed from a box blank having a rectangular main body divided into six sections which are separated by score lines so that the main body can be folded to create the hexagonal box. The main body has a set of six flaps extending from one end of the six sections, and a second set of six independent flaps extending from the other end of the six sections. Preferably, at least two-thirds of the end-flaps are non-rectangular. Once the box blank is folded into a hexagonal box, the end-flaps may folded inward to create closed ends with minimal end-flap overlap. The hexagonal boxes may be constructed to have handles. A plurality of boxes may be grouped together into a honeycomb formation to maximize the packing density for shipment or transport. |
| US08474682B2 |
Single geometry palletized framing system
A palletized framing system for a motor vehicle body assembly system in which the pallet with a body structure positioned thereon is positioned at the framing station on balls to establish the vertical Z dimension with the pallet free to float on the balls in longitudinal X and lateral Y dimensions, whereafter positioners carried by one of the gates of the framing station engage and lock onto the pallet to precisely position the pallet and the body structure at the framing station at X and Y dimensions corresponding to the precisely attainable X and Y positioning of the gate. |
| US08474681B1 |
Solder apparatus
An apparatus for presoldering electrical components can include a die device having a punch member for punching a solder preform from a sheet of solder, and pressing the solder preform against an electrical component. A heating device can press against the electrical component on a opposite side from the die device for sandwiching the electrical component between the punch member and the heating member, for heating the electrical component and melting the solder preform thereon. |
| US08474669B2 |
Armband for holding an electronic device
An armband that holds an electronic device is presented. The armband includes a pouch which includes a window and an opening configured to allow an electronic device to be inserted into the pouch. The armband also includes an arm strap wherein the proximate end of the arm strap is coupled to the pouch, and wherein the arm strap includes: holes arranged in a specified pattern; loop cells at specified locations along the length of the arm strap; and a hook cell located at a distal end of the arm strap. The armband further includes a ring coupled to the pouch configured to allow the distal end of the arm strap to be passed through the ring and pulled toward the proximate end of the arm strap so that the hook cell can be coupled to one or more loop cells. |
| US08474667B2 |
Method and apparatus for securing a child
Methods and an apparatus allow a child to be securely carried on a adult's shoulder's while allowing the adult substantial freedom of movement and free use of hands and arms. An embodiment comprises two ankle cuffs, each securely holding one of the child's ankles and a torso strap connected thereto for securing the child's ankles to the torso of the wearer. |
| US08474664B2 |
Foam pump with bellows spring
A spring member extending from a first end to a second end about a longitudinal axis, the spring having an inherent bias to assume an extended position with a first end spaced from the second end along the axis, the spring assuming compressed positions when compressed by forces applied parallel to the axis, in the compressed positions the spring resiliently urges its first and second ends axially away from each other toward the extended position, the spring member having a wall in the shape of a solid of revolution rotated about the axis and defining a central cavity therein open at the first end of the spring and substantially closed at the second end of the spring, the wall when in the unbiased extended position having a greatest diameter at the first end and a least diameter at the second end, a plurality of openings through the wall, the openings disposed symmetrically both circumferentially and axially relative to each other. |
| US08474661B2 |
Dispenser of fluid products
A dispenser of fluid products includes a ring nut (2) able to be associated to a container of a fluid product and a substantially hollow dispensing head, able to slide coaxially relative to the ring nut (2); the dispensing head (8) includes a dosing chamber (14) obtained within the dispensing head (8) and a dispensing nozzle (12) to allow the outflow of the fluid product; the dosing chamber (14) has a containment volume variable between a configuration of maximum volumetric capacity when the dosing chamber (14) is isolated and a configuration of minimum volumetric capacity; the dispenser further includes a deformable membrane (15) fastened to the ring nut (2) and a deformable disc-shaped body (16) fastened to the dispensing head (8) and defining the dosing chamber (14) in combination with the membrane (15). |
| US08474655B2 |
Bag-in-box container including a pre-positioned, secured dispensing spout
In one embodiment, a bag-in-box container includes a fluid containment bag including a pliable body and a dispensing spout that extends from the body, the spout including a neck and a collar that extends outward from the neck, a carton in which the bag is positioned, the spout of the bag being recessed within an interior space of the carton, and a locking member placed in contact with the neck that secures the spout in a predetermined position within the carton interior space. |
| US08474650B2 |
Synthetic resin container having inverted, folded back bottom wall
Disclosed is a synthetic resin container provided with an inverting, foldback bottom wall that can maintain a stable, self-supporting position while being able to minimize the amount of residual contents, and that can be formed by blow-molding, etc., and maintain the favorable producibility or low cost of the past. The synthetic resin container is provided with a bottom wall that forms the bottom of the container, and a drum section that is united to the perimeter of the bottom wall and forms a filling space M for contents on the inside, and is a synthetic resin container wherein a raised bottom is formed by inverting and folding back said bottom wall toward said drum section. Said drum section has a lower peripheral wall that touches or approaches the outer wall part of said bottom wall and forms a self-supporting base by the inversion and folding back of said bottom wall. |
| US08474646B2 |
Closure having a drip minimizing lid
A dispensing closure system is provided for a container that has an opening to the container interior. The preferred embodiment of the system includes a closure having a closure body for extending from the container at the container opening and a lid hingedly attached to the closure body. The closure body has a dispensing spout, and the lid includes a hollow spud for entering the spout. A spud rim can be provided on the spud, extending inwardly towards the hollow interior of the spud. A lid rim can additionally or alternatively be provided on the inside surface of the lid, positioned within the hollow interior of the spud. |
| US08474641B2 |
Ice cup
A stackable, self-standing, liquid-tight, disposable drinking cup to keep ice separated from a beverage in the cup to permit cooling without resultant dilution. A collapsible plastic film liner is secured to certain inner cup surfaces to provide a flexible wall for dividing the interior into two separate areas. The liner forms a pocket with an expandable top edge which may be pulled away from the cup body to hold ice. The pocket may be made of one film layer with the edges of the pocket attached to the cup body. Alternatively, the pocket may be made of two layers joined by a heat sealed seam with the film layer next to the cup body attached to the cup wall at least along a portion of the top edge. The container body may be manufactured from conventional materials. Conventional cup dispensers, beverage dispensers, cup lids, and straws may be utilized without modification of design. |
| US08474638B2 |
Plastic container
The plastic container includes a hollow body of plastic material having a lower supporting base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the lower base and an upper neck portion extending upwardly from the sidewall with an opening therein. The sidewall includes at least one panel having a central region and an outer boundary, with the outer boundary being depressed with respect to the central region. |
| US08474632B2 |
Shelving system
A caddy for use in bathrooms is disclosed. The caddy can include removable shelf assemblies and/or accessory units for holding common household items. The removable shelf accessories can include knobs which can be turned to secure and free the shelf assemblies from a support member of the caddy. The accessory units can snap into place on the support member. The support member can include a telescoping section and biasing element which permits the caddy to adjust to different sized bathrooms. A sliding member can be incorporated to provide additional areas for attachment of shelf assemblies or accessory units. |
| US08474625B2 |
Blister packaging for sanitary insert parts or accessory parts
A blister packaging (3) for sanitary insert parts or accessory parts (4, 5, 6). The sanitary insert or accessory parts (4, 5, 6) can be interchanged with each other or combined with each other. Each of the sanitary insert parts or accessory parts (4, 5, 6) is arranged in a mold cavity (8) of a molded plastic-film part (7) made from transparent plastic. Because the insert parts or accessory parts (4, 5, 6) that can be interchanged with each other or combined with each other are accommodated in a single blister packaging (3), the correct association of these parts (4, 5, 6) is ensured and the handling of these parts (4, 5, 6) is made easier even for the uninformed user. Because insert parts that can be combined with each other if necessary can also be packaged with each other in the blister packaging (3) according to the invention, the parts (4, 5, 6) initially not required to assemble the desired parts combination can be stored in the blister packaging (3) in a protected manner and in such a way that these parts can be easily found again. |
| US08474618B2 |
Single glass sheet package with suction cups
A corrugated container for shipping a glass sheet, such as an automotive windshield, is disclosed. The container includes one or more support braces for contacting a first side of the glass sheet and one or more braces for contacting the opposing second side of the glass sheet. Suction cups can be connected to the braces. A cross-brace, generally perpendicular to the other support braces, can be provided for added protection and support of the glass sheet. |
| US08474617B2 |
Stackable and nesting bottle case
The invention relates to a bottle case (10, 10′), including a case base (11), four side elements (12, 13, 14, 15) extending from the base, and a framework (16) having compartments (17) for accommodating bottles, wherein the bottle case (10, 10′) also has a mechanism (20) on at least two opposite side elements and on the case base for rotated stacking of a plurality of bottle cases. The bottle case (10, 10′) is suitable for transporting bottles whether the bottles are full or empty and for transporting the cases back and forth in an empty state. |
| US08474612B2 |
Rigid, hinged-lid with grippable tab package and relative packing method
A rigid package having a group of articles; an inner package enclosing the group of articles and having an extraction opening; a reclosable sealing panel, which closes the extraction opening of the inner package, and has an inner surface gummed with non-dry, re-stick adhesive, and a grip tab with no re-stick adhesive; and a rigid outer container, which houses the inner package, and has an open end, and a lid hinged to rotate between an open position and a closed position opening and closing the open end respectively; the grip tab being designed to project from the lid when the lid is in the closed position closing the open end. |
| US08474607B2 |
Integrated multi-functional links for chain link conveyor and method
A multi-link conveyor chain is provided that includes a first plurality of links and a second plurality of links positioned along the length of the conveyor chain and collectively defining the conveyor chain. The first plurality of links has a wear surface that has enhanced wear resistance in relation to a conventional wear surface of the second plurality of links. The first plurality of links may be spaced in a pattern or randomly in the chain, in various percentages in relation to the second plurality of links. |
| US08474605B2 |
Conveyor drive shaft assembly with integrated torque limiting device
A conveyor drive shaft for use in agricultural combines including an integral torque limiting device is disclosed herein. More particularly, a co-axial integrated torque limiter, such as an radial pin clutch, is provided in such a conveyor drive shaft to minimize additional space claim required to protect the conveyor drive shaft, and attached components from damage in the event of an unexpected jam or other stoppage. A conveyor system employing such an integrated conveyor drive shaft and a combine employing such a conveyor system are also disclosed. |
| US08474603B2 |
Transport system for moving a plurality of containers through a plurality of work stations
An apparatus for transporting a plurality of containers through a plurality of work stations including at least two conveyor assemblies, each conveyor assembly being adapted to sequentially convey at least one group of containers therealong in a row from one work station to another. The apparatus further includes a plurality of holder assemblies for holding the containers, some of the holder assemblies being associated with one of the conveyor assemblies and some of the holder assemblies being associated with the other conveyor assembly. The holder assemblies are located on the respective conveyor assemblies such that the plurality of containers are positioned adjacent to each other as they move through the plurality of work stations. A computer control system is programmable to control the coordinated operation of the conveyor assemblies so as to move such conveyor assemblies at different cycles of movement as the containers move through the work stations. |
| US08474599B2 |
Drive for pallet changer
An automatic machining system having one or more pallets each mounted with respect to a moveable bed, for transporting one or more workpieces to and/or from an automated machine tool, for machining each workpiece. According to this invention, a driver shaft and a driven shaft can be longitudinally aligned with respect to each other, so that there is no need for a gear system and/or a transmission device, for transferring power from a driver shaft to the driven shaft. |
| US08474597B2 |
Tray for orienting and conveying items
A tray is provided for orienting and conveying items having a longitudinal axis, a tip, an opposite head, and a head-up and a head-down orientation, the tray conveying the items in a direction of travel and including a series of connected, function-oriented static regions configured for orienting the item from a random orientation to a desired tip-down orientation, at least one of the regions being inclined for facilitating movement of the item through the regions, the regions being configured such that proper orientation of the item is achieved without operator contact. |
| US08474593B2 |
Coin processing machine with dual sets of coin sensors
A coin processing machine for processing coins of various diameters includes an elongate guide surface that guides coins moving along a coin path extending beside and along the guide surface, and sets of first and second coin sensors spaced along the path. Each first and second coin sensor is associated with a respective coin diameter. The coin sensor signals are transmitted to a controller that recognizes the value of a coin associated with a pair of first and second sensors only when both sensors signal the presence of a coin. If only the first sensor signals the presence of a coin, the controller may generate an output signal indicating the presence of a misaligned coin moving along the coin path. |
| US08474591B1 |
Garbage chute apparatus
The garbage chute apparatus provides a chute of about 12 inches in diameter that is smooth with the rounded bend relatively gradual so that garbage items do no lodge within the chute or become trapped by any rough or uneven surfaces. The deodorizer within the chute further provides odor protection. The exhaust fan also prevents odor buildup. The coupler removably and sealably fits to the chute vertical leg via a hook and loop band, so that the coupling between the chute and coupler is leak proof with regard to odors and materials. The smooth bell-shaped coupler has no surfaces aberrations so that garbage items are not lodged, but pass straight through. The coupler opens widely at the bottom to allow for removable attachment to a plurality of garbage containers, with little regard to container size and shape. The elastic band seals the coupler to a given container. |
| US08474589B2 |
Compact universal fluid-actuated clutch
A compact universal fluid-actuated clutch employs a pair of tapered roller bearings between a cover plate and output shaft, the roller bearings serving to not only rotationally maintain the output shaft, but receive and transfer clutch reactionary forces therethrough. Lubrication to the tapered roller bearings serves to lubricate not only a thrust bearing through which the actuation forces are transferred, but also to lubricate the clutch, as well, in the embodiment of a wet clutch. Also provided is an output shaft brake assembly, which is also lubricated through the tapered roller bearings, and which is of a small compact nature, consisting of a piston rotatably secured to the end cover, and a rotor operatively attached to the output shaft. The invention substantially eliminates the need for rotary unions and rifle boring of the output shaft, and allows for adaptation of the shaft to direct or belt drive equipment connections. |
| US08474581B2 |
Method of securing a shim to a backing plate and subassembly formed thereby
A subassembly for use in a brake assembly, the subassembly comprising a shim, a backing plate and a friction pad formed of a friction pad material, wherein the friction pad material extends into at least one pass-through hole in the backing plate; and wherein one or more flanges perimetering at least one opening in the shim are encased in the friction material; whereby the shim is resisted from movement at least in part by the one or more flanges being encased in the friction pad material. A preferred methodology of forming the braking subassembly comprises the steps of forming the friction pad on the backing plate and at least partially filling the at least one pass-through hole with said friction pad material such that the one or more flanges perimetering the at least one opening in the shim is encased in the friction pad material. |
| US08474579B2 |
Electromotive brake system
An electromotive brake system may include a caliper housing, a first and second friction pads, a brake disk disposed in between, a pressurizing member connected to the second friction pad, a push rod with a push rod groove, an operating disk inserted in the push rod groove, first and second springs, a rotating ramp adapted to convert the rotational movement of a motor into a linear movement of a non-rotating ramp by a ball disposed between the rotating ramp and the non-rotating ramp. The electromotive brake system may further include first and second catching portions, a plurality of teeth and corresponding engaging protrusion of the teeth. The plurality of teeth and the protrusion may have slanted or curved surfaces. |
| US08474578B2 |
Brake beam wear liner
A brake beam wear liner for receiving a brake beam assembly of a railway car truck includes a base wall having an inner surface and an outer surface extending between opposite side edges, and having a base wall thickness between the inner surface and the outer surface thereof. The brake beam wear liner also includes sidewalls extending from the opposite side edges. The sidewalls have inner surfaces and outer surfaces, and have a sidewall thickness between the inner surface and the outer surface thereof. The inner surfaces of the sidewalls and the inner surface of the base wall define an open ended trough configured to receive an end of the brake beam assembly. The brake beam wear liner also includes flanges extending outward from the sidewalls. The flanges have inner surfaces and outer surfaces, and have a flange thickness between the inner surfaces and the outer surfaces thereof. The base wall thickness is greater than the sidewall thickness. |
