| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08523256B2 |
Multi functional transportable field maintenance and repair assembly
A self contained mobile assembly capable of use for remote area maintenance and repair of unwanted damage to a wall of a confined space tanks. The assembly comprises an undercarriage carriage including a wheel base, a housing mounted above the wheel base and defining an internal space capable of receiving and retaining repair and maintenance equipment for repairing said tank. The equipment includes a defouling kit, equipment for desealing and resealing of an interior of the confined space tank, equipment for decontamination of air in the tank; and a breathing kit for a wearer to safely access the internal space and repair the unwanted damage from the inside of the confined space. |
| US08523255B2 |
Suction apparatus equipped with ejector
A retaining stud is inserted from a bottom portion of a suction pad that constitutes part of an ejector equipped suction apparatus, and an end of the retaining stud is inserted into an adapter plate. Further, a small diameter portion of a lock plate engages with a lock plate groove, which is exposed externally on the retaining stud, whereby the retaining stud and the lock plate are connected together integrally. In addition, an ejector is fixed using a side wall portion of the adapter plate. A mounting bracket is attached to the adapter plate while covering the lock plate, and a transfer means such as a robot arm or the like is fixed to the mounting bracket using a bolt. |
| US08523247B2 |
Cylinder lock with pivotally-mounted bolt
A cylinder lock 1, including a housing 6 with an opening 7 for receiving a lock cylinder 12 with a radially protruding cam 17; a bolt 2 pivotally moveable between a retracted position and an extended position; a ring 15 including a radial opening 16 for engaging the lock cylinder cam 17; and a slider 20, coupled between the pivotally-mounted bolt 2 and the ring 15. The ring 15 also includes a toothed arc 18 for cooperating with a toothed rack 22 of the slider, and the slider including a recess 23 for engaging the lock cylinder cam 17. The ring 15 also has a raised flank 19 for cooperating with at least one stop of the slider. |
| US08523246B2 |
Connector
Clamp portions (24) are provided on two sides in a vertical direction of each of flanges (21) and (22) of a filter (10) which is a fluid apparatus having a directionality, and guide grooves (28) and (29) are formed mutually different in shape between the other two sides of the flanges (21) and (22) and a coupling head (14). On the other hand, clamp portions (34) are provided on four sides of each of flanges (31) and (32) of a regulator (11) which is a fluid apparatus having no directionality, and clamp grooves (35) are formed between the clamp portions (34) and a coupling head (18). A connector (13) includes tongue portions (51) engaged with the clamp portions (24) and (34), guide protrusions (53) inserted into the guide groove (28) and the clamp groove (35), and guide protrusions (54) inserted into the guide groove (29) and the clamp groove (35), and the regulator (11) is coupled to the filter (10) in any posture. |
| US08523244B2 |
Block fitting and seal structure
An air conditioner system fitting is disclosed including a first seal portion comprising a metal material adapted to provide a primary seal, and a second seal portion attached to a free edge of said first seal portion and adapted to provide a secondary seal, wherein the fitting militates against leakage during operation of the air conditioning system. |
| US08523243B2 |
Pipe clamp with sleeve and gasket
A pipe clamp that includes a band, tightening mechanism for the band, a split sleeve within the band, and gasket located inside a circumferential channel in the split sleeve. The split sleeve includes a tongue-and-groove joint in which the tongue has at least one side edge that confronts and engages a side edge of the groove during penetration of the tongue into the groove in response to tightening of the outer band using the fastening mechanism. This provides a metal-to-metal seal at the tongue-and-groove joint. The relative construction of the tongue and groove is such that during penetration of the tongue into the groove, there are areas of spaced separation between the confronting side edges of the tongue and groove. Also, during tightening, the gasket is forced into these areas of spaced separation which provides a second, gasketed seal at the tongue-and-groove joint. |
| US08523240B2 |
Ferrule
A ferrule for use with a nut with an internal locking mechanism includes a first tubular portion with a first end and a first outer diameter for connecting to a first object; a second tubular portion with a second end and a second outer diameter for connecting to a second object; a transition portion connecting the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion; and a plurality of pockets spaced circumferentially around the second portion to engage the internal locking mechanism of the nut. |
| US08523233B2 |
Liquid storage tank trailer
An improved mobile fluid storage tank having a base, substantially vertical front wall, a substantially rear wall, a pair of substantially parallel side walls and a roof structure. The roof structure has a rear roof portion and a front roof portion. The rear roof portion is substantially parallel with the base and extends along the rear portion of the two side walls while the front roof portion is comprised of a single sloping section which extends from the forward end rear roof portion to the vertical front wall. The intersection of the front and rear roof portions being selected to provide the optimum volume of fluid content of the tank. |
| US08523232B2 |
Low-profile tank trailer for transporting flowable material
The present invention discloses a tank trailer for transporting flowable material. The tank trailer includes a low-profile tank having a rear section, a front section, and a transitional section. The transitional section connects the rear section and the front section such that flowable material can flow among the sections. The rear section has a rear circumference and a rear center of gravity. The front section has a front circumference and a front center of gravity. The front circumference is smaller than the rear circumference, and the rear center of gravity is lower than the front center of gravity. The front section and the transitional section are frameless. The tank trailer also includes a trailer suspension operatively connected to the rear section. |
| US08523231B2 |
Riding mower
A riding mower includes a pair of right and left front wheels; a pair of right and left rear wheels; a driver's seat provided between the rear wheels and the front wheels; an engine provided in the rear of the driver's seat; and a mower provided under the driver's seat. The riding mower is capable of being mounted with a fuel gas cylinder sideways on a side of the engine in which an operation section of the fuel gas cylinder faces backward. The riding mower further includes a guard member that is opposed to a rear surface of the fuel gas cylinder and is switchable between a protection position to cover the rear side of the operation section and an open position to open the rear surface of the fuel gas cylinder. |
| US08523222B2 |
Curtain airbag assembly for a motor vehicle
An airbag assembly for a motor vehicle includes an inflator and a curtain airbag securable to a body structure of the motor vehicle. The airbag includes two or more deployment tubes and two or more inflatable chambers. Vents connect the deployment chambers with the inflatable chambers. Gasses from the inflator pass first into the deployment tubes to rapidly inflate them to vertically extending positions and draw the airbag over a window opening. The gasses then pass through the vents into the inflatable chambers to complete the deployment of the curtain airbag. The rapid inflation and deployment of the deployment chambers provides cushioning for an occupant's head early in a crash event, followed by the inflation of the inflatable chambers to provide additional head protection and increasing the resistance of the curtain airbag to ejection through the underlying window apertures. |
| US08523217B2 |
Vehicle frame for trailer coupler system
A coupling mechanism for attaching a fifth wheel RV trailer to a truck for towing. A fifth wheel towball interface which provides unobstructed gimbal action into the connection between truck and trailer. A fifth wheel base having a lightweight structure made from a lightweight material and/or engineered design with lightweight in mind. |
| US08523216B2 |
Fifth wheel slide rail
An improved slide rail for a fifth wheel hitch assembly is disclosed that has T-shaped cross-section with a horizontal top section and a vertical base section. The horizontal top section includes scalloped edges, and the vertical base section includes weld pockets. |
| US08523215B2 |
Middle hoop system for an articulated vehicle
A middle hoop system for a vehicle joint is arranged between a vehicle front part and a vehicle rear part of a vehicle. The middle hoop forms a passage between the vehicle front part and the vehicle rear part, the middle hoop surrounding the passage. A cable which is arranged above the passage extends along a curved path between the vehicle front part and the vehicle rear part. A bearing is provided between the cable and the middle hoop. The bearing has a guide surface permitting a relative movement in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between the cable and the middle hoop. The cable is subject to a smaller load by the middle hoop system. |
| US08523206B2 |
Motor vehicle
A steering gear of a motor vehicle is fastened to a chassis via several bearing points, each of which includes, but is not limited to bolt penetrating eyes of the chassis and the steering gear and an elastic sleeve. The elastic sleeve of at least a first of the bearing points is accommodated in the eye of the chassis. |
| US08523203B1 |
Trailing axle suspension system
A suspension system is disclosed that suspends a trailing axle with steerable wheels from the body of a motor vehicle with a carriage and a pair of actuators. The axle is directly suspended from the carriage and the actuators operate to establish the carriage and thereby the axle in a stowed condition on the vehicle body and in an active condition where the axle trails the vehicle at a substantial distance and is forced by the actuators to help support the vehicle. And the actuators are pivotally connected to the vehicle body at a location above the highest possible height of the center of gravity of the maximum allowable load supported by the vehicle body to thereby enhance vehicle roll stability with the trailing axle suspension system while providing for significant travel of the axle relative to the frame of the vehicle in accommodating road grade differences between the trailing axle wheels and the wheels of the primary axles normally supporting the vehicle frame and also blocking road surface produced shock forces on the trailing axle wheels from the vehicle body. |
| US08523201B2 |
Retractable device and utility case
The retractable stand device may include an upper device 161, a top device 171, and a lower device 181 that may hold a musical instrument such as a guitar. In addition, the retractable stand device may be in combination with a utility case 100 or it may be a kit with installation hardware. The utility case 100 may include a hinged lid 122 for access to an upper compartment 120, a base 140 for amplifiers, fixed compartments 130, movable compartments 128, handles 118, and wheels 142. Numerous combinations of stand devices and utility case options are included. |
| US08523200B2 |
Sulky force equalizer and analyzer
A sulky force equalizer comprised of two actuators, connected together, and each actuator is connected to a sulky shaft. The two actuators work together in a pressurized feedback loop that captures and uses errant sulky-and-horse forces to counterbalance any imbalance of pulling forces from the horse; reduces the effort required by a horse to control, stabilize and pull the sulky; and correct any imbalance of the sulky shaft positions. The sulky force equalizer also operates in force analysis mode to test forces in the actuators. |
| US08523193B1 |
Convertible ride-on and pull wagon toy
Described is a convertible ride-on and pull wagon toy. The toy wagon includes a wagon body having a compartment therein for storage. A plurality of wheels are rotatably connected with the wagon body for supporting the wagon body on a ground surface. An elongated seat member having a wagon end and a handle end is attached with the wagon body such that the wagon end is pivotally connected with the wagon body. A handle is connected with the handle end of the elongated seat member. The elongated seat member is pivotally attached to the wagon body to rotate between a ride-on configuration, where the elongated seat member covers the compartment and operates as a seat (and can be selectively locked in place with a lock mechanism), and a pull wagon configuration, where the elongated seat member extends from the wagon and serves as a neck for the handle. |
| US08523192B2 |
Method and system for operating a motor vehicle
A method and system for operating a motor vehicle is described. In one example, spring rates for suspension springs and damping rates for shock absorbers are adjusted in response to vertical acceleration, longitudinal angular acceleration, and lateral angular acceleration of a vehicle body in the absence of accelerometers. The system and method may improve vehicle driving dynamics and lower system cost as compared to other systems. |
| US08523191B2 |
Height control valve assembly for axle/suspension systems
A height control valve assembly for an axle/suspension system of a vehicle includes a height control valve in fluid communication with a compressed air source, with at least one air spring of said vehicle, and with atmosphere. The height control valve is attached to the frame of the vehicle and includes a flow control means for regulating fluid flow through the valve. A control arm is operatively attached to the flow control means, whereby movement of the control arm regulates fluid flow through the height control valve. The height control valve assembly further includes a link having a first end and a second end. The first end of the link is operatively attached to the control arm. The second end of the link is attached to the beam of the axle/suspension system, such that the ends of the link are generally vertically aligned. |
| US08523186B2 |
Slide ring seal arrangement
A slide ring seal arrangement comprises a rotationally fixed slide ring (4) and a slide ring (11), which is provided for rotating together with a rotating component, these slide rings each being held in a loose seat and interacting, in, in essence, radially oriented sealing surfaces, which are prestressed with a main prestressing force while in contact with one another. Each slide ring, on its front face that faces away from the sealing surface, is axially supported on a supporting part (14, 17) via an annular bearing surface (16, 20) provided between the respective supporting part and the adjacent front face of the respective slide ring. A load ratio (d12−dH2)/(d12−d22) of =2.0, preferably between 0.8 and 2.0, preferably no greater than between 1.0 and 1.5, more preferably approximately 1.3 is maintained on the bearing surface (16, 20). The measurement (d1−d2) of each bearing surface (16, 20) is equal to =10 mm, preferably between 0.2 and 2.0, preferably no more than approximately 0.6 mm. |
| US08523182B2 |
Ring puzzle
A ring puzzle has a plurality of rings having a through going slot through which the rings can be introduced into one another, and each of the ring being provided with a plurality of groups at least two circumferentially spaced protrusions and at least two axially spaced grooves, such that when one of the rings is introduced in another of the rings and turned relative to the latter and the protrusions of one of the rings are engaged in the grooves of another of the rings at least one of the groups two of the rings become firmly connected with one another. |
| US08523178B2 |
Discharge mechanism and image forming device
A discharge mechanism includes a rotating shaft that is rotatable, a plurality of roll portions provided around the rotating shaft, an opposing member provided above the roll portions so as to oppose the roll portions, the opposing member holding and conveying a material to be conveyed, in cooperation with the roll portions so that the material to be conveyed is discharged onto a discharge section, and a protrusion formed on an outer periphery of the rotating shaft, the protrusion not protruding beyond the outer diameter of the roll portions. |
| US08523174B2 |
Media rotation and translation mechanism
An improved rotator/translator mechanism includes multiple thin discs that mate with an idler roll to distribute nip pressure and spin at different rotational velocities to produce the same linear velocity at the nip and thereby reduce marking on certain media. |
| US08523165B2 |
Recording media sheet processing system, image forming system including same, and insertion method used therein
A recording media sheet processing system includes a folding device including a folding unit to fold a sheet and a squeezing unit to squeeze the folded sheet, an insertion device to insert in an envelope an enclosure, and a controller. The folding device. The controller includes an envelope selector, a selector for selecting whether to fold the sheet and a folding style of the sheet, a first storage unit for storing a folding-related equivalent quantity into which a quantity of each sheet is converted corresponding to the folding style and the number of times the sheet is squeezed, a second storage unit for storing a maximum quantity of sheets insertable, a calculator to calculate a total converted quantity of the enclosure, a determination unit to determine whether the selected envelope type accommodates the enclosure, and a squeezing setter to set the number of times of squeezing. |
| US08523164B2 |
Inserter and a single-copy gripper with deep reach
An inserter including a pocket for holding an unevenly folded printed product having a fold edge, a first section on a first side of the fold edge and a second section on a second side of the fold edge that is at least 20 percent shorter than the first section is provided. The pocket includes a lower support surface for supporting the fold edge, a first wall for supporting the first section and a second wall for supporting the second section. The first and second walls each have at least one cutout defined therein. The at least one cutout of the second wall includes a lower cutout edge that is less than a length of the second section away from the lower support surface. The inserter also includes a gripper for securely gripping unevenly folded printed product and removing the unevenly folded printed product from the pocket by passing through the at least one cutouts in the first and second walls. A method of inserting an insert into an unevenly folded printed product is also provided. |
| US08523161B2 |
Clamping mechanism automatically adaptable to change of thickness of printed circuit board
A clamping mechanism automatically adaptable to change of thickness of printed circuit board includes: a frame body having two parallel rail seats; two clamping rail members respectively mounted on the rail seats for clamping a printed circuit board, each clamping rail member including a first clamping rail and a second clamping rail spaced from each other by a clamping gap; and two adjustment units for adjusting the clamping gap of the clamping rail members. Each the adjustment unit includes: a support section mounted on the frame body to provide a support face; a connection section, one end of the connection section being affixed to the first clamping rail, the other end of the connection section being positioned above the support face; and a floating section positioned between the connection section and the support section and supported on the support face to apply a resilient support force to the connection section. |
| US08523160B2 |
Clamp for screen printing
An embodiment of the present invention is a clamp system for use in screen printing, including first and second jaw members, screws, an extension member, and a registration pin. The jaw members are aligned and have respective facing flat surfaces and openings. The screws threadedly connect to respective openings and set the distance between jaw members for clamping a frame. The extension member remains flush to the flat surface of the first jaw member and has a housing extending orthogonal to alignment of the jaw members. The registration pin engages a hole on the housing and extends parallel to jaw members and orthogonal to the housing. The blunt end of the pin abuts a platen. All platens maintain the same position relative to the frame, when abutting the blunt end. The registration of platens to the frame allows for multiple consistent ink application onto a substrate. |
| US08523152B2 |
Removable fluid downcomer with seal pot pan for volatile organic compound removal device
A volatile organic compound removal device includes a cabinet having first and second slidable drawers movable between inserted and extended positions. A downcomer tube is downwardly and slidably received in an aperture of the first drawer. A sealing flange extends horizontally outward from a downcomer tube perimeter and extends beyond the aperture when the downcomer tube is received in the aperture. The sealing flange faces an upward facing surface of the first drawer and supports the downcomer tube to the first drawer using only a weight of the downcomer tube applied through the sealing flange to the upward facing surface. A removable seal pot pan is supported on an upward facing surface of the second drawer, which is aligned directly below and receives a lower end of the downcomer tube. |
| US08523149B1 |
Magnetic panels and locking clips
Devices, systems and methods of mounting plastic translucent panels and/or colored panels and/or advertising panels to balconies, banisters and stair railings using magnetic fasteners and clips, to protect pets and small children. The panels can be attached by a plurality of strips of double sided magnetic tape to the posts of the banister. Snapable clips can be attached to the posts above and below the panel to further hold the panel to the banister. |
| US08523144B2 |
Valve with elastically deformable component
A valve including an elastically deformable component is disclosed, wherein the elastically deformable component is disposed in one of a valve head and a valve body, and wherein the elastically deformable component is elastically deformed when the valve is in a closed position to facilitate a substantially fluid tight seal between the valve head and the valve body. |
| US08523143B2 |
Detachable fluid coupling for inkjet printer
A detachable fluid coupling for connecting an inkjet printhead with an ink supply, the detachable coupling having a fixed valve member defining a valve seat, a sealing collar (146) for sealing engagement with the valve seat (148), a resilient sleeve (126) having one annular end fixed relative to the fixed valve member (128), and the other annular end engaging the sealing collar to bias it into sealing engagement with the valve seat. The coupling also having a conduit opening (150) that is movable relative to the fixed valve member for engaging the sealing collar (146) to unseal it from the valve seat. Unsealing the sealing collar from the valve seat compresses the resilient sleeve (126) such that an intermediate section of the sleeve displaces outwardly relative to the annular ends. With a resilient sleeve that buckles or folds outwardly, the diameter of the coupling is smaller that the conventional couplings that use an annular resilient element that biases the valve shut remaining residual tension. With a smaller outer diameter, the couplings for all the different ink colors can be positioned in a smaller more compact interface. |
| US08523140B2 |
Handwheel torque limitor
A torque limiting device with an override mechanism coupled to a valve assembly capable of limiting the torque applied to the valve assembly and selectively being overridden to permit the application of excessive torque to the valve assembly. Tattletale devices capable of indicating when an override mechanism has been activated can also be integrated with the torque limiting device. |
| US08523136B2 |
Engine mount assembly and mounting system for a vehicle
An engine mount assembly is provided for mounting an engine to a vehicle frame. The engine mount assembly includes an elastomeric material snubber element having a generally elongated configuration with axial end faces and a coaxial bolt passage defined therethrough. A tubular sleeve has an inner shape sized for sliding receipt of the snubber element therein. The tubular sleeve has a longitudinal cross-sectional profile such that a bottom longitudinal cross-sectional portion of the tubular sleeve extends axially beyond the end faces of the snubber element and defines an enlarged attachment footprint for the tubular sleeve to a vehicle frame flange. |
| US08523134B2 |
Ground spike
A ground spike is disclosed having a plurality of blades and a flat plate secured thereto. The blades each have a reinforcement deformation proximal to a longitudinal outer edge. The reinforcement deformation may be a reinforcement line stamped therein, may be a bent outer edge, or the like. Objects may be attached to the flat plate, thereby securing such objects to the ground when the ground spike is used. The ground spike may have a post receiving socket secured to the flat plate. Each component may comprise metals of varying thickness and rigidity or other suitable materials. |
| US08523132B2 |
Back frame module
A back frame module includes a base plate, two locking plate members, a cable organizing plate, and a stowage plate. The base plate is adapted to be provided on a rear face of a display. The locking plate members, the cable organizing plate, and the stowage plate are selectively connected to the base plate. The locking plate members are adapted for mounting of a computer device therebetween. The cable organizing plate is adapted to stow a cable of the display or of the computer device. The stowage plate is adapted to stow an adapter of the display or other accessories. The locking plate members, the cable organizing plate, and the stowage plate can be selectively substituted by a support plate. The back frame module thus has various states of use to satisfy different user requirements. |
| US08523131B2 |
Tilter for positioning an electronic device
A tilter assembly is disclosed which comprises a pair of springs, each of which is coupled to the tilter body and the center tilt mount, that provide a counterbalance force to support the weight of a user device which is attached to the tilter. A bushing, which is capable of providing force to a friction cylinder which permits rotation of the tilter about an axis, is adjustable vis-à-vis the friction cylinder via a set screw to provide additional counterbalance force to the tilter to support the weight of the user device. |
| US08523129B2 |
Adjustabale display mount
A mounting system for mounting a display device to a surface, the mounting system adjustable in multiple degrees of freedom to selectively position and orientate the attached device relative to the mounting surface and/or other collocated display devices. According to various embodiments, a surface bracket is configured to attach to a mounting surface and an arm assembly operatively couples the surface bracket with a mount carriage. A mount bracket is movably coupled to the mount carriage and is selectively movable in a plane substantially parallel to the surface. A plurality of device bracket assemblies are coupled to the mount bracket. Each of the device bracket assemblies is selectively movable to translate, pivot and tilt the attached device. |
| US08523122B2 |
Display apparatus and method
A display apparatus for portable electronic device including a base, a plurality of mounting sleeves, a plurality of mounting posts, a plurality of mounting brackets, and a power supply unit. The base has a lockable panel that conceals an interior space at least partially defined by the base. The mounting sleeves are coupled to the base. The mounting posts are lockingly engaged with the mounting sleeves in the interior space at least partially defined by the base. The mounting brackets are secured to the mounting posts, each of the mounting brackets fixedly retaining a respective portable electronic device of a plurality of portable electronic devices so that the respective portable electronic device is rigidly secured relative to the base. The power supply unit is concealed and has a plurality of power ports shaped to receive automotive accessory power plugs from the portable electronic devices fixedly retained in the mounting brackets. |
| US08523111B2 |
Method of stiffening a rib
A method of stiffening a rib (19, 20) during the assembly of an aircraft wing is described. A stiffener panel (40, 41) is attached to a face of the rib (19, 20). The rib is aligned with one or more wing components with the stiffener panel (40, 41) attached. An assembly operation such as drilling (16) is performed with the rib aligned and the stiffener panel attached. The stiffener panel (40, 41) is removed from the rib after the assembly operation. The stiffener panel has a resilient external sealing ring which is mounted on a face of the panel and forms an external perimeter of a vacuum cavity; and at least one resilient internal sealing ring which is mounted on the panel (20, 21) within the perimeter defined by the external sealing ring and forms an internal perimeter of the vacuum cavity. The stiffener can be attached to the rib by a vacuum clamping force, the vacuum being sealed by the external and internal sealing rings. The internal sealing ring(s) seal any holes which are present in the rib. The stiffener (40, 41) can support the rib (20, 21) during alignment to give it the required flatness. |
| US08523107B2 |
Fuselage mounted landing gear
A landing gear for an aircraft. The landing gear may have a wheel/truck assembly, an oleo strut/support frame for supporting the wheel/truck assembly, and a retraction assembly attached to the oleo strut/support frame, the retraction assembly for moving the landing gear between a deployed position and a retracted position. The retraction assembly may have a pivoting trunnion brace attached to the oleo strut/support frame and to a fuselage of the aircraft for positioning the wheel/truck assembly, the oleo strut/support frame and the retraction assembly at least substantially fully within the fuselage of the aircraft in the retracted position. |
| US08523105B2 |
Aircraft provided with a fuel cell system
According to the invention, a rear portion of a fuselage of an aircraft contains a fuel cell system, and the aircraft further includes a rear cone which is removably mounted relative to the rear portion of the fuselage so as to form an extension thereof. The rear cone is shaped as a fuel tank for the fuel cell system contained in the rear portion of the fuselage. The rear cone includes at least one housing extending into the fuel tank and configured to receive at least one projecting slide extending from the rear portion of the fuselage. |
| US08523098B2 |
Cord organizer
A cord organizer has a base with first and second posts extending therefrom. First and second flexible nubs couple with the first post and the second post, respectively. The result is a cord organizer formed of two posts around which a cord may be wrapped in a figure-eight pattern. The flexible nubs help to hold the cord onto the posts by preventing the cord from slipping off the ends of the posts on its own. However, when the cord is to be un-stowed from the cord organizer, the cord can be pulled straight away from the cord organizer, causing the flexible nubs to elastically flex to allow the cord to pass without requiring undue pivoting or rotating of the cord organizer, and further without causing twisting of the cord about its longitudinal central axis. The flexible nubs may be removable and replaceable to enable personalized customization of the cord organizer. |
| US08523097B2 |
Vehicular seat belt
A vehicular seat belt device including: a belt reel on which a webbing that restrains an occupant is wound; an actuator that generates instantaneous rotational drive force by gas that is generated during an emergency; a flywheel that rotates by the rotational drive force of the actuator; a speed increasing mechanism that is housed inside the flywheel and that increases the rotational speed of the actuator and transmits it to the flywheel; and a connecting and disconnecting unit that connects a low-speed rotation side of the speed increasing mechanism and the belt reel during rotation of the flywheel, wherein the belt reel rotates to the webbing winding-up direction by the rotational drive force of the actuator. |
| US08523095B2 |
Feed control arrangement
A feed control arrangement for controlling the infeed of materials into a machine such as a wood chipper is provided. The feed control arrangement includes a control lever and an emergency stop bar. The control lever and emergency stop bar can be selectively activated to effectively control the infeed of material into the machine. |
| US08523088B2 |
Particle spraying
A particle sprayer includes a source of discrete particles, a spray outlet coupled to the particle source, and a conduit extending from a pressurized fluid inlet to the spray outlet and configured to constrain a flow of carrier fluid to flow along the conduit toward the spray outlet to propel particles from the particle source away from the spray outlet. The particles including discrete fastening bits having one or more projections, with each projection having an overhanging head for snagging fibers. The particle sprayer may be used to spray fastening bits onto a surface, to turn the surface into a touch fastener. |
| US08523087B2 |
Surface disruptor for laminar jet fountain
A fluid handling device, for example, a laminar jet fountain, includes a jet emanating a first stream of substantially laminar fluid. The jet fountain also includes a surface disruptor that includes a body, a water inlet, a valve, a fluid outlet, and a trajectory adjuster emanating a second stream of fluid from the fluid outlet. The second stream of fluid may be positioned to intersect the first stream of fluid and perturb its laminarity. By adjusting a valve controlling the force and volume of flow of the second stream and/or by adjusting the trajectory adjuster, the intersection of the first and second streams may be modified and, therefore, the laminarity of the first stream may be modified. By disrupting the laminar surface of the first stream, light introduced into the first stream may be caused to refract outward from the first stream and thus enhance illumination of the first stream. |
| US08523083B2 |
Thermostat with self-configuring connections to facilitate do-it-yourself installation
A thermostat is configured for automated compatibility with HVAC systems that are either single-HVAC-transformer systems or dual-HVAC-transformer systems. The compatibility is automated in that a manual jumper installation is not required for adaptation to either single-HVAC-transformer systems or dual-HVAC-transformer systems. The thermostat has a plurality of HVAC wire connectors including a first call relay wire connector, a first power return wire connector, a second call relay wire connector, and a second power return wire connector. The thermostat is configured such that if the first and second external wires have been inserted into the first and second power return wire connectors, respectively, then the first and second power return wire connectors are electrically isolated from each other. Otherwise, the first and second power return wire connectors are electrically shorted together. |
| US08523082B2 |
Open access sleeve for heated fluid units
A series of implementations of open access sleeves for holding one or more closed containers of sterile fluid for use in medical procedures are disclosed. The open access sleeves may be adapted to provide heat to maintain the containers of sterile fluid above the ambient air temperature of the room. The provision of heat may be controlled by a control system. The control system may use a temperature measurement device to obtain a temperature representative of the container of sterile fluid and of the sterile fluid in the container. The access sleeve may be included in a device for maintaining an open volume of sterile fluid within a range of a target temperature to maintain the closed containers of sterile fluid at a temperature near target temperature for open volume of sterile fluid. |
| US08523081B2 |
Information input help sheet, information processing system using the information input help sheet, print-associated output system using the information input help sheet, and calibration method
The technical objective is to provide a simple and low-cost information input help sheet and an information processing system which exhibit a significantly high input accuracy and input efficiency without limiting a mounting object. The information input help sheet comprises an infrared reflection layer which reflects infrared rays from one side and transmits visible light, and a dot pattern layer provided on one side of the infrared reflection layer and on which dots generated by a dot-code generating algorithm and formed with material having an infrared absorbing characteristic are arranged according to a predetermined rule, in order to perform a variety of multimedia information output and/or operation instructions. |
| US08523076B2 |
Omnidirectional laser scanning bar code symbol reader generating a laser scanning pattern with a highly non-uniform scan density with respect to line orientation
An improved laser scanning system is provided employing multiple off-center lasers and an irregular multi-sided scanning polygon, producing a laser scanning raster over a total sweep of approximately 180 degrees of polygon rotation (i.e. sweep), wherein the scanning region includes (i) a center scanning region with a first plurality of scanning lines, (ii) two mid scanning regions with a second plurality of scanning lines, and (iii) far left and right scanning regions each having a third plurality of scanning lines, to supports high (full) density, mid (⅔) density, and low (⅓) density scanning over the 180 degrees scanning region, for robust omni-directional scanning performance. |
| US08523074B2 |
Bar code imagers
Bar code imagers and methods of operating bar code imagers are described herein. One method includes illuminating a bar code with a first illumination beam provided by the bar code imager device, wherein the first illumination beam has a first wavelength, and illuminating the bar code with a second illumination beam provided by the bar code imager device, wherein the second illumination beam has a second wavelength that is different than the first wavelength. |
| US08523072B2 |
Card reader protection system
Devices, systems and methods for detecting skimming devices are provided. The present disclosure provides for a card reader assembly including a face plate having a slot for receiving a card in a direction of entry into the slot; an array of infrared proximity detectors disposed on the face plate; and a controller configured to selectively activate the array of infrared proximity detectors to determine if an object, for example, a skimming device, is placed over the slot of the face plate. |
| US08523070B2 |
System and method for managing and monitoring the dispensing of fuels
A fuel management system for use by operators of temporary and/or permanent inventories of vehicles such as vehicle dealerships. Fuel vouchers are issued by authorized issuing personnel to authorized recipients if a validation procedure is passed using a database incorporating employee and vehicle inventory information. At the time of delivery, the fueling station will verify the vehicle and individual presenting the voucher. If verification occurs, the authorized quantity of fuel is dispensed. The voucher and sales receipt are returned to the dealership for future auditing and report generation. The system stores information to enable reports to be generated concerning fuel voucher issuance, actual fuel usage and to detect fraud or misuse, allowing more effective fuel expense management. In the event a report generates a fraud alert, appropriate management personnel are immediately notified by email, text messaging or other means. |
| US08523068B2 |
Point of sale terminal for engagement with a mobile communicator
A point of sale terminal including a housing including at least first and second housing portions which are arranged for relative axial movement from a closed position to an open position, the first housing portion including at least a communications interface adapted for operative communications engagement with a mobile communicator and a first housing portion socket adapted for partially surrounding the mobile communicator, the second housing portion including a second housing portion socket adapted for partially surrounding the mobile communicator and the first and second housing portions being configured such that when they are arranged in the closed position the first housing portion socket and the second housing portion socket together hug the mobile communicator and prevent unwanted disengagement of the mobile communicator therefrom. |
| US08523061B2 |
System and method for validating that fares have been paid
The invention relates to a control terminal (20) for determining whether a fare has been paid comprising: a reader (22) for reading a fare card identification number from a fare card; a processing module (25) adapted to implement a one-way function to generate a control number from a fare card identification number; and a comparison unit (27) for comparing the control number to a reference list. |
| US08523058B2 |
Transaction product with removable articles
A transaction product includes a housing, a tray, one or more articles and an account identifier. The tray is selectively maintained within and readily removable from the housing. The one or more articles are selectively maintained by the tray, and each of the one more articles are readily removable from the tray. The account identifier is associated with the housing and links the transaction product to an account or record having a value configured to be used toward one or more of a purchase and a use of goods or services. Other products, cards, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed. |
| US08523057B2 |
Automated banking machine that operates responsive to data read from data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records, such as user cards, to cause machine user authorization and financial transfers. Account data read from a user card is associated in a data store with instructions for displaying a customer interface uniquely associated with the particular bank where the user holds the account. The customer interface includes user-selectable financial transaction options. The arrangement enables the customer interface of the user's home bank, with which the user is familiar, to also be automatically displayed when the user operates automated banking machines of other banks. |
| US08523054B2 |
Gift card conversion and digital wallet
A method and a system convert the value of a gift card for use with a mobile device. A gift card converter module associates a value of the gift card with a digital wallet of the mobile device. A digital wallet module enables a financial transaction with the digital wallet of the mobile device. A storage device stores the value of the gift card associated with the digital wallet and the corresponding financial transaction. |
| US08523053B2 |
Enabling consumer choice on contactless transactions when using a dual-branded payment instrument
The embodiments presented herein provide for systems and methods for allowing different types of transactions, e.g., credit or debit transactions, over different payment networks, e.g., Visa or STAR networks, using contactless payment devices. In embodiments, a merchant and/or consumer can select if he or she wants a debit or credit transaction. The merchant point-of-sale (POS) device can process these choices and transmit the request to the contactless payment device. In embodiments, the contactless payment device includes two or more applications (one for credit transactions and one for debit transactions) for conducting transactions and transmitting the requested information to the merchant POS device. The merchant POS device can then use the information received from the contactless payment device to complete the transaction over the requested network. |
| US08523045B2 |
Method of joining copper conductors
Copper conductor members or other copper-base workpieces are welded using a suitable copper alloy material that is reactive with the joining surfaces of the copper members. The reactive metal material may be applied as a thin metal strip between assembled facing joining surfaces. The members are pressed together against the reactive material and heated. The combined pressure and heat enable the reactive material to react with facing workpiece material, to liquefy and remove oxides or the like that might inhibit the formation of a welded interface. The liquid, containing original reactive metal and byproducts, is squeezed from the interface of the workpieces to enable the formation of a solid-state weld between them without melting of un-reacted workpiece copper material. |
| US08523044B2 |
Inorganic nanowires
Provided in one embodiment is a method of forming an inorganic nanowire, comprising: providing an elongated organic scaffold; providing a plurality of inorganic nanoparticles attached to the organic scaffold along a length of the organic scaffold; and fusing the nanoparticles attached to the organic scaffold to form an inorganic nanowire. |
| US08523043B2 |
Surgical stapler having haptic feedback
A surgical tool system includes a surgical tool for cutting and stapling tissue and a tactile feedback system integrated onto a handle of the tool that generates relevant feedback in at least the form of haptic effects to the user. The tactile feedback alerts the user of tissue properties, i.e., the type of tissue or other structures located within the jaws of the stapler, whether the quantity or thickness of tissue located within the jaws of the stapler is appropriate for the selected stapler cartridge, whether the proper length of staples has been fired based on the length of tissue located in the jaws, whether a blood vessel is located within the jaws of the stapler, whether the stapling process has successfully sealed the tissue located within the jaws of the stapler, the position of the cutting element, and/or when the stapling procedure or firing cycle is completed. |
| US08523039B2 |
Stapler
