| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08511732B2 |
Pick-up style utility vehicle with expandable cargo bed
A pick-up type utility vehicle with an expandable cargo bed. The pick-up type utility vehicle includes a front seat, a rear seat; a cargo bed, and a screen separating the rear seat and the cargo bed. The pick-up type utility vehicle further includes an operating part for moving the screen, and a movement mechanism moving the screen in the front and back direction by operation of the operating part. |
| US08511730B2 |
Apparatus and method for engaging and handling articles of manufacture
Apparatus and method for engaging an article. The apparatus has a base portion, an end portion disposed adjacent the base portion. The end portion is moveable in relation to the base portion generally along the longitudinal centerline. One or more bands are joined to and extend between the base portion and the end portion. At least one of the bands bends away from the longitudinal centerline when the end portion is moved toward the base portion from the disengaged configuration to the activated configuration. |
| US08511719B2 |
Flow-passage connecting device and liquid ejecting apparatus including the same
A flow-passage connecting device for connecting flow passages of first and second members, including: a joint to be attached at one end to an end portion of the passage of the first member and to be connected at the other end to the passage of the second member, the joint having a hollow space through which a fluid flows; a joint support portion for supporting the joint when the joint is attached, such that a positional adjustment of the joint in a direction perpendicular to a joint attachment direction is permitted within a first position-adjust range; and a position-adjust-range limiting portion disposed distant from the end portion of the passage of the first member in a direction opposite to the attachment direction and configured to limit the positional adjustment of the joint in the perpendicular direction within a second position-adjust range smaller than the first range when the joint is attached. |
| US08511716B2 |
Connection device for fluid lines in the region of a wall duct and wall element
A connection arrangement for a wall passage, in particular for positioning with a through-opening of a wall element and for the connection of at least one media conduit. The connection arrangement including a connector part with a first connection section that is to be passed through the through-opening, and an oppositely placed second connection section with a contact element for limiting the amount of insertion at the wall element, as well as with a retaining element for locking the connector part in its assembly position, where it is inserted into the through-opening. The connector part includes at least two separate parts, an installation part for retention in the through-opening of the wall element and a connection part, which can be connected to the installation part, and which further contains the connection sections. |
| US08511714B2 |
Connector assemblies for flow restricting apparatuses
A connector assembly for a flow restricting apparatus is disclosed. The flow restricting apparatus comprises an outlet configured to be in fluid communication with an outlet conduit. The connector assembly comprises a first member configured to be engaged with the flow restricting apparatus at least partially about the outlet. The first member comprises a first face, a second face, and a bore defined through the first member. The connector assembly comprises a second member comprising a first side, a second side, a bore defined through the second member, at least one projection extending outwardly from the first side of the second member, and sealing means for sealing positioned intermediate the first member and the second member. The at least one projection forms a receiving portion configured to receive a portion of the first member. |
| US08511712B2 |
Mixture of magnetically orientable color shifting flakes and non-magnetically orientable color shifting flakes exhibiting a common color
Pigment flakes are blended together wherein some are magnetically alignable and exhibit a color shift from a first color to a second color with a change in viewing angle; and some are pigment flakes which exhibit a color shift from the first color to a third color or vice versa with a change in viewing angle, wherein the first, second and third colors are three different colors. The flakes are coated upon a substrate and magnetically alignable flakes are magnetically aligned. The non-magnetically alignable flakes are not aligned by the magnetic field and lie flat upon the substrate they are coated on. By judiciously selecting the angle upon which the magnetic flakes are oriented, an effect is created whereby an observer sees a color shift from a first color to a second or a first color to a third, when orienting the substrate by tilting it at different particular angles. The coated substrate can be used in security applications such as on currency or secure instruments. |
| US08511711B2 |
Carrier frame of a utility vehicle
A utility vehicle (1) comprising a carrier frame (3) mounted above a transaxle (2) is provided. The carrier frame (3) comprises a first carrier frame section (30) and a second carrier frame section (40). A height level of the first carrier frame section (30) differs from a height level of the second carrier frame section (40). |
| US08511708B2 |
Passenger airbag module
A passenger airbag module includes a housing, an inflator generating gas pressure according to a control signal of an electronic control unit, and an airbag cushion folded in the housing such that the airbag cushion is expanded in the form of a dual chamber. The airbag cushion is provided therein with a tether having a rectangular shape corresponding to a sectional shape of the airbag cushion. The tether is installed in the transverse direction to divide the airbag cushion into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. Transfer holes are formed at edges of the tether. In the passenger airbag module, the upper chamber is primarily expanded by concentrating gas flow into the upper chamber to instantly deploy the airbag cushion in the proper position, thereby safely protecting the occupants. |
| US08511705B2 |
Wheel automatic adjustment mechanism and foldable motorized vehicle having same
An automatic wheel adjustment mechanism mounted between two front wheels and a front wheel stem of a foldable motorized vehicle, comprising: (a) a front wheel supporting shaft having a bearing housing positioned on the top center portion of the front wheel supporting shaft, a first connecting portion, and a second connecting portion positioned on the front wheel supporting shaft, (b) a connecting member having a ring on one end and a connecting shaft on other end, wherein the connecting shaft extends upwards to form a connecting portion, and (c) a plurality of bearings, wherein outer races of the bearings is fixed at the center portion of the front wheel supporting shaft, the ring of the connecting member is connected to the lower end of the front wheel stem, the connecting shaft of the connecting member passes through and fixedly connected to the inner races of the plurality of the bearings. |
| US08511703B2 |
Sliding hitch assembly
Examples of sliding hitch assemblies, and locking mechanisms therefor are disclosed. Sliding hitch assemblies include a pair of slide rails slidably supporting a fifth wheel. Each of the slide rails in turn includes a driving position locking pin that selectively locks the fifth wheel in a driving position, and a maneuvering position locking pin that selectively locks the fifth wheel in a maneuvering position. A cam member is slidably mounted inside each slide rail, and includes a first cam surface that unlocks the driving position locking pin when the cam member is in a first position, and a second cam surface that unlocks the maneuvering position locking pin when the cam member is in a second position. The fifth wheel is mounted on a pair of downwardly facing U-shaped members slidably supported on the slide rails, and a wear block is interposed each slide rail and a corresponding one of the U-shaped members. An adjustable element may be moved relative to the corresponding one of the U-shaped members to stay adjacent the one of slide rails as the wear block wears during use. |
| US08511702B1 |
Anti-jackknife system for backing-up a trailer
The anti jackknife system has locking mechanisms which automatically lock caster type wheels at the rear of a trailer in a fixed position in the direction parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the trailer and to the line of direction of travel of the tow vehicle pulling the trailer forward. In this forward configuration the tongue of the trailer freely rotates on a trailer hitch insert. In a back up configuration a locking mechanism automatically locks the trailer tongue into linear alignment with the trailer hitch insert. The caster type wheels rotate freely about a vertical axis, and when the trailer is backed up by the tow vehicle the trailer will stay in linear alignment with the tow vehicle. The caster type wheels will automatically turn in a direction corresponding to the front wheels of the tow vehicle, thereby completely preventing jackknifing of the trailer. |
| US08511697B2 |
Arrangement of a stabilizer on a wheel suspension for motor vehicles
The invention relates to an arrangement of a stabilizer (26), which is configured in two parts, on a wheel suspension for a motor vehicle, comprising torsion bars (26b) which are separated from each other and are each articulated on wheel suspension elements (16) by means of an output lever (26a) and can be co-rotated in the same or opposite direction by means of associated actuating devices (30), wherein each torsion bar (26b) is extended with a hollow shaft (26e) which encompasses the torsion bar (26b) in order to increase the effective torsion length, the output lever (26a) being formed on the hollow shaft. According to the invention, the torsion bar (26b) is mounted in a fixed bearing (59) in the actuating device (30) and in an axial loose bearing (26d) in the hollow shaft (26e). |
| US08511695B2 |
Scooter handlebar holder
A scooter features a top tube attached to the top portion of a steering column and handlebars having handgrips and stems, with the stems sized to be received within the open ends of the top tube when in a use configuration. A handlebar holder housing covers a top portion of the steering column and a portion of the top tube and includes holding bores sized to receive the handlebar stems when the handlebars are in a storage configuration. The handlebar stems are provided with spring pins that engage use apertures and storage apertures formed in the top tube and housing, respectively, when in the handlebars are in the use and storage configurations. A cord passes through the top tube and is fastened to the handlebars. The handlebar holder housing includes cord slots in communication with the holding bores and receive the cord when the first and second handlebars are in the storage configuration. |
| US08511692B2 |
Drill chuck
A chuck including a body having a tail section and a nose section defining an axial bore. A plurality of jaws are movably disposed with respect to the axial bore and a nut is in threaded engagement with the jaws. A sleeve engages the nut so that rotation of the sleeve moves the jaws. A first ring defines a plurality of teeth and a second ring is rotatable relative to the nut over a limited arc and defines at least one pawl. In a first state, the second ring is non-rotatable relative to the first ring in both the opening and closing directions, and in a second state the first and second rings are rotatable about the body, and the second ring is rotatable relative to the first ring in the closing direction. |
| US08511690B2 |
Simplified low insertion force sealing device capable of self restraint and joint deflection
A conduit coupling system, sealing device, bell and method of use are disclosed herein. The system comprises at least two piping components, and a sealing device. A first component has a bell and a second component has a spigot, the spigot is adapted to mate with the bell. The bell comprises a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first component. The bell has a concave annular inner surface and a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the first end of the bell is greater than a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the second end of the bell. The sealing device comprises a locking segment comprising a convex outer surface and a K-type gasket coupled to a locking segment or a non-restraining anti-extrusion segment. The sealing device is adapted to fit between the bell and the spigot. |
| US08511689B2 |
Shaft sealing apparatus
A shaft sealing apparatus of including a first mechanical seal having a mating ring disposed at the sealed fluid side and which rotates along with a shaft as the inner circumference side thereof is fixed to the shaft side, and a sealing ring disposed at the air side with respect to the mating ring and is slidable against the mating ring and which does not rotate along with the shaft. An annular space in which the sealed fluid exists is formed at the outer circumferential face side of the first mechanical seal. The shaft sealing apparatus further includes a protection cover disposed adjacent to the sealed fluid side of the seal cover in a state of being sealed with the seal cover and with the first mechanical seal respectively by an O-ring so as to suppress exposure of the seal cover to the sealed fluid. |
| US08511688B2 |
Intermittent sealing device
An exemplary embodiment disclosed herein relates to an articulatable sealing device. The device includes a plurality of seal elements each of which is urgable against a seal-surface, a fixing member tightenable about a perimeter of the seal elements, and a retractor in operable communication with the plurality of seal elements and able to move the plurality of seal elements in a desired direction. |
| US08511686B2 |
Game board
A gaming apparatus including a top surface and four side walls connected each other and to the top, the top having a game surface such as a 64 block checkerboard pattern of a first and second color, the game surface having cutouts; eight rods running crossways under the top surface and attached to two side walls; multiple rollers accessible to a player through the cutouts in the top surface. Preferably the game surface is angled on two opposing sides of each cutout to aid in rotation of the rollers underneath the game surface. The game apparatus may be adopted to play checkers, chess, backgammon or similar games. The game apparatus may also be embedded into tables or walls. |
| US08511685B2 |
Stellated icosahedron puzzle
A stellated icosahedron puzzle has a plurality of assembled together parts forming in an assembled condition a stellated icosahedron, the assemblies including six mated together hollow octahedron assemblies and twelve hollow pyramid assemblies located on the hollow octahedron assemblies rotatable around each of the octahedron assembly via pivot shafts of the octahedron assemblies and stoppable every 180° of rotation, and the pyramid assemblies being independently attachable to and detachable from each of the pivot shafts. |
| US08511682B2 |
Roulette board and method for controlling the same
A roulette board, including a roulette wheel on which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a circumferential direction of the roulette wheel, a plurality of ball reception portions that are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of symbols, the plurality of ball reception portions being configured to receive a ball that rolls on the roulette wheel, a banked passage that is endlessly provided along an outer circumference of the roulette wheel, and allows the ball to roll in a circumferential orbit, and a ball discharging mechanism that is provided with a ball discharging member and discharges the ball received in one of the plurality of ball reception portions from the one of the plurality of ball reception portions toward the banked passage by bringing the ball discharging member into contact with the ball. |
| US08511679B2 |
Sheet processing device
A sheet processing device in the form of an offset stacker, a sheet fence (103, 104) is provided on a side of sheets (S) to be processed stacked on a stack tray (3) opposite from a jogger (101, 102) so that the sheet fence accurately defines a final offset position of the sheets. When a transient offset position at which the sheets are stacked on the stack tray varies from one sheet to another, the side edges of sheets selected for offset stacking can be lined up without fail owing to the jogging action of the jogger and the supporting action of the sheet fence. A pair of joggers may be arranged on either side of the sheets, along with a pair of corresponding sheets fences on the opposing sides. The jogger and sheet fence on a same side may be supported by a common moveable frame (107, 108). |
| US08511674B2 |
Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus with retard roller
The present invention provides a sheet feeding apparatus and an image forming apparatus enabling to prevent generating a dent at a retard roller. When a sheet feeding operation is started, a driving motor normally rotates, and a swing arm is moved to a first position to cause a retard roller to press to a feed roller by a C input gear and a C gear. Also, when the sheet feeding operation is finished, the driving motor reversely rotates, and the swing arm is moved to a second position to cause the retard roller to separate from the feed roller. |
| US08511660B2 |
Elevating mechanism for jaws for clamping mouldings
The mechanism for a machine for stapling two moldings (21, 22) comprises a surface (10), for supporting the moldings (21, 22), and a linkage for operating two jaws (6, 7) in a functional plane (25) essentially parallel to the surface (10) in order to push the two respective moldings (21, 22) sideways towards respective functional positions against two respective side stops (2, 3) that extend in mutually inclined directions, and in order thereafter following the stapling, to draw back from the stops (2, 3) and return to a rest position; the linkage comprising elevating elements designed to move the jaws (6, 7), under the action of drive elements (50, 51), in a direction (70) perpendicular to the functional plane (25), so that the jaws (6, 7) are thus retracted, in the rest position, out of the functional plane (25). |
| US08511655B2 |
Bicycle seat post
A seat post is disclosed. The seat post includes a pneumatic cylinder, a hollow pneumatic piston, a gap, a seal, a hydraulic cylinder, a hollow hydraulic piston, and a valve. The gap exists between the pneumatic cylinder and the pneumatic piston and communicates with the inside of the pneumatic piston. The seal is disposed at the pneumatic cylinder for sealing the gap. The hydraulic cylinder is disposed in the pneumatic piston and communicates with the inside of the pneumatic piston. One end of the hydraulic piston passes through pneumatic piston and is inserted into the hydraulic cylinder. The other end is disposed in the pneumatic cylinder and communicates with the inside of the pneumatic cylinder. The valve connects the pneumatic piston and the hydraulic cylinder for opening or closing the communication between the pneumatic piston and the hydraulic cylinder. |
| US08511652B2 |
Gas spring and gas damper assembly and method
A gas spring and gas clamper assembly includes a first end member, a second end member, a first flexible wall that at least partially defines a first spring chamber, and a second flexible wall that at least partially defines a second spring chamber. A damper piston and damper rod are operatively connected between the first and second end members and within the first spring chamber. A suspension system that includes a gas spring and gas damper assembly as well as a method of assembly are also included. |
| US08511651B2 |
Heater unit humidification chamber monitor
A heater unit is adapted to determine if a humidification chamber thermally coupled to a hot plate of the heater unit is effectively dry based on determining a thermal response of a hot plate of the heater unit. Also, the activation period during which the hot plate is being heated is adjusted toward an optimum period by adjusting the energization or power level to the heater element thereof in relation to the duration of a prior activation period. Further, the air flow rate of gas through the humidification chamber may be estimated based on a temperature of the hot plate determined in predetermined relationship to the beginning of an activation period. |
| US08511648B2 |
Fence system
A fence system includes a first extruded lineal extending lengthwise along a first longitudinal axis. The first lineal has a sidewall with at least a first slot in the sidewall and the first slot extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The fence system also includes a second extruded lineal extending lengthwise along a second longitudinal axis. The second extruded lineal includes at least a corresponding first attachment leg extending outward from the second extruded lineal and parallel to the second longitudinal axis. The first attachment leg is integrally extruded with the second extruded lineal and is received in the first slot to secure together the first and second extruded lineals. |
| US08511639B2 |
Adaptor for use with a valve fitment
This invention relates to an adaptor used in a fitment valve assembly, said adaptor comprising an outer ring collar having a top and a bottom, and an outer and an inner surface; a flange molded to the bottom of said outer ring collar; an interior ring collar having a top and a bottom, and an outer and an inner surface molded in adjacent relationship to said outer ring collar near the top of said interior ring collar; an inverted dome structure molded toward the bottom of said inner surface of said interior ring collar defining at least one opening for the flow of fluid there-through; a groove for an O-ring molded in said inner surface of said interior ring collar above said dome structure; a lip molded onto said bottom of said interior ring collar for forming a seal with said fitment valve assembly; and a groove for an O-ring molded in said outer surface at the bottom of said interior ring collar. |
| US08511637B2 |
Horizontally and vertically adjustable bearing
A bearing (3), preferably elastomeric, which can be employed in machine construction (1), in particular for generators of wind turbines. The bearing (3), owing to its design, can be positioned both in the vertical and also in the horizontal direction under load at any time in such a way that any present drive/gear shafts are aligned with one another. |
| US08511635B2 |
Holding device for fastening a laser instrument
A holding device for fastening a laser instrument, in particular to a magnetic construction, a pipe, a wall rail or ceiling rail, and/or a wall, is disclosed. The holding device includes a basic frame, a receptacle device connected to the basic frame to accommodate the laser instrument, a first fastening device connected to the basic frame and a second fastening device connected to the basic frame. At least the first or second fastening device is configured to be adjustable in a vertical direction relative to the basic frame. |
| US08511634B2 |
Antenna holder
An antenna holder to be mounted on a car body part of a motor vehicle having an opening, in particular a motor vehicle roof, having an antenna base and an anchoring device projecting beyond the antenna base, whose outer cross section is smaller than the opening cross section of the opening. The preassembled anchoring device includes an anchoring claw having a plurality of spreadable arms, a spreading element for spreading apart the arms and an actuating member for the approach of the spreading element to the antenna base while the spreading apart of the arms takes place. |
| US08511633B2 |
Accessory attachment mechanism
A low profile accessory attachment mechanism suitable for attaching an accessory to an electronic device is disclosed. A straight hook and a curved hook are configured to mechanically engage slots in an electronic device, joining the accessory to the electronic device. By moving one of the hooks or altering the configuration of a slot, the accessory and electronic device may be separated. Additionally, the hooks may carry electrical current. |
| US08511632B2 |
Suspension system and method for suspending an inner vessel inside an outer vessel of a cryostat
A suspension system for a cryostat includes a coupling mechanism, a fixation body, and a pin. The coupling mechanism is joined to an outer vessel and coupled with a strap. The fixation body is joined to an inner vessel. The fixation body extends between a front side that faces the coupling mechanism and an opposite receiving side with an interior channel extending from the receiving side to the front side. The channel defines a front opening in the front side and a rear opening in the receiving side. The pin is loaded into the fixation body through the rear opening in the receiving side of the fixation body with the strap looped around the pin and extending through the front opening to the coupling mechanism. The pin secures the coupling mechanism to the fixation body via the strap by engaging the fixation body inside the channel. |
| US08511631B2 |
Assembling structure of clip and mounting member
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembling structure including: a mounting member having a mounting seat; and a clip having a head and a leg. The head includes: a neck portion; and first and second flanges outwardly protrudes therefrom to sandwich the mounting seat therebetween, wherein the mounting seat includes: a hole having a diameter larger than that of the neck portion; a groove formed to communicate the hole with outside the mounting seat; and a projection protruding from a peripheral edge of the hole, wherein the second flange includes: an inner face radially-outwardly extending therefrom to gradually come close to the first flange; a top portion; and an outer face further extending to gradually separate from the first flange, and wherein the inner face abuts the projection in an assembled state. |
| US08511628B2 |
Anchor point
An anchor point has a foot, an elongated absorbing element, and a coupling feature for attaching a coupling element to the means of absorbing energy. The elongated absorbing element is provided with plates which extend radially and are situated axially at a distance from each other, and a casing that is situated about the absorbing element and is attached to the foot at a first end and at the second end is connected to an end of the absorbing element in such a way that it can be detached. The absorbing element is attached to a safety device at the other end with which the absorbing element is secured to the casing to prevent twisting. The safety device is provided with a locking device for locking the pin in the absorbing element. |
| US08511625B2 |
Holding device for medical instruments
A holding device for medical instruments, with a bracket on which at least one medical instrument can be affixed and with at least one joint to position the bracket and/or the medical instrument, so that the at least one joint is configured as a ball and socket joint that is provided with at least one bearing shell and a pivot ball and that can be converted between a position that releases the joint and one that blocks the joint. To provide a holding device for medical instruments that is simple to operate, makes possible a rapid blocking and releasing of the at least one joint, and in addition ensures that unintentional release of the blocking is excluded to the greatest extent possible, it is proposed with the invention that the bearing shell should be of rigid configuration and the pivot ball should be capable of being affixed in the bearing shell by clamping by at least one blocking element. |
| US08511622B2 |
Method and device for detecting the derailment of a guided vehicle
A vehicle that is guided by a guiding system is monitored for derailment. The guiding system has a guiding member interacting with a railhead of a rail that guides the vehicle. The device includes a clamp with a bottom jaw tightly surrounding the railhead in a contactless manner in the closed position thereof, capable of opening the jaw when interaction is lost between the guiding member and the rail. The opening results when the railhead at least partially exits the jaw. A top rod of the clamp enables mechanical transmission of the opening of the jaw to a switch. The switch has a nominal configuration corresponding to the closed position of the clamp during correct re-railing and an alarm configuration generated by mechanical transmission of the opening of the jaw to the switch. The alarm configuration actuates a safety system of the guided vehicle. |
| US08511621B2 |
Device for piloting a craft having an electromagnetic actuator
A device for piloting includes a piloting member connected to at least one member for driving the craft, an electromechanical support box including, for each pivot connection, at least one actuating motor of the piloting member constituted of an electromagnetic actuator including a movable armature integrally formed with the piloting member and equipped with at least one permanent magnet having a magnetic moment parallel to the axis of the pivot connection, and an electromagnetic circuit including a fixed armature, arranged to allow the movable armature to move in the air gap zone, the magnetic moment of the movable armature sweeping each radial surface portion, and at least one coil winding which is dependent in position on the fixed armature and is capable of generating electromagnetic torque on the movable armature. |
| US08511619B2 |
Slat deployment mechanism
An aircraft slat deployment mechanism including a first drive member coupled to a slat at a first pivot point and a second drive member coupled to the slat at a second pivot point offset from the first pivot point. A first rack is provided on the first drive member, and a first pinion is carried by the drive shaft. The first pinion is arranged to transmit mechanical power from the drive shaft to the first drive member via the first rack. A second rack is provided on the second drive member, and a second pinion is carried by the drive shaft. The second pinion has a different radius to the first pinion. The second pinion is arranged to transmit mechanical power from the drive shaft to the second drive member via the second rack, such that the first and second drive members move at a different speed. |
| US08511617B2 |
Satellites and satellite fleet implementation methods and apparatus
A method for implementing a satellite fleet includes launching a group of satellites within a launch vehicle. In an embodiment, the satellites are structurally connected together through satellite outer load paths. After separation from the launch vehicle, nodal separation between the satellites is established by allowing one or more of the satellites to drift at one or more orbits having apogee altitudes below an operational orbit apogee altitude. A satellite is maintained in an ecliptic normal attitude during its operational life, in an embodiment. The satellite's orbit is efficiently maintained by a combination of axial, radial, and canted thrusters, in an embodiment. Satellite embodiments include a payload subsystem, a bus subsystem, an outer load path support structure, antenna assembly orientation mechanisms, an attitude control subsystem adapted to maintain the satellite in the ecliptic normal attitude, and an orbit maintenance/propulsion subsystem adapted to maintain the satellite's orbit. |
| US08511616B2 |
Solar powered excess electron emission device
The chassis of a spacecraft has one side exposed to ultraviolet photons and another side shielded from the ultraviolet photons. An electrically conductive surface is disposed on the exposed side of the chassis and is electrically isolated from the chassis. A field-emission array device has a gate, an emitter array, a first terminal electrically connected to the gate, and a second terminal electrically connected to the emitter array. The first terminal electrically couples the gate to the electrically conductive surface on the exposed side of the chassis, and the second terminal electrically couples the emitter array to a surface on the shielded side of the chassis. The emitter array discharges electrons from the surface on the shielded side when a voltage difference in excess of a threshold voltage develops between the gate and the emitter array because of differential charging of the exposed and shielded sides of the chassis. |
| US08511615B2 |
Deployable structure forming an antenna equipped with a solar generator for a satellite
A deployable structure with panels forming an antenna equipped with a solar generator includes: a set of antenna panels each having a substantially rectangular useful surface, the antenna panels abutting each other on first sides parallel to each other, at least one photovoltaic solar panel, each photovoltaic solar panel abutting an antenna panel on a second side of said antenna panel perpendicular to the first sides, first articulation systems, each of said articulation systems enabling an antenna panel to be caused to pivot relative to an adjacent antenna panel about an axis substantially parallel to the first sides of said antenna panels, a second articulation system for each photovoltaic solar panel, each of said articulation systems enabling a photovoltaic solar panel to be caused to pivot relative to the antenna panel that it abuts about an axis substantially parallel to the second side of said antenna panel. |
| US08511613B2 |
Modular externally accessible batteries for an aircraft
An aircraft comprises an airframe, an electric propulsion system, a number of battery pods, and an engagement system. The number of battery pods has a physical connector system. The engagement system is attached to the airframe and is capable of engaging the physical connector system to connect the number of battery pods to the airframe. |
| US08511612B2 |
Shock wave modification method and system
A shock wave in a gas is modified by emitting energy to form an extended path in the gas; heating gas along the path to form a volume of heated gas expanding outwardly from the path; and directing a path. The volume of heated gas passes through the shock wave and modifies the shock wave. This eliminates or reduces a pressure difference between gas on opposite sides of the shock wave. Electromagnetic, microwaves and/or electric discharge can be used to heat the gas along the path. This application has uses in reducing the drag on a body passing through the gas, noise reduction, controlling amount of gas into a propulsion system, and steering a body through the gas. An apparatus is also disclosed. |
| US08511611B2 |
Slot seal
A panel assembly for an aircraft comprises a panel rotatably connected to a support structure and moveable between a first position and a second position. The panel has an aerodynamic surface with a slot at one edge thereof which receives a portion of the support structure when the panel is in the first position. The assembly further comprises a resilient seal member which occupies the slot when the panel is in the second position. The panel may be an aircraft flight control surface, or an aircraft landing gear bay door. |
| US08511607B2 |
UAV launch attachment assembly and launch system
A UAV attachment assembly, used with a UAV launch assembly comprising a frame and a launch driver, comprises a base, a UAV support, a biasing element, a coupler, and a retainer. The base is operably coupled to the launch driver. The UAV support is mounted to the base and is placeable in vertically collapsed and vertically extended orientations. The biasing element biases the UAV support towards the collapsed orientation. The coupler releasably couples the UAV support to a UAV when the UAV support is in the extended orientation, the UAV support being free of the UAV when in the collapsed orientation. The retainer maintains the UAV support in the vertically extended orientation prior to launch and releases the UAV support at launch so that the biasing element can cause the UAV support to move towards the collapsed orientation and to disengage from the UAV. |
| US08511600B2 |
Dispenser that automatically transfers rolls of absorbent material, method of reloading same, and rolls of absorbent material for use in same
A two-roll toilet paper dispenser automatically transfers a new roll into dispensing position once the previous roll is spent or nearly spent. A spring-loaded plate senses the decreasing diameter of the first roll, and once it reaches a predetermined minimum, actuates a linkage that permits a mandrel carrying the two rolls to drop down within the dispenser body and position the second roll for dispensing. The mandrel and track structure permits reloading the dispenser without removing the mandrel. The rolls of toilet paper have adapter plugs in one end only, to ensure that the rolls are placed in the correct orientation within the dispenser. |
| US08511598B2 |
System for dispensing paper rolls with conductive tubes
The invention relates to a system of dispensing a product rolled around an element such as a tube (50), such product defining a structure such as a cylinder, and such system comprising in particular: a frame, a means of support and connection of the roll in the frame. It is claimed for the invention that the tube (50) includes an electrically conductive element (50c) designed to operate in conjunction with an element of the frame so as together to form an electric circuit element. |
| US08511597B2 |
Apparatus for fracturing polycrystalline silicon and method for producing fractured fragments of polycrystalline silicon
An apparatus for fracturing polycrystalline silicon having a pair of rolls which are rotated in a counter direction each other around parallel axes, the rolls is provided with: a plurality of disks layered along the axes of the rolls; and a plurality of fracturing teeth protruding radially-outwardly from the disks with a certain intervals along a peripheral direction of the disks, wherein the disks are rotated at different rotation speed from an adjacent disks, and the apparatus fracturing fragments of polycrystalline silicon between the rolls. |
| US08511596B2 |
Drip tape management
The illustrative embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for managing drip tape. A vehicle is configured to move across a field. A drip tape collection system is associated with the vehicle configured to raise a portion of the drip tape from the ground in a field. A chopper is configured to separate the portion of the drip tape received from the drip tape collection system into a plurality of pieces and enable the plurality of pieces to decompose. |
| US08511595B2 |
Refiner and method for refining fibrous material
A refiner (1, 18, 19) for refining fibrous material has at least one first refining surface (11) and at least one second refining surface (4), which are arranged at least partly substantially opposite to one another in such a manner that a refiner chamber (12) is formed between them, to which the material to be defibrated is arranged to be fed. The first refining surface or the second refining surface has openings formed through them and through which fibrous material to be refined can be fed into the refiner chamber or through which refined fibrous material can be removed from the refiner chamber. In addition, a method for refining fibrous material, a refining surface of a refiner and a blade segment for a refiner. |
| US08511594B2 |
Pressure monitor for pulverizer
Load cells are placed in the pre-compression systems of spring suspended rollers in coal/ore crusher/classifiers to produce electrical signals representing actual forces generated in the suspension system during crusher operation. This permits forces to be closely monitored during operation and/or automatically adjusted. Alternatively or in addition, alarm signals can be generated when pressures go out of tolerance. |
| US08511589B2 |
Apparatus for spreading granular materials from vehicle
A material spreader is adapted to dispense granular material from a vehicle. The material spreader includes a feed chute having a discharge opening and a discharge disc assembly disposed below the feed chute. The discharge disc assembly includes a spinner disc adapted to receive granular material from the feed chute, a shroud disposed in at least partial covering relation to the spinner disc, and a rotational drive operatively connected to the spinner disc such that the spinner disc is rotatable within the shroud about a rotational axis. The shroud includes a pass-through opening disposed in substantially aligned relation with the discharge opening of the feed chute at a position radially removed from the central rotational axis. The discharge disc assembly is rotatably mounted in pivoting relation about a pivot axis extending through the pass-through opening and the discharge opening of the feed chute. |
| US08511587B2 |
Showerhead assembly
A shower head has a nozzle, a shell, a water inlet, and an assembly for holding the nozzle. The assembly has an upper plate made of a first plastic material and has a first opening having a first diameter through which the nozzle extends, a lower plate made of a second plastic material and has a second opening through which the nozzle extends, and an elastomeric middle plate has a third opening having a third diameter that is smaller than the first or second diameter through which the nozzle extends and is in contact therewith. The first material and the second material are ultrasonically welded together to trap the middle plate therebetween and the first opening, the second opening and the third opening are roughly coaxial with each other. |
| US08511586B2 |
Disc shaped regulated drip irrigation emitter
A drip irrigation emitter includes a disc shaped body having a pressure reducing labyrinth between a water inlet area and an outlet hole, and a pressure regulating diaphragm changing flow through the outlet hole in response to water pressure fluctuations in the water conduit where the emitter is mounted. The water filtering inlet of the emitter is located entirely at the sides of the disc shaped body. |
| US08511583B2 |
Fine droplet atomizer for liquid precursor vaporization
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for forming a droplet aerosol for vaporization and subsequent thin film deposition on a substrate. The apparatus includes a mechanism to control the rate of liquid flow through the apparatus, the mechanism including a piezoelectric actuator to adjust the rate of liquid flow and an atomizing mechanism drawing gas from a compressed gas source such that when the gas source conjoins with the liquid, the liquid is atomized to form droplets suspended in the gas thereby forming a droplet aerosol suitable for subsequent thin film deposition on a substrate. The method includes drawing a gas from a compressed gas source and drawing a liquid from a liquid source. The liquid and gas are conjoined in either a coaxial flow relationship or a radial flow relationship or an angular relationship between radial and coaxial flow wherein the gas engages the liquid to form droplets suitable for vaporization and subsequent thin film deposition on a substrate. |
| US08511580B2 |
Container of active substances
Comprises a vessel (1) that houses the active liquid substance to be diffused, such as a fragrance, insecticide or other, through a breathable membrane (2) that closes the vessel (1) and comprises a porous part (3) placed near and parallel to the breathable membrane (2) in order to prevent the deformation of the membrane (2) when a vacuum is generated as the vessel (1) is emptied. The porous part (3) has a number of openings (4) through which passes the liquid to ensure its contact with the membrane (2) at all times for a homogenous evaporation and it occupies part of the volume of the vessel (1), absorbing the active substances, the non-volatile substances remaining in said porous part (3) after the vessel (1) has no more volatile components. |
| US08511577B2 |
Thermostat with power stealing delay interval at transitions between power stealing states
A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors including a connection to at least one call relay wire. The thermostat may also include a powering circuit, including a rechargeable battery, which is configured to provide electrical power to the thermostat by power stealing from a selected call relay wire. The power stealing may include an active power stealing mode, in which power is taken from the same selected call relay wire that is used to call for an HVAC function, and an inactive power stealing mode in which, in which no active call is being made. The powering circuit may be configured to substantially suspend (or at least reduce the level of) power stealing for at least a first time period following each transition of the thermostat from between operating states. |
| US08511570B2 |
Transponder, transponder kit, method of applying the transponder and product comprising the transponder
The invention concerns a transponder (10), kit and method for marking wood material, such as logs. The transponder comprises a rigid casing adapted to be inserted into the wood material by means of impact, the casing comprising a wedge-shaped first edge (12) adapted to penetrate into the wood material due to said impact, and a second edge (16) opposite to the first edge, the first and second edges (12, 16) defining an insertion direction of the transponder, and radio-frequency trans-ponding means (20) covered by the casing. According to the invention, the casing is elongated in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction. The transponder is easily applicable into a log and stays well within the log. |
| US08511568B2 |
Sensor tag multiplane imaging system
When a conventional sensor or tag is sandwiched by a plurality of metal planes, the condition is deteriorated and the sensitivity is lowered. Provided is multiplane imaging system using MISEMAS (Multi-Image Effect and Separation Method for Magnetic Sensor and Tag) in which the sensitivity is not lowered, but rather enhanced, and it is possible to separate and select each of the tags without causing interference with adjacent sensor coils SC1, SC2, SC3, SC4 or tags R1, R2, R3, R4, thereby enabling an effective use of a current on the metal surface and a magnetic path. |
| US08511564B2 |
System including semiconductor devices and controller and method for operating the same
A semiconductor device includes a device identification detection code output block configured to output a device identification detection code to an outside of the semiconductor device when the semiconductor device enters an identification (ID) read mode, a code comparison block configured to compare a device selection code applied from the outside with the device identification detection code when the semiconductor device enters a device selection mode, and generate a device matching signal based on a comparison result, and an internal circuit block configured to decide whether to perform a predetermined internal operation based on the device matching signal when the semiconductor device enters an operation control mode. |