| US08474572B2 |
Apparatus and method to attenuate vibration and acoustic noise
An apparatus and method to attenuate vibration and acoustic noise are provided. One apparatus includes a first layer formed from a non-metal material having a predetermined level of resistance to deformation to define a frequency response based on a vibrating frequency. The non-metal material has a profile defined by at least one sinusoid. The apparatus also includes a second layer defining an absorption layer coupled to the first layer. The second layer adds a body of mass adjacent the first layer. |
| US08474566B2 |
Shaft drive type motorcycle
A shaft drive type motorcycle includes a drive shaft for permitting a reduction in the vehicle weight. The shaft drive type motorcycle includes a gear box provided at a rear part of a swing arm with a bearing provided between the gear box and a rear wheel axle. The bearing includes an outer race and balls and an inner race operative provided to rotatably support the rear wheel axle. A presser flange is provided between the rear wheel axle and a rear wheel that includes a hollow cylindrical part pressing the inner race in the axial direction of the rear wheel axle. A flange part is provided as part of the presser flange to which a brake disc is mounted. A labyrinth structure is provided for making it difficult for oil from leaking out of the gear box. |
| US08474563B2 |
Frontal structure of vehicle
A frontal structure of a vehicle includes: a dashboard lower section; a dashboard lower cross member, positioned at a front surface of the dashboard lower section, and divided into a left part and a right part; a dashboard cross member integrally formed by connecting and welding the dashboard lower cross member to a steering joint cover; and an acceleration pedal bracket fixed to an overlapping part of the steering joint cover and the dashboard lower section. |
| US08474561B2 |
Quad-bike vehicle with carrier device
A quad-bike vehicle (10) having a chassis (12), four wheels (14) rotatably mounted on the chassis (12), an engine (16) for driving at least two of the wheels (14), a seat (18) for a user, a handlebar (20) for steering at least two of the wheels (14), a tow-hitch (22), and a carrier device (24) for mounting on the tow-hitch (22). The carrier device (24) has a foldable platform (26), a back (28), and a tow-hitch attachment element (32) for releasable attachment to the tow-hitch (22). The platform (26) is foldable towards the back (28) to adopt a storage condition, and is foldable down to adopt an in use condition. Preferably, the platform (26) and the back (28) are both planar or substantially planar so that, when folded together, the platform (26) and the back (28) lie in parallel or substantially parallel with each other. With the platform folded down, the carrier device is spaced from the ground. A carrier device (24) which is specifically adapted for a quad-bike vehicle (10) is also provided. |
| US08474560B1 |
Inverter mounting on an electric drive loader
The present disclosure provides a work machine having a frame and a front and rear wheel axle. The machine includes a cab coupled to the frame. The cab is configured to include controls for controlling the operation of the work machine. The machine also includes an electrically-powered drive assembly coupled to the frame and front and rear axles and an inverter electrically coupled to the electrically-powered drive assembly. The machine further includes a platform assembly disposed adjacent the cab and coupled to the frame. The platform assembly comprises an outer wall at least partially surrounding the inverter. |
| US08474559B2 |
Vehicle body front part structure
A vehicle body front part structure has an apron side panel 5 joined to an apron side member 4 extending along the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a tray 14 for battery supported on the apron side member 4. In the front part structure, a leg part 16 is provided in an tray body part 15, a lower end part 16K of the leg part 16 is fixed to the apron side member 4 with a fixing member B, and the leg part 16 is formed of a plate material so that the deformation of the apron side member 4 is allowed when a vehicle longitudinal force is applied to the apron side member 4. |
| US08474558B2 |
Engine intake passage structure of front vehicle body
There is provided a duct, an inlet portion of which is disposed so as to be exposed to an upper-side portion of an air intake opening and an outlet portion of which connects to an inlet of an intake passage of an engine. There can be provided an engine intake passage structure of a front vehicle body which can properly reduce a risk of the water coming into the inlet of the intake passage of the engine even when the vehicle travels on the flooded road. |
| US08474556B2 |
Hybrid power output system
A hybrid power output system for outputting the power to the wheel driving shaft, including and engine, a first motor, a second motor, a third motor, a battery, a first clutch, a second clutch, and a third clutch, wherein the first motor and the second motor are connected electrically with the battery, and the third motor is connected electrically with the battery or another battery; the engine is connected to the first motor via the first clutch, and connected to the third motor via the third clutch; the first motor is connected to the second motor via the second clutch, and the second motor is connected to a wheel driving shaft. The hybrid power output system can reduce the response time of the vehicle, perfect power performance, save space, and reduce cost as well. |
| US08474552B2 |
Piston devices and methods of use
Piston steering devices and methods for use of piston devices. One aspect as disclosed herein provides a ball piston device including: a sleeve in fluid communication with a fluid source and a ball received within the sleeve. The ball is movable within the sleeve from a recessed position and an extended position. |
| US08474547B2 |
Isolation system for drilling systems
An isolation system includes at least one air bladder assembly including at least one air bladder. The isolation system can also include at least one coupling member coupling the air bladder assembly to a drill head. The air bladder is configured to compress and expand to counter oscillating forces generated by the drill head. |
| US08474545B2 |
Sprinkler head
To provide a sprinkler head including: a sprinkler head main body having a nozzle therein, connected to water supply piping, and installed in a ceiling; a cover plate concealing the sprinkler head main body; a retainer disposed so that the cover plate is located below the ceiling surface and capable of releasing the cover plate in the event of fire; and a cylindrical member that is attached to the sprinkler head main body and to which the retainer is detachably connected, and having a structure that can save the trouble of removing and reattaching a protective cap at the time of installation of the sprinkler head. The sprinkler head has such a structure that a protective cap attached to the sprinkler head is fitted to the outer periphery of the sprinkler head main body. |
| US08474544B2 |
Horseshoe traction device with disposable insert and reusable stud and related method
A device and method for enhancing traction effectiveness of horseshoes is provided. The device includes a non-threaded stud and a non-threaded insert for receiving the stud. The insert has expandable wall sections with inwardly projecting protrusions, the wall sections at least partially sheathing the stud. The stud and insert create an assembly formed-fittingly insertable in an aperture formed on a bottom surface of the horseshoe. The stud projects outward from the bottom surface, is secure against dislodgement when the horseshoe is worn, and yet removable without threadably twisting the stud. |
| US08474542B2 |
Selective and non-selective lock mandrel assembly having upward biased inner sleeve
Selective and non-selective lock mandrel assemblies include a lock mandrel affixing to a running tool. A collet on the tool holds an inner mandrel in a downhole position in the lock mandrel. For the non-selective assembly, a biased key on the lock mandrel extends into a nipple profile, and shoulders on the key and profile stop further run-in. Operators shear a first shear pin on the running tool by jarring down, and the collet moves and releases its hold on the inner mandrel. Freed, the inner mandrel biased by a spring moves to an uphole position, and a flange fits behind the extended key to lock it in the profile. For the selective assembly, the biased key is held retracted until activated using locator dogs on the running tool to engage a transition when running uphole. Once the lock mandrel is set, operators detach the running tool from it. |
| US08474538B2 |
Hydraulically actuated safety lock ring
A connector assembly that can be used to connect a tension ring to a telescoping joint on a riser by using a lower set of hydraulically actuated dogs. A set of hydraulically actuated hang-off dogs on the connector assembly can be used to connect the tension ring to a diverter housing mounted on a rig. To prevent accidental disengagement of the hang-off dogs, a hydraulically actuated lock ring is used to provide a positive stop against the back of the hang-off dogs. |
| US08474536B1 |
Method and alignment system for killing an uncontrolled oil-gas fountain at an offshore oil platform using a telescopic rod assembly
A method and an apparatus for killing of uncontrolled oil fountain include a series of rods with the first rod having the smallest diameter and successive rods having increasing diameters. Such telescopic assembly of rods is lowered into the well to cause gradual reduction in cross-sectional area available for oil flow discharge. Once sufficiently large rods are lowered into the well, the oil fountain discharge will be greatly diminished. Final sealing may be accomplished by pumping cement into a space formed between the well pipe and the rod assembly. A novel system for aligning the rods to the center of the well is also described. |
| US08474535B2 |
Well screen inflow control device with check valve flow controls
A well screen inflow control device with check valve flow controls. A well screen assembly includes a filter portion and a flow control device which varies a resistance to flow of fluid in response to a change in velocity of the fluid. Another well screen assembly includes a filter portion and a flow resistance device which decreases a resistance to flow of fluid in response to a predetermined stimulus applied from a remote location. Yet another well screen assembly includes a filter portion and a valve including an actuator having a piston which displaces in response to a pressure differential to thereby selectively permit and prevent flow of fluid through the valve. |
| US08474534B1 |
Functionalized surface for flow control device
Flow control devices can include functionalized surfaces on inner regions of walls. A functionalized surface can include a hydrophilic and/or a hydrophobic material that can affect fluid flowing in a flow path of a wall to facilitate fluid selection by the flow control device. Fluids may be switched in a flow control device using a functionalized surface even when a density and viscosity of different oil and water mixtures of the fluids are the same. |
| US08474531B2 |
Steam-gas-solvent (SGS) process for recovery of heavy crude oil and bitumen
Methods relate to a steam-gas-solvent (SGS) process for recovery of heavy crude oil and bitumen. The methods include injecting a steam-gas-solvent mixture to mobilize hydrocarbons in a formation and producing from the formation the hydrocarbons that are mobilized. The steam-gas-solvent mixture includes steam, a gas non-condensable under reservoir operating conditions and a solvent condensable under reservoir operating conditions. |
| US08474526B2 |
Screen and method having a partial screen wrap
The present invention provides a screen for a well that utilizes a partial screen wrapping used to advantage with side conduits (e.g., alternate flowpaths), control lines, intelligent completions devices, and the like. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US08474525B2 |
Geothermal liner system with packer
A geothermal liner system with packer for sealing a producing zone within a wellbore has a mandrel placed in an interior of the wellbore, a packer releasably affixed around an outer surface of the mandrel, and a sleeve positioned adjacent an end of the mandrel. The liner system is generally tubular and may include joint casings and a mandrel, all being tubular-shaped. The packer is expandable upon exposure to wellbore conditions. The sleeve has perforations in a wall thereof. The mandrel is slidable relative to the packer when the packer expands against the wellbore. The sleeve is selectively controlled to manage production from sealed wellbore zones. The system is stabilized through various wellbore conditions, such as geothermal heat, by being adjustable for thermal expansion of parts of the system. |
| US08474524B2 |
Anti-extrusion packer system
A technique enables control over anti-extrusion layer movement during packer inflation. A packer employs a packer nipple having an exterior which uniquely engages distinct layers of the packer. The exterior comprises a plurality of distinct retention features, and each retention feature is designed to engage a specific layer of the packer. An individual retention feature can be uniquely designed to secure an anti-extrusion layer. |
| US08474523B2 |
Method and apparatus for treatment of a perforated casing
A method of and apparatus for treating a zone in a well is disclosed. A tube that is permeable to a material is inserted into a wellbore, creating an annulus inside the wellbore. Two zones—the annular region and the formation surrounding the wellbore—may be treated. The method comprises the following steps. (1) A setting section surrounded by a sleeve is placed inside the tube near the zone to treat, the sleeve being expandable and impermeable to the material. (2) The sleeve is inflated inside the tube near the zone to treat, ensuring that a first zone of the tube is impermeable to the material, but leaving a second zone permeable to the material. (3) A treatment fluid is pumped to the zone to treat, the treatment fluid passing into the annulus via the second zone. (4) The zone to treat is treated with the treatment fluid. |
| US08474521B2 |
Modular skid system for manifolds
The disclosure provides an adjustable modular skid system with a plurality of skid modules having a frame to support oil field fluid components, such as manifolds, mixing blocks, collection blocks, fracturing pumps, piping and connections, and other devices used to transport water, sand slurries, gas, oil, or other fluids in oil field applications. The modules can be arranged in multiple configuration to fit a particular well site. The modules can include supply modules, transition modules, and distribution modules. The skid modules can be coupled together through piping and relevant connections at the well site. If appropriate, the skid modules can be supported on pilings or other foundational supports. The system can be assembled remotely, started and tested, partially disassembled into the skid modules, and then installed at the well site with minimal additional effort by generally providing lines and connections between the modules. |
| US08474520B2 |
Wellbore drilled and equipped for in-well rigless intervention ESP
A string for drilling a well for installation and retrieval of ESP equipment without a rig. A well is drilled past the end of casing which has been cemented in place and extends to a wellhead at the surface. A receptacle is attached between production casing joints and run into the well 10. The receptacle is a tubular member with an inclined pocket formed on a side. At least one passage or port in the pocket intersects with a passage in receptacle with one or more lengths of tubing attached to the pocket. A wet connector within the production casing is landed in the receptacle and self aligns to the tubing. Electrical wires run within the tubing mate and lock with the wet connector. This allows an ESP to be run into the well via winch such that it stabs into the wet connector to receive power. |
| US08474508B2 |
Blind and manufacturing method thereof
Provided is a blind including a light-shielding sheet 20 having an internal space 22; a connecting string 30 which is received in the internal space 22; and an adjusting string 40 which is connected so as to alternately enclose an outer surface of the connecting string 30. Therefore, the blind has improved functionality and usability. |
| US08474507B2 |
System for confining lift cords in coverings for architectural openings
A system for incorporation into a retractable covering that includes a flexible lift cord extending from a headrail to a bottom rail. The system includes a flexible protector of a length similar to that of an associated lift cord with the lift cord being operatively connected to the protector. The protector is in turn connected to a fabric extending between the headrail and the bottom rail at predetermined spaced locations so that any loop of protector formable is limited by the spacing between the locations at which the protector is connected to the fabric. The maximum size of a loop so formed in the protector and thus the lift cord associated therewith is insufficient to encapsulate a body part of a child or infant. |
| US08474506B2 |
Method and apparatus for bonded substrates
An apparatus for bonding substrates includes a base member having a top surface and a recessed region which is configured for receiving at least a first substrate. The apparatus also has a plurality of support members disposed over the top surface for supporting a second substrate peripherally over the first substrate. Each support member is configured to vary a separation between the first substrate and the second substrate. Moreover, a pressure bar is configured to cause a center portion of the second substrate to contact the first substrate while the support members maintain peripheral separation between the first substrate and the second substrate. In operation, a bonded region between the first and the second substrates is expanded radially from the center portion when the support members are positioned to reduce the separation between the first and the second substrates. |
| US08474504B2 |
Tape dispenser
A tape dispenser is provided with a roller adjacent its cutter and tape retaining tabs adjacent the roller. The tabs a close to the roller and hold the end of the tape adjacent the roller facilitating application of the tape to a substrate. The dispenser is also provided with feet at its rear end allowing the dispenser to rest on its rear end with the end of the tape remote from the supporting surface. |
| US08474501B2 |
System and apparatus for assembling an inflatable insulation panel
An inflatable or gas-filled insulation panel comprises an envelope having two outer sheets sealed together along edges of the sheets and at least one of the sheets has an outer reflective surface. The envelope encases a plurality of internal films that include a polymeric film having a plurality of reflective stripes disposed thereon and spaced apart on the films. Seals are formed along the gaps or areas between the reflective stripes on the films by application of heat and pressure, which causes the films to seal to each other and the outer sheets at spaced apart intervals. A channel is formed between the outer edges of the films and the outer sheets, and a valve, disposed at an end of the panel, is in fluid communication with the channel for the injection of a fluid, such as an inert gas or air, to inflate panel. |
| US08474499B2 |
Puncture resistant tire
A tire and methods of manufacture thereof comprising a tire body and a metal reinforcing strip comprising at least one metal alloy foil layer to provide puncture resistance, wherein the at least one metal alloy foil layer comprises a spinodal glass matrix microconstituent structure. |
| US08474496B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having cutaway portions formed in center rib
