| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08523394B2 |
Mechanisms for reducing risk of shock during installation of light tube
Disclosed herein is an LED-based light for replacing a fluorescent bulb in a conventional fluorescent light fixture. The LED-based light includes a housing having a first end opposing a second end, a circuit board disposed within the housing and extending along a longitudinal axis of the housing, at least one LED mounted to the circuit board, at least one end cap disposed on one of the first and second ends of the housing, the end cap including a switch and at least one electrically conductive pin configured for physical and electrical connection to the light fixture; and circuitry configured to provide a current path between the at least one LED and the at least one electrically conductive pin, wherein the switch is configured to selectively disconnect the current path. |
| US08523392B2 |
LED mine light
An LED light device has a generally spherical body with a a plurality of projections radiating outwardly therefrom, each of said projections having a distal end and at least one of said projections has a magnet at its distal end. The body encloses a power source and carries at least one LED light aimed outwardly therefrom. The device has the appearance of a spiked military water mine. |
| US08523386B2 |
Reinforced illuminable safety rope and deployment system
An illuminable safety rope includes an illuminable wire of a predetermined length surrounded by a light-transmitting insulative covering to thereby form an illuminable cable. The insulative covering includes a flange extending radially outward along its length. The flange is defined by opposing side portions and terminates at an edge portion. A fabric material is disposed over and secured to the opposing side and edge portions along at least the length of the illuminable cable to thereby form the safety rope. At least a portion of the illuminable cable opposite the flange transmits light to illuminate the safety rope along its length when the illuminable wire receives power. Additional floatation materials and/or wiring can be provided adjacent the flange and beneath the fabric to enable floatation and/or reinforcement of the rope, or a distress signal to be sent to an alarm. |
| US08523385B2 |
Compact high brightness LED grow light apparatus, using an extended point source LED array with light emitting diodes
The LED grow light fixture uses a densely-packed array of high-brightness LEDs that are not individually packaged where the array behaves similarly to a point source of light. The extended point source LED array, with its lens and associated reflector, result in a concentrated, partially-collimated light source, such that the intensity of the light does not diminish rapidly as distance from the light source increases. The LED array contains a plurality of LED strings that may be separately controlled, thereby allowing the spectral content of the LED grow light to be varied, to facilitate desired plant growth at various stages of plant life. The light emitted at each of the multiple different wavelengths from the array is evenly distributed, when the objects being illuminated by the array are at a distance of less than about 6 feet or even less than 1 foot from the array. |
| US08523380B1 |
Illuminated screen or window attachment
An illuminated attachment is provided for enhancing safety by increasing visibility of a screen or window to prevent accidental contact with the screen or window. The attachment includes a housing, a power source positioned in the housing, a frame coupled to the housing, and a plurality of lights coupled to the frame. The plurality of lights is operationally coupled to the power source. A switch assembly is operationally coupled between the power source and the plurality of lights for selectively illuminating the plurality of lights. An attachment member such as a first magnet is coupled to the housing. Thus, the housing is designed for coupling to a planar material such as screen or window. |
| US08523379B2 |
Smart light
The extendible multifunction light comprises of several electronic functions which communicates with the use of speaker and microphone with each other based on the specific commands that maybe prompted by the user or by programming such response with the use of the control panel. Each of the functions process data which can be stored in the memory of the product which can be transferred into the user's personal computer. A user may transfer information from his or her computer to download into the product. The product may transform itself from a flare to a flashlight; to be extended for use for walking, hiking and skiing. The product has a camera for recording video and audio information, a GPS system for tracking the user, an MP3 player for downloading music, motion detector, LCD navigator screen, breath analyzer and fingerprint scanner. |
| US08523377B1 |
Illuminating assembly
An illuminating assembly for allowing hands free illumination of an area includes a panel which has a first end, a second end, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a top surface and a bottom surface. A wrist coupler is attached to the first end. A finger sleeve is attached to the second end. The finger sleeve is positioned adjacent to the first lateral edge. A light emitter is attached to the wearable light mount. The light emitter is directed away from the first end of the panel. An actuator is operationally coupled to the light emitter. The light emitter is turned on or off when the actuator is actuated. The actuator is attached to the wearable light mount. |
| US08523374B2 |
Refrigerator and door thereof
This present embodiment relates to a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes an exterior member which defines the appearance of the refrigerator and in which a transmissive part, through which light is passed, is formed; a decoration member provided at a rear side of the exterior member; and a light-emitting unit which emits light toward the decoration member. |
| US08523373B2 |
Shell and display module of mobile communication terminal and a method of forming the same
A shell of mobile communication terminal is provided. The shell includes a shell body made by a transparent or semitransparent material and having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface has patterns formed thereon. A semitransparent-semireflecting layer is formed on the outer surface of the shell body. The patterns can be observed from outside of the shell body when there is light transmitting from the inner surface to the outer surface, and the semitransparent-semireflecting layer presents a mirror effect when there is no light transmitting from the inner surface to the outer surface. |
| US08523361B2 |
Projection device with brightness adjustment function and method thereof
A projection device with an illumination adjustment function includes a polarization beam splitter (PBS), a display, a light source, a lens module, a power supply unit, a light detection unit and a power controller. The light source emits light to the PBS. The lens module projects the images to be displayed by the display. The power supply unit supplies power for the light source. The light detection unit acquires a digital value of a portion of the light transmitted from the PBS, and compares the digital value with a predetermined digital value to generate a control signal. The power controller adjusts power from the power supply unit to the light source according the control signal until the digital value matches the predetermined digital value of the light from the light source. |
| US08523352B2 |
Media communication device
Disclosed is an eyewear retention system, which may include any of a variety of electronics, including telecommunications receivers, transmitters, electronic storage devices, and head-up display driving circuitry. |
| US08523351B1 |
Eyewear with interchangeable attachment
An eyeglass attachment for interchangeably coupling with eyeglasses having at least one lens having an outer peripheral edge, and a frame including a nose bridge and two spaced-apart side ear-stems. The ear-stems are pivotally connected to the outer peripheral edges of the lens and include a distal end having a catch. A pair of removable tips connect to corresponding distal ends of the ear-stem and include a hollow cavity member having a rectangular downwardly facing notch having an abutment surface. The attachment means includes an adjustable strap means integrally coupled between a pair of clip assemblies each including a removable means for connecting with the catch of the ear-stems. The clip assemblies include a fastening means for connecting to the adjustable strap, and a pin for pivoting the removable and fastening means about an axis. The pin includes an earpiece holding means for securing a wire therein. |
| US08523350B2 |
Articulating eyeglass retainer system
An improved eyeglass retainer system is provided which comprises one or more semi-rigid straps or cables to attach to the ends of the temples of eyeglasses. Means for attaching each end of said strap or cable to the ends of the temples of the eyeglasses are provided. Such means enable the strap or cable to be maintained in more than one fixed position away from the head and neck of the wearer when the eyeglasses are worn over the ears of said wearer. |
| US08523348B2 |
Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus including: (a) a first conveyor configured to convey a recording medium along a first conveyance path; (b) a first recording head; (c) a second conveyor configured to convey the recording medium along a second conveyance path; (d) a second recording head; (e) a third conveyor configured to convey the recording medium along a third conveyance path; and (f) a posture changer configured to change a posture of at least a downstream-side portion of the first conveyor between a first angular posture and a second angular posture, such that at least a downstream-side part of the first conveyance path is directed to the second conveyance path when the at least the downstream-side portion of the first conveyor takes the first angular posture, and such that the at least the downstream-side part of the first conveyance path is directed to the third conveyance path when the at least the downstream-side portion of the first conveyor takes the second angular posture. |
| US08523347B2 |
Sheet conveyance device and image forming apparatus
Disclosed is a sheet conveyance device installed in an image forming apparatus having an image forming part that forms an image on a sheet member. The sheet conveyance device includes an ejecting/inverting path functioning not only as an ejecting path through which the sheet member having the image formed thereon by the image forming section is ejected outside the image forming apparatus but also as an inverting path through which the sheet member having the image formed thereon is conveyed with front and rear sides thereof inverted in a direction opposite to an ejecting direction; and an inverted-sheet directly ejecting path through which the sheet member with the front and rear sides thereof inverted in the ejecting/inverting path is ejected outside the image forming apparatus without passing through the image forming part. |
| US08523337B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus, includes a liquid jet head; a container main body; an air opening mechanism configured to open and close an air opening path in the container main body. The air opening mechanism includes a holding part, and an opening member movably provided at the holding part. The opening member includes an air communicating path, a filter member, and an air room. An opening cross-sectional area of the air room in a direction perpendicular to an air flow-in direction is greater than an opening cross-sectional area of the air communicating path in a direction perpendicular to an air flow-in direction. |
| US08523336B2 |
Ink supply apparatus
According to one embodiment, an ink supply apparatus supplies ink to a recording head. The ink supply apparatus includes a pump for circulating ink, a first tank for supplying ink to the recording head, a second tank for receiving ink from the recording head, a third tank supplied with ink from an ink supply source, a first pressure adjusting mechanism, arranged between the first tank and the third tank, which is open if the pressure in the first tank is greater than a first given value to discharge ink in the first tank to the third tank, and a second pressure adjusting mechanism, arranged between the third tank and the second tank, which is open if the pressure in the third tank is lower than a second given value smaller than the first given value to draw ink in the third tank into the second tank. |
| US08523335B2 |
System for venting gas at ink containers
A system for venting gas at ink containers which supply inks to a multi-channel inkjet printhead is provided having a plurality of ink containers for supplying fluids to a printhead having a plurality of ink channels, and a gas vent assembly having a plurality of gas vents. Each ink container has an ink port connected to a corresponding one of the ink channels of the printhead and a gas port. Each gas vent is connected to a corresponding one of the gas ports of the ink containers. The gas vents of the gas vent assembly are in fluid communication with the external atmosphere. |
| US08523329B2 |
Inkjet printhead substrate, inkjet printhead, and inkjet printing apparatus
An inkjet printhead substrate includes: a pair of individual conductive layers configured to supply electrical power to a heat generation element; a first common conductive layer configured to be connected to one of the pair of individual conductive layers; a second common conductive layer configured to be connected to the other of the pair of individual conductive layers; and an isolation layer configured to be provided between the one of the pair of individual conductive layers and the first common conductive layer, and between the other of the pair of individual conductive layers and the second common conductive layer, wherein the isolation layer is formed from a conductive material which has a lower solubility in ink than a material used for the pairs of individual conductive layers, the first common conductive layer and the second common conductive layer. |
| US08523327B2 |
Printhead including port after filter
A printhead includes a liquid source, a first substrate, a filter, and a liquid chamber. Portions of the first substrate define a nozzle adapted to emit liquid from the liquid source. The liquid chamber includes a port. The liquid chamber is in fluid communication with the nozzle and the filter and is positioned between the first substrate and the filter. |
| US08523319B2 |
Method for arranging liquid droplet ejection heads, head unit, liquid droplet ejection apparatus, method for manufacturing electro-optical apparatus, electro-optical apparatus, and electronic device
A method for arranging liquid droplet ejection heads includes: arranging and fixing a plurality of inkjet liquid droplet ejection heads, ejecting a common functional liquid, on a common carriage plate, based on the amount of liquid droplets ejected from a number of ejecting nozzles in a nozzle row that each of the liquid droplet ejection heads has, with the heads shifted in a direction of the nozzle row, the heads being so arranged and fixed that in the heads closely aligned in the direction of the nozzle row, a difference between the amounts of liquid droplets ejected from two ejection nozzles located at each innermost end of the heads is within a predetermined range of tolerance, and the amounts of liquid droplets ejected from two ejection nozzles located at the outermost ends in the direction of the nozzle row are within a predetermined range of a reference amount. |
| US08523315B2 |
Recording device with a storage section including an absorption member to store a waste liquid collected from a recording head according to the operation of a pump which receives information from a processing unit which retains information about waste liquid retention and pump operation times
The liquid container has a first storage section in which ink to be supplied to an ink jet recording head is stored; a second storage section in which waste ink collected from the ink jet recording head is stored, and an information holding portion capable of recording information. The second storage section includes a waste ink absorption member which absorbs the waste ink. Moreover, in the information holding portion, information is recorded, the information including the total amount of the waste ink absorption by the ink absorption member, including an initial value of zero, the shortest time period X of continuous waste ink absorption, having a value which changes with the total amount of the waste ink absorption, and the previous collection time of the waste ink. |
| US08523314B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus to utilize ink and reaction liquid that agglutinates when reacted with coloring material-containing ink
Suitable preliminary discharge conditions are set for a recording head using reaction liquid in bidirectional recording. While the recording head makes a reciprocating motion and scans a recording medium, a preliminary discharge of the reaction liquid is executed after recording on the recording medium from discharge ports on the rear side in a direction in which the recording head travels and a preliminary discharge of ink is executed when a preliminary discharge of the reaction liquid is not executed. |
| US08523313B2 |
Inkjet cartridge
An inkjet cartridge has an ink containment system for storing ink for printing. The inkjet cartridge includes a printhead having a plurality nozzles in fluid communication with the ink reservoir and an electrical interconnect for providing an electrical communication between the printhead and a printer controller. The electrical interconnect is disposed at an acute angle relative to the printhead. |
| US08523312B2 |
Detection system using heating element temperature oscillations
A data storage system includes a recording head and a compensating resistor. The recording head has a heating element. The compensating resistor is in electrical series with the heating element and is external to the recording head. A method includes applying an alternating current at a first angular frequency to a recording head. A voltage drop across the recording head heating element is measured. A component of the voltage drop is extracted. The component has a frequency that is three times the frequency of the first angular frequency. |
| US08523304B2 |
Refrigerator and manufacturing method of the same
The present embodiment provides a refrigerator. The refrigerator according to the present embodiment includes a panel member forming at least a portion of the exterior of the refrigerator, an inner case of which at least portion is spaced from the panel, a display case provided at one side of the panel member, insulating material filled in space between the panel member and the inner case, and a display unit mounted on the display case after the filling of the insulating material is completed. |
| US08523301B1 |
Drawer lock
A drawer assembly includes a drawer body that is slideably coupled within a cabinet housing a slide assembly. The slide assembly includes an outer slide portion having a blocking tab disposed thereon. The slide assembly further includes a slide mount having an engagement tab pivotably mounted thereon. The engagement tab engages the blocking tab to lock the drawer assembly. The engagement tab can be released by turning a twist-lock mechanism, which actuates a lever that engages an actuator tab extending inwardly. |
| US08523299B2 |
Flat panel TV stand providing floating appearance
A TV stand for a flat panel TV includes a base with plural shelves and a translucent frame on the top shelf. A rear support holds the TV juxtaposed with the translucent frame with the bottom of the TV above the top shelf, so that the TV appears as though it is floating above the top shelf. |
| US08523297B2 |
Brake control system for an electrically driven vehicle