| US08511562B2 |
Layered two-dimensional code, creation method thereof, and read method
The present invention provides a layered two-dimensional code which can be considerably improved in the data capacity thereof without increasing the area thereof by integrating a plurality of two-dimensional codes by a predetermined correlation and expressing it as one two-dimensional code, a method of creating the layered two-dimensional code, and a method of reading the layered two-dimensional code. The layered two-dimensional code is formed as a surface layer by layering a plurality of code layers (for example, code layers 1, 2, and 3) each having information cells (1a′, 1a″, and the like) arranged in a two-dimensional matrix and by integrating the plurality of code layers. An index information code 1c essentially including the information of an RGB value of each code layer is included at one part of the surface layer. When the information cells (1a′ and 1a″) of the code layers 1 and 2 are superposed. |
| US08511559B2 |
Apparatus for and method of reading targets by image captured by processing captured target images in a batch or free-running mode of operation
Targets associated with transactions to be processed at a workstation are read by capturing return light from the targets with an array of light sensors of a solid-state imager having a field of view that extends through a workstation window to the targets. A controller controls the imager to operate at a frame rate to acquire images of the targets over successive frames in either a batch mode or a free-running mode. A memory stores the acquired images. The controller processes all of the stored images, and processes at least one of the stored images over an extended time period greater than one of the frames. |
| US08511557B2 |
Labeling and authenticating using a microtag
A system for encoding energy peaks of an identifier comprises an encoder. The encoder is configured to define a readable spectral range of an identifier. The identifier comprises a rugate microtag. The encoder is configured to divide the readable spectral range into a plurality of bins. The encoder is configured to encode in a center of a bin near one end of the readable spectral range a reference peak. The encoder is configured to encode in a center of each of a set of bins a set of peaks of a data pattern within the readable spectral range. |
| US08511555B2 |
Tag communication, identification, and tracking apparatus and system
Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and system for supply chain management. The system permits an application server to collect information such as, for example, the spatial and temporal relationship between tags associated with a supply chain item by using a wireless communications device. Embodiments of the present invention may be used throughout any or all locations of a supply chain. For example, when the invention is applied to a retail setting, the retailer can track inventory in an establishment with minimal human involvement. In various embodiments of the present invention, two-way communication between tags and/or an application server allow data to be transmitted and/or received between one or more tags and/or one or more application servers. |
| US08511553B1 |
Method and processes for secure real time purchase validation award system
A method and processes for a secure real-time processing of purchase validation award requests is described. The method includes processes to submit purchase information on a real-time basis and to check on the status of the processing of the submitted purchase validation award system request also on a real-time basis. The method uses a computer information network to perform the required processes. |
| US08511552B2 |
Card credential method and system
In one implementation, a method for providing access to a secure facility includes authenticating the user; generating a card credential, transmitting the card credential to an access card carried by of the user, and transmitting the card key to the access card in a form that is usable by the access card. The generating the card credential includes encrypting the card key using a server encryption key. The card key is usable for a challenge-response interaction during subsequent access requests by the user. |
| US08511547B2 |
Methods and systems for two-factor authentication using contactless chip cards or devices and mobile devices or dedicated personal readers
Generating authentication data for use in a transaction by providing a contactless payment device or smart card configured to communicate with a mobile device, placing the contactless chip card in a proximity to the mobile device to instantiate communication between the contactless chip card and the mobile device, inputting a first input value into the mobile device, communicating data derived from the first input value from the mobile device to the contactless chip card, the contactless chip card converting a set of conversion data, including the first input value, into at least one dynamic value based at least in part on a secret value, communicating the dynamic value from the contactless chip card to the mobile device, and communicating authentication data based at least in part on the dynamic value to a user. In some embodiments the first input value is a Personal Identification Number (PIN), a challenge, or both a PIN and a challenge. |
| US08511544B1 |
Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read card data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The automated banking machine also includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transactions carried out with the machine. The machine is operative to cause a computer determination to be made that the card data corresponds to an authorized machine user. The automated banking machine may also include a storage device that is operative to unlock a secured area including information thereon that is used by the automated banking machine to carry out financial transfers. |
| US08511543B2 |
Gift card conversion and digital wallet
A method and a system convert the value of a gift card for use with a mobile device. The value of the gift card is determined from an issuer of the gift card. The value of the gift card is stored in a digital payment account in a storage device. The digital payment account stores values of gift cards from issuers. A financial transaction corresponding to the issuer of the gift card is performed on the digital payment account. The value of a first gift card from a first issuer of a first digital payment account is exchanged with the value of a second gift card from a second issuer of a second digital payment account. |
| US08511542B2 |
Automated teller machine and voice prompt method thereof
A voice prompt method includes obtaining an image of a user and storing the obtained image as a characteristic image when users successfully log onto an automated teller machine; taking photographs of the location surrounding the automated teller machine at predetermined time intervals to obtain real-time images; judging whether the person of the characteristic image is the same as the person in the real-time image; detecting whether the distance between the user and the automated teller machine is larger than a predetermined value if the person in the two images is judged to be the same; and generating a voice prompt to remind the user not to forget to remove his/her bank card if the distance between the user and the automated teller machine becomes larger than a predetermined value. An automated teller machine is also provided. |
| US08511540B2 |
Matrix code for use in verification of data card swap
A content receiver receives an update to a memory unit contained therein utilizing data stored in a data card inserted or incorporated into the content receiver. The content receiver dynamically generates a matrix code based on the updates received in the memory and on information uniquely identifying the content receiver. The matrix code is transmitted to a content display device for display, and a matrix code reader detects the displayed matrix code and transmits information contained within the matrix code to a content provider for updating a user's account associated with the updated content receiver. The content provider may transmit a message to the content receiver for display on the content display device indicating the update to the user's account. The content provider may transit a similar message to the matrix code reader. |
| US08511536B2 |
Ultrasonic bonding systems and methods of using the same
An ultrasonic bonding system is provided. The ultrasonic bonding system includes a bond head assembly and a bonding tool supported by the bond head assembly. The system further includes a pressing member adapted to press against a bonding material bonded using the bonding tool. The pressing member is supported by the bond head assembly and is movable with respect to the bond head assembly independent of the bonding tool. The ultrasonic bonding system may also be an ultrasonic ribbon bonding system or a solar cell ribbon bonding system for bonding a ribbon material to portions of a solar cell. |
| US08511535B1 |
Innovative braze and brazing process for hermetic sealing between ceramic and metal components in a high-temperature oxidizing or reducing atmosphere
A superior braze material, along with a method of producing the braze material and a method of sealing, joining or bonding materials through brazing is disclosed. The braze material is based on a metal oxide-noble metal mixture, typically Ag—CuO, with the addition of a small amount of metal oxide and/or metal such as TiO2, Al2O3, YSZ, Al, and Pd that will further improve wettability and joint strength. Braze filer materials, typically either in the form of paste or thin foil, may be prepared by a high-energy cryogenic ball milling process. This process allows the braze material to form at a finer size, thereby allowing more evenly dispersed braze particles in the resultant braze layer between on the surface of the ceramic substrate and metallic parts. |
| US08511532B2 |
Fastener driving tool
A fastener driving tool includes a flywheel rotated by a drive unit and having a wheel rim formed with teeth, an impact member having a mating toothed unit movable with a carrier frame to engage the teeth so as to be swept thereby to an end-stroke position to enable a striking rod to drive a fastener into a targeted workpiece, and an actuating unit configured to actuate the carrier frame to move from an upper position to a lower position in response to a triggering action of a trigger so as to move the mating toothed unit from an disengaging position to an engaging position. |
| US08511530B2 |
Stapler and staple
A stapler includes an enclosing portion that encloses staples, a clinch portion that bends a staple, and a projecting portion that projects the staple from the enclosing portion, inserts the staple to a sheet bundle, and bends the staple in cooperation with the clinch portion to bind the sheet bundle. In addition, a guide portion guides the staple projected by the projecting portion toward the sheet bundle. The guide portion has guide surfaces for guiding the staple from an inlet adapted to receive the inserting ends of the staple to an outlet that is formed narrower than the inlet such that the staple is projected by the projecting portion toward the sheet bundle side, and the projecting portion projects the staple to the guide portion, moves the staple along the guide surfaces to deform the staple in a horseshoe shape, inserts the pair of inserting ends to the sheet bundle, and bends the staple in cooperation with the clinch portion to bind the sheet bundle. |
| US08511521B1 |
Aerosol dispenser valve
An improved valve member, aerosol dispenser valve containing the valve member, aerosol container for dispensing moisture-curable foams, and moisture-curable foam and dispenser, in which the valve member is made of a glass filled polyolefin. The polyolefin is preferably a polyethylene. The glass content is between about 2% and about 40%, more preferably between about 10% and about 30%; and most preferably between about 15% and about 25%. |
| US08511520B2 |
Ergonomic portion measuring fluent material dispensing system
A fluent material dispensing system comprising: a bottle, a plunger engaged inside the bottle, and a dispensing mechanism having a lever for operation of the plunger for fluid expulsion. The plunger may frictionally engage the bottle to a degree sufficient for holding the plunger in place against a force applied due to return motion of the lever. The dispensing mechanism may comprise a cap for attachment to an end of the bottle opposite a fluid outlet and a handle attached to the cap, the lever pivotally coupled to the cap, the lever and the handle aligned with the bottle. The dispensing mechanism may comprise a portioning mechanism configured to limit distance travelled by the lever from the rest position to the engaged position to a defined amount, thereby limiting expulsion of the fluid to a corresponding defined portion. |
| US08511518B2 |
Volumetric doser for batching liquid or pasty pharmaceutical substances
A volumetric doser (10) for batching liquid or pasty pharmaceutical substances is disclosed which comprises: a cylinder (1); a piston (2), mobile along internal walls (49) of the cylinder (1) for displacing liquid or pasty pharmaceutical substances; a stem (3) exiting from the cylinder (1) for moving the piston (2); and a coupling member (9) to which the stem (3) is fixable. The coupling member (9) has a substantially U-shaped form and comprises: a base (11) and two facing lateral walls (12, 13) which originate from the base (11). The piston (2) and the coupling member (9) are reciprocally conformed such that the coupling member (9) can embrace a part (17) of the piston (2) and can perform limited oscillations with respect to the piston (2) axis. |
| US08511510B2 |
System and method for medical instrument sterilization case having a rotatably displacing cover
A medical instrument sterilization container has a plurality of walls and a rotatably displacing cover. A rotatable device is integral with the cover. An elongate slot is formed in a side of the container for receiving the rotatable device. The rotatable device is slidable within the elongate slot. |
| US08511508B1 |
Pocket-engaging case
A case for eyeglasses or other articles includes a pair of catches with each catch mounted to an opposite side of the case near its upper end. Elongate, flexible latches are also mounted on opposite sides of the case in cooperative alignment with the respective catches. Each latch includes a base secured to the case and a pocket-gripping member at its distal free end. Each latch is inherently biased outwardly from the case so that the pocket-gripping members engage opposite sides of a shirt or blouse pocket interior when the invention is in use, preventing the case from falling from the pocket when a user bends over. The latches are manually squeezed when in their deployed configuration to place them into their stored, catch-engaging configuration. The latches are manually removed from the catches to deploy them into their pocket-engaging configuration. |
| US08511504B2 |
Demisable fuel supply system
A demisable fuel supply system for a satellite includes a pressurized aluminum alloy tank with an aluminum alloy propellant management device therein. The propellant management device (PMD) can have any capillary action surface tension fluid transport features known in the art. Selected inner surfaces of the tank and the PMD are covered with a titanium based coating to guarantee propellant wettability and corrosion resistance of the fuel supply system. |
| US08511502B2 |
Litter bin with pivotal lid and automatic latching mechanism
A litter bin includes a lid hingeably connected to a container. Opposite the hinge, a latch selectively secures the lid to the container. The latch includes a pivotably mounted latch member that has a center of gravity offset from its pivot point. The latch member also includes a catch portion that moves between a locked position and an unlocked position upon pivoting of the latch member. Because the center of gravity of the latch member is offset from the pivot point, tilting the litter bin causes pivoting of the latch member, thereby moving the catch portion from the locked position to the unlocked position. |
| US08511499B2 |
Container
A container (210) for holding granular or powdered material and formed by a top wall (212), a bottom wall (214), a front wall (216), a rear wall (218), a first side wall (220), and a second side wall (222). A rotatably removable lid (D) is interiorly mounted with a scoop (32) and is pivotally hinged to a collar (300) that includes a sealing gasket (330). The collar (300) mounts to the walls of the container (210). A sealing wall 240 of the lid (D) cooperates with the gasket 300 to prevent the contents from spilling. The container (210) incorporates powder control features, a container wall junction (50) preferred geometry and congruent scoop (32) enabling convenient access to the contents, a tolerance variation accommodating and strength improving, J-shaped collar (300) and interlocking indentations (290) and flex clips (310), and a pressure controlling portion (350) that prevents unwanted deformation due to pressure differentials. |
| US08511493B2 |
Liquid container and method of serving a liquid
A liquid container can be present and used in at least two different positions. The liquid container may be a wine container, which can be a wine bottle in its first position and also be a wine glass in its second position. A method of serving a liquid includes placing a container in a first position in which the container serves as a bottle and converting the bottle into a glass or goblet without reassembling any part of the container by placing the container in a second position. |
| US08511492B2 |
Bottle with handle venting inlet and child resistant flip-top closure with pouring spout and drainback hole
Described is a bottle having a container which includes a threaded neck and a handle. The threaded neck includes a dispensing opening and a handle opening. The bottle also includes a dispensing closure configured to engage the container. The bottle also includes a child-resistant closure cap which includes a pair of tabs that lock into the latches on the closure base member. |
| US08511491B2 |
Child resistant container closure package with multiple twist and turn configuration
A maze type package that includes a cylindrical container member that has a plurality of mazes thereon is disclosed. The package includes a coaxial closure member that employs studs for engaging the mazes and to releasably secure the closure to the container. |
| US08511480B2 |
Apparatus and method for separating and isolating components of a biological fluid
A device for separating and isolating components of a biological fluid comprising a container for containing the fluid to be processed, a tube cap assembly for closing the container while providing filling and extraction communication therewith, a float assembly disposed within the container for funneling and controlling biological fluid flow into an inverted domed shaped isolation chamber within the float and controlling the biological fluid flow out of the isolation chamber for effecting an encapsulation or a sealed isolation of at least one component or fraction of the biological fluid flow within the isolation chamber during a centrifugation process. The device further comprising a flexible tube for connecting an extraction passageway disposed within the float assembly and an extraction valve of the tube cap assembly for allowing extraction of at least the one component or fraction encapsulated or isolated within the chamber. |
| US08511478B2 |
Container dispersion wheel
A multi-pharmaceutical dispensing station includes a circular platform around which a plurality of individual dispensers is arrayed at a convenient loading height. Cylindrical, empty prescription containers bearing indicia of the patient and pharmaceutical to be dispensed into each container. Incident containers first enter an entraining column, where sensors detect the indicia and determine the proper dispenser to which to direct the container. The containers then drop into a dispersion wheel which translates them around the circular station and aligns them with a vertical chute leading to the designated dispenser. Slidable gates cover the chutes until the transport system determines they are above the proper dispenser, then open to drop the containers into the designated dispenser. The dispersion wheel may be used in other applications, such as container content verification, and may include container processing stations along its perimeter for processing the containers before sending them on. |
| US08511471B1 |
Crate
A crate made from cardboard configured to have increased compression strength is disclosed herein. The crate can include four sides with a space formed between the four sides. The space can be configured to be selectively closed. The crate can have a bottom secured to the four sides. One or more corrugated panels can be located within the space adjacent the four sides. The corrugated panels can be configured to support the four sides. The corrugated panels can include a corrugated material disposed between two sheets of material. One or more cuts can be located within the space. |
| US08511468B2 |
Surgical instrument holder
Disclosed are various embodiments for holding and organizing surgical instruments in a surgical environment. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument holder comprises an elongated body portion including a plurality of slots. Each of the slots may be configured so as to retain a surgical instrument in a fixed position. The elongated body portion may have a base surface configured to contact a table surface. |
| US08511460B2 |
Conveyor belt apparatus including magnetically actuated rollers
A modular conveyor belt and method provides a conveyor belt having rollers with metallic or magnetic rotors. A magnet or metallic element next to the conveyor belt is positioned to rotate the rotor. A magnetic field produced by the magnet or by the magnetic rotor rotates the rollers as they pass the magnetic field or as the magnetic field is changed. In one embodiment, the magnetic field is in the form of one or more switched reluctance motors. |
| US08511459B2 |
Cigarette bundle feeder
A cigarette bundle feeder has a discharge duct which forms a lower part of a hopper and delivers filter cigarettes towards a bottom plate located under the hopper to produce a cigarette bundle, the discharge duct having a plurality of discharge passages arranged adjacent to each other in a width direction of the hopper to make the filter cigarettes flow downwards separately, the discharge passages opening in one direction; a front plate disposed at one side of and adjacent to the discharge duct, and extending in the width direction to cover the discharged passages of the discharge duct; and a plurality of suction holes formed in the front plate and having open ends that open towards the discharge duct, for sucking, through the open ends, tobacco shreds that spill from the cigarette ends of the filter cigarettes and drop into a gap between the front plate and the discharge duct. |
| US08511458B2 |
Method and apparatus for supplying bags to a packaging machine
A bag-making and packaging machine including first through third transportation devices provided between a positioning conveyor that positions bags fed out from a horizontal-type bag-making machine and a supply conveyor that supplies the bags to a conveyor magazine-type bag-supply apparatus of a packaging machine, wherein the first transportation device suctions and raises the bags from the positioning conveyor and changes them into a vertical attitude with the bag mouth portions facing downward, the second transportation device takes the bags held by the first transportation devices by gripping them with the gripping members, horizontally transports them to a prescribed position while rotating them, and then the third transportation device suctions and takes up the bags from the second transportation device, changes them to a horizontal attitude with the bag mouth portions facing in the bag feed direction and then places them on the supply conveyor. |
| US08511456B1 |
Permanent magnet air heater
A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan. |
| US08511450B2 |
Multiple clutch device having two pressure equalization chambers
The present invention relates to a multiple clutch device having a first clutch which is assigned a first actuating piston with a first pressure chamber and a first pressure equalization chamber, and having a second clutch which is assigned a second actuating piston with a second pressure chamber and a second pressure equalization chamber, a first crossflow channel being provided for setting the hydraulic fluid column in the first pressure equalization chamber and a second crossflow channel being provided for setting the hydraulic fluid column in the second pressure equalization chamber. According to the invention, the first and second crossflow channels are arranged in such a way that both the oil which is discharged via the first crossflow channel and the oil which is discharged via the second crossflow channel can be fed to the first and second clutches. |
| US08511446B2 |
Nested check high speed valve
A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly which functions during a compression stroke, a rebound valve assembly which functions during a rebound stroke and a velocity sensitive valve which is in series with one or both of the compression valve assembly and the rebound valve assembly. The compression valve assembly, the rebound valve assembly and the velocity sensitive valve can be incorporated into a piston assembly, a base valve assembly or both. |
| US08511444B2 |
Shock absorber having a continuously variable valve with base line valving
A shock absorber includes an external control valve which controls the damping characteristics of the shock absorber. The external control valve controls the flow of fluid between the lower working chamber of the shock absorber and the reservoir chamber and between the upper working chamber of the shock absorber. The damping characteristics are dependent on the amount of current being applied to a solenoid valve which controls a fluid valve assembly. A soft fluid valve assembly is disposed in series with the fluid valve assembly to allow for the tuning of the damping forces at low current levels provided to the solenoid valve. |
| US08511438B1 |
Lifting and lowering device and system
An apparatus for the controlled descent or lifting of objects includes a main longitudinal member that is attached at one end thereof to a receiver hitch. A plurality of spaced-apart side extensions of round material stock extend from opposite sides of the main longitudinal member and, together with a nose portion, provide locations that an operator can accomplish multiple wraps with a rope of a block and tackle to vary the friction between the rope and the apparatus sufficient to minimize a magnitude of resistance that is exerted by an operator to the rope to control the rate of descent of the object. The descent rate of heavy objects, such as severed tree limbs, can be easily and safely controlled. By securing the rope to the apparatus and driving a vehicle that the receiver hitch is attached to forward, the apparatus can be used to lift heavy objects. |
| US08511432B2 |
Scaffolding stage support extension
A support extension for a scaffolding system to provide additional work area for storage of tools, brackets, trim, lumber, siding or other building materials and particularly to a set of staging insertions configured to match transom support tubing and extend laterally through a transom support and be secured to a staging member. |
| US08511431B2 |
Retrofit handrail system for truck
A retrofit handrail extension system or kit enables a large mining truck to be retrofitted in the field. The handrail extension system includes a first handrail extension member for connecting a first upper portion of a first ladder to a railing mounted to a catwalk around the cabin of the truck and a second handrail extension member for connecting a second upper portion of the first ladder to a forward-facing handrail mounted to an outer surface of the cabin of the truck. The system may include a third handrail extension member for connecting a first upper portion of a second ladder to a first platform railing mounted to a platform beside the cabin of the truck and a fourth handrail extension member for connecting a second upper portion of the second ladder to a second platform railing mounted to the platform beside the cabin of the truck. |
| US08511429B1 |
Ceiling panels made from corrugated cardboard
An acoustical ceiling panel comprising a flat core and an acoustically transparent face sheet adhesively attached to one of two oppositely facing major sides of the core, the core comprising a multitude of layers of corrugated fiberboard laminated together, the corrugated fiberboard layers each having a corrugated medium adhesively attached to a flat liner board, the corrugated medium forming regularly spaced flutes of curvilinear cross-section, the flutes of the layers of fiberboard being arranged in parallel directions extending perpendicularly to the major faces of the core. |
| US08511427B2 |
Blower arrangement
The invention relates to a blower arrangement for gas. The blower arrangement comprises a blower with a blower housing, at least one gas-inlet opening formed in the blower housing and gas-outlet opening, and at least one rotary-driven blower wheel arranged in the blower housing. Furthermore, the blower arrangement has at least one silencer device with at least one gas guiding element, wherein the gas-guiding element comprises a plurality of silencer openings and is designed as a gas guiding pipe. The gas guiding pipe varies its cross section along its longitudinal extension and has a wall, which is designed to be wave-like along the longitudinal extension of the gas guiding pipe. The silencer device also comprises at least one silencer chamber, which is in flow connection with the silencer openings and is arranged at least in sections laterally behind the gas guiding element. |
| US08511425B2 |
Suppressor for attachment to firearm barrel
A suppressor mechanism has an elongate tubular housing containing baffles and into which is assembled a suppressor mount body having spaced thread sections and spaced tapered gas seal surfaces. An adapter/muzzle brake member defines an internally threaded section that establishes threaded connection with the reduced diameter externally threaded section of a typical firearm barrel that is prepared for attachment of a suppressor thereto. The suppressor mount body and the muzzle brake/adapter member each define spaced threaded sections that establish threaded connection and promote enhanced structural integrity. The spaced internal tapered surfaces of the suppressor mount body and the spaced external tapered surfaces of the muzzle brake/adapter member establish spaced internal cartridge gas seals that prevent high pressure hot cartridge gas and gunpowder residue from coming into contact with and potentially fouling the thread connections of the suppressor mount body and the muzzle brake/adapter member. |
| US08511424B2 |
Acoustic waveguide assemblies
Acoustic waveguides are disclosed for mounting to a conduit. The acoustic waveguides provide a mounting area that minimizes the effect of the mount on the acoustic wave traveling through the waveguide while providing an effective seal, even under high pressure conditions. |
| US08511423B2 |
Acoustic diode
An acoustic diode includes a phononic crystal medium, a nonlinear acoustic medium, a aluminum tubes contain the phononic crystal medium and the nonlinear acoustic medium. The phononic crystal medium is fabricated by alternately laminating a water layers and a glass layers in a periodic manner. |
| US08511420B2 |
Vehicle steering control device
A vehicle steering control device includes an electric power steering unit, a steering ratio varying unit which drives an output member relative to an input member driven by steering operation of a driver to vary a steering ratio, and a control unit which controls the steering ratio varying unit. The control unit decreases in magnitude the relative drive velocity of the output member driven by the steering ratio varying unit relative to the input member when the magnitude of a difference between the maximum value of the steering drive velocity range of said steerable wheels which allows said power steering unit to generate a required steering assisting power and an actual steering drive velocity of said steerable wheels is small in contrast to the large difference. |
| US08511418B2 |
Electric power steering system
A gap adjustment mechanism that moves an upper housing in a direction close to a worm is disposed in a fitting portion between the upper housing and a lower housing. The gap adjustment mechanism is disposed in the fitting portion on the side of the worm or in the fitting portion on the other side of the worm. |
| US08511413B2 |
Battery installation structure for electric automobile
Disclosed is a battery installation structure for an electric automobile. A battery case guide device guides the aforementioned battery case to a battery case housing section. The battery case guide device is provided with protruding parts and guide parts. The protruding parts are provided in an area near the right front corner on the front side surface of the battery case, an area near the right front corner on the right side surface thereof, an area near the left rear corner on the rear side surface thereof, and an area near the left rear corner on the left side surface thereof. The guide parts are provided to the aforementioned automobile body. The guide parts are capable of abutting the protruding parts. Of the two categories of parts mentioned above, namely, the protruding parts and the guide parts, those in one category have each a convex curved surface, and those in the other category have each an inclined surface capable of abutting the convex curved surface. |
| US08511412B2 |
Frame structure for mounting battery module in vehicle
A pair of lateral side frames that are fixed along vehicle side members extending in a front-back direction of the vehicle on both sides of the vehicle in a width direction, a front frame that is fixed between front end parts of the lateral side frames, a rear frame that is fixed between rear end parts, and a base frame that is fixed between the front frame and the rear frame are provided. A front mounting frame for fixedly mounting the front side of a battery module on the front side of the base frame, and a rear mounting frame for mounting the rear side of the battery module on the rear side are provided respectively in the width direction of the vehicle. |
| US08511411B2 |
Cooling module for motor vehicles and motor vehicle
A cooling module is provided for motor vehicles with a plurality of modular elements. At least one first modular element is provided for the arrangement in a deformation region of the motor vehicle and at least one second modular element is also arranged. The at least one first modular element is displaceable relative to the at least one second modular element. |
| US08511409B2 |
Compressed air powered vehicle
A pressurized air system is provided. The air system includes a compressed air tank, a turbine coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the compressed air tank and structured to convert mechanical energy, an electric motor, the electric motor coupled to and in electrical communication with the turbine and having an output shaft, an electrical compressor structured to compress air, the electrical compressor coupled to and in electrical communication with the turbine, the electrical compressor also coupled to, and in fluid communication with the compressed air tank. Wherein the turbine receives compressed air from the tank and the turbine generates electricity. Further, a portion of the electricity is directed to the motor and the remaining electricity is directed to the electrical compressor, and, whereby the electrical compressor provides compressed air to the compressed air tank. |
| US08511408B2 |
Control device for vehicle driving apparatus
The present invention provides, in a vehicle driving apparatus that includes an internal combustion engine 6 and electric motors M1 and M2, a control device that can provide both confined noise reduction and fuel efficiency improvement. A control device 40 includes a confined noise reduction means 98 that controls the electric motor, to reduce confined noise caused by the variation of torque that is provided from the internal combustion engine, so that the electric motor provides variation of torque in opposite phase to the variation of the torque that is provided from the internal combustion engine. |
| US08511406B2 |
Motorized beach cart
A motorized cart, including: a collapsible frame; a handle and a collapsible storage compartment connected to the frame; and at least three wheels, including a front wheel and two rear wheels disposed at a rear of the frame for rotating about a single axis. The cart also includes a drive compartment housing a battery, a drive controller, and at least one motor electrically connected to the battery and the drive controller for driving at least one of the rear wheels. The drive compartment is positioned on the frame to position the battery, the drive controller, and the motor below and forward of the rear wheel rotation axis when the cart is in an expanded, upright mode, thereby positioning a center of gravity of the cart forward of the rear wheel rotation axis to enhance stability. The drive compartment is shaped and positioned on the frame to not impede the collapsing of the storage compartment and the frame to a collapsed mode for compact storage of the cart, and to provide clearance for the at least one front wheel during transition between the collapsed mode and the expanded, upright mode. The drive compartment is positioned on the frame to substantially vertically align the center of gravity of the cart with the rear wheel rotation axis in a tilted mode, in which the cart operates only on the two rear wheels. |
| US08511402B2 |
Subsea solids processing apparatuses and methods
In a dual-gradient drilling apparatus, a subsea solids processing unit includes a housing, a solids processing mechanism disposed in the housing between a drilling mud inlet and a drilling mud outlet, and a flushing mechanism configured to flush the solids processing mechanism with a flushing fluid. A subsea solids processing unit may be controlled by rotating the solids processing mechanism in a forward direction and increasing a drive torque when a measured speed of the solids processing mechanism is below a desired rotation speed. The desired rotation speed may be decreased when a measured torque exceeds a selected maximum and a rotation direction of the solids processing mechanism may be reversed when the measured speed falls below a selected minimum. |
| US08511399B2 |
Hammer drill with mode lock on
A hammer drill, in particular a chipper comprises: a body having at least one support handle; an electric motor mounted within the body; an electric switch, capable of being switched on and off by a trigger button connected to it, to activate or deactivate respectively the electric motor, wherein the trigger button is moveable between two positions, a first position where the electric switch is off and a second position where the electric switch is on; a locking arm moveably mounted on the electric switch which, when the trigger button is located in its second position, is moveable between two positions, a first position where it is disengaged from the trigger button and a second position where it engages with the trigger button and holds the trigger button in its second position. When the locking arm is in its second position it causes the hammer to remain switch on even if the operator removes their fingers from the trigger button. |
| US08511394B2 |
Wellbore fluid treatment process and installation
A method for isolating a perforated interval of a well, the well including a casing liner having a wall with a plurality of perforations therethrough forming the perforated interval, the method comprising: providing a tool including a tubular body including an inner diameter and an outer surface, a first open end and a second open end, the first and second open ends providing access to the inner diameter; and a sealing element to isolate a mid region of the outer surface from the first open end and the second open end; positioning the tool in the well with the tubular first open end adjacent and above an uppermost perforation of the perforated interval and the second open end adjacent and below a lowermost perforation of the perforated interval; and installing the tool in the well with the sealing element sealing between the tubular body and the casing wall above the uppermost perforation of the perforated interval and below the lowermost perforation of the perforated interval to isolate fluid flow between the perforations and the inner diameter. |
| US08511391B2 |
Apparatus and method for coupling conduit segments
A method of coupling segments of a borehole conduit is disclosed. The method includes: positioning a first conduit segment at a location selected from a surface location and a downhole location, the first conduit segment having a first end and a second end, the first conduit segment including a pin connector at the first end; orienting the first conduit segment so that the first end is located uphole relative to the second end; and coupling a second conduit segment in operable communication with the first conduit segment, the second conduit segment having a box connector at an end of the second conduit segment that is configured to engage the pin connector of the first segment. |
| US08511389B2 |
System and method for inductive signal and power transfer from ROV to in riser tools
A subsea wellhead assembly having a completion landing string inside a drilling riser is described herein and comprises a power source for generating an alternating electrical current; a connector for connecting the power source to a receptacle in the subsea well assembly; a first inductor electrically connected to the power source through the connector; a subsea control module delivering power and control signals to the subsea well assembly; and a second inductor spaced from the first inductor, and located in the subsea control module, the second inductor positioned so that an EMF is produced on the second inductor when the alternating electrical current is passed through the first inductor to thereby generate an alternating current signal on the second inductor. |
| US08511387B2 |
Made-up flange locking cap
A cap is lowered onto and secured to a subsea member with an external flange, effecting a seal between the external flange and cap. The cap includes a tubular outer body defining a cavity, and a tubular inner body defining a bore, wherein the lower end of the inner body resides within the cavity. The cap also includes a lower engaging member coupled to the outer body that is radially movable between an inward state and an outward state and configured to alternately engage and disengage at least one of a backside of the external flange. Finally, the cap includes an upper engaging member coupled to the outer body and being radially movable independently of the lower engaging member between an inward state and an outward state and configured to engage and disengage the inner body. |
| US08511384B2 |
Methods for producing oil and/or gas
A method for producing oil and/or gas comprising a method for producing oil from an underground formation comprising injecting an enhanced oil recovery formulation and a gas into a first well in the formation; forming a mixture comprising the enhanced oil recovery formulation and the oil in the formation; forming a gas cap with the injected gas; forcing the formulation and oil mixture towards a second well in the formation; and producing the formulation and oil mixture from the second well. |
| US08511381B2 |
High solids content slurry methods and systems
A system and method are disclosed for low damage gravel packing. The system comprises a well bore; a gravel packing slurry comprising a carrier fluid and a solids mixture, wherein the solids mixture comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a packed volume fraction (PVF) exceeds 0.75, wherein the solids mixture comprises at least a proppant PSD mode and a fines PSD mode; a pump to circulate the slurry in the wellbore and form a proppant pack; and a dispersant source effective to facilitate fines flowback from the pack. The method comprises circulating the slurry through a wellbore to form a proppant pack; contacting fines in the pack with a dispersant; and passing fluid through the pack to remove fines from the pack. Dispersants disclosed as present in the slurry or in another treatment fluid include polyelectrolyte, polysulfonate, polycarboxylate, lignosulfonates, polymelamine sulfonates, polystyrene sulfonates, polynaphthalene sulfonates, polyacrylates having a weight average molecular weight less than 10,000 Daltons, anionic, cationic, amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants, and nonionic surfactants. |
| US08511377B2 |
Open hole non-rotating sleeve and assembly
A non-rotating downhole sleeve adapted for open hole drilling and/or casing centralization. The sleeve includes a tubular body made of hard plastic with integrally formed helical blades positioned around its outer surface and an inner surface configuration which allows drilling fluid circulation to form a non-rotating fluid bearing between the sleeve and the drill pipe or casing. The helical blades reduce sliding and rotating torque while drilling, with minimal obstruction to drilling fluid passing through the borehole between the blades. |
| US08511375B2 |
Wellbore cleaning devices
A wellbore cleaning device having a unitary tool mandrel surrounded by a retaining sleeve that is rotatable with respect to the mandrel. A locking ring is used to secure the retaining sleeve to the mandrel. Cleaning blades are retained within recesses in the retaining sleeve and are biased radially outwardly from the recesses by springs. |
| US08511366B2 |
Method for spray forming a metal component and a spray formed metal component
A method for spray forming a metal component (11, 17, 21, 27) having an elongated open channel (10, 20, 22, 28) therein comprises firstly spray forming a layer (8, 19, 24) of the desired metal onto a deposition substrate (2), placing then an elongated spray blocking object (9, 18, 26, 29) on the already sprayed layer for forming the channel, and continuing then the spray forming process until the desired total thickness of the component is achieved. According to the present invention, the spray blocking object is a strip (18, 26, 29), the cross-sectional profile of the strip being fully open in the direction of an axis (a) in a cross-sectional plane of the strip, and the strip is placed on the already deposited layer (8, 19, 24) with said axis directed substantially parallel to the direction of the incident metal spray (6). |