A pneumatic tire includes a pair of first circumferential main grooves formed in the center region of a tread, a pair of second circumferential main grooves formed respectively outward of the corresponding first main grooves, a plurality of first lug grooves which each extend from one of the two shoulder ends of the tread inward in the tire-width direction and communicate with the corresponding first main groove, a plurality of second lug grooves alternately arranged in the tire circumferential direction which each extend from one of the two shoulder ends of the tread inward in the tire-width direction but do not communicate with the corresponding first main groove, a center rib defined between the pair of first main grooves and extends continuously in the tire circumferential direction, a shoulder block row defined between each of the second main grooves and a corresponding one of the shoulder ends and includes a plurality of blocks, and an intermediate block row defined between each of the first main grooves and a corresponding one of the second main grooves. Each intermediate block row includes long blocks each of which has a tire-circumferential-direction length equivalent to the total length of each two blocks included in the corresponding shoulder block row. |
| US08474495B2 |
Device for transfer of product from refill container to applicator container without exposure to atmosphere
An open ended cylindrical connector device includes a) an internally smooth-bored first docking port at one end; b) an internally screw threaded second docking port at the other end; and c) a unidirectional hole-cutter/membrane-piercing arrangement deployed across the diameter of the cylindrical device with its cutting/piercing edges occupying the first docking port. The product is transferred from a sealed donating container to a receiving container by screwing the receiving container into the second docking port and subsequently pressing a sealed donating container into the first docking port. The seal on the donating container is punctured by the hole-cutter and releases the product for transfer through the cylindrical connector to the receiving container. The donating container docking port may be closed with a removable cap and the cylindrical connector used as a donating container screw cap. |
| US08474489B2 |
Flexible pipe
The invention relates to a flexible pipe comprising a plurality of layers surrounding a longitudinal axis and an at least partly integrated sensor arrangement. The plurality of layers comprising an internal sheath and one or more armouring layers, at least one armouring layer comprising at least one folded metal strip helically wound around said longitudinal axis of the pipe, at least a part of said sensor arrangement being placed in a fold of said folded metal strip, the sensor arrangement preferably comprises an optical fiber which is placed in the fold of said folded metal strip. By this flexible pipe with a sensor arrangement, the sensor arrangement may be incorporated into the armouring layer in a simple and safe way. The sensor arrangement may for example be capable of sensing at least one property, selected from the group of stress-strain, temperature, pipe leakage, wear, mechanical deformations, pressure, chemical corrosion, salt concentration of liquid in contact with the pipe and pH value of liquid in contact with the pipe. |
| US08474487B2 |
Latching valve
A latching valve includes a housing, a supply port, defined in the housing, which receives supply pressure, a delivery port defined in the housing, an exhaust port, defined in the housing, and an apply port defined in the housing. A housing bore fluidly communicates with the supply port, the delivery port, the exhaust port, and the apply port fluidly. A shuttle is sealingly and movably secured in the housing bore. The shuttle is alternately set to one of an apply position and a release position as a function of sequential pilot pressures at the apply port acting on the shuttle, and as a function of the supply pressure acting on one of an apply pair of sealed seats with different diameters in the housing bore and a release pair of sealed seats with different diameters in the housing bore. The delivery port fluidly communicates with the supply port while the shuttle is in the apply position. The delivery port fluidly communicates with the exhaust port while the shuttle is in the release position. |
| US08474485B2 |
Three-position fluid valve for downhole use
Three-position fluid valves for use in downhole environments are disclosed. An example valve includes first, second and third ports, a chamber coupled to the second port, a first sleeve to selectively couple the first port to the chamber and the second port, a second sleeve to selectively couple the third port to the chamber and the second port, and a piston that forms at least part of the chamber and is coupled to the sleeves. The piston moves between a first position in which the piston displaces the first sleeve to couple the first port to the chamber and the second port, a second position in which neither of the first or third ports is coupled to the second port, and a third position in which the piston displaces the second sleeve to couple the third port to the chamber and the second port. |
| US08474484B2 |
Fluid control
A valve trim for a pressure reduction valve containing a plurality of high hydraulic flow resistance flowpaths therethrough. Each flowpath comprises at least two inlets (208, 209) and at least one impingement zone (210) having two zone inlets (211, 212) and two zone outlets (213, 214). The zone inlets (211, 212) communicate with the inlets (208, 209) and are arranged substantially 180 degrees to one another. The two zone outlets (213, 214) are arranged substantially perpendicular to the zone inlets (211, 212) such that flow entering the two zone inlets (211, 212) mutually impinges on itself creating an area of high energy loss, and thereafter separates and exits through the zone outlets (213, 214). |
| US08474483B2 |
Valve unit with a sliding throttle-chamber and circuit comprising a valve
Valve unit with a sliding throttle-chamber, comprising a valve body with an exchange or distribution chamber adapted to receive a sliding throttle-chamber of which the position of translation in the chamber defines ways of fluid communication between a primary inlet opening and at least two secondary outlet openings that can be selectively blocked or released by said throttle-chamber; the sliding throttle-chamber has a composite structure and consists of a first part controlling the fluid communication of said, at least, one secondary or radial outlet opening with the chamber and a second part controlling the fluid communication of the secondary or axial outlet opening with the chamber, the two parts of the throttle-chamber being linked together by a driving link in translation with a dead or non-driving area between the two extreme translation positions of said throttle-chamber. |
| US08474482B2 |
Plumbing shutoff or switching valve
A switching valve is proposed that switches between at least two different outlets with the aid of a valve closing body and a valve seat. The valve contains an actuating device that can be actuated by the user. The actuating device acts on an advancing device that advances the valve closing body from a stable, discrete position into another stable, discrete position. The advancement can be caused either by the interaction of beveled surfaces or by means of the flow of water. |
| US08474477B1 |
Water-tight sump-pump basin cover back-up device
A watertight, multi-sectioned, sump-pump basin cover back-up device made of a first cover section defining an outer-rim having a central aperture for accepting a water tightly sealable second cover section having at least one opening therethrough for accepting a water-tightly sealable discharge pipe, another water-tight, uncoverable, covered aperture for drainage of water from the floor adjacent to the sump-pump basin into the basin only when the water-tight cover is removed, and an auxiliary discharge pipe having a predetermined height, providing for said pipe to function as a relief valve. The device fixedly or detachably attachable to a sump pump basin rim, reducing or eliminating sump-pump cavity overflow flooding, while retarding the escape of pump noise, odor, and gases known to emanate from sump-pump basins. |
| US08474474B2 |
Control valve having pressure boundary integrity diagnostic capabilities, method of making the control valve, and method of using the control valve
A method of diagnosing pressure boundary integrity of a control includes choosing a control valve having a valve body, determining a velocity profile within the control valve, choosing an area of the velocity profile, choosing a surface on an exterior of the valve body at or adjacent to the area, forming a pad on the exterior surface overlying the point, applying a testing device to the pad, and measuring a reference thickness of a wall of the valve body through the pad using the testing device. The method further includes applying the testing device to the pad at a time subsequent to measurement of the reference thickness, measuring a first thickness, and comparing the first thickness to the reference thickness. The comparison of the first thickness to the reference thickness can be used to calculate the amount of valve body wall lost during using and the remaining life of the control valve. |
| US08474472B2 |
Rotatable fire sprinkler fitting with elongated gasket
A pipe fitting, useable in the installation of a sprinkler head, includes (a) a body having an open upstream end and an open downstream end, the downstream end having internal threads capable of accepting a threaded male fitting, the body defining an gasket retention area located upstream of the internal threads; and (b) an gasket disposed within the gasket retention area. The gasket retention area and the gasket are chosen so that a threaded male fitting threadedly disposed within the downstream end of the body can be rotated within the downstream end of the body 360° while remaining liquid tight for pressures in excess of 300 psig. |
| US08474469B2 |
Cleaning device of hair removing apparatus
A cleaning device of a hair removing apparatus having a hair clipping unit for removing hair includes a cleaning basin for accommodating the hair clipping unit therein; a fluid circulating mechanism for supplying or recovering cleaning fluid into or from the cleaning basin; a drying mechanism for drying the hair clipping unit in the cleaning basin after the hair clipping unit is cleaned; and a controller for controlling the fluid circulating mechanism and the drying mechanism. The controller transmits a control signal to the hair removing apparatus to drive the hair clipping unit while the drying mechanism is being operated. |
| US08474466B2 |
Hair graphic cutting apparatus
A graphic cutting device for cutting a graphic design including a first track on which the graphic cutting device is motor-drivably slidably and transversely mounted, a second track on which the first track is motor-drivably slidably mounted, an electronic controller which automatically controls the movement of the graphic cutting device on the first track and the movement of the first track on the second track so that a selected graphic design is cut into a user's hair so as to be defined by bordering hair and so as to extend from the user's hairline and/or be spaced from the user's hairline, and an input interface which enables input of said graphic design to the controller. The input interface includes at least one of an internet connection, an electronic memory card reader, and a peripheral device connection, and the controller includes an electronic memory storage device which stores electronic movement. |
| US08474464B2 |
Method and material for nail manicuring
A nail manicure method and kit, comprising applying a protective coating to portions of the surface of a finger or toe nail where the application of nail polish is not desired, optionally manipulating the protective coating into a desired shape, and applying nail polish to regions not covered by the protective coating. Once the nail polish has at least partially dried, the protective coating is removed to reveal a surface of a nail with well defined regions of nail polish and the region covered by the protective coating. The protective coating is used to generate various customized designs by the user. The protective coating is manipulated by pushing or removing portions of the protective coating using a shaping object. The protective coating is removed by peeling or rubbing. The protective coating comprises rubber and water. |
| US08474459B2 |
Device for introducing a tracheal cannula into a tracheostoma
The present invention concerns a device having a guide catheter for the introduction of a tracheal cannula into a tracheostoma. To provide a device for introducing a tracheal cannula into a tracheostoma, which prevents injury by the distal end face of the cannula and which is suitable for use in relation to highly flexible cannulas, in relation to cannulas of tight inside diameter and/or of large wall thickness, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the guide catheter has a shield which is mounted in the proximity of the distal end of the guide catheter and which comprises a flexible material and which is substantially in the form of a distally directed conical tip, wherein the tube of the guide catheter passes through the axis of said tip, with a base outside diameter which in a first state corresponds at least to the outside diameter of the tracheal cannula and in a second state by deformation is smaller than the inside diameter of the tracheal cannula and is thus retractable through the tracheal cannula. |
| US08474453B2 |
Inhaler
An inhaler is disclosed. The inhaler has a housing to receive an elongate strip of blisters each containing a dose of medicament and being sequentially movable into alignment with means for breaching a blister to enable a user to inhale said dose contained therein. The device has a spiral wound element within the housing that receives and coils said strip of blisters that have been breached. |
| US08474446B1 |
Solar collector
A solar collector includes a first header, a second header and one or more riser tubes that connect the first header and second header. The solar collector is mounted to a surface, e.g., a roof, such that the headers are substantially parallel to a horizontal axis. The first header is curved so as to define a low point that facilitates drainage of liquid from the solar collector. |
| US08474445B2 |
Concentrating solar energy device
A concentrating solar energy device for use in buildings is configured to share structural elements with a building for cost savings. The device incorporates a shallow cylindrical trough mirror comprising mirrored sheets that are conformed to curved rafters, a receiver that is moveable within the cumulative area of focus of the cylindrical trough mirror, a secondary mirror integrated with the receiver that augments solar energy collection, and parallel linear tracking assemblies that move the receiver and that mount to a building's side walls. |
| US08474443B2 |
Arrow rest with arrow holder
The present invention is an arrow holder operable for use with a drop down arrow rest, where the arrow holder is movable between a first position and second position. The arrow holder includes a lever portion, and a base portion formed as part of the lever portion; the lever portion and the base portion are operable for movement between a first position and a second position. Also included is a retaining hook operable for maintaining the lever portion and the base portion in the second position. |
| US08474441B2 |
Automobile fuel pretreatment device
An automobile fuel pretreatment device includes an instantaneous constant-temperature heating device including a fuel tube which allows fuel to flow, a heating unit positioned on and heating an outside surface of the fuel tube, and two spring clamp boards enclosing and clamping the heating unit on the fuel tube. Each of the spring clamp boards has a locking hole formed adjacent to a first free end and a locking tab formed adjacent to a second free end. The locking tab of each of the spring clamp boards is received through the locking hole of the other one of the spring clamp boards to engage the first free end of the other one of the spring clamp boards. A magnetization combustion-enhancing device includes two permanent magnets located adjacent to the fuel tube to induce magnetization on the fuel flowing through the fuel tube. |
| US08474439B2 |
Fuel vapor processors
A fuel vapor processor has a fuel tank, a canister, a recovery pipe, a fuel pump, a negative pressure generator, a pressure regulator, a fuel intake pipe and a fuel intake regulator. The vapor pipe leads the fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank into the canister for trapping the fuel vapor. The recovery pipe connects the fuel tank and the canister for recovering the fuel vapor trapped in the canister into the fuel tank. The fuel intake pipe directly connects the fuel pump provided in the fuel tank with the negative pressure generator for leading fuel to the negative pressure generator. The negative pressure generator generates negative pressure depending on an amount of fuel supplied to the negative pressure generator from the fuel pump. The fuel vapor trapped in the canister is recovered to the fuel tank through the recovery pipe due to the negative pressure. The pressure regulator is connected with the fuel pump for returning excess fuel discharged from the fuel pump into the fuel tank. The fuel intake regulator disposed on the fuel intake pipe controls the amount of the fuel supplied to the negative pressure generator from the fuel pump. |
| US08474432B2 |
Event-based direct injection engine starting with a variable number of injections
A method for starting an internal combustion engine having direct fuel injection into a cylinder, comprising of only for a first combustion event under selected conditions during an engine start, directly injecting fuel to the cylinder at least twice, where each of said two injections at least partially occur during a compression stroke. |
| US08474431B2 |
Direct fuel-injected engine
In a cross section in which squish flow from an outer peripheral part of a piston (13) toward a cavity (25) is large due to a width (W2) of a squish area (SA) being large and a squish clearance (C2) being small, a collision angle (α2) at which a fuel injection axis (Li2) collides with the cavity (25) is made large, whereas in a cross section in which squish flow is small due to the width of the squish area (SA) being small and the squish clearance being large, the collision angle at which a fuel injection axis collides with the cavity (25) is made small. This enables a tendency for fuel to flow out to the exterior of the cavity (25) in a cross section where the squish flow is small to be weakened, and a tendency for fuel to flow out to the exterior of the cavity (25) in a cross section where the squish flow is large to be strengthened, thereby making the conditions in which fuel and air are mixed uniform throughout the entire region of the cavity (25). |
| US08474429B2 |
Method and apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine
A method and apparatus for starting an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A motor is mechanically coupled to the engine, the engine having at least one moveable element mounted in a chamber, the moveable element being operable to cause a changing compression condition within the chamber and being mechanically coupled to a shaft for generating mechanical power. The method involves causing the motor to supply a positioning torque to the engine to move the at least one moveable element into a starting position, The method also involves causing the motor to supply a starting torque to the engine when the at least one moveable element is in the starting position to cause the moveable element to accelerate from the starting position under low compression conditions to generate sufficient momentum to overcome a peak compression condition in the chamber, thereby reducing the starting torque required to start the engine. |
| US08474427B2 |
Tappet