A stapler is provided with a driver support part which supports an actuating mechanism of a driver; a clincher support part which is arranged apart from the driver support part in an up/down direction and to which a clincher is fixed; a positioning member provided in a vicinity of one of the clincher support part and the driver support part; a first positioning element provided on the positioning member; and a second positioning element provided on the one of the clincher support part and the driver support part. The driver support part and the clincher support part are simultaneously movable in a right/left direction by substantially the same amount. In cooperation with a clamping operation, the first positioning element and the second positioning element engage with each other. |
| US08523036B2 |
Hammer tacker
Stapler (1) comprising a body (2) and a magazine (3) which in its rear portion is connected pivotably via a connecting pin (6) to said body in such a way that said magazine in its forward portion can be moved in a direction (P) into and out of the body, the body (2) having integral bushings (9, 10) which have connecting surfaces (11, 12) whose longitudinal extent (D) is greater than the thickness (T) of the body material. |
| US08523030B1 |
Apparatus and method for carrying and retrieval of a grenade
The subject matter discloses an apparatus, including an envelope for holding a grenade, the grenade comprises a grenade lever and a grenade safety pin; an attaching utensil for attaching the envelope to a garment of a person; a safety lever container connected to the envelope, the safety lever container is configured to secure the grenade lever, such that the grenade is oriented in a predetermined direction and a ring holder connected to the envelope, the ring holder is configured to hold the safety pin, such that the safety pin is detached from the grenade responsive to removal of the grenade from the envelope. |
| US08523024B2 |
Cap and spout combo
The present invention is directed to a novel cap and spout closure which provides for spout orientation, sealing, and locking when applied to a container or bottle. The present invention provides for a unique lug and notch assembly, which properly aligns and locks the cap and spout closure onto a container or bottle. The pre-assembled cap of the present invention is useful as a cap and spout for liquid laundry detergent. |
| US08523020B2 |
Vented dispensing device
The dispensing device provides dispensable material in a closable container in concert with a corresponding accessory so that the container and the accessory can be commonly stored when not in use, and further provides a ventilated storage volume within the device that can facilitate drying and aerating the accessory. |
| US08523019B2 |
Combination aerator, pourer, preserver, and stopper for a container
A very compact, stopper style pourer that can be inserted in a wide range of container neck sizes. The above mentioned end stopper is multifunctional, combining pouring, aeration, provision for preservation and capping in an integrated innovative design. The pourer is equipped with an internal aeration system, based on the Venturi principle, a non-protruding, non-drip spout, built inside the stopper, an access opening for a preserving gas supply, a telescopic extension in the container that regulates the aeration and improves the preserving gas usage. The stopper is also fitted with a hinged lid that has a co molded seal and lock, to provide a positive capping. The front face of the lid is suitable in size to carry any logo/marking, similar to any wine container cork-sleeve. |
| US08523013B2 |
Elevating lift dispenser and container for articles in a liquid bath
Containers for contents in a liquid bath, which are resealable and have an elevating lift therein. The lift is preferably operated by an operator that fits within the container. The lift engages both a feature on the operator and a feature on the container. A slope differential exists between the operator feature and the container feature. Rotation of the operator relative to the container results in longitudinal movement of the lift within the container. The lift can be moved toward an upper position to raise at least a portion of the contents out of the liquid bath to facilitate dispensing of the contents. |
| US08523012B2 |
Merchandise display hook having time delay mechanism including helix
A merchandise display hook has a time delay mechanism for increasing the amount of time required to dispense items of merchandise from a display arm, while permitting bulk loading of the items of merchandise onto the display arm. The time delay mechanism includes a housing, a helix extending from the housing in a rearward direction, and a rotatable handle extending from the housing in a forward direction. Rotation of the handle causes the helix to rotate about the display arm to thereby dispense the items of merchandise from the display arm in the forward direction. The time delay mechanism further includes a lock mechanism having a secured position for attaching the time delay mechanism to the display arm and an unsecured position for allowing the time delay mechanism to be detached from the display arm to permit bulk loading. A first drive gear may be affixed to the handle that engages a reducing gear that in turn engages a second drive gear affixed to the helix so that the second drive gear turns the helix slower than the handle turns the first drive gear. |
| US08523007B2 |
Reinforced dust pan and refuse container
Snapable narrow width rectangular dust pan that can clip about a flat side outer edge of the open end of a refuse container having curved or flat side open rim edges. The dust pan can be used for converting a refuse container into a dust pan refuse container. The receptacle can include an open upper end with a D-shaped configuration and a closed bottom end with a substantially circular bottom configuration. The receptacle can have a generally cylindrical shape and a flat side wall having a triangular tubular shape for allowing the receptacle to be laid on its side so that rakes and brooms can move debris into the D-shaped opening. At least one handle located on the apex of the D-shaped opening allows the container to be lifted to a vertical standing position, and curved interior wall surfaces allow debris to slide toward the bottom of the container. |
| US08523003B2 |
Resin container
A resin container includes a main body in which a bottom plate, a cylindrical body portion, and a ceiling plate are integrally molded, and a pipe which is inserted into the main body through an outlet port opened on the ceiling plate. The main body includes a recessed portion which is formed on the bottom plate, of which center is not located on a virtual axis line extending from a center of the outlet port in a container height direction, and a gutter-shaped groove portion which is formed on the bottom plate and reaches the recessed portion. The pipe is curved from an upper end to a lower end, and the lower end of the pipe is pressed against a boundary between an inner circumferential surface of the recessed portion at a side opposite to a side of the outlet port and a bottom surface of the recessed portion. |
| US08522997B2 |
Stopper and lanyard loop combination for a beverage container
A stopper (10) is provided for a beverage container (12) having a fill opening (14) that is closed by the stopper (10). The stopper (10) includes a main body (18), a lid (22), and a rigid lanyard loop (16). The main body (18) is configured for releasable engagement with the opening (14) of beverage container (12) and includes a drinking port (24) to allow a beverage to flow from the beverage container (12) to the mouth of a user. The lid (22) has an upper surface (26) and is hinge mounted to the main body (18) for movement between a closed position wherein the drinking port (24) is covered and an open position wherein the drinking port (24) is exposed for access by a user. The rigid lanyard loop (16) is hinge mounted for movement relative to the lid (22) between an stowed position wherein the lanyard loop (16) extends adjacent the upper surface (26) of the lid (22) and a deployed position wherein the lanyard loop (16) extends away from the upper surface (26) with the lid (22) in the closed position. |
| US08522995B2 |
Piercing fliptop closure
The invention closures that opens sealed containers and close such containers thereafter and method of using the same. |
| US08522992B2 |
Box having foldable and dismantlable exterior walls
A foldable box includes a floor having a fixed exterior wall extending from the floor in a vertical direction upwards and an exterior wall having a shaft arranged in the base area of the exterior wall. The foldable box further includes a guide opening in the fixed exterior wall area in which the shaft is arranged, the guide opening including an opening section extending basically in the vertical direction through which the shaft may be guided out from the top, and a lateral opening section extending in a lateral direction from an outside of the fixed exterior wall area inwards, in which the shaft may be shifted basically in a lateral direction. A cam arranged in the base area of the exterior wall has a cam contour which is implemented such that the cam contour, when erecting the exterior wall, gets into contact with a contact surface arranged at the fixed exterior wall area such that the shaft is moved inwards in the lateral opening section. |
| US08522991B2 |
Tamper evident closure
A tamper-evident closure (10) for a container (20) is provided. The closure (10) comprises a first portion (25) including inner (35) and outer (45) parts, and a second portion (30). The outer part (45) is movable relative to the inner part (35) from a first position in which the outer part (45) is immediately adjacent the second portion (30) to a second position in which there is an empty unobstructed gap (G) therebetween. The inner (35) and outer (45) parts are adapted to become irreversibly locked in the second position so that the outer part (45) cannot be moved back to the first position to close the gap (G). A combination of such a closure (110) with an in-bore filament (100) connectable to a container (120) is also provided. |
| US08522990B2 |
Container seal with removal tab and holographic security ring seal
A holographic sealing member for a container is designed for attachment to the rim of an opening in the container. The holographic sealing member comprises a holographic layer having an upper plastic layer on its upper side and a lower embossed image layer on its lower side. A sealant or adhesive layer is attached to at least those portions of the lower side of the holographic layer that are intended to come into direct contact with the container's rim when the sealing member is placed upon and is sealed to a container. A metal foil layer lies over and covers and is adhesively bonded to the upper side of the holographic layer and may be inductively heated to actuate the heat actuated sealant. A tab covers and is adhesively bonded to the metal foil layer and may be pulled to remove the sealing member from a container. After this sealing member is attached to a container, and when the tab is pulled to remove the sealing member from the container, almost the entire sealing member pulls away from the container, but those portions of the holographic layer's lower embossed image layer that are attached directly to the rim of the container by the sealant or adhesive layer remain attached to the rim of the container to form a hologram that runs around the container's rim. |
| US08522989B2 |
Plastic containers with a base coat thereon
A hollow plastic container having a closed lower supporting base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the closed base, and an upper portion having a dispensing opening therein extending upwardly from the sidewall. The container also includes a digitally printed base coat on the sidewall having a thickness of from 1 to 200 microns, and preferably includes printed areas over at least portions of the base coat to provide a distinctive appearance. |
| US08522982B2 |
Method and device for inspecting transparent or translucent articles in order to optimize the operation of a control machine
The invention relates to a method for inspecting, with the aid of a machine (1), transparent or translucent hollow articles (Aj) streaming past a series of monitoring stations each comprising at least one sensor (Ci) delivering an output signal (Si(j)) for each article (Aj) traveling past a sensor.According to the invention, the method consists in implementing at least one phase of assessing the setting of the machine consisting: in choosing compliant and defective reference articles (A′(j)), for each reference article (A′(j)), recording the output signals (S′i(j)) of the sensors with each of which are associated an identifier for the reference article concerned and an expected result (R′a(j)), in selecting together, during the processing of the signals, at least two recorded output signals [S′a(j)], [S′k(j)] corresponding to one and the same reference article, so as to obtain after processing, a result (R′j), and in comparing the result obtained by processing (R′j) regarding the defective or compliant character of each reference article with the expected result (Ra′(j)). |
| US08522979B2 |
Recovery of reprocessable medical devices in a sharps container
Reprocessable medical devices that have been disposed of in a sharps container are recovered, disinfected or sterilized, sorted, and packed for reprocessing in a generally continuous process. In one embodiment, either a sharps container or at least a portion of its contents is successively and controllably conveyed, either manually or automatically, through a plurality of processing stations that are configured to perform different operations. The operations performed by the processing stations can include, for example, detecting and identifying contents, cleaning and disinfecting, opening the sharps containers, separating and sorting their contents, and disposal of contents that are non-reprocessable. Reprocessable medical devices can be sorted by type as they move along on a conveyor. |
| US08522975B2 |
Syringe assembly and package for distribution of same
A package assembly includes a plurality of syringe assemblies. Each syringe assembly has a syringe flange defining an opening. The syringe flange of each of the syringe assemblies is coupled to a plurality of adjacent syringe flanges to define a panel. Each of the syringe flanges includes a plurality of lateral edges. The plurality of lateral edges of each syringe flange is coupled to the lateral edge of adjacent syringe flanges in a breakaway configuration to facilitate separation of each of the plurality of syringe assemblies from the panel. |
| US08522971B2 |
Specially shaped carton for vanity sink
A sink assembly is provided. The sink assembly can comprise a container having a generally trapezoidal shaped cross section. The container can be closed about a sink within the container. The sink can be supported in the container by at least one support element, for example a corner support, a top support having a generally triangular shape, and a drain support. Multiple sink assemblies can be efficiently stacked next to one another for shipping and/or storage. |
| US08522970B2 |
Packaging/displaying device made from foldable blanks
A packaging/displaying device includes a main blank foldable into a housing that has a bottom panel, two side panels extending upwardly from two opposite sides of the bottom panel, a back panel extending upwardly from the bottom panel and connected between the side panels, and a top panel connected to a top end of the back panel and extending above the bottom panel, said top, bottom and side panels cooperatively defining a housing space for an object, the top panel having a through hole extending through said top panel to retain a top end of an object. The housing is open at its front side to display the object. |
| US08522968B2 |
Beverage flavoring applicator
A beverage flavoring applicator may have a housing having an internal channel, a cup assembly disposed in the internal channel, the cup assembly having a first cup having a first chamber with a first flavoring substance disposed in the first chamber, a second cup having a second chamber with a second flavoring substance disposed in the second chamber, the first and second cups being nested one within the other, and a plunger slidably engaged with the housing, the plunger having a spike configured to rupture the first and second cups upon movement of the plunger from a first position to a second position with respect to the housing, thereby dispensing the first and second flavoring substances from the applicator. The applicator may engage with a beverage container, either with or without an adapter. Some embodiments may have a bottle opener. Methods of making such applicators and adapters are also described. |
| US08522964B1 |
Jewelry storage case
A jewelry storage case is provided for organizing jewelry into separate labeled compartments within a portable case. The case includes a housing having an interior and a top hingedly coupled to a bottom. A plurality of lower cups is positioned in the bottom of the housing. Each lower cup is configured for receiving and holding a pair of earrings. An elongated lower channel is positioned in the bottom of the housing. An elongated lower wall is positioned in the lower channel defining a lower inner compartment and a lower outer compartment configured for holding a bracelet and a necklace respectively. |
| US08522963B2 |
Case for housing and container for elongated objects
A case for housing elongated objects includes a box body (2), having a size such that the box body can adequately contain the elongated object (O), which is inserted in the body through a front opening (21). The case has a lock the object housed in the case including at least a movable plate (23) arranged along at least a border (24) of the opening (21), movable between an open position wherein the plate impedes the passage from the inside to the outside of the case to the object to be kept and a closed position wherein the plate substantially arranges along at least a side (25) of the box body, in such a way as not to substantially obstruct the opening. |
| US08522954B2 |
Device and process for transferring packaged material to a packaged material transport system or to a storage device
The device for transferring items to a transport system or to a storage unit has a feed unit for conveying a plurality of items in three parallel feeding lines. Further, is has a transfer station for receiving the items from the feed unit and for transferring the items to the transport system or to the storage device. The transfer station includes three temporary storage lines arranged in parallel. The items are provided by the feed unit in a manner that the items in each of the temporary storage lines are arranged offset from the items in the other temporary storage lines with respect to a first direction. A pusher in the transfer station pushes the items in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to a single temporary storage line. |
| US08522951B2 |
Moving walkway
A moving walkway including a band (1) of pallets (2) moveable on side guides (4-5) and a drive mechanism formed by a pair of drive wheels (6) having a common shaft (7). The wheels have free-rotating peripheral rollers (9) engaging with formations (15) of the pallets (2) on their inner surface. |
| US08522949B2 |
Paper sheet processing apparatus
A paper sheet processing apparatus capable of preventing authentication accuracy from degrading even when a state change occurs due to attachment of water or the like. The paper sheet processing apparatus includes: a light receiving unit which receives transmitted and reflected lights from the paper sheet radiated by light emitting parts; a converter which converts the transmitted and reflected lights received by the light receiving part per pixel into data including color information having brightness; a RAM which stores transmitted and reflected light images received by the light receiving unit; an authenticity judgment processing part which determines the authenticity of the paper sheet based on the images stored in the RAM; and a determining part which excludes, based on a comparison result between brightness of the transmitted and reflected images in the predetermined area. |
| US08522948B1 |
Concrete dispensing chute extension
A concrete dispensing chute extension device for facilitating the pouring of concrete attaches to an end portion of a concrete truck chute and comprises a funnel-shaped lower opening having a cylindrical flexible chute extending directly downward. Concrete is poured down the chute and into the device, the device is directed straight downward into a concrete form. Utilization of the device reduces the impact of the concrete against the sides of the form and the incidents of the form capsizing. |
| US08522947B2 |
Electromagnetic clutch and water pump
An electromagnetic clutch includes a base portion, a driving member, a driven unit including an output shaft, and an electromagnetic solenoid. The driving member, the driven unit, and the electromagnetic solenoid are assembled on the base portion. The driven unit includes an intermediate member that engages with the output shaft to transmit a torque while being relatively moved towards a rotational axis, the intermediate member being magnetically attracted to the base portion. The driven unit also includes a rotation member that is biased towards the driving member and that is pivotally supported to transmit a rotation of the driving member to the output shaft, a guide mechanism that causes the rotation member to be separated from the driving member while the intermediate member is restrained from moving by being magnetically attracted, and a holding mechanism holding a position of the rotation member that is separated from the driving member. |
| US08522938B2 |
Article securement system
An article securement system for attaching an article to another article, such as article of luggage to another article of luggage. The article securement system includes a cord, such as an elastic cord, that is inserted through a handle. A cord locking mechanism is mounted on the cord as well. A second handle may be mounted on the cord as well with the cord locking mechanism between the two handles. In use, the cord is secured to a first attachment point on the first article, such as on a luggage handle. The cord and handle are pulled over the second article and engages over a second attachment point on the first article, such as an extendible handle. The cord is then through the handle until the tension is sufficient on the cord to secure the second article. The cord locking mechanism is then used to lock the cord from movement relative to the handle. |
| US08522937B2 |
Business case with removable handle and wheel assembly
A luggage case system comprises a case, a wheel and handle assembly, and at least one clip. The case has a top, bottom, front, back and sides. The wheel and handle assembly comprises a partial housing including a bottom, a back, and sides, an extendable handle secured to said back. The partial housing conforms in shape to that of said case, such that said bottom of said case may be placed on the bottom of the partial housing, and said back and sides of said case will engage the back and sides of said partial housing. The at least one clip is configured to engage the case and the wheel and handle assembly to releasably secure the case to the wheel and handle assembly, whereby with said handle extended said case may be pulled by said handle. |
| US08522934B2 |
Lockable piston-cylinder unit
A lockable piston-cylinder unit includes a cylinder having at least one axially facing counterstop; a piston dividing the cylinder into a first working chamber and a second working chamber; a piston rod extending through the first working chamber to a free end outside the cylinder; and a fastening tube having a first end in which the free end of the piston rod is fixed, a second end which receives the cylinder coaxially, and at least one axially facing supporting stop. When the piston rod is extended to maximum extension, the fastening tube is rotatable relative to the cylinder from a release position, wherein the supporting stop is offset from a respective counterstop, to a locking position, wherein the supporting stop faces the counterstop so that the fastening tube cannot move axially relative to the cylinder. |
| US08522933B2 |
Adjustable run height lift axle suspension system
An adjustable run height lift axle suspension system includes an axle assembly, an air spring and a lift actuator. A device may be releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, the device spacing the air spring away from the axle assembly. A selected one of multiple devices may be used, the suspension system having one run height when one device is releasably attached to the axle assembly and connected to each of the air spring and the lift actuator, and a different run height when another device is used. The air spring may have approximately the same operational height when the suspension system is at the different run heights. |
| US08522932B2 |
Disc brake pad
To provide a disc brake pad for a disc brake equipped with a metal disc rotor, having a friction material that includes a fiber base material, a binder, an abrasive material, and a frictional wear modifier, which effectively minimizes a sticking problem of the friction material and the disc rotor and simultaneously provides effective fading resistance, wear resistance, and formability. The friction material includes the fiber base material, binder, abrasive material, and frictional wear modifier, and friction material has the binder of 4.5-7.0 weight % relative to the gross friction material amount, aralkyl modified phenolic resin of at least 50 weight % relative to the binder amount, inorganic particles of 1-3 weight % as the abrasive material with 6-8 of Moh's hardness and average particle diameter of 10-200 μm. Furthermore, the friction material includes alkali metal titanate and/or alkali earth metal titanate of 20-30 weight %. |
| US08522927B2 |
Drive motor for an elevator installation and method of mounting a drive motor
An elevator installation includes a drive unit moving a car and a counterweight in an elevator shaft. The drive unit has a drive motor and a brake coupled to a drive shaft and mounted on a crossbeam in the elevator shaft or on the shaft ceiling. The drive unit has two spaced-apart drive zones and the drive motor is arranged to the left or the right of the two drive zones with the brake on the same side or the opposite side of the drive zones. |
| US08522924B2 |
Vehicle drive apparatus
A vehicle drive apparatus includes a case main body portion accommodating the speed change mechanism; supply oil passages that are formed in the case main body portion and supply pressure oil to the speed change mechanism; a connection case portion connecting the engine and the case main body portion; a mechanical oil pump positioned in a connection region between the case main body portion and the connection case portion and having an inlet oil passage and an outlet oil passage which are connected to the supply oil passage; an electric oil pump capable of supplying pressure oil to the supply oil passages in parallel with the mechanical oil pump; and connection oil passages that are provided in the connection case portion and allow an inlet oil passage and an outlet oil passage of the electric oil pump to communicate with the supply oil passages. |
| US08522921B2 |
Apparatus and method for a portable pathway
A method of providing a traversable path along a surface that includes the steps of placing a portable pathway onto the surface, securing the portable pathway in situ, and adjusting the step to a desired position. The method includes the portable pathway having at least one adjustable step connected thereto. A portable pathway apparatus for providing a traversable path over a surface that includes a pliable frame member comprising one or more layers of reinforced rubber, at least one step adjustably connected to the pliable frame member, whereby at least one step includes an adjustment mechanism associated with a horizontal member. The apparatus has at least one securing element coupled with the pliable frame member, the securing element configured to secure the portable pathway to the surface. The surface includes a contour with at least a first angled surface and a second angled surface, and the pliable frame member forms to the contour. |
| US08522918B1 |
Rescue harness
The rescue harness is a personal use device for donning by an individual requiring escape from an elevated location in a building structure or the like. The harness includes a front latch and bracket having a removable combination glass cutter and hammer, and a removable explosive charge. A rope brake is also secured to the bracket, and a rope passes through the brake. The user of the harness removes the glass cutter and hammer combination, and scribes an opening on a glass window panel. The explosive charge is placed on the glass in the scribed area. A timer permits the user to momentarily leave the immediate vicinity. The hammer is used to break out any remaining glass shards after the explosion blows out the scribed area of glass. The user exits the structure through the hole in the panel, using the rope brake to control his or her descent. |
| US08522915B2 |
Method and system for selecting parameters of a seismic source array
A method for selecting parameters of a seismic source array comprising a plurality of source elements each having a notional source spectrum is described, the method comprising calculating a ghost response function of the array; calculating directivity effects of the array; and adjusting the parameters of the array such that the directivity effects of the array are compensated by the ghost response to minimize angular variation of a far field response in a predetermined frequency range. A method for determining a phase center of a seismic source array is also related, the method comprising calculating a far field spectrum of the array at predetermined spherical angles, and minimizing the phase difference between the farfield spectra within a predetermined frequency range by adjusting a vertical reference position from which the spherical angles are defined. |
| US08522912B2 |
Riding type mower relay shaft for braking
A relay shaft is rotatably provided in a lateral direction of a vehicle body on a rear side of the vehicle body with respect to a mowing apparatus and on a front side of the vehicle body with respect to a left and right pair of rear wheel drive apparatuses. A pedal coupling rod extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body above the mowing apparatus and connects to a brake pedal and to the relay shaft. A left brake coupling rod extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and connects to a left end of the relay shaft and to an operation portion of a left rear wheel brake. A right brake coupling rod extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and connects to a right end of the relay shaft and to an operation portion of a right rear wheel brake. |
| US08522910B2 |
Vehicle underbody structure
To obtain a vehicle underbody structure that is capable of ensuring the capacity of a fuel tank while suppressing an increase in the size of the fuel tank. A fuel tank is mounted behind a front floor and under a center floor. An exhaust pipe partially overlaps the fuel tank when a vehicle is seen in a plan view, and the exhaust pipe is positioned between the fuel tank and the center floor at this overlapping section. |
| US08522908B1 |
Photoelectric-activated switch for a motorized wheelchair
A motorized wheelchair kill switch for improving the safety of motorized wheelchairs is described. The motorized wheelchair kill switch includes a photoelectric sending unit and a photoelectric receiving unit that are used to kill the operation of a wheelchair joystick. The photoelectric sending unit emits a light beam toward the photoelectric receiving unit along a path that will be broken if a user is safely seated in the wheelchair. If the light beam is detected a determination is made that the user is not properly seated. In that case the joystick operation is disabled, locking the wheelchair motor and preventing accidental movement. |
| US08522906B2 |
Hydrogen storage material, production method of the hydrogen storage material, hydrogen supply system, fuel cell, internal combustion engine and vehicle
A hydrogen storage material includes: a first storage material body (1) which stores hydrogen; and a second storage material body (2) which stores hydrogen, and coats a surface of the first storage material body (1). A hydrogen equilibrium pressure (HP) of the second storage material body (2) is lower than that of the first storage material body (1) at the hydrogen generation temperature of the first storage material body (1). |
| US08522895B1 |
Power tool
A power tool is disclosed. The power tool generally includes a tool body and an internal portion positioned within the tool body. A work piece is operatively coupled to the internal portion. Two handles are positioned on the tool body adjacent the work piece to provide for increased accuracy and comfort for the user during operation of the power tool. The power tool may be engaged with a plurality of work pieces to achieve different results depending on the embodiment of the power tool. The power tool may either be pneumatically or electrically powered, and may be of varying sizes and configurations. A throttle lever adapted to allow the user to control the speed of the internal portion is positioned on one of the handles. |
| US08522893B2 |
Modularized ultrasonic vibration machining apparatus
A modularized ultrasonic vibration machining apparatus is provided, which includes a tool holder module. The tool holder module further includes: a housing, having a positioning pin disposed thereon; a tool holder linking part, disposed in the housing; a transmitting mechanism, disposed in the housing and linked to the tool holder linking part in a transmission manner; an expanding device, disposed in the housing and linked to the transmitting mechanism in a transmission manner; a piezoelectric element, disposed in the housing and linked to the expanding device; and an electrical connector, disposed in the housing and electrically connected to the piezoelectric element and the positioning pin. Therefore, the modularized tool holder has an internal vibration mechanism and closed circuit setting of power supply, is capable of being assembled and applied conveniently, and has good security, economical efficiency, and applicability in industry. |
| US08522889B2 |
Agricultural implement with combined down force and depth control
An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a down force cylinder configured to apply a downward force to a row unit, and a depth control cylinder configured to vary a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the row unit. The agricultural implement system also includes a valve assembly in fluid communication with the down force cylinder and the depth control cylinder. The valve assembly is configured to automatically adjust the downward force by varying fluid pressure within the down force cylinder based on fluid pressure within the depth control cylinder. |
| US08522885B2 |
System and methods for tubular expansion
Methods and apparatus enable expanding tubing in a borehole of a hydrocarbon well. According to some embodiments, an expander device includes a collapsible swage formed of collets, at least one slip arrangement and a hydraulic jack to stroke the swage through tubing to be expanded. In operation, expanding tubing may include securing an expansion tool to the tubing, lowering the tool and tubing into a borehole, actuating a collapsible expander of the expansion tool to an extended configuration, and supplying fluid pressure to a jack coupled to the expander thereby moving the expander through the tubing which is held by at least one of first and second tubing holding devices disposed respectively ahead of the expander and behind the expander. |
| US08522883B2 |
Debris resistant internal tubular testing system
A tubular string testing system for use with a tubular string having a longitudinally extending flow passage can include a valve which selectively permits and prevents fluid communication between sections of the flow passage, a bypass passage which provides fluid communication between the sections of the flow passage when the valve is closed, and a filter which filters fluid that flows through the bypass passage. A method of testing a tubular string can include permitting fluid to flow through a bypass passage which connects sections of a flow passage extending longitudinally through the tubular string, a filter filtering the fluid which flows through the bypass passage, a valve of a tubular string testing system preventing flow of the fluid between the sections of the flow passage through the valve, and flow through the bypass passage being prevented in response to a predetermined pressure differential being created across the filter. |
| US08522881B2 |
Thermal hydrate preventer
Systems and methods for the prevention or dissolution of hydrates in an undersea well. One example system includes a submersible isolation bell for capturing effluent being exhausted from the well, and an umbilical. A power cable supplies electric power to the submersible isolation bell, for example for heating of the interior of the submersible isolation bell to prevent or discourage the formation of methane hydrates and the precipitation of other byproducts. Diluents may be supplied to the submersible isolation bell to further discourage the formation of hydrates and precipitation of other byproducts. The diluents may be heated locally at the submersible isolation bell, using electric power supplied by the power cable. A conformable seal may substantially seal the submersible isolation bell to a riser or other structure at the wellhead. |
| US08522875B2 |
Hydrocarbon-based fracturing fluid compositions, methods of preparation and methods of use
The invention describes improved fracturing compositions, methods of preparing fracturing compositions and methods of use. Importantly, the subject invention overcomes problems in the use of mists as an effective fracturing composition particularly having regard to the ability of a mist to transport an effective volume of proppant into a formation. As a result, the subject technologies provide an effective economic solution to using high ratio gas fracturing compositions that can be produced in a continuous (i.e. non-batch) process without the attendant capital and operating costs of current pure gas fracturing equipment. |
| US08522871B2 |
Method of direct steam generation using an oxyfuel combustor
A gas generator is provided with a combustion chamber into which oxygen and a hydrogen containing fuel are directed for combustion therein. The gas generator also includes water inlets and an outlet for a steam and CO2 mixture generated within the gas generator. The steam and CO2 mixture can be used for various different processes, with some such processes resulting in recirculation of water from the processor back to the water inlets of the gas generator. In one process a hydrocarbon containing subterranean space is accessed by a well and the steam and CO2 mixture is directed into the well to enhance removability of hydrocarbons within the subterranean space. Fluids are then removed from the subterranean space include hydrocarbons and water, with a portion of the hydrocarbons then removed in a separator/recovery step. The resulting hydrocarbon removal system can operate with no polluting emissions and with no water requirements. |
| US08522864B1 |
Stripper blow out preventer for small diameter oil field tubing or small diameter polished rods
A stripper blow out preventer for oil field equipment, wherein the stripper blow out preventer can include a housing with a bore. The housing can have an open port and close port for accepting the hydraulic fluid, and a grease port for accepting grease. An annular recess of the housing can be in communication with the bore. A retainer ring can be engaged in the annular recess. A piston can be disposed in the annular recess. A seal element can be disposed in the annular recess between the retainer ring and the piston, and can have a thru bore. An insert can be engaged with the retainer ring. When the close port is pressurized, the piston can press against the seal element to form a seal against the oil field equipment. When the open port is pressurized, the piston can move to relax the seal element. |
| US08522860B2 |
Fastening and joining element for heat exchangers, and heat exchanger assembly in a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a fastening and joining element (4) for fixing and connecting heat exchangers of a heat exchanger assembly in a motor vehicle. Said fastening and joining element (4) comprises at least one hole (4b) for positively accommodating a heat exchanger as well as a fastening part (4a) encompassing a profiled fastening member. |
| US08522854B2 |
Operating device for rotating a winding roller of a window blind
An operating device for rotating a winding roller of a window blind, includes an upright rotating shaft rotatable to cause rotation of the winding roller and having a thread segment, a sleeve shell movably surrounding the thread segment, a carrier disposed within the sleeve shell to be movable axially between pressed and non-pressed positions to hold a force transmitting member that is engaged with the thread segment, and a rotation preventing unit disposed between the sleeve shell and the carrier so as to transmit an axially manual force applied to the sleeve shell to move the carrier axially so as to rotate the rotating shaft through engagement of the force transmitting member with the thread segment in the pressed position, thereby winding up a window covering. |
| US08522853B2 |
Closure assemblies for fire doors, fire doors including such closure assemblies and methods of locking fire doors
In one embodiment, a closure assembly for a fire door, including a first lead post having a longitudinal cavity located therein, an opening extending through a wall of the first lead post into the longitudinal cavity and a locking member may be positioned within the longitudinal cavity that is configured to obstruct the opening into the longitudinal cavity upon reaching a predetermined temperature, is disclosed. In additional embodiments, fire doors including such closure assemblies and methods of locking fire doors are disclosed. |
| US08522852B2 |
Suspension system for a cordless window covering
A suspension system for a window covering that eliminates the use of pull cords is provided. The suspension system includes a control module having a winding drum and a spring disposed about an axle. A friction member or reaction member is also provided to offset difference in the force exerted by the spring on a suspension cord versus the weight of the window covering member. |
| US08522851B2 |
Machine for fitting and removing tires
Machine for fitting and removing a tire (1) from a rim (2) of a wheel (3). The machine comprises a frame (10), a rotating table (11) in order to attach the wheel thereto by its rim and to rotate the rim about its axis (Y), and a tool (12) for fitting and/or removing the tire from the rim. The tool (12) is connected to the frame (10) by means of a movable structure (20) capable of moving the tool (12) horizontally and vertically to its working position situated close to the proximal edge (4) of the rim (2) when the wheel (3) is mounted on the rotating table (11). The movable structure (20) comprises four arms (A, B, C, D) connected together in twos by means of four pivots (p, q, r, s) the axes (X1, X2, X3, X4) of which are parallel with one another. One of the arms (A) is secured to the frame (10) and the tool (12) is connected to one of the other arms (B, C, D). The tool (12) can therefore be moved, horizontally and vertically, exclusively by means of rotary connections between the tool (12) and the frame (10). Moreover, the lever arm between the tool (12) and the movable structure (20) is constant and can be relatively short, irrespective of the diameter of the rim (2). |
| US08522850B2 |
Method and an apparatus for assembling or disassembling a tyre of a vehicle wheel
The present invention is related to a method and an apparatus for assembling a tire (1) onto the rim (2) of a vehicle wheel or for disassembling a tire (1) from the rim (2) of a vehicle wheel. There is provided an electric motor (3) for rotationally driving the rim (2) and the tire (1) during the assembling or disassembling operation, tools (4, 5) for assembling or disassembling the tire (1) onto the rim (2) or from the rim (2), measuring means (6, 15, 16, 18) for measuring the tire temperature and/or forces acting on the tire during the assembling or disassembling operation, and recording means (7) for recording on at least one data carrier the measured values of the tire temperature and/or of the forces acting on the tire during the assembling or disassembling operation. |
| US08522847B2 |
Tire with tread rubber composition which contains dual silica moieties
The invention relates to a tire having a tread of a cured rubber composition which contains dual silica moieties in a sense of containing both hydrophilic precipitated silica and in situ hydrophobated precipitated silica. |
| US08522844B2 |
Pneumatic tire with heat dissipating side portion
To provide a pneumatic tire having a tire side portion with an enhanced durability according to the present invention, a run flat tire (1) has a turbulent generating concavo-convex part (5) composed of grooves and ribs and extending along at least part of a tire side portion, and a pattern is set to the turbulent generating concavo-convex part (5), in which for the turbulent generating concavo-convex part (5), letting h be a height, p be a pitch, and w be a width, a relationship is met such that 1.0≦p/h≦50.0, and 1.0≦(p−w)/w≦100.0. |
| US08522840B2 |
Power scoop
Disclosed is a scoop for retaining and dispensing a powder into a bottle. The scoop is formed from a housing having generally slanted sides downwardly to a spout having a slanted opening. A handle is affixed to the housing. An actuating mechanism covers the spout-slanted opening and is formed from a generally flat slide, a hand graspable element, optionally for movement of the slide from a closed state to an open state, and a switch, also for movement of the slide from a closed state to an open state. A pair of elongate ears is carried by the spout and housing and disposed adjacent to the slanted opening for retaining the slide and permitting movement of slide. |
| US08522837B2 |
Gas canister retaining structure for gas-engine-mounted working machine
Gas canister retaining structure includes: a gas canister cover pivotable between an opened position for attaching/detaching a cassette gas canister to/from the retaining structure and a closed position for accommodating and holding the gas canister in place within the canister cover; a mouthpiece support section provided inside the gas canister cover for supporting a mouthpiece portion of the cassette gas canister with a jet nozzle of the cassette gas canister received in a nozzle receiving port provided in the mouthpiece support section; and a shutter member pivotable between an opened position for opening the nozzle receiving port and a closed position for closing the nozzle receiving port. |