During regenerative coordinate braking control, a target brake force is defined by eliminating influences of brake system component tolerances to achieve a comfortable brake feel and secure regenerative energy. A brake control system includes a master cylinder, wheel cylinders, a VDC brake fluid pressure unit and a motor controller. In response to a brake pedal operation by a driver, a brake pedal stroke position is detected at which a pressure in a master cylinder actually begins to be generated. A target deceleration characteristic is adjusted from a theoretical characteristic so that the target deceleration equals a maximum value of an add-on brake force (i.e., the regenerative brake gap) at the detected brake pedal stroke position. |
| US08523296B2 |
Electric drive vehicle
An electric drive vehicle having an induction motor for braking or driving wheels, a motor controller for controlling the induction motor, and mechanical brakes for braking the wheels, wherein while the vehicle is in halt in a state that the mechanical breaks are not operating, the motor controller applies DC voltage or AC voltage in a frequency range of −1 Hz to +1 Hz to the stator of the induction motor to make the induction motor generate torque for stopping the vehicle and maintain the vehicle in a halt state. |
| US08523293B2 |
Hydraulic brake apparatus
A hydraulic brake apparatus includes a master cylinder pressurizing brake fluid in a pressure chamber and outputting a hydraulic pressure to a wheel cylinder of a first brake circuit, and a pressure control valve controlling a hydraulic pressure of an auxiliary hydraulic pressure source outputting the controlled hydraulic pressure to a wheel cylinder of a second brake circuit, wherein a master cylinder piston includes a first passage which hydraulically connects the pressure chamber and a reservoir, and a switching valve which closes and opens the first passage, and wherein a throttle means and a check valve, which allows the brake fluid to travel only from the reservoir to the pressure chamber, are hydraulically provided in parallel with each other at the first passage at a position between the switching valve and the reservoir. |
| US08523290B2 |
Rotatable cutting tool-tool holder-base assembly
A cutting tool holder-base assembly (399) has a base (400). The base (400) is adapted to attach to a surface (40) of a rotatable driving member (38). The tool holder-base assembly (399) includes a cutting tool holder (500) with head region (502) containing a cutting tool bore (506), and a shank region (504) with a distal end (524). The shank region (504) has an alignment notch (528) presenting an alignment surface (530) at the distal end (524). The assembly (399) further has a base (400), which contains a tool holder bore (418) and a transverse passage (430) intersecting the tool holder bore (418). There is an elongate pin (436) in the transverse passage (430). The elongate pin (436) has an exposed portion (440) thereof passing through the tool holder bore (418) wherein the cutting tool holder (500) is able to enter completely the tool holder bore (418) of the base (400) when the alignment surface (530) is in alignment with the exposed portion (440) of the elongate pin (436). |
| US08523282B2 |
Foldable leg support
A foldable leg support contains two rotary arms and a supporting surface between the two rotary arms, and the two rotary arms are rotatably connected with a seat member. When in a rest position, the foldable leg support is pulled outward to expand the supporting surface. Hence, the legs are capable of being extended on the supporting surface comfortably to improve blood circulation, and the foldable leg support is suitable for any size of the legs. When the foldable leg support is not used, the supporting surface is put between the two rotary arms, and, then, the rotary arms and the supporting plane surface are folded under an office chair, saving storage space. |
| US08523280B2 |
Vehicle seat
In a vehicle seat having a seat back and a seat cushion that are placed in one of a normal position and a reclining position that is more reclined than the normal position, a link mechanism is operable to change the positions of the seat back and the seat cushion by moving the seat back and the seat cushion in relation to each other, so that a back contact point of the seat back, where a predetermined portion of the back of the seated person contacts the seat back, contacts the predetermined portion of the back of the seated person in both the normal position and the reclining position, and so that an ischial contact point of the seat cushion, where a tuber-of-ischium of the seated person contacts the seat cushion, contacts the tuber-of-ischium of the seated person in both the normal position and the reclining position. |
| US08523278B2 |
Sliding roof device, in particular for a motor vehicle
A sliding roof device for a vehicle, in particular for an automobile, is provided. The device has a movable panel, the front region of which is mounted such that it is slidable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, while the rear region is hinged to at least one push-out lever that is likewise mounted such that it is slidable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The sliding roof device additionally comprises drive devices configured to displace the movable panel by directly driving each push-out lever in the direction of a displacement in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. |
| US08523277B2 |
Sunroof mounting device
A sunroof mounting device is provided, which includes guide rails of which the entire width is reduced by a pair of first and second guiders arranged up and down such that a moving-connecting portion connected to a sunroof is vertically combined in an open space from a side, such that the space opened by the sunroof is not covered by guide rails and improved open feel. |
| US08523276B2 |
Vehicle including a transverse understructure member and a technical front panel pivotably supported by the transverse understructure member during mounting
A vehicle includes an underbody structure element, a technical front panel, and at least one body shell structure element. The technical front panel includes a central part carrying vehicle cooling elements, opposed parts fixed to opposite vertical edges of the central part, and a top cross member including a top edge. One end of the body shell structure element includes two opposed rails extending along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and two opposed parts that accept the technical front panel. The technical front panel pivots about a transverse axis of the vehicle on the underbody structure element when being mounted to the body shell structure element. The technical front panel is separated from the underbody structure element when fully mounted to the body shell structure element. |
| US08523275B2 |
Polycarbonate window frame system
A polycarbonate window system having an integrated ROPS that reduces the thickness of cab posts of machine such that the operator's visibility is increased. The polycarbonate window system also facilitates secure retention of the polycarbonate window without requiring holes to be formed near the periphery of the polycarbonate window, thereby increasing the structural integrity of the polycarbonate window. |
| US08523273B2 |
Vehicle body structure
Provided is a vehicle body structure which can improve collision performance. The sub-side member 3 has a deformation cooperative movement portion 7 whose strength is made lower than the deformation suppressing portion 8 on the rear side, at a position ahead of a power unit EG. The sub-side member 3 easily deforms at a position ahead of the power unit EG when the load is applied. The sub-side member 3 can deform in synchronization with the deformation of the front side member 2, in a region ahead of the power unit EG with high strength and a relatively small number of disposition parts. Accordingly, the sub-side member 3 can absorb the load efficiently in cooperative movement with the front side member 2. Additionally, the sub-side member 3 is constructed so as to have a higher strength than the deformation cooperative movement portion 7, on the rear side of the deformation cooperative movement portion 7. Accordingly, the sub-side member 3 sufficiently transmits the load to a rear frame structure structure. Thereby, the load is distributed to the front side member 2 and the sub-side member 3. |
| US08523272B1 |
Panel assembly for a vehicle and a method of supporting the panel assembly
A panel assembly for a vehicle and a method of supporting the panel assembly is disclosed. The panel assembly includes a first wall and a bracket adjacent to the first wall. The bracket has a first platform facing the first wall. The panel assembly further includes a first support member attached to the first platform and defining an initial state and a final state. The first support member and the first wall define a first gap therebetween when in the initial state. The first support member is expandable to contact the first wall to remove the first gap when in the final state for supporting the first wall to prevent deformation of the first wall. |
| US08523270B2 |
Automobile provided with wheel well deflectors
A motor vehicle includes at least one wheel designed to turn in a well defined by a wheelhouse. The vehicle also includes a wheel deflector of an elongate overall shape extending from the wheelhouse towards the wheel with one end provided with a radius R corresponding substantially to an exterior radius of the wheel. The deflector is arranged in an upper portion of the wheelhouse and extends longitudinally on each side of a median plane of the wheel passing through an axis of rotation of the wheel, with an overall angular length L between 1/20 and ¼ of an external circumference of the wheel. |
| US08523269B2 |
Vehicle back door
A vehicle window panel mounted in a window opening formed in a vehicle to close the opening includes a panel body obtained by molding a resin material. A light-transmitting window is integrally connected to the panel body, and a protrusion is integrally connected to the panel body to protrude toward at least one of an inside or outside of the vehicle. |
| US08523267B2 |
Collapsible roof for a passenger vehicle
A collapsible roof for a vehicle includes a roof cap and an impact energy absorbing protective device connected to the roof cap. The roof cap has ribs. The ribs are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction and each rib extends along a transverse direction. The ribs extend into the protective device. |
| US08523261B2 |
Side wall cover
The subject of the invention is a wall cover on the inner side of a bellows of a transfer between two pivotably interconnected vehicles, wherein the side wall cover is held by two holding devices, wherein each holding device is arranged at the body of a vehicle and wherein the holding device receives the side wall cover to be able to be rolled up when the length of the side wall cover shortens during travel around a curve. |
| 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. |
| US08528109B2 |
Optimizing amount of data passed during software license activation
During a software activation process, a processing device may provide a software license key to be communicated to an activation authority. The software license key may be provided to the activation authority via one of a number of communication methods, such as, for example, via a telephone, via a facsimile, via e-mail, via a text message, or via other communication methods. A length of the software license key may be based on an expected amount of time to provide the software license key to the activation authority. When the expected amount of time is relatively long, the software license key may be relatively short. When the expected amount of time is relatively short, the software license key may be relatively long. In some embodiments, a relatively short software license key may be a unique subset of a relatively long software license key. |
| US08528108B2 |
Protecting secret information in a programmed electronic device
A way for securely protecting secret information—for example, a secret key—in a programmed electronic device is provided. A technique is disclosed for protecting secret information in a programmed electronic device that includes a non-trusted memory containing software, a data memory containing the secret information, and an access restriction logic unit that is adapted to allow or block access to the secret information wherein the secret information is adapted to be used for verifying the integrity of the software. In one embodiment, when starting up the programmed electronic device, the access restriction logic unit allows access to the secret information. Then the secret information is accessed for use in verifying the integrity of the software, and subsequently the access restriction logic unit blocks further access to the secret information. Embodiments of a semiconductor device and a programmed electronic device comprising similar features are also disclosed. |
| US08528106B2 |
Process for matching a number N of reception terminals with a number M of conditional access control cards
The invention relates to a method for matching a number N of reception equipment with a number M of external security modules, each reception equipment being provided with a unique identifier, and each external security module having a unique identifier and containing information about access rights of a user to digital data distributed by an operator. The method comprises the following steps: memorizing a list of identifiers of reception equipment in each external security module, memorizing a list of identifiers of external security modules in each reception equipment, and when an external security module is connected to data reception equipment, a check plan is carried out to determine whether or not the identifier for the security module is present in the list of memorized identifiers in the connected reception equipment, and the same check plan is carried out for the identifier in the list of identifiers memorized in the security module. |
| US08528105B1 |
System and method for ensuring security of data stored on electronic computing devices
A system and method for using a host electronic computing device to prevent access to data in a preselected memory portion of an electronic computing device remote from the host electronic computing device. Each of the electronic computing devices is adapted for selective electronic communication with the other. The system and method comprises a first software program for the remote device, the first software program comprising a unique identifier, a current expiration time value, a comparator for comparing the current expiration time value against a time-based parameter of the remote device, and a security trigger. The system and method further comprises a second software program for the host device, where the second software program includes means for identifying the remote device, means for accessing an expiration time reset schedule, and means for resetting the current expiration time value. |
| US08528103B2 |
System for managing display and retrieval of image content on a network with image identification and linking to network content
A system manages display and retrieval of image content on a network by identifying the image and linking the image to related information, such as licensing information or usage rights. The system manages the display of image content stored within a network by associating thumbnail images that link to versions of the image content stored on a network. One example is a thumbnail that acts as a bookmark linking to image signal content stored on a distributed network of computers, such as links to web pages accessible on the internet. Corresponding methods are also provided. |
| US08528102B2 |
Method and system for protection of customer secrets in a secure reprogrammable system
Methods and systems for protection of customer secrets in a secure reprogrammable system are disclosed, and may include controlling, via hardware logic and firmware, access to customer specific functions. The firmware may comprise trusted code, and may comprise boot code, stored in non-volatile memory, which may comprise read only memory, or a locked flash memory. A customer mode may be checked via the trusted code prior to allowing downloading of code written by a customer to the reprogrammable system. Access to customer specific functions may be restricted via commands from a trusted source. The hardware logic may be latched at startup in a disabled mode by the firmware, determined by the customer mode stored in a one time programmable memory. The customer mode may be re-checked utilizing the firmware, and may disallow the use of code other than trusted code in the reprogrammable system when the re-checking fails. |
| US08528101B1 |
Integrated physical security control system for computing resources
A computing data center that contains a set of physically isolatable units of computing resources for which a physical security exception action plan is to be provided. Upon determining that a security event has occurred for one or more physically isolatable units, the computing data center implements physical security settings on potentially affected computing resources so that a physical security exception action plan can be met. The computing data center may, for example, remove data from the physically isolatable units and make the removed data available elsewhere. |
| US08528099B2 |
Policy based management of content rights in enterprise/cross enterprise collaboration
Systems, methods and apparatuses (i.e., utilities) for use in managing access to and use of artifacts (e.g., word or pdf documents, jpegs, and the like) and any copies thereof in an enterprise/cross-enterprise environment. The utility may include a content management system for storing the artifacts and managing use of the artifacts and an information rights management system for use in sealing the artifacts, validating users and granting licenses for use of the artifacts at the directive of the content management system. |
| US08528096B2 |
Secure universal serial bus (USB) storage device and method
A secure Universal Serial Bus (USB) storage device includes a memory controller capable of storing data in and retrieving data from a memory. The secure USB storage device also includes a USB secure microcontroller capable of authorizing access to the memory through the memory controller to thereby secure the memory. The USB secure microcontroller is also capable of protecting the data stored in the memory to thereby secure contents of the memory. The USB secure microcontroller could include an SPI interface and/or a GPIO interface emulating one or more of an SPI interface and an MMC interface to the memory controller. The memory controller could include an SPI interface and/or an MMC interface to the USB secure microcontroller. The secure USB storage device may be enumerated by a USB host controller under one or more device classes. |
| US08528094B1 |
Automated information association and reporting
A system, method and apparatus for associating data is presented. An association system generally includes a vulnerability information system, user identification system and association tool. The vulnerability information system performs a scan of client devices to identify vulnerable devices. The vulnerability information is transmitted to the association tool where it is cross referenced with user identification information received from the user identification system. The association tool identifies the user associated with the vulnerable devices and this information may be stored to generate historical trend information. In addition, the information may be displayed graphically or may be used to generate reports and identify metrics that can be monitored in order to improve reliability, efficiency and the like. |
| US08528093B1 |
Apparatus and method for performing dynamic security testing using static analysis data
A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to perform a static analysis of a set of target code to identify a first set of security issues. A dynamic analysis of the target code is executed to identify a second set of security issues. The first set of security issues and the second set of security issues are compared and common security issues are reported. |
| US08528088B2 |
Modeling and outlier detection in threat management system data