| US08511363B2 |
Window covering
A window covering includes a roller attached to a mounting device and an actuation device attached to the roller to rotate the roller in at least one of a first direction and a second direction. A front member is attached to the mounting device. A second member is attached to the roller. A plurality of ballast members are attached to the front member. Each ballast member has a portion that extends to the second member to engage the second member to cause the front member to form substantially parallel folds when the second member is wound about the roller to retract the front member to a retracted position. Preferably, the folds are similar to or exactly like the transverse folds in shade material that are formed when a conventional Roman shade is raised. |
| US08511359B2 |
Layup mandrel having changeable shape and method of using the same
A layup mandrel includes a shell having a tool surface on which plies may be laid up. The shape of the shell is changed by an actuator. |
| US08511358B2 |
Pneumatic tire
To enhance uneven wear resistance with achieving higher levels of dry grip performance and wet performance, a tread surface 2 is provided with one circumferential main groove 3 in an outer region 2o thereof directed outward of a vehicle and with first and second circumferential main grooves 4 and 5 in an inner region 2i thereof directed inward of the vehicle, a central region Rc between the circumferential main grooves 3 and 4 is formed into a rib 10 extending continuously in the circumferential direction, an outer shoulder region Ro between the circumferential main groove 3 and TEo is formed into a row of outer blocks 12 defined by inclined main grooves 6, and the outer blocks 12 are provided with inclined sub-grooves 13 having an inclination direction different from that of the inclined main grooves 6, thereby dividing each of the outer blocks 12 into a first block portion 12A on a tire equator side and a second block portion 12B on a ground contact edge side. |
| US08511357B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having main grooves and sipes
A pneumatic tire has a tread surface is provided with a groove portion, and a land portion sectioned by the groove portion. In wall surfaces facing the groove portion in the land portion, an inside wall surface facing an inner side at a time of being installed to a vehicle is formed by a zigzag surface, and an outside wall surface facing an outer side at a time of being installed to the vehicle is formed by a flat surface. |
| US08511351B2 |
System and method for distributing fuel from a hydrant pit valve at an airport
A fuel delivery system of an aircraft refueling vehicle that is configured to distribute fuel from a hydrant pit valve at an airport. The fuel delivery system includes a first hose including a coupler that is configured to be fluidly connected to a hydrant pit valve at an airport to receive fuel from the hydrant pit valve. A fuel passageway is fluidly coupled to the first hose. An on-board fuel tank is fluidly coupled to the fuel passageway. A second hose is fluidly coupled to the fuel passageway. The second hose includes a nozzle that is configured to be coupled to a refueling point on an aircraft to distribute fuel into a fuel tank of an aircraft. A valve is coupled to the fuel passageway to control the flow of fuel to and from the aircraft refueling vehicle. |
| US08511343B2 |
Bladderless reservoir tank for a hydraulic accumulator
A bladderless reservoir tank is provided with a hollow body that forms a cavity for receipt of a working fluid. A pick-up tube is attached to the hollow body of the reservoir tank. A portion of the pick-up tube extends into the interior of the body such that a port of the pick-up tube is positioned at the centroid of the hollow body. The pick-up tube has a channel that extends from the port at the centroid to the exterior of the body of the reservoir tank. |
| US08511338B2 |
Water flow detection device
In a water flow detection device in which signals are output in response to movement of a detection rod that rotates in conjunction with the opening of a valve body, a pin that supports the detection rod is capable of being provided so as to be constantly parallel to a valve shaft of the valve body, and a water flow is capable of being accurately detected by the rotation of the detection rod while the detection rod contacts the valve body without being inclined, the detection rod rotating in response to opening and closing of the valve body. Accordingly, the water flow detection device includes a retainer and an extended block as holding members that hold the pin of the detection rod such that the pin is parallel to the valve shaft of the valve body, the retainer having a bearing for the pin, and the extended block holding the retainer to fix the retainer to the main body with a bolt. Furthermore, the retainer and the extended block respectively have a protrusion and a groove as rotation-restricting sections, and these members engage with each other. |
| US08511337B2 |
Flow rate controller and proportional electromagnetic valve
A flow rate controller is arranged such that a control circuit controls a proportional electromagnetic valve so that a flow rate detected by a flow rate sensor reaches a target flow rate. The proportional electromagnetic valve includes a coil supported in a holder, a bobbin and a fixed core, a valve element and a plate spring placed on a movable core, the valve seat, lead-in path, lead-out path, and orifice being formed in a body. The movable core is displaced by balance between an attractive force of the fixed core generated by excitation of the coil and an urging force of the plate spring, thereby adjusting the position of the valve element with respect to the valve seat to adjust the flow rate of a fluid. The orifice has an inside diameter set to a value of “φ1 mm or more” and an axial length set to a value to have a ratio of “from 0.1 to 0.6 inclusive” to the inside diameter. The lead-out path has an inside diameter set to be larger than the inside diameter of the orifice. |
| US08511332B2 |
Asymmetric valve for vehicle wheel
A valve of the “Snap-In” type is intended to be mounted directly on the rim of a vehicle wheel fitted with a “tubeless” tire. The valve is secured to the rim through which it passes via a groove produced at the base of a bulb extended by a rubbery coating of an internal nozzle of the valve. The groove collaborates elastically with a hole in the rim, on the periphery of which hole it becomes lodged, the mass or the volume of the bulb being smaller in its region (A) toward the interior of the rim by comparison with its region (B) directed toward the exterior, this reduction taking place near the groove intended to collaborate with the hole in the rim, both in the part thereof that surrounds the nozzle and in the part thereof that is in contact with the bottom of the rim. |
| US08511330B1 |
Servo minimum pressure valve
A servo minimum pressure valve assembly includes a servo minimum pressure sleeve and a servo minimum pressure valve spool. The servo minimum pressure sleeve includes an inlet aperture, a first window set, a second window set, and a third window set. A ratio of an outlet window diameter of the first window set to an outlet window diameter of the second window set is between 2.34 and 2.65. The outlet window diameter of the second window set is greater than an outlet window diameter of the third window set. The servo minimum pressure valve spool is configured to move bi-directionally along a longitudinal axis of the servo minimum pressure valve sleeve. The servo minimum pressure valve spool includes a cylindrical portion to control a fluid flow between the inlet aperture of the servo minimum pressure sleeve and the first, second, and third window sets of the servo minimum pressure sleeve. |
| US08511329B1 |
Metering valve
A metering valve assembly includes a metering valve sleeve and a metering valve spool. The metering valve sleeve includes an inlet window set and an outlet window set with a first outlet window having a first logarithmic contour and a second outlet window having a second logarithmic contour. A ratio of an inner width of the first outlet window to an inner length of the first outlet window is between 1.48 and 1.52. A ratio of an inner width of the second outlet window to an inner length of the second outlet window is between 2.21 and 2.29. The metering valve spool includes first, second, and third cylindrical portions. The metering valve spool is configured to move bi-directionally along a longitudinal axis of the metering valve sleeve and control fluid flow between the inlet window set and the outlet window set relative to the first, second, and third cylindrical portions. |
| US08511326B1 |
Tank system for producing bubbles and illuminating the bubbles as they fall from the tank onto a passing vehicle
A tank system is described for dropping fluid onto a passing vehicle. The tank system includes a tank with a fluid supply inlet. Optionally, a soap injector is included for injecting soap into the water flow to create a fluid mix that is supplied to the tank. A lighting system is attached to the tank. The fluid mix, or any other chemical in the tank, may be heated with the heating unit. An air motor is included for providing air to an air manifold that is disposed within the tank. When air is introduced into the fluid mix, bubbles are created. As the fluid mix and bubbles fill the tank, they fall from the tank via an overflow lip, with the fluid mix and/or bubbles being illuminated by the lighting system as they fall onto a vehicle passing below. |
| US08511323B2 |
Oral care dispenser and oral care system implementing the same
An oral care dispenser and oral care system implementing the same. In one embodiment, the dispenser may comprise a collar having an axial passageway in which a drive component is rotatably coupled. The collar comprises a segmented neck portion and a non-segmented body portion that comprises a plurality of protuberances extending into the axial passageway. The drive component comprises at least one resilient arm that interacts with the plurality of protuberances to generate an audible signal during relative rotation. |
| US08511322B2 |
Powder compact applicator
A powder compact (10) comprising a case (20) forming a main make-up powder receptacle (21) and an applicator head (30) fitted to said case, said applicator head comprising a porous membrane (31) occupying the top part of said head and an auxiliary powder receptacle (32) used to retain part of said powder close to said porous membrane, said porous membrane being designed to come into contact with the skin to dispense said powder on said skin, wherein said powder compact comprises a cylindrical wall (35) which surrounds a communication channel (36) through which said auxiliary powder receptacle communicates with said main powder receptacle and at least one section of which is occupied by a sieve (40), the mesh of which is adapted to the particle characteristics of said powder in order to control its flow. |
| US08511305B2 |
Redundant power control for respiratory system heaters
A humidification system is provided for a respiratory system is provided with a controller having two processors that monitor the operation of each other and of heating elements in the respiratory system to provide CPU redundancy and heating element control. Each heating element is provided with two control paths, for example a relay and a triac connected in series with the heating element and a power supply. Each heater element has one control path connected to a first one of the processors and at least one heating element has at least one control path connected to a second one of the controllers. A hardware watchdog monitors the operation of the first processor, and can be triggered by a signal from the second processor, in response to which it can disable all heating elements. |
| US08511298B2 |
Reflective solar energy collection system
The present application provides a primary reflector in a solar collection system. The primary reflector includes a first reflective section that can reflect solar rays onto a first focal line, a second reflective section on the left side of the first reflective section, and a third reflective section on the right side of the first reflective section. The second reflective section can reflect solar rays to the right side of the first focal line. The third reflective section can reflect solar rays to the left side of the first focal line. |
| US08511297B2 |
Actuator-based drive system for solar collector
A system for controlling the rotational position of a solar collector trough includes a hydraulic cylinder having an output end and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly includes at least one linkage member and a pair of pivot arms attached to the at least one linkage member. The pair of pivot arms is defined by a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm, each arm being pivotally attached to the at least one linkage member and the trough. The first and second pivot arms form respective parallel horizontal first and second pivot axes enabling the trough to be entirely movable over an angular range of motion extending over 180 degrees based totally on the linear movement of the output end of the hydraulic cylinder and in which an actuator control circuit controls the relative displacement of the cylinder output end. |
| US08511296B2 |
Solar heating systems
Solar heating systems are provided which utilize an integrated fixture for transferring heat from a solar collector to a lower-temperature loop, e.g. a domestic hot water system or radiant heating system. The fixture provides a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the solar collector to the lower temperature loop. The fixture may also include a casting, in which are formed solar collector supply and return ports, lower temperature supply and return ports, a solar collector pump volute, and a lower temperature pump volute. The systems also include two pumps, and a temperature optimization control that varies the speed of at least one of the pumps depending on the temperature of the liquid in the solar collector. |
| US08511294B2 |
Gas burner for cooking appliances
A gas burner for cooking appliances employing a ring of main flames for cooking, and a ring of simmering flames for heating. A first chamber contains the gas and primary air mixture for feeding the ring of main flames through a circumferential wall with a plurality of radial apertures. The chamber contains the gas and primary air mixture for feeding the ring of simmering flames through radial passages. The chambers are superposed, and a separator plate is interposed between the chambers. A cover rests on the separator plate and the radial apertures are defined therebetween. The cover extends beyond the passage and shields same from ambient conditions. |
| US08511289B2 |
Intake manifolds
An intake manifold includes a surge tank chamber, a plurality of branch passages and a gas tank chamber capable of introducing a gas and distributing the gas into the plurality of branch passages. The gas is to be refluxed to an engine. |
| US08511288B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine (1) with two-stage turbocharging by a low-pressure exhaust gas turbine (6) and a high-pressure exhaust gas turbine (7), the low-pressure exhaust gas turbine (6) being positioned downstream of the high-pressure exhaust gas turbine (7) in the exhaust system (3) of the internal combustion engine (1), and the high-pressure exhaust gas turbine (7) being provided with a bypass line (11) with a control valve (12). In order to achieve quick response of the internal combustion engine (1) in transient operation, it is provided that continuously or periodically at certain intervals preferably an electronic control unit will check whether a steady-state or a transient operating state of the internal combustion engine (1) is prevailing, and that the control valve (12) is controlled in accordance with at least one steady-state characteristic map (32, 33) in the steady-state case and in accordance with at least one transient characteristic map (31) or a transient function in the transient case. |
| US08511287B2 |
Supercritical-state fuel injection system and method
A fuel injector system for raising fuel to its supercritical state and injecting the supercritical-state fuel to the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A plurality of injector embodiments provides alternative ways to heat the pressurized fuel to its supercritical state. Injection of supercritical fuel into the combustion chamber is known to improve fuel entrainment and reducing ignition delay to thereby increase combustion rate, which leads to an increase in fuel efficiency. According to some embodiments, the system provides for preventing coking that may otherwise occur in an exhaust gas heat exchanger used for preheating the high pressure fuel. In other embodiments, engine cold start assistance is provided by storing pressurized, heated fuel in an insulated container. |
| US08511284B2 |
Fuel supply apparatus of internal combustion engine and control device of fuel supply apparatus
A fuel supply apparatus of an internal combustion engine is provided which can discharge air bubbles or air from within fuel supply paths while increasing pressure within a common rail up to a predetermined pressure level before a start of the internal combustion engine, can reduce a period of time of cranking from when an ignition switch is switched on and which can reduce noise that occurs when the air bubbles or air are being discharged.The fuel supply apparatus is provided with a flow rate control valve that adjusts a flow rate of fuel supplied to the common rail and a pressure control valve that reduces the pressure within the common rail. The fuel supply apparatus is further provided with: a pre-start drive control portion that performs a pre-start drive of an electromagnetic low pressure pump before the start of the internal combustion engine; a flow rate control valve control portion that maintains the flow rate control valve in an open state while the pre-start drive is being performed; and a pressure control valve control portion that maintains the pressure control valve in a closed state and performs a control that opens the pressure control valve at least once for a short time period while the pre-start drive is being performed. |
| US08511274B2 |
Engine speed sensitive oil pressure regulator
A pressure regulator for a power source may include a housing in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid line and a reservoir, and a pressure relief valve having an open position that creates a flow path between the pressurized fluid line and the reservoir, and a closed position. The pressure relief valve may open when an opening force exerted by pressurized fluid entering the housing overcomes a closing force acting on the pressure relief valve, allowing pressurized fluid to flow from the pressurized fluid line to the reservoir. The pressure regulator may also include a governor coupled to the pressure relief valve, wherein the governor is configured to regulate the pressure in the pressurized fluid line by selectively adjusting the closing force exerted on the pressure relief valve based on engine speed. |
| US08511273B2 |
Cylinder head of an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine for a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, includes a crankcase, two banks of cylinders projecting from the crankcase in a 56-57 degree V-configuration, a plurality of pushrods, and a plurality of camshafts supported by the crankcase. The two banks of cylinders include a first cylinder bank that projects from the crankcase to a first cylinder head, and a second cylinder bank that projects from the crankcase to a second cylinder head. The plurality of intake and exhaust valve pushrods extend between the crankcase and the first and second cylinder heads, driven by one intake camshaft and two exhaust camshafts. |
| US08511272B2 |
Accessory mounting structure
A horizontal groove extending horizontally when an alternator bracket is fixed to a cylinder block of a vehicle engine is formed in the alternator bracket. A shank of a bolt inserted through mounting pieces of an alternator is inserted into the horizontal groove from a horizontally lateral direction toward the cylinder block to support the bolt on a lower surface of the horizontal groove. After insertion, the bolt is restrained from moving toward an opening of the horizontal groove. Since the insertion of the bolt into the horizontal groove is facilitated, and the weight of the alternator is borne by the lower surface of the horizontal groove, a burden on a fixing portion is reduced, and it becomes easy to position the alternator and hold it when it is fixed. Thus, the accessory can be mounted on the cylinder block with satisfactory work efficiency and with support accuracy kept high. |
| US08511263B2 |
Cooling-water pump arrangement structure of engine
A pump attaching portion is formed at a specified outside portion of an engine body beside a boss portion of a cylinder-head fastening bolt in such a manner that the pump attaching portion is continuous from the boss portion. The pump attaching portion has an attachment face, which contains a cooling-water introducing port, which is located on the outside of the flange wall and faces toward an engine front side in such a manner that the position of the attachment face is retreated from the flange wall. Accordingly, the sufficient pump-support rigidity can be ensured, restraining the pump attaching portion from projecting greatly toward the side of the engine body. |
| US08511261B2 |
Piston cooling device
Disclosed is a piston cooling device wherein the cooling efficiency of a piston is improved by oil injected from an oil jet and supplied to a cooling passage provided in the piston, and the amount of cooling oil is reduced when an internal combustion engine is operated at maximum output. The piston cooling device is provided with a piston for an internal combustion engine, in which a circumferential passage and a cooling passage having an inlet passage and an outlet passage are provided, and an oil jet for injecting oil from an injection port to the inlet passage. The oil jet injects oil at every stroke of the piston so that a two-phase plug flow composed of gas and oil is formed in the cooling passage at least when an internal combustion engine is operated at maximum output. |
| US08511259B2 |
Method for reducing emission of pollutants from an internal combusion engine, and fuel emulsion comprising water and a liquid hydrocarbon
Method for reducing emission of pollutants from an internal combustion engine including at least one combustion chamber. A fuel emulsion is injected into a combustion chamber; the fuel emulsion is ignited in the combustion chamber in the presence of air; and the internal combustion engine is operated so as to reduce peak combustion temperature in the combustion chamber. The fuel emulsion has a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, water, at least one emulsifier and at least one oxygen-containing water soluble organic compound. A considerable reduction of particulate emissions is obtained by using this fuel emulsion while maintaining or even further reducing the NOx level which is already reduced by the engine itself. |
| US08511254B2 |
Environmentally friendly animal litter
A method of making an animal litter that includes geopolymerized ash, wherein, the animal litter is made from a quantity of a pozzolanic ash mixed with a sufficient quantity of water and an alkaline activator to initiate a geopolymerization reaction that forms geopolymerized ash. After the geopolymerized ash is formed, it is dried, broken into particulates, and sieved to a desired size. These geopolymerized ash particulates are used to make a non-clumping or clumping animal litter. Odor control may be accomplished with the addition of a urease inhibitor, pH buffer, an odor eliminating agent, and/or fragrance. |
| US08511251B2 |
Film deposition device and method thereof
A film deposition device includes a nozzle configured to inject a plurality of particles to a target; and a suction unit provided around the nozzle and configured to suck particles that are rebounded from the target among the plurality of particles injected from the nozzle. |
| US08511247B2 |
Underwater traveling vehicle
An underwater traveling vehicle includes: a vehicle body 2; an endless track means 3 which is rotatably mounted to the vehicle body 2; a drive means which is provided in the vehicle body 2 so as to drive the endless track means 3; and a thruster 4 which is provided in the vehicle body 2. |
| US08511246B2 |
Offshore floating production, storage, and off-loading vessel for use in ice-covered and clear water applications
An offshore floating production, storage, and off-loading vessel has a hull of generally cylindrical or polygonal configuration surrounding a central double tapered conical moon pool and contains water ballast and oil and/or liquefied gas storage compartments. An adjustable water ballast system induces heave, roll, pitch and surge motions of the vessel to dynamically position and maneuver the vessel. The moon pool shape and other devices on the vessel provide added virtual mass for increasing the natural period of the roll and heave modes, reducing dynamic amplification and resonance due to waves and vessel motion, and facilitate maneuvering the vessel. A disconnectable turret buoy at the bottom of the moon pool connects risers and mooring lines. |
| US08511242B2 |
Seed meter control
A seed metering apparatus having a selectably actuated panel positioned between the metering apparatus and discharge chute, the panel moving between an open position and a closed position such that seeds may be more accurately spaced and metered without disrupting the drive mechanism of the seed metering apparatus. A seed metering apparatus where metered but non-discharged seeds are returned to a seed reservoir for subsequent metering and planting. |
| US08511238B2 |
Steerable truck for a railway car, a railway car, and an articulated car
A steerable truck for a railway car is provided with a truck frame that is steered so as to be aligned with the tangential direction of a curved track by controlling only the steering angle of a rear wheelset. During travel along a curved track, the steering angle, which is the angle in a horizontal plane of the centerline of the rear wheelset with respect to an imaginary straight line connecting the center of the truck frame and the center of the curved track, is larger than the steering angle which is the angle formed between the imaginary straight line and the centerline of the front wheelset. As a result, a steerable truck for a railway car which has excellent ability to travel along a curve and which can be actually realized simply and at a low cost is provided. |
| US08511235B2 |
Linear transport device
Disclosed is a linear transport device. A platform car of the linear transport device is detachably mounted on a rail fixed to a base in an opposing direction along which the platform car faces the mounting surface of the base. A linear motor that drives the platform car is provided. The linear motor includes a stator disposed on the base and a mover disposed on the platform car so as to face the stator. One of the stator and the mover is a permanent magnet, and the other is an electromagnet. A relative position variable mechanism for relatively displacing the stator and the mover so as to reduce the magnetic suction force generated between the stator and the mover is provided. |
| US08511234B2 |
Snow sled towing device
A device and system for towing snow sleds either alone or with one or more riders along the surface of a snow cover slope to a higher position includes a tow cable extending continuously along a closed loop path between the starting position and the arriving position along the slope. Tow cable pulleys are located at the starting position and the arriving position upon which the cable is supported and driven. A drive motor is operatively connected to one of the cable pulleys and operating to rotatingly drive the pulley to drive the cable through the closed loop path. One or more tow hooks are connected in series at spaced intervals to the tow cable for conjoint movement therewith. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08511233B2 |
Projectile for fire arms
A projectile for fire arms formed in such a way that it includes a front portion of essentially convex axial cross-section that via a transition transforms into a rear portion of essentially cylindrical radial cross-section, which rear portion acts as a power belt for the projectile. |
| US08511231B2 |
Less than lethal projectile and a method for producing the same
A less than lethal projectile and method of producing the same comprising of a sealed filled polymeric pouch containing a shot within. The sealed filled polymeric pouch is formed in a form, fill, and seal machine. An automatic loading ammunition machine is fed empty shell casings; the ammunition machine automatically loads the empty shell casing with pre-determined quantities of wad, primer, and gun powder, and subsequently moves the sealed filled polymeric pouch into a projectile compartment of the empty shell casing producing a fully-loaded shell casing to be loaded into a barrel of an ammunition. The polymeric pouch is capable of being inserted into various shell casings depending on the intended use thus allowing for officers and soldiers to select from an array of munitions when confronted with a situation where less than lethal means are required. |
| US08511224B2 |
Packing and steam cooking device and method for manufacturing steam cooking device
An insertion hole (83a) is provided in a packing (83) and a rotating shaft (81a) is inserted into the insertion hole (83a). A sliding portion (83b) forming an air clearance (83c) is provided on the outside of the packing (83). The rotating shaft (81a) is inserted into the insertion hole (83a) with a grease G applied to the circumferential surface thereof. When the rotating shaft (81a) is inserted, the grease G is shaved off by the sliding portion (83b) and a sufficient amount of the grease G is stored in the air clearance (83c). Consequently, frictional sound and heat are and thus reduced between the rotating shaft (81a) and the packing (83), the sliding portion (83b) can come into tight contact with the rotating shaft (81a), thereby enhancing airtightness. |
| US08511221B2 |
Apparatus for preparing and dispensing a beverage, in particular a chocolate-based beverage in a coffee machine
A machine for preparing coffee and milk based beverages having a steam generator, a first apparatus for producing coffee as well as a source of liquid milk and a second apparatus for preparing and dispensing a beverage from a concentrated fluid product. The second apparatus includes a beverage preparation device associated with a second dispenser connected via first line to a first connector unit of the second apparatus to receive a concentrated fluid product pre-diluted in the first connector unit and, via a second line, to the source of liquid milk to complete dilution and obtain a diluted product to be dispensed from the beverage preparation device. |
| US08511212B2 |
Cord wrap handle
A miter saw includes a base, a table rotatably mounted on the base, a blade and motor assembly pivotally coupled to a frame support that is attached to the table, and a power cord coupled to the blade and motor assembly. The frame support, the base, and/or the blade and motor assembly also comprises a handle portion that includes a grip with an opening disposed at an outer end thereof, with the grip also having a pair of arcuate surfaces disposed at opposing sides thereof for retaining the power cord when wrapped around both surfaces. |
| US08511206B2 |
Ratchet wrench with rotatable driving head
A ratchet wrench includes a body, a driving head, a control member and a resilient member. The body includes a handle and a Y-shaped extension. The driving head is pivotably connected to the Y-shaped extension by two pivots and an inner groove and a recess are respectively defined in the inside of the Y-shaped extension. The inner groove accommodates the C-shaped plate of the control member and the resilient member is received in the recess. The C-shaped plate has engaging teeth defined in distal ends thereof and the pivots each have ratchet teeth which are engaged with the engaging teeth by moving the control member so as to control the rotation of the driving head relative to the body. |
| US08511203B2 |
Compliant cam of composite materials
A compliant cam system includes a cam having a cam body rotatable with respect to a cam rotational axis. The cam body has a cam body center spaced from the cam rotational axis. At least a portion of the cam is an elastically compressible material. A follower having at least one follower surface is in contact with the compressible material portion of the cam. A cam non-deflected condition is defined when an elastically compressible material portion outer surface is in contact with the cam follower surface prior to deflection of the elastically compressible material portion. The cam when thereafter rotated with respect to the cam rotational axis moves the cam body center toward the follower. The elastically compressible material portion deflects, defining a deflected condition, creating a biasing force acting toward the follower, and releasably frictionally engaging the elastically compressible material portion with the follower. |
| US08511202B2 |
Ignition switch operation restricting device
An operation restricting device includes an operation knob to be turned by a user, a rotor member to rotate integrally with the operation knob, a case member enclosing the rotor member to be rotatable therein, a stopper member being movable along a radial direction of the rotor member in the rotor member, the stopper member restricting a rotation of the rotor member by engaging with a wall part of the case member, a spring for always providing a spring force biasing the stopper member outside the rotor member in the radial direction, a solenoid to retain a plunger by being energized, and a link member rotatably engaging with the plunger. When the solenoid is energized, the turning of the operation knob allows the stopper member to move back into the rotor member against the spring force such that the engaging of the stopper member is released. |
| US08511200B2 |
Speed control device for bicycle
A speed control device which is adapted to be used in connection with a derailleur type bicycle has one operation mode for up-shifting the speed and another operation mode for down-shifting the speed. The two operation modes can be affected by an operation lever, with the operation lever pivoted in a first plane for the up-shifting operation and in a second plane for the down-shifting operation. |
| US08511199B2 |
Robot arm assembly
A robot arm assembly includes a support arm, a connecting arm, and an end arm. The support arm is rotatably assembled with the connecting arm along a first axis, and is located at one end of the connecting arm. The end arm is rotatably assembled to the other end of the connecting arm along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, such that the connecting arm is rotatably assembled between the support arm and the end arm. |
| US08511196B2 |
Traction drive system
A traction drive system for an articulated robotic arm. The traction drive system can include an input drive disk, a spider, an array of traction balls, a traction plate, an output drive shaft, a clamping device to load the traction balls, and an absolute rotation position sensor system. The rotation of the output drive shaft can be coupled to the rotation of the input drive disk while the traction balls are frictionally engaged to the drive disk surface and traction plate surface. The rotational connection can be decoupled when the traction balls are not frictionally engaged to the drive disk surface and traction plate surface. A rotational position sensor located in proximity to the traction drive can provide absolute rotational position feedback of the output drive shaft. |
| US08511194B2 |
Transmission drive unit
A transmission drive unit (1) comprising a drive motor (2) having an output shaft (3) and an output toothing (4), a threaded spindle (8) having a worm wheel (5) that is in engagement with the output toothing (4), a first housing part (6) produced from plastic, having axial bearing locations (65, 66) and radial bearing locations (63, 64) for supporting the threaded spindle (8), and a second housing part (7) produced from metal, having a through opening (75) for the through passage of the threaded spindle (8), and at least one coupling region (76, 77) for fixing the transmission drive unit (1) to a component. |
| US08511193B2 |
Supporting structure of shaft of reduction gear
A first shaft at which a first gear is provided is supported by an angular roller bearing in which a pair of roller rows and which is rolling elements incorporated in a back-to-back combination, and a midpoint of a projection range of a range where the first gear and a second gear mesh with each other on the first shaft is made to exist in a span of a working point of the pair of roller rows of the angular roller bearing on the pinion shaft. |
| US08511192B2 |
System and method of positional control with backlash compensation
A device for preventing backlash in a gear train, comprising a first and second drive gear, driven by a first and second motor, with a driven gear, a system controller defining a nominal trajectory of said driven gear, a position feedback controller for calculating a speed set point, a phase controller for calculating a difference between said first and second motor torque, providing torque upper and lower levels, comparing said difference to said upper and lower levels and adjusting the phase set point for said first and second motors based at least upon the comparing, where the phase is reduced if said difference is greater than or equal to said upper level, said phase is increased if said difference is less than or equal to said lower level, and said phase is kept constant if said difference is greater than said lower level and less than said upper level. |
| US08511191B2 |
Rack shaft support device
A rack shaft support device includes: a rack shaft support member that is accommodated inside a retention hole formed in a housing so as to slide in an axial direction of the retention hole, and slidably supports a rack shaft; a sealing member fixed to an inlet port of the retention hole; an intermediate member that is interposed between the rack shaft support member and the sealing member; a torsion spring that couples the sealing member and the intermediate member; a cam mechanism that converts a rotational force of the intermediate member induced by untwisting of the torsion spring to a force by which the intermediate member pushes the rack shaft support member; an opposing portion that opposes a rear surface of the rack shaft support member; and an annular elastic member that is interposed between the rear surface of the rack shaft support member and the opposing portion. |
| US08511188B2 |
Linear kinetic energy to rotational kinetic energy converter
An energy conversion system that converts linear kinetic energy to rotational kinetic energy is disclosed. A force is applied to a coil spring, compressing the spring. The spring drives an arm forward as the spring returns to its uncompressed state. The arm, in turn, causes the driving portion of an over-running clutch to rotate forward and drive an output shaft. The linear motion of the arm being driven forward by the spring is converted to rotational kinetic energy in the output shaft. The output shaft may then be connected to an external device to drive that device. |
| US08511185B2 |
Sensor device protected by a film layer and a resin layer
A sensor element assembly, including: a sensor element; lead frames provided with the sensor element therebetween, the lead frames fixing the sensor element; a first head protection film protecting the sensor element fixed between the lead frames; an insulating film covering the first head protection film and the lead frames to insulate the lead frames; and a second head protection film (resin layer) further covering the head covered with the insulating film. The sensor element assembly is advantageous in that an epoxy resin layer is formed on a film layer covering a sensor element, so that the strength of the sensor element assembly can be maintained by the epoxy resin layer itself, thereby improving the impact resistance and compressive strength thereof. |
| US08511184B2 |
Device for taking samples from the bottom boundary layer of a water body
Device for taking samples from the bottom boundary layer of a water body, consisting of compact bottom sediments, overlying water-saturated mud layer, and near-bottom water layer directly connected with the latter, belongs among oceanographic devices. Disturbance of the probes' structure is avoided by the construction of the device with several shorter tubes with their inlet holes being located at different heights, instead of one long sampling tube. There are distinctive tubes for taking samples from layers at different heights from the bottom. The sampling tube divided into sections is furnished with isolating valves that divide the interior of the tube into layers isolated from each other. Soft and regulated drop of the device is achieved using the inflatable contact belt. Using an upper inflatable balloon avoids the vertical stability of the device and raising it to the surface without cabling. |
| US08511174B2 |
Strain sensor and corresponding sensor arrangement
The invention relates to a sensor as a built-in component of an object, especially an elastic object, the sensor comprising a polymer material containing electroconductive additives according to the invention and thereby acting as an expansion sensor (2), in that it measures the static and dynamic expansions of the object in relation to the acting forces and also monitors the changes of the polymer material generated by the static and dynamic expansions of the object over time. The invention also relates to a sensor arrangement (1) acting especially in combination with the following components: an expansion sensor (2), a fixed resistor (3), an analog/digital converter (4), a micro-controller comprising a memory (5), a radio interface (6), a controlled current/voltage source (7), an energy supply (8), a coupling coil (9), and a receiving unit (10). |
| US08511171B2 |
Device for measuring environmental forces and method of fabricating the same
A device for measuring environmental forces, and a method for fabricating the same, is disclosed that comprises a device wafer, the device wafer comprising a first device layer separated from a second device layer by a first insulation layer. The first device wafer is bonded to an etched substrate wafer to create a suspended diaphragm and boss, the flexure of which is determined by an embedded sensing element. |
| US08511165B2 |
Electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) combined with piezoelectric transducer (PZT) for dual mode ultrasonic inspection
An EMAT that generates horizontally polarized shear ultrasonic waves is combined with a PZT that generates longitudinal ultrasonic waves to provide simultaneous or sequential inspection of a test component material for improved accuracy in estimating properties of the material or detecting and estimating the dimensions of defects in the material. The transducer combination is constructed so that the EMAT and PZT elements are concentric and therefore interrogate approximately the same volume of the test component material. Nonferromagnetic insulators, such as elastomers, are installed on the bottom surface of PZT component to increase the transmission and reception the ultrasonic waves into the test component. Ferromagnetic, acoustic-absorbing materials are installed on the top surface of the EMAT coil component to minimize generation of ultrasonic waves in the bias magnet. |
| US08511162B2 |
Piezoelectric film and method of manufacturing the same, ink jet head, method of forming image by the ink jet head, angular velocity sensor, method of measuring angular velocity by the angular velocity sensor, piezoelectric generating element, and method of generating electric power using the piezoelectric generating element
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an angular velocity sensor capable of measuring an exact angular velocity, an ink jet head capable of producing an exact amount of ink, and a piezoelectric generating element capable of generating electric power due to positive piezoelectric effect.In the present invention, a piezoelectric film comprising a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode is used. The first electrode comprises an electrode layer having a (001) orientation. The piezoelectric layer comprises a (NaxBiy)TiO0.5x+1.5y+2—BaTiO3 layer (0.30≦x≦0.46 and 0.51≦y≦0.62) having a (001) orientation. |
| US08511161B2 |
Physical amount detecting device
A physical amount detecting device includes: one pair of first driving vibration arms are bending-vibrated in a Z-axis direction with a first phase, one pair of second driving vibration arms are bending-vibrated in the Z-axis direction with a second phase that is a reverse phase of the first phase, the one pair of the first driving vibration arms and the one pair of the second driving vibrating arms are vibrated in a Y-axis direction with opposite phases by a Coriolis force that is generated in accordance with angular velocity of a X-axis rotation, and one pair of detection vibration arms are bending-vibrated in the X-axis direction with opposite phases in accordance with vibration of the one pair of the first driving vibration arms and the one pair of the second driving vibration arms in the Y-axis direction. |
| US08511160B2 |
Combined hydrogen and pressure sensor assembly
The invention provides a housing for a sensor having a semiconductor element for measuring hydrogen concentration in an insulating fluid in electric power generation, transmission, and distribution equipment having a mounting flange on the equipment providing access to the interior of the equipment and provided with a plurality of bolt receiving openings arranged on the mounting flange in a first pattern, which includes a first flange having at least one or more openings for receiving one or more semiconductor hydrogen sensors and an outer periphery, a plurality of bolt receiving apertures arranged in a pattern corresponding to the first pattern within the outer periphery of the first flange, a second flange having a second plurality of bolt receiving apertures arranged in a pattern corresponding to the first pattern within the periphery of the second flange. |
| US08511155B2 |
Devices including a mechanochromatic material for indicating pressure