| US08522834B2 |
Gas filling device, gas filling system, gas filling method and moving device
A gas filling device comprises a gas supplier configured to supply the gas to gas filler passages and a controller configured to separately open and close each of the valves provided in the respective gas filler passages, so as to control a gas flow supplied from the gas supplier, wherein the controller comprises a heat dissipation information acquirer configured to obtain heat dissipation information regarding heat dissipation capacity of each of the plurality of tanks and an in-tank information acquirer configured to obtain information regarding at least one of temperature and pressure in each of the plurality of tanks, and the controller is characterized to cause opening and closing the valves to allow communication between the separate gas filler passages, based on the heat dissipation information obtained by the heat dissipation information acquirer and the information in the tank obtained by the in-tank information acquirer. |
| US08522827B2 |
Protective seal for pipeline assembly
A protective seal, a protective seal kit, and a method for sealing a joint region between pipes are provided. The protective seal includes a first wrap, comprising a corrosion-resistant material, wrapped around a seal region, contacting the outer surface of the pipeline assembly. A second wrap, comprising a self-adhering fiberglass composite, wraps around the first wrap. The kit includes a flexible wrap fabricated, in part, from a corrosion-resistant material, and a second flexible wrap fabricated, in part, from a fiberglass cloth impregnated with a resinous pliable-plastic material. The method includes wrapping a corrosion-resistant, inner wrap around first and second pipes such that this wrap surrounds the joint region and adheres to the pipes. A fiberglass-composite outer wrap is wrapped around the inner wrap and the first and second pipes such that the outer wrap surrounds the inner wrap and adheres to the pipes. The outer wrap is cured. |
| US08522826B1 |
Isolation device for oil circuit
An isolation device for oil circuit contains a first clamper and the second clamper which include a first clamping portion and a second clamping and two grip portions; the first clamping portion having a first plug and a notch; the second clamper being located at a recess of the notch, and the recess having a post extending upwardly, the post having a groove formed therein for inserting a fixing member, a disc, a compression spring, and a washer, the fixing member being received in the recess of the second clamper and having a plurality of ribs, the disc having a plurality of slots; the disc having a first cutout, a second cutout, and a third cutout provided in an array arrangement, wherein the first cutout, the second cutout, and the third cutout are in different sizes, and the disc also having a second plug in different sizes. |
| US08522821B2 |
Torque motor linearization
A servovalve torque motor includes first and second pole pieces and an armature. Each of the first and second pole pieces includes an armature face that opposes the armature. The area of the armature face of the second pole piece is smaller than the area of the armature face of the first pole piece. The unequal areas of the first and second armature faces create a bias in the servovalve torque motor while allowing the first and second pole pieces to be disposed at equal distances from the armature to define substantially equal air gaps. The inclusion of substantially equal air gaps between the pole pieces and the armature reduces the maximum flux in the armature for the same bias and torque output, compared to conventional servovalve torque motors. The reduction in maximum armature flux decreases armature saturation and improves linearity during operation. |
| US08522818B2 |
Booster valve
A booster valve comprising a housing having a signal port, an actuator port, a supply port, and an exhaust port disposed therein. Disposed within the housing are upper and lower plugs. The upper and lower plugs and the housing collectively define a signal chamber which fluidly communicates with the signal port, an actuator chamber which fluidly communicates with the actuator port, and a supply chamber which fluidly communicates with the supply port. The upper and lower plugs are selectively moveable between neutral, delivery and discharge positions. When in the neutral position, the actuator chamber is fluidly isolated from both the supply chamber and the exhaust port. When in the delivery position, the actuator chamber fluidly communicates with the supply chamber but is fluidly isolated from the exhaust port. Finally, when in the discharge position, the actuator chamber fluidly communicates with the exhaust port but is fluidly isolated from the supply chamber. |
| US08522817B1 |
Apparatus and method for fast recovery and charge of insulation gas
An insulation gas recovery and charge apparatus is provided comprising a pump, a connect, an inflatable collection device and at least one valve. |
| US08522814B2 |
Water control valve assembly
A water control valve assembly includes a valve manifold having a mixing chamber for mixing water from a supply of hot water and a supply of cold water. The valve manifold has a water control element controlling the flow of water from the mixing chamber to a discharge port of the valve manifold. A thermostatically controlled bypass valve is in fluid communication with the valve manifold, wherein the bypass valve is configured to bypass water from the supply of hot water to the supply of cold water. |
| US08522813B2 |
Needleless sampling port
A sampling port includes a housing and a valve assembly. The housing includes an internal passage through which fluids flow and defines a port in fluid communication with the internal passage. The valve assembly is mountable adjacent the port of the housing and includes a bezel having a channel extending therethrough and a bladder mounted adjacent the bezel. The bladder includes a bladder base and a bladder stem depending from the bladder base which is at least partially received within the channel of the bezel. The bladder stem is movable within the channel of the bezel between a first position substantially preventing fluid flow through the valve assembly and a second position in which a fluid path is established through the valve assembly and in fluid communication with the internal passage of the housing. |
| US08522807B2 |
Arrangement and method for unloading raw material
An arrangement and method for unloading raw material in connection with a cable manufacturing apparatus. The arrangement includes a feed inlet connected to the cable manufacturing apparatus for feeding raw material into the cable manufacturing apparatus, the feed inlet being adapted to be connected to an unloading spout of the raw material. The arrangement further includes a seal for opening and closing the feed inlet when the unloading spout is connected to the feed inlet. |
| US08522804B1 |
Tiltable sunshade
A sunshade (12) includes a pole (111) rotatably receiving a screw rod (295) that is can be rotated by operating a handle (213) to cause movement of a follower (277) in the pole (111) between a folded position, an unfolded position, and a tilted position. A runner (297) is mounted around the pole (111) and fixed to the follower (277) to move therewith. A pivotable member (383) is pivotably connected to a fixing member (363) fixed on an upper end (113) of the pole (111). Ribs (451) are pivotably mounted to a hub (439) fixed on the pivotable member (383). Stretchers (313) are pivotably mounted between the ribs (451) and the runner (297). The hub (439) and the ribs (451) are tilted when the pivotable member (383) is pivoted due to movement of the follower (277) from the unfolded position to the tilted position. |
| US08522799B2 |
Apparatus and system for cleaning a substrate
An apparatus for cleaning a substrate is disclosed. The apparatus having a first head unit and a second head unit. The first head unit is positioned proximate to the surface of the substrate and has a first row of channels defined within configured to supply a foam to the surface of the substrate. The second head unit is positioned substantially adjacent to the first head unit and proximate to the surface of the substrate. A second and a third row of channels are defined within the second head unit. The second row of channels is configured to supply a fluid to the surface of the substrate. The third row of channels is configured to apply a vacuum to the surface of the substrate. |
| US08522797B2 |
Accessory head for a powered toothbrush and toothbrush incorporating the same
A replaceable accessory head for a powered toothbrush. The user selects one of a plurality of dental care accessory assemblies for flossing, brushing teeth, or for stimulating the gums. That assembly is engaged with the head which in turn is engaged with the handle and is locked thereto. This locking motion also causes the assembly to become locked to the head and the assembly may then be used for its intended purpose. A vibratory mechanism in the handle is activated causing vibration in the accessory assembly and thus improving the flossing, brushing or gum stimulation motions. When the assembly is worn out or when a different dental hygiene task is to be undertaken, the user detaches the head from the handle, thereby simultaneously unlocking the accessory assembly from the head. The assembly is then disengaged and is replaced by a different accessory assembly. |
| US08522796B2 |
Coated multi-ribbed dental tape
The present invention includes coated monofilament dental tapes for removing plaque and/or food debris from interdental spaces of a mammal, which dental tapes have a core body with an aspect ratio of about 5:1 or greater, a first cleaning surface and a second cleaning surface opposite the first cleaning surface, a plurality of ribs disposed along the length of each cleaning surface, and a coating containing about 0.8 milligram per yard of dental tape or more of an abrasive and about 0.8 milligram per yard dental tape or more of sodium bicarbonate. |
| US08522793B2 |
Flash dryer for particulate materials
A flash dryer of cut tobacco comprises a drying duct (16) for connecting a feeding section (14) of cut tobacco to a tangential separator (18). The drying duct (16) has an upstream-side duct portion (16a) extending straight from the feeding section (14) at an elevation angle ranging from 30° to 60° and a downstream-side duct portion (16b) curving upward in a convex shape. A dry gas that flows through the drying duct (16) may contain superheated steam. |
| US08522791B2 |
Device for filling cigarette tubes
An apparatus for filling a prefabricated cigarette tube includes a housing, a tobacco chamber with a tobacco holder, and a movable pressing bar configured so as to form tobacco introduced into the tobacco chamber into a tobacco strand. An abutment for an end of the tobacco strand is assigned to the tobacco holder, wherein a first length of the to be formed tobacco strand is adjustable to prefabricated cigarette tubes having different filling-cavity lengths by adjusting a second length of the pressing bar. A slider is configured to be moved relative to the housing so as to fill the prefabricated cigarette tube with the tobacco strand. The tobacco holder is displacably arranged relative to the abutment in a movement direction of the slider by a distance which approximately corresponds to the different filling-cavity lengths. |
| US08522787B2 |
Ultrasound-based tracheal tube placement device and method
An inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. These cuffs may include features that facilitate detection or visualization of the cuff, for example with ultrasound devices, to ensure proper placement of the cuff and the tube. Such surface features may include particular types of materials or shaped or protruding features that may be detected in the environment of the trachea. |
| US08522784B2 |
Mask system
A full face mask system for treatment of respiratory disorder with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure equipment suitable to generate a supply of gas at positive pressure to be delivered to a patient's airways, the mask system comprising a frame module; a cushion module provided to the frame module and adapted to form a seal with the patient's face; an elbow module provided to the frame module and adapted to be connected to an air delivery tube to deliver breathable gas to the patient; and headgear removably attachable to the frame module. |
| US08522783B2 |
Cushion and mask therefor
A cushion includes a substantially triangularly shaped frame from which extends a membrane. The frame has a scalloped edge by which the cushion is affixed to a mask body. The membrane has an aperture into which the wearer's nose is received. The membrane is spaced away from the rim of the frame. The wearer's nose is received through the aperture into the chamber within the mask body. The shape of the seal forming portion is particularly suited to effectively seal the difficult region of the facial contour that is the crease between the sides of the nose and the face. |
| US08522782B2 |
High flow therapy device utilizing a non-sealing respiratory interface and related methods
A high flow therapy system including a microprocessor, a heating element a non-sealing respiratory interface and a sensor is disclosed. The heating element is disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is capable of heating a liquid to create a gas. The non-sealing respiratory interface is configured to deliver the gas to a patient. The sensor is disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is configured to measure pressure in an upper airway of the patient. |
| US08522780B2 |
Portable ventilator system
A portable ventilator uses a ROOTS-type blower as a compressor to reduce both the size and power consumption of the ventilator. Various functional aspects of the ventilator are delegated to multiple subassemblies having dedicated controllers and software that interact with a ventilator processor to provide user interface functions, exhalation control and flow control servos, and monitoring of patient status. The ventilator overcomes noise problems through the use of noise reducing pressure compensating orifices on the ROOTS-type blower housing and multiple baffling chambers. The ventilator is configured with a highly portable form factor, and may be used as a stand-alone device or as a docked device having a docking cradle with enhanced interface and monitoring capabilities. |
| US08522779B2 |
Coordinated use of respiratory and cardiac therapies for sleep disordered breathing
Methods and systems involve coordinating therapies used for treating disordered breathing. Disordered breathing therapies may include cardiac electrical stimulation therapy and external respiratory therapy as well as other therapies for treating disordered breathing in a patient. The therapies delivered to the patient may be coordinated to enhance effectiveness of the therapy, to reduce therapy interactions, to improve patient sleep, or to achieve other therapeutic goals. |
| US08522774B2 |
Aerosol apparatus, in particular for children
An aerosol apparatus including a nebulizer device and a mask suitable for receiving a substance substantially in the sol state from the nebulizer device is described. The apparatus also includes a display device able to display a sequence of images to a patient while he/she is using the apparatus. The display device may be a DVD player which conveniently is able to be separated from the aerosol apparatus. The apparatus is particularly suitable for use by patients who are children. |
| US08522773B2 |
Solar tracking
The disclosed invention is a solar tracker that is a simple 2 axis system that can be powered with integrated stepping motors and lead screw actuators that provides the necessary structural support and 2 degrees of freedom in the motion of the solar collector, to increase the electrical output of the system. Since the solution is designed for use with only one solar panel the mechanical forces such as wind load are much lower and easier to manage. The disclosed invention is also a solar tracker that is a single axis version where the base is fixed and the elevation is set at an average value for the location and pivoting mechanism operates the azimuth axis. Since the dominant energy improvement comes from tracking the azimuth, this would be a likely solution where a lower cost or less complex system is desired. |
| US08522769B2 |
Folding worktable for use on an outdoor grill
The present invention relates to outdoor grill accessories, and more particularly, a foldable worktable attachment for an outdoor grill that includes a large table area that is interconnected to a lower shelf by two sets of foldable legs. When in an erect position, the table provides ample space for preparing foods and the like, but when in a collapsed position, the table lies flush against one of the sides of the grill housing, thus, enclosing the lower shelf and supporting legs that are folded and stored between the table and a recessed area included in the grill housing. |
| US08522765B1 |
Bowstring release device
A bowstring release mechanism includes first and second jaws pivotally connected to a housing with a trigger section operably associated with the jaws for moving the jaws between open and closed positions. A cylindrically-shaped bearing is located in grooves formed in the jaws to thereby laterally restrain movement of the first and second jaws while permitting pivotal movement thereof. |
| US08522760B2 |
Fuel alcohol content detection via an exhaust gas sensor
Various systems and methods are described for an exhaust gas sensor coupled to an exhaust system of an engine. One example method comprises, during selected engine fueling conditions, alternating between applying first and second voltages to the sensor; and identifying an amount of alcohol in fuel injected to the engine based on sensor outputs at the first and second voltages. |
| US08522758B2 |
Minimizing alcohol use in high efficiency alcohol boosted gasoline engines
A number of systems and methods are disclosed which increase the replenishment interval for anti-knock fluid. This is especially important during activities which require a large amount of anti-knock fluid, such as towing. In some embodiments, the systems and methods are used to reduce anti-knock fluid consumption. For example, changes to engine operation, such as rich operation, spark retarding, upspeeding, and variable valve timing, all serve to reduce the amount of anti-knock fluid required to eliminate knocking. In other embodiments, the composition of the anti-knock fluid is modified, such as by using a higher octane fluid, or through the addition of water to the anti-knock fluid. In other embodiments, the replenishment interval is increased through a larger anti-knock fluid storage capacity. In one embodiment, a three tank system is used where the third tank can be used to store gasoline or anti-knock fluid, depending on the driving conditions. |
| US08522757B2 |
Metering exhaust gas recirculation system for a dual turbocharged engine having a turbogenerator system
An internal combustion engine having an engine block for internal combustion, a high-pressure (HP) turbocharger for delivering pressurized intake air to the engine block, a low-pressure (LP) turbocharger for delivering pressurized intake air to the HP turbocharger, a turbogenerator for recovering heat energy from the exhaust gas downstream of the LP turbocharger to generate electricity, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system comprising an EGR-pump drawing exhaust gas from an EGR inlet located downstream of the turbogenerator, wherein the EGR-pump controllably delivers exhaust gas to an EGR mixer in the pressurized intake air stream at a location between the LP turbocharger and HP turbocharger. An electronic control unit (ECU) is adapted to command the EGR-pump to deliver a desired EGR flow-rate to the engine block based on look-up tables and either open-loop and/or closed-loop control algorithms. |
| US08522754B2 |
Fuel injector clamp
A fuel injector clamp and method of clamping a fuel injector includes clamp members each including a central body with a concaved section and two horizontally offset passageways. Clamp members are oppositely oriented such that the concaved section forms a region adapted to engage a fuel injector. Offset passageways are aligned such that a top passageway of one member is aligned with a bottom passageway of the opposing member. A fastening mechanism is passed through a first pair of aligned passageways to form a hinge, allowing clamp members to pivot about the hinge so a fuel injector can be disposed between the concaved sections. Members are then pivoted towards each other to close the clamp assembly; a second fastening mechanism is passed through a second pair of aligned offset passageways to lock the injector into place. |
| US08522749B2 |
Method and system for controlling fuel usage
Methods and systems are provided for improving fluid usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients. |
| US08522748B2 |
Method for diagnosing the integrity of a swirl generating system for an internal combustion engine
A method is provided for diagnosing the integrity of a swirl generating system for an internal combustion engine. The swirl generating system includes, but is not limited to swirl controlling elements that are individually located in a respective air passage connecting the intake manifold of the engine to an intake port of an engine combustion chamber, an actuator having a movable shaft, a cinematic chain for mechanically connecting the swirl controlling elements to the actuator movable shaft, an actuator control unit for normally moving the actuator movable shaft in a first direction towards a first final position, and in a second opposite direction towards a second final position, and actuator sensor for sensing the position of the actuator movable shaft. The method providing to arrange at least a mechanical stop for directly acting on one component of the cinematic chain, in order to indirectly limit the movement of the actuator movable shaft in the first direction at a first checking position coincident or beyond the first final position, command the actuator control unit for moving the actuator movable shaft in the first direction towards the first checking position, and verify through the position sensing means whether the actuator movable shaft stops in the first checking position (CP1) or goes beyond. |
| US08522747B1 |
Fuel injection apparatus for internal combustion engine
The fuel injection apparatus includes: a fuel injector having a leading end portion that has an internal space in which fuel is accumulated and an injection port for injecting fuel; and an adsorbent disposed in the internal space, the adsorbent being capable of selectively adsorbing an alcohol component in a blended fuel of gasoline and alcohol. The fuel injection apparatus controls an injection amount from the fuel injector such that an air-fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine is a control target air-fuel ratio based on an alcohol concentration of the blended fuel to be supplied to the fuel injector. In this fuel injection apparatus, a fuel pressure is brought to a predetermined low fuel pressure when a request is issued for desorbing alcohol adsorbed on the adsorbent. |
| US08522745B2 |
Reinforced piston and connecting rod assembly
A reinforced piston assembly provides a piston having a corrugated insert supporting an outer piston layer. The corrugated insert can include lateral, concentric or radial corrugations and can include regular or irregular corrugation spacing. The corrugated insert in some embodiments forms a circular disk and can include a plurality of insert holes defined in the disk. A laminated connecting rod having at least two rod layers is pivotally attached to the piston in some embodiments. The laminated connecting rod provides a first end having a diverging section with first and second rod prongs each forming a wrist pin socket. A wrist pin can extend through each socket, and a sleeve is disposed about the wrist pin between the wrist pin sockets. Additionally, one or more flanges can extend from the opposite end of the connecting rod, and a base cap including one or more flange recesses is positioned on the connecting rod for securing the connecting rod to a crankshaft. |
| US08522738B2 |
Vehicle engine
A vehicle engine includes: a cylinder head; a cam housing fixed to a top of the cylinder head; a cam cap fixed to a top of the cam housing; a camshaft that is rotatably supported between the cam housing and the cam cap; a cam provided around the camshaft; a rocker arm that is pushed by the cam; a supporting member that supports one end of the rocker arm from below; a cylindrical bore portion for mounting the supporting member; and a base portion for supporting a bottom surface of the supporting member. The bore portion is provided integrally with the cam housing. The base portion is provided integrally with the cylinder head. |
| US08522735B2 |
Valve stopping device for internal combustion engine
Disclosed is a valve stopping device for an internal combustion engine that does not allow valves for all cylinders to stop in the closed state even in the event of a failure.The valve stopping device includes a control device 2 and a plurality of actuators 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, which stop either an intake valve or an exhaust valve. The actuators 4A, 4D for some of a plurality of cylinders included in the internal combustion engine stop a valve in the closed state when energized. The actuators 4B, 4C for the remaining cylinders stop a valve in the closed state when energized. The control device 2 provides control on an individual actuator basis to determine whether or not to energize the actuators 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D. |
| US08522731B2 |
Cylinder head of water-cooled internal combustion engine and method of manufacturing same
A cast cylinder head 1 of an internal combustion engine to be mounted on a vehicle has an intake-side side wall 2i, an exhaust-side side wall 2e, and opposite end walls 3r and 3f. The walls 2i, 2e, 3r and 3f define a water jacket 8. A first cooling water exit part 11 and a second cooling water exit part 21 both having a solid structure are formed by casting integrally with one of the intake-side side wall 2i and the exhaust-side side wall 2e and with one of the end walls 3r and 3f, respectively. Cooling water exit openings 15,16 or 25,26 opening into the water jacket 8 are drilled selectively in either of the first cooling water exit part 11 and the second cooling water exit part 21 depending on the engine mounting position on the vehicle. Thus the same cylinder head can be used independently of the mounting orientation of the engine on the vehicle. |
| US08522729B2 |
Contoured flat stud and stud arrangement for cyclone slag taps
A stud and stud arrangement protects the water-cooled tubes of a slag tap outlet from corrosion and erosion by flowing slag and flue gas. The stud is a generally annular or ring-like segment. The stud has a projection terminating in an edge adapted to contact a tube at stud contact area, and has a weld surface for receiving a weld. The weld contacts a tube at a weld contact area and thermally and physically connects the stud to a tube. The weld surface area is greater than the stud contact area, thereby improving heat transfer between the tube and stud. The studs are disposed in an arrangement that is staggered in a direction perpendicular to the flow slag and flue gas. |
| US08522727B2 |
Leash handle
A pet leash handle includes a hollow housing formed with a grip opening, and having a spring loaded wind up reel rotatably mounted within the housing on which a leash is wound which may be unwound against the resistance of a wind up spring, said leash extending out of said housing via a guide opening therein. An elongated water bowl is detachably mounted along a lower side of the housing in which a water bottle is nested. A bag storage cavity is provided within the housing above the lower side of the housings and a release button operates a mechanism which locks or releases the wind up reel. |
| US08522726B2 |
Head gate for a livestock squeeze chute
A livestock squeeze chute having a head gate assembly at the head end thereof with the head gate assembly including first and second head gates which dwell in a plane which is approximately at a 30-degree angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the squeeze chute. Power cylinders pivotally move the head gates between open and closed positions. Although power cylinders are preferred, the head gates could be manually moved between their open and closed positions. |
| US08522724B2 |
Collapsible pet furniture
Pet furniture and a kit of parts for assembling pet furniture. The pet furniture includes a lower cap sized to define the base of the pet furniture, a plurality of side clips for removable insertion within said lower cap, the side clips substantially defining the height of the pet furniture. A plurality of structural side walls are provided for removable engagement with the lower cap and side clips, at least one of the structural side walls having an opening sized to enable a pet to enter and exit the pet furniture once assembled. An upper cap is provided for removable engagement with the side clips and structural side walls and lower support discs and upper support discs complete the pet furniture which are each supported by and removable from the lower cap and upper cap, respectively. |
| US08522723B2 |
Small animal exercise devices
An animal exercise wheel is illuminated by LEDs connected to a battery via a reed switch. A magnet actuates the reed switch when an animal begins to rotate the wheel. The LEDs flash with the frequency of rotation of the animal wheel or continuously. As long as the wheel rotates, the magnet continues to actuate the reed switch, which resets a counter. When the wheel stops and the reed switch is no longer actuated, the counter counts a predetermined time, and terminates the illumination of the LEDs. |
| US08522719B2 |
Portable and disposable living-grass pet toilet
A portable, fully-disposable, pet toilet is comprised of a receptacle whose cavity is fitted with living grass, living sod (including washed or soil-free sod), or a grass-seed medium. The unit has a fitted, removable cover or fold-back lid to enable the convenient shipping and disposal of the unit in its entirety. The pet toilet is used by the pet for a set period of time, at which point it is completely disposed of and replaced with a new one. |
| US08522718B2 |
Top-fill hummingbird feeder with a cork-type top sealing member
A top-fill hummingbird feeder has a generally upstanding liquid container with a large opening at its top end that is closed and sealed by a removable top or cap. The cap has a two-part construction including an outer shell and an inner sealing member. The inner sealing member includes a sealing element in the form of a vertically elongated, reinforced sealing ring that is received within the top of the container with a friction fit to automatically form a cork-type seal when the outer shell is threaded onto the container. Unthreading of the outer shell pulls the sealing ring out of engagement with the container to remove the cap. |
| US08522716B2 |
Protective coating for a plasma processing chamber part and a method of use
A flexible polymer or elastomer coated RF return strap to be used in a plasma chamber to protect the RF strap from plasma generated radicals such as fluorine and oxygen radicals, and a method of processing a semiconductor substrate with reduced particle contamination in a plasma processing apparatus. The coated RF strap minimizes particle generation and exhibits lower erosion rates than an uncoated base component. Such a coated member having a flexible coating on a conductive flexible base component provides an RF ground return configured to allow movement of one or more electrodes in an adjustable gap capacitively coupled plasma reactor chamber. |
| US08522715B2 |
Methods and apparatus for a wide conductance kit
An apparatus for controlling gas flow conductance in a plasma processing chamber being configured with an upper electrode disposed opposite a lower electrode adapted to support a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a ground ring configured to include a first set of radial slots formed therein. The apparatus also includes a confinement ring arrangement which includes at least a first set of collapsible confinement rings and a second set of collapsible confinement rings which is configured to movably couple to the first set of collapsible confinement rings. The apparatus further includes a mechanism configured at least to collapse and to expand the first set of collapsible confinement rings and the second set of collapsible confinement rings to control gas flow conductance through the first set of radial slots between (a) an unobstructed gas flow, ON state, and (b) an obstructed gas flow, OFF state. |
| US08522708B2 |
Inflatable boat having self-inflation system
Disclosed is an inflatable boat having a self-inflation system which advantageously makes it possible to shorten the air injection time, thus quickly taking a proper measure under an emergency situation, in such a manner that a speed tube or an air passage tube disposed in the boat's body and an air distribution system each help inject compressed air into a plurality of compartments forming the boat's body simultaneously at a designated pressure. |
| US08522705B2 |
Floating vessel for servicing air diffusers
A catamaran type vessel for use in a wastewater facility for servicing submerged air diffusers is disclosed. The vessel has spaced apart pontoon having an A-frame spanning between the upper decks of the pontoon and connecting the pontoons. A hook connected to a winch is secured to a cross header above the space between the pontoons. The hook is lowered into water and lifts an air header, to which the air diffusers are connected. An air diffuser is then pulled on the pontoons and serviced. The vessel is then propelled to a position to service other air diffusers in the pontoon. |
| US08522704B2 |
Stitched perforated sheet materials
A method of producing a stitched perforated sheet material including providing a sheet material (3) with a perforated region 4 and an unperforated region (5). The sheet material is then stitched in the unperforated region, but adjacent to the perforated region. This gives an overall perforated appearance whilst avoiding the problems associated with stitching through a perforated material. |
| US08522703B2 |
Multi-needle embroidery sewing machine
A multi-needle sewing machine including a plurality of needle bars including a specific needle bar allowing detachable attachment of a punch needle that punch engraves a surface of a punch workpiece in dot-by-dot strokes; a transfer mechanism that allows detachable attachment of a punch workpiece holder a detector that detects the attachment of the punch workpiece holder on the transfer mechanism; and a controller that when the attachment of the punch workpiece holder is detected by the detector, executes a punch engraving operation on the punch workpiece with the punch needle by selecting the specific needle bar and by controlling a needle-bar selector/driver mechanism and the transfer mechanism based on punch engraving pattern data which is pre-stored or given by external components. |
| US08522701B2 |
Sewing machine and computer-readable medium storing control program executable on sewing machine
A sewing machine includes an embroidery frame moving device that moves an embroidery frame holding a work cloth, an image pickup device that picks up images of an upper surface of a bed portion of the sewing machine, a position information storage device that stores position information indicating predetermined positions to which the embroidery frame is to be moved, a partial image acquisition device that causes the embroidery frame moving device to move the embroidery frame to the respective predetermined positions indicated by the position information, causes the image pickup device to pick up images at the respective predetermined positions, and acquires the images picked up by the image pickup device as partial images, and a composite image generation device that generates a composite image by combining the partial images acquired by the partial image acquisition device. |
| US08522700B2 |
Air seeder with GPS based on/off control of individual row units
An air seeder includes a product tank having an interior, an air lock in communication with the product tank interior, a plurality of product boots, a pneumatic distribution system, and a plurality of diverter assemblies. The pneumatic distribution system includes an air source and a plurality of distribution lines. The air source is in communication with the product tank interior. Each distribution line is fluidly coupled with at least one corresponding product boot. Each diverter assembly includes an inlet coupled with the air source, a first outlet coupled with at least one distribution line, a second outlet in communication with the air lock, and a diverter for selectively diverting air and entrained product from the inlet to the first outlet or the second outlet. |
| US08522699B2 |
Row unit for a seeding machine
A seeding machine row unit having a seed meter with an endless belt as a seed transport member. A pressure differential holds the seed onto the belt. The belt allows greater freedom in determining the location of the seed pick-up region and the seed release or removal region beyond the constraints of a fixed diameter seed disk. The row unit further includes a delivery system using a brush belt to move metered seed from the meter to the ground. |
| US08522697B2 |
Waste disposal plant with modular frame and guide assembly
A waste disposal plant includes a combustion chamber (2) inside which waste laid on a combustion grate (3) is burnt, which permits the entrance of an adequate quantity of combustion air in the chamber. The combustion grate includes a handling group formed by fire bars or plates (7), which move alternatively one with respect to the other by advancing the waste on the grate. The handling group permits the alternate movement of the fire bars (7) which are divided in movable fire bars (7a) and fixed fire bars (7b), alternately disposed one with respect to the other, on transversal rows resting one upon the other according to a longitudinal placement with alternate steps. |
| US08522694B2 |
Structural supporting pallet construction with improved perimeter impact absorbing capabilities
A pallet having a three dimensional body exhibiting a generally planar upper surface and a plurality of depth extending underside portions defining a plurality of spaced apart forklift receiving apertures. A plurality of impact absorbing members are positioned at spaced locations about a perimeter of the body. A structural defining inner grid includes pluralities of spaced apart and crosswise extending ribs for supporting inner extending reinforcing members seating within pockets defined in said ribs and including at least one of lengthwise and diagonal extending members. |
| US08522689B2 |
Cable railway system
A cableway system has a conveying cable that is guided via a head wheel pulleys in the two terminal stations of the system. Vehicles, such as gondolas or chairs, are coupled to the conveying cable between stations, and they are guided through the stations by way of travelling-gear mechanisms. In the stations, the vehicles are moved by way of tire wheels or control tires, and the tire wheels are driven by at least one supporting roller for the conveying cable. The supporting roller is located in the relevant station. The at least one of these supporting rollers for the conveying cable via which the drive power of the control tires is derived from the conveying cable is adjustable in the vertical direction. |
| US08522673B2 |
Food heating device
A food heating device includes a platen (101) and a pair of conveyor segments (103). A first conveyor segment is arranged and spaced to transport a food product (201, 203, 205) between a first side of the platen (101) and the first conveyor segment (103). A second conveyor segment (103/703/903) is arranged and spaced to transport the food product between a second side of the platen (101) and the second conveyor segment (103/703/903). A transfer device (505/705) may be disposed at one end of the platen (101) such that the transfer device transfers the food product (203) from the first side of the platen (101) to the second side of the platen (101). |
| US08522670B2 |
Hydraulic circuit for instant beverage machines, relief and safety valve for said circuit and method for the preparation of instant beverages
A hydraulic circuit for instant beverage machines includes a tank, a water extraction pipe contained in the tank, a flow-meter connected to the extraction pipe, a pump, a first vibration-damping valve, a boiler, a second relief and safety valve, a water/steam faucet, a third beverage flow valve, and a recovery tank. |
| US08522667B2 |
Pump liner retention device
A method and apparatus for maintaining a seal between a cylinder and a fluid manifold for a reciprocating force delivery device is disclosed. A cylinder retention assembly comprises a rotatable member with a variable topography surface. The rotatable member is disposed against a stop extending outwardly from the cylinder, and is fastened to the fluid manifold by a locking ring. When rotated, the rotatable member produces an axial force on the locking ring and the cylinder, urging the cylinder against the fluid manifold. The cylinder retention assembly may be used in reciprocating pumps and compressors. |
| US08522666B2 |
Reduced profile air brake actuator
A brake actuator can include a first housing part having a first peripheral wall, a second housing part having a second peripheral wall, and a flexible diaphragm located between the first housing part and the second housing part and compressed between a point of contact on the first housing part and a point of contact on the second housing part. At least one of the points of contact may protrude inwardly from the peripheral walls. The diaphragm may have a peripheral edge that does not extend radially beyond at least one of cylindrical profiles defined by the housing parts. |
| US08522662B2 |
Controlled-unaided surge and purge suppressors for firearm muzzles
A Controlled Unaided Surge and Purge Suppressor for firearms uses the blast and plume characteristics inherent to the ballistic discharge process to develop a new two-step controlled surge and purge system centered around advanced mixer-ejector concepts. The blast surge noise is reduced by controlling the flow expansion, and the flash effects are reduced by controlling inflow and outflow gas purges. This is a C-I-P application. In the preferred C-I-P embodiment, the blast surge is mitigated via a slotted mixer nozzle; a first expansion chamber; a generally “wagon-wheel” shaped blast baffle with a vent hole; a series of alternating baffles, with vent holes, strategically located along the suppressor's inner wall surface; a second expansion chamber; and an exit opening. This preferred C-I-P embodiment contains no “outside” vent holes (i.e., throughbores) which extend through the suppressor's outer or longitudinal wall. Instead of ingesting ambient air through such throughbores and mixing that air with the muzzle gases, as shown in the parent application, the preferred C-I-P embodiment ingests and mixes chamber gases and contaminants with the muzzle gases while allowing fluid flow through and out the suppressor. It too though can control or eliminate the Mach disk. |
| US08522659B2 |
Automatic machine for punching and cutting wheel rims
Machine for punching holes through a longitudinal sheet or wheel rim passing in a horizontal direction, using punches, and also for cutting said sheet to obtain sheet portions or pieces. The machine is characterized in that the punching and cutting operations are performed by a single power unit, such as an oleohydraulic cylinder (2) secured to a frame and positioned at the top in a vertical direction. The shaft of said cylinder is connected to a cutter-holding carriage (4) which, as it moves downwards to cut the sheet (10), brings with it an upper support means (19) that forms part of a punching device (6), the punches of which are guided on a lower front carriage (8) that also forms part of the punching device (6). |
| US08522658B2 |
Guard systems for table saw
A table saw is disclosed. The table saw includes a table top including an opening configured to receive a saw blade, a blade case positioned under the table top, the blade case including an interior portion with the saw blade partially positioned within the interior portion, the blade case configured to move relative to the table top, a motor coupled to the saw blade and configured to move relative to the table top, the saw motor configured to rotate the blade about a blade axis, and at least one moveable guard member positioned between the table top and the blade case, the at least one moveable guard member providing an obstruction to the interior portion of the blade case, and the at least one moveable guard member configured to pivot about a pivot axis when the motor is moved up or down or tilted relative to the table top, wherein the pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the blade axis. |
| US08522656B2 |
Table cutting machine
One aspect of the invention can include a cutting machine having a table supporting a workpiece, a cutting machine body able to move vertically and laterally, the cutting machine body is supported on the table by a body supporting member. The body supporting member includes a fixed-side support member, a tilting-side support member connected to the fixed-side support member by a lateral tilt shaft, a fixing screw capable of fixing the tilting-side support member to the fixed-side supporting member, a fixing lever capable of rotating the fixing screw, the fixing lever has two grips capable being held for operating the fixing lever, and the two grips are arranged to extend upward in a V-shape from a head of the fixing screw. |
| US08522654B2 |
Cutting-edge position detecting method and cutting-edge position detecting apparatus