A tappet (1) for a high-pressure fuel pump having a housing (2), the drive input side (7), which serves as a cam run-on face. The housing (2) incorporates a roller (8), wherein the drive output side (3), which serves as a contact surface for a tappet follower part, of said housing (2) bears against an underside (4) of a bridge piece (6) which projects through an inner casing (5) of the housing (2), and a rotation prevention device (11) which projects beyond the outer casing (10) of the housing (2) extends in a window (9) of the housing (2). The rotation prevention device (11) is formed by a radial elongation of the bridge piece (6). A projection extends from the inner casing (5) of the tappet (1) only on a portion situated diametrically opposite the window (7), which projection is integrally connected and is produced by a punching and embossing process and rises in a wedge shape in a direction of the drive input side. The section (13) of the sheet-steel bridge piece (6) which is situated diametrically opposite the radial elongation (12) is snapped over the projection (15), and this section (13) rests with an edge region (14) of the underside (4) thereof on said projection (15). |
| US08474426B1 |
Roller lifter assembly
A roller lifter assembly has a lifter body with a leg extending outwardly therefrom, a bar having a elongated slot formed therein, a first rivet having a head and a shank, a button affixed to the shank of the rivet so as to sandwich the bar between the button and the leg of the lifter body. The head of the rivet has a surface adjacent to the shank that bears against a curved inner surface of the leg of the lifter body so as to prevent the rivet from rotating. The shank extends through the hole in the leg and through the elongated slot of the bar. The rivet is positioned so as to as to be non-rotatable during the movement of the lifter bodies. |
| US08474424B2 |
Valve drive train device
In a valve drive train device, particularly of an internal combustion engine, having an actuating device provided to displace at least one first axially displaceable cam element using a shifting gate, the actuating device is designed for switching the axially displaceable first cam element into the various switching positions. |
| US08474423B2 |
Valve timing control device
A valve timing control device includes a first housing, a vane rotor, a second housing, a sealing plate, a regulating portion and a biasing portion. The sealing plate is interposed between the first housing and the second housing. The biasing portion biases the regulating portion toward the sealing plate. The sealing plate has a recess recessed from a base part toward the second housing at a predetermined position corresponding to the regulating portion in a relative rotation of the vane rotor. The regulating portion regulates the relative rotation of the vane rotor relative to the first housing and the second housing by being fitted with the recess of the sealing plate. |
| US08474422B2 |
Camshaft unit
In a camshaft unit, particularly of an internal combustion engine, comprising a camshaft connected to a drive unit to be driven thereby, a phase displacement unit including an actuating gear and a control unit with a rotor and a stator unit in the form of a brake element for adjusting a phase relation between the drive unit and the camshaft, and a bearing device for supporting part of the control unit, the bearing device is designed to accommodate radial tolerances between the stator element and the rotor element. |
| US08474421B2 |
Valve train device
In a valve drive train device, in particular for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine, with a switching unit comprising an actuator with a solenoid unit and with a control unit for monitoring switching operations of the switching unit provided for switching an axially displaceable cam element by means of a switch gate, the control unit for monitoring the switching unit is taking into account at least one characteristic value of a voltage integral over a voltage which is induced in a coil of the switching unit during the switching operation and is adjusting the value with respect to a characteristic limit value stored in the control unit. |
| US08474419B2 |
Temperature control apparatus and method for an automotive cooling system
A temperature control valve 10 for regulating the flow of coolant 15 in an automotive cooling system 11 that includes an engine 12 and a radiator 14. The temperature control valve 10 includes a valve body 40 having an inlet 42 and an outlet 46, a first valve assembly 100 that is movable between a closed position and an open position, and a chamber 74 that is adjacent to the first valve assembly 100. In the closed position of the first valve assembly 100, the inlet 42 of the valve body 100 is not in fluid communication with the outlet 46 of the valve body 100. In the open position of the first valve assembly 100, the inlet 42 of the first valve assembly 100 is in fluid communication with the outlet 46 of the first valve assembly 100. Fluid pressure within the chamber 74 is operable to move the first valve assembly 100 between the open position and the closed position. The temperature control valve 10 may include a second valve assembly 130 that is configured to regulate fluid pressure within the chamber 74 to thereby move the first valve assembly 100 between the open position and the closed position. |
| US08474416B2 |
Cool logic with an integrated cooler into the clutch/engine base
A hydraulically controlled fan drive system is provided including a housing containing a hydraulic fluid, a pulley connected to the housing a fan shaft rotatably mounted to the housing by a hydraulically actuated clutch, a piston mounted within a piston housing for actuating the clutch, a pitot tube for delivering pressurized hydraulic fluid from the housing to the piston housing, a valve for controlling the fluid pressure within the piston housing, a shaft rotationally supporting the housing having passages extending through the pulley, a base connected with the shaft connecting the shaft with a structure, the base having coolant inlet and outlet, and an oil cooler connected with the base on a side of said base generally axially opposite of the pulley. |
| US08474403B2 |
Apparatus for forming thin film and method of manufacturing semiconductor film
An apparatus including a vacuum chamber having a substrate holding unit that holds a substrate and a plasma electrode facing the substrate, a first gas supply unit that supplies a H2 gas to the vacuum chamber at a constant flow rate, a second gas supply unit that opens or closes a valve to turn on or off the supply of a SiH4 gas, a high-frequency power source that applies a high frequency voltage to the plasma electrode, a shield box that is connected to a ground so as to surround the plasma electrode outside the vacuum chamber, and a control unit that controls the valve such that the SiH4 gas is periodically supplied to the vacuum chamber and modulates the amplitude of high frequency power in synchronization with the opening or closing of the valve, and the valve is provided in the shield box. |
| US08474398B2 |
Patch application system
A patch application system is provided comprising a powder application booth. The powder application booth comprises a powder block to temporarily house the powder prior to ejection, a nozzle insert to guide the powder onto the screw, a support stand to adjust the powder block to the appropriate position relative to the screw for a desired patch location and size, a powder cup to deliver the powder to the powder block. A programmable logic controller electronically coupled to the micro air-switch valve controls the duration the air-switch valve remains open. The entire process may be automated by including a screw hopper to temporarily store a plurality of screws, a bowl feeder receiving the screws and delivering the screws to a rotating disk, wherein the rotating disk passes the screws through a heating element and presents the heated screws to the powder application booth. |
| US08474386B2 |
Fire resistant containment system having a light weight portable removable enclosure
A lightweight portable fire resistant containment system comprises an outer shell and a lid. Free surfaces of the outer shell and lid are covered to prevent ingress of hot gas. The outer shell may have an inner shell forming an insulating air gap. Outer shell, inner shell and lid are fabricated from inorganically bonded high temperature resisting ceramic fibers. The outer surface of the inner shell has a metallic infrared reflecting wrap. An encased phase change material containment absorbs heat by melting or decomposition. A wooden or plastic lightweight portable box enclosure with cover is placed within the interior surface of the containment for storage of valuable documents, photographs and magnetic media. A jump drive within the portable box preferably houses the magnetic media. When the fire resistant containment system is exposed to 1550° F. for 30 minutes the interior of lightweight portable box enclosure remains below 125° F. |
| US08474381B2 |
Non-explosive power source for actuating a subsurface tool
A power source for applying a force to an object includes thermite in a quantity sufficient to generate a thermite reaction, and a gas producing substance disposed in association with the thermite. The gas producing substance produces a gas when the thermite reaction. The thermite reaction, the gas, or combinations thereof provide a force to the object. |
| US08474379B2 |
Remote firing device with diverse initiators
A remote firing system for remotely detonating explosive charges includes features that provide safety and efficiency improvements. These features include safety communication among multiple remote devices and multiple controller devices, a polling functionality permitting rapid deployment of system devices, electronic key systems, programmable remote devices for easy replacement of failing remote devices, and an event history log for the remote devices for efficient diagnostic evaluation. |
| US08474376B2 |
Printing device, adjustment method and printing method
A device for printing via screen printing an object which has a conical portion, the device includes a frame, a screen which can be moved relative to the frame, elements for rotatably driving the screen about a rotation axis, including a single motor, first members for moving the motor, the first members, extending in a first direction, second members for moving the motor, the second members extending in a second direction perpendicular relative to the first direction, the first members carrying the second members. |
| US08474372B2 |
Egg pan
An egg pan has individual egg bowls and a water reservoir having channels surrounding the egg bowls. Water is introduced into the water reservoir during the final stage of cooking eggs. A user would cook eggs inside the egg bowls to desired consistency and then pour a small amount of water into the water reservoir and close a snugly-fitting lid, thus generating steam. Exposure to steam at the final stage of cooking causes improvement in shape and appearance of the cooked eggs. |
| US08474368B2 |
Mineral composite beverage brewing cup and cartridge
A beverage filter cartridge having a cup, a filter, a lid and at least one beverage ingredient is provided where the cup and lid are sealed together to form an interior chamber which is separated into a first and second compartments by the filter, which is preferably basket or cone shaped, and a beverage ingredient such as coffee is contained inside first compartment, and at least one of the cup, lid and filter contains calcium carbonate in an amount effective to either improve the ability of beverage makers to pierce the cup or to provide a means for the cartridge to absorb CO2 emitted by the ingredient thereby reducing the hold time to packing and reducing the number of defective cartridges. |
| US08474366B2 |
Piston with a skirt having oil flow slots and method of construction thereof
A piston has a pair of diametrically opposite skirt portions with convex outer surfaces. Each skirt portion has opposite side edges extending substantially parallel to a central axis of the piston to a free end. The skirt portions each have a recessed slot extending radially into the convex outer surface to a recessed surface. The recessed surface extends fully across the convex outer surface to the side edges and separates an upper band section of the convex outer surface from a lower band section of the convex outer surface. |
| US08474364B2 |
Hydraulic system including priority based valve sequencing
An exemplary hydraulic system includes a plurality of digital valves, each valve fluidly connectable to a corresponding hydraulic load. The digitals valves are operable to fluidly connect the corresponding hydraulic load to a pressure source. The hydraulic system further includes a digital controller operably connected to the plurality of digital valves. The digital controller is configured to assign a priority level so that it is associated with each of a plurality of hydraulic loads, and to formulate a pulse width modulated control signal based on the assigned priority levels. The digital controller transmits the control signal to the plurality of digital valves for controlling the operation of the valves. |
| US08474362B1 |
Diamond-reinforced composite materials and articles, and methods for making same
A diamond-reinforced SiC ceramic composite material and shaped article. The addition of diamond to the microstructure greatly enhances properties such as hardness and Young's modulus. Such a composite material has considerable promise as an armor material. In particular, significant increases in ballistic performance can be achieved versus a non-diamond-containing composite, particularly versus the M993 threat. Reaction bonded silicon carbide (RBSC) ceramics with 7% diamond were shown to offer ballistic performance levels that matched the best commercial ceramics tested on the program. |
| US08474361B2 |
Process to produce a silencer tube with minimal wall thickness
A method for reducing the weight of a silencer without compromising durability. By reducing the silencer housing wall thickness weight is removed from the silencer module. Areas on the housing where material is removed are primarily selected based on the internal pressure generated in a given chamber of the silencer. Further, removal of external material is selected based on the baffle arrangement. Individual chamber pressure is influenced by the muzzle pressure of the host firearm and the baffle style and baffle orientation within the silencer being used. |
| US08474360B1 |
Remotely operable machine gun charging apparatus
A remotely operable machine gun charger is provided for selectively controlling the forward-to-rear movement of a machine gun bolt pin. When the bolt pin is released from its safe position the charger permits the bolt pin to be spring-driven back to its armed position substantially instantaneously by the bolt spring without waiting for pin engagement and drive structure portions of the gun to be returned to their forwardmost positions. The charger permits the gun to be fired during such movement of the engagement and drive structure back to their forwardmost positions, and the charger may be mounted on and removed from the machine gun without the use of tools, or the necessity of removing or adjusting any of the internal components of the machine gun. |
| US08474359B2 |
Grape cutter
The grape cutter includes a base and a cover overlying the base. The base includes a recess adapted to hold a plurality of foodstuffs therein. The cover also includes a recess adapted to accommodate and hold the foodstuffs between the cover and the base. Both the base and the cover include a respective surrounding flange that define a slicing gap when assembled so that a user may slide a knife through the slicing gap to cut the foodstuffs. The slicing gap may be adjusted to accommodate foodstuffs of various sizes. |
| US08474357B2 |
Article slicer
Tomatoes are placed on parallel cutter blades (20) in article openings (46) of an article positioning plate (44). Alternate blades are oscillated in arcuate paths in opposite direction as article pushers (24) move downwardly, pushing the tomatoes through the parallel cutter blades (20). The end slices of the tomatoes are gathered separately in the collectors (96) and are later discarded, while the intermediate slices are received in a transfer plate (78). Gathering plates (100) urge the intermediate slices of the several tomatoes together in one accumulation of tomato slices, and the transfer plate (78) is lowered to a position immediately above the shipping containers (80) and opened to deposit the tomatoes in the shipping containers. A fluid spray nozzle (75) may be positioned to emit a spray of gas or liquid between the fins of the pushers and/or toward the cutter blades (20) and toward engagement with the tomatoes for sterilizing, cleaning, or other treatment of the tomatoes and the adjacent surfaces. |
| US08474356B2 |
Machine tool monitoring device
A machine tool monitoring device having a detection unit, which is configured to detect the presence of a material type in a machine tool work area by spectral analysis of a radiation. The detection unit has a sensor unit having at least one sensitivity region for detecting radiation in a wavelength range that is situated at least partially in the infrared spectrum. |
| US08474353B1 |
Manual dual end rotary driver of Z configuration
Multiple embodiments of a manual tool, for ergonomic, controlled and variable application of rotary motion, torque, and or axial force to an object. One embodiment is comprised of three elongated members connected at their ends in a chain by two pivoted joints. The two outboard members each have an outboard end shaped for connecting to an object to be rotated and a rotatable handle. One way to use the tool is to grasp each handle with a hand; one hand holds the tool in axial alignment and engaged with the object to be rotated and the other hand orbits about the other handle. The three members can be fluidly positioned in a nearly straight Z, crank, L or in-line shape, so as to vary and control the speed, torque, and force. Either end of the tool may be used to rotate an object by swapping the tool end for end. |
| US08474346B2 |
Multi-stage transmission
Disclosed is a multi-stage transmission which ensures that gear shifts are efficiently performed with a small number of component parts, smooth operations are performed with small forces, there are no loss of changeover time during gear shifts and no loss of the driving force, and the shift shock is small. The transmission has a driven gear shaft 12, in which are provided a first swing pawl member 25 engageable in a rotational direction with a first gear n1, a second swing pawl member 25 engageable in the rotational direction with a second gear n2 which is one step lower in reduction ratio, a third swing pawl member 24 engageable in the opposite rotational direction with the first gear n1, and a fourth swing pawl member 24 engageable in the opposite rotational direction with the second gear n2. A first cam rod 21 and a second cam rod 22 are provided which are slidable axially on and along the surface of an internal hole of the driven gear shaft 12. The first cam rod 21 is formed with a plurality of cam surfaces, which operate by movement thereof the second swing pawl member 25 and the third swing pawl member 24, while the second cam rod 22 is formed with a plurality of cam surfaces, which operate by movement thereof the first swing pawl member 25 and the fourth swing pawl member 24. Gear shift is carried out by moving the first and second cam rods 21, 22. |
| US08474345B2 |
Transmission with reverse gear brake
A transmission having an input shaft and an output shaft, where an input gear is rotatably fixed for common rotation by the input shaft, an output gear is rotatably fixed for common rotation by the output shaft, and a third shaft is disposed generally parallel to the input and output shafts and has an outer surface that includes a splined portion and a non-splined portion. A reverse gear assembly rotatably fixed for common rotation by the third shaft includes a reverse gear, a synchronizer member, an annular retaining member, and a synchronizer spring. The reverse gear is disposed on the third shaft, and has a hub extending from a first side. The reverse gear assembly is selectively axially moveable along the third shaft to engage the input and output gears. |
| US08474342B2 |
Transmission having a low launch gear
Gearing for a vehicle transmission includes meshing forward gears and an idler, a reverse gear engaging the idler, a low gear engaging the reverse gear, a final drive, and a low gear drive path including the idler, the forward, reverse and low gears and the final drive. |
| US08474339B2 |
Electric actuator