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for identifying potential threats on a network based on anomalous behavior in communication between endpoints are provided. Traffic data for a network is accumulated over some period of time. The traffic data is grouped by one or more keys, such as source IP address, and sets of metric values are calculated for the keys. A mixture distribution, such as a negative binomial mixture distribution, is fitted to each set of metric values, and outlying metric values are determined based on the mixture distribution(s). A list of outliers is then generated comprising key values having outlying metric values in one or more of the sets of metric values. |
| US08528087B2 |
Methods for combating malicious software
A method for combating malware monitors all attempts by any software executing on a computer to write data to the computer's digital storage medium and records details of the attempts in a system database having a causal tree structure. The method also intercepts unauthorized attempts by executing objects to modify the memory allocated to other executing objects or to modify a selected set of protected objects stored on the digital storage medium, and may also intercept write attempts by executing objects that have a buffer overflow or that are executing in a data segment of memory. The method may include a procedure for switching the computer into a quasi-safe mode that disables all non-essential processes. Preferably, the database is automatically organized into software packages classified by malware threat level. Entire or packages or portions thereof may be easily selected and neutralized by a local or remote user. |
| US08528084B1 |
Systems and methods for detecting potential communications fraud
A system includes a data repository and a processing unit. The data repository stores data associated with a corpus of documents hosted on one or more servers. The processing unit analyzes data associated with a suspect document from the corpus of documents. The processing unit further assigns a score, based on the analyzed data, to the suspect document that indicates whether the suspect document is potentially fraudulent. |
| US08528079B2 |
System and method for combating phishing
In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and system for combating phishing. A computer receives an email comprising a sender email address and a link. The computer determines a sender domain name from the sender email address and ascertains a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) corresponding to the link. The computer then determines a link domain name from the URL. The computer then determines whether the sender domain name is different than the link domain name, so as to classify the URL as a potential phishing URL. |
| US08528077B1 |
Comparing events from multiple network security devices
Events are received from a plurality of security devices (which may be similar or different devices, e.g., intrusion detection systems configured to monitor network traffic) and divided into a plurality of event flows. Comparing the event flows (e.g., using statistical correlation methods) then generates one or more meta-events. The received events may be divided into different event flows on the basis of the security device which generated the events. The meta-events may be generated by evaluating a perimeter defense device through comparison of the different event flows. In some cases, various ones of the security devices may be inside or outside a perimeter defined by the perimeter defense device. |
| US08528076B2 |
Method and apparatus for authenticating online transactions using a browser and a secure channel with an authentication server
A computer-implemented method for authenticating a user using a service provider server and an authentication server, the user communicating with at least one of the service provider server and the authentication server using a user browser. The method includes requesting, using the user browser, the authenticating with the service provider server. The method also includes authenticating, using the user browser, a secure communication channel with the authentication server. The method also includes receiving, using the user browser, a Next Pre-Authentication Anchor (NPAA) value from the authentication server. The method additionally includes temporarily storing the Next Pre-Authentication Anchor (NPAA) value in a user browser cookie associated with the user browser, wherein the Next Pre-Authentication Anchor (NPAA) value is protected by employing Same Origin Policy (SOP). |
| US08528075B2 |
Accelerating the execution of anti-virus programs in a virtual machine environment
The execution of anti-virus programs can be accelerated in a virtual desktop environment. In one embodiment, a server hosts a plurality of virtual machines. Before performing a virus scan on a file, the server computes a signature value of the file, compares the signature value with the stored signature values in a central database, and performs virus scan on the file according to the result of the comparison. If the signature value exists in the central database, the virus scan on the file can be skipped. |
| US08528072B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for access mode control of a device
A method, apparatus, and system for accessing at least a portion of a device based upon an access input. An access input is received. The access input includes information for gaining access to one or more functions of the device. A user access mode of the device is changed from a first access mode to a second access mode based upon at least in part on the access input. An application is selected in the device in response to changing from the first access mode to the second access mode. At least a portion of the output of the selected application is provided. |
| US08528067B2 |
Anytime validation for verification tokens
Systems and method for producing, validating, and registering authentic verification tokens are disclosed. Such systems and methods include generating verification token specific key pairs. The key pairs can be signed by a verification token manufacturer master key or public key certificate for an additional level of authenticity. Related methods and systems for authenticating and registering authorized verification token manufacturers are also disclosed. Once a verification token manufacturer is authenticated, it can be assigned a manufacturer-specific key pair or certificate and in some cases, a predetermined set of serial numbers to assign to the verification tokens it produces. Each serial number can be used to generate a verification token specific key pair specific to the associated verification token. One component of the verification token key pair can be stored to the verification token. Optionally, the component of the verification token key pair stored to the verification token can be signed by the manufacturer specific master key or certificate and stored a verification token public certificate. |
| US08528065B2 |
Means and method for single sign-on access to a service network through an access network
The present invention provides means and method for Single Sign-On authentication of a user accessing a service network through an access network when the user has been already authenticated by a core network where the user holds a subscription. Therefore, a number of means are provided in different entities distributed between the core network and the service network, as well as in the user's equipment, for carrying out the proposed method. The Single Sign-On authentication takes place upon matching in the service network a shared key for the user submitted from the core network with another shared key for the user derived at the user's equipment. |
| US08528059B1 |
Apparatuses, methods and systems for a secure resource access and placement platform
The APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A SECURE RESOURCE ACCESS AND PLACEMENT PLATFORM (“SRAP PLATFORM”) provides a secure supporting infrastructure within a corporate network framework and applications based thereon for use and placement of corporate resources. A non-trusted device may be authorized to access and use corporate resources, and the corporate network server may manage the placement of resources via the SRAP PLATFORM. |
| US08528053B2 |
Disambiguating online identities
Described herein are technologies pertaining to disambiguating identities/accounts over a plurality of online services. Public data streams pertaining to accounts of different online services are analyzed, and a determination is made that the accounts are owned by a same user. A searchable profile is generated for the user that comprises data that indicates that the user represented by the profile owns the accounts. The profile is claimable by the user such that the user is enabled to customize contents of the profile. |
| US08528051B2 |
Mobile terminal, server, and method for providing content information
A mobile terminal includes a communication unit to perform Wi-Fi communication in a Wi-Fi zone of an access point, an authentication unit to perform or request authentication using Media Access Control (MAC) address information of the mobile terminal if the mobile terminal enters the Wi-Fi zone, and a control unit to receive content information allowed according to the authentication result through the communication unit when the mobile terminal is authenticated by the authentication unit. |
| US08528049B1 |
Techniques of providing authentication from computer pointer interactions
A technique provides user authentication. The technique involves generating a pointer data profile entry in a pointer data profile database, the pointer data profile entry having a pointer data profile which is based on first pointer data obtained during a first user session. Such pointer data can be collected from a standard pointing device such as an electronic mouse, a touch-based track pad, a trackball, a scroll wheel, etc. The technique further involves receiving new pointer data during a second user session, and performing an authentication operation based on (i) the pointer data profile entry in the pointer data profile database and (ii) the new pointer data to determine whether a user providing the first pointer data during the first user session and a user providing the new pointer data during the second user session is the same person. |
| US08528046B2 |
Selective management controller authenticated access control to host mapped resources
An information handling system includes a host mapped general purpose input output (GPIO), a shared memory, a board management controller, and a cryptography engine. The host mapped GPIO includes a plurality of registers. The board management controller is in communication with the host mapped GPIO and with the shared memory, and is configured to control accessibility to the plurality of registers in the GPIO, and to control write accessibility of the shared memory based on a private key received from a basic input output system requesting accessibility to the plurality of registers and write accessibility of the shared memory. The cryptography engine is in communication with the board memory controller, and is configured to authenticate the private key received from the board management controller. |
| US08528044B2 |
Information processing apparatus and control method
An information processing apparatus that can easily and safely transmit data. A registering unit registers first authentication information in association with user information indicating a first user. The first authentication information is necessary for the first user to log on to the information processing apparatus. A generating unit generates an address data that is used to transmit data from an external apparatus to the information processing apparatus and includes the user information and second authentication information. A transmitting unit transmits the address data to the external apparatus. An authenticating unit authenticates by utilizing the second authentication information included in the address data when the data is transmitted based on the address data from the external apparatus. A storing unit stores the received data in association with the first user when the authentication by the authenticating unit succeeds. |
| US08528043B2 |
Systems and methods for generating trust federation data from BPMN choreography
In practice, collaborative processes using web services present complex information security requirements, as a domain security model needs to conditionally control access to data and services by both internal and external collaboration participants. One embodiment presents an automated process for defining required trust relationships between collaboration participants that can be used for materializing domain IT policies. A BPMN choreography process model of a business process is parsed to extract participant and task lists. An initiating participant is identified for each task in the task list. A trust graph (can be represented in a matrix format) is generated to represent trust relationships implicit in the business process model by indicating in the trust graph that all other participants in a given task are to trust the initiating participant of that task. A registry can be used to gather data used to materialize security policies based on the trust relationships. |
| US08528042B2 |
System, method, and device for mediating connections between policy source servers, corporate repositories, and mobile devices
The invention relates to providing policy from an integrated policy server to a mobile device, comprising identifying a policy in an integrated policy server applicable to the mobile device and supplying policy elements to policy transports for transmission to the mobile device. The invention also relates to providing policy from an integrated policy server to a mobile device, including identifying a policy in the integrated policy server applicable to the mobile device, determining whether the mobile device is in compliance with the policy, and supplying policy elements to policy transports for transmission to the mobile device when the mobile device is not in compliance with the policy. The invention further relates to controlling access to a data server by a mobile device, including identifying a policy in an integrated policy server applicable to the mobile device, and determining whether the mobile device is in compliance with the policy. |
| US08528036B2 |
Media processing methods and arrangements
The present technology concerns cell phones and other portable devices, and more particularly concerns use of such devices in connection with media content (electronic and physical) and with other systems (e.g., televisions, digital video recorders, and electronic program directories). Some aspects of the technology allow users to easily transfer displayed content from cell phone screens onto a television screens for easier viewing, or vice versa for content portability. Others enable users to participate interactively in entertainment content, such as by submitting plot directions, audio input, character names, etc., yielding more engaging, immersive, user experiences. Still other aspects of the technology involve a program directory database, compiled automatically from information reported by network nodes that watch and identify content traffic passing into (and/or out of) networked computers. By identifying content resident at a number of different repositories (e.g., web sites, TV networks, P2P systems, etc.), such a directory allows cell phone users to identify the diversity of sources from which desired content can be obtained—some available on a scheduled basis, others available on demand. Depending on the application, the directory information may be transparent to the user—serving to identify sources for desired content, from which application software can pick for content downloading, based, e.g., on context and stored profile data. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed. |
| US08528032B2 |
Client-server based interactive television program guide system with remote server recording
An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded. |
| US08528031B2 |
Distributed diagnostics for internet video link
In one embodiment consistent with the invention a method of quality of service (QOS) data aggregation and service management for Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) involves receiving data from a plurality of DDRIVL collector devices representing QOS service for sets of IPTV content providers assigned to each collector device, with each collector device being in a separate specified region of Internet service; evaluating from a geographic and interconnection perspective the data from the plurality of collector devices to isolate IPTV receivers located in areas where problems with IPTV service is likely to be occurring; and populating the isolated IPTV receivers with channel set tuning information that either excludes or flags the channels that may be having problems with IPTV service. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08528030B2 |
Broadcasting receiver and a method of determining an operation mode of broadcasting receiver
A broadcasting receiver and a method of determining an operation mode of broadcasting receiver are disclosed. A host device transmits the resource information including A-mode resource information. And a POD receives the resource information and determining an operation mode based on the received resource information and operation mode setting information. The broadcasting receiver can protect content data received from all the transfer protocols including the wired/wireless network and the IP protocol, using the conditional access provided from the conventional cable card. The broadcasting receiver determines whether the host supports the A-mode and determines a method for receiving broadcast data, such that the operation mode of the broadcasting receiver can be properly established according to the determined result. |
| US08528017B2 |
Carriage of closed data through digital interface using packets
Closed caption (CC) data is carried across a digital interface such as HDMI by a source such as a set top box arrange CC data into a HDMI packet that is then transmitted, along with video packets, across the interface to a sink such as a TV. The CC data is kept in the same format that it was received and the TV's decoder processor processes the packets and renders CC text as if the CC data had been received by the tuner of the TV. |
| US08528015B2 |
Resource sharing system of set-top boxes
The present invention is directed to a resource sharing system of set-top boxes. The set-top boxes are arranged in a network. The resources of each set-top box in the network are potentially available to another set-top box in the network that has run out of resources. When a user needs a tuner resource, the set-top box determines if it has a local tuner available. If not, the set-top box attempts to use the tuner of another set-top box in the network. In one embodiment all of the tuners in the network are pooled together and used as a global resource of tuners for all of the set-tops. Alternatively, if a set-top box runs out of resource space on a storage device, it attempts to use the storage device on another set-top box before deleting shows locally to make room for the new show. |
| US08528004B2 |
Internode data communications in a parallel computer
Internode data communications in a parallel computer that includes compute nodes that each include main memory and a messaging unit, the messaging unit including computer memory and coupling compute nodes for data communications, in which, for each compute node at compute node boot time: a messaging unit allocates, in the messaging unit's computer memory, a predefined number of message buffers, each message buffer associated with a process to be initialized on the compute node; receives, prior to initialization of a particular process on the compute node, a data communications message intended for the particular process; and stores the data communications message in the message buffer associated with the particular process. Upon initialization of the particular process, the process establishes a messaging buffer in main memory of the compute node and copies the data communications message from the message buffer of the messaging unit into the message buffer of main memory. |