The cutting-edge position detecting method includes the steps of: under a condition in which the cutting edge of the tool is positioned in an image that is taken by a camera, performing first sampling scanning operations for the image in a predetermined scanning direction at predetermined first intervals, and recognizing points on an upper edge line of the cutting edge of the tool and points on a lower edge line thereof, based on brightness changing points upon the first scanning operations; connecting the recognized points on the respective two edge lines, so as to obtain two first-level approximate linear lines by a least-squares method; performing second sampling scanning operations for the respective two first-level approximate linear lines in directions perpendicular thereto at predetermined second intervals, and newly recognizing points on the upper edge line of the cutting edge of the tool and points on the lower edge line thereof, based on brightness changing points upon the second scanning operations; connecting the newly recognized points on the respective two edge lines, so as to obtain two second-level approximate linear lines by a least-squares method; and obtaining a coordinate of an intersection of the second-level approximate linear lines, as the position of the cutting edge of the tool, with respect to the measurement reference point. |
| US08522647B1 |
Eccentric gear for tattoo machine for adjusting the needle throw
An eccentric gear for a tattoo machine allows the throw of the needle of the machine to be quickly and easily changed without the need to adjust the springs of the machine. The eccentric gear, which is rotatably connected to the output shaft of the motor and also to the linkage bar, has a body member that has a channel on its upper surface. A slide plate, to which the linkage bar is rotatably connected, is slidably disposed within the channel so that movement of the linkage bar-slide plate connection point closer to or farther away from the longitudinal axis of the output shaft, decreases or increases the throw of the needle respectively. A set screw frictionally locks the slide plate within the channel. |
| US08522644B2 |
Driving force control apparatus
When shift transmission of an automatic transmission is performed in a free-run state, a driving force control apparatus controls a degree of engagement of an engaging device in accordance with a hydraulic difference between a first hydraulic pressure and a second hydraulic pressure in a condition that the first hydraulic pressure does not reach the second hydraulic pressure. As a result, an oil pump supplies a hydraulic pressure to the automatic transmission, and the shift transmission can be performed. The first hydraulic pressure is a hydraulic pressure of the automatic transmission. The second hydraulic pressure is a hydraulic pressure required to perform the shift transmission. The engaging device can adjust an extent of transmission power between an engine and the automatic transmission in accordance with the degree of engagement. |
| US08522643B2 |
Cam follower
A cam follower for a high-pressure fuel pump of an internal combustion engine, which has a cam roller that is accommodated in a pocket of the cam follower. The cam roller has a bore and the bore is mounted by on a pin which is seated at the ends in receptacles of opposite walls of the pocket. The cam roller runs with its end sides directly in front of the walls. Each end side of the cam roller takes the form of an outer surface of a spherical zone, and each wall is smooth and straight, at least in the region of its run-on piece at the respective end side of the cam roller. |
| US08522642B2 |
Mounting assembly and insert for a pedal or the like
A mounting assembly which, in one embodiment, is for a pedal assembly including a plate with at least a first mounting bracket including an interior wall which, in one embodiment, defines an aperture and a pair of slots. A sleeve is fitted in the opening and, in one embodiment, is generally U-shaped and includes both an arcuate base and a pair of arms. The base is fitted in the aperture and at least the distal end of the pair of arms is fitted in the pair of slots respectively. The interior wall is configured so that, in one embodiment, a generally circular aperture is defined in the bracket when the sleeve is fitted therein; and, in another embodiment, a generally oval-shaped aperture is defined in the bracket when the sleeve is fitted therein. |
| US08522639B2 |
Steering apparatus
The present invention provides a steering apparatus that can provide good operation feeling in telescopic adjustment and can have a very simple configuration. The steering apparatus has a fixed bracket, a movable bracket, a sliding shaft support member, and a tightening tool. The sliding shaft support member is constituted by a main sliding unit made of an inelastic resin and buffer portions made of a rubber or an elastic resin. The buffer portions are fixedly attached to both sides of the main sliding unit in the front-rear direction, the upper and lower surfaces of the main sliding unit are in a state of sliding contact with both guide edges of a long hole for telescopic adjustment of the movable bracket, and the buffer portions can abut only on both stop end edges and do not come into contact with the two guide edges. |
| US08522634B2 |
Powertrain comprising a three speed transmission
Disclosed is a powertrain comprising a three speed transmission and an electric motor. |
| US08522632B2 |
Linear guide assembly with rack
A linear guide comprising at least two stationarily supported guide bars, on which a guide block is mounted and which is longitudinally displaceable relative to the guide bars. The guide block is provided with a driving unit to generate a relative movement with respect to the guide bars, the driving unit comprising a pinion which meshes with the teeth of a toothed rack extending in parallel with the guide bars. The toothed rack is mounted only at its front and rear ends and is suspended in-between. A guiding element assigned to the pinion is mounted to the guide block so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the toothed rack on which it is supported in a form-locking manner. The guiding element engages over the toothed rack at the region opposite the mesh between the pinion and the teeth. |
| US08522630B1 |
System for retrieving a fluid sample from a fluid sample source
A system for retrieving a fluid sample from a fluid source. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system for insertion of a probe into a pressurized fluid stream by means of male threads which are threadly engaged in a female threaded housing. An elastomeric seal is employed to form a fluid barrier around a segment of the probe's outer surface. |
| US08522627B2 |
Automatic sampler for liquid chromatograph
A pump portion for taking in and discharging solutions includes a first plunger pump with a small capacity and a second plunger pump with a large capacity. Intake ports of both the plunger pumps are connected in parallel to a common port of a switching valve with a first three-way valve interposed therebetween. The first three-way valve connects the intake port of one of the plunger pumps to the switching valve. Discharge ports of both the plunger pumps are connected in parallel to one port of the switching valve with a second three-way valve interposed therebetween. The second three-way valve connects the discharge port of one of the plunger pumps to the switching valve. |
| US08522611B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring pore pressure beyond the casing
Acoustic waves from a controllable downhole acoustic source in a cased borehole are focused into a region of an earth formation. A hydrophone is used to monitor acoustic signals for onset of cavitation. The estimated pressure from the source in the focus region provides an estimate of formation pore pressure. |
| US08522608B2 |
Method for determining the oxygen storage capacity of a catalytic converter
An offset in the signal of a pre-catalytic converter lambda probe of an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine affects a measured oxygen intake storage capacity and a measured oxygen removal storage capacity of an oxygen store with identical magnitude, but with opposite mathematical sign, so that their sum is independent of the offset. The oxygen intake storage capacity and the oxygen removal storage capacity are hereby determined until the output signal of the post-catalytic converter probe exceeds an intermediate threshold value of, for example, 0.45 V for intake and 0.8 V for removal. Exposure of the oxygen store to rich and/or lean exhaust gas is maintained after this threshold value has been crossed to ensure that the oxygen store is indeed sufficiently filled after the oxygen intake storage capacity has been measured, or is sufficiently emptied after the oxygen removal storage capacity has been measured. |
| US08522607B2 |
Method and device for checking the adjustment of a plurality of actuators driven by a common drive in different mass flow channels
In a method and a device for checking the adjustment of a plurality of actuators driven by a common drive in different mass flow channels of an internal combustion engine, the actuators are adjusted between a first limit stop and a second limit stop in the particular mass flow channel. The actuators are brought by their common drive to the first limit stop. A first value of a variable that is characteristic of a position of the common drive of the actuators is determined when the first limit stop is reached. The actuators are brought by their common drive to the second limit stop. A second value of the variable that is characteristic of the position of the common drive of the actuators is ascertained upon reaching the second limit stop. A difference is determined between the first value and the second value. The difference is compared in terms of absolute value to at least one predefined threshold value. An error in the adjustment of the actuators in the various mass flow channels is recognized when the absolute value of the difference deviates unacceptably from at least one predefined threshold value. |
| US08522605B2 |
Water quality assessment sensor, water quality assessment method for feed water using water quality assessment sensor, and operation management method for water treatment facility
The same phenomenon as the phenomenon that a component of feed water is adsorbed to the surface of the membrane is used to assess water quality. Specifically, a sensor whose surface has a thin layer made of the same material as the material of the surface of the membrane and which includes a measurement unit such as a quartz crystal sensor that measures an adsorption rate on the thin layer is used to assess an effect of the water quality of the feed water on the membrane on the basis of a change in the adsorption rate on the sensor surface. |
| US08522604B2 |
Metal wear detection apparatus and method employing microfluidic electronic device
An apparatus and a method for detection of wear particles in a lubricant are disclosed. The apparatus includes a microfluidic device including a microchannel sized for a lubricant containing wear particles to pass therethrough and first and second electrodes extending into the microchannel. A detection system is coupled with the electrodes for detection of wear particles passing through the microchannel, based on a change in capacitance of the electrodes. |
| US08522602B2 |
System for detecting a liquid sample
A system is provided for detecting a liquid sample, and includes: a flow cell assembly formed with a sample receiving space therein, and inlet and outlet channels extending to the sample receiving space for guiding the liquid sample into and away from the sample receiving space; a sensor device including a sample detecting unit that is disposed in the sample receiving space, and that is operable to detect the liquid sample and to generate a detection signal accordingly, and a signal conducting unit that is connected electrically to the sensor device for conducting the detection signal therefrom; and a liquid introducing unit and a liquid discharging unit coupled to the inlet and outlet channels and cooperating therewith to form an introducing path and a discharging path for introducing the liquid sample into and for discharging the liquid sample from the sample receiving space, respectively. |
| US08522595B2 |
Guided keeper assembly and method for metal forming dies
A guided keeper assembly for metal forming dies includes a base having a mounting face and a fastener aperture to mount the base to an associated die shoe, as well as a central guide aperture. A guide pin having a central portion is closely received in the central guide aperture for precisely guiding reciprocal motion between the die pad and the die shoe. The guide pin has an enlarged head at one end which abuts the the-base to positively limit travel between the die shoe and the die pad, and a shoulder at an opposite end with an alignment mechanism that precisely locates the guide pin on the die pad. A fastener extends through the fastener aperture in the base to securely connect the same with the die shoe. Another fastener securely connects the second end of the guide pin with the die pad. |
| US08522591B2 |
Device for changing/transporting rolls
The invention relates to a method for changing/transporting a fire roll set (7, 8) and a second roll set (22) on a transversal displacement platform (23) in the region of a roll stand (4) in a roll hall, in or counter to the direction of rolling. During the changing/transporting of the first and the second roll set (7, 8, 22) by the transversal displacement platform (23), a roll changing hole (10) is completely transversed/covered. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method. |
| US08522590B2 |
Method and device for changing rolls
The invention relates to a method for changing rolls, in particular, working rolls and/or intermediate rolls in a roll stand, such as a roughing down stand or finishing stand for rolling thick sheet iron. Said rolls comprise back up roller sets and working roller sets. One individual locomotive mechanism is used for changing the working rolls and/or for changing the back up rolls and/or for inserting or withdrawing a roll changing seat by supporting the rolls on each other and subsequently withdrawing in the axial direction of the rolls on the operational side of the roll stand, from a roll hall in a roll workshop and back and for installing novel roll sets. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method. |
| US08522589B2 |
Machine of variable linear structure for the formation of tubes
The machine for the formation of tubes includes at least, in series with each other, forming stations including pairs of idle rollers which make rototranslational movements of the same amplitude but in opposite directions, and at least one finishing station including four idle rollers having a concave profile with a constant curvature and able to perform rototranslational movements of the same amplitude and direction according to 90° axes. The lower rollers of each forming station have an elliptical profile with a curvature decreasing form the outer edge to the inner edge of the roller. The upper rollers of the first forming station have an elliptical profile with a curvature increasing from the outer edge to the inner edge of the roller; the upper rollers of the forming stations subsequent to the first have a circular profile. |
| US08522587B2 |
Joint jig of spiral duct manufacturing apparatus
Provided is a joint jig of a spiral duct manufacturing apparatus including an uncoiler around which a metal plate member is wound; a wave bending device which cuts the metal plate member supplied from the uncoiler into a straight line and waves and forms a single folded portion and a double folded portion at both edges of the cut metal plate member; a ball caster which bends the projecting wave portions of the metal plate member supplied from the wave bending device upward; a pair of transfer rollers which transfer the metal plate member supplied through the ball caster; upper and lower pressing rollers which are installed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction and press the single folded portion and the double folded portion of the metal plate member; and upper and lower cutters which cut a spiral duct pressed by the upper and lower pressing rollers. The joint jig is installed on the front surface of the upper and lower pressing rollers so as to form the metal plate member, transferred by the transfer rollers, into a cylindrical shape. As the joint jig is installed in the spiral duct manufacturing apparatus, an elbow can be easily manufactured. When the elbow is manufactured, the elbow can be freely moved. Therefore, there is no trouble in forming the elbow. |
| US08522585B1 |
Methods of maintaining and using a high concentration of dissolved copper on the surface of a useful article
A method for maintaining and using a high concentration of dissolved copper on a surface of a useful article by providing a copper surface without coatings thereon which increase the wetting angle and which isolate the copper surface and which has a surface roughness between 2 and 50 micro inches Ra, so as to kill microbes thereon. |
| US08522582B2 |
Dual lock apparatus
The present invention relates to a dual lock apparatus (10) of the type including a locking bolt (14) moveable between a first locked position and a second unlocked position said bolt movement corresponding with longitudinal movement of a slider (26) said apparatus including a first and a second locking means adapted to operate independently of one another. The first locking means (74) includes a rotatable cam (76) such that when rotated said cam acts against a moveable piston to thereby move said piston from a first position to a second position in which the second locking means becomes disengaged from said slider and further rotation of the cam urges longitudinal movement of the slider. The second locking means includes an electric motor in geared connection to a member (44) moveable between a first position and second position corresponding with the locked and unlocked positions of the bolt said member including an outwardly biased pin (52) adapted to engage the piston cylinder (58) and urge said piston into said piston first position to thereby mechanically connect the second locking means with the slider. The locking means can therefore operate independently of one another. |
| US08522579B2 |
Clothes washer demand response with dual wattage or auxiliary heater
A clothes washer is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current state of an associated utility. The controller operates the clothes washer in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. In the case of a water heating clothes washer containing a heater assembly, the controller is configured to change the power consuming characteristics of the heater assembly to reduce power consumption of the clothes washer in an energy savings mode. |
| US08522577B2 |
Combination feeder for a knitting machine
A knitted component may incorporate an inlaid strand. A combination feeder may be utilized to inlay the strand within the knitted component. As an example, the combination feeder may include a feeder arm that reciprocates between a retracted position and an extended position. In manufacturing the knitted component, the feeder inlays the strand when the feeder arm is in the extended position, and the strand is absent from the knitted component when the feeder arm is in the retracted position. |
| US08522574B2 |
Method for nitrogen rejection and or helium recovery in an LNG liquefaction plant
Methods of reducing the concentration of low boiling point components in liquefied natural gas are disclosed. The methods involve dynamic decompression of the liquefied natural gas and one or more pre-fractionation vessels. Particular embodiments are suited for recovering helium and/or nitrogen enriched streams from a liquefied natural gas stream. |
| US08522570B2 |
Integrated circuit chip cooling using magnetohydrodynamics and recycled power
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that cools an integrated circuit (IC) chip within a computer system. During operation, the system converts heat generated by a heat-generating device within the computer system during operation of the computer system into thermoelectric power. Next, the system supplies the thermoelectric power to drive a fluid pump. Finally, the system uses the fluid pump to conduct heat away from the IC chip. |
| US08522567B2 |
Air conditioner and method for controlling the same
An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a heat exchanger which exchanges heat with air by passing a coolant therethrough; an anti-freeze apparatus which prevents the freeze of water on the surface of the heat exchanger by supplying energy to the heat exchanger; and a heat generation unit which heats the heat exchanger. The air conditioner can minimize the need for a defrost operation and can thus continuously and effectively perform an air conditioning function even when water on the surface of the heat exchanger is frozen. |
| US08522566B2 |
Mega ice bin
An ice collection area is disposed inside the cabinet proximate an ice maker. An ice storage area is disposed inside the cabinet. A first relocatable ice bin is disposed inside the cabinet. The first relocatable ice bin is disposed in one of the ice collection area and the ice storage area. A second relocatable ice bin is disposed inside the cabinet. The second relocatable ice bin is disposed in the other of the ice collection area and the ice storage area. |
| US08522564B2 |
Temperature control system with refrigerant recovery arrangement
A temperature control system includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a receiver, and an accumulator. A valve is positioned between the evaporator and the receiver. An evacuation line has a first end in fluid communication with heat transfer fluid between the valve and the receiver, and a second end in fluid communication with the accumulator. The evacuation line provides for flow of the heat transfer fluid from both of the first heat exchanger and the receiver to the accumulator during an evacuation mode of operation of the temperature control system. The valve can take the form of a check valve or an expansion valve without a bleed port. |
| US08522563B2 |
Method of forming conduit receiving passageways in a refrigerator
A method of forming a passageway in an insulated door of a refrigerator includes the steps of forming a conduit by inserting a mandrel in the space between a door liner and outer skin, filling the space with foam insulation, and removing the mandrel. In one embodiment, the mandrel is encased with a polymeric skin prior to the inserting step, such that, when the mandrel is removed, the skin remains at the boundary of the passageway so formed. In another embodiment, the method includes mounting fluid and/or electrical conduits to an inside surface of the door liner and subsequently injecting the foam insulation to surround the conduits. In yet another embodiment, fluid and/or electrical conduits are mounted to an outer surface of the door liner. A cover is then positioned over the conduits. |
| US08522560B2 |
Fuel-cooled heat exchanger with thermoelectric device compression
An apparatus includes an inlet conduit assembly surrounding a gas flow path and a combustor arranged downstream of the inlet conduit assembly. The inlet conduit assembly includes a thermoelectric (TE) device configured to convert heat into electrical energy, a gas flow conduit arranged between the gas flow path and the TE device, and a resilient member configured to bias the TE device into contact with the gas flow conduit. |
| US08522558B1 |
Multi-lobed cooling hole array
A gas turbine engine component includes a wall having first and second wall surfaces and first and second cooling holes extending through the wall. The first and second cooling holes each include an inlet located at the first wall surface, an outlet located at the second wall surface, a metering section extending downstream from the inlet and a diffusing section extending from the metering section to the outlet. Each diffusing section includes first and second lobes, each lobe diverging longitudinally and laterally from the metering section. The outlets of each cooling hole include first and second lateral ends and a trailing edge. One of the lateral ends of the outlet of the first cooling hole and one of the lateral ends of the outlet of the second cooling hole meet upstream of the trailing edge of the first cooling hole and the trailing edge of the second cooling hole. |
| US08522557B2 |
Cooling channel for cooling a hot gas guiding component
The invention relates to a cooling channel for a component conveying hot gas for the purposes of conveying a coolant along a direction of flow with a downstream and an upstream side, with a plurality of inlet apertures for a coolant, with a number of inlet apertures that vary their configuration at least partly among themselves is arranged at least in one section of the cooling channel. As a result, the heat-transfer coefficient is substantially increased at points particularly requiring cooling and therefore the cooling is substantially improved. The cooling channel is characterized by a particularly low pressure loss. Furthermore, a combustion chamber with a cooling channel of this type is specified. |
| US08522556B2 |
Air-staged diffusion nozzle
In an air-staged diffusion nozzle for a gas turbine combustor, air is mixed with the gas fuel and expanded in a downstream burner tube. Introduction of air, passing downstream from the tip of the nozzle to the burner tube space forces hot gases away from and cools the nozzle tip. Air flow through an inner swirler or through cooling holes on the nozzle tip may be arranged to establish a cooling flow volume and direction that advantageously interacts with gas fuel-air flow from an outer swirler to improve fuel-air mixing in the burner tube, helping to reduce emissions and soot formation. |
| US08522555B2 |
Multi-premixer fuel nozzle support system
A system comprising a fuel nozzle. The fuel nozzle includes a mounting base and an inlet flow conditioner extending directly from the mounting base in a downstream direction. Moreover, the inlet flow conditioner structurally supports the fuel nozzle without a central support member extending directly from the mounting base inside the inlet flow conditioner. |
| US08522550B2 |
Enhanced supercharging system and an internal combustion engine having such a system
The invention refers to a supercharging system for an internal combustion engine incorporating in combination, a turbine, a compressor and an electrical driven system that is connected by any power transmission system to the crankshaft or any other vehicle drive shaft of an internal combustion engine, where the turbine inlet is subjected to exhaust gases, causing the turbine wheel to rotate and thereby via the drive shaft causing mechanical rotating power. |
| US08522543B2 |
Hydraulic control system utilizing feed-forward control
The present disclosure is directed toward a hydraulic control system. The system may have a pump and a tool actuator configured to move a tool with a flow of pressurized fluid provided by the pump. The system may further have a tool control valve configured to control the flow of pressurized fluid to the tool actuator. The system may also have a controller operably connected with the tool control valve and the pump. The controller may be configured to receive a tool movement request. The controller may further be configured to estimate a change in a flow demand across the tool control valve associated with the tool movement request. The controller may also be configured to command adjustment of a discharge flow rate of the pump based on the estimated change in flow demand to satisfy the tool movement request. |
| US08522539B2 |
Gas pressure actuator
Disclosed is a gas pressure actuator whose actuator body has a cylinder, a piston and a gas generator in which a powder is loaded, and the gas generator is positioned at an end portion of the cylinder. The gas generator injects a high pressure gas into the cylinder by the combustion of the powder, thereby moving the piston. The actuator body is provided with a coating which covers the entire actuator body from outside. The coating is a resin coating having electrically insulating, waterproof, and dustproof characteristics. |
| US08522537B2 |
Exhaust heat recovery device
The present invention provides an exhaust heat recovery device configured to perform heat exchange between three media such as, exhaust gas, coolant, and oil. According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the exhaust heat recovery device is configured such that the heat of exhaust gas discharged from an engine is transmitted to the coolant and the oil at the same time and direct heat exchange between the coolant and the oil is made, thereby simultaneously increasing the temperature of the coolant and the oil during the initial start-up of the engine (fast warm-up). As a result, it is possible to reduce friction loss of powertrain, thereby improving fuel efficiency. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an exhaust heat recovery device which is configured to perform the integral heat exchange between the exhaust gas, the coolant, and the oil. |
| US08522523B2 |
Steam system
An air compressor is driven by a steam engine that generates power using steam. The steam is supplied to the steam engine through a steam supply path, and the steam is exhausted through a steam exhaust path. The steam from the steam engine is supplied to a steam using device through a steam header. The usage load of the steam is monitored by a pressure sensor arranged in the steam header. The compressed air from the air compressor is supplied to a compressed air using device through a compressed air path. The usage load of the compressed air is monitored by a pressure sensor arranged on the compressed air path. The steam supply to the steam engine is controlled based on the usage load of the steam and the usage load of the compressed air. |
| US08522519B2 |
Lawn mower
A lawn mower comprising: a power supply; a chassis for holding the power supply; a fixed shaft attached to the chassis; a rotary blade which is rotatably supported with respect to the fixed shaft; a transmitting portion which transmits rotation of the power supply to the rotary blade; and a fixed blade which is coaxially-arranged with the rotary blade, wherein a distance between the rotary blade and the fixed blade can be varied. |
| US08522518B2 |
Walk-behind lawnmower having a rear shield
The rear shield of a walk-behind lawnmower extends downward from a rear end part of a housing and is in the form of an elastic sheet. The sheet has a thin-walled part formed in a central site in a heightwise direction between an upper end part and a lower end part, the upper end part being attached to the rear end part of the housing. The thin-walled part has a thickness set to be smaller than a thickness of other parts. |
| US08522516B2 |
Packaging machine
A packaging machine includes a packaging machine main body, a film transport unit, a former and a former insertion guide assembly. The film transport unit is coupled to the packaging main body to transport a film from a first end part of the packaging main body towards a second end part of the packaging main body opposite from the first end part. The former is disposed in the second end part of the packaging main body to form the film transported by the film transport unit into a cylindrical shape and to direct the film downwards. The former insertion guide assembly is configured and arranged to guide the former to a predetermined position in the second end part of the packaging machine main body while the former is rotated from a lateral side of the packaging machine main body when the former is mounted to the packaging machine main body. |
| US08522514B2 |
Beverage containers having coated labels with modified gas barrier properties and related methods
Methods of improving the shelf life of beverages may involve applying a coating mix to a label thereby forming a coated label, curing the coated label, applying the coated label to a container, and adding a beverage to the container, wherein the coated label increases a gas barrier property of the container. Beverage containers such as PET containers may be tailored for specific beverages using certain coated labels. |
| US08522512B2 |
Round baler having a web wrap apparatus
A round baler is provided having a web wrap apparatus with a feeder for introducing web into a bale chamber through a gap between adjacent motion means. The motion means are provided with protrusions, and anti-interference spacing means are provided to prevent the feeder from contacting the protrusions. |
| US08522511B2 |
Methods and apparatus for mast system with enhanced load bearing
Methods and apparatus for providing a mast system including a telescoping mast having first and second mast sections, the mast having a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, the first mast section including an inner surface having ribs disposed thereon, and, the second mast section including a coupling mechanism to engage the ribs on the first mast section for enabling axial movement of the second mast section with respect to the first mast section. |
| US08522509B2 |
Mortarless tile installation system and method for installing tiles
The tile installation system provides a system for installing an architectural covering material to a substrate surface utilizing a plurality of release sheets where each release sheet has a top side surface and a bottom side surface. A plurality of discrete adhesive substrate portions are positioned on the top side surface of the release sheet, wherein the top side surface of the release sheet has a stronger bonding affinity with the plurality of adhesive substrate portions than the bottom side surface. |
| US08522506B2 |
System for the placement of modular fill material forming co-joined assemblies
A system for the placement of modular fill material forming co-joined assemblies that promotes increased efficiency in fill material building methods by utilizing the capabilities of aerial conveyance devices, the pre-assembly of forms, the rapid bracing of forms, and the sequential placement of enclosure forms. |
| US08522505B2 |
Connector for boardwalk system
A boardwalk system including a first component having a pre-formed recess and a second component having a pre-formed recess. The system further includes a connector configured to be positioned in the recesses of the first and second components to connect the first and second components such that the connector limits the movement of first component away from the second component. |
| US08522502B2 |
Pole construction for framework towers of wind power plants
Tower structures of wind power installations having a height of more than 80 meters have a mast structure with corner posts composed of sub-profiles. The corner posts are each formed a sub-profile A and a sub-profile I which are not integrally connected to one another. The sub-profiles together form a closed overall profile. Separating joints of the closed overall profile are arranged aligned with corresponding separating joints of an adjacent corner post which is connected to struts. |
| US08522497B2 |
Device for leading pipes of a solar cell through a roof
A device for leading pipes (6) of a solar cell through a roof, which device is characterized by a connecting sleeve having an upper end with an annular cross section, the connecting sleeve being mounted onto the straight-cut upper end of a dome-like collar (2a) of a conventional pipe duct (2) to surround the opening of the collar (2a), as well as by a cap (4) turnably installed on the upper end of the connecting sleeve (3) and provided with a sideward-facing receiving opening (5) for pipes (6) to be led from a solar cell into the building, whereby the receiving opening (5) is sealable around the pipes (6). |
| US08522496B2 |
Compression mounted window assembly
A compression mounted window assembly is disclosed that includes a circular window having opposed front and rear planar surfaces and an outer periphery having forward and rearward chamfered edge surfaces, a compressible gasket circumscribing the outer periphery of the window, a housing with a portal having an annular seat for accommodating the window circumscribed by the gasket, wherein the annular seat has a first chamfered abutment surface corresponding to the forward chamfered edge surface of the window, an annular bezel operatively associated with the housing for compressively retaining the window assembly within the annular seat of the portal, and structure for securing the bezel to the housing, wherein the bezel has a second chamfered abutment surface corresponding to the rearward chamfered edge surface of the window. |
| US08522494B2 |
System for creating a tensioned wall composed of individual LED tiles
Support wires can be used to hold up light tiles to provide a lightweight display system. |
| US08522492B2 |
Solar panel mounting structure
A solar panel mounting structure includes: a fixation member as an angle member firmly fixed onto a roofing composed of a metal plate as a magnetic material; solar panels, each of which is rotatably held on the fixation member while interposing an insertion/extraction hinge mounted on an upper edge of an erected portion of the fixation member; and a magnetic engaging device provided between the solar panel and the roofing in order to detachably fix the solar panel to the roofing. The fixation member is firmly fixed to the roofing while interposing a double-sided adhesive tape and an adhesive agent therebetween. The magnetic engaging device includes: a cup-like casing mounted to a lower surface of the solar panel by a screw; and a ferrite magnet firmly fixed into the casing. |
| US08522491B2 |
Support device for mounting a solar panel and mounting system incorporating same
The invention provides a solar panel mounting system for mounting one or more solar panels, the system comprising: at least one support device for supporting the solar panel thereon, and at least one flexible fastening member. The support device comprises: a base adapted to seat stably on a substantially flat rooftop surface, the base having at least one recess for receiving ballast to stabilize the support device on the surface; and a mounting frame upstanding from the base and integral therewith, the mounting frame being configured to support the solar panel such that said panel slopes downwardly towards a front edge region of the base. The flexible fastening member is adapted to engage and to extend from the support device, and has an attachment portion which is adapted to be secured to a rooftop surface. Typically, a plurality of the support devices are arranged spaced apart and essentially parallel to one another side-by-side in one or more rows for receiving and supporting a solar panel extending between adjacent pairs of the support devices. Furthermore, a flexible fastening member preferably engages and extends from each of the front and rear edge regions of each support device. |
| US08522488B1 |
Headwall with integral wall panel interface
A modular architectural system adapted for use with a finished wall in a patient room includes a service unit, a wall-masking panel, and an interface strip. The service unit includes a frame and a plurality of modular panels coupled to the frame to support service outlets relative to the finished wall. The wall-masking panel is spaced apart from the service unit and is arranged along an edge of the service unit. The interface strip is coupled to the service unit and arranged along the edge of the service unit between the service unit and the wall-masking panel to interconnect the service unit and the wall-masking panel. |
| US08522485B2 |
Vehicle sash door and protector and center channel for the same
A center-channel protector for a vehicle sash door is arranged between a main sash and a center channel. A body of the protector has an H-shaped upper-end surface which is compatible to cover the upper end of the center channel. The body integrally includes a pair of branch covering portions corresponding to a pair of branch portions constituting the center channel and a middle covering portion disposed between the branch covering portions so as to connect the both branch covering portions therewith. An engaging portion is provided with the body and is mechanically engaged, in a direction intersecting a vertical direction, with an engaged portion which is provided with a center channel side. In collaboration with the engaged portion, the engaging portion constitutes a fastening mechanism by which the protector is fastened on the center channel. |
| US08522484B2 |
Wide channel knife edge door and door frame system
The present invention is a wide channel door frame cooperating with a wide width knife edge of a door and latching mechanism: to accommodate a gap between finger stock seals when the wide knife edge door is in the open position, to provide electrical connectivity between the door and door frame when the wide knife edge door is received into the wide channel door frame in the closed position, to accommodate ease of manufacturing a straight channel, to accommodate ease of cleaning the channel after installation of the finger stock seals, and to accommodate ease of closing/latching and opening/delatching the door. An alternative embodiment includes a third strip of beryllium copper finger stock seals attached to the base of the channel for increased electrical conductivity or the addition of weather seals for exterior applications. Wide channels and knife edges can be made of desirable material, for example 304 stainless steel. |
| US08522482B2 |
Door opener assembly capable of hands-free operation
A door opener assembly having a rotatable arm-bar for hands-free use by individuals in high-traffic pedestrian conditions. The rotatable arm-bar has a distal knobbed end and allows users to easily position a wrist or forearm within the hook and to move laterally, as the person moves, as the door is opened and thereafter provides a slide-release of the forearm or wrist. The smooth surface and design of the arm-bar allows users to disengage from contact without risk of injury occurring such as from the unexpected opening of the door from the opposite direction. |
| US08522479B2 |
Door assembly including astragal
A double door assembly having an active door and a passive door includes an astragal that is formed of a composite of aluminum and wood. The astragal is formed of an aluminum rail with a U-shaped cross section that receives a wooden insert. The astragal is mounted to a passive door such that the U-shaped cross section opens to the active door and the wooden insert presents a mounting surface for hardware. |
| US08522476B2 |
Bag constructed of weed suppression material for packaging ground cover material
A bag constructed of a weed suppression material for packaging a ground cover material. When the bag is in a closed configuration, the bag serves as a container for shipping, handling, and storage of the ground cover material. When the bag is opened and unfolded, and the ground cover material within the bag is spread over the opened and unfolded bag, the bag serves as a layer of weed suppression material on top of underlying soil and beneath the ground cover. |
| US08522475B2 |
Triangular shaped flower stem wrap with outer plastic covering
A horticultural cut flower container assembly having a triangular shaped piece of flexible foam material with the ends of the triangular shaped foam material being adapted to be folded over the stem ends of a bunch of cut flowers. An elastic band is placed over the folded foam material to hold foam material in a folded configuration and an outer plastic bag is placed over the folded foam material and stem ends. |
| US08522474B1 |
Fishing leader holding and storage assembly
A fishing leader holding includes a cylinder that is positioned between and is attached to a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall. Each of the first and second lateral walls has a perimeter edge extending outwardly from the cylinder to define a spool. A catch is attached to the perimeter edge of one of the first or second lateral walls. The catch is configured to engage a hoop of a fishing leader when a fishing leader is extended along the cylinder. A hold is attached to the perimeter edge of one of the first or second lateral walls. A tether is configured to engage a hook of the fishing leader. The tether is releasably engageable with the hold. The cylinder is configured to receive the fishing leader such that the fishing leader extends around the cylinder and is retained on the cylinder with the hold and the catch. |
| US08522472B2 |
Lightweight fishing rod and a method for making a lightweight fishing rod
A fishing rod having improved strength and durability to weight characteristics is provided using a thermoplastic toughened epoxy resin. The method of manufacturing this fishing rod includes the use of an insulating layer around rod blanks during a high temperature cure stage. |
| US08522471B2 |
Firearms and firearm components comprising bonded multi-metallic materials; methods of manufacture
Firearms and firearm components are constructed from bonded multi-metallic base materials comprising at least two dissimilar metallic materials having different properties, such as weight, density, wear resistance, durability, hardness, and the like, bonded to one another. The components are fabricated such that the metallic material having higher impact- and wear-resistance is positioned at areas that experience impact, or that include bearing points, wear points, and interfaces with other components, while a lighter weight metallic material is positioned at component locations that don't have rigorous material property requirements. The bonded multi-metallic materials may be explosively bonded multi-metallic materials. |
| US08522470B2 |
Rear rifle stabilizer
The invention relates generally to stabilizers for rifles. More specifically, the invention is a rear rifle stabilizer (RRS) designed to replace the current methods of stabilizing a rifle for accurate fire. The RRS comprises a base block having a recess at the top thereof such as a curved U-shaped or V-shaped recess. Lining the recess is an air bladder operatively connected to a hand operated air pump and release valve capable of very minor movement. The purpose of the air bladder is to give the shooter the ability to make very small adjustments in elevation without taking his/her eye away from the sights of the rifle or make any major body movements. |
| US08522469B2 |
Rail mount
An accessory mount for a gun is described having an attachment plate, a rail and a deflector plate for deflecting cartridge cases ejected from the gun. The deflector plate is mounted on an arm for positioning the deflector plate between the ejection port on the receiver of the gun and the rail on the accessory mount. |
| US08522466B2 |
Low-force rolling trigger
In an embodiment, a low-force, low-friction, short-travel, low-energy control rolling trigger utilizes a rolling element as a trigger-release mechanism in equipment, machines and tools such as for clutches, brakes, actuators, and projectile launchers. The rolling elements within the trigger mechanism reduce the friction, which in-turn reduces the force necessary to discharge trigger. In an embodiment, the trigger is part of a firearm and uses a mechanical trigger. In another embodiment, the trigger is activated by an electronic signal that activates a solenoid, which pulls the rolling element, and thereby releases the striker or in a trigger-release assembly. |