The present invention relates to devices that include a mechanochromatic material (10) which changes color according to a pressure exerted on the device. As a result, the mechanochromatic material (10) functions as an indicator of pressure exerted on the device. A user can view the mechanochromatic material (10) to determine whether the pressure exerted on the device exceeds a threshold pressure, whereat a color change will occur in the mechanochromatic material (10). |
| US08511150B2 |
Methods and systems for determining process variables using location of center of gravity
Methods and systems for using force measurements to determine the amount of material in a container and/or the rate at which material is discharged from a container are disclosed. A container for storing a desired material is positioned so that the center of gravity of the container shifts horizontally with changes in level of the material in the container. A plurality of load sensors are symmetrically arranged at a base of the container and are used to monitor the amount of materials in the container. |
| US08511149B2 |
Detection device for fluid sample
This invention provides a device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample, comprising a cup body (7), a lid (1) and a base (15), wherein, said the cup body (7) comprises a liquid storage chamber (9) and a test strip groove locating in one side of liquid storage chamber, the storage chamber (9) and the test strip groove communicates each other through a small hole in the bottom of liquid storage chamber, the test strip groove is configured with a test strip plate, said lid being able to seal the opening of the cup tightly, said opening of cup being directly connected with the liquid storage chamber. |
| US08511145B1 |
Explosive event discrimination
A computer implemented method for discriminating between launch and impact events using acoustic sensors. |
| US08511141B2 |
Stack gas measurement device and method therefor
A gas sampling device includes an analysis block defining a first portion of a chamber and a dilution block defining a second portion of the chamber. The sampling device includes an exhaust gas orifice at the first portion for withdrawing gas from the chamber in response to an applied suction, a sample gas orifice at the second portion to modify passage of a sample gas entering the chamber in response to the suction, and a dilution gas orifice at the second portion to modify passage of a dilution gas entering the chamber in response to the suction. |
| US08511139B2 |
Systems and methods for impact testing
A testing system having a retainer configured to selectively retain a specimen and a carrier configured to selectively carry the retainer along an at least partially predefined space curve from a first point along the space curve to a second point along the space curve, wherein a gravitational potential energy of the retainer at the first point is greater than a gravitational potential energy of the retainer at the second point. The retainer is configured to release the specimen in response to the retainer moving to a location that provides the retainer a predetermined gravitational potential energy. |
| US08511135B2 |
Bending apparatus
A bending apparatus for manufacturing a bent member from a steel pipe with high dimensional accuracy and high productivity can be installed in a small space with good maintainability. The apparatus has a feed mechanism for feeding a steel pipe in its lengthwise direction, a first support mechanism for supporting the steel pipe while feeding it, a heating mechanism for heating a part or all of the steel pipe being fed, a cooling mechanism for cooling the portion of the heated steel pipe being fed, a second support mechanism for imparting a bending moment to the heated portion of the steel pipe to bend the steel pipe into a desired shape by moving two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally while supporting the fed steel pipe in at least one location, and a deformation preventing mechanism for preventing deformation of the steel pipe. The feed mechanism is a vertically articulated robot having seven axes. |
| US08511130B2 |
Method for preventing or arresting crack development and propagation
A method for preventing or arresting the development and propagation of cracks in the material surrounding a fastener. The method includes introducing compressive residual stresses in the material surrounding the fastener. The compressive residual stresses offset the high residual tensile and applied stresses which the material may be subjected to in operation and thereby prevent or arrest the development of cracks. Using the output of a sensor, the surface treatment apparatus is positioned relative to a fastener. A compression tool is impinged against the surface of the material adjacent to the fastener and rotated around the perimeter of the fastener thereby inducing a zone of compressive residual stress. |
| US08511128B2 |
Ejection of residual parts from plate-type workpieces
A plate-type workpiece part ejector tool includes an upper tool portion and a lower tool portion. The upper tool portion includes a tool body, and a plurality of cutting tools that carried by the tool body. Each of the cutting tools includes a guide body having a punch. The lower tool portion has a single ejection opening. The ejection opening has at least one counter-cutting edge. The cutting tools are accommodated in the tool body so as to be movable relative to the lower tool portion, such that each of the cutting tools is optionally alignable with the counter cutting-edge. |
| US08511124B2 |
T-fitting manufacturing method and tool
A punch for forming opposite ends of a copper tube into a T includes a tapered or shovel-nose such that the spacing between the ends of the opposed punches is reduced, thereby reducing the excess copper remaining in the T once formed. A method of forming the fitting employs the shovel-nose punches in a hydro-forming process to accommodate such results. |
| US08511123B2 |
Wedge driven pipe bending machine
A pipe bending machine has a stiff-back which is driven by a pivoting wedge. A linkage applies force from the actuator to the wedge in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stiff-back. The stiff-back pivots on a first fulcrum and the wedge slides on a bed which pivots on a second fulcrum. The actuator drives the wedge between the stiff-back and the bed to rotate the stiff-back at the first fulcrum and bend the pipe seated in the stiff-back against the pipe bending face of a die. The conversion of the longitudinal force applied to the wedge into a transverse force applied to the stiff-back provides a significant mechanical advantage which varies directionally as the stiff-back rotates about its fulcrum to maintain a constant force on the stiff-back. |
| US08511122B1 |
Remote key device
The present remote key device includes an annular frame member disposed about a central axis. The frame member includes an inner frame portion that defines a central void region interior thereto, which is adapted to house a remote access transmitter device therewithin. |
| US08511117B2 |
Plastic washing-machine tub
A plastic washing-machine tub with a front wall, a rear wall and a cylindrical wall enclosing an inner tub compartment, which comprises: two tub shells made from injection-molded plastic that can be connected together by means of an assembly plane in a tub closure direction, the first tub shell comprising the front wall and the second tub shell comprising the rear wall; an integral bulge emerging from the cylindrical wall and defining a cavity connected to the inner tub compartment, the bulge having at least one inlet and/or outlet opening. The assembly plane divides the bulge into two parts, a first bulge part being arranged in the first tub shell and a second bulge part in the second tub shell. |
| US08511115B2 |
Washing machine
A washing machine which includes a lid assembly opening/closing a laundry entrance hole, wherein the lid assembly includes a lid frame and a lid inner coupled to an inside of the lid frame and having a hinge unit, is provided. The lid assembly may be easily assembled and maintain a secure coupling, thereby allowing for a reliable and stable washing machine. Further, the lid assembly may be easily opened or closed by the hinge unit, and this increases convenience. |
| US08511114B2 |
Jewelry item and methods of making and using it
A jewelry item includes a chain, which has decorative items attached to it and which has a first fastening device to hang the item from an object such as a belt loop. A second fastening device is used to adjust the length of the object. Decorative items may be attached to the chain for providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance and for gathering together into a conglomeration to conceal the chain and providing a singular compact appearance for the jewelry item. A swivel coupled to the first fastening device permits the jewelry item to be rotated to an alternate viewing position. |
| US08511111B2 |
Automotive adsorption heat pump
An adsorber unit has an outer shell, a plurality of internal tubes extending through the shell for carrying heat transfer fluid, each tube having outwardly projecting fins along its entire length, and a solid adsorbent material in the shell surrounding the tubes such that the fins project into the adsorbent material, the fins being of a material (e.g., metal) of higher thermal conductivity than the adsorbent material. Metal wool loosely packed inside the tubes, or internal radial fins swaged into the tubes, increase internal surface area thereby enhancing convective heat transfer. Metal wool loosely packed between the external fins, or fine wire metal coils lightly squeezed between the external fins, further increase external surface area of the heat exchanger in contact with the adsorbent thereby enhancing contact heat transfer. Performance is enhanced because the external fins and wool or wire coils transport heat more efficiently to all regions of the adsorbent, and permit less non-adsorbent heat exchanger material (e.g., metal) to be used for a given amount of adsorbent. Two or more such units are used in an adsorption heat pump. This design utilizes existing components (e.g., shell-&-tube heat exchanger, internally and externally finned tubing, and metal wool or wire coils) in a novel manner heretofore untried. In one exemplary embodiment, automobile air conditioning, exhaust heat is used to power such an air conditioner. |
| US08511109B2 |
High efficiency refrigerator
A thermal storage container is coupled to a pump for circulating cooled liquid from the thermal storage container in at least one of two circuits. One circuit includes a heat exchanger coupled to the fresh food evaporator for assisting in cooling the fresh food section of the refrigerator or for chilling the liquid. Another circuit includes a sub-cooler between the compressor and condenser for cooling the hot gas output from the compressor before entering the condenser, thereby increasing the efficiency of the system. A three-way valve is coupled from the output pump to couple the stored coolant selectively to one or the other or both of the coolant circuits. |
| US08511105B2 |
Water vending apparatus
A water vending apparatus is disclosed. The water vending system includes a water vapor distillation apparatus and a dispensing device. The dispensing device is in fluid communication with the fluid vapor distillation apparatus and the product water from the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is dispensed by the dispensing device. |
| US08511102B2 |
Method for defrost control of a refrigerator and refrigerator which uses this method
A method for defrost control of a refrigerator having a refrigeration and defrost system that includes a compressor, an evaporator, an evaporator fan and a heater. The refrigerator also has a control system to control the operation of the refrigerator. The method includes stopping the compressor operation; starting a defrost process; starting the heater; maintaining a start state over a preset period of time; closing off the heater; and starting the compressor. After starting the compressor and before the evaporator fan is started to perform the refrigeration operation, the evaporator fan is operated at least once briefly and intermittently. |
| US08511100B2 |
Cooling of superconducting devices by liquid storage and refrigeration unit
A system is disclosed for cooling superconducting devices. The system includes a cryogen cooling system configured to be coupled to the superconducting device and to supply cryogen to the device. The system also includes a cryogen storage system configured to supply cryogen to the device. The system further includes flow control valving configured to selectively isolate the cryogen cooling system from the device, thereby directing a flow of cryogen to the device from the cryogen storage system. |
| US08511097B2 |
Gas turbine combustor and ignition method of igniting fuel mixture in the same
A gas turbine combustor burns a fuel mixture at a high combustion efficiency and a low NOx emission, is simple in construction and exercises improved ignition performance, and an ignition method can efficiently igniting a fuel mixture in the gas turbine combustor. A gas turbine combustor provided with fuel nozzles each having a pilot fuel injection nozzle and a main fuel injection nozzle, and fuel nozzles each having a pilot fuel injection nozzle and a main fuel injection nozzle. The fuel nozzle disposed close to an igniter is provided with a local fuel injection port through which fuel is jetted out from a predetermined position in an air passage in the main fuel injection nozzle to create a combustible fuel mixture zone in the vicinity of the igniter at least while the igniter is in an ignition operation. |
| US08511094B2 |
Combustion apparatus using pilot fuel selected for reduced emissions
A combustion apparatus (10) incorporating a dry low NOx (DLN) combustor (20) that uses two different fuels (30, 40) simultaneously. One fuel (30) is premixed with air (22) for a primary combustion zone (25), and a second fuel (40) supplies a diffusion pilot flame (29). Each fuel may be selected for its specialized role, maximizing overall combustion efficiency while lowering emissions. A primary fuel (30) such as natural gas (NG) may be chosen for its economy and combustion characteristics in a lean premix. A pilot fuel (40) may be chosen for having a low diffusion flame temperature and a clean burn. An oxygenated pilot fuel such as dimethyl ether (DME) has a lower flame temperature than natural gas, thereby reducing NOx from the pilot flame. The pilot fuel (40) may be produced from the primary fuel (30) by a reformer (50) associated with the combustion apparatus. |
| US08511090B2 |
Jet engine nozzle exit configurations and associated systems and methods
Nozzle exit configurations and associated systems and methods are disclosed. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment includes a jet engine exhaust nozzle having an internal flow surface and an exit aperture, with the exit aperture having a perimeter that includes multiple projections extending in an aft direction. Aft portions of individual neighboring projections are spaced apart from each other by a gap, and a geometric feature of the multiple can change in a monotonic manner along at least a portion of the perimeter. |
| US08511088B2 |
Gas turbine fuel injector mounting system
A gas turbine combustor, which can enable only a swirler and a heat shield to be readily taken out from the combustor upon the exchange the swirler and the heat shield. The gas turbine combustor includes: a combustion cylinder; a fuel injection unit for supplying fuel to a head portion of the combustion cylinder; a support member configured for allowing the fuel injection unit to be supported by the combustion cylinder; and a heat shield adapted for heat-insulating the support member from combustion gas in the combustion chamber, wherein the fuel injection unit includes a fuel injection valve for injecting the fuel, and a swirler for supplying compressed air to the fuel injected from the fuel injection valve while swirling the compressed air. The swirler and heat shield are connected together, constituting a swirler unit. This swirler unit is detachably attached to the support member via a fastening member. |
| US08511085B2 |
Direct evaporator apparatus and energy recovery system
In one aspect, the present invention provides a direct evaporator apparatus for use in an organic Rankine cycle energy recovery system, comprising: (a) a housing comprising a heat source gas inlet, and a heat source gas outlet, the housing defining a heat source gas flow path from the inlet to the outlet; and (b) a heat exchange tube disposed within the heat source flow path, the heat exchange tube being configured to accommodate an organic Rankine cycle working fluid, the heat exchange tube comprising a working fluid inlet and a working fluid outlet. The direct evaporator apparatus is configured such that at least a portion of a heat source gas having contacted at least a portion of the heat exchange tube is in thermal contact with heat source gas entering the direct evaporator apparatus via the heat source gas inlet. An organic Rankine cycle energy recovery system and a method of energy recovery are also provided. |
| US08511083B2 |
Ported shroud with filtered external ventilation
A turbocharger system having a compressor wheel including blades that define an inducer and an exducer, a compressor housing configured to receive the compressor wheel, and an impeller passage within which air is to be compressed by the blades, wherein the compressor housing forms an intake port configured to provide intake air to the inducer, and a bypass port opening into the impeller passage between the inducer and exducer. The bypass port places the impeller passage in fluid communication with the atmosphere without having a fluid interaction with the intake air. A bypass-air filter is adapted to filter air passing between the bypass port and the atmosphere, and is a portion of the intake-air filter. |
| US08511079B2 |
Piecewise variable displacement power transmission
In one embodiment, a hydraulic circuit has an input shaft, at least one positive displacement hydraulic pump, a plurality of positive displacement hydraulic motors, and at least one fluid line operatively connecting the at least one positive displacement hydraulic pump to the positive displacement hydraulic motors. In operation, the at least one positive displacement hydraulic pump is placed in an operative condition. At least one of the positive displacement hydraulic motors is also placed in an operative condition. A flow rate of fluid in the fluid line is measured, and the remaining positive displacement hydraulic motors are switched between an operative condition and a bypass condition according to the measured flow rate of the fluid. |
| US08511076B2 |
Mixing and/or evaporating device
A mixing and/or evaporating device (7) is provided through which exhaust gas can flow axially. The mixing and/or evaporating device (7) is arranged in an exhaust gas-carrying line of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle, with a plurality of blades (8), which are arranged distributed in the circumferential direction and which project inwardly from an outer wall (9). Each blade (8) has a profile (10) at least in an area adjoining the outer wall (9) in the axial direction (14), in which profile a discharge edge (12) has an offset (16) in the circumferential direction (15) in relation to the leading edge (11). A reduction of the flow resistance of the device (7) can be achieved if the profile (10) has an angle of incidence (17) each in relation to the axial direction (14) at the leading edge (11) and at the discharge edge (12), which angle is in a range of −10°, inclusive to +10°, inclusive. |
| US08511073B2 |
High efficiency cogeneration system and related method of use
The invention is directed to a high efficiency cogeneration system capable of creating electricity and usable heat. The invention includes a fuel source, which can be a reservoir filled with a fossil fuel. The fuel source feeds a modified combustion engine that can turn a shaft to power an alternator to create electricity. The combustion engine creates hot gases that are treated by a catalytic converter. The byproduct and hot gases are then fed into one or more cooling manifolds. |
| US08511058B2 |
Convertible gas turbine propulsion system
A convertible gas turbine propulsion system operates in multiple output modes. The convertible gas turbine propulsion system comprises a gas generator, a first power turbine, a secondary propulsion system and an exhaust duct. The gas generator is configured to produce exhaust gas. The first power turbine is aligned with the gas generator to receive the exhaust gas. The secondary propulsion system is in series with the gas generator and the first power turbine. The exhaust duct coaxially extends from the first power turbine to the secondary propulsion system. The exhaust duct includes an exhaust port for opening the exhaust duct to ambient air pressure and permitting exhaust gas to bypass the secondary propulsion system. In various embodiments of the invention, the first power turbine is connected to a first rotary propulsion system, and the secondary propulsion system comprises a second power turbine or a nozzle. |
| US08511052B2 |
Windrow merger
A windrow merger including three pickup and transfer units, a folding system, and a plurality of float mechanisms. The folding system employs simultaneous rearward, outward, and upward folding motion so as to ensure none of the units interfere with the other units while folding, and likewise while unfolding. The folding system can further fold and unfold each of the three pickup and transfer units at the same time. During merging operations, the plurality of float mechanisms of the windrow merger limits the range of motion of each pickup and transfer unit. The float mechanisms further transfer a portion of the weight of each pickup and transfer unit from the ground to the frame of the merger. The units of the windrow merger can also include a rub rail having a surface that reduces swirling or clumping of material as the material is conveyed toward an end of the windrow merger. |
| US08511051B2 |
Berry harvesting machine, especially grape harvesting machine, equipped with a shaking system and mechatronic shaking control for this system
Berry, such as grape, harvesting machine includes a plurality of superimposed shakers formed by flexible bars, and attached through their ends to two vertical shafts. At least one shaft is an oscillating actuation shaft controlled by a mechatronic shaking control permitting an oscillating movement. The mechatronic shaking control includes an eccentric system connected to the actuating shaft through a connecting rod, and the rotation axis of the eccentric system is mounted with an orientation adjustable in a plane parallel to the median plane of the machine so that any modification of this orientation permits to modify the amplitude of the oscillating movement of the actuating shaft, and, consequently the amplitude of the shaking movement of the shakers. |
| US08511050B1 |
Draper support of a crop harvesting header
A crop harvesting header with a cutter bar and a draper assembly has a draper driven by a drive roller at one end and an idler roller at the other end. The draper is carried on a plurality of support rollers parallel to the first and second rollers for supporting the upper run of the draper at spaced positions therealong. The draper includes a front edge of the upper run of the draper arranged at a position adjacent to but spaced from the cutter bar and there is provided an integral extruded sealing member extending along the cutter bar defining a first stiffer portion attached to the cutter bar and a second flexible blade portion which extends rearwardly from the first portion at the cutter bar to lie over and in contact with a bead along a front edge portion of the draper. |
| US08511047B2 |
Device for mixing and dispensing fluids
One aspect of the invention pertains to a device for mixing and dispensing fluids, which generally includes a housing; a mixing chamber having a first inlet for introducing a first fluid into the mixing chamber, a second inlet for introducing a second fluid into the mixing chamber, and an outlet through which fluid may exit the mixing chamber; and a valving rod received within the mixing chamber and movable between an open position, in which the first and second inlets are in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, a cleaning position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first inlet but does not seal closed the second inlet, and a closed position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first and second inlets. |
| US08511044B2 |
Composite connection for a wind turbine tower structure
A tower section for a wind turbine tower structure comprises at least two shell segments defining, in an assembled condition, a substantially hollow structure, and including first connecting means for mutually joining two adjacent shell segments along a joint, which comprise a column of concrete arranged overlapping at least part of the joint between adjacent shell segments. A method for building a tower section for a wind turbine tower structure and a wind turbine comprising a nacelle having rotatable blades and a vertical tower made of at least one of such tower sections are further provided. |
| US08511041B2 |
Assembly for the temporary attachment of a vertical masonry guide to the inner leaf of a cavity wall
Assembly for temporarily attaching a vertical masonry guide to an inner leaf of a cavity wall during laying of the bricks of an outer leaf of a cavity wall, comprising an inner leaf attaching part for attaching the assembly to the inner leaf, a masonry guide attaching part for attaching the assembly to the masonry guide, and a connecting part for mutually connecting the inner leaf attaching part and the masonry guide attaching part. |
| US08511037B2 |
Multi-storey insulated concrete form structure having openings and method of construction
An insulated concrete form structure is provided that includes a structure opening through the structure. The structure opening being defined by form edges and opening forms bonded to a concrete core of the structure. A method is provided that includes erecting a set of spaced apart forms on a base, positioning opening forms in the space between the forms around a form opening through the forms, securing the opening forms around the form opening, and pouring concrete to fill the space between the forms, around the opening forms, to a top portion of the forms, thus creating the concrete core of the structure. |
| US08511032B2 |
Building structure having studs vertically movable with respect to a floor structure
A building structure is provided that includes a floor structure and a series of studs extending vertically adjacent the floor structure. A clip is provided. The clip is connected to the floor structure and projects outwardly therefrom and includes a stud retainer for engaging and retaining a flange of a stud. The stud retainer includes a channel through which the flange of the stud extends. The stud retainer is connected to the flange of the stud in such a manner that the stud can move vertically in the channel. |
| US08511030B2 |
Insulated fiber cement siding
Disclosed herein are embodiments of foam backing panels for use with lap siding and configured for mounting on a building. Also disclosed are lap siding assemblies and products of lap sidings. One such embodiment of the foam backing panel comprises a rear face configured to contact the building, a front face configured for attachment to the lap siding, alignment means for aligning the lap siding relative to the building, means for providing a shadow line, opposing vertical side edges, a top face extending between a top edge of the front face and rear face and a bottom face extending between a bottom edge of the front face and rear face. |
| US08511029B2 |
Surface repair patch
This invention is a method and apparatus for repairing a hole in a surface with a perforated repair patch. The repair patch, which is affixed to and substantially cover over the hole, is indented inwards by applying cement compound into its perforations and pushing the repair patch into the hole as the cement compound hardens. A layer of drywall compound is then applied over the indented repair patch to smooth it with the rest of the wall. The perforated repair patch may include an additional layer of mesh sheet material to minimize cracking of the drywall compound. |
| US08511028B2 |
Clip connection
Producing grid tees with a range of service duty, reflected in the use of various gauge sheet stock, that exhibit an effective uniform thickness at their cross tee slots by locally altering a grid tee in the area of its cross tee receiving slot or slots so that the grid tee has a uniform effective thickness at these area(s) that can be standardized across a manufacturer's range of tee load ratings. Preferably, a grid tee is permanently stamped with an indentation or dimple adjacent the cross tee slot and a cross tee connector has a lead edge area arranged to seat against the bottom of the indentation. |
| US08511019B2 |
Hold down system
A building comprises foundation; a first stud wall; a second stud wall; the second stud wall is disposed above the second first stud wall; a tie rod operably attached to the foundation and extending within the first and second stud walls; a first nut connecting the tie rod to the second stud wall; a first spring urging the first nut and the tie rod upwardly; a second nut connecting the tie rod to one of the first stud wall and the second stud wall, the second nut being disposed below the first nut; a second spring urging the second nut and the tie rod upwardly; the first spring is configured to carry a load at least substantially equal to the weight of a portion of a length of the tie rod disposed between the first nut and the second nut; and the second spring is configured to carry a load disposed below the second nut, the portion extending to where the tie rod is attached to the foundation. |
| US08511018B2 |
Vinyl siding outside corner mounting block
The Vinyl Siding Outside Corner Mounting Block, made of molded plastic, nailed approximately two feet apart to the outside verticle corner of a structure with one 8d box nail, makes the application of the vinyl siding outside corners simple, fast and accurate. |
| US08511017B2 |
Interlocking building system
An apparatus constituting the walls and frame of a building with a series of interlocking panels, preferably composed of two sheets of metal, bound together by polyurethane foam injected between them. The panels are secured to the floor via metallic columns found at each juncture between two panels. Electric assemblies and setups, as well as plumbing outlets are preinstalled within the panels, facilitating rapid installation. Windows, doors, and A/C vents are also crafted into the panels at their inception, prior to their transport to the construction site. It is the intent of the present invention to provide an avenue for affordable, durable, and efficient housing that may be constructed quickly with minimal effort in the absence of heavy machinery, and without any advanced tools. |
| US08511012B2 |
Frame construction for a fenestration
A window frame assembly for a window opening in which the assembly comprises a casing facing that covers the casing with a J-channel secured to the casing facing and defining an outwardly facing channel to receive bordering edges of siding material, and a casing molding having one longitudinal edge continuous with the casing facing and a second longitudinal edge outwardly and non-planar with the one longitudinal edge and engaging the J-channel. The casing molding of a color contrasting with either or both of the J-channel and casing facing. |
| US08511010B2 |
Integral catwalk support
A structural support system for a bin structure. The structural support system comprises at least two parallel and spaced apart support columns. Each column has a plurality of inner column sections adjacent to the bin structure and a plurality of outer column sections coupled to the inner column sections. The inner and outer column sections form a closed shape support column configured for transferring vertical loads from an upper area of the bin structure to the foundation. An auxiliary device such as a catwalk or conveyor system may be attached to the top of the support columns. An anchor member may be provided, configured to allow limited movement of the auxiliary structure in relation to the support structure. Associated methods for strengthening the structural support of a bin structure are also provided. |
| US08511001B2 |
Slide top shed
The present invention provides a system or kit which includes plastic components which can be readily assembled to form a structure with the use of a minimal number of tools. The components are precut so that measurements and cutting of the component materials is eliminated. This leads to a savings in wasted materials. The components are readily assembled using conventional fasteners and simple hand tools. The components have preformed notches and tabs in order to facilitate assembly of the components without the requirement for measurements. This assures that the components will be assembled correctly and eliminates the opportunity for inaccurate measurements and incorrect assembly. The enclosure is provided with a sliding roof panel and pivoting doors which permit easy access to the interior of the enclosure. |
| US08510999B2 |
Gutter retaining system
An interlocking gutter system that incorporates a gutter clip and a gutter hanger to affix a gutter to a retaining clip attached to a fascia board of a building, thereby eliminating the need to place holes in the gutter itself to insert screws or nails. The gutter hanger of the present invention is constructed of a single piece which has a hanger portion which is disposed substantially within the gutter and spans the width of the gutter to maintain the shape and structural integrity of the gutter. A vertical portion of the gutter hanger extends vertically from the hanger portion and terminates in a top portion which provides support to a leaf protection device. Alternatively, the gutter hanger is constructed of a hanger portion, and a separate vertical portion which is contiguous with the top portion, and is also slidably attachable to the hanger portion. |
| US08510993B2 |
Backlite assembly for a vehicle
In an aspect, the invention is directed to a backlite assembly for a vehicle such as a pickup truck. The backlite assembly incorporates a motor assembly and a motor driven belt engaged with a guide rail that can be mounted to a structural support that is bonded to the fixed windows of the backlite assembly. A motor driven belt is used to actuate a movable window between closed and open positions. The lower support can also integrate the rail directly therein. The lower support can additionally integrate a housing for the motor assembly. |
| US08510989B2 |
Hinge pin mounted door switch
A door position detecting apparatus comprises a switch including a body having two electrical contacts and a through-channel. The through-channel of the switch receives a hinge pin inserted therethrough and further inserted into a door hinge. Two lever arms extend from the body. Each of the arms is attached to a respective one of the electrical contacts. The arms have a first position relative to each other wherein the contacts are electrically connected to each other, and a second position relative to each other wherein the contacts are electrically disconnected from each other. Biasing means biases the arms against a fixed door jamb and a rotatable door, respectively, such that one of the arms follows movement of the rotatable door from an open position of the door to a closed position of the door. Monitoring means monitors whether the contacts are electrically connected to each other. |
| US08510986B2 |
Hydration maintenace apparatus and method
A material for maintaining hydration in plants, whether potted or in natural soils may include a substrate treated with a binder, securing a layer of hydrating particles thereto. Typical binders may include lignicite, or other naturally occurring materials such as sugars, molasses, corn syrup, gelatin, water, a combination, or the like. Substrates may include natural organic materials or inorganic materials. Various materials can serve as a hydrating, particulate coating. Polyacrylamide has been found to serve well in holding water near plants in a soil. |
| US08510985B2 |
Energy production from algae in photo bioreactors enriched with carbon dioxide
A cyclic system composed of several integrated cyclic processes and a method for production of cement and or quicklime, ammonia, desalinated water and an excess of algae cells. The system comprises of: at least cement/quicklime production plant, at least ammonia production plant, at least one water desalination unit, at least one photo bioreactor. The energy source of the system is sunlight energy. The CO2 produced by the system and other waste products are sequestrated and recycled for additional cycles of system operation. No CO2 is released to the atmosphere. The system produces a huge excess of algae cells that accumulates in arithmetic or geometrical progression. The excess of algae cells can fuel additional energy consuming plants attached to the system or can be used for other various purposes such as food and food additives. |
| US08510982B1 |
Internal light for hand gun
Disclosed is a light assembly for placement inside a handgun, with the battery of the light assembly replacing the recoil spring guide of the handgun. The recoil spring of the handgun fits over the battery of the disclosed lighting assembly. The light provides a primary or alternative light source for the user of a handgun, and may provide white light or infrared light. The light assembly disclosed may be mounted inside a handgun without making permanent modifications to the handgun. |
| US08510977B1 |
Composite magnetic tag
A tripartite composite magnetic tag comprises a thin central ferromagnetic plate sandwiched between two magnetic outer panels, which bear graphic and/or alphanumeric indicia. The composite magnetic tag is attachable by a connective means to various personal items through a composite aperture. The magnetic outer panels are interchangeable with replacement panels bearing different indicia, such that the composite magnetic tag can serve multiple identification and/or decorative purposes. |
| US08510976B2 |
Portable literature display
The present invention is a portable literature display. The preferred embodiment features a collapsible stand and sign, with a literature carousel that mounts upon the stand. The carousel is formed from a plurality of closable clamshell cases mounted upon a plurality of cross-beams and secured together in a ring. Leg flags are also provided to increase visibility. |
| US08510974B2 |
Removable footwear traction plate
A traction plate for a shoe. The traction plate is removably attachable to the outsole of a shoe to provide traction on a surface for a shoe wearer. The plate includes a flange with one or more surface-engaging elements on one face. The plate also includes two or more shoe-coupling elements. The shoe-coupling elements are inserted into corresponding receptacles in a shoe-outsole and then rotated to affix the plate to the shoe. The shoe-coupling elements may be captively attached to the plate flange or attachable to the shoe receptacle with a rotation of no more than one full revolution. |
| US08510969B2 |
Footwear with heating arrangement
A footwear which includes a footwear sole, a footwear vamp, and a heating arrangement, wherein the heating arrangement includes a rechargeable battery, a control circuitry, a heater element, a heater switch, and a recharging inlet, wherein the control circuitry includes a switching circuitry and a status indicator circuitry electrically connected with the switching circuitry, a control outlet, an intelligence control circuitry electrically connected with the switching circuitry, a thermistor, and a power control circuitry electrically connected with the control outlet. The power control circuitry includes a voltage maintenance circuitry, wherein the intelligence control circuitry is electrically connected with the thermistor. The heater element is electrically connected with the control circuitry, and is controlled by the control circuitry to selectively generate heat for maintaining a predetermined temperature at the footwear sole. |
| US08510963B2 |
Contour tracing tool
A tool for tracing a curve from a first plane (such as a wall) onto a second plane perpendicular to the first plane (such as a floor tile) is disclosed. The tool includes a base member having opposite first and second ends with first and second sliders positioned on the base member adjacent the first and second ends, respectively. The sliders are configured to bear against the first plane simultaneously. The tool also includes an arm extending away from the base member with a marking tool positioned at an end of the arm opposite the base member. The marking tool is configured to mark the second plane while the first and second sliders bear against the first plane. The base member is preferably articulated and each of the sliders preferably consist of pairs of coaxially aligned wheels. |
| US08510960B2 |
Trimmer head spool for use in flexible line rotary trimmer heads having improved line loading mechanism
An improved spool construction for carrying a length of cutting line in a trimmer head housing on a flexible line rotary trimmer wherein the spool comprises separately molded upper and lower sections of single piece construction that are pressed together in a snap fitment to define a cylindrical body portion, at least one flange projecting radially therefrom and a line receptor channel having a smooth interior surface that traverses the spool and communicates opposed open outer channel ends in the flange that are radially alignable with opposed line openings in a housing skirt, with an open channel portion in a lower spool surface to provide access to the channel intermediary of the open channel ends with the spool operatively connected to the housing for line loading and replacement without having to interrupt the operative connection between the spool and the housing. |
| US08510959B2 |
Quick-change disc mower knives
A connection apparatus for connecting a knife to a rotary disc cutterhead comprising a mounting stud having a specifically configured head disposed on the rotating cutterhead and a key hole opening on one end of the knife which permits the knife to moved into engagement with the stud and head when the knife is specifically oriented and then retained in place by the stud and head when the knife is moved into a normal operating position. A hand-operated biasing element prevents inadvertent disengagement of the knife from the stud. The key-hole opening and connection stud may also be configured to limit the angular orientation of the knife which will permit disengagement of the knife from the connection apparatus. |
| US08510958B2 |
Cartridge detachment sensor
A safety razor has a handle and a cartridge selectively detachable from the handle. The cartridge has at least one blade with a sharp cutting edge and an expected shaving utility. A connecting structure is coupled to the handle and attaches or detaches the cartridge from the handle in response to a detachment action performed by a user. A detector within the handle has an actuator coupled to the connecting structure and a sensor for generating a signal, wherein the actuator applies an action on the sensor during the action and the sensor generates the signal in response to the action. |
| US08510957B2 |
Applicator with a baffle for a hair removal device
A liquid dispensing hair removal device having a handle and a cartridge mounted to the handle. The cartridge has at least one blade. A dispensing unit is within the handle. The dispensing unit has a reservoir, a pump in liquid communication with the reservoir, and an applicator in liquid communication with the pump. The applicator has at least one outlet port and a baffle with a resilient front flap having a neutral position and a forward position. The resilient front flap is generally parallel to a rear wall of the baffle in the neutral position and generally transverse to the rear wall in the forward position. |
| US08510950B2 |
Method for making a bicycle hub
A method of making a rear hub of a bicycle comprises: swaging a straight pipe into an hour-glass-shaped semi product, extruding the semi-product to form a hub flange, punching a plurality of holes in the hub flange of the semi-product, binding an edge of an end of the semi-product, necking down the edge-bound end of the semi-product, trimming the semi-product, and chamfering the holes of the semi-product to form a chamfer structure on an edge of the respective holes. |
| US08510948B2 |
Methods and systems for forming slots in a semiconductor substrate
A method of fabricating a fluid feed slot in a print head substrate includes making a cut into a first surface of a substrate using a cutting disk having a generally planar surface oriented generally perpendicular to the first surface, and removing material from a second surface of the substrate. Making the cut and removing the material form, in combination, the fluid feed slot in the substrate at least a portion of which passes entirely through the substrate, with a full length of the fluid feed slot extending less than a full length of the substrate, and making the cut into the first surface includes providing a first completed portion of the fluid feed slot with curved surfaces at opposite end walls thereof converging from the first surface toward the second surface. |
| US08510942B2 |
Camshaft lobe and method of making same
An automotive engine component and method of producing the same. The method uses dynamic magnetic compaction to form components, such as camshaft lobes, with non-axisymmetric and related irregular shapes. A die is used that has an interior profile that is substantially similar to the non-axisymmetric exterior of the component to be formed such that first and second materials can be placed into the die prior to compaction. The first material is in powder form and can be placed in the die to make up a first portion of the component being formed, while a second material can be placed in the die to make up a second portion of the component. The second material, which may possess different tribological properties from those of the first material, can be arranged in the die so that upon formation, at least a portion of the component's non-axisymmetric exterior profile is shaped by or includes the second material. |
| US08510940B2 |
Method of fabricating a multi-trace via substrate
A method of fabricating a multi-trace via substrate is disclosed. A substrate at least having a first surface and a hole is provided, wherein the hole has a hole wall. A first conductive layer is formed on the entire surface of the substrate and the hole wall. A photoresist layer applied over the entire surface of the first conductive layer is selectively patterned to define a plurality of laterally separated regions on the first conductive layer. A patterned photoresist layer is used as a mask and a second conductive layer substantially thicker than the first conductive layer is electroplated on the laterally separated regions. The patterned photoresist layer is removed. The portion of the first conductive layer not covered by the second conductive layer is substantially removed to form a plurality of laterally separated traces extended on the first surface and through the hole. |
| US08510938B2 |
Method for assembling camera module
The present invention discloses a method for assembling a camera module. The method includes putting plural conductive bumps on a conductive contact of a substrate such that a large conductive bump is formed, and pressing the substrate and an image chip together such that the conductive contact contacts with a pad formed on the image chip through the large conductive bump to combine the conductive contact and the pad. Since there is no contact between the substrate and the image chip but the large conductive bump, the method decreases the probability for fracture between the substrate and the image chip and improves the quality of the camera module. |
| US08510933B2 |
Method of manufacturing a field pole magnet
Provided is a field pole magnet to be installed in a rotor or a stator of a permanent magnet rotary machine, the field pole magnet including: multiple magnet pieces (31 to 34) formed by breaking and dividing a single permanent magnet; and at least one magnet-piece holding member (40) configured to hold these magnet pieces (31 to 34). |
| US08510931B2 |
Method to reduce servo pattern runout on a prewritten disc
A disc drive disc stack assembly and a method for forming the disc stack assembly to reduce servo pattern runout. The disc stack assembly includes a number of prewritten discs having a servo pattern and a disc alignment mark. The first step is to place a first disc about a spindle motor hub of the disc drive. The second step is to align a disc alignment mark of the first disc in relation to a direction of a biasing force. The third step is to apply the biasing force to the first disc to engage the first disc against the spindle motor hub. The fourth step is to repeat the first three steps for each remaining disc in the disc stack assembly. The final step is to clamp the prewritten discs with a disc clamp to secure the position of each prewritten disc relative to the spindle motor hub. |
| US08510926B2 |
Method for repairing a gas turbine engine component
A method of repairing a stator assembly of a gas turbine engine includes removing a worn surface of the stator assembly to provide a revealed area, and securing additional material to the stator assembly utilizing gas metal arc welding. |
| US08510921B2 |
Display for urn or casket
A cremation urn display has a floor, a top, and a perimeter sidewall. A viewable portion on the top or sidewall includes fasteners upon which a memorial display is surface mounted. The display includes a mounted butterfly fixed in a container having a viewable display panel. No recess need be formed in the top or sidewall to accommodate mounting of the display. The display is removable from the urn, and contains a sealable capsule for retaining a portion of cremated remains. |
| US08510916B2 |
Mini flag clip
A device to connect a fabric headgear to a mini stick flag or to a mini stick banner. Functioning as a clip and a retainer as well, it applies a strong enough hold on any spot at the bottom circular thin edge of a fabric headgear and provides a cavity for a common mini stick flag or for a mini stick banner to stand straight in a nearly vertical position to let the flag or banner float above the head of the bearer. |
| US08510914B2 |
Checker-equipped door hinge device for use in vehicle
A checker-equipped door hinge device for use in a vehicle includes a check force generating mechanism having a central shaft fixed to a female bracket, a cylinder block fixed to a male bracket and having a cylinder portion, a piston slidably fitted into the cylinder portion, a detent roller supported by the piston, a check spring for urging the piston, and a detent groove provided on an outer peripheral face of the central shaft and with which the detent roller is engaged by urging force of the check spring. The male bracket includes male arm portions for sandwiching the cylinder block inside female arm portions, and a male base portion connected to the male arm portions. The male arm portion is fixedly secured to the cylinder block, and opposite end parts of the central shaft extending through the male arm portion are fixedly secured to the female arm portion. |
| US08510913B2 |
Door hinge for a refrigerator
A door hinge unit in a refrigerator which pivots a door on a refrigerator body, and holds the door to maintain an opened state or a maximum opened state at a predetermined position for preventing the door from hitting an external object and a hinge shaft from breaking, and minimizes a friction surface between a male member and a female member of the hinge for making movement of the hinge smooth and preventing the hinge from causing noise. |
| US08510911B2 |
Automatic door closing hinge and double swing door structure
A hinge, for automatically-closing a door which opens in both directions, includes a cylinder (2); an operating rod (3) to be rotatable and restricted from moving in the longitudinal direction; two substantially V-shaped grooves (33) provided on an outer periphery of the operating rod (3) in the cylinder (2) to oppose to each other; two spheres (55) provided engage the substantially V-shaped grooves (33); an upper piston (5) engaged with the spheres (55); a compression coil spring (4) disposed between the upper piston (5) and an upper end portion of the cylinder (2) and configured to urge the upper piston (5) to the other end side of the cylinder (2), and a fluid pressure shock absorbing mechanism configured to absorb a shock caused by the movement of the upper piston 5 to the other end side with a liquid pressure. |
| US08510908B2 |
Surface treating head assembly
A surface treating head assembly for an appliance such as a vacuum cleaner includes a head and a piston assembly operable to apply a force to the head. The piston assembly is connected to the main motor of the vacuum cleaner by a valve. When the valve is opened, suction airflow flows through tubes connecting the motor to the piston assembly. The resulting suction force causes the piston assembly to contract, thereby drawing the cleaner head downwards. Thus, the head is urged towards the floor surface so as to improve the efficiency of a cleaning operation. |
| US08510903B2 |
Vacuum cleaner comprising a first and second lid
The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, comprising a first lid (3), which closes a first compartment (4), and a second lid (5), which closes a second compartment (6). The lids are combined such that the first lid is part of and the first compartment is accommodated inside the second lid. The first and the second lids (3, 5) are separately openable by means of one common actuator (9) of a locking mechanism. |
| US08510900B2 |
Wringer for mops and the like with device for filtering the washing water
A wringer for mops and the like comprising a united structure made of plastic material with two rocking bodies 1 separated by “V”-shaped channeling 2 and which are joined at the bottom by middle fins 3, the rocking bodies 1 having elastic hinge elements 14 and end portions 9 of elastic structure through which the wringer is anchored to the mouth of the mop bucket 10, the end portions 9 having spring elements 15 for recovering the rocking bodies 1. In addition the wringer 4 can have middle indentations 22 for allowing placement of a device for filtering cleaning water, which comprises a tray support 5. This device for filtering cleaning water is placed under the wringer 4. When water passes through the filtering device that is under the wringer 4, reaches the bucket already filtered with fewer dirt particles. |
| US08510899B2 |
Automatic cleaning air idler
A system and method for self cleaning an air idler are provided. An air idler non-contactingly guides printable media using a flow of fluid through a porous surface portion. Rotation of the air idler results in rubbing contact with one or more wipers, during which debris is removed from the porous surface portion. A cleaning solution is used to remove ink and/or paper residue from the porous surface portion. The cleaning solution can wet one or more of the wipers. The cleaning solution can circulate through a reservoir disposed in contact with a portion of the air idler. |
| US08510894B2 |
Surface cleaning system
An improved surface cleaning system comprising a cleaning surface comprised of microfiber material suitable to be used with a roller rotatably attached to a handle. |
| US08510893B2 |
Toothbrush with visual and/or other sensory effects
Toothbrushes comprising components with light transmitting and structural characteristics provide enhanced visual and other sensory effects. The components in combination are generally chemically compatible and function to provide areas of varying visibility of features and optionally varying scent release. |
| US08510890B2 |
Electric toothbrush
An electric toothbrush provided with a function for oscillating a brush body by rotating a weight and a function for applying current inside a user's mouth. The electric toothbrush includes a brush body. A main body includes an attachment shaft, which is formed by a conductive member. The brush body is attached to the attachment shaft. A weight is arranged in the attachment shaft. A motor rotates the weight and oscillates the brush body through the attachment shaft. A power supply is arranged in the main body. A first electrode is connected to the power supply. The first electrode is arranged on the main body in a state exposed from a surface of the main body. A second electrode is connected to the power supply. The second electrode is arranged on the brush body in a state exposed from a surface of the main body. |
| US08510889B2 |
Automated pool cleaning vehicle with middle roller
Disclosed herein is an automated pool cleaning vehicle (PCV) having a middle roller. The PCV having a housing. The housing defines an interior. Located within the interior is a pump and a filter bag. The housing also includes a bottom, which is generally curved in a concave manner. The housing further includes a chassis. The pump creates a vacuum for sucking up dirt and debris into the filter bag through intakes in the housing. The housing including first and second pairs of wheels connected to the chassis. Between the front and second wheels is a middle roller, also connected to the chassis. In a first embodiment, the middle roller includes a single roller, which is approximately the same diameter as the wheels of the first and second pairs of wheels. In other embodiments, the wheels of the middle roller are larger or smaller. In yet another embodiment, the middle roller includes a series of wheels. |
| US08510886B2 |
Process for accelerated wetting of laundry in a drum washing machine
A method for accelerating the wetting of washing in the variable-speed drum of a drum washing machine. A quantity of fresh water is introduced according to the determined quantity of laundry. The drum is driven at intervals and in a reversing manner in successive phases for a first determined length of time at an rpm which is adapted to the washing. The drum is stopped and/or driven at an rpm adapted to the wetting of the washing for a second pre-determined length of time, such that the water is especially effectively distributed over the washing by means of ladling devices located on the drum. The required quantity of washing liquid for the following washing phase is determined once the drum is driven at intervals and in a reversing manner at an rpm adapted to the washing after the second pre-determined length of time has come to an end. |
| US08510880B2 |
Passive mattress spinner
A device is disclosed for facilitating rotation of a mattress in a horizontal plane carried by a box spring or a platform. In order to facilitate rotation, slick surfaces between the mattress and the box spring or platform are selectively placed in contact in order to reduce the normal friction therebetween. The slick surfaces may be provided by two (2) separate covers; one cover for the mattress and one cover for the box spring or platform. A first cover is provided with a slick and non-slick surface. In order to further facilitate rotation, a second cover includes a slick surface on one side and forms part of a levitation device. The other side of the second cover may be formed with a slick or a non-slick surface. A levitation device creates an air cushion between the mattress and the box spring under the influence of an air supply which lifts the mattress and allows the mattress to be rotated in a horizontal plane virtually effortlessly. |
| US08510877B2 |
Toilet device of the pierced chair type including a box designed from a pre-cut planar blank and a collection bag
A toilet device including a box assembled from a flat pre-cut cardboard blank and a urine and feces collection bag includes (i) a box furnishing by way of folding and consolidation, an opening (2) in its panel (1) serving as a seat, a least two double sidewalls produced by a consolidation of angularly spaced panels (12/10a and 12a/10) and a double wall on the level of the bottom produced by the consolidation of the panels (20, 20a) and (ii) a collection bag impervious to gases and liquids, in particular made of plastic, whose upper peripheral part entirely covers the panel (1) which serves as a seat and whose bottom which contains a gelling agent, dips into the said opening (2), the said bag being fixed during use to the said box by the V slots (70, 71) and half-V slots (70a, 71a). |
| US08510871B2 |
Holographic patterned heat management material
Embodiments provide body gear having designed performance characteristics, and in particular methods and apparatuses that utilize an array of holographic heat managing elements coupled to a base material to direct body heat while also maintaining the desired transfer properties of the base material. In some embodiments, the heat managing elements include heat-directing elements that reflect heat or conduct heat, and that may direct heat towards the body of a user or away from the body of the user. |
| US08510867B2 |
Apparatus and method for matching socks
An apparatus for educating children includes a first symbol for application to a first article of clothing and a second symbol for application to a second article of clothing. The first article of clothing is worn by a user at a same time as the second article of clothing and the first article of clothing and the second article of clothing are both part of a clothing set. The second symbol is non-identical to the first symbol and the first symbol corresponds to and matches the second symbol based on a relationship of an educational topic. |
| US08516610B1 |
High-frequency rheology system
Rheology system. The system includes a first piezoelectric actuator assembly for providing microscale displacement of a sample and a second piezoelectric actuator assembly for oscillating the sample at a nano/micro scale displacement in a selected frequency range extended significantly as compared to the frequency range available on the commercial AFMs. A preferred sample is cartilage and the disclosed system can distinguish between normal cartilage and GAG-depleted cartilage. |
| US08516603B2 |
Systems and methods providing a separable digital rights management application
Systems and methods providing content having digital rights management (DRM) applications separable from other authorization applications are provided. A system may include a distribution service provider system in communication with a content provider system and consumer premise equipment (CPE) for the transmission of content from the content provider system to the CPE device. The distribution service provider system may: receive A/V content provided by the content provider system, wherein the A/V content includes a DRM application; apply a conditional access system (CAS) application to the A/V content that is independent of the DRM application; and transmit the A/V content including the CAS and the DRM applications to the CPE for presentation. The CPE device can perform DRM authorizations with the content provider or a third-party DRM provider. |
| US08516602B2 |
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing distributed access rights management using access rights filters
An apparatus may include a processor configured to generate an access rights filter based upon a set of access rights settings. The processor may be further configured to generate an authorization key accepted by the generated access rights filter. The processor may be additionally configured to distribute one or more of the access rights filter and authorization key to an access rights management entity. |
| US08516601B2 |
Online privacy management
A privacy management system (PMS) is disclosed for a Chief Privacy Officer (CPO) or other user to use in monitoring and/or controlling in realtime the flow of data (e.g., outflow) about the user and his/her online experience. The PMS may provide a dashboard displaying a whitelist and/or blacklist indicating what destinations/sources are blocked or allowed. The PMS includes browser-client scripting code and may also include a PMS-certified verification icon for display on webpages being monitored/controlled in realtime by the PMS. |
| US08516600B2 |
Information processing device, information recording medium, information processing method, and computer program
An information processing device, for executing content reproduction processing from an information recording medium, includes a security information processing unit for determining output messages based on security check information in a content reproduction sequence, and outputting a message output command accompanied by selection information of the output message to a user interface processing unit, and a user information processing unit for obtaining message information based on the selection information input from said security information processing unit and outputting to a display unit. |
| US08516597B1 |
Method to calculate a risk score of a folder that has been scanned for confidential information
A method for calculating a risk score of a data object may include obtaining a severity level associated with a data object. The severity level may be calculated based on presence of confidential information in the data object. The data object may be a file or a folder. The severity level may be calculated using a data loss prevention policy. The method may further include obtaining metadata associated with the data object. The metadata may comprise at least one of access permission data for the data object and access usage data for the data object. The method may further include calculating a risk score for the data object based on the severity level and the metadata associated with the data object. |
| US08516596B2 |
Cyber attack analysis
In certain embodiments, analyzing cyber attacks includes receiving cyber attack parameters. A cyber attack parameter describes a performance attribute of a cyber attack scenario. The cyber attack parameters comprises at least one temporal parameter describing a temporal feature of the cyber attack scenario. The following is performed for each cyber defense of one or more cyber defenses to yield one or more sets of cyber attack metrics: simulating the cyber attack operating with a cyber defense; and determining a set of cyber attack metrics describing the cyber attack operating with the cyber defense. The cyber defenses are evaluated in accordance with the sets of cyber attack metrics. |
| US08516594B2 |
Enterprise information security management software for prediction modeling with interactive graphs
Various baseline security measurements of assets are collected and calculated by the system. A user creates a what-if scenario by changing one or more baseline security measurements. The system generates interactive, animated graphs that compare the baseline security measurements against the what-if scenario. |
| US08516591B2 |
Security monitoring
Disclosed are systems, apparatus, methods, and computer readable media for determining a combined trust level for a website. In one embodiment, a user account associated with the creation or maintenance of the website may be analyzed. The analysis of the user account may be capable of identifying the presence or absence of a first risk factor affecting a likelihood that the user account is engaged in a malicious activity. A source code file capable of being used to create a message for sending to a remote computing device may be analyzed. The analysis of the source code file may be capable of identifying the presence or absence of a second risk factor affecting a likelihood that the source code file is facilitating a malicious activity. Based on the analysis, a combined trust level for the website may be determined. |
| US08516588B1 |
String detection system and method of detecting a string
A string detection system preferably includes a buffer for receiving data and parsing that data into strings, and a content addressable memory, connected to the buffer, for receiving the strings and comparing each string with entries in the content addressable memory. This string detection system may be incorporated in an intrusion detection system that monitors a data stream addressed to a host device or network. In an intrusion detection system, the string detection system monitors the data stream for strings which match attack signatures. |
| US08516584B2 |
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. According to the proposed method, hardware and/or software parameters that can characterize known behavioral patterns in the computerized system are determined. Known malicious code samples are learned by a machine learning process, such as decision trees, Naïve Bayes, Bayesian Networks, and artificial neural networks, and the results of the machine learning process are analyzed in respect to these behavioral patterns. Then, known and unknown malicious code samples are identified according to the results of the machine learning process. |
| US08516576B2 |
Network intrusion detection with distributed correlation
A network security system employing multiple levels of processing to identify security threats. Multiple host machines may each contain an agent that detects possibilities of security threats based on raw data sensed locally at that host. The hosts may share information obtained from local analysis and each host may use information generated at one or more other hosts, in combination with information generated locally, to identify a security concern, indicating with greater certainty that a security threat exists. Based on security concerns generated by multiple hosts, a security threat may be indicated and protective action may be taken. |
| US08516573B1 |
Method and apparatus for port scan detection in a network
Method and apparatus for port sweep detection in a network is described. In one example, log data is obtained for a period of time. The log data is associated with a plurality of devices in the network. The log data is processed to identify connection requests from a source key for a port at a number of target internet protocol (IP) addresses. An alarm is generated if the number of target IP addresses associated with the connection requests from the source key exceeds a threshold. |
| US08516569B2 |
Uninterrupted virtual private network (VPN) connection service with dynamic policy enforcement
Techniques for uninterrupted virtual private network (VPN) connection service with dynamic policy enforcement are provided. An existing VPN session between a VPN client and a VPN server detects a change in a VPN network being used for the existing VPN session. New credentials and new policies are received by the VPN client. The new credentials are automatically used to re-authenticate the VPN client to the change during the existing VPN session, and the new policies are dynamically used to enforce the new policies during the existing VPN session on the VPN client. |
| US08516566B2 |
Systems and methods for using external authentication service for Kerberos pre-authentication
Systems and methods for providing Kerberos pre-authentication are presented. According to a method embodiment, a request for authentication is received from a principal of an authentication service. The principal in the authentication service is authenticated. A key associated with the authenticated principal in the authentication service is provided to a Kerberos Key Distribution Center (KDC). |
| US08516557B2 |
User terminal with security function and security-control method
A user terminal apparatus with a security function and a security-control method are provided, which may prevent unauthorized use of the user terminal apparatus without requiring a user to lock up the user terminal apparatus. The user terminal apparatus includes an input sensing unit which senses a user's input to the user terminal apparatus, an information collecting unit which collects information regarding an input state, which is determined based on the user's input, and a transition of the determined state, and a security-control unit which determines whether the user is valid based on the collected information and controls a security function. |
| US08516554B2 |
Dynamic web services system and method
A Dynamic Web Service server may facilitate custom Enterprise Application interface development with little or no developer input by dynamically creating a web service for performing a particular transaction according to a transaction map. An Enterprise Application client device may create a transaction map by “recording” a transaction between an Enterprise Application client and an Enterprise Application server and mapping transaction fields to a custom interface generated to collect data for re-performing the recorded transaction. The Enterprise Application client device may call the dynamic web service, and the Dynamic Web Service server may then perform the recorded transaction using input data collected in the custom interface. |
| US08516552B2 |
Verifiable service policy implementation for intermediate networking devices
A first wireless end-user communication device comprising a user interface and at least one processor configured to: use a forwarding agent on the first wireless end-user communication device to forward traffic between a first wireless access network and one or more other wireless end-user communication devices according to a forwarding policy to implement a forwarding service, the forwarding policy associated with one or more policy settings, the one or more other wireless end-user communication devices communicatively coupled to the first wireless end-user communication device over a wireless local area network or a wireless personal area network; obtain, through the user interface, a modification request to modify an aspect of the forwarding service; modify at least one of the one or more policy settings based at least in part on the modification request; and provide an accounting of a usage associated with the forwarding service. |
| US08516545B2 |
Method and system for session modification
A method and system for session modification are provided. The method includes these steps: A home policy and charging rules function (h-PCRF) sends a policy and charging control (PCC) rule providing message to a policy and charging enforcement function (PCEF) b according to a received PCC rule request message, an application layer service message, or an h-PCRF self-trigger event; and the h-PCRF sends a PCC rule providing message to the PCEF a according to a PCC rule response message received from the PCEF b. With this present disclosure, session modification may be implemented when two or more PCEFs are included in the PCC architecture of a system architecture evolution (SAE) system. |
| US08516538B2 |
Providing security for queries to electronic product code information services
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for protecting data residing in a repository of an electronic product code information service against undesired data disclosure. One or more disclosure policies are defined for an item tagged with an electronic product code. The item has associated data stored in the repository. The disclosure policies describe one or more of: who is permitted to query the repository for information, what type of information is permitted to be obtained from the repository in response to a query, and under what condition the repository can be queried. The disclosure policies are enforced in response to a received query from a party by only disclosing a subset of the data from the repository, the subset being determined in accordance with the defined one or more disclosure policies. A web-based tool for defining disclosure policies is also described. |
| US08516537B2 |
Downstream bandwidth conditioning device
A downstream bandwidth conditioning device includes a forward path. A coupler is connected within the forward path providing a secondary path. A tuner connected to the coupler is tunable based on an input from a microprocessor. The tuner provides a tuner output of a selected channel, the selected channel being at least one high frequency channel and one low frequency channel. A channel analyzer connected to an output of the tuner provides the microprocessor with a modulation output that differs when the selected channel is an analog modulation versus a digital modulation. A slope adjustment circuit connected within the forward path between the coupler and the supplier side connector is adjustable based on an slope control output provided by the microprocessor. An output compensation circuit connected within the forward signal path between the coupler and the supplier side connector is adjustable based on a level control output from the microprocessor. |
| US08516536B2 |
Method and system for internet censorship
A method of censoring Internet content includes: packetizing a web page into one or more data packets (50); inserting into the data packets censorship ratings corresponding to the web page's content; conveying the data packets (50) over the Internet (30) to a receiving end user terminal (10); determining the censorship ratings of the data packets (50); and, acting on the data packets (50) in response to their determined censorship ratings. |
| US08516535B2 |
Method of receiving a broadcasting signal and receiving system for receiving a broadcasting signal
A broadcast signal reception method and a reception system are provided. The reception system includes a first processor, a second processor, and a storage medium. The first processor receives and processes a signaling table, the signaling table comprising first signaling information including access information of Non-Real-Time (NRT) service data and second signaling information including media object association information of the NRT service data. The second processor receives the NRT service data and processes a file including the received NRT service data based on the access information and the media object association information processed by the first processor. The storage medium stores the processed file of the NRT service data. |
| US08516534B2 |
Method and apparatus for model-based recovery of packet loss errors
A media processor having a controller operable to recognize a portion of a video stream in an Interactive TV (iTV) network having video compression artifacts corresponding to a stored model and perform model-based video correction of the portion recognized using synthetically generated images of objects in a captured video scene. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08516532B2 |
IP video delivery using flexible channel bonding
An IP video delivery system and method that allocates a first number of video streams for delivery on a number of channels that, provides a number of bonding groups, where each bonding group bonds at least one of the channels, and allocates a second number of video streams for delivery on the bonding groups. In one aspect, the method delivers the first video streams as unbonded on the channels. The bonding groups utilize bandwidth unused by the first video streams. In one aspect, the method utilizes bandwidth unused by the first or second video streams for high speed data. The method provides instantaneous load balancing to spread the first and second video streams across all available bandwidth in the channels, and delivers those video streams using a variable bit rate with no additional statistical multiplexing rate shaping to fit video streams into the channels. |
| US08516530B2 |
Reducing the network load of event-triggered video
In one embodiment, a method for reducing the network load of an event-triggered video system comprising transmitting a first ‘play’ indication by a controlling process over a data network, to an appropriately configured video encoding process, transmitting first video data by the encoding process in response to receiving the first ‘play’ indication, the first video data being transmitted over the data network through a communication channel established over the data network between the encoding process and a recording process and receiving the first video data by the recording process. |
| US08516526B2 |
Digital television signal, digital television receiver, and method of processing digital television signal
A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs. |
| US08516524B2 |
Dynamic item highlighting system
A method and apparatus for highlighting a program listing in a set of program listings based on selection criteria. The selection criteria may indicate that the a broadcaster has agreed to pay a service provider in return for the service provider ensuring that a program listing, corresponding to the program of the broadcaster, is highlighted in a program page that displays a set of program listings, such as television program listings. If there are multiple program listings, listed in a program page, that are to be highlighted, then details of the respective contracts may be used to determine which program listing to highlight. Such details may include the total contract value, a ratio of contract value-to-page view, and/or the time of contract formation. |
| US08516523B2 |
Method and apparatus for generation of a preferred broadcasted programs list
A second set of broadcasted programs is added to a first set of broadcasted programs. The second set of broadcasted programs includes broadcasted programs viewed by a viewer for a period of time at least equal to a first threshold. A third set of broadcasted programs is removed from the first set of broadcasted programs. The third set of broadcasted programs includes broadcasted programs not viewed by a viewer for a period of time at least equal to a second threshold. In one embodiment, a fourth set of broadcasted programs selected by the viewer is added to the first set of broadcasted programs. In one embodiment, the first threshold and the second threshold are updated upon the viewer indicating dissatisfaction. In one embodiment, the first threshold and the second threshold are updated upon the viewer returning to a schedule list more than a predetermined number of times. In one embodiment, the first threshold is set to be a first percentage of a period of time that a channel was viewed, and the second threshold is set to be a second percentage of the period of time that the channel was viewed. |
| US08516521B2 |
Interactive learning
A method may include providing a live, interactive program or information associated with the live, interactive program on a video display device; and providing a live interactive content icon on the video display device when a current time is before an end time of the live, interactive program, the live interactive content icon indicating that live interactive content is available for the live, interactive program. |
| US08516520B1 |
Television viewer interface system
A television viewer interface system provides a viewer interface that allows the viewer to access different functions of a system. Information is presented in a successive disclosure format where the user navigates through menus by moving the highlight bar to the right to obtain more information or to the left to see less information and return to the previous location. A banner is displayed in the upper region of the screen and the user can rotate through three different levels of banners, each successively containing more information about the program. |
| US08516515B2 |
Impression based television advertising
Television advertisements and associated advertisement parameters are received from advertisers. The television advertisements are automatically selected for airing during an advertisement availability based on the associated advertisement parameters. Data related to the selected television advertisements are provided to a television provider to facilitate airing of the selected television advertisements during the advertisement availability. Reporting data related to television advertisement airings and impressions are received from the television provider. |
| US08516514B2 |
System and method to monitor a person in a residence
Systems and methods to monitor a person in a residence are provided. A particular method includes receiving data from a set-top box (STB) device at a monitoring service. The data includes location information from a location system in a residence that monitors a location of a person in the residence. The data includes usage information regarding usage of a plurality of devices in the residence. The data also includes a time stamp associated with the location information and the usage information. The method includes analyzing the data based on a profile of the person to determine whether one or more alert conditions are satisfied. The method also includes sending a notification when the one or more alert conditions are satisfied. |
| US08516510B2 |
Information processing apparatus and drive control method
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a main body, an optical disc drive provided in the main body, and a drive management module provided in the main body. The optical disc drive is configured to output an eject signal to an outside in response to an operation of an eject button. The drive management module is configured to supply power to the optical disc drive when the eject signal is received from the optical disc drive which is in a power-off state, to determine, after supplying the power to the optical disc drive, whether the optical disc drive is in a ready state or not, and to send to a signal instructing opening of a tray of the optical disc drive when it is determined that the optical disc drive is in the ready state. |
| US08516509B2 |
Methods and computer program products for monitoring system calls using safely removable system function table chaining
Provided are methods and computer program products for monitoring system calls in an operating system using safely removable system function table chaining. Methods may include loading a collector application driver providing one or more dispatch functions corresponding to one or more system functions, each dispatch function operable to call a pre-hook function prior to calling a system function, to call the system function, and to call a post-hook function following the call to the system function. A metadata block in pinned kernel memory contains, for each system function, access descriptors to the system function and the pre- and/or post-hook functions for the system function. The dispatch functions are copied into the pinned kernel memory, and the operating system's access descriptors for the system functions are altered to instead point to the corresponding dispatch functions. |
| US08516507B2 |
Providing alternative content in a windowed environment
Embodiments of the invention relate to an architecture or extension to a window manager. In particular, the extension can provide for a window rotation feature that can be exposed as a rotate button. Additionally or alternatively, the rotation feature can be activated based upon a diverse set of conditions, events, and/or commands. Upon activation of the rotation feature, the window manager can rotate a window about an axis to expose a secondary surface that can be populated with alternative content that is distinct from the content of the primary surface of the window. In addition, the architecture provides techniques for identifying both double-sided graphical objects and potentially double-sided objects. |
| US08516506B2 |
Method and system for restoring an application in a dynamically linked environment
A method and system for executing an application on a device is disclosed. The device comprises a nonvolatile memory having a file system that stores the application. The nonvolatile memory further includes a backup memory space that stores a backup copy of the application. The system further includes a processing module configured to execute the application and an application programmers interface (API) utilized by the processing module to facilitate instructions from the application to the processing module. The processing module is further configured to retrieve the application from the file system, execute the application on the processing module; monitor interactions between the application and the processing module for an API call from the application to the processing module, and retrieve a backup copy of the application from the backup memory space based on the monitoring for the API call. |
| US08516496B2 |
Storing contexts for thread switching
An electronic device comprising decode logic that decodes instructions and a stack coupled to the decode logic. A group of instructions causes the decode logic to push onto the stack, after halting processing of a first thread at a switch point and prior to processing a second thread, a minimum amount of information needed to resume execution of the first thread at the switch point and not information not needed to resume execution of the first thread at the switch point. |
| US08516495B2 |
Domain management and integration in a virtualized computing environment
Systems and methods for domain management in a virtualized computing environment are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises collating advice received from one or more domain advisors connected in the virtualized computing environment; resolving any conflicts among the advice received from said one or more domain advisors; utilizing the collated advice to generate a placement plan comprising a plurality of operations for virtual machines in said virtualized computing environment; and executing the one or more operations in the placement plan, wherein one or more domain handlers may be called to update the virtualized computing environment before, during or after execution of one or more operations from among said plurality of operations in the plan. |
| US08516493B2 |
System and method for massively multi-core computing systems
A system and method for massively multi-core computing are provided. A method for computer management includes determining if there is a need to allocate at least one first resource to a first plane. If there is a need to allocate at least one first resource, the at least one first resource is selected from a resource pool based on a set of rules and allocated to the first plane. If there is not a need to allocate at least one first resource, it is determined if there is a need to de-allocate at least one second resource from a second plane. If there is a need to de-allocate at least one second resource, the at least one second resource is de-allocated. The first plane includes a control plane and/or a data plane and the second plane includes the control plane and/or the data plane. The resources are unchanged if there is not a need to allocate at least one first resource and if there is not a need to de-allocate at least one second resource. |
| US08516492B2 |
Soft partitions and load balancing
A method and system are provided for load balancing and partial task-processor binding. The method may provide for migrating at least one first task partially bound to and executing on at least one first processor. In accordance with the method, if at least one first condition is true, then the at least one first task may be migrated to at least one second processor such that the at least one second processor executes the at least one first task. Moreover, in accordance with the method, if at least one second condition is true, the at least one first task may be migrated back to the at least one first processor such that the at least one first processor executes the at least one first task. |
| US08516491B2 |
Multi-core processor
An algorithm in a multi-core processor having a plurality of cores for deciding processing allocation to each core to distribute the processing load thereof, and an efficient processing allocation algorithm simplified for software engineers are established. In order to achieve the above processing load distribution, the multi-core processor includes a plurality of basic modules divided into minimum configuration units, each having a uniform input/output format interface, so as to perform required processing contents in the overall processor. As an initial allocation, the above plurality of basic modules are allocated in distribution to the above plurality of cores, and subsequently, based on functional information of each core, the above plurality of initially allocated basic modules are relocated either periodically or at appropriate timing. |
| US08516484B2 |
Wake-and-go mechanism for a data processing system
A wake-and-go mechanism is provided for a data processing system. When a thread is waiting for an event, rather than performing a series of get-and-compare sequences, the thread updates a wake-and-go array with a target address associated with the event. The thread then goes to sleep until the event occurs. The wake-and-go array may be a content addressable memory (CAM). When a transaction appears on the symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) fabric that modifies the value at a target address in the CAM, the CAM returns a list of storage addresses at which the target address is stored. The operating system or a background sleeper thread associates these storage addresses with the threads waiting for an even at the target addresses, and may wake the one or more threads waiting for the event. |
| US08516483B2 |
Transparent support for operating system services for a sequestered sequencer
Operating system services are transparently triggered for thread execution resources (“sequencers”) that are sequestered from view of the operating system. A “surrogate” thread that is managed by, and visible to, the operating system is utilized to acquire OS services on behalf of a sequestered sequencer. Multi-shred contention for shred-specific resources may thus be alleviated. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08516482B2 |
Virtual machine assigning method and storage medium thereof, information processing device having virtual machine environment