| US08528003B2 |
Communication among browser windows
A technique for communicating among browser windows includes communicating between a first browser window and a first plugin file; communicating between the first plugin file and a second plugin file, wherein the second plugin file is associated with a second browser window; and communicating between the second plugin file and the second browser window, and wherein the plugin files function as a communication medium between the first and second browser windows. |
| US08528001B2 |
Controlling and dynamically varying automatic parallelization
A system and method for automatically controlling run-time parallelization of a software application. A buffer is allocated during execution of program code of an application. When a point in program code near a parallelized region is reached, demand information is stored in the buffer in response to reaching a predetermined first checkpoint. Subsequently, the demand information is read from the buffer in response to reaching a predetermined second checkpoint. Allocation information corresponding to the read demand information is computed and stored the in the buffer for the application to later access. The allocation information is read from the buffer in response to reaching a predetermined third checkpoint, and the parallelized region of code is executed in a manner corresponding to the allocation information. |
| US08527998B2 |
Continuous optimization of archive management scheduling by use of integrated content-resource analytic model
A system and associated method for continuously optimizing data archive management scheduling. A job scheduler receives, from an archive management system, inputs of task information, replica placement data, infrastructure topology data, and resource performance data. The job scheduler models a flow network that represents data content, software programs, physical devices, and communication capacity of the archive management system in various levels of vertices according to the received inputs. An optimal path in the modeled flow network is computed as an initial schedule, and the archive management system performs tasks according to the initial schedule. The operations of scheduled tasks are monitored and the job scheduler produces a new schedule based on feedbacks of the monitored operations and predefined heuristics. |
| US08527991B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for cross-system proxy-based task offloading
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for offloading data processing. An offload task 306 hosted on a first data processing system 300-1 provides internal functionality substantially equivalent to that of a second task 304 hosted on a second data processing system 300-2 of a potentially different architecture. A proxy task 308 hosted on the second data processing system 300-2 provides an external interface substantially equivalent to that of the second task 304. A communication mechanism 322 between the first and second data processing systems 300 may be comprised of a network 424, shared storage 422, and shared memory 426. The proxy task 308 substantially replaces the second task 304, delegating the internal functionality of the second task 304 to the offload task 306 via mapping 506 of arguments and accessing 514 and 714 and translating 518 and 710 of input 510 and output 706 data as required. |
| US08527987B2 |
Method and device for installing applications on NFC-enabled devices
The invention relates to a method for installing a target application on an NFC-enabled device, such as an NFC-enabled mobile phone. If the NFC-enabled device is unable to identify or find the target application associated with a Target Identifier (Target ID) in a received Generic Control record, a look-up table in which Target IDs are associated with target URIs from which installation files for the target applications of the Target IDs can be downloaded is used to retrieve the target URI of the Target ID in the received Generic Control record. One or several installation files for the target application are then downloaded from the retrieved target URI, whereupon the target application of the Target ID in the received Generic Control record is installed on the NFC-enabled device using the downloaded installation file(s). |
| US08527985B2 |
Techniques for rapid deployment of service artifacts
A framework (referred to herein as Application Integration Architecture, or AIA) that formalizes and orchestrates activities in an SOA development lifecycle. In one set of embodiments, AIA can capture development-related information in a shared data store and cause the information to flow in an automated or semi-automated manner from one lifecycle phase to the next as the lifecycle progresses. This information flow can, in turn, facilitate automations at each lifecycle phase for the responsible stakeholders (e.g., solution architects, developers, installation developers, etc.), thereby enforcing SOA best practices, enhancing development productivity, and ensuring the quality of the final SOA deliverables. |
| US08527981B2 |
Storage device and method of instructing to update firmware
A storage device includes a plurality of expanders connected to a disk device and a controller unit for controlling the expanders. The disk device stores data transmitted from a host device. The controller determines whether, when download data is received from a predetermined terminal to update firmware of an expander, it is necessary to initialize a corresponding expander after downloading the download data by the expander, transmits determined initialization determining information determined to the terminal, transmits the download data to the corresponding expander, and instructs the corresponding expander to update the firmware at a timing for updating the firmware, which is determined by the terminal based on the initialization determining information. |
| US08527975B2 |
Apparatus and method for analyzing source code using memory operation evaluation and boolean satisfiability
A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to identify a memory operation in target source code. A set of constraints associated with the memory operation are developed. The constraints are converted into a Boolean expression. The Boolean expression is processed with a Boolean satisfiability engine to determine whether the memory operation is potentially unsafe. |
| US08527974B2 |
Data transfer optimized software cache for regular memory references
Mechanisms are provided for optimizing regular memory references in computer code. These mechanisms may parse the computer code to identify memory references in the computer code. These mechanisms may further classify the memory references in the computer code as either regular memory references or irregular memory references. Moreover, the mechanisms may transform the computer code, by a compiler, to generate transformed computer code in which regular memory references access a storage of a software cache of a data processing system through a high locality cache mechanism of the software cache. |
| US08527971B2 |
Parallel program generation method
A method for compiling a source code into a parallel executable form, in which the execution order of the executable is partially undefined. During the compilation process a partial execution order is first defined for instructions having ordering constraints related to the source code level. The partial execution order is then completed with architecture related ordering constraints in order to produce an executable code. |
| US08527968B2 |
Translation device, translation method, and storage medium for program
A declaration translation unit (104) compiles a declaration of variables in overlapping storage areas in a first language to a declaration of independent data variables and respective corresponding flag variables in a second language; an assignment translation unit (105) compiles an assignment to the variables in the areas in the first language so that, in the second language, whether or not the values of the variables are valid is checked assuming that the assignment to the respective overlapping data variables is performed, the results are saved in flag variables for respective variables, and the assignment is performed only to valid data variables; and a reference translation unit (106) compiles the reference of the variables in the areas in the first language so that, in the second language, if the flag variable is valid, the value of the data variable is returned, and if invalid, an exception is occurred. |
| US08527964B2 |
Measurement project analyzer
System and method for creating a measurement application. User input specifying a sequence of functions implementing a measurement application is received, where the sequence of functions are executable to perform a specified task utilizing one or more hardware devices, and where the user input further specifies the hardware devices. Configuration of the measurement application is automatically analyzed according to rules specifying operation of the sequence of functions and the hardware devices. One or more errors in the measurement application are automatically determined based on the analyzing, and error information regarding the errors is displayed on a computer display, where the error information is usable to modify the measurement application to correct the one or more errors. In response to the error information, user input modifying the measurement application to correct the one or more errors may be received and/or the measurement application may be automatically modified to correct the errors. |
| US08527961B2 |
Expression-level debugging without format changes
A debugging tool pauses or stops the execution of a computer program midway through the evaluation of a single line of source code that contains multiple expressions. A debugging tool pauses or stops the execution of a computer program after evaluating and executing one or more expressions within a particular line of source code, but before evaluating and executing one or more other expressions within that same particular line of source code. Thus, programmers can use such a debugging tool to debug a computer program at a level of granularity that is finer than source code line-level. Programmers can use such a debugging tool to debug a computer program, using breakpoints and/or stepping, at an expression-level of granularity. |
| US08527960B2 |
Combining method parameter traces with other traces
Implementations of the present disclosure provide methods including executing an application, generating a method parameter trace, the method parameter trace providing one or more parameter values corresponding to one or more methods called during execution of the application, generating an event trace, the event trace identifying one or more events occurring during execution of the application, and combining the method parameter trace and the event trace to provide a profile of events occurring during each of the one or more methods based on the one or more parameter values. |
| US08527957B2 |
Software testing to validate tenant operations
Systems, methods, computer program products, and the like for testing to validate software operations are described. A first part of a test can be executed in a tenant currently having a first system state. The tenant can be transitioned from the first system state to a second system state. The transitioning can have an unknown effect on a business process or business scenario running in the tenant. A second part of the test can be executed in the tenant while the tenant is in the second system state. Upon completion of the test, it can be determined whether the transition of the tenant from the first system state to the second system state negatively impacts the running of the business process or business scenario. |
| US08527956B2 |
Workload performance projection via surrogate program analysis for future information handling systems
A performance projection system includes a test IHS and multiple currently existing IHSs. The performance projection system includes user application software and surrogate programs that execute on currently existing IHSs. The performance projection system measures user application software and surrogate program performance during execution on currently existing IHSs. The performance projection systems measures runtime program performance during execution of surrogate programs on a future semiconductor die IC design model or virtualized future system. Designers normalize and compare surrogate program runtime performance data with user application software performance data. Designers un-normalize the normalized runtime performance data to generate a projection of runtime performance on the future system. |
| US08527955B2 |
System and method to classify automated code inspection services defect output for defect analysis
A method is implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions. The programming instructions are operable to receive a tool error output determined by a code inspection tool and select at least one defect classification mapping profile based on the code inspection tool. Additionally, the programming instructions are operable to map the tool error output to one or more output classifications using the selected at least one defect classification mapping profile and generate at least one report based on the one or more output classifications. |
| US08527954B2 |
Method for automatically creating a behavior pattern of a computer program for model-based testing techniques
A method is provided for creating a behavior pattern of a computer program which comprises at least one source code with a plurality of program operations which are arranged in a logical succession and the source code is provided with annotations. Each annotation is referencing to a respective program operation and the annotations are read out automatically by a modeling tool, which is running on a processing unit and generating the behavior pattern of the computer program by arranging the annotations which have been read out according to the logical succession of the program operations and providing the generated behavior pattern, so that the generated behavior pattern can be represented via a representing unit. Furthermore, an appropriate server and an appropriate network system are provided. |
| US08527953B2 |
Assessment system for choosing maintenance approaches for GUI-directed test scripts
A graphical user interface (GUI) tool analysis system helps determine whether to purchase or license automated testing tools. The system provides guidance, e.g., to test managers, for making decisions on expenditures for the automated test tools. As a result, the test managers need not make purchasing decisions ad hoc, based on their own personal experience and perceived benefits of implementing a tool based automatic testing approach versus a manual testing approach. |
| US08527951B2 |
Method for the computer-aided determination of an optimization potential of a soft-ware system
A method is disclosed for the computer-aided determination of the optimization potential of a software system including a plurality of modules that can interact with each other at least to some point during execution of the software system. At least one module to be examined is selected from the plurality of modules, in at least one embodiment, and is examined with respect to the effects of an optimization of the at least one module to be examined on the overall consumption of resources of the software system. A respective consumption of resources of one or more modules not to be examined of the plurality of modules is varied according to at least one predetermined criterion, thereby obtaining a modified software system. The overall consumption of resources of the modified software system is determined taking into consideration the variation of the modules not to be examined. The determined overall consumption of resources of the modified software system is then compared to the overall consumption of resources of the unmodified software system. |
| US08527950B2 |
Verification of software applications
Disclosed is a verification method and system for a localized computer software application, the method and system comprising identifying, for a current graphical object generated by a graphical user interface of the localized application, a resource corresponding to the current graphical object; comparing the content of the current graphical object with the identified resource; and generating an error event when the content does not match the identified resource. |
| US08527947B2 |
Selective notifications according to merge distance for software version branches within a software configuration management system
A system for controlling version branching can perform operations including, responsive to a user initiating a check-out operation of a file within a software configuration management system (SCMS), identifying the file and a workspace of the user and searching nodes of the repositories of the SCMS for a successor version of the file. When a successor version of the file is located within a node that is within a predetermined distance of the workspace of the user, a notification that the successor version of the file is within the predetermined distance of the workspace of the user can be output. When a successor version of the file is not located within a node within a predetermined distance of the workspace of the user, the file can be checked-out to the workspace of the user. |
| US08527946B2 |
Declarative object identity using relation types
The present invention provides a programming model based on a relational view of the heap which defines identity declaratively, obviating the need for equals( ) and hashcode( ) methods. Each element in the heap (called a tuple) belongs to a relation type and relates an immutable identity to mutable state. The model entails a stricter contract: identity never changes during an execution. Objects, values, and singletons arise as special cases of tuples. |
| US08527942B2 |
Enumeration classes
In an embodiment, a technique for acquiring a class definition of a class, the class associated with an enumeration, the enumeration enumerating a partial list of instances of the class; generating a data structure based on the class definition, the data structure associating one or more identifiers with an instance enumerated in the enumeration; and storing the data structure in a computer storage. |
| US08527940B2 |
Integrated development environment with automatic working sets
A processing device executing an integrated development environment scans for available projects, each project having a directory structure that contains source code. The processing device identifies available projects that match predetermined criteria. The processing device then automatically groups the projects that match the predetermined criteria into a working set, wherein projects arranged into the working set are visually presented to a user together, and wherein one or more operations can be performed on every project in the working set based on a single user command. |
| US08527939B2 |
GUI modeling of knowledge base in a modeling environment
This disclosure relates to methods, systems, and software for GUI modeling of at least one contextual help object, potentially representing a knowledgebase, in a modeling environment. For example, software for utilizing contextual help may be operable to identify a business object for an application and associate a contextual help object in a knowledgebase repository to the identified business object. The software may be further operable to automatically configure the front-end of the application using the modeling environment and based on the business object and the contextual help object and, upon activation of the business object, to display just-in-time help to a user of the application via the front-end. |
| US08527926B2 |
Indicator calculation method and apparatus
A method for calculating an indicator value includes: extracting features, which are mutually independent, by using data stored in a data storage unit storing, for each group of circuits implemented on a semiconductor device, the number of actual failures occurred in the group and a feature value of each feature that is a failure factor; generating an expression of a failure occurrence probability model, which represents a failure occurrence probability, which is obtained by dividing a total sum of the numbers of actual failures by the number of semiconductor devices, as a relation including a sum of products of the feature value of each of the extracted features and a corresponding coefficient, by carrying out a regression calculation using data stored in the data storage unit; and calculating an indicator value for design change of the semiconductor device from the generated expression of the failure occurrence probability model. |
| US08527924B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing formal verification of polynomial datapath
A method and apparatus are provided for use in synthesis of RTL integrated circuit design to determine the functional equivalence of designs. For example, the receiver receives a plurality of designs for synthesis in RTL and a data flow graph is derived for each design. Internal bit widths in the data flow graph representations are restricted (52) to provide a first modified version of each of the designs. These first modified versions are compared each with the design from which it was derived in a comparison unit (54). The input bit widths of the data flow graph representation are then restricted to be no wider than the output bit widths (56) to derive second modified versions of the designs (58). These second modified versions are compared with each other (60) to determine which are equivalent. Equivalent designs can be passed to an RTL synthesis unit 62, or otherwise further evaluated. |
| US08527921B2 |
Constrained random simulation coverage closure guided by a cover property
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system which verifies a circuit design by biasing input stimuli for the circuit design to satisfy one or more temporal coverage properties to be verified for the circuit design. This system performs a simulation in which random input stimuli are applied to the circuit design. The system performs the simulation by using a finite state automaton (FSA) instance for a temporal coverage property to observe inputs and outputs of the circuit, and by using soft constraints associated with the FSA instance to bias the input stimuli for the circuit design so that the simulation is likely to progress through a sequence of states which satisfy the temporal coverage property. |
| US08527913B2 |
Method for resizing pattern to be written by lithography technique, and charged particle beam writing method
A method for resizing a pattern to be written by using lithography technique includes calculating a first dimension correction amount of a pattern for correcting a dimension error caused by a loading effect, for each small region made by virtually dividing a writing region of a target workpiece into meshes of a predetermined size, based on an area density of the each small region, calculating a second dimension correction amount in accordance with a line width dimension of the pattern to be written in the each small region, correcting the first dimension correction amount by using the second dimension correction amount, and resizing the line width dimension of the pattern by using a corrected first dimension correction amount, and outputting a result of the resizing. |
| US08527912B2 |
Digitally obtaining contours of fabricated polygons
The present invention provides a method for digitally obtaining contours of fabricated polygons. A GDS polygon described in a Geographic Data System (GDS) file is provided. Based on the GDS polygon, a plurality of identical polygons is fabricated with the same fabrication process such that shapes of the plurality of identical polygons are altered by optical effects in the same or similar way. The plurality of identical polygons forms poly-silicon gates of a plurality of test transistors. The position of source and drain islands along a length of a poly-silicon gate for each of the plurality of test transistors is different. Using Automated Test Equipment (ATE), a digital test is performed on a circuit including the plurality of test transistors to obtain test responses, the test responses being raw digital data. The test responses may be displayed in a histogram reflecting a contour of the plurality of identical polygons or post-processed to reconstruct a contour of the plurality of identical polygons. |
| US08527910B2 |
Method and display apparatus of providing advance screen saver warning
A method and display apparatus of providing an advance screen saver warning is disclosed. The display apparatus includes a parameter set unit, a counter, and a controller. The parameter set unit initially predetermines a screen saver standby time and an advance screen saver warning time, and the counter counts a current system idle time during which no system input activity is detected. Then the controller activates an advance screen saver warning before activating a screen saver if the current system idle time is greater than or equal to a time difference between the screen saver standby time and the advance screen saver warning time, where the advance warning may be in the form of a warning window displayed on a display screen or a warning sound outputted through a speaker. |
| US08527904B2 |
Quick data entry lanes for touch screen mobile devices
Systems and method for interpreting a data selection on a touch screen may include providing an interface on the touch screen with a plurality of lanes, each lane associated with an attribute, and each attribute associated with a plurality of values. Icons may fill each lane, with each icon configured to display one of the values of the attribute of the lane. The interface may also have a first lane where a first icon is not displayed. It may be determined that a finger gesture input from the touch screen with a direction is associated with the first lane, and in response, the icons in the first lane may be moved in that direction to display the first icon. A finger tap input from the touch screen corresponding to the first icon may enlarge a size of the first icon on the touch screen to substantially fill the first lane. |
| US08527898B2 |
Direction-based data entry system
A direction-based data entry system displays a field having an initial value and a field location. When the user selects the field, the direction-based data entry system enters a data entry mode in which an auxiliary data entry tool is not displayed. To enter a new value for the field, the user indicates movement across the display relative to the field. As the user indicates movement, the direction-based data entry system may display an indication of a new value for the field represented by the movement. When the new value is the value that the user wants entered into the field, the user terminates the movement, which causes the new value to be the current value for the field. |
| US08527897B2 |
System, method, and computer program product for toggling back and forth between unformatted and formatted editable views of data
A method according to one embodiment includes outputting several data elements in a raw view in which all of the data elements are selectable by a single action; allowing editing of the data elements in the raw view; outputting the data elements in a formatted view in which the data elements are positioned in individual fields; allowing editing of the data elements in the formatted view; and toggling back and forth between the raw view and the formatted view. Additional systems, methods, and computer program products are also disclosed. |
| US08527896B2 |
User interface menu with hovering icons
A graphical user interface is provided that has two distinct sections. A first area has an array of menu items. When a menu item is hovered over by a pointer, an icon such as a contextually-related animated icon is displayed on a second area and changes its appearance in such a way as to indicate to the user the location of the pointer and/or the consequence of selecting that menu item. |
| US08527889B2 |
Application and method for dynamically presenting data regarding an end point or a service and service management system incorporating the same
An application and method for dynamically presenting data regarding end points and services relative to a subscriber. In one embodiment, the application is operable with a service management system and is configured to employ the service management system to determine relationships between a subscriber and services and end points associated therewith and generate a user interface that provides a view, based on the relationships, of at least one of: (1) one of the services in terms of end points that play roles in the one of the services and (2) one of the end points in terms of services in which the one of the end points plays a role. |
| US08527887B2 |
Device and method for improving efficiency of entering a password using a key-limited keyboard
A method is provided for reducing a number of keys that a user is required to depress on a device having a keyboard with a limited number of keys when the user enters a password. The method comprising the following steps. A subset of characters used to define the password is determined. A filter to apply to the keyboard is determined in accordance with the determined subset of characters. The filter is applied when the user depresses the keys. Devices and computer readable medium for implementing the method are also provided. |
| US08527885B2 |
Method for managing memory in a client terminal, corresponding signal, computer program and terminal
A method is provided for managing memory in a mobile communication terminal suitable for processing information representing a multimedia scene that comes in the form of a multimedia content having multimedia elements. The method includes a step of receiving the multimedia scene and the following steps that are implemented simultaneously: a step of rendering the scene in continuous or progressive loading mode on the terminal; and a step of storing a portion of the multimedia content representing the multimedia scene, the portion being pre-identified in the multimedia content. |
| US08527884B2 |
System and method for browsing based on user recognition
Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable media for browsing based on user recognition. The method includes receiving input from a user, verifying a user identity based on the input, identifying a browsing device of the user, retrieving a user profile associated with the user and the identified browsing device, the profile storing browser settings, and launching a browser on the identified browsing device with browser settings from the retrieved user profile. The input can be speech. The user identity can be verified by network-based speaker recognition. The method can further automatically update the user profile based on user actions. In one aspect, the method further identifies a preferred browser in the user profile, provisions a version of the preferred browser adapted to the identified browsing device, and launches the provisioned preferred browser on the identified browsing device with settings from the retrieved user profile. |
| US08527883B2 |
Browser operation with sets of favorites
Methods, apparatus, and products for browser operation with sets of favorites, the browser supporting tabbed browsing, where the browser operation includes opening, by the browser, a first member of a set of favorites in a new tab and loading, by the browser, a Uniform Resource Locator (‘URL’) for each member of the set into navigation memory for back and forward navigation functions for the new tab. |
| US08527880B2 |
Method and apparatus for virtual editing of multimedia presentations
A method and apparatus for viewing desired portions of a multimedia presentation. Desired portions of a multimedia presentation are determined. In one embodiment, an editor may determine which portions of the presentation are desired. Alternatively, or additionally, specified criteria may be applied to the presentation to determine the desired portions. An annotation file is then created based upon the determined desired portions of the multimedia presentation. The annotation file contains pointers corresponding to the desired portions of the multimedia presentation. Annotation management software may be use the annotation file to cause a display device to display only desired portions of the presentation. The annotation file may be applied to a broadcast presentation or a recorded program file. In one embodiment the annotation file may contain information related to the desired portions of the multimedia presentation and/or the remainder of the multimedia presentation. |
| US08527873B2 |
Force feedback system including multi-tasking graphical host environment and interface device
A force feedback system provides components for use in a force feedback system including a host computer and a force feedback interface device. An architecture for a host computer allows multi-tasking application programs to interface with the force feedback device without conflicts. One embodiment of a force feedback device provides both relative position reporting and absolute position reporting to allow great flexibility. A different device embodiment provides relative position reporting device allowing maximum compatibility with existing software. Information such as ballistic parameters and screen size sent from the host to the force feedback device allow accurate mouse positions and cursor positions to be determined in the force feedback environment. Force feedback effects and structures are further described, such as events and enclosures. |
| US08527869B2 |
Method and system for web page personalization
The invention includes a method and system for personalizing displays of published Web pages provided by Web content providers to meet the interests of Web users accessing the pages, based on profiles of the users. The system preferably provides to the requesting user, through a proxy server, an edited version of the HTML file for the original published Web page that is served by a host Web server. The system uses user profiles that may include demographic and psychographic data to edit the requested Web page. The content of a Web page as published by a host Web server may be coded to correlate components of the Web page with demographic and psychographic data. The user profiles may then be used to filter the content of a coded Web page for delivery to a requesting user. The system may rearrange content on a published Web page so that content determined to be of higher interest to a user is more prominently featured or more easily or quickly accessible. The system may also delete content on a published Web page that is determined to be of low interest to a user. In embodiments of the invention, a single proxy server or proxy server system personalizes Web pages from multiple Web servers, using a single user profile for a user. |
| US08527867B2 |
Enabling users to edit very large XML data
Enabling users to edit data encoded in extended markup language (XML). In one embodiment, an XML data to be edited is received and preprocessed to generate a tabular data corresponding to the XML data. The generated tabular data is stored in the form of a staging table in a database. On receiving a request indicating that a portion of the XML data is to be replaced by a new portion, a query corresponding to the request is generated. The query is directed to the staging table in the database and is designed to cause the portion to be replaced by the new portion in the tabular data. The query is then performed on the database to replace the portion with the new portion in the tabular data. Once the edits are completed, new XML data containing the edits is constructed from the modified tabular data. |
| US08527864B2 |
Method of compound document comparison
A method and system for comparing compound documents. An original compound document and a modified compound document are analyzed to determine and mark the location of embedded objects. A comparison is performed between an original primary document and the modified primary document, ignoring the embedded objects, the output of which is a comparison output document. The embedded objects are compared by copying the contents of the embedded objects to compatible documents, comparing the embedded object from the original compound document and the embedded object from the modified compound document, the output of which is inserted into the comparison output document using the location markers of the embedded objects. |
| US08527863B2 |
Navigating through cross-referenced documents
An instruction is received to display a section of a referencing document on a screen. The section has at least one referencing link referencing a different section. The section of the referencing document is displayed on the screen. A selection of a referencing link is received. The different section referenced by the referencing link is displayed on the screen, at least partially at a same time of the displaying of the section of the referencing document. A visual indicator that associates the referencing link with the different section is displayed. Also in response to receiving the selection and in response to determining that the section of the referencing document includes multiple reference links of the at least one reference link to different section, other visual indicators that associate the multiple referencing links with the different section are displayed. |
| US08527862B2 |
Methods for making ajax web applications bookmarkable and crawlable and devices thereof
Methods, devices, and computer-readable storage media that make an asynchronous JavaScript and extensible mark-up language (AJAX) application content state bookmarkable and crawlable include receiving a HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) request is received. The HTTP request includes an HTTP request uniform resource locator (URL) representing a current application state. When the HTTP request URL contains a first reference substring, a second substring is extracted from the HTTP request URL based upon the first reference substring. A modified URL is generated based at least in part on the extracted second substring. The modified URL represents the current application content state. |
| US08527860B1 |
System and method for exposing the dynamic web server-side
A system and method for accessing a rich web site is disclosed herein. The method includes serving the web-page as a container on the server-side and instantiating a content of the Web-page with a plurality of JavaScript calls or a plurality of AJAX calls, which allows APIs to access and retrieve information from the Web-page and to process the content of the Web-page. |
| US08527859B2 |
Dynamic audio playback of soundtracks for electronic visual works
An electronic book is provided with a soundtrack, to which a reader can listen while reading the electronic book. The soundtrack accompanies and enhances the reading experience, in which readers generally have images in their minds based on the story or other visual media that is part of the electronic book. Playback of the soundtrack is synchronized with the visual display of the electronic book. Audio cues are associated with different points in the text and these cues are dynamically played back in synchronization with the visual display of the electronic book based on the interaction of the user with the electronic book. The dynamic playback involves editing and playing an audio cue so that it has a duration that is based on a prediction of the duration of the portion of the electronic book with which the cue is synchronized. When the system starts playing an audio cue, it predicts when the next audio cue should start. The current cue is played for predicted duration and a transition to the next audio cue is initiated at an appropriate time. |
| US08527856B2 |
Encoding apparatus and method using turbo code, and permutation unit and method
Disclosed are an apparatus and a encoding method using a turbo code and a unit and a method of permutation. The apparatus for encoding using a turbo code according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a first encoder that encodes 3 bits inputted from first to third blocks each of which is formed of N bits respectively, with recursive systematic convolutional codes to output a first parity bit; a permutation unit that permutates the 3 bits; a second encoder that encodes the permutated 3 bits with the recursive systematic convolutional codes to output a second parity bit; and a puncturing unit that optionally removes the first parity bit and the second parity bit in consideration of a coding rate of a predetermined turbo code to control the coding rate. |
| US08527855B2 |
Interleaving and parsing for MIMO-OFDM systems
A wireless bit-interleaved coded OFDM (BI-COFDM) multiple-in-multiple-out (MIMO) system that improves the diversity seen by a convolutional decoder. The bit stream is interleaved first, then bits are mapped into symbols and then symbols are parsed into Nt separate streams, where t is the number of transmitters. A deinterleaver then performs the inverse permutation before sending the symbols to a Viturbi decoder. In another embodiment, a transmitting side bit-interleaver transforms an encoded and punctured bit stream using a first permutation, groups the transformed bit stream according to a desired constellation on one of Nt antennae, splits the transformed bit stream into separate streams accordingly and bit-interleaves/symbol-maps using a plurality of bit-interleavers/symbol-mappers to permute each stream using a second permutation. A receiving side performs the inverse operations of the transmitting side. |
| US08527852B2 |
Chained checksum error correction mechanism to improve TCP performance over network with wireless links
Data communication, with improved error detection, of a signal having a plurality of data blocks, by: error checking a received data block in a first sequence using a first polynomial, beginning with a first predetermined initial error checking state, producing a first checksum; error checking the received data block in a second sequence using a second polynomial, using the first checksum as a second predetermined initial error checking state, producing a second checksum; comparing the second checksum to the first predetermined initial error checking state to detect errors in the data communication; and repeating the above steps for sequential data blocks of the data communication, wherein the first polynomial is an inverse of the second polynomial. |
| US08527851B2 |
System and method for using the universal multipole for the implementation of a configurable binary Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem (BCH) encoder with variable number of errors
The present invention is a configurable binary BCH encoder having a variable number of errors. The encoder may implement a universal multipole block which may be configured for receiving an error number input, which may include a maximum error number limit for the encoder, and for calculating a plurality of error coefficients based on the error number input. The encoder may be further configured for receiving a plurality of information bits of an information word. The encoder may be further configured for transmitting/outputting a first (ex.—unmodified) subset of the information bits as an encoder output. The encoder may be further configured for calculating a plurality of parity bits based on a second subset of the information bits and the error coefficients. The encoder may be further configured for transmitting/outputting the calculated parity bits as part of the encoder output. |
| US08527843B2 |
Iterative decoding of blocks with cyclic redundancy checks
The iterative decoding of blocks may be continued or terminated based on CRC checks. In an example embodiment, one iteration of an iterative decoding process is performed on a block whose information bits are covered by a CRC. The iterative decoding process is stopped if the CRC checks for a predetermined number of consecutive iterations. In another example embodiment, a decoding iteration is performed on a particular sub-block of multiple sub-blocks of a transport block, which includes a single CRC over an entirety of the transport block. The CRC is checked using decoded bits obtained from the decoding iteration on the particular sub-block and decoded bits obtained from previous decoding iterations on other sub-blocks of the multiple sub-blocks. The decoding iteration is then performed on a different sub-block if the CRC does not check. Also, the decoding iterations for the sub-blocks may be terminated if the CRC checks. |
| US08527841B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for using multi-level cell solid-state storage as reduced-level cell solid-state storage
A controller is used for an electronic memory device which has multi-level cell (MLC) memory elements. The individual MLC memory elements are capable of storing at least two bits. The controller includes a physical interface to couple the controller to the electronic memory device. The controller also includes a processing unit coupled to the physical interface. The processing unit operates the electronic memory device using a restricted number of programming states for a single data bit. The restricted number of programming states includes first and second states used to represent a most significant bit (MSB) of the at least two bits of data of the designated programming states. |
| US08527840B2 |
System and method for restoring damaged data programmed on a flash device
A system and a method for restoring damaged data programmed on a memory, such as a Flash memory, including detecting a failure of a memory controller to successfully decode encoded data using a first decoding algorithm, performing soft sampling of the encoded data to provide soft samples of the encoded data, applying, for example, by a computer coupled to the memory controller, a second decoding algorithm on the soft samples of the encoded data. The second decoding algorithm may have an error correction capability exceeding an error correction capability of the first decoding algorithm. |
| US08527839B2 |
On-the-fly repair method for memory
An on-the-fly repair method for a memory includes: performing a block erase operation on the memory; checking whether the block erase operation is passed or not; finding whether there is any available and healthy redundancy block in the memory if the block erase operation is not passed; programming an address of a failed block to be repaired, an enable bit and at least one error correction bit into both first and second redundancy information regions in a redundancy information set of the memory; checking whether error in the first and the second redundancy information regions is recoverable based on the error correction bit; and if the error is recoverable, then programming the redundancy information set as effective to replace the failed block by the redundancy block related to the effective redundancy information set. |
| US08527834B2 |
Information processing device and information processing method
An information processing device implements error control including at least one of error detection and error correction. The device comprises an information bit sequence acquiring unit and an encoder. The information bit sequence acquiring unit acquires an information bit sequence. The encoder generates a redundant bit sequence enabling execution of error control of the entire information bit sequence, the redundant bit sequence being generated through encoding by a predetermined code based on the information bit sequence and generates a codeword that includes the information bit sequence and the redundant bit sequence. The encoder generates the redundant bit sequence in such a way that one or more bits contained in the redundant bit sequence each functions as a parity bit for one of a plurality of divided information bit sequences produced by dividing the information bit sequence. |
| US08527823B2 |
Gating of clock-DR and pause-DR from TAP to TCA
The disclosure describes novel methods and apparatuses for controlling a device's TCA circuit when the device exists in a JTAG daisy-chain arrangement with other devices. The methods and apparatuses allow the TCA test pattern set used during device manufacturing to be reused when the device is placed in a JTAG daisy-chain arrangement with other devices, such as in a customers system using the device. Additional embodiments are also provided and described in the disclosure. |
| US08527819B2 |
Data storage in analog memory cell arrays having erase failures
A method for data storage includes performing an erasure operation on a group of analog memory cells (32). One or more of the memory cells in the group, which failed the erasure operation, are identified as erase-failed cells. A storage configuration that is used for programming the analog memory cells in the group is modified responsively to the identified erase-failed cells. Data is stored in the group of the analog memory cells using the modified storage configuration. |
| US08527814B1 |
Method and system for repairing an error in a software application
A method for repairing an error in a software application, including receiving an error including an error description detailing the error, identifying, using a plurality of commands, a network address of a client computer executing the software application and a file system location on the client computer, transmitting, using the plurality of commands, an error tool file to the client computer at the network address, storing, using the plurality of commands, the error tool file on the client computer at the file system location, installing, using the plurality of commands, an error tool on the client computer using the error tool file, executing, using the plurality of commands, the error tool on the client computer, repairing the error in the software application after executing the error tool, and receiving feedback in the form of an execution log from the error tool. |
| US08527813B2 |
Dynamic reprioritization of test cases during test execution
Systems and methods are described that dynamically reprioritize test cases for Model-Based Testing (MBT) during test execution. Test case execution is prioritized according to their potential to detect uncovered failures within a design model. |
| US08527811B2 |
Problem record signature generation, classification and search in problem determination
A method for problem determination and resolution in an information technology (IT) system includes receiving a problem ticket, searching a database for a plurality of problem features based on data included in the problem ticket, extracting the plurality of problem features from the database, and generating a problem signature corresponding to the problem ticket, wherein the problem signature comprises at least one non-textual feature extracted from the plurality of problem features. |
| US08527808B2 |
DMI redundancy in multiple processor computer systems
In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, a method and apparatus are disclosed that includes aspects of monitoring a first processor of a computer by a monitoring module for a first processor instability; determining if the first processor is stable based on the monitored first processor instability; routing operational priority to a second processor of the computer through a multiplexer module if the first processor is determined not to be stable, wherein a first interface of the first processor and a second interface of the second processor are in communication with the multiplexer module and wherein the first processor and the second processor are in communication by a processor interconnect; and operating the computer using the second processor. |
| US08527806B2 |
Information processing device and memory anomaly monitoring method
The present invention provides an information processing device having a CPU which executes an OS and firmware, and a plurality of memory controllers which are connected to the CPU, control writing to and reading from a plurality of memory units, and perform error monitoring, wherein the plurality of memory units each connected to the plurality of memory controllers, the memory controllers sequentially read memory areas of the plurality of memory units connected to the memory controllers, and perform error area monitoring, and the firmware converts addresses recognized by the memory controllers corresponding to the error areas into logical addresses recognized by the OS, and supplies the logical addresses to the OS. |
| US08527803B2 |
System and method for multiple backplane time synchronization
A system and method for synchronizing multiple backplanes within an information handling system are disclosed. An information handling system includes a first controller that may be operable to generate a time command at a predetermined time interval. A backplane including a second controller is communicatively coupled to the first controller. The second controller may be operable to receive the time command from the first controller and calculate a skew for the time command based at least on a location of the backplane. The second controller may further be operable to adjust a time domain of the backplane based on the calculated skew for the time command to synchronize the backplane. |
| US08527801B2 |
Performance control of frequency-adapting processors by voltage domain adjustment
A performance control technique for a processing system that includes one or more adaptively-clocked processor cores provides improved performance/power characteristics. An outer feedback loop adjusts the power supply voltage(s) provided to the power supply voltage domain(s) powering the core(s), which may be on a per-core basis or include multiple cores per voltage domain. The outer feedback loop operates to ensure that each core is meeting specified performance, while the cores also include an inner feedback loop that adjusts their processor clock or other performance control mechanism to maximize performance under present operating conditions and within a margin of safety. The performance of each core is measured and compared to a target performance. If the target performance is not met for each core in a voltage domain, the voltage is raised for the voltage domain until all cores meet the target performance. |
| US08527800B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying hour by hour power level status transitions for a network device by parsing cron job strings associated with the network device
Embodiments of the present invention include a method, apparatus, system, and/or computer program for monitoring energy consumption in a network and producing a display grid that provides a visual depiction of network device power consumption at any given time. The method includes, in one example, receiving a request for a power level schedule for a network device. The request may include a time period or date range over which the power level schedule should be produced. The method may also include retrieving Cron job strings associated with the network device, and parsing the Cron job strings to determine transitions from one power level to another and times for the transitions of the power level of the network device. The method further includes building a visual grid that depicts the power level schedule for the network device during each hour of the time period, based on the determined transitions. |
| US08527799B2 |
Information processing apparatus capable of being instructed to power off by a command from external apparatus, method of controlling the same, and storage medium
An image processing apparatus that is capable of being instructed to power off, by a power switch or a command from an external apparatus, and is capable of executing the restart thereof under appropriate conditions. When power-off is instructed, shutdown is started. Upon completion of the shutdown, if the power switch is on, and at the same time the power-off has been instructed by the power switch of the apparatus, the restart of the apparatus is executed, whereas upon completion of the shutdown, if the power-off has been instructed by a command from the external apparatus, the restart of the apparatus is not executed. |
| US08527796B2 |
Providing adaptive frequency control for a processor using utilization information
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for receiving utilization data from thread units of one or more processor cores, determining an operating frequency for a core clock signal based on the utilization data, a target utilization value, and an operating mode of the processor, and generating the core clock signal based on the determined operating frequency. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08527795B2 |
Changing processor performance from a throttled state during a power supply failure
A method, system, and computer usable program product for improving processor performance during power supply failure are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A throttled condition of a processor is detected in a data processing system. A voltage of the electrical power being provided to the processor is reduced. The processor is un-throttled. Additionally, a frequency of electrical power being provided to the processor may also be reduced. A determination is made whether a condition that caused the throttling has been corrected. In response to the condition having been corrected, the frequency is returned to normal frequency and the voltage is returned to normal voltage. The reducing the frequency operation and reducing the voltage operation may each be performed by distinct components communicating over a data network external to the data processing system. |
| US08527794B2 |
Realtime power management of integrated circuits
An integrated circuit comprising a plurality of functional blocks, each functional block being operative to cause one or more power consuming events, each power consuming event being associated with a respective weight. The integrated circuit also comprises at least one accumulation block for monitoring the functional blocks over a time window and generating a weighted count of the number of occurrences of each power consuming event within the time window; and a power calculation module for calculating a runtime power consumption estimate over the time window using the weighted count. The weighted count may comprise a sum of products of each one of the power consuming events by its respective weight. Calculating the runtime power consumption estimate may comprise averaging the weighted count over the time window to generate a dynamic power estimate, calculating a leakage power estimate over the time window, and summing the dynamic power estimate with the leakage power estimate. The integrated circuit may further comprise a power management module for adapting power consumption of the integrated circuit based on a comparison of the runtime power consumption estimate with one or more predetermined thresholds. |
| US08527792B2 |
Power saving method and apparatus thereof
At startup of an apparatus including a memory and an operating device, an operating system is loaded to the memory as an operating system. While an idle time of the operating device exceeds a predetermined time, the loaded operating system cuts power to the operating device so that the operating device can be completely shut down. As a result, power consumption of the operating device is significantly reduced. |
| US08527789B2 |
System and method of modifying power use within an information handling system
A system and method of modifying power use within an information handling system is disclosed. In one form, a method of managing power within an information handling system is disclosed. The method can include establishing a threshold power level of a first information handling system, and detecting a first power demand of a first operating state in excess of the threshold power level. The method can also include detecting a request to invoke a first forced reduced power state of the first information handling system, and determining a first alternative power state different from the threshold power level and the first forced reduced power state. The method can further include initiating the first alternative power state. |
| US08527788B2 |
Network wake up system with protection function