| US08522465B2 |
Modular firearm system
A modular firearm is disclosed. The firearm that can be configured to operate using ammunition of different calibers via interchangeability of only a few parts. The firearm includes a foldable butt stock assembly for quickly and easily converting the firearm from an extended operating configuration to a compact transport configuration, and vice-versa. Additionally, the firearm includes a modular hand guard assembly having multiple mounting platforms for accommodating a variety of different accessories. |
| US08522464B2 |
Magnetic blocks with images thereon, systems and methods of making the same
Magnetic blocks have images disposed thereon. Specifically, a block made from a rigid material includes an image over at least a portion of a first surface and a magnet on at least a portion of a second surface of the block. The block is disposed within a frame or board having a metallic and/or magnetic surface thereon and/or is provided on a metallic and/or magnetized surface. A plurality of blocks having images thereon are disposed together in a tiled arrangement, either in the frame, board or otherwise on the metallic and/or magnetic surface. Moreover, a system comprises the magnetic blocks having images thereon and a frame, board and/or metallic and/or magnetic surface. Methods of making and using the same are further provided. |
| US08522463B2 |
Ironing device
An ironing device includes a base, a handle moveable relative to the base, and a resilient member biasing the handle in an upper position and allowing movement of the handle upon exertion of a force thereon by a user towards a lower position. Further, a steam controller is operatively connected to the handle such that release of steam of the ironing device is intuitively controlled by the force exerted on the handle by the user. A console is connected with the base and is provided with at least one operating button. The handle includes a recess for accommodating the console, where the console and the handle are configured so that an operating button is operable with the same hand that holds the handle. |
| US08522460B2 |
Underwater excavation apparatus
The present invention relates to an underwater excavation apparatus. The apparatus of the invention utilizes mass flow for disturbing or excavating an underwater location and for extracting or sucking excavated material from the underwater location to another location. Restriction of spoil and/or direct spoil is provided for the apparatus and comprises a baffle provided within a cavity of a housing having an open base for the extracting or sucking of excavated material. An outlet for disturbing or excavating and an inlet for extraction or suction are located within the housing while an inlet for disturbing or excavating and an outlet for extraction or suction are located external to the housing. |
| US08522457B2 |
Sole
A sole for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, includes a unidirectional bending element. The unidirectional bending element enables a dorsal bending of the sole (bending of the sole in the direction upward and away from the ground) and blocks a plantar bending of the sole (bending of the sole in the direction downward and towards the ground). The unidirectional bending element may be arranged at a first layer of the sole and may vertically project from the first layer. |
| US08522454B2 |
Article of footwear with multi-layered support assembly
An article of footwear including an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper and including a support assembly having an upper member and a lower member spaced from the upper member. A first layer is positioned beneath and in contact with the upper member and has a wave shaped profile with a plurality of first wave crests and first wave troughs. A second layer is positioned above the lower member and has a wave shaped profile with a plurality of second wave crests and second wave troughs. |
| US08522449B2 |
Dryer for fuel material
The invention relates to a dryer for drying fuel materials such as wood bark, wood chips, sludge, garbage, peat moss or the like. In a preferred embodiment the dryer comprises a conveyor, consisting of twin endless belts, which carries the material to be dried along a vertical path defined between parallel runs of the endless belts, and ductwork which serves to direct heated air (received from any appropriate source) across the vertical path to remove moisture from the material as it is being conveyed. The ductwork includes at least one feed duct for use in delivering the heated air to one side of the vertical path, and at least one exhaust duct for use in withdrawing moisture-laden air on another side of the vertical path. Suction is applied at the exhaust ducts to draw drying air through the ductwork, and the feed and exhaust ducts are made to seal against the conveyor to reduce the introduction of ambient air into the dryer ductwork under the suction applied. |
| US08522447B1 |
Locating systems
A system for slidably attaching a laser device to a tape measure ruler to use in lieu of a plumb bob to assist locating points on remote surfaces. The device is easily portable and connectable to most any tape measure. The device is particularly useful for finding points on arched or curved surface out of the normal reach of just a tape measure alone. The locating system preferably comprising a portable device having at least one laser pointer in combination with at least one leveling device slidably attachable to a tape measure tape. |
| US08522446B1 |
Level assembly
A level assembly includes an elongated housing that has a first end, a second end and a perimeter wall. The perimeter wall includes a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The housing has a plurality of apertures therein. Each of the apertures extends into the front wall. Each of the apertures has one of a plurality of levels mounted therein. A plurality of light emitters is mounted in the housing. Each of the apertures has one of the light emitters directed therein. The light emitters illuminate adjacently positioned ones of the levels when the light emitters are turned on. A power supply is mounted within the housing and is electrically coupled to the light emitters. An actuator is mounted on the housing and is electrically coupled to the power supply. The actuator is actuated to turn the light emitters on or off. |
| US08522445B1 |
Marking gauge for electronic measurement and display
One example includes an apparatus to mark a distance from an edge of a work-piece that includes a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and including a graduations disposed aligned along the longitudinal axis, a marking blade affixed to an end portion of the shaft, substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, a fence assembly coupled to the shaft and movable along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, the fence assembly including a face configured to abut the edge of the work-piece, a graduation sensor coupled to the fence assembly and configured to monitor the graduations to provide a sensor signal associated with a distance between the fence assembly and the marking blade, and a monitoring circuit coupled to the fence assembly in communication with the graduation sensor and configured to receive the sensor signal and to provide a distance signal including information associated with the distance. |
| US08522440B2 |
Rotating tool for hardened cable-protective shield
The inventive tool for cutting a hardened shield of cables used in harsh environment is configured with a spindle support unit and a spindle unit which is pivotally mounted to the spindle support so as to controllably vary a depth at which a cutting wheel fixed to the spindle unit penetrates a cable. |
| US08522439B1 |
System and method for stringing decorative jewelry elements
A system and method for stringing decorative elements onto a stringing element to make jewelry, such as a necklace or bracelet. A jig is provided that has holds a first tube. The first tube has a first end, a second end, an inside diameter and an outside diameter. The outside diameter is smaller than the inside diameter of the stringing holes in the decorative elements. The first tube is set as a cantilever. At least some of the decorative elements are set onto the first tube over its first end. The first tube extends through the stringing hole in each of the decorative elements. A stringing element is advanced through the first tube. The first tube is then removed. This leaves at least some of the stringing element strung through the stringing hole of each of the decorative elements. |
| US08522434B2 |
Method for production of valve head portion of hollow engine valve and hollow engine valve
Forming of a valve head portion (1) of a hollow engine valve (V) comprising a material particularly satisfactory in heat resistance is performed by cold forging. On this occasion, the material with excellent heat resistance is worked to form a valve head portion semifinished product (11) having a hollow hole (S11) whose inner diameter (Φ11) is equal to the maximum inner diameter (Φ11) of a hollow hole (S1) of a finished product of the valve head portion (1), and having a diameter-increased section (111) whose maximum outer diameter (Φ12) is equal to the maximum outer diameter (Φ12) of a diameter-increased section (1a) of the finished product. Parts of the valve head portion semifinished product other than a central part to a lower part of the diameter-increased section (111) are necked down by cold forging performed a plurality of times to obtain the finished product of the valve head portion (1). This method of obtaining the finished product is provided by the present invention. |
| US08522433B2 |
Method of installing a seal
A low cost and simple seal installation method provides for easy installation of bonded pistons and lip seals in an automatic transmission or other industrial machine. The installation method utilizes a flexible circular disc that can be inserted in a gap between the bore and the shaft and is pressed against the seal lip to flip the seal lip to its desired orientation while the disc is rolled around the circumference of the gap to orientate the entire seal in its proper position. |
| US08522428B2 |
Method for producing a sensor board
A method for producing a sensor board includes the steps of preparing an insulating layer; forming at least a pair of electrodes on the insulating layer; and forming a conductive layer by spraying a conductive component-containing liquid onto the insulating layer by an ultrasonic spray method so as to cover the electrodes. |
| US08522426B2 |
Vent blocking on vented ball grid arrays to provide a cleaner solution barrier
A vented BGA package is reconfigured by first applying a continuous bead of adhesive around the perimeter of the package to seal the gap between the lid and substrate. The continuous bead defines a channel through the pressure relief vents to a polarity through-hole in the lid. The BGA package is reflow soldered to a PWB at an elevated temperature using solder flux, clean or no-clean. The IC die achieves elevated temperature pressure relief through the pressure relief vents along the channel and out the polarity through-hole. After reflow a seal is applied to plug the polarity through-hole. The PWB is washed in an aqueous cleaner solution to remove flux residue. The continuous bead of adhesive and the seal form a cleaner solution barrier that prevents the solution from contacting conductors inside the package. The seal may be removed or left intact depending on the operating environment. |
| US08522422B2 |
Method for application of a chip module to an antenna
A method for application of a chip module to an antenna module includes supplying a plurality of chip modules arranged in a row arrangement on a sheet carrier. Separating chip modules from the row arrangement and transferring the separated chip modules to a application device. The chip module separated from the row arrangement are subsequently positioned on the antenna substrate by the application device and contacting of the antenna contact surfaces of the chip module with the contact surfaces of the antenna is performed. The invention further relates to a device for the application of a chip module to an antenna module. |
| US08522421B2 |
Method of making patch antenna
A method of making a patch antenna includes the steps of: stamping a first metal plate to form a radiation metal layer having a first protruding portion; stamping a second metal plate to form a grounding metal layer having a second protruding portion; and attaching the radiation metal layer and the grounding metal layer to opposite surfaces of a dielectric layer to couple together the first and second protruding portions. |
| US08522418B2 |
Protective helmets and method of manufacture thereof
A protective helmet includes an outer shell having a generally dome-shaped section and a brim extending outwardly from the dome-shaped section. The dome-shaped section and the brim are formed from a thermoplastic material. The helmet further includes a brim support in operative connection with at least a portion of the brim. The brim support is formed from a material that is more heat resistant than the thermoplastic material. The brim support is sufficiently rigid to limit deformation of the brim upon exposure to high temperature. The brim support material can, for example, have a melting point above 500° F. A method of limiting high-temperature deformation in a helmet includes molding an outer shell of the helmet to consist essentially of thermoplastic material, the outer shell comprising a generally dome-shaped portion and a brim extending outwardly from the dome-shaped section by at least 2.5 inches at the rear of the helmet; and operatively connecting a rigid brim support to the brim, the brim support being formed from a material that is more heat resistant than the thermoplastic material. |
| US08522406B2 |
Releasable fastening along a bead
A releasable touch fastening includes a fastener strip (2) and a retention bead (20). The fastener strip includes two parallel rows (6) of opposing closely spaced fastener elements (8) extending from a common base (4) to form a retention channel (10). The two rows are separated by a small distance to receive and capture the retention bead constructed to fit between the fastener rows and under the heads (14) of the fastener elements. |
| US08522405B2 |
Belt buckle
A belt buckle is provided with a waist belt outlet slot (1) for connecting with a waist belt beginning (6) and at least one inlet retainer (5) engaging in openings of the belt at the opposite waist belt inlet slot (2).As a result of the design of the central section of the belt buckle as an essentially flat element (3), which permits deflection toward the waist belt, which reaches in the section of the, or of each inlet retainer (5) at least their height, can, in spite of a simple design, prevent an opening that is against the will of the carrier. |
| US08522403B2 |
Button as well as button body and fixture for such a button
A button is provided. A fixture fixes a button body to a support from an opposite side to the button body with the support therebetween. The button body includes a collar, a shaft protruding from the collar and an insert hole for the fixture to be inserted therein. An outer circular wall and an inner circular wall are formed at a tip end of the shaft separately from each other with a gap therebetween. The outer circular wall defines an outer periphery of the shaft and at least one protrusion for fixing the support thereon is formed at an upper surface of the outer circular wall. The inner circular wall defines an inner periphery of the insert hole. The protrusion protrudes relative to an upper surface of the inner circular wall and the gap is recessed relative to the upper surface of the inner circular wall. |
| US08522402B1 |
Cargo strap collector
A separately operating cargo strap collector for use with a ratchet-buckle assembly of known construction having longer and shorter straps and a ratchet-buckle. The strap collector includes sidewalls connected to upper and lower walls forming a channel through which the longer strap passes with a clamp in the channel for attaching the strap collector to the longer strap. The sidewalls and upper wall forming a magazine for folds of excess longer strap after the longer strap is tightened by the ratchet-buckle. A pair of lever arms are journaled in the sidewalls with a finger for clamping the folds of excess strap against the bottom wall of the magazine. |
| US08522397B1 |
Castor that is controlled by a wire to brake and stop rotating simultaneously
A castor includes a support shaft, a stop ring secured on the support shaft and having a first locking portion, a castor body rotatably mounted on the support shaft, two rollers rotatably mounted on the castor body and each having a second locking portion, a locking module movably mounted on the castor body and movable to engage the first locking portion of the stop ring and the second locking portion of each of the rollers, and a control wire movably mounted on the support shaft and connected with the locking module. Thus, when the castor is locked, each of the rollers is locked by the locking module, and the castor body is locked by the stop ring, so that the castor will stop rotating when being braked to provide a double-braking effect. |
| US08522393B2 |
Windshield wiper device
A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes opposing longitudinal grooves on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, wherein neighbouring ends of said longitudinal strips are interconnected by a respective connecting piece, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm is pivotally connected to the connecting device about a pivot axis near one end, with the special feature that the connecting device comprises at least two parts provided with protrusion/hole features for detachably connecting the parts together, wherein the first part is retained onto the wiper blade and wherein the second part has an at least substantially U-shaped cross-section at the location of its connection to said first part, wherein each leg of said U-shaped cross-section is allowed to bend outwardly upon insertion of the oscillating arm into said second part for connecting said first and second parts together through a snapping operation. |
| US08522391B1 |
Infant oral hygiene device
An infant oral hygiene device comprising a sleeve releasably securable over the finger of a user. The sleeve is generally cylindrical and has first and second ends. The first end receives the finger of the user. The sleeve has one or more openings in its second end. The one or more openings expose a portion of a fabric received over the finger of the user and between the user's finger and the sleeve thereby permitting the fabric to be drawn across the teeth and gums of an infant. |
| US08522388B2 |
Self-wringing mop
A self-wringing mop is disclosed that comprises a handle, a mounting support forming an axis of rotation, wherein the mounting support is connected with the handle, a cleaning portion connected with the mounting support in such a manner that the cleaning portion is rotatable about the axis, and a pressing member connected with the handle, wherein the pressing member engages with the cleaning portion to inhibit rotation of the cleaning portion. |
| US08522386B2 |
Oral care implement
An oral care implement comprising tooth cleaning elements and a tissue cleanser. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a head and a handle; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from a first face of the head; a receiving cavity formed into a second face of the head opposite the first face; and a soft tissue cleanser formed of an elastomeric material that is injection molded into the receiving cavity to bond the soft tissue cleanser to the head, the soft tissue cleanser comprising a plurality of projections extending beyond the second face of the head. |
| US08522385B2 |
High efficiency floor treating system and method
A system and method for high efficiency floor treating is provided. Embodiments of the floor treating system include a floor treating device with a power source having a rotatable drive shaft with an axis of rotation, a flywheel with an aperture for receiving the drive shaft, a counterbalance connected to the flywheel, and a floor treating attachment located at a distance of at least 0.400 inch from the axis of rotation of the drive shaft. Embodiments of the floor treating method include agitating a cleaning substance using the floor treating device with the floor treating attachment positioned at least 0.400 inch from the axis of rotation of the drive shaft. |
| US08522382B2 |
Bi-planar electric toothbrush
A penetrating electric toothbrush is disclosed, including a handle, a replaceable brush head, a head unit base, an engaging device, a selection device, and an actuator. The replaceable brush head comprises a head body, a plurality of bristles fixed to the head body, and a detachable fastener. The head unit base has a head receptacle portion, a actuator receiving recess, and a bar guiding portion. The reciprocating bar is protruded from the handle and received in the actuator receiving recess, and the actuator receiving recess is configured to engage the reciprocating bar in either penetration mode or polishing mode. The engaging device is disposed at an end of the reciprocating bar and engaging the head unit base with the reciprocating bar. The selection device places the engaging device either in the penetration mode or the polishing mode. |
| US08522379B2 |
Hospital bed foot section with caster cutouts
A bed has a head end and a foot end. The bed has a deck that can assume a horizontal position and at least one position in which a foot section of the deck is substantially vertical. For instance, the bed may assume a chair position, in which a head section of the deck is pivoted upwardly and the foot section is pivoted downwardly to a substantially vertical position.Casters allow the bed to move relative to the floor. At least one caster is coupled to the foot end of the bed. The foot section of the deck is configured to clear the foot end casters when the foot section is in the substantially vertical position. |
| US08522377B2 |
Under bed skirt support with fully separated corners and with layers that do not have to be equally lofted
A bed skirt support (10) is disclosed comprising a relatively flat, central portion or decking (14) having at least on side support section (16, 18, 20) removably or fixedly attached thereto. Said bed skirt support has fully separated corners and multiple layers, each of which does not have to be lofted at the same gathering ratio as its adjacent layers. |
| US08522376B2 |
Captive corner mattress-retention mechanism
A mechanism for securing a mattress on an automated bed is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to a mattress-retention mechanism for preventing a mattress from moving towards the foot end of a bed during articulation. The mattress-retention mechanism includes a mattress-support structure adapted to support a corner of a mattress, with a portion of the mattress-support structure having a curved interior surface. The mattress-support mechanism also includes a foundation attachment surface for removably attaching the mattress-retention mechanism to the top of a mattress foundation, where the foundation attachment surface is perpendicular to the curved interior surface. The mechanism may include a bedding aperture on the side of the mattress-support structure to accommodate bedding inserted through the bedding aperture. Further, the mechanism may include a side attachment surface for removably attaching the mattress-retention mechanism to a vertical side of the mattress foundation. |
| US08522373B2 |
Apparatus for mounting curved rod
A mounting assembly is used to mount a curved rod to a mounting surface. The mounting assembly includes a base, a guide and a cover. The base is fixed to the mounting surface by inserting screws through holes in the base and into the mounting surface. The guide fits around the base and can move along a length of the base. The cover is placed over the base and secured to the guide, such that the cover can also move along the length of the base. The mounting assembly interfaces with an end of the curved rod that approaches the mounting assembly at a given angle. Movement of the cover allows the mounting assembly to interface with ends of curved rods approaching the mounting assembly over a range of angles. The mounting assembly can include a shaft that is connected to the base and interfaces with the end of the curved rod. |
| US08522372B1 |
Illuminated pool fountain system
A vertical pipe has an upper end and a lower end. The vertical pipe is adapted to be coupled to a pool water outlet. A T-coupler has horizontal first and second legs and a downward extending vertical third leg receiving the T-coupler. Transparent first and second sleeves are attached to the first leg and second legs. Each sleeve has an end cap. An inner cylinder is provided within the second sleeve. The inner cylinder has closed and open ends. A power cylinder is provided within the first sleeve. A gasket hydraulically seals the first sleeve from the second sleeve and the T-coupler. A light source is coupled to the power cylinder extending into the T-coupler. Apertures are provided in the second sleeve. The apertures face upwardly and outwardly. |
| US08522371B2 |
Dump bucket tank insert for new and used toilets
A tank insert for converting a conventional flush toilet into a flapperless, dump bucket-style toilet. The tank insert is sized and shaped to be snugly received within a water tank of the toilet, and includes a water reservoir pivotably received within a catch basin. The water reservoir is filled by the toilets water valve and the toilet's handle actuates the water reservoir to flush the toilet. Upon actuation, water within the water reservoir is discharged into the catch basin, and from there into the toilet bowl, which is effectively cleared. |
| US08522370B2 |
Fluid dispenser
A device for spraying an inner surface of a wall of an enclosure with a fluid is disclosed. The device includes a reservoir for the fluid, a nozzle assembly through which the fluid can be sprayed on the inner surface of the wall of the enclosure, a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir and the nozzle, a pump for delivering fluid from the reservoir through the fluid conduit and to the nozzle when the pump assembly is activated, and a controller in electrical communication with the pump wherein the controller executes a stored program to activate and deactivate the pump. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle which directs the fluid in a fluid path, and the nozzle assembly further includes a deflection shield that is dimensioned to contact and redirect fluid in the fluid path, and the nozzle assembly further includes mounting structure for attaching the nozzle near the inner surface of the wall of the enclosure. The flow off of the deflector shield is laminar. |
| US08522366B2 |
Sock structure and method of use
A method of applying a cold pack to a wearer undergoing chemotherapy treatment using a sock structure. The sock structure comprises a sock body that includes a foot portion configured to covering the wearer's foot, a leg portion covering a portion of the wearer's ankle and leg, and a turned heel that provides an angular junction between the foot and leg portions. The sock structure comprises a pocket integral with the sock body and located along the bottom of the foot portion and the turned heel. The pocket is configured for receiving the cold pack and supporting the cold pack along the bottom of the foot portion and the turned heel, with the cold pack in heat transmitting relation with the sole and heel of a human foot located in the sock body. |
| US08522365B2 |
Garment with drawstring closure
Embodiments of the invention include a drawstring closure that allows two sides of a garment to securely and evenly tighten the garment and the fly of the garment. One embodiment of the invention includes a drawstring closure for use on a garment, including a first front panel, wherein the first front panel comprises a first tab, and wherein the first tab comprises a first opening through which a drawstring can be threaded; a second front panel, wherein the second front panel comprises a second tab, wherein the second tab comprises second and third openings through which a drawstring can be threaded; a first drawstring, wherein the first drawstring is attached to the first tab, the first drawstring is threaded through the third and the first opening; a second drawstring, wherein the second drawstring is attached to the first front panel; and the second drawstring is threaded through the second opening. |
| US08522364B2 |
Lift support garment system
A garment system enabling helpers or care givers to provide physical assistance to elderly or handicapped persons and the like. The garment system includes a pair of pants, front straps, back straps, side support straps and an inner lining attached to the interior of said pants. |
| US08522362B1 |
Clothing systems
A clothing system may include a first two-piece swimsuit. The first two-piece swimsuit may include a swimsuit top and a swimsuit bottom. The clothing system may include further include a midsection cover sized and configured to be selectively connected to the swimsuit top to form a second two-piece swimsuit. |
| US08528111B2 |
Method for positioning an atomic force microscopy tip in a cell
A method for positioning a tip of an atomic force microscope relative to a intracellular target site in a cell is provided. In general terms, the method comprises: a) positioning a fluorescent tip of an atomic force microscope over a cell comprising a fluorescent intracellular target site so that said tip is above target site; b) moving the tip toward said target site while obtaining images of the distal end of said tip and/or the target site using a fluorescence microscope; and c) arresting the movement of the tip when the target site and the distal end of the tip are both in focus in the fluorescence microscope. A microscope system for performing the method is also provided. |
| US08528107B1 |
Enforcing restrictions related to a virtualized computer environment
An administrator may set restrictions related to the operation of a virtual machine (VM), and virtualization software enforces such restrictions. There may be restrictions related to the general use of the VM, such as who may use the VM, when the VM may be used, and on what physical computers the VM may be used. There may be similar restrictions related to a general ability to modify a VM, such as who may modify the VM. There may also be restrictions related to what modifications may be made to a VM, such as whether the VM may be modified to enable access to various devices or other resources. There may also be restrictions related to how the VM may be used and what may be done with the VM. Information related to the VM and any restrictions placed on the operation of the VM may be encrypted to inhibit a user from circumventing the restrictions. |
| US08528104B2 |
Security and ticketing system control and management
A security device of this invention includes a nonvolatile storage unit 22 for storing a validity check unit including a counter updated every time signature function means 30 is called up, a volatile storage unit 24 for reading and storing a counter array out of an external nonvolatile storage unit storing the counter array, in which the counter array is obtained by coupling a hash value generated for each signature key with a signature number counter for counting the number of signatures performed by use of the signature key, and a hash function unit 28 for reading the counter array out of the volatile storage unit 24, generating the hash value, and transferring the hash value to the validity check unit for a validity check. |
| US08528098B2 |
Electronic file browsing system and control method thereof
An electronic file browsing system includes an electronic file delivery device and a file processing server. When document file browsing is requested from a mobile phone, a mobile phone access server in the file delivery device creates link information including session ID as authentication information and sends it to the mobile phone. Based on this link information, the mobile phone accesses the file processing server. The file processing server obtains session ID from the mobile phone and adds this session ID to the delivery request of the document file to the mobile phone access server. |
| US08528097B2 |
Trusted and secure techniques for item delivery and execution
Documents and other items can be delivered electronically from sender to recipient with a level of trustedness approaching or exceeding that provided by a personal document courier. A trusted electronic go-between can validate, witness and/or archive transactions while, in some cases, actively participating in or directing the transaction. Printed or imaged documents can be marked using handwritten signature images, seal images, electronic fingerprinting, watermarking, and/or steganography. Electronic commercial transactions and transmissions take place in a reliable, “trusted” virtual distribution environment that provides significant efficiency and cost savings benefits to users in addition to providing an extremely high degree of confidence and trustedness. The systems and techniques have many uses including but not limited to secure document delivery, execution of legal documents, and electronic data interchange (EDI). |
| US08528095B2 |
Injection context based static analysis of computer software applications
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to injection context based static analysis of computer software applications. Embodiments of the invention may include selecting a sink within a computer software application, tracing a character output stream leading to the sink within the computer software application, determining an injection context of the character output stream at the sink, where the injection context is predefined in association with a state of the character output stream at the sink, identifying any actions that have been predefined in association with the identified injection context, and providing a report of the actions. |
| US08528092B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for identifying unwanted activity utilizing a honeypot device accessible via VLAN trunking
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for identifying unwanted activity utilizing a honeypot accessible via virtual local area network (VLAN) trunking. In use, a honeypot device is allowed to be accessed via VLAN trunking. Furthermore, unwanted data is identified, utilizing the honeypot device. |
| US08528091B2 |
Methods, systems, and media for detecting covert malware
Methods, systems, and media for detecting covert malware are provided. In accordance with some embodiments, a method for detecting covert malware in a computing environment is provided, the method comprising: generating simulated user activity outside of the computing environment; conveying the simulated user activity to an application inside the computing environment; and determining whether a decoy corresponding to the simulated user activity has been accessed by an unauthorized entity. |
| US08528090B2 |
Systems and methods for creating customized confidence bands for use in malware detection
A computer-implemented method for creating customized confidence bands for use in malware detection may include 1) identifying a portal for receiving executable content, 2) identifying metadata relating to the portal, 3) analyzing the metadata to determine what risk executable content received via the portal poses, and then 4) creating, based on the analysis, a confidence band to apply during at least one disposition of executable content received via the portal. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08528089B2 |
Known files database for malware elimination
A method, system, and computer program product for identifying files that are found during a malware scan, thus enabling them to be excluded from further analysis. A method for handling a potential malware file comprises the steps of scanning a plurality of files to identify at least one file as potential malware, querying a database to determine whether the at least one file is known, and handling the at least one file based on whether the at least one file is known. |
| US08528086B1 |
System and method of detecting computer worms
A computer worm detection system orchestrates a sequence of network activities in a computer network and monitors the computer network to identify an anomalous behavior of the computer network. The computer worm detection system then determines whether the anomalous behavior is caused by the computer worm and can determine an identifier for detecting the computer worm based on the anomalous behavior. The computer worm detection system can also generate a recovery script for disabling the computer worm or repairing damage caused by the computer worm. |
| US08528085B1 |
Method and system for preventing de-duplication side-channel attacks in cloud storage systems
An index-based proof-of-responsibility method and system for preventing side-channel attacks in data deduplication systems is described. A storage server computer creates a secret index referencing a specific random block in a file stored in a central data store. The server stores the hash value of the file along with the block referenced by the index. When a client computer submits a deduplication request regarding the file, server challenges the client to produce the block referenced by the index. If the proper file block is returned, the client has proven ownership of the file, and the request is granted. The server refreshes the index and associated challenge block after processing each request by a client computer. |
| US08528081B2 |
Memory system
A memory system includes a storage device storing a plurality of instructions and a central processing unit processing an instruction fetched from the storage device, wherein the central processing unit detects a change in the instruction fetched from the storage device while processing the instruction. |
| US08528078B2 |
System and method for blocking unauthorized network log in using stolen password
The authenticity of a website is determined using a unique string of characters known only to the user and the website on each page of the website that is displayed to the user, with a false site being incapable of displaying this unique string of characters, thereby putting the user on notice that the current site is not the authentic one the user desires to access. Voice methods for conveying one-time pass codes to users and for permitting customer institutions to select authentication rules are also disclosed. |
| US08528074B2 |
Simple algebraic and multi-layer passwords
A method of authenticating a user of a computing device is proposed, together with computing device on which the method is implemented. In the method a modified base image is overlaid with a modified overlay image on a display. The modified overlay image comprises a plurality of numbers. At least one of the modified base image and modified overlay image is moved by the user. Positive authentication is indicated in response to the base image reference point on the modified base image being aligned, in sequence, with two or more numbers from the overlay image that equal a pre-selected algebraic result when one or more algebraic operator is apply to the numbers. |
| US08528073B2 |
Storage medium having information processing program stored therein, information processing apparatus, and information processing system
An information processing apparatus displays, on a display device, personal information including person-identifying information based on which a person can be identified and non-person-identifying information based on which a person cannot be identified. First, the information processing apparatus determines whether or not authentication of a user has succeeded based on an input by the user and authentication information stored in storage means of the information processing apparatus. Then, the information processing apparatus prohibits display of the person-identifying information of the personal information stored in the storage means when it is determined that authentication has failed. |
| US08528070B2 |
System and method for secure service delivery
A secure service delivery network, including a service delivery compartment connected to deliver services to a plurality of client networks. The secure service delivery network includes a first firewall connecting the service delivery compartment to a first virtual local area network. The secure service delivery network includes a plurality of firewalls each connecting one of the plurality of client networks to the first virtual local area network, whereby no communications between the plurality of client networks can be made over the first virtual local area network. A related method is also described. |
| US08528069B2 |
Trustworthy device claims for enterprise applications
Embodiments of the invention enable a client device to procure trustworthy device claims describing one or more attributes of the client device, have those device claims included in a data structure having a format suitable for processing by an application, and use the data structure which includes the device claims in connection with a request to access the application. The application may use the device claims to drive any of numerous types of application functionality, such as security-related and/or other functionality. |
| US08528068B1 |
Method of authenticating a user on a network
The present invention provides a method of and system for authenticating a user on a network. The system includes a client device and a server, accessible to the client device, the server including a processor and a memory for storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: provision the user on the service using user personal data; upon initial activation of the service, prompt the user for user ID and a password; upon receipt of the user ID and password, validate the user ID and the password; generate a ticket and send the ticket back to the user's client device for storage and future validation. The method of authenticating a user on a network including a server and a client device utilizing a service. includes provisioning the user on the service using user personal data. Upon initial activation of the service, the user is prompted in the next step for user ID and a password. The method further includes validating the user identification and the password upon their receipt and generating a ticket and sending the ticket back to the user's client device for future validation. |
| US08528066B2 |
Methods and apparatus for enabling context sharing
Some embodiments relate to processing a web page requested by a web browser. The requested web page is received, and additional code is inserted into the web page that alters and/or augments the functionality of the web page. The web page is then forwarded to the web browser that requested it. The browser executes the code inserted into the web page, thereby augmenting the functionality of the web page. |
| US08528064B2 |
Web based system that allows users to log into websites without entering username and password information
Systems and methods for securely managing Internet user passwords are presented herein. A formation component can enable a user to create a master account on a web server, the master account comprising a master username and password. An access component can enable the user to access a plurality of password protected websites from a web browser or non-browser software application resident on the user's computing device when the user logs into the master account by entering the valid master username and password. A selection component can log the user into a website of the plurality of password protected websites when the user selects a hyperlink associated with the website, selects a linked image associated with the website, or selects the website from a pulldown list contained in a toolbar of a web browser. A display component can open a web browser or tab associated with the website. |
| US08528063B2 |
Cross domain security information conversion
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for cross domain security information conversion. Embodiments include receiving from a system entity, in a security service, security information in a native format of a first security domain regarding a system entity having an identity in at least one security domain; translating the security information to a canonical format for security information; transforming the security information in the canonical format using a predefined mapping from the first security domain to a second security domain; translating the transformed security information in the canonical format to a native format of the second security domain; and returning to the system entity the security information in the native format of the second security domain. |
| US08528062B1 |
Method and service for securing a system networked to a cloud computing environment from malicious code attacks
A system and method to prevent the installation by a hacker of malicious software onto networked electronic systems, computers, and the like, by removing the read, write and execute administrator permission files of a system's OS, and placing them in a in a separate, protected server in the cloud. The secure cloud server records the system's unique ID(s). After relocation of the authorized administrator's permissions files, a strong password is requested from the authorized administrator. Thereafter, the network path to the secure cloud server files is encrypted and recorded on the protected system. This path change replaces the former local path in the computer system to those files. The result of these changes to the OS on a protected system eliminates the hacker's access to the system from a network to illicitly become an administrator of the hacked system. |
| US08528061B1 |
Secure systems, software, and methods for verifying user-agent string by interrogation
Provided are platforms, systems, and software for verifying a user-agent comprising: a software module configured to transmit a quiz to an unverified user-agent, the quiz comprising at least one user-agent verification question drawn from an inventory of user-agent verification questions; a software module configured to receive a response to the quiz, the response comprising a reported user-agent and a result for each question; and a software module configured to compare each result to a result expected from the reported user-agent to verify the reported user-agent. Also provided are methods of using the same. |
| US08528060B2 |
Method and system for password protocols in the bounded retrieval mode with security dictionary attacks and intrusions
Efficient secure password protocols are constructed that remain secure against offline dictionary attacks even when a large, but bounded, part of the storage of a server responsible for password verification is retrieved by an adversary through a remote or local connection. A registration algorithm and a verification algorithm accomplish the goal of defeating a dictionary attack. A password protocol where a server, on input of a login and a password, carefully selects several locations from the password files, properly combines their content according to some special function, and stores the result of this function as a tag that can be associated with this password and used in a verification phase to verify access by users. Two main instantiations of our method are given; in one, a combination of mathematical tools, called dispersers and pairwise-independent hash functions is used to achieve security against adaptive intrusions (dispersers make sure that the password of each user depends on randomly chosen locations in a large password file, and pairwise-independent hash functions help in making this dependency sufficiently random); in a second one, a combination of mathematical tools, called k-wise independent hash functions and locally-computable and strong extractors (k-wise independent hash functions make sure that the locations chosen in the large password file from each password are sufficiently random, and locally-computable and strong extractors are used to combine the contents of these locations to generate a single long random value, which makes verification harder for the adversary to foil). |
| US08528056B2 |
Managing secure sharing of private information across security domains via a communication link, including through the internet, wireless communications, mobile devices, a telephone network, and electronic messaging
A system and method of sharing information among at least a first organization and a second organization, comprising receiving via a communication link a request for authorization for a user in the first organization to access one or more individual's information in a second organization, the communication link comprising the Internet, Wireless Communications, Mobile Devices, a Telephone Network, and Electronic Messaging. A request is logged and authorization is determined based on at least an access profile, one or more caseloads and the one or more roles associated with the user and the type of the one or more individual's information in the second organization. The information requested is transferred, by the communication link, from the second organization to the user in the first organization and such transfer of information is logged. |
| US08528054B2 |
Multi-step challenge-response test
A method of obtaining access to an Internet service using a multi-step challenge response test is presented. The method calculates a threshold probability for access to the Internet service and generates a number of challenge-response tests. Each of the challenge-response tests is rendered on a display of a client device. An input corresponding to the response to one of the challenge-response tests is received and an authentication probability is calculated after each response. The authentication probability is evaluated after each response and if the authentication probability is higher than the threshold probability access to the Internet service is provided. |
| US08528050B2 |
Instant messagings
A method for delivering an instant message in a server connected to two or more computers via a network is provided. The two or more computers include groupware clients in which a user can perform login at the same time, using the same user ID, and for which status that may be different from each other can be set. Embodiments of the method includes authenticating a user of a groupware client who attempts to perform login using a user ID, recording the user ID and status information in association with an instant messaging user ID, receiving an instant message addressed to the user ID, and determining, on the basis of the status information, which of two or more client computers the instant message is sent to. |
| US08528048B2 |
Adjusting the position of an endpoint reference for increasing security during device log-on
A method of authenticating a user of a computing device is proposed, together with computing device on which the method is implemented. In the method a modified base image is overlaid with a modified overlay image on a display and with each execution of the method, at least one of a position of a pre-selected base image reference point on the modified base image and a position of a pre-selected overlay image reference point on the modified overlay image is varied. Positive authentication is indicated in response to an input resulting in the base image reference point on the modified base image being aligned with the overlay image reference point on the modified overlay image. |
| US08528039B2 |
System for and method of set-top box memory monitoring
A system and method for monitoring set-top box memory is presented. In one exemplary embodiment, the system and method for monitoring set-top box memory may comprise receiving memory data of a set-top box at a central computing device, monitoring the memory data of the set-top box, analyzing the memory data, identifying a memory management issue, and performing one or more remedial actions in response to the identified memory management issue. |
| US08528038B2 |
Process for downloading data preceded by announcement signals
Update data is dispatched by a communication center to terminals with the aid of a broadcasting network. Next, the terminals report their update to the center through a bidirectional network. The center renews a current campaign or stops the campaign as a function of the number of terminals updated. When only a minimum number of terminals need to be updated, the campaign is stopped and the last terminals that were not updated through the campaign transmitted through broadcast network will be updated via the bidirectional link. |
| US08528037B2 |
Dynamic application loader for set top box
Set top boxes (STBs) in a cable system are configured on a box-by-box basis to facilitate beta and trial testing of new or updated services. STBs are assigned to deployment groups identified by a deployment group identifier. Features configurations including hierarchies of features can be defined individually for different deployment groups. Configuration files for provisioning the STBs are provided by a cable system head end according to the deployment group the STB is assigned to. STBs can be configured at the time they boot and register with the system or in a “hot” manner to avoid rebooting. |
| US08528035B2 |
Method of providing digital TV application
A method of providing a digital TV application is disclosed. In accordance with the method of the present invention, a transmission time and a loading time of the digital TV application and a limitation on a number and a size of the digital TV application are minimized, providing a personalized digital TV application based on a receiver information or a user information is possible. |
| US08528034B2 |
Multi-mode modem
A modem system may include modems that have multiple upstream transmitters for transmitting signals upstream in a communication network. In some embodiments herein, one or more of those upstream transmitters may be retasked to transmit downstream signals for reception at devices within a modem's premises. The downstream signal may be modulated differently from its original modulation as received by the modem, and may be modulated in a manner that can be received by legacy components on the premises, such as analog televisions. |
| US08528027B2 |
Method and apparatus for synchronizing data streams containing audio, video and/or other data
Several data streams contain video, audio and/or other data. Some of the data streams are pre-recorded in a multiplex on a storage medium while other data streams are located out of the data stream multiplex on the storage medium. The data streams are synchronized using a navigation file (List_of_PlayItems), which comprises descriptors (Play-Items, SubPlayItems) pointing to parts of said data streams, wherein said descriptors define the arrangement in time for said data streams by means of data sub stream paths. |
| US08528022B1 |
Identifying programming information of a telecommunications provider
Systems, and computer-implemented methods are described for selecting programming information from among multiple sets of programming information. |
| US08528020B2 |
Universal and portable channel designations
Systems and methods are described that provide favorite channel designation portability from a variety of locations, devices and/or programming service providers. |
| US08528019B1 |
Method and apparatus for audio/data/visual information
A method of selecting, storing and delivering desired audio/data/visual information includes the steps of determining viewing preferences of a viewer and receiving a first group of audio/data/visual signals, for example, broadcast and cable television signals or internet-based signals. Based on the first group of audio/data/visual signals, a second group of audio/data/visual signals, which is a subset of the first group of audio/data/visual signals, is identified. The second group of audio/data/visual signals is selected based on the association of EPG data for each signal with the viewing preferences of the viewer. Content data is then extracted from the second group of audio/data/visual signals and compared with the viewing preferences. The content data may include, for example, closed-captioned text, EPG data, audio information, visual information and transcript information. Based on the comparison of the content data extracted from the second group of audio/data/visual signals with the viewing preferences, audio/data/visual information contained in the second group of audio/data/visual signals which is of interest to the viewer is identified and stored for review at the viewers convenience. |
| US08528016B2 |
Dynamic program guide information
A set-top box may receive program guide information from a server. The program guide information may identify a group of programs and specify, for each program, an indicator of set-top boxes tuned to the each program or providing the each program. The set-top box may further provide, to a display and using the received program guide information, a program guide, where the program guide represents each program, in the group of programs, as a shape, and where a size of each shape corresponds to the indicator of set-top boxes tuned to the represented program or providing the represented program. The set-top box may also receive updated program guide information from the server and dynamically increase or decrease at least one shape in the program guide, based on the updated program guide information. |
| US08528013B2 |
Method and apparatus for limiting access to programming in a switched digital video system
A content delivery system headend is provided. The headend includes a Switched Digital Video (SDV) manager for coordinating SDV sessions requested by subscribers over an access network. The headend also includes an input unit such as a server for receiving content to be broadcast during the SDV sessions. Additionally, the headend includes a subscriber control unit for comparing channel change requests received by the SDV manager from subscribers to subscriber-established rules. Tuning information for accessing programming specified in the channel change requests is only supplied if the channel change requests do not conform to any of the subscriber-established rules for blocking the programming. |
| US08528012B2 |
Interactive remote control system and method
A method and system for controlling operation of one or more electronic devices of an audio-video system with a separate remote controller via a feedback mode of operation are provided. A command code signal is received with a receiver of a signal processing electronic device which interprets the command code signal to determine a particular action being requested. Thereafter, a request for feedback is generated in at least one of a visual form or an audible form for purposes of confirming the particular action being requested before the action is actually executed. If appropriate feedback via a further communication is received with the receiver of the signal processing electronic device within a predetermined time period following the request for feedback, the action is performed and executed by the signal processing electronic device. Otherwise, no action is executed by the signal processing electronic device. |
| US08528006B1 |
Method and apparatus for performing real-time commands in a non real-time operating system environment
A method and apparatus is disclosed for performing real-time execution of a plurality of commands in a non real-time operating system environment using a driver, running at the privileged level and which comprises a command dispatcher, receiving a plurality of commands provided by a user application, and a command queue storing the plurality of commands provided by the user application for further providing the plurality of commands to a target unit for execution. |
| US08528005B2 |
Method and arrangement in an IPTV terminal
A web engine configured for an ITF (IPTV Terminal Function), such as a STB (set-top-box), includes an application framework that enables display of applications. The application framework includes a memory for storing at least two applications, wherein the applications are arranged in a hierarchical tree structure in relation to each other. The application framework further includes an application manager. The application manager includes a receiving unit for receiving the event, e.g. a key press, and a controller for controlling the dispatching. The controller may include an event wrapper for wrapping and unwrapping the event and a dispatcher for transferring the wrapped event down through the application tree. For each application node including the root node, the application manager is configured to determine if an event should be processed by the current application. |
| US08527996B2 |
Method and system for performing a combination of throttling server, throttling network and throttling a data storage device by employing first, second and third single action tools
A method and system for throttling a plurality of operations of a plurality of applications that share a plurality of resources. A difference between observed and predicted workloads is computed. If the difference does not exceed a threshold, a multi-strategy finder operates in normal mode and applies a recursive greedy pruning process with a look-back and look-forward optimization to select actions for a final schedule of actions that improve the utility of a data storage system. If the difference exceeds the threshold, the multi-strategy finder operates in unexpected mode and applies a defensive action selection process to select actions for the final schedule. The selected actions are performed according to the final schedule and include throttling of a CPU, network, and/or storage. |
| US08527995B2 |
Synchronization system for entities maintained by multiple applications
A synchronization system provides a generic synchronization mechanism in which copies of data of an entity maintained by different applications can be synchronized through application-specific entity adapters. An entity adapter for an application receives from the synchronization system a synchronization request to synchronize an entity of the application and interacts with the application to ensure the entity is synchronized as requested. Each application that takes an action on an entity provides a transaction to the synchronization system. Upon receiving a transaction, the synchronization system stores an indication of the transaction in a synchronization store. The synchronization system waits until any sent synchronization transactions for an entity complete before sending subsequent synchronization transactions for that entity to ensure that the same transaction ordering is used by the target applications. |
| US08527994B2 |
Guarded, multi-metric resource control for safe and efficient microprocessor management
A mechanism is provided for guarded, multi-metric resource control. Monitoring is performed for an intended action to address a negative condition from a resource manager in a plurality of resource managers in the data processing system. Responsive to receiving the intended action, a determination is made as to whether the intended action will cause an additional negative condition within the data processing system. Responsive to determining that the intended action will cause the additional negative condition within the data processing system, at least one alternative action is identified to be implemented in the data processing system that addresses the negative condition while not causing any additional negative condition. The at least one alternative action is then implemented in the data processing system. |
| US08527990B1 |
Systems and methods for migrating virtual machines
A computer-implemented method for migrating virtual machines may include: 1) identifying a request to migrate a virtual machine from a primary site to a secondary site, the primary site including a primary storage device used by the virtual machine and configured for asynchronous replication to a secondary storage device at the secondary site, 2) identifying a difference map that reflects differences between data on the primary storage device and the secondary storage device, 3) initiating the virtual machine at the secondary site, 4) intercepting an input/output attempt from the virtual machine at the secondary site to the secondary storage device, 5) determining, based on the difference map, that a region of the input/output attempt has not been synchronized from the primary storage device, and 6) retrieving the region from the primary storage device before allowing the input/output attempt to proceed. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are disclosed. |
| US08527988B1 |
Proximity mapping of virtual-machine threads to processors
Virtual machine threads are mapped to virtual processors. Groups of virtual processors are formed. The number of virtual processors in each group is selected to match a number of unassigned physical processors in a proximity. The virtual processors of each group are selected so that the total estimated interactivity for the group is significantly above average for groups having the same number of those virtual processors. |
| US08527979B2 |
Apparatus and method fro maintaining a software repository
A virtual installation map, and method involving installing a software functionality using the same, the virtual installation map including a first software installation map including a plurality of software elements representative of a related software file, the software elements also including at least one dependency to another software element. The virtual installation map further including a second software installation map also including a second plurality of software elements representative of related software file along with related dependencies. The first and second software installation maps may be hosted in separate databases and may relate to software products provided by different vendors. One or both software installation maps may include a pointer or other reference to the other installation map thereby providing a virtual installation map, in one example. |
| US08527978B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for populating a list of known wanted data
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for populating a list of known wanted data. In use, an update to data is identified. In addition, a list of known wanted data is populated with the data, in response to the update. |
| US08527977B1 |
Software uninstallation system, method and computer program product
A system, method and computer program product are provided for uninstalling software on a computer. In use, a plurality of software products identified on a computer is displayed. Further, a first user instruction to uninstall at least a portion of at least one of the software products from the computer is received. Such first user instruction is received via an interface. Still yet, the at least a portion of the at least one software product is uninstalled from the computer, in response to the receipt of the first user instruction. Also, a second user instruction may be received to cancel the uninstallation. Thus, the uninstallation may be cancelled, in response to the receipt of the second user instruction. |
| US08527976B2 |
System and method for generating error traces for concurrency bugs
A system and method for program verification includes generating a product transaction graph for a concurrent program, which captures warnings for potential errors. The warnings are filtered to remove bogus warnings, by using constraints from synchronization primitives and invariants that are derived by performing one or more dataflow analysis methods for concurrent programs. The dataflow analysis methods are applied in order of overhead expense. Concrete execution traces are generated for remaining warnings using model checking. |
| US08527967B2 |
Program code compression processing device and method and program thereof
To obtain a program code generation support device, method, and the like, capable of generating a new program code, in particular, generating in accordance with an incorporating apparatus, by performing a further optimization on a program code. The device includes storage means for storing as data, an optimization rule that is composed of a conversion condition for converting data of a program code and a conversion content thereof, and code optimization means that includes a code analysis unit for analyzing the program code, a condition search unit for search a part matching the conversion condition in the program code through a collation with the optimization rule stored in the storage means on the basis of the analyzed program code, and an optimization unit for generating data of a new program code by converting the part matching the conversion condition on the basis of the conversion content. |
| US08527959B2 |
Binary programmable method for application performance data collection
A method for application performance data collection includes steps or acts of: customizing a performance tool for collecting application performance data of an application; modifying the application by inserting the performance tool while the application does not need to be rebuilt from the source; executing the application; and collecting the application execution performance data such that only interesting data is collected. Customizing the performance tool proceeds by implementing at least one configurable tracing function that can be programmed by the user; compiling the function(s) into an object file; and inserting the object file into the performance tool using binary instrumentation. |
| US08527952B2 |
Test coverage analysis method and apparatus
A test coverage analysis method and corresponding apparatus are disclosed, wherein, by executing the program under test using one or more test cases, generating one or more heapdump files containing the call stack information of the program under test, and analyzing the call stack information in the one or more heapdump files, the coverage information of the one or more test cases in terms of functions in the program under test is obtained. |
| US08527945B2 |
Method and system for integrating multiple scripts
A method of testing the server implementation of the Domain Name System protocol by using a first body of computer code in a first programming language capable of sending and receiving DNS requests, and a second body of computer readable code in a second programming language capable of generating DNS requests and verifying responses. The second programming language may be tailored to writing code being capable of generating Domain Name System requests and verifying the response thereby allowing the program to be efficiently reconfigured to test different aspects of the server. |
| US08527938B2 |
Worklet modeling
A processor, a method, and a program executable by a processor and residing on a machine readable memory are each configured to define work phases achieved at the direction of a person in interaction with a computing device. A first program component is configured to divide the work phase performed into at least one work object and at least one transition object. The worklet object has a boundary and includes at least one input data class, and at least one output data class, and at least one act upon the at least one input data class to produce the at least one output data class. The transition object is configured to include a decision gate succeeding each work phase. The decision gate configured to allow progress out of the boundary upon satisfaction of a boundary condition. |
| US08527936B2 |
Method and system for implementing graphical analysis of hierarchical coverage information using treemaps
An improved method, system, user interface, and computer program product is disclosed for performing graphical analysis of coverage. According to some approaches, a graphical user interface uses treemaps to provide analysis of verification coverage. This allows the user to efficiently obtain the overall and/or complete picture of the coverage space, as well as the relative size of nodes in terms of number of coverage elements contained in them. Moreover, the present treemap approach provides relative comparison of coverage of the nodes and allows the user to identify whether there is any missing coverage, and if so, whether the missing coverage evenly balanced. This information is very useful for the decision made by the user regarding overall coverage and steps to be taken to improve the coverage. |
| US08527935B1 |
System for reducing power consumption of electronic circuit
A method and system for reducing power consumption of an electronic circuit design using an EDA tool includes generating a look-up table (LUT) that stores a mapping between a type, a predetermined optimum power input transition time, and at least one characteristic corresponding to each digital logic element present in a cell library of the EDA tool. An input transition time of a first digital logic element is determined. Then, the first logic element is replaced with a second logic element if the input transition time and the predetermined optimum power input transition time of the first logic element are not equal. The second logic element may be replaced with a third logic element if a timing delay of the second logic element is greater than a timing delay of the first logic element. |
| US08527934B2 |
Method and system for implementing graphically editable parameterized cells
Disclosed is an improved mechanism and method for implementing electronic designs. According to some approaches, a method, mechanism, and compute program product is disclosed for implementing electronic designs that allows visual editing of complex objects with advanced editing features, which also provides for automated correspondence of the editing results to parametric values for a programmable object in the design. |
| US08527933B2 |
Layout technique for stress management cells
An integrated circuit device layout is created based on charge carrier mobility characteristics of the device's non-functional cells. The charge carrier mobility of the non-functional cells can alter behavioral characteristics such as the hold time, setup time, or leakage current of nearby functional logic cells. Accordingly, a layout tool creates the layout for the integrated circuit device by selecting and placing non-functional cells having different mobility so as to selectively alter the characteristics of nearby logic cells. |
| US08527927B2 |
Zone-based area recovery in electronic design automation
Some embodiments provide a system that facilitates the creation of a design in an electronic design automation (EDA) application. During operation, the system determines a processing order for processing a set of cells in the design. In some embodiments, the processing order can be a reverse-levelized processing order. Next, the system may select a cell for performing area recovery according to the processing order. The system may then tentatively perform an area-recovery operation on the selected cell. Next, the system may determine a zone around the selected cell. Next, the system may propagate arrival times within the zone to obtain updated slack values at endpoints of the zone. The system may compute one or more timing metrics at the endpoints. If the updated slack values do not degrade the timing metric(s) at the endpoints, the system may accept the area-recovery operation of the selected cell. |
| US08527923B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for hierarchical formal hardware verification of floating-point division and/or square root algorithmic designs using automatic sequential equivalence checking
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for hierarchical formal hardware verification of floating-point division and/or square root algorithmic designs using automatic sequential equivalence checking. In use, for at least one of a floating-point division algorithm and a square root algorithm, an architectural specification for hardware, a hardware implementation on the hardware, and at least one intermediate model having a level of specificity between the architectural specification and the hardware implementation are identified. Additionally, an equivalence is automatically determined, hierarchically, between the architectural specification, and the at least one intermediate model, and between the at least one intermediate model and the hardware implementation. Furthermore, for the hardware, the at least one of the floating-point division algorithm and the square root algorithm are formally verified, based on the automatic sequential equivalence determination. |
| US08527922B1 |
Method and system for optimal counterexample-guided proof-based abstraction
A computer-implemented method includes receiving an input containing a candidate netlist, a target, and a number, K, of cycles of interest, where K represents a number of cycles required to be analyzed for the proof-based abstraction. In response to receiving the inputs, a computing device builds an inductively unrolled netlist, utilizing random, symbolic initial values, for K cycles and provides the unrolled netlist with a first initial value constraint to a satisfiability (SAT) solver, with the first initial value constraint empty. The method includes determining whether a result of the SAT solver is satisfiable, and in response to the result not being satisfiable, performing an abstraction on the netlist and outputting the abstraction. However, in response to the result being satisfiable, the method includes performing one of: (a) outputting a valid counterexample of the original netlist; and (b) lazily adding initial value constraints to avoid spurious counterexamples. |
| US08527920B1 |
Automated synthesis of high-performance two operand binary parallel prefix adder
A method for automated synthesis of a parallel prefix device includes determining structural constraints for a given parallel prefix device; generating a plurality of candidate prefix graphs for the parallel prefix device by performing a search of possible prefix graphs meeting the constraints; performing physical synthesis of each of the plurality of candidate prefix graphs to generate performance information for each candidate prefix graph; and determining one or more of the plurality of candidate prefix graphs that meet performance criteria for incorporation into the parallel prefix device. |
| US08527915B2 |
Method and system for modifying doped region design layout during mask preparation to tune device performance
The present disclosure provides a method and system for modifying a doped region design layout during mask preparation to tune device performance. An exemplary method includes receiving an integrated circuit design layout designed to define an integrated circuit, wherein the integrated circuit design layout includes a doped feature layout; identifying an area of the integrated circuit for device performance modification, and modifying a portion of the doped feature layout that corresponds with the identified area of the integrated circuit during a mask preparation process, thereby providing a modified doped feature layout. |
| US08527911B1 |
Comprehending a circuit design
An executable circuit design is used to generate waveforms, from which behaviors of the circuit are captured. The behaviors and various combinations thereof can then be saved in a database, along with descriptions and other metadata about them, thereby generating a behavioral index of the circuit design code. Behavioral indexing of circuit designs allows a user to maintain an indexed behavior database, track changes in behaviors as the circuit design's executable description evolves, and figure out how the executable description can be reused in different projects. When applied to digital design development, it facilities the current design and verification effort, as well as design reuse down the line. |
| US08527909B1 |
Manipulating data visualizations on a touch screen
Systems, methods, and devices for interpreting manual touch gestures as input to a touch screen for manipulating computer-generated data visualizations such as column charts, bar charts, and pie charts are provided. According to embodiments of the invention, graphical user interface (GUI) data visualization objects (e.g., column charts, bar charts, pie charts, etc.) displayed on a touch screen may be manipulated by a user performing a variety of different conventional touch gestures directed to the touch screen. The conventional touch gestures are applied in new ways to the data visualization objects of the GUI to enable rich, intuitive, and meaningful manipulation of computer-generated data visualizations. |
| US08527907B2 |
Screen relayout
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the contents of a window may be reflowed to accommodate one or more of a change in the size or aspect ratio of the window, a change in size of one or more objects or subwindows within the window, and/or the addition or deletion of the contents of the window. The contents of the window may be reflowed proportionally with the event causing the relayout of the window contents such that the contents of the window may be fully displayed within the window area after the event, and/or the relationship of the window contents may be at least partially maintained. |
| US08527906B2 |
Systems and methods for immersive advertising
The invention is directed to systems and Methods for immersive advertising on a wide area network, such as the Internet or World Wide Web. Immersive advertisements are customized presentations developed and imbedded within the body of web content. They can take the form of non-static images imbedded within a configurable primary image model or they can be a non-configurable, highly stylized, and animated component imbedded within the content of a web page. |
| US08527901B2 |
Recording medium having a data structure for managing graphic information and recording and reproducing methods and apparatuses
In the data structure for managing reproduction of graphic information, graphic information and an indicator associated with the graphic information is stored on the recording medium. The indicator indicates whether the graphic information is for display in response to user request. |
| US08527899B2 |
Display processing apparatus, display processing method, and computer program product
According to one embodiment, an display processing apparatus includes, an operation receiver, a relation calculator, a display information generator, and a display controller. The operation receiver receives operation to select a key content of a first type. The relation calculator calculates relation between the key content and each of second contents of a plurality of types including the first type. The display information generator generates first display information of the key content and second display information of the second contents. The display controller displays list information including the first display information and relation item information indicating a plurality of items involved in calculating the relation and display areas each corresponding to one of the items. In the list information, pieces of the second display information are arranged such that second display information of second content with higher relation to the key content is closer to the first display information. |
| US08527895B2 |
Virtual keyboard of a mobile terminal
A method for representing a virtual keyboard on the display of a mobile terminal, as for example a cell phone, wherein the mobile terminal comprises a camera for capturing image data, a display for representing the image data and a keyboard for selecting menu functions or for inputting, for example, a text message. The keyboard is designed as a virtual keyboard on the display of the mobile terminal and a cursor represented on the virtual keyboard is designed to be moveable, wherein the cursor moves according to the movements of the mobile terminal in the spatial axes to the corresponding keyboard field of the virtual keyboard. |
| US08527888B2 |
Method and supporting configuration user interfaces for streamlining installing replacement field devices
A method and user interfaces are described herein installing a field device as a replacement for a previously installed field device of a same type in a process control system. The disclosed method includes initially specifying a device type commissioning definition that includes a set of device-type specific parameters. A first set of instance-specific configuration parameter values are then stored for a first field device. When replacing the first field device by a second field device of the same type on a process control network, the commissioning definition and the previously stored parameters for the first device are used to automatically configure the second device. |
| US08527882B2 |
System and method for iconic software environment management
A system and method for iconic software environment management. The system and method provide storing, navigating and accessing files within an operating system on a stand alone device or on a networked device with internal files and external files (e.g., from web-sites, etc.) through the use of graphical thumbnail icons representing a graphical display of a substantial portion of information obtained from within an electronic document. |
| US08527878B2 |
Computer program and methods for automatically initializing an audio controller
A computer program of the type commonly known as a “wizard” is disclosed that initializes user interface software for controlling an audio conferencing device. The wizard allows the desired audio inputs (e.g., microphone, telephones, etc.) and audio outputs (speakers, recording devices, etc.) to be chosen by an audio system administrator. Thereafter, the wizard allows an audio conferencing device (or devices) to be chosen by the administrator, or allows such a device(s) to be optimally chosen dependent upon the chosen inputs and outputs. The wizard then maps the inputs and outputs to the input and output ports on the audio conferencing device. When the administrator finishes the wizard, the wizard computes the mapping parameters and other audio-optimizing parameters for the selected inputs and outputs. These parameters are then loaded into the user interface software automatically. |
| US08527876B2 |
System and methods for adjusting graphical representations of media files based on previous usage
Systems and methods for adjusting playback and graphical representations of media files are provided. The systems and methods can monitor playback and access of media files to create usage metadata. The usage metadata can then be used to adjust the playback of the media file. For example, the usage metadata may indicate that a user skips, on average, the first 22 seconds of a particular song so the next time that song is played, the first 22 seconds will automatically be skipped. The usage metadata can additionally or alternatively be used to adjust a graphical representation of the media file. For example, the usage metadata may indicate that a user rarely accesses a particular song so the graphical representation of that song will be small and faded. This change in graphical representation can help a user find more commonly used media files. |
| US08527874B2 |
System and method of grouping search results using information representations
The invention is directed to a system and method of organizing search results. The invention may leverage a chronological timeline of user action information to infer relationships between objects in a search result. The search may be iterative. Search results may be graphically represented as tiles. In one embodiment, the tiles may provide a graphical representation of users associated with an object. The tiles may be updated dynamically upon user action that occurs subsequent to the search. In an alternative embodiment, search results are organized by object type and each tile represents an object within a particular object type. A default action may be associated with an object type. |
| US08527868B2 |
Systems and methods for document annotation
A method and system for document annotation. A script editor is combined with a document rendering or client display system that allows a user to develop a customizable programmatic annotation script that is thereafter saved and associated with a document. When the document is selected for viewing, the rendering system renders the document and then, using a script language interpreter, runs the annotation script such that a user customizable programmatic annotation is rendered on top of the document. Annotations may include, for example, animation, sounds, or time-delayed effects. Server side annotation scripts may also be implemented thereby allowing management of documents on a document-by-document basis. |
| US08527865B2 |
Spreadsheet formula translation of server calculation rules
Architecture includes for translating server calculations into client application formulas. The architecture determines dependencies, performs formulae translation, and processes data retrieval queries using the translated formulae. In one implementation, the architecture translates performance management server calculations into spreadsheet application formulas so that the impact of changes can be reflected immediately. Moreover, this technique does not require updating and querying of the performance management server. An algorithm is provided that allows translation of the backend formula (e.g., MDX—multidimensional expressions) directly into the spreadsheet application such that the impact on calculated values by an input change can be reflected instantaneously in the sheet. |
| US08527850B1 |
Architecture and control of reed-solomon error identification and evaluation
Systems and methods are provided for implementing error identification and evaluation for a Reed-Solomon (RS) error-correction code (ECC) system. The BMA algorithm and/or list decoding may produce one or more error locator polynomials that are related to a decision-codeword. An accelerated Chien search can be used to more quickly evaluate the one or more error locator polynomial. If the accelerated Chien search identifies a valid error locator polynomial, a normal Chien search can be used to identify error locations, and Forney's algorithm or an equivalent technique can be used to evaluate the error values. A RS ECC decoder can include a computation circuit that evaluates an error locator polynomial or an error evaluator polynomial. The computation circuit can include computation components that receive the coefficients of the polynomials. |
| US08527848B2 |
Cooperative symbol level network coding in multi-channel wireless networks
Disclosed is a new solution to maximize throughput in wireless networks even when unpredictable and time-varying error exist. The present invention adapts to take an advantage of a network coding at a symbol level in multi-channel wireless networks. By operating the network coding at the symbol level and using soft decision values, the present invention is able to exploit both time and cooperative diversity in realistic multi-channel wireless networks, to adapt to time-varying and bursty channel errors, and to efficiently collect as many correct symbols as possible at the receiver. |
| US08527838B2 |
Memory controller utilizing an error coding dispersal function
A memory controller comprises at least a memory control processing module and/or a distributed storage processing module. A method begins by the memory control processing module receiving a memory access request regarding a data segment. The method continues with the memory control processing module interpreting the memory access request to determine whether an error coding dispersal function of the data segment is applicable. The method continues with the memory control processing module sending the memory access request to the distributed storage processing module when the error coding dispersal function is applicable. The method continues with the distributed storage processing module performing the error coding dispersal function on the data segment to produce an error coded processed data segment. The method continues with the distributed storage processing module sending the error coded processed data segment to the memory control processing module. |
| US08527837B2 |
Selective error control coding in memory devices
A method includes determining that a received data stream includes metadata and content, applying error control coding to the received metadata, disabling error control coding for the received content, and storing the metadata, the error control coding, and the content in a memory device. |
| US08527836B2 |
Rank-specific cyclic redundancy check
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe methods, apparatus, and system configurations for providing rank-specific cyclic redundancy checks in memory systems. |
| US08527835B2 |
Method for secure data transfer
A method of securely transferring data. The source data stored in a source memory (NV_MEM) is compared with the transferred data (COPY_ELT_X_V_MEM) that has been copied from the source memory (NV_MEM) into a “destination” memory (V_MEM). The method consists in reading from the source memory (NV_MEM) an integrity value (PI_ELT_X) associated with an element (ELEMENT_X_NV_MEM) such as file containing the source data, in calculating the integrity of a reconstituted element made up of the transferred data (COPY_ELT_X_V_MEM) associated, where appropriate, with the data of the source element (ELEMENT_X_NV_MEM) other than the data that was transferred, and in deciding that the transferred data (COPY_ELT_X_V_MEM) is identical to the source data when the integrity calculation gives a value identical to the integrity value of the source element (PI_ELT_X). The method applies to transferring data between components of a smart card. |
| US08527832B2 |
LDPC coding process with incremental redundancy
The invention relates to a coding method with incremental redundancy in which it is determined (620) whether to carry out the coding of a sequence of information symbols using a first code (C), of the LDPC type, defined by a first check matrix, H, or rather using a second code ({tilde over (C)}), of lesser efficiency than that of the first code, the second code being defined by a second check matrix, {tilde over (H)}, obtained by fractionation (630) of the rows of the first check matrix. The invention finds application to, among others, a link adaptation method, a turbo-coding method, a distributed coding method within a cooperative network, a packet transmission method using an IR-HARQ protocol. |
| US08527830B2 |
Encoding method, encoding device, decoding method and decoding device for low density generator matrix codes
An encoding method, encoding device, decoding method and decoding device for low density generator matrix codes (LDGC) are disclosed. Wherein, the encoding method comprises: construct an LDGC mother code set using P LDGC with code rate R0 and different code lengths, wherein the LDGC mother code set has a uniform basic matrix Gbuniform wherein, R 0 = k b n b , kb denotes the number of rows and nb denotes the number of columns in the basic matrix; obtain length L of an intermediate variant according to length K of an information bit sequence to be encoded in the LDGC mother code set; modify and expand the basic matrix to obtain a generator matrix Gldgc using the length L of the intermediate variant and the number kb of rows in the basic matrix; and encode the information bit sequence to be encoded using a matrix Gldgc (1:L,1:N+L−K) composed of L rows and the front N+L−K columns of the generator matrix, wherein N denotes the length of the encoded information. |
| US08527827B2 |
Transmitting apparatus, receiving apparatus, transmission method, and reception method
An orthogonal frequency division multiplexing transmission method includes generating a data symbol. A control information signal is generated. The control information signal relates to a modulation scheme and an error correction scheme of a data symbol in a frame. An orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signal is formed. The orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signal includes the data symbol and the control information signal. The orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signal is formed by arranging the control information signal in a first symbol group that is formed with subcarriers in a time period, and in a second symbol group that is formed with subcarriers, located in the time period, and that has a frequency band distant from the first symbol group. |
| US08527822B2 |
System and method for single terminal boundary scan
An electronic circuit having a boundary scan test circuit receives, though one pin, an embedded clock encoded test signal having an encoded bit stream having occurrences of a first header followed by at least one encoded boundary scan mode bit and an encoded second header followed by at least one boundary scan test input bit. The bit stream and the clock are extracted and occurrences of the first header and second header are detected. Based on the detected occurrences the boundary scan mode bits and boundary scan input bits are identified and distributed to the electronic circuit, along with the extracted clock, and boundary scan test is performed. |
| US08527820B2 |
Semiconductor device and test method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a first management area storing a plurality of inspection results, the plurality of inspection results being obtained by executing inspections for each of a plurality of storage areas which store a plurality of data; and a second management area storing the plurality of inspection results. The first and second management areas are independent from each other. |
| US08527818B2 |
Interface with universal serial communication
An interface with universal serial communication comprises a switching device, a medium device, and a data restoring device for transmitting the data and obtaining the serial communication via one signal line that is inter-strung by afore devices. By simplifying such communication device, the compatibility thereof could be enhanced. Moreover, during the data transmission, computation made by an error coefficient and an error beyond value in the switching device allows the transmitted data to be kept within an acceptable noise value, so that the accuracy of the data could be assured. |
| US08527817B2 |
Detecting system component failures in a computing system
Detecting system component failures in a computing system, including: detecting, by an illumination detector, the occurrence of an illumination event in the computing system; determining, by an illumination event identifier, whether the illumination event is associated with a suspected component failure in the computing system; and sending, by a notification system, a failure event notification upon determining that the illumination event is associated with a suspected component failure in the computing system. |
| US08527805B2 |
Inter-processor communication channel including power-down functionality
Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for implementing an inter-processor communication channel including power-down functionality. In one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a first integrated circuit (IC), a second IC coupled to the first IC via a communication interface, wherein the first IC is in one or more low power states and unable to monitor the communication interface. The apparatus may further comprise an inter-processor communication (IPC) channel coupled between the first and second ICs, wherein the IPC channel is separate from the communication interface and wherein the second IC generates at least one advisory signal to the first IC via the IPC channel. |
| US08527804B2 |
Architecture and method for eliminating store buffers in a DSP/processor with multiple memory accesses
A method and apparatus for controlling system access to a memory that includes receiving first and second instructions, and evaluating whether both instructions can architecturally complete. When at least one instruction cannot architecturally complete, delaying both instructions. When both instructions can architecturally complete and at least one is a write instruction, adjusting a write control of the memory to account for an evaluation delay. The evaluation delay can be sufficient to evaluate whether both instructions can architecturally complete. The evaluation delay can be input to the write control and not the read control of the memory. A precharge clock of the memory can be adjusted to account for the evaluation delay. Evaluating whether both instructions can architecturally complete can include determining whether data for each instruction is located in a cache, and whether the instructions are memory access instructions. |
| US08527802B1 |
Memory device data latency circuits and methods
A memory device can include a data path that includes a first-in-first-out circuit (FIFO) to transfer data according to a latency between at least one memory cell array and signal connections of the memory device, the latency corresponding to a number of cycles of a periodic clock; and a self-timed section configured to transfer data independent of the clock. In addition or alternatively, a memory device can include at least one memory cell array; and a FIFO configured to transfer data between at least one memory cell array and other portions of the memory device according to a periodic clock signal, FIFO introducing a latency into the data according to a control signal generated in response to an access command. Methods corresponding to the above devices and operations are also disclosed. |
| US08527798B2 |
Energy-saving circuit for a peripheral device, peripheral device, switching device and method of operation
An energy-saving circuit applies to a peripheral device for connection to a data bus of a host system. The energy-saving circuit includes a monitoring circuit for monitoring a communication via the data bus, a holding circuit for holding a connection state of the peripheral device, at least one switching element for interrupting a supply voltage for the peripheral device, and a control circuit. The control circuit is set up to recognize by means of the monitoring circuit the beginning of an idle state of the data bus, to hold the connection state of the peripheral device by activation of the holding circuit upon recognition of the idle state, and to interrupt the feeding of a supply voltage for the peripheral device by opening the at least one switching element. |
| US08527797B2 |
System and method of leakage control in an asynchronous system
Systems and methods of leakage control in an asynchronous pipeline are disclosed. In an embodiment, a signal is received from a preceding stage at an operative stage of an asynchronous circuit device, and a switch associated with the operative stage is activated in response to the control signal being sent to the operative stage to enable power to the operative stage. |
| US08527793B2 |
Method for saving power in a system by placing inactive computing devices in optimized configuration corresponding to a specific constraint
Managing readiness states of a plurality of computing devices. A programmed processor unit operates, upon receipt of a request, to: provide one or more computing devices from an inactive pool to an active pool, or accept one or more active computing devices into the inactive pool. The system proactively manages the inactive states of each computing device by: determining the desired number (and identities) of computing devices to be placed in each inactive state of readiness by solving a constraint optimization problem that describes a user-specified trade-off between expected readiness (estimated time to be able to activate computing devices when they are needed next) and conserving energy; generating a plan for changing the current set of inactive states to the desired set; and, executing the plan. Multiple alternative ways of quantifying the desired responsiveness to surges in demand are provided. |
| US08527791B2 |
Portable device capable of extending available battery time and method for controlling portable device
Disclosed are a battery power control device, a portable device and a method of controlling the portable device. The disclosed portable device includes a workload calculator which calculates a workload necessary to provide the specific service to the user according to at least one of time request information related to a desired time during which the specific service is provided to the user and QoS (Quality of Service) request information related to a quality of the specific service, the necessary workload being smaller than a default workload that is preset for providing the specific service; a task performer which performs a task for providing the specific service according to the necessary workload during a time that is reduced to be shorter than a task performance time according to the default workload and stop the task performance during the reduced time; and a battery unit which supplies a power for performing the task to the task performer. |
| US08527783B2 |
Baseband ethernet extension system over coaxial cable
The Ethernet extension system contains at least a signal and power conversion device, a conversion device, and a coaxial cable connected in between. The signal and power conversion device receives baseband network signal and electricity in accordance with PoE, and delivers the baseband network signal and electricity to the conversion device through the coaxial cable. The conversion device then provides the baseband network signal to an ordinary Ethernet network device. Baseband network signal and electricity as such could be delivered through a coaxial cable beyond the conventional Ethernet without additional configuration of power supplies or power sources, and without repeatedly modulation and demodulation, coding and decoding, or conversion of communication protocols. |
| US08527782B2 |
Power hub
A USB hub utilizes an external power supply connection and rechargeable battery to provide a fully functional USB hub that provides portable backup power for USB devices. The hub includes a housing with a host connector that is adapted to be coupled to a host. Device connectors are also positioned on the housing that are adapted to be coupled to electronic devices. A hub circuit enables USB communications between the devices and host connected to the hub. The rechargeable battery is selectively charged from the host or external power supply connection. A microcontroller controls the hub circuitry such that power is provided to the hub circuit and the device connectors from an external power source or host if available or the rechargeable battery if they are not. |
| US08527781B2 |
Secure and scalable solid state disk system
A solid state disk system is disclosed. The system comprises a user token and at least one level secure virtual storage controller, coupled to the host system. The system includes a plurality of virtual storage devices coupled to at least one secure virtual storage controller. A system and method in accordance with the present invention could be utilized in flash based storage, disk storage systems, portable storage devices, corporate storage systems, PCs, servers, wireless storage, and multimedia storage systems. |
| US08527778B2 |
Apparatus and method for preventing falsification of black box data
Provided are an apparatus and method for preventing falsification of black box data. The apparatus for preventing falsification of black box data includes a driving information storage module and a falsification prevention module. The driving information storage module stores a driving information data which is collected by a black box. The falsification prevention module encrypts the driving information data to generate a falsification determination data through a predetermined encryption mechanism, and stores the falsification determination data. |
| US08527773B1 |
Identity verification systems and methods
Systems and methods for authenticating the identity of a user prior to giving access to confidential data at a user interface via a network are described. In an exemplary implementation in an Internet environment, a server hosts an application providing selective access by the user to confidential data related to the user. The user provides initial data to the application as part of a request to access the confidential data. At least one database having the confidential data stored therein is accessed by the server to retrieve confidential data relating to the user located in the database based on the initial data received from the client interface. An authentication function causes the server to transmit to the client interface and present to the user an incomplete portion of the confidential data relating to the user, which is not identical to the initial data, along with at least one other portion of data having a substantially identical format to the incomplete portion of the confidential data. The authentication function requests the user to provide additional data to complete the incomplete portion of the confidential data. The user is granted access to the confidential data subsequent to determination by the application that the user correctly completed the incomplete portion of the confidential data. |
| US08527763B2 |
System and method for enabling seamless transfer of a secure session
An information handling system includes a memory and a processor to execute instructions stored in the memory, which causes the processor to at least: send identification information to a second information handling system in response to an identification request broadcast from the second information handling system via a short-range communication; receive first authentication information for a local application and a remote service from the second information handling system; receive a copy of the local application; authenticate a user for the copy of the local application and for the remote service prior to the user logging on to the information handling system; receive second authentication information from the user to access the information handling system; authenticate the user to the information handling system; and automatically initiate a secure session between the copy of the local application and the remote service when the user is authenticated to the information handling system. |
| US08527762B2 |
Method for realizing an authentication center and an authentication system thereof
A method for realizing an authentication center (AC) and an authentication system are disclosed. The method comprises: a UE sends an authentication request to an AC and applies for temporary authentication information, the AC assigns a first authentication random code to the UE, then the UE calculates a first response code and sends it to the AC, the AC assigns the temporary authentication information to the UE after authentication and authorization; the UE sends a login request to the application system (AS) which assigns a second authentication random code to the UE, and the UE uses it and the temporary authentication information to calculate a second response code, and sends this code to the AS; the AS sends the second response code to the AC for authentication and authorization; the AC returns the authentication result to the AS which in turn returns the authentication result to the UE. |
| US08527760B2 |
Determining trust data for devices in a network
In an embodiment, a first device detects a first interaction between the first device and a second device. The first device assigns a first rating of the first interaction. The first device calculates an internal trust for the second device based on the first rating and a first time since the occurrence of the first interaction. The first device receives trust data from a third device. The first device calculates a community trust for the second device based on the trust data and an internal trust that the first device has for the third device. The first device calculates a total trust that the first device has for the second device based on the community trust and the internal trust that the first device has for the second device. If the total trust is less than a minimum threshold, the first device disallows a second interaction. |
| US08527759B2 |
IMS user equipment, control method thereof, host device, and control method thereof
An IMS User Equipment (UE) is provided. The IMS UE comprises: searching means for searching, based on UPnP technology, a UPnP network for a host device that has IMS subscription information, establishing means for establishing a session with the host device discovered by the searching means, subscription retrieving means for retrieving, from the host device via the session, the IMS subscription information, registering means for registering with the IMS network using the IMS subscription information, key retrieving means for retrieving, from the host device via the session, a first encryption key shared with an IMS application server (AS) in an IMS network by sending identity of the IMS AS to the host device via the session, and communicating means for performing encrypted communication with the IMS AS using the first encryption key. |
| US08527757B2 |
Method of preventing web browser extensions from hijacking user information
The invention relates to a portable authentication token comprising connection means for connecting to a computer, browser communication means for communicating with a browser running on the computer, and user authentication means for authenticating a user of the token to a server. The user authentication means are triggered via the browser communication means when the user connects to the server from the browser of the computer. The user authentication means are set to authenticate the user by communicating with the server through the browser. The token comprises out-of-band token communication means set to validate user authentication by establishing a communication channel between the token and the server, the communication channel bypassing the browser.The invention also relates to an authentication method and to a system comprising a token, a computer and a server to which the user authenticates with the token. |
| US08527754B2 |
Authorizing information flows based on a sensitivity of an information object
A system, apparatus, computer program product and method for authorizing information flows between devices of a data processing system are provided. In one illustrative embodiment, an information flow request is received from a first device to authorize an information flow from the first device to a second device. The information flow request includes an identifier of the second device. Based on an identifier of the first device and the second device, security information identifying an authorization level of the first device and second device is retrieved. A sensitivity of an information object that is to be transferred in the information flow is determined and the information flow is authorized or denied based only on the sensitivity of the information object and the authorization level of the first and second devices irregardless of the particular action being performed on the information object as part of the information flow. |
| US08527746B2 |
Electronic device capable of starting up in low-temperature environment and startup method thereof
An electronic device capable of starting up in a low-temperature environment and a startup method for starting up the electronic device in the low-temperature environment and provide a stable operation temperature. The electronic device includes a temperature detection unit, a plurality of electronic elements, a storage unit, and a control unit. The electronic elements connects to the temperature detection unit. The storage unit stores a temperature monitoring process and an operating system. The control unit electrically connects to the temperature detection unit, the electronic elements, and the storage unit. The control unit acquires an operation temperature of the electronic elements through the temperature detection unit. The control unit executes the temperature monitoring process for driving the electronic elements, and increases the operation temperature of the electronic elements, so that the operating system is executed when a working temperature of the electronic device is higher than a first rated temperature. |
| US08527745B2 |
Input/output device including a host interface for processing function level reset requests and updating a timer value corresponding to a time until application hardware registers associated with the function level reset requests are available
An I/O device includes a host interface configured to process function level reset (FLR) requests in a specified amount of time. The host interface includes a control unit and groups of configuration space registers, each group corresponding to a function. The host interface also includes application availability registers, each associated with a respective function, and which may indicate whether application hardware within the respective function is available for access by a corresponding application device driver. The I/O device also includes application hardware resources associated with a respective function. In response to receiving an FLR request of a particular function, the control unit may cause the associated application availability register to indicate that the application hardware within the particular function is not available to the driver. The control unit may reset the corresponding configuration space registers within a predetermined amount of time and reset the associated application hardware resources. |
| US08527737B2 |
Using addresses to detect overlapping memory regions
The described embodiments determine if two addressed memory regions overlap. First, a first address for a first memory region and a second address for a second memory region are received. Then a composite address is generated from the first and second addresses. Next, an upper subset and a lower subset of the bits in the addresses are determined. Then, using the upper and lower subsets of the addresses, a determination is made whether the addresses meet a condition from a set of conditions. If so, a determination is made whether the lower subset of the bits in the addresses meet a criteria from a set of criteria. Based on the determination whether the lower subset of the bits in the addresses meet a criteria, a determination is made whether the memory regions overlap or do not overlap. |
| US08527735B2 |
Data storage using virtual addressing
Provided are a data storage medium accessing method of accessing a data storage medium of a data storage device according to a virtual address (VA), the data storage device to access the data storage medium according to the VA, and a computer readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program to access the data storage medium accessing method. The data storage medium accessing method includes the operations of converting a logical block address (LBA) included in a command received from a host into a VA and converting the VA into a real address of a data storage medium included in a data storage device, and accessing the data storage medium using the real address, wherein the VA is an address that is based on a reserved block of the data storage medium in a data write operation, wherein the reserved block is a valid block that is ready to have data written thereto, and wherein a current location of a head included in the data storage device during the data write operation is set according to the reserved block. |
| US08527734B2 |
Administering registered virtual addresses in a hybrid computing environment including maintaining a watch list of currently registered virtual addresses by an operating system
Administering registered virtual addresses in a hybrid computing environment that includes a host computer and an accelerator, the accelerator architecture optimized, with respect to the host computer architecture, for speed of execution of a particular class of computing functions, the host computer and the accelerator adapted to one another for data communications by a system level message passing module, where administering registered virtual addresses includes maintaining, by an operating system, a watch list of ranges of currently registered virtual addresses; upon a change in physical to virtual address mappings of a particular range of virtual addresses falling within the ranges included in the watch list, notifying the system level message passing module by the operating system of the change; and updating, by the system level message passing module, a cache of ranges of currently registered virtual addresses to reflect the change in physical to virtual address mappings. |
| US08527730B2 |
Data updating method, memory system and memory device
A data updating method, a memory system and a memory device in which the memory device is connectable to a host device and has a memory section and a memory controller, the memory section consists of a first memory section which can be divided into partitions having multiple different attributes, and a work space which is managed by the memory controller, and the method of updating data which is stored in the memory device uses one of the writing methods which has been selected from among multiple different writing methods of writing data into the partition, depending on the attribute of the partition, to perform an updating process, and can securely update the data. |
| US08527729B1 |
Apparatus and method for a synchronous multi-port memory
A multi-port memory, comprising: a plurality of ports, each port including port input logic that generates a write enable value from received control signals, and a delay stage coupled to store the write enable value from the input stage, and configured to force the write enable value to a disable state in response to an asserted busy signal of the port; and an arbitration circuit coupled to the ports that arbitrates contending accesses to the ports by de-asserting a busy signal to one port, and asserting a busy signal for all other ports. |
| US08527725B2 |
Active-active remote configuration of a storage system
A method for data storage, including configuring a first logical volume on a first storage system and a second logical volume on a second storage system. The second logical volume is configured as a mirror of the first logical volume, so that the first and second logical volumes form a single logical mirrored volume. The method also includes receiving at the second storage system a command submitted by a host to write data to the logical mirrored volume, and transferring the command from the second storage system to the first storage system without writing the data to the second logical volume. On receipt of the command at the first storage system, the data is written to the first logical volume. Subsequent to writing the data to the first logical volume, the data is mirrored on the second logical volume. |
| US08527724B2 |
Blocked based end-to-end data protection for extended count key data (ECKD)
Exemplary method, system, and computer program product embodiments for block based end-to-end data protection for extended count key data (ECKD) in a computing environment are provided. In one embodiment, by way of example only, information units (IU's) are aligned in a block boundary format. Block protection trailer data is added to each one of the IU's. Additional system and computer program product embodiments are disclosed and provide related advantages. |
| US08527723B1 |
Storage system and control method for storage system
A first controller defines an existing pair that represents a copy from a first existing area that is a storage area of a first logical volume before size expansion to a second existing area that is a storage area of a second logical volume before size expansion, maintains the existing pair in a synchronous state, which is a state where the second existing area is in synchronization with the first existing area, and expands the size of the first logical volume by adding a first expansion area using a first storage device to the first logical volume during the synchronous state, and the second controller adds a second expansion area using a second storage device to the second logical volume after the size of the first logical volume is expanded, and writes data written to the first expansion area to the second expansion area. |
| US08527721B2 |
Generating a recovery snapshot and creating a virtual view of the recovery snapshot
Methods, software suites, and systems of generating a recovery snapshot and creating a virtual view of the recovery snapshot are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes generating a recovery snapshot at a predetermined interval to retain an ability to position forward and backward when a delayed roll back algorithm is applied and creating a virtual view of the recovery snapshot using an algorithm tied to an original data, a change log data, and a consistency data related to an event. The method may include redirecting an access request to the original data based on a meta-data information provided in the virtual view. The method may further include substantially retaining a timestamp data, a location of a change, and a time offset of the change as compared with the original data. |
| US08527720B2 |
Methods of capturing and naming dynamic storage tiering configurations to support data pre-staging
A method for pre-staging data includes obtaining a DST configuration of a virtual volume at a first point in time. The method also includes creating a Point-in-Time copy (PiT) in a destination storage pool when the virtual volume includes at least one PiT, or reconfiguring at least one virtual volume segment to contain a hot-spot. The virtual volume may or may not have PiTs. The method further includes recording the DST configuration, specifying the DST configuration be applied to the storage array at a second point in time, and applying the DST configuration to the storage array at the second point in time. |
| US08527716B2 |
Volume sharing method and storage system using the same
Since only one golden image (GI) of a snapshot can exist and is shared among a plurality of storage apparatuses, there was a problem that migration or copy thereof deteriorates the capacity efficiency and increases the cost for managing consistency. The present invention solves the above-mentioned problem by either (1) a direct sharing method of generating a parent-child relationship of snapshots among different storage apparatuses at the time of creating differential LUs from the GI or (2) a virtual sharing method of creating virtual LUs of the GI in the respective storage apparatuses and creating differential LUs of the snapshots from the created virtual LUs, using a storage virtualization function among a plurality of storage apparatuses. |
| US08527715B2 |
Providing a shared memory translation facility
A system, method and computer program product for providing a shared memory translation facility. The method includes receiving a request for access to a memory address from a requestor at a configuration, the receiving at a shared memory translation mechanism. It is determined if the memory address refers to a shared memory object (SMO), the SMO accessible by a plurality of configurations. In response to determining that the memory address refers to the SMO, it is determined if the configuration has access to the SMO. In response to determining that the configuration has access to the SMO, the requestor is provided a system absolute address for the SMO and access to the SMO. In this manner direct interchange of data between the plurality of configurations is allowed. |
| US08527713B2 |
Cache locking without interference from normal allocations
A Block Normal Cache Allocation (BNCA) mode is defined for a processor. In BNCA mode, cache entries may only be allocated by predetermined instructions. Normal memory access instructions (for example, as part of interrupt code) may execute and will retrieve data from main memory in the event of a cache miss; however, these instructions are not allowed to allocate entries in the cache. Only the predetermined instructions (for example, those used to establish locked cache entries) may allocate entries in the cache. When the locked entries are established, the processor exits BNCA mode, and any memory access instruction may allocate cache entries. BNCA mode may be indicated by setting a bit in a configuration register. |
| US08527709B2 |
Technique for preserving cached information during a low power mode
A technique to retain cached information during a low power mode, according to at least one embodiment. In one embodiment, information stored in a processor's local cache is saved to a shared cache before the processor is placed into a low power mode, such that other processors may access information from the shared cache instead of causing the low power mode processor to return from the low power mode to service an access to its local cache. |
| US08527708B2 |
Detecting address conflicts in a cache memory system
A cache memory providing improved address conflict detection by reference to a set associative array includes a data array that stores memory blocks, a directory of contents of the data array, and a cache controller that controls access to the data array. The cache controller includes an address conflict detection system having a set-associative array configured to store at least tags of memory addresses of in-flight memory access transactions. The address conflict detection system accesses the set-associative array to detect if a target address of an incoming memory access transaction conflicts with that of an in-flight memory access transaction and determines whether to allow the incoming transaction memory access transaction to proceed based upon the detection. |
| US08527706B2 |
Opportunistic block transmission with time constraints
A technique for determining a data window size allows a set of predicted blocks to be transmitted along with requested blocks. A stream enabled application executing in a virtual execution environment may use the blocks when needed. |
| US08527705B2 |
Temporarily caching an encoded data slice
A method begins by a processing module obtaining an encoded data slice and an associated slice name. The method continues with the processing module determining a dispersed storage (DS) unit for storing the encoded data slice based on at least one of the encoded data slice and the associated slice name and estimating a performance level of the DS unit to produce an estimated DS unit performance level. The method continues with the processing module sending the encoded data slice to the DS unit for storage therein and when the estimated DS unit performance level compares unfavorably with a performance threshold, facilitating storage of the encoded data slice in temporary memory to produce a temporarily stored encoded data slice, wherein the temporarily stored encoded data slice is retrieved in response to a retrieval request when confirmation of the DS unit storing the encoded data slice has not been received. |
| US08527704B2 |
Method and apparatus for optimal cache sizing and configuration for large memory systems
A method for configuring a large hybrid memory subsystem having a large cache size in a computing system where one or more performance metrics of the computing system are expressed as an explicit function of configuration parameters of the memory subsystem and workload parameters of the memory subsystem. The computing system hosts applications that utilize the memory subsystem, and the performance metrics cover the use of the memory subsystem by the applications. A performance goal containing values for the performance metric is identified for the computing system. These values for the performance metrics are used in the explicit function of performance metrics, configuration parameters and workload parameters to calculate values for the configuration parameters that achieve the identified performance goal. The calculated values of the configuration parameters are implemented in the memory subsystem. |
| US08527703B1 |
Cache management system and method
A method and computer program product for dividing a cache memory system into a plurality of cache memory portions. Data to be written to a specific address within an electromechanical storage system is received. The data is assigned to one of the plurality of cache memory portions, thus defining an assigned cache memory portion. Association information for the data is generated, wherein the association information defines the specific address within the electromechanical storage system. The data and the association information is written to the assigned cache memory portion.A method and computer program product for receiving a data read request concerning requested data stored at a specific address within an electromechanical storage system. A potential cache memory portion within a cache memory system may be identified, wherein the potential cache memory portion is chosen from a plurality of cache memory portions included within the cache memory system. The potential cache memory portion may be read to obtain portion content, wherein the portion content includes portion data stored within the potential cache memory portion and association information concerning the portion data. The association information may be processed to determine if the portion data is equivalent to the data stored at the specific address within the electromechanical storage system. |
| US08527702B2 |
Storage system providing virtual volumes
Multiple storage area groups into which multiple storage areas provided by multiple storage devices are classified with reference to storage area attributes are managed. The multiple logical volumes to which, in accordance with a write request to at least one address included in multiple addresses in the logical volume, at least one storage area included in the multiple storage areas is allocated are provided. In accordance with the access condition of the at least one address in the logical volume, the data written to the at least one address by the write request is migrated from the at least one storage area included in one of the multiple storage area groups to at least one storage area in another storage area group included in the multiple storage area groups. |
| US08527694B2 |
Method and apparatus for updating table entries of a ternary content addressable memory
A method and an apparatus for updating table entries of a TCAM are disclosed. The method comprises: creating a virtual TCAM list, of which respective first TCAM table entries are one-to-one corresponding to respective second TCAM table entries stored in a hardware TCAM; determining, in idle resources of the hardware TCAM, a storage position of a second TCAM table entry to be updated corresponding to a first TCAM table entry to be updated, according to a pre-specified precedence relationship between the storage positions of the first TCAM table entry to be updated and other first TCAM table entry in the virtual TCAM list; and performing an updating operation on the second TCAM table entry to be updated based on the determined storage position. According to the present invention, the storage position of the second TCAM table entry to be updated is selected from the idle resources of the hardware TCAM so far as possible, and thus the problem of a low efficiency in updating table entries because of the rewriting of a lot of other second TCAM table entries caused by updating the second TCAM table entries in the hardware TCAM is overcome. |
| US08527689B2 |
Multi-destination direct memory access transfer
An apparatus generally including an internal memory and a direct memory access controller is disclosed. The direct memory access controller may be configured to (i) read first information from an external memory across an external bus, (ii) generate second information by processing the first information, (iii) write the first information across an internal bus to a first location in the internal memory during a direct memory access transfer and (iv) write the second information across the internal bus to a second location in the internal memory during the direct memory access transfer. The second location may be different from the first location. |
| US08527688B2 |
Extending device functionality amongst inductively linked devices
A docking station is provided for a computing device. The docking station may be used by, for example, a mobile computing device, such as a cellular or wireless telephony/messaging device. The docking station includes a housing comprising a receiving surface top receive and retain the mobile computing device. An inductive signal transfer interface is included with the housing to inductively signal at least one of power or data to the mobile computing device. The docking station further provides an output component and processing resources. The processing resources are configured to detect placement of the mobile computing device on the receiving surface. The data is received from the mobile computing device, and an output is signaled to the output component based on the received data. |
| US08527687B2 |
Main board and method for dynamically configuring periperhal component interconnect express ports thereof
A main board and a method for dynamically configuring PCIE ports thereof. The main board comprises a PCIE slot, a detecting circuit, an ROM, a chipset and a modifying circuit. The chipset comprises a Management Engine controller and several PCIE ports. The chipset has a Management Engine function or a similar function. The detecting circuit detects the PCIE slot to generate a current state parameter. The ROM stores a default configuration data. The modifying circuit coupled between the chipset and the ROM determines whether the default configuration data needs to be modified according to the current state parameter. When the default configuration data needs to be modified, the modifying circuit modifies the default configuration data according to the current state parameter, so that the Management Engine controller initially configures the PCIE ports according to the modified default configuration data. Thus, the dynamical configuration of the chipset PCIE ports is realized. |
| US08527683B2 |
System and method for processing digital data
This system for processing digital data may include a set of slave processing units for the execution of elementary functions, an interconnection module, which is designed to communicate with a data transfer network and to transfer data between the processing units, on the one hand, and the data transfer network, on the other hand, and a controller controlling the interconnection module to control the data transfer. |
| US08527681B2 |
Data processing system, data processing method, and apparatus
A data processing system may include a first data path and a second data path. A set of components may include a system component and a partner component, each having a communication interface for communicating data. The components are operable in a synchronized mode and a non-synchronized mode with respect to each other. The set may further include a configuration control system connected to the system component and the partner component, for controlling the set to be in a synchronized mode configuration or a non-synchronized mode configuration. The configuration control system may include a first path selector module connecting the communication interface of the system component to the first data path and the second data path and a partner path selector module connecting the communication interface of the partner component to the first data path and the second data path. The path selector modules may be arranged to enable, depending on the configuration, communication of data to the respective component via one or more selected data path, selected from the first data path and the second data path, and to inhibit communication via the not selected data paths. |
| US08527677B1 |
Serial communications links with bonded first-in-first-out buffer circuitry
Serial communications circuitry is provided that has bonded first-in-first-out (FIFO) buffer circuitry. The circuitry may include state machine and barrel shifter circuitry that conveys data between the bonded FIFO circuitry and a bonded serial communications path. The bonded FIFO circuitry and the bonded lane may increase the efficiency of the serial communications circuitry by reducing the number of empty data bytes buffered in the FIFO circuitry and conveyed over the serial communications path. |
| US08527676B2 |
Reducing latency in serializer-deserializer links
A system for increasing the efficiency of data transfer through a serializer-deserializer (SerDes) link, and for reducing data latency caused by differences between arrival times of the data on the SerDes link and the system clock with which the device operates. |
| US08527674B2 |
Data packet switching
Embodiments related to switching of data packets have been described. |
| US08527673B2 |
Direct access to a hardware device for virtual machines of a virtualized computer system
In a virtualized computer system in which a guest operating system runs on a virtual machine of a virtualized computer system, a computer-implemented method of providing the guest operating system with direct access to a hardware device coupled to the virtualized computer system via a communication interface, the method including: (a) obtaining first configuration register information corresponding to the hardware device, the hardware device connected to the virtualized computer system via the communication interface; (b) creating a passthrough device by copying at least part of the first configuration register information to generate second configuration register information corresponding to the passthrough device; and (c) enabling the guest operating system to directly access the hardware device corresponding to the passthrough device by providing access to the second configuration register information of the passthrough device. |
| US08527672B2 |
Fencing direct memory access data transfers in a parallel active messaging interface of a parallel computer
Fencing direct memory access (‘DMA’) data transfers in a parallel active messaging interface (‘PAMI’) of a parallel computer, the PAMI including data communications endpoints, each endpoint including specifications of a client, a context, and a task, the endpoints coupled for data communications through the PAMI and through DMA controllers operatively coupled to segments of shared random access memory through which the DMA controllers deliver data communications deterministically, including initiating execution through the PAMI of an ordered sequence of active DMA instructions for DMA data transfers between two endpoints, effecting deterministic DMA data transfers through a DMA controller and a segment of shared memory; and executing through the PAMI, with no FENCE accounting for DMA data transfers, an active FENCE instruction, the FENCE instruction completing execution only after completion of all DMA instructions initiated prior to execution of the FENCE instruction for DMA data transfers between the two endpoints. |
| US08527671B2 |
DMA engine
Disclosed herein is a method of accessing a slave device from a circuit including a central processing unit, a data transfer engine, and an interface to the slave device. In one embodiment, the method includes: executing code on the central processing unit to set up the data transfer engine to access the slave device; and based on the set-up, operating the data transfer engine to supply a read request word to a transmit buffer of the interface for transmission to the slave device, and, after return of a corresponding response word to a first-in-first-out receive buffer of the interface, to disable the first-in-first-out receive buffer from receiving any further data such that the last word therein is assured to be the response word. The method further includes using an underflow mechanism of the first-in-first-out receive buffer to determine the last word therein and hence determine the response word. |
| US08527668B2 |
Priority logic module
In a nuclear process control system, a priority logic module (PLM) is provided. The priority logic module comprises a plurality of input ports, each input port associated with one of a plurality of priorities, a plurality of output ports, and a test mode select port associated with a test mode select signal. The test mode select signal selects one of a normal mode or test mode, each mode being associated with matching signals received by the input ports to signals sent by the output ports. The priority logic module further comprises a configurable priority logic circuit, wherein the priority logic circuit maps one of the input ports to one of the output ports. |
| US08527667B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for transferring data
An apparatus includes a socket, a computer-readable medium, and a controller. The socket is capable of interfacing with different types of storage medium. The computer-readable medium is operable for storing a computer-executable universal driver associated with a first operation mode and compatible with each of the types of storage medium, and for storing a computer-executable dedicated driver associated with a second operation mode and compatible with only a subset of the types of storage medium. The controller is operable for selecting a selected driver from the universal driver and the dedicated driver if a storage medium is inserted into the socket and for operating in a corresponding operation mode to exchange data information with the storage medium according to the selected driver. The selected driver includes the dedicated driver if the storage medium is a member of the subset and otherwise the selected driver includes the universal driver. |
| US08527663B2 |
Methods and apparatus for performing non-intrusive network layer performance measurement in communication networks
Methods and apparatus for performing non-intrusive network layer performance measurement in communication networks are disclosed. An example method to measure network layer performance between existing network nodes disclosed herein comprises coupling a first intelligent network interface (INI) to an available access port of a first existing network node providing access to a network, wherein the first INI obtains power and input information only from the access port after being coupled thereto, and exchanging test messages between the first INI and a second INI coupled to a second existing network node during normal operation of the first and second existing network nodes to measure network layer performance, wherein the test messages originate in the first INI and are routed through the first and second existing network nodes using a first network layer address associated with the first INI and a second network layer address associated with the second INI. |
| US08527661B1 |
Gateway for connecting clients and servers utilizing remote direct memory access controls to separate data path from control path
A network system gateway and method providing remote direct memory access controls to separate data path from control path. Control operations are passed between the gateway and a control processor node, and data is passed between the gateway and a memory node via remote direct memory access operations. The memory node may also receive instructions for the remote direct memory access operations through proxy remote direct memory access messages received from the control processor node. |
| US08527654B2 |
Method and system for low-latency transfer protocol
A method and system for providing computer-generated output and in particular graphical output. An output capturing and encoding engine is configured to intercept graphical output from an application on a server, organize the output into regions having similar motion and/or graphical characteristics, and convert the data from each region into a format suitable to balance transmission efficiencies versus display quality or capability at the receiving end. |
| US08527650B2 |
Creating a checkpoint for modules on a communications stream
A computer implemented method, computer program product, and system for creating a checkpoint of a stream. A stream checkpoint request to create the checkpoint of the stream is received, wherein the stream is used by a process as a communications path, and wherein the communications path is modified by a set of modules. In response to identifying the identity of each module in the set of modules, the identity of each module in the set of modules is stored in the checkpoint. In response to identifying an order of the set of modules, the order of the set of modules is stored in the checkpoint. In response to sending a stream checkpoint message to each module in the set of modules, module data is received from each module in the set of modules to form received module data. The received module data is stored in the checkpoint. |
| US08527648B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer program products for optimizing content distribution in data networks
Systems, methods, and computer program products are for selecting content for distribution via a data network, and creating at least one content distribution channel to distribute specific content of the selected content. The specific content is partitioned from the selected content based upon a criterion common to the specific content. |
| US08527647B2 |
Managing network traffic using intermediate flow control
A technique for controlling the streaming of content through a network is disclosed. The technique involves changing the rate at which content chunks are sent from an intermediate network device in order to cause a client to request content chunks that are encoded at a different bit rate. For example, an intermediate network device can reduce the rate at which content chunks are sent to a client in order to cause the client to adapt to the reduced flow rate by requesting content chunks that are encoded at a lower bit rate. Causing a client to request content chunks that are encoded at a lower bit rate can reduce the bandwidth demand in a wireless communications network. |
| US08527645B1 |
Distributing transcoding tasks across a dynamic set of resources using a queue responsive to restriction-inclusive queries
A method and system for performing processing tasks is disclosed. At a resource, a detection is made as to when the resource is available to perform a processing task. Usage of the resource for performing processing tasks associated with each client of a set of clients is monitored. A restriction limiting which processing task is to be assigned to the resource is identified. The restriction identifies a hierarchy amongst at least two clients of the set of clients. The hierarchy is based on the monitored usage. A query identifying the restriction is generated. The query is transmitted to a remote queue in communication with a plurality of independent resources. The plurality of independent resources includes the resource. A response is received from the queue. The response identifies a processing task. |
| US08527642B2 |
Method and apparatus for advertising service in personalized manner in next-generation communication network
Provided are a method and apparatus for advertising a service in a personalized manner in a next-generation communication network. The method includes: receiving new service registration information, which indicates that a new service has been registered, from a service registration server; mapping the received new service registration information to service profiles included in pre-stored subscription information of a plurality of subscriber terminals and selecting a subscriber terminal which is related to the new service registration information; and identifying whether the selected subscriber terminal is subscribed to a new service notification event of a home subscriber server and sending advertising information of the new service, which is related to the new service registration information, to the selected subscriber terminal with reference to subscription information of the selected subscriber terminal. |
| US08527640B2 |
Method and apparatus for browsing using multiple coordinated device sets
Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities. |
| US08527638B1 |
System management via session initiation protocol
A Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) proxy device associated with a computer system is configured to provide a management device with the ability to manage a computer system using the Session Initiation Protocol. Because SIP is a standard communication protocol, a system manager can configure both a management device and a system component of the computer system to communicate with each other while minimizing integration issues. Additionally, SIP provides bidirectional communication between the management device and the system component that allows the system manager to request and receive real-time computer system status as well as associated presence information when managing the computer system. Furthermore, SIP can be configured as a secure communication protocol that encrypts communications exchanged between two or more devices, thereby allowing the system manager to securely manage and obtain computer system status independent of the manager's physical or geographic location. |
| US08527635B2 |
Contents delivery system and method, web server and contents provider DNS server thereof
A contents delivery system and method, a web server and a contents provider DNS server of the contents delivery system are provided. A web server or a DNS server of a contents provider determines whether a client is located in proximity to the web server, dynamically selects a server which will provide a page embedded object and provides the page embedded object from the selected server to the client. Accordingly, users can easily use contents and the contents provider can promote qualitative improvement of service. |
| US08527634B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating IP-CAN session
A method and an apparatus for creating an Internet Protocol Connectivity Access Network (IP-CAN) session are disclosed herein. The method includes: creating, by a First Policy and Charging Enforcement Function entity, PCEFa entity, a session with a Policy and Charging Rules Function entity, PCRF entity; performing, by the PCEFa entity, mobility registration with a second Policy and Charging Enforcement Function entity, PCEFb entity; creating, by the PCEFb entity, a session with the PCRF entity; and sending, by the PCRF entity, a session information to the PCEFa entity and the PCEFb entity. mobility The apparatus includes: a PCEFa entity, a PCEFb entity, and a PCRF entity. The method and the apparatus for creating an IP-CAN session under the present disclosure accomplish the purpose of creating an IP-CAN session in the new PCC architecture. |
| US08527630B2 |
Adaptive ambient services
A method comprising inspecting a traffic flow associated with a device; identifying a requested access within the traffic flow; determining, based on one or more rules, whether the requested access is within a profile associated with a first service available to the device over a wireless network, the profile identifying a network destination, an application on the device, or a content type, a first usage associated with the service being accounted for separately from a second usage associated with a second service available to the device; and if the requested access is within the profile, creating or modifying a record for assisting in accounting for a measure of the first usage to a sponsor entity responsible for at least subsidizing at least a portion of the first usage, wherein determining whether the requested access is within the profile comprises determining whether the requested access is associated with the service. |
| US08527629B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing proxy and non-proxy requests in a telecommunications network
A method is disclosed for determining attributes of a client connection configured for use with a telecommunications network; comparing determined attributes with location definition information stored in a configuration file; determining at least one user-defined location in the location definition information associated with the client connection based on the comparison; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices. |
| US08527622B2 |
Fault tolerance framework for networks of nodes
In some implementations, a first message handler may be configured to receive first network-related data associated with a first network of nodes, the first network of nodes using a first communications protocol. A second message handler may be configured to receive second network-related data associated with a second network of nodes, the second network of nodes using a second communications protocol. A message transport system may be configured to receive the first network-related data and the second network-related data and further configured to route the first network-related data and the second network-related data in a common protocol, and a fault manager may be configured to receive the network-related data in the common protocol and configured to determine a fault associated with an operation of one or more of the first network of nodes and the second network of nodes, based on the network-related data in the common protocol. |
| US08527621B2 |
Autologging the presence of a wireless local area network
A method includes scanning to detect presence of a wireless local area network WLAN, detecting presence of said wireless local area network, contacting a base station of said wireless local area network detected to request the location of said base station, and receiving location of said wireless area network. |
| US08527620B2 |
E-business competitive measurements
An example of a solution provided here comprises providing a generic task list, and applying the generic task list to a first business process and a second business process. Applying the generic task list includes mapping a transaction step in the first business process to a similar transaction step in the second business process. Another example of a solution comprises mapping a transaction step in a first application to a similar transaction step in a second application, a current threshold value, and a supporting application, inputting performance measures for the first and second applications, and outputting a performance comparison report, based on the mapping and the performance measures. The mapping, the inputting, and the outputting may be performed for a plurality of transaction steps in the first application and a plurality of transaction steps in the second application. |
| US08527618B1 |
Repercussionless ephemeral agent for scalable parallel operation of distributed computers
A repercussionless ephemeral agent for scalable parallel operation of distributed computers provides efficient processing on the distributed computers via a bootstrapped agent and on-demand downloading of software components. Central computers having access to script, bootstrap, and library software code as well as a database, activate remote execution of the script on the distributed computers to control the distributed computers. The distributed computers are optionally controlled to perform an analysis according to the script in a distributed fashion with a high degree of parallelism. The analysis optionally examines all or portions of files implemented on or accessible to the distributed computers without the necessity of transferring the files from the distributed computers to the central machines. When the bootstrapped agent completes processing, all processes and files associated with the agent are removed from the distributed computers, effectively eliminating all traces of the execution from the distributed computers. |
| US08527612B2 |
Methods, devices and computer program products for configuring network-enabled devices
Methods, devices and computer program products are provided for configuring network-enabled devices. One or more additional network-enabled devices containing configuration parameters relevant to a first network-enabled device are discovered. The relevant configuration parameters are obtained from the one or more additional network-enabled device by the first network-enabled device and the first network-enabled device is configured using the obtained configuration parameters. |
| US08527611B2 |
Transparent service adaptation in heterogeneous environments
A method of tailoring data streams transmitted to networked user devices is disclosed in which environment information associated with each device is stored at an agent located on those devices. This environment information may include information related to the hardware, interface and application capabilities of the particular device. In another embodiment, this environment information is transmitted and stored at an agent at a local network gateway. And in another embodiment, the environment information is then stored at a mirror agent located in a backbone network of a service provider. By referring to this environment information, a service provider can tailor the transmission of data streams, such as multimedia streams, to a device based on the capabilities of the device and the associated network. |
| US08527610B2 |
Cache server control device, content distribution system, method of distributing content, and program
A cache server control device selects cache servers necessary for storing contents to be reproduced, and allows the selected cache servers 300 store the contents to be reproduced; the cache server control device herein uses a first threshold value when the number of units of the cache servers, for storing the content to be reproduced related to the judgment, is increased; and uses a second threshold value, being smaller than the first threshold value, when the number of units of the cache servers, for storing said content to be reproduced related to the judgment, is decreased. |
| US08527602B1 |
Content upload system with preview and user demand based upload prioritization
A receiving from a first client a thumbnail of content selected by the user of the first client. The server provides the thumbnail to a second client and while providing the thumbnail to the second client, the server receives the content from the first client. After providing the thumbnail to the second client, the server receives an access request from the second client for the content. In response to receiving the access request the server provides the content to the second client. In some embodiments, the server sends a prioritization request to the first client to increase the priority of uploading the content in response to a request to access the content by a second client, and the uploading priority of the content at the first client is increased based on the prioritization request. |
| US08527600B2 |
Presence managing method and apparatus
It is an object of the present invention to relieve the burden on a watcher that uses a presence system to subscribe to the presence information of people and objects. For example, an attribute is a product name, and products A, B, C have the identical attribute value “DVDRecorder.” The server generates aggregate presence information, which includes the presence information of the products A, B, C (corresponds to the providers), and sends a notification of such to a watcher W (corresponds to the notification recipient) of the presence information of the products A, B, C. The watcher W collectively receives the presence information for every product name, and the watcher W is therefore relieved of the burden of classifying the presence information for every product name. |
| US08527599B2 |
System and method for regulating electronic messages
A system for regulating e-mail comprises a database of information profiling legitimate e-mail usage. When an e-mail is received at the system, it is scrutinized relative to the information in the database. If the e-mail is found to be legitimate based upon this evaluation, it is delivered to the intended recipient. If, however, the e-mail appears on the basis of the evaluation to be the last in a series of illegitimate e-mails or otherwise has characteristics inconsistent with the profile of legitimate e-mail usage, the e-mail may not be delivered and the postmaster and administrator at the source of the e-mail is contacted. |
| US08527594B2 |
Blog advertising
Blog advertisement selection and placement is driven by the analysis of different facets, which are defined as why-facet, how-facet, who-facet and what-facet. The objective of defining such facets and their labels is to be able to better classify and distinguish information from blogs with the goal to use these different facets to better target advertisements on blogs. A model of features is built and maintained that classifies information from blogs along the defined facets. The features, including non-keywords and keywords, are extracted from a set of blogs of at least one blogosphere. Non-keywords are related to the blog information and keywords, and assist the keywords in the classification of the different facets/labels. An advertising campaign is defined in terms of the defined facets. The model and the defined advertising campaign will then be able to determine and/or predict placement of an advertisement in a blog or blog page. |
| US08527591B2 |
Method and apparatus for the implementation of a real-time, sharable browsing experience on a guest device
The present invention describes a method and apparatus for the implementation of a real-time, sharable web browsing experience on a guest device, utilizing the transfer of URL and form data information. The present invention further describes a method for joining a synchronized browsing session administered by a synchronization server, comprising activating a hyperlink associated with the synchronized browsing session, sending a request to join the synchronized browsing session to the synchronization server in response to the activation of the hyperlink, and joining the synchronized browsing session. The present invention further describes a method for implementing a synchronized browsing session, comprising receiving information related to a shared web browsing interaction performed by a host device from a synchronization server, and performing the shared web browsing interaction based on the information received from the synchronization server. |
| US08527590B2 |
Solving mixed integer programs with peer-to-peer applications
The present invention discloses methods of solving mixed integer programs (MIP) in distributed environments, where the number of computers or users involved in the optimization can be extremely high. The proposed methods are designed to be robust in order to cope with all the difficulties in public and heterogeneous environments including load balancing and privacy. The present invention also describes a market on computation power. |
| US08527589B2 |
Community enrollment modeling
A method and system for managing enrollment in a collaborative computing environment community are provided. One or more of a group of users wishing to enroll in the collaborative computing community are identified and an enrollment model is implemented. It is then determined if any of the group of users are selected to be enrolled based upon the selected enrollment model. The current community membership is then updated as a result of determining whether to enroll any of the group of users based upon the selected enrollment model. |
| US08527586B1 |
Multi-protocol global namespace mechanism for network attached storage
The present invention provides a system and method for abstracting multiple network attached storage (“NAS”) locations, providing a single global namespace and a single mount point that is protocol and location-independent. As a result, rather than identifying each NAS and file server by location, access is provided through a single transparent mechanism. In order to maintain transparency, the present invention provides a way to reconcile the different naming practices for different file server protocols. |
| US08527585B2 |
Prereading method and system for web browser
The present invention relates to the field of Web browser technology, particularly to a prereading method and system for a Web browser, the method comprising: submitting, by a Web browser client, a first Web page visiting request to a target server and uploading an individual browsing record characteristic of the first Web page; forming, by a transfer server, a prereading policy according to the received individual browsing record characteristic of the first Web page and the stored at least one swarm browsing record characteristic of the first Web page; acquiring, by the transfer server, a Web page from the target server according to the prereading policy and sending the Web page to the browser client for buffering. The present invention makes it possible to preread Web pages according to individual users' visiting habits and preferences in combination with mass users' visiting history, and find out Web pages that a user is most likely to click through computational analysis of weights and preference coefficients on different page elements of Web pages, thereby realizing more precisely prereading, significantly increasing success rate of preread. Further, pages are downloaded in idle period, which advantageously saves time for users by substantially avoiding waiting. |
| US08527582B2 |
Systems and methods for requesting and delivering network content
A system and method for facilitating content requests while maintaining content restrictions may include a proxy server configured to filter requested content based on specified content restrictions. The proxy server may initially retrieve the requested content from an external site using unrestricted access credentials. Upon receipt of the requested content, the proxy server may filter the content to remove and/or replace portions thereof that do not comply with content restrictions. In some arrangements, filtering parameters may be user and/or device-specific. Additionally or alternatively, the proxy server may subscribe to and/or use information streams or feeds to deliver content from requested sites to a user. By delivering information streams or feeds, the potential for user transmission of data to external sites may be reduced and/or eliminated. |
| US08527575B2 |
Queue processing system
A method, performed by a server device, may include receiving a request from a user device to place a user, associated with the user device, in a particular queue; determining whether the user meets one or more qualifications associated with the queue; placing the user in the particular queue, when the user meets the one or more qualifications; monitoring whether the user continues to meet the one or more qualifications, while the user is in the queue; and removing the user from the particular queue, when the user fails to meet the one or more qualifications. |
| US08527570B1 |
Low cost and high speed architecture of montgomery multiplier
A system to perform Montgomery multiplication includes a first multiplier array configured to multiply w bits of an operand X by W bits of an operand Y, where w and W are integers and w is less than W. A second multiplier array is configured to multiply w bits of an operand Q by W bits of a modulo M. An adder array is configured to add outputs of the first and second multiplier arrays to generate a sum. A partial sum array is configured to store a left portion of the sum. A memory is configured to store a right portion of the sum. Q computation logic includes a lookup table and a half-multiplier that compute W bits of the operand Q sequentially in 2 · W w cycles or W w cycles. The W bits of the operand Q are stored in the fourth buffer for use by subsequent W×W operations. |
| US08527569B2 |
Parallel processing method of tridiagonalization of real symmetric matrix for shared memory scalar parallel computer
When a real symmetric matrix is tridiagonalized using a shared memory scalar parallel computer, the matrix is divided into threads to be updated. In the updating, the data of the lower triangular portion is for the calculation utilizing the symmetry in the matrix. The lower triangular matrix portion is divided into columns, and the resultant pieces are assigned to respective CPUs so that an equal number of elements are assigned to each of the CPUs. Also, the computation is performed simultaneously in the column and row directions once for each loading of the data in order to reduce the number of times data is loaded into memory. The lower triangular matrix portion of the diagonal block matrix portion is divided into one small square matrix and two small triangular matrices recursively so that they are updated. |
| US08527564B2 |
Image object retrieval based on aggregation of visual annotations
An approach for responding to a text-based query for a digital image is provided. A request that identifies one or more keywords is received. A number of annotated digital images are selected based on a previously determined optimum quantity of annotated digital images. Composite data is gathered from each annotated digital image and a set of candidate digital images is selected based on the composite data. The set of candidate images are the digital images, of a set of digital images, which have a visual appearance that is most similar to the composite data. A response is generated that identifies those digital images which are most responsive to the one or more keywords. Alternatively, a partitioned response is generated which identifies dissimilar sets of digital images. |
| US08527562B2 |
File storage system and storage control method
Three or more file storage apparatuses and a management computer coupled thereto construct a file storage system. The management computer stores therein migration path management information, which indicates a configuration of a migration path capable of including three or more file storage units arranged in a cascade form, and path history information, which indicates a change history of the configuration of the migration path. Each time when the configuration of the migration path is changed, the management computer updates the migration path management information to information that indicates the changed configuration of the migration path, and adds the information that indicates the changed configuration of the migration path, to the path history information. |
| US08527561B1 |
System and method for implementing a networked file system utilizing a media library
Embodiments of systems and methods for implementing a file system utilizing a media library are disclosed. In particular, embodiments may present a network based file system to one or more host devices. These host devices may utilize the network based file system to organize, store, read or perform other operations in association with files. These files may be managed in conjunction with the media library. |
| US08527558B2 |
Distributed garbage collection
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for garbage collection. A garbage collection data structure is provided for deleting unused data objects. One or more object identifiers are stored in a first data structure in the garbage collection data structure. Each object identifier represents a data object about to be created but not yet assigned any references from other data objects. The first data structure prevents the data object from being deleted during creation of the data object but before one or more references are created to the data object. Data indicative of one or more objects is stored in a second data structure in the garbage collection data structure. The data includes one or more object identifiers, each object identifier representing a created data object. The data also includes one or more references to created data objects. |
| US08527557B2 |
Write behind cache with M-to-N referential integrity
A batch of data records generated by at least one application for persistent storage is cached by a cache management device. At least one of the batch of data records includes at least one foreign key reference that each references one non-existent data record. It is determined that one of a group of batch database storage events has occurred. In response to one of the group of batch database storage events, it is iteratively determined which of the at least one of the batch of data records do not include the at least one foreign key reference that each references the one non-existent data record. Each of the cached batch of data records that do not include the at least one foreign key reference that each references the one non-existent data record is persisted to a database by a batch storage operation. |
| US08527551B2 |
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. |
| US08527548B2 |
Method and apparatus for electronic collection, translation, grouping, and delivery of wage assignment information
This disclosure describes a system that electronically collects, translates, groups, and delivers wage assignment information from at least one initiator to at least one recipient via an accumulator. An initiator initially receives the wage assignment information. Then, an accumulator collects the wage assignment information from at least one initiator, such as a government agency. The accumulator then translates the wage assignment information into a format compatible with electronic data interchange (EDI), such as the ANSI X12 standard. The accumulator then groups the EDI wage assignment information into specific files, batching the files based upon one data field contained within the wage assignment information data set, such as a recipient. The accumulator then delivers a batched EDI wage assignment file to each respective recipient. Once the EDI wage assignment file is received by the recipient, the wage assignment may then be implemented. |
| US08527542B2 |
Generating contextual support requests
User-generated input may be received to initiate a generation of a message associated with an incident of a computing system having a multi-layer architecture that requires support. Thereafter, context data associated with one or more operational parameters may be collected from each of at least two of the layers of the computing system. A message may then be generated on at least a portion of the user-generated input and at least a portion of the collected context data. Related apparatuses, methods, computer program products, and computer systems are also described. |
| US08527530B2 |
Destination prediction using text analysis
A method and device relating to destination prediction of communication messages is presented. The device may include an analyzer configured to analyze a message entered in a universal input field. The analyzer may also provide a search variable based on the entered message. The device may also include a or which may be configured to receive the search variable and determine at least one suggested destination based on the search variable. The prediction of communication destinations eliminates the need for various menus and sub-menus. Thus, a user may send a communication message without the need of lengthy navigations. |
| US08527525B2 |
Providing multiple degrees of context for content consumed on computers and media players
Multiple degrees of context for media content that is consumable on computing platforms including PCs and personal media players is provided by logically organizing context objects into halos that surround each piece of consumable content. The context objects represent information and experiences that are contextually associated with media content to enable users to easily discover content and experiences that they will find interesting in a rich and personal manner. As a user navigates from a content item to a context object in the halo, the context object itself morphs into content that is then surrounded by a new halo of context objects to which the user may navigate. The organization of media content and information into halos enables an effective contextual paradigm that cuts across strict hierarchical structures to allow the user experience to be much more seamless and free-flowing. |
| US08527524B2 |
Document scoring based on document content update
A system may determine a measure of how a content of a document changes over time, generate a score for the document based, at least in part, on the measure of how the content of the document changes over time, and rank the document with regard to at least one other document based, at least in part, on the score. |
| US08527522B2 |
Confidence links between name entities in disparate documents
The invention relates to cross-document entity co-reference systems in which naturally occurring entity mentions in a document corpus are analyzed and transformed into name clusters that represent global entities. In a first aspect of the invention, a name variation module analyzes naturally occurring names of entities extracted from the document corpus and provides an initial set of equivalent names that could refer to the same real world entity. In a second aspect of the invention, a disambiguation module takes the initial set of equivalent names and uses an agglomerative clustering algorithm to disambiguate the potentially co-referent named entities. |
| US08527517B1 |
Efficient knowledge base system
A knowledge base system is provided which includes a relations table which includes slots for a predicate identifier and first and second arguments of a respective relation. Each predicate identifier encodes a key for a respective entry in a predicate table. The predicate identifier also encodes argument types for the two arguments in the respective row of the relations table. Some of the argument types are associated with respective linked tables. This allows one of the arguments in a row of the relations table to serve as a key to an entry in the respective linked table on the condition that the predicate identifier for that row encodes the associated argument type. |
| US08527511B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer-readable medium for setting a retrieval target
An information processing apparatus includes a calculation unit, an information selection unit and an information retrieval unit. The calculation unit calculates a retrieval target level for each information based on time from when the information was stored in the past to the present. The retrieval target level for each information is used to determine as to whether or not each information is set as a retrieval target. The information selection unit selects some of the pieces of information as the retrieval targets based on the retrieval target levels calculated by the calculation unit. The information retrieval unit retrieves the some of the information selected by the information selection unit. |
| US08527510B2 |
Intelligent job matching system and method
A job searching and matching system and method is disclosed that gathers job seeker information in the form of job seeker parameters from one or more job seekers, gathers job information in the form of job parameters from prospective employers and/or recruiters, correlates the information with past job seeker behavior, parameters and behavior from other job seekers, and job parameters and, in response to a job seeker's query, provides matching job results based on common parameters between the job seeker and jobs along with suggested alternative jobs based on the co-relationships. In addition, the system correlates employer/recruiter behavior information with past employer/recruiter behavior, parameters and information concerning other job seekers, which are candidates to the employer, and resume parameters, and, in response to a Employer's query, provides matching job seeker results based on common parameters between the job seeker resumes and jobs along with suggested alternative job seeker candidates based on the identified co-relationships. |
| US08527508B2 |
Input assistance device, method thereof, and non-transitory storage medium storing input assistance program
An input assistance device includes: an operation unit configured to accept information selected by a user from a plurality of input candidates; a storage unit configured to store a priority for displaying the plurality of input candidates according to a display order, the priority determined based on an input history of information accepted by the operation unit in association with each of the plurality of input candidates; and a control unit configured to refer to the storage unit, to change the display order of the input candidates determined based on the priority into other display order by replacing a first input candidate among the plurality of input candidates in a first range from a top percentile priority with a second input candidate in a second range that is outside of the first range, and to output the plurality of input candidates according to the other display order. |
| US08527506B2 |
Media discovery and playlist generation
A computer implemented method and system that generates a video playlist having recommended videos based on a user query object is disclosed. A user query object is used to search for a number of web pages. Summaries are generated for the returned web page search results. Valuable terms and phrases from those summaries may be extracted and used to search video storage sites based on the original user query. Playable videos returned from the video storage sites may be compared to the user query or to the extracted terms and phrases in order to rank the videos, and the most relevant videos may be returned. Those videos may be displayed to the user as a playlist in an Internet browser having an embedded video player. |
| US08527504B1 |
Data network content filtering using categorized filtering parameters
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for filtering data network content using categorized filtering parameters. Filtering parameters (e.g., regular expressions) are categorized and stored in a database accessible by a plurality of users. A user may receive one or more categories of filtering parameters from the database, and then use the categorized filtering parameters to filter content received from a data network. A user may also contribute developed categorized filtering parameters to the database. In one advantageous embodiment, the filtering parameters are designed to filter out advertising content. In such an embodiment, the received content comprises advertising and is filtered using the categorized filtering parameters. A webpage is then rendered using the filtered content such that at least a portion of the advertising is not displayed in the webpage. The categorized filtering parameters stored in the database may be further divided into sub-categories such that the filtering parameters are stored in a hierarchical manner such that a category includes one or more sub-categories. |
| US08527499B2 |
Computer implemented method and system for a user search interface
A computer implemented method for providing a user interface, the method including: providing an interface generator for generating a user interface, the user interface allowing a user to perform a search within a business object or within business objects in a business situation, using a combination of searching using one or more key words and browsing in accordance with predefined options. |
| US08527496B2 |
Real time content searching in social network
Indexing and retrieving real time content in a social networking system is disclosed. A user-term index includes user-term partitions, each user-term partition comprising temporal databases. As a post is received from a user, a user identifier, a post identifier, and a post is extracted. An object store communicatively coupled to a temporal database for recently received content is queried to determine whether terms in the post has already been stored. A term identifier is stored in the user-term index with the user and post identifiers. A forward index stores the post by post identifier. Responsive to a search query, the user-term index is searched by the user's connections and the terms. A real time search engine compiles the results of the user-term index query and retrieves the stored posts from the forward index. The search results may then be ranked and cached before presentation to the searching user. |