An electric actuator includes a first port, a second port, and a cylinder chamber connecting passage. The first port is formed on an inner face of a rod-side cylinder chamber of a cylinder body. The second port is formed on an inner face of a head-side cylinder chamber of the cylinder body. The cylinder chamber connecting passage connects the first port and the second port. In the electric actuator, a piston part of a piston rod closes the first port 6 when the piston rod advances. |
| US08474338B2 |
Apparatus and method for engaging acoustic vibration sensors to skin
A system comprising a viscoelastic interface sheet to engage a sound vibrations sensors array to a sound generating objects. The structure of the interface sheet includes elements for easy handling, positioning and mounting. A device for storage and mounting support of such interface sheets is disclosed. |
| US08474336B2 |
Method for depositing samples in modules and an adapter
The invention relates to a method for depositing samples in modules, in particular, in kits, in addition to an adapter. The inventive adapter (1) is embodied in such a manner that an injection needle can be received in a liquid-tight manner. It is connected in a liquid-tight manner to the low-lying module or kit (20) and enables a continuous flow of samples. |
| US08474333B2 |
Industrial roll with optical roll cover sensor system
An industrial roll is provided, comprising a transverse force transducing fiber Bragg sensor that is embedded in the roll cover and/or located in-between the roll cover and the roll core of the industrial roll. The transverse force transducing fiber Bragg sensor comprises a fiber optical waveguide having a fiber core and a fiber cladding, and a stud element being nonpositively joined to a partial area of the circumferential surface of the fiber optical waveguide. The fiber optical waveguide comprises a Bragg grating located in the fiber core, whereby the dimension of the partial area in the longitudinal direction of the fiber is longer than a grating spacing of the Bragg grating. The partial area is located at a section of the fiber optical waveguide housing the Bragg grating, and at least a first component of the stud element is formed from a first material having a Young's modulus of less than 10 kN/mm2. |
| US08474332B2 |
Sensor assembly and medical device incorporating same
Apparatus are provided for sensor assemblies and related medical devices. An embodiment of a sensor assembly includes a beam and a sensing element disposed on the beam. The sensor assembly also includes a structure to prevent deflection of the beam when a force applied to the sensor assembly is greater than a threshold value. |
| US08474331B2 |
Force measurement system
Exemplary embodiments of force measurement systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, the force measurement system is implemented in a fishing rod system, to measure tension applied to the fishing line. Other exemplary embodiments include a fishing gaff used to gaff fish, and with a measurement system for providing an indication of the weight of a gaffed fish. Yet another embodiment is implemented in a fishing net, with a measurement system for providing an indicated of the weight of a netted fish or other netted object. A still further application for the force measurement system is in a shaft tension coupler. |
| US08474328B2 |
Device measuring the wind speed and the wind direction
A device measuring the speed or the direction of the wind, characterized in that it consists of the main body (1), which is hollow and can be divided into two parts and an electronic circuit (9) can be placed into the inside part thereof, and of the rotor (2) or the vane tail (3). The main body (1) is of curved shape and has a tall neck so as the rotor (2) or the vane tail (3) to be placed in such a position in order for the measurements not to be affected and it is divided into two parts the lower part (6) and the upper part (7). The upper part (7) of the main body (1) is hollow and the axle (8) is placed into the inside part thereof, where the rotor (8) or, alternatively, the vane tail (9) are mounted, depending on the measurement we wish to achieve. The device is mounted in the meteorological station of a supporting arm. |
| US08474325B1 |
Apparatus and method for destructive load testing
According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for positioning a specimen to be tested relative to an external force applicator. The external force applicator is adapted for engaging the specimen for test purposes. A defined path extends between a first position away from the external load applicator and a second position underneath the external load applicator. A carriage positioned on the defined path moves relative to the external force applicator between the first position which is a loading position away from the external force applicator and the second position which is an engagement position. When the specimen is in the second engagement position, the external force applicator can engage the specimen to conduct the test. |
| US08474323B1 |
Carpet deflection measurement device
A device for measuring rigidity, flexibility, and other properties associated with deformation of a thin planar material sample such as carpeting is described. The device is portable and can be manually operated. The device includes a movable testing assembly which is used to urge a testing member against a sample and measure compressive force(s) relative to deformation of the sample. |
| US08474322B1 |
Eccentric load sensing device used to sense differential pressures
A differential pressure sensor positioned adjacent a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber separated by a nozzle. Flow in a conduit is determined by detecting the pressure on either side of a nozzle. Changes in pressure are proportional to a change in flow. An integrated differential pressure sensor having different pressure detecting portions with strain gauges thereon detects differences in deflection of each pressure sensor portion resulting from change in fluid flow. A bridge circuit detects changes in the signals from the two different pressure sensor portions creating a differential which is proportional to a change in liquid flow. The present invention reduces the need for calibration of pressure sensors and improves the detection of fluid flow. The present invention has many applications and can detect small changes in fluid flow and is particularly applicable to the medical field where in many procedures, small fluid flows must be measured or determined accurately. |
| US08474317B2 |
Microelectromechanical device having an oscillating mass, and method for controlling a microelectromechanical device having an oscillating mass
A microelectromechanical device includes a body, a movable mass, elastically connected to the body and movable in accordance with a degree of freedom, and a driving device, coupled to the movable mass and configured to maintain the movable mass in oscillation at a steady working frequency in a normal operating mode. The microelectromechanical device moreover includes a start-up device, which is activatable in a start-up operating mode and is configured to compare a current oscillation frequency of a first signal correlated to oscillation of the movable mass with a reference frequency, and for deciding, on the basis of the comparison between the current oscillation frequency and the reference frequency, whether to supply to the movable mass a forcing signal packet so as to transfer energy to the movable mass. |
| US08474315B2 |
Capacitive liquid-level sensor
In a liquid level sensor according to the present invention, a first detecting electrode being always in a liquid to be measured, a second detecting electrode which measures a level of the liquid to be measured, and a third detecting electrode being always out of the liquid to be measured are arranged, an operation of charging capacitor 45 for a time being in proportion to a ratio of a length of a part of the second detecting electrode in the liquid to be measured to a total length of the second detecting electrode and an operation of discharging the electric charge of the capacitor for a time being in proportion to a ratio of a length of a part of the second detecting electrode being out of the liquid to be measured to the total length of the second detecting electrode is repeated. With this configuration, the liquid level can be precisely detected without arranging a complex operational device even though a dielectric constant or a temperature of the liquid to be measured changes. |
| US08474311B2 |
Tire testing systems and methods
The present invention provides a tire testing system, including: a first rail and a second rail; a carriage assembly coupled to the first rail and the second rail such that five degrees of freedom of motion of the carriage assembly are thereby constrained; a first bogie assembly coupling the carriage assembly to the first rail such that at least lateral, pitch, and yaw motions of the carriage assembly are thereby constrained; and a second bogie assembly coupling the carriage assembly to the second rail such that at least vertical and roll motions of the carriage assembly are thereby constrained; wherein the carriage assembly translates in a direction that is tangential to the first rail. The tire testing system also includes a tire articulation system coupled to the carriage assembly, wherein the tire articulation system includes a dedicated actuator for each degree of freedom of motion of a test tire coupled thereto. |
| US08474310B2 |
Valve freeze control apparatus and sensor element breakage control apparatus for internal combustion engine
A valve freeze control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a concentration sensor, a valve, a freeze control device, and a start determination unit. The concentration sensor is adapted to detect an alcohol concentration of fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine. The valve is provided in one of an intake passage and an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine, wherein the valve controls flow of air that passes through the one of the intake and exhaust passages. The freeze control device is adapted to limit malfunction of the valve caused by freeze of water in exhaust gas, and the water has been attached to the valve. The start determination unit determines to start the freeze control device when the alcohol concentration detected by the concentration sensor is equal to or greater than a reference value. |
| US08474304B2 |
Device for the determination of the concentration of solid particles
A device for determination of solid particle concentration includes a primary diluter (6), a downstream heated evaporator (7), a secondary diluter (8) downstream of the evaporator (7) and a particle counter (5). The secondary diluter (8) is a porous tube diluter and is mounted between the outlet of the evaporator (7) and a stabilization chamber (14), from which the sample flow is diverted to the particle counter (5). |
| US08474301B2 |
Shut-off valve testing system
The shut-off valve testing system provides for the testing of the main shut-off valve of a combustible gas supply line in such facilities as refineries, factories, or other plants utilizing such gaseous fuel. The system includes a double-ended hydraulic cylinder receiving hydraulic pressure from a suitable source, the cylinder communicating hydraulically with a hydraulic actuator for the main shut-off valve. The system provides for testing of the shut-off valve by actuating the valve through a portion of its full travel, thus confirming that the valve is free. This is accomplished by shutting off the pressure to one side of the double-ended hydraulic cylinder, and opening the hydraulic line between the cylinder and the actuator. Thus, hydraulic pressure from the actuator can bleed to the cylinder, allowing the actuator to move to the extent of the limiting spring and/or hydraulic pressure to the opposite side of the cylinder. |
| US08474298B2 |
Shape adjusting tool
A hollow component is adjusted in shape, for example to correct circularity, by means of a shape adjusting tool. The tool comprises a base structure on which adjuster elements are guided. An adjustment ring has a ramp surface corresponding to each adjuster element so that rotation of the adjustment ring causes radial displacement of the adjuster elements 6. The adjuster elements are displaced in unison, and engage the internal surface of the component to be adjusted so as to deform the component to the desired shape. The segments are interconnected by rigid links and a single flexible link, and are supported on bearing rollers mounted on the base structure. |
| US08474296B2 |
Formation tool for a punching machine
A formation tool is used for deforming sheet metal on punching machines. The formation tool has an upper or top die tool and a lower or bottom die tool. Toward the top die, there is an upper mold insert movable relative to a holding-down device, and toward the bottom die, a lower mold insert movable relative to a stripper plate. The deformation of the metal sheet is effected upward with respect to a punching stroke plane. The formation tool has a lifting device for aiding in lifting the lower mold insert from an initial position which is at or below the punch stroke plane before a deforming operation, to a level above the punching stroke plane. |
| US08474295B2 |
Method of compacting the surface of a sintered part
The invention describes a method of compacting the surface of a sintered part (2), whereby a sintered part (2) is moved in a die (1) along an axis (3) in a pressing direction (20) through several die portions (7, 8, 9) from a first die portion (7) at a first die orifice (6) into a last die portion (9), and a wall surface (16) of each die portion (7, 8, 9) forms at least one pressing surface (18) against which a contact surface (17) formed by an external surface (12) of the sintered part (2) is pressed, and an internal contour (25) defined by the pressing surface (18) lying in a cross-section by reference to the axis (3) at least approximately corresponds to an external contour (26) defined by the contact surface (17). As the sintered part (2) is moved, the surface is compacted from the first die orifice (6) to the last die portion (9) by die portions (7, 8, 9) continuously merging into one another and by monotonously decreasing internal diameters (19) of the die portions (7, 8, 9) as measured between co-operating pressing surfaces (18). |
| US08474294B2 |
Rolling stand, rolling train, and method for rolling metal strip
The invention concerns a rolling stand, a rolling train, and a method for rolling a stepped preprofiled metal strip. In order to guarantee that the metal strip is free of waviness in its longitudinal direction, even after individual thickness reduction of the steps, the invention proposes that the thickness reduction be carried out on a step-specific basis according to the following mathematical relationship: Δhi/hi=Δhi+1/hi+1=ε=constant, where Δhi represents the amount of the thickness reduction in the region of the i-th step, and hi represents the value of the resulting thickness of the metal strip 200 after rolling in the region of the i-th step. |
| US08474293B2 |
Ball autofrettage
The invention relates to a method of increasing the dynamic pressure resistance of a metal component with a tubular inner space, in which a hard metal ball is forced under high pressure through the interior of the tubular inner space, wherein the hard metal ball has a diameter that is greater than the inside diameter of the tubular inner space before the hard metal ball is forced through. |
| US08474292B2 |
Straightening a tube on an expander
A tube extending along a tube axis is straightened by radially outwardly plastically deforming and expanding the tube by means of an expander mandrel and simultaneously bending the tube by applying radially inwardly directed forces to the tube at three points lying on a triangle. One of the points is level with the mandrel on one side of the tube and the other two points axially flank it in axially opposite directions and bear on the other side of the tube. |
| US08474289B2 |
Locking systems
Disclosed are various embodiments of locking systems that include a barrel lock. The barrel lock is configured to damage, deface, and/or capture a key that is inserted into the barrel lock. Additionally, some embodiments include a locking mechanism adapter that can allow the locking mechanism to be operated by a key if the user has knowledge about the properties of the barrel lock. |
| US08474285B2 |
Process for production of glass tubes having at least one tube end section of reduced stress
In the process a glass tube line is drawn from a glass tube production plant and the glass tube is severed from the glass tube line. At the same time the still heated glass tube is subjected to a selective local heat treatment of the at least one tube end section prior to cooling down completely in order to reduce the stresses in the respective tube end section. Not the entire glass tube but instead only the respective tube end section is subjected to the selective local heat treatment. The heat treatment is performed in particular in such a manner that the mechanical tensile stress in the region between 7 mm and 20 mm from the tube end or ends is reduced to below 6.0 MPa, more preferably to below 4.5 MPa. |
| US08474278B2 |
Compressor diagnostic and protection system and method
A method is provided and may include generating a high-side signal indicative of an operating condition of a high-pressure side of a refrigeration circuit and generating a low-side signal indicative of an operating condition of a low-pressure side of the refrigeration circuit. The method may further include processing by a processor the high-side signal and the low-side signal to determine a non-measured system condition and determining by the processor an efficiency of the refrigeration circuit based on the non-measured system condition. |
| US08474275B2 |
Modular absorption heat sink devices for passive cooling of servers and other electronics
A passive heat sink for cooling an electronic component such as a high-performance processor. The heat sink includes a shell with a surface that is positionable adjacent a heat generating surface of the electronic component. The shell includes a heat exchanger portion with cooling fins extending outward and positioned in a fan-provided airflow. A generator compartment is provided within the shell with a generator vessel for containing an absorbent, and the generator compartment is maintained at a pressure lower than ambient. The generator compartment conducts heat away from the electronic component to the absorbent in the generator vessel. An absorber compartment, at a pressure lower than the generator compartment, is provided within the shell above the generator compartment, and, in use, an absorption refrigeration cycle contained within the shell is activated by heat from the electronic component. A bubble pump moves absorbent from the generator compartment to the absorber compartment. |
| US08474274B2 |
Refrigerated container
A cold tray for a container may have an interior. The cold tray may include a cold tray housing mountable within the container interior. A refrigerant may be mounted to the cold tray housing. An air flow source may be fluidly connectable to the cold tray housing and may draw air from the container interior into the cold tray housing such that the air passes over the refrigerant and is discharged back into the container interior. |
| US08474270B2 |
Methods and apparatus for assembling a low noise ejector motive nozzle
A method of assembling an ejector is provided, wherein the method includes providing a motive nozzle tip having a centerline axis and including a nozzle tip edge having at least one protrusion extending through a plane substantially normal to the centerline axis. The method also includes coupling the motive nozzle tip to the ejector. |
| US08474269B2 |
Method of detecting a partial flame failure in a gas turbine engine and a gas turbine engine
A method of detecting a partial flame failure in a gas turbine is provided. The method includes a gas duct to guide a propulsion gas and several combustors, each combustor leads into the gas duct and includes a burner. The method includes measuring a first temperature over time at each of at least two probing points located downstream from the combustors in the gas duct, measuring a second temperature over time in each of at least two of the burners, and detecting a partial flame failure from the first temperature measurements and the second temperature measurements, wherein the detecting of a partial flame failure includes determining a first detection parameter, the first detection parameter is determined from a rate of change of a variation between the first temperature measurements at different probing points. A gas turbine including temperature sensors to detect a partial flame failure is also provided. |
| US08474261B2 |
Steam generation system having a main and auxiliary steam generator
A steam generation system comprises a main steam generator and a back-up steam generator (20) which are both in fluid communication with a super heater (3) for superheating the generated steam. The superheater comprises a main heat source (6) for heating up a flow of heating gas. A back-up evaporator (2) is provided as a back-up steam generator for evaporating supplied water into steam. The back-up evaporator is connected in parallel to the main steam generator. An auxiliary heat source is provided for heating up the back-up evaporator. By controlling the auxiliary heat source (9), it is possible to supply more or less heat energy to the back-up evaporator to compensate for fluctuations in steam production of the main steam generator. The back-up evaporator is positioned away from the flow of heating gasses departing from the main heat source. |
| US08474260B2 |
System and method for producing power from thermal energy stored in a fluid produced during heavy oil extraction
A system and method is disclosed for generating power from thermal energy stored in a fluid extracted during the recovery of heavy oil. The method includes the steps of vaporizing a working fluid in a binary cycle using thermal energy stored in the extracted fluid, converting the vaporized working fluid total energy into mechanical power using a positive displacement expander, and condensing the vaporized working fluid back to a liquid phase. |
| US08474259B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine includes a crankcase which accommodates cylinders, having at least one exhaust turbocharger and having an oil circuit containing at least one oil pump, in which engine oil is siphoned by at least one oil pump and delivered to the cylinders for lubrication, and in which the or each exhaust turbocharger is coupled to the oil circuit such that siphoned engine oil can be distributed to bearings of the respective turbocharger via an inlet line leading to the respective exhaust turbocharger and can then be expelled from the bearings of the respective exhaust turbocharger in the direction of an oil sump via an outlet line leading away from the respective exhaust turbocharger. The respective outlet line of the respective exhaust turbocharger is assigned a pressure limiting device, with the aid of which a vacuum prevailing at the bearings of the respective exhaust turbocharger can be limited. |
| US08474256B2 |
Stirling cycle machine
A Stirling cycle machine. The machine includes at least one rocking drive mechanism which includes: a rocking beam having a rocker pivot, at least one cylinder and at least one piston. The piston is housed within a respective cylinder and is capable of substantially linearly reciprocating within the respective cylinder. Also, the drive mechanism includes at least one coupling assembly having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is connected to the piston and the distal end is connected to the rocking beam by an end pivot. The linear motion of the piston is converted to rotary motion of the rocking beam. Also, a crankcase housing the rocking beam and housing a first portion of the coupling assembly is included. A crankshaft coupled to the rocking beam by way of a connecting rod is also included. The rotary motion of the rocking beam is transferred to the crankshaft. The machine also includes a working space housing the at least one cylinder, the at least one piston and a second portion of the coupling assembly. A seal is included for sealing the workspace from the crankcase. |
| US08474250B2 |
Device and method for the reduction of emissions
An emission reduction device which may be removably affixed to an engine's exhaust system. The device comprises a cylindrical carcass with a beveled opening in a diagonal line in its proximal part. A bobbin is affixed in the distal portion of the carcass. A cylindrical-shaped fibrous blanket may be inserted in the carcass and the fibrous blanket may be wrapped in a wire mesh. A second fiber mesh formed into a cone may be removably inserted in the cylindrical-shaped fibrous blanket with the larger diameter of the cone positioned proximally. |
| US08474248B2 |
Model based method for selective catalyst reducer urea dosing strategy
A method to control NH3 slippage and NOx conversion in an electronic controlled internal combustion engine exhaust system equipped with a selective catalyst reducer, a diesel particulate filter, a diesel oxidation catalyst and a urea doser. |
| US08474246B2 |
Method of operating a particle filter in the exhaust system of a motor vehicle's internal combustion engine
In a method of operating a particle filter in an exhaust system of a motor vehicle internal combustion engine, wherein the particle filter is reconditioned, in intervals, by a soot-burn-off procedure, the amount of noncombustible ashes also collected in the particle filter is reduced by heating the particle filter and supplying to the particle filter, together with the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine, a reducing agent which reacts with the ash deposits so as to chemically convert the ash deposits such that at least non-metallic ash components are decomposed and carried out of the particle filter by the exhaust gas. |
| US08474245B2 |
Exhaust and component temperature estimation systems and methods
An exhaust control system comprises a nominal specific heat module, a correction module, a specific heat determination module, and a convective loss estimation module. The nominal specific heat module determines a nominal specific heat of exhaust input to a component of an exhaust system based on a temperature of the exhaust input to the component and based on a predetermined oxygen content. The correction module determines a specific heat correction based on an oxygen content measured by a sensor. The specific heat determination module determines a specific heat of the exhaust based on the nominal specific heat and the specific heat correction. The convection loss estimation module estimates a convective energy loss rate associated with the component based on the specific heat. |
| US08474242B2 |
Method and system for improving sensor accuracy
A method and system for improving sensor accuracy of diesel emissions is disclosed. The method and system change the sensor reading as a function of sensor age to provide a more accurate measure of the diesel emissions. By estimating the degree of sensor error and then providing a gain correction factor as a function of sensor age, a more accurate measure of the diesel emissions is provided. |
| US08474241B2 |
Engine with intake air temperature control system
A gas turbine engine system includes a gas turbine engine using vaporized liquefied gas as fuel. The gas turbine engine is configured to ingest intake air from an intake port and direct exhaust gases to an exhaust port. The gas turbine engine system also includes a heat exchanger with a heat transfer fluid therein. The heat exchanger is configured to create at least a part of the fuel by heating the liquefied gas. The gas turbine engine system also includes an intake air temperature control circuit. The intake air temperature control circuit includes conduits configured to direct the heat transfer fluid to the intake port and the exhaust port. The gas turbine engine system also includes a control system configured to selectively direct the heat transfer fluid to one of the intake port and the exhaust port. |
| US08474240B1 |
Regenerative gas generator
Systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that overcome the deficiencies of traditional steam engines and internal combustion engines. In an embodiment, a system is disclosed for generating reaction products having elevated temperature and pressure. The system comprises a first chamber including a reactor to decompose hydrogen peroxide to generate oxygen and water vapor. The system further comprises a second chamber including a reactor to catalytically combust a mixture of the generated oxygen and a fuel to generate reaction products having elevated temperature and pressure. The system further comprises a passageway to receive reaction products exiting the second chamber and to channel the reaction products to come into contact with external surfaces of the first and second chambers to thereby transfer heat to the first and second chambers, and an outlet to allow the reaction products to exit the system. |
| US08474238B2 |
Solderless linking method and structure for jewelry
A jewelry link assembly and method in which successive links are slipped onto prior links and are held together without the need for soldering between adjacent links. An infinitely hinged connection between adjacent links is formed permitting substantial flexibility when the hinged link bracelet assembly is so constructed. |
| US08474237B2 |
Colored lines and methods of making colored lines
Colored monofilament ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin lines, and methods of making such colored lines are disclosed. The colorant can result in a product that provides a visual indication of metered length. When the colorant has a luminescent response to ultraviolet or infrared light, a line can change color based on the environmental conditions to which it is exposed. Methods of making the line can include feeding a substantially untwisted multifilament ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin yarn; coating the substantially untwisted multifilament yarn with at least one colorant; twisting the coated multifilament yarn; and heating the twisted multifilament yarn to a temperature and for a time sufficient to at least partially fuse adjacent filaments together while stretching the yarn. |
| US08474236B2 |
Multibundle metal fiber yarn
A new metal fiber yarn is provided. The metal fiber yarn (10) constitutes a construction comprising continuous metal fibers (13) forming a metal fiber yarn. The construction comprises at least 5 bundles (12) of continuous metal fibers twisted together to form a yarn. Each of the metal fiber bundles (12) comprises at least 30 metal fibers (13). The yarn comprises at least one partial yarn (11), said partial yarn comprising at least two metal fiber bundles (13) twisted around each other with a predetermined number of torsions per meter. |
| US08474234B2 |
Machine for manufacturing strands from wires
A machine for manufacturing strands from wires is disclosed. The machine comprises a first support for supporting a bobbin, wherein a rotor can rotate around a main axis for stranding wires and winding or unwinding around the main axis a strand or the like comprising these wires, while the first support can move along the main axis, which rotor is provided with a second support which rotates with the rotor around the main axis and can move along the main axis for supporting the bobbin, wherein the first support and/or the second support rotate the bobbin around the main axis when the rotor rotates around the main axis. |
| US08474232B2 |
Wide sweep rake, windrow diverter and baling apparatus incorporating same
A combination rake and hay baling apparatus including a baler, a hay rake with extendable sweep arms and a plurality of rakes having tines attached to the sweep arms mounted to a tow bar pulling the baler, and a windrow diverter mounted to the tow bar behind the rake and in front of a hay pick-up of the baler, all of which is pulled and powered simultaneously by a single tractor. |
| US08474229B2 |
Daily horn wrap
The present invention is a wrap designed to protect the saddle horn when a lariat rope is dallied around it and pressure applied, as when roping cattle in the sports of team and calf roping. The horn wrap consists of a strap having desired elasticity and durability, as well as a sufficient coefficient of friction. The horn wrap can have one or two apertures at the tips which can be pulled over the saddle horn and act to attach the horn wrap to the saddle horn. Generally anticipated to be in a generally bell shape, the attachment pieces act to protect the saddle pommel near the base of the saddle horn. The horn wrap may be beveled near its edges so as to allow for smooth layers on the saddle horn which can increase the contact of the rope to the saddle horn to increase the friction resisting the dally sliding when weight is applied to the rope. |
| US08474224B2 |
Turntable apparatus for wrapping machine
Apparatus for a wrapping machine for wrapping a product with a film made of plastics, comprising a table which rotates around a wrapping axis and which supports the product to be wrapped, a frame provided with a plurality of supporting wheels, which are mounted free to rotate around respective rotating axes and which support the table, wherein the supporting wheels are connected to the frame so that the respective rotating axes are tiltable with respect to a supporting plane of the apparatus. |
| US08474220B2 |
Premanufactured roof plate element
A prefabricated roof plate element (4), including one or more longitudinal box-shaped girders (24), each having two predominantly U-shaped metal sections (10, 18) which at mutually facing, open sides are interconnected along narrow outwards bent lateral edges (5). The girders (24) are connected at upper and lower sides (19) corrugated in longitudinal direction which office corrugated metal plates (7) which are corrugated in a transverse direction and have approximately the same width as the roof plate element (4). The girders (24) are disposed along opposed sides and at a center of the roof plate element (4). One of the sections (10, 18) is shorter than another one of the sections to forming eaves (6). |
| US08474217B2 |
Framing aid
A portable jig used in light frame construction has a rigid body formed from a resilient material that is approximately rectangular in shape with a central planar web with a peripheral, perpendicular flange, and at least three saddles, attached to the central planar web. The jig also possesses a vertical framing flange that extends from one of the saddles and is parallel to the central planar web. The longitudinal axes of at least two of the saddles are parallel to each other and are spaced apart in conformity with standard building code spacing. The longitudinal axis of at least one of the remaining saddles is perpendicular to the aforementioned parallel saddles. These saddles are used to position the vertical framing elements at the desired spacing and at the same time ensure that they perpendicular to the horizontal framing elements. |
| US08474216B1 |
Method and apparatus for constructing drilling platforms without driven pins
A drilling platform constructed from columns of box support members. Each column has one or more spreader support brackets extending toward another spreader support bracket on an opposite column. Outwardly flaring locking arms rise from the spreader support brackets. A locking aperture is contained in the flared portion of each locking arm. The mouth of the aperture is preferably at about a thirty degree angle to its base so that the mouth is generally facing up. Spreader beams connect the columns. Each spreader beam has a locking pin at each end. The spreader beams are lowered onto the support arms of each column. As they are lowered, the locking pins are aligned to engage the locking apertures and thereby secure the spreader beams to the columns. Once the spreader beams are in place, a work platform can be built on top of the columns and spreader beams. |
| US08474213B2 |
Frame member for structure
A frame member is provided for a structure. The frame member includes a generally flat, elongated first surface having an elongated slot therein extending along an axis. The slot is defined by first and second converging sidewalls lying in corresponding planes which are at acute angles to the first surface. A first diverging outer abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the first converging sidewall and a second diverging outer abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the second converging sidewall. A first diverging inner abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the second converging sidewall and a second diverging inner abutment wall is generally perpendicular to the first converging sidewall. |
| US08474209B2 |
Precision surface technology
A laminate flooring system includes planks with tile patterns thereon, the tiles of a plank being separated by a precisely formed and positioned interior bevel. The edges of the plank have a bevel as well. The width of the edge bevel is precisely determined and selected such that when two planks are placed adjacent to each other, the adjacent edge patterns combine to form a bevel whose with and appearance is the same as the interior bevels between the tiles of a single plank. |
| US08474208B2 |
Floor panel containing a polymer and cork
A vinyl floor panel for a flooring system prepared from a blend of a polymer and cork granules. The floor panel includes top and bottom surfaces with a first layer between both surfaces. A printed pattern is located on the top surface. The first layer is prepared from a blend of a polymer polyvinyl chloride and cork granules, where the cork granules are evenly distributed with the polyvinyl chloride throughout the length, width, and thickness of the first layer. |
| US08474203B1 |
Multistory residential building with private stairway accessible units
A multistory residential building provides private access to each unit in order to eliminate breezeways and common stairwells. If a unit is located on the first level, private access is provided by a privately used front door disposed on an end wall of the residential building. Units that are located on the second and third floors are accessed by privately used front doors on internal stairways, wherein said stairways are secluded and inaccessible to other residents and guests. The front doors of the third-floor units are located on intermediate landings wherein access to each landing is provided by a semi-private monumental stairway. The front doors located on the second and third floors are disposed on end wall opposite the end wall having the first floor doors. Accordingly, it is unnecessary to provide breezeways and common stairways connecting all the floors of each building to provide access to each unit. |
| US08474202B2 |
Extruded seal plate for horizontal insulated composite architectural panel vertical end joints
A seal plate for building panels includes an elongate body having a first side and a second side. The first side of the elongate body includes first and second seals and a recessed channel. The first and second seals and the recessed channel extend at least a portion of the length of the elongate body. The recessed channel is positioned between the first and second seals. |
| US08474201B2 |
One-piece integrated composite wall foundation and floor slab system
A unitary, composite wall foundation and floor slab structure and system is provided by a pre-stressed cast concrete structure having a wall foundation region, a floor slab region and a transitional region therebetween and strands passing through all of those regions. One or more such structures are also post-tensioned using cables passing through tube embedded in the cast concrete structure and, when a plurality of such structures are employed in a modular manner, such post-tensioning draws all such modules into a larger unitary composite wall foundation and floor slab structure. The transition region may be further reinforced by angular reinforcing elements. Intermediate and end sections of varied shape may be used to complete the structure. |
| US08474199B2 |
Sprinkler mounting device
A sprinkler mounting device, in which an open-type mounting bracket for mounting a reducer having a head is temporarily joined to a support bar, thereby preventing a separation of the mounting bracket from the support bar during work. |
| US08474197B2 |
Panel for sheathing system and method
The panel includes a water resistant barrier layer secured atop its outward facing surface. The water resistant barrier layer includes a skid resistant surface. The panels are made of lignocellulosic material. The water resistant and skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. A method for manufacturing the water resistant building panels is also disclosed and includes the steps of feeding paper onto a forming belt, depositing lignocellulosic material and the binding agent onto the forming belt so as to form a lignocellulosic mat, applying heat and pressure so as to impart the skid resistant surface on the paper, and cutting panels to predetermined sizes. |
| US08474195B1 |
Storage reservoir wall system
A storage reservoir wall system having one or more wall units, a wall unit having a wall first side, a wall second side, a wall first end having a first end mounting attachment, a wall second and having a second end mounting attachment, a wall top, a wall bottom, one or more hollow reservoir chambers constructed from a material that is non-permeable, and one or more liquid access apertures in one or more of the wall first side, wall second side, wall first end, wall second end, wall top, or wall bottom, said liquid access aperture fluidly connecting to the hollow reservoir chamber. |
| US08474194B2 |
Modular prefabricated house
A prefabricated house including two or more modules, each module having one or more foldable walls. The foldable walls have one or more multi-frame openings. The two or more modules are structured to be joined at one of the one or more multiframe openings. |
| US08474193B2 |
Wall-mounted modular accessory system
A modular accessory system is supportable on a vertical surface such as a wall, an office divider, or the like and includes a support member or base that supports decorative panels and/or functional panels to provide a desired appearance and/or functions for use in an area. The panels are repositionable, and some may be oriented in two or more different orientations on the support base. Engaging members are provided at spaced intervals along each panel, with additional engaging members provided at spaced intervals along the support base. The engaging members along the support base releasably engage the engaging members on the panels to support them on the support base. |
| US08474191B2 |
Motion simulator theater with suspended seating
A motion simulator theater equipped with a passenger carrying apparatus. Passengers move into a boarding space where they board the passenger carrying apparatus, while the passenger carrying apparatus is in a first or boarding position. The theater may be designed so that when in the boarding space, the passengers see no indication that they are in a motion simulation theater. After the passengers have boarded, the carrying apparatus is moved into a second or viewing position, where passengers view 2D or 3D visual images displayed on a screen. This movement may be achieved by lifting or lowering the passenger carrying apparatus from cables or chains attached to a lifting system near the top of the theater. In this design, the movement is substantially vertical. The passenger carrying apparatus typically has multiple rows of seats, which may tilt front to back. |
| US08474190B1 |
Portable modular seating assembly
A portable modular seating assembly (PMSA 10) that is designed to be temporarily or permanently located on a sport field such as a soccer field. The PMSA (10) is comprised of a left structure (12), a right structure (34), a front structure (60), an inner reinforced panel 80 and a central support structure (96). The front structure (60) is attached to the front edges of the left structure (12) and the right structure (34). Between the two structures (12,34) is attached a set of stairs (82). The stairs are bordered by a passage (87) that is attached between the two sets of stairs (82). The PMSA (10) can also be designed to incorporate an indicia viewing structure (110) that can include a removably attached tarp (134) that is attached during periods of inclement weather or bright sunlight. |
| US08474189B1 |
Weather strip for use with frame structures having sharp corners
A weather strip for use with a frame structure having a sharp corner, the weather strip comprising a stem portion and a bulb portion secured to a first end of the stem portion, where the bulb portion has a bulb wall comprising a soft thermoplastic elastomeric material. |
| US08474187B2 |
Shutter with removable louvres
A shutter having a frame, and louvres and having a control mechanism for operating all louvres, louvre drive couplings in each louvre, at least one moveable drive connector member for connecting between each louvre drive coupling, the drive connector member being moveable between engaged and disengaged positions, and having biasing springs for the drive connectors, yieldable to permit movement of the drive connectors out of the engaged positions. |
| US08474186B2 |
Direct drive slider window assembly
A slider window assembly for a motor vehicle includes a peripheral frame, at least one fixed panel located within the frame and adjacent an opening and a slider panel located within the frame and movable between a closed position wherein the slider panel covers the opening and an open position wherein the slider panel does not entirely close the opening. A drive assembly is operably connected to the slider panel to selectively move the slider panel between the closed and open positions. The drive assembly includes a rack secured to the slider panel, an electric motor secured to a fixed position on the slider window assembly, and a gear operably connected to the motor and operably engaging the rack so that operation of the motor in opposite directions moves the slider panel in opposite directions between the closed and open positions. |
| US08474185B2 |
Sliding door suspension with integral linear drive system
A suspension for at least one panel, which is movable along a travel path, is has a guiding profile configured to longitudinally extend along the travel path and to have sidewall sections. The sidewall sections are configured to extend in a direction of the longitudinal extension of the guiding profile and parallel to a vertical extension of the movable panel. In addition, at an end facing away from the movable panel, the sidewall sections are connected to each other by means of a horizontal wall section. At an end facing the guiding profile, the at least one movable panel is received in a guided and supported manner in the guiding profile. A driver member of a linear drive system is operatively connected to the movable panel. In the guiding profile, in a space between the horizontal wall section and the driver member, a reception space is formed, into which a driving profile is fitted and stationarily mounted to the guiding profile, the linear drive system, at least partially, being accommodated in the driving profile and the driving profile being disposed in the guiding profile above a guide of the movable panel. |
| US08474183B2 |
Colored or fragranced horticultural/agricultural products
The present invention relates to horticultural products and a method for making gardening products which have a dye or fragrance added to the products. |
| US08474182B2 |
Hanging planter
A planter capable of being hung from an elevated support includes an open-topped container for containing dirt or potting soil placed therein and a plurality of suspension elements, or cords, which are disposed about and are attached to or act upon the container for suspending the container from an elevated support. The suspension elements extend upwardly from the peripheral edge of the container top and are joined together at a common point disposed above the container for suspension of the planter from the elevated support. In addition, a spacer member is arranged and spaced above the top of the container and cooperates with the suspension elements for preventing the suspension cords from converging toward one another for a distance above the container which corresponds with the spaced distance between the container top and the spacer member. |
| US08474180B2 |
Method and substrate for cultivating a plant
A method for cultivating a plant, wherein a substrate is formed, in which substrate a seed or a root of the plant is placed, which substrate containing the seed or the plant is placed in a holder for the plant to grow, characterized in that at least two substrate parts are formed, with the seed or a root of the plant being placed between said at least two substrate parts before the substrate containing the seed or the plant is placed in the holder. |
| US08474174B2 |
Baited lure
An improved baited lure has a head section and a tail section so that when press fitted together an interior chamber with scent holes is formed for containing bait or scent and/or a rattle. A fish hook is attached to a leader that runs through holes in the head and tail sections so that, as the lure is moved through water, the two sections are held together. One section may have an air pocket for buoyancy when at rest, and a tether may be connected between the two sections so that, in the event the leader is broken, the lure rises to the surface of the water and, even if separated, both sections are retrievable. |
| US08474171B1 |
Breach lock
The breach lock is for use in securing open the breach of an assault rifle during cleaning of the bolt action and the breach between uses of the assault rifle. The breach lock includes a notch along a top of the breach lock and a hole along the breach lock, which define a length. The breach lock is inserted between the upper receiver assembly and the lower receiver assembly so as to prevent any rotation there between. The notch bolts to the upper receiver assembly whereas the hole employs the pin of the assault rifle to engage the lower receiver assembly. The breach lock is simple in installation and removal with use of an assault rifle, and prevents unwanted collapse between the upper and lower receiver assemblies, which would otherwise pinch or injure the hand and fingers of an end user when cleaning. |
| US08474170B2 |
Firearm support devices and related methods
A firearm support device includes a carriage movably coupled to a base structure. Movement of the carriage is restricted to a single axis of direction. The firearm support device may also include an attachment feature for mounting a portion of a firearm and a striker assembly for triggering a projectile. A firearm support device may include a carriage slidably coupled to rails of a base structure restricting movement of the carriage to a single axis of direction. The firearm support device may also include an attachment feature for mounting a firearm and a biasing feature coupled to the carriage and the base structure biasing the carriage in an initial position. A method of testing a firearm may include removing a barrel from a firearm, mounting the barrel to a support device, restricting the barrel to a single axis of movement, and firing a projectile with a firing pin. |
| US08474167B2 |
Information display device
There is disclosed an information display device, which comprises a ground attachment structure having a convex upper face, and a cooperating convex removable, transparent top cover, between which an information display support is arranged. The structure is hollowed-out on its upper face with channels enabling water to flow towards openings for discharging water to the ground. |
| US08474153B2 |
Adaptable shoe cover
The present invention provides a shoe cover to adaptively fit over a shoe. The show cover has a sole, which includes at least two rigid bands of rigid material, disposed on the bottom of the sole and arranged in spaced relation to each other on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the sole, thereby rigidifying the sole. The sole also has an elastic band of the flexible material, spanning longitudinally between the two rigid bands from the front to the rear of the sole, thereby enabling lateral flexibility to adapt to a shoe. The present invention also provides a rigid L-shaped element, each including a first portion on the ground side, a second portion on the side wall, and a fulcrum joining them, to clamp an inserted shoe. A double injection method for producing the above is also provided. |
| US08474146B2 |
Article of footwear with color change portion and method of changing color
An article with a color change portion and a method of changing color is disclosed. The article includes at least one color change portion capable of changing colors. The color change portion can change colors according to one or more performance parameters. The article can be connected to a computer and the color change portion can be controlled using the computer. |
| US08474145B2 |
Locking element adjustment system for cycle shoes
A locking element adjustment system for cycle shoes has a base element and a receiving element. The receiving element serves for the positionally exact arrangement of the locking element in relation to the base element. Adjusting elements are provided on the base element. |
| US08474144B2 |
Safety razor with rotational movement and locking button
A safety razor including a handle having a grip portion and a connection portion secured to the grip portion. The connection portion rotates with respect to the grip portion about a rotational axis. A blade unit is mounted to the connection portion by a connection member. The handle includes an ejector button having a first position locking the connection portion with respect to the grip portion preventing the connection portion from rotating with respect to the grip portion, a second position allowing the connection portion to rotate with respect to the grip portion, and a third position for ejecting the blade unit from the connection portion. |
| US08474142B2 |
Wet razor and electric trimmer assembly
A razor and trimmer combination assembly includes an elongated handle, a razor blade, a trimmer and a motor. The razor blade is disposed at or adjacent a first end of the handle. The trimmer mounts on the handle and includes a moving blade. The motor drives the moving blade. |
| US08474128B2 |
Planarization methods for patterned media disks
A method is provided for forming a plurality of regions of magnetic material in a substrate having a first approximately planar surface. The method comprises the steps of fabricating projections in the first surface of the substrate, depositing onto the first surface a magnetic material in such a way that the tops of the projections are covered with magnetic material, and depositing filler material atop the substrate so produced. The filler material may then be planarized, for example by chemical-mechanical polishing. In an alternative embodiment magnetic material is deposited on a substrate and portions of it are removed, leaving islands of material. Filler material is then deposited, which may be planarized. |
| US08474124B2 |
Tooling system
A tooling system comprises a plurality of elements arranged in an array, the elements of the array being movable between a closed position in which the elements contact one another and are secured in position, and an open position in which the elements of the array are spaced apart and are capable of vertical movement relative to one another, characterized in that the tooling system further comprises means for retaining the elements of the array in a plurality of different relative vertical alignments. A method of operating the tooling system is also described, which method of operating includes at least the steps of moving the elements of the array into a first vertical alignment, machining the free ends of the elements according to a predetermined pattern and moving the elements of the array into a second vertical alignment in which the machined ends of the elements produce a desired surface contour. |
| US08474120B2 |
Bifurcated highly conformable medical device branch access
A method of making a multi-lumen stent graft includes covering a first mandrel that comprises a groove and a back wall of the groove with an innermost polymeric tube; slitting the innermost polymeric tube along the back wall of the groove; placing a second mandrel into the groove of the first mandrel and aligning the second mandrel with the back wall of the groove, deforming the innermost polymeric tube; placing an outermost polymeric tube over the innermost polymeric tube; and cutting an opening in the outermost polymeric tube over the second smaller mandrel, wherein the outermost polymeric tube and innermost polymeric tube comprise a graft member. |
| US08474116B2 |
Method of manufacturing piezoelectric element and method of manufacturing liquid ejection head
A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric element, includes: a heating step of heating a piezoelectric film to a temperature not lower than a temperature at which a coercive electric field of the piezoelectric film becomes not higher than 0 V; an electric field application step of applying, to the piezoelectric film, an applied electric field in an opposite direction to a direction of orientation of the piezoelectric film while maintaining the temperature to which the piezoelectric film is heated in the heating step; and a temperature lowering step of lowering a temperature of the piezoelectric film to a temperature, in degrees Celsius, not higher than ⅓ of the Curie temperature while maintaining the applied electric field of a magnitude not lower than the coercive electric field applied to the piezoelectric film after the electric field application step, and then releasing the applied electric field applied to the piezoelectric film. |
| US08474115B2 |
Apparatus and method for making low tangle texturized roving
A method of collecting a strand using an air stream dissipater comprises texturizing the strand with an air stream on a first side of the air stream dissipater, directing the texturized strand through the air stream dissipater and collecting the texturized strand in a container on the second side of the air stream dissipater. A system for texturizing a strand comprises a texturizer for texturizing the strand with an air stream, a container to collect and hold the texturized strand and an air stream dissipater provided between the texturizer and the container to dissipate excess air from the air stream and prevent the excess air from entering the container. |
| US08474111B2 |
Panel-fastening clips, especially for curtain or lateral airbags
Improvements to panel fastening clips, especially to those used in curtain and/or lateral airbags, of the kinds of clips that are formed by a surface and/or several flexing arms that are designed to be located in the outer part of the panel into whose opening they are inserted, including several feet that are more or less elastic and that tend to converge at their ends in the general shape of an inverted “V” in the direction in which the clip is inserted, as well as several wings whose ends work against the lower surface of said panel and which ensure that said clip is fastened to said panel, characterized by the fact that the ends of said wings have an enlarged working surface against the lower surface of said panel. |
| US08474108B2 |
Clasp held by opposing magnetic forces
A connector with two magnets with like poles facing towards each other. A first magnet of the two magnets is fixedly attached to a support base and female receptacle situated above the same pole of the first magnet. The second magnet is fixedly attached to a male flange adapted for passage through the female receptacle. The male flange and second magnet are further fixedly attached to a length of material which is longer than the female receptacle, such that the male flange remains within the female receptacle in an assembled condition due to a magnetic force pushing each magnet away from the other. Another embodiment includes a method of use, including lining up the male flange into the female receptacle for locking and pushing down and slightly transversely on the male flange to unlock. |
| US08474105B2 |
Detachable synthetic rope connector
A detachable synthetic rope connector with connector body, bale, main load pin sub assembly, and a restraining load sub assembly that permits the use of large diameter synthetic and other mooring components such as cable and chain on offshore work vessels without specialized deck equipment. The inventive connector allows for safe and redundant restraint of a mooring segment in order to provide transfer of the tension load while providing connection features that simplify separation and the reduction of safety risks to vessel working personnel and the environment, and the features allow for the connector to be separated easily while the portion holding the rope is restrained while the bale can be removed. |
| US08474103B2 |
Door hinge
A door hinge includes a fixing member (10) fixed to a door frame (100), an actuation frame (20) fixed to a door (200) to enable the door to be opened and closed, a slider (22) coupled between the actuation frame and the fixing member, a rotatable moving guide plate (30) rotatably moved around the hinge (34) when the door is opened, and configured to forwardly push the slider, a guide roller (18) to resiliently support the rotatable movement of the rotatable moving guide plate, and a connection frame (60) having one end connected to a slot (11) of the fixing member by a pin (62) and the other end connected to the actuation frame by the hinge (24) and forwardly pushed out when the door is opened along with the slider. |
| US08474102B2 |
Hinge assembly
A hinge assembly includes a first pivot unit including a shaft, a bracket, an engaging member, a locking member, and an elastic member. The shaft has a non-circular sleeve portion. The bracket is rotatably sleeved on the shaft. The engaging member has a sleeving hole with a shape substantially corresponding to a cross-section of the sleeve portion of the shaft. The locking member has a sleeving hole with a shape substantially corresponding to a cross-section of the sleeve portion of the shaft. The locking member is non-rotatably latched to the engaging member. The elastic member is sleeved on the shaft to resist the components on the shaft. |
| US08474101B2 |
Hinge mechanism
A hinge mechanism includes two pivot shafts substantially parallel to each other, two main gears non-rotatably respectively sleeved on the pivot shafts, a transmission assembly positioned between the two pivot shafts to transmit a torque of one of the two main gears to the other in a reverse direction, and a connecting member defining two shaft holes. The pivot shafts are respectively rotatably received in the shaft holes. Two contact assemblies are respectively mounted on the pivot shafts abutting the connecting member. One of the connecting member and each main gear forms at least one detent, and the other defines at least one recess correspondingly. The at least one detent is received in the at least one recess. |
| US08474100B2 |
Combination of a hinge for doors or wings and a damping device
Described is a combination of a hinge for doors or wings and a damping device in which the hinge (2) is composed of a first fastening arm (7), a second fastening arm (8) and a connecting system (9) interposed between the first and the second fastening arm (7, 8) in such manner as to make them reciprocally mobile; and in which the damping device (3) is associated with the hinge (2) at a mounting position where the damping device (3) and the hinge (2) are positioned close to each other; the damping device (3) comprises a mounting case (10), a cylinder and piston unit (11) hinged to the mounting case (10), an actuating rod (12) and a drive unit (13) interposed between the cylinder and piston unit (11) and the actuating rod (12) in order to impart to the piston (26) and cylinder (27) a relative sliding movement; the actuating rod (12) extends into the hinge (2) and is movable in a straight line between a first, extracted position, where it extends freely into the open hinge (2), and a second, retracted position, where it is in contact with a thrust surface (17) of the closed hinge (2). |
| US08474097B2 |
Roller assembly
A hardware system for mounting a structure includes at least one roller assembly and a base surface. A roller assembly includes a substantially round outer ring, a substantially round inner ring, and a frame that structurally engages at least a portion of a side surface of the inner ring. The frame and the side surface of the inner ring remain stationary with respect to each other when the outer ring rotates about its axis of rotation. One or more roller assembl(ies) may be included within a hardware system for mounting a structure such as a door panel, a window panel, a window covering, a decoration or the like that is able to be rolled along a base surface by the roller assembly. |
| US08474094B2 |
Cleaner head
A cleaner head for a cleaning appliance includes a housing, a sole plate for engaging with the floor surface, the sole plate comprising a suction opening through which dirt-bearing air enters the cleaner head, and a flexible annular seal located between the sole plate and the housing to allow the housing to move relative to the sole plate to reduce the force exerted on the sole plate by the housing, thereby allowing the sole plate to ride over the floor surface during a cleaning operation. The cleaner head includes at least one floor engaging support member connected to the housing for restricting the movement of the housing towards the sole plate to prevent the housing from pushing the sole plate against the floor surface. |
| US08474091B2 |
Cleaning appliance
A cleaning appliance of the canister type includes a substantially spherical floor engaging rolling assembly including a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid flow and a device for acting on the fluid flow received through the inlet, and a plurality of floor engaging support members for supporting the rolling assembly as it is maneuvered over a floor surface. |
| US08474088B2 |
Windshield wiper
A windshield wiper includes a wiper post and a connection unit which is used to connect the wiper post and a wiper arm. The wiper rod has a bottom connected with a rubber blade. The wiper post has an opening at a central portion thereof, a recess at a central bottom of the opening, and a resilient plate disposed on the recess. One end of the resilient plate is connected with the bottom of the opening, and another end of the resilient plate is suspended above the recess and has an engaging buckle. The opening has protruding steps which are formed at two sides of the resilient plate. The protruding steps each have a vertical surface formed with a lumpy section. The connection unit is detachably mounted in the opening of the wiper post. The connection unit has a bottom formed with a protruding platform corresponding to the opening. The protruding platform has a slide trough at a central portion thereof corresponding to the resilient plate. Two sides of the protruding platform each have a vertical surface formed with a lumpy portion corresponding to the lumpy section of the opening. |
| US08474087B1 |
Sandpaper cleaner
A first base layer includes capability to attach the sandpaper cleaner to an appendage of the user, either elastic memory in the first embodiment, a pocket allowing the device to be worn on the hand as a mitt or, alternatively, belt-receiving slots or a protrudable flap for insertion into a user's pocket. A second layer is bonded to the upper surface of the first and features a material such as flocked foam for clearing accumulated particulate from the grit of the abrasive of the sandpaper. |
| US08474080B2 |
Construction method of steel composition girder bridge
A construction method of a steel composite girder bridge includes installing steel girders on piers and forming shearing connectors on the steel girders at intervals of a predetermined distance, installing stagings and a first form for casting deck concrete in the steel girders, installing non-composite members in an upper flange of the steel girders to form each non-composite section of supporting points, installing a second form around each of the shearing connectors to form a shearing pocket, arranging sheath pipes in the supporting points and forming supporting point decks by casting and curing concrete, applying pre-stress to each section of the supporting point decks through the sheath pipes and performing a grouting process, forming span decks adjacent to the supporting point decks by casting and curing concrete in each span between the piers, and filling the shearing pockets with non-shrinkage mortar. |
| US08474079B1 |
Body support pillow assembly
A body support pillow assembly is provided for holding a person in an upright position facilitating eating, performing certain tasks, or inhibiting acid reflux. The assembly includes a wedge having a top surface and a bottom surface. A pair of opposed side walls is coupled to the wedge and each of the side walls extends upwardly from a perimeter edge of the upper surface of the wedge. A pair of opposed arms grooves is provided. Each arm groove is positioned in a respective one of the side walls. A neck support is coupled to and extends between upper ends of the side walls. |
| US08474078B2 |
Slow acting pocketed spring core having cushioning material
Spring cushions (10) having slow-acting pocketed spring cores (12) characterized by the individual springs of the cores (12) being pocketed within semi-impermeable fabric material and a method of making such pocketed spring cores (12). Cushioning material is located between adjacent rows of pocketed springs to reduce noise. |
| US08474075B2 |
Bed
A movable bed of the present invention, which includes a mat portion of a bed to lie thereon, and is composed of a fixed portion and a moving portion, is designed as a wheel chair in such a manner that the moving portion can be separated from or joined to the fixed portion and be transformed from a lying posture state to a sitting posture state, and when the moving portion is joined to the fixed portion so as to form the movable bed, an upper surface of a resting portion, allowing a person to carry thereon, of the moving portion and an inner surface of an armrest portion are configured to form a mat surface of the mat portion of the movable bed. |
| US08474071B2 |
Self-deployable cot
A self-deployable device (1) for a child, comprising an arcuate structure (110, 120) capable of supporting in the deployed state at least one wall (20) made of flexible material defining a space for receiving a child, and at least one stiffener bar (200, 201) to withstand bearing against the arcuate structure. Just one (210, 211) of the two ends of the bar is secured to the arcuate structure by a fixed connection, such that said bar is able to remain connected to the arcuate structure when said structure passes from the folded-up state to the deployed state and/or vice versa. |
| US08474068B2 |
Trench shower drain
A shower trench drain apparatus includes a shower trench drain body of polymeric material having an integrally-formed drain channel with angled bottom surface and drain opening or openings, a waterproof membrane over the drain body, a clamp ring retaining the membrane to the drain body, and a grate adjustably retained to the drain body by a height adjustment mechanism. The trench drain body formed from a block of material such as PVC or ABS, which are compatible with approved plumbing materials and codes. The block has a flat bottom adapted for horizontal support during installation and includes integrally-formed features facilitating adjustment during installation while minimizing components and separate parts and simplicity of installation. |
| US08474065B2 |
Device and method for adjusting fabric
An apparatus used in adjusting a garment or a piece of fabric and a method for implementing the same. The apparatus includes a bottom piece of fabric attached to a top piece of fabric and a piece of elastic sized to fit between the top and bottom pieces of fabric. The top piece of fabric includes two openings, one toward each end, through which the elastic piece fits. The elastic piece includes a plurality apertures sized to be able to receive buttons, which buttons are attached to the top and bottom pieces of fabric and buttoned through a corresponding aperture in the elastic piece. |
| US08474064B2 |
Ear hole cover for headgear
An ear hole cover secures to an ear hole in headgear, such as baseball and football helmets. The ear hole cover has a body having an inner surface and a planar outer surface. Means are included for securing the body to the ear hole in the headgear. At least one hole extends through the body from the outer surface to the inner surface, the at least one hole for passing sound through the body to an ear of a wearer of the headgear. An indicia surface extends across the planar outer surface for displaying an indicia, such as a team logo or mascot. |
| US08474062B2 |
Calf and ankle thermal protection device for motorcyclists
The present invention provides a device for securing to the calf, shin and foot of a motorcycle user, to afford protection against heated exhaust parts and emissions therefrom. The device comprises a bi-layered material, with an aesthetically pleasing outer layer and thermally resistant inner layer. The device secures to the shin using adjustable elastic straps and securing snaps. The device features an optional ankle protector of the same bi-layered material attached to the bottom of the main bi-layered pad. Further, the optional ankle protector rolls up and secures into a stowed position to maintain maximum flexibility when not in use. |
| 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. |
| US08478536B2 |
Method for determining the concentration of blood glucose
The present invention provides a method for determining concentration of blood glucose by using the change in the rising time. The chemical reaction between the blood glucose and enzyme within the test strip to generate the analog source that used to determine the concentration of the blood glucose in the measuring meter. Thus, the rising curve can be obtained after the analog source is treated, such that the concentration of the blood glucose can be determined. |
| US08478535B2 |
Systems and methods that utilize machine learning algorithms to facilitate assembly of aids vaccine cocktails
The subject invention provides systems and methods that facilitate AIDS vaccine cocktail assembly via machine learning algorithms such as a cost function, a greedy algorithm, an expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm, etc. Such assembly can be utilized to generate vaccine cocktails for species of pathogens that evolve quickly under immune pressure of the host. For example, the systems and methods of the subject invention can be utilized to facilitate design of T cell vaccines for pathogens such HIV. In addition, the systems and methods of the subject invention can be utilized in connection with other applications, such as, for example, sequence alignment, motif discovery, classification, and recombination hot spot detection. The novel techniques described herein can provide for improvements over traditional approaches to designing vaccines by constructing vaccine cocktails with higher epitope coverage, for example, in comparison with cocktails of consensi, tree nodes and random strains from data. |
| US08478534B2 |
Method for detecting discriminatory data patterns in multiple sets of data and diagnosing disease
A comprehensive analysis procedure for analyzing and comparing multiple sets of data to detect hidden discriminatory data patterns. The inventive procedure identifies a best subset of markers for optimal discrimination between two or more sets of data. A point-wise test on two or more sets of data is performed to calculate test statistic values and to generate a statgram, a two- or higher- dimensional map of the test statistic values along the range of data. A threshold is then determined for isolating critical regions of the statgram at each significance level to provide candidate markers. A subset of markers from the candidate markers is then selected to discriminate among the sets of data. The two or more sets of data are classified using the subset of markers. |
| US08478533B2 |
Method and system for passive electroseismic surveying
A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation. |
| US08478530B2 |
Using multicomponent induction data to identify drilling induced fractures while drilling
A method for identifying drilling induced fractures while drilling a wellbore into a formation is disclosed. The method includes: obtaining multi-component induction data collected by a drill string including a multi-component induction tool; processing the data to estimate values for principal components; and identifying drilling induced fractures from the principal components. An instrument and a computer program product are disclosed. |
| US08478528B2 |
Methods of wirelessly adding navigational content to a personal navigation device
A method of wirelessly adding navigational content to a personal navigation device includes changing a mode of the personal navigation device to pairing standby mode, adding navigational content to a computing device, and establishing a direct wireless connection between the personal navigation device and the computing device to add navigational content to the personal navigation device from the computing device when the personal navigation device and the computing device are within range of each other for establishing a wireless connection. |
| US08478521B2 |
Method and terminal for providing a route in a navigation system using satellite image
A method and a terminal for providing a route in a navigation system using a satellite image are provided. The terminal includes a route calculation unit for calculating a route from a current location to a destination when a user inputs the destination, a satellite image requesting unit for requesting a satellite image server for satellite images corresponding to locations on the route and for downloading the requested satellite images, a satellite image storage unit for storing the downloaded satellite images, and a controller for retrieving a satellite image corresponding to the current location from the satellite image storage unit and for displaying the retrieved satellite image simultaneously while downloading the satellite images corresponding to the locations on the route. |
| US08478519B2 |
Providing results to parameterless search queries
In one implementation, a computer-implemented method includes receiving a parameterless search request, which was provided to a mobile computing device, for information that is relevant to a user of the mobile computing device. The method also includes, in response to the received parameterless search request, identifying with a digital computer system one or more results that are determined to be relevant to the user of the mobile computing device based upon a current context of the mobile computing device. The method further includes providing the results for display to a user of the mobile computing device. |
| US08478516B2 |
Method and system for providing navigation assistance on a mobile device
Methods and systems for providing navigation assistance on a mobile device are provided. A method may include extracting information from at least one of a first map image and an address image, wherein the first map image is a digitized picture of a non-digitized map and the address image is a digitized picture of a non-digitized written address. The method may also include communicating the extracted information to a mapping service server. The method may further include receiving, from the mapping service server in response to communicating the extracted information, a second map image including routing information for assisting navigation of a user of a mobile device. The method may additionally include displaying the second map image including the routing information. |
| US08478515B1 |
Collaborative driving directions
Methods and systems for generating directions are disclosed. In an embodiment of the invention, there is a system that includes a human-provided directions module for receiving and processing human-provided directions, a database for storing human-provided directions processed by the human-provided directions module, and a directions generator for receiving a directions query from a client. In response to the query, the directions generator accesses the database, retrieves at least one human-provided direction, generates a set of directions based thereupon, and provides the set of generated directions to the client. |
| US08478512B2 |
Real-time traffic condition measurement using network transmission data
In embodiments of the present invention, data that is transmitted over a network that is utilized by cell phones within multiple automobiles may be used to calculate real-time traffic conditions, including but not limited to the time it will take to travel a certain distance using a given route. Real-time traffic conditions may be calculated by, for example, measuring real-time traffic density for a specific geographic region. Traffic conditions and traffic density may be calculated using parameters including, but not limited to, a time of day, a day of the week corresponding to the real-time calculation of the traffic condition measure, a weather condition corresponding to the real-time calculation of the traffic condition measure; or some other parameter relating to traffic conditions. This real-time traffic condition data may be manually accessed by a user from their cell phone or automatically provided to a user's cell phone. |