A network wake up system includes a network card, a controller, a south bridge chip, and a baseboard management controller (BMC). The network card receives a network wake up data packet, and outputs a network wake up signal. The BMC determines whether a temperature of the computer is in a predetermined temperature range and determines whether a voltage of the computer is normal, and outputs a state signal to the controller. If the temperature of the computer is in the predetermined temperature range and the voltage of the computer is normal, the controller wakes up the computer at the power-off state. If the temperature of the computer is not in the predetermined temperature range or the voltage of the computer is abnormal, the controller fails to output the network wake up signal to the south bridge chip, so that the computer at the power-off state cannot be woken up. |
| US08527786B2 |
Electronic apparatus, control method, and computer readable recording medium
An electronic apparatus includes a power receiving unit that receives electric power supplied from the power supply apparatus in a non-contact manner; and a control unit that controls the electronic apparatus to be set in a second state until a predetermined time elapses since identification information is assigned from the power supply apparatus and controls the electronic apparatus to be set in a first state if the predetermined time has elapsed, wherein, if the power supply apparatus detects an electronic apparatus that is set in the first state, the power supply apparatus assigns identification information to the detected electronic apparatus. |
| US08527785B2 |
Transitioning a computing platform to a low power system state
A method which includes initiating a power management policy based on a processing element for a computing platform entering a given power state. The power management policy includes a determination as to whether an input/output (I/O) controller and a memory controller for the computing platform are substantially quiescent. The computing platform may then be transitioned to a low power system state from a run power system state based on a determination that both the I/O controller and the memory controller are substantially quiescent and an indication that the computing platform is capable of entering the low power system state. According to this method, the low power system state includes entering one or more devices responsive to the computing platform in a power level adequate to retain a configuration state that enables the one or more devices to transition back to the run power system state in a manner that is substantially transparent to an operating system for the computing platform. Other implementations and examples are also described in this disclosure. |
| US08527784B2 |
Information processing apparatus, power supply control method, program and power supply control system to define processing depending on types of power supply apparatus connected
There is provided an information processing apparatus including a first connection unit with power supply type information, a second connection unit with power supply type information, a connection state determination unit for determining whether the connection states of the first and second connection units have changed, a power supply identification information acquisition unit for selectively acquiring the power supply type information from the first power supply apparatus and from the second power supply apparatus if the connection state determination unit determines that the connection states have changed, a power supply identification information management unit for managing connected-power-supply identification information, and a power supply control unit for controlling a feed from the power supply apparatuses connected to the first and second connection units and a charge on the first power supply apparatus connected to the first connection unit. |
| US08527780B2 |
Removable drive with data encryption
A removable drive such as a USB drive or key is provided for connecting to computer devices to provide secure and portable data storage. The drive includes a drive manager adapted to be run by an operating system of the computer device. The drive manager receives a password, generates a random key based on the password, encrypts a user-selected data file in memory of the computer device using the key, and stores the encrypted file in the memory of the removable drive. The drive manager performs the encryption of the data file without corresponding encryption applications being previously loaded on the computer system. The drive manager may include an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) cryptography algorithm. The drive manager generates a user interface that allows a user to enter passwords, select files for encryption and decryption, and create folders for storing the encrypted files on the removable drive. |
| US08527779B1 |
Method and apparatus of performing distributed steganography of a data message
Example embodiments of the present invention may include an example method of performing steganography. The example method may include processing a data message into multiple message blocks each representing a portion of the data message, and assigning the multiple message blocks to a corresponding set of multiple data files. The method may also include storing the multiple data files in at least one memory location. |
| US08527777B2 |
Cryptographic proofs in data processing systems
A prover of a data processing system may prove to a verifier of the system that the prover satisfies a condition imposed by the verifier. The prover holds in memory at least one cryptographic credential in which are encoded a biometric template characteristic of the prover and a set of prover attributes such that each of the template and attributes are bound to a common secret value of the prover. A biometric measurement is made of the prover, which then communicates with the verifier to make a cryptographic proof demonstrating: possession of the cryptographic credential; that the biometric measurement matches the biometric template encoded in the cryptographic credential; and that the set of prover attributes encoded in the cryptographic credential satisfies the condition imposed by the verifier. The cryptographic proof is made without revealing the template or the at least one credential to the verifier. |
| US08527775B2 |
Host device and method for communicating a password between first and second storage devices using a double-encryption scheme
A first storage device provides a host device with access to a private memory area by communicating a password between the first storage device and a second storage device via the host device using a double-encryption scheme. In one embodiment, a host device receives a twice-encrypted password from a first storage device, sends the twice-encrypted password to a second storage device, receives a once-encrypted password from the second storage device, decrypts the once-encrypted password to obtain the password, and sends the password to the first storage device. In another embodiment, a first storage device sends a twice-encrypted password to a host device, receives the password from the host device after the twice-encrypted password is decrypted by a second storage device and the host device, and provides the host device with access to the private memory area only if the password matches one that is stored in the first storage device. |
| US08527771B2 |
Wireless video communication
A method of managing revocation when an alternate transmission method, using an alternate transmitter identity and an alternate receiver identity, is juxtaposed into an original transmission system, the original transmission system having its own original transmitter and receiver identities that communicate via an original transmission method involves at an alternate transmission receiver (ATR), providing a digital certificate, the digital certificate cryptographically binding the ATR identity to an original transmission (OT) re-transmitter identity; at the ATR, responsive to an initiation of a communication session from an alternate transmission transmitter (ATT), sending the digital certificate to the ATT using the alternate transmission method; at the ATT, extracting the original transmission identity from the certificate and sending it to the original transmission transmitter (OTT) using the original transmission method for checking in a revocation list; and if the OT identity is found to be in the revocation list, preventing copy protected content from being sent from the OTT. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08527769B2 |
Secure messaging with read-undeniability and deletion-verifiability
A cryptographically-secure component is used to provide read-undeniability and deletion-verifiability for messaging applications. When a messaging application of a sending node desires to send a message to a messaging application of a receiving node, the sending node requests an encryption key from the receiving node. The cryptographically-secure component of the receiving node generates an encryption key that is bound to a state of the receiving node. The messaging application of the sending node encrypts the message using the encryption key and sends the encrypted message to the messaging application of the receiving node. Because the encryption key used to encrypt the message is bound to the state associated with reading the message by the cryptographically-secure component, if the receiving node desires to decrypt and read the encrypted message, the receiving node may advance its state to the bound state to retrieve the decryption key. |
| US08527768B2 |
Mobile station, access point, gateway apparatus, base station, and handshake method thereof for use in a wireless network framework
A mobile station, an access point, a gateway apparatus, a base station, and a handshake method thereof for use in a wireless network framework are provided. The wireless network framework comprises a first wireless network comprising the access point, and a second wireless network comprising the gateway apparatus and base station. There is an IP security tunnel between the access point and the gateway apparatus. When the mobile station handovers from the first wireless network to the second wireless network, it transmits a master session key to the gateway apparatus via the access point and the IP security tunnel. Additionally, when the mobile station handovers from the second wireless network to the first wireless network, it transmits a master session key to the access point. As a result, the authentication time, which is needed in handover procedure between the first wireless network and the second wireless network, is reduced effectively. |
| US08527767B2 |
System and method for processing encoded messages for exchange with a mobile data communication device
A system and method are provided for pre-processing encrypted and/or signed messages at a host system before the message is transmitted to a wireless mobile communication device. The message is received at the host system from a message sender. There is a determination as to whether any of the message receivers has a corresponding wireless mobile communication device. For each message receiver that has a corresponding wireless mobile communication device, the message is processed so as to modify the message with respect to one or more encryption and/or authentication aspects. The processed message is transmitted to a wireless mobile communication device that corresponds to the first message receiver. The system and method may include post-processing messages sent from a wireless mobile communications device to a host system. Authentication and/or encryption message processing is performed upon the message. The processed message may then be sent through the host system to one or more receivers. |
| US08527766B2 |
Reducing leakage of information from cryptographic systems
A system is described for reducing leakage of meaningful information from cryptographic operations. The system uses a pairwise independent hash function to generate a modified secret key SK′ having individual components. The system forms a modified secret key collection that includes SK′ and its individual components. The system then uses the modified secret key collection to decrypt a message. The decryption involves providing multiple partial operation results in separate respective steps. Leakage of meaningful information is reduced due to difficulty in piecing together meaningful information from information leaked by the separate partial operations. In one example, the hash function has the form HK(r)=ar+b, where a, b, and r are selected values, such as random numbers. In another example, the hash function has the form HK(r)=Ar*B, where A, B, and r are selected values. |
| US08527765B2 |
Shared secret verification method and system
Method for shared secret verification in secure data exchange, in which at least two parties, indicated as Alice and Bob, each have a secret and seek to determine whether they share the same secret or not without disclosing the secret itself to each other or any third party. Alice picks a random number RA, encrypts it using Bob's public key, adds the value of her secret, and sends the result K to Bob. Bob receives K, subtracts his secret, and decrypts that using his private key, generating L. Bob performs a one-way function on L and sends the result M to Alice. Alice takes her original RA, performs the same function and verifies whether the result equals the received M. Alice sends her original RA to Bob. Bob receives the RA and verifies whether it equals L, allowing Bob to determine if Alice shares the same secret. |
| US08527764B2 |
Method and system for secure communication
A method and system for secure communication is provided. The method for secure communication with devices includes: obtaining a parameter for protecting a content; authenticating each other by exchanging a certificate with the device; and exchanging a key with the device using a key authenticated through the certificate to establish a secure authenticated channel with the device. Accordingly, it is possible to establish the secure authenticated channel and perform secure communication by computing a secure authenticated channel key. |
| US08527761B2 |
System and method for fuse enablement of a secure client hosted virtualization in an information handling system
A client hosted virtualization system includes a processor to execute code, a non-volatile memory, and a switch. The memory includes code to implement a basic input/output system (BIOS) for the CHVS, and code to implement a virtualization manager. The virtualization manager is operable to initialize the CHVS, authenticate a virtual machine image associated with a virtual machine, and launch the virtual machine on the CHVS. The switch is operable to select one of a first state and a second state. The processor operates to execute the BIOS code when the switch is in the first state and to execute the virtualization manager code when the switch is in the second state. |
| US08527758B2 |
Systems and methods for facilitating user identity verification over a network
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for facilitating network transactions including user identity verification over a network provide strong mutual authentication of client web application to server side application server, provide session encryption key negotiation after authentication to continue encryption during communication, and provide a high-level encryption technique referred to as an effective zero knowledge proof of identity (eZKPI) algorithm. In various implementations, the eZKPI algorithm is adapted to couple something the user Knows (e.g., a password) with something the user Has (e.g., a biometric signature) to create a stronger identity authentication proof for access to a mobile device and applications running on that device. |
| US08527752B2 |
Graduated authentication in an identity management system
A method and system for graduated security in an identity management system utilize differing levels of time sensitivity, channel security and authentication security to provide a multi-dimensional approach to providing the right fit for differing identity requests. The differing levels of security can be selected by user preference, membersite request or homesite policy. |
| US08527750B2 |
System and method for generating multiple protected content formats without redundant encryption of content
Embodiments may include generating a first protected version of content, which may include packetizing the content into multiple packets that each includes content information and non-content information and using initialization vectors to perform chained encryption on multiple blocks of the packetized content. At least some of the initialization vectors are generated dependent upon the non-content information. Embodiments may also include using the encrypted blocks to generate a second protected version of the content without re-encrypting the content. The second protected version of the content may include multiple encrypted content samples each including multiple encrypted blocks from the first protected version of the content. For a given encrypted content sample, different sets of encrypted blocks in that sample may form different encryption chains. The second protected version of the content may include decryption information for decrypting the encrypted content samples including initialization vectors used to create the first protected version. |
| US08527747B2 |
Future system that can participate in systems management activities until an actual system is on-line
Hardware configuration management is provided. A hardware configuration manager includes a proposed new hardware configuration item for an existing production environment and its hardware configuration management software. A completed detailed setup of the management of the proposed hardware configuration item is completed before the proposed hardware configuration item is available. The detailed setup includes at least configuring policies of the proposed hardware configuration item. The hardware configuration manager also comprises a device for preventing scheduled tasks from running until a predefined period following activation of a new hardware configuration item that has the completed detailed setup and the proposed hardware configuration item is mapped thereto. |
| US08527744B2 |
Board module for providing alternative board functions which are not called by UEFI compatible programs for driving platform service in silicon components
Methods, systems and program products provide platform customization in building of Unified Extensible Firmware Interface based Personal Computer firmware, typically but not essentially as BIOS. Provision is made for a conceptual matrix of Board module, Silicon (or chipset) modules together with core and foundation modules; this supersedes prior approaches that are often based on hierarchical (or inverse hierarchy) structured source codes. A Platform module resides architecturally between Silicon and Board modules. By largely removing the Platform module found in previously developed solutions and introducing a Board module OEM, customizations are separated from actual platform code (and also from core functions). This allows the customization footprint to be much smaller thus easing the programming efforts of porting products to reflect hardware development. |
| US08527740B2 |
Mechanism of supporting sub-communicator collectives with O(64) counters as opposed to one counter for each sub-communicator
A system and method for enhancing barrier collective synchronization on a computer system comprises a computer system including a data storage device. The computer system includes a program stored in the data storage device and steps of the program being executed by a processor. The system includes providing a plurality of communicators for storing state information for a bather algorithm. Each communicator designates a master core in a multi-processor environment of the computer system. The system allocates or designates one counter for each of a plurality of threads. The system configures a table with a number of entries equal to the maximum number of threads. The system sets a table entry with an ID associated with a communicator when a process thread initiates a collective. The system determines an allocated or designated counter by searching entries in the table. |
| US08527739B2 |
Iterative process partner pairing scheme for global reduce operation
Distributing a computing operation among processes and for gathering results of the computing operation from the plurality of processes. An exemplary method includes the operations of pairing a plurality of processes such that each process has a maximum of one interaction partner, selecting half of the data located at a process, dividing the selected half of the data into a plurality of data segments, transmitting a first data segment resulting from the dividing operation from the process to the interaction partner of the process, receiving a second data segment at the process from the interaction partner, concurrently with the transferring and receiving operations, performing a computing operation on a third data segment previously received from a previous interaction partner and a fourth data segment from the data segments, and iterating over the transmitting, receiving and computing operations until all the data segments have been exchanged. |
| US08527736B1 |
Systems and methods for improving address translation speed
A computer system has a translation lookaside buffer (TLB) having a plurality of entries for mapping virtual memory addresses to physical memory addresses and logic configured to perform the following steps for an entry of the TLB: (a) selecting a TLB entry size for the entry; (b) determining whether a mapping for the entry is aligned with a boundary of a contiguous section of memory without overshooting an end of the contiguous section of memory, wherein the mapping is based on the TLB entry size and maps virtual memory addresses to physical memory addresses for a section of the memory consistent with the TLB entry size; (c) if the mapping is determined to be aligned with the boundary of the contiguous section of memory without overshooting the end of the contiguous section of memory, configuring the entry with the mapping written into the entry; and (d) repeating steps (a) through (c) until a mapping is found to be aligned with the boundary of the contiguous section of memory without overshooting the end of the contiguous section of memory, wherein the logic is configured to repeat steps (a) through (d) until the contiguous section of memory is entirely mapped to virtual addresses by entries of the TLB. |
| US08527733B2 |
Memory system
According to one embodiment, a memory system includes a controller for controlling a data transfer between a nonvolatile memory and a host device. The controller writes, to the nonvolatile memory, management information to be used in the data transfer, a multiplexed pointer indicating a storage position, and a log indicating whether the writing of the pointer is successful, determines whether the multiplexing the pointer by the predetermined number is maintained according to at least one of the pointer and the log, and rewrites the multiplexed pointers to the nonvolatile memory when determining that the multiplexing the pointer by the predetermined number is not maintained. |
| US08527726B2 |
Tiled storage array with systolic move-to-front reorganization
A tiled storage array provides reduction in access latency for frequently-accessed values by re-organizing to always move a requested value to a front-most storage element of array. The previous occupant of the front-most location is moved backward according to a systolic pulse, and the new occupant is moved forward according to the systolic pulse, preserving the uniqueness of the stored values within the array, and providing for multiple in-flight access requests within the array. The placement heuristic that moves the values according to the systolic pulse can be implemented by control logic within identical tiles, so that the placement heuristic moves the values according to the position of the tiles within the array. The movement of the values can be performed via only next-neighbor connections of adjacent tiles within the array. |
| US08527718B2 |
Explicit data segment boundaries with SCSI I/O referrals
A method for communication between an initiator system and a block storage cluster may include receiving a first command at a first storage system included in a plurality of storage systems of the block storage cluster. The method may also include transmitting a referral response from the first storage system to the initiator system when at least a portion of the data associated in the first command is stored by a second storage system. The method may further include obtaining a segment start value and a corresponding port identifier based on the referral response, and directing a second command to at least a second storage system included in the plurality of storage systems of the block cluster. |
| US08527717B2 |
Content data storage device and its control method
A content data storage device which stores content data which includes a wide-band content and a narrow-band content includes a buffer memory temporarily storing the content data to be externally input, a storage unit including a plurality of nonvolatile memories configured to be written for each page and storing in turn the content data to be output from the buffer memory, and a controller controlling an output from the buffer memory so as to output content data of one page to the storage unit when the content data of not less than one page is stored in the buffer memory, wherein the controller adds dummy data to the narrow-band content as the content data of one page, if the narrow-band content stored in the buffer memory reaches the prescribed capacity. |
| US08527712B2 |
Request to own chaining in multi-socketed systems
A method including: receiving multiple local requests to access the cache line; inserting, into an address chain, multiple entries corresponding to the multiple local requests; identifying a first entry at a head of the address chain; initiating, in response to identifying the first entry and in response to the first entry corresponding to a request to own the cache line, a traversal of the address chain; setting, during the traversal of the address chain, a state element identified in a second entry; receiving a foreign request to access the cache line; inserting, in response to setting the state element, a third entry corresponding to the foreign request into the address chain after the second entry; and relinquishing, in response to inserting the third entry after the second entry in the address chain, the cache line to a foreign thread after executing the multiple local requests. |
| US08527710B2 |
Storage controller and method of controlling storage controller
The storage controller of the present invention is able to reduce the amount of purge message communication and increase the processing performance of the storage controller. Each microprocessor creates and saves a purge message every time control information in the shared memory is updated. After a series of update processes are complete, the saved purge messages are transmitted to each microprocessor. To the control information, attribute corresponding to its characteristics is established, and cache control and purge control are executed depending on the attribute. |
| US08527700B2 |
Computer and method for managing storage apparatus
A management computer manages the pool application information that indicates a pool application for a pool and the application condition information that indicates the condition for the pool application. The management computer calculates an excess storage capacity based on a pool usage status for the pool. The management computer specifies a pool application for the pool and the condition for the pool application based on the pool application information and the application condition information. The management computer judges whether the specified condition is satisfied even in the case in which a storage area having a storage capacity equivalent to or less than the calculated excess storage capacity is deleted from the pool. In the case in which the result of the judgment is positive, the management computer defines a capacity equivalent to or less than the excess storage capacity as an unused capacity. |
| US08527698B2 |
Parity-based raid system configured to protect against data corruption caused by the occurrence of write holes
A RAID system is provided in which the RAID controller of the system causes a predetermined number, N, of IO commands to be queued in a memory element, where N is a positive integer. After the N IO commands have been queued, the RAID controller writes N locks associated with the N IO commands in parallel to a service memory device. The RAID controller then writes N stripes of data and parity bits associated with the N IO commands to the PDs of the system to perform striping and parity distribution. If a catastrophic event, such as a power failure, occurs, the RAID controller reads the locks from the service memory device and causes parity to be reconstructed for the stripes associated with the locks. These features improve write performance while preventing the occurrence of data corruption caused by write holes. |
| US08527697B2 |
Virtualized data storage in a network computing environment
Methods and systems for load balancing read/write requests of a virtualized storage system. In one embodiment, a storage system includes a plurality of physical storage devices and a storage module operable within a communication network to present the plurality of physical storage devices as a virtual storage device to a plurality of network computing elements that are coupled to the communication network. The virtual storage device comprises a plurality of virtual storage volumes, wherein each virtual storage volume is communicatively coupled to the physical storage devices via the storage module. The storage module comprises maps that are used to route read/write requests from the network computing elements to the virtual storage volumes. Each map links read/write requests from at least one network computing element to a respective virtual storage volume within the virtual storage device. |
| US08527696B1 |
System and method for out-of-band cache coherency
A method and computer program product for receiving a data read request on a first array in a multi-array storage network. If the requested data is resident on the first array, the requested data is obtained from a storage device included within the first array. If not, the requested data is obtained from a storage device included within an at least a second array via an out-of-band cache control process. A method and computer program product for receiving a data write request on a first array for data to be stored on a multi-array storage. The data write request is processed to determine if the data is to be stored on the first array or on at least a second array. If the data is to be stored on the at least a second array, the data is stored via an out-of-band cache control process. |
| US08527693B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for auto-commit memory
An auto-commit memory is capable of implementing a pre-configured, triggered commit action in response to a failure condition, such as a loss of power, invalid shutdown, fault, or the like. A computing device may access the auto-commit memory using memory access semantics (using a memory mapping mechanism or the like), bypassing system calls typically required in virtual memory operations. Since the auto-commit memory is pre-configured to commit data stored thereon in the event of a failure, users of the auto-commit memory may view these memory semantic operations as being instantly committed. Operations to commit the data are taken out of the write-commit path. |
| US08527691B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device and nonvolatile memory system with fast boot capability
A nonvolatile storage device includes a controller and a nonvolatile memory. The controller has: a logical-physical address conversion part for converting a logical address designated by a host device into a physical address; and a boot code address conversion part for converting boot code address information designated by the host device into a physical address. After the power-on and before the logical-physical address conversion part becomes usable, a boot code is read from a part of region which can be accessed by designating a logical address from the host device by designating the boot code address information from the outside. Thus, it is possible to rapidly start the nonvolatile memory system after the power-on. In the state where the logical-physical address conversion part can be used, data-reading and data-writing are carried out by designating a logical address from the host device. |
| US08527690B2 |
Optimization of non-volatile solid-state memory by moving data based on data generation and memory wear
An exemplary method includes writing data to locations in non-volatile solid-state memory and deciding whether to move data written to one location in the memory to another location in the memory based on generation of the data and wear of the other location. Such a method may be used for non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM). Various other methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US08527685B2 |
Firmware-driven multiple virtual SAS expanders on a single expander hardware component
The present invention is directed to a method for implementing firmware in an expander system in such a way that a single hardware component (ex.—a chip) of the expander system may be presented as multiple virtual expanders to both upstream connected devices (ex.—HBAs) as well as downstream connected devices (ex.—disk drives). |
| US08527682B2 |
Bus controller, bus communication system, and bus control method
It is an object to prevent a command-issuing interval from being fixed and then avoid a situation where a target always returns a retry by varying a timing of a command-issuing request (i.e., a request signal) from each initiator, even if a plurality of initiators simultaneously or alternately make a plurality of command-issuing requests (i.e., send request signals). Based on predetermined priorities, a bus control unit sends a grant signal to an initiator that has sent a request signal, thereby granting use of a bus to the initiator. A mask generating unit sends a mask signal to at least one initiator to have the initiator mask a request signal, thereby controlling a timing, at which the bus control unit grants use of the bus to the initiator, to be aperiodic. |
| US08527680B2 |
USB portable device having switching function
A USB portable device includes an activating USB peripheral, a storing USB peripheral, and a controlling USB peripheral. If the USB portable device is connected to a host apparatus, the activating USB peripheral is recognized as a readable device and a switching program in the recognized readable device is read in the host apparatus and is executed. Consequently, a switching instruction is received from the host apparatus, the readable device is unmounted, and the storing USB peripheral is recognized as the readable device. |
| US08527679B2 |
Apparatus and method for adaptation of input/output interface in virtualization environment
Provided are an apparatus and method for adapting an input/output interface. According to the exemplary method, a host system adapts an input/output interface of the guest system to an input/output unit capability of a host system so as to support a service supported by an input/output unit supporting the input/output unit capability of the guest system using the at least one input/output unit of the host system. |
| US08527678B2 |
Keyboard video mouse (KVM) switch for transmission of high quality audio with 64-bit data packets wherein transmissions of data packets are within a defined time limit
The present invention provides an intelligent, modular multimedia computer management system for coupling a series of remote computers to one or more user workstations to allow each user workstation to selectively access and control one or more remote computers. The computer management system incorporates a centralized switching system that receives keyboard, cursor control device, audio, and auxiliary peripheral device signals from the user workstation and transmits and applies the signals to the remote computer in the same manner as if the keyboard, cursor control device, audio input source, or auxiliary peripheral device of the user workstation were directly coupled to the remote computer. Also, the user workstation receives audio signals and auxiliary peripheral device signals from the remote computer. In addition, the multimedia computer management system transmits video signals from the remote computer over an extended range for display on the video monitor of the user workstation. |
| US08527675B2 |
System and method for implementing a secure processor data bus
System and method for implementing a secure processor data bus are described. One embodiment is a circuit comprising a processor disposed in a processor partition, the circuit further comprising a first set of peripherals disposed in a first peripheral partition; a second set of peripherals disposed in a second peripheral partition physically isolated from the first peripheral partition; a first state control register for controlling access to the first set of peripherals by the processor; and a second state control register for controlling access to the second set of peripherals by the processor. When the first and second state control registers are in a first mode of operation, the processor has read and write access to the first set of peripherals and write only access to the second set of peripherals. When the first and second state control registers are in a second mode of operation, the processor has read and write access to the second set of peripherals and read only access to the first set of peripherals. |
| US08527670B2 |
Method and apparatus for modifying USB device driver matching information
A method for modifying a USB device driver matching string includes: when a plug-and-play manager sends a request for querying device information to a physical device object, capturing, by a filter driver, the request for querying device information, and sending the request to an enumeration driver; receiving, by the filter driver, device information that is returned, according to the request for querying device information, by the enumeration driver, and forming, according to the returned device information and compatibility information of the device, a device driver matching string; and sending the device driver matching string to the plug-and-play manager. |
| US08527669B2 |
Communication apparatus and method for communicating with an external device through USB interface using a high-speed or low-speed communication mode
A communication speed control application sets the initial communication mode of the USB controller to a full speed mode through a USB driver. If a data transfer start request is received from a USB device using application and if the requested communication speed is a high speed communication mode, the communication speed mode of the USB controller is changed to a high speed mode through the USB driver. The USB application estimates the transfer rate required for the data transfer to be executed and, if the estimated transfer rate is higher than the full speed mode or the transfer rate resulting from subtraction of a predetermined margin from the full speed, the requested communication speed is set to the high speed or is set to full speed otherwise. |
| US08527666B2 |
Accessing a configuration space of a virtual function
A computer implemented method includes receiving a request to access a configuration space that is associated with a virtual function. The request may include a configuration space address and a root complex identifier. The computer implemented method may include identifying a root complex based on the root complex identifier. The computer implemented method may also include selecting a slot that is associated with the root complex. The slot may be capable of coupling a hardware input/output adapter to the root complex. The computer implemented method may further include determining whether the configuration space address is associated with the selected slot. The computer implemented method may include accessing the configuration space using an access mechanism in response to determining that the configuration space address is associated with the selected slot. |