In a system 1 to which the present invention is applied, a plurality of dispatch times for assigning a virtual machine created in an information processing device are set, the plurality of set dispatch times are sequentially assigned, the virtual machine measures a response time needed for an input/output using an external storage device configuring the information processing device, and an input/output device such as a communication device or the like, and an optimum dispatch time of the virtual machine is identified and applied based on a change of the dispatch time of the measured response time. By applying the optimum dispatch time, the execution efficiency of the virtual machine is prevented from being degraded while high response performance is being maintained. |
| US08516480B1 |
Enabling offline work in a virtual data center
Virtualization snapshots are utilized for efficiently synchronizing virtual machines present on a client system and a server system. A snapshot of a virtual machine (VM) is taken by the client system before making modifications to the VM. The modifications to the VM are stored by the virtualization snapshot separate from the VM itself. The modified portions of the VM are communicated by the client system to the server system. The server system applies the modifications to a locally stored VM that corresponds to the original VM on the client system. The modified VM on the server system matches the modified VM on the client. As a result synchronization between the VMs on client system and the server system is obtained without transferring the entire VM multiple times. The server system performs format conversions between a format of the client system and the server system on the VM. |
| US08516479B2 |
Virtual machine system and method for controlling interrupt thereof
A VMM disables an interrupt interception flag on at least one CPU to execute, upon reception of an interrupt, an interrupt handler code of an OS, and enables the interrupt interception flag on the at least one CPU to execute, upon the reception of the interrupt, an emulator in the VMM. When, to a virtual machine, an I/O device is assigned in a dedicated form, and when the CPU is assigned while the interrupt interception is disabled, a destination of the interrupt from the physical I/O device is set to the corresponding CPU on which the interrupt interception is disabled. When, to the virtual machine, the I/O device is assigned in a shared form, or when the CPU is assigned while the interrupt interception is disabled, the destination of the interrupt from the physical I/O device is set to the corresponding CPU on which the interrupt interception is enabled. |
| US08516478B1 |
Subsequent processing of scanning task utilizing subset of virtual machines predetermined to have scanner process and adjusting amount of subsequest VMs processing based on load
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for processing a task utilizing a virtual machine as a function of an aspect of another virtual machine. In use, a task to be processed is identified. Furthermore, the task is processed utilizing at least one virtual machine located in a device as a function of at least one aspect of at least one other virtual machine located on the device. |
| US08516475B2 |
Image forming apparatus and methods used in the image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus in which applications can be installed is provided, in which the image forming apparatus includes an application information obtaining part for obtaining application information that is used for determining whether an application is installable in the image forming apparatus. |
| US08516473B2 |
Converting a limited program object to a complete program object
A system for distributing and selling program objects. The system has the ability to download a limited functionality program object from one computer system to another, then to allow a user to view and interact but not control that object without first purchasing the object online. Once this purchase is made, an additional program object or code is provided that gives the user control of the initial program object. |
| US08516472B2 |
Information processing apparatus for efficiently informing information associated with update details of software and control method thereof
A plurality of pieces of update information each of which describes modification details from an immediately preceding version for a plurality of updates made for same software are analyzed. Information to be informed and that not to be informed are determined from all the modification details described in the plurality of pieces of update information, and the information to be informed is informed. For example, modification details associated with an issue, which occurred and was fixed in the middle of the plurality of updates, can be determined as the information not to be informed. |
| US08516463B2 |
Mechanism for allocating statement frontier annotations to source code statements
A mechanism for allocating statement frontier annotations to source code statements of a software program is disclosed. A method of embodiments of the invention includes generating statement frontier annotations during translation of source code statements of a software program on a computer system. The method further includes allocating the statement frontier annotations to the source code statements, wherein a statement frontier annotation indicates a frontier of a source code statement to which the statement frontier annotation is allocated. |
| US08516461B2 |
Method to dynamically distribute a multi-dimensional work set across a multi-core system
A method provides efficient dispatch/completion of an N Dimensional (ND) Range command in a data processing system (DPS). The method comprises: a compiler generating one or more commands from received program instructions; ND Range work processing (WP) logic determining when a command generated by the compiler will be implemented over an ND configuration of operands, where N is greater than one (1); automatically decomposing the ND configuration of operands into a one (1) dimension (1D) work element comprising P sequentially ordered work items that each represent one of the operands; placing the 1D work element within a command queue of the DPS; enabling sequential dispatching of 1D work items in ordered sequence from to one or more processing units; and generating an ND Range output by mapping the 1D work output result to an ND position corresponding to an original location of the operand represented by the 1D work item. |
| US08516458B2 |
System representation and handling techniques
A computer-programming tool for generating an implementation of a first data structure, the first data structure representing at least a portion of a computer-programming language. The implementation includes a second data structure and implementation rules which define the syntax rules of the first data structure to be enforced in relation to nodes of the second data structure during a subsequent processing operation which utilizes the implementation in order to establish compliance with the syntax rules represented by the first data structure. Links between nodes of the first data structure are representative of paths of inheritance of substitutability but not implementation and interface between those nodes. |
| US08516457B2 |
Method, system and program storage device that provide for automatic programming language grammar partitioning
Disclosed are embodiments a computer-implemented method, a system and an associated program storage device that provide for automatic programming language grammar partitioning to solve the “code too large” problem. The embodiments partition a particular programming language grammar into logical subsets based on a set of partitioning heuristics and using a dependency graph that is preprocessed so as to be devoid of any cyclically connected grammar rule nodes. For each logical subset, textual code for a corresponding portion of a parsing program can be generated and then converted into machine-readable code for that corresponding portion of the parsing program. Thus, small amounts of textual code for portions of a parsing program are discretely converted into machine-readable code, thereby avoiding the “code too large” problem. The machine-readable code for all portions of the parsing program can then be merged and the parsing program can be executed in order to parse a corpus. |
| US08516454B2 |
Efficient parallel computation of dependency problems
A computing method includes accepting a definition of a computing task (68), which includes multiple atomic Processing Elements (PEs—76) having execution dependencies (80). Each execution dependency specifies that a respective first PE is to be executed before a respective second PE. The computing task is compiled for concurrent execution on a multiprocessor device (32), which includes multiple processors (44) that are capable of executing a first number of the PEs simultaneously, by arranging the PEs, without violating the execution dependencies, in an invocation data structure (90) including a second number of execution sequences (98) that is greater than one but does not exceed the first number. The multiprocessor device is invoked to run software code that executes the execution sequences in parallel responsively to the invocation data structure, so as to produce a result of the computing task. |
| US08516453B2 |
Partition-based static analysis of computer software applications
Partition-based static analysis of computer software applications may include inspecting each of a plurality of modules of a computer software application to identify at least one dependency of the inspected module on at least one other module of the computer software application, for each of the inspected modules, determining any transitive dependencies of the inspected module from the dependencies identified for the inspected module, performing a first static analysis on one of the inspected modules and its transitive dependencies, and performing a second static analysis on another of the inspected modules and its transitive dependencies, where the first and second analyses may be performed independently from each other. |
| US08516452B2 |
Feedback-directed call graph expansion
A technique for feedback-directed call graph expansion includes performing symbolic analysis on an interprocedural control flow graph representation of software code, skipping over a virtual method call in the control flow graph, using information obtained from the symbolic analysis as feedback to identify a target of the virtual method call, and iterating the symbolic analysis on a modified version of the control flow graph that associates the target with the virtual method. |
| US08516450B2 |
Detecting real-time invalid memory references
A method, system, and computer program product for identifying invalid memory references. In one embodiment, invalid memory references are identified as they occur. In another embodiment, the invalid memory references are identified within a customized operating system that runs within an application. |
| US08516441B2 |
Software optimization device and software optimization method
A software optimization device includes performance data storage unit to store data indicating performance of each system call, corresponding to a plurality of system calls, system call extraction unit to extract a system call described in a program source and similar-system-call detection unit to detect, from among the system calls the data indicating the performance of which is stored in the performance data storage unit, a system call having a function similar to that of the system call extracted by the system call extraction unit and having a performance better than that of the extracted system call. |
| US08516440B1 |
Systems and methods for using a timeline to develop objects and actions in media content
Certain embodiments provide an intuitive interactive media content development environment that simplifies the creation of actions. For example, it may allow users to easily specify that a shape will move when the media content is first executed or that a web page will be opened when a button is clicked within the media. Certain embodiments provide a timeline interface showing the sequence and duration of one or more such actions. For example, a timeline component may allow a user to change the delay or duration associated with an action by manipulating the timeline. A timeline may comprise one or more visual components representing actions and action attributes and allow a user to adjust action attributes by manipulating the visual components. |
| US08516439B2 |
Visualizing object relationships
Methods, apparatuses, and articles for enabling, by a computing device, provision of a visual manifestation of an object of interest and of one or more other objects related to the object of interest to a user of the computing device, are described herein. In various embodiments, the one or more other objects may be arranged in a manner conveying a degree of relationship, the visual manifestation further including a first indication of at least one exceptional relationship between any two objects or a second indication of a security status of one of the objects. Further, the computing device may facilitate the user in interacting with the visual manifestation, including altering or expanding the visual manifestation in response to a user interaction. |
| US08516438B2 |
Method and apparatus for user-defined managed objects
An apparatus creates a user-defined .NET class within an operational control environment of distributed computing systems. The apparatus includes a define module that allows a user to create a new class and define properties for the new class in a specification. After the user creates the new class, the define module creates a .NET class based on the specification. In addition, a method for creating a user-defined .NET class within an operational control environment of distributed computing systems includes receiving a user-defined class; receiving user-defined properties for the user-defined class; and creating a .NET class based on the user-defined class and properties. |
| US08516434B2 |
Methods for marking, merging, and managing the results of software program analysis
Methods are provided for marking and merging individual report elements, patterns, or defects resulting from analysis based on common characteristics within a report or across reports resulting from different analysis runs. Methods are also provided for migrating a set of report elements, patterns, or defects resulting from one version of an analysis tool to one consistent with a new version of the analysis tool while preserving as much information as possible from the older set. |
| US08516433B1 |
Method and system for mapping memory when selecting an electronic product
An improved approach is described for analyzing and estimating products having arrays of uncommitted logic, and matching these products to electronic designs. The approach can be applied to any type of product that include arrays of uncommitted logic, such as gate arrays and field programmable gate arrays. An approach is described for performing memory mapping in the context of selecting an electronic product having an array of uncommitted logic. |
| US08516432B2 |
Method and device for reconstructing scan chain based on bidirectional preference selection in physical design
Reconstruction methods and devices are disclosed for scan chains in physical design that is based on two-way priority selection. The structural reconstruction method in the scan chains, in the first place, establishes a first preference sequence for a certain number of scanning elements in each of these scan chains as well as a secondary preference sequence for these scan chains in each of these scanning elements respectively. Then, two-way selection is executed between the scan chains and scanning elements based on the corresponding first preference sequence and secondary preference sequence, so that these scanning elements can be redistributed to these scan chains. The structural reconstruction method and device in the invention conduct an integrated optimization for a global scan chain, where the global wiring length is shortened dramatically and the wiring efficiency is improved. |
| US08516430B2 |
Test apparatus and circuit apparatus
There is provided a test apparatus for testing a device under test, including a plurality of operational units that operate in response to control data supplied thereto to test the device under test, a control section that generates packet data containing the control data and unit selection data indicating which one or more of the plurality of operational units are to be selected, and a plurality of data transfer units that are cascade-connected to each other so that the packet data is transferred from each of the plurality of data transfer units to a data transfer unit of a following stage, where each of the plurality of data transfer units corresponds to one or more of the plurality of operational units. Here, when each of the plurality of data transfer units receives the packet data whose unit selection data indicates that one or more of the operational units corresponding thereto are to be selected, the data transfer unit inputs the control data contained in the packet data into the selected operational units or reads data from the selected operational units. |
| US08516428B2 |
Methods, systems, and media to improve manufacturability of semiconductor devices
Methods, systems, and media to improve the manufacturability of cells and structures within cells of an integrated circuit are disclosed. Embodiments comprise a method of arranging programmable cells, routing the programmable cells, analyzing the cell arrangement and interconnect wiring for manufacturing improvement opportunities, and modifying the programmable cell structures to incorporate the manufacturing improvements. In some embodiments, wires are spread to prevent shorting. In other embodiments, the reliability of contacts and vias is improved by adding additional metallization to the areas surrounding the contacts and vias, or by adding redundant contacts and vias. In one embodiment, a series of manufacturing improvements are made to integrated circuit cells in an iterative fashion. |
| US08516424B2 |
Timing signoff system and method that takes static and dynamic voltage drop into account
A system for, and method of, performing static timing analysis. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a CVS tool configured to determine a cell-based voltage supply corresponding to each of a plurality of cells in an integrated circuit design and (2) an STA tool configured to derate the each of the cells based on the corresponding cell-based voltage supply. |
| US08516420B1 |
Sensitivity and static timing analysis for integrated circuit designs using a multi-CCC current source model
In one embodiment of the invention, a multi-CCC current source model is disclosed to perform statistical timing analysis of an integrated circuit design. The multi-CCC current source model includes a voltage waveform transfer function, a voltage dependent current source, and an output capacitor. The voltage waveform transfer function receives an input voltage waveform and transforms it into an intermediate voltage waveform. The voltage dependent current source generates an output current in response to the intermediate voltage waveform. The output capacitor is coupled in parallel to the voltage dependent current source to generate an output voltage waveform for computation of a timing delay. |
| US08516419B2 |
Verification device of semiconductor integrated circuit, verification method of semiconductor integrated circuit, and computer readable medium storing verification program of semiconductor integrated circuit
According to one embodiment, a verification device of semiconductor integrated circuit includes an assertion based verification unit, a logic generating unit, a signal restriction generating unit, and an estimation unit. The assertion based verification unit performs assertion based verification of the circuit description based on the assertion description, and generates pass information when the operation of the signal described in the assertion description conforming to a preliminary condition is observed in the circuit description, or generates failure information when the operation of the signal is not observed in the circuit description. The logic generating unit extracts a signal corresponding to the failure information from the assertion description, and generates an input/output logic of the circuit description from the extracted signal. The signal restriction generating unit generates a signal restriction based on the input/output logic. The estimating unit evaluates the validity of the signal restriction. |
| US08516418B2 |
Application of a relational database in integrated circuit design
A relational database may be integrated into an integrated circuit design and analysis environment as the persistent data store for data associated with the design. This design data may include two or more abstractions of the design, such as layout data models and timing data models, in some embodiments. Design data may be partitioned in the database and indexed according to various attributes. The use of a relational database may facilitate cross-probing of design data corresponding to different abstractions of the design. The relational database may be queried to produce design reports and to identify design errors or weaknesses. Reports may be graphical or tabular, and may be displayed, printed, stored, or posted for viewing. Proposed modifications to a design may be investigated by modifying data in the relational database, rather than in the actual design. Design reports may be re-generated and compared with corresponding reports for the un-modified design. |
| US08516416B1 |
Integrated data model based framework for driving design convergence from architecture optimization to physical design closure
Systems and methods are disclosed to automatically synthesize a custom integrated circuit by encoding architecture level knowledge in a data model to generate and pass new constraints for physical synthesis of a chip specification uniquely customized to computer readable code. The system receives a look-ahead cost function during architecture optimization consistent with cost observed later in the flow after detailed physical synthesis is performed. The look-ahead cost function is generated from a prior iteration and supplied to a subsequent iteration through the data model. |
| US08516410B2 |
Method of migrating electronic devices operating in current mode to a target technology
A novel and useful method of migrating an analog or mixed signal electronic circuit from a source technology to a target technology. Devices operating in current mode and their respective voltage tuning nodes are first identified in the source technology electronic circuit. Since a device operating in current mode is less sensitive to the voltage applied to its voltage tuning node, the voltage at the voltage tuning node can be changed to achieve better current mode device performance without interfering with the biasing conditions of other devices in the circuit. This enables a circuit designer to fully exploit the two available degrees of freedom (typically width and length) when migrating the electronic device operating in current mode from a source technology to a target technology. |
| US08516409B2 |
Implementing vertical die stacking to distribute logical function over multiple dies in through-silicon-via stacked semiconductor device
A method and circuit for implementing die stacking to distribute a logical function over multiple dies, die identification and sparing in through-silicon-via stacked semiconductor devices, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. Each die in the die stack includes predefined functional logic for implementing a respective predefined function. The respective predefined function is executed in each respective die and a respective functional result is provided to an adjacent die in the die stack. Each die in the die stack includes logic for providing die identification. An operational die signature is formed by combining a plurality of selected signals on each die. A die signature is coupled to a next level adjacent die using TSV interconnections where it is combined with that die signature. |
| US08516407B1 |
Methods for quantitatively evaluating the quality of double patterning technology-compliant layouts
A method for fabricating an integrated circuit is disclosed that includes, in accordance with an embodiment, providing a double patterning technology-compliant logical design for the integrated circuit, the logical design including a plurality of elements; scoring the design of one or more of the plurality of elements to produce a design score; modifying the design based at least in part on the design score; generating a mask set implementing the modified logical design; and employing the mask set to implement the logical design in and on a semiconductor substrate. |
| US08516406B1 |
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for smart pattern capturing and layout fixing
Various embodiments are directed at methods and systems for implementing automatic fixing of a layout, implementing fuzzy pattern replacement, and implementing pattern capturing in a layout of an electronic circuit design. Various processes or modules comprise the act or module of identifying a first pattern from within an electronic circuit layout. The processes or modules also comprise identifying a fixing process or a replacement pattern for the first pattern and the act of performing pattern replacement or pattern fixing on the first pattern. The processes or modules may further comprise the act or module of searching the layout for patterns that match the first pattern, and the act or module of performing pattern replacement of pattern fixing on the patterns that match the first pattern. Some embodiments are also directed at articles of manufacture embodying a sequence of instructions for implementing the processes described here. |
| US08516405B2 |
System and method for lithography simulation
In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a technique of, and system for simulating, verifying, inspecting, characterizing, determining and/or evaluating the lithographic designs, techniques and/or systems, and/or individual functions performed thereby or components used therein. In one embodiment, the present invention is a system and method that accelerates lithography simulation, inspection, characterization and/or evaluation of the optical characteristics and/or properties, as well as the effects and/or interactions of lithographic systems and processing techniques. |
| US08516404B1 |
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for implementing constraint checking windows for an electronic design for multiple-patterning lithography processes
Disclosed are method(s), system(s), and article(s) of manufacture for implementing a layout of an electronic circuit using one or more constraint checking windows. The method identifies some constraints on multiple-patterning lithography and multiple constraint checking windows for the layout. The method determines one or more metrics for a constraint checking window or for a layout and assigns one or more shapes in the one or more constraint checking windows to their respective mask designs based on the one or more metrics. The method traverses through the one or more constraint checking windows until all shapes in the layout are assigned to their respective mask designs. The method may also determine a processing order for the one or more constraint checking windows based on the distribution of a type of shapes in the layout. |
| US08516403B2 |
Multiple patterning layout decomposition for ease of conflict removal
A mechanism is provided for multiple patterning lithography with conflict removal aware coloring. The mechanism makes multiple patterning coloring aware of the conflict removal overhead. The coloring solution explicitly considers ease of conflict removal as one of the coloring objectives. The mechanism pre-computes how much shapes can move in each direction. The mechanism generates a conflict graph where nodes represent shapes in the layout and edges represent conflicts between shapes. The mechanism assigns weights to edges based on available spatial slack between conflicting features. The mechanism then uses the weights to guide multiple patterning coloring. The mechanism prioritizes conflicting features with higher weights to be assigned different colors. |
| US08516401B2 |
Mask model calibration technologies involving etch effect and exposure effect
Methods for jointly calibrating etch and exposure mask process models from etch only data are described. Initially, an etch model and an exposure model may be identified. Subsequently, a combined etch/exposure model may be generated based upon the etch model and the exposure model. Following which, a global optimization process may be performed to calibrate the combined etch/exposure model based upon measured data representing the etch and the exposure effects. With some implementations, the global optimization process is based in part upon a cost function representing the norm of the difference between the simulated mask contours and the measured mask contours. Furthermore, in some implementations, the optimization variable set is the union of the parameter sets corresponding to the etch model and the exposure model individually. Further still, with various implementations, the optimization of based upon the etch parameter set is “nested” inside an optimization of the exposure parameter set, or, vice versa. |
| US08516399B2 |
Collaborative environment for physical verification of microdevice designs
A collaborative environment for performing physical verification processes on integrated circuit designs. Multiple physical verification results may be stored in a “unified” results database/directory (e.g., unified at least from a user's perspective), where results from various verification processes, such as Design-Rule-Check (DRC) processes, Layout-Versus-Schematic comparison (LVS) processes, Design-For-Manufacturing (DFM) processes Optical Proximity Correction (OPC) processes, and Optical Rule Check (ORC) processes are accessible from the same style of user interface, which may be a graphical user interface. The basic abilities for design team-based interactions can be equally available to each process involved in the physical verification of an integrated circuit design. |
| US08516397B2 |
Proximity interface apparatuses, systems, and methods
In certain exemplary embodiments, data representative of a proximity heuristic specifying a plurality of levels of an object detection zone associated with a display screen is maintained, an object is detected within the object detection zone, one of the levels is selected based on at least one attribute of the object, and an action associated with the selected level is performed. In certain examples, the action includes modifying a graphical user interface view displayed on the display screen. |
| US08516396B2 |
Object organization based on user interactions within a virtual environment
Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for arranging virtual objects within an immersive virtual environment. In one embodiment, avatar characteristics, viewport/display characteristics, and object/location characteristics may be analyzed to determine a degree of visibility of various locations within a virtual space to a user. Further, past user interactions within the immersive virtual environment may be analyzed to determine which portions of the user's viewport, when including virtual objects that are offered for sale, are most likely to result in a sale to the user. A set of virtual objects may then be assigned to locations within the virtual space based on the determined visibility to the user, past purchases by the user, and characteristics of the virtual objects. |
| US08516394B2 |
Apparatus and method for adjusting characteristics of a multimedia item
An apparatus and a method for adjusting a characteristic of a multimedia item are provided. The apparatus and method includes an auxiliary execution region and an execution region for adjusting a sound resource of a multimedia item, outputs a sound resource adjustment list on the auxiliary execution region according to the selection of a function of sound resource adjustment selected on the execution region, and outputs indexes capable of controlling a value of a corresponding sound resource adjustment if a specific sound resource adjustment item is selected. In this respect, the apparatus and method easily processes the sound resource adjustment based on the execution region and auxiliary execution region. |
| US08516392B2 |
Interactive generic configurator program
Method and System for creating item configurators intended to run under the control of computerized devices possessing GUI. This method comprises creating a plurality of graphic layer files and graphic layer thumbnail files comprising various layers of the item desired for configuration. Generally at least some of this plurality of graphic layer files will contain some transparent pixels. The method also involves creating at least one main description file, which may be in XML format, which describes the relationships between this plurality of graphic layer files. An interactive generic configurator program (IGCP) that is capable of reading and parsing this main description file, and displaying icons on the GUI that are representative of various user configurator selections will then be used to implement the configurator, often within a web browser over the internet. The method allows users unskilled in computer programming, such as graphic artists, to create sophisticated configurator systems. |
| US08516391B2 |
Controlled interaction with heterogeneous data
A two-dimensional canvas onto which heterogenic objects of various types may be arranged side-by-side. Each type of object has an associated set of control(s), the control(s) at least partially differing from one type to the next. The two-dimensional canvas is fixed in one dimension, but extensible in a second dimension. The canvas may be displayed in miniaturized for with a view box superimposed upon the canvas. As the view box is moved over the miniaturized canvas, the enlarged editable portion of the corresponding canvas is displayed in an edit view. The canvas may also display clusters of objects that are arranged in dashboards. In that case, the display might include a dashboard review area that allows a user to select the appropriate dashboard to display. |
| US08516389B2 |
Re-using a display element associated with a first cell for a second cell
An application is executed which provides a grid display and which includes: a spreadsheet generator for generating a screen comprising a group of display elements; a scroll controller for accepting a scroll operation of a screen displayed on a display device and for controlling the scrolling of the screen. If a cell is excluded from and a cell is newly included in a visible region displayed on the display device as a result of a scrolling operation, the scroll controller causes the cell included in the visible region to be displayed on the display device by modifying a content of an attribute, including location information, of a display element used to display the cell excluded from the visible region to a content for displaying the cell included in the visible region. |
| US08516388B2 |
Method of displaying browser and terminal implementing the same
A method of displaying a browser including a text field and a terminal for implementing the same are discussed. According to an embodiment, the method includes displaying a browser including at least one or more text fields, selecting a specific text field from the at least one or more text fields, and enlarging the selected text field. If a terminal user selects a specific text field, the selected text field is enlarged or a text field input window is generated. Accordingly, the present invention facilitates the terminal user to input prescribed information to the selected text field. |
| US08516385B1 |
Linking objects across states as shared objects
A method comprising associating a user interface object and a user interface state of a user interface, the user interface state being at least partially defined by respective configurations of a collection of user interface objects included within the user interface in the state. The method further includes receiving a link instruction identifying an association between the user interface object and a further user interface state. Additionally, the method includes processing the link instruction to associate the user interface object with the further user interface state. The method also includes displaying, a visual representation of the association between the user interface object and the further user interface state. |
| US08516380B2 |
Conversation abstractions based on trust levels in a virtual world
Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for abstracting conversations between avatars within a virtual world. In one embodiment, the user of an avatar observing a conversation between other avatars may be presented with an abstracted version of the conversation. The abstraction may be performed so as to enable the user to determine the general topic or nature of the conversation, without receiving sensitive or detailed information included in the conversation. In one embodiment, the abstraction is performed by substituting words of the conversation with fewer words, or words having a more general meaning. The degree of abstraction performed may be based on a level of trust between the observer and the users engaged in conversation. |
| US08516379B2 |
Methods and systems for soliciting an answer to a question
A question-and-answer application with an “ask-to-answer” feature is described. The ask-to-answer feature enables any user to solicit an answer to a question from another user. Upon soliciting another user for an answer to a particular question, a message with a call to action is directed to the solicited user. The message may include a copy of the text of the question and may provide a mechanism (e.g., a selectable user interface element) enabling the solicited user to pass on answering the question. Subsequent to the solicitation, the question page for the question will include a notification with information about the solicitation, including in some instances information identifying the user who has been asked to answer the question and the number of times the user has been asked to provide an answer to the question. |
| US08516377B2 |
Indicating Website reputations during Website manipulation of user information
An aspect of the present invention relates to methods and systems involving receiving an indicator of an attempted interaction of a client computing facility with an item of content associated with a website and presenting an indicator of reputation to a client computing facility attempting to interact with the web content. The indicator of reputation may be based at least in part upon whether an entity associated with the web content seeks to manipulate a user in order to obtain information from the user. |
| US08516372B2 |
Multimedia system for selecting and activating functions
A multimedia system may include a controller and display that displays status information, menu information, and other information. The information may include multiple status icons representing different status information. Each status icon may provide details regarding a setting or condition of the multimedia system, and may be associated with a system function. A user interface is used to select a status information icon by scrolling through the icons and highlighting the icons sequentially. The system allows a user to select and activate functions quickly by scrolling through status information and activating the functions associated with that information. Menu information or a menu structure may be used to access the functions of the multimedia system. |
| US08516371B2 |
Guidance information providing device and guidance information providing system
An MFP sequentially displays a plurality of operation screens on a display panel by switching, and receives a user operation on each operation screen. The user operation is performed for the switching or execution of a function, and the operation screens include screens customized by a user. A guidance information providing device includes: an information storage part storing switching information pieces in correspondence with the customized screens; a route generator that generates route information with reference to the stored switching information pieces, the generated route information indicating a display order of customized screens to be sequentially displayed between a current customized screen and a desired customized screen; a controller that selects, from among the stored switching information pieces, a switching information piece indicating switching from the current customized screen to a next customized screen to be displayed according to the display order indicated by the generated route information; a guidance generator that generates guidance information indicating an operation method for the user to switch the current customized screen to the next customized screen; and a communicator that outputs the generated guidance information. |
| US08516369B2 |
Method for providing GUI using pointer with sensuous effect that pointer is moved by gravity and electronic apparatus thereof
A method for providing a GUI which uses a pointer with a sensuous effect showing that the pointer is moved by gravity is provided. The GUI providing method moves a pointer toward a specific position of a GUI-component if the pointer enters the GUI-component, and outputs at least one of an auditory effect and a tactile effect while the pointer moves toward the specific position. Accordingly, the user moves the pointer to the GUI-component more easily and enjoys entertainment. |
| US08516368B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
An apparatus and method provide logic for processing information. In one implementation, an apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive an instruction from a user to access portions of content associated with pages of an electronic document. The apparatus also includes a control unit configured to identify a page of the electronic document currently displayed to the user. The control unit is further configured to generate, in response to the instruction, sequential images corresponding to a transition between the identified page and a successive page, based on at least a position of the identified page within the electronic document. |
| US08516366B2 |
Extensible content service for attributing user-generated content to authored content providers
A method and system allows a user to add content to a displayable content container (e.g., web page) that specifies at least one modifiable portion, where the modifiable portion is served by a server operated by one entity, but provided to the server by a service operated by another entity. The modifiable portion is attributable to the one entity and remaining content in the displayable content container is not editable by the users. Other features, such as user authentication mechanisms, are also described herein. |
| US08516361B2 |
Offloading filling of template parameters to client from server
One or more servers are communicatively connected to a client. An application program and a dummy template engine run on the servers. The dummy template engine substitutes an original template engine that can run on the servers. The original template engine is normally used by the application program to fill parameters of a template at the servers. The dummy template engine has the same interface as the original template has, such that the application program accesses the dummy template engine no differently than it accesses the original template engine. The dummy template engine is thus accessed by the application program in lieu of the original template engine. The dummy template engine causes the parameters of the template to be filled at the client instead of at the servers, such that template parameter filling is offloaded to the client. |
| US08516359B2 |
Specifying a web address in order to provide dummy data to be temporarily inserted in a document and later replacing the dummy data
A document creation system including a document creation apparatus and an image processing apparatus, the document creation apparatus including a requesting portion which requests the image processing apparatus to provide dummy data to be temporarily inserted into the document, and the image processing apparatus including an address analyzer; a dummy data generator which generates dummy data; a transmitter which transmits to the document creation apparatus, the generated dummy data; a job administrator which generates and stores a reserved job about the request; a target data generator which generates target data to be inserted into the document; and a replacing portion which publishes at the specified Web address the target data generated by the target data generator, by replacing the dummy data exiting at the specified Web address with it. |
| US08516354B2 |
Method for reducing uncorrectable errors of a memory device regarding error correction code, and associated memory device and controller thereof
A method for reducing uncorrectable errors of a memory device regarding Error Correction Code (ECC) includes: performing majority vote according to data read at different times at a same address in order to generate majority vote data corresponding to the address; and checking whether the majority vote data has any uncorrectable error in order to determine whether to output the majority vote data as data of the address. An associated memory device and the controller thereof are further provided. |
| US08516350B2 |
Data encoding method and apparatus for flash-type signaling
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to preamble configuration in wireless communication systems (e.g., UHDR-DO type systems). Disclosed embodiments disclose receiving a plurality of information bits, generating a plurality of preamble codewords based on a determined a set of monitored MAC_IDs, correlating the information bits with each of the plurality of preamble codewords, determining if a maximum correlation value exceeds a threshold, and transmitting at least one of the preamble codewords if the threshold is exceeded. |
| US08516345B2 |
Method for receiving data streams and corresponding method for transmission
The present invention relates to the domain of reception and transmission of data streams, for example audio and video. More specifically, the invention relates to the optional use of an error correction stream associated with a data stream. |
| US08516343B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for retiring storage regions
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for retiring storage regions. A determination module (a) determines that data stored in an Error Correcting Code (“ECC”) chunk contains ECC correctable errors, and (b) determines a bit error count for the ECC chunk. The ECC chunk is read from non-volatile solid-state storage media. A threshold module determines if the bit error count satisfies an ECC chunk error threshold. A storage region error module determines if a storage region that contains at least a portion of the ECC chunk satisfies region retirement criteria. The storage region may include a first portion on a first solid-state storage die and a second portion on a second solid-state storage die. A retirement module retires the storage region, including the first portion and the second portion in parallel, in response to the storage region containing at least a portion of the ECC chunk and satisfying the region retirement criteria. |
| US08516341B2 |
Method, apparatus, and storage medium for processing write defect in data storage apparatus
A method is provided for correcting a write defect in a data storage apparatus comprising a storage medium. The method comprises reading information from a track of the storage medium in which a write defect occurs, calculating a number of error-corrected error correction code symbols in sectors of the track based on the read information, determining a number of sectors on which write defect correction is to be performed by comparing the calculated number of error-corrected error correction code symbols with a threshold, and performing a rewrite operation on the track, beginning at a starting sector determined by the number of sectors on which write defect correction is to be performed. |
| US08516339B1 |
Method of and circuit for correcting adjacent bit errors in a memory
A method of correcting adjacent bit errors in a memory is disclosed. The method comprises determining that there are errors in each set of two non-overlapping sets of the memory; changing a stored value of a memory cell of the memory until it is determined that a single error exists in the memory; identifying a location of the single error in the memory; and correcting the single error in the memory. A circuit for detecting adjacent bit errors in a memory having alternating even memory cells and odd memory cells is also disclosed. |
| US08516338B2 |
Error correcting code protected quasi-static bit communication on a high-speed bus
A communication interface device, system, method, and design structure for error correcting code (ECC) protected quasi-static bit communication (SBC) on a high-speed bus are provided. The communication interface device includes high-speed sampling logic to capture high-speed data from the high-speed bus using a high-speed sampling clock and SBC sampling logic to capture SBC samples from the high-speed bus using an SBC sampling clock. The SBC sampling clock is slower than the high-speed sampling clock. The communication interface device also includes an SBC finite state machine (FSM) to detect a received SBC command in response to a static pattern persisting for a predetermined number of the SBC samples and command decoding logic to decode the received SBC command. |
| US08516335B2 |
Data processing apparatus and data processing method
The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus and a data processing method which can improve the tolerance to errors of code bits of an LDPC code such as burst errors or erasure.Where one symbol is formed from two or more code bits of an LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) code, a column twist interleaver 24 carries out a re-arrangement process of re-arranging the code bits of the LDPC code such that a plurality of code bits corresponding to the value 1 included in one arbitrary row of a parity check matrix are not mapped to one symbol. The present invention can be applied, for example, to a transmission apparatus which transmits an LDPC code. |
| US08516330B2 |
Error-floor mitigation of layered decoders using LMAXB-based selection of alternative layered-decoding schedules
A decoder-implemented method for layered decoding that, when the decoder converges on a near codeword using an initial schedule, (i) selects a subsequent schedule from a schedule set based on the layer Lmaxb of the near codeword, which layer contains the greatest number of unsatisfied check nodes and (ii) re-performs decoding using the subsequent schedule. When used in an offline schedule-testing system, the layered-decoding method (i) identifies which schedules, out of a population of schedules, correctly decode a decoder input codeword and (ii) associates the identified schedules with the Lmaxb value of the near codeword. |
| US08516328B2 |
Reception method and reception device
In a multicarrier wireless communication system adopting forward error correction codes, a reception method adapted to a receiver 1 receiving wireless signals is constituted of an interference band detection process for selecting a sub-carrier having low reliability among a plurality of sub-carriers of desired waves as a specific sub-carrier, a weight coefficient generation process for generating weight coefficients for reducing reliability in sub-carriers with respect to the selected specific sub-carrier, a demodulation process for demodulating received wireless signals of sub-carriers, a weighted calculation process for performing weighted calculation applying weight coefficients to demodulated values of sub-carriers of wireless signals, and a decoding process for performing a decoding process for error correction on values calculated of sub-carriers. |
| US08516323B2 |
Repair function for a broadcast service
A mobile station downloading an object over a broadcast channel uses a repair service to obtain data that was received in error during the original broadcast. The mobile station sets a repair threshold for the download object and invokes repair if the amount of errors is less than the repair threshold. If the amount of errors exceeds the repair threshold, the mobile station treats the download attempt as having failed and may send a new request if download is still desired. |
| US08516313B2 |
Shared error searching
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with shared error searching for web resource requests are described. A web resource request that includes one or more request strings is received and a error detection directive that identifies a first type of error to be located in a specified request string component is accessed. At least a portion of a first request string that corresponds to the specified request string component is searched, in a single pass, for the first type of error and other types of errors. Results with respect to the first error type are returned while occurrences of the first and other types of errors for are recorded for responding to subsequent error detection directives. Thus, a subsequent error detection directive for the other types of errors in the first request string component may be processed without re-searching the portion of the first request string already searched with respect to the first error detection directive. |
| US08516311B2 |
System and method for testing peripheral component interconnect express switch
A method tests peripheral component interconnect express (PCI-E) switches. A second PCI-E switch to be tested electronically connects to a first PCI-E switch of a computing device. A first data packet is created by the computing device and sent from the first PCI-E switch to the second PCI-E switch. A second data packet sent back by the second PCI-E switch is received by the computing device. The second PCI-E switch works normally if the first data packet is identical to the second data packet. The second PCI-E switch does not work normally if the first data packet is not identical to the second data packet. |
| US08516305B2 |
Power dissipation test method and device therefor
Dynamic power test slave (DPTS) modules are placed at selected locations of a data processing device to provide data to a logic module of the device at a high rate during testing of the device. The DPTS module intercepts data requests targeted to another logic module and the DPTS instead provides the requested data, thus simulating data transfer by the target logic module. The simulated data transfers can provide for transitions at the data processing device from a relatively high power state to a relatively low power state. Accordingly, the DPTS modules allow for simulation of expected normal operating conditions during testing of the data processing device. |
| US08516304B2 |
Integrated circuit including a programmable logic analyzer with enhanced analyzing and debugging capabilities and a method therefor
An integrated circuit including a logic analyzer with enhanced analyzing and debugging capabilities and a method therefore. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes a logic analyzer having a first input receiving a plurality of signals and an output for providing an indication of a detection, by the logic analyzer, of at least one trigger event; and a built in self test block having a first input for receiving one or more of the signals appearing at the first input of the logic analyzer, a second input coupled to the output of the logic analyzer for selectively enabling the BIST block, the BIST block generating and maintaining a signature based upon the first and second inputs thereof. |
| US08516303B2 |
Arithmetic device for concurrently processing a plurality of threads
A processor is provided that is capable of concurrently processing a sequence of instructions for a plurality of threads achieving the retry success rate equivalent to the success rate in processors that process a sequence of instructions for a single thread. An arithmetic device 200 is provided with an instruction execution circuit 201 for executing a plurality of threads, or an execution control circuit 202 for controlling the execution state or rerunning of the threads. |
| US08516298B2 |
Data protection method for damaged memory cells
A data protection method for damaged memory cells is provided. A power-on self-test (POST) is executed, and an initial backup memory is reserved in a memory. An operating system (OS) is executed, and data is loaded from a kernel region of the OS in the memory into a mirror region, so that when a processor accesses the data in the kernel region, it also accesses the data in the mirror region. An uncorrectable error (UE) is detected to determine a damaged page, and a backup page is selected from the initial backup memory or dynamically obtained from the OS to back up data in the damaged page. A mapping address of the damaged page and backup page are recorded into a page mapping table in a memory controller. Accordingly, when the OS accesses the damaged page, the memory controller accesses the backup page instead according to the page mapping table. |
| US08516297B2 |
Recovery from medium error on tape on which data and metadata are to be stored by using medium to medium data copy
A copy export application implemented in a computational device receives a request to perform a copy export operation of data and metadata to a selected tape in a tape library coupled to the computational device. The copy export application copies the data from the computational device to the selected tape. The copy export application determines a medium error on the selected tape while copying the metadata from the computational device to the selected tape, subsequent to completion of the copying of the data from the computational device to the selected tape. The copy export application sends a request to a tape control application to replace the selected tape by a new tape and copy the data from the selected tape to the new tape. The copy export application copies the metadata to the new tape. |
| US08516293B2 |
System and method for implementing a cloud computer
One embodiment is a clocking system for a computing environment. The system comprises a first set of processes executing in a first computing environment; a first local clock mechanism associated with the first set of processes; and a first communications channel for connecting the first local clock mechanism with the first set of processes. The first local clock mechanism stores clock rates of the first set of processes, wherein each clock rate is specified by function and source and destination combination, the first local clock mechanism further coordinating the clock speeds of the first set of processes as necessary. |
| US08516290B1 |
Clocking scheme for bridge system
Various techniques are provided for bridging interfaces, such as different interfaces for use with a host device. In one example, a system includes an asynchronous first interface adapted to transmit and receive data to and from a host device in accordance with a first protocol. A synchronous second interface is adapted to transmit and receive data to and from a device external to the host device in accordance with a second protocol. A bridge controller is adapted to convert the data received from the host device from the first protocol to the second protocol for transmission to the external device. A clock and data recovery (CDR) block is adapted to recover a clock signal from the first interface to synchronize the data received from the host device. The second interface is adapted to synchronize the converted second protocol data transmitted to the external device using the recovered clock signal. |
| US08516288B2 |
Microcomputer
IO buffers that operate with an IO power supply system and cut cells that isolate the IO buffers from each other are disposed on the periphery of an always-on power supply area and a power supply cut-off available area. A signal indicating the holding of an IO output(s) output from the always-on power supply area is wired so as to go round the IO buffers and the cut cells. The cut cell includes a level shifter that operates with an IO power supply system. The cut cell shifts the level of signal indicating the holding of IO output so that the signal level conforms to the power supply system of IO buffers, and outputs the resultant signal to the IO buffers. |
| US08516286B2 |
Host apparatus connected to image forming apparatus and power save mode control method thereof
A method of controlling a power save mode of an image forming apparatus connected to a host apparatus, the method includes: requesting information on a power mode of the image forming apparatus; transmitting the power mode information and information on an entering time for a power save mode of the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus; and displaying the entering time for the power save mode of the image forming apparatus on a basis of the entering time information. |
| US08516285B2 |
Method, apparatus and system to dynamically choose an optimum power state
Some embodiments of the invention include an apparatus and method for dynamically choosing an optimum power state. In some embodiments, the optimum power state may be determined from historical information about the various power states that any of the embodiments of the apparatus or a system equipped with embodiments of the apparatus or operating embodiments of the method may encounter. Some embodiments may generate registers to maintain information regarding the various power states. In some embodiments, power management logic may determine the optimum power state based upon this information. Other embodiments are described. |
| US08516283B2 |
Network management apparatus
A network management/apparatus connected to a plurality of packet relay apparatuses constituting a group through a network includes an energy saving level calculation unit for calculating an energy saving level of each of the packet relay apparatuses on the basis of a CPU usage ratio of the packet relay apparatus managed or a difference between the present energy saving level and the energy saving level of minimum guarantee of the packet relay apparatus, and an energy saving function setting unit for setting an energy saving function of the packet relay apparatuses on the basis of the energy saving level calculated by the energy saving level calculation unit. |
| US08516280B2 |
Parallel processing computer systems with reduced power consumption and methods for providing the same
A computing system is provided that includes a web page search node including a web page collection, a web server, and a search page returner. |
| US08516277B2 |
Method for operating a control computer
A method for operating a control computer connected to a system to be controlled. The system is connected to a power supply line by a first switch, with the control computer being shut down by execution of a control command to enter an idle state. An uncoordinated switching of the control computer and the system is thereby avoided and operational reliability is increased. |
| US08516276B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling power supplied to fixing unit
An apparatus and method for controlling the power supplied to a fixing unit are provided. The apparatus includes a voltage detector detecting a voltage of input power supplied to heat at least one heating lamp, a synch signal generator generating a synch signal in response to the detected voltage, a switching unit switching a supply path of the input power to be applied to the at least one heating lamp, and a controller having table information of temporal duty level values of the input power that is initially supplied, and outputting a control signal for controlling a switching operation of the switching unit using the generated synch signal and the table information, wherein the switching unit performs the switching operation corresponding to the control signal. Accordingly, by sequentially increasing the input power for initial heating of the heating lamps, flickering and harmonic characteristics of a display device can be reduced, and by setting the duty level values to supply the maximum input power within a certain time, an initial heating time of the heating lamps can be minimized. |
| US08516267B2 |
Computer readable storage medium for generating an access key, computer implemented method and computing device
A computer readable storage medium having stored therein instructions, which when executed by a computing device cause the computing device to perform a method of generating an access key, the method comprising the steps of: accessing an input value; calculating an asymmetric cryptographic key pair by applying a cryptographic one-way function to the input value, wherein the cryptographic key pair comprises a public key and a private key, wherein the cryptographic one-way function is an injective function; and outputting the public key for providing the access key. |
| US08516265B2 |
Authentication method, authentication device, program and recording medium
An authentication method of performing authentication for an information processing device connected via a communication network by an authentication device, including: receiving information related to biometric authentication concerning the information processing device; receiving information related to identification information for identifying the information processing device; receiving information related to environment of the information processing device; receiving an electronic signature by a secret key which is paired with an electronic certification transmitted from the information processing device; and determining, by a control unit, a biometric level based on the received information related to biometric authentication, a device level based on the received information related to identification information and an environment level based on the received information related to environment; correcting, by the control unit, the determined level based on validity of the received electronic signature. |
| US08516263B2 |
Electronic apparatus and communication control method
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus comprises a communication module and a connection control module. The communication module is configured to execute close proximity wireless transfer. The connection control module is configured to start an operation of establishing a connection between the communication module and an external device which is in close proximity to the communication module if an identifier of the external device wirelessly transmitted from the external device is included in a connection permission list. The connection control module is configured to display a password entry screen if the identifier is not included in the connection permission list, and to add, if a password entered on the password entry screen matches with a registered password, the identifier to the connection permission list and start the operation of establishing the connection between the communication module and the external device. |
| US08516262B2 |
Methods and apparatus for efficient computation of one-way chains in cryptographic applications
Techniques are disclosed for efficient computation of consecutive values of one-way chains and other one-way graphs in cryptographic applications. The one-way chain or graph may be a chain of length s having positions i=1, 2, . . . s each having a corresponding value vi associated therewith, wherein the value vi is given by vi=h(vi+1), for a given hash function or other one-way function h. A given one of the output values vi at a current position in the one-way chain may be computed utilizing a first helper value previously stored for another position in the one-way chain between the current position and an endpoint of the chain. After computation of the given output value, the positions of the helper values are adjusted so as to facilitate computation of subsequent output values. |
| US08516259B2 |
Verifying authenticity of voice mail participants in telephony networks
A method includes receiving an authentication certificate of a voice mail account holder and/or an authentication certificate of a caller wanting to leave a voice mail message the holders' voice mail account. A voice mail apparatus that provides voice mail service for the voice mail account holder performs such receiving. The account holder and/or the caller are authenticated after receiving the authentication certificate of the party being authenticated. Authenticating the account holder and/or the caller is performed using authentication information contained within the respective certificate. After such authentication is successfully performed, a voice mail message record can be created in the account of the account holder. Such creating includes allowing the caller to store the message in the account of the account holder in addition to associating authenticated identification information of the caller with the message and/or providing authenticated identification of the account holder to the caller. |
| US08516256B2 |
Route optimization in mobile IP networks
The present invention the present invention concerns a method for optimizing a route between a mobile node and a correspondent node in mobile Internet protocol networks. The mobile node is served by an anchor point being a node, e.g. a mobile IP home agent. According to the method the anchor point generates a Multi-key Cryptographically Generated Address (MCGA) for the mobile node. The MCGA is generated using at least the public keys of the mobile node and the anchor point. The anchor point assigns and registers the generated MCGA as a home address for the mobile node and sends a binding update message to the correspondent node on behalf of the mobile node. The binding update message includes at least a signature of the MCGA signed by the anchor point. Thereby route optimization can be performed such that data packets can be exchanged between the mobile node and the correspondent node without routing the packets via the anchor point. |
| US08516253B1 |
Self-keyed protection of anticipatory content
Systems and methods are provided to facilitate anticipatory pushing of content to clients of a communications network in such a way that the content is unusable by the anticipatory clients until explicitly requested. Embodiments apply one or more self-keying techniques to a content dataset to generate an anticipatory dataset, such that the anticipatory dataset cannot be used to reconstruct the content dataset without a keying dataset that also can only be generated using the content dataset. The anticipatory dataset is pre-pushed to a client in anticipation of a future request for the content. If and when the client subsequently issues a request for the content dataset, the server intercepts the new copy of the content dataset received in response to the request, uses the content dataset to generate the keying dataset, and communicates the keying dataset to the client for local reconstruction of the content dataset by the client. |
| US08516252B2 |
Method and apparatus for authenticating a sensor node in a sensor network
A method and apparatus for authenticating a sensor node in a sensor network. The method for authenticating a sensor node by a first sink node in a sensor network includes receiving an authentication request using an authentication ticket from the sensor node, identifying a second sink node which has issued the authentication ticket, decoding the authentication ticket using a group key, which is previously stored in correspondence to the second sink node to confirm the validity of the authentication ticket, when the second sink node is included in a neighboring node list, normally processing authentication for the sensor node, generating an authentication ticket using a group key of the first sink node, and transmitting the generated authentication ticket to the sensor node. |
| US08516251B2 |
Device and method for digital right management
The present invention provides a method for authenticating the copy right of a device by an offline way, a digital right protection system, and a method for providing digital contents, which mainly includes embedding an authentication agent into the digital content, said authentication agent, instead of the copyright issuer at the server side, authenticates the rendering qualification of the device before rendering the digital content. If the device is a non-compliant device, the authentication agent will not permit the device to render the digital content. The technique of the invention realizes offline digital right management, so it is not restricted by the network condition and can be applied widely in various environments. |
| US08516250B2 |
Lock administration system
A lock administration system for self-powered locks is provided. The system comprises an ASP (application service provider) server operationally connected to the Internet and configured to store lock system related information, at least one client module configured to control the generating of shared secrets for encrypting and decrypting, and the generating and the encrypting of lock access data packets using a token, transmit the data packets to the ASP server using public networks, receive an encrypted status packet from the ASP server using public networks, control the decrypting of the status packet and send information regarding the decrypt status packet to the ASP server using public networks and at least one lock configured to receive data packets from the ASP server via public networks, decrypt the data packets and send an encrypted status packet to the ASP server using public networks. |
| US08516249B2 |
Cloud services layer
A method including receiving a service registration request to register a service with a multi-tenant, multi-service cloud network from a user; registering object types that pertain to the service, wherein the object types include at least one service object type that is not an object type offered by the cloud network to the user; and registering objects based on the object types, wherein the objects include at least one object associated with the at least one service object type. |
| US08516248B2 |
Communication apparatus
A communication apparatus includes: a first storage unit configured to store a plurality of addresses of a plurality of first communication apparatuses; an acquiring unit configured to acquire a self-public key; a specifying unit configured to specify an address of at least one of the plurality of first communication apparatuses stored in the first storage unit when the self-public key is acquired; and a first public key sending unit configured to send the self-public key to the address of the at least one of the plurality of first communication apparatuses specified by the specifying unit. |
| US08516239B2 |
Virtual authentication proxy server and terminal authentication server
A virtual authentication proxy server includes an authentication request acceptance unit, a terminal authentication program transmission unit and an authentication result transmission unit. When an application server which cannot use an authentication server accepts a user ID and a password together with a use request from a terminal, the authentication request acceptance unit accepts the authentication request. The terminal authentication program transmission unit transmits a terminal authentication program to a terminal device. The authentication result transmission unit causes the terminal device to execute the terminal authentication program so as to cause the authentication server to execute authentication. The authentication result transmission unit receives the received authentication result from the terminal device and transmits the authentication result to the application server. |
| US08516238B2 |
Circuitry for active cable
Circuits, methods, and apparatus that allow signals that are compliant with multiple standards to share a common connector on an electronic device. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a connector that provides signals compatible with a legacy standard in one mode and a newer standard in another mode. |
| US08516234B2 |
Frequency and symbol locking using signal generated clock frequency and symbol identification
Methods and systems are described for displaying video data after a hot plug event during a start-up dead period. In particular, approaches for receiving data, determining whether link training can be performed and, if not, self-configuring a receiver to display the information in a proper format even during the dead period. |
| US08516232B2 |
Method and memory device for performing an operation on data
A method and memory device for implementing long operations and supporting multiple streams are provided. In one embodiment, a memory device receives data and a command from a host to perform an operation on the data, wherein a time required for the memory device to complete the operation exceeds a maximum response time for the memory device to respond to the command. The memory device begins performing the operation on the data and, before exceeding the maximum response time and before completing the operation, sends the context of the operation to the host. At a later time, the memory device receives from the host: (i) a command to resume performing the operation and (ii) the context. The memory device then resumes performing the operation on the data based on the context received from the host. |
| US08516230B2 |
SPE software instruction cache
An application thread executes a direct branch instruction that is stored in an instruction cache line. Upon execution, the direct branch instruction branches to a branch descriptor that is also stored in the instruction cache line. The branch descriptor includes a trampoline branch instruction and a target instruction space address. Next, the trampoline branch instruction sends a branch descriptor pointer, which points to the branch descriptor, to an instruction cache manager. The instruction cache manager extracts the target instruction space address from the branch descriptor, and executes a target instruction corresponding to the target instruction space address. In one embodiment, the instruction cache manager generates a target local store address by masking off a portion of bits included in the target instruction space address. In turn, the application thread executes the target instruction located at the target local store address accordingly. |
| US08516227B2 |
Set program parameter instruction
A measurement sampling facility takes snapshots of the central processing unit (CPU) on which it is executing at specified sampling intervals to collect data relating to tasks executing on the CPU. The collected data is stored in a buffer, and at selected times, an interrupt is provided to remove data from the buffer to enable reuse thereof. The interrupt is not taken after each sample, but in sufficient time to remove the data and minimize data loss. |
| US08516221B2 |
On-the fly TLB coalescing
An apparatus and method for coalescing TLB entries on-the-fly at virtual address translation time is disclosed. A search is made for a requested virtual address translation in the VHPT. Further searching is performed for additional VHPT entries meeting certain coalescing and compatibility criteria. The compatible VHPT entries are coalesced and stored in the TLB into a single combined TLB entry. |
| US08516220B2 |
Recording dirty information in software distributed shared memory systems
A page table entry dirty bit system may be utilized to record dirty information for a software distributed shared memory system. In some embodiments, this may improve performance without substantially increasing overhead because the dirty bit recording system is already available in certain processors. By providing extra bits, coherence can be obtained with respect to all the other uses of the existing page table entry dirty bits. |
| US08516212B2 |
Data processing apparatus, computer program therefor, and data processing method
A data processing apparatus uses a characteristic where an OS or an application program divides a file in units of cluster and writes information when information is written in an HDD and changes (redirect) a writing place in the units of cluster, thereby classifying and storing confidential information with a small consumption amount of the HDD. Therefore, the present invention provides a data processing apparatus that can classify and store confidential information and normal information with a small consumption amount of the HDD. |
| US08516210B2 |
Application consistent snapshots of a shared volume
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for creating a snapshot of a shared volume that is application consistent across various nodes of a cluster. The invention enables a snapshot of a volume to be initiated on one node which causes all applications in the cluster that use the volume to persist their data to the volume prior to the snapshot being created. Accordingly, the snapshot is application consistent to all applications in the cluster that use the volume. The invention also enables applications on various nodes to perform post snapshot processing on the created snapshot. The invention can be used in an existing backup system that is not cluster aware to enable the existing backup system to create application consistent snapshots of a volume shared by applications across multiple nodes of a cluster. |
| US08516198B2 |
Memory management methods and systems
A method and an apparatus for determining a usage level of a memory device to notify a running application to perform memory reduction operations selected based on the memory usage level are described. An application calls APIs (Application Programming Interface) integrated with the application codes in the system to perform memory reduction operations. A memory usage level is determined according to a memory usage status received from the kernel of a system. A running application is associated with application priorities ranking multiple running applications statically or dynamically. Selecting memory reduction operations and notifying a running application are based on application priorities. Alternatively, a running application may determine a mode of operation to directly reduce memory usage in response to a notification for reducing memory usage without using API calls to other software. |
| US08516197B2 |
Write-through cache optimized for dependence-free parallel regions
An apparatus, method and computer program product for improving performance of a parallel computing system. A first hardware local cache controller associated with a first local cache memory device of a first processor detects an occurrence of a false sharing of a first cache line by a second processor running the program code and allows the false sharing of the first cache line by the second processor. The false sharing of the first cache line occurs upon updating a first portion of the first cache line in the first local cache memory device by the first hardware local cache controller and subsequent updating a second portion of the first cache line in a second local cache memory device by a second hardware local cache controller. |
| US08516195B2 |
Extract cache attribute facility and instruction therefore
A facility and cache machine instruction of a computer architecture for specifying a target cache cache-level and a target cache attribute of interest for obtaining a cache attribute of one or more target caches. The requested cache attribute of the target cache(s) is saved in a register. |
| US08516193B1 |
Techniques for content-based caching in a computer system
Described are techniques for data processing and caching. In response to a client failing to retrieve contents of a data element from a cache location specified by a first data element identifier including a first content-based identifier, the contents of the data element are obtained and stored at a cache location specified by the first data element identifier. The contents of the data element are updated at a second point in time and stored as second contents in the data element source. The data element at the second point in time has a second content-based identifier. In response to the client failing to retrieve the second contents of the data element from a cache location specified by a second data element identifier including the second content-based identifier, the second contents of the data element are obtained and stored at a cache location specified by the second data element identifier. |
| US08516192B2 |
Control unit, image processing apparatus and computer-readable storage medium
A memory information storage control method is executed by a control unit which carries out a memory information storage process to generate memory information related to a program being executed by the control unit and to store the memory information. The memory information storage control method includes an interface process to register a storage location of the memory information generated by the memory information storage process, a registering process to register a portable storage device as the storage location of the memory information using the interface process, and an executing process to confirm coupling of the portable storage device to the control unit and to register the storage location of the memory information in the detachably coupled portable storage device by the registering process. |
| US08516187B2 |
Data transfer scheme for non-volatile memory module
Certain embodiments described herein include a memory system which can communicate with a host system such as a disk controller of a computer system. The memory system can include volatile and non-volatile memory and a controller which are configured such that the controller backs up the volatile memory using the non-volatile memory in the event of a trigger condition. In order to power the system in the event of a power failure or reduction, the memory system can include a secondary power source which is not a battery and may include, for example, a capacitor or capacitor array. The memory system can be configured such that the operation of the volatile memory is not adversely affected by the non-volatile memory or the controller when the volatile memory is interacting with the host system. |
| US08516186B2 |
Method of accelerating access to primary storage and storage system adopting the method
A RAM disk driver 112 receives the user's specification for the capacity of a RAM disk 122 via an operation screen image 10 (step S20). The RAM disk driver 112 sets a continuous region in an OS invisible area, which is beyond management of an operating system installed in a computer, on a RAM 120 for a storage area of the RAM disk 122 having the user's specified capacity (step S30). When the user's specified capacity is greater than the capacity of the OS invisible area on the RAM 120, the RAM disk driver 112 reduces the range of an OS visible area, which is managed by the operating system, on the RAM 120 and sets the storage area of the RAM disk 122 in the expanded OS invisible area. This arrangement effectively boosts up access to the RAM 120 as the primary storage in the computer. |
| US08516181B1 |
Memory devices having data flow pipelining
A memory device having a pipeline monitor and control block to issue a memory pipeline with process flows specific to NVM operation to optimize system performance. |
| US08516180B2 |
Processing system and electronic device with same
A processing system for use in an electronic device is disclosed. The processing system includes a memory unit, an application processor connected to the memory unit, and a baseband processor connected to the memory unit and the application processor. The memory unit is configured for storing information of the electronic device. The application processor is configured for handling applications of the electronic device. The baseband processor is configured for providing communication capabilities for the electronic device. The application processor includes a temperature detector configured for detecting the temperature of the application processor. When the sensed temperature of the application processor is higher than a predetermined temperature, the baseband processor is instructed by the application processor to share workload of the application processor. |
| US08516174B2 |
Data transmission method between master and slave devices
A method for transmitting data frames between a master device and one or more slave devices via a bus system having at least one request line for transmitting request data frames from the master device to the slave devices, a response line for transmitting response data frames from the slave devices to the master device and at least one selection line for activating the slave devices, the request data frames and the response data frames being transmitted together with at least one address bit for addressing one of the slave devices, the useful data bits and at least one length-indicating bit for indicating the data frame length. |
| US08516173B2 |
Swapping PPRC secondaries from a subchannel set other than zero to subchannel set zero using control block field manipulation
A method for swapping peer-to-peer remote copy (PPRC) secondary device definitions from a subchannel set other than zero to subchannel set zero by the utilization of control block-field manipulation includes identifying a PPRC primary and secondary device pair, wherein a PPRC primary device definition resides at subchannel set zero and the PPRC secondary device definition resides at a subchannel set other than subchannel set zero; within operating system definitions of the PPRC pair, exchanging physical information associated with the PPRC primary and secondary devices, including pathing, node descriptor, device number, and a field cross referencing device numbers of the PPRC pair; and within channel subsystem definitions of the PPRC primary and secondary devices, via a SwapSubchannel instruction, exchanging physical information, including path and control unit information while retaining a subchannel identifier, a subchannel set identifier, and a subchannel interruption parameter pointing to the operating system definition of the device. |
| US08516170B2 |
Control flow in a ring buffer
A computer implemented method for writing to a software bound ring buffer. A network adapter may determine that data is available to write to the software bound ring buffer. The network adapter determines that a read index is not equal to a write index, responsive to a determination that data is available to write to the software bound ring buffer. The network adapter writes the data to memory referenced by the hardware write index, wherein memory referenced by the write index is offset according to an offset, and the memory contents comprise a data portion and a valid bit. The network adapter writes an epoch value of the write index to the valid bit. The network adapter increments the write index, responsive to writing the data to memory referenced by the write index. Further disclosed is method to access a hardware bound ring buffer. |
| US08516166B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for reducing a rate of data transfer to at least a portion of memory
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for reducing a rate of data transfer to at least a portion of memory. In operation, a rate of degradation of at least a portion of memory associated with a drive is determined. Furthermore, a rate of data transfer to the at least a portion of the memory is reduced, based on the determined rate of degradation. |
| US08516162B2 |
Information processing apparatus and video signal output controlling method for information processing apparatus
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a connector, a graphics controller, a port setting module, a selector and a selector controller. The port setting module sets a first port used to output a video signal generated by the graphics controller as a data transmission port compliant with a first interface standard, and sets a second port used to output the video signal as a data transmission port compliant with a second interface standard. The selector connects one of the first port and the second port to the connector. The selector controller supplies a first signal to the selector in order to connect the first port to the connector when a first external unit is connected to the connector, and supplies a second signal to the selector in order to connect the second port to the connector when a second external unit is connected to the connector. |
| US08516161B2 |
Providing indirect data addressing for a control block at a channel subsystem of an I/O processing system
An computer program product, apparatus, and method for facilitating input/output (I/O) processing for an I/O operation at a host computer system configured for communication with a control unit. The computer program product includes a tangible storage medium readable by a processing circuit and storing instructions for execution by the processing circuit for performing a method. The method includes the host computer system obtaining a transport command word (TCW) for an I/O operation. The TCW specifies a location of one or more I/O commands and a flag set to indicate that the location is an indirect address. The host computer system extracts the location of the one or more I/O commands and the flag from the TCW, gathers the one or more I/O commands responsive to the location specified by the TCW and the flag, and then forwards the one or more I/O commands to the control unit for execution. |
| US08516159B2 |
Asynchronous file operations in a scalable multi-node file system cache for a remote cluster file system
Asynchronous file operations in a scalable multi-node file system cache for a remote cluster file system, is provided. One implementation involves maintaining a scalable multi-node file system cache in a local cluster file system, and caching local file data in the cache by fetching file data on demand from the remote cluster file system into the cache over the network. The local file data corresponds to file data in the remote cluster file system. Local file information is asynchronously committed from the cache to the remote cluster file system over the network. |
| US08516149B1 |
System for operating NFSv2 and NFSv3 clients with federated namespace
An information retrieval system having: a client adapted for accessing a plurality of file sets stored on one of a plurality of file servers; a plurality of file servers configured to operate with a federated file system namespace; and a memory for storing re-direction information accessible by the client for identifying a request issued by the client for a file set at a first location in the namespace where the file set is located at a second, different location on one of the file servers and wherein the client in examining the re-direction information in the memory, re-directs the request to the second location in accordance with the re-direction information. |
| US08516142B2 |
Method for delivery of software upgrade notification to devices in communication systems
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate providing software upgrade notifications to user devices that utilize unicast and multicast communication techniques in a wireless communication environment. Bandwidth and power consumption is minimized by permitting determination to be made regarding whether a given software update is relevant to the user device prior to attempting a download or receiving a notification thereof. Additionally, evaluation of version number and software identity facilitates determining whether to employ a unicast software check-up protocol or a multicast software check-up protocol. Software upgrade information may also be transmitted over a multicast channel for a predetermined time period, after which a user device may initiate a unicast check-up protocol to receive software upgrade information. |
| US08516141B2 |
Method and system for modifying and/or changing a MAC ID utilizing an IPv6 network connection
A system that facilitates enhancing security for a computer device utilizing an IPv6 network connection. The system includes a computer device having a software module, which performs the following steps: capturing outgoing IPv6 packets, the outgoing IPv6 packets having a stateless autoconfiguration IPv6 address, which is configured at least partially based on a computer device identifier; modifying the IPv6 address associated with the computer device identifier to generate a modified IPv6 address; and returning the outgoing IPv6 packet with the modified IPv6 address to a network layer of the Internet Protocol of the computer device. In accordance with an example, the computer device is an image forming apparatus. |
| US08516136B2 |
Web-based over-the-air provisioning and activation of mobile terminals
In a method for over-the-air provisioning of a mobile terminal in a wireless network, a first transaction between the mobile terminal and a web server is performed via an external port. During the first transaction, the mobile terminal obtains user subscription information for subscribing to network services. During a second transaction between the web server and the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal obtains device management information for authorizing the mobile terminal to access the network services. The first and second transactions are conducted via the same external port. |
| US08516132B2 |
Method of accessing a selected network
The present invention comprises a method of and apparatus for simplifying the process of access to a network for a roaming computer user, divides the responsibility of servicing a given user wanting to access the network between multiple parties and minimizes the possibility of improper dissemination of email header data as well as improper use of network resources (including server systems) by non-clients. |
| US08516129B1 |
Link load balancer that controls a path for a client to connect to a resource
A system, apparatus, and method are directed to managing network communications between a client and a server by enabling the client to make decisions involving the selection of alternate network paths. The client and/or the server may be multi-homed to a network. In one embodiment, a link load balancer provides the client with a message and/or path data that enables the client to improve its connections with the server by redirecting network packets using an alternate network path. The message may be based on a static policy at the server, changes in availability of the network connections between the client and server, changes in a quality of the network connections, paths, or the like. Redirecting the network packet by the client may include closing one network connection and establishing another network connection, and/or employing an available alternate network path to re-route network packets towards the server. |
| US08516124B2 |
Game session management for joining multiple game machines in a single game session
A computerized gaming system operates a plurality of gaming machine terminals coupled to a gaming server. A game session is initiated by a player for one gaming machine terminal. The game player thereafter identifies a second gaming machine terminal to be coupled to the same game session. |
| US08516123B2 |
Runtime validation of messages for enhanced web service processing
Inbound processing of web service request messages at runtime is enhanced by providing validation of the message structure against corresponding schema, at an intermediary web service server rather than at the web service level (e.g., entirely by a web service application). Hence, there is minimal delay in responding to the client upon determining an invalid message structure, and unnecessary processing of invalid messages by the web service application is avoided. |
| US08516122B2 |
Emergency information services
A method for providing user data to an emergency service provider includes enrolling a user in an emergency information system, including configuring a communication device associated with the user to deliver an access identifier to an emergency service provider when the user contacts the emergency service provider using the communication device. The method also includes maintaining, in a data storage module of the emergency information system, a database including user data associated with the user. The user data is associated with the access identifier. The method further includes receiving, via a communication network linked to the emergency information system, an access request from the emergency service provider, the access request including the access identifier; and providing, via the communication network, at least some of the user data associated with the requested access identifier to the emergency service provider. |
| US08516121B1 |
Method and apparatus for optimizing computer network usage to prevent congestion
A method and apparatus for optimizing computer network bandwidth usage to prevent congestion is described. In one embodiment, the method comprises comparing a permissible bandwidth usage with a data transfer rate to produce a comparison result and adjusting the data transfer rate for performing at least one data transfer operation based on the comparison result. |
| US08516119B2 |
Systems and methods for determining attributes of media items accessed via a personal media broadcaster
Systems, devices and methods are described for determining attributes identifying media items from other media items. A first video sequence of a first media item is received from a media source, the video sequence including one or more images having first banner information embedded therein. The attributes of the first media item are determined. The determined attributes of the first media item can then be stored or otherwise processed as desired. |
| US08516118B2 |
System and method for managing, routing, and controlling devices and inter-device connections
A system and method for managing, routing and controlling devices and inter-device connections located within an environment to manage and control the environment using a control client is presented. A user provides commands via the control client to a server that maintains a representation of the environment and the devices within the environment. The server provides commands to devices present within the environment in response to user commands and other events, including events from the environment. The commands cause the devices in the environment to adopt specific desired states thereby causing the environment and the devices within the environment to create desired connections by and between the devices and to otherwise control and effect the environment. |
| US08516116B2 |
Context-based routing of requests in a service-oriented architecture
Context-based routing of requests in a service-oriented architecture (SOA) is achieved by using context information received from service providers to make routing decisions. Service providers publish information about their context on a publish-and-subscribe channel. A router (e.g., a JBI normalized message router) subscribes to the channel to receive the context information, and may store the context information in a context repository. A consumer issues a service request specifying a context, and the router uses the context information received from the service providers to select the service provider that best satisfies the context. The request is then routed to the selected service provider. |
| US08516113B1 |
Selective compression for network connections
A system, apparatus, and method selectively provides content compression to a client based, in part, on whether the network connection from the client is determined to be a high latency, low-bandwidth connection. The present invention gathers one or more network metrics associated with the connection from the client. In one embodiment, the metrics include estimated TCP metrics, including smoothed round trip time, maximum segment size (MSS), and bandwidth delay product (BWDP). These estimated network metrics are employed to make an application layer decision of whether the client connection is a high latency, low-bandwidth connection. If it is, then content may be selectively compressed virtually on the fly for transfer over the network connection. In one embodiment, the selective compression uses a content encoding compression feature of the HTTP protocol standard. |
| US08516112B2 |
Performance monitoring of a computer resource
A method, computer program product, and system for performance monitoring of a computer resource utilized by a user community. The computer resource is monitored, and sets of performance metrics characterizing a state of the computer resource are collected and analyzed to detect performance incidents. External information such as contextual information and user annotations are also collected and analyzed. If a performance incident is detected, its set of performance metrics and associated external information are used to search a data repository of past performance incidents for related incidents, in order to identify critical performance incidents, determine recommended solutions for the performance incidents, and determine performance forecasts for the computer resource. |
| US08516110B2 |
Automated availability data collection and reporting for system management environments
A system and associated method for automatically monitoring and reporting availability data of at least one system management (SM) environment. A SM environment subject to monitoring is coupled to a SM portal server. The SM portal server has components of a central repository storing monitoring data, a user interface interacting with a user of the SM portal server, and a data collection module remotely controlling operations of availability module running in a monitoring server of the SM environment. The availability module gathers status of terminal systems of the SM environment by use of various SM tools and subsequently reports to the data collection module, which stores gathered data in the central repository and communicates to the user for availability analysis purposes. |
| US08516107B2 |
Privileged activity monitoring through privileged user password management and log management systems
A system and method is provided for allowing seamless auditing compliance and investigations of privileged account access and activities. Account access information and privileged activity information may be stored in a central data repository. The central data repository may be queried to determine who was granted access to a privileged account, the timeframe that the access was granted, and/or what actions were performed by the user who was granted access. |
| US08516106B2 |
Use tag clouds to visualize components related to an event
A method, system, and computer program product for displaying components assigned to events produced by resources, includes: registering a new resource by generating a label to which is associated a system specific device identifier used by the new resource within a computing environment; storing in a mapping table the generated label identifying the registered new resource together with an associated system specific device identifier; and updating the mapping table by associating to the label any other system specific device identifier used by the new resource within the computing environment; receiving events produced by resources when being executed within the computing environment, each event being associated with a list of labels for the resources relevant for the generation of the event; and maintaining a tag cloud including different tags, the different tags including labels for the resources associated with the received events to be displayed as components. |
| US08516102B2 |
Computer managing method
A computer managing method includes the following steps. Firstly, a blade server system with M blade server units, which includes a number of server blades and a modular management blade (MMB), is provided, wherein the M MMBs are connected with each other via network paths and M is a natural number greater than 1. Then a master MMB among the M MMBs are selected in response to first user operation event. Next, the network parameter data of the master MMB are set in response to second user operation event. Then network topology of the master MMB and the rest of M−1 MMBs are obtained via the master MMB. After that, the rest of M−1 MMBs are driven for utilizing a network protocol service so that the M−1 MMBs are able to receive network parameter data from the master MMB and carry out parameter setting accordingly. |
| US08516101B2 |
Resource management for a wireless device
Techniques for managing resources on a wireless device are described. In an aspect, congestion of resources on the wireless device may be detected. If any resources are deemed to be congested, then congestion of the congested resources may be relieved by controlling utilization of the congested resources by at least one client. In one design, flow control may be performed for at least one data flow to relieve congestion of the congested resources. A pattern indicative of when to send messages enabling data transmission and when to send messages disabling data transmission may be selected. Messages may then be sent in accordance with the pattern to control transmission of data for the at least one data flow. Another pattern with a higher ON fraction or a lower ON fraction may be selected based on usage of the congested resources. |
| US08516100B1 |
Method and apparatus for detecting system message misrepresentation using a keyword analysis
A method and apparatus for detecting system message misrepresentation using a keyword analysis is described. In one embodiment, the method of using one or more processors for detecting system message misrepresentation in memory by performing a keyword analysis, comprising monitoring visual representation object creation within a user interface, accessing keyword information comprising commonly used text for misrepresenting system messages, examining internet activity using the keyword information to produce an examination result, wherein the internet activity is for the created visual representation objects, identifying deceptive text within at least one of the created visual representation objects based on the examination result and producing indicia of detection as to the deceptive text. |
| US08516097B2 |
Server managing apparatus and server managing method
A controlling unit obtains server information from a server group in a chassis to store the obtained server information in a server information DB, an editing unit reads the server information from the server information DB, and generates, based on the read server information, as screen display information, physical server information, and logical server information including information on use application and attribute information for a logical server, which are related to a physical location of each physical server, and a displaying unit displays screen display information on a screen simulating the physical location of the physical server. |
| US08516090B1 |
Method and apparatus for distributing licenses
A method and apparatus are provided for distributing or redistributing licenses from a failed or unavailable license controller to one or more backup license controllers. Each controller has an initial count of licenses it can serve or allocate to clients desiring access to licensed electronic content. Each controller maintains a set of data that identifies the initial license counts and that also identifies backup relationships between controllers. Each such relationship for a given controller identifies which controllers will inherit licenses if the given controller becomes unavailable, and how many (e.g., a percentage) of the given controller's license that will be inherited. A redistribution plan for a given controller may have multiple levels, wherein a subsequent level may be applied only if all controllers designated as backups in the preceding level are also unavailable. |
| US08516083B2 |
Systems and methods of communicating using XML
An embodiment is a method of providing services to users. A system receives an XML command at the network system from a service provider system. It parses the XML command and translates at least a portion of the XML command, which it uses to authorize an action. The system receives and translates the authorization result to produce an XML response, and transmits the XML response. |
| US08516081B2 |
Delivery server, content delivery method in delivery server and multicast server, content delivery method in multicast server
A delivery server, includes: a content output unit outputting a content; a delivery request receiving unit receiving a delivery request transmitted from a client terminal connected to a network; a determination unit determining whether the content can be delivered to the client terminal in response to the delivery request when the delivery request is received by the delivery request receiving unit; and a transmitting unit delivering the content outputted from the content output unit to the client terminal of a transmission source of the delivery request received by the delivery request receiving unit when it is determined that the delivery can be performed by the determination unit, and transmitting the content outputted from the content output unit to a multicast server connected to the network as well as transmitting a transfer command on which information of the multicast server is put to the client terminal of the transmission source of the delivery request received by the delivery request receiving unit when it is determined that the delivery is not able to be performed by the determination unit. |
| US08516076B2 |
System and method for compiling statistics in an IP marketplace
A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards. |
| US08516070B2 |
Computer program and method for balancing processing load in storage system, and apparatus for managing storage devices
In a distributed storage system, client terminals make access to virtual storage areas provided as logical segments of a storage volume. Those logical segments are associated with physical segments that serve as real data storage areas. A management data storage unit stores management data describing the association between such logical segments and physical segments. Upon receipt of access requests directed to a specific access range, a segment identification unit consults the management data to identify logical segments in the specified access range and their associated physical segments. A remapping unit subdivides the identified logical segments and physical segments into logical sub-segments and physical sub-segments, respectively, and remaps the logical sub-segments to the physical sub-segments according to a predetermined remapping algorithm. A data access unit executes the access requests based on the remapped logical sub-segments and physical sub-segments. |
| US08516063B2 |
Mobile device streaming media application
A system and process for coordinating streaming content or messages is provided. A network-connected server maintains a database containing media content-related data, such as the text of a message, accompanying media, time of airing, payment and related comments. A user can view these feeds or streams of these consciousness messages by downloading a mobile application or browsing to a website. The application can also be used to create, schedule and pay for a media content message. |
| US08516057B2 |
Subscriber list system and method
The present invention is related to a software system that solves the above-mentioned problems. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a computerized subscriber list creation and management system for use on the internet or other network is described. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a business may conduct advanced database search queries, then save, manage and update those searches automatically. A business may build subscriber lists using multi-part rules determined by customer data including demographics, preferences, and behaviors. Moreover, the business may save the searches and manage database segments effectively for use in multiple campaigns. Subscriber lists update automatically as the database grows and changes. |
| US08516056B2 |
Programmatic message partner list management
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to instant messaging and real-time communications systems and provide a method, system and computer program product for automated partner list management in a real-time communications system. In one embodiment, a real-time communications data processing system can include a real-time communications server, a history log configured to record user interaction records for different users of the real-time communications server, a set of partner lists for the different users, and partner list management logic coupled to each of the real-time communications server and history log. The partner list management logic can include program code enabled to remove individual ones of the different users from a single one of the partner lists which individual ones of the different users meet at least one configurable criteria. |
| US08516055B2 |
System and method for pushing information from a host system to a mobile data communication device in a wireless data network
A system and method for redirecting data from a host system (or messaging server) to one or more mobile data communication devices via a wireless packet data network is provided in which the wireless packet data network dynamically assigns addresses to the one or more mobile data communication devices on an as-needed basis. A redirector application operating at the host system is configured by each user to continuously redirect certain data to the wireless packet data network, as the data is received (or otherwise altered) at the host system. Two methods are provided for communicating the redirected data from the network to the mobile device. In a first method, the mobile device is configured to periodically contact a store-and-forward server within the wireless network, which, when contacted, assigns a network address to the mobile device and then transmits the stored, redirected data to the mobile device. In a second method, the network transmits a connection request command to the mobile device via a parallel voice network, or via a command channel, or other type of low-bandwidth data channel. The mobile device then contacts the data network and requests a network address so that the store-and-forward server can send the redirected data to the mobile device. |
| US08516053B2 |
Multimedia play apparatus and method
Provided are a multimedia play apparatus and method. The multimedia play apparatus and method enable synchronization between an audio and a video through existing multimedia play time information, and even in a multimedia service that simultaneously provides multimedia and a message, the multimedia play apparatus and method enable synchronization between multimedia and a message that occurs by terminal characteristics between different environments and different users on the basis of existing multimedia play time information and multimedia meaning information. Moreover, by performing synchronization between multimedia and a message on the basis of the multimedia meaning information, the multimedia play apparatus and method can prevent the damage of a multimedia service that provides multimedia and a message together because of a spoiler corresponding to a malicious message. |
| US08516049B2 |
Administering instant messaging (‘IM’) chat sessions
Computer-implemented methods, apparatus, and products for administering IM chat sessions including: identifying, by an IM module in dependence upon a merger policy, a plurality of IM participants to merge into a group IM chat session, the IM module providing IM services to one of the participants; and merging, by the IM module, the identified participants into the group IM chat session. |
| US08516047B2 |
System and method for service specific notification
Apparatus include a communication interface, a trigger interface, computer-readable media encloded subscriber-originated recipient list data, and a user interface. The user interface is configured to display and receive input from, via a computer screen display, plural sets of screen-displayed destination setting selection indicators for individually configuring sets of destination settings for corresponding event types. Each set of destination settings corresponds to a corresponding one of plural selectable event types selectable for causing corresponding triggered messages to be sent including sending the given event-specific message to the corresponding list of recipients. Individual ones of the selectable event types for a given user have corresponding differently configurable sets of destination settings, whereby the given user's selected destination settings for one selected event type cause one event-specific message to be sent to one device of the given user and the given user's selected destination settings for another selected event type cause another event-specific message to be sent to another device of the given user that is different than the one device. Meanwhile, selected ones of the selectable event types for the given user are selected by a user selecting, via the computer screen display, destination selection indicators corresponding to the selected ones of the selectable event types. |
| US08516045B2 |
Method and apparatus for automatic notification and response based on communication flow expressions having dynamic context
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for automatic notification and response based on communication flow expressions having dynamic context. A message is provided from a sender to at least one recipient in accordance with a communication flow having a plurality of potential paths. The communication flow is controlled by a communication flow expression having a dynamic context, wherein the communication flow expression contains at least one primitive keyword indicating how the message should be processed. The dynamic context of the communication flow expression may be established using one or more labels or a context function. A number of primitive keywords are provided that allow a communication flow expression to react to a dynamic context. |
| US08516043B2 |
Virtual location aware content using presence information data formation with location object (PIDF-LO)
The format of the Presence Information Data Format-Location Object (PIDF-LO) as defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is extended or modified to accommodate, within the standard PIDF-LO format, an association of geospacial location to virtual content on the Internet. A filename of virtual content is associated with geospatial location information (either a specific location, zone, or direction). The filename is inserted into a |
| US08516038B2 |
Browsing or searching user interfaces and other aspects
User interfaces for browsing and/or searching are described. According to some aspects of the invention, a server in the system initiates an instance of a preview generator for each client machine in the system. The instance sends at least one of a preview and a thumbnail of a file to the client machine responsive to a request for the file from the client machine to allow the client machine to present the preview. The instance may generate an icon representing the file and execute a plug-in associated with a creator application of the file to present the preview within the icon so that the creator application does not have to be launched. Other embodiments are also described, and computer readable media and apparatuses are also described. |
| US08516037B2 |
Methods for dynamic partitioning of applications in client-server environments
A method for dynamically deploying an application in a client-server environment includes evaluating at least one constraint of at least one of the application or the client-server environment and partitioning the placement and execution of components of the application in the client-server environment dynamically at runtime according to the at least one constraint. |
| US08516034B1 |
System and method for modifying application behavior based on network bandwidth
A system and method facilitate modifying behavior of an application coupled to a device and a server based on bandwidth. The method determines a first bandwidth state. A change is then detected from the first bandwidth state to a second bandwidth state. Subsequently, the behavior of an application is changed based on bandwidth parameters of the second bandwidth state. |
| US08516030B2 |
Carry look-ahead circuit and carry look-ahead method
A carry look-ahead circuit generates a generate output for generating a carry, from a plurality of inverted generate inputs and a plurality of inverted propagate inputs to peer bits of a first operand and a second operand including a plurality of bits. The carry look-ahead circuit includes a circuit that receives the inverted generate inputs excluding the inverted generate input of a most significant bit among the inverted generate inputs and the inverted propagate inputs and generates an inverted pseudo generate signal of the generate output; and a circuit that receives the inverted generate input of the most significant bit among the inverted generate inputs and the inverted pseudo generate signal and outputs the generate output. |
| US08516027B2 |
Method and system for bit stacked fast Fourier transform
An FFT algorithm that splits a large bit width waveform into two parts, making it possible to conduct the FFT with much lower logic resource consumption is disclosed. The waveform is split into its most significant bits and its least significant bits through division in the form of a bit shift. Each partial signal is then put through an FFT algorithm. The MSB FFT output is then right bit shifted. The two partial FFT's are summed to create a single output that is largely equivalent to an FFT of the original waveform. Rounding distortion is reduced by overlapping the MSB and LSB partial signals. |
| US08516010B2 |
Processing of splits of control areas and control intervals
A data structure maintained in a computational device stores how many control areas splits have occurred to store a data set, wherein each control area split causes an addition of a single new control area. A command is received to add a new data record to the data set. A determination is made as to whether adding the new data record to the data set will result in a threshold for control area splits to be exceeded. In response to determining that adding the new data record to the data set will result in the threshold for control area splits to be exceeded, creating at least two new control areas in addition to continuing to use one existing control area for storing the data set. |
| US08516007B1 |
Systems and methods for creating documents from templates
A merge application creates a particular set of documents for a particular matter. The merge application receives a selection of a particular master template corresponding to the particular set of documents, where the selected master template specifies a plurality of slave templates, and also receives a selection of a data structure from a database with data relating to the particular matter. The selected master template and the selected data structure are employed to produce the set of documents for the particular matter in an electronic form, where a corresponding document of the set is produced for each specified slave template in the selected master template. Each corresponding document is produced according to common content in the slave template and data in the selected data structure in the database referred to by placeholders in the slave template. |
| US08516006B2 |
Transformation of logical data objects for storage
Various embodiments for operating a transformation system, capable of transforming a logical data object (LO) to a transformed logical data object (TLO), are provided. In one such embodiment, an open LO request to a certain LO and addressed by the at least one client to the at least one storage device, is intercepted. An identifier (ID) in a header of a TLO corresponding to the requested LO and stored in the at least one storage device, is obtained. The obtained ID is used to characterize the TLO and the LO. A determination is made whether the transformation system handles at least one open LO characterized by an ID with a same value as the obtained ID. The requested LO is opened if at least one open LO is not found. An instance corresponding to the intercepted open LO request is generated. The instance is associated to the obtained ID. |
| US08516005B2 |
Compressed storage management
Compressed storage management includes assigning a selection priority and a priority level to multiple data units stored in an uncompressed portion of a storage resource. The management can further include compressing data units and storing the compressed data units in a compressed portion of the storage resource. The data units in the compressed portion are stored in regions, which each store data units having the same selection priority or the same selection priority level. |
| US08516004B2 |
Method for processing K node count fields using an intensity variable
In a KStore having K nodes with respective K node counts a method for updating the K node counts includes processing a K node in accordance with a received particle to provide a processed K node and updating a node count in response to the processing. The processing of the processed K node includes building the processed K node in response to the received particle. A node count of a beginning of sequence node is updated. A beginning of sequence node includes a beginning of thought node. The received particle can be a particle of sensor data having a corresponding sensor node to provide a sensor node determination. A node count of the corresponding sensor node is updated in response to the sensor node determination. A subcomponent node is determined in response to the sensor determination and a K node count of the subcomponent node is updated. |
| US08516001B2 |
Context platform
A context store holding one or more context items is accessible by one or more domain interpreters. Each context item includes a unique identifier and one or more context-describing values. The domain interpreters include context providers for loading a context item with context-describing values and/or context consumers for taking context-describing values from a context item. |
| US08515998B1 |
Framework for managing document objects stored on a network
Methods for providing a framework for document objects located on a network are detailed. One method includes steps for creating one or more link directories for storing link relationships between document objects located on the network and for enabling users of the network to create link relationships between a first document object located on the network and a second document object located on the network. The method may also include steps for allowing users to assign attributes describing the link relationships and the document objects related by the link relationships and for managing the presentation of link relationships. One method of managing the presentation of link relationships to a user uses the assigned attributes to determine which link relationships are presented to the user and the manner in which the link relationships are presented. |
| US08515996B2 |
Secure configuration of authentication servers
Embodiments of the invention are directed to automatically populating a database of names and secrets in an authentication server by sending one or more lists of one or more names and secrets by a network management software to an authentication server. Furthermore, some embodiments provide that the lists being sent are encrypted and/or embedded in otherwise inconspicuous files. |
| US08515994B2 |
Reaching resource neighborhoods
A method includes determining a source URI and extracting meta data from a resource downloaded from a network; storing the source URI and extracted meta data; and utilizing the stored URI and extracted meta data to formulate a search for another resource located on the network. A computer and computer program code are also provided. |
| US08515990B2 |
Mobile terminal and method of managing video using metadata therein
A mobile terminal and method of managing a video using metadata therein are disclosed, by which videos matching search conditions of various types can be found. The present invention includes searching for metadata set on each of at least one partial section included in each of at least one video, obtaining an identification information on each of the at least one partial section having the found metadata set thereon, obtaining a section information on each of the at least one partial section having the found metadata set thereon, and displaying the obtained identification or section information. |
| US08515987B1 |
Database information consolidation
A method of consolidating records from databases is disclosed. The method comprises initially making a first identification of a candidate match between records using a first search technique. The method further comprises making a second identification of a candidate match between records using a second search technique, and displacing the first identification of a candidate match between records based on a probability that the second identification is correct. |
| US08515985B1 |
Search query suggestions
In one implementation, a method is described for identifying candidate query refinements for a given query from past queries submitted by one or more users. The method includes generating from the candidate query refinements, term occurrence scores for terms in the candidate query refinements indicating frequency of the terms within the candidate query refinements. The method further includes calculating query refinement scores for the candidate query refinements of the given query using the term occurrence scores. The method further includes storing data associating the query refinement scores with the candidate query refinements for use in selecting from among the candidate query refinements for the given query. |
| US08515980B2 |
Method and system for ranking search results based on categories
Described herein are methods and systems for promoting item listings that satisfy a query based on the item listings being assigned to certain categories that have, based on historical click data, exhibited high demand characteristics for the query. Consistent with some embodiments, a certain number of leaf-level categories are identified based on demand data for those categories, and the item listings assigned to those categories are promoted through a weighting factor derived in part based on the click probability score associated with the category. In some embodiments, certain sub-categories may be selected when the demand associated with the child categories of the sub-category is well balanced. |
| US08515977B2 |
Delta language translation
Revised component selector extracts a translation file comprising a plurality of English keys and translation language values in a database, including untranslated keys as an XML file. The revised component selector extracts a plurality of English keys and translation language values and determines whether there are XML unsupported characters in the XML file. The revised component selector first filters out the XML unsupported characters to form a resultant file, responsive to a determination that XML unsupported characters are in the XML file. The revised component second selector filters out translated data from the resultant file to form an untranslated file. The revised component selector selects a subset of data. The revised component selector, responsive to selecting, third filters out any data not included in the subset to form a translatable file, responsive to selecting. The revised component selector sends the translatable file to a translation center to translate. |
| US08515976B2 |
Bit string data sorting apparatus, sorting method, and program
The sort processing of keys to be sorted, which keys are expressed as bit strings involves a classification processing. In the classification processing, a bit string comparison between a reference key and a key which is an object of the classification is performed, and a difference bit position is obtained that is the bit position of the first bit that differs in the bit string comparison and the keys to be sorted are classified by the difference bit position into key groups with the same difference bit position. |
| US08515974B2 |
Using message sampling to determine the most frequent words in a user mailbox
A method is presented for generating a list of frequently used words for an email application on a server computer. When a request is received for a word frequency list for emails stored in a user's mailbox, a word frequency list is returned if one exists. If the word frequency list does not exist, an asynchronous process is started on the server computer to generate a word frequency list. If the word frequency list exists but it is older than an aging limit, an asynchronous process is started on the server computer to regenerate the word frequency list. The word frequency list is stored in the user's mailbox along with a timestamp indicating the date and time that the list was created or updated. |
| US08515972B1 |
Finding relevant documents
A programmed computer receives one or more documents that contain text that is relevant to a user (“interest documents”). The programmed computer automatically identifies groups of words that match the interest documents. The matching word groups are ranked by a weight that is assigned based on how infrequently a word group matches a reference corpus and how frequently the word group matches one or more interest document(s), in comparison to other word groups. A set of word groups are automatically identified based on ranking, and displayed to a user to select documents from a corpus. Selected documents are displayed to the user, e.g. with one or more group of words used in selecting the documents. |
| US08515970B2 |
Systems and methods for generating customized settings utilizing a social network of personal profiles
A system for providing a recommended customized profile to a subject member of a social network for use in operating a subject customizable apparatus is described. The system includes a social network database storing profiles of members of the social network corresponding to multiple customizable apparatus including the subject customizable apparatus. The system also includes a central social network server having a processor and a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to generate the recommended customized profile, for use by the subject member in operation of the subject customizable apparatus, based on at least one matching profile of other members in the social network. |
| US08515968B1 |
Tie breaking rules for content item matching
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for selecting controlling keywords. In one aspect, a method includes determining that two or more targeting keywords for a same content item source are matched by one or more terms in a content item request, where a first targeting keyword matches the one or more terms with a more specific type of match than the second targeting keyword. If the bid associated with the second targeting keyword does not exceed the bid associated with the first targeting keyword, the first targeting keyword and the second targeting keyword are ranked based on selection scores. The targeting keywords are ranked based at least in part on the quality scores when the bid associated with the second targeting keyword does exceed the bid associated with the first targeting keyword. |
| US08515967B2 |
Cost and power efficient storage area network provisioning
Various embodiments for efficiently provisioning a storage area network (SAN) are provided. In one embodiment, SAN information is provided to an engine for optimization. The SAN information includes at least one of SAN configuration information, SAN usage information, at least one cost profile, and at least one chargeback model. Based on the SAN information, those of an available plurality of storage resources not meeting at least one storage criterion are filtered. The filtered storage resources are ranked on a cost basis. A resource configuration graph is constructed based on the ranked storage resources. The resource configuration graph is traversed to obtain a plurality of possible SAN configuration plans. At least one power profile is applied to the plurality of possible SAN configuration plans to rank the plurality of possible SAN configuration plans by energy consumption. |