| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08485769B2 |
Self-tapping screw
A self-tapping screw is disclosed. The screw includes a shaft which has a first end and an opposing second end with a load-engaging structure, and a thread that extends at least in sections over the length of the shaft. Several wear indicators are provided on the thread. Identifiers are provided on the screw for identifying the wear indicators. |
| US08485768B2 |
Connecting flange, particularly for an electric terminal
The invention relates to a connecting flange for an electric terminal, comprising a housing and a duct provided thereon for receiving a screw, wherein the duct has a duct wall made of an elastic material, on which a safety device is configured such that the screw can be captively received by the duct when not screwed in. A free cross-section of the safety device and the largest cross-section of the screw have different shapes, wherein the length of an interior circumference of the safety device is adapted to the length of the exterior circumference of the screw. |
| US08485767B2 |
Cutter-tooling assembly
A cutter-tooling assembly has a tool holder and a cutter. The tool holder has an inserted section and a through hole axially formed through the inserted section. The through hole has a fixing segment. The fixing segment has an inner surface and multiple recesses formed around the inner surface of the fixing segment at intervals. The cutter is inserted into the through hole of the tool holder and has a fixing end. The fixing end has an outer surface and multiple corners formed on the outer surface of the fixing end and abutting the recesses. Because the fixing segment has the multiple recesses which the corners of the cutter abut, the combination of the recesses and the corners can prevent a relative rotation between the tool holder and the cutter and make the cutter securely connected with the tool holder. |
| US08485765B2 |
Indexable insert and use of the indexable insert in a solid drill
An indexable insert for solid drills has four identical cutting edges (30) arranged at a distance above a supporting base (42) and each extending between two cutting-edge corners (28′, 28′). The cutting edges are each bounded by a cutting face (46) and a clearance face (48), with the inclusion of a wedge angle (b). Of the cutting edges (30), one in each case is in an active operating position during the drilling operation. To permit optimum adaptation to the cutting conditions and drilling characteristics, varying over the length of the cutting edge of the drilling tool, it is proposed according to the invention that the height (h) of the four cutting edges (30), measured from the plane of the supporting base (42), and/or the clearance angle (a) varies over the length of the respective cutting edges (30). |
| US08485764B2 |
Cutting insert, cutting tool, and method of manufacturing machined product using the same
A cutting insert according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an upper surface; a lower surface; a side surface; and a cutting edge which is located in an intersection region of the upper surface and the side surface, and includes a major cutting edge, a flat cutting edge, and a minor cutting edge located between the major cutting edge and the flat cutting edge. The cutting edge reaches a top portion thereof while being inclined upward from the flat cutting edge to the major cutting edge with respect to a reference plane perpendicular to a central axis of the cutting insert in a side view. The cutting edge is thereafter inclined downward with respect to the reference plane. A peripheral cutting edge angle of the minor cutting edge is larger than a peripheral cutting edge angle of the major cutting edge. A cutting tool including the cutting insert; and a method of manufacturing a machined product using the cutting tool are provided. |
| US08485762B2 |
Internal broaching tool
An internal broaching tool for broaching profiles delimited by a root and flanks in one aspect arranges a relief part between the toothed part and the calibration part. The calibrating broaching teeth in adjacent rows on the calibration part have a guiding flank (without a clearance angle or with a maximum negative clearance angle of 0.1°) and a cutting flank (with a positive clearance angle). The guiding flanks and the cutting flanks on the calibrating broaching teeth located behind each other in the direction opposite the broaching direction are alternately offset relative to each other in adjacent rows. The position, shape, and size of each guiding flank located downstream in relation to the direction opposite the broaching direction are associated with the position, shape, and size of the associated cutting flank (or the flank of the broaching tooth) in the preceding row. |
| US08485760B2 |
Tire georeinforcing system
A georeinforcing system, comprising a plurality of georeinforcement elements, each georeinforcement element formed from one or more basic connector pieces having one or more tire treads and one or more tire sidewalls fastened together in an alternating pattern with non-metallic screws. The plurality of georeinforcement elements are attached to a facing element and surrounded in particulate matter to support the facing element. |
| US08485756B2 |
Heated liquid nozzles incorporated into a moldboard
A motorized vehicle comprises a vehicle frame with a forward and rearward end. A rotary degradation drum is connected to an underside of the frame. A moldboard is disposed rearward to the rotary degradation drum and forms part of a milling chamber. The moldboard comprises an end disposed opposite the underside. A plurality of nozzles are disposed proximate the end of the moldboard and are configured to direct a fluid into the milling chamber. A heating mechanism is configured to heat the fluid. |
| US08485752B2 |
Tolerance ring and assembly with deformable projections
A method of assembling a tolerance ring between opposing surfaces of an inner and outer component arranged to mate with one another to provide an interference fit therebetween includes mounting the tolerance ring on one of the inner and outer components whereby the projections are received in a recessed portion on that component, partially mating the inner and outer components, and completing mating by causing relative movement between the tolerance ring and the recessed portion to move the projections from the recessed portion and to be compressed between the mated inner and outer components. The tolerance ring includes an annular band of resilient material for engaging an opposing surface of one of the inner and outer components. The annular band has a plurality of deformable projections extending radially therefrom to engage the opposing surface of the other one of the inner and outer components. |
| US08485746B2 |
Cutting device and tape printing apparatus equipped therewith
A cutting device which carries out a cutting operation on a tape-like member in a width direction thereof, includes: a cutter operation mechanism, as well as making a cutting start position different between a full cutting and a half cutting in the cutting preparation operation, causes a cutter unit to carry out a first cutting operation, which causes the cutter unit to move in the width direction from the cutting start position to a predetermined position, and a second cutting operation, which causes the cutter unit to advance from the predetermined position to the cutting completion position in a direction approximately perpendicular to a tape surface of the tape-like member, on the tape-like member in the cutting operation. |
| US08485743B1 |
Managing project information with a hand-propelled device
A hand-propelled printer/scanner is disclosed for use in updating a project document, such as any diagram, schematic, floor plan, or other document. The project document is updated with revision drawings and/or notes printed by the hand-propelled printer/scanner directly on an existing project document. The hand-propelled printer/scanner is sized for single hand use and is moved about on the project document for printing the revisions and notes. A position module provides absolute position data so that the revisions and notes are printed at the correct locations on the existing document. Use of the hand-propelled printer/scanner allows project documents to be updated on the job site, as an example. |
| US08485742B2 |
Focal plane shutter and optical apparatus
A focal plane shutter includes: a board including an opening; blades capable of opening and closing the opening; a drive lever swingably supported, holding a movable iron piece and driving the blades; a self-holding type solenoid capable of adsorbing to the movable iron piece by a given attraction force in a non-energized state, and reducing the given attraction force in an energized state; a biasing member biasing the drive lever to move the drive lever away from the self-holding type solenoid; and a set member moving the drive lever to abut the drive lever with the self-holding type solenoid, wherein the self-holding type solenoid is energized to reduce the given attraction force when the drive lever is swung by the set member to abut the movable iron piece with the self-holding type solenoid. |
| US08485741B1 |
Intensified pinhole camera system
A method and apparatus for generating an image. Light is passed though an opening of a housing. The light has an intensity. At least a portion of the light received through the opening is increased using an intensifier unit to form intensified light. The intensified light is converted into a number of signals for the image using an image detection system located inside of the housing. |
| US08485734B2 |
Ball bearing, and a motor vehicle fitted with such a bearing
This ball bearing (1) forms an axial force transmission member and comprises an inner ring (3) and an outer ring (4), and a single series of balls (6) placed in a rolling chamber between the inner ring (3) and the outer ring (4). A first ring (4), amongst the inner ring (3) and the outer ring (4), forms a travel track (411) in a section of a sphere centered on a geometric point (C4) belonging to an axis of symmetry (X4) of this first ring (4). The first ring (4) supports a seal (11) insulating the rolling chamber relative to the outside. The second ring (3), amongst the inner ring (3) and the outer ring (4), is provided with a sealing zone (314) designed to interact with the seal and in the shape of a section of a sphere centered on a second geometric point (C3) belonging to an axis of symmetry (X3) of the second ring. The radii (R3, R4) of the sections of a sphere are different. In the installed configuration of the bearing, the first geometric point (C4) and second geometric point (C3) are superimposed and offset axially, along the axis of symmetry (X3) of the second ring (3), relative to the series of balls. |
| US08485733B2 |
Roller bearing cage and roller bearing
A cage is formed of a plurality of spacers that are arranged along a circumference of a same circle. Each spacer includes: first, second and third cage bars extending in substantially an axial direction of the circle and located at intervals from each other; a first coupling portion that couples an end portions of the first and second cage bars at one of the axial direction; and a second coupling portion that couples the other end portions of the second and third cage bars at the other one of the axial direction. The first cage bar, the second cage bar and the first coupling portion define a first pocket that is open at the other one of the axial direction side, and the second cage bar, the third cage bar and the second coupling portion define a second pocket that is open at the one of the axial direction side. |
| US08485728B2 |
Resealable packaging
A package including a package body having closed ends, at least one of the closed ends being openable. A reclosable member including a band disposed on the package body, the band being adjacent to and encircling the openable closed end. The reclosable member maintains the at least one of the openable end in a closed condition after opening thereof. The openable end is selectively and repeatedly openable and reclosable upon manipulation of the package body. |
| US08485727B2 |
Multiple chamber container
A multiple chamber container for separately storing components of a parenteral nutritional formulation is provided. The multiple chamber container may include frangible barriers, preferably peelable seals separating the chambers from each other. The container preferably facilitates the selective activation of the peelable seals to permit the admixing of less than all the separately stored components. The container may include a chamber positioned at each of the opposite lateral ends of the container and at least one additional chamber between the lateral chambers. The at least one additional chamber may have a longitudinal length substantially less than the longitudinal length of at least one of the lateral chambers. This configuration allows for selective opening of the seals since when rolling the container from the top avoids pressurizing the at least one additional chamber and inadvertent activation of a seal. The longitudinal length of the at least one additional chamber may be from about two-thirds to about three-fourths the longitudinal length of at least one of the lateral chambers. Alternatively, the container may include a hanger flap extending from a top end of the container towards the bottom end a substantially greater distance relative to the at least one additional chamber than the lateral chambers. |
| US08485726B2 |
X-ray imaging apparatus
An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit having an imaging unit power feeding mechanism configured to receive electric power from an external device; a pedestal including a pedestal power feeding mechanism configured to feed the electric power to the imaging unit; and a holder configured to position and hold the imaging unit so that a position of the imaging unit power feeding mechanism coincides with a position of the pedestal power feeding mechanism even if the imaging unit power feeding mechanism is moved with respect to the pedestal power feeding mechanism within a predetermined imaging plane. |
| US08485725B2 |
System and method for detecting an unexpected medium or a change of medium sensed by a thermistor
A system for detecting a change in medium sensed by a thermistor comprises a first module that receives a temperature signal from a thermistor and that calculates a first dissipation factor of the thermistor. A second module receives the first dissipation factor of the thermistor and detects at least one of an unexpected medium and a change in medium based on the first dissipation factor. |
| US08485723B2 |
One-time sensor device
One-time, single-use sensor elements (22, 46) are provided for detecting the occurrence of predetermined conditions such as temperature and elapsed time-temperature. The sensor elements (22, 46) preferably comprise elongated, glass-coated, metal alloy, amorphous or nanocrystalline microwires (30, 48), which can be placed in a position to detect the predetermined condition of interest. An alternating magnetic field detector (28) may be used to continuously or periodically interrogate the sensor elements (22, 46) to determine if the predetermined condition has occurred. In one aspect of the invention, the microwires (30, 48) experience a change in configuration upon the occurrence of the predetermined condition, and have correspondingly different induced remagnetization responses. In another embodiment, a static microwire is provided having an initial bi-stable single domain; when a predetermined time-temperature condition is experienced, multiple domains are established in the microwire, and this can be detected by the detector (28). |
| US08485715B1 |
Blender control apparatus and method
A blender control apparatus and method includes monitoring the operation of a blender motor as a measure of monitoring the quality and results of blending. By connecting a feedback sensor to the motor, it is possible to determine whether a blend process is complete. It is also possible to identify when cavitation is occurring or about to occur. In another aspect, the blender controls are directed to an improved method for portion blending. The method includes a two-step query to the user to determine both a predetermined blender cycle and the number of portions to be blended. |
| US08485712B2 |
Reflector plate and backlight system
The present invention provides a reflector plate and a backlight system. The backlight system includes a reflector plate and a back frame and the back frame carries the reflector plate. The back frame includes at least two primary assembling pieces, the at least two primary assembling pieces being joined to form a main frame structure of the back frame; and the reflector plate has a bottom to which a metal net is mounted for preventing electromagnetic interference. With the above arrangement, the backlight system of the present invention has a back frame having a simple structure, saving material for the back frame, and reducing the cost of the back frame. Further, the present invention integrates a metal net mounted to a bottom of a reflector plate for preventing electromagnetic interference so that a backlight system or device that uses a joined back frame of the present invention can achieve the purpose of preventing electromagnetic interference with an easy manner and thus further reduce the manufacturing cost of backlight system. |
| US08485710B2 |
Backlight module and light-bar fixing structure thereof
The present invention provides a backlight module and a light-bar fixing structure thereof. The light-bar fixing structure of the backlight module is mounted on a sidewall of a rack of the backlight module. The light-bar fixing structure has a plurality of clamping arms that are arranged side by side as a row of teeth and is capable of stably clamping and positioning a light bar of the backlight module. Thus, the light bar can be fixed on the rack without fastening through screws or thermally conductive adhesive tapes, so that mounting and dismounting are both convenient and fast. And dismounting process of the light bar does not need to dismount other components of the backlight module, such that other components of the backlight module can be prevented from being polluted during the dismounting process. |
| US08485708B2 |
Method and system for correcting an optical beam
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for shaping an annular focal spot pattern to allow for more efficient optical coupling to a small gauge optical fiber. An embodiment of the present invention can include an illumination source operable to transmit an optical beam along an optical path, an optical fiber, and a correcting element positioned in the optical path between the illumination source and the optical fiber, the correcting element configured to reshape the optical beam to increase an amount of light received by the optical fiber. |
| US08485705B2 |
Projector type headlamp of maximized light collecting efficiency
An improved light collecting efficiency in a projector type automotive headlamp is achieved by including a curved mirror to re-direct light otherwise absorbed by a rear surface of the blocking cut-off shield in “low beam” operating mode of the headlamp. When the shield is moved to a second non-blocking position, a mirror segment conforms to the curved surface of the substantially ellipsoidal reflector to maximize lumen output in “high beam” operating mode of the headlamp. In addition, auxiliary mirror segments may be used to provide a more complete substantially ellipsoidal reflector configuration that maximizes the light collection efficiency. Preferably, the cap holder is purposefully offset in order to position the centerline of the bowed arc of the arc discharge light source in alignment with the optical axis of the optical system in order to maximize light collection efficiency. |
| US08485703B2 |
Aircraft cabin lighting system and kit therefor
An aircraft cabin lighting kit includes: at least one lighting unit configured for installation in an aircraft cabin; a driving/dimming module generating output signals for controlling illumination of the at least one lighting unit according to command signals from a cabin management system; and at least one wire assembly interfacing the driving/dimming module with a power bus for receiving operational power, and a communication bus for receiving the command signals and for communicating the output signals to the at least one lighting unit. The present aircraft cabin lighting kit is certified by a governmental aviation-regulating body for installation in multiple aircraft. An aircraft cabin lighting system, which includes the kit, is also provided |
| US08485702B2 |
J P support system
A multi-workstation for use in a work area of a garage having a vertically oriented pole with an upper end and a lower end and a light fixture mounted between the upper end and the lower end of the vertically oriented pole. The light fixture is capable of sliding up and down along the pole, rotating about an axis that is perpendicular to the axis of the pole, moving horizontally toward and away from the pole, and rotating about an axis that is perpendicular to the axis of the pole. Locking means is provided to lock the light fixture at a desired height and angle relative to the pole and mounting means is provided to hold the pole in a vertical position. |
| US08485701B2 |
Embedded lamp and replaceable illumination module for the same
An embedded lamp and a replaceable illumination module are disclosed. The embedded lamp includes a lamp cover having a hollow housing, and a top frame fixed on the hollow housing. The replaceable illumination module is received in the hollow housing, and includes a connection base for connecting a lamp set, a middle sleeve received in the connection base, a rotation sleeve received in the middle sleeve and protruding outside the middle sleeve, a stop ring fastened at the top side of the middle sleeve, a rotation locking flake fastened at the top side of the rotation sleeve, and a elastic element for pushing the rotation sleeve. When the replaceable illumination module is pushed, the rotation sleeve is rotated in the middle sleeve and fixed at different locations. The rotation locking flake and an opening of the top frame are unlocked when both are parallel or locked when both are vertical. |
| US08485694B2 |
Illuminated electrical enclosure lid
An apparatus for an illuminated electrical enclosure lid is provided. The lid has a lid body comprising a front face, a rear face, and at least one translucent edge. The translucent edge projects rearward from the rear face and is configured to be fit onto an electrical enclosure. The lid also has a reflective surface coincident with the rear face. The reflective surface reflects light back into the electrical enclosure. The translucent edge is configured to direct light from the illuminated electrical enclosure lid at a plurality of angles. |
| US08485684B2 |
LED roadway luminaire
The luminaire comprises a housing including at least one optical module. The optical module has a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed within a reflector. The reflector includes opposed curved longitudinal walls and opposed curved end walls. |
| US08485683B2 |
Flashlight with light focusing system
A flashlight includes a housing including a hollow interior bound by a chamber wall having opposed inner and outer surfaces; a lens carried by the housing opposing the hollow interior; a light source supported by a movable light source support in the hollow interior; and a focusing assembly for moving the light source relative to the lens in a longitudinal motion comprising an external movable element movably arranged on the outer surface of the chamber wall and coupled with the light source support in the hollow interior for movement with the external movable element. |
| US08485678B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and television set
Provided is a liquid crystal display device, including: a liquid crystal panel having a display region; and a backlight unit disposed below the liquid crystal panel, in which: the backlight unit includes: at least one mounting substrate on which light emitting diodes are mounted; a radiator plate; and a reflection member; the reflection member has a reflection surface which is formed to have a recess surface shape; the light emitting diodes on the at least one mounting substrate are disposed on a bottom portion of the reflection surface; the at least one mounting substrate is disposed at a position under the bottom portion; the radiator plate is disposed under the at least one mounting substrate; and the radiator plate has, in plan view, a larger area than the at least one mounting substrate and a smaller area than the display region. |
| US08485675B2 |
Illumination assembly for a scanner
An illumination assembly for a scanner according to one example embodiment includes a light source, a first reflector and a second reflector. The first reflector has a curved structure and is positioned directly in the optical path of the light source. The first reflector has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the first reflector is positioned to reflect light received from the light source toward a target area to be scanned. The second portion of the first reflector is positioned to reflect light received from the light source toward the second reflector. The second reflector is positioned to reflect light received from the first reflector toward the target area. |
| US08485667B2 |
Optical element and colored light combiner using same
Optical elements, color combiners using the optical elements, and image projectors using the color combiners are described. The optical element includes light recycling stacks, a polarizing beam splitter, and a color-selective stacked retardation polarizing filter. The polarizing beam splitter includes a first reflective polarizer aligned to a first polarization direction. Each light recycling stack includes a second reflective polarizer aligned to the first polarization direction, and a retarder aligned at 45 degrees to the first polarization direction. The color combiner includes partially reflective light sources coupled to the optical element. Un-polarized light having different colors can enter the color combiner through the light recycling stacks, and combined light of a desired polarization state can exit the color combiner. Light having an undesired polarization state can be recycled to the desired polarization state within the color combiner, so that light utilization efficiency is increased. The image projector includes a color combiner coupled to an imaging source and projection elements, so that a first portion of the combined light is directed to the projection element, and a second portion of the combined light is recycled back into the color combiner. |
| US08485666B2 |
Car theater system using rear projection
The present invention features a car theater system using rear projection that extends projection distance through a reflection mirror, and may not restrict movement of passengers, and may not block an image projected toward a screen. According to preferred embodiments, the car theater system of the present invention comprises a video player, a projector, a reflection mirror, a screen for imaging an image reflected by the reflection mirror. |
| US08485664B2 |
Handheld reflectometer for measuring macular pigment
A macular pigment reflectometer is handheld, light, and portable. It can be provided as a part of a self-contained system. The self-contained system includes a docking station in which the macular pigment reflectometer is placed between uses. The docking station is used to recharge the battery of the handheld macular pigment reflectometer. The docking station also has one or more types of communication ports, such as one for a wired or wireless internet connection, through which the handheld macular pigment reflectometer can communicate with a computer or an electronic medical records system. The instrument operates in a pulsed operating mode wherein relative instrument-to-eye motion is reduced and, preferably, nearly eliminated. The handheld macular pigment reflectometer contains an on-board spectrometer which is designed to capture spectra in very short intervals of time. A trigger on the instrument allows for a rapid, intuitive, and sequential alignment followed by rapid data gathering. |
| US08485662B2 |
Control of myopia using contact lenses
Devices and methods for controlling myopia are provided. The devices and methods relate to the inventors discovery of the relationship between near work, the forces applied to the eye by the eyelids and myopia. The devices include a contact lens comprising a region that disperses force applied to the eye by an eyelid. The devices also include a device designed by measuring first wavefront aberrations of an eye before pre-near work and measuring second measured wavefront aberrations of the eye post-near work. The methods include a method for controlling myopia including identifying optical changes associated with near work and correcting the optical changes with an optical device. |
| US08485659B2 |
Rim-locker for spectacle frame
A rim locker for spectacle frame comprises a first portion and a second portion which are connected to two edges of lens rim in cut-off position respectively. The second portion has a screw hole for inserting a screw and the first portion is having thread to let the screw in for fastening the lens rim. The screw further has a stopping cap and the first portion further has a cylinder housing for hiding and moving the stopping cap, so that when the rim-locker is opening, the stopping cap will moving along the track of the housing, and stop at the end to prevent the screw slip off from the rim-locker and protect the screw threads not strip off easily. |
| US08485653B2 |
Compact front-operable image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus is disclosed that includes a substantially flat top face and a slanted front face, the bottom side of which recedes backward. The image forming apparatus may includes a paper discharge tray disposed at a lower portion of the slanted front face, the paper discharge tray protruding forward. The paper discharge tray may be tiltable upward and downward. Because the bottom side of the slanted front face recedes backward, the flat top face can be provided, and simultaneously, enough space for the feeding and discharging of paper can be secured. |
| US08485652B2 |
Liquid supplying and collecting apparatus
An ink supplying and collecting apparatus includes a case, ink cartridges detachably attached to the case, and a collecting container detachably attached to the case. The ink cartridges supply ink to a recording head of a printer via ink supply tubes. The collecting container collects ink drained from the recording head via an ink drain tube. The case is located outside of and is separate from the printer. Thus, the sizes and shapes of the ink cartridges and the collecting container can be freely designed. |
| US08485648B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus is provided with an ink head having a nozzle face on which a nozzle for discharging ink is formed, a first tank stored with the ink to be supplied to the ink head through a first ink passage, a second tank stored with the ink not having been discharged from the ink head through a second ink passage, and a third ink passage connecting the second and first tanks. The inkjet recording apparatus is further provided with a pump disposed in the third ink passage and configured to feed the ink from the second tank into the first tank, a fourth ink passage connected in parallel with the pump, and a pressure regulation valve incorporated in the fourth ink passage. |
| US08485637B2 |
Carriage with capping surface for inkjet printhead
A carriage for conveying an inkjet printhead in a printer, the carriage including a holding receptacle for the inkjet printhead, the holding receptacle includes a first sidewall; a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall; and a bottom wall extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the bottom wall including a frame surrounding an opening, wherein the frame is configured to be sealingly engageable with a face of the printhead. |
| US08485636B2 |
Maintenance method for liquid jetting apparatus and liquid jetting apparatus
A maintenance method for a liquid jetting apparatus provided with a jetting head which has a nozzle surface formed with nozzle holes and which discharges a liquid from the nozzle holes, and a cap which covers the nozzle surface includes discharging the liquid in the jetting head from the nozzle holes into the cap in a state that the nozzle surface of the jetting head is covered with the cap; and sucking the liquid discharged into the cap via a discharge hole provided at a bottom portion of the cap in a state that the cap is separated from the jetting head; and the liquid, which is discharged into the cap, is sucked in first and second suction modes in which suction amounts per a predetermined period of time are different from each other. |
| US08485634B2 |
Method and system for detecting print head roll
A method of detecting print head roll begins with the formation of a test pattern on an image receiving surface. The test pattern includes a plurality of marks arrayed across the image receiving surface in a cross-process direction with each mark in the plurality being formed by a different nozzle of a print head. The cross-process direction positions of each mark in the plurality of marks are then detected; and the detected cross-process direction positions are correlated to a print head roll value for the print head. |
| US08485632B2 |
Inkjet head and method of manufacturing the same
An inkjet head according to an aspect of the invention may include: a flow path plate having a plurality of ink chambers; a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzles connected to the ink chambers in order to eject ink in the ink chambers to the outside; and a temperature control unit having a heat exchange passage in at least one of the flow path plate and the nozzle plate in order to control temperature of the ink. |
| US08485628B2 |
Printer with resolution reduction by nozzle data sharing
A printer is shown that can selectively reduce its print resolution by sharing print for one nozzle in the nozzle array between several nozzles. Each nozzle has an ejection aperture and a corresponding actuator for ejecting printing fluid through the ejection aperture. A print engine controller sends print data to the array of nozzles in accordance with a designated print job. During use, the print engine controller can selectively reduce the print resolution by apportioning print data for a single nozzle between at least two nozzles of the array. This recognizes that some print jobs do not require the best resolution—a lower resolution is completely adequate for the purposes of the document being printed. This serves to extend the operational life of all the nozzles. |
| US08485627B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus and landing-location adjustment method
The present invention provides an inkjet recording apparatus recording image data by using recording heads that can be separately attached to and/or detached from the inkjet recording apparatus, wherein the attachment and/or detachment of each of the recording heads is detected, and only a pattern used to adjust the displacement of the landing location of the attached and/or detached recording head alone and a pattern used to adjust the displacement between the landing locations of recording heads including the attached and/or detached recording head are recorded. |
| US08485625B2 |
Fluid ejecting apparatus and fluid ejecting method
A fluid ejecting apparatus includes a drive element that performs a driving operation when a drive waveform is applied thereto and causes a nozzle to eject fluid. A drive signal generating unit generates a first drive signal having a first drive waveform at a front section of a predetermined period and a second drive waveform at a rear section thereof. A second drive signal has a third drive waveform at a front section of the predetermined period and a fourth drive waveform at a rear section thereof. A control unit applies the first drive waveform to the drive element, which then performs a first operation, applies the fourth drive waveform to the drive element, which then performs a second operation, and applies the second drive waveform to the drive element after applying the third drive waveform thereto, so that the drive element performs a third operation. |
| US08485623B2 |
Pagewidth inkjet printhead configured such that printed dot density exceeds nozzle density
A stationary pagewidth inkjet printhead has one or more nozzle rows extending along a longitudinal axis of the printhead. Each nozzle is configured to fire a droplet of ink at a plurality of predetermined different dot positions along the longitudinal axis, such that a printed dot density exceeds a nozzle density of the printhead. |
| US08485621B2 |
Solid inkjet drum maintenance unit (DMU) employing adjustable blade cam in order to control the oil rate
A printing device is configured to adjust the angle of a metering blade within a predetermined range of angles to compensate for wear in the blade over time or for other causes of inconsistency. The angle of the metering blade is selected by a controller which operates an actuator to move a moveable member to adjust the angle of the metering blade and regulate the thickness of a release agent layer on a moving imaging member. |
| US08485620B2 |
Inkjet printer and bubble reducing method for inkjet printer
The inkjet printer can discharge a bubble in an ink flow path while suppressing ink consumption. Ink in an ink tank is supplied to a printing head through a flow path and filter. Bubbles in the flow path and printing head are discharged by applying a negative pressure to an ejection port of the printing head. At this time, after a first negative pressure has been applied to the ejection port with an on/off valve provided between the ink tank and the filter being closed, the on/off valve is opened to discharge the ink from the ejection port. Further, after that, a second negative pressure at a level that makes it difficult for a bubble to pass through the filter is applied to the ejection port to discharge a bubble present at a location, which is closer to the printing head than the filter is to printing head, from the ejection port together with the ink. |
| US08485618B2 |
Kitchen device with height adjustable shelving system
A kitchen device, in particular, a refrigerator or freezer, with an interior, in which at least one height-adjustable support for accommodation of goods is provided, wherein at least one transport carriage running along guide rails is provided on the kitchen device, wherein said transport carriage may be fixed to the support and adjusted in height by a drive with a height adjustment. The invention is characterized in that the shell surface may be particularly simply and easily adjusted for height without the need to remove the goods from the kitchen device operation of the kitchen device being particularly simple. |
| US08485615B2 |
Mounting structure and method for the upright mounting of a decorative plate on a door of a household appliance
A mounting to support a decorative plate on a door of a household appliance. The mounting includes a first mounting part to be mounted on the door or the decorative plate, wherein the first mounting part has at least one tongue. The mounting further includes a second mounting part fastened to the respectively other of two holding partners formed by the decorative plate and the door. The second mounting part has a bridging segment to receive the tongue with play in a longitudinal direction of a flank of the door. The second mounting part is configured in the manner of a batten having multiple bridging segments. Each of the bridging segments receives a respective tongue. |
| US08485612B2 |
Method and system for controlling vehicle braking
Methods and systems for controlling braking in a vehicle are provided, for example in a vehicle in which regenerative braking is provided using a motor capable of providing regenerative braking on one axle or wheel that does not have a friction brake component. If it is determined that the energy storage system of the vehicle cannot accept additional electrical energy created by the regenerative braking, the electrical energy is transferred to another location such as a motor on another axle or wheel, resulting in a propulsion torque on that axle. In order to maintain the total desired braking consistent with the driver command, friction braking is provided on the axle the regenerative braking energy is transferred to using a friction braking component, based in part upon the amount of propulsion torque, when the energy storage system cannot accept additional electrical energy. |
| US08485610B2 |
Paint brush with reinforced ferrule construction
A method for making a paint brush includes placing a plurality of bristles inside a sleeve. A resin is applied into the sleeve to contact the plurality of bristles. A handle is inserted into the sleeve to contact the resin. An extension integrally formed in one of the handle or the resin is fitted into a recess formed in the other of the handle and the resin. |
| US08485607B2 |
Multiple activated dumping roll-off container
A roll-off container is provided having multiple separate compartments that may be filled and dumped independently of each other. A master controller is provided that is used to separately and selectively control the lifting and dumping of each compartment. The system may be powered by the engine of a roll-off truck on which it is located, or by a separate gasoline engine, propane engine, solar power system, electric power system, battery-operated power system or any future powering technology located within the roll-off container. All components of the system are located within or are supported by a chassis. |
| US08485606B2 |
Laser welded seat structure
A seat structure includes a frame having a plurality of parts having respective joining surfaces. Two respective joining surfaces, which belong to two respective different parts, are joined to one another by laser-welding. A method of forming a seat frame having a plurality of parts includes the steps of positioning the parts in a fixture, fixing the position of the parts relative to one another and laser-welding the parts to form the seat frame. |
| US08485604B2 |
Seat assembly with an elastomer torsion-spring element
A seat assembly including a seat base, a back support, a support for the back support and/or for the seat base and at least one elastomer torsion-spring element. The back support and/or the seat base are/is pivotably hinged to the support in such a manner that a pivoting movement of the back support and/or of the seat base on a rotation axis can be carried out. During the respective pivoting movement of the back support and/or of the seat base with the elastomer torsion-spring element a restoring torque is generated that acts on the back support and/or on the seat base. The elastomer torsion-spring element includes an internal casing, an external casing encompassing the internal casing, and an elastomer body arranged in a space between the internal casing and the external casing. The elastomer body is rigidly connected to contact surfaces of the internal and external casings. The internal casing and/or the external casing are/is rotatably arranged on a rotation axis. During rotation of the internal casing and/or of the external casing on the rotation axis deformation of the elastomer body occurs. The contact surface of the internal or external casings include a non-circular cross section in a sectional plane perpendicular to the rotation axis. |
| US08485597B2 |
Angle adjustment device for bicycle saddle
The present invention provides an angle adjustment device for a bicycle saddle which can adjust the angle of the saddle even when the bicycle is moving. The angle adjustment device includes a movable unit (110), a stationary unit (120) and a locking unit (130). The movable unit is coupled to the saddle. The stationary unit is coupled to the movable unit and rotatably supports the movable unit when the angle of the bicycle saddle is adjusted. The locking unit releasably holds the movable unit, so that when the locking unit releases the movable unit, the movable unit is allowed to rotate and adjust the angle of the bicycle saddle, and when the locking unit holds the movable unit, the movable unit is prevented from rotating so as to maintain the angle of the bicycle saddle. |
| US08485595B2 |
Device for closing off an opening prepared in the roof of a vehicle, provided with a sealing barrier and a drain for draining water towards the exterior
A device is provided for blocking an opening formed in an automobile roof, including a fixed glass portion to be rigidly connected to the vehicle and at least one glass panel. The glass panel is mobile relative to the fixed portion between a blocking position, in which it blocks an opening in the fixed portion, and at least one open position, in which the opening is at least partially open. Each of the mobile panels is slidingly guided along two rails rigidly connected to the surface of the fixed portion. The device also includes at least one passage for collecting and draining at least a portion of the water received on the outer surface of the mobile panel toward the outside of the vehicle. The passage is rigidly connected to the mobile panel to enable the water to flow from the mobile panel toward one of the rails. |
| US08485589B2 |
Cabin system
A cabin system to be mounted on a vehicle body is disclosed. The cabin system includes a driver's seat, an air conditioner body for indoor air conditioning disposed downwardly of the drive's seat, a plurality of support pillars constituting a cabin framework, a ceiling portion, and a main duct having a hollow tubular construction, the main duct forming therein an air passageway for the indoor air conditioning. The main duct includes, at a lower portion thereof, a duct connecting opening to be connected to the air conditioner body and also includes, at a lateral portion thereof, a support pillar engaging face. The main duct is attached through the support pillar engaging face to one of the support pillars along an indoor side peripheral face of the one support pillar. The support pillar engaging face of the main duct and the indoor side peripheral face of the one support pillar have profiles complementary with each other. |
| US08485588B1 |
Localized impact energy absorbers
A vehicle hood or a panel covering an object includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface faces the object and is offset from the object by a basin depth. The outer surface is substantially opposite the inner surface. A local energy absorber is operatively attached to the inner surface or is disposed between the inner surface and the object. The local energy absorber has a singly-connected structure, which includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion. The first wall portion is operatively attached to the inner surface. The singly-connected structure also includes a curved connector portion joining the first wall portion and the second wall portion. |
| US08485587B2 |
Upper roller assembly for a sliding vehicle closure
An upper roller assembly for a sliding vehicle closure system includes a first bracket secured to a sliding vehicle closure. A ball-type roller is secured to the first bracket at a location spaced apart from the sliding vehicle closure for engaging and moving along an upper guide rail during opening and closing of the sliding vehicle closure. The ball-type roller is fixed in position relative to the sliding vehicle closure during opening and closing thereof. A second bracket is connected to first bracket. The second bracket is moveable relative to the sliding vehicle closure during opening and closing thereof. Guide rollers guide movement of the sliding vehicle closure during opening and closing thereof. The guide rollers are rotatably connected to the second bracket for engaging and moving along the upper guide rail during opening and closing of the sliding vehicle closure. |
| US08485585B2 |
Push-up device
A lock device includes a cam portion including a stationary-side cam; a rotor including a movable-side cam; a slide groove; a slide projection; an engagement projection; and a lock groove, in which the movable-side cam is disengaged from the stationary-side cam, so that the rotor rotates so as to allow the engagement projection that has been fitted in the lock portion to disengage from the lock portion. The urging device includes a spring, and a sleeve inserted to pass through a lower-side rod portion, positioned between the rotor and the spring, and also restricting a movement of the rod in a sliding direction in a lock position of the lock device (for example, a lock groove and an engagement projection, and the like). |
| US08485584B2 |
Sun shade panel and device
A method and device for blocking sun rays from shining through the side window of a vehicle. Custom sized sun shade panels are cut. A first sun shade panel is inserted between the window and window seal of the side window of a vehicle. Then at least one other sun shade panel is inserted adjacent to the first sun shade panel to form a stack of sun shade panels. The number of sun shade panels in the stack may be adjusted to achieve the desired blockage of sun rays from entering the vehicle. |
| US08485578B2 |
Wrap for bundling objects
The present invention is comprised of an elongate piece of first material having flexible qualities with a flexible strip of second, more rigid, and bendable material enclosed within the first material. The apparatus may be twist-tied around equipment for relatively easy transport. |
| US08485576B2 |
Robotic gripper
A robotic gripping apparatus includes one or more constraining plates each having a plurality of holes formed therethrough and a plurality of elongate members. The elongate members are independently movable relative to one another. Each elongate member extends through a respective hole or set of aligning holes in the constraining plate(s). A distal end portion of one or more of the elongate members is capable of exerting a force for drawing an object against the distal end portion to thereby hold or grip the object. |
| US08485558B2 |
Informational item forming method
A method of using a folding apparatus to form an outsert having product information printed thereon comprises making a plurality of folds in a first direction in a sheet of paper; aking a plurality of folds in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction to form folded articles; making another fold in said second direction to form an outsert including causing a movable member of a folding apparatus to make contact with and move an intermediate portion of a folded article towards a pair of adjustably-spaced folding members, at least one of said adjustably-spaced folding members having a position that is adjustable to allow said adjustably-spaced folding members to be adjustably spaced apart from each other by a distance that is within a range defined by a lower boundary of 0.25 inches and an upper boundary of 0.45 inches. |
| US08485555B2 |
Structural joint for a commercial vehicle frame and a frame made with a structural joint
A structural joint in a truck tractor frame includes a first frame member having an interface plate permanently mounted thereon, the interface plate having an interface surface contoured with a plurality of protrusions and depressions, which may be grooves and ridges. A second frame member has an interface surface contoured with a plurality of protrusions and depressions complementary to the plurality of protrusions and depressions of the interface surface of the interface plate. The second frame member is mounted to the first frame member with the interface surfaces in contact, with a plurality of releasable fasteners fastening the second frame member to the interface plate, wherein, the contoured interface surfaces interengage to resist linear and torsional shear forces. |
| US08485544B2 |
Method and apparatus for making galvanized upper coupler assembly
A method of making a galvanized upper coupler assembly for use in a trailer and the corresponding upper coupler assembly apparatus is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a frame, covering at least one area of the frame with a mask, galvanizing the portions of the frame that are not covered, removing the mask, providing a kingpin, and attaching the kingpin to the frame. After attachment of the kingpin to the frame, the combined assembly can be coated with a rust resistant coating. if desired, a cover plate can be attached to the frame, over the kingpin. |
| US08485540B2 |
Coupled torsion beam axle with swing joint
A coupled torsion beam axle (CTBA) apparatus may include a torsion beam, a trailing arm provided at both ends of the torsion beam, and a wheel mount bracket provided at an end of the trailing arm and being adapted to mount a rear wheel thereon, wherein a front end of the wheel mount bracket in a traveling direction of a vehicle may be hinge-connected to a front portion of the trailing arm with a rubber bush interposed therebetween, and a swing joint may be further provided between a rear end of the wheel mount bracket and a rear portion of the trailing arm and pivotally connects the rear end of the wheel mount bracket to a rear end of the trailing arm. |
| US08485533B2 |
Dynamic seal using vulcanization of fluorocarbon elastomers
A dynamic seal assembly for installation between first and second relatively rotating members, comprising a ring for fixed engagement with said first member and an annular seal extending radially from said ring and configured to slidably engage said second member, wherein said radial seal has a thickness, and a length that is from about 1 to about 15 times greater than said thickness. In various embodiments, the seal is formed of a rubber composition comprising a vulcanized fluorocarbon elastomer dispersed in a matrix of a thermoplastic polymeric material. In various embodiments, the matrix forms a continuous phase and the vulcanized elastomeric material is in the form of particles forming a non-continuous phase. The compositions may be made by combining a curative, an uncured fluorocarbon elastomer, and a thermoplastic material, and heating the mixture to effect vulcanization of the elastomeric material, while applying mechanical energy. |
| US08485530B2 |
Axial face seal assembly
An axial face seal arrangement, which is arranged for joint rotation with a drive shaft in a rotary machine, includes a base element and a moving part, wherein the base element is connectable to a drive shaft for joint movement therewith, the moving part presenting a sealing end face and being axially movable in relation to the base element and biased from the base element by a spring, wherein the moving part and the base element include at least one torque driver pin and at least one corresponding aperture into which the torque driver pin is displacably inserted for joint rotational movement of the moving part with the base element. At least one wear protection pin is arranged between the torque driver pin and the aperture at a force transmitting interface of the torque driver pin and the aperture. |
| US08485529B2 |
Bullet trap
A bullet trap is disclosed which is formed without intervening sidewalls to enable cross-shooting and the like with reduced risk or ricochet or damage to the bullet trap. Furthermore, the bullet trap can be configured in a variety of ways to eliminate the need for facing plates while providing a removable attachment mechanism, to enable repair on the trap, to reduce bullet adhesion to the trap and to provide improved containment of lead and improved access to the trap. |
| US08485525B2 |
Sheet-stacking apparatus and image-forming apparatus
A sheet-stacking apparatus includes a gripper configured to convey a sheet, two stacker trays stacking sheets arranged in a row, and a support member configured to separately elevate the two stacker trays. The stacker tray is selected according to a sheet length. |
| US08485519B2 |
Media separating and feeding device and media processing device
A mechanism enables efficiently reducing the size of a check feeding device for separating and feeding checks one at a time. In one embodiment, a check separating and feeding mechanism uses a single drive motor drive to drive a feed roller, pressure member, and separation roller. When the drive motor turns in a second direction, torque is transferred through a second one-way clutch mechanism to both rollers. When the drive motor turns in this direction, the first one-way clutch mechanism disengages the drive motor from the drive power transfer path to the pressure member, and a tension spring pulls the pressure member in the direction pressing the checks to the feed roller. When the drive motor turns in an opposite first direction, the torque of the drive motor returns the pressure member to the standby position, drive power is not transferred to the rollers, and the rollers do not turn. |
| US08485518B2 |
Sheet media feeding device, sheet media separation method, and sheet media processing device
A sheet media feeding device comprising a media feed path for feeding sheet media; and a media separator for separating sheet media that are overlapping when advanced into the media feed path. The media separator includes a separation roller, a retard roller that is pressed against the separation roller and applies a torque load, and a media offsetting member for feeding the sheet media to a nipping part of the separation roller and the retard roller with the sheet media offset to the separation roller side. |
| US08485513B2 |
System for calculating spine jacket width
A control apparatus obtains information identifying sheets stored in an MFP to be caused to perform printing for printing a printed object to be subjected to jacketed book binding, wherein this information is stored in the MFP. The control apparatus stores thicknesses of respective paper sheets as information about paper sheets. From this information and from the information obtained from the MFP, the control apparatus creates a table indicative of the correspondence between the respective paper sheets stored in the MFP and their thicknesses. Further, on receiving a selection of paper sheets to be used for printing for the printed object and a number of these paper sheets, the control apparatus determines a thickness of each paper sheet by making a reference to the table and calculates the spine jacket width by multiplying the thickness by the number of paper sheets. |
| US08485511B2 |
Method and apparatus for holding microelectronic devices
One embodiment is an apparatus for holding a device that includes a body having at least one aperture bounded by edges between a top and a bottom surface and having a holding portion wherein: (a) a first and a second resilient prong extend into the aperture, each prong has a movable end extending beyond the holding portion and having an actuating surface thereon; (b) the first and the second resilient prongs are disposed to urge the device against aperture edges; (c) the actuating surfaces of the first and second prongs are juxtaposed; and (d) a movable cam is interposed between the actuating surfaces of the prongs. |
| US08485510B2 |
Food preparation apparatus
A cutting board for food preparation is equipped with a blower which can be mounted on the board in various positions to keep airborne irritants from the cut food away from the breathing zone of the preparer. A novel food guide and knife guard combination may be mounted on a grid of locations on the upper surface of the cutting board. The grid points have holes drilled through the board which provide a means for mounting the food guide and the knife guard as well as a means for draining juices from the cutting surface. A removable juice collection tray is mounted below the cutting board. |
| US08485506B2 |
Vibration isolating apparatus
This vibration isolating apparatus (1) includes a cylindrical first mounting component (6), a second mounting component (7), a rubber elastic body (8), a diaphragm (5), and a partitioning component (4). The partitioning component (4) is formed entirely from an elastic body, and on the first mounting component (6) there are provided a protruding portion (60) and a first cylindrical portion (62), and a toroidal rigid component (50) is fitted on an inner side of the first cylindrical portion (62), and in the rigid component (50) there are provided a second cylindrical portion (53) and a supporting portion (54). |
| US08485505B2 |
Wheel suspension
A wheel suspension is described with a wheel-guiding McPherson strut unit which has a helical compression support spring, a shock absorber which is connected on one end to the body and on the other end to the wheel, and a suspension arm, the helical compression spring being made such that the helical compression spring at least partially compensates for transverse forces which occur on the shock absorber without the action of the helical compression spring. To enable the weight of the helical compression spring to be reduced, the helical compression spring is constructed and arranged so that the stress in the spring is at least approximately, preferably exactly, the same on the side of the spring center line or line of action of the spring force facing the wheel as on the side facing away from the wheel. This makes it possible to reduce the weight throughout by roughly 10%. |
| US08485504B2 |
Apparatus for supporting internals within a mass transfer column and process involving same
An elongated support beam is provided for supporting internals such as liquid collectors, liquid distributors, packing supports, or trays within a mass transfer column. The support beam is divided longitudinally into a lower beam segment and an upper beam segment that are joined together by a plurality of connectors at one or more longitudinally spaced-apart positions. The connectors serve to stiffen and resist lateral deflection of the lower and upper beam segments in relation to each other and to transfer the load carried by the upper beam segment to the lower beam segment or vice-versa. By dividing the support beam into lower and upper beam segments, each of the lower and upper beam segments can be passed through a manway opening in a shell of the mass transfer column prior to assembly of the support beam or following disassembly of the support beam within the mass transfer column. |
| US08485503B2 |
Multi stream wine aerating device
A wine aerating device that can be inexpensively manufactured and produced that aerates wine leaving a wine container, such as a long neck bottle, by separating the flow of wine into multiple streams of wine that retain the individual streams, whereby each stream of wine increases the surface area of wine exposed to the atmosphere, without injecting air into the wine. The device of the present invention also produces an esthetically pleasing pour while at the same time aerating the liquid by the use of multiple bi-directional tubes formed in a stopper that do not inject air into the wine. |
| US08485495B2 |
Pinch clamp
The present invention provides a pinch clamp that includes a support leg member and a coupling leg member, which are interconnected by a curved portion, and a generally upwardly extending anchor portion having at least one anchoring flange located at the distal end of the anchor portion. The pinch clamp also contains at least one tabular member which extends outward from the anchor portion, which facilitates opening of the pinch clamp. |
| US08485494B2 |
Hinged mold for pre-formed concrete elements
The concepts disclosed herein provide for a concrete mold that improves upon existing concrete molds known in the art. The hinged side-panel members that are locked to a hold-down frame allow for the mold to cure a concrete member, and then allow the concrete member to be removed without the need to break-down the frame surrounding the concrete member. During the pouring and ensuing curing process of the concrete member, the hinged side-panel members are secured to the hold-down frame and to each other in order to hold the concrete in the mold. Once the concrete is cured, the hinged side-panel members may be unlocked and opened quickly, allowing for expedient removal of the concrete member. After closing and re-locking the hinged side-panel members, the mold may be reused to cure another concrete member without the need to rebuild the frame around the mold. |
| US08485493B2 |
Concrete column forming assembly
Methods and apparatus providing a column forming assembly formable from multiple column forming sub-assemblies that are stackable providing a compact storage or transport configuration. A column forming structure is formed from multiple elongated wall sections configured for interlocking engagement with each other to form a hollow, open ended structure adapted to accept a settable substance, such as concrete or plaster. The multiple elongated wall sections are stackable and can be stored to shipped to a job site in a condensed or nested configuration. The nested configuration reduces empty or hollow spaces provided by assembled forms. In some embodiments, the forms can be disassembled after use for transport from the jobsite, storage, and later reuse. The column forming assembly can be combined with one or more column-end forms and with thin-walled column forming inserts. |
| US08485490B1 |
Beverage cup popcorn container holding device
A holding device used to temporarily hold a container of popcorn in an upright position using a nearby beverage cup holder. The holding device includes a planar main body with a forward extending, transversely aligned curb with a planar receiving space formed below the curb. Formed on the receiving space is a line of raised teeth separated by indentations and at least one spike. Mounted on the main body is a biased, pivoting clip with a lower serrated edge that forcibly presses into the indentations formed between the raised teeth on the receiving space. Located on the rear surface of the main body is a downward extending beverage cup edge engaging structure. Attached to the main body or the cup edge engaging structure is a handle. During use, the serrated edge on the clip is forced against the edge of the popcorn container to prevent its dislodgement. |
| US08485487B2 |
Easy-mount in-ceiling speaker mount
An easy-mount in-ceiling speaker mount has multiple fastening units mounted on an in-ceiling speaker. Each fastening unit has a base frame, a torsion spring securely mounted on the base frame, a pivoting member pivotally mounted on the base frame, a slider plate longitudinally movable on the base frame, and a spring holder receiving the torsion spring, pivotally mounted on the base frame and blocked by the pivoting member. When the speaker mount is moved upwardly through a ceiling, a bottom of the ceiling holds a ceiling support formed on the slider plate and the pivoting member is pushed and pivoted. After being unblocked from the pivoting member, the spring holder is pivoted to hold a top of the ceiling in completion of the mounting of the speaker mount. Accordingly, the mounting procedures of the speaker mount can be easily achieved by simply pushing it upwardly through a ceiling. |
| US08485483B2 |
Support for solar panels
A solar panel support includes a plastic body, having front, back, bottom, and side walls defining a hollow box-like shape. The front wall is lower than the back wall. Side walls include upper side edges sloping from the back wall to the front wall. A ledge extends from the bottom, side, front, and back walls, and an upstanding flange around the ledge is generally L-shape in section. The side walls include a plurality of removable access portions that when open enable passing of electrical services therethrough. The back and front walls each include a plurality of a generally wedge-shaped depressions. Each side wall includes a rectangular depression surrounding the removable portions and a generally right-angular abutment is formed at a junction between each side wall and the back wall and the front wall. The bottom wall includes a plurality of generally circular depression formations. |
| US08485482B2 |
Retaining system
A retaining system according to example embodiments of the present invention may include a base plate that includes a cam and alignment guides, where the cam defines both a locked position and an unlocked position, and a support shoe that includes alignment tabs and a locking tab, where the support shoe is configured to be inserted into the alignment guides when the cam member is in the unlocked position. Upon insertion of the support shoe into the alignment guides, the cam may be configured to engage the locking tab of the support shoe and bias at least one of the alignment tabs into engagement with at least one of the alignment guides as the cam advances from the unlocked position to the locked position. |
| US08485481B2 |
Lid support device
A lid support device and method for supporting a container lid for a container. The lid support device features a handle connected to a fan shaped lid rest. The lid rest comprises a clip. The clip extends through the container and the container lid to secure the device to the container lid and the container. The handle height is adjustable so that the handle and lid rest support the container lid when it is not covering the container. The device features a base that is the mirror image shape of the lid rest. |
| US08485480B2 |
Cabinet leveling device
A cabinet leveling device has a first channel for receiving a first cabinet sidewall, a second channel for receiving a second cabinet sidewall, an intermediate section connecting said first and second channel, and an adjustable threaded member received through said intermediate section for providing leveling adjustability to said device. |
| US08485479B2 |
Cable management apparatus
A cable management apparatus includes a securing board and a cable management clip. A clipping portion and a securing portion are located on the securing board. The cable management clip includes a mounting base and a pressing clip pivotally attached to the mounting base. A cable may be locked between the mounting base and the pressing clip. Elastic arms extend from the mounting base, the elastic arms deform to allow the fitment and removal of the cable management clip from the securing board. |
| US08485477B2 |
Rotational aircraft throttle interface
An aircraft control input apparatus is configured to accept and provide to the aircraft control inputs from a user regarding the magnitude and direction of the aircraft's thrust vector. The present invention enables a user to continually provide control inputs to an aircraft in which both the magnitude and the direction of thrust vary. A rotational throttle interface is configured to alter its orientation within the aircraft based on the directional component of the aircraft's thrust vector. The rotational throttle interface enables the user to provide continual control inputs to command both the directional component of the thrust as well as the magnitude component. Accordingly the user can provide inputs regarding direction and magnitude throughout the operating envelope of the aircraft's thrust vector while maintaining continuous physical contact with the throttle. |
| US08485469B2 |
Aerodynamically controlled grapple assembly
An aerodynamically controlled grapple assembly includes a frame member secured to an associated load line and a streamlined body mounted to the frame member. The streamlined body includes a main lifting surface extending away from the body in a first direction and a vertical stabilizer extending away from the body in a second direction. A pair of grapple arms are movably connected to the frame member. |
| US08485467B2 |
Air intake, in particular for an aircraft chaff dispenser
An aircraft chaff dispenser includes an elongated hollow housing intended to be fixed to the structure of the aircraft so as to be oriented in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The housing has a pair of side walls and the front of each side wall is provided with a pair of lateral air intakes each having a circular through-hole with a diameter d and a fence located behind the hole in the longitudinal direction, or in the direction of travel, of the aircraft at a distance 1 from the center of the hole and having a shape in the form of a horizontally lying V with its vertex directed away from the hole. The diameter d of the hole is between 8 and 12 mm. The ratio h/1 between the height h of the fence at the vertex of the V and the distance 1 is between 0.8 and 1, while the ratio h/d between the height h and the diameter d is between 1.5 and 2. |
| US08485464B2 |
Personal aircraft
A safe, quiet, easy to control, efficient, and compact aircraft configuration is enabled through the combination of multiple vertical lift rotors, tandem wings, and forward thrust propellers. The vertical lift rotors, in combination with a front and rear wing, permits a balancing of the center of lift with the center of gravity for both vertical and horizontal flight. This wing and multiple rotor system has the ability to tolerate a relatively large variation of the payload weight for hover, transition, or cruise flight while also providing vertical thrust redundancy. The propulsion system uses multiple lift rotors and forward thrust propellers of a small enough size to be shielded from potential blade strike and provide increased perceived and real safety to the passengers. Using multiple independent rotors provides redundancy and the elimination of single point failure modes that can make the vehicle non-operable in flight. |
| US08485463B2 |
Reel and recording tape cartridge
A reel is provided with a tubular hub, a first flange, a second flange, and positioning portions. A projection portion that projects in a radial direction is formed at an inner periphery face of the hub. The first flange includes a first extension portion which is extended in the axial direction of the hub from a first flange portion and is joined to the projection portion. The second flange includes a second extension portion which is extended in the axial direction of the hub from a second flange portion and is joined to the projection portion. The positioning portions regulate, in the radial direction, positions of distal end portions of the first extension portion and the second extension portion relative to the hub. Gaps are formed between the inner periphery face of the hub and outer periphery faces of the first extension portion and the second extension portion. |
| US08485456B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing submicron polymer powder
A method and apparatus for manufacturing a submicron polymer powder from solid polymer bodies or coarse particles, preferably of polytetrafluoroethylene powder, wherein powder is ground into fibrous particles in the first stage and is disintegrated into submicron particles by aerodynamic treatment in the second stage, where a gas-particle mixture is subject to the effect of centrifugal forces and suction forces acting in the direction opposite to the centrifugal forces, a pulsating sign-alternating temperature field generated by a pulsed supply of liquid nitrogen, turbulent forces of vortexes, and aerodynamic forces that cause alternating compression and expansion of the gas-particle mixture. |
| US08485455B2 |
Supersonic nozzle for boiling liquid
A supersonic nozzle (called a Fisenko nozzle) improves conversion efficiency of the pressure energy of the input medium into kinetic energy of a two-phase gas-liquid stream of the ejected medium. The nozzle for boiling liquid includes inlet and outlet sections that are respectively converging and diverging in the direction of the medium flow, between which is a minimal nozzle section. The profile for a proximal part of the diverging section of the nozzle is defined by a curve that is concave to the nozzle axis, which smoothly transitions to a curve that is convex to the nozzle axis through the critical nozzle section downstream of the nozzle minima. At the critical section, the flow reaches sonic velocity and the nozzle profile is neither convex nor concave. |
| US08485454B1 |
Rotatable and adjustable air freshener
An air freshener device has a chamber containing a fragrant material pivotal with respect to a back opening in the a plate. A perimeter notch is formed in an intermediate brace and a front dial plate so that a scale on the back plate is visible. A single cartridge has a pair of scent chambers coupled together and disposed adjacent one another in a side-by-side relationship, and formed as a pair of separate and discrete vessels in a plastic sheet separated by a divider and covered by a permeable membrane. Each of the pair of vessels contains a fragrant material with a fragrance that can permeate through the permeable membrane over time. |
| US08485446B1 |
Shielded magnetic stripe for magnetic cards and devices
A card may include a magnetic stripe emulator having a coil with magnetic or non-magnetic material located inside and/or outside of the coil. A shield may be located adjacent to the magnetic emulator that may include a magnetic or a non-magnetic material. The shield may attract magnetic flux lines generated by the magnetic stripe emulator to reduce a magnitude of an electromagnetic field generated on one side of the card as compared to a magnitude of an electromagnetic field generated on another side of the card. A shield may be laminated between layers of a card or may be fixed on a surface of a card. |
| US08485443B2 |
Apparatus and method for sensing an integrated circuit card
An apparatus for sensing an integrated circuit (IC) card may include a bottom surface in contact with a chassis of an information handling system (IHS) to form a slot for receiving at least one type of IC card and a top surface in communication with a transmitting element for sensing a first type of IC card inserted within the slot. The apparatus further includes a contact field disposed on the bottom surface, the contact field for sensing a second type of IC card inserted within the slot. |
| US08485441B2 |
System and computer program product to issue a retail prepaid card including a user-designed external face using a chit and related computer implemented methods
Embodiments of systems, computer program product, and related computer implemented methods to issue a closed-loop retail prepaid card including a user-designed external face using a chit, the chit being defined by an identification mechanism representing a financial commitment to issue a closed-loop retail prepaid card in an amount associated with a value paid for the chit, are provided. Embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide a service that enables a consumer to purchase, at the storefront of a retail establishment, a chit card that the consumer can subsequently redeem through a graphical user interface of an Internet website for a closed-loop retail prepaid card with a user-designed external face. The user-designed closed-loop retail prepaid card, for example, can be subsequently printed and delivered to an intended recipient. Advantageously, such a service can be made available to any retail establishment that uses a point-of-sale system. |
| US08485440B1 |
Mobile device financial transactions
A method and system for performing financial transactions. The method includes receiving by a mobile device, credit/debit card data belonging to a user of the mobile device. The credit/debit card data is registered with a financial transaction server and the user is authenticated. A USSD message comprising details associated with the user and a financial transaction is transmitted to a USSD server and a financial transaction server. In response, a random code representing the user and the credit/debit card data is received by the mobile device and a barcode is generated based on the random code. The bar code is presented to a merchant barcode scanner. The barcode is scanned, decoded, and transmitted to the financial transaction server. The decoded barcode is compared to the random code to perform a verification process associated with the financial transaction, the user, and credit/debit card data. |
| US08485436B2 |
Simulated contactless identification card reader
A simulated contactless identification card reader includes an antenna adjacent a card presentation surface. The antenna is for exchanging wireless signaling with a contactless identification card presented to the card presentation surface. The contactless identification card reader may further include a detection unit coupled to the antenna to detect a presence of a contactless identification card, and an output indicator coupled to the detection unit to provide a user-perceivable indication when the detection unit detects a presence of a contactless identification card. |
| US08485433B2 |
Terminal fascia
A fascia for a public access terminal is described. The fascia comprises: at least one user interface element on a front portion thereof (such as a customer display or a dispense slot), and a metal plate mounted on a rear portion thereof. The metal plate is dimensioned to close a metal body of the public access terminal so that the combination of the metal plate and the metal body provide a flame retardant public access terminal. |
| US08485430B2 |
Hand held bar code readers or mobile computers with cloud computing services
A data decoding system that includes a server-side proxy component and at least two back-end computers, where the server-side proxy component is configured, when it receives a decoding request from a client, to select a back-end computer to forward the decoding request to, based on either a pre-defined rule, load estimates for the at least two computers, estimated network throughputs across network paths to the two computers. In response to receiving this request, the back-end computer that is selected is configured to decode the request, which is an image of decodable indicia, by locating the decodable indicia within the image and decoding it into a decoded message. The decodable indicia was provided by a raw image byte stream, a compressed image byte stream, or a partial compressed image byte stream. |
| US08485427B2 |
System and method for synthetic commodity and synthetic legal tender creation
A quantum mechanical credit unit includes a plurality of qubit strings stored in computer readable storage media and configured for comparison with challenge questions during a verification procedure. The plurality of qubit strings is stored in at least k registers where k is a selected security number for the credit unit. An information register stores information about qubit strings that remain unused to provide the used qubit strings during the verification procedure. A unique serial number is configured to identify the credit unit without association with its holder or the qubit strings. Issuance and verification methods for the credit unit are also disclosed. |
| US08485424B1 |
Reversible security mailbox
A security mailbox secures mail deposited therein from theft and protects its contents from the elements by having a receiving section including a receiving chamber for receiving mail through a mail delivery opening in its front end, a securing section including a securing chamber for receiving mail from the receiving chamber, and a teeter baffle separating the receiving chamber from the securing chamber. The securing chamber has an access door for selectively accessing delivered mail items secured therein. A portion of the securing section pecincluding the access door is selectably attachable to the remainder of the mailbox such that the access door can be on the front or the back of the mailbox. Fasteners accessible only through the access door attach the top end of the securing section to the remainder of the mailbox. |
| US08485422B2 |
Nestable rigid U-crates
A high density nesting packaging container has first and second preformed, rigid U-shaped members each having a U-shaped cross-section. The U-shaped members are configured to fit into one another to form a rectangular cross-section container. Each of the U-shaped members has a base wall and opposing side walls, the intersection of the base and side walls being rigid. The base wall has a thickness. A narrow slit is formed in the base wall, extending longitudinally along the base wall and 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-configuration cross-section. The thus W-configuration, U-shaped members are nestable with each other. When the U-shaped member is unfolded to the U-shaped cross-section, the opposing surfaces formed by the slit abut one another to maintain the crate in the U-shaped cross-section. |
| US08485421B2 |
Apparatus pertaining to a single-piece blank and a corresponding clamshell-style carton
A single-piece blank forms a clamshell-style carton. This single-piece blank includes a plurality of fold lines. These fold lines are oriented and positioned such that folding the single-piece blank along the plurality of fold lines forms this clamshell-style carton. The resultant carton will tend to have a first compartment and a second compartment. Both compartments comprise corresponding storage areas of approximately equal size and both also share a particular fold line that also serves as a hinged edge. |
| US08485417B1 |
Planar RF electromechanical switch
A micromachined switch is provided including a base substrate, a bond pad on the base substrate, a cantilever arm connected to the bond pad, the cantilever arm having a conductive via from the bond pad, a first actuation electrode on the base substrate, and a second actuation electrode on the cantilever arm connected to the bond pad by way of the conductive via, positioned such that an actuation voltage applied between the first actuation electrode and the second actuation electrode will deform the cantilever arm, wherein the first actuation electrode is facing a side of the cantilever arm opposite the second actuation electrode. |
| US08485413B2 |
Surgical stapling instrument comprising an articulation joint
In various embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise a plurality of magnetic elements configured to articulate an end effector of the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument can comprise at least one electromagnet which can be selectively activated, or polarized, to generate a magnetic field sufficient to motivate a second magnetic element, such as a permanent magnet and/or an iron core, for example, mounted to the end effector. In certain embodiments, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise a plurality of magnetic elements configured to open and/or close an end effector of the surgical instrument. In at least one embodiment, a surgical stapling instrument can comprise a plurality of magnetic elements configured to advance and/or retract a firing bar, cutting member, and/or staple sled within the surgical instrument in order to incise and/or staple tissue positioned within an end effector of the surgical instrument. |
| US08485409B2 |
Stapler
A stapler includes a base and a stapler remover. The base defines a receiving room. The receiving room receives backup staples. The stapler remover is rotatably mounted on the base. The staple remover includes a tilting portion, which is located out of the base. The tilting portion is configured to be arranged in different positions with respect to the base. |
| US08485408B2 |
Gas combustion type driving tool
A cylinder head 14 is provided above a cylinder 7 for slidably accommodating a piston 8. A cylindrical movable sleeve 32 is disposed movably between the cylinder 7 and the cylinder head 14. A connecting portion is provided above the cylinder 7, and the cylinder 7 and the cylinder head 14 are connected via the connecting portion. A body cover 2 covers an outside of the connecting portion. |
| US08485404B2 |
Cases and covers for handheld electronic devices
Holders for supporting portable handheld electronic devices, such as but not limited to iPhones®, IPODS®, IPADS™, cellular phones, and the like. An embodiment has an upper compartment on a backplate with sleeve edges that allow both a retractable cord and headpiece (earphones, headset) to be both stored inside when not being used. A spring loaded type rewinder on the backplate with sleeve edges automatically retracts both the cord and headpiece into the compartment where a hinge attached lid hides and protects both the cord and headpiece when not being used. The backplate with sleeve edges can include an internal inwardly protruding male prong that is attached to cord so that sliding the portable handheld electronic device into the sleeve edges plugs the prong into a female socket on the portable handheld electronics device, and sliding the device out removes the socket from about the male prong. Another embodiment has a portable handheld electronics device holder with a built on bottle opener, where the bottle opener in the outer face of a slightly raise box shape on the upper back of the case. |
| US08485403B2 |
Roof rack assembly with stowable cross members
A roof rack assembly for a vehicle is provided with a first and a second elongated roof rail substantially parallel and spaced from one another. An elongated cross member is secured to the first roof rail and configured to be selectively securable to the second roof rail. The cross member is pivotable between a stowed position and a use position, also referred to as a deployed position. The cross member is substantially parallel with the first roof rail and is not secured to the second roof rail in the stowed position, and not parallel with the first roof rail and secured to the second roof rail in the use position. In the stowed position, the cross member may be within a cavity defined by the roof rail. Two cross members may be used, each being stowable in a different one of the roof rails. |
| US08485401B2 |
Method of avoiding leakage at a fill-tube joint of a casting assembly
The teachings provide a fill tube assembly for a casting mold and methods of using the assembly. The fill tube assembly includes a fill tube having a tubular member with a receiving end, a mold-engaging end and an intermediate portion. The mold-engaging end has a tapered flange radially extending therefrom, the remainder of the tubular member has a substantially, uniform cross-section. A clamping assembly is structured to maintain a substantially leakproof seal at the fill tube, casting mold interface while accommodating dimensional variations. The clamping assembly includes a gasket, a load ring, a clamping plate and a pre-load gap between the clamping plate and the casting mold and optionally includes a dimensional compensating ring. When tightened, the clamping plate biases the load ring against the flange thereby distributing a uniform load against the casting mold, compressing the gasket therebetween while narrowing the pre-load gap to accommodate dimensional variations. |
| US08485399B2 |
Slide valve for dry goods
A slide valve assembly is provided for selectively dispensing dry goods from a hopper. The slide valve assembly is readily attached and detached from the hopper and is readily disassembled and reassembled to facilitate cleaning and/or servicing. Preferably, the slide valve assembly includes a panel secured to spaced support rails, a movable valve panel for opening and closing of the dispensing portion of the hopper, and a collar retainer for releasable attachment to the dispensing portion of a hopper. The slide valve assembly may be attached, detached, assembled, and disassembled substantially without the use of tools or separate fasteners, to minimize the risk of creating a contamination hazard for the goods dispensed from the hopper, while still allowing for secure attachment to the hopper. |
| US08485398B2 |
One-way valve
The one-way valve for discharging a liquid out of a container, comprising an outer cap which is fastened to the container neck and comprises an exit channel for the liquid is characterized in that a valve body of elastic material is arranged between the container and the outer cap, that the valve body extends over the opening of the container neck and comprises a projection which projects into the exit channel of the outer cap and is arranged therein to be movable back and forth, that a space remains between the inner wall of the exit channel and the outer circumference of the projection, and that at least one cut severs the wall of the valve body, through which cut liquid passes into the space of the exit channel upon exertion of pressure on the container. |
| US08485396B1 |
Combination storage and dispensing device for laundry products
A combination storage and dispensing device for laundry products featuring a housing with a plurality of snap-tight drawers for holding various items including measuring cups and coins, liquid dispensing units for storing and dispensing liquid-based laundry products, and powder compartments for holding and dispensing powder-based laundry products. The drawers may be divided into sub-sections via dividers. The liquid dispensing units each have an inner cavity, a dispensing unit opening with a snap-tight dispensing unit top, a spout, and a downwardly sloped wall in the inner cavity. The spout is positioned near the sloped wall. The powder compartments each have an opening and a snap-tight lid. Lids are pivotally disposed in the top of the housing for covering the snap-tight dispensing tops of the liquid dispensing units. |
| US08485393B2 |
Beverage dispenser
A beverage dispenser comprising a chamber adapted to contain the beverage to be dispensed, an outlet from the chamber to dispense the beverage, at least one inlet to the chamber for the addition of at least one gas and/or liquid, at least one mass measurement means adapted to determine the mass of the chamber with beverage contained therein, and a controller that determines a quantity of gas and/or liquid to be added to the chamber at least partially determined by the measured mass. |
| US08485391B2 |
Theft deterrent system
Systems for deterring theft of retail products. Systems of this invention provide theft deterrent dispensing modules for dispensing products and may incorporate theft deterrent measures including mechanical deterrents, time delays and sound. The dispensing modules may include one or more pusher assemblies for dispensing product. Certain systems of this invention may also include a lockout feature, so that only one pusher assembly may be activated to dispense a product at one time. |
| US08485390B2 |
Hinge ring for pivotally coupling a container lid to a container bottom
A hinged connector for joining a metal lid and metal bottom to form a hinged container is provided. The metal lid and metal bottom have generally matching formed edges preventing interfitting of the container lid and bottom. The hinged connector is formed of plastic and includes a pair of ring members that are pivotable relative to one another via an integral hinge. The two ring members are continuous about a periphery that is generally shaped to the periphery of the lid and bottom. The ring members form seats for engaging the formed edges of the lid and bottom. The ring members securely grip the formed edges of the lid and body to form the container. By connecting the lid and bottom through the living hinge, the hinge connector allows the lid and bottom to pivot relative to one another between open and closed positions. |
| US08485386B2 |
Fuel tank
The invention relates to a fuel tank (1) with at least one filler pipe (2) enclosing a refueling duct and with at least one vent line (6), which comprises at least one first and one second line section (6a, 6b), the first line section (6a) extending from a vent connection (7) of the fuel tank (1) to a connection on the filler pipe (2), and the second line section (6b) extending from a connection on the filler pipe (2) to a fuel vapor filter (10), wherein at least one line section (6a, 6b) opens directly into the filler pipe (2) via a connection fitting. |
| US08485385B2 |
Welding material and fuel tank thereby welded
A welding material, comprising a modified polyethylene resin composition (Z) comprising from 0.5 to 95 wt % of a modified polyethylene resin (X) having at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of an unsaturated carboxylic acid and its derivative, grafted to a polyethylene resin (A) having a density of from 0.910 to 0.965 g/cm3 and a MFR (temperature: 190° C., load: 2.16 kg) of from 0.1 to 5.0 g/10 min, and from 5 to 99.5 wt % of an unmodified polyethylene resin (Y) having a density of from 0.930 to 0.965 g/cm3, a MFR of from 0.01 to 5.0 g/10 min and a melt flow rate ratio (HL-MFR (temperature: 190° C., load: 21.6 kg)/MFR of from 40 to 270, and having a density of from 0.938 to 0.965 g/cm3 and a MFR of from 0.05 to 1.0 g/10 min. |
| US08485380B1 |
Container reclosure device having a flexible band
An attachable closure device for reclosing contains a base member, a resilient expandable band coupled to and extending from the base member, an adhesive layer on a surface of the base member, and a release agent on the adhesive layer. The release agent is housed in a coating on a release support layer, which may be coupled to the base member and unitary with the base member. The resilient, expandable band may be coupled and retained to the attachable closure device solely by a portion of the unitary base member-release support layer. |
| US08485379B2 |
Shaking machine adaptor for containers having different shapes
An adaptor for a vortex paint mixer. The adaptor includes a pair of semi-cylindrical holding structures pivotably connected together by a pair of pivot links. Each of the halves has a depression formed therein. When the holding structures are placed together, the two depressions form a cavity having first and second regions adapted to hold a conventional cylindrical quart paint container and a rectangular quart paint container, respectively. |
| US08485378B2 |
Multi-container packages for dispensing liquid and dry food
Food packages having features such as multiple containers in a single package and multiple pieces for a package, wherein the packages can contain multiple food products such as cereal and milk, but not necessarily cereal and milk, for consumption together in a convenient manner. One food package includes a lower container and an upper container, wherein the upper container includes an interior space that is defined by a three-dimensional bottom having at least one aperture, and sidewalls, with a reservoir formed in the three-dimensional bottom and including a volume at the bottom of the reservoir located below the at least one aperture. |
| US08485375B2 |
Plastic bottle with a champagne base and production method thereof
A plastic bottle includes: a body which extends longitudinally along a central axis from the neck to the lower end thereof and which has a pre-determined thickness, and a base (2) including an apron (3) which is connected to the lower end of the body and which extends to a peripheral bearing area. In addition, a dome (7) extends from the peripheral bearing area to the apex (7a) located essentially on the central axis and grooves (9) extend radially between the apron and the dome, the grooves having a base line (9a). The direction of the base lines (9a) of the grooves forms a sharp angle with the direction tangential to the dome (7) at the point (9d) at which the base of the grooves (9) opens into the dome (7). |
| US08485369B2 |
Motorcycle stand
Apparatus, systems, and methods involve a motorcycle stand for adjustably securing a motorcycle, such as for storing or transporting a motorcycle in an immobilized, upright position. A motorcycle stand in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention may include a stand base connected to an axle support post. At a top end of the axle support post, the axle support post includes an axle bar slot having a self-engaging latch. An axle bar may be inserted into the axle bar slot and engage the self-engaging latch. The self-engaging latch may include a release mechanism to disengage the latch, to release the axle bar from the axle bar slot, and to reset the self-engaging latch. A stand may include two axle support posts for engagement on either side of a wheel axle. A motorcycle stand system may include one or more stands and an axle bar. |
| US08485368B2 |
Feed distribution arrangement in a liquid treatment space
An arrangement in a liquid treatment space clarifying liquid by gravity. A feed assembly leads the liquid to be treated into the treatment space by a fixed distribution channel. The feed assembly includes at least two elongated and in a longitudinal direction thereof straight feed channels being fixed stationary in the distribution channel and extending therefrom sidewards, in order to achieve in the treatment space a radially widened feed zone in respect with the distribution channel by an efflux assembly provided with the feed channels the efflux assembly discharging the liquid to be treated into the treatment space through full length thereof. |
| US08485367B2 |
Fluid filtration apparatus for appliances
Embodiments, presented herein are directed to a filtration system including an outer pipe, an inner pipe and a stirrer. The outer pipe is configured to receive a working fluid from a filter inlet. The outer pipe includes a venturi neck and an outer channel. The venturi neck is located downstream of the filter inlet. The outlet channel is located downstream of the venturi neck, wherein the outlet channel is configured to provide an outlet for a first type of impurity. The inner pipe is co-axially positioned with the outer pipe, wherein the inner pipe is configured to receive a second type of impurity. The stirrer is positioned inside the outer pipe, wherein the stirrer rotates with the inner pipe to substantially separate at least the first and the second types of impurities from the working fluid. |
| US08485358B2 |
System for securing wire with a floating tie-down assembly
The present embodiments are directed towards securing wire within a container. Advantageously, the present embodiments provide a system in which wire may be secured without modification of the container. Specifically, the present embodiments provide a floating tie down assembly configured to hold together a bundle of welding wire in a welding wire container. The floating tie down assembly is configured to float within the welding wire container, and the floating tie down assembly includes a lower removable insert, an upper removable insert, and a resilient material extending between the lower insert and the upper insert. |
| US08485354B2 |
Packaging structure for roll paper
The present invention provides a structure for storing coreless roll paper R having a hollow portion in the axis portion instead of a winding core, wherein the structure includes an outer case 2 for storing roll paper R; and a lower holding member and an upper holding member 4 respectively having concave portions 31,41 each having an inside diameter that closely matches the outside diameter of the roll paper R, each of the lower holding member 3 and the upper holding member 4 having an external shape that fits the outer case 2, wherein the lower holding member 3 is disposed in the outer case 2 with the concave portion 31 facing upward, and the upper holding member 4 is disposed in the outer case 2 at the location above the lower holding member 3 with its concave portion 41 facing downward. |
| US08485353B2 |
Cap assembly having storage chamber for secondary material with inseparable working member
A cap assembly mounted on a neck of a container for containing an ingredient different from that accommodated in the container includes a cap body having an inner housing formed with a chamber for storage of a secondary ingredient and a working member adapted to open a low end opening of the chamber to allow the secondary ingredient in the chamber of the inner housing to be mixed with a primary ingredient in the container. The mixed ingredients may be discharged through an opening. |
| US08485351B2 |
Nested end link and multi-link conveyor chain
Disclosed is a multi-link conveyor that includes nestable end protector links that capture and retain link pins. The end protector link includes a first link segment having an outer wall, a non-circular bore having a cross-section larger than a cross-section of one of the pins, a circular counterbore connected to the non-circular bore and having a diameter larger than the head of one of the pins, and a circular countersink connected to the counterbore and having a first diameter that equals the diameter of the counterbore and a second diameter, flush with the outer wall, having a diameter larger than the first diameter. The end protector link includes a second link segment, adapted to nest with the first link segment of another end protector link, having an outer wall in a second vertical plane and a flush non-circular bore extending perpendicularly through the outer wall. |
| US08485349B2 |
System and method for coating substrates
A system and method for coating substrates includes transporting rolls and a collecting container for collecting coating material. |
| US08485348B2 |
Suction belt for the transport of tobacco
A suction belt (1) for transporting tobacco in the manufacture of cigarettes has a fabric (5) comprising warp threads (6) and weft threads (7), the ends (2,3) of which suction belt are connected in a connecting region (4) to form a continuous suction belt (1). The weft threads (7) and/or the warp threads (6), at least in the connecting region (4), have a light-absorbing material (8). The continuous suction belt (1) is laser welded in the connecting region (4). |
| US08485346B2 |
Checkstand
A checkstand includes a cabinet, an electrically actuated conveyor, and an electrically actuated rotatable turntable. The electrically actuated conveyor is mounted on a portion of the cabinet. The conveyor is structured to convey items from a first end to an opposite second end when actuated. The electrically actuated rotatable turntable is mounted on the cabinet proximate the second end of the conveyor. The turntable is structured to receive items from the conveyor. |
| US08485334B2 |
Clutch mechanism with overload protection
A clutch mechanism with overload protection provided between a power input shaft and a power output shaft of an actuator includes a magnet set including at least a first magnet and a second magnet that are arranged as magnetically attractive to each other and are attached to the power input shaft and the power output shaft, respectively; and a friction assembly including a first friction member and a second friction member arranged adjacent to each other and between the first magnet and the second magnet, so as to provide a constant friction between the magnets. The magnet set and the friction assembly jointly set a limit of a torque between the power input shaft and the power output shaft. When the torque exceeds the limit, the power input shaft and the power output shaft are disconnected, so as to achieve overload protection. |
| US08485333B2 |
Actuation device for a dual clutch transmission
A dual clutch actuation device generates the axial compression force required to compress a first and second set of frictional elements of a dual clutch module. Dual clutch actuation device includes a first and second annular piston. The annular pistons include a first end that is in contact with annular bearing assemblies. The annular bearing assemblies are in contact with actuation levers that are in contact with the first set of frictional elements. The annular pistons are arranged in concentric annular piston slots. Together the piston and annular slots form annular piston chambers. The piston chambers are filled with hydraulic fluid. When the hydraulic fluid is pressurized the pistons slide out of the annular slots and apply a force on the actuation levers which in turn apply an axial compression force on the frictional elements. |
| US08485328B2 |
Travel accessory for the folding of garments and suitcase obtained with said accessory
A travel accessory for the folding of garments inside a suitcase, includes at least one structural element for spreading and/or hanging (1) and an insert (2) of a soft, flexible material, designed to be inserted into the garment, engaged with the structural element (1). |
| US08485327B1 |
Luggage with integrated eating surface
The luggage with integrated eating surface includes a standard piece of wheeled luggage having an eating surface that folds out from a top surface of the wheeled luggage. The top surface of the luggage folds upwards to reveal the eating surface and cup holder. The eating surface is suspended above an inner surface, which protects the contents of the luggage from liquids and other debris. The suspension of the eating surface from the inner surface also enables a cup or container to hang from the cup holder. |
| US08485326B2 |
Hydraulic shock absorber
In the inside of a cylinder tube, there are provided a piston chamber and an adjusting chamber communicating each other, and these both chambers are filled with oil in a pressurized condition, and further, there are provided a piston moving in an axial direction in the piston chamber and a rod coupled to the piston. An elastic member is located in the inside of the adjusting chamber in a state that a reservoir tank is formed in the adjusting chamber by being compressed by pressurizing force of the oil, and impact is absorbed in such a way that the elastic member is caused to extend and contract by the oil flowing in/flowing out the reservoir tank by movement of the rod. |
| US08485324B2 |
Damper device for a two-wheeled vehicle
A damper device for a two-wheeled vehicle and a corresponding method are provided wherein a first damper chamber and a second damper chamber are coupled to one another through at least one flow duct. A ferromagnetic fluid is provided in the flow duct. A magnetic device is assigned to the flow duct to allow exposing at least part of the flow duct to a magnetic field. A magnetic field-generating device is provided wherein a permanent changing of the magnetic field strength of the magnetic device can be carried out through magnetic pulses. In this way, the damper only requires energy for adjusting the damping, normal operation may occur without an external energy supply. |
| US08485323B2 |
Caliper assembly for disc brake system
A caliper assembly comprising: a brake pad comprising a carrier plate having two opposing faces and two opposing side edges each having an ear which is adapted to seat in pad locator indentations in a support structure, wherein on one face is friction material and on the opposing face is a projection adapted to seat in a matched recess in a caliper body; a support structure having at least two pad locator indentations for receiving the ears located on the brake pad and at least two caliper body locator indentations for seating two ears defined by the caliper body; and a caliper body having a recess for seating the projection on the opposing face of the brake pad and having two ears adapted to seat in the caliper body locator indentations of the support structure; and a clip which holds the brake pad in position. |
| US08485320B2 |
Bicycle brake
A bicycle brake actuated by a control cable has a first main brake arm and a second main brake arm mounted for pivotable movement with respect to the first main brake arm. A first transfer brake arm is pivotally connected to the first main brake arm, and a second transfer brake arm is pivotally connected to the first transfer brake arm and pivotally connected to the second main brake arm. The first main brake arm has a cable guide for receiving the control cable. The first transfer brake arm has a cable anchor for receiving the control cable, the control cable extending between the cable guide and the cable anchor. The first main brake arm and second main brake arm each support a brake shoe and apply braking force to a wheel when actuated. |
| US08485319B2 |
Method and apparatus for installing an elevator without machine room during construction of a building, and use of a hoisting machine
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for installing an elevator with-out machine room during the construction of a building, said elevator comprising at least a hoisting machine (4) provided with a traction sheave (30) and an elevator car (3) suspended by a set of hoisting ropes (28) and fitted to move along guide rails (2), and in which method at least a temporary machine room (6) movable in the elevator shaft (1) is utilized. At the final stage of installation, the machine room (6) of the elevator provided with a temporary machine room (6) is dismounted and the elevator is converted into an elevator without machine room by placing the hoisting machine (4) that was used in the temporary machine room (6), together with the hoisting ropes (28) on the traction sheave (30), into its final position in the elevator shaft (1). |
| US08485317B2 |
Lift installation control system that interfaces with mobile devices
A method of controlling a lift installation with at least one lift car, at least one lift control and at least one mobile apparatus, and a control system for a controlling a lift installation. A reporting device near the lift installation receives at least one activation signal from a transmitting/receiving device of a mobile apparatus. The reporting device activates in response to the received activation signal. At least one network address of a recognition device of a lift control of the lift installation is transmitted from the activated reporting device to the transmitting/receiving device of the mobile apparatus. |
| US08485314B2 |
Exhaust muffler
An exhaust muffler of an internal combustion engine has pipe sections on the inflow side and on the outflow side, respectively, and a muffler housing that is in communication with the pipe sections. The muffler housing, which includes an outer casing and end walls, is made at least in sections of a plastic material. |
| US08485311B2 |
Air duct assembly for engine
An air duct assembly supplies air from an air cleaner housing to an engine throttle and includes a first duct connected to the air cleaner housing and a second duct connected to the engine air intake. Open ends of the first and second ducts are spaced from one another and the second duct has a flared bell mouth at its open end. The second duct includes a sleeve that defines an attenuation chamber. A flexible bellows overlies the first and second ducts and the sleeve, and extends across the space between the first and second ducts to provide an airtight connection therebetween and flex during relative motion between the air cleaner housing and the engine air intake. A hydrocarbon adsorbing material can be housed within the attenuation chamber. |
| US08485309B2 |
Apparatus and method for improving the damping of acoustic waves
An apparatus for damping acoustic waves that includes a volume of fluid having actively excited acoustic waves, an enclosure disposed in the volume of fluid including delimiting surfaces which define a cavity, at least one of the delimiting surfaces being permeable to the fluid, such that fluid may be exchanged between the cavity and the volume, and at least one sound producer disposed proximate the cavity to actively excite the actively excited acoustic waves in the fluid disposed in the cavity such that acoustic waves are damped in the volume. |
| US08485307B2 |
Rack driving-type power assisted steering apparatus
A rack driving-type power assisted steering apparatus having effects of preventing a lock screw from being loosened due to vibration in axial and radial directions generated by a rack bar, a ball nut, and a rack housing when the rack bar slides while the ball nut rotates, reducing vibration and noise of the ball nut and the rack bar transferred through a bearing, and providing a driver with steering comfortability. |
| US08485305B2 |
All terrain vehicle with power steering shield
An all terrain vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, a steering shaft rotatably supported by the vehicle body frame, a power steering device including an electric motor, the power steering device being configured to exert an auxiliary rotational force to the steering shaft by a driving power generated in the electric motor, a radiator disposed in front of the electric motor, and a shield member mounted to the vehicle body frame and positioned between the radiator and the electric motor to cover the electric motor from a forward direction. |
| US08485303B2 |
Utility vehicle
A utility vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame, a first pair of pivot arms provided at right and left sides, respectively, at a front end portion of the vehicle body frame such that the pivot arms extend in a rightward and leftward direction from the front end portion and are vertically pivotable, the first pair of pivot arms being attached to front wheels at tip ends thereof, respectively, and a stabilizer having one end mounted to one of the first pair of pivot arms and an opposite end mounted to the other of the first pair of pivot arms. The stabilizer extends through a front side of the vehicle body frame, outside the vehicle body frame, from the one end thereof to the opposite end thereof, and has an intermediate portion located in front of the vehicle body frame and mounted to the front end portion of the vehicle body. |
| US08485297B2 |
Motor vehicle having an electrochemical cell
A motor vehicle has an electrochemical cell, which includes an electrode stack of at least two electrodes in a parallel arrangement. The electrochemical cell is arranged outside an engine compartment of the motor vehicle in an accommodation compartment of the motor vehicle, the cross-sectional surface of which is tapered in the direction of the vertical axis of the vehicle. A cross-sectional surface of the electrochemical cell is thereby adapted to the cross-sectional surface of the accommodation compartment. Thus, particularly good use is made of the available space in the motor vehicle. |
| US08485291B2 |
Self frequency ramping alternating current wheel motor system for hybrid vehicles
A hybrid electric vehicle with two separate drive systems. High speed operation is powered by self frequency ramping alternating current motors 107 within the wheel rims. Low speed operation is powered by hydraulic motors 102 directly coupled to the drive wheels. The hydraulic oil is pressurized by direct current motors/pumps 302 & 309 energized by a battery pack 106. The alternating current motors 107 are energized by mechanical or electronically generated alternating current. The hybrid power source is either a combustion engine 406 driving a poly-phased alternator 501 or a fuel cell 600 providing direct current. In the case of the combustion engine 406, a direct current helper motor/generator 404 will augment the engine with power from the battery pack 106 under large demands and charge the battery pack 106 under small demands. In the case of a fuel cell 600, the cell is augmented by the battery pack 106 under large demands and charges the battery pack 106 under small or no demands. |
| US08485288B2 |
Oscillating undercarriage, in particular for a drilling device
A drilling device, comprising a chassis, two undercarriage units which are arranged laterally on the chassis and supported in a pivotable manner, two oscillating cylinders for pivoting the undercarriage units relative to the chassis, with an oscillating cylinder being assigned to each undercarriage unit, and hydraulic lines which are arranged on the oscillating cylinders for actuation of the oscillating cylinders, wherein the hydraulic lines of the two oscillating cylinders are connected to one another in order to pivot the undercarriage units in opposite directions. A safety device to be provided for line breakage safety on at least one hydraulic line for each oscillating cylinder, with each safety device having at least one remote-controlled stop valve for blocking the respective hydraulic line in the case of line breakage, and in that a remote-control device is provided for simultaneously opening the stop valves during normal operation. |
| US08485286B2 |
Drive configuration for skid steered vehicles
A drive configuration for a skid steered vehicle comprises a pair of electric motors for propulsion of the vehicle, one each coupled to drive a respective track on a respective side of the vehicle, and one or more electric steer motors coupled through a differential gear mechanism to impose a speed difference between the tracks. An associated control system controls the current to each motor so that substantial contributions to the differential torque to turn the vehicle are made both by the steer motors and by the propulsion motors, in variable proportions preferably as a function of the vehicle speed. |
| US08485283B2 |
Drill bit
A drill bit including a body section. The body section defines a body proximal end and a longitudinally opposed body distal end, and a body passageway extending longitudinally therethrough for receiving a fluid and conveying the fluid through the body section. An annular crown section extends longitudinally from the body section, the crown section defining a crown distal end and a longitudinally opposed crown proximal end, the crown section extending distally from the body section, the crown section defining a crown passageway extending longitudinally therethrough and in fluid communication with the body passageway. A flow directing component cooperates with the crown section to define a fluid flow channel extending through the crown section radially outwardly from the crown passageway, the fluid flow channel being self-modifiable upon the crown section reaching a predetermined wear threshold so as to modify a flow of the fluid through the fluid flow channel. |
| US08485282B2 |
Earth-boring tools having expandable cutting structures and methods of using such earth-boring tools
Expandable reamers for enlarging wellbores include a tubular body and one or more blades configured to extend and retract. A sleeve member within the tubular body has open ends to allow fluid to flow therethrough. A fluid port extends through a wall of the sleeve member. A restriction member within the sleeve is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, fluid flow through the downhole end of the sleeve is generally unimpeded, and fluid flow through the fluid port is generally impeded. In the second position, fluid flow through the downhole end of the sleeve member is generally impeded, and fluid flow through the fluid port is generally unimpeded. The restriction member may be configured to move responsive to changes in the rate of fluid flow through the sleeve member. Methods of using such reamers are also disclosed. |
| US08485281B2 |
Equipment for drilling secant holes
Equipment for drilling secant holes (2) includes by an excavating system (3, 14, 4, 16, and 17) and by a guide system (7, 8), both of which are set in the hole (2) being drilled and in a previously made hole (2′). The two systems are fixed with respect to one another in such a way as to define a pre-set distance between centers of the holes; the excavating system includes a motor (3) and a bit (4) connected thereto, and being completely introduced into the borehole. |
| US08485279B2 |
Impactor excavation system having a drill bit discharging in a cross-over pattern
A system for use in excavating a wellbore that includes a drill string and attached drill bit that has nozzles that are in fluid communication with the drill string. The system receives pressurized slurry of fluid and impactor particles and directs the slurry at a subterranean formation from the nozzles to form the wellbore. Discharge streams are formed from the slurry exiting the nozzles, the discharge streams impact and fracture the formation to remove material. The nozzles are oriented so that the streams excavate in the middle and periphery of the borehole bottom. The nozzles can be oriented to form frusto-conical spray patterns when the bit is rotated, wherein the spray patterns can intersect or overlap. |
| US08485278B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for inhibiting rotational misalignment of assemblies in expandable well tools
A gripper for use in a downhole tool is provided. The gripper can include an actuator, an engagement assembly, and an expandable assembly. The engagement assembly can comprise a leaf-spring like elongate continuous beam. The expandable assembly can comprise a linkage including a plurality of links. The linkage can be coupled to the actuator such that the actuator expands the expandable assembly which in turn expands the engagement assembly. One or more keyed connections can inhibit rotational misalignment of the expandable assembly from the engagement assembly. In operation, during one stage of expansion radial forces are transmitted to the engagement assembly through both interaction of a rolling mechanism on the engagement assembly with the expandable assembly and pressure of the linkage assembly directly on an inner surface of the engagement assembly. The one or more keyed connections can preferably facilitate full retraction of the expandable and engagement assemblies. |
| US08485277B2 |
Bottom-hole assembly, and a method and system for transmitting data from a bottom-hole assembly
A bottom-hole assembly (202), BHA, for drilling a borehole (204, 301) in an earth formation (208, 300), comprising a percussion drill bit (208), a percussion mechanism adapted to strike the drill bit (208), at least one sensor (226, 228, 230, 232, 234) for measuring a physical quantity and converting it into an electrical signal, and converting means (237) for converting the electrical signal into a digital signal, and a method for transmitting data from such a bottom-hole assembly (202) positioned in a borehole (204, 301), the bottom-hole assembly (202) and the method being characterized by encoding the digital signal by controlling the percussion mechanism and time periods between two impacts delivered by the percussion mechanism on the drill bit (208) during drilling, and transmitting the encoded digital signal by waves generated by the impacts delivered by the percussion mechanism on the drill bit (208). A system which comprises said bottom-hole assembly (202). |
| US08485273B2 |
Method and device for tightening joints
An electric assembly device for tightening of fastener includes a housing and a rotation. motor which is drivingly connected to an output shaft. The output shaft has a forward portion extending out of the housing, and is adapted to carry a coupling device for releasable coupling with a fastener during tightening, which is to be performed along a first rotation axis. The device is adapted to determine an angular displacement of the housing with respect to the first rotation axis during tightening of the fastener, and to control the rotation speed of the motor during tightening based on the determined angular displacement of the housing. |
| US08485272B2 |
Soil aerating device and method for pushing penetration tools into soil
A mobile soil aerating device including a machine frame, a drive, at least one penetration tool hingedly coupled with the machine frame, said penetration tool being adapted to be driven into the soil and to be pulled out again, said penetration tool being pivotable with respect to the machine frame during a penetration phase in which the penetration tool, prior to penetration, being in an initial position at a predetermined penetration angle, and wherein, at least after having pulled the penetration tool from the ground, at least one element engaging the penetration tool and coupled to the machine frame exerts a restoring moment on the penetration tool in order to pivot the penetration tool back to the initial position. |
| US08485271B2 |
In-computer fire suppression
In-computer fire suppression, the computer comprising an in-computer flame detector and an in-computer fire extinguisher including detecting, by an in-computer flame detector, a flame, releasing, by the in-computer fire extinguisher, an extinguishing agent in response to the flame detector detecting the flame; and disabling the power supply to the computer having within it the in-computer flame detector and the in-computer fire extinguisher. |
| US08485270B2 |
Early suppression fast response fire protection sprinkler
An early suppression fast response pendent-type fire protection sprinkler is suitable for use in accordance with one or more of NFPA 13, NFPA 231 and NFPA 231C to protect single row rack storage, double row rack storage and multiple row rack storage, the sprinkler having a K-factor of about 25 and flowing pressure of about 15 pounds per square inch. Preferably, the sprinkler has a body defining an orifice and an outlet for delivering a flow of fluid from a source, and a deflector mounted with a first surface opposed to flow of fluid from the outlet. The deflector defines at least one pair of generally opposed reentrant slots extending from the first surface through the deflector, the reentrant slots extending from slot openings at an outer peripheral edge of the deflector inwardly from the peripheral edge toward a deflector axis. |
| US08485268B2 |
Recovering heated fluid using well equipment
A device has a first elongate tubular body and a second elongate tubular body coupled to the first tubular body, both adapted to reside in the wellbore. The device is changeable between the first tubular body axially fixed against movement in a first direction relative to the second tubular body and axially moveable in the first direction relative to the second elongate tubular body in response to temperature. |
| US08485267B2 |
Hydra-connector
A hydraulic connector for a wellhead hub is provided that includes a piston and a bottom portion configured to move in an axial direction via hydraulic pressure applied to one or more hydraulic ports in the connector. The movement of the piston and the bottom portion moves a ring and a segment of the connector in a radial direction to engage recesses in the wellhead hub. The connector may be unlocked by applying hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic port of the connector. A system and method of operating the connector are also provided. |
| US08485265B2 |
Smart actuation materials triggered by degradation in oilfield environments and methods of use
Downhole devices including degradable materials and methods of using such devices to control downhole operations are disclosed. A method for controlling a downhole operation includes providing a device that includes a degradable material downhole; and degrading the degradable material to activate the device. Activation of the device may result in a displacement or flow (actuators) that may be used to control or monitor (sensor) a downhole oilfield operation. A downhole device for use in a well penetrating a formation includes, in part or in whole, a degradable material. |
| US08485264B2 |
Multi-stage modulator
Methods and systems for pulse generation assembly that includes a plurality of staged valves operably coupled serially in a bottomhole assembly of a wellbore tool. The plurality of staged valves are operated in a substantially synchronized manner, thereby generating a series of pressure pulses. The signal strength of the generated pulse signal is multiplied by the number of staged valves in the series, and the pulse generation assembly of the disclosure is less susceptible to jamming, shock, and erosion. Further, by sequentially stopping at least one stage of the assembly and then synchronously rotating other stages, amplitude modulation is accomplished. |
| US08485258B2 |
Use of autonomous (self-adjusting) valves in injectors in oil production
A method for injecting a fluid into an oil and or gas reservoir or formation, in which the fluid flows into the reservoir or formation through a plurality of autonomous valves or flow control devices (2) provided along an injector (24), the valves (2) having a substantially constant flow-through volume above a given differential pressure for autonomously adjusting the flow of the fluid in order to ensure a substantially constant volume rate from the injector (24) to the reservoir or formation along an injector length. |
| US08485257B2 |
Supercritical pentane as an extractant for oil shale
Methods of extracting a hydrocarbon-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations are provided. These methods rely on the use of an extraction fluid comprising pentane for facilitating the production of a mobile hydrocarbon-based product when the pentane contacts hydrocarbons in subsurface shale. The contacting process, and the subsequent process of recovering the mobile hydrocarbon-based product, is further enhanced by the methods of fracturing and/or rubblizing portions of the shale formation, so as to enhance their fluid permeability. |
| US08485256B2 |
Variable thickness insulated conductors
A system used to heat a subsurface formation includes an elongated heater at least partially located in an opening in a hydrocarbon containing layer of the formation. The opening extends from the surface of the formation through an overburden section of the formation and into the hydrocarbon containing layer of the formation. The elongated heater includes an electrical conductor, an insulation layer at least partially surrounding the electrical conductor, and an electrically conductive sheath at least partially surrounding the insulation layer. The elongated heater tapers from a larger thickness at a first end of the heater to a smaller thickness at a second end of the heater. The first end is at or near the junction between the overburden section and the hydrocarbon containing layer and the second end is further into the hydrocarbon containing layer. |
| US08485255B2 |
Water-based fluid loss additive containing an amphiphilic dispersant for use in a well
A well treatment composition comprises: an aqueous liquid; a fluid loss additive, wherein the fluid loss additive comprises a high molecular weight, water-swellable polymer; and an amphiphilic dispersant, wherein the well treatment composition has an activity of at least 10%. A method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprises: introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation, the cement composition comprising: (i) cement; (ii) water; and (iii) the well treatment composition; and allowing the cement composition to set. |
| US08485252B2 |
In situ recovery from a hydrocarbon containing formation
An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat input into the formation may be controlled to raise the temperature of portion at a selected rate during pyrolysis of hydrocarbons within the formation. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. |
| US08485248B2 |
Flow distributor for a heat exchanger assembly
A heat exchanger including a pair of manifolds. An inlet is disposed on one of the ends of the first manifold. A core extends between the manifolds for conveying a coolant therebetween and for transferring heat between the coolant and a stream of air. A cross-over plate is disposed in one of the manifolds to divide the associated one of the manifolds into an upstream section and a downstream section. The cross-over plate presents a plurality of orifices defining a cross-over opening area for establishing fluid communication between the upstream and downstream sections of the associated manifold. The cross-over opening area continuously increases along an axis away from the inlet. The total cross-over opening area is 30% to 300% of the upstream cross-sectional area of the tubes of the core. |
| US08485246B2 |
Spiral heat exchanger
This invention relates to a spiral heat exchanger including a spiral body formed by at least one spiral sheet wound to form a first spiral-shaped flow channel for a first medium, and a second spiral-shaped flow channel for a second medium. The spiral body is enclosed by a substantially cylindrical shell with connection elements communicating with the first flow channel and the second flow channel. The shell includes at least two shell parts, and the spiral body is provided with at least one fixedly attached flange on its outer peripheral surface, whereupon the at least two sell parts are removably attached. |
| US08485245B1 |
Bulk amorphous alloy sheet forming processes
Embodiments herein relate to a method for forming a bulk solidifying amorphous alloy sheets have different surface finish including a “fire” polish surface like that of a float glass. In one embodiment, a first molten metal alloy is poured on a second molten metal of higher density in a float chamber to form a sheet of the first molten that floats on the second molten metal and cooled to form a bulk solidifying amorphous alloy sheet. In another embodiment, a molten metal is poured on a conveyor conveying the sheet of the first molten metal on a conveyor and cooled to form a bulk solidifying amorphous alloy sheet. The cooling rate such that a time-temperature profile during the cooling does not traverse through a region bounding a crystalline region of the metal alloy in a time-temperature-transformation (TTT) diagram. |
| US08485243B2 |
Method for casting a component
A cast component having localized areas of improved physical properties is disclosed. The component may initially be produced having a void portion in a predetermined area requiring improved physical properties. A second molten material may be added to the void portion such that it chemically bonds to the void portion. The component may then be finished such to a final shape with a localized area of improved physical properties. |
| US08485242B2 |
Selective tilting for blinds including driven drums
A tilter system for a window blind permits the slats of the blind to be tilted open or closed in a number of different configurations, including a double pitch configuration, depending on the routing of tilt cables or actuator cords. |
| US08485241B2 |
System and method for continuously manufacturing liquid crystal display device
A system for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device, includes peeling means that peels off a sheet piece of the polarizing film from a carrier film; take-up means that takes up the carrier film; bonding means that bonds the sheet piece to a panel; and velocity control means for controlling a feed velocity of the take-up means and a feed velocity of the bonding means in such a manner that: Vh(t)>Vs(t) during a period from the start of the process of bonding the sheet piece to the end of the bonding and that slack formed in the sheet piece being subjected to the bonding is eliminated between a front end of the peeling means and a position in which the bonding is performed by the bonding means; and that during a period from the start of the bonding process to the end of the bonding, L>Ls. |
| US08485240B2 |
Machine for labeling by means of labels printed on a ribbon
A machine for labeling by means of labels printed on a ribbon comprising a rotating carousel for supporting containers to be labeled, a device for tensioning, a feeder, a drum for cutting and a drum for pasting with a corresponding roller for spreading adhesive, all being mounted on a movable slider between a first position and a second position, the slider being provided with elements for movement along a guide whose direction is tangent to the carousel between the first and second positions. |
| US08485238B2 |
Stamping-laminating apparatus and method
Punching structures each include a die, a punch that cooperates with the die to stamp a workpiece, a die supporting member that applies lateral pressure to core pieces stamped out from the workpiece, and a counter pressure applying mechanism that applies counter pressure toward the punch to the core pieces from the side opposite to the punch. The punching structures also include selecting mechanisms, respectively. The punching structures laminate core pieces while applying lateral pressure and counter pressure to the core pieces. The punching structures are arranged along the conveyance direction of the workpiece. The selecting mechanisms select one of the punching structures to be put in a pause state, so that one of the punching structures is put in a pause state during a stamping operation of the punching structures. |
| US08485234B2 |
Funnel
A funnel for filling a container with liquid through an aperture in a side wall of the container includes a panel that has a fill spout. A rim is disposed on a lower edge of the panel and adapted to engage a lower inner surface of the side wall. A tab extends from the panel and is adapted to engage an outer surface of the side wall. |
| US08485233B2 |
Bio-fuels vehicle fueling system
A system for custom fueling a motor vehicle including: a fuel dispenser configured and adapted to blend fuels from two or more tanks while dispensing; a processor in communication with the fuel dispenser and configured and adapted to receive a set of fuel blend information for a motor vehicle, wherein the set of fuel blend information includes in-warranty bio-diesel blend ranges and customer fuel blend preferences; a fuel blend selection module operably connected to the processor for receiving the set of fuel blend information, processing the set of fuel blend information, and returning fuel blend instructions which are then provided to the fuel dispenser for dispensing fuel per the fuel blend instructions. |
| US08485230B2 |
Gas delivery system
A gas delivery pipe for transmitting a gas, the pipe comprising: a wall defining a lumen of the pipe; an inlet aperture through which gas flows into the pipe; an outlet aperture through which gas flows out of the pipe; wherein the pipe has an index, SI, characterizing a degree to which the pipe is serpentine that is equal to an integral of an absolute value of changes in angle of direction that a unit vector tangent to a midline of the lumen undergoes in moving along the midline from the inlet to the outlet aperture, which integral has a value greater than or about equal to 180°. |
| US08485229B2 |
Wrappable styrenic pipe insulations
A wrappable, styrenic thermal insulation product for application to flexible, armored pipe is in the form of an elongate tape of generally rectangular cross-section, optionally being provided with interlocking and/or overlapping portions so as to provide a continuous insulating layer when one or more layers of the tape are wound around the pipe. The interlocking and/or overlapping portions may be of various configurations. The tape is comprised of polystyrene or a styrene-based thermoplastic having high compressive creep resistance, high compressive strength and low thermal conductivity and may be foamed or unfoamed. A flexible, armored pipe incorporates one or more layers of the wrappable, styrenic thermal insulation product between an outer armor layer and an outer polymeric sheath. |
| US08485223B2 |
Hydraulic control valve
A hydraulic control valve is provided, which can prevent the occurrence of overload by relieving hydraulic fluid of a return line in which the overload occurs due to an inertial force of a rotator when a hydraulic motor that is operated by the hydraulic fluid supplied from a hydraulic pump stops halfway. The hydraulic control valve includes a valve block in which a first pump path and second pump paths are formed, a spool shiftably coupled to the valve block to control the hydraulic fluid supplied to a hydraulic motor, first and second actuator paths connecting the second pump paths to first and second actuator ports according to the shifting of the spool, tank paths connecting the first and second actuator paths to a hydraulic tank according to the shifting of the spool, first to fourth flow paths in which first to fourth check valves are installed, respectively, a path having one end communicating with a crossing part between the first and third flow paths and the other end communicating with a crossing unit between the second and fourth flow paths, and a relief valve installed in the path to relieve hydraulic fluid in one of the first and second actuator ports in which the overload occurs and to provide a supplement supply of the relieved hydraulic fluid to the other actuator port in which the overload does not occur. |
| US08485221B2 |
Flush valve handle and check valve assembly
A flush valve handle assembly and a check valve assembly are provided for use in a flush valve, wherein the flush valve handle assembly and check valve assembly include improved components. The flush valve handle assembly includes a ball member and a plunger rod, one or both of which can be constructed of a polymeric material. An improved flush file retainer is provided which includes at least one ear integrally formed around a circumferential portion thereof. This at least one ear secures the flush file retainer in a snap-fit configuration in the socket-coupling. The check valve assembly includes a piston/seal having a plurality of ribs having a tapered design extending outwardly from a circumferential periphery of the piston/seal. The piston/seal includes a sealing material located on a top surface thereof. This sealing material can be a thermoplastic elastomeric coating material. |
| US08485218B2 |
Oil pressure regulating valve for generator applications
A generator includes a rotor to be driven to rotate and generate electricity and a housing receiving the rotor. An oil supply includes an oil inlet port and an oil outlet port. A pressure regulating valve regulates the flow of oil from the inlet port to the outlet port. The pressure regulating valve includes a valve sleeve mounted within the housing. The valve sleeve extends into a bore within the housing. A valve spool is mounted within the valve sleeve. The valve sleeve has a flange abutting an outer face of the housing. Bolts tighten the flange against the housing. An inner end of the valve sleeve extends radially inwardly to form a ledge. The ledge is spaced away from an inner face of the housing. A valve sleeve, a sense piston and a valve spool are also disclosed and claimed. |
| US08485212B2 |
Volume flow regulating valve for a hydraulic system for controlling a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission
A volume flow regulating valve for a hydraulic system for controlling a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission. The valve includes a control piston with a pressure surface and an oppositely facing pressure return surface. A supply segment is associated with the pressure surface, and a cooler return segment is connectable with the supply segment by a control edge of the control piston. A pressure return segment is associated with the pressure return surface, and a pressurizing segment is situated between the cooler return segment and the pressure return segment. |
| US08485210B2 |
Water scavenging system
A water scavenging system (1) for removing water from an aircraft fuel tank (2), the water scavenging system comprising: a water line (10); and a valve (20) which is configured to control the flow of water in the water line in response to a change in an effective angle of the valve. In use, the valve opens automatically in response to an increase in the effective pitch of the aircraft during take off and climb. The valve comprises: a pendulum (40); and a valve closure member (46) which is coupled to the pendulum such that a change in the angular position of the pendulum relative to the water line causes the valve closure member to move from a closed position in which the valve closure member impedes the flow of water in the water line to an open position in which water can flow through the valve. |
| US08485205B2 |
Dishwasher with rotating zone wash sprayers
An automatic dishwasher has a rotatable spray arm and at least one rotatable sprayer, a drive link coupling the rotation of the rotatable spray arm and the at least one rotatable sprayer, and a drive for directly driving at least one of the rotatable spray arm and the at least one rotatable sprayer. |
| US08485197B2 |
Dental orthotic
A dental orthotic covering a plurality of teeth is provided for improving various obstructive syndromes of the human upper airway. The orthotic may be relatively thickened on the lingual side of the orthotic, compared to the facial or occlusal side; and in particular may relatively thickened in the more posterior aspects of the lingual side of the orthotic as compared to the more anterior aspects of the lingual side of the orthotic. The orthotic may be formed of one piece or two, and may be purely mandibular, or may be coupled to a maxillary orthotic. A method of progressive fitting of the orthotic for optimization of a patient's blood oxygen level is described. |
| US08485193B2 |
Ventilator to tracheotomy tube coupling
A coupling for connecting a ventilator tube to an improved single cannula tracheotomy tube has a latching mechanism which prevents the coupling from inadvertently axially displacing from a tapered tubular extension of the tracheotomy tube after they have been mated in a pneumatically discrete path. Non-axial and non-rotational forces are used to engage and disengage the coupling from the tracheotomy tube. The coupling has a trailing end adapter which permits rotation of the coupling relative to the ventilator tube rather than to the tracheotomy tube. |
| US08485190B2 |
Patient contacting seal and mask using same
A seal and a respiraoty mask having a seal adapted for confronting engagement with a surface of a user to form an interface therewith. The seal includes a first portion defined by a gel substance. In one embodiment, the seal includes a selectively formable substance adapted to be molded from a first pattern into a second pattern and to retain the second pattern responsive to being so molded. The seal and mask having the seal in this embodiment is tailored to patient by causing the formable portion of the seal to be placed in a malleable state, applying the seal to the patient while the formable portion is in the malleable state, and causing the formable portion to be placed in a fixed state to retain a shape generally conforming to the portion of the patient underlying the seal. |
| US08485189B2 |
Breathing mask
A breathing mask is provided which prevents condensation in the interior space of the mask. The mask body (2) is provided in some sections with a material (8) that is waterproof but permeable to water vapor. |
| US08485187B2 |
System, method and apparatus for removal of volatile anesthetics for malignant hyperthermia
Systems, methods, and apparatus for removing volatile anesthetics from an anesthesia or ventilation system to minimize the effects of malignant hyperthermia in susceptible patients. According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for removing volatile anesthetics is provided. A first filter component placed in fluid communication with an inspiratory limb of an anesthesia or ventilation system such that volatile anesthetics will pass through the first filter component during operation of the anesthesia or ventilation system. A second filter component is operably coupled to the expiration port of the anesthesia or ventilation system such that gases passing through the expiratory limb of the anesthesia or ventilation system pass through the second filter component. The first filter component and second filter component are adapted to effectively remove volatile anesthetics passing through the respective filters. |
| US08485185B2 |
Systems and methods for ventilation in proportion to patient effort
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods and devices for respiratory support. As one example, a ventilation system is disclosed that includes a computer readable medium including instructions executable by a processor to receive a measured pressure value and a net flow value. A patient effort value is calculated based on a relationship between patient effort, the measured pressure value and the net flow value. The instructions are further executable to calculate a gas delivery metric that varies as a function of the patient effort value. Gas is then caused to be delivered consistent with the gas delivery metric. |
| US08485183B2 |
Systems and methods for triggering and cycling a ventilator based on reconstructed patient effort signal
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods and devices for respiratory support. As one example, a method for respiratory support is described that includes providing a measured pressure, and calculating a net flow based on at least one measured inlet flow and measured outlet flow. A relationship between a first value related to the measured pressure, a second value related to the measured net flow and a third value related to patient effort is used to provide a prediction of patient effort. An interim value is updated based at least in part on the prediction of the patient effort, and used to help compute a patient effort. A ventilation cycle is initiated using the computed patient effort. |
| US08485182B2 |
Fault diagnosis in CPAP and NIPPV devices
A ventilation device for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of a patient has a gas flow generator, a gas delivery circuit optionally including a humidifier, a controller and sensors monitoring values of operational parameters of the device. The device further includes one or more relationships stored in data storage of the controller relating combinations of parameter values as being indicative of fault conditions of the device operation, the sensors and/or the fault detection process. |
| US08485181B2 |
Method and system for controlling breathing
The present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling breathing of a patient. A system for controlling breathing of a patient includes a respiratory conduit. The respiratory conduit is configured to be coupled to a patient interface device and is further configured to be coupled to a pressurized air generating device. The respiratory conduit includes at least two air flow control devices, positioned between the patient interface device and the pressurized air generating device. The respiratory conduit includes at least two volumes, wherein one volume is positioned between a first air flow control device and a second air flow control device and another volume is positioned between a second air flow control device and a third air flow control device. |
| US08485176B2 |
Cooking apparatus with adjustable fuel support
A cooking apparatus with a cooking container in which is received a fuel component support device. The cooking apparatus having an adjustment mechanism drivingly connected with the fuel component support device. The adjustment mechanism includes a handle section and an interconnected shaft assembly connected with the handle section, the interconnected shaft assembly including a first shaft section and a linkage assembly drivingly connected to the first shaft section and positioned between a base portion of the cooking container and the fuel component support device such that rotation of the first shaft, as by a vertical swinging of the handle section, produces an opposite direction change in vertical height in the linkage assembly and the supported fuel component support device. A handle engagement section is provided as in one that includes a plurality of height position stop engagement locations. Also, in an embodiment, the handle section is releasably engageable with the engagement locations as to releasably fix the fuel component support rack at one of a plurality of different height positions. |
| US08485173B1 |
Airsoft gun
An airsoft gun includes a stock and barrel assembly including a rear compressed propellant gas container having a seal, a spring biased striker disposed forwardly of the seal, a chamber disposed forwardly of the striker, a sliding weight in the chamber, a receiver disposed forwardly of the chamber, and an annular trough on an inner surface of a forward portion of the gun; a spring biased cap member locked at a forward opening; a pistol grip extending laterally out of the receiver and including two opposite three-section slots on a surface; a magazine assembly in the pistol grip; a and trigger assembly at bottom of the pistol grip and including a spring biased spacer engaging the bottom pellet, a cap element at the bottom of the pistol grip, and two safety pins through the cap element and the slots to lockingly urge against the spacer in a safe position. |
| US08485172B2 |
Pneumatic firing device for a paint ball gun
A device for controlling the firing of a paint ball gun includes a shell having a muzzle, a ball inlet, and a gas inlet, forward, intermediate and rear ports, and a main line; a reciprocating member communicating with the main line; a sleeve assembly comprising forward and rearward sleeves releasably secured together, the rearward sleeve comprising peripherally arranged inlet ports, a peripheral first port communicating with the rear port, and a peripheral second port communicating with the intermediate port; a plunger slidably disposed in the forward sleeve and comprising a first peripheral space defined between the plunger and the forward sleeve; a retaining sleeve in the rearward sleeve and extending into the plunger; a sliding valve in the retaining sleeve, the sliding valve comprising a transverse passageway; a cylindrical block comprising a transverse passageway; and a hollow retaining member releasably secured to both the rearward sleeve and the block. |
| US08485171B2 |
Apparatuses for launching projectiles
An apparatus for launching projectiles. The apparatus includes a hollow cylinder and a piston in sliding engagement through the hollow cylinder. The piston is configured to drive a fluid through the hollow cylinder. The apparatus further includes a barrel defining an open end and a chamber in fluid communication with the hollow cylinder. The chamber is configured to receive a projectile and to receive fluid driven from the hollow cylinder wherein the projectile is driven from the barrel through the open end. |
| US08485169B2 |
Single cam compound bow
Improved compound archery bow features a cable guard that separates the crossing inside cable segments allowing the intersection locus of the crossing cable inside segments to freely glide through the guard as the bow is drawn and released, a dual cam power pulley having a power lobe cam presenting a power cable race spiraling outward on a side face of an elliptical draw lobe cam presenting a draw-lobe cable race where the power cable winds as the inside drawstring cable segment unwinds from around the power cable race of the power lobe cam, and the outside drawstring cable segment unwinds from and winds-up around the draw-lobe cable race of the elliptical draw lobe cam as the bow is drawn and released, and bow-limb mounting and limb-pod structures at the respective ends of the bow riser for anchoring, aligning and supporting extending bow limbs for flexure. |
| US08485166B2 |
Ignition device for internal combustion engine
A power circuit, which supplies plasma energy to a spark plug, includes a DC/DC converter which charges a tank capacitor, a voltage limiting circuit which restricts an output voltage of the converter to a predetermined value, a PJ capacitor which is connected to the output side of the converter and is charged by the tank capacitor, and a high breakdown voltage switch which is connected between the PJ capacitor and the DC/DC converter and controls a charging time period of the PJ capacitor in response to operating conditions of an internal combustion engine; and the power circuit switches a voltage limiting value of the tank capacitor for charging the PJ capacitor in synchronization with a driving signal of the high breakdown voltage switch. |
| US08485157B2 |
Control system for internal combustion engine
A control system for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders including first and second cylinder groups. The first and second intake systems correspond respectively to the first and second cylinder groups, and first and second throttle valves are provided respectively in the first and second intake systems. An output of the engine is reduced upon deceleration of a vehicle driven by the engine. A pressure parameter indicative of an assisting force generated by a brake booster is detected. An intake negative pressure is supplied to the brake booster from the first and second intake systems. One of the first and second throttle valves is opened to increase the engine output when the pressure parameter is equal to or less than a first threshold value which indicates that the assisting force of the brake booster has decreased. |
| US08485156B2 |
Rotary internal combustion engine
A rotary internal combustion engine, includes a housing, a rotating plate assembly and a stationary plate assembly. The rotating plate assembly has a plurality of vanes disposed between an inflow passage and an outflow passage. The stationary plate assembly defines a piston chamber in which is disposed a reciprocating piston. Rotation of a crank shaft rotates the rotating plate assembly and rotation of the rotating plate assembly rotates the crank shaft. Valves are coupled to the crank shaft, such that rotation of the crank shaft opens and closes the valves during the combustion cycle. Each piston is coupled to the crank shaft such that rotation of the crank shaft results in reciprocal movement of the pistons in the piston chambers. |
| US08485154B2 |
Intake manifold flange
An intake manifold flange system prevents leakage between joining portions of an intake manifold and a cylinder head while permitting stress relief. A flange body has an opening for receiving a distal end of the intake manifold and fastener hole openings for fixing the flange body to the cylinder head. Spaced annular grooves are arranged in an axial direction of the intake manifold. O-rings of a dimension to extend from the annular grooves and provide a pressurized contact with the distal end of an intake manifold. An annular groove is formed at a surface opposite a mounting portion of the cylinder head and an O-ring seal enables offsetting of the flange body from the cylinder head surface. |
| US08485153B2 |
Air intake apparatus
The present invention relates to an air intake duct for an internal combustion engine that is capable of reducing the noise associated with the induction of air. The air intake duct includes an inlet and an outlet as well as an opening in a side wall located between the inlet and outlet. Mounted within this opening is a woven acoustic membrane. The acoustic membrane reduces inlet snorkel noise by dissipating pressure waves in the duct. The woven acoustic membrane is formed from a material that allows sufficient air flow into the air intake duct and also resists water penetration into the air intake duct. |
| US08485151B2 |
Valve timing adjusting device
A sealing structure seals a clearance between a housing and a brake rotor. The housing defines a fluid chamber for sealing a magnetic viscous fluid inside. The brake rotor penetrates through the housing and generates brake torque by contacting the magnetic viscous fluid. The housing has a magnetic sleeve section and a magnetic screw section provided to the brake rotor. The magnetic sleeve section is continuous in a rotational direction of the brake rotor and generates a magnetic flux. The magnetic screw section is an external screw having a screw thread, which extends away from a fluid chamber side toward a phase adjusting mechanism side when traced in a rotational direction of the brake rotor. The magnetic flux is guided to the magnetic screw section through a sealing gap between the magnetic screw section and an inner peripheral section of the magnetic sleeve section. |
| US08485150B2 |
Group of multiple camshafts with camshaft adjusters
Groups of camshafts (6) are connected to camshaft adjusters (1) via adapters. According to prior art, adaptations to the camshaft adjuster (1) are necessary for different mounting conditions and/or different geometries of camshafts (6). Here, an adapter (32) is provided between camshaft (6) and camshaft adjuster (1), which adapter can then be adapted to different geometries of the camshaft (6) and/or mounting positions. By this, the multiplicity of parts can be reduced. |
| US08485147B2 |
Impingement cooling of cylinders in opposed-piston engines
A cylinder cooling construction includes a cylinder liner with a sidewall, exhaust and intake ports opening through the sidewall, a bore, and a plurality of feed channels that are formed with and extend along the sidewall from a central band of the cylinder toward the exhaust and intake ports. A sleeve covering the sidewall includes a plurality of impingement jet ports that are arranged in at least one sequence extending around the central band and that are in liquid communication with the plurality of feed channels. An annular member disposed between the liner and the sleeve reinforces the central band. The sleeve further includes an inside surface with spaced-apart annular recesses that with the sidewall define liquid coolant reservoirs in the vicinity of the ports that are in liquid communication with the feed channels. Channels through bridges of exhaust port have first ends in liquid communication with the coolant reservoir in the vicinity of the exhaust port and second ends that open through a portion of an exhaust end of the cylinder. |
| US08485144B2 |
Internal combustion engine with a cylinder block and a cylinder head
An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block and a cylinder head, with at least one first cooling jacket (1) being arranged in the cylinder block and at least one second cooling jacket (2) being arranged in the cylinder head, and a cooling fluid can flow through the cooling jackets (1, 2) substantially in the longitudinal direction of the internal combustion engine, and with both the cylinder block and the cylinder head having separate inflows (6, 8) and outlets (7, 9) for the cooling fluid which communicate with the respective cooling jacket (1, 2) in the cylinder block and cylinder head. In order to ensure even cooling especially of thermally loaded regions of the cylinder head, at least one flow transfer (10, 11) is arranged between the first cooling jacket (1) of the cylinder block and the second cooling jacket (2) of the cylinder head. |
| US08485141B2 |
Cool logic with an integrated cooler into the clutch/engine base
A fan drive system is provided having a housing connected with a pulley. A fan shaft is rotatably mounted to the housing by a clutch. A piston actuates the clutch. A pressure tube is provided for delivering pressure to the piston. A valve controls pressure against the piston. A fixed shaft rotatably supports the housing and the pulley and has passages extending through the pulley. A base connects the support shaft to a vehicle structure. An oil plate has inlets and outlets with the shaft passages. The oil plate circulates the hydraulic fluid. A coolant plate is juxtaposed between the oil plate and the structure supporting the support shaft. The coolant plate has inlets and outlets for coolant from a remote cooler. |
| US08485138B2 |
Water heater with temporary capacity increase
A water heater may be configured to temporarily increase its hot water capacity by heating water to a higher boost temperature. In some instances, the water heater may include a main controller that can accept a boost request from a remote controller, and thus may temporarily provide additional hot water capacity without, for example, requiring a homeowner to go down to the basement, out to the garage, or wherever the water heater happens to be to make manual adjustments to the water heater settings. |
| US08485137B2 |
Combustion control device
The present invention relates to a combustion control device incorporated in an apparatus such as water heater and provides the combustion control device having an improved configuration with a main controller and a sub controller, capable of employing a microcomputer with lower capability as the sub controller, and ensuring higher safety than ever before.Signals indicating a combustion state of a combustion apparatus are inputted into the main controller 35 and the sub controller 36 in parallel. Upon fulfillment of a predetermined condition of stopping, the main and sub controllers 35 and 36 each output a stop signal to cut off a current to be supplied to a device driving circuit 42. The conditions of stopping in outputting of the stop signal by the main and sub controllers are such that the sub controller 36 is less apt to execute the cutoff than the main controller 35. |
| US08485136B2 |
Pet wash vending station
A pet wash station is provided that includes a wash room with a pet wash tub and a flexible spray hose to enable washing a pet in the tub. The tub drains into a collection trough in the floor of an equipment room. The equipment room and wash room share a common wall. The wash room floor extends under the common wall into the equipment room. The wash room floor drains towards the common wall, through a space between the wash room floor and the common wall, and into the trough in the equipment room floor. |
| US08485134B2 |
Containment system for animals
An animal containment unit comprises a lid and a base container. The base container comprises an animal compartment with breathing holes, a foot release pedal, and a lock receiver. The lid is attached to the base container by means of a hinge and comprises a sliding gate, a locking mechanism, a slot opening gasket and bristle which act as a protective barrier and reduces the risk of animal strike back. The sliding mechanism provides users with access into the animal compartment when the lid is in a closed position and secured to the base container. |
| US08485133B1 |
Mobile platform arrangement
A mobile platform arrangement includes a first (mobile) platform and a second (support) platform. Both are flat-bottomed members, wherein the support platform is preferably, but not exclusively, provided with sidewalls and wherein a diameter of the support platform exceeds an outer diameter of the mobile platform at least twice. The mobile platform is advantageously positioned onto and/or within the support platform. The top surface of the support platform is provided with a friction reducing surface structure. The mobile platform is therefore adjusted to perform gliding motion along and/or over the friction reducing surface, wherein acceleration necessary for performing gliding motion is imposed to the mobile platform by an external force, provided by movement of an experimental animal within the mobile platform. The mobile platform arrangement in addition may include a mechanism for securing a conscious wake and able to move experimental animal, including a head adapter and corresponding mount. |
| US08485130B2 |
Tube bird feeder
A tube bird feeder comprising a seed tube having an open top and an open bottom, a cover fitting on top of the seed tube to cover the open top, a base portion which is removably secured to the side wall, and a removable seed port structure mounted in a seed access opening. |
| US08485124B2 |
Silver thin-film spread apparatus by means of deposition of nano metallic silver
Disclosed is a silver thin film spread apparatus by means of deposition of nano metallic silver, the apparatus comprising: a treatment booth formed at one side with an inlet for inputting a substrate, and formed at the other side with an outlet for discharging the substrate; a transfer device formed at a lower side of the treatment booth for transferring the substrate; a spray device formed at an upper side of the treatment booth for spraying silver solution on a surface of the substrate; a moving device for linearly reciprocating the spray device; and a rotation device formed at the lower side of the treatment booth for rotating the substrate, whereby reflectivity can be enhanced by increasing film compactness and coating uniformity of thin film, where the substrate is rotated at a predetermined constant speed to allow the spray guns to linearly reciprocate and to allow the nano silver thin film to be uniformly spread and deposited on the surface of the substrate at a predetermined constant frequency. |
| US08485123B2 |
Imprint lithography
An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a substrate table configured to support a lithographic substrate and a plurality of nozzles arranged to eject fluid onto the lithographic substrate, the plurality of nozzles extending over a distance which is substantially equal to or greater than a width of the substrate, wherein the nozzles, the lithographic substrate, or both, are moveable relative to the other. |
| US08485113B2 |
Universal security plate for automatic teller machines
A system and method to secure a free-standing automatic teller machine (ATM). An attachment plate having a plurality of sleeves that align with attachment point on an ATM is embedded in a concrete platform before the concrete is cured. The ATM is positioned on the surface of the attachment plate so that its attachment points aligned with a subset of sleeves. The ATM is then bolted into the sleeves. When so installed it is nearly impossible to dislodge the ATM from the platform with typical mechanical equipment such as trucks, tractors etc. |
| US08485112B1 |
Multi-use surface
A multi-use work and play area attachable to a table surface by a generally ‘J’ shaped spring hinge assembly, that inhibits the scattering of manipulated articles, and offers protection of young children from injury associated with striking the edge of a table inadvertently with their arms, hand or head. The multi-use surface may also be used by adult hobbyists or craftspeople working with small articles that may be misplaced easily. |
| US08485108B2 |
Device for connecting the gangway bellows cover and the chassis of articulated vehicles
A device for connecting the gangway bellows cover and the chassis of articulated vehicles comprises a connecting element (2) having a grip portion (3) which can be stably connected to an end edge (102a) of a gangway bellows cover (102) and an engagement portion (4) which can be stably connected to a portion (200) of the vehicle chassis, wherein the grip portion (3) and the engagement portion (4) are rotatably connected to each other in such a way that they rotate relative to each other about a hinge axis (X). |
| US08485107B2 |
Devices and systems for controlling travel of a railcar
A device and system for controlling travel of a railcar along a set of rails is provided. In one example, a railcar stop is coupled to the set of rails and is selectively movable between a first position wherein the railcar is free to travel along the set of rails and a second position wherein the railcar stop engages the treads of the wheels to thereby prevent travel of the railcar in at least one direction along the rails. |
| US08485106B2 |
Stop device for rail cars and in particular for use with tracks in classification yards
A device for stopping rail cards includes an articulated member adapted to move between a first raised position in which ait receives a rail car wheel in contacting or abutting relationship to cause effective stopping of the car, and a second retracted position which offers no resistance to movement of the car wheels. A hydraulic or pneumatic ram is provided to move the articulated member between the two positions. |
| US08485103B2 |
Rail anchor spreader and combination spike puller
An anchor spreader apparatus and method for moving rail anchors, the anchor spreader apparatus has a mounting member, a rail clamp assembly and an anchor-engaging assembly. With the rail clamp assembly properly clamped to the rail, the anchor spreader apparatus is maintained in a proper and controlled position relative to the anchor as the anchor-engaging assembly is rotatably moved relative to the rail clamp assembly. The anchor spreader apparatus may be paired with a spike-pulling apparatus, whereby the anchor spreader apparatus and the spike-pulling apparatus simultaneously move the rail anchor and pull respective spikes. |
| US08485102B2 |
Marking ammunition
Marking cartridge for conventional firearms that deposits marking media on impact with a target. The marking cartridge generally comprises a marking projectile containing a quantity of marking media beneath a frangible cap portion and having a more durable exterior surface adapted to engage the rifling of the barrel when fired. The marking projectile also may comprise a receptacle for marking media having a curled lip adapted to remove air during assembly and excess marking media to insure a consistent quantity of marking media is contained within the marking projectile. The receptacle defining a marking media cavity radially spaced from exterior bearing portion wall and having a mushroom shape. The marking cartridge also may comprise an extendable casing. |
| US08485094B2 |
Printer accessory
A printer accessory comprises a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, and an ink absorber having a thickness in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. The ink absorber rests on the top surface and includes an absorbent material to retain excess ink from a printing operation. Furthermore, the accessory includes print media supports connected to the base and extending beyond the thickness of the ink absorber, wherein when print media is present, the print media spans the print media supports without contacting the ink absorber. An attachment clip is connected to the base having a resiliently flexible portion to releasably secure the printer accessory to a printer. |
| US08485091B2 |
Cooking grill
A cook top includes a lower grill and an upper grilling unit that is mounted adjacent to a back edge of the lower grill. The upper grill unit can be moved from a recessed position at a back edge of the cook top to a raised vertical position by a raising mechanism. From the raised position, the upper grilling unit can be rotated forward so that food placed on the lower grill can also be cooked by the upper grilling unit. |
| US08485086B2 |
Slide bearing component for pistol with light alloy body structure
This invention relates to countering of the weight caused by high temperature and pressure that arise during the firing of the pistol by this component, instead of the aluminum alloy body; by inserting, into the pistol with light alloy body structure, a bearing component that is all-steel, independent of the body of the pistol, and that can be assembled and disassembled when necessary; elimination of deformations of the aluminum alloy body caused by the high temperature and high pressure; and lengthening the working life of the pistol by increasing the rate of fire. |
| US08485081B2 |
Synthetic fiber rope for crane and method of manufacturing the same
Synthetic fiber rope for a crane, include a central strand having an inner core made of a synthetic resin and an inner cover made of synthetic fibers and connected to the inner core via braiding, a plurality of outer strands each of which includes an outer core made of a synthetic resin and an outer cover made of synthetic fibers and connected to the outer core via twisting and which are connected to the outer surface of the central strand via braiding, and a jacket made of synthetic fibers and braided to cover the surface of the plurality of outer strands. Method of manufacturing a synthetic fiber rope is also disclosed. |
| US08485078B2 |
Combination table-miter saw safety system
A combination table-miter saw including a base, an arm rotatably coupled to the base and moveable relative to the base between a first position and a second position, and a platform coupled to the arm and moveable relative to the arm between a first position and a second position. The combination table-miter saw also includes a safety device configured to allow the combination table-miter saw to function as a table saw when the arm is in the first position and to allow the combination table-miter saw to function as a miter saw when the platform is in the first position. |
| US08485077B2 |
Treatment device for material strands and method for treating a material strand
A treatment device for material strands having a separating device for dividing a material strand and a transport system. The treatment device comprises at least one front and one rear transport unit. At least one drive unit is provided for moving at least one transport unit relative to the other transport unit. |
| US08485074B2 |
Firefighter tool
A firefighter tool has pivotably connected handles and jaws, and one handle has an outer generally sinusoidal surface and the handle end is formed with a hook facingly disposed to the generally sinusoidal surface. The handles open fully so that the user grips the other handle and the sinusoidal surface hook alternately operably contactingly engages differently sized and configured fire hose couplings. |
| US08485069B1 |
Wrench with a ratchet device
A wrench with a ratchet device includes a wrench body, a driving set, a cover member and a controlling member. A hole is opened on the wrench body. A receiving space is defined near the hole. An assembling groove is defined near the receiving space. The controlling member is assembled into the receiving space. The driving set has a ratchet and a driving block. The ratchet is assembled into the hole and the driving block is assembled into the receiving space. The driving block abuts against a bottom of the receiving space. The ratchet is engaged with the driving block. The controlling member has a switching member inserted into the assembling groove to move the driving block. Under this arrangement, when the ratchet engages with the driving block, the driving block is stable because the bottom of the receiving space abuts against the driving block. |
| US08485067B2 |
Tubular joint detection system
An apparatus for connecting tubulars comprises tongs for gripping the tubulars, having openings which can be aligned to allow tubulars to enter the tongs, and a detection apparatus for detecting the location of a joint between the tubulars. The detection apparatus comprises a set of keys disposed along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the tubulars, the keys being individually displaceable on contact with the tubulars as the tubulars enter the tongs through the openings. The detection apparatus further comprises a set of sensor means, each arranged to detect displacement of a corresponding key. The position of the joint can then be determined from the displacement of the keys. |
| US08485062B2 |
Double-lock cable and flexible conduit gland
A double-lock cable and flexible conduit gland formed of a shell, a collar, a packing ring, and a connection ring is disclosed. The shell has an axial through hole. The collar has an axial through hole. The packing ring has an axial through hole surrounded by a first packing ring segment and a second packing ring segment thereof. The collar is inserted into the axial through hole of the shell. The packing ring is mounted in the axial through hole of the collar. The connection ring and the shell are fastened together by a screw joint, causing the first packing ring segment and second packing ring segment of the packing ring to be wrapped about the inserted cable or the inserted cable and flexible conduit tightly, achieving a double-lock function and protecting against moisture and dust particles. |
| US08485061B2 |
Operating device with selector lever return
An operating device for selecting shift stages in a shift-by-wire gearbox. The device comprises a selector lever which is movable between a drive gear position and a park position, and a locking device with a spring-loaded detent pin and a lock-in gate. An actuator device, that moves the selector lever, comprises a disengagement device. A detent pin and a lock-in gate can be brought, via a disengagement device, from a first relative position, in which the detent pin engages a shifting track of the lock-in gate, into another relative position, in which the detent pin disengages the shifting track. The operating device facilitates simple and safe actuator-induced return of the selector lever, into the park position, and offers the driver reliable optic and tactile feedback about the actual shift condition of the transmission. |
| US08485059B2 |
Actuating device having force-feedback
The invention relates to an actuation device for a shift-by-wire-actuated gearshift transmission. It includes a shifter base and an actuating element pivotally supported in a bearing location of the shifter base. The actuation device further includes at least one actuator for blocking the actuation element. Here, the actuator, in addition to its blocking function, is configured for generating mechanical vibrations or oscillations. A tactile feedback for the user of the actuation device with low design complexity is provided for flexible, tactile signaling of switching processes or locked actuation positions of a selection lever. Existing actuation devices can potentially be upgraded for tactile feedback purely by software-side changes. |
| US08485049B2 |
Torque tool device
The torque tool device includes a torque tool and an information processing terminal. The torque tool is capable of measuring the torque value at which a bolt or the like was tightened and then transmitting the measured torque value via wireless communication unit and the information processing terminal has information processing unit receiving the measured torque value and determining whether the torque value is acceptable. |
| US08485048B2 |
Torque transfer coupling
A torque transfer coupling includes a shaft and a first second set of hydraulic devices. Each hydraulic device of the first set of hydraulic devices has a first end operably connected to a first end of the shaft, wherein the hydraulic devices of the first set of hydraulic devices are disposed about an axis of the shaft. Each hydraulic device of the second set of hydraulic devices has a first end operably connected to a second end of the shaft, and wherein the hydraulic devices of the second set of hydraulic devices are disposed about the axis of the shaft. Each hydraulic device can include a piston and cylinder assembly wherein extension and retraction of each piston of each hydraulic device is generally tangential to a portion of a circle encircling the shaft. |
| US08485044B2 |
Device for determining a physical value of a liquid flowing in a pipe
A device for determining a physical value of a liquid flowing in a pipe, without contact with said liquid, said device comprising: a sensor (3) for said physical value; a connector (2) to insert into said pipe and comprising: an internal passage (13) extending between two apertures (11, 12), a flexible membrane (6) for a pressure sensor, forming a wall of said internal passage (13); and means (27, 62) for fastening said sensor (3) onto said connector (2); characterized in that said sensor is a temperature sensor (3) fastened to said connector (2) with the sensitive part of said sensor (3) turned towards said membrane (6). |
| US08485043B2 |
“X” wired anemometric probe and its manufacturing method
A method for manufacturing a single-wire anemometric probe, or an n-wire (n>1) probe, for making measurements near a surface, comprising, for at least one of the wires: a) positioning and holding of a straight portion of the wire, comprising a metal core surrounded by a protective sheath, on two surfaces; b) elimination of a part of the sheath, to expose an active wire measurement zone; and c) the wire is soldered on two pins of the probe body. |
| US08485042B2 |
Method for manufacturing an elastic body of Al2O3 ceramic, measuring membrane for a pressure sensor and pressure sensor with such a membrane
A method for manufacturing an elastic deformation body made of an Al2O3 ceramic according to which a highly pure alumina having at most 2000 ppm MgO, at most 200 ppm inorganic impurities, a specific surface of at least 10 m2/g, an average grain size of at most 0.3 μm is applied. With the alumina and additives, there is produced via aqueous processing a homogeneous mixture, from which a pressable spray granulate is produced, which is formed by means of a uniaxial pressing method to a homogeneous, green body, which is subjected to a sinter process. The resulting elastic deformation body has a bending fracture stress σc, whose distribution F(σc) is given by the Weibull parameters σ0≧800 MPa and m≧24, with an average grain size of the sintered material of no more than 2 μm, and wherein the sintered material of the deformation body has a density of not less than 3.98 g/cm3. |
| US08485040B2 |
Flame arrestor for process transmitter
A process transmitter for sensing a process variable includes a transmitter housing, a sensor, transmitter circuitry, a passageway and a flame arrestor. The transmitter housing has an interior. The sensor is disposed within the interior, senses a process variable of an industrial process and generates a sensor signal. The transmitter circuitry is disposed within the interior and connects to the sensor. The passageway is in communication with the sensor and extends through the interior of the transmitter housing. The passageway has a first cross-sectional profile. The flame arrestor is positioned in the passageway. The flame arrestor has a second cross-sectional profile different from the first cross-sectional profile. The flame arrestor produces a path in an interior of the passageway having a smaller cross-sectional area than that of the first cross-sectional profile of the passageway. |
| US08485038B2 |
System and method for augmented reality inspection and data visualization
A 3D tracking system is provided. The 3D tracking system includes at least one acoustic emission sensor disposed around an object. The acoustic emission sensor is configured to identify location of a probe inserted into the object based upon time of arrival of an acoustic signature emitted from a location on or near the probe. The 3D tracking system also includes a first sensor configured to detect an elevation of the probe. The 3D tracking system further includes a second sensor configured to detect an azimuth of the probe. |
| US08485033B2 |
Testing technique for determination of the dynamic poisson's ratio of a material with longitudinal and cross-sectional resonant frequencies of a circular solid rod specimen
A method of determining the dynamic Poisson's ratio of a material with a circular solid rod is provided. The method includes at least the following steps. 1. a circular solid rod specimen with the material to be determined for its dynamic Poisson's ratio is manufactured; 2. the length and diameter of the circular solid rod specimen is measured; 3. both the fundamental longitudinal and cross-sectional resonant frequencies of the circular solid rod specimen are obtained through experiments; 4. the dynamic Poisson's ratio of the material according to the formula provided in this invention is calculated; 5. the validity of geometric dimension of the circular solid rod specimen is justified. |
| US08485032B2 |
Methods and apparatus for improving performance of an accelerometer
An accelerometer for reducing undesired attraction or repulsion forces between a proof mass and a cover. An exemplary accelerometer includes a proof mass, a base, a flexure that flexibly attaches the proof mass to the base, at least one double-ended tuning fork (DETF) attached at one end to the proof mass and at another end to the base, and a housing structure that encloses the proof mass within a cavity. A layer of graphene is located on at least a portion of the nonconductive surfaces within the housing structure. The nonconductive surfaces include a surface on the proof mass, the housing structure, the base, the flexure, or the DETF. The layer of graphene is attached to a heat sink and/or to an electrical charge dissipation component. |
| US08485029B2 |
Apparatus and method for landing a rotary wing aircraft
An aircraft 160 approaches a landing point 162 following a flight path 164 to a designation point 166, the pilot sights the landing point 162 and activates the apparatus. A first calculation of coordinates for the landing point 162 is made and landing symbology generated. The pilot reviews the landing symbology and decides whether or not there is an acceptable correlation with the landing point 162. If not, the pilot will continue along the flight path 164 activating the apparatus at further designation points 168, 170 and 172 to reduce the designation error between the coordinates calculated by the apparatus and the real world landing position 162 observed by the pilot until the pilot is satisfied. At this point the pilot enters a landing phase and the symbology provides the pilot with landing cues even when the helicopter 160 enters a brown out event indicated by cloud 174. |
| US08485028B2 |
Structural member of an aircraft having a hollow part and indicator of ice formation in such a hollow part
A structural element of an aircraft includes a hollow part. An indicator provides a visual indication, for example by moving, if ice forms in a given region of the hollow part. |
| US08485025B2 |
Standing wave fibers for the detection of nucleic acids
The present invention provides a standing wave fiber assembly for the collection and detection of a biological target in a complex biological fluid, including: an oscillator; and an elongated fiber coupled to the oscillator, wherein the elongated fiber is selectively exposed to a fluid potentially containing the biological target, and wherein the resonated elongated fiber attracts the biological target, and wherein a change in a response of the resonated elongated fiber indicates the presence of the biological target. The assembly also includes a top cover plate including one or more electrical connections and a port through which the fluid is introduced. The assembly further includes a bottom cover plate including a well in which the fluid is contained. Optionally, the elongated fiber includes one or more probes homogenously functionalized along its length that bind targeted biological materials. |
| US08485022B2 |
Package leak detection
Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for detecting improperly sealed portions of sealed packages. For example, in one embodiment, a package leak detection system automatically provides pressure within a tank for a predetermined period of time. The tank is at least partially filled with colored fluid with a sealed package being at least partially submerged in the colored fluid. In the tank, the pressure inside the tank forces the colored fluid into improperly sealed portions of the sealed package. After the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the package leak detection system automatically shuts off the package leak detection system and releases the pressure within the tank so the sealed package can be inspected for potential leaks. |
| US08485014B2 |
Apparatus and methods for imbalance compensation
Provided are apparatus and methods for compensation of mechanical imbalance in a measurement apparatus, that provides options for increased accuracy and/or less expensive manufacture of a torsion balance. Orientation measurements are taken and an imbalance torque about the torsion spring's axis of rotation is determined, and used to calculate a compensation. The measurement apparatus of one embodiment includes a test body and a set of magnets for generating a first disturbing force on the test body in response to a paramagnetic gas. A conductor element in the magnetic field receives an electrical current that generates a second opposing force to the test body, under feedback control that varies the current until the test body achieves a balanced null position. The control signal required to achieve the fixed null position is measured. Corrections are then made for an imbalance mass by measuring the orientation of the apparatus relative to an acceleration or gravitational field and determining the imbalance torque resulting from the imbalance mass. Use of the invention can improve accuracy or reduce the cost of manufacture of a torsion balance, by enabling compensation for imbalances. |
| US08485013B2 |
Method and tooling for headed pilot pointed bolts
A set of tooling for making pointed headed bolts of a given diameter in numerous lengths with roll thread ready threaded to the head and partially threaded shanks in a four forming station forming machine, the tools being configured to work on wire stock as received at the first station of a diameter larger than or substantially the same as the roll diameter and not greater than the nominal diameter of the bolt, including at least two sequential head forming tools for mounting on the slide, an extrusion pointing tool for mounting on the die breast, a roll diameter extrusion tool for mounting on the die breast and a head support tool mountable in a station on the slide at multiple axial positions corresponding to standard lengths of the bolts being made, the head support tool being arranged to work at either the extrusion pointing station or the roll diameter extrusion station. |
| US08485011B2 |
Tool for installing rivet nuts
A tool for installing rivet nuts, the tool comprising a screw, a rotatable drive for rotating the screw and an anti-rotation device for preventing rotation of a rivet nut which has been screwed onto the screw. |
| US08485002B2 |
Plastic tub for a washing machine or a washer dryer
A plastic tub for a washing machine includes a cylindrical casing; and an end face wall sealing the cylindrical casing. The end face including a bearing mount for a shaft of a laundry drum and radially-aligned reinforcing ribs molded into the end face wall. The reinforcing ribs begin at the bearing mount and branch in a Y-shape along their radial extent. |
| US08484998B1 |
Circular knitting machine with a fine gauge
A circular knitting machine with a fine gauge includes a circular cylinder and a sinker holder annularly located on an outer side of the circular cylinder. The circular cylinder has a plurality of knitting needles parallel with the axial direction of the circular cylinder to move alternately, and an annular top surface corresponding to the knitting needles. The sinker holder has a plurality of retaining slots to hold a plurality of sinkers. Each sinker has a slide edge, a movement edge extended from the slide edge at the same elevation to the annular top surface and located above the annular top surface, and a loop forming nose located between two neighboring knitting needles. Each retaining slot has a leaning surface in contact with the slide edge to allow the sinker to move towards the annular top surface to proceed a loop forming movement. |
| US08484996B2 |
Method of manufacturing an optical fibre preform
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a preform for optical fibers, wherein deposition of glass-forming compounds on the substrate takes place. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for manufacturing optical fibers, wherein one end of a solid preform is heated, after which an optical fiber is drawn from said heated end. |
| US08484994B2 |
Method of obtaining a textured substrate for a photovoltaic panel
The invention relates to a method for obtaining an external covering of a photovoltaic device, said covering being constituted by a glass substrate having texturing in the form of at least one row of grooves that are mutually parallel and preferably spaced by a regular distance d, said method being characterized in that there is used, for the impression of said texturing, texturing means incorporating reliefs whose spacing is different from the distance d between two rows of grooves on the glass substrate.The invention also relates to a substrate or to a photovoltaic module incorporating a substrate that can be obtained by application of the preceding method. |
| US08484993B1 |
Ear protection device for athletes
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for an earring safety device that can be clipped to an ear enveloping an earring so as to protect the ear and the wearer's head from the earring during fast-paced activities. The earring safety device can enable athletes to participate in contact sports without removing the earring, especially where rules would otherwise preclude the athlete from competing. The earring safety device can also protect the wearer from snagging the earring during high-intensity activities and jobs The protection also protects the athlete from injury due to impacts made to the earring. |
| US08484992B2 |
Krypton xenon recovery from pipeline oxygen
A method and apparatus for producing a krypton-xenon-rich stream in which a pipeline oxygen stream is removed from an oxygen pipeline at ambient temperature and then distilled in a cryogenic rectification plant to produce the krypton-xenon-rich stream from a column bottoms of a distillation column. The plant can generate its own refrigeration by way of a heat pump loop incorporating an expander or, alternatively, refrigeration can be added by means of a liquid oxygen reflux stream introduced into the top of such distillation column. |
| US08484988B2 |
Uninterruptable power supply for water pump
A heating/cooling system includes a closed circuit refrigeration system including an evaporator. Water circulating through a closed water circuit exchanges heat with refrigerant in the evaporator, cooling the water for a cooling application. The water can also be heated by a boiler, and the heated water is used to heat a space. A water pump flows the water through the water circuit. When a current sensing relay detects a power failure, a boiler control algorithm is initiated to “trick” a motor of the compressor into believing the heating/cooling system is operating in a heating mode. Therefore, a compressor failure alarm is not generated. The water pump is powered by a battery pack during the power failure. Water continues to flow through the water circuit, preventing the water from freezing. |
| US08484986B2 |
Energy storage systems
The present invention provides an energy storage device that utilizes a cold sink that undergoes cycles of freezing and thawing. The device converts electrical energy to stored thermal energy, and then re-converts the stored thermal energy to electrical energy, as needed or desired. The device can store energy on a large scale (e.g., on the order of megawatts or greater) and for an extended period of time (e.g., for at least 12 hours, or longer, as needed). |
| US08484985B2 |
Air conditioner system having an externally controlled variable displacement compressor and a clutch and method of operating the same
A vehicle air conditioner system having, and method of operating, an externally controlled variable displacement compressor and a compressor clutch. If the system is operating during conditions when the operating displacement is low, the efficiency of the system is increased by duty cycling the clutch. Operating an externally controlled variable displacement compressor in this manner can also prevent overcooling by the air conditioner. |
| US08484984B2 |
Method and apparatus for equalizing a pumped refrigerant system
A cooling system is provided that comprises: a refrigerant loop having a pump; an evaporator heat exchanger thermally coupled to a heat source, the evaporator plumbed in the loop; a condensing heat exchanger and a receiver plumbed in the loop; and an equalizing conduit plumbed between an inlet to the condenser and the receiver and comprising a flow regulating valve. |
| US08484983B2 |
Thermoelectric generator on an aircraft bleed system
A device for producing electrical power has a thermoelectric device coupled to an aircraft bleed system for generating electrical power using temperature differentials between ram air and bleed air. A system control is coupled to the ram air and the bleed air to control a temperature of the bleed air and to control a temperature gradient of the thermoelectric device. |
| US08484981B2 |
Integrated fuel gas characterization system
A gas turbine engine that includes a compressor, a combustion stage, a turbine assembly, a fuel gas feed system for supplying fuel gas to a combustion stage of the gas turbine, an integrated fuel gas characterization system, and a buffer tank is disclosed. The integrated fuel gas characterization system may determine the heating value of the fuel and adjust either the airflow to the compressor or the fuel gas flow to the combustor to maintain a design fuel-to-air ratio. |
| US08484980B1 |
Dual-mode combustor
A new dual-mode ramjet combustor used for operation over a wide flight Mach number range is described. Subsonic combustion mode is usable to lower flight Mach numbers than current dual-mode scramjets. High speed mode is characterized by supersonic combustion in a free-jet that traverses the subsonic combustion chamber to a variable nozzle throat. Although a variable combustor exit aperture is required, the need for fuel staging to accommodate the combustion process is eliminated. Local heating from shock-boundary-layer interactions on combustor walls is also eliminated. |
| US08484978B2 |
Fuel nozzle assembly that exhibits a frequency different from a natural operating frequency of a gas turbine engine and method of assembling the same
A method of assembling a fuel nozzle assembly for a gas turbine engine having a natural operating frequency includes providing a flange and providing a premix tube. The flange is fabricated from a first alloy such that the flange is configured to exhibit a first frequency that is different than the natural operating frequency of the gas turbine engine. The premix tube is fabricated from a second alloy such that the premix tube is configured to exhibit a second frequency that is different from the natural operating frequency of the gas turbine engine. The premix tube is coupled to the flange. |
| US08484976B2 |
System, method and apparatus for fluidic effectors for enhanced fluid flow mixing
A fluidic effector provides enhanced plume mixing for an aircraft engine. Air jet injectors are located on both the external and internal cowl surfaces and angled in opposite directions to induce large scale vortices in the exhaust plume. The vortices mix actuation air with the exhaust plume to produce ejector action. The plume mixes out quickly, thereby lowering jet noise and jet exhaust temperature. The injectors have orientations and injection rates that are adjustable to allow variable mixing rates for use at different flight and engine conditions. |
| US08484975B2 |
Apparatus and method for start-up of a power plant
A power plant is provided which includes a gas turbine having a compressor for producing compressed air and a combustor for combusting the compressed air with a combustible fuel to produce a heated combustion gas. The power plant also includes a heat recovery steam generator for generating a flow of steam from an exhaust of the gas turbine and a steam turbine for expanding the flow of steam from the heat recovery steam generator. The steam turbine has a rotor having a rotor bore disposed axially therein. The power plant also includes a conduit for directing at least a portion of the compressed air or at least a portion of the heated combustion gas from the gas turbine to the rotor bore of the steam turbine, wherein the compressed air or the heated combustion gas may warm the rotor bore of the steam turbine. |
| US08484971B2 |
Method of operating a vehicle equipped with a pneumatic booster system
An apparatus and method for improving vehicle performance by application of pneumatic boost to vehicle engines, including diesel engines having at least one turbocharger supplying air to the engine, in a manner which increases engine torque output while minimizing the potential for exceed various operating limits to the maximum practicable extent. The vehicle's pneumatic booster system controller implements strategies for shaping the rate of the air injection during a boost event, tailoring the air injection to obtain maximum engine torque output while respecting the operating limits, by controlling the timing, duration, quantity and/or injection pattern during a boost event to achieve a refined distribution of compressed air injection over the course of the boost event to provide desired engine torque output and fuel efficiency while minimizing the potential for exceeding a wide variety of operation limits, regulatory, engineering and passenger comfort limits. |
| US08484970B2 |
Relief valve with double valve arrangment for releasing a booster pressure of a turbocharger
The invention relates to a relief valve comprising: a first valve body (3) for opening and closing a fluid passage (33) between a first valve connection (31) and a second valve connection (32); a second valve body (4), which is arranged on the first valve body (3), for opening and closing a valve gate (3A), which is arranged in the first valve body (3), between the first valve connection (31) and a valve interior (9); at least one fluid passage (11) providing a connection between the valve interior (9) and the second valve connection (32); a closure member (18) for selectively opening and closing the fluid passage (11); an actuator (2, 7) for moving or actuating the second valve body (4) in a closing direction, wherein a movable member (2) of the actuator (2, 7) is arranged so as to be movable, after the closing of the second valve body (4), further in the same direction, so that the first valve body (3) can be moved in an opening direction of the first valve body (3) via an engagement of the second valve body (4) with the valve seat (3C) which is arranged on the first valve body (3), wherein a stop element (13), which is operatively connected to the second valve body (4) and/or the movable member (2), can be brought into engagement with the first valve body (3) to move the first valve body (3) in a closing direction, and also to a method for opening and closing a relief valve. |
| US08484969B2 |
Engine
In an engine such as an engine for driving a pump or dynamo, in which a load increasing state does not appear as an accelerating state of rotation speed, it is intended to prevent the smoke emission in an abruptly load-increasing state, which might otherwise be caused by the suppression or interruption of an EGR quantity. The engine 10 comprises a supercharger 11 and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) device 12. The engine 10 makes an isochronous control or a droop control, when its rotation speed N is shifted from a no-load (idle) or light-load run to a high-load (load-increasing) state. In case it is detected, when the state of the engine 10 shifts to a load state, that the actual rotation speed N becomes lower by a predetermined rotation speed ΔN than a target rotation speed Nm, an EGR valve 13 of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) device 12 is either throttled to an opening smaller by a predetermined opening ΔF than the ordinary set opening F corresponding to the load state or fully closed. |
| US08484966B2 |
Rotary heat exchanger
A system for generating power from a low grade heat source includes a heat source inlet, heat sink inlet, heat exchanger unit, and a heat engine. The heat source inlet conveys a flow of a heated fluid into the system. The heat sink inlet conveys a flow of a cooled fluid into the system. The heat exchanger unit is configured to rotate. A portion of the heat exchanger unit alternates between thermal contact with the heated fluid and thermal contact with the cooled fluid in response to being rotated. The heat engine is configured to generate power in response to the heat exchanger unit being rotated. |
| US08484962B2 |
System and method for the temperature regulation of a hydraulic fluid
The invention relates to a system for regulating a temperature of hydraulic fluid in at least one hydraulic circuit of an aircraft, wherein, in a periphery of the aircraft, additional hydraulic consumption units are each provided with at least one controllable valve for heating the hydraulic fluid above an adjustable minimum temperature limit value (Tmin), wherein the controllable valve is closed during a maneuver of the aircraft, wherein the controllable valves of the additional hydraulic consumption units are closed when the temperature of the hydraulic fluid exceeds an adjustable theoretical temperature value (Tsoll), and wherein a temperature control system is connected to a temperature sensor for adjusting the controllable valve on the basis of a local temperature of the hydraulic fluid, the temperature sensor being near the hydraulic consumption units which are arranged in wings and tail of the aircraft. |
| US08484960B2 |
Torque converter with centered turbine
A torque converter for connecting to an input shaft of a transmission including a housing, a turbine housed in the housing, a turbine hub connected to the turbine, the input shaft of the transmission being located within the turbine hub, a piston plate connected to the housing so as to be radially fixed with respect to the housing, and a bushing connected to the piston plate and the turbine hub, the piston plate via the bushing and the turbine hub centering the turbine and the input shaft of the transmission. The bushing may have a radial flange. |
| US08484956B2 |
Diesel particulate filter regeneration control using a wide band oxygen sensor
A regeneration control system for use with a diesel engine having a diesel particulate filter is provided. This regeneration control system utilizes a wide band oxygen sensor placed in the exhaust stream upstream of a regeneration device, as well as an engine speed sensor, to determine when to initiate the regeneration event, and for controlling the regeneration device to ensure proper regeneration of the diesel particulate filter. The after treatment controller utilizes the oxygen percentage signal to calculate or otherwise determine the percentage load at which the diesel engine is operating. This information along with the engine speed information allows the after treatment controller to calculate or otherwise determine exhaust parameters necessary for proper control of the regeneration device. |
| US08484954B2 |
High-efficiency SCR catalytic converter
A method and a device for selectively purifying the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine using a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalytic converter (2), wherein a reducing agent is metered to the exhaust gas prior to entry into the SCR catalytic converter (2). An overdose of the reducing agent is added to the exhaust gas, and the exhaust gas, after exiting the SCR catalytic converter, is fed in part through an oxidation catalytic converter (5) and in part to a second SCR catalytic converter (8) via a bypass (6) circumventing the oxidation catalytic converter. In the oxidation catalytic converter (5), one half of the excess NH3 flowing out of the first SCR catalytic converter (2) is converted to NOx and reacts to form non-hazardous nitrogen after mixing with the other half of the excess NH3 flowing unchanged through a bypass. |
| US08484953B2 |
Electrically heated particulate filter using catalyst striping
An exhaust system that processes exhaust generated by an engine is provided. The system generally includes a particulate filter (PF) that filters particulates from the exhaust wherein an upstream end of the PF receives exhaust from the engine. A grid of electrically resistive material is applied to an exterior upstream surface of the PF and selectively heats exhaust passing through the grid to initiate combustion of particulates within the PF. A catalyst coating is applied to the PF that increases a temperature of the combustion of the particulates within the PF. |
| US08484947B2 |
Fluid injector having purge heater
A fluid injector for an exhaust treatment system is disclosed. The fluid injector may have a body, a pin member, and a heater. The pin member may be disposed within the body and have a fluid receiving end and a fluid injecting end. The heater may be disposed about the fluid injecting end of the pin member. |
| US08484946B2 |
Method and device for determining an oxygen storage capacity of a catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine and method and device for determining a dynamic time duration for exhaust probes of an internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas catalytic converter is laden with oxygen until it is saturated at least upstream of an exhaust gas probe. A predefined first rich air/fuel ration is set in a combustion chamber of a cylinder. A first oxygen storage capacity value is determined as a function of the measurement signal of an exhaust gas probe and the predefined first rich air/fuel ratio. The exhaust gas catalytic converter is laden with oxygen until it is saturated. A predefined second rich air/fuel ration is set in the combustion chamber of the cylinder. A second oxygen storage capacity value is determined as a function of the measurement signal of the exhaust gas probe and the predefined second rich air/fuel ration. A corrected oxygen storage capacity value is determined as a function of the first and second oxygen storage capacity values. |
| US08484944B2 |
Aerodynamic device for thrust reverser cascades
A method and aerodynamic device for modifying at least one vane of a cascade thrust reverser. One or more of the aerodynamic devices may be formed and attached to forward-facing surfaces of vanes of the thrust reverser. The aerodynamic device may include a first side shaped to rest flush against at least a portion of the forward-facing surface of the vane, a second side opposite of the first side, a ledge portion protruding from the first side and configured to rest flush against a blunt leading edge of the vane, a rounded first end portion extending from the ledge portion to the second side of the aerodynamic device, and a second end opposite of the first end portion at which the first side and the second side converge. The aerodynamic device changes the size and contour of airflow channels between the vanes, increase the efficiency of the thrust reverser. |
| US08484943B2 |
Impingement cooling for turbofan exhaust assembly
A system comprises a bypass duct, a turbine case, a turbine exhaust ring and a splash plate. The turbine case is formed along a radially inner margin of the bypass duct, and the turbine exhaust ring is coaxially disposed within the turbine case. The splash plate extends axially along the turbine exhaust ring, radially spaced between the turbine exhaust ring and the turbine case. There are cooling fluid apertures in the turbine case to provide cooling fluid flow from the bypass duct onto the splash plate, and impingement holes in the splash plate to provide impingement flow onto the turbine exhaust ring. |
| US08484940B2 |
Composite elastomeric yarns and fabric
The present invention relates to composite elastomeric yarns and fabrics, to methods of making same, and to articles in which such yarns and fabrics are used. The composite yarns of the present invention comprise a elastomeric core, an elastomeric thermoplastic sheath disposed about the core and, preferably, fibers mechanically anchored in the sheath. The composite fabrics of the present invention comprise the composite yarns of the present invention and conventional fibers arranged to form a fabric. |
| US08484928B2 |
Method for producing a wall-ceiling reinforced concrete construction
Method of producing a wall-floor reinforced concrete construction in which use is made of prefabricated permanent shuttering systems made up of a wall shuttering system (100) with two shuttering panels (101; 103) and a floor shuttering system (120) which comprises a base plate (123) with a multiplicity of individual longitudinal bars (121) next to one another which are each fastened by means of a multiplicity of stirrups (122) on the base plate (123) at a distance above the base plate in such a way that they come to lie in the lower region of the floor (171) to be produced. The connecting element between the wall and floor that is used is a coupling reinforcement (150) which, on one side, is fastened into the wall shuttering system (100) and, on the other side, to the individual longitudinal bars (121) of the floor shuttering system (120) which extend perpendicularly to the wall shuttering system (100). |
| US08484927B2 |
Right-angle girder tie
A connector for joining a supported member to a supporting member is formed with a series of angularly-joined flanges. The flanges are substantially planar and are substantially vertically oriented, when joining the supported member to the supporting member. The connector allows the end of a supported truss to be connected to a vertical member in the open web of a supporting truss. |
| US08484926B1 |
Frame member to which screen material can be attached for forming screen doors, screen walls and window screens
A frame member for use in constructing screen walls, screen doors, window screens and related structures. The frame member has an elongate channel-containing section and an elongate plate section that extends from the channel-containing section. The channel-containing section has a longitudinally extending channel that has a narrow section and a relatively wider section. The narrow section of the channel defines an entrance to the channel. The channel is sized for receiving spline that secures a screen to the frame member. The channel-containing section has a rear wall and a pair of sidewalls. Each sidewall has an outer surface. The channel-containing section has a pair of front wall sections. Each front wall section is on a corresponding side of the channel entrance. The elongate plate section has a first surface and an opposite second surface and is substantially perpendicular to the rear wall of the channel-containing section. The first surface of the elongate plate section is substantially coplanar with an outer surface of one of the sidewalls of the channel-containing section. |
| US08484923B2 |
Bi-parting accessible ceiling system
A suspended ceiling comprising a grid formed of intersecting grid runners and snap-up panels supported on the grid runners, the grid runners dividing a ceiling area into standard modules, the pans being formed of sheet material and each having its sides sized to cover the module size while leaving a space at visible faces thereof between adjacent panels when in an installed position on the grid, at least one adjacent pair of panels being displaceable from their installed positions, the gap between a pair of displaceable panels being closed by a removable runner or the displaceable panels so that when the displaceable panels are displaced from their installed position and any removable runner is removed, an access opening of twice the standard module is made available for accessing the area above the ceiling while adjacent panels at longitudinal ends of the gap between the displaceable panels can remain in respective installed positions. |
| US08484922B2 |
Alkaline and heat resistant foam composite and floor underlayment
The invention is directed to a composite foam material that is alkaline and heat resistance. The composite foam material comprises a foam layer that having a film layer attached thereto and in which at least one of the film or foam layers includes a carbon free radical scavenger agent that is dispersed therein. The carbon free radical scavengers neutralize free radicals that are generated in the polymeric material (e.g., film or foam layer) and help prevent the degradation of the foam composite material. In particular, foam composite materials in accordance with the present invention can be used in underlayment applications in which exposure to heat can degrade the underlayment. As a result, the durability and useful life of the composite sheet material can be extended. In some embodiments of the present invention provides a floor underlayment material that overcomes many of the problems discussed above. |
| US08484916B2 |
Panel-sealing and securing system
A panel-sealing and securing system for securing a panel to a mullion coupled with weather seal pressure gaskets for sealing exterior joints under high wind velocity. The mullion is formed in one piece or in two halves of a split mullion which occurs at the joint between multiple pre-fabricated units of a unitized grid system. The mullion has a concealed front corner cavity adjacent to panel for installing the panel-sealing and securing system. For weather sealing, elastic pressure gaskets and expansion joints comprising panel gasket seals at a joint between the panel and the mullion and mullion gasket seals at a joint between the two halves of split mullion where a unitized split mullion system is used. To securing the panel to the mullion and allow for thermal expansion movement of the panel, two segments formed in one piece or in two hinge connected pieces include a gasket holder segment and a spacer plate segment. A retainer may be in the form of a screw fastener, channel or angle clamp with an aperture through which a screw fastener or snap interlocking wedge secures the gasket holder to the mullion. The retainer may be a retainer-cover of the front corner cavity combined in one element. Installation of the retainer secures the gasket holder to the mullion and applies pressure on an end of the panel gasket or the overlapping aligned ends of the panel gasket and the mullion gasket. |
| US08484914B2 |
Sealing system
A silicone seal for surrounding and sealing an object has spaced thick beads and a rigid ring positioned between the beads. When the silicone seal is slid on the object, the silicone is compressed between the ring and the object and between the beads and the object. A plate has a flat base and an angular raised central portion with a ledge at an angle to the base. The silicone continues downward from the seal through a flexible middle to an enlarged part which has a complementary ledge that is seated on the plate ledge. An end of the large part is joined to the plate inward of the ledge. |
| US08484911B2 |
Sliding pendulum seismic isolation system
An inventive method is presented for a sliding pendulum seismic isolation system that reduces seismic forces on the supported structure and reduces the costs of the isolation bearings, seismic gaps, and supported structural frame. The inventive method is to configure the isolation system to achieve increased effective friction with increased displacement amplitudes, and to employ specific bearing configurations that suit the different types and magnitudes of loads present at particular structure support locations. Three bearing configurations are presented which are comprised of multiple sliders that slide along different concave spherical surfaces, each constituting an independent sliding pendulum mechanism having a specified pendulum length and friction. Two bearing configurations are presented which are comprised of multiple sliders that slide along different concave or convex cylindrical surfaces, one configured to carry both compression and tension loads, and one configured to be cost-effective for carrying light compression loads and accommodating large displacements. |
| US08484910B2 |
Active dynamic vibration absorber
An active dynamic vibration absorber 1 includes a weight 2; a frame 3 which is adjacent to the weight 2 in such a manner as to surround the weight 2 with clearances X1 and Y1; a holding mechanism 4 which is interposed between the weight 2 and the frame 3 and holds the weight 2 movably in an X direction with respect to the frame 3, while holding the weight 2 immovably in a Y direction and a vertical direction V; a detecting means 5 for detecting the relative vibration of a predetermined value in the X direction of the weight 2 with respect to the frame 3; and a moving means 6 for relatively moving the weight 2 in the X direction with respect to the frame 3 on the basis of a detection signal from the detecting means 5 such that the relative movement of the weight 2 in the X direction with respect to the frame 3 is allowed, while the vibrational displacement of the weight 2 in the X direction with respect to the frame 3 is reduced. |
| US08484908B2 |
Mobile multi-functional shelter unit
A mobile multi-functional shelter unit, for use as a general working area or for storing and maintaining heavy machinery. The mobile multi-functional shelter unit includes a central structure that has a deployed state and a non-deployed state as well as means for translating from the deployed state to the non-deployed state. The central structure has a base section, a central floor mounted on top of the base section, track means for raising a vehicle from a ground surface onto and off of the central floor. The central structure supports a raisable roof assembly and a lateral pullout assembly. |
| US08484907B2 |
Methods and apparatus for a building roof structure
A foam core cement construction panel having shear members and lateral rails that form a channel-beam-like structure and novel methods of using the panels to form an integrated roof structure that serves three separate functions: (1) the roof load structure assembly; (2) the roof's exterior waterproof assembly; and (3) the roof's exposed interior ceiling assembly and which can include internal hydronics for added climate control. |
| US08484906B1 |
Boat cover frame system
A frame system suitable for use on a boat and capable of supporting one or more tarpaulins to protect the boat from the elements, comprising one or more sets of couplers and angle elements adapted to be used with off-the-shelf connecting members, such as PVC pipes, such that when assembled the frame system provides a canopy frame arching over the top side of the boat, with the lateral sides of the frame system sloping upward and meeting over the longitudinal midline of the boat. |
| US08484902B1 |
Window assembly having a thermal break liner
A window assembly includes a window frame having a front wall and a lateral wall, the window frame being set within a building opening. A thermal break liner having a laterally extending portion is provided wherein the laterally extending portion is positioned on the lateral wall of the window frame. The window assembly also includes a glazing with at least one pane of glass mounted in the window frame, a glazing bead for holding the glazing in place against the window frame, and a glazing bead retainer fixed to the thermal break liner for retaining the glazing bead in place on the thermal break liner. The thermal break liner is formed of a material having a low thermal transmittance factor and is positioned to prevent direct contact and thermal transfer between the glazing bead and the window frame. The window assembly may be a fixed or operable window assembly. |
| US08484894B2 |
Method of laminar flow control using a door assembly
A method of operating a door assembly may include pivoting a first door about a first pivot axis from a closed position to an open position such that the first door acts as an inlet. The method may further include pivoting the first door to the closed position, and pivoting a second door about a second pivot axis from a closed position to an open position when the first door is in the closed position such that the second door acts as an outlet facing in a direction opposite the first door. The method may additionally include pivoting the second pivot axis about the first pivot axis when pivoting the second door, the second door being of a smaller size than the first door and forming at least a portion of the first door. |
| US08484889B2 |
Seed sticker
The present invention relates to a seed sticker for seeding and planting flowers or sprouts easily and quickly in a small vessel or in a flower garden and a manufacturing method thereof. The present invention is characterized by a seed sticker, inside of which a seed is enshrined, comprising: a transfer paper wherein a coating layer is formed on the surface of the transfer paper; an adhesive layer which is formed on the surface of the coating layer; a seed pellet which is enshrined on the surface of the adhesive layer; a red clay soil sheet accumulated over the upper part of the seed pellet; and a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sheet accumulated over the upper part of the red clay soil sheet and covering both the seed pellet and the red clay soil sheet, and the edge of which is bonded to the adhesive layer. |
| US08484882B2 |
Forward mounted gun sight with illumination apparatus
The present invention is a rail mounted back-up sight with at least one, but preferred two, illumination apparatuses mounted thereon. The back-up sight features a sight housing that is configured to selectively alternate between a stowed and a spring-biased deployed position. Any type of illumination apparatus may be used, but the preferred apparatus is a flashlight, mounted upon wither side of a sight base. Either a front or a rear sight may be utilized as could different types of illumination apparatuses. |
| US08484877B2 |
Rifle upper receiver with integral magazine well
Rifle upper receivers with integral magazine wells include an extruded elongate inverted U-shaped channel with an interior bore. The interior of the channel has elements formed as surfaces of extrusion. The surfaces of extrusion provide guidance and support for a magazine and trigger guard assembly pins. The present invention is manufactured by extruding an elongate tube in a closed-box profile with an interior bore, milling a series of slots into the top of the tube, machining a bottom channel opening by removing portions of the bottom of the tube, machining holes in the sides of the tube, and machining a recess in the top of the interior of the tube. |
| US08484876B2 |
Firearms for launching electrified projectiles
Method and apparatus are disclosed for launching electrified projectiles from a firearm (preferably, a shotgun) by using a specially designed breech bolt which also prohibits firing lethal ammunition. The preferred method comprises: opening a receiver of a shotgun by retracting a breech bolt having a central protrusion on a leading end; inserting a cartridge, having an electrified projectile, into a breech of the firearm; wherein the electrified projectile contains a primer and adjacent pyrotechnic propellant; nesting an end portion of the cartridge within the protrusion of the bolt; propelling the electrified projectile from the firearm by striking a firing pin of the shotgun against the primer, thereby igniting the pyrotechnic propellant, of the nested electrified projectile; and prohibiting, by the central protrusion of the bolt, the firing of lethal ammunition from the firearm. |
| US08484875B2 |
Firearm magazine
A magazine for a firearm may include a cavity that is shaped to prevent the tip of the bullets in the cartridges from contacting the magazine when the firearm recoils. The magazine may also be configured so that the cartridges in the magazine exit the cavity at least approximately in the center of the magazine. The magazine may be configured to include a biasing mechanism that pushes the cartridges upward in the cavity. The biasing mechanism may be configured to allow the magazine to be compact, simple, and reliable. |
| US08484874B2 |
Systems and methods for receiving and loading cartridges in bulk
Systems and methods for receiving and loading cartridges in bulk are disclosed herein. A device described herein includes multiple parallel partition walls configured to couple with cartridge carriers and segregate, group and single file line the cartridges removed from the cartridge carriers and placed onto a receiving surface. An alignment wall on the receiving surface works in conjunction with the partition walls in aligning groups of cartridges into single files on the receiving surface. A loading rod slideably engaged with the receiving surface urges single filed groups of cartridges from the receiving surface into a magazine coupled with the receiving surface. |
| US08484870B1 |
Apparatus and method to display content in a transparent vessel
An apparatus and method to display content in a transparent vessel. The transparent vessel has a transparent vessel wall, transparent vessel floor, and transparent vessel mouth. Content having a content display surface is rolled up and inserted through the transparent vessel mouth, unrolled inside the transparent vessel, and held flat against a transparent vessel wall inside surface, optionally with the aid of a prod having a non-slip prod tip attached to a rigid prod shaft. Stabilization media such as glass beads or seashells is poured into the transparent vessel and serves to hold the content in a desired display position inside the transparent vessel. |
| US08484868B2 |
Laundry treating apparatus
The present invention relates to a laundry treating apparatus which can make easy drying, deodorizing, crumple removal and sterilization of clothes, characterized in that laundry treating apparatus is provided with a hanger bar for receiving clothes hangers of different shapes. |
| US08484867B2 |
Fabric refreshing cabinet device for increasing flexural rigidity
A device for refreshing fabrics. The device provides fabrics with a crisp and fresh appearance and feel. The device also controls wrinkles on fabric without the use of a conventional iron or press. The device also allows for the delivery of fabric refreshing actives such as perfumes and other actives to fabrics. |
| US08484866B2 |
Dig under apparatus and process
A soil removal apparatus in one embodiment has a motive power unit and an excavator joined to the motive power unit by a coupler, the excavator extending laterally of the motive power unit. The coupler includes a manipulator for manipulating the excavator to loosen and displace soil material in a path lateral to a path of movement of the motive power unit. The method relates to undercutting an object with a motive power unit, selectively halting and moving the motive power unit, and loosening and displacing soil lateral to the path of travel of the motive power unit. |
| US08484865B2 |
Ball control insert
An article of footwear can receive an insert having ball control elements. The ball control elements protrude through a tongue of the upper to engage other surfaces. The inserts may be purchased separately from the article of footwear and interchanged to be used in a variety of conditions. |
| US08484862B2 |
Condensation dryer with a heat pump and recognition of an impermissible operating state and method for the operation thereof
A condensation dryer having a temperature sensor to measure a temperature of a coolant; a first comparator to determine a temperature difference between a first temperature of the coolant and a second temperature of the coolant that is measured after a period of time and to compare the temperature difference with a limiting temperature difference stored in a controller; a counter to ascertain a number of occurrences in which the temperature difference is greater than or equal to the limiting temperature difference; and a second comparator to compare the number of occurrences with a limiting number stored in the controller and to evaluate a number difference between the number of occurrences and the limiting number with respect to the presence of an impermissible operating state. A first impermissible operating state is indicated if the number difference is greater than or equal to a value stored in the controller. |
| US08484858B2 |
Wall contact caliper instruments for use in a drill string
A drill string caliper includes a mandrel configured to be coupled within a drill string. At least one laterally extensible arm is coupled to an exterior of the mandrel. A biasing device is configured to urge the at least one arm into contact with a wall of a wellbore. A sensor is configured to generate an output signal corresponding to a lateral extent of the at least one arm. |
| US08484854B2 |
Blade-switchable utility knife
A blade-switchable utility knife of the present invention comprises a housing, a blade slider, a slide actuator, a switch actuator, a pair of blades and a pair of restoring elements. By manipulating the switch actuator, one of the pair of blades is capable of moving together with the blade slider. Accordingly, the present invention has advantages and effects of quick switch of the blades for use and convenient carrying. |
| US08484847B2 |
Method for making a showerhead
A showerhead is disclosed in this invention. The showerhead includes a bottom portion, at least one plate, and a top portion. The bottom portion includes a plurality of gas tubes which are integratedly formed on the bottom portion. The gas tubes include at least one first gas tube. The at least one plate includes a first plate. The first plate includes a plurality of first openings, wherein the gas tubes pass through the first openings. The top portion is coupled to the bottom portion for forming at least one inner space. |
| US08484846B2 |
Method of joining components for a composite showerhead electrode assembly for a plasma processing apparatus
A showerhead electrode for a plasma processing apparatus includes an interface gel between facing surfaces of an electrode plate and a backing plate. The interface gel maintains thermal conductivity during lateral displacements generated during temperature cycling due to mismatch in coefficients of thermal expansion. The interface gel comprises, for example, a silicone based composite filled with aluminum oxide microspheres. The interface gel can conform to irregularly shaped features and maximize surface contact area between mating surfaces. The interface gel can be pre-applied to a consumable upper electrode. |
| US08484844B2 |
Method of manufacturing a connecting rod assembly for an internal combustion engine
A method of manufacturing a connecting rod assembly including the steps of defining a small end of a connecting rod assembly having a terminal end and then defining a pin bore extending through the small end of the connecting rod assembly. A pair of channels is formed on opposite sides of the small end of the connecting rod assembly wherein the axis of each of the channels is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the pin bore. A bushing having a contact surface including at least partially annular grooves disposed thereon is installed into the pin bore of the small end. The connecting rod is then machined to reduce the width of the small end between each channel and the terminal end wherein at least a portion of the grooves are disposed along the distal ends to reduce the need to deburr the area adjacent to the pin bore. |
| US08484840B2 |
Leading wiring method, leading wiring program, and leading wiring apparatus
When a formed position of a via formed on a board is the same as a position of a footprint of a chip component located on the back surface of the board corresponding to an area on which a BGA is mounted, a board designing apparatus determines that the chip component and the BGA can be connected using chip on hole. When it is determined that the chip component and the BGA can be connected, the board designing apparatus carries out chip on hole by forming a via in an area of the board on which the BGA is mounted, the via leading to the footprint of the chip component located on the back surface of the board. |
| US08484835B2 |
Dismounting jig
A dismounting jig adapted for removing a metal shield which is coupled with a lens module and has two projections at two opposite sides thereof. The dismounting jig has a main body and two clutching arms. Each of the clutching arms has a fixing plate and a holding portion connected with the fixing plate. A lower portion of the holding portion has a buckling slice protruded inward. Two opposite sides of the holding portion extend perpendicularly to form a pair of opposite stabilizing wings locating at a same side as the buckling slice with respect to the holding portion. The clutching arms are symmetrically mounted on the main body by the fixing plates thereof fixed on two opposite sides of the main body. A receiving space is formed among the two pairs of the stabilizing wings and the holding portions. |
| US08484832B2 |
Method of producing printed circuit board incorporating resistance element
There is provided a method of producing a printed circuit board incorporating a resistance element capable of adjusting resistance after the resistance element has been formed and assuring a high accurate resistance. A method of producing a printed circuit board incorporating a resistance element using carbon paste includes the steps of: forming through holes 5, 6, 25 and 26 or a bottomed hole in a double-sided copper clad laminate; applying noble metal plating into the through hole or the bottomed hole; filling the through hole or the bottomed hole with carbon paste; subjecting the carbon paste with which the thorough hole or the bottomed hole is filled to noble metal plating, conducting treatment and plating to form a conductive layer; forming an opening 18 in the conductive layer on the end of the through hole filled with the carbon paste; and performing trimming through the opening to adjust the resistance of the resistor formed by the carbon paste. |
| US08484829B2 |
Methods for manufacturing magnetic components having low probile layered coil and cores
Methods of manufacturing low profile magnetic components configured as a power management devices for an electrical system of an electronic device involve prefabricated coil windings assembled with a plurality of flexible dielectric sheet layers, and laminating the plurality of flexible dielectric sheets around the prefabricated coil windings to form a dielectric body having a low profile chip configuration attachable to the electronic device. |
| US08484828B2 |
Method for fabricating a rotor for an induction motor
A rotor core of an induction motor fabricating method includes a cylindrically shaped steel laminate stack having a plurality of longitudinal grooves distributed around the periphery of the steel laminate stack. A plurality of conductor bars are each located in one of the plurality of longitudinal grooves and each includes a first end projecting from a first end of the steel laminate stack. A shorting end ring includes a plurality of grooves aligned with and mated to the first ends of the conductor bars. The shorting end ring is affixed to the rotor core assembly by a lock ring assembled when at a thermally expanded condition to the rotor core when at a thermally contracted condition. |
| US08484827B2 |
Method of assembling a drilling and/or hammering tool
A method of assembling a hand held electrically powered drilling and/or hammering tool having a tool housing and a drilling and/or hammering spindle mounted within the housing. The spindle has a forward end at which a tool or bit may be mounted. The method of assembly includes the steps of making a motor sub-assembly including a motor and a radial fan, the fan has a plurality of blades located on one side of the fan and non-rotatably mounting the fan on an end of the armature shaft of the motor at a first end of the motor with the blades facing away from the armature of the motor. The method further including balancing the motor sub-assembly, and mounting the sub-assembly within the housing, with the longitudinal axis of the motor armature shaft at an angle, preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spindle and with the first end of the motor closest to the spindle axis. Thus, in use of the tool, the fan rotates at the first end of the motor to draw air into its inlet via air inlets in the housing and so as to push air through the motor and out of air outlets in the housing in the region of the second end of the motor which is remote from the spindle axis. A drilling and/or hammering tool made according to the method is also described. |
| US08484825B2 |
Method of producing an aluminum base part
An aluminum base part is composed of a forging cast product produced by a forging cast process and a nickel chromium plating layer formed on the forging cast product. The nickel chromium plating layer is composed of a semibright nickel plating layer formed on the forging cast product and having a thickness of 5 to 10 μm, a bright nickel plating layer 33 formed on the semibright nickel plating layer 31 and having a thickness of 5 to 10 μm, and a chromium plating layer 37 formed on the bright nickel plating layer 33 and having a thickness of 0.5 to 3 μm. The present invention adopts a forging cast product rather than a cast product. The forging cast product has a smooth surface, so that a plating layer can be directly formed on the surface of the forging cast product without forming an undercoat resin layer. |
| US08484824B2 |
Method of forming a wearable surface of a body
A method of forming a wearable surface of a body sized and configured to comminute material includes positioning at least one first insert in a first portion of a first metal structure at a first depth, positioning at least one second insert in a second portion of the first metal structure at a second depth and positioning at least one third insert in a third portion of the first metal structure at a third depth. At least one of these depths is different than the other depths. A second metal structure may be positioned adjacent to the first metal structure and at least one explosive material may be detonated to attach the inserts to the first metal structure. Material may then be removed to shape and form a wearable surface of a crushing body, which may be, for example, a crushing member or a segment of a crushing member. |
| US08484823B2 |
Methods and apparatus for mounting a crystal
In various embodiments, a crystal is inserted within a flexible membrane through an opening formed by manipulation of the membrane. |
| US08484820B2 |
Semiconductor device fabricating method and fabricating apparatus
Respective attracting openings of a bonding head are disposed so as to avoid joining regions at which bump electrodes (obverse electrodes) of a semiconductor chip are joined with bump electrodes of a package substrate. Bump electrodes (reverse electrodes) that are connected to the bump electrodes are provided at a reverse side of the semiconductor chip at positions opposing the bump electrodes. Because the attracting openings do not overlap the joining regions, the bump electrodes (reverse electrodes) are not suctioned at the joining regions. |
| US08484816B1 |
System and method of securing an apparatus to an opening
A system is disclosed for securing devices to various openings in tanks, vessels, walls, and the like. The system includes a fastening mechanism, a securing device, and a raised lip. The fastening mechanism functions to hold devices up against the vessel opening where the system is used while the securing device may function to secure hoses that may be utilized with fans or ventilators that are to be utilized with the system. |
| US08484813B2 |
Snap button
A snap button is provided, which can function as both of a male snap and a female snap without accurate alignment or positioning two snap buttons to be engaged with each other. The snap button comprises a button body, wherein the button body includes a plurality of projections and a plurality of recesses, which are circumferentially alternately arranged. Each of the projections includes at least one salient and each of the recesses includes at least one protrusion. Each of the projections may be shaped as a horizontal cross-section thereof gradually decreases from the proximal end to the distal end. Further, the circumferential range of each recess is larger than that of each projection. The protrusion may have one or more cutouts, and the salient may be hemispherically shaped. |
| US08484810B2 |
Continuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener and the structure impervious to fluid thereof
A continuous-coil type waterproof slide fastener includes two support tapes each having opposing first face and second face, two rows of coupling elements respectively formed of a continuous length of monofilament and respectively secured to along the inner longitudinal edge of the second face of each of the two support tapes, a high polymer elastic member bonded to the vertical wall of the inner longitudinal edge of each support tape and transversely extending from the vertical wall of the inner longitudinal edge to a predetermined distance, each high polymer elastic member further having a covering portion on the inner longitudinal edge of the second face of the associating support tape and a filling portion penetrates into inner chinks in the associating row of coupling elements, and a fluid impervious film covered at least on the first face of each support tape and the associating high polymer elastic member. |
| US08484809B2 |
Mechanical/magnetic connecting structure
The invention relates to a mechanical/magnetic connecting structure, that is to say a mechanical interlock by means of magnetic-force assistance, which is particularly suitable for closures such as those which are used on bags, rucksacks and comparable objects, wherein the connecting structure has the following features: an interlock apparatus having at least one spring interlock element which moves in a direction and is arranged in one of the connecting modules, and having a blocking piece for interlocking of the connecting modules, which blocking piece is arranged in the other connecting module, and having a movable unlocking element with a force-deflecting rising sliding surface, which is likewise arranged in the other connecting module, and a magnet armature structure having at least one magnet which is arranged in one of the connecting modules, and at least one armature which is arranged in the other connecting module. |
| US08484807B2 |
Necklace with plastic hand having a fresh scent compartment
A necklace with plastic hand having a fresh scent compartment includes a 36 inch nylon lanyard necklace made to go around the user's neck; plus a refillable new plastic hand device with two circular plastic hang tabs assembled together and attached onto the palm area. The new plastic hand device is for storing a fresh scent liquid-gel hand sanitizer inside, so now any user of a new liquid-gel hand sanitizer has an easier way to try to keep their own personal hands cleaner and well sanitized from today's germs and viruses. Finally, the new nylon lanyard necklace w/swivel hook is fastened onto of the circular plastic hang tab assembly on the new plastic hand device to form a new compartment. In addition, the new plastic hand device has a screw on 15 mm snap-top cap with valve for releasing the liquid-gel hand sanitizer from the new plastic hand device into a user's hands for sanitizing. |
| US08484806B2 |
Ergonomic hand grip
An ergonomic hand grip assembly is provided for attenuating shocks and impacts and reducing discomfort occasioned by use. The assembly includes a novel slotted sleeve member disposed between an elastomeric outer cover and an inner control member. |
| US08484805B2 |
System for attaching and releasing the handle of a container for cooking food
The invention describes a system (10) for attaching and releasing the handle of a container (14) for cooking food, in particular for a frying pan, comprising a base portion (12) and a handle portion (26) respectively provided with mutual attachment and release means (18, 20, 22; 28, 30, 32). Both the base portion (12) and the handle portion (26) as a whole are respectively made in a single piece from heat-resistant plastic material. The handle portion (26) as a whole is rotatable and removable with respect to the base portion (12) to obtain the attachment and/or release of the handle portion (26) with respect to the base portion (12) and thus with respect to the container (14) following the actuation of a release button (36) foreseen on the aforementioned handle portion (26) and capable of activating at least part of the aforementioned attachment means (18, 20, 22; 28, 30, 32). |
| US08484793B2 |
Toothbrush and method of use
A toothbrush with a handle having a base, a body, and a head. The body having a first section and a second section forming an oblique angle. A projector of sound or music located within the handle. The toothbrush having at least one bristle attached to the head. The toothbrush having a handle cover attached to the base. A method of using a toothbrush including the step of gripping the toothbrush. The method further including the step of engaging the projector of sound or music. The method still further including the step of utilizing the toothbrush while the projector of sound or music is activated. |
| US08484791B2 |
Toilet cleaning pad
The present invention consists of a pad that is curved to fit the inside surface of a toilet. The pad is large enough to cover the entire inside surface of the toilet. The lower portion of the pad is submerged into the trapped water at the bottom of the toilet. A part of the trapped water sucks up to the pad through the fibers of the pad materials. The wet pad stays on the surface of the toilet bowl. The leaning agent stored in the cleaning pad works with the stain on the bowl surface to clean the surface. |
| US08484790B2 |
Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler cleaner having active material actuator
A cleaning mechanism for and method of autonomously removing deposits from the interior surface of a tube comprises a cleaning member secured relative to the surface and preferably, an active material element drivenly coupled to or engaged with the member so as to selectively cause the member to translate, thereby removing deposits from the surface. |
| US08484783B2 |
Axillary support device
An axillary support device is provided for decompressing the axilla (armpit) and associated structures in a sidelying position. A thoracic cushion provides firm axillary support to a user at the level of the mid to upper thorax, distal to the axilla. A head cushion connected to the thoracic cushion supports the user's head and may maintain a neutral cervical spine alignment position. A connector connecting the cushions creates a valley to receive an upper arm of the user. A back support may be used to maintain the sidelying position. An inflatable bladder may be used to adjust the axillary support device in order to appropriately relieve pressure on the user's axilla and associated structures. With the axillary support device, the upper arm of the user is relatively free to extend perpendicularly in front of the body in the sidelying position with reduced stress on the lateral shoulder and axilla. |
| US08484779B1 |
Mortician's hairstyling trolley
A table suited for a stylist when styling hair of a deceased body is configured to hold the deceased body to allow hair to be styled. The table has a set of scissor-like supports with a foot-actuated control, thereby providing a means to adjustably elevate and lower the table. The table may also be angled via a pair of foot-actuated controls. A footrest at the table's base supports the deceased person along with a plurality of body securing straps. The table also comprises a separate platform for allowing the stylist to store products within and a neck support to further support the deceased body configuration resulting in optimum hairstyling. |
| US08484778B2 |
Side rail with two position storage feature
A siderail assembly comprises a first siderail body and a second siderail body. The second siderail body is movably coupled to the first siderail body and configured to rotate between a first position and a second position with respect to the first siderail body about a rotational axis passing through the first siderail body. The second siderail body is positioned above the first siderail body in the first position and below the first siderail body in the second position. |
| US08484775B2 |
Incline infant crib
A crib wherein one end of the bed portion of the crib is hinged and the other end of the bed portion of the crib includes handles which protrude through the bedposts of the crib. Holes in the bedpost correspond to holes in the handles so that, when the unhinged end of bed portion is lifted vertically, a pin may be used to secure the unhinged portion, providing a desired angle of elevation to the bed portion of the crib. |
| US08484771B2 |
Tub enclosure
A tub enclosure includes a back wall and a first side wall attached to the back wall. The first side wall and the back wall establish an interior of the tub enclosure. An interior side of the first side wall extends past an interior side of the back wall to establish an offset between the first side wall and the back wall. A caulk joint extends along the offset between the back wall and the first side wall. The caulk joint is obscured from vision when viewed in a direction toward the interior. |
| US08484766B2 |
Athletic garment with articulated body protective underlayer
Athletic apparel containing protective underlayer comprising molded foam padding that are shaped and curved to match the anatomical regions to reduce the bulk of the underlayers. The molded foam pads a perforated structure to allow for increased flexibility and ventilation. Protective underlayers that surround regions of motion, such as the hip joint, are notched to provide articulation of the protective underlayer that will improve mobility of the athletic apparel wearer. |
| US08484765B2 |
Garment pocket for carrying an object in a concealed state
A pocket for a garment is disclosed. The pocket comprises a first layer and a second layer, which is attached to the first layer to form a partially enclosed space. The partially enclosed space comprises a region defined by (1) a first line corresponding substantially to a line of flexion of a hip joint of a wearer of the garment and (2) a second line corresponding substantially to a centerline of a thigh of a wearer of the garment. The region is configured and disposed to substantially conceal an object stored in the region from a person viewing the garment. |
| US08484763B1 |
Tennis bra pocket system
A strap assembly includes an upper strap and left and right straps. The straps are coupled with respect to each other. A bra had front and rear sections depending from the straps. The bra has spaced arm holes and an upper neck hole and a lower body hole. At least one patch is operatively associated with the bra. The patch has upper and lower edges separated by a height. The patch has parallel left and right edges separated by a width. The patch has a periphery with stitching coupling the left and right and lower edges of the patch to the bra. A linear slit is formed in the patch parallel with, and closely spaced from, the upper edge of the patch. |
| US08484762B2 |
Protective sports headgear
An adjustable and flexible sports headgear for protecting against injuries. A front panel protects the forehead, eyes, nose, and face of the wearer. The front panel extends from the forehead to the nose tip, allowing the wearer to breathe, and has a pair of openings that accommodate the eyes and permit unobstructed vision. A rear panel protects the back of the head and has two ends and a fastener connecting the ends to secure the headgear to the head. Side panels extend from opposite ends of the front panel to the rear panel. The side panels have ear protectors with apertures that facilitate hearing. Impact-absorbing padding is located along the front panel to protect the forehead and along the side panels to protect the temples. A strap connects the side panels with a releasable connector and, when connected, spans over the top of the head of the wearer. |
| US08490210B2 |
Contact type plasmonic nano optical probe, parallel probe constituted of the same, plasmonic optical apparatus including the parallel probe, and a method of fabricating the parallel probe
A contact type plasmonic nano optical probe, a parallel probe constituted of the same, a plasmonic optical apparatus including the parallel probe, and a method of fabricating the parallel probe are disclosed. A contact type plasmonic nano optical probe includes a probe tip which protrudes in a truncated shape having a narrower plan surface and a wider plan surface relatively wider than the narrower plan surface, of which a metal thin film is coated on a surface, of and which an aperture of nm diameter included in a portion of the metal thin film on a central portion of the narrower plan surface, a spring structure disposed at a perimeter of the probe tip and configured to maintain a distance between the probe tip and a film to be exposed, a dielectric filled within the aperture, and a protection layer disposed on the narrower plan surface of the probe tip. Here, an optical transport path is included within the probe tip to be connected to the aperture. A plasmonic optical apparatus including a parallel plasmonic probe is constituted of a probe array including a plurality of probe modules in which the contact type plasmonic nano optical probes are disposed at a uniform distance on a substrate. |
| US08490208B2 |
Method and device for detecting if a computer file has been copied and method and device for enabling such detection
A method of detecting whether a computer file has been copied, the computer file comprising a software program and having an inode number. The inode number of the computer file is retrieved by the software program. From the computer file, a stored inode number is read, the stored inode number being the inode number of a file system from which the computer file should not be copied. The retrieved inode number and the read inode number are compared and it is determined that the computer file has been copied if the retrieved inode number does not match the read inode number. Also provided are a method of enabling detection of the copying of a computer file, and devices and software program products corresponding to the methods. |
| US08490207B2 |
Performing zero-copy sends in a networked file system with cryptographic signing
A method and system for sending data in a file system that uses cryptographic signatures to protect data integrity. A computer system calculates a signature based on the content of a page of a memory. The memory is shared by processes that run on the computer system. The computer system write-protects the page while the page is used for calculation of the signature. When a first process attempts to modify the page, a page fault is triggered. In response to the page fault, the content of the page in memory is copied to a new page in the memory. The new page is accessible by the processes. Access to the page by the first process is redirected to the new page. Subsequent to the page fault, access to the page by the second process is also redirected to the new page. |
| US08490203B1 |
Fingerprinting based entity extraction
A system (and a method) is disclosed for fingerprinting based entity extraction using a rolling hash technique. The system is configured to receive an input stream comprising characters, the input stream of a predetermined length, and a hash table having plurality of indexed entries. The system defines a fixed window length. The system isolates, through the fixed window length, a set of a plurality of characters of the input stream. The system generates a hash key. The hash key is used to index into the hash table. The system compares the isolated set of plurality of characters of the input stream with the entry corresponding to the index into the hash table to determine whether there is an exact match with the entry. The system slides the fixed window length one character to isolate another set of a plurality of characters of the input stream in response to no exact match from the comparison. Alternatively, the system stores the input stream in response to an exact match from the comparison. |
| US08490194B2 |
Method and system for detecting malicious behavioral patterns in a computer, using machine learning
Method for detecting malicious behavioral patterns which are related to malicious software such as a computer worm in computerized systems that include data exchange channels with other systems over a data network. Accordingly, hardware and/or software parameters are determined in the computerized system that is can characterize known behavioral patterns thereof. Known malicious code samples are learned by a machine learning process, such as decision trees and artificial neural networks, and the results of the machine learning process are analyzed in respect to the behavioral patterns of the computerized system. Then known and unknown malicious code samples are identified according to the results of the machine learning process. |
| US08490185B2 |
Dynamic spam view settings
A method of displaying email messages to a user is provided. Spam classification information and meta data is associated with email messages received for a user. Email message summary information is displayed in a user interface based on whether the meta data associated with the message meets or exceeds a threshold display level for the summary information. The user provides input via the user interface which is an indication to change the threshold display level and the change is dynamically displayed. |
| US08490184B2 |
Verification for computer programs that include external call references
A program verification mechanism includes an external call reference verification mechanism that verifies external call references in a computer program. The external call reference verification mechanism checks the computer program after the computer program has been loaded by a loader/linker. The loader/linker stores a list of trusted entry points that specifies a trusted entry point for each external call reference, along with a list of allowable caller code for each trusted entry point. The external call reference verification mechanism determines the entry point for each instruction that is an external call reference, determines whether the entry point is listed as the trusted entry point for the external call reference, and whether the external call reference instruction is in the list of allowable caller code for the trusted entry point. If so, the computer program is verified. If not, verification of the computer program fails. |
| US08490183B2 |
Security ensuring by program analysis on information device and transmission path
A receiving device includes a storing unit that stores information on whether a function of a program provided via a network is permitted to be used; a receiving unit; a first a receipt control unit that receives, using the receiving unit, before receiving a program via the network, function information indicating a function used in the program; a determining unit that determines whether to receive the program, by comparing function information received by the first receipt control unit and information stored by the storing unit; a second receipt control unit that receives, using the receiving unit, the program via the network if the determining unit determines to receive the program, and that cancels receipt of the program via the network if the determining unit determines not to receive the program; and an executing unit that executes the program received by the second receipt control unit. |
| US08490181B2 |
Deterministic serialization of access to shared resource in a multi-processor system for code instructions accessing resources in a non-deterministic order
Managing access to resources shared among multiple processes within a computer system. Multiple program instances of an application are almost simultaneously executed on multiple processors for fault tolerance. The replication solution supports the recording and subsequent replay of reservation events granting the shared resources exclusive access rights to the processes, when one program code instruction may request access to a set of shared resources in a non-deterministic order. |
| US08490171B2 |
Method of configuring a security gateway and system thereof
There is provided a rule-set generator and a method of automated configuration of a security gateway. The method comprises setting-up an initial rule-set; obtaining log records of communication events corresponding to the initial rule-set so as to obtain a sufficient amount of log records; transforming the obtained log records into respective rules, wherein source, destination and service fields in each rule correspond to source, destination and service values in respective obtained log record, and the action in all rules is defined as “Accept”, thus giving rise to a transformation-based rule-set; and processing the transformation-based rule-set so as to generate an operable rule-set by processing the transformation-based rule-set. |
| US08490170B2 |
Internet-based fill-level measurement value and diagnostic information polling system
An Internet-based fill-level measurement value and diagnostic information polling system includes several field devices, a central server and a processing unit that is connected to the server by way of the internet. In response to a user inquiry the server generates a certificate and an associated data object that characterizes the data that may be polled by the user. In response to an inquiry by the user, with which inquiry the certificate is sent along to the server, the server automatically transmits the requested data to the user if a check of the certificate shows that the user is authorized to receive this. |
| US08490163B1 |
Enforcing security policies across heterogeneous systems
A system, method, and computer program product enforce a universal security policy across several systems. In one embodiment, the system comprises a translation module that translates the universal security policy into local security rules enforceable by the security components of the several systems. The system also comprises a policy pushing module that transmits the translated local security rules to each of the several systems. Further, the system can include an analysis module for detecting local security rules in the several systems that are inconsistent with the universal security policy. |
| US08490162B1 |
System and method for recognizing malicious credential guessing attacks
A system includes a memory and a processor. The memory is operable to store a credential verifier associated with a user account and a counter. The processor is coupled to the memory and the memory includes executable instructions that cause the system to receive a first authentication attempt and increment the counter if validation of the first authentication attempt against the credential verifier fails. The instructions also cause the system to receive a second authentication attempt and increment the counter only if validation of the second authentication attempt against the credential verifier fails and the second authentication attempt is distinct from the first authentication attempt. |
| US08490161B2 |
Methods, systems and computer program products for provisioning VLAN services in a network
Provisioning VLAN services in a network patching system includes receiving a request to provide a VLAN service to an individual communication channel, determining whether a switch connector port connected to the individual communication channel via a patch cord is configured to provide the requested VLAN service, and initiating the requested VLAN service to the individual communication channel in response to determining that the switch connector port is configured to provide the requested VLAN service. Verification that a user associated with the individual communication channel is authorized to access the requested VLAN service may be performed prior to initiating the requested VLAN service. An administrator may be notified that a VLAN service has been requested and/or initiated. The user associated with the communication channel may be notified when the requested VLAN service has been initiated. |
| US08490156B2 |
Interface for access management of FEMTO cell coverage
Access management of femto cell service through access control list(s), or “white list(s)” is disclosed. Such white list(s) can be configured via a networked interface which facilitates access management to a femto cell. White list(s) includes a set of subscriber station(s) identifier numbers, codes or tokens, and can also include additional fields for femto cell access management based on desired complexity. Various interfaces and user profiles are associated with granting different levels of access to requesting UEs. |
| US08490152B2 |
Entitlement lifecycle management in a resource management system
An entitlement management system is described herein that models each entitlement as a resource within a resource management system. In a resource management system that applies policy to all requests to create, update, and delete a resource, this approach allows rich application of policy to the creation, delegation, renewal, expiration, and deletion of entitlements. A resource management system that can synchronize data to connected systems can thereby grant or revoke these permissions in those systems. This approach also facilitates role mining, attestation, and compliance reporting. Entitlements stored as resources may also include properties, such as workflows and policies related to the entitlements. Thus, the entitlement management system provides a more formal and automated facility for managing entitlements in organizations. |
| US08490150B2 |
System, method, and software for enforcing access control policy rules on utility computing virtualization in cloud computing systems
According to one embodiment, a system comprises one or more processors coupled to a memory and executing logic. A policy life cycle component is configured to maintain a repository of security policies. The repository of security policies comprises policies governing access to a virtual host and to a plurality of virtual machines running on the virtual host. The policy life cycle component is also configured to issue a compound policy for an identified virtual operating system running on the virtual host. The compound policy provides a virtual host policy and access rules for each of the plurality of virtual machines running on the virtual host. A topology manager is configured to receive the compound policy from the policy life cycle component, assign the compound to an access control agent, and maintain a security policy topology. The security policy topology stores associations between access control agents and compound policies. |
| US08490146B2 |
Dual mode proximity sensor
A computer-implemented method for controlling an electronic device including receiving a signal through a light sensor of the device, identifying with a processor of the device whether the received signal originated from a light emitter of the device, and controlling a function of the device, the function selected based on whether the signal is identified as originating from the light emitter of the device or the light emitter separate from the device. |
| US08490144B2 |
Media exchange network having media processing systems and personal computers with common user interfaces
A system supporting a common user interface for the consumption of media is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, a set top box and a personal computer may have user interfaces that are substantially the same, providing users of such systems substantially the same look and feel in exchanging and consuming media. The media in such an embodiment may comprise audio, still images, video, real time video, and data. In addition, a media peripheral may also have a user interface supporting the exchange and consumption of media, and the user interface may be substantially the same interface as that of a set top box or a personal computer, having substantially the same look and feel. |
| US08490142B2 |
System and method for tagging video content
A method of tagging video content includes receiving video content at a set-top box device via a private video distribution access network. The method also includes receiving a tag associated with the video content at the set-top box device and sending the tag to a tag management system via the private video distribution access network. Further, the method includes sending a request for content associated with the tag to the tag management system and receiving the video content at the set-top box device. |
| US08490141B2 |
Content distribution service and inter-user communication
Methods and related systems related to content distribution include but are not limited to receiving at a user device a notification that at least one remote user has selected a specific instance of content; displaying on said user device a request to select said specific instance of content indicated by said notification; receiving a request to select said specific instance of said content; transmitting an indication to said at least one remote user that said specific instance of said content has been selected; receiving said specific instance of said content; displaying on said user device said specific instance of said content; enabling said user device to handle at least one manipulation of at least said specific instance of said content; and enabling said user device to communicate with at least one remote user. |
| US08490140B2 |
Electronic device and method, recording medium, and program
An electronic device includes a setting unit configured to set an order of priority for attributes of a reproducing device, for each content attribute, based on user instructions, a first obtaining unit configured to obtain attributes of the reproducing device, a second obtaining unit configured to obtain attributes of the content selected by the user, and a determining unit configured to determine an order of priority for the reproducing device regarding which attributes have been obtained by the first obtaining unit, based on the set order of priority, obtained attributes of the reproducing device, and obtained attributes of the content. |
| US08490139B2 |
Method and system for pushing content in a broadcast communication system
A push scheduler for communicating push and carousel content and method for operating the same includes a block manager that receives content channel data from the channel listing system and forming a channel block having a channel and a time period associated therewith based on the channel data. The scheduler further includes a schedule manager that forms an assignment by assigning push and carousel content data to the channel block with a predetermined recurrence rate within the block and a material manager that controls the communication of push and carousel content based on the channel block. |
| US08490137B2 |
Image display apparatus and method of operating the same
An image display apparatus and a method for operating the same are disclosed. An image display apparatus as embodied and broadly disclosed herein may include a video image displayed in a first area of the display module. A first and second card objects may be displayed in a second and third areas of the display module. The first and second card objects may include at least one link for connecting to a content provider or to a storage device or at least one link for retrieving the video image. The first or second card objects may be scrolled across the display module to cause a third card object to be scrolled onto the display. The third card object may be displayed in the second or third areas of the display if the third card object is scrolled onto the display module a prescribed amount. |
| US08490136B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing enhanced electronic program guide with personalized selection of broadcast content using affinities data and user preferences
An apparatus and method are provided to inform a user of a broadcast stream, which has multiple, concurrently received channels of program content, about recommendations of a subset of the content currently playing across the available channels or to be played within a selected future time period. The subset of content is selected based on user preferences and system data (e.g., program topic and channel affinities among the broadcast content and channels) to recommend a more diverse subset of content than would be discovered if only user preferences were employed to make the selection of recommended content. |
| US08490135B2 |
Virtual media channels
Methods for displaying a user's personal media content via an EPG that also displays third-party broadcast television channels. Personal media content associated with a user is retrieved from one or more networks, and aggregated by type of media. The personal content media is further sorted into groups of media content sharing a common attribute. A virtual media channel is created for each group of media, and is added to the EPG. Each virtual media channel is populated with the user's personal media content affiliated with the group. |
| US08490128B2 |
Media processing methods and arrangements
The present technology concerns cell phones and other portable devices, and more particularly concerns use of such devices in connection with media content (electronic and physical) and with other systems (e.g., televisions, digital video recorders, and electronic program directories). Some aspects of the technology allow users to easily transfer displayed content from cell phone screens onto a television screens for easier viewing, or vice versa for content portability. Others enable users to participate interactively in entertainment content, such as by submitting plot directions, audio input, character names, etc., yielding more engaging, immersive, user experiences. Still other aspects of the technology involve a program directory database, compiled automatically from information reported by network nodes that watch and identify content traffic passing into (and/or out of) networked computers. By identifying content resident at a number of different repositories (e.g., web sites, TV networks, P2P systems, etc.), such a directory allows cell phone users to identify the diversity of sources from which desired content can be obtained—some available on a scheduled basis, others available on demand. Depending on the application, the directory information may be transparent to the user—serving to identify sources for desired content, from which application software can pick for content downloading, based, e.g., on context and stored profile data. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed. |
| US08490127B2 |
Distributed TV access system
Distributed navigation of broadcast signals is provided through an on-line application connected through a second network connection. A customer receives the broadcast signals through a first network connection, and navigates the broadcast TV content through an on-line application by a browser connected through a second network connection. The present on-line application provides flexible and re-configurable content services, which will need to be customized once for each service provider, but will render consistently on a variety of PC and non-PC client devices. Further, the present on-line application can provide targeted advertising by maintaining an advertising profile for each viewer, determined in part by recording data about the navigating of the content of the broadcast signals, and by recording a plurality of selections of the viewer transmitted to the on-line application. The on-line capability further provides ease for roaming access. |
| US08490125B2 |
Video content navigation with revenue maximization
A method for maximizing revenue in a video-on-demand (VOD) system operated by a service provider is disclosed. For a plurality of VOD content items, an expected revenue value to the service provider for each content item is calculated, based on an estimated value of revenue for the content item, weighted by an estimated probability that a subscriber will select the content item for viewing. The one or more highest ranked content items of the plurality of VOD content items is selected, rank being determined such that content items having higher expected revenue values are ranked higher than content items having lower expected revenue values. Identifying information about the one or more highest ranked content items is delivered to a set-top device associated with the subscriber, for presentation to the subscriber on a menu from which the one or more highest ranked content items can be selected for viewing. |
| US08490123B2 |
Method and device for generating a user profile on the basis of playlists
In a method and device for generating a user profile on the basis of playlists, the user profile is generated on the basis of the user's own playlists and properties derived from them. In this way, more playlists are considered in the generation of a user profile, thereby generating a more reliable user profile. Aspects taken into account includes frequency of occurrence, creation date of the playlist, and relation between content items (songs, video, etc.) in one or more playlists. |
| US08490121B1 |
Slim-type optical disc drive
A slim-type optical disc drive includes a casing and a tray. A first circuit board is disposed within the casing. A second circuit board is disposed on the tray. A spring switch is disposed on the second circuit board. A first end of the spring switch is fixed on the second circuit board. A resistor is connected between the first end of the spring switch and a first power source. A second end of the spring switch is extended outside the second circuit board. In a tray-out status, the second end of the spring switch is not contacted with any object, so that a first status signal is generated. In a tray-in status, the second end of the spring switch is contacted with a conducting zone of a second power source, so that a second status signal is generated. |
| US08490117B1 |
Bridging script engines
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for bridging script engines. In one aspect, a method includes providing a first script engine to interpret scripts of a first script type; providing a second script engine to interpret scripts of a second script type; and bridging between the first script engine and the second script engine, wherein the bridging includes sharing identifiers defined for the first script engine with the second script engine, the sharing allowing scripts in the first script engine to refer to identifiers defined for the second script engine and scripts in the second script engine to refer to identifiers defined for the first script engine. |
| US08490116B2 |
Emulating legacy video using UEFI
Techniques for supporting legacy VGA video using UEFI standard and extended UEFI graphics drivers. When an operating system that does not natively support the UEFI display protocols requires video services provided by firmware, the operating system communicates a request for video services to a generic video option ROM. The generic video option ROM notifies a generic video SMM driver of the request for video services. Such notification may be performed using a software system management interrupt (SMI). Upon notification, the generic video SMM driver notifies a third party UEFI video driver of the request for video services. The third party video driver provides the requested video services to the operating system. In this way, a third party UEFI graphics driver may support a wide variety of operating systems, even those that do not natively support the UEFI display protocols. |
| US08490115B2 |
Ambient state for asynchronous methods
A method of providing asynchronous programming support at run time for scope-based ambient state at a method call is disclosed. In response to the method call, an asynchronous method stack frame is created along with ambient state for the asynchronous method call. In one example of the method, a current frame of a method stack is captured. A new frame is instantiated by setting a previous reference of the new frame to the current frame and moving data from the previous frame into the current frame. One example of instantiating the new frame includes pushing the current frame onto the stack. In another example, the new frame is lazily created when changes have been made. A state machine used to transform the synchronously-created method into an asynchronous method is moved from a current state to a next state. The captured frame is restored. |
| US08490112B2 |
Data communications for a collective operation in a parallel active messaging interface of a parallel computer
Algorithm selection for data communications in a parallel active messaging interface (‘PAMI’) of a parallel computer, the PAMI composed of data communications endpoints, each endpoint including specifications of a client, a context, and a task, endpoints coupled for data communications through the PAMI, including associating in the PAMI data communications algorithms and bit masks; receiving in an origin endpoint of the PAMI a collective instruction, the instruction specifying transmission of a data communications message from the origin endpoint to a target endpoint; constructing a bit mask for the received collective instruction; selecting, from among the associated algorithms and bit masks, a data communications algorithm in dependence upon the constructed bit mask; and executing the collective instruction, transmitting, according to the selected data communications algorithm from the origin endpoint to the target endpoint, the data communications message. |
| US08490107B2 |
Processing resource allocation within an integrated circuit supporting transaction requests of different priority levels
An integrated circuit 2 includes a plurality of transaction sources 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 communicating via a ring-based interconnect 30 with shared caches 22, 24 each having an associated POC/POS 30, 34 and serving as a request servicing circuit. The request servicing circuits have a set of processing resources 36 that may be allocated to different transactions. These processing resources may be allocated either dynamically or statically. Static allocation can be made in dependence upon a selection algorithm. This selection algorithm may use a quality of service value/priority level as one of its input variables. A starvation ratio may also be defined such that lower priority levels are forced to be selected if they are starved of allocation for too long. A programmable mapping may be made between quality of service values and priority levels. The maximum number of processing resources allocated to each priority level may also be programmed. |
| US08490103B1 |
Allocating computer processes to processor cores as a function of process utilizations
Computer processes are allocated among cores of a multi-core multi-processor system at least in part as a function of utilization histories of the processes. |
| US08490100B2 |
Terminal and method for performing device management scheduled based on threshold
Commands for device management to be executed within a terminal and threshold-based conditions for executing such commands included within a scheduling context are provided to the terminal ahead of time. Therefore, the terminal can perform the commands for device management, before errors occurs within the terminal since a value of a particular management object reaches the threshold. |
| US08490099B2 |
Method and system for controlling a scheduling order per daypart category in a music scheduling system
A system and method for controlling a scheduling order per category is disclosed. A scheduling order can be designated for the delivery and playback of multimedia content (e.g., music, news, other audio, advertising, etc) with respect to particular slots within the scheduling order. The broadcast day is divided into dayparts according to specific time slots. The dayparts are assigned with specific daypart categories wherein multimedia is scheduled. The scheduling order can be configured to include a slotted by daypart scheduling technique to control the scheduling order for the eventual airplay of the multimedia content over a radio station or network of associated radio stations. |
| US08490098B2 |
Concomitance scheduling commensal threads in a multi-threading computer system
A method and an apparatus for concomitance scheduling a work thread and assistant threads associated with the work thread in a multi-threading processor system. The method includes: searching one or more assistant threads associated with the running of the work thread when preparing to run/schedule the work thread; running the one or more assistant threads that are searched; and running the work thread after all of the one or more assistant threads associated with the running of the work thread have run. |
| US08490096B2 |
Event processor for job scheduling and management
Event processor system and method for job scheduling and management applications are provided. A single process event processor comprises a plurality of threads enabled to handle one or more events. Each of the plurality of threads is asynchronous and has a database connection. |
| US08490095B2 |
Method and system for detecting program deadlock
A method and/or system for detecting deadlock, comprising: obtaining lock information related to locking operation in a program; generating a first lock graph based on the obtained lock information, wherein each node in the first lock graph comprises a set of locks comprising at least one lock and a set of program locations comprising at least one lock location; extracting a strongly connected sub graph in the first lock graph; unfolding the strongly connected sub graph in the first lock graph to generate a second lock graph, wherein each node in the second lock graph comprises a single lock; and extracting a strongly connected sub graph in the second lock graph, the strongly connected sub graph in the second lock graph indicating a deadlock in the program. |
| US08490091B2 |
Virtual machine placement to improve memory utilization
Virtual machines having a high amount of identical memory pages are grouped under a common hypervisor to enable greater memory savings as the result of transparent page sharing. One embodiment provides a computer program product including computer usable program code for performing a method that comprises analyzing the software image content of a plurality of virtual machines running on a plurality of hypervisors in a common migration domain, identifying two or more of the virtual machines having greater than a threshold amount of common memory pages, placing the two or more virtual machines under a common hypervisor, and sharing the common memory pages among the two or more virtual machines. Optionally, the identifying of two or more of the virtual machines may include identifying two or more of the virtual machines having the same software image content classifications; thereby, identifying images with a greater affinity for common memory pages. |
| US08490090B2 |
Multilevel support in a nested virtualization environment
A method of handling an event occurring in a nested virtualization computing environment is provided, wherein N hypervisors are executed nestedly, with a first hypervisor running at level zero (L0) directly over a host machine, and other hypervisors nestedly running at levels L1 to Ln, respectively. The method comprises trapping an event generated by software running at level Ln; determining a hypervisor x at level Lx designated for handling the trapped event; and wherein the hypervisor x emulates features needed for performing the trapped event for the software running at the level Ln. |
| US08490085B2 |
Methods and systems for CPU virtualization by maintaining a plurality of virtual privilege leves in a non-privileged mode of a processor
A method for running, on a processor in non-privileged mode, different computer programs P while, in a nominal mode, using privileged instructions including running a hypervisor program in privileged mode of the processor, the hypervisor program providing the computer programs P with services substantially equivalent to those available for running in privileged mode, source codes of the computer programs P being modified beforehand for replacing the privileged instructions with calls for services supplied by the hypervisor program, and the hypervisor program creates at least two privileged submodes organized into a hierarchy within the non-privileged mode and the processor includes only two operating modes. |
| US08490081B2 |
Method and apparatus for installing software in mobile communication terminal
Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for installing software in a mobile communication terminal. The apparatus for installing software in a mobile communication terminal, includes an external memory having software to be installed, a detector of the mobile communication terminal for, if an external memory is plugged in the mobile communication terminal, detecting a plugging state of the external memory, a memory being embedded in the mobile communication terminal, and a controller of the mobile communication terminal for reading the software to be installed from the external memory and storing the software in the memory if connection with the external memory is detected. |
| US08490077B2 |
Runtime versioning and distribution of dynamic web-elements
A product server downloads distributed application component from a resource server and updates an application at a predetermined synchronization time. Other aspects include associating a distributed application component and a local application component with a virtual path. If a product server is unable to access the local application component with a virtual path, the distributed application component is downloaded from a resource server. |
| US08490075B2 |
Method and apparatus for optimizing an exchange of service updates
An approach is provided for optimizing an exchange of service updates. A service update manager determines factors related to a level of activity, context, status, or combination thereof between a first device and a second device with respect to an information sharing service. The service update manager then computes a pair update rate for sharing information between the first device and second device via the information sharing service based on the determined factors, and transmits the pair update rate to the first device and the second device. If the first device and second device are members of a group created in the information sharing service, the service update manager computes respective pair update rates for each pair of members within the group, and computes a group update rate based on the respective pair updates. If one or more members of the group are members of one or more other groups, the service update manager computes respective group update rates for the group and each of the one or more other groups, and computes an aggregate group update rate based on the respective group update rates. |
| US08490066B2 |
Profiler for optimizing processor architecture and application
A profiler which provides information to optimize an application specific architecture processor and a program for the processor is provided. The profiler includes: an architecture analyzer which analyzes an architecture description, and generates architecture analysis information, the architecture description describing an architecture of an application specific architecture processor which comprises a plurality of processing elements; a static analyzer which analyzes program static information that describes static information of a program, and generates static analysis information; a dynamic analyzer which analyzes program dynamic information that describes dynamic information of the program, and generates dynamic analysis information, the dynamic information of the program being generated by simulating the program; and a cross profiling analyzer which generates information for optimizing the application specific architecture processor to implement the program based on at least one of the architecture analysis information, the static analysis information, and the dynamic analysis information. |
| US08490065B2 |
Method and apparatus for software-assisted data cache and prefetch control
The present invention provides a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for compiling instructions to manage a cache system. Loop constructs are analyzed to identify data usage characteristics for cache and prefetching conditions in instructions to form identified prefetch conditions. A set of control instructions are inserted into the instructions based on the data usage characteristics and the identified prefetch conditions to form multiple modified instructions. The set of multiple modified instructions are compiled to generate code for execution to form compiled instructions. The set of control instructions in the compiled instructions form a cache management policy to control movement of data in a memory system during execution of the compiled instructions. |
| US08490063B2 |
Debugging extensible markup language
Disclosed is a method and system for debugging XML files or documents by inserting a breakpoint into an XML file and converting the XML file into a bytecode format, where the breakpoint is propagated into the bytecode format and stored in runtime libraries. During runtime, on encountering the breakpoint, the location of the breakpoint is internally determined in the bytecode and points to the location of the breakpoint in the XML file. |
| US08490062B2 |
Automatic identification of execution phases in load tests
A method for automatic identification of execution phases in load test data includes receiving load test data indicating processor utilization for threads over a period of time divided into a plurality of intervals. For each pair of proximate intervals, it is determined whether thread-wise processor utilization for a first interval is statistically indistinguishable from that of a second interval. The pair of proximate intervals is combined when it is determined that the processor utilization for the first interval is statistically indistinguishable from that of the second interval. Each of the pair of proximate intervals is divided into subintervals when it is determined that the first interval is not statistically indistinguishable the second interval. One or more execution phases are automatically identified as occurring between proximate intervals that are not substantially equivalent. |
| US08490057B2 |
Confidence-based static analysis
Systems, methods and program products are provided for confidence-based static analysis, including initiating a static analysis of computer software, associating a confidence value with a first element of the static analysis, determining a current state of the static analysis, calculating an adjusted confidence value in accordance with a confidence adjustment function as applied to the current state and the confidence value associated with the first element, associating the adjusted confidence value with a second element of the static analysis resulting from a transition from the first element, and eliminating the second element from the static analysis if the adjusted confidence value meets elimination criteria. |
| US08490053B2 |
Software domain model that enables simultaneous independent development of software components
One embodiment of the present invention provides a software domain model that enables simultaneous independent development of software components. A system using this model includes a first component, a second component, and a core layer that defines an item that can be accessed by the first and second components. Both components are able to independently and separately extend the definition of the item. A high-level software layer uses a set of micro-orchestrations to perform a holistic task, with each micro-orchestration invoking a piece of functionality in a component, the core layer, and/or the software layer. |
| US08490052B2 |
Declarative programming model for authoring and execution control and data flow for resource oriented system
A data set may be managed by a host that provides access to clients through a protocol, such as a RESTful HTTP interface. A resource script may be expressed according to a script language featuring two types of instructions: data set instructions that correspond to the verbs of the protocol, and flow control instructions that alter the flow of execution of the resource script. At runtime, an execution context for the resource script may be selected as a local execution context (through a local script processor that issues protocol verbs to the host based on the data set operations) or a remote execution context (by sending the resource script to a script processor located on the host.) The runtime selection of data context may be executed without having to reconfigure the resource script, and with an equivalent effect on the data set. |
| US08490047B2 |
Graphical mashup
This document describes various techniques for creating, modifying, and using graphical mashups. In one embodiment, a graphical mashup is created based on locations of graphical representations of objects in a working area. Logical connections between the objects are created based on the objects' locations relative to each other. Alternatively or additionally, the techniques may enable a user to create or modify a graphical mashup by adding or deleting objects, modifying logical connections between objects, annotating objects, or abstracting the graphical mashup. |
| US08490042B2 |
Performing routing optimization during circuit design
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that concurrently optimizes multiple routing objectives during routing of an integrated circuit (IC) chip design. During operation, the system starts by receiving a routing solution for the IC chip design and a set of routing objectives. The system then partitions the IC chip design into a set of partitions. Next, for each partition in the set of partitions, the system optimizes the routing solution by, iteratively: (1) analyzing the routing solution to determine weights for the set of routing objectives; (2) constructing a cost function based on the weights for the set of routing objectives; and (3) modifying the routing solution within the partition to attempt to optimize the cost function. |
| US08490036B2 |
System and technique of pattern matching and pattern replacement
A system and technique to specifies patterns to search for in an integrated circuit layout, and specifies proposed replacement patterns. A description file includes specifications for one or more patterns to be searched for. In the description file, for each pattern, there may be one or more proposed replacement patterns. The description file is read. Pattern matches, if any, in a layout are found. A proposed replacement pattern is tested in place of a matched pattern. If acceptable, the proposed pattern may be used to replace the matched pattern. |
| US08490033B2 |
Method and apparatus for designing patterning system based on patterning fidelity
A method which directly incorporates patterning fidelity into the design of a patterning system is provided. A production result of a target pattern is simulated according to a set of design parameters to obtain a simulated pattern. The target pattern is compared with the simulated pattern to obtain a patterning fidelity, and the values of the set of design parameters of the patterning system are adjusted according to a target patterning fidelity to optimize the values of the set of design parameters of the patterning system. |
| US08490028B2 |
Method for determining a grey level etch mask
A method for determining, by means of a computer, a photolithography mask for the manufacturing a microstructure by grey level etching of a resist layer, this mask including a plurality of elementary cells, each including an opaque area arranged, in top view, in a non-peripheral portion of a transparent region or, conversely, in a transparent area arranged, in top view, in a non-peripheral portion of an opaque region, comprising the steps of: a) initializing the mask pattern in a first state; b) determining, by simulation, the profile of the microstructure which would result from the use of the mask according to said pattern; c) adjusting said pattern by modifying, in certain cells, the position of the opaque or transparent area within the cell; and d) forming the mask according to said pattern. |
| US08490025B2 |
Displaying content associated with electronic mapping systems
Various methods, systems and apparatus for displaying alternate content in a digital mapping system, are disclosed. One such method may include detecting a change in a zoom level of an electronic map displaying geographic content (e.g. tile-based digital map, satellite image, etc.) on a computing device (e,g. desktop/laptop, smart phone, etc, running Windows®, Linux®, Mac OS®, iOS®. Android®, etc.); determining a predetermined (eg. maximum) zoom level has been reached; retrieving alternate content, and displaying the alternate content in addition to, or in place of, some-or-all of the geographic content. The method may further include detecting a zoom-out command while the alternate content is being displayed, and in response, restoring the display of the geographic content (e.g. at the maximum zoom level and/or last state of the geographic content display prior to displaying the alternate content.) Alternate content may be associated with any portion of geographic content displayed (e.g. the portion of the geographic content visible at the maximum zoom level) and may be selected via various algorithms and be manipulate-able via map display application controls. |
| US08490021B2 |
User interface for navigating large scale hierarchical namespaces
A system and method of displaying user interface information with respect to navigation of a hierarchical namespace is disclosed. The hierarchical namespace includes a first set of items representing a top level portion of the hierarchical namespace and a second set of items representing lower levels of the hierarchical namespace. |
| US08490017B2 |
Recording medium, playback apparatus and method, recording method, and computer-readable program implementing stream model information showing whether graphics stream is multiplexed or non-multiplexed with video system
A BD-ROM stores a video stream and a graphics stream. The video stream represents a moving picture. The graphics stream is used for overlaying a multi-page menu on the moving picture, and includes interactive control information (ICS) and graphics data (ODS) used for generating the multi page menu. A PTS attached to a PES packet containing the interactive control information shows timing for the first presentation of a main page the multi-page menu in accordance with the proceeding of the video stream playback. In addition, the interactive control information includes information (selection_time_out_pts) showing a timeout upon which a button on a page of the multi-page menu is automatically activated, and information (user_time_out_duration) showing a timeout upon which a sub-page of the multi-page menu is automatically removed. |
| US08490011B2 |
Display of supplementary information on a graphical user interface
Disclosed are method and apparatus for displaying supplementary information on a graphical user interface. A request for supplementary information is received. The supplementary information is retrieved and displayed in a reserved display field in a graphical user interface. The reserved display field may be configured by a user to adapt to specific applications, but remains stationary throughout the user session. The reserved display field does not obstruct any other display fields in the graphical user interface. A request for supplementary information may be generated by using a mouse to first position a cursor over an active display element. A request for supplementary information associated with the active display element may be generated by clicking the mouse, or by holding the cursor stationary for a time interval greater than a threshold dwell time. |
| US08490010B2 |
Selective display of graphical user interface elements
A subset of a plurality of input elements associated with a form to be rendered in a graphical user interface may be identified. Thereafter, the rendering of the form may be initiated such that the graphical user interface renders a form to include the subset of the plurality of input elements and to exclude input elements that are not within the subset. Related techniques, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products are also described. |
| US08490008B2 |
Touchscreen keyboard predictive display and generation of a set of characters
A method including receiving an input of a character from a virtual keyboard rendered on a display, generating a set of characters that includes the character, and displaying the generated set of characters at a location that is associated with the virtual keyboard and that is on the display. An electronic device including a display having a virtual keyboard rendered thereupon and a processor, the processor being configured to perform the method. Also disclosed is a keyboard, including a plurality of keys, each key corresponding to one or more different characters of a plurality of characters, wherein in response to receiving an input of a character, the keyboard is configured to generate a set of characters that includes the character, and the keyboard is further configured to cause display of the generated set of characters at a location that is associated with the virtual keyboard and that is on the display. |
| US08490007B1 |
Method and apparatus for motivating interactions between users in virtual worlds
The present invention relates generally to the field of computer and network software, and more particularly it relates to a method and apparatus for promoting and facilitating interactions between users in virtual worlds. According to some aspects, the invention provides a way of allowing a user to easily identify other users that the user may want to connect with for any purpose. According to other aspects, the invention allows users to specify items, interests, friends, demographics and/or preferences, and the system automatically identifies other users who meet those criteria. The system can further provide mechanisms to alert and/or introduce users who share similar interests, demographics and/or meet other matching criteria, and allow them to interact with each other. According to still further aspects, the invention can automatically determine criteria for motivating and/or facilitating interactions between users. According to still further aspects, the invention can motivate and/or facilitate interactions between users while they are casually surfing the web, as opposed to visiting a special web site or specific network location. |
| US08490005B2 |
Visual enhancement for instrument panel
Aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to a graphical display that provides a visual enhancement in conveying a vehicle reading. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that causes the graphical display to render a border of an instrument with a distinguishing visual attribute. More specifically, the method includes assigning a priority level to an instrument used to convey a vehicle reading. When an abnormal condition is identified, the instrument is assigned an enhanced priority level that corresponds to the abnormal condition. Then, the method causes the graphical display to render the instrument, wherein that border of the instrument is depicted with an enhanced visual attribute indicative of the abnormal condition. In this regard, the enhanced visual attribute distinguishes the instrument from one or more other instruments depicted on the graphical display that are not assigned an enhanced priority level. |
| US08490000B2 |
Program, method and system for selecting the three-dimensional model of a component
A computer functioning as three-dimensional (3D) computer aided design (3D-CAD) system executes the process for selecting a 3D model of a component from a library. The process includes a step for designating a category of a component; a step for displaying a menu for designating values of category-dependent items representing a specification of the component; a step for narrowing down, on the basis of the designated value, records of a database, in which each record for each component includes the items representing the specification; a step for extracting a possible value of an item with its value being undetermined and accordingly updating a choice(s) selectable via the menu; and a step for determining, to be a 3D model to be loaded from the library, the 3D model of the component uniquely determined after repeating the above-mentioned steps for narrowing-down, extracting and updating for one time or more. |
| US08489995B2 |
Systems and methods for efficiently managing and configuring virtual servers
The present invention is related to providing faster and more efficient ways to deploy and manage virtual server configurations in a hosted virtual server service. Broadly, a web interface allows a user to set conditions upon which specific types of virtual servers will be instantiated or terminated on a third-party hosted virtual server service. For example, the user may wish to instantiate a new virtual server each time the load on existing virtual servers exceeds a predetermined threshold. The web interface may also allow a user to select from among a plurality of hosted virtual server services. The web interface may further allow a user to incorporate dynamic variables into configurations of instantiated virtual servers. |
| US08489994B2 |
Systems and methods for communicating
A communication system comprising one or more computer readable mediums; comprising determining means operable to determine an attribute of a communication device; identifying means operable to identify an avatar by using the attribute, wherein the avatar is such that it conveys to a viewer thereof information about a person; and communicating means operable to communicate the avatar to the communication device in a virtual environment |
| US08489993B2 |
Storage medium storing information processing program, information processing apparatus and information processing method
A game apparatus saves, in accordance with an instruction of a user, a photographing image taken by an inward camera or an outward camera, or a handwriting image of a handwritten note inputted using a touch panel. Moreover, in accordance with an instruction of the user, position information is saved together with the photographing image or the handwriting image. That is, a photographing place or a creation place of the handwritten note is registered on a map. When the photographing image or the handwriting image is reproduced, an image of a landmark set near a position on the map indicated by the position information is reproduced before the photographing image or the handwritten image. |
| US08489992B2 |
User interface with visual progression
In one embodiment, a graphics user interface is provided. The graphics user interface includes a plurality of graphical representations identifying separate audio data, respectively. Each of the plurality of graphical representations is configured in a list to be selected for playback of the respective audio data. A progression icon is displayed in each of the respective graphical representations. Each progression icon illustrates a temporal progression of the playback of the respective audio data. |
| US08489991B2 |
System and method for video frame marking
There is provided a system and method for video frame marking. It is preferable that a tagged video frame is visually perceptible in the set of chronologically ordered video frames shown in the display. The selection of each video frame preferably causes playback of an excerpt of the video with a duration of the common predetermined interval. The video frame may denote a scene from a portion of the excerpt of the video, such as, for example, start, middle and end. It is advantageous that the excerpts of the video of each tagged video frame is combined using the user interface to generate a concise representation of the video. The concise representation of the video may be in a form where excerpts of the video of each of the tagged video frames are played back at a normal rate while excerpts of the video of each of other video frames are played back at an accelerated rate. |
| US08489985B2 |
Automatically adjusting a webpage
A solution is provided for automatically adjusting a webpage. According to the method of the present invention it can be automatically learned what the user's historical browsing behaviors are and thereby predict which block in the webpage would interest the user more so that it would be the one to be browsed and then adjust display of the block accordingly. Thus, with the present invention, limited screen resources can be utilized to more efficiently display the content that would interest a user when the user browses a webpage. A system for automatically adjusting a webpage and a computer readable article of manufacture tangibly embodying non-transitory computer readable instructions which, when executed, cause a computer to carry out the steps of a method for automatically adjusting a webpage, are also provided. |
| US08489981B2 |
Look ahead of links/alter links
A computationally-implemented method comprises retrieving at least a portion of data from a data source, determining an acceptability of an effect of the retrieved at least a portion of the data at least in part via a virtual machine representation of at least a part of an end user's real machine having one or more end-user specified preferences, and providing at least one data display option to the end user's real machine based on the determining acceptability of the effect of the retrieved at least a portion of the data. |
| US08489978B2 |
Error detection
A system and a method detects errors when writing data to a memory in a computer system. An error detection memory write request for writing an error detection value to a memory location within the memory section is issued, the error detection value being associated with the block of data. A data memory write request for writing the block of data to the memory section is issued such that at least part of the block of data is written to the memory location. A check is performed to determine whether the error detection value in the error detection memory write request corresponds to the block of data in the data memory write request. |
| US08489976B2 |
Storage controlling device and storage controlling method
According to an aspect of an embodiment, a method of storing user data (UD) with parity data (PD) for correcting the UD in a storage apparatus comprising disk units, each of the disk units storing data in data blocks(DBs), each of the DBs storing the UD or associated PD and position information(PI) indicative of the location of the DBs, comprising: obtaining the UD, dividing the UD into UD blocks (UDBs) which are adapted to be stored in the DBs, and determining which UDBs are to be stored into which DBs, respectively; determining PI of the DBs for storing the UDBs; generating PD for a group of UDBs and associated PI by parity operation using a weighting function to the UDBs and the PI; determining PI for the PD for said group by modifying a part of the PD; and storing the group of the UDBs, associated PI, and the PD. |
| US08489975B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting communication errors on a bus
A semiconductor memory includes multi-mode reporting signals, a state register, and parity detectors. The parity detector determines whether signals received on a communication bus contain a desired parity. The multi-mode reporting signals enable reporting of communication faults without adding additional signals to the semiconductor memory by being configured in a normal operating mode or a parity fault mode for reporting communication faults to an external memory controller. The state register enables storing of received values from the communication bus. With the state register, a memory controller may determine correctly received signal patterns and failing signal patterns. Parity may be defined as even or odd and may be generated based on various signal configurations. The embodiments may be configured as a computing system comprising a processor, an input device, an output device, the memory controller, and at least one semiconductor memory. |
| US08489973B1 |
Numerical solution on LLR exchange in turbo equalization
The present application refers to a method for determining an extrinsic information input to an ECC decoder of a turbo equalizer. In one embodiment, a first loop-back signal is represented with a first number of bits, wherein the first loop-back signal comprises a signal looped back from an output of an ECC decoder. An output of a signal detector is represented with a second number of bits. An extrinsic information input to the ECC decoder is determined based at least in part on the first loop-back signal, the represented output of the signal detector, and at least one comparison with at least one predetermined threshold. |
| US08489968B2 |
Recovery of transmission errors
A method for recovering transmission errors, comprising: receiving a data packet comprising an error detection code associated to data contained in the packet, wherein the data associated to the error detection code comprises primary data and secondary data, checking the error detection code of the received packet to detect an erroneous state of the associated data, when the erroneous state is detected, determining a finite set of candidate values for the primary data and, for each values of the set: determining a marginal likelihood of the candidate value as a function of the error detection code of the received packet, determining a first correlation between the primary data of the received packet and the candidate value, and selecting a corrected value for the primary data among the set of candidate values as a function of said marginal likelihoods and said first correlations. |
| US08489965B1 |
Long latency protocol for hard disk controller interface
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising receiving a stream of codewords from a hard disk controller (HDC), receiving a write gate signal, the write gate signal configured to request a read/write (R/W) channel to write at least a first part of the stream of codewords to a media, and receiving a symbol count signal indicating a number of symbols in the first part of the received stream of codewords. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08489961B2 |
Transmitting system and method of processing digital broadcast signal in transmitting system, receiving system and method of receiving digital broadcast signal in receiving system
A transmitting system, a receiving system, a method of processing broadcast signals and a method of receiving broadcast signals are disclosed.The method for transmitting a broadcast signal in a transmitter includes encoding mobile data for forward error correction (FEC) to build Reed-Solomon (RS) frames and dividing the built RS frames into RS frame portions, dividing the RS frame portions into Serially Concatenated Convolutional Code (SCCC) blocks and mapping the SCCC blocks to data blocks and scalable data blocks, corresponding to a plurality of data segments, wherein at least one of the SCCC blocks includes one of the data blocks and one of the scalable data blocks, encoding signaling data including a header and a payload, forming data groups including the data blocks and the scalable data blocks, wherein specific data blocks of the data blocks in the data groups include the signaling data having information for a number of ensembles being a collection of services transmitted through the data groups, interleaving data in the data groups, wherein the interleaved data includes a plurality of data segments, and wherein at least one of the plurality of data segments includes a part of one of the data blocks and a part of one of the scalable data blocks and transmitting the interleaved data during slots in a transmission frame. |
| US08489959B2 |
Sets of rate-compatible universal turbo codes nearly optimized over various rates and interleaver sizes
A method and apparatus for Turbo encoding uses a set of rate-compatible Turbo Codes optimized at high code rates and derived from a universal constituent code. The Turbo Codes have rate-compatible puncturing patterns. The method comprises: encoding a signal at a first and second encoder using a best rate 1/2 constituent code universal with higher code rates, the first encoder and the second encoder each producing a respective plurality of parity bits for each information bit; puncturing the respective plurality of parity bits at each encoder with a higher rate best puncturing patterns; and puncturing the respective plurality of parity bits at each encoder with a lower rate best puncturing pattern. In a variation, the best rate 1/2 constituent code represents a concatenation of polynomials 1+D2+D3 (octal 13) and 1+D+D3 (octal 15), D a data bit. A Turbo Encoder is provided which has hardware to implement the method. |
| US08489953B2 |
HARQ process management
The invention relates to a method for receiving data units when using one HARQ process of an HARQ protocol. The memory associated to the HARQ process is divided into several sub-areas, which are addressable by an identifier. Then, when data is received, same is stored in one of the sub-areas. By providing more than one sub-area for one HARQ process, it is possible to actually use one HARQ process for two (or more) different received data units, being from the same data flow or from a different data flow. The actual sub-area of the HARQ process for storing data units can be either freely selected at the receiving end or is indicated by an identifier associated with the data. Furthermore, persistent scheduled data is transmitted in units, scheduled at fixed time intervals. Thus, a control signaling field, usually used for indicating new units, can be used to store the identifier. |
| US08489949B2 |
Combining grant, acknowledgement, and rate control commands
Embodiments disclosed herein address the need in the art for reduced overhead control with the ability to adjust transmission rates as necessary. In one aspect, a first signal indicates an acknowledgement of a decoded subpacket and whether or not a rate control command is generated, and a second signal conditionally indicates the rate control command when one is generated. In another aspect, a grant may be generated concurrently with the acknowledgement. In yet another aspect, a mobile station monitors the first signal, conditionally monitors the second signal as indicated by the first signal, and may monitor a third signal comprising a grant. In yet another aspect, one or more base stations transmit one or more of the various signals. Various other aspects are also presented. These aspects have the benefit of providing the flexibility of grant-based control while utilizing lower overhead when rate control commands are used, thus increasing system utilization, increasing capacity and throughput. |
| US08489947B2 |
Circuit and method for simultaneously measuring multiple changes in delay
A circuit and method provide built-in measurement of delay changes in integrated circuit paths. The circuit includes a digital shift register to access multiple paths, and may be implemented in digital boundary scan to test I/O pin delays. Synchronous to a first frequency, the circuit applies an alternating signal to the paths and samples the paths' output logic values synchronous with a second frequency that is asynchronous and coherent to the first clock frequency. The shift register conveys the samples to a modulo counter that counts the number of samples between consecutive rising or consecutive falling edges in the signal samples from a selected path. Between the two edges, the path or a path characteristic is changed, and the resulting modulo count after the second edge is proportional to the change in delay. The circuit can compare the count, or the difference between counts, to test limits. |
| US08489943B2 |
Protocol sequence generator
A system for generating test signals to test characteristics of input-output (IO) cells includes a memory and a processor coupled together through an integrated circuit (IC) chip. The IC chip includes a controller configured to exchange signals between the memory and the processor through IO cells of the IC chip. The IC chip further includes a protocol sequence generator for generating test signals for testing characteristics of the IO cells. |
| US08489937B2 |
Storage subsystem and method for controlling the same
In storage subsystems, due to the significant increase in HDD capacity, the time for executing online verification is elongated, affecting accesses from the host computer. By comprehending the status of accesses to the HDD, the sections where error has occurred and the status of restoration thereof, it becomes possible to detect defective or error sections efficiently at an early stage, according to which the reliability and access performance of the storage subsystem can be improved. The present storage subsystem executes one or more of the following processes: (M1) intensive verification of a circumference of an error LBA, (M2) an area-based prioritized verification, and (M3) continuous verification performed for a long period of time to (V1) an area in which error has occurred via IO access, (V2) a highly accessed area, and (V3) during a period of time when IO access is low. |
| US08489932B2 |
Server system and crash dump collection method
There is provided a server system that collects memory information at the time of occurrence of a failure if a failure occurs in the operating system so as to enable failure analysis. Stall monitoring of a firmware is performed by hardware and, if a stall is detected, a reset is performed. A memory has a memory area used by a boot loader of the firmware and a memory area used by another part of the firmware. It is determined based on a reset factor retained in a device whether the reset is a normal reset or a reset associated with the stall detection. In the case where the reset is a reset associated with the stall detection, information of the memory area of the memory used by the another part of the firmware at the time of occurrence of the stall is collected. |
| US08489929B2 |
Facilitating large-scale testing using virtualization technology in a multi-tenant database environment
A system and method for testing in a database system. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an indication of one or more changes to a software application, wherein each change corresponds to a different version of the software application. The method further includes generating one or more virtual machines for a version of the software application in response to the indication, wherein the one or more virtual machines test the version of the software application. |
| US08489928B1 |
Apparatus and method for dynamic removal and addition of electronic messaging services
A computerized method for electronic communication includes issuing via a mail client a set of extensions in a command to a MX server for an initial electronic communication; determining in the mail client one or more of the extensions, which failed; and for a subsequent electronic communication between the mail client and the MX server, for a predetermined time period, not issuing to the MX server by the mail client the one or more extensions, which failed. |
| US08489926B2 |
System and method for grammar based test planning
The present disclosure generally relates to the testing of a system that includes software or hardware components. In some embodiments, a testing framework generates a set of test cases for a system under test using a grammar. Each test case may perform an action, such as provide an input to the system under test, and result in an output from the system under test. The inputs and outputs are then compared to the expected results to determine whether the system under test is performing correctly. Prior to generating the set of test cases from the grammar, the testing framework processes the grammar to identify attributes of the test cases to be derived from the grammar and facilitates the modification of the grammar. |
| US08489922B2 |
Networked recovery system
A method and apparatus for networked recovery system is described herein. In one embodiment, a process is provided to obtain a type of recovery selected by a user. A non-volatile partition of a storage volume containing a recovery disk image is accessed. The recovery disk image does not include an installation package. If the obtained type of recovery is a predetermined type of recovery, a network connection is established using the recovery disk image and data is downloaded over the network connection for the obtained type of recovery. The obtained type of recovery of the system is performed. |
| US08489921B2 |
Transparent checkpointing and process migration in a distributed system
A distributed system for creating a checkpoint for a plurality of processes running on the distributed system. The distributed system includes a plurality of compute nodes with an operating system executing on each compute node. A checkpoint library resides at the user level on each of the compute nodes, and the checkpoint library is transparent to the operating system residing on the same compute node and to the other compute nodes. Each checkpoint library uses a windowed messaging logging protocol for checkpointing of the distributed system. Processes participating in a distributed computation on the distributed system may be migrated from one compute node to another compute node in the distributed system by re-mapping of hardware addresses using the checkpoint library. |
| US08489920B2 |
Method and apparatus integrating navigation and saving the writable state of applications
The invention includes a computerized method responding to a navigation cue from a user by saving the writable state of the application and directing the computer through the window operating system to perform the navigation task 36 indicated by the navigation cue. The invention includes the following, which will each be discussed in turn. An alteration mechanism including means for altering window operating system by altering the hook triggered by each navigation cue to integrate saving the writable state. The window operating system integrating response to each navigation cue and saving the writable state. Source code artifacts which can be installed to implement navigation cues triggering saving the writable state. A business method generating revenue for a business entity. |
| US08489919B2 |
Circuits and methods for processors with multiple redundancy techniques for mitigating radiation errors
Embodiments of circuits for processors with multiple redundancy techniques for mitigating radiation errors are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods and examples are also described herein. |
| US08489916B2 |
Multi-disk fault-tolerant system, method for generating a check block, and method for recovering a data block
A multi-disk fault-tolerant system, a method for generating a check block, and a method for recovering a data block are provided. The multi-disk fault-tolerant system includes a disk array and a calculation module connected through a system bus, the disk array is formed by p disks, and a fault-tolerant disk amount of the disk array is q; data in the disk array is arranged according to a form of a matrix M of (m+q)×p, where m is a prime number smaller than or equal to p−q; in the matrix M, a 0th row is virtual data blocks being virtual and having values being 0, a 1st row to an (m−1)th row are data blocks, an mth row to an (m+q−1)th row are check blocks. Therefore, during a procedure of generating the check block and recovering the data block in the multi-disk fault-tolerant system, calculation complexity is lowered. |
| US08489914B2 |
Method apparatus and system for a redundant and fault tolerant solid state disk
A solid state drive includes a first solid state disc controller (SSDC), a second SSDC and a flash array. The flash array includes a first flash port and a second flash port. The first SSDC is configured to connect to the flash array through the first flash port and the second flash array is configured to connect to the flash array through the second flash port. The first SSDC and the second SSDC are both configured to connect to all memory within the flash array and the first SSDC, second SSDC, and flash array are within a common solid state drive. |
| US08489913B2 |
Network system and network relay apparatus
The network system is provided. The network system includes: a first processing apparatus configured to provide a specific service; a second processing apparatus configured to provide the specific service, the first processing apparatus and the second processing apparatus having one identical address; a client apparatus configured to utilize the specific service; and a network relay apparatus connected directly or indirectly via interfaces to the first processing apparatus, the second processing apparatus, and the client apparatus and configured to relay packet transmission between the client apparatus and the first processing apparatus or the second processing apparatus, wherein the network relay apparatus forwards a received packet, which is received via the interface connecting with the client apparatus to be sent to the address as a destination, to one processing apparatus in a state enabled to provide the specific service between the first processing apparatus and the second processing apparatus. |
| US08489912B2 |
Command protocol for adjustment of write timing delay
A method, system, and computer program product are provided for adjusting write timing in a memory device based on a command protocol. For instance, the method can include enabling a write clock data recovery (WCDR) mode of operation. The method can also include transmitting WCDR data from a processing unit to the memory device during the WCDR mode of operation and another mode of operation of the memory device. Based on a phase shift in the WCDR data, a phase difference between a signal on a data bus and a write clock signal can be adjusted. Further, the method can include transmitting the signal on the data bus based on the adjusted phase difference between the signal on the data bus and the write clock signal. |
| US08489908B2 |
Information processing apparatus, power mode control method, and power mode control program product
An information processing apparatus switches from a regular power mode to a power saving mode in the event that a first control unit does not process packets for a certain period of time. The information processing apparatus includes a packet table in which packets to be processed by the first control unit are registered, and a determining unit for determining whether the system of the information processing apparatus can switch to the power saving mode. In the event that the determining unit determines that the system can switch to the power saving mode, a network controller processes the packets based on the packet table. |
| US08489904B2 |
Allocating computing system power levels responsive to service level agreements
A computer program product for initiating a task in a computer system including executing a method that includes receiving a task and a status of the task relative to a target service level. A current power state of the processor is determined. Execution of the task is initiated on the processor in response to the status indicating that the task is meeting the target service level and to the current power state being a low power state. It is determined if the processor can be moved into a high power state, the determining performed if the task is not meeting the target service level and the current power state is the low power state. If the processor can be moved into the high power state then the processor is moved into the high power state and execution of the task is initiated on the processor. |
| US08489902B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a plurality of chips configured to receive an external voltage. Each one of the chips detects a signal delay characteristic of the one of the chips to generate an internal voltage having a level corresponding to the signal delay characteristic. |
| US08489901B2 |
Methods and systems for secure encryption of data
Provided is a data acquisition module. The data acquisition module includes a memory and a controller. The controller includes an encryption module configured to encrypt information written to the memory using a key included in the controller. The key is unique to the controller.Also provided is a method for processing identification information. The method includes encrypting information with a key included in a controller and storing the encrypted information. The key is unique to the controller. |
| US08489897B2 |
Method and circuitry for detecting a fault attack
A method of detecting a fault attack during a cryptographic operation using at least one look-up table including a plurality of sub-tables each having a same number of values of a fixed bit length, a fixed relation existing between values at same locations in each sub-table, the method including: performing a load operation to retrieve from the look-up table data values from a same location in each sub-table; verifying that the fixed relation exists between at least two of the data values; and generating an output signal based on the verification. |
| US08489895B2 |
Microprocessor identity device
A digital identity device for uniquely identifying legal entities. The digital identity device is used for secure electronic communications. |
| US08489892B2 |
Device and method for digital processing management of content so as to enable an imposed work flow
A device receives protected content and a license for the content, unprotects the content using an input key and retrieves a rule associated with the input key. The device then processes the content to create new content, retrieves at least one output key associated with the input key in the retrieved rule, protects the content using the output key and sends the newly protected content and the corresponding license. It is thus possible to impose a work flow as it is necessary for a device to store a particular key in order to access the content and as the rule imposes a particular output key depending on the input key. In a preferred embodiment, the content is scrambled using a symmetrical key that is encrypted by an asymmetrical key in the license. An alternate embodiment uses watermarking techniques instead of encryption. The invention finds particular use in video processing. |
| US08489891B2 |
Method for limiting service, method for limiting image processing and image processing system
A driver management apparatus is installed in a system including an image forming apparatus and plural information processing apparatuses. The driver management apparatus sends the information processing apparatus a driver for the image forming apparatus with a first key incorporated. The driver is so set that printing processing conditions whose designation with the information processing apparatus is prohibited cannot be designated. Further, the driver management apparatus sends the first key to the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus uses the driver sent by the driver management apparatus to generate print data and encrypts the generated print data using the first key incorporated into the driver, and sends the encrypted print data to the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus decodes the print data received from the information processing apparatus using a second key of the information processing apparatus and performs a printing process using the decoded print data. |
| US08489890B2 |
Method and system for managing delayed user authentication
A system and methods for coordinating the operation of a client security module and a host security module on a mobile electronic device. The modules communicate with each other through a platform abstraction layer using application programming interfaces to coordinate their activities. In particular, on start-up of the device, the host security module obtains user authorization input from a user and passes the input to a client operating system for validation. Once validated, the host security module unlocks the host-side of the device. At the same time, the client operating system sends a notice or request to the client-side virtual machine requesting that the client-side be unlocked. Once the virtual machine is initialized and available it launches the client security module and unlocks the client-side. During the delay while the virtual machine loads, the user is given access only to the host applications. |
| US08489886B2 |
Double authentication for controlling disruptive operations on storage resources
A method, data processing system and program product is provided for performing double authentication for controlling disruptive operations on storage resources generated by a system administrator. A first request is received from a first user for generation of a first key. A first key is generated, provided to the first user and associated with the storage resource. An input is received from the administrator, the input comprises a second key and a command for performing the disruptive operation. The second key and the first key are compared. It is verified that the administrator is authorized as an administrator of the storage resource. The disruptive operation is performed on the storage resource if the second key and the first key match and the administrator is authorized. Otherwise, the performance of the disruptive operation is denied. |
| US08489883B2 |
Virtual world embedded security watermarking
A method, apparatus, and program product are provided for using watermarks to embed security features on avatars in a virtual world. A watermark engine receives security information for an avatar in a virtual world. The watermark engine creates a watermark for the avatar using the security information and associates the watermark with the avatar. The watermark may comprise at least one of: security preferences for the avatar, contact information for an owner of the avatar, and graphical information to cause alteration of the avatar when the avatar is recorded. |
| US08489879B2 |
Apparatus, method, program, and system for information processing
Provided is an information processing apparatus including a communication unit for communication with an external apparatus, an operating system running unit for running first and second operating systems, the first for communication via a first communication path under a first communication protocol, and the second for communication via a second communication path under a second communication protocol. The apparatus includes a storage including first and second data areas for the operating systems, and a shared area for both operating systems. A first encryption key is stored in the first area for first protocol communication. The first operating system encrypts the communication via the first path by the first key, acquires, from the external apparatus via the first path, a second encryption key for second protocol communication, and stores the second key into the shared area. The second operating system transfers the second key to the second data area. |
| US08489878B2 |
Communication across domains
Communication across domains is described. In at least one implementation, a determination is made that an amount of data to be communicated via an Iframe exceeds a threshold amount. The data is divided into a plurality of portions that do not exceed the threshold amount. A plurality of messages is formed to communicate the divided data across domains. |
| US08489877B2 |
System, method and computer product for sending encrypted messages to recipients where the sender does not possess the credentials of the recipient
A system for encrypting and decrypting messages using a browser in either a web or wireless device or secure message client software for transmission to or from a web server on the Internet connected to an email server or message server for the situation where the sender does not possess the credentials and public key of the recipients. The encryption and decryption is conducted using a standard web browser on a personal computer or a mini browser on a wireless device, or message client software on either a personal computer or wireless devices such that messages transmitted to the web or wireless browser or message client software can be completed and encrypted and signed by the user such that encrypted and signed data does not require credentials and public key of the recipients. A method for delivering and using private keys to ensure that such keys are destroyed after use is also provided. A method of transmitting encrypted messages to a web or wireless browser or message client and decrypting and verifying such messages by recipients who do not possess or who are not enrolled in a PKI and do not have private keys. A method for authenticating the sender/user of the browser, and a method for accessing or generating public and private keys for encrypting and decrypting messages for recipients who are not enrolled in a public key infrastructure. |
| US08489874B2 |
Encryption STE communications through private branch exchange (PBX)
A reach back secure communications terminal includes a digital PBX adapter that offers immediate and secure voice, data and video connectivity over any of various commercially available PBX systems. In addition to use with a PBX system, integrated components simplify access to varied networks allowing deployed users to select and connect quickly to a network that best supports their present mission. Commercial or optional NSA Type 1 encryption may be implemented. Networking options include any of PSTN, PBX, GSM (or CDMA or other cell telephone standard), SAT, IP and WiFi. The digital PBX adapter includes an audio mixer that converts a 4-wire input from a handset jack of a PBX handset base, into a 2-wire output destined for an encryption unit (FNBDT). The user determines a necessary gain of the audio mixer for the particular PBX system by trial and error using a multi-position switch. |
| US08489873B2 |
Migration apparatus, method and system for transferring data protected within a first terminal device to a second terminal device
The present invention provides a migration apparatus that realizes safe migration of secret data between a first terminal device and a second terminal device. Before transmitting the secret data to the second terminal device, the migration apparatus (i) receives, from the first terminal device, a minimum evaluation level required of a destination of the secret data by the first terminal device, (ii) receives, from the second terminal device, an evaluation level of the second terminal device, (iii) judges whether the evaluation level of the second terminal device is lower than the minimum evaluation level, and (iv) sends the secret data to the second terminal device only if the evaluation level of the second terminal device is no lower than the minimum evaluation level. |
| US08489870B2 |
System for initiating execution of bios (basic input/output system) based on position of display member relative to base member
A computer device comprising a display member coupled to a base member to enable variable positioning of the display member relative to the base member, and an initiating system to automatically initiate execution of a basic input output system (BIOS) based on a position of the display member relative to the base member. |
| US08489863B2 |
Processor including age tracking of issue queue instructions
An information handling system includes a processor with an instruction issue queue (IQ) that may perform age tracking operations. The issue queue IQ maintains or stores instructions that may issue out-of-order in an internal data store (IDS). The IDS organizes instructions in a queue position (QPOS) addressing arrangement. An age matrix of the IQ maintains a record of relative instruction aging for those instructions within the IDS. The age matrix updates latches or other memory cell data to reflect the changes in IDS instruction ages during a dispatch operation into the IQ. During dispatch of one or more instructions, the age matrix may update only those latches that require data change to reflect changing IDS instruction ages. The age matrix employs row and column data and clock controls to individually update those latches requiring update. |
| US08489859B2 |
Performing a deterministic reduction operation in a compute node organized into a branched tree topology
Performing a deterministic reduction operation in a parallel computer that includes compute nodes, each of which includes computer processors and a CAU (Collectives Acceleration Unit) that couples computer processors to one another for data communications, including organizing processors and a CAU into a branched tree topology in which the CAU is a root and the processors are children; receiving, from each of the processors in any order, dummy contribution data, where each processor is restricted from sending any other data to the root CAU prior to receiving an acknowledgement of receipt from the root CAU; sending, by the root CAU to the processors in the branched tree topology, in a predefined order, acknowledgements of receipt of the dummy contribution data; receiving, by the root CAU from the processors in the predefined order, the processors' contribution data to the reduction operation; and reducing, by the root CAU, the processors' contribution data. |
| US08489852B2 |
Method and system for manipulating data
A method of manipulating data includes receiving a data manipulation command for corresponding data, which corresponds to a first logical block address, to a second logical block address. The method further includes mapping the second logical block address to a physical block address, which is mapped to the first logical block address, in response to the data manipulation command. A system for manipulating data includes a host and a flash translation layer. The host transmits a data manipulation command for corresponding data, which corresponds to a first logical block address, to a second logical block address. The flash translation layer maps the second logical block address to a physical block address, which is mapped to the first logical block address, in response to the data manipulation command. |
| US08489849B2 |
Method for paramaterized application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)/field programmable gate array (FPGA) memory-based ternary content addressable memory (TCAM)
A method and apparatus for providing TCAM functionality in a custom integrated circuit (IC) is presented. An incoming key is broken into a predefined number of sub-keys. Each sub-key is sued to address a Random Access Memory (RAM), one RAM for each sub-key. An output of the RAM is collected for each sub-key, each output comprising a Partial Match Vector (PMV). The PMVs are bitwise ANDed to obtain a value which is provided to a priority encoder to obtain an index. The index is used to access a result RAM to return a result value for the key. |
| US08489847B2 |
Inter operating system memory hotswap to support memory growth in a non-virtualized system
A system memory is partitioned into a first paged partition for a first operating system and a second paged partition for a second operating system. The first paged partition is mapped into a first virtual memory partition, and the second paged partition is mapped into a second virtual memory partition. A subset of pages within the second virtual memory partition is marked as reclaimable by the first operating system to produce a set of marked pages. Responsive to a request by the first operating system for further memory, at least one reclaimable page selected from the set of marked pages is swapped out to a storage file, and the first operating system writes to the at least one reclaimable page. |
| US08489845B2 |
Storage system comprising multiple storage control apparatus
A pool, which is configured by multiple actual areas, is formed on the basis of two or more storage devices. A second storage control apparatus (DKC) determines, for each storage device, an unused capacity to be given to a first DKC with respect to each first DKC based on an unused capacity of each storage device and a request value of each storage device for each first DKC, and gives, for each first DKC, the unused capacity for each storage device determined with respect to the first DKC, to this first DKC. The request value of the storage device is based on a performance value, which is a value related to the performance of this storage device. The total capacity of multiple actual areas allocated to the virtual volumes by the first DKC is equal to or less than the unused capacity given with respect to each storage device. |
| US08489841B1 |
Manufacturing station dynamically configuring a data storage device with a validated configuration data record
A method is disclosed of configuring a data storage device. A manufacturing procedure is executed to generate a configuration data record. The configuration data record is compared to configuration execution records of an executable file, wherein the configuration execution records are for configuring at least one configuration file of the data storage device. When the configuration data record interlocks with the configuration execution records, the configuration file is modified. |
| US08489837B1 |
Systems and methods for handshaking with a memory module
According to certain aspects, a memory module is provided having at least one output configured to be operatively coupled to a memory controller of a host computer system. The memory module can be configured to operate in at least two modes comprising an initialization mode during which the memory module executes at least one initialization sequence and an operational mode. The memory module may include a controller circuit configured to cause the memory module to enter the initialization mode. The memory module may also include a notification circuit configured to drive the at least one output while the memory module is in the initialization mode to provide at least one notification signal to the memory controller indicating at least one status of the at least one initialization sequence. |
| US08489836B2 |
Secure memory management system and method
The present invention describes a system and a method for securely loading digital information from a storage device into a memory module in a data processing system, said data processing system comprising at least one storage device, one memory module and at least one processor, said data processing system further comprising a memory access controller module connected between the processor and the memory module, and a secure memory management module connected to the processor, the memory module, the storage device and the memory access controller. Requests by the processor for data are passed to the secure memory management module, which loads the data from the storage device to the memory module and configures the memory access controller such that the processor will have access to the data. |
| US08489833B2 |
Data backup method for flash memory module and solid state drive
A data backup method for a flash memory module is provided. The flash memory module includes a plurality of flash memory units. In the data backup method, a controller is first provided to receive a backup function enabling signal. The controller then configures the flash memory units according to the backup function enabling signal such that at least one of the flash memory units is configured as a backup storage area and the flash memory units that are not in the backup storage area are configured as a main storage area. The controller then checks and receives an updated status of important data in the main storage area and backs up the important data into the backup storage area according to the updated status. Accessing to the backup storage area and accessing to the main storage area by the controller are independent. |
| US08489831B2 |
Systems and methods for data snapshot replication using a token in a replication link
Systems and methods for data snapshot replication are disclosed. In an exemplary implementation, a method for data snapshot replication may include inserting a token into a replication link when a data snapshot is generated at a source. The token may be inserted into the replication link while input/output (I/O) operations are quiesced. The method may also include generating the data snapshot on a target in an order that the token is received. This enables systems which are replicating data to also replicate or duplicate snapshots without transferring additional data or re-transmitting the data in the snapshot. |
| US08489830B2 |
Implementing read/write, multi-versioned file system on top of backup data
Various embodiments of a computer system and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer system includes hosts coupled to a backup medium. The backup medium stores data segments and objects, each object referencing one or more segments. A second host conveys a write request to a first host identifying a data entity comprising segments referenced by a first object. The first host restores a copy of the data entity and creates a second object referencing the segments that were referenced by the first object in response to receiving the write request. The first host adds segment references to the second object in response to receiving a change that adds data to the copy or deletes a portion of a segment from the copy. The first host removes a segment reference from the second object if a change deletes all of a segment from the copy. |
| US08489824B2 |
Selective memory compression for multi-threaded applications
A method, system, and computer usable program product for selective memory compression for multi-threaded applications are provided in the illustrative embodiments. An identification of a memory region that is shared by a plurality of threads in an application is received at a first entity in a data processing system. A request for a second entity in the data processing system to keep the memory region uncompressed when compressing at least one of a plurality of memory regions that comprise the memory region is provided from the first entity to the second entity. |
| US08489822B2 |
Providing a directory cache for peripheral devices
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a processor having at least one core and uncore logic. The uncore logic can include a home agent to act as a guard to control access to a memory region. Either in the home agent or another portion of the uncore logic, a directory cache may be provided to store ownership information for a portion of the memory region owned by an agent coupled to the processor. In this way, when an access request for the memory region misses in the directory cache, a memory transaction can be avoided. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08489816B1 |
Predicting and optimizing I/O performance characteristics in a multi-level caching system
A predictive model specifies a workload to be applied to a hierarchy of caches having multiple levels of caches. The predictive model defines a configuration for the hierarchy of caches by specifying cache characteristics of each level of the hierarchy of caches and the underlying storage pool and applies the workload to the configuration. For each level of the configuration, the predictive model computes a performance metric based on a portion of the workload satisfied at the level and the cache characteristics of the level. The predictive model computes resource allocation metrics based on the performance metric for the levels and a cost associated with the configuration. Based on the workload, the configuration, performance metrics, and resource allocation metrics, the predictive model creates a design time recommendation for the hierarchy of caches, a configuration time recommendation and run time recommendation for the hierarchy of caches. |
| US08489815B2 |
Managing cache data and metadata
Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for managing cache metadata providing a mapping between addresses on a storage medium (e.g., disk storage) and corresponding addresses on a cache device at which data items are stored. In some embodiments, cache metadata may be stored in a hierarchical data structure comprising a plurality of hierarchy levels. When a reboot of the computer is initiated, only a subset of the plurality of hierarchy levels may be loaded to memory, thereby expediting the process of restoring the cache metadata and thus startup operations. Startup may be further expedited by using cache metadata to perform operations associated with reboot. |
| US08489812B2 |
Automated storage provisioning within a clustered computing environment
An approach for automatic storage planning and provisioning within a clustered computing environment is provided. Planning input for a set of storage area network volume controllers (SVCs) will be received within the clustered computing environment, the planning input indicating a potential load on the SVCs and its associated components. Analytical models (e.g., from vendors) can be also used that allow for a load to be accurately estimated on the storage components. Configuration data for a set of storage components (i.e., the set of SVCs, a set of managed disk (Mdisk) groups associated with the set of SVCs, and a set of backend storage systems) will also be collected. Based on this configuration data, the set of storage components will be filtered to identify candidate storage components capable of addressing the potential load. Then, performance data for the candidate storage components will be analyzed to identify an SVC and an Mdisk group to address the potential load. |
| US08489808B2 |
Systems and methods of presenting virtual tape products to a client
Systems and methods for presenting virtual tape products to a client are disclosed. An exemplary method may include allocating a plurality of disks connected to a host bus adapter (HBA) as both virtual tape storage and virtual disk storage. The method may also include translating at the HBA an input/output (I/O) communication between the client and the plurality of disks to access at least a portion of the plurality of disks allocated as virtual tape storage. The method may also include handling all other I/O communication between the client and the plurality of disks for access to the plurality of disks allocated as virtual disk storage. |
| US08489806B2 |
Storage apparatus and method of managing data storage area
To extend endurance and reduce bit cost, a storage apparatus includes a controller and a first storage device and a second storage device having a smaller erase count upper limit than the first storage device. Area conversion information includes correspondence of a first address of a data storage destination and a second address of a data storage area The controller selects an area corresponding to the first address, determines whether a rewrite frequency of the selected area is equal to or larger than a first threshold and, when the rewrite frequency is equal to or larger than the threshold, selects an area of the first storage device, and, when the rewrite frequency is smaller than the threshold, selects an area of the second storage device and maps the address of the selected area to the first address. |
| US08489798B2 |
Electronic device, control method thereof and recording medium
An electronic device is connectable to an external device. An interface substrate is detachably connected to a main substrate. A first interface is installed on the interface substrate, and the first interface which is connectable to the external device. A second interface is installed on the main substrate, and the second interface which is connectable to the external device. A selection unit selects one interface of the first interface on the interface substrate and the second interface on the main substrate. A communication unit communicates information with the external device through the interface selected by the selection unit. The selection unit selects an interface which is pre-designated or preferentially selects an interface which first receives a signal from the external device, between the first interface and the second interface. |
| US08489796B2 |
Wireless protocol adapter assembly with interchangeable connectors
The present invention relates to a wireless protocol adapter assembly for diagnostics, analysis, and monitoring. The wireless protocol adapter assembly provides a common connection interface between a sealed common electronics package and a plurality of vehicle connectors that access a plurality of vehicle networks respectively for translating and transferring signals between the plurality of in-vehicle networks and a host computer. The common connection interface allows the vehicle connector compatible with a particular vehicle type to be coupled to the common electronics package. The common electronics package can recognizes when it is connected to a vehicle network running a particular protocol and automatically switch to that protocol. A wireless protocol adapter board having a standard connection pinning arrangement allows wireless links to be changed or altered as wireless standards change and evolve. |
| US08489791B2 |
Processor bus bridge security feature for network processors or the like
Described embodiments provide a system having a bridge for communicating information between two processor buses. The bridge receives a command from a first bus, the command having an identification field and an address field. As the command is entered into a buffer in the bridge, the address field is checked against one or more addresses. If there is a match, then control bits are checked to see if the command will be allowed or not depending on the identification field value. If the command is not transferred to the second bus, a flag is set in the buffer, and an error message is returned to the first bus, and an interrupt may be generated. The control bits allow commands access to specific addresses on the second bus or deny the access depending on the command identification field. Bit-wise masking provides a range of values for identification and address field matching. |
| US08489789B2 |
Interrupt virtualization
In an embodiment, a device interrupt manager may be configured to receive an interrupt from a device that is assigned to a guest. The device interrupt manager may be configured to transmit an operation targeted to a memory location in a system memory to record the interrupt for a virtual processor within the guest, wherein the interrupt is to be delivered to the targeted virtual processor. In an embodiment, a virtual machine manager may be configured to detect that an interrupt has been recorded by the device interrupt manager for a virtual processor that is not currently executing. The virtual machine manager may be configured to schedule the virtual processor for execution on a hardware processor, or may prioritize the virtual processor for scheduling, in response to the interrupt. |
| US08489788B2 |
Data processor and control system
Provided are a data processor, and a control system, in which an interrupt controller and an event link controller are adopted. The event link controller responds to a generated event signal to output a start control signal for controlling start of an operation of a circuit module. The circuit module is able to generate an event signal. The event link controller generates the start control signal according to the correspondences between event signals and start control signals which are defined by event control information. The links between the event signals and start control signals can be prescribed by the event control information. Therefore, operations of circuit modules prescribed by such links can be controlled sequentially. The control neither involves save and return processes by CPU as in the interrupt processing, nor needs priority level control as executed on competing interrupt requests. |
| US08489782B2 |
Detecting accessories on an audio or video jack
A detection circuit can be configured to receive a digital value from an identification register and to determine a resistance at a conducting terminal of an audio or video jack plug using the digital value. The detection circuit can include a current source that outputs a current according to the digital value from the identification register and a comparator that compares a reference voltage to a voltage created by the current source across the resistance at the conducting terminal of the audio or video jack plug. A control logic circuit can be configured to store the digital value in the identification register, generate an interrupt signal to cause a processor to read the digital value, and identify a function of an accessory device including the audio or video jack plug, when the detection circuit determines the resistance at the conducting terminal of the audio or video jack plug. |
| US08489780B2 |
Power saving in NAND flash memory
Some embodiments of the invention may use a single control line signal as both a wake up signal and as an indicator of a device selection command. In a command-based protocol on a non-volatile memory bus, a host memory controller may assert a signal on a control line to bring all the memory devices on the bus into an operational mode, while concurrently placing a device selection command on the input/output lines. The memory device selected by the selection command may remain operational to perform a sequence of operations as directed by the host controller. The remaining (non-selected) memory devices may return to a sleep mode until a new signal on the control line is received, indicating a new selection command. |