| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08534899B2 |
Backlight module and its light guide plate module
The present invention discloses a backlight module and its light guide plate module. The light guide plate module comprises a plurality of adjacently arranged light guide plates, each of the light guide plates includes a light emitting surface and at least one light entrance surface, and the light emitting surfaces of the light guide plates are on a same plane. The present invention employs the arrangement of a plurality of modular light guide plates to achieve a large light emitting area. Each of the light guide plates corresponds to an independently controlled light emitting module, respectively, so that the side-light type backlight module can realize local dimming function. |
| US08534895B2 |
Light emitting device with a point-like light source
A light emitting device comprises: a light guiding plate including two facing principal surfaces and circumferential end surfaces connecting the principal surfaces; and a point-like light source facing at least one surface of the circumferential end surfaces of the light guiding plate. One surface of the circumferential end surfaces except the surface where the light source is arranged is a light emitting surface, the thickness of the light guiding plate facing the light source is smaller than the thickness of a portion constituting the light emitting surface and is smaller than the thickness of a light emitting surface of the light source, a diffusing unit is formed on at least one of the principal surfaces; and a reflection member covering peripheries of the light source and the light guiding plate except portions constituting the light emitting surfaces of the light source and the light guiding plate is provided. |
| US08534890B2 |
Light pipe assembly having optical concentrator
A light pipe assembly includes a light pipe and an optical concentrator. The light pipe is elongated between opposite ends along a longitudinal axis. The light pipe is formed from a light transmissive material. The optical concentrator is joined to the first end of the light pipe and includes an end section and an opposite coupling end connected to the first end of the light pipe. The end section is configured to receive light generated by a light source. The optical concentrator is formed from a light transmissive material that conveys light through the optical concentrator. The optical concentrator focuses the light generated by the light source into the first end of the light pipe. |
| US08534889B2 |
Vehicle headlight
A vehicle headlight can include a projector lens, a bulb disposed in a back direction from the projector lens, and having an axis in a right-left direction, a reflector disposed to cover the bulb from behind, a shade disposed between the projector lens and the bulb, a first additional reflection surface disposed in the front direction from the bulb, and reflecting light from the bulb toward a space lying ahead of the bulb end in a bulb-axis direction. A second additional reflection surface can be disposed in the space, and reflect light from the first additional reflection surface toward the projector lens. A top end portion of the shade can be bent in the back direction to form a low-beam cutoff line with back end edge. The first additional reflection surface can be disposed lower than the top end portion and in the front direction from the back end edge. |
| US08534888B2 |
Optical unit for a vehicular lamp
An optical unit includes: a heat sink that radiates heat from a light source; and a base portion including a reflector mounting section, a lens mounting section and a connecting section connecting the reflector mounting section and the lens mounting section. The base portion is configured such that the light from the light source is reflected by a reflector mounted onto the reflector mounting section and is incident onto a projection lens mounted onto the lens mounting section. The heat sink is exposed to a space surrounded by the lens mounting section, the connecting section and the reflector mounting section. |
| US08534887B2 |
Interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head having an electrochromic reflective mirror element. A mirror mount is configured for attaching the interior rearview mirror assembly at an attachment element at an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a portion that does not adjust when the driver of the vehicle pivotally adjusts the mirror head to set the rearward field of view of the reflective mirror element. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes circuitry, with at least a part of the circuitry accommodated within the mirror head. At least two electrical accessories of the interior rearview mirror assembly share at least one component of the circuitry. The portion includes a CMOS-based camera that, with the interior rearview mirror assembly normally mounted in the vehicle, has a field of view through a windshield of the vehicle. |
| US08534884B2 |
Light emitting diode bulb
A light emitting diode (LED) bulb includes a lamp seat for connecting the LED bulb to an external power source, a rotatable member rotatably connected to the lamp seat, two holders fixed to the rotatable member and a lamp head pivotally connecting with the holders. The rotatable member is rotatable around a first axis. The lamp head is rotatable around a second axis. The second axis is unparallel to the first axis. Thus, an illumination angle of the lamp head can be adjusted with respect to the lamp seat along two planes. An LED module is attached to the lamp head. |
| US08534877B1 |
Luminaire optical systems
Optical systems capable of use in a variety of lighting applications particularly including industrial high bay and similar applications, the systems of the invention deliver energy efficient and effective light distribution through use of dual reflector arrangements wherein an inner reflector having a divergent and convergent profile is stationary relative to a lamp to form an inner reflector/lamp assembly, a prismatic outer reflector being displaceable relative to the inner reflector/lamp assembly to produce differing photometric distributions. |
| US08534876B2 |
Ultra-low profile optical finger navigation illumination system through segmentation
An optical sensor assembly is disclosed. The optical sensor assembly includes an illumination system that segments light emitted by a light source into multiple segments. The multiple segments are allowed to travel different optical paths on their way to a common target area and are further allowed to irradiate different portions of the common target area. This enables a low-profile optical sensor assembly to be achieved. |
| US08534874B2 |
Heat dissipation member, electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
A heat dissipation member is disposed opposing a reflective light modulation element, and includes: a heat receiving surface that receives heat from the element; a heat dissipation surface; and heat dissipation fins that protrude from the heat dissipation surface. The fins are formed so that the density at which the fins are disposed is greater at the center area of the heat dissipation surface than at the end areas of the heat dissipation surface, or are formed so that the cross-sectional surface area of the fins is greater at the center area of the heat dissipation surface than at the end areas of the heat dissipation surface. |
| US08534871B2 |
Light projector
A light projector (10) for projecting a beam of light (19), which comprises: a housing (16) containing a light source (40) and a projector lens (18), and a drive motor (42), and defining an aperture; and a main shaft (20) extending through the aperture. A flexible and resilient elastomeric coupling (30) links the main shaft (20) to the housing (16) at the aperture. The drive motor (42) is coupled by a drive mechanism (50) to the main shaft (20), so that activation of the drive motor (42) moves the orientation of the housing relative to the longitudinal axis of the main shaft (20). Consequently a light beam (19) from the projector (10) sweeps out a conical surface in space around that longitudinal axis. |
| US08534870B2 |
Rotatable light source device
A rotatable light source device includes an upper cover, a circuit board, plural light-emitting elements and a base. The circuit board is disposed under the upper cover, and connected with the upper cover. The light-emitting elements are mounted on the circuit board. One of the light-emitting elements is electrically connected to a power source to illuminate. The base includes a receptacle for accommodating the upper cover and the circuit board. By rotating the upper cover and the circuit board with respect to the base, another of the light-emitting elements is electrically connected to the power source to illuminate. |
| US08534865B2 |
Lighting device
A lighting device includes a housing, at least one reflector disposed inside the housing; and a light source unit being disposed inside the housing and emitting light toward the reflector, wherein the light source unit includes a light emitting groove formed therein, the light emitting groove including a basal surface sloped toward the reflector, and wherein a plurality of light emitting devices are disposed sloping along the basal surface in the light emitting groove, and wherein the light emitting groove includes a projection part formed from the basal surface, the projection part blocking the light emitted directly from a plurality of the light emitting devices to the outside of the housing. |
| US08534863B2 |
LED lamp with hermetical end holders
An LED lamp includes a frame, a power module, an envelope, an LED module, two holders, and a waterproof connecter. The frame includes a tube having an electrical section and a reflector. The power module is received in the electrical section. The envelope is engaged with the reflector to cooperatively define an optical section. The LED module is received in the optical section and electrically connects with the power module. The holders are mounted at two ends of the frame to prevent external hydrosphere from entering the LED lamp. Each of the holders includes a first cover and a second cover. The first covers engage with opposite ends of the electrical section. The second covers engage with opposite ends of the optical section. The waterproof connecter is coupled to one of the first covers. |
| US08534860B2 |
Display light box with programmably separately-lit compartments
The present invention is a display light box comprising several compartments with partitioning walls shaped according to a translucent image on a frontal display panel. The compartments are illuminated by LEDs, which are installed a distance away from the picture panel to accomplish uniformity of the light on the panel, and driven by a controller so the LEDs may be turned on and off in any pre-determined sequence, accomplishing a changing presentation and thereby making the light box more attractive. The intensity of each compartment may be designed to be different, by the number of LEDs installed in the compartment or by the number of LEDs turned on at any given moment. In addition, LEDs in the same compartment may be turned on and off in certain pattern, accomplishing additional artistic impression. |
| US08534857B2 |
Backlight apparatus, light source for backlight apparatus, and display apparatus using the same
A backlight apparatus comprises a light source that is composed of a combination of a blue light emitting device, a green light emitting phosphor, and a red light emitting phosphor. The blue light emitting device has a peak intensity of a light emitting spectrum 3 to 19 times as high as the green light emitting phosphor. |
| US08534854B2 |
Key and portable electronic device using the same and manufacturing method thereof
A key, a portable electronic device using the same and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The key includes a transmissible light member, a non-transmissible light member, a flexible light uniform member and a light source. The transmissible light member includes a body portion and a patterned portion protruded from the body portion. First and second recesses are formed at two opposite sides of the non-transmissible light member. The first recess connected to the second recess corresponds to the patterned portion, so that the patterned portion is embedded into the non-transmissible light member. The flexible light uniform member includes base and connecting portions. The connecting portion protruded from the base portion corresponds to the second recess, so that the connecting portion and the non-transmissible light member are combined. The light source is located in a third recess formed at the side of the base portion opposite to the connecting portion. |
| US08534852B2 |
Mirror unit of exposure device and image forming apparatus using mirror unit
A mirror unit of an exposure device includes: a mirror having support points including one support point on one end portion in a longitudinal direction thereof and two support points at two portions in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction on the other end portion thereof; and a mirror base member that holds the mirror in a way to support the mirror at the three support points, wherein the mirror is arranged so that the support point on a side of the one support point and a support point on one side of the two support points is positioned on a scanning optical axis, and so that the longitudinal direction is tilted from the scanning optical axis in the width direction. |
| US08534851B2 |
Multiple path substantially symmetric three-mirror anastigmat
One or more embodiments of an optical system includes a primary mirror configured to reflect light incident thereupon; a secondary mirror facing the primary mirror configured to receive the light reflected from the primary mirror and redirect the light reflected from the primary mirror in multiple channels; and one or more tertiary mirrors of common prescriptions, configured to reflect divergent light rays incident from the secondary mirror in multiple channels. |
| US08534849B2 |
Retroreflecting optical construction
Retroreflecting optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed retroreflecting optical construction includes a retroreflecting layer that has a retroreflecting structured major surface, and an optical film that is disposed on the retroreflecting structured major surface of the retroreflecting layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 30%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the retroreflecting optical construction are in physical contact with each other. |
| US08534843B2 |
Image display apparatus, information processing apparatus, and methods of controlling the same
Based on image data input to a display unit and an image on a display surface acquired by an acquisition unit, control is performed to decrease the difference between the input image data and the image displayed on the display surface. |
| US08534840B2 |
Methods, systems, and devices for monitoring anisocoria and asymmetry of pupillary reaction to stimulus
A Pupillometer is disclosed. The Pupillometer has a display, an imaging apparatus that has a pupil finder and a microprocessor, and a memory in communication with the microprocessor. The display is sized to simultaneously display a video of y or more seconds in length of a left pupil and a video of y or more seconds in length of a right pupil. The pupil finder identifies the perimeter of a pupil. The imaging apparatus is capable of recording images of an individual's pupils at a rate of x image frames per second for a period of y or more seconds and playing back said image frames as a video at x image frames per second or at another rate that is faster or slower than x image frames per second. The memory has stored therein a program for enabling said microprocessor to do the following: (i) identify a center of the left pupil and a center of the right pupil for each image frame; (ii) synchronize each image frame of the two videos starting from the first frame; (iii) cause the display to display the two videos simultaneously such that each of the image frames of the video of the left eye is synchronized to a corresponding image frame of the video of the right eye when played back on the display; and (iv) cause the two videos to be displayed so that the center of the left pupil in each image frame is aligned on the display with the center of the right pupil for the corresponding image frame. |
| US08534838B2 |
Optical coherence reflectometry with depth resolution
A device for performing distance measurements on an eye. The device includes an interferometer, focuses at least one measurement beam records backscattered radiation and interferometrically generates a measurement signal displaying structures of the eye by time-domain, spectral-domain or Fourier-domain coherence reflectometry, has an adjustment apparatus for laterally and/or axially displacing the focus in the eye or for varying a polarization state of the measurement beam and has a control apparatus which actuates the interferometer, wherein the control apparatus generates a plurality of A-scan individual signals from the backscattered radiation, combines these to an A-scan measurement signal and actuates the adjustment apparatus for displacing the position of the focus or for varying the polarization while recording the backscattered radiation from which the control apparatus generates the A-scan individual signals is being recorded. |
| US08534836B2 |
Fundus camera
When pattern recognition of a fundus image is started in step S1, output from a fundus image sensing unit is compared with a regional pattern of stored fundus image specific regions in step S2, and it is decided whether to proceed to pattern recognition. If pattern recognition is possible, based on an AF evaluation value, the lens is driven, with which automatic focusing is completed. |
| US08534835B2 |
Optical tomographic image photographing apparatus
An optical tomographic image photographing apparatus includes: an interference optical system for combining reflected light with reference light on an object to guide the combined light to a detector; a driving part for moving an optical member in an optical-axis direction in order to adjust an optical path difference between measurement light and the reference light; an image obtaining part for obtaining a tomographic image of the object based on a light receiving signal output from the detector; and a control unit configured to detect positional deviation with respect to a depth direction in the tomographic image and to correct a display position of the tomographic image such that the tomographic image is displayed in a predetermined position within a display region on a monitor. |
| US08534832B2 |
Progressive addition lens design
Aspects of the present invention provide progressive addition lenses (PALs) and techniques for designing PALs that result in improved visual performance for the wearer. PALs of the present invention can have vision zones with widths that are more in line with the actual or functional sizes used by wearers. PALs of the present invention can also introduce controlled amounts of unwanted astigmatism into one or more vision zones. By allowing vision zones to include manageable levels of astigmatism, the resulting PAL can avoid the harsh build-up of astigmatism typically found in conventional PALs at the periphery of the channel and viewing zones. Further, PALs of the present invention can be designed using a merit function to achieve an optimized iterative design that accounts for astigmatism vector orientation and not simply astigmatism magnitude as is the case with conventional PAL design. |
| US08534829B1 |
Reading lenses combined with advertising medium for use in venues that serve food and/ or drinks or that require reading printed matter
A combination of reading lenses placed onto a medium on which advertisements can be placed. The device can be given away free to advertisers who can advertise their products to individuals while they are visiting an eating and/or drinking establishment so the individual will be interested in purchasing the advertiser's products in addition to being able to read the menu through the lenses. The invention can also be used to advertise an advertiser's product to be inserted in other printed mediums. |
| US08534827B2 |
Image forming apparatus
The present invention is directed to an image forming apparatus including a supply unit configured to supply a sheet, a recording unit configured to perform recording by discharging a plurality of colors of inks onto the sheet, a reading unit configured to read out an image of the sheet, a drying unit configured to dry the sheet on which recording is provided by the recording unit, and a control unit configured to perform control so as to record an inspection pattern onto the sheet by the recording unit and so as to readout the inspection pattern of the sheet by the reading unit after the sheet on which the inspection pattern is recorded passes through the drying unit in order to acquire inspection data of the inspection pattern of the sheet. |
| US08534823B2 |
Recording apparatus with uniform drying unit
A recording apparatus includes a transport unit that intermittently transports an elongated recording medium from an upstream side to a downstream side as the lengthwise direction of the recording medium moves along a transport path. A recording unit adheres a recording material to the recording medium when the recording medium is stopped in a midstream position of the transport path. A drying unit downstream from the recording unit heats and dries the recording material. A contact member has a contact surface continuous contact with the surface of the recording medium opposite the surface thereof to which the recording material is adhered, from the time when the recording medium enters into the drying unit to the time when the recording medium is discharged from the drying unit. The contact member forms the transport path with the contact surface having at least one bent section in the drying unit. |
| US08534821B2 |
Non-aqueous ink-jet ink and ink-jet recording method
The invention provides a non-aqueous jet printing ink which has printability (abrasion resistance and resistivity to wiping with alcohol) suitable for recording media made of plastics such as polyvinyl chloride and which is excellent in safety and can be used without problematic odor, and a method of ink-jet recording with the ink. The non-aqueous jet printing ink is characterized by containing, as the essential components, a pigment, a pigment derivative having an acid group, a fixing resin, and a compound (A) consisting of one or more members selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the general formulae (1) and (2). |
| US08534820B2 |
Ink for ink-jet recording, ink cartridge, ink-jet recording apparatus, method of determining, and method of ink-jet recording
An ink for ink-jet recording includes a luminescence marker which emits light by oxidization. It may be determined whether the ink for ink-jet recording is used for recording the ink-jet recorded object with a simple method such as an evaluation of luminescence by oxidation, without requiring a special equipment. |
| US08534815B2 |
Flow path member, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting apparatus
A seal member is held in tight contact with a first inner wall of a first opening of a flow-in path section (ink inlet hole) by a fixing member. An ink supply pipe is urged and held into a holding hole of the seal member, so that the ink supply pipe is held in a predetermined position with respect to the first inner wall of the first opening of the ink inlet hole and a second inner wall of a second opening of the ink inlet hole. As a result, the ink supply pipe is held in the ink inlet hole with the first opening of the ink inlet hole being kept airtight. |
| US08534813B2 |
Sets of ink cartridges
A set of ink cartridges is configured to mount in a cartridge mounting portion of a recording apparatus in an insertion direction. The set of cartridges includes a first and a second ink cartridge, and each cartridge includes a main body and a particular protrusion positioned adjacent to a bottom wall of the main body and extending from a portion of the main body in the insertion direction away from an ink chamber. The main body includes a first wall, the ink chamber, a communication portion disposed at the first wall; a second wall disposed opposite the first wall, and the bottom wall. The ink chamber is disposed between the first and second walls. A first length difference between a first length of a portion of the bottom wall extending from a rear end of the bottom wall of the first ink cartridge to an end of the particular protrusion of the first ink cartridge and a total length of the first ink cartridge is different from a second length difference between a second length extending from a rear end of the bottom wall of the second ink cartridge to an end of the particular protrusion of the second ink cartridge and a total length of the second ink cartridge. |
| US08534803B2 |
Liquid jet head chip, manufacturing method therefor, liquid jet head, and liquid jet recording apparatus
A liquid jet head chip has a jet plate with jet holes for jetting liquid. A piezoelectric actuator has first and second actuator plates superimposed over one another to form channels communicating with the jet holes. The first actuator plate has first partitions spaced apart from one another to form first groove portions and has first electrodes each disposed on only a portion of a side surface of a respective one of the first partitions. The second actuator plate has second partitions spaced apart from one another to form second groove portions and has second electrodes each disposed on only a portion of a side surface of a respective one of the second partitions. The first partitions of the first actuator plate extend into respective second groove portions of the second actuator plate, and the second partitions of the second actuator plate extend into respective first groove portions of the first actuator plate to form the channels communicating with the jet holes. |
| US08534800B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head that includes a fluid channel formation substrate and pressure generation units. The fluid channel formation substrate is made of a silicon single crystal substrate having a crystal face orientation of. The fluid channel formation substrate has a plurality of separate flow channels that include at least pressure generation chambers demarcated by partition walls, each of the pressure generation chambers being in communication with a nozzle opening that ejects liquid drops. The fluid channel formation substrate further has a communication portion that is in communication with each of the separate flow channels. The pressure generation units are provided so as to correspond to the pressure generation chambers and generate a pressure change in the pressure generation chambers so as to cause ejection of liquid drops. |
| US08534799B2 |
Liquid discharge head and recording device using same
A liquid discharge head through which discharged liquid droplets are easily gathered into one droplet, and a recording device using the head are provided. A liquid discharge head includes a liquid pressurizing chamber, a displacement element that applies pressure to the liquid pressurizing chamber, a liquid discharge hole, and a communication passage connecting the liquid pressurizing chamber and the liquid discharge hole. The communication passage includes a narrow portion having a small cross-section area and first and second communication passages. A ratio of lengths of the communication and second communication passages; a ratio of combined inertances of the liquid pressurizing chamber and the first communication passage and of the liquid discharge hole and the first communication passage; and a ratio of combined compliances of the liquid pressurizing chamber and the first communication passage and of the liquid discharge hole and the first communication passage fall within predetermined ranges. |
| US08534793B2 |
Liquid discharge apparatus and maintenance system for liquid discharge apparatus and method of manufacturing liquid discharge apparatus
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a discharge space which faces a discharge surface of a liquid discharge head which is sealed by a cap. A humidification pump is driven to rotate forward such that air in a discharge space is humidified while passing through a water reservoir via an opening and tubes. Humidified air flows into the discharge space via a tube and an opening. When an amount of non-volatile component in the water reservoir exceeds a prescribed amount, the humidification pump is driven to rotate backward such that water stored in the water reservoir is exhausted through the opening via the tubes. |
| US08534787B2 |
Method and system for printing on a printed circuit board
A method, a printing system and a printing bridge. The printing bridge is configured to accommodate in a precise manner a jet print head. The jet print head includes first jet nozzles for injecting a first type jettable substance to form a first pattern onto the surface of a object, and a second jet nozzles for injecting a second type of jettable substance to form a first pattern onto the surface of a object. The first type jettable substance is utilized for printing a solder mask pattern and the second type jettable substance is utilized for printing a legend pattern. |
| US08534786B2 |
Discharge energy recovery device and image forming apparatus using same
A discharge energy recovery device to recover discharge energy discharged from a piezoelectric element when the piezoelectric element is driven includes a drive voltage generator to generate a voltage to drive the piezoelectric element; a discharge voltage monitoring unit to monitor a discharge voltage discharged from the piezoelectric element when the piezoelectric element is driven by the drive voltage generator; a plurality of charge accumulating devices to accumulate a charge corresponding to a voltage monitored by the discharged voltage discharge voltage monitoring unit; and a selection unit to select one or more charge accumulating devices from the plurality of charge accumulating devices having capacity sufficient to enable accumulation of the charge corresponding to the voltage monitored by the discharge voltage monitoring unit. |
| US08534784B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes an electrolytic capacitor for stabilizing the head power source voltage, a transistor for charging the electrolytic capacitor, a transistor for discharging the electrolytic capacitor, a push-pull circuit, a resistor for controlling the charging/discharging current to the electrolytic capacitor, and a resistor for dividing the head power source voltage. The power supply to the head is turned on with the head power source voltage increased by the capacitor. |
| US08534783B2 |
Shelf assembly with a single-piece frame particularly suited for use in a refrigeration appliance
A shelf assembly includes a shelf pane having perimeter edges. A single-piece frame structure is fitted around the perimeter of the shelf pane. The frame structure includes a unitary upper frame member that extends inwardly from the pane edges along a top surface of the shelf pane. A respective lower frame member is connected to the upper frame member along each edge of the shelf pane and is pivotally configured with the upper frame member. The lower frame members are folded under and extend inwardly along a bottom surface of the shelf pane. An attachment mechanism is configured between the respective lower frame members and the upper frame member outward of the edges of the shelf pane. |
| US08534780B2 |
Rack apparatus
A rack apparatus has a movable member for holding a first article, and a second movable member for holding a second article, the first and second movable members being arranged vertically, a base member for holding the first movable member and the second movable member so as to be movable forward and backward horizontally, and a linking member for linking the first movable member and the second movable member so as to enable the second movable member to move backward when the first movable member moving forward. |
| US08534779B2 |
Portable station
In an embodiment, a portable station has an open enclosure and a chest having first and second cases pivotally coupled to each other. When the portable station is in a first configuration, the chest is closed and is selectively fastened at a first location within the enclosure. When the portable station is in a second configuration, the chest is open and selectively fastened at a second location within the enclosure. When the chest is open, the first and second cases have been pivoted apart. |
| US08534776B2 |
Bezel assembly for computer
A bezel assembly includes a bezel, at least one base member secured to the bezel, and at least one engaging member slidably attached to the at least one base member. The at least one base member includes a side flange substantially perpendicular to the bezel. At least one opening is defined in the side flange. The at least one engaging member includes at least one engaging protrusion. The at least one engaging member is slidable between an original position, wherein the at least one engaging protrusion engages into the at least one opening and protrudes out from an exterior surface of the side flange, and a release position, wherein the at least one engaging protrusion is disengaged from the at least one opening and retracts to an inner side of the side flange. |
| US08534774B1 |
Attachment system for modular composite cabinet systems
This invention features a modular composite cabinet system for facilitating multiple configurations of a variety of interconnecting modules. The system has one or more cabinet modules with one or more composite panels. The exterior surface has one or more pre-cut elongated slots with a depth equal to a thickness of a layer. A first cabinet module attaches to a second cabinet module using one or more attaching screws driven into an interior surface, exiting through a pre-cut elongated slot on the exterior surface, further driven through a second pre-cut elongated slot on the second cabinet module, into, then lodging into the substrate. A plurality of cabinet modules can be attached, then detached, then reattached in multiple configurations. |
| US08534772B2 |
Hydraulic brake system
A hydraulic brake system includes: a master cylinder forming a braking hydraulic pressure according to an operation of a brake pedal; wheel brakes provided in front and rear wheels of a vehicle to receive the braking hydraulic pressure of the master cylinder and exert a braking force; a first hydraulic circuit controlling an oil pressure transmission by connecting a first port of the master cylinder and two wheel brakes; a second hydraulic circuit controlling an oil pressure transmission by connecting a second port of the master cylinder and remaining two wheel brakes; a hydraulic block communicating main passages of the first and second hydraulic circuits with each other, the hydraulic block being provided with a communication passage having one side opened, such that the first and second hydraulic circuits pass through the communication and a damper member including a stepped piston embedded into the hydraulic block and reciprocating the communication passage. |
| US08534764B2 |
Self-propelled machine for cutting or milling, in particular a machine for working deposits by surface mining
A self-propelled machine for cutting or milling, has a chassis (1), which is carried by track-laying units or wheels and which has a cutting or milling arrangement (2) and an arrangement (8) for adjusting the height of the chassis to set the depth of cutting or milling. The basic principle of the machine according to the invention is that the driver's station is decoupled from the shaking movements or vibrations from the arrangement (2) for cutting or milling which are transmitted to the chassis, and from the vibrations from the internal combustion engine for driving the machine. |
| US08534762B2 |
Articulating footrest
A stylist chair is provided that includes a chair, a center bar and a footrest assembly. The center bar couples the footrest assembly to the chair. The footrest assembly includes a gear assembly, a first pedal and a second pedal. The first pedal and the second pedal move between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the open configuration, the first pedal and the second pedal form a footrest and in the closed configuration, the first pedal and the second pedal are moved toward one another to form a configuration that enables a user to easily exit the stylist chair. Also, the first pedal and the second pedal are coupled to the gear assembly so that when one of the first pedal and the second pedal moves, the other of the first pedal and the second pedal simultaneously moves. |
| US08534761B2 |
Armrest assembly for aircraft passenger seat
An armrest assembly including an armpan defining an elongate channel and including slide-lock structure positioned about a top opening of the channel and at opposing ends thereof for engaging an armcap, an armcap covering the channel and having complimentary slide-lock structure and defining at least one cavity for receiving overmold material of an armpad, and an overmolded armpad covering a portion of the armcap and filling the at least one cavity of the armcap to retain the armpad on the armcap. |
| US08534757B2 |
Child safety seat and its installation method
A child safety seat comprises a seat portion including a seat bottom and a backrest, and a first and second rail section disposed parallel on a rear of the seat portion at left and right sides, respectively, each of the first and second rail sections including a first rail portion located on a rear of the backrest and a second rail portion located below the seat bottom. The first rail portion includes a first anchoring slot, and the second rail portion includes a second anchoring slot, the first and second anchoring slots adapted to hold spaced-apart portions of a seat belt. In addition, a method for installing the child safety seat is also described. |
| US08534748B1 |
Safety cross-brace structure for vehicles
A cross-brace structure for a police interceptor SUV includes a front member and a rear member, coupled through a connecting element. The front member has its two ends mounted over the rear floor of the vehicle, and the rear member has a first end and a second end, mounted on the left side rail and the right side rail of the vehicle, respectively. During an impact from the rear side, the crash load gets transferred to the non-impacted rear side through the rear bumper of the vehicle, and eventually, through the left and right rear side rails, towards the rear member of the cross-brace structure. The rear member transfers the crash load towards the front member, and further, towards the front portions of the vehicle, through the front sections of the left side rail and the right side rail. |
| US08534746B1 |
Aerodynamic nose cone front trailer
An aerodynamic nose cone front trailer that uses a topographical view for reference extending the trailer front all the way to the hitch. The trailer design reduces wind resistance while improving the fuel economy and improving the handling. |
| US08534744B2 |
Pillar garnishments, interior garnishment assemblies incorporating the same, and methods for controlling alignment of interior garnishment assemblies
In one embodiment, an interior garnishment assembly may include a pillar garnishment coupled to a vehicle pillar, a door opening trim engaged with the pillar garnishment and the vehicle pillar, and a scuff plate coupled to the pillar garnishment. The pillar garnishment may include a ledge portion that extends at least partially along a W direction, a datum orifice formed in a low end of the ledge portion, and a datum feature joined with the ledge portion. The datum feature can be substantially hook shaped. The door opening trim may include a biased member that can clamp the datum feature to the vehicle pillar along the W direction. The scuff plate may include an attachment member that can be engaged with the datum orifice of the pillar garnishment. The datum feature of the pillar garnishment can control alignment of the door opening trim and the scuff plate. |
| US08534743B2 |
Method for operating a hatch arrangement of a motor vehicle
A method for operating a hatch arrangement of a motor vehicle is provided. The hatch arrangement has a hatch leaf with a hatch drive associated with the hatch leaf, and a hatch controller, with, amongst other things, a motor-operated closing process triggered by the hatch controller. The hatch arrangement has a motor vehicle lock, it being possible to reverse the hatch leaf starting from an opening and/or closing process in a motor-operated reversing process in a manner triggered by the hatch controller. As part of a reversing process which is initiated starting from a closing process, the motor vehicle lock and possibly the hatch drive is or are actuated, at least in phases as a function of the lock state, in such a way that engagement in a retaining manner between the motor vehicle lock and the lock striker or the like is avoided or released during the reversing operation. |
| US08534742B2 |
Roll-up tarp apparatus
A roll-up tarp apparatus for a truck box having first and second ends, first and second longitudinal sides and an open top. The apparatus includes a tarp, a roll bar, an arm and a biasing member. The first longitudinal edge of the tarp is interconnected to the first longitudinal side of the truck box and the second longitudinal edge of the tarp is attached to the roll bar member. The roll bar is operatively connected to the truck box and is rotatably movable between the first and second longitudinal sides of the truck box, which enables the tarp to close or open the truck box. At least one biasing member is operatively connected to the roll bar or the arm, with the biasing member able to exert a tensioning force in the direction of the second longitudinal side of the truck box so that the tarp is under tension. |
| US08534731B2 |
Grasping apparatus
A grasping apparatus includes a robot and a grasping assembly. The grasping assembly is rotatably mounted to the robot and includes a cylinder, two grasping plates, two grasping blocks and two first resilient members. The cylinder is secured to the robot. The two grasping plates are rotatably attached to the cylinder. The cylinder is capable of driving the two grasping plates to rotate towards each other. Each grasping block is slidably attached to each grasping plate. Each first resilient member is secured between each grasping block and each of the two grasping plates. When the two grasping plates are rotated towards each other, the two grasping blocks are adapted to sandwich a product therebetween. |
| US08534730B2 |
Areal gripper
An areal gripper for targeted picking-up, handling and putting down of objects. The areal gripper includes a foil and air-tight frame. The foil includes an elastically deformable, air-permeably perforated first layer, with a first outer surface and a first inner surface, and an elastically deformable, air-impermeable second layer with a second outer surface and a second inner surface. The first inner surface and the second inner surface face each other and are spaced from one another through individually arranged elastically deformable spacers formed between the first inner surface and the second inner surface. The frame laterally surrounds the foil and includes at least one elastically deformable frame section. The frame is connected to circumferential edges of the first layer and the second layer in a circumferentially air-tight manner. The foil or the frame includes at least one connection for a pressure supply to create an underpressure in the intermediate spaces. |
| US08534726B2 |
Table tennis ball collector and dispenser
A table tennis ball collector and dispenser collects and secures table tennis balls with minimal effort. The collector may comprise a frame supporting one or more cross members arranged to allow one or more table tennis balls to enter therebetween. A tubular elastic sleeve having open receiving and dispensing ends may be attached to the frame to capture table tennis balls that advance beyond the cross members. The sleeve may taper towards its dispensing end to secure the table tennis balls within. Individual or multiple collected table tennis balls may be dispensed by applying force to push the table tennis balls out of the dispensing end of the sleeve. A handle extending from the frame allows the user to position the frame 120 for collection and dispensing of table tennis balls. |
| US08534725B1 |
Portable wearable animal waste collection and disposal device, system and method of use thereof
A wearable animal waste collection device comprising a wearable structure configured to be worn by a user, a first securing portion attached to the wearable structure, the first securing portion structured to removably accommodate a top cover portion, and a second securing portion attached to the wearable structure, the second securing portion structured to removably accommodate a direct collection device, wherein the direct collection device directly collects an animal waste before the animal waste reaches a ground surface is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided. |
| US08534723B2 |
Conical shank anti-ligature releasable door lever
A lever latch lock assembly including: a. a lock housing mounted in the door including a lock bolt movable along a first axis, a spindle extending along a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis, the spindle extending outward at each of the interior and exterior sides of the housing and terminating in opposite ends, and a transmission which converts rotation of the spindle to axial motion the lock bolt, b. a lever assembly attached to each of the spindle's ends and adapted to rotate the spindle, the lever assembly, including: (1) an escutcheon formed as a truncated generally conical cylinder having (i) a base of first diameter adapted to be situated closely adjacent one of the interior and exterior sides of the door and coaxial with the second axis, (ii) a top end having a top edge opposite the base, the top end having a smaller diameter than the first diameter, and (iii) a bore through which extends the spindle, and (2) a lever including (i) a hub part and (ii) an elongated handle part extending from one side of the escutcheon in a direction transverse of the second axis, the handle having a top part that extends as a smooth contiguous uninterrupted surface from the top of the hub. |
| US08534718B2 |
Two assembly parts latch system
The combination of an actuator housing assembly and a bolt mechanism assembly adapted to enable attachment and detachment, the assemblies being carried on opposed sides of a panel. The bolt mechanism assembly comprises a sliding bolt assembly one element of which is adapted to latch to a striker. |
| US08534717B2 |
Interconnect assembly
An interconnect assembly (100) includes a spring member (200) integrally formed of a first portion (202) having two prongs (208) and a slot (210), the first portion being coupled to a second deflected portion (204) formed of a cantilevered beam (212) with interference fit tabs (214) extending from either side. A latch (400) includes hooks (406) and foot members (408). A housing (600), such as a battery pack housing, includes a side surface (606) having protrusion (602) and pockets (604) formed therein along with vertical side channels (610). The spring, latch and housing (200, 400, 600) are coupled such that the vertical channels (610) capture and guide the interference fit tabs (214) down the side of the housing (600) as the foot members (408) of the latch (400) are inserted into the pockets (604) of the housing (600). As the spring member (200) is pushed downward, the protrusion (602) of the housing (600) captures the slot (210), and the hooks (406) of the latch (400) capture the interference fit tabs (214) of the spring member thereby providing a locked latch-spring assembly (1000). |
| US08534708B2 |
See-through security element with microstructures
The present invention relates to a see-through security element (12), for security papers, value documents and the like, having at least one micropattern having a visual appearance that is viewing-angle dependent when looked through (26, 28). According to the present invention, the at least one micropattern is formed from an arrangement of a plurality of pattern elements (24) having a characteristic pattern spacing of 1 μm or more, and the see-through security element (12) exhibits a total thickness of 50 μm or less. |
| US08534707B2 |
Information page
An information page (1) of a security document, includes: an information part (3), on the upper or lower surface of which part of the information recorded on the information page (1) can be seen; and a flexible connecting part (2) with good bending strength for attaching the information page (1) to a security document. To ensure that detaching the information part and the connecting part from each other leaves visible marks, the connecting part (2) has a netlike structure, and the connecting part (2) is arranged to penetrate into the information part (3) in the immediate vicinity of the upper or lower surface of the information part. |
| US08534702B2 |
Side air bag device, occupant protection device and occupant protection method
There are provided a side air bag device, an occupant protection device and an occupant protection method. The side air bag member is expanded between a side door and a passenger M in a widthwise direction of a vehicle so as to protect the passenger from a shock caused by an impact on the side door. The side air bag member includes a communication chamber and a non-expanded portion that are contracted when the side air bag member is pressed by a curtain air bag member that is expanded above the side air bag member in the vertical direction of the vehicle. |
| US08534698B2 |
Fold latch for a foldable stroller
A foldable stroller chassis has left and right sides, a front end, and a rear end. The chassis has a chassis joint between the left and right sides, a front wheel section extending toward the front end, and a rear wheel section extending toward the rear end and coupled to the front wheel section at the chassis joint. The front and rear wheel sections are pivotable away from one another to an in-use configuration and toward one another to a folded configuration. A fold latch mechanism is positioned adjacent the chassis joint between the left and right sides and is reconfigurable between a latched condition securing the chassis in the in-use configuration and an unlatched configuration. A part of the mechanism is carried on the front wheel section and a part of the mechanism is carried on the rear wheel section. |
| US08534697B2 |
Telemark tech system ski binding
The present invention relates to a telemark ski binding system that includes a first coupling configured to couple a ski to the toe of a ski boot and a second coupling configured to attach the ski to the heel of the ski boot. The second coupling may attach to the ski separately from the first coupling. The first coupling attaches to the boot using a freely rotating, releasable toe coupling design. The second coupling incorporates a flexible attachment that facilitates vertical movement of heel of the ski boot with respect to the ski and connects to the ski underneath or near the bellows of the boot. |
| US08534690B2 |
Hand propelled and steered bicycle
A bicycle. A front bicycle wheel and rear bicycle wheel are connected to a bicycle frame. A steerer tube controls the left and right motion of the front bicycle wheel. A drive sprocket drives the rear bicycle wheel. Two hand grippable pivotally connected handles are each connected via a handle steering linkage connection to the steerer tube. They are both also connected via a second handle drive linkage to the drive sprocket. The pivoting of the handles in an approximately horizontal plane controls the left and right motion of the front bicycle wheel. The pivoting of the handles in an approximately vertical plane controls the rotation of the drive sprocket and drives the bicycle forward. |
| US08534687B2 |
Suspension strut for a vehicle
A hydraulic strut system that damps vehicle vibration and includes a compressible fluid, a strut, and a valve plate. The strut includes three concentric tubes defining an inner cavity, an intermediary cavity, and an outer reservoir cavity, the inner cavity and intermediary cavity being fluidly coupled, wherein the inner cavity receives a piston that divides the inner cavity into a first volume and a second volume, the piston having an aperture that allows one way flow from the first volume to the second volume. The valve plate is removably coupled to the strut, and includes a first fluid path that allows one-way fluid flow from the intermediary cavity to the reservoir cavity, the first fluid path including a damping valve that damps fluid flowing therethorugh; and a second fluid path that allows one-way fluid flow from the reservoir cavity to the inner cavity, the second fluid path further including a replenishment valve. |
| US08534679B2 |
Suspension for wheeled vehicles
A wheelchair suspension comprises a frame, at least one pivot arm, at least one front caster, at least one rear caster, a stabilizing system, and a sensor. The pivot arm is coupled to the frame. The front caster is coupled to the pivot arm. The rear caster is coupled to the frame. The stabilizing system is coupled to the frame and the pivot arm. The sensor is arranged such that movement of the frame relative to the rear castor causes actuation of the stabilizing system to at least partially resist further movement of the frame. |
| US08534677B2 |
Work-holding chuck with quick-release jaws
A system, in certain embodiments, includes a wedge-lock coupling configured to connect a jaw to an actuator arm of a chuck. The wedge-lock coupling includes a wedge portion having a path of travel between a release position and a lock position, and a locking direction along the path of travel gradually wedges the wedge portion between the actuator arm and the jaw. |
| US08534668B2 |
Image forming device
An image forming device includes a sheet container unit that stores a plurality of sheets, an image forming unit that forms an image on a particular surface of a sheet that is conveyed from the sheet container unit, and a re-conveying unit that re-conveys the sheet to the image forming unit. The re-conveying unit includes a conveyor roller set that conveys the sheet. The conveyor roller set includes a pinch roller and a driving roller that receives a driving force and that contacts the particular surface of the sheet. The driving roller has a greater coefficient of friction than the pinch roller. |
| US08534664B2 |
Image forming apparatus and feed mechanism
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a feed roller; a separation unit; a position detection part includes: a detection member that can move to a retracted position, and a detector which detects that a image formation target material is disposed at the feed position or the feed setup position in a case of having detected that the detection member is at the retracted position; and a restricting member that is disposed at a restricting position that restricts the detection member from moving from the initial position to the retracted position by abutting the detection member, in a detached state in which the separation unit is detached from the mounting part. |
| US08534660B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
Disclosed is a sheet processing apparatus that forms folding lines at a predetermined position of a sheet after image formation and outputs the sheet. The apparatus includes a contact unit with which a tip end or a rear end of the conveyed sheet comes into contact and by which a deflection is formed at a middle part of the sheet; folding units that form the folding lines by conveying the middle part of the sheet, at which the deflection is formed by the contact unit, between the folding units; and a deflection controlling unit that controls the deflection at the middle part of the sheet formed by the contact unit. |
| US08534659B2 |
Substrate carrier and applications thereof
A substrate carrier for performing a deposition process comprises a supporting element and a cover element. The supporting element having a through hole is used to carry a substrate. The cover element is removably engaged with the supporting element, so as to secure the substrate therebetween and expose a deposition surface of the substrate from the through hole. |
| US08534657B2 |
Automatically releasing machine tool clamp
An automated clamping system for securing a work piece to the table of a machine tool. The clamping system automatically retracts away from the work piece as the material manipulating device moves into the area of each clamp. This allows manipulation of the work piece without stopping to move the clamp to a new location so that the clamp does not interfere with the metal manipulating device. A typical embodiment is the use of the system on a milling machine. The clamping system could be used with milling machines (both manual and computer controlled), routers, water jet cutters, laser cutters, flame cutters, and many other types of cutting machines. |
| US08534650B2 |
Holder system for fastening an aircraft interior component to a transporting apparatus and to an aircraft structure
A holder system for fastening an aircraft interior component to a transporting apparatus and to an aircraft structure includes an interior component holder configured to be connected to the interior component and which has a fastening device for fastening the interior component holder to the transporting apparatus. A structure holder is configured to be connected to the aircraft structure. A connecting element is fastened to the interior component holder and is configured to be connected to the structure holder in order to fasten the interior component to the aircraft structure. |
| US08534649B2 |
Mount structure for vehicle damper
A mount structure for a vehicle damper, configured in such a manner that an end of the piston rod (33) of the damper (17) is supported by a vehicle-side member (51). A nut (57) engaged with the male thread section (42) formed on a reduced diameter section (41) of the piston rod (33) collectively fastens upper and lower gripping members (55, 56), a collar member (54), and upper and lower elastic sections (52, 53) to the reduced diameter section (41). An input from the damper body (38) side is transmitted to the vehicle body-side member (51) through a transmission member (58). |
| US08534645B2 |
Heat exchanger for removal of condensate from a steam dispersion system
A steam dispersion apparatus includes a steam chamber communicating in an open-loop arrangement with a first steam source for supplying steam to the steam chamber. The steam chamber includes a steam dispersion location at which steam exits therefrom at generally atmospheric pressure. A heat exchanger communicates in a closed-loop arrangement with a second steam source for supplying steam to the heat exchanger at a pressure generally higher than atmospheric pressure. The heat exchanger is located at a location that is not directly exposed to the air to be humidified, the heat exchanger being in fluid communication with the steam chamber so as to contact condensate from the steam chamber. The heat exchanger converts condensate formed by the steam chamber back to steam when the condensate contacts the heat exchanger. |
| US08534642B2 |
Seal member for fluid transfer system
The specification discloses a seal member for selectively completing a fluid passageway defined between an upstream member and a downstream member separated by an intermediate space, the seal member comprising an elongate stem portion dimensioned to be movably positionable in an opening defined through the upstream member between opposite first and second surfaces thereof, the elongate stem portion having provided at one end thereof a resiliency deformable, radially-extending flange and at the other end thereof a sealing face, and a fluid passageway defined through the stem portion between the flange and the sealing face. The flange is deformable under fluid pressure to increase the area of contact between the flange and the first surface of the upstream member and to simultaneously move the stem portion within the opening defined in the upstream member so as to bring the sealing face into sealing contact with an opposing surface of the downstream member across the intermediate space. |
| US08534641B2 |
Connecting element and associated fluid assembly
The invention relates to a connecting element for the electric connection of a solenoid valve to a circuit board, having a first electric contact element for electrically contacting the solenoid valve, a second electric contact element for electrically contacting the circuit board, and at least one tolerance adjusting element, and a related fluid assembly. According to the invention the connecting element is configured as one piece, and the first electric contact element and the second electric contact element are connected to each other via the at least one tolerance adjusting element. A first modifiable tolerance adjusting element enables a length adjustment in at least one spatial direction in order to predetermine a desired spatial positioning of the first contact element and the second contact element relative to each other. |
| US08534640B2 |
Valve switch unit
A valve switch unit has a detector configured to detect an input, such as current, from a machine controller. The valve switch unit also has a switching circuit configured to switch control of the one or more valves an automatic controller to the machine controller if the input from the machine controller exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the current detected exceeds the predetermined threshold, the circuit switches control from the automatic controller to the machine controller. In a similar fashion, when the current falls below the predetermined threshold, the circuit switches control back to the automatic controller. |
| US08534636B2 |
Mounting construction for an outside mirror unit
Mounting construction for mounting an adjustment instrument to a carrier for an outside mirror unit, comprising first mounting parts on the adjustment instrument and second mounting parts on the carrier, which mounting parts guide the adjustment instrument from a first position to a second position in a direction along the carrier, the mounting parts cooperating with each other in the second position to fix movement of the adjustment instrument relative to the carrier in a direction transverse to the carrier, while in the first position the adjustment instrument and the carrier are clear of each other. |
| US08534631B2 |
Trailer jack support block
The trailer jack support block includes a solid rectangular parallelepiped member having surfaces for supporting the lower end of a trailer jack thereon. Attachment chains are provided for securing the support block to the trailer hitch. Grooves are provided on at least two surfaces for retaining the chains therein, if desired. |
| US08534629B2 |
Adjustable scuba tank holder
An adjustable scuba tank holding device fixed to the gunwale or other structure of a water craft used for holding and/or assisting a user on the donning or doffing of the buoyancy control device and compressed air tank. The adjustable scuba tank holding device is adjustable to hold different sized tanks. The adjustable scuba tank holding device stabilizes the tank to provide easy donning or doffing of the scuba BCD/tank. As a result, the safety of a scuba diver on a water craft is significantly increased. |
| US08534628B2 |
Mounting apparatus for motherboard
A mounting apparatus for a motherboard includes a chassis, a bracket, a resilient plate, and a handle. The chassis includes a sidewall, and a fastener formed on an inner surface of the sidewall. The bracket is fixed to a side of the motherboard. The resilient plate includes a fixing portion fixed to a side of the bracket facing the sidewall, a connecting portion slantingly extending toward the sidewall from the fixing portion, and a resilient arm extending from the connecting portion away from the fixing portion and defining a latching hole. The handle is pivotably connected to the bracket and includes a first plate. When the handle is rotated towards the bracket, the first plate is inserted into a space between the resilient arm and the bracket, and deforms the resilient arm towards the sidewall. The fastener engages in the latching hole of the resilient arm. |
| US08534627B2 |
Over-the-door hanging apparatus
An apparatus for hanging an article from a door. In one aspect, the invention can be a frame comprising first and second channels in a rear surface of the frame; a first and second mounting plate, each of which comprises a first, second and third edge and a vertical axis; the first mounting plate secured to the rear surface of the frame so that the first channel is coextensive with the vertical axis of the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate secured to the rear of the frame so that the second channel is coextensive with the vertical axis of the second mounting plate; a bracket assembly comprising a first pair of vertically aligned hooks and a second pair of vertically aligned hooks; and wherein the first and second pairs of hooks of the bracket assembly extend into the first and second channels, respectively. |
| US08534625B2 |
Sway brace attachment
A sway brace attachment for firmly connecting to a beam and other flanged structures, and a method for manufacturing the sway brace attachment. The sway brace attachment includes a main body and an insert that is captured within the main body by a pair of set screws which also engage the flange. Preferably, a third set screw is supported by the main body and engages the opposite side of the flange from the pair of set screws. The main body can be generally rectangular in shape, with a top wall, a pair of side walls extending from the top wall and a pair of bottom walls, which extend inwardly from respective side walls in an overlapping relationship. The sway brace attachment can be used for bracing pipes and other loads, suspended below ceilings and floors, against sway and seismic disturbances. |
| US08534623B2 |
Container and universal bracket system
A container [10] is disclosed having a universal bracket system [300] that allows attachment of the container [10] to a plurality of upstanding outdoor supports including posts, angle iron, and signs supported in cylindrical frameworks. In the preferred embodiment, the container [10] has a box [100] with a lid [200] pivotally attached thereto. The box [100] has a bracket system [300] comprised of an upper bracket [310], a central bracket [320] and a lower bracket [340] which have complementary geometric relationships that facilitate attachment to the multiple structures. |
| US08534618B2 |
CPAP tube delivery device
A CPAP oxygen delivery device wherein a tube system eliminates excess hose and wherein a base connector positioned in the support frame may be in a T- or cross-configuration and the cross-configuration allows a supplemental therapeutic material to be delivered, and wherein the pitch of an adjustable arm may be varied to alter the vertical position of the CPAP mask. |
| US08534617B2 |
Support apparatus for device
A support apparatus for supporting a device includes a fixing portion detachably secured to the device, and a rotating portion rotatably coupled to the fixing portion. The fixing portion defines an opening for allowing the support apparatus to be hand-held, and, when placed on a supporting surface, is capable of being rotated to form different viewing angles for the device. A device assembly using the support apparatus is also provided. |
| US08534613B2 |
Expansion joint for a cable tray apparatus for a people mover system
An expansion joint is disclosed for a cable tray apparatus for a people mover system. An expansion joint is inserted or positioned between a pair of generally rectangular electrical cable trays having first and second ends. The cable trays are connected in an end-to-end relationship. The expansion joint has first and second ends and is positioned between the pair of cable trays so that the first end thereof is connected to the second end of the adjacent cable tray and so that the second end thereof is connected to the first end of the adjacent cable tray. The expansion joint includes body portions which are slidably movable towards one another or slidably movable away from one another to compensate for expansion and contraction of the cable tray apparatus. |
| US08534612B2 |
Trailing edge flap
A trailing edge flap arrangement for an aircraft wing, comprising an array of flap elements moveable collectively between a retracted and an extended position, wherein at least the leading flap element is rotatable about its axis independently of the collective array movement. Also, a method of operating the trailing edge flap arrangement, comprising collectively moving the array of flap elements between a retracted and an extended position, and rotating at least the leading flap element about its axis independently of the collective array movement. The flap arrangement can be deployed as a single slotted flap which can be vented to further improve lift performance. The flap arrangement can also be operated to provide variable camber across the performance envelope. |
| US08534611B1 |
Moveable leading edge device for a wing
A method and apparatus for managing a flight control surface system. A leading edge section on a wing of an aircraft is extended into a deployed position. A deformable section connects the leading edge section to a trailing section. The deformable section changes from a deformed shape to an original shape when the leading edge section is moved into the deployed position. The leading edge section on the wing is moved from the deployed position to an undeployed position. The deformable section changes to the deformed shape inside of the wing. |
| US08534609B2 |
Traction kite with high projected leading edge
A traction kite having a variable geometry leading edge that defines a high projected central propulsive region of increased surface area along the top portion of the kite, and lateral control regions of decreased surfaces area extending on opposite sides of the propulsive region. The leading edge thus defines a concave shape when viewed from the side while in flight. Providing a variable geometry leading edge maximizes propulsive forces due to increased surface area, while enhancing control and turning performance by minimizing the surface area of the control regions, namely those generally vertically disposed regions that begin at the tips and end at the propulsive region. |
| US08534606B2 |
Pipe coupling device for aircraft wing
An aircraft wing comprising first and second fuel pipe segments which are coupled together with a pipe coupling device comprising a corrugated tube formed from an elastomer filled with conductive material. The pipe coupling device is particularly useful for connecting together fuel pipe segments in an aircraft wing as it removes the need to attach bonding leads between fuel pipe segments to dissipate lightning currents and static. |
| US08534605B2 |
Aircraft fuselage structure and method for producing it
An aircraft fuselage structure is described with frames running in the circumferential direction, stringers running in the longitudinal direction and a skin which is arranged thereon and outwardly seals the aircraft fuselage in a compression-proof manner. According to the invention, it is provided that the aircraft fuselage structure contains prefabricated integral units (10) which each run in the circumferential direction of a fuselage segment and in which the frame (11) of a fuselage segment and connecting elements (17, 18) for connection to skin elements (20) comprising stringers (22) and skin (21) are formed. |
| US08534597B2 |
Propulsion assembly for aircraft
The invention relates to a propulsion assembly for an aircraft, that comprises: a turbojet engine (1) including a fan casing (3) and an engine casing (5); a pylon for holding said turbojet engine (1); and a device for suspending said turbojet engine under the pylon, that comprises two front suspension connecting rods (9), two rear suspension connecting rods (11), and a thrust acceleration connecting rod (15) extending between the front portion (17) of said engine casing (5) and the pylon in a plane containing the axis (A) of said turbojet engine (1). An additional connecting rod (19) extends between said fan casing (3) and said pylon in a direction substantially parallel to that of the axis (A) of said turbojet engine. |
| US08534595B2 |
Shock wave modification method and system
A system for modifying a shock wave formed in a fluid by a body to modify effects of the shock wave on information transferred to or from the body. The system includes an element for heating fluid along a path to form a volume of heated fluid expanding outwardly from the path, the path extending from the body and through the shock wave; an element for transferring the information to or from the body; and an element for timing the transferring of the information relative to the heating of the fluid along the path to modify certain effects of the shock wave on the information. |
| US08534593B2 |
Method and apparatus for aligning a paper roll
A paperboard handling machine includes an alignment mechanism for aligning rolls of paperboard supported by the machine whereby the rolls are aligned with one another. |
| US08534589B2 |
Webbing take-up device
The present invention is to suppress a generation of a noise due to repeatedly hitting a clutch plate against a clutch cover and a clutch guide. A webbing take-up device is provided with a clutch cover fixed to a sub-torsion shaft so as to be rotatable integrally therewith; a clutch guide arranged so as to face the clutch cover, and supported capable of relatively rotating to the sub-torsion shaft; a lock ring formed around the clutch cover and the clutch guide; and a clutch plates turned to a lock ring side while being guided by the clutch guide in accordance with relative rotation of the clutch guide to the clutch cover into one rotational direction, and engaged with the lock ring. L-shaped springs which urge the clutch plates to a clutch cover side are formed integrally with the clutch guide. |
| US08534567B2 |
Method and system for creating and using barcodes
Methods for efficiently retrieving information from an image of a symbol are described. Symbols are described that contain detection patterns that facilitate the determination of location, alignment, size and orientation of the symbol in an image. Detection patterns are described that possess geometric shapes susceptible to efficient decoding using probabilistic detection algorithms. Detection patterns are described that are provided in colors, shapes and sizes different from the color, shape and sizes of modules carrying information in the symbol. Methods are described for identifying the location and size of detection patterns in images of the symbol and for locating modules in the symbol to facilitate extraction of information carried by the modules. |
| US08534566B2 |
Product provided with a coding pattern and apparatus and method for reading the pattern
A product has a surface and a plurality of marks detectable on the surface, wherein each mark is arranged at a predetermined displacement value relative to a raster location, wherein each mark has associated with the mark a displacement value corresponding to each mark's displacement relative to the raster location, and wherein a plurality of displacement values collectively encode a position on the surface. |
| US08534564B2 |
Integration of verification tokens with mobile communication devices
Apparatuses, methods, and systems pertaining to the verification of portable consumer devices are disclosed. In one implementation, a verification token is communicatively coupled to a computer by a USB connection so as to use the computer's networking facilities. The verification token reads identification information from a user's portable consumer device (e.g., credit card) and sends the information to a validation entry over a communications network using the computer's networking facilities. The validation entity applies one or more validation tests to the information that it receives from the verification token. If a selected number of tests are passed, the validation entity sends a device verification value to the verification token, and optionally to a payment processing network. The verification token may enter the device verification value into a CVV field of a web page appearing on the computer's display, or may display the value to the user using the computer's display. |
| US08534559B2 |
Imaging slot scanner with multiple field of view
An apparatus for capturing images of a target object having a barcode. The apparatus includes a portable housing configured for standing on top of a flat surface and a window on the portable housing. The apparatus also includes an imaging system configured to capture a first image of the target object within a first field of view through the window and to capture a second image of the target object within a second field of view through the window. The first field of view and the second field of view overlap with each other at a reference plane that is substantially parallel to the front face and located within a working distance of the imaging system. |
| US08534558B2 |
Optical information reader
In an optical information reader, an entire size is reduced while a space for accommodating an imaging unit, a space for accommodating a cable of an external interface, and a space for accommodating plural boards in which circuits of a signal processing unit are accommodated are secured. An entire size of a housing is determined based on sizes of a main board and an imaging unit to realize an optical information reader having a minimum shape. The main board has the largest area as a board, and a CPU and a memory are mounted thereon. The imaging unit includes a camera module, a lighting LED unit, and a marker. The main board is disposed near an internal wall of a housing. Other functions are functionally divided into sub-boards and disposed around a frame body, and a connection portion to the cable is accommodated in the frame body to achieve miniaturization. |
| US08534557B2 |
Method and device for reading information optically
The present invention relates to a novel type of information carrier, onto which information is stored in the form of diffraction structures. An information carrier according to the present invention can be read by being drawn manually through a reading device. The present invention also relates to a device with which an information carrier according to the invention can be read. |
| US08534555B1 |
Reconfiguration of a card reader for wake-on-swipe
An apparatus includes a reconfigurable stripe reader configured to receive read head signals corresponding to states on a magnetic stripe. The reconfigurable stripe reader can have a first configuration with a first routing of the read head signals to detect an initiation of a swipe of the magnetic stripe from the read head signals. The reconfigurable stripe reader can have a second configuration with a second routing of the read head signals to read data stored on the magnetic stripe from the read head signals during the swipe of the magnetic stripe. |
| US08534552B2 |
Sales promotion system with secondary sales server system
A system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption provides customers making online purchases to automatically retrieve and redeem all applicable rebates and coupons during an online purchase. Purchase orders from customers are selectively fulfilled and products are shipped to the customers either by the system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption or by other merchant or manufacturer environments. The system makes purchases from merchants or manufacturers using all applicable coupons and rebates and then sells the products to the customers, passing the savings to them. The system automatically retrieves coupons and rebates for items in a shopping cart during the activity of an online purchase at an electronic mall or an online merchant site and to retrieve manufacturer's and merchant's coupons prior to an online purchasing activity for subsequent submission to an online merchant during a subsequent purchasing activity. |
| US08534549B2 |
Network for blood pressure data management and rechargeable smart card
Enabling the management of biometric data, including and not limited to blood pressure readings taken on automated kiosks, which is stored on personal Smart Cards and synchronized to a database via a secure network. Also, enabling the providers of automated blood pressure readings, such as pharmacies, corporate work sites, health clubs and other customers, to charge a fee for the long-term use of a memory card to record non-invasive physiological test data and make the data available for health consultations. In an automated blood pressure system with one or more memory-card interface devices, a custom-formatted end-user memory card keeps track of the user's non-invasive physiological test data, and a recharge memory card controls the provider's recharging of the end-user memory card after the end-user memory card expires. The contents of the recharge memory card are updated in order to track its use by the provider of the readings. |
| US08534543B1 |
System and method for authenticating a manufactured product with a mobile device
A system and method for authenticating an individual item of a manufactured product with a mobile computing device includes generating a first identifier including an at least partially random visual feature on the item during manufacture of the item, and generating a second identifier associated with the item, where the second identifier is cryptographically related to the first identifier. One or more digital images of the first and second identifiers may be created by a camera of the mobile computing device. The digital images may be used to validate the authenticity of the item at the mobile computing device. |
| US08534534B2 |
Integrated tab file system
An integral tab 2-D or 3-D tab for a folder, and a method of making same is disclosed. The integral 2-D (flat) tab 300 is provided near the apex of the folder by cutting free/lose a portion of the existing flap material 14 of the hanging folder itself without the need for additional tabs or material being affixed. The cut creates the tab without additional material required. The 3-D tab 300 version is created adding a triangular portion 301 which is folded onto itself so that one edge surface is at an angle relative to the panels of the file folder allowing it to be read from the side and top. A perforated version allows for user selectable tab and a plurality of placements across the common edge allows the user to select the tab position. |
| US08534531B1 |
Electric soldering iron
An electric soldering iron includes a soldering iron head, a sensor, a control unit, an air suction fan, a filtering unit, and an output unit. The control unit is connected to the sensor, the air suction fan, the filtering unit, and the output unit. The air suction fan is connected to the output unit through the filtering unit. The soldering iron head can be used to melt rosin and solder. When the sensor detects there is smoke near the soldering iron head, the sensor outputs a signal to the control unit. The control unit controls the air suction fan, the filtering unit, and the output unit to operate according to the signal. The air suction fan draws the smoke in and outputs the smoke to the filtering unit. The filtering unit filters harmful ingredients from the smoke. The output unit outputs the filtered smoke. |
| US08534530B2 |
Inflatable ring for supporting friction welding workpieces, and associated systems and methods
Inflatable rings for supporting friction welding workpieces, and associated systems and methods. A support assembly for joining multiple workpieces in a representative embodiment includes a carriage and a generally ring-shaped support member that in turn includes a body and at least one inflatable member carried by the body and positioned to expand from a first configuration to a second configuration. |
| US08534525B2 |
Gas combustion type fastener driving machine
In a gas combustion type fastener driving machine, a fuel gas and air are stirred by a fan within a combustion chamber, a stirred air-fuel gas mixture is burned by an ignition spark, and a striking piston is actuated by a combustion pressure to drive a fastening member. The machine is provided with a fan motor (320) for rotating the fan, and a control circuit board (100) for controlling an action of the fan motor (320). The control circuit board (100) detects an actuation signal for an igniter (310) that generates the ignition spark and controls a rotation speed of the fan motor (320) based on the actuation signal. |
| US08534518B2 |
Positioning device of vehicle rack
A positioning device of vehicle roof rack of the present invention includes a base, a positioning element, a buckle element, and a fixing element. The base forms a plurality of positioning slots and a connecting slot connecting the positioning slots. The positioning element is disposed slidably on the connecting slot and is able to be received in one of the positioning slots alternatively. An end of the buckle element is fixed to the positioning element by the fixing element, and the other end of the buckle element is to be buckled to a perimeter edge of a vehicle. Thereby, the position the buckle element being buckled to the perimeter edge can be adjusted by moving the positioning element. Thus, the positioning device of vehicle roof rack can be employed on vehicles in different sizes. |
| US08534516B1 |
Protective roof rack system
The present invention includes a polyurethane foam block placed on a vehicle rooftop to protect the vehicle's rooftop from damage during transport of cargo supported thereon, further comprising a generally trapezoidal shape of a length substantially equal than a width of the vehicle, further having a pair of opposing flexible extending ear portions. The bottom surface comprises a corrugated base of foam material to conform to the curvature of the vehicle's rooftop. An elastic fabric covers the device and the ear portions and further comprises a means for receiving rigging material in securing the device to the existing vehicle rooftop and preventing unwanted cargo shifting. |
| US08534505B2 |
Liquid material dispenser
Methods and apparatus for dispensing liquid material provide the option to dispense precise and repeatable quantities or volume of material over a wide range of viscosities. In one embodiment, a metering chamber is provided that can be filled and emptied at the same time so as to eliminate time delays between dispensing operations. The material may be under pressure and that pressure is used to fill and empty a metering chamber. In another embodiment, a control device is provided with a metering chamber wherein the control device operates to switch pressurized fluid between two passages to the metering chamber. In a more specific embodiment, the control device may be, for example, a valve, and more specifically in one embodiment a pneumatically actuated spool valve. |
| US08534496B2 |
Flexible sheet material dispenser
A novel sheet material dispenser package includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a collapsible top wall, a collapsible bottom wall, a first hinge feature, and a second hinge feature. A first side region of the first sidewall is coupled to a first region of the second sidewall via the first hinge feature and a second side region of the first sidewall is coupled to a second side region of the second sidewall via the second hinge feature. The top wall includes a first region coupled to the first sidewall and a second region coupled to the second sidewall. The bottom wall includes a first region coupled to the first sidewall and a second region coupled to the second sidewall. In a particular embodiment, the sheet material dispenser is a collapsible tissue dispenser adapted to sit in a cup holder when in a non-collapsed state and in a pocket when in a collapsed state. |
| US08534495B2 |
Bulk dispenser for pre-cut edible film
A bulk dispenser (10) for dispensing pre-cut pieces of film is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a container body (12), a dispenser housing assembly (52) housed within the container body, arid a lid (14) which forms a moisture-tight seal with the container body. The dispenser housing assembly includes a product reservoir, a dispenser housing in engagement with the product reservoir, and a flexible indexing arm that is movable relative to the dispenser housing to dispense the pre-cut pieces of film. The pre-cut pieces of film can be encapsulated within a perforated continuous carrier (30) and contained within the product reservoir. The flexible indexing arm has features that cooperate with the continuous carrier to index the continuous carrier and dispense an individual pre-cut film piece. In an alternative embodiment, the dispenser employs a suction cup (150) in the container lid which is forced onto a film piece in a stack of film pieces to be dispensed. The vacuum that is generated by the suction cup causes the film piece to be securely attached to the suction cup so that, when the container lid is opened, a single film piece is lifted from the stack of film pieces. |
| US08534491B1 |
Cup holder
A support base fabricated of a rigid material has cylindrical holes oriented at an angle with respect to a central axis. Cylindrical rods are fabricated of a rigid material. Each rod is retained within an associated hole. Each rod has an upper end located above the top surface of the support base. |
| US08534489B2 |
Demisable fuel supply system
A demisable fuel supply system for a satellite includes a pressurized aluminum alloy tank with an aluminum alloy propellant management device therein. The propellant management device (PMD) can have any capillary action surface tension fluid transport features known in the art. Selected inner surfaces of the tank and the PMD are covered with a plasma powder sprayed titanium based coating to guarantee propellant wettability and corrosion resistance of the fuel supply system. |
| US08534484B2 |
Sealing cover assembly for an underground utility box
A sealing cover assembly that provides a liquid-tight seal around the upper perimeter of an underground utility box includes an upper lid element, a lower lid element, and a resilient, elastomeric sealing element sandwiched in between. The sealing element includes a peripheral sealing lip that mates with a peripheral surface of the upper lid element, and a sealing flange that seats in a peripheral groove or slot in the lower lid element. The peripheral lip bears against an interior surface of the underground box to form a seal The underside of the lower lid element includes fastening elements for securing an accessory holder to the underside of the cover assembly. A central fastening assembly secures the upper and lower lid elements together with the sealing element captured therebetween. |
| US08534482B2 |
Waste collection system and a method for assembling a waste collection system
A waste collection system has an outer shell arranged at least partly underground. A waste container (6) is inserted partly into the outer shell, and has a frame mainly above the ground (8), and a top container (9) mainly above the ground and inside the frame. A bottom container is arranged mainly underground inside the outer shell. The waste container has a cover which opens to emptying the container and one or more filling openings arranged on the cover for introducing waste into the waste container. Lifting means are arranged on the frame, and are engaged by a lifting mechanism (20) so the waste container can be lifted out from the outer shell and emptied and returned. The frame has protrusion(s) (18, 19) toward the inside of the frame and the top container has corresponding recesses (21, 22) which attach the top container to the frame. |
| US08534480B1 |
Tank segment connection apparatus
There are provided tank walls constructed from a plurality of tank wall sections joined together, connectors connecting the tank wall sections, and methods of constructing the tank walls. An exemplary embodiment provides a tank wall section having a first end that includes a series of spaced apart through holes. The tank wall section also has a second end that includes a series of spaced apart nubs. The nubs are sized, configured and spaced apart to register with the series of spaced apart through holes of a second tank wall section. The through holes are each sized and shaped to receive a retaining pin extending through the first side of the nub and through the opposite side of the nub to thereby couple the tank wall section to a second tank wall section. |
| US08534476B2 |
Child-resistant closure shell, closure, and package
A plastic shell for a two-piece push-and-turn child-resistant closure in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure includes a peripheral skirt, and a base wall from which the peripheral skirt depends. The base wall has a peripheral portion having a first thickness, a plurality of lugs disposed at least in part on the peripheral portion adjacent to the peripheral skirt, and a central portion having a second thickness less than the first thickness, and including a plurality of ribs having a third thickness greater than the second thickness and substantially equal to the first thickness and extending from the first peripheral portion toward a center of the base wall. |
| US08534475B2 |
Supporting device for vertically supporting a coupling rod articulated to the car body underframe of a rail-borne vehicle
A supporting device for vertically supporting a coupling rod pivotably articulated in the vertical direction to a car body underframe of a rail-borne vehicle comprises a support able to be brought into contact with the coupling rod and a mount connected to the support and able to be fixed to the car body underframe of the vehicle. The support can move relative to and in the direction of the mount upon exceeding a critical external force acting on the support in the vertical direction. In order to disassociate the response curve of the supporting force from the spring characteristic of a spring element associated with the supporting device, a force-transmitting mechanism is provided enabling the at least one spring element to be coupled to the support and to the mount such that the spring element is elastically deformed by the support moving relative to the mount. |
| US08534473B2 |
Comestible fluid rack with conduit routing system
A rack for comestible fluids with conduit portals in front and rear rails for passage and support of the conduits passing from the fluid container to the pump. |
| US08534472B2 |
Spinning tower rack
A tower rack for holding greeting cards and the like is described. The rack includes a tower assembly structure which includes at least one panel section consisting of one or more side panels. Each side panels is configured with horizontal and vertical slits for holding merchandise trays. A base is configured to fit snugly to the bottom of the tower assembly structure. |
| US08534471B2 |
Height adjustment device for a dishwasher rack
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for adjusting a height of a rack within a dishwasher. The system includes a rack plate assembly and a wheel plate assembly. The rack plate assembly is configured to be secured to the rack. The rack plate assembly includes a rack plate and a handle pivotally secured to the rack plate. The wheel plate assembly is adjustably secured with respect to the rack plate. The wheel plate assembly includes a wheel plate having at least one adjustment slot. A portion of the handle securely engages the wheel plate through the at least one adjustment slot. The portion of the handle is configured to disengage from the at least one adjustment slot in order to adjust the rack plate with respect to the wheel plate. |
| US08534470B1 |
Disassemblable hanging cart for folding chairs
A disassemblable hanging cart for folding chair includes a chassis, two standing poles, two reinforcement sets, and multiple hanging racks, bolts and pad sets. The chassis includes a plurality of caster sets. The two standing poles are vertically and symmetrically erected on opposite positions of the chassis. Each reinforcement set is provided between one of the two standing poles and the chassis for reinforcing the connection strength therebetween. Each hanging rack includes a cross beam, and a plurality of hanging bars for hanging folding chairs. The bolts connect the cross beams with the hanging bars. The pad sets are mounted to the hanging bars to prevent the folding chairs from falling off from the hanging cart. The hanging cart can be easily assembled, and when the hanging cart is not in use, it can be disassembled and packed in a minimum size. |
| US08534468B2 |
Screen basket optimized for removal of stickies from adhesives-contaminated recyclable fiber
A screen structure which is unusually effective at removing stickies from recyclable fiber but is tolerant of substantial swings in throughput which result in variations in the flow velocity through the screen-slot velocity. One example of the screen structure is created by forming a very large number of similarly shaped vanes then locking them into a ring structure to form a cylindrical screen basket but equivalent surface configurations can also be formed into sheet stock. |
| US08534464B2 |
Collecting agent and method for floatation of insoluble components of raw salts
The invention relates to a method for separating insoluble components of sylvinite, in that the sylvinite is suspended in a saturated salt solution, a coagulating agent is added to the suspension, and a foaming agent comprising a hydrocarbon radical having from 6 to 16 carbon atoms is added to the composition so obtained. |
| US08534463B2 |
Electronic device accessory system
An electronic device packaging system that allows customer access, through a side accessible opening, to a connector of an enclosed electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device packaging system includes a front member and a back member that cooperate to form a device-accommodating compartment to enclose the electronic device. The device-accommodating compartment has at least one side configured with the side accessible opening through which the electronic connector is graspable by the customer through the accessible opening disposed on the side of the front member. The side placement of the “try it” feature allows full utilization of the front and back of the package for advertising graphics or information, or product display, thus resulting in a compact, efficient package, with advantages for both retailers and customers. |
| US08534462B1 |
Film bags in a dispensing container
Film bags are dispensed from a container having an opening. Each of the film bags has a dispensed portion and a remaining portion and includes front and rear walls joined at their first and second side edges. The walls are sealed at the bottom edges and have a top edge. An upper portion of the bags is penetrated by two openings. The openings surround a center portion that extends upwardly toward to join the remaining portion formed by the openings and the top edges. The remaining portion has at least one frangible attachment to the dispensed portion. An optional bag stack insert has a notch at a first end that aligns with the opening. Each bag stack is secured to an insert with a lower end of the stack folded under the first end and the stack inserted into the container with the folded stack portion located adjacent the opening. |
| US08534455B2 |
Transporting device for conveying printed products
A transport device for conveying printed products. The transport device includes a conveying chain. The conveying chain includes at least two functional units arranged sequentially along a conveying section and connected to each other by a connecting element. Each functional unit includes a first chain link and a second chain link. The first and second chain links are operatively connected to one another and differing in their respective functions. |
| US08534454B2 |
Conveyor and method of manufacturing absorbent article
The web conveyor conveys a continuous web for L size or M size. The conveyor includes a guide mechanism changing a passing position of a side edge portion of the web, a detection mechanism detecting the passing position of the edge portion of the web, and a drive mechanism moving the guide mechanism and the detection mechanism together in the cross direction of the web according to the L size or M size, by being in contact with a first side edge portion and a second side edge portion of the web. The drive mechanism moves the guide mechanism and the detection mechanism by an equal traveling distance in the cross direction of the web. |
| US08534451B2 |
Conveying apparatus
The invention relates to a conveying system for conveying intended upright articles, for example vials, comprising an in-feed conveyor, an out-feed conveyor, and a single liner system placed between said in-feed conveyor and out-feed conveyor, wherein said single liner system comprising a series of co-planar conveyor belts, wherein said belts are placed side by side for defining a conveying surface and wherein said belts are movable in substantially the same driving direction at different velocities; a track guide placed above said conveying surface for guiding said articles from said in-feed conveyor to said out-feed conveyor along a guide direction, wherein said guide direction is arranged at an acute angle with respect to said driving direction; wherein said velocity of subsequent belts of said series of co-planar conveyor belts increases in the guide direction. |
| US08534448B1 |
Permanent magnet air heater
A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan. |
| US08534446B2 |
Conveying device for automation production lines
The invention relates to a conveying device for the transport of components or component groups from and to one or more workstations, the conveying device comprising a conveying track and a component carrier truck moved on the conveying track, and there being provided in the region of the workstations, on the conveying track, positioning devices which cooperate with positioning devices on the component carrier truck in such a way that a desired position of the component carrier truck in the workstation is assumed in all three space directions (X, Y, Z) directly as a result of the travel-in movement of the component carrier truck into the workstation, characterized in that, during the entire travel-in movement of the component carrier truck into the workstation, each positioning device on the component carrier truck comes into contact with only its positioning device, determining the desired position, on the conveying track. |
| US08534440B2 |
Clutch arrangement, in particular for the drive train of a vehicle
A clutch arrangement includes a housing filled with fluid, a first friction surface formation rotatable with the housing around an axis of rotation, a second friction surface formation rotatable with a driven element around the axis of rotation, a pressing element rotatable with the housing around the axis of rotation and which divides an interior space of the housing into a first spatial area and a second spatial area. Depending on fluid pressure in the first and fluid pressure in the second spatial areas, the pressing element is movable with respect to the housing for producing and canceling a frictional engagement between the and the second friction surface formations. A fluid supply system for the first spatial area and/or the second spatial area includes at least a first fluid flow path. The fluid can be supplied to the associated spatial area via at least one fluid flow path and fluid can be removed from the associated spatial area via at least one fluid flow path. |
| US08534438B2 |
Crankshaft torque modulator
A decoupler with driven and driving members, a clutch, a torsional vibration damper and a lubricant. The clutch is received in a bore in the driven member and includes a carrier, a wrap spring and at least one spring. The wrap spring is formed of spring wire and has a plurality of coils disposed between a first end, which is received in a groove in the carrier, and a second end. The portion of the wrap spring outside the carrier has an outer circumferential spring surface that is abutted against the inner circumferential surface of the bore. The at least one spring is disposed between the carrier and the driving member to transmit rotary power from the driving member to the carrier. The torsional vibration damper is coupled to the driving member for rotation therewith. The lubricant is disposed on the remaining portion of the wrap spring. |
| US08534437B2 |
Centrifugally balanced hydraulic clutch assembly
A centrifugally balanced hydraulic clutch assembly includes a hydraulic chamber configured to rotate about an axis of rotation and a clutch piston that is partially situated within the hydraulic chamber and defines both an apply volume and a release volume. The clutch piston includes an inner surface and an outer surface, where a portion of the outer surface faces the apply volume and defines an apply area, and a portion of the inner surface faces the release volume and defines a release area. Additionally each portion of the apply area is provided at a respective distance from the axis of rotation, and, for each portion of the apply area, there is a corresponding portion of the release area provided at the same radial distance. |
| US08534436B2 |
Dual clutch
A dual clutch which has two friction clutches, a central pressure-exerting plate and two pressure plates which are axially movable relative to the pressure-exerting plate with the interposition of the friction linings of two clutch disks, which each mesh with one gearbox input shaft, of actuating devices. The dual clutch is held at the drive-input side and is supported at the gearbox side by an actuating system, which is rotatably held on the clutch housing, for actuating the pressure plates. |
| US08534433B2 |
Elastic connection element with variable rigidity
An elastic connection element with variable rigidity for coupling together components that are spaced from each other. The connection element is a tubular component with coupling points which fix the components to the element. The rigidity of the element, in the state of maximum rigidity, is determined substantially by the coupling points. These are formed by a receiving eyelet and an elastomeric bush bearing press-fit therein. The region located between the coupling points forms a piston/cylinder unit, the interior of which comprises at least two chambers that are separated by the piston and which receive a hydraulic or a pneumatic medium. The chambers are interconnected with one another by a connection line containing a controllable valve. By at least partially opening the valve, the rigidity of the connection element can be reduced in relation to the state of maximum rigidity. |
| US08534426B2 |
Control for limiting elevator passenger tympanic pressure and method for the same
An elevator control system to govern elevator movement to avoid or minimize passenger discomfort caused by pressure changes associated with an elevator's movement and to optimize elevator operation. In one exemplary embodiment, the system uses the passenger's natural relief which occurs while the elevator car is stopped to reduce the pressure difference experienced by the passengers' ears as a factor to optimally control the operation of the elevator. In another example, the system obtains input regarding the traveling speed and conditions of the elevator system. This system then simulates individual trips for passengers that includes monitoring the pressure changes being experienced by passengers throughout the elevator's travels in order to ensure that the pressure differential level for each passenger remains below a designated maximum comfortable and safe level. This system uses the parameters of a successful simulation to govern the actual operation of the elevators. |
| US08534424B2 |
Automotive turbocharger with integral lubricating oil filter
A turbocharger includes a housing, a rotating assembly mounted within the housing, a lubrication passage for admitting lubricating oil into the turbocharger, and a lube oil filter, mounted within a portion of the lubrication passage so that oil entering the turbocharger will pass through the lube oil filter, removing any contaminants arising from the engine's lubrication system. |
| US08534423B1 |
Tree stand and mounting member assembly
A tree stand and mounting member assembly is provided that has a base and mounting member that are releasably attachable to one another. First and second engagement members are included that have first and second female and male members. The first and second engagement members function to allow the mounting member to be releasably attachable to the base. The first engagement member does not engage the second engagement member and is spaced from the second engagement member in a vertical direction when the mounting member is attached to the base and the tree stand and mounting member assembly is mounted to a tree in a use configuration. |
| US08534418B2 |
Plate absorber
An aircraft cabin plate absorber includes a supporting panel, a cover panel and an intermediate layer which is arranged between the supporting panel and the cover panel. The cover panel includes a cover layer which is visible from the cabin space, and is arranged on the supporting panel on the side facing the sound inside the cabin space. The cover panel is fastened to the supporting panel by the intermediate layer, and comprises at least one connecting region, in which it is connected to the supporting panel, and at least one absorption region, in which it is arranged so as to oscillate with respect to the supporting panel. The panel is optimized in term of space requirement and weight for use in aircraft and has improved sound absorption properties. |
| US08534417B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing protective gear employing shock penetration resistant material
A method for providing a shock penetration resistant apparatus may include providing an item of protective gear to be positioned proximate to an object to be protected, and disposing a shock penetration resistant material proximate to the item of protective gear to attenuate or redirect shock pulses away from the object to be protected. An apparatus is also provided that may include an item of protective gear and a shock penetration resistant material. The item of protective gear may be configured to be positioned proximate to an object to be protected. The shock penetration resistant material may be disposed proximate to the item of protective gear to attenuate or redirect shock pulses away from the object to be protected. |
| US08534409B2 |
Drivetrain for a vehicle and method of controlling same
A vehicle drivetrain can include a primary pair of drive wheels and a secondary pair of drive wheels and can be selectively switched between a two-wheel drive mode and a four-wheel drive mode. When the drivetrain is in the two-wheel drive mode, the secondary pair of wheels are disconnected from the prime mover and the multi-ratio transmission. Also, when the drivetrain is in the two-wheel drive mode, the components used to drive the secondary pair of drive wheels can be rotationally isolated from each of the secondary pair of wheels, the prime mover and the multi-ratio transmission. |
| US08534404B2 |
Auxiliary power device of bicycle
An auxiliary power device of a bicycle includes a driving member and a base member provided at a first section and a second section of the bicycle respectively. The first section and the second section are two parts of the bicycle, which has a relative motion therebetween in cycling. An input member is provided to the base member to be driven by the driving member when the first section moves relative to the second section. The input member turns a power storage member to store a power. A control member is provided for manipulation to release the power stored in the power storage member for moving the bicycle forward. |
| US08534402B2 |
Motor-vehicle with an auxiliary cooling system including one or more radiators constituted by vehicle body components
A motor-vehicle is provided with an auxiliary cooling system, having a low temperature cooling liquid, entirely independent from the cooling circuit of the engine and including a radiator located at the front part of the motor-vehicle facing the radiator of the cooling circuit of the engine. The auxiliary cooling circuit comprises one or more auxiliary radiators which are connected parallel to the radiator of the auxiliary circuit and which are constituted by motor-vehicle body components. |
| US08534401B2 |
Hybrid drive device for motor vehicles
The utility model relates to hybrid drive for vehicles that significantly decreases the consumption of fuel because it uses a turbine motor (7), which is turned on solely when the charge of the accumulator batteries (3) drops and always works at best rpm. The device increases the distance covered by the vehicle without need for frequent recharge of the batteries from the power supply network. Furthermore, the turbine motor is lighter than the petrol piston engine and in the same time more efficient. The device includes installed accumulator batteries (3) that supply power to at least one electric motor coupled via transmission to the drive wheels of the vehicle, and fuel tank (4) supplying fuel to turbine motor (7) coupled via reducer (11) to generator (6) that is connected to the accumulator batteries. Control unit (9) monitors the charge of the accumulator batteries (3) and turns on and off the turbine motor (7). All six embodiments comprise a device (10) to recharge the accumulator batteries from the power supply network when the driver of the vehicle has access to it. |
| US08534397B2 |
Electronic throttle control
An electronic throttle control (ETC) system is disclosed for use on a recreational or a utility vehicle. The ETC system includes a drive mode selection device for selecting between a plurality of drive modes. The ETC system provides an adjustable engine idle speed and an engine power limiting feature. |
| US08534393B2 |
Diamond enhanced cutting elements, earth-boring tools employing diamond-enhanced cutting elements, and methods of making diamond-enhanced cutting elements
Cutting elements for use in earth-boring applications include a substrate, a transition layer, and a working layer. The transition layer and the working layer comprise a continuous matrix phase and a discontinuous diamond phase dispersed throughout the matrix phase. The concentration of diamond in the working layer is higher than in the transition layer. Earth-boring tools include at least one such cutting element. Methods of making cutting elements and earth-boring tools include mixing diamond crystals with matrix particles to form a mixture. The mixture is formulated in such a manner as to cause the diamond crystals to comprise about 50% or more by volume of the solid matter in the mixture. The mixture is sintered to form a working layer of a cutting element that is at least substantially free of polycrystalline diamond material and that includes the diamond crystals dispersed within a continuous matrix phase formed from the matrix particles. |
| US08534390B2 |
Wear resistant material for the shirttail outer surface of a rotary cone drill bit
A rotary cone drill bit includes: a body, a leg depending from the body, a bearing shaft extending from the leg and a cone mounted to the bearing shaft. The leg includes a surface location that is subject to wear during operation of the bit. A bottom surface of a hard material plate is attached to a substantially conforming surface of the leg at the location subject to wear. The attachment of the conforming surfaces is made using a flowable material such as a brazing material. |
| US08534383B2 |
Viscosity reducer for water-based muds
A method of reducing the viscosity of a water-based drilling fluid without requiring dilution. The method of reducing the viscosity of a water-based drilling fluid, includes: providing a water-based drilling fluid containing a peroxide degradable polymer and a weighting agent, adding a viscosity reducing additive containing an inorganic peroxide to the water-based drilling fluid while maintaining the pH of the water-based drilling fluid at a pH greater than about 8, circulating the water-based drilling fluid having a pH greater than about 8 through a wellbore, and heating the circulating water-based drilling fluid to a temperature of at least about 150° F. so as to activate the inorganic peroxide to degrade the peroxide degradable polymer. |
| US08534381B1 |
High LCM positive pulse MWD component
The High LCM Positive Pulse MWD Component is designed to reduce the entry of LCM and debris into traditional positive pulse MWD systems by utilizing a screen positioned over the fluid ports. The component modifies the traditional poppet housing utilized in positive pulse MWD systems without changing the parameters of the fluid ports or changing the operation or need to recalibrate standard positive pulse MWD systems. |
| US08534380B2 |
System and method for directional drilling a borehole with a rotary drilling system
This disclosure relates in general to a method and a system for directionally drilling a borehole with a rotary drilling system. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, methods and system provide for controlling motion of the rotary drilling system in the borehole when a side force is applied to the drilling system to bias or focus the motion so that the drilling system directionally drills the borehole through an earth formation. In certain aspects, side cutting of a sidewall of the borehole by a drill bit under an applied side force is controlled by a geostationary element to provide for directional side cutting and, as a result, directional drilling of the borehole through the earth formation. In other aspects, a non-concentrically coupled gauge pad assembly may rotate with the drilling system and bias or focus the applied side force. |
| US08534376B2 |
Pneumatic-spring percussion mechanism with a variable rotary drive
A percussion mechanism that has a motor, a drive piston which can be moved to and fro in a guide cylinder by the motor, and a percussion piston. A coupling device is active between the drive piston and the percussion piston, via which coupling device the movement of the drive piston is transmitted to the percussion piston. The motor can be configured as a reluctance motor or as a synchronous motor. The motor can be actuable in such a way that different rotational speeds of the rotor can be generated within a percussion cycle and/or from percussion cycle to percussion cycle. |
| US08534368B2 |
Downhole tool with slip releasing mechanism
A downhole tool includes a lock for maintaining a slip in a reduced diameter position when running the tool in the well, and selectively releases the slip to move radially outward to a set position to suspend an anchored portion of the tool within a downhole tubular. The tool includes a mandrel having a through passage, with a hydraulic port within the mandrel that is closed to mandrel internal pressure as the tool is run in the wellbore. A ball seat covers hydraulic ports in the mandrel. A ball may be dropped to seat and increase pressure to open the ports. A piston moves in response to mandrel internal pressure applied through the hydraulic port to unlock the locking device, such that further movement of the piston releases the slip from the reduced diameter position to the set position. |
| US08534362B2 |
Downhole deployment valves
Methods and apparatus enable reliable and improved isolation between two portions of a bore extending through a casing string disposed in a borehole. A downhole deployment valve (DDV) may provide the isolation utilizing a valve member such as a flapper that is disposed in a housing of the DDV and is designed to close against a seat within the housing. The DDV includes an operating mechanism for opening/closing the DDV. In use, pressure in one portion of a well that is in fluid communication with a well surface may be bled off and open at well surface while maintaining pressure in another portion of the casing string beyond the DDV. |
| US08534359B2 |
Leach recovery of oil from oil sands and like host materials
Oil sands and like host materials are leached with a selected leachant to render pumpable the oil (including heavy oil, bitumen or kerogen and asphaltenes) as leachate. In a preferred embodiment, natural deposits are in situ leached and the leachate recovered and removed for treatment. The leachant is separated and recycled. The leachant is selected to be biodegradable and to not precipate asphaltenes, and to comprise monoterpenes of the formula C10H16. The overall process allows environmentally acceptable resource development and contaminated site remediation. |
| US08534354B2 |
Completion string deployment in a subterranean well
A method for deploying a completion string in a previously drilled borehole includes rotating the string at the surface while axially urging the assembly deeper into the borehole. This rotation is preferably only partially transferred down the completion string such that a lower portion of the string typically remains rotationally stationary with respect to the borehole. The completion string may be reciprocated upwards and downwards from the surface so as to enable the lower portion of the completion string to rotate. The completion string may alternatively be rotated back and forth, alternating between first and second rotational directions so as to maintain an applied surface torque below a predetermined threshold. The invention has been found to reduce drag between a completion assembly and the wall of a previously drilled borehole. |
| US08534351B2 |
Processing hydrocarbons
Systems and methods that include providing, e.g., obtaining or preparing, a material that includes a hydrocarbon carried by an inorganic substrate, and exposing the material to a plurality of energetic particles, such as accelerated charged particles, such as electrons or ions. |
| US08534347B2 |
Expandable fluid cooling structure
A connector system is provided. The system includes a substantially circular interconnecting hub, and a plurality of circuit board bays configured substantially radially around the substantially circular interconnecting hub. Each circuit board bay has a plurality of aligned connectors configured to receive a circuit board. The interconnecting circuit hub has, for each individual circuit board bay, a direct data pathway connecting the individual circuit board bay to all remaining circuit board bays of the plurality of circuit board bays. Each of the plurality of circuit board bays can directly communicate through the interconnecting hub with each of the remaining circuit boards bays. |
| US08534336B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire has a pair of bead portions, side wall portions extending to an outer side in a tire diametrical direction from the bead portions, and a tread portion connected to an outer end in a tire diametrical direction of each of the side wall portions. An outer wall surface of the side wall portion is provided with a circumferential projection annularly extending along a tire circumferential direction, and a plurality of diametrical projections extending to an inner side in a tire diametrical direction from the circumferential projection and arranged so as to be spaced in the tire circumferential direction. A gap portion formed between the diametrical projections is open to an inner side in the tire diametrical direction. |
| US08534333B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A tread rubber is made of a rubber composition containing 100 pbw of a diene rubber, 30 to 100 pbw of a reinforcing filler including at least 10 pbw of silica, and 1 to 20 pbw of microcapsules each encapsulating a heat-expandable substance. A sulfur-containing silane coupling agent is mixed in the rubber composition in an amount of 3 to 15 wt. % based on the weight of the silica. A shell material of each microcapsule is made of a thermoplastic resin which essentially contains a nitrile monomer. A vapor pressure of the heat-expandable substance is 1.4 to 3.0 MPa at 150° C. An average diameter of the microcapsules is 20 to 30 μm before vulcanization of the rubber composition. An average diameter of the microcapsules expanded due to the vulcanization is 40 to 80 μm. The tread rubber has a proportion of a cell-occupying area of 5 to 30%. |
| US08534332B2 |
Tire with cellular rubber tread running surface
The invention relates to a tire having a tread with a cellular rubber running surface to promote a fast wearing tread running surface designed to expel internally heated tread rubber. |
| US08534330B2 |
Knife and knife assembly for a planer side head
A knife and knife assembly for a planer side head. An L or an LV type side planer head is retro-fitted with knives having substantially less mass than the knives originally provided for these heads. |
| US08534329B2 |
Joint making jig
A woodworking joint cutting jig comprised of a dovetailing template repositionably attachable to a beam, together with a side stop, a template, and a plurality of removable pin plates that establish positions along the beam for attachment of the template. |
| US08534326B2 |
Metering pump assembly
The invention relates to a metering pump for admixing a fluid reduction agent into an exhaust gas flow, which comprises a premixing device in which the supplied reduction agent is mixed in a mixing region with a pressurized gas, wherein a first return valve is arranged in the premixing element in a supply conduit for the reduction agent, in front of the mixing region in the flow direction. |
| US08534323B2 |
Control valves and methods of flowing a material through a control valve
Valves comprise a valve body having a gallery coupled to an inlet and an outlet to facilitate a fluid flow therethrough. A plug is movably disposed within the valve body and a seat ring assembly may be coupled to the outlet of the valve body. At least one circular motion inducement feature is positioned in a portion of the valve body, the seat ring assembly, or both. The at least one circular inducement feature is configured to induce a circular motion in a fluid flow through the valve. Methods of creating a circular flow in a fluid flowing through a valve are also disclosed. |
| US08534306B2 |
Subsea hot tap systems and methods
A subsea hot-tapping system, comprising an existing pipeline; a hot-tap body fitted around the pipeline; and a fluid injected between the pipeline and the body. In some embodiments, the system also includes a radial arm cutter, adapted to cut a hole in the existing pipeline. |
| US08534305B1 |
Reversible heating/cooling structure usable as a pop-up shelter
A structure, e.g. a pop-up tent, usable in extremes of temperature, wind, and aridity. One side of the structure's fabric reflects heat, and the other absorbs heat. The structure is reversible, so that, depending which side is outside and which inside, the structure either rejects or absorbs ambient heat, making the structure cooler in hot environments, and warmer in cool environments. The structure can have a detachable base with a hollow chamber in which one can put thermally insulating fluid (e.g. water) to add further comfort, which also provides additional physical and thermal stability to the structure. An optional moisture collector is disposable inside to collect condensate for recycling, and the fabric of the structure can be hydrophobic to direct other condensate to the base and away from occupants. |
| US08534303B2 |
Carrier for reducing entrance and/or exit marks left by a substrate-processing meniscus
A carrier for supporting a substrate during processing by a meniscus fowled by upper and lower proximity heads is described. The carrier includes a frame having an opening sized for receiving a substrate and a plurality of support pins for supporting the substrate within the opening. The opening is slightly larger than the substrate such that a gap exists between the substrate and the opening. Means for reducing a size and frequency of entrance and/or exit marks on substrates is provided, the means aiding and encouraging liquid from the meniscus to evacuate the gap. A method for reducing the size and frequency of entrance and exit marks is also provided. |
| US08534301B2 |
Steam mop
A steam mop that includes a handle, an extension member, a base mount, a steam generator, and a mop head. The steam generator includes a body that at least partially contains a fluid tank, fluid pump and a heating element used to at least partially vaporize fluid. The body of the steam generator is designed to be releasably connected to the base mount such that the steam generator can be used as a steam producing device for the steam mop or can be disconnected from the base mount and be used as a stand alone steam producing device. |
| US08534299B2 |
Prefabricated nails, apparatus and method for producing
The present invention provides a new paradigm in prefabricated gel nails (also referred to as pre processed) gel nails, that lends itself to the mass production of the nails, in shapes, colors, styles that are close to finished, and are configured to enable the nails to be securely attached to finger nail plates applying a UV cured bonding method. |
| US08534297B1 |
Method of testing moisture retention of tobacco
The present invention provides a method of testing moisture retention of tobacco in which dynamic rules on moisture desorption of the cut tobacco in a dry environment are investigated by using a dynamic vapor sorption system and has found that a dry basis moisture content at an earlier stage of moisture desorption of the cut tobacco has a preferred linear correlation with a square root of time. A linear fitting for t0.5 is made by using values of a dry basis moisture content Mt at a time point t, and a rate constant k is obtained from a slop of the obtained straight line and used as a reference of testing the moisture retention of tobacco. The method can also be used to investigate the moisture retention of tobacco and filter humectants of cigarettes. In comparison with the conventional method, the method is convenient and applicable, and has a short testing period, a high degree of automation, preferred accuracy and preferred reproducibility, etc. |
| US08534293B2 |
Apparatus for aligning needle with port of infusion device
A needle apparatus for aligning a needle with a port of an implantable infusion device includes a needle anchoring portion configured to axially fix the apparatus relative to a needle to be inserted into the port. The needle apparatus further includes a port locating portion fixable relative to the needle anchoring portion. The port locating portion includes a port location signal receiver module for receiving a signal from an implantable infusion device regarding the location of the port of the infusion device. |
| US08534291B2 |
Methods of treating inflammation in airways
This relates to treating an asthmatic lung and more particularly, relates to advancing a treatment device into the lung and treating the lung with the device. This also includes additional steps of treating the airway wall, applying energy or heat to the airway wall in an asthmatic lung. |
| US08534290B2 |
Hearing protection
A hearing protection unit includes two sound damping cups for placing around a user's ears. A retainer device positions the cups and applies a compressive force on the cups. The retainer device includes a front band which extends between the front edge of each respective cup across the user's forehead, and a rear band which extends between the rear edge of each respective cup around the nape region of the user. |
| US08534288B2 |
Detectors
A respiratory valve assembly (1), such as in a manual resuscitator, has a carbon dioxide color change indicator element (52) in a disc shape housing (50) arranged to clip onto a grove (59) on the valve assembly. Expiratory and inspiratory gas is supplied to the housing via two flexible tubes (60) and (61) extending side-by-side from the valve assembly (1) to the indicator housing (50) so that the indicator can be undipped from the valve and repositioned if desired. |
| US08534287B2 |
Methods for tracheostomy visualization
Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the cleaning of an endotracheal tube while a patient is being supported by a ventilator connected to the endotracheal tube for the purpose of increasing the available space for airflow or to prevent the build up of materials that may constrict airflow or be a potential nidus for infection. In one embodiment, a mechanically-actuated endotracheal tube cleaning device is configured to removably receive a visualization member to provide cleaning of the endotracheal tube under direct visualization. |
| US08534284B2 |
Respiratory therapy device
A respiratory therapy device including a housing and an interrupter valve assembly. The housing is sized for handling by a patient and defines a patient breathing passage extending from a patient end and through which a patient inhales and exhales air. The interrupter valve assembly is carried by the housing and includes a control port, a valve body, and a drive mechanism. Expiratory airflow is released from the patient breathing passage through the control port. The valve body is sized to at least partially obstruct fluid flow through the control port. The drive mechanism moves the valve body relative to the control port in response to the expiratory airflow such that the valve body repeatedly transitions between a position of maximum obstruction and a position of minimum obstruction relative to the control port to create an oscillatory positive expiratory pressure effect. |
| US08534282B2 |
Flexible self-inflating resuscitator squeeze bag automation device, system, and method
A device for automatically squeezing and releasing an AMBU-bag is disclosed. A device has a housing and a mechanical compression squeezer in the housing. There are openings in the housing for inlet tubes and outlet tubes of AMBU-bag to pass in and out of the housing. A powered actuator powers the compression squeezer. Alarms and signals provide information regarding excessive pressure and regarding bag cycling. |
| US08534277B2 |
Device, system and method for targeting aerosolized particles to a specific area of the lungs
The present invention is directed to the administration of aerosolized particles to specific area of the lungs, and in particular to the targeted delivery of aerosolized pharmaceutical formulations to a specific area of the lungs. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices and methods for depositing aerosolized particles to a specific area of the lungs by regulating aerosolizing parameters of the device. The present invention also relates to devices, systems and methods for disease management, where the aerosolizing parameters are adjusted based on monitoring at least one health parameter. |
| US08534273B2 |
Quick connect/disconnect stabilizer assembly for archery bows
A stabilizer assembly adapted for quick connection to and disconnection from an archery bow includes a mounting base adapted for connection to the archery bow, a locking member and a stabilizer body. The mounting base is generally cup-shaped and includes a rear wall that is adapted for connection to the archery bow and a continuous side wall that extends from the rear wall to form an internal space. The locking member includes an expanding collar that is adapted to be received into the internal space. The stabilizer body has a vibration dampening section and a connecting section. The connecting section is insertable into the expanding collar to thereby cause the collar to expand and releasably connect the stabilizer body to the mounting base. |
| US08534272B2 |
Variable pneumatic sear for paintball gun
An improved paintball gun uses a low-pressure pneumatic sear to hold the firing valve closed against the high pressure gas occupying the other side of the valve. In this manner, only one operation is required between depressing the trigger and the firing of the paintball gun because a double-acting cylinder is not required as an interface between the trigger depression and actuation of the valve. The paintball gun is also substantially faster than existing electro-pneumatic paintball guns because it uses a blow forward bolt, in which higher-pressure gas is held directly behind the bolt and has only one direction to travel during the firing of the paintball gun. |
| US08534269B2 |
Compound archery bow with replaceable draw length adjustment modules
A compound archery bow includes a bow handle having projecting limbs, and first and second pulleys mounted on the limbs for rotation around respective axes. A bowstring cable extends from a bowstring anchor through a bowstring let-out groove on the first pulley and then toward the second pulley. A first power cable extends from a first power cable anchor toward the second pulley, and a second power cable extends from the second pulley through a power cable take-up arrangement on the first pulley to a second power cable anchor on the first pulley. A set of at least first and second bowstring cable draw length adjustment modules is provided for alternate mounting on the first pulley to adjust draw length of the bowstring cable away from the handle. Each of the modules includes a first portion for mounting adjacent to the first axis, an intermediate portion that includes a power cable take-up groove that constitutes at least part of the power cable take-up arrangement on the first pulley, and a heel portion for mounting spaced from the first axis and adjacent to the power cable anchor such that the power cable take-up groove extends around the heel to a position adjacent to the power cable anchor. The heel is larger on one of the modules than on the other. |
| US08534267B2 |
Device for exhaust gas recirculation for a combustion engine
A device for exhaust gas recirculation for a combustion engine is provided that includes an exhaust gas pipe configured to conduct exhaust gas and a channel configured to conduct air to the combustion engine. The exhaust gas pipe terminates in the channel, wherein the exhaust gas pipe, in an area of insertion in the channel exhaust, is in thermal exchange with a coolant from a coolant circuit. |
| US08534263B2 |
Bi-fuel engine including system and method for reducing component temperature
A method may include injecting gasoline into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine from a direct injection gasoline fuel injector during a gasoline fuel mode of the engine. The method may also include combusting the gasoline in the combustion chamber to power the engine during the gasoline fuel mode. Further, the method may include injecting gaseous fuel from a gaseous fuel injection system into the combustion chamber during a gaseous fuel mode of the engine and combusting the gaseous fuel in the combustion chamber to power the engine during the gaseous fuel mode. The method may further include cooling the direct injection gasoline fuel injector during the gaseous fuel mode by injecting gasoline into the combustion chamber. |
| US08534262B2 |
Fuel injection method for diesel engine and diesel engine
In a diesel engine 1 with fuel injection valves 6a and 6b for injecting fuel 5a, 5b into a combustion chamber 4, respectively, the valves 6a and 6b are arranged such that they are opposed to each other horizontally and diametrically of the combustion chamber 4 in a plan view and are out of alignment in height to each other axially of a cylinder 2. With the valves 6a and 6b being positioned close to and away from the cylinder head 7, respectively, an upper surface of the piston 3 has a rising gradient extending from its side adjacent to the valve 6b toward its side adjacent to the valve 6a up to diametrically halfway of the piston 3. |
| US08534261B2 |
Four-cycle engine
A four-cycle engine (1) structured to introduce fresh air into a cylinder (1a) via an intake port (1d) opened/closed by intake valves (IN1, IN2) and suck exhaust gas back into the cylinder (1a) via an exhaust port opened/closed by exhaust valves (EX1, EX2), wherein the exhaust port has a first exhaust port (1p) and a second exhaust port (1e), and the exhaust gas is sucked in back from the first exhaust port (1p) and secondary air is sucked in from the second exhaust port (1e) to form, in the cylinder (1a), a first temperature layer (T1) at a high temperature mainly composed of the exhaust gas and a second temperature layer (T2) at a temperature lower than that of the first temperature layer (T1) mainly composed of the secondary air. |
| US08534260B2 |
Fuel supply system
A sub-injector injects liquid fuel into a vaporized-fuel chamber of a vaporized-fuel tank. The injected liquid fuel is vaporized in the vaporized-fuel chamber. The generated vaporized fuel is supplied to a combustion chamber through a vaporized-fuel passage. A supply of the vaporized fuel to the combustion chamber is controlled by a purge valve. Thereby, the vaporized fuel can be precisely supplied to the engine at a start of engine, so that emission can be reduced. |
| US08534258B2 |
Generator and carbon monoxide detector
A generator system and method are provided. The generator system including an internal combustion engine coupled to a generator. The internal combustion engine produces exhaust gases when operating. The system further includes a gas detector positioned in an enclosure into which exhaust gas may move. The detector is coupled to a signal transmitter that is operable to send a signal if a predetermined level of a selected gas or compound is sensed. The signal is received by an engine shut down device that is operable to shut down engine operation after the signal is received. |
| US08534250B2 |
Valve lash adjustment system for a split-cycle engine
The present invention provides a valve actuation system comprising a valve train for actuating a valve, the valve train including actuating elements and a valve lash, and a valve lash adjustment system for adjusting the valve lash, wherein the valve train and the valve lash adjustment system do not share any common actuating elements. |
| US08534249B2 |
Rocker arm assembly with an anti-inversion feature
The rocker arm assembly has an anti-inversion part that prevents a support pin from inverting, ensuring proper orientation of the support pin, on which a rocker arm is rotatably mounted, is maintained. The anti-inversion part can be a washer, a plate, a plug, or a sleeve. The washer, which has a flat face and a curved face, is intended for use with a cylindrical support pin which matches the curved face of the washer. The plate can include various combinations of tabs, flanges, and/or protrusions that extend in different directions. The plug can resemble any desirable shape, and is removed prior to final assembly. The sleeve can be hollow and is removable. |
| US08534248B2 |
Camshaft adjuster having a pressure accumulator
A camshaft adjuster arrangement, which has a stator, a rotor, and a pressure accumulator, which is controlled by control vanes. |
| US08534243B2 |
Internal combustion engine with masking wall the curtain area of the intake valves
A spark ignition four stroke internal combustion engine includes two intake valves and two exhaust valves for each cylinder, arranged around a central spark plug and provided with means for varying the lift of the intake valves between a zero value and a maximum value H. A masking wall which masks the curtain area of the intake valves on one side facing towards the exhaust valves is provided in the combustion chamber associated to each cylinder. The axis of each intake valve is inclined with respect to the axis of the respective engine cylinder by an angle not exceeding 12° and the abovementioned masking wall has along the seat of each intake valve a height h in the direction parallel to the axis of the intake valve which is comprised between 0.1 and 0.5 times, extremes excluded, the maximum value H of the lift of the intake valves. |
| US08534241B2 |
CAM plate bearings for barrel engine
A barrel engine has a housing with a longitudinal bore with a pair of spaced apart bearing surfaces. An output shaft is disposed in the bore and has an outer surface with engagement elements. A cam plate has a central portion and a cam portion. The central portion has an outer surface with a pair of spaced apart bearing surfaces and a bore with an inner surface with engagement elements. The cam plate is received on the output shaft with the engagement elements on the inner surface of the cam plate bore being mechanically coupled to the engagement elements on the outer surface of the output shaft such that the shaft and cam plate are coupled for rotation and the cam plate is longitudinally slidable with respect to the shaft. The cam plate is disposed such that the bearing surfaces are generally aligned with the bearing surfaces of the bore. |
| US08534239B2 |
Multi-cylinder diesel engine
It is an object of the invention to provide a multi-cylinder diesel engine in which a thermal damage of a common rail, and a rise in fuel temperature can be suppressed.In order to achieve the object, a multi-cylinder diesel engine in which, while the extension direction of a crank shaft 1 is set to the anteroposterior direction, a common rail 3 which is directed in the anteroposterior direction is placed above an intake manifold 2, and an engine cooling fan 4 is placed in front of the engine is configured so that the width direction of the engine which is perpendicular to the anteroposterior direction is set to the lateral direction, an air intake portion 6 of the intake manifold 2 is placed on the outer lateral side of the both lateral sides of the common rail 3, the outer lateral side being opposite to a head cover 5, and the common rail 3 is placed in a place to which engine cooling air produced by the engine cooling fan 4 is blown. |
| US08534238B2 |
Smart fan clutch
Systems, methods and devices for the control of fans are presented. More specifically, the invention relates to a fan clutch control unit for a vehicle fan. The fan clutch control unit executes a control loop section and a strategy section to provide control functionality. The fan clutch control unit may be provided as a pre-packaged control board or integrated into a fan clutch. |
| US08534230B2 |
Portable corral
Ranchers and other owners of livestock commonly have a need for a transportable means of setting up a corral for numerous purposes. Sorting must take place in a remote location or a location without a permanent corral, which are prohibitively time consuming and expensive to build. A preferred embodiment of the Portable Corral is comprised of a central chute, a left corral area, and a right corral area. The central chute is comprised of a back chute, a front chute, a left central chute panel and a right central chute panel. The front chute is comprised of a breakaway hitch that in turn is comprised of a left breakaway hitch section and a right breakaway hitch section. The left and right breakaway hitch sections are collapsed together to comprise the breakaway hitch used to connect to the towing vehicle. |
| US08534229B2 |
Pump-assisted gravel vacuum
A vacuum device for an aquarium is disclosed. The device comprising a tube having a pump contained therein. The pump utilizes a ring-shaped rotor with interior vanes for impelling water through the device. |
| US08534225B2 |
Pet feeding system
A pet feeding systems for slowing the eating process of a pet, e.g., a dog, and simultaneously entertain the pet. The pet feeding system includes a floor, retaining walls, and obstacles which form a food maze. The obstacles may vary, for example, in shape (e.g., as letters, words, geometric shapes, etc.), form (e.g., rigid structure, flexible fingers, etc.), size, height, etc. In addition, the obstacles may include structures to further slow a pets eating, such as tunnels, slides, ramps, etc. The pet feeding system may be fabricated of any appropriate material, including, but not limited to, silicone rubber, natural rubber, metal, and ceramic. |
| US08534221B2 |
Honeycomb filter production apparatus
A honeycomb filter production apparatus used for producing a honeycomb filter, the apparatus includes: a workpiece securing section for securing a base (workpiece) of a honeycomb filter; a powder transfer section for transferring a powder together with an air current by utilizing pressurized gas; an introduction section that is provided between the powder transfer section and the workpiece securing section, the powder transferred from the powder transfer section together with the air current being mixed with another gas in the introduction section, and introduced into the base (workpiece) secured by the workpiece securing section; and a suction section for sucking the gas that has passed through the base (workpiece) secured by the workpiece securing section by reducing pressure on the other side of the workpiece securing section as compared with the one side of the workpiece securing section using suction means. |
| US08534216B2 |
Device and method for boarding an aircraft
A device (10) for arranging a plurality of individuals into a desired order. The device includes a floor plan (14) having a plurality of separately identifiable markings (16) thereon indicating an intended location for each individual on the floor plan (14). |
| US08534215B2 |
Evacuation cabin
An evacuation cabin includes an upper housing and a lower housing. The upper housing has a joining portion along a bottom edge of the upper housing and an opening at middle of one side of the upper housing for receiving an upper part of a water-sealable door. The lower housing has a joining portion corresponding and sealed to the joining portion of the upper housing such that the upper housing and the lower housing are sealed integrally and water-sealably, and an opening corresponding to the opening of the upper housing and for receiving a lower part of the water-sealable door. There are accommodated in the lower housing a power source acting as a weight to lower the center of gravity of the evacuation cabin so as to maintain the evacuation cabin in a stable condition when water floods the ground. A chassis, provided underneath the evacuation cabin, is mounted with an axle for installing wheels so that the evacuation cabin can stand stationary or be transported as a trailer by a mobile. |
| US08534210B2 |
Gateway plate device for a slotted mast or spar having a channel
An improved system for rigging a sail to a spar consists of a slot and a gateway plate. The slot is disposed on the spar to selectively enable the sail slugs to engage an internal channel. The gateway plate is adapted to selectively cover the slot and can be removed so the slugs can be inserted to or removed from the channel. The gateway plate consists of a plate body having a first and second oppositely disposed plate-hole, the plate holes having a predetermined alignment with receiving-holes on the spar, the gateway plate further includes a channel-engaging edge, an oppositely disposed handle end, and a predetermined length of elastic cord, which couples to the spar and provides positive engagement of the gateway plate against the spar when in the closed position. The gateway plate can be mounted internally or externally relative to the spar channel. |
| US08534208B2 |
Product conveyance system for an agricultural implement
An inductor assembly is configured to be attached in flow communication to receive a flow of product from a storage hopper of a product conveyance system. The product conveyance system includes a forced fluid source mounted thereon and operable to provide a forced fluid stream to the inductor assembly. The inductor housing includes an inlet configured to direct a first portion of the forced fluid stream in a path to engage the flow of product so as to generate the combined stream of forced fluid and product. The inductor assembly further includes multiple inductor segments, wherein each inductor segments defines at least one conduit having an inlet and an outlet. One or more of the inlets may be configured to restrict air and product flow therethrough. |
| US08534205B1 |
Folding table
A fold-in-half table may include a first half constructed from molded plastic, such as blow-molded plastic, and a second half constructed from a wire rack. An inner engagement surface of the first half of the table top may engage an inner engagement surface of the second half of the table top when the table is in the unfolded position. The first and second inner engagement surfaces may be spaced apart when the table is in the folded position. The fond-in-half table may also include first and second support structures connected to the first and second halves of the table top and the support structures may be movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top. |
| US08534203B2 |
Support system for a railcar and method for assembling the same
A railway hopper car is provided. The railway hopper car includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes first and second sidewalls, and first and second end walls. The lower portion includes at least two cargo wells and a longitudinal boundary extending between the cargo wells. The upper and lower portions define an interior volume of the hopper car. The railway hopper car further includes a roof panel and a first support assembly. The roof panel includes an access opening extending longitudinally over at least a portion of the cargo wells. The first support assembly is coupled to an inner surface of the first sidewall, and extends between a top edge and a bottom edge of the first sidewall. The first support assembly is positioned proximate to the longitudinal boundary, and is configured to only partially extend into the interior volume of the hopper car. |
| US08534202B2 |
Modular base side bearing
A modular base side bearing assembly has a cage with upstanding side walls defining a bearing cavity and a central bottom opening to receive a modular base on which a bearing element supported on a central base portion thereof. The modular base has externally visible tabs identifying a force level corresponding to the modular base, in which the thickness of the central base portion corresponds such force level. The modular bases are interchangeable with modular bases having central base portions of differing thickness, or zero-thickness, such that the same cage, bearing element, and wear cap can be used with different modular bases to provide different force levels. The modular base is movable vertically relative to the cage to accommodate uneven mounting surfaces. |
| US08534195B2 |
Rail plate inserter
A preferred embodiment is directed to a finger for use in a rail plate inserter machine workhead and for positioning a rail plate predisposed on a rail tie under a rail, having a planar body having an upper arm with a hook-shaped end and including an opening for accommodating a spring, the end being configured for being contacted by a bar operatively associated with a finger lift assembly; a lower arm having a depending tip; and a middle portion joining the upper and lower arms to define an obtuse angle. |
| US08534186B2 |
Method and apparatus for brewing hot beverages
Automatic apparatus for brewing a hot beverage. A control system causes a heater that is integral with a beverage container to elevate the water temperature to a predetermined brewing temperature while infusible material in an infuser basket is isolated from the liquid. When the brewing temperature is achieved, the controller causes a positioner assembly to submerge the infuser basket in the heated liquid. The control system maintains the liquid at a predetermined brewing temperature. After a predetermined brewing interval, the control system causes the positioner assembly to raise the infuser basket thereby to isolate the infusible material from the brewed beverage. Thereafter the control system may maintain the beverage temperature at an optimal serving temperature. |
| US08534185B2 |
Reciprocating pump having a pressure compensated piston
A pump including a pressure compensated piston is disclosed. In some embodiments, the pump includes a piston with an annular body and an annular sealing element disposed radially outward of the annular body. The annular body has a radially-facing outer surface adjacent an inner surface of the sealing element and an axially-facing surface with an inlet port. A flowpath extends between the inlet port and the radially-facing outer surface of the annular body. |
| US08534183B2 |
Lubricating device for a linear motion device
A linear motion device includes a housing which extends in a longitudinal direction, and in which a rotor movable in the longitudinal direction is accommodated, the housing including a lubricant supply device, via which the rotor may be supplied with lubricant. The lubricant supply device includes a plunger mounted on the housing and movable transversely to the longitudinal direction, and a spring via which the plunger may be pushed against the rotor, to establish a lubricant supply connection to the rotor via the plunger. |
| US08534178B2 |
Soft plate soft panel bonded multi layer armor materials
A flexible armor system includes a rigid panel of a stiffness calculated to resist penetration by a known ballistic object, made from multiple layers of Ultra High Molecular Weight Poly-Ethylene fibers or other high tenacity fibers, which is then pre-flexed beyond its elastic bending limit to create a distributed pattern of surface buckling, with localized areas of interior delamination, which together function as bending or hinge lines to provide flexibility to the otherwise rigid panel and thereby lower its overall stiffness to less than that calculated for the rigid panel to resist the ballistic object. The areas of delamination have a width of less than one half the diameter of the ballistic object. |
| US08534175B2 |
Gauge and frame for a portable sawmill to make wooden box culvert
A gauge and frame for a portable sawmill to make wooden box culvert has a frame adapted to receive the portable sawmill, the frame includes a pair of spaced guide members. Each of the guide member includes a worm screw member adapted to linearly move a retainer member, a holding member adapted to orient the retainer member at a desired angle, and an angle selecting member adapted to move the retainer member A beam rotating member rotatably attached to the frame and located between the guide members, the beam rotating member including a support member adapted to hold wooden beams, and a handle member used for rotating the support member in a plurality of axes, such that wooden beams can be manipulated and held in desired orientations and thereby cut in chosen angles and shapes by a ribbon saw of the sawmill. |
| US08534172B2 |
Positioning belt conveyor
Apparatus and method for translating articles. The apparatus has a rectangular work area defined by the upper run of a positioning conveyor having an oblique-roller conveyor belt selectively driven forward or reverse in coordination with the actuation and deactuation of the obliquely rotatable belt rollers. Tools, such as cutting tools or inspection stools, along the sides of the work area interact with the sides of the articles as they are translated without rotation in a rectangular path against guide surfaces on the periphery of the work area by the sequential reversing of the conveyor belt direction and the actuation and deactuation of the article-supporting rollers. |
| US08534170B2 |
Rotating pipe machining device
A machining device has a stationary member and a rotating member. A plurality of bearings on one of the members engages a surface of the other. At least one of the bearings is radially fixed, while the remainder of the bearings are radially adjustable. In another aspect of the invention, the bearings are rotatable on a first cylindrical portion of a mounting shaft that has a second cylindrical portion attachable to the machine. A radial undercut is provided around a flange between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion. |
| US08534167B2 |
Super high-torque open end wrench capable of fast driving
An open end wrench includes a jaw portion having first and second jaws. The first jaw includes a sliding groove slideably receiving a slide. When the jaw portion is not engaged with a workpiece, the slide is in a free position. When the jaw portion receives the workpiece but does not drive the workpiece, a buffering space is formed between an abutting end of the guiding slot and a guide fixed in the sliding groove. When the jaw portion drives the workpiece and deforms elastically, the body rotates relative to the workpiece, but the slide does not rotate together with the body due to the buffering space such that the end of the slide remains in surface contact with a face of the workpiece. Also, a buffering angle can be formed between a wrenching face on the slide and the face of the workpiece when the jaw portion receives the workpiece but does not drive the workpiece. |
| US08534166B2 |
Screwdriver device for an inherent tool bit set
A screwdriver for an inherent tool bit set includes a screwdriver device, a cover member and at least one control set. The screwdriver device has an accommodating portion at one end. A plurality of accommodating rooms is formed on the accommodating portion for receiving a tool bit set. At least one spring room is deposited on the accommodating portion. The screwdriver device has a working shaft at another end. The cover member has a receiving space. At least one through hole is opened on the cover member. The through hole corresponds to the spring room. The control set is assembled between the spring room and the through hole. Thus, a user presses the control set into the spring rooms for separating the cover member from the screwdriver device and takes a tool bit to assemble to the working shaft for screwing or loosing bolts. |
| US08534161B2 |
Shiftable bottom bracket gear train
The shiftable bottom bracket gear train according to the invention for a bicycle or the like comprises a bottom bracket tube, a gear train housing having an associated sprocket and a disk arranged parallel thereto, and a drive shaft, which penetrates the bottom bracket tube in the axial direction and is operatively connected to pedal cranks and in which a shifting axle is arranged, which is connected to a coupling piece and can be actuated from the outside by means of a shifting element. In the shiftable bottom bracket gear train, the torque support of the gear train engages on the bottom bracket tube (1) or on an adapter (2) inserted in the bottom bracket tube (1), and is implemented by using screws (8) or screw connections (4,5,12), pins (9, 17), cams (14), or clamps (13). |
| US08534160B2 |
Retractable control device for domestic appliance
A retractable control device for a household electrical appliance includes a knob movable against an elastic member within an aperture or seat of a control interface of the appliance. The knob is configured to assume two working positions including a first position in which the knob is seated in the aperture and a second position in which the knob extends outwardly therefrom. The knob cooperates with a control member for a functional element of the appliance, such as an electrical resistance heater or microwave generator of an oven, or a gas burner of a cooking hob. The device also includes a cylindrical element disposed and fixed in the aperture of the control interface about the knob. The cylindrical element contains the knob when the knob is in its first position and guides its movement within the aperture along a central longitudinal axis thereof. |
| US08534158B2 |
Floor pivot pedal assembly
A floor pivot pedal assembly for use in a vehicle having a floor. The pedal assembly may include a body mounting bracket, a pedal mounting bracket and a floor pivot foot pedal having a lower end pivotally connected to a hinge located on an upper surface of the lower mounting portion. The body mounting bracket has slots for receiving securement flanges for securing the body mounting bracket to the pedal mounting bracket. A fastener also secures the body mounting bracket to the pedal mounting bracket. |
| US08534156B2 |
Bicycle shift operating device
A bicycle shift operating device is basically provided with a pair of operating members and a take-up member. The take-up member pivots in opposite rotational directions in response to movement of the first and second operating members. The first operating member pivotally supports a pawl member having first and second pawls. The first pawl selectively engages and moves one of a release member and a pulling ratchet in response to the movement of the first operating member. The second pawl selectively engages and moves other of the release member and the pulling ratchet in response to the movement of the second operating member. An abutment portion of the first operating member selectively contacts an abutment portion of the pawl member such that the pawls pivot when one of the first and second operating members is operated. |
| US08534155B2 |
Robot arm assembly
A robot arm assembly includes a support arm, and the support arm includes a mounting base and a connecting portion defining a hollow portion. The robot arm assembly further includes a first arm, a second arm, a first input shaft, a second input shaft coaxial with and rotatable relative to the first input shaft, a first gear transmission mechanism coupled to the first input shaft to rotate the first arm, a second gear transmission mechanism coupled to the second input shaft to rotate the second arm, and a first backlash adjust mechanism to adjust the positions of the connecting portion, of the first and second input shafts relative to the mounting base, and providing the adjustment of the backlash between the first input gear pair and the second input gear pair. |
| US08534153B2 |
Robot arm assembly
A robot arm assembly includes a first arm, a second arm; a first transmission assembly and a second transmission assembly. The first transmission assembly includes a first rotation shaft having a first bevel gear portion, a second rotation shaft having a second bevel gear portion engaging with the first bevel gear portion, and a third rotation shaft non-rotatably connected to the second rotation shaft. The second transmission assembly includes a forth rotation shaft and a fifth rotation shaft. The forth rotation shaft is rotatably sleeved on the first rotation shaft and includes a forth bevel gear potion. The fifth rotation shaft is rotatably sleeved on the second rotation shaft and includes a fifth bevel gear portion engaging with the forth bevel gear portion. An end of the fifth rotation shaft opposite to the fifth bevel gear portion is connected to the second arm. |
| US08534151B2 |
Gearbox output switcher
A gear switching mechanism for a printing machine comprises at least one pair of input and driven gears, each pair rotationally mounted on a corresponding common axle. The input gear of each pair may be coupled to a common drive, while each driven gear is coupled to a separate output. A rotational gear coupling is mounted to translate along each axle to selectively engage and disengage the corresponding pair of input and driven gears. The rotational gear coupling includes a cam follower that slides along a cam profile of a cam shuttle. The shuttle defines a cam profile that is normal to the common axles. In one embodiment, the cam shuttle translates linearly, while in another embodiment, the shuttle rotates. The cam profile is configured to selectively engage and disengage the rotational couplings of each pair of input and driven gears. |
| US08534150B2 |
Dual clutch multi-speed transmission
A transmission includes an input member, an output member, first and second transmission input shafts, first and second countershafts, a plurality of co-planar gear sets and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and eight forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member. |
| US08534149B2 |
Manual transmission for vehicle
A six speed M/T includes four shafts, which are an input shaft A1, a first intermediate shaft A2, a second intermediate shaft A3, and an output shaft A4, those being parallel to one another. A single drive gear G45i is used as both a fourth-speed drive gear and a fifth-speed drive gear. The number of gear teeth of a second final drive gear Gfi2 is greater than that of a first final drive gear Gfi1. A fourth-speed driven gear G4o, a third-speed driven gear G3o, a first-speed driven gear G1o, and a second-speed driven gear G2o are arranged to the shaft A2 in this order from the side close to an engine E/G, and a fifth-speed driven gear G5o, a sixth-speed driven gear G6o, and a reverse driven gear GRo are arranged to the shaft A3 in this order from the side close to the engine E/G. |
| US08534146B2 |
Geared, continuously variable speed transmission
A continuously variable speed transmission includes a first guideway, a second guideway, wherein the first guideway and the second guideway remain stationary during operation at a particular speed ratio. The transmission includes a first member moveably connected to the first guideway and the second guideway, the first member includes gear teeth and a second member having gear teeth positioned at an adjustable angle relative to the first member. The speed ratio of the transmission is determined based on angle of the second member relative to the first member. In another variation, the first member may be either an input member or a control member, and the second member may be either an input member or a control member. An additional member connected to the center of the gear between the first and second members would then serve as the output member. |
| US08534142B1 |
Method for measuring back pressure in open ended chemical reactor tubes
A method for measuring back pressure in open ended chemical reactor tubes is provided. The method can include using automatic test heads or manual test head connected to a continuous real-time monitor and display device, a controller, a multiport manifold, and a plurality of umbilicals. Each umbilical can be used to carry compressed air, sensor signals, and power to the test heads. |
| US08534137B2 |
Fluid meter, in particular a water meter
The invention relates to a fluid meter, in particular a water meter, comprising a counter presenting an upper electronic card including a meter screen, the counter being covered by a cover including a window for viewing said screen, and said cover itself being covered by a cap presenting an external window for viewing said screen, a screen cover being mounted on said cap to cover and protect said screen and said external window. According to the invention, said screen-cover is provided with at least one pivot pin placed on a bearing carried by said cap, and said cap is provided with at least one orifice for passing a locking element for locking said pin on said bearing, the locking element being carried by said cover. |
| US08534135B2 |
Local stress measurement
An optical metrology device determines the local stress in a film on a substrate. The metrology device maps the thickness of the substrate prior to processing. After processing, the metrology device determines the surface curvature of the substrate caused by the processing and maps the thickness of a film on the top surface after of the substrate after processing. The surface curvature of the substrate may be determined as basis functions. The local stress in the film is then determined using the mapped thickness of the substrate, the determined surface curvature, and the mapped thickness of the film. The local stress may be determined using Stoney's equation that is corrected for non-uniform substrate curvature, non-uniform film thickness, and non-uniform substrate thickness. |
| US08534133B2 |
Electrical circuit assemblies and structural components incorporating same
A structural health monitoring arrangement includes a component formed of fiber reinforced composite material with a plurality of electrical conducting fibers intrinsic to the composite defining electrical paths that run through the composite. The paths act as sensing paths running through the material and a detector watches for changes in electrical property indicative of a structural event. The paths may be configured as an open or a closed node grid whose electrical continuity is monitored directly or indirectly. Alternatively they may be fibers having a piezoresistive property and the changes in resistance may be monitored. |
| US08534132B1 |
Method for measuring tension in an anchored rod at an accessible end
The present invention may be used for measuring the tension in an elongated rod like body that may be fastened at an anchor end to an anchor element and that may be disposed at an accessible end relative to a securing element. A representative bolt may be secured at a first end to an accessible end of the rod like body. A housing may be positioned over the representative bolt to abut the securing element at an open first end and to allow the representative bolt to extend outwardly through a hole in a walled second end. A nut may be threaded on the representative bolt and tightened against the walled second end. A transducer may be attached to a second end of the representative bolt. The transducer may be activated to measure the length of the representative bolt. A data base of bolt length and bolt stress measurements may be used to correlate the stress level of the elongated rod like body. |
| US08534131B2 |
Surgical intervention device comprising an instrument likely to deform
The disclosure relates to a surgical intervention device, including a surgical instrument capable of passing through human or animal tissue and a system comprising so-called “passive” components capable of measuring deformation or a local strain of the instrument and/or so-called “active” components capable of imposing a local strain on the instrument, the system comprising at least two series of passive components arranged at the surface of the instrument so as to establish a biunivocal relation between the position of the instrument or the position of the distal end of the instrument and all the data originating from the series, and, where required, at least two series of active components arranged at the surface of the instrument. The disclosure also relates to a process for determining the position of the distal end of a surgical instrument capable of passing through human or animal tissue. |
| US08534125B2 |
Flow measuring device having an adjusting terminal in the connector that is coplanar with the projection portion
A flow measuring device includes a flow rate sensor, an electronic circuit, a connector, and an adjusting terminal. The sensor outputs a detection signal in accordance with a flow rate. The circuit is electrically connected to the sensor to control input into and output from the sensor. The connector includes a connecting terminal and a connector housing. The connecting terminal electrically connects together the circuit and an external device. The housing is formed in a cylindrical shape having a bottom and an opening to hold the connecting terminal. The housing includes a projection portion that projects from a bottom face of the bottom toward the opening. The adjusting terminal is electrically connected to the circuit to adjust the circuit. The adjusting terminal is held by the housing and includes an exposed part exposed from the housing. The exposed part is exposed from a surface of the projection portion on an opening-side. |
| US08534117B2 |
Sensor apparatus and method therefor
A sensor apparatus includes a metal oxide semiconductor (“MOS”) sensor with a gas-sensing surface normally having a first sensitivity to a first species of flammable gas and a second sensitivity to a second, different species of flammable gas. A selective sensitivity-enhancement layer is disposed on the gas-sensing surface such that the first sensitivity becomes increased and the second sensitivity remains substantially unchanged. |
| US08534114B2 |
Sand detector calibration
A method of operating an acoustic sand detector deployed at a flowline within a flow system, the detector comprising an acoustic sensor and functioning to produce electrical output signals in dependence on acoustic signals detected by the acoustic sensor, the acoustic signals being at least partially produced by the impact of sand particles within the flow on an object is provided. The method comprises estimating the location of particle impacts on the flowline; and weighting the output signals according to the distance between the estimated location and the detector location. |
| US08534095B2 |
Polarizing photorefractive glass
The invention is directed to a glass composition and articles made from the composition that are both polarizing and photorefractive. The glass has, for example, a composition consisting essentially of, in weight percent (“wt. %”) of 70-73 SiO2, 13-17% B2O3, 8-10% Na2O, 2-4% Al2O3, 0.005-0.1% CuO, <0.4% Cl, 0.1-0.5% Ag, 0.1-0.3% Br. In another embodiment the composition consists essentially of 70-77% SiO2, 13-18% B2O3, 8-10% Na2O, 2-4% Al2O3, 0.005-0.1% CuO, <0.4% Cl, 0.1-0.5% Ag, 0.1-0.3% Br. The glass can be used make articles or elements that can exhibits both the photorefractive effect and the polarizing effect within a single element or article, and can be used to make a variety of optical elements including Bragg gratings, filtering elements, and beam shaping elements and light collection elements for use in display, security, defense, metrology, imaging and communications applications. |
| US08534094B2 |
Method and apparatus for liquefying a hydrocarbon stream
Method and apparatus for liquefying a hydrocarbon stream. A hydrocarbon feed stream is passed through an NGL recovery system to separate the hydrocarbon feed stream into at least a methane-enriched overhead stream and a C2+ enriched bottom stream. The methane-enriched overhead stream is then passed through a first compressor to provide a methane-compressed stream, which is liquefied to provide a first liquefied stream. The pressure of the first liquefied stream is reduced to provide a mixed phase stream, which is passed through an end gas/liquid separator to provide an end gaseous stream and a liquefied hydrocarbon product stream. The end gaseous stream is passed through one or more end-compressors to provide an end compressed stream, of which at least a recycle fraction is fed into the methane-enriched overhead stream. The temperature of the first liquefied stream may be controlled to change the amount of the end gaseous stream. |
| US08534093B2 |
Unit for ejector-type refrigeration cycle, and refrigeration cycle device using the same
A unit for an ejector-type refrigeration cycle includes an ejector, first and second evaporators connected in parallel to a downstream side of the ejector and configured to evaporate the refrigerant discharged from the outlet of the ejector, and a refrigerant distributor configured to distribute the refrigerant discharged from an outlet of the ejector to a side of the first evaporator and a side of the second evaporator. The ejector draws refrigerant from a refrigerant suction port by a high-velocity refrigerant flow jetted from a nozzle portion, and mixes the refrigerant injected from the nozzle portion with the refrigerant drawn from the refrigerant suction port so as to discharge the mixed refrigerant from the outlet of the ejector. The ejector and the refrigerant distributor are connected to each other such that the refrigerant discharged from the outlet of the ejector directly flows into the refrigerant distributor. |
| US08534092B2 |
Indoor unit of air conditioner
An indoor unit of an air conditioner is provided. A width of the indoor unit of the air conditioner may be varied based on whether or not the indoor unit of the air conditioner is operated. |
| US08534089B2 |
Ice maker and refrigerator having the same
Disclosed are an ice maker and a refrigerator having the same. The refrigerator includes a storage compartment, a storage compartment door for opening/closing the storage compartment, and an ice maker including an ice making tray for producing pieces of ice, and a water dispense cup for dispensing water supplied from a water supply pipe to the ice making tray. A water guide section is formed in the water dispense cup to guide the water, which is supplied from the water supply pipe, to a region below the water supply pipe so that ice pieces are prevented from being accumulated in the water dispense cup. |
| US08534087B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes an ice maker positioned in the refrigerator and configured to make ice. The refrigerator also includes a plate positioned at an open side of the ice making tray and configured to reduce water overflow. The refrigerator further includes a cool air inlet passage configured to allow cool air to be introduced to an area inside of the plate. In addition, the refrigerator includes a cool air outlet passage that is separate from the cool air inlet passage, and configured to allow release of cool air from the area inside of the plate to an exterior of the plate. |
| US08534086B2 |
Direct expansion evaporator
A direct expansion evaporator for making a frozen product from raw material includes a feeding channel, a heat exchange channel thermally communicating with the feeding channel, and a refrigerant flowing within the heat exchange channel for exchanging heat between the raw material within the feeding channel and the refrigerant within the heat exchange channel in an expanded evaporation manner. Therefore, the refrigerant releases the thermal energy via the phase changing from liquid to gaseous state of the refrigerant. The heat exchange channel has a pre-cooling portion for pre-cooling the raw material at a predetermined temperature and a freezing portion for freezing the raw material to a final predetermined temperature of the frozen product in two-stage evaporation manner. Thus, the direction expansion evaporator provides a relatively more efficient way for making the frozen product, so as to increase the quality of the frozen product. |
| US08534080B2 |
Compositions comprising iodotrifluoromethane and uses thereof
Disclosed are compositions comprising iodotrifluoromethane and other compounds that are useful as heat transfer fluids, including refrigerants, in a stationary air conditioning or refrigeration system, a flooded evaporator chiller or a direct expansion chiller. Also disclosed are methods for producing cooling and methods for replacing R22, R407C, R410A, R404A or R507A in such equipment. |
| US08534076B2 |
Combustor-turbine seal interface for gas turbine engine
A combustor-turbine seal interface is provided for deployment within a gas turbine engine. In one embodiment, the combustor-turbine assembly a combustor, a turbine nozzle downstream of the combustor, and a first compliant dual seal assembly. The first compliant dual seal assembly includes a compliant seal wall sealingly coupled between the combustor and the turbine nozzle, a first compression seal sealingly disposed between the compliant seal wall and the turbine nozzle, and a first bearing seal generally defined by the compliant seal wall and the turbine nozzle. The first bearing seal is sealingly disposed in series with the first compression seal. |
| US08534074B2 |
Dual clutch arrangement and method
A dual clutch arrangement is disclosed herein. The dual clutch arrangement includes a first input rotatable member. The dual clutch arrangement also includes an output rotatable member. The dual clutch arrangement also includes a first clutch coupling the first input rotatable member and the output rotatable member such that the first input rotatable member drives the output rotatable member in rotation. The first clutch is operable to be overrun. The dual clutch arrangement also includes a second input rotatable member. The dual clutch arrangement also includes a second clutch operable to selectively couple the second input rotatable member and the output rotatable member such that the second input rotatable member drives the output rotatable member in rotation. The first clutch is overrun when the second clutch is engaged. The dual clutch arrangement can be one exemplary way of practicing the method of operating a turbine engine to produce thrust for a vehicle, directing air into the turbine engine with a fan during said operating step, and changing a speed of the fan during said operating step to change a bypass ratio of the turbine engine. |
| US08534067B2 |
Energy retriever system
Disclosed is an energy retriever system and methods for absorbing energy and using that energy elsewhere or converting it to other useful forms of energy or work. The energy retriever system consists of a series of components interconnected by a plurality of conduits containing a fluid. Working as a self-contained thermodynamic system, the energy retriever system allows the fluid to circulate through all of these elements. Heat added to the energy capture subsystem heats the fluid. The fluid becomes more pressurized and moves into the expansion cycle subsystem. The energy extraction subsystem transforms the thermal energy of the fluid into work, kinetic energy or thermal energy. The reservoir subsystem compresses the fluid and reintroduces it into the energy capture subsystem. One-way valves are used throughout the system to keep the flow of the fluid in one direction and separate sections of the system that contain different pressures. |
| US08534059B2 |
Pressure reducing gas storage device, air-jet system, and motor vehicle
A pressure reducing gas storage device, an air-jet system and a motor vehicle are disclosed herein, wherein the pressure reducing gas storage device comprises a gas storage tank including an inlet for receiving compressed air and an outlet for outputting air and a heat exchanger for heating the air in the air input into the gas storage tank. By providing a heat exchanger to heat the air input in the gas storage tank, the phenomenon of being frozen is eliminated and the pressure reducing gas storage device is able to work continuously and stably. |
| US08534057B1 |
Electrical generator for waterway
An apparatus for generating electricity from a flowing stream of water is disclosed. A rigid frame is fixed with a pair of wheels, or with two linkages in circuit around two pairs of wheels. A plurality of blades are fixed between the wheel or linkages at their side edges, a cross-sectional area of each blade being substantially comparable to the cross-sectional area of the stream of water. An orientating mechanism is adapted to maintain the orientation of each blade such that rotation of the wheels or linkages results in an opposite rotation of each blade to maintain the orientation of the blade. As such, each blade “stabs” orthogonally into and out of the flow of water edge first, minimizing the displacement and disruption of the water upon entering. Each wheel or linkage, when mechanically coupled with a generator, results in the production of electricity. |
| US08534053B2 |
Exhaust purification apparatus for internal combustion engine
The present invention provides an exhaust purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine which enables a decrease in NOx purification rate and possible ammonia slip to be inhibited. The apparatus includes an NOx catalyst, a urea aqueous solution addition valve serving as reducing agent adding means, and NOx sensors provided an inlet and an outlet of the NOx catalyst, respectively. When the bed temperature of the NOx catalyst is in a predetermined high-temperature region in which the amount of ammonia converted into NOx increases relatively and an NOx purification rate decreases relatively, the apparatus uses outputs from the NOx sensors to perform correction such that the actual addition amount of the urea aqueous solution addition valve reaches a target addition amount. |
| US08534052B2 |
Exhaust gas treatment apparatus for working machine
An exhaust gas treatment apparatus for a working machine is provided to reliably prevent a specific process that raises the exhaust temperature of an exhaust gas treatment section from being carried out during switching operation of a directional control valve. The apparatus includes: a directional control valve that controls the flow of pressure oil supplied to an actuator; a pilot pump that supplies pressure oil to an operating device operated to switch the directional control valve; an open/close valve arranged downstream of the directional control valve; a control valve that controls the open/close valve; a lock valve arranged between the pilot pump and the operating device; a detecting section that detects when a specific process that raises the exhaust temperature of an exhaust gas treatment section becomes necessary, and outputs the corresponding detection signal; a controller that controls the control valve; and a pipe for performing a process of setting the open/close valve to an open position in accordance with the pilot pressure oil supplied from the pilot pump. |
| US08534051B2 |
Exhaust purification device of internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine in an engine exhaust passage of which an exhaust purification catalyst (13) having an oxidation function is arranged and in the engine exhaust passage upstream of the exhaust purification catalyst (13) of which a small-sized oxidation catalyst (14) and a fuel feed valve (15) for feeding fuel to the small-sized oxidation catalyst (14) are arranged. When activating the exhaust purification catalyst (13), the fuel fed from the fuel injector (15) is used to heat the small-sized oxidation catalyst (14) and when the exhaust purification catalyst (13) is further raised in temperature, the fuel fed from the fuel feed valve (15) is increased and reformed fuel is exhausted from the small-sized oxidation catalyst (14). |
| US08534050B2 |
Exhaust gas aftertreatment system for a diesel engine and method of increasing a temperature of an SCR catalyst to reduce NOx in exhaust gases
An exhaust gas aftertreatment system for a diesel engine is provided. The system includes a controller operably coupled to the engine that induces the engine to combust a rich air/fuel mixture in at least one cylinder at a predetermined time interval after startup of the engine to output exhaust gases including elevated levels of CO, and a percentage increase in HC that is less than a minimal threshold percentage relative to combusting a lean air/fuel mixture. The system further includes a diesel oxidation catalyst that receives the exhaust gases and oxidizes the CO to obtain an exothermic reaction that increases a temperature of the exhaust gases flowing through the oxidation catalyst to greater than a threshold temperature level. The system further includes an SCR catalyst which receives the exhaust gases and reduces NOx in the exhaust gases. |
| US08534047B2 |
Combustion engine breathing systems, components thereof and methods of operating and controlling the same
A method including obtaining information representative of the amount of oxides of nitrogen and the amount of particulate matter being produced by a combustion engine, and adjusting the amount of oxides of nitrogen and the amount of particulate matter being produced by the combustion engine by controlling the amount of combustion engine exhaust gas re-circulating through an EGR cooler and through an EGR cooler bypass line using the information. |
| US08534045B2 |
After-treatment de-contamination system
In one aspect an internal combustion engine assembly may be provided that may include at least one combustion chamber and an exhaust system with an after-treatment system that may have an oxidation catalyst and a particulate filter. The internal combustion engine assembly may include an electronic controller that may have a de-contamination function that may, responsive to a command be configured to de-contaminate the particulate filter and the oxidation catalyst. To that end, a method may be provided to, and the controller may be configured to increase the exhaust gas temperature at an inlet of the after-treatment system to above a de-contamination temperature during a certain time period. |
| US08534032B2 |
Method for placing inert gas in gas-filling packaging machine
A filling method including a preceding filling process in which the drop opening of the filling funnel and the forward end of the gas-filling nozzle brought close to the normal line are inserted from the opened bag opening into a package bag, and at the same time, the forward end is separated from the normal line and moved toward a corner of the package bag. The method further includes a following filling process in which inert gas jetted from the gas filling nozzle and air in the package bag are replaced with each other, and a postprocess on the downstream side in which the replacement action between the inert gas and the air is promoted with the bag opening substantially closed by a shutter unit. |
| US08534030B2 |
Method for metering a length of duct from a flexible container retaining the duct in a longitudinally compressed state
A method of retaining a longitudinally compressed flexible duct, the method includes removing at least one retaining strap from extending longitudinally about a flexible container retaining a longitudinally compressed flexible duct having a first end and a second end within the flexible container, the retaining strap extending about a first end and a second end of the flexible container. The method further includes securing a choker about a circumference transverse to the longitudinally compressed flexible duct and the flexible container to circumferentially compress a portion of the longitudinally compressed flexible duct at a position intermediate of the first end and the second end of the longitudinally compressed flexible duct. |
| US08534026B2 |
Truss tower leg reinforcing system
A reinforced triangular truss column having two vertical pipe reinforcing columns added to the three rods of the truss column is provided. Also provided is a method of reinforcing triangular truss columns comprising adding two vertical pipe reinforcing columns to a triangular truss column. |
| US08534023B2 |
Self locking flooring panels and related methods
A floor panel may include a bottom layer and an upper layer overlying the bottom layer. The bottom layer may have first and second edges, and the bottom layer may include at least one male protrusion on the first edge, and have at least one female protrusion receptacle on the second edge corresponding to a shape of the at least one male protrusion. The bottom layer may further include at least one male lip on the second edge, and have at least one female lip receptacle on the first edge corresponding to a shape of the at least one male lip. The upper panel may vertically overly the at least one female lip receptacle and the at least one female protrusion receptacle. |
| US08534020B2 |
Cabinet door panel lock
The preferred embodiment utilizes a wood insert panel with notches at the top and center and at the bottom and center and a wood frame with protrusions that correspond with the notches and that are located in the center of the rails of the wood frame. The interlocking of the notches and protrusions permit for expansion of the wood insert panel within the grooves in the stiles of the wood frame while still centering and supporting the wood insert panel within the wood frame. |
| US08534018B2 |
Ventilated structural panels and method of construction with ventilated structural panels
A ventilated structural panel comprising a first sheet, having edges that define a horizontal axis with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge, and vertical axis with a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, a second sheet being of substantially the same planar dimensions as the first sheet and having edges that define a horizontal axis and vertical axis, with a first horizontal edge and a second horizontal edge and a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge, the first and the second sheet being parallel in plane and matched in at least one of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis, a plurality of spacing structural elements, formed integrally with at least one of the first and the second sheet, fixedly attaching the first sheet to the second sheet, such that the yield strength of the combined panel is greater than the combined individual yield strengths of the first and the second sheet; and the plurality of spacing structural elements being arranged such that a plurality of unobstructed pathways are created for air to move from at least one edge of the panel to at least one of an opposite and an adjacent edge of the panel, and being arranged to provide integral ventilation through the materials and between the first and the second sheet. |
| US08534016B2 |
Corner wall conduit
What is disclosed is a conduit for the installation of telephone or television cables in the interior of a building. The conduit is adapted to be installed at the corner where a wall meets a ceiling. The conduit comprises a cable receiver, a cover therefore and a molding to be installed over the cover. |
| US08534014B2 |
Magnetic cross tees
An elongated metal grid runner for a suspended ceiling, the grid runner having a cross-section with an upper hollow reinforcing bulb, a vertical web extending below the bulb, and lower flange elements extending laterally from opposite sides of the web, the length of the grid runner being less than about 9′, a permanent magnet disposed on each end of the grid runner at its flange elements, the magnet being adapted to overlie and be attracted to a horizontal leg of a steel wall angle to thereby releasably retain the grid runner in position on the wall angle. |
| US08534013B2 |
Adjustable roof jack
An adjustable roof jack comprising: a flange; a first cylinder having a first cylinder top portion being at an angle between 20 and 25 degrees and a first cylinder bottom portion, fixedly connected to the flange. There may be a second cylinder having a second cylinder top portion and a second cylinder bottom portion at an angle between 65 and 70 degrees. A second cylinder bottom fold is folded over a first cylinder fold to fixedly and rotationally connect at an angle between 20 and 25 degrees. A vent cap cylinder having a vent cap cylinder top portion and a vent cap cylinder bottom portion having at least one vent cap cylinder fold is folded over a second cylinder top fold to rotationally connect the vent cap cylinder to the second cylinder; and a vent cap assembly is fixedly attached to the vent cap cylinder top portion. |
| US08534010B2 |
Framing for panels
Framing for panels, in particular for sliding panels, which may or may not be sliding windows, arranged to enclose and hold one or more single or multiple parallel glazing units, and having at least one frame in two parts formed from profiled parts and assembled so that their relative position can be modified, each of the profiled parts having at least one longitudinal wing which enclose a glazing unit, wherein each of the profiled parts has at least one pair of parallel transverse wings, namely an upper transverse wing and a lower transverse wing respectively, at least partially fitting around at least one insulation element, and in that the transverse wings and the insulation element are configured to ensure the connection of the parts of each frame, the width of the insulation element being adjusted at the time of mounting according to the thickness of the glazing unit or units. |
| US08534008B1 |
Dual panel system for controlling the passage of light through architectural structures
The invention comprises a transparent/translucent panel system including two spaced flat panels and a series of elongated, abutting, rotatably mounted transparent/translucent light-controlling members disposed between the panels in which the light-controlling members are at least partially tubular or have annular members along their length to facilitate rotation of the light-controlling members and include a light-blocking surface whereby differently sized light-controlling members may be used and the light-controlling members, when rotated by a simple drive mechanism, can vary the light passing through the panel system from clear to opaque and can effectively block light between adjacent light-controlling members. |
| US08534007B2 |
Photovoltaic assemblies and methods for transporting
A PV assembly including framework, PV laminate(s), and a stiffening device. The framework includes a perimeter frame at least 10 feet in length and at least 5 feet in width. The PV laminate(s) are assembled to the perimeter frame to define a receiving zone having a depth of not more than 8 inches. The stiffening device is associated with the framework and is configured to provide a first state and a second state. In the first state, an entirety of the stiffening device is maintained within the receiving zone. In the second state, at least a portion of the stiffening device projects from the receiving zone. The stiffening device enhances a stiffness of the PV assembly in a plane of the perimeter frame, and can include rods defining truss structures. |
| US08534005B2 |
Adjustable and reversible pillar
An adjustable and reversible pillar includes a reversible substantially rectangular parallelepiped pillar housing resting on a base. The first and second ends have corresponding first and second mounting flanges extending therearound. The housing is hollow. The mounting flanges each extend inwardly of the walls and into the cavity. Either of the first or seconds ends is adapted for mounting on the base. At least one of the housing walls is selectively removable. At least the upper surface of the base is sized to mate with the first or second ends of the pillar housing by mounting of the corresponding first or second mounting flanges onto the upper surface of base. Vertically adjustable feet are mounted to the lower surface of the base. |
| US08534001B2 |
Re-deployable mobile above ground shelter
A protective shelter includes an enclosure having at least a floor, at least one sidewall coupled to the floor, a door, and a roof coupled to the at least one sidewall. The roof includes an aperture located proximate the shelter's point of minimum static air pressure during a high-velocity wind event. The protective shelter includes one or more members that elevate the floor above a substrate, a substantially enclosed sub-floor region bounded by the protective shelter and the substrate, and an air duct providing airflow communication between the substantially enclosed sub-floor region and an exterior region of the enclosure via the aperture. |
| US08533999B2 |
Weather strip
A weather strip is provided in which the trim portion does not have an insert member embedded, a notch or a thin wall portions are formed in a portion near the bottom wall of the vehicle exterior sidewall and the vehicle interior sidewall, a thick wall portion is formed in the further front end than the thin wall portion, and both the front ends are inclined so as to approach each other. Two of each of flange holding lips are formed on each of the inner surfaces of both sidewalls; and the angle at which the flange holding lips of the opening side are projected is formed larger than the angle of the flange holding lips of the bottom wall side; the front ends of the flange holding lips of the opening side are formed so as to be contact with or close to each other; the front ends of the flange holding lips 25 and 27 of the bottom wall side are linearly formed to have a gap in the width direction or in a direction orthogonal to the width direction. |
| US08533994B2 |
Method for wrapping a floral grouping
A method for wrapping a floral grouping having a bloom end and a stem end is disclosed. A wrapper is formed from a sheet of material or bag which is wrapped about at least a portion of the stem end of the floral grouping. The wrapped floral grouping is then positioned within a receiving space of a preformed sleeve whereby the wrapper is secured in a stable position about at least a portion of the stem end of the floral grouping by the preformed sleeve. A detaching element defines the detachable upper portion and a lower portion of the preformed sleeve so that the upper portion can be removed from the lower portion. |
| US08533991B2 |
Thermoformed grow tube
A grow tube formed from a sheet of thermoform polymer to include a plurality of longitudinal ribs that protrude in a first direction normal to the plane of the sheet. When rolled into a grow tube, the ribs can extend radially inward and act as cushions that prevent the stem of the resident plant from colliding with or resting on the continuous rim of the grow tube. The ribs can also define vertically oriented channels that are open to the interior of the grow tube. Natural convection currents develop in the channels, promoting air exchange between the interior of the grow tube and the surroundings. The ribs can promote diffusion of the incoming sunlight. In one embodiment, the grow tube includes snap forms that overlap when the sheet is rolled into tubular form to provide a flangeless grow tube. |
| US08533987B2 |
Magazine well grip
A magazine well grip includes a generally U-shaped body having an outer surface, with a plurality of finger grooves defined therein, and an inner surface. An upper section of the inner surface is contoured to closely accommodate a magazine well of a firearm, the upper section terminating at a lip recess dimensioned to accommodate a lower lip of the magazine well in an interference fit arrangement. A lower section of the inner surface flares outwardly from below the lip recess. The generally U-shaped body includes a pair of spaced-apart, generally opposed sidewalls and a front wall. A generally wedge-shaped protrusion extends upwardly from the front wall of the body and is dimensioned for an interference fit between trunnions on a forward edge of the magazine well and behind a hinge portion of an upper receiver when arranged between the trunnions. |
| US08533986B2 |
Bolt for a repeating firearm
The invention pertains to a bolt for a repeating firearm having a cylindrical bolt body and a bolt shaft that is detachably fastened on the bolt body. The bolt shaft is screwed to the bolt body by a fastening screw that protrudes into a sleeve-shaped rear section of the bolt body from the inner side of the bolt body through a radial through-opening and engages into a threaded bore of the bolt shaft. |
| US08533985B2 |
Magnetic planning board with stackable, snap-to-grid, self-aligning items
The invention provides a simple, yet flexible mechanism for affixing items to a magnetic board such that they are accurately aligned to the board and to one another. Such mechanism allows positioning and repositioning of the items as desired by the user, including stacked configurations. Contact between the items and the board is aesthetically pleasing, and provides a bearing surface that allows for repositioning of items using a sliding motion. Further, aligning the items is convenient for the user and does not distract from the primary task at hand. |
| US08533984B2 |
Display apparatus for file index
A display apparatus that can be positioned within a file cabinet, a file drawer, a hanging file and/or any other suitable file index system. A container is formed by the sheet material. The container has an edge panel forming at least one releasable tab. The at least one releasable tab includes a flap extending from the tab. The flap allows for engaging the corresponding tab, and each tab can be released or positioned away from an outer surface of the edge panel. A label sheet or label assembly has printable labels and at least one identification label. The identification label has or displays an identifier that corresponds to a particular design parameter of the label sheet. The identification label can be attached to the tab. The container can house one or more label sheets. |
| US08533979B2 |
Self-adjusting studs
Articles of footwear may include self-adjusting studs that adjust to various types of conditions, environmental changes, and applied forces. The self-adjusting studs may have a first portion and a second portion of different levels of compressibilities and/or retractabilities that compress and extend based on the type of surface on which the wearer is walking or running. This footwear with self-adjusting studs may easily transition between surfaces of varying hardness without causing damage to the surface, but also providing the wearer with the necessary amount of traction on each type of surface. Wearers will enjoy the benefit of being able to move on various surfaces without the need to change their footwear multiple times to accommodate the wearer's varying traction needs on different surfaces. |
| US08533975B2 |
Apparatus and method for refrigeration cycle elevation by modification of cycle start condition
An apparatus includes a mechanical refrigeration cycle arrangement having a working fluid, an evaporator, a condenser, a compressor, and an expansion device, cooperatively interconnected and containing the working fluid. The apparatus also includes a drum to receive clothes, a duct and fan arrangement configured to pass air over the evaporator, condenser and through the drum, a sensor located to sense parameters, a working fluid accumulator, and a controller coupled to the sensor, accumulator and/or compressor. The controller is operative to control collection of refrigerant during a run cycle when pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold value, control retention of the collected refrigerant when the run cycle is completed, until a subsequent run cycle, control discharge of the retained refrigerant to an evaporator or condenser when the subsequent run cycle is started, and control use of discharged refrigerant to elevate the refrigeration cycle by modifying a start condition of the refrigeration cycle. |
| US08533972B2 |
System and method for spray drying a liquid
Described herein are devices and techniques for spray drying a fluid to produce a dried powder. Assemblies include a spray drying head attachable to a gas supplier and a liquid sample, such as a standard unit of blood product. The spray drying head can be adapted to provide an aerosolized flow of liquid sample exposed to a drying gas. The assembly also includes a drying chamber adapted to separate the aerosolized flow of liquid sample into a dried powder and humid air. The assembly can be disposable, provided in a sterilized kit and having simplified attachments allowing quick connect and disconnect from the gas and liquid sample. Separation of the powder from the humid air exiting the drying chamber occurs within a filtered collection bag. In some embodiments, one or more of the drying chamber and collection bag are formed form a thin-walled, collapsible material. |
| US08533970B2 |
Apparatus for measuring objects
An apparatus for measuring objects, in particular to a coordinate measuring unit, is provided. The unit has a probe which is movable relative to an object to be measured by means of an actuator to sample the surface of the object in a contacting manner, wherein a sampling body, whose front end is designed as a measuring tip for a contact with the object is supported at the probe. The relative position of the measuring tip with respect to the probe is determined. The sampling body is supported at the probe with movement play along at least one direction. A change in the inclination of the sampling body relative to the probe, or vice versa, can be detected via a measurement of a test parameter. |
| US08533967B2 |
Coordinate measurement machines with removable accessories
A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine is provided. The coordinate measuring machine includes a base with an arm portion. A probe end is coupled to an end of the arm portion distal from the base. The probe end has a fastener and a first connector. A device is removably coupled to the probe end by the fastener, the accessory having a second connector arranged to engage the first connector when the fastener couples the device to the probe end. |
| US08533966B2 |
Chalk line holding device
A chalk line holding device includes a hook retainer and cord holder coupled to a body with a bottom pad defining a bottom channel. A hook retainer, which projects forward from the body, includes a feature for securing a hook ring at the free end of a chalk line, while the line extending from the hook ring is secured by the cord holder. The cord holder includes a leading edge, a leading edge groove at the bottom of the leading edge defined between a pair of hoof-like feet, a cord space beneath the cord holder, a vertical groove beneath and approximately aligned with the neck of the hook retainer. The bushing couples the handle, cord holder and hook retainer to the body. The body has sufficient mass or inertia to hold a retained chalk line in place while the line is plucked. |
| US08533963B2 |
Sundial with elevated gnomon support avoiding shadow eclipse
A hemispheric armillary with arms and supporting a structure for supporting a gnomon over a time indicating dial plate is constructed to avoid the arms' shadows from eclipsing the gnomon shadow on the dial plate. |
| US08533962B1 |
Clipper lever
The present invention may be used oscillate a movable blade of a clipper. A lever may be a drive finger attached to a rotator member and a motor lever arm attached to the rotator member approximately opposite the drive finger along a longitudinal axis. A rotator bearing cavity of generally cylindrical shape may be formed in the rotator member and may be sized for insertion of a rotator bearing. A bottom wall of the rotator bearing cavity may have an aperture sized to allow fluid to flow through the aperture adjacent a lever shaft inserted through the rotator bearing and the aperture. A motor end of the motor lever arm may have a motor end cavity therein with two opposed spaced apart side walls. |
| US08533956B2 |
Rebar installation system and method of securing rebar
A rebar installation system that uses rebar drive stations to secure rebar against the inner surface of a coil for securing thereto. The system may increase the ease and speed with which the rebar can be attached while reducing the amount of manpower necessary to complete the project. |
| US08533954B2 |
Method for manufacturing a coil spring for vehicle suspension
A spring wire with a hardness of 50 to 56 HRC is subjected to first and second shot peening processes within a warm working temperature range of 150° C. to 350° C. In the first shot peening process, a first shot of a shot size of at least 1.0 mm is used. In the second shot peening process, a second shot smaller in shot size than the first shot is used. Through these shot peening processes, compressive residual stress is imparted to the spring wire. The spring wire includes a residual stress increase part, residual stress peak part, and residual stress decrease part. In the residual stress decrease part, a part including a compressive residual stress magnitude equivalent to the magnitude of the compressive residual stress at a surface of the spring wire exists at a region at a depth exceeding the permissible pit depth. |
| US08533953B2 |
Process for producing conductive rubber roller, and roller for electrophotographic apparatus
This invention provides a process for producing a conductive rubber roller having small aspect ratios of inner and outer diameters, having a stable measure of its inner diameter, having uniform cell distribution and being free from non-uniformity of hardness and electrical resistance in the peripheral direction. The process has a step of continuously extruding a tube composed of a specific unvulcanized rubber composition from a rubber extruder in a microwave vulcanizing unit, and a step of foaming and vulcanizing the tube by using a microwave irradiator having a microwave irradiation zone 4 m or less in length while being transported at given speed. The foamed rubber tube has an inner diameter 20 to 35% smaller than the outer diameter of the conductive core material over the whole region in the lengthwise direction, and the conductive core material is press-fitted into the foamed rubber tube without using any adhesive. |
| US08533950B2 |
Method of manufacturing holding and sealing material
The present invention relates to a holding and sealing material 2 set between a catalyst carrier 1 and a shell 95 which covering the outside of the catalyst carrier 1 in a catalytic converter for purifying an exhaust gas and manufacturing method thereof. An organic binder 22 on the holding and sealing material 2 has the glass transition point Tg (° c) of less than or equal to approximately 5° C. In addition, an infiltrating step and a drying step are conducted during the manufacturing. In the infiltrating step, the mat-like material is infiltrated with emulsion containing the organic binder. In the drying step, the mat-like material containing the emulsion is dried. |
| US08533949B2 |
Methods of manufacture for components with cooling channels
A method of manufacturing a component is provided. The method includes forming one or more grooves in an outer surface of a substrate. Each groove extends at least partially along the surface of the substrate and has a base, a top and at least one discharge point. The method further includes forming a run-out region adjacent to the discharge point for each groove and disposing a coating over at least a portion of the surface of the substrate. The groove(s) and the coating define one or more channels for cooling the component. Components with cooling channels are also provided. |
| US08533948B2 |
Process for producing a rotor
A process is provided for producing a rotor which is made by welding together disk-shaped and/or drum-shaped elements, in particular disks, wherein a device is used to join the disks together axially in sequence along a longitudinal axis and the disks are welded in a two-stage welding process. As they are joined together, the disks are stacked axially in the vertical direction. A first welding process takes place in a vertical orientation of the stacked disks, followed by a second welding process in a horizontal orientation of the stacked disks. |
| US08533947B2 |
Method of forming a turbine engine component
The present invention provides a new and improved method of forming a turbine engine component having a plurality of airfoils disposed in an annular array between inner and outer shroud rings. The method includes forming inner and outer shroud ring patterns. The inner and outer shroud ring patterns may advantageously be formed by solid freeform fabrication techniques, such as stereolithography. An assembly fixture may be utilized to position the inner and outer shroud rings and an array of airfoils in a coaxial relationship. When the inner and outer shroud rings are to be assembled, axially inner and outer shroud ring patterns may be interconnected by providing relative rotation between annular sections of the shroud ring patterns. In addition, adhesive may be utilized to interconnect the sections of the shroud ring patterns. |
| US08533946B2 |
Method of manufacturing a crankshaft
A crankshaft is cast in a mold to define a plurality of pin bearing journals and a plurality of main bearing journals, at least one of each has a hollow section extending therethrough. A single core is positioned within the mold to form all of the hollow sections. The single core may include a cross-section defining an elliptical shape to form hollow sections having an elliptical cross-sectional shape to further reduce the weight of the crankshaft. The hollow sections are each positioned along a path that minimizes stress within the crankshaft. The path may include a non-linear path relative to a longitudinal axis of the crankshaft or a linear path angled relative to the longitudinal axis to bend or direct the hollow sections away from high stress regions of the crankshaft. The non-circular cross section of the core may spiral about its own axis to maximize mass reduction. |
| US08533945B2 |
Wiring structure and method of forming the same
A CNT bundle is formed by growing a plurality of CNTs from opposing surfaces of contact blocks toward mutual opposing surfaces, and by contacting the CNTs so that they intersect to electrically connect with each other. Subsequently, a gap of the electrically connected CNT bundle is filled with a metal material, to thereby form a wiring being a composite state of the CNT bundle and the metal material. |
| US08533943B2 |
Printed wiring board and method for producing the same
A method of manufacturing a multilayer printed circuit board includes preparing a substrate having a first conductor circuit, forming on first circuit formed over substrate a film including cycloolefin resin such that an insulating layer including the resin is formed on substrate and first circuit, forming in insulating layer an opening exposing at least portion of first circuit, forming an electroless plating film covering surface of insulating layer including surface of insulating layer inside opening, forming on electroless film a plating resist layer having pattern exposing selected portions of electroless film, selected portions of electroless film including a second conductor circuit and a portion of electroless film covering opening, and forming an electrolytic plating film covering selected portions of electroless film such that a filled via conductor including an electrolytic material filling space in opening and that first circuit is connected to second circuit via conductor. |
| US08533935B2 |
Auxiliary tool for assembling voice coil motor
An auxiliary tool, for assembling a number of voice coil motors, includes a number of trays, a rod member, and two limiting members. Each of the trays includes a main portion and a plurality of support arms extending away from the main portion. The main portion includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The support arms and the main portion cooperatively define two receiving spaces respectively on the top surface and the bottom surface. Each voice coil motor is received in two receiving spaces of two neighboring trays and clamped by the two neighboring trays. The rod member passes through trays and the voice coil motors. The two limiting members are sleeved over the rod member at two ends of the rod member. The trays and the voice coil motors are limited between the two limiting members. |
| US08533934B2 |
Method of assembling a hard disk drive
A method of assembling a hard disk drive comprises steps of: sealing an interface of the base and the cover of an enclosed housing with an infrared-transmissive tape; filling the enclosed housing with a desired gaseous medium; optionally, testing the hard disk drive; and, optionally; re-working the hard disk drive. Preferably, the enclosed housing is free of rubber gasket materials between the base and the cover. A hermetically sealed hard disk drive of the invention comprises: a housing comprising a base and a cover; and disk drive components enclosed within the housing for facilitating reading and recording of data at any desired location on at least one disk contained within the housing, wherein the hard disk drive is free of rubber gasket materials between the base and the cover. |
| US08533933B2 |
Method for manufacturing and transport of a generator stator core
A method for manufacturing and preparing for assembly a stator core of a generator, the stator core having a central cylindrical bore along a longitudinal axis of the stator core, the method including in a first step, mounting a first press plate onto a tooling device and concomitantly and/or subsequently positioning at least one key bar to be manufactured in an axial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis in a spaced manner along a peripheral circumference of the first press plate. The method includes in a second step, stacking a plurality of generator laminations onto the first press plate and mechanically coupling the plurality of generator laminations with the at least one key bar and, in a third step, mounting a second press plate onto the plurality of generator laminations, fixing the second press plate to at least one of the at least one key bar and at least one axial fixing device and concomitantly and/or subsequently exerting axial stress on the first and the second press plates. |
| US08533932B2 |
Device and process for assembly of panels using riveting
A device (1) for assembling panels using riveting which includes a riveting system (6) together with a drilling system (4). According to the invention, the device includes components for setting the riveting head (38) in motion relative to a carriage (34) of the riveting system, where these components are designed to be capable of moving this riveting head (38) between an at-rest position in which the drilling head axis and the riveting head axis (16, 40) are distinct, and a working position in which the same axes (16, 40) coincide. |
| US08533931B2 |
Fastening method and fastening tool
The invention includes a fastening method and a fastening tool which can stably fasten a nut to a bolt securely and with a small dispersion at a desired axial force. A fastened member is fastened by inserting a bolt through the fastened member, thereafter temporarily positioning a nut and the bolt together, pulling a leading end of a shaft portion of the bolt in an axial direction of the bolt, rotating the nut so as to screw the nut into the bolt while elastically deforming the bolt so as to generate an axial force, and thereafter canceling the pulling of the bolt. |
| US08533928B2 |
Method and apparatus for the attachment of a fastener element to a component, in particular to a sheet metal part
A method and an apparatus for the attachment of a fastener element to a component, for example a sheet metal part, wherein the fastener element is a nut element and has an axis of symmetry, a head part having a contact surface which enters into contact with the component, a threaded bore and also at least one undercut which receives the material of the component, and wherein the material of the component is pressed against the contact surface and into the undercut by means of a first tool having a die button shape matching the design of the nut element. A local force is exerted on the head part of the nut element or onto the tool to the side of the axis of symmetry and is moved circularly around the axis of symmetry while simultaneously carrying out a relative feed movement between the tool and the nut element between which the component is arranged in order to press the material of the component into the undercut. |
| US08533925B2 |
Method for contracting or crimping stents
An apparatus for manipulating a medical device is formed of at least three coupled movable blades which are disposed about a reference circle to form an aperture whose size may be varied. The aperture capable of being sized to contain a medical device. Each blade is in communication with an actuation device which is capable of moving the blade to alter the size of the aperture. Each blade includes a single radial point which a) lies on the circumference of the reference circle prior to movement of the blade, and b) may be moved only along a radius of the reference circle on movement of the blade. |
| US08533924B2 |
Process for producing a pressure vessel
Process for producing a pressure vessel having an enveloping body which occupies an arch shape in its predetermined installation position. The enveloping body has pillow-shaped portions which are connected to one another by stamped transitions at the inner diameter area of the enveloping body. The enveloping body for the intended installation position is placed with its inner diameter area one-sidedly on a die having a raised wedge-shaped profile. A designated outer diameter area of the enveloping body contacts a supporting surface, and the enveloping body is filled with a pressure medium so that the enveloping body is tensioned on the die and, in so doing, is plastically deformed in the area of the wedge-shaped profile. |
| US08533922B2 |
Stud mounting machine
A holding device for holding a stud, which includes a radially projecting flange in a securing position, comprises a collet component including a hollow tubular insertion section defining an insertion axis, and a clamping section operable to exert a radially inwardly directed clamping force for clamping the stud. A securing device is arranged on the insertion section and includes a securing sleeve formed of plurality of separate securing-sleeve sections that are radially movable relative to one another. A clearance space is defined between a bottom end of the securing-sleeve sections and a top end of the clamping section, and the clearance space is operable for holding a flange of a stud in the securing position. |
| US08533919B2 |
Fastening element to be fastened in a hole
A holding element for fastening in a hole of a carrier part has a central shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, a supporting part fastened to the far end of the shaft and projecting laterally, and at least one arm, a fastening end of which is fastened movable to the shaft. The arm extends transverse to the longitudinal axis and for some distance from the shaft and in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis is supportable on the supporting part and in the opposite direction is supportable on a guide part fastened to the front end of the shaft. |
| US08533918B1 |
Automatic zipper
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for an automatic zipper. An apparatus for an automatic zipper includes a first placket tab and a second placket tab located on opposing sides of a zipper. The zipper also includes a slider body. The apparatus also includes a zipper connector permanently coupling the slider body to an anchor location on the first placket tab. The zipper connector is substantially non-stretchable and has a length such that the zipper connector maintains the distance between the anchor location and the slider body to be substantially the same or less than the distance between the anchor location and the slider body in the closed position. |
| US08533917B2 |
Rope crossing and rope play equipment and method for producing a rope crossing and apparatus for performing the method
A rope crossing secures rope lines on each other as well as rope play equipment which has at least one rope crossing. The rope crossing includes at least two crossing rope lines and a ring, wherein the ring has an inner opening with twice the number of essentially radially extending receiving regions in relation to the number of rope lines to be secured. A corresponding line segment of a rope line forming a bulge is received in two corresponding receiving regions that face one another, so that the bulges of crossing rope lines are arranged on respective opposite sides of the ring. The ratio of the unobstructed width LW of a receiving region to the diameter of the rope line D, which forms the bulge in this receiving region, is LW/D=0.8 to 0.98. |
| US08533909B2 |
Door opening and closing device
Coil springs are incorporated, with a longitudinal direction oriented vertically, into the top and bottom end parts of hinge pieces provided on side surfaces of opposing door panels of a folding door and that connect the doors panels together. A portion of a pin plate is inserted into the coil springs at the top and bottom end parts of the coil springs and attached to the coil springs. The pin plate that is inserted into the top end part of the coil spring incorporated into the top end part of the hinge piece and the pin plate that is inserted into the bottom end part of the coil spring incorporated into the bottom end part of the hinge piece are fixed to the hinge pieces by brackets. The folding door is closed by the restoring force generated by the twisting of the coil springs. |
| US08533906B2 |
Vacuum cleaner with recirculated cooling air
A vacuum cleaner comprising a receptacle having a working air inlet and an associated filter, the filter in communication with and downstream from the working air inlet, is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner further includes a housing containing a motor and having a cooling air outlet from the motor and a working air outlet, the working air outlet in communication with the working air inlet of the receptacle through a working air impeller, wherein the cooling air is directed to the receptacle, and the cooling air passes through the filter before exiting the working air outlet of the housing. |
| US08533905B1 |
Vacuum accessory tool
A vacuum accessory tool comprises a housing that defines a suction nozzle and an agitator assembly located in the suction nozzle and driven by an air turbine. The agitator assembly comprises an agitating element having a plurality of resilient blades configured to reduce hair wrap around the agitator assembly. |
| US08533894B2 |
Scalp washing device
A scalp washing device includes a base and projections for washing projected from a brush surface of the base. Each of the projections includes a root portion on a side of the base having a circular shape in cross-section, a middle portion including a tip surface having a flattened shape in cross-section, and at least a pair of conical tip projections each having a tip chamfered to have a curved surface and provided on the tip surface. The middle portion has a cross-sectional shape changing from a circular shape to a flattened shape from a side of the root portion to a side of the tip surface. |
| US08533893B2 |
Disposable toothbrush
A single-use, disposable toothbrush offering the dental hygiene benefits of a miswak chewing stick. The toothbrush has a toothbrush body having a recess at one end thereof, and a piece of cut and flared Salvadora persica bristles received in the recess; the length of the bristles is greater than the depth of the recess so that the bristles extend from the toothbrush body. The toothbrush body has a handle at an end thereof opposite the recess; the handle may have a concave portion to provide convenient handling for a user. The bristles are press-fitted into the recess. The toothbrush body may advantageously be formed of a biodegradable material, so that the entire toothbrush is biodegradable. In addition, the bristles may have a flavoring. |
| US08533888B2 |
Shoe cleaning doormat device
A shoe cleaning doormat device is provided for cleaning and disinfecting the soles of shoes and feet prior to a user's entry into a dwelling or building. The device is a doormat having a cleaning assembly having a disinfecting cleaning material surface and drying portions. Both portions are housed within a mat frame and exposed to a user through cutouts in the mat's upper surface. A disposable roll of moist, disinfecting wipe material provides the cleaning and disinfecting surface. An advancing button is operatively connected to the roll so that a user may obtain an unused portion of the roll by depressing the button. After shoes or feet are cleaned, they can be dried by rubbing on the drying portions of the device, which comprise a removable, moisture-absorbing material. |
| US08533883B2 |
Control method of a laundry machine
A laundry machine and a control method thereof are provided in which laundering ability may be improved while also improving efficiency and noise/vibration. The laundry machine employs a plurality of drum motions by varying drum rotational speed, drum rotational direction, and drum starting and stopping point, to provide different motion of laundry items in the drum. |
| US08533878B2 |
Hospital bed
A hospital bed includes a frame, a head board, a foot board and an apparatus for lifting and lowering the head board and the foot board. The apparatus includes a first motor unit, a shaft unit, a gear box and a second motor unit. The first motor unit is provided beneath the frame. The shaft unit is connected to both of the head board and the foot board. The gear box is provided on a side of the first motor unit and connected to the shaft unit for lifting and lowering the head board and the foot board. The second motor unit includes a motor and a pair of wires. The motor is provided with a mandrel. The mandrel is engaged with the gear box. The second motor unit is electrically connected to the first motor unit through the pair of wires for automatically lifting and lowering the head board and the foot board. |
| US08533875B2 |
Shower fixing seat with LCD
Shower fixing seat with LCD has a fixing seat fixed on the front end of its main body. The rear end of the main body is a water inlet connected with a water supply pipe. The lower end of the main body is a water outlet connected with the flexible pipe of the shower head. A hydroelectric device and a thermistance are disposed in the main body. A display module connected with one side of the main body has a circuit board and an LCD screen which are electrically connected to the hydroelectric device and the thermistance. When water flows into the main body, the hydroelectric device supplies power for the display module, and the thermistance transmits the temperature information to the display module so that the temperature is shown on the LCD screen. The shower fixing seat shows the shower outflow temperature. |
| US08533869B1 |
Energy absorbing helmet underwear
Secondary energy absorbing helmet underwear is to be worn by a user under a primary rigid hard hat, sports helmet or military helmet. The helmet underwear includes an integral self elasticized stretchable material that includes a three-dimensional structure that is generally of semi-spherical shape to fit about the users head and that includes an optional peripheral stretchable stretch band that provides a means for retaining the helmet underwear in place on the users head. The stretchable material and core includes front and rear layers that are each formed as a knitted layer and interconnecting yarns that interconnect between the front and rear layers and define a predetermined spacing between the front and rear layers. The interconnecting yarns, in combination with the layers provide a safety barrier between the rigid hat and the user's head. |
| US08533865B2 |
Apparatus for changing into and out of suits associated with cold water activities
A collapsible interactive personal privacy shelter for changing into and out of suits used in association with cold water activities and clothing that is portable and convieniant for use at the beach or anywhere it is desirable to change in open. The embodiment is non see thru light weight textile, trapezoidal in shape, open at the top with a draw cord, and has a flexible rubber base/changing matt. The enclosure rests upon the users hips when the draw cord is tightened. Openings on either side of the enclosure are covered by a privacy flap open on one side secured by Velcro. A rectangular transparent window and stretchable material run across the front mid-section of the enclosure. The bottom of the enclosure is of a durable material. A weep hole located in the bottom corner of the base releases trapped water. |
| US08533864B1 |
Stabilizing garment system
A stabilizing garment system featuring a shirt component and a pant component and strips of spandex integrated into the shirt component and the pant component. The strips of spandex follow the path of a ligament or a muscle of the wearer. The strips of spandex can help provide compression or added support to the wearer's ligaments and/or muscles. |
| US08539607B2 |
Method for validating user equipment, a device identity register and an access control system
The present invention discloses a method for validating user equipment, a device identity register and an access control system. Wherein the method for validating user equipment comprises: setting a central device identity register shared by different networks, wherein illegal user equipment identities are stored in the central device identity register; the central device identity register receiving an ID validation request from a mobility management entity, wherein the ID validation request carries ID parameters of a user equipment; the central device identity register validating the validity of the user equipment according to the ID parameters, and returning a validation result to the mobility management entity. In virtue of the present invention, the accessing of the illegal non-3GPP network user equipment which is capable of accessing 3GPP network to the 3GPP network is able to be controlled. |
| US08539605B2 |
Data processing device and data processing method
A data encryption device is connected between an HDD and an HDD controller that controls the HDD. The data encryption device encrypts data that is stored from the HDD controller to the HDD, and decrypts data that is read from the HDD. A CPU of the data encryption device receives a command issued from the HDD controller to the HDD, and determines whether the command is executable at the HDD. When it is determined that the command is executable, the command is issued to the HDD. On the other hand, when it is determined that the command is unexecutable, the CPU prohibits issuance of the command to the HDD. Furthermore, when a command issued to the HDD is a specific command, the CPU bypasses data transferred between the HDD controller and the HDD without encryption or decryption. |
| US08539603B2 |
System and method for secure communication
A system for secure communication comprises a secure electronic messaging server which is accessible by the public and a database for storing data of messaging users. The data comprises the tracking of trust establishing out-of-band verification and the monitoring of the trust relations derived thereof, messaging user-based instructions related to the handling of incoming mails, wherein the instructions comprise information related to an at least one security level chosen by the messaging user. The system comprises message handlers to automatically handle in- and outgoing mails according to these instructions. This system allows transmitting messages privately and securely with minimum prerequisites for its users. The inventive system allows a secure transmitting of messages between a sender and a recipient, wherein only one of the two parties is a messaging user. |
| US08539597B2 |
Securing sensitive data for cloud computing
A system and associated method for securing sensitive data in a cloud computing environment. A customer system has proprietary data as a record stored in a database. The customer system associates a hashing directive with the record prior to sending the data out to a cloud for computing services. The hashing directive classifies each data field of the record into sensitive and transactional. The hashing directive controls a mode of hashing, either one-way hashing or two-way hashing for each sensitive data field associated with the hashing directive. A cloud receives the record secured according to the hashing directive and process the record to generate a result value for a cloud process result field of the record. The customer system reconstitutes the record the record according to the mode of hashing indicated in the hashing directive. |
| US08539583B2 |
Rollback feature
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for rolling back protection processes. In one aspect, a method includes determining that a file is a malicious file, storing a duplicate of the file in a quarantine area, performing one or more protection processes on the file, if the determination that the file is a malicious file is a false positive determination, restoring the file by a pre-boot rollback process to a state prior to the one or more protection processes performed on the file, and booting the computer with the restored file, and if the determination that the file is a malicious file is not a false positive determination, not restoring the file to a state prior to the one or more protection processes performed on the file, and booting the computer. |
| US08539582B1 |
Malware containment and security analysis on connection
Systems and methods for malware containment and security analysis on connection are provided. Digital devices are quarantined for a predetermined period of time upon connection to the communication network. When a digital device is quarantined, all network data transmitted by the digital device is directed to a controller which then analyzes the network data to identify unauthorized activity and/or malware within the newly connected digital device. An exemplary method to contain malware includes detecting a digital device upon connection with a communication network, quarantining network data from the digital device for a predetermined period of time, transmitting a command to the digital device to activate a security program to identify security risks, and analyzing the network data to identify malware within the digital device. |
| US08539580B2 |
Method, system and program product for detecting intrusion of a wireless network
In general, the present invention provides a method, system and program product for detecting intrusion of a wireless network. Specifically, under the present invention, a data stream received by a wireless network is monitored. A validity deviation is determined by comparing the data stream to a valid data stream. If the validity deviation exceeds a validity threshold, an intrusion deviation is determined by comparing the data stream to a known intrusion data stream. Then, if the intrusion deviation is less than an intrusion threshold, intrusion is detected and an intrusion alert is generated. |
| US08539579B2 |
Detecting spam short messages based on sending characteristics
A method and apparatus for spam short message detection. The method includes obtaining sending characteristics of at least two suspected short message sources, judging whether the two suspected short message sources have similar sending characteristics, and determining the two suspected short message sources as spammer if they have similar sending characteristics. A spammer that makes multiple short message sources send short messages alternately can be detected through similar sending characteristics of the short message sources. |
| US08539578B1 |
Systems and methods for defending a shellcode attack
A computer-implemented method for defending an attack from the execution of shellcode is described. Elements within a dynamically linked library (dll) may be duplicated. The dll resides in a first memory space. The duplicated elements may be redirected into a second memory space. A protection attribute may be established for the elements within the second memory space. A location of execution code attempting to access the elements within the second memory space may be determined. The execution code may be prevented from being executed based on the determined location. |
| US08539575B2 |
Techniques to manage access to organizational information of an entity
Techniques to manage access to organization information for an entity are described. An apparatus may include a presentation component operative to present an organizational chart on a presentation surface. The organizational chart may comprise multiple nodes associated with members of an organization, and connections between the nodes representing hierarchical relationships between the nodes. A security component may be communicatively coupled to the presentation component. The security component may be operative to receive a request to modify a characteristic of the organizational chart from an operator, access security settings for the operator, and authorize the operator to modify a characteristic of the organizational chart. Authorization may be granted, for example, when the operator is a delegate and a permission level for the delegate allows a modification operation associated with the modify request. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08539574B2 |
User authentication and access control system and method
A system and method for permitting user access to a computer controlled device. A display device displays a group of items to the user. Some of the items are known to the user and some are unknown to the user. An input device receives user input from the user. The user input indicates the presence or absence of the known items within the group of items without specifically identifying which items are known and which items are unknown. A computer is programmed to automatically compare the user input to a predetermined answer. If the user input is correct an access device allows access. In one preferred embodiment the user input includes a count of the number of known items within the group of items. In another preferred embodiment the group of items includes subgroups. The user input includes an identification of which subgroup has the largest number of known items. In another preferred embodiment the group of items is displayed in a grid. The known items are displayed in a pattern within the grid. Multiple comparison patterns are displayed along with the grid. The user input includes an identification of which comparison pattern matches the pattern of the known items within the grid. |
| US08539573B2 |
Authorization scheme to minimize the use of unauthorized medical device disposables on a medical device instrument
Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer readable media are provided for disposable component authentication with respect to a biological fluid processing device instrument. An example instrument authentication system includes a computer facilitating configuration and operation of the biological fluid processing instrument using a disposable component. A first interface is provided by the computer and is used by a service technician to configure the biological fluid processing instrument for a number of disposable components and to provide a service technician with a validation code. A key generator is to accept the validation code from the service technician and generate an authentication key in response to the entered validation code. A second interface is provided by the computer, the second interface prompting the service technician to enter an authentication key, wherein the authentication key authorizes use of a certain number of disposable components for the biological fluid processing instrument. |
| US08539564B2 |
IP multimedia security
A method of establishing keys for at least partially securing media plane data exchanged between first and second end users via respective first and second media plane network nodes. The method comprises sending session set-up signalling from said first end point towards said second end point, said session set-up signalling including a session key generated by said first end point. The set-up signalling is intercepted at a first signalling plane network node and a determination made as to whether or not a signalling plane key has already been established for securing the signalling plane between said first end point and said first signalling plane network node. If a signalling plane key has already been established, then a media plane key is derived from that signalling plane key, and the media plane key sent to said first media plane network node for securing the media plane between said first end user and said first media plane network node. If a signalling plane key has not already been established, then an alternative media plane key is derived from said session key and sent to said first media plane network node for securing the media plane between said first end user and said first media plane network node. |
| US08539560B2 |
Content protection using automatically selectable display surfaces
Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for protecting content by automatically identifying a display surface viewable only to authorized users and displaying protected content on the identified display surface. In one example embodiment, content is displayed on a first display surface in viewable range of a first user authorized to view the content. The entrance of a second user into viewable range of the first display surface is detected, and automatically determined to be unauthorized to view the content. A second display surface in viewable range of the first user but not viewable by the second user is automatically identified in response to detecting the entrance of the second, unauthorized user into viewable range of the first display surface. The display of the content is automatically moved from the first display surface to the second display surface to prevent the content from being viewed by the unauthorized user. |
| US08539558B2 |
Method and apparatus for token-based token termination
According to one embodiment, an apparatus may store a plurality of token-based rules that facilitate access to a risk-sensitive resource. The apparatus may further store a first token that may indicate that a user is accessing a non-risk-sensitive resource. The apparatus may receive a second token that may indicate that the user is attempting to access the risk-sensitive resource. In response to receiving the second token, the apparatus may apply the token-based rule to make an access decision whereby the user's access to the non-risk-sensitive resource will be terminated. The apparatus may then communicate at least one token representing the access decision. |
| US08539554B2 |
Mobile network managing apparatus and mobile information managing apparatus for controlling access requests
Disclosed is a technique capable of proper execution of access control based on various security policies set by a home user with regards to a packet sent from a visitor node. According to the technique, a MR (Mobile Router) 10 which manages a mobile PAN 30 determines whether a sender of a packet from a communication terminal connected to the mobile PAN is a home user's node which is allowed direct access into a home network or a visitor node (VN 31), and forwards the packet from the home user's node to an HA 20 while forwarding the packet from the visitor node to a policy server 36 located in a DMZ 35. This allows the policy server to perform access control on every packet from a visitor node which attempts to gain access into the home network based on a security policy 36a. |
| US08539553B2 |
System and method for managing delivery of internet content
Disclosed are a system and method for managing delivery of pushed web content to communication devices. In an embodiment, the method comprises: uniquely identifying a communication device to which the pushed web content is to be delivered; establishing a pushed web content service linking the pushed web content to the communication device; receiving a pushed web content service request; and permitting delivery of content to the communication device via the pushed web content service based on verification of the identity of a trusted pushed web content provider. The method may further comprise uniquely identifying the pushed web content provider with an assignable unique pushed web content identification. |
| US08539549B2 |
Identifier authentication system
There is provided an identifier authentication system in which information requesting users can share all predetermined information held in a plurality of information providing servers.In the identifier authentication system, when an identifier holding user 19 presents an identifier to an information requesting server 15, the information requesting server 15 asks a location management server 13 about a location of an information providing server 14 corresponding to the presented identifier, the location management server 13 returns the confirmed IP address of the information providing server 15 corresponding to the presented identifier to the information requesting server 15 based on the location information, the information requesting server 15 accesses the information providing server 14 corresponding to the confirmed IP address by using the confirmed IP address, and receives predetermined information corresponding to the presented identifier from the accessed information providing server 14. |
| US08539548B1 |
Tiered network policy configuration with policy customization control
A hierarchical administrative system centrally controls configuration of network security policy for a group of information handling systems (IHSs) by multiple tier levels of administration. The highest tier level of administration builds policies that fulfill IT security policy intent. Higher level administrators may scope subordinate administrators to a group of IHSs or a single IHS. Higher level administrators may allow subordinate administrators to perform system specific customization of the policy based on permissions that the higher level administrator grants. Customization may include completing partially-built rule conditions with IP address and port, completing partially-built rule actions, and adding or deleting rules based on IHS unique applications or security requirements. A security enforcement tool may enforce customizations of network security policy. A security policy administration tool along with the security enforcement tool may detect attempts to work around the administrative system, and alerts higher tier level administrators and/or takes remedial action. |
| US08539543B2 |
Managing digital rights for multiple assets in an envelope
Techniques enable building a collection of data that defines an asset, with the data possibly having differing data types. These techniques are then capable of assigning arbitrary policy to that asset, regardless of which data types are present within the asset. In addition, these techniques enable packaging of this first asset with one or more additional assets in a self-contained envelope. Each asset within the envelope may similarly include data of differing data types. Furthermore, each of these assets may be assigned a policy that may be different than the policy assigned to the first asset. This envelope, or a collection of envelopes, may then be provided to a content-consuming device to consume the assets in accordance with each asset's specified policy. |
| US08539542B1 |
System and method for managing multiple live video broadcasts via a public data network on a single viewing channel
A system and method for managing multiple live video broadcasts via a public data network on a single viewing channel is disclosed. An example embodiment includes receiving requests from a plurality of broadcasters wishing to broadcast at the same time on a channel of a public data network; queuing and prioritizing the requests in a broadcast queue; broadcasting content corresponding to a request of a first broadcaster on the channel; notifying a second broadcaster corresponding to one of a plurality of pending requests in the broadcast queue that the second broadcaster's opportunity for broadcast on the channel is imminent; discontinuing the broadcast of the content of the first broadcaster based on multiple factors; broadcasting content corresponding to a request of the second broadcaster on the channel; and using a coordinated real-time rendezvous to enable an audience of the channel to automatically transition from receiving the broadcast of the content of the first broadcaster to receiving the broadcast of the content of the second broadcaster on the same channel over the public data network. |
| US08539540B2 |
Interactive advertising monitoring system
Disclosed is an interactive advertising system that utilizes an analyzing tool that is capable of analyzing and displaying overlay data and signaling data that is transmitted to set top boxes to be displayed. If problems exist with the data, the analyzing tool is capable of storing and displaying the data for later analysis. |
| US08539539B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for delivering a program in advance of a scheduled broadcast time
A scheduled broadcast time is retrieved for a program that is to be delivered in advance of the scheduled broadcast time, wherein the scheduled broadcast time is associated with a program content identifier for the program. Prior to the scheduled broadcast time, a pre-cast channel is selected on a network by selecting at least one of a currently unused channel or a dedicated pre-cast channel. Prior to the scheduled broadcast time, a signal is sent for placing a viewer program storage device into a pre-cast mode, such that viewing of the pre-cast channel is disabled. Prior to the scheduled broadcast time, the program is delivered to the viewer program storage device over the pre-cast channel, wherein the delivered program is associated with the program content identifier and a time stamp for disabling playback of the delivered program until arrival of the scheduled broadcast time. |
| US08539538B2 |
System and method for enhancing recorded radio or television programs with information on the world wide web
The present invention is directed to a system, method and computer program for enabling a user to access complementary information related to one or a plurality of sequences or topics of interest in a recorded program previously broadcast on the radio or television and played back on a device, such as an audio or video tape or disk recorder/player. The system is based on the synchronization of local times of transmitters and recorders. The synchronization is done referring to an absolute or universal time such as the Global Positioning System Time (GPS-time), the Global Orbiting Navigational Satellite System (GLONASS) time or another suitable universal time based on a satellite system. The system is also based on a plurality of hyperlinks defined during the production and recording of the broadcast program, for given sequences corresponding to particular intervals of time synchronized with the universal (absolute) time. |
| US08539537B2 |
Method for processing connection request of a disk player
A method for connecting a media player to a remote server is provided. The method comprises processing a request for connecting to an remote server while reproducing data recorded on an enhanced navigation medium, processing connection information recorded on the enhanced navigation medium to determine whether connection to the remote server is permitted, and requesting connection to the remote server, if connection to the remote server is permitted in accordance with the connection information. |
| US08539533B2 |
System and method for digital personal video stream manager
A digital personal video stream manager (102) includes a control processor (202), a media interface (204), and one or more control interfaces. The media interface (204) can receive broadband audio and video and convert it into digital file format for transmission on a LAN, such as an IEEE 802.11 based wireless LAN, to a personal computer (110). The media interface (204) can likewise receive digital media files from the personal computer (110) via the wireless interface, and convert them to a format for playback by the audio system (118) or television (116). Further, the digital personal video stream manager (102) can receive controls from remote users to supervise media recording. The control interfaces allow control of the digital personal video stream manager, such as via infrared remote controls. |
| US08539532B2 |
Retransmission manager and method of managing retransmission
The invention provides a retransmission manager for use in a digital content delivery system, wherein the delivery system comprises a plurality of user devices, a set of content providers for delivering digital content to the user devices in the form of bursts of content through a source unit. The retransmission manager is connected to the user devices to receive notifications therefrom, each notification received from a given user device identifying a burst received by the given user device which is candidate for retransmission. The retransmission manager selects a set of bursts among the bursts identified by the notifications based on the amount of available bandwidth at the source unit and on negotiation messages received from at least one of the plurality of content providers, the negotiation message being related to at least one burst identified in the notifications and including, for each burst, a negotiation parameter. The retransmission manager then sends a request for retransmission of the selected bursts to the source unit. |
| US08539530B1 |
Method and apparatus for ordering entertainment programs from different programming transmission sources
The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for ordering entertainment programs from different programming transmission sources. A selection is received from an entertainment system to buy an upgraded media feature for a programming transmission. The purchase is automatically coordinated and the upgraded media feature is automatically provided for the programming by a server system. The server system bills a client for services performed by the server system and provides billing information about the client to at least one of a plurality of programming transmission sources that provided the programming transmission. |
| US08539528B2 |
Multi-source switching in a television system
The present invention provides a tuning scheme for coordinating schedule information and programs received from multiple sources (26, 28, 30 and 34). In the preferred embodiment, an identifier associated with the program's channel (52) is used to identify a source device (26, 28, 30 or 34). When a user selects a program (60 or 62) listed in displayed schedule information (50), the system (10) reads the source identifier attached to the program's channel (52). The system (10) then carries out an automatic switching/tuning such that the required source device (26, 28, 30 or 34) is input to the destination device (22), and a tuner is then tuned to the selected program's channel (52). |
| US08539517B2 |
Optical disk apparatus
[Problem] The problem is to provide a system with a large capacity as the recording and regenerating apparatus through piling optical disks and stocking the piled optical disks compactly.[Means to solve the Problem] An optical disk recording and regenerating apparatus to make a holding means, which includes an optical disk sucking part to suck an upper surface of an optical disk, and a partition sheet sucking part to suck a partition sheet by sucking a held area of the partition sheet and which sucks and holds at least one of the optical disk and the partition sheet, move to an optical disk drive from a tray loaded with a plurality of the optical disks which are piled through the partition sheet having the held area projecting from an edge of the optical disk and not overlapping with the optical disk when the optical disk and the partition sheet are piled. It may be preferable that the partition sheet includes an optical disk exposing area, and the holding means includes an optical disk sucking part to suck the upper surface of the optical disk in the optical disk exposing area, and a partition sheet sucking part to suck an upper surface of the partition sheet. |
| US08539513B1 |
Accelerating data transfer in a virtual computer system with tightly coupled TCP connections
First and second operating systems of a virtual computer system can communicate using respective first and second network protocol stacks, by employing procedures that are specialized for a situation in which a TCP control block of the first stack and a TCP control block of the second stack correspond to the same logical connection. In this case, various TCP requirements can be bypassed by coupling the TCP control blocks, reducing or eliminating data copies and providing other efficiencies. |
| US08539512B2 |
Transactional environments for event and data binding handlers
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for executing software applications with an actual environment. Handlers for a software application are registered. Each handler can be executed upon receiving an indication of a triggering event. A determination is made that a triggering event for the software application has occurred. In response to the triggering event: a handler environment for the triggering event is determined based on the actual environment, triggered handlers of the registered handlers are determined to be executed, at least a respective portion of the handler environment is made available to each triggered handler, executing the triggered handlers, where at least one triggered handler updates its respective portion of the handler environment during execution, determining an updated-handler environment based on the handler environment and the portions of the handler environments after execution of the triggered handlers, and updating the actual environment based on the updated-handler environment. |
| US08539511B2 |
Retrospective event processing pattern language and execution model extension
A novel and useful method, system and framework for extending event processing pattern language to include constructs and patterns in the language to support historical patterns and associated retrospective event processing that enable a user to define patterns that consist of both on-line streaming and historical (retrospective) patterns. This enables entire functions to be expressed in a single pattern language and also enables event processing optimization whereby function processing is mapped to a plurality of event processing agents (EPAs). The EPAs in turn are assigned to a physical processor and to threads within the processor. |
| US08539509B2 |
Event queue managing device and event queue managing method
An event queue managing module that prevents unnecessary events from continuously executing applications when an application execution environment resumes from a suspended state, and including: a queue managing unit for storing event objects reported from an event detector of a basic software unit into an event queue in order of occurrence of events and managing their queue; an event classification detection unit for detecting the event classification and parameter of the event objects whose queue is managed by the queue managing unit; a stop state detection unit for detecting a stop state of an application execution environment; and an event deletion unit for deleting an unnecessary event from the event objects stored in the event queue when the application execution environment is in the stop state. |
| US08539505B2 |
Automatically arranging objects in a selected portion of a graphical program block diagram
Various embodiments of a system and method for automatically arranging or positioning objects included in a selected portion of a graphical program are described. A user may select a first portion of the graphical program. The graphical programming development environment may automatically re-arrange the selected first portion of the graphical program without re-arranging the rest of the graphical program. For example, nodes in the first portion of the graphical program may be automatically re-positioned so as to better organize the first portion of the graphical program. |
| US08539504B2 |
Heterogeneous architecture in pooling management
A method, system, and computer program product for managing a heterogeneous connection pooling structure. The heterogeneous architecture of pooling management comprises connections having different connection attributes (i.e. different data source properties) that can share a same connection pool (i.e. same connection pool data source). An application requests a connection from data source having a specified data source property. An application server searches a pool module for an available cached connection. If a cached connection is available, the cached connection is automatically selected as a returned connection. A connection reuse protocol and a statement reuse protocol is determined and invoked to reconfigure the cached connection for reuse as a connection between the application and a database server. |
| US08539502B1 |
Method for obtaining repeatable and predictable output results in a continuous processing system
The present invention provides a method for obtaining predicable and repeatable output results in a continuous processing system. The method involves processing messages and primitives in accordance with the following rules: (1) Messages are processed in accordance with timestamps, where messages are divided up into “time slices”; (2) message order within a data stream is preserved among messages with the same time stamp; (3) subject to rule #4, for each time slice, a primitive is executed when either the messages within such time slice show up in the input stream for such primitive or the state of the window immediately preceding such primitive changes due to messages within such time slice; and (4) for each time slice, primitives that are dependent on one or more upstream primitives are not executed until such upstream primitives have finished executing messages in such time slice that are queued for processing. If such rules are insufficient to determine the order in which primitives are processed, a deterministic “tie-breaking” rule is then applied. |
| US08539497B2 |
Method for organizing software so the set of extensions for an extendable application can be run securely
The operating system organizes software so the set of extensions for an extendable application can be dynamically discovered and the extension can be run securely. Extensions are run as separate applications instead of within the extendable application's process. Extensions are discoverable to an activated extendable application by querying a category catalog. A category provides at least a partial description of a contract between an activating software entity and a software entity that is activated by the activating software entity. The category may enumerate a set of configuration settings associated with the contract that may be used to set up an isolated execution environment for the activated software entity. The category may also specify one or more extension points to be used for communication between the activating and activated software entities. The category may also include a list of software entities that implement the category. |
| US08539489B2 |
System for dedicating a number of processors to a network polling task and disabling interrupts of the dedicated processors
Improving the performance of multitasking processors are provided. For example, a subset of M processors within a Symmetric Multi-Processing System (SMP) with N processors is dedicated for a specific task. The M (M>0) of the N processors are dedicate to a task, thus, leaving (N−M) processors for running normal operating system (OS). The processors dedicated to the task may have their interrupt mechanism disabled to avoid interrupt handler switching overhead. Therefore, these processors run in an independent context and can communicate with the normal OS and cooperation with the normal OS to achieve higher network performance. |
| US08539484B1 |
Multi-platform computer system management for virtualized environments
A virtual machine management system is configured to manage a plurality of computing systems each configured to support virtual machines. The virtual management system is configured to transparently manage the computing systems even in cases where the virtual machines are supported by different hypervisors. In some embodiments, this capability simplifies the management of cloud computing systems including software provided by different virtual machine vendors. |
| US08539483B2 |
Computer and control method for interrupting machine operation
A computer that receives a first instruction for interrupting or stopping operation of the virtual machine; that obtains a duration time corresponding to the virtual machine for which the first instruction is received; that determines whether a second instruction for operating the virtual machine has been received during the obtained duration time; and that determines whether to output a third instruction for interrupting or stopping operation of the computer based at least on whether the second instruction for operating the virtual machine has been received during the obtained duration time. |
| US08539480B2 |
Multi-instance “shadow” system and method for automated resource redundancy reduction across dynamic language applications utilizing application of dynamically generated templates
A system and method are provided that allows, by adding a loadable module to the language runtime engine and overriding some of the core engine's operating system access functionality, the system to create a customizable copy of the installed application without creating complete copies of the actual files (scripts, executables, binaries, etc.) and without redundancies in content storage. |
| US08539477B2 |
Managed environment update selection
Software update selection information can be obtained for each of multiple machines in a managed environment. The update selection information for each machine can represent selections of software updates corresponding to software installed on the machine. The software update selection information for the machines can be aggregated to produce aggregated software update selection information. In addition, the aggregated software update selection information can be used to produce a subscription set of software update selections corresponding to software to update on the machines. The subscription set can exclude available software update selections that do not correspond to software installed on the machines. |
| US08539466B2 |
Determining suitable insertion points for string sanitizers in a computer code
A method of determining suitable insertion points for inserting string sanitizers in a computer code is provided herein. The method includes the following stages: obtaining: (i) a computer code associated with a data flow of externally supplied data, from one or more sources to one or more sinks, (ii) locations of the sources, and (iii) locations of the sinks; building a graph representing control paths, data paths and semantic relationships between the control paths and the data paths of the computer code; associating all tainted data paths on the graph, being data paths that go from sources to sinks and do not include a sanitizer; and determining, on the tainted data paths, potential control paths suitable for sanitizer insertion. |
| US08539465B2 |
Accelerating unbounded memory transactions using nested cache resident transactions
Using cache resident transaction hardware to accelerate a software transactional memory system. The method includes identifying a plurality of atomic operations intended to be performed by a software transactional memory system as transactional operations as part of a software transaction. The method further includes selecting at least a portion of the plurality of atomic operations. The method further includes attempting to perform the portion of the plurality of atomic operations as hardware transactions using cache resident transaction hardware. |
| US08539464B2 |
Distributed just-in-time compilation
A method of performing distributed just-in-time compilation includes sending a first request message from a client platform to a dedicated compilation server requesting just-in-time compilation of a bytecode sequence generated from a set of code for a source program executing on the client platform; compiling the bytecode sequence at the compilation server into a set of machine code instructions executable by the client platform; storing the set of machine code instructions in a repository managed by the dedicated compilation server; sending a notification message indicating that the set of machine code instructions are available from the dedicated compilation server to the client platform; sending a second request message from the client platform to the dedicated compilation server requesting the set of machine code instructions; and accessing the repository to send the set of machine code instructions from the dedicated compilation server to the client platform. |
| US08539460B2 |
Unique versatile executor engine which can interpret and execute transaction structures and information views to build information systems
The embodiments herein are concerned with building an information system for enterprises. It has a unique versatile executor engine, which can interpret and execute transaction structures and information views. The information system can grow along with the needs of the enterprise. An information system built in this methodology will allow online and on site creation of new options and changing the existing options without any down time. The embodiments herein incorporate a unique technology, which enables an information system to be built without writing software programs. This makes information system building simple and quick. The data is analyzed and split into transaction structures and information views. These are then defined using the builder, which stores these definitions as data. This is intercepted and executed by the unique executor engine to provide the necessary information. |
| US08539457B2 |
Partial on-demand lazy semantic analysis
Computing responses to semantic queries. A method includes accessing a plurality of objects that represent source code for an input program. The source code is transformed into a plurality of immutable objects that are structured such that the immutable objects can be used to derive any response as defined by the semantic rules about the source code. A query is received from a requestor requesting a semantic characteristic of the input program. The semantic characteristic is calculated. The semantic characteristic is returned to the requestor. The semantic characteristic is cached in a cache. Information describing a dependency between the cached semantic characteristic and one or more of the objects in the plurality of objects is stored. |
| US08539454B2 |
Method and system for detecting memory leaks
A method, system, and/or computer program product for detecting memory leaks in a computer application includes instrumenting one or more software methods to increment and decrement a reference count of a software object. The reference count of the software object may be set to a predetermined count when the software object is created. The one or more software methods instrumented to increment and decrement the reference count of the software object may be executed. When the one or more software methods return from execution, the method, system, and/or computer program product may determine whether the reference count is set to the predetermined count. |
| US08539453B2 |
Autonomic I/O tracing and performance tuning
In an embodiment, a kernel performs autonomic input/output tracing and performance tuning. A first table is provided in a device driver framework and a second table in a kernel of a computer. An input/output device monitoring tool is provided in the device driver framework. A plurality of instructions in the kernel compares each value in the first table with each value in the second table. Responsive to a match of a value in the first table and a value in the second table, the kernel automatically runs a command line to perform a system trace, a component trace, or a tuning task. The first table is populated with a plurality of values calculated from a plurality of data in a plurality of device memories and in the controller memory and the second table is populated in accordance with a second plurality of inputs to the command line interface. |
| US08539452B2 |
Virtual machine tool interface for tracking objects
Disclosed is a computer program product to track allocation of a plurality of objects in a heap. A data processing system, during an object allocation, prevents an object from being moved to another place in memory or being deleted. The data processing system prevents such activity concurrently with garbage collection on a second object not currently being allocated. The data processing system notifies a profiler of object information based on the object allocation via a callback function, wherein object information is a one-to-one mapping of the object address. The data processing system revives garbage collector processing of the object. |
| US08539446B2 |
Reduced interoperability validation sets for multi-feature products
Systems and methods of validating multi-feature products can provide for identifying a feature combination for a product, and expanding the feature combination to include additional features only if the additional features are interoperable with all features in the feature combination and the additional features are new to the feature combination. The feature combination and the expanded feature combination may be added to a validation set for the product, wherein the validation set can be used to validate various platform configurations of the product. |
| US08539442B2 |
Reverse engineering for code file refactorization and conversion
A system comprises a processing device, a data store selectively connected to the processing device and configured to store a plurality of segments of a software application, and a code refactoring application included on the processing device. The code refactoring application may include instructions that when executed cause the processing device to receive at least a subset of the segments of the software application from the data store, determine a design structure for the segments based at least in part on the received segments, and refactor the segments into a refactored segment according to the determined design structure. |
| US08539440B1 |
Interactively designing a hardware implementation of a graphical program
System and method for managing and specifying hardware implementation of a graphical program. A graphical program that implements an algorithm is stored in a memory of a computer system. The graphical program meets one or more first specified implementation requirements and is targeted for deployment to a programmable hardware element. A plurality of sets of descriptive directives are also stored in the memory, where the descriptive directives are associated with the graphical program and specify one or more additional specified implementation requirements, e.g., memory resource implementations, optimization directives, and so forth, where the additional directives result from programmatic and/or user-specification. Each set of descriptive directives is useable by a synthesis tool to generate a respective hardware configuration program for deployment to the graphical programmable hardware element. |
| US08539439B2 |
Asynchronous programming model mapping
Mapping is performed between operations of an abstract asynchronous programming model and a concrete asynchronous programming model. In other words, differences between asynchronous programming models are bridged to enable interaction. |
| US08539437B2 |
Security process model for tasks within a software factory
Security for a software factory is provided by detecting a request by a user to utilize the software factory. Upon being authenticated, the user is granted permission to access specific areas of the software factory. A log is created of locations in software factory that have been accessed by the user. This log is then utilized in an audit that describes how effective the software factory is in creating deliverable software. |
| US08539433B2 |
Circuit design aiding apparatus and computer-readable recording medium storing circuit design aiding program
A circuit design aiding apparatus includes a circuit data storage that stores circuit data for each circuit diagram, the circuit data containing elements in a circuit, connection between the elements, and links to constraints, a constraint data storage that stores constraint data representing design constraints, a circuit edit controller that receives and edits the circuit data through user's operation and holds an element having been edited, a constraint edit controller that receives and edits the constraint data through user's operation, a constraint updater that updates, when the circuit data is edited, the constraint data set to the edited element based on the type of the constraint and the type of the edited element, a display unit that displays the circuit data and other information, and an output data generator that generates circuit data and other data to be outputted. |
| US08539432B2 |
Computer product, circuit design method and apparatus for designing electronic apparatus in which multiple printed-circuit boards are mounted
A computer-readable recording medium stores a program that causes a computer to execute a circuit design process. The process includes selecting component data in first board data from among the first board data including first connector component data and second board data including second connector component data that is associated with the first connector component data; setting a connection destination net name of the selected component data to a first vacant terminal of the first connector component data; and setting the connection destination net name of the component data to a second vacant terminal of the second connector component data that corresponds to the first vacant terminal of the first connector data when the component data is moved from the first board data to the second board data. |
| US08539430B2 |
Electronic device and method for detecting equivalent series inductance
In a method for detecting equivalent series inductances (ESL) of an electrical component of a printed circuit board (PCB), the electrical component and one or more signal lines connected with the electrical component are selected from a layout diagram of the PCB. The method selects a standard range of the ESL of the selected electrical component, calculates an ESL between each of the signal lines and a via hole corresponding to the signal line, and determines signal lines having ESL value that are not within the standard range. The method locates attribute data of the determined signal lines and the selected electrical component in the layout diagram of the PCB, and displays the attribute data of the determined signal lines and the selected electrical component on a display device. |
| US08539426B2 |
Method and system for extracting compact models for circuit simulation
A method of forming a compact model for an electrical device includes obtaining shape information for the device and obtaining nominal information for the device. The method also includes merging the shape information and the nominal information to form composite data, and fitting the compact model to the composite data. |
| US08539425B1 |
Utilizing gate phases for circuit tuning
Implementing circuit tuning post design of an integrated circuit utilizing gate phases. Each phase includes a designation of one of a slow phase and a fast phase. During the circuit design phase, each device is given a phase designation based upon expected performance of the device in the circuit. If the device is expected to be in a critical path or has a minimum timing slack, the device is placed on the fast phase. If the device is not in a critical path or has excess timing slack the device is placed on the slow phase. |
| US08539422B2 |
Method and system for power delivery network analysis
The subject application relates to a method and system for power delivery network analysis. The present disclosure is directed towards a computer-implemented method for displaying one or more results of a power delivery network (PDN) analysis associated with an electronic circuit design. The method may include extracting, using at least one processor, an electromagnetic (EM) model for each of one or more discontinuity structures associated with the electronic circuit design. The method may further include performing a power delivery network analysis of the electronic circuit design, the PDN analysis including a Method of Moments (MoM) calculation. The method may also include displaying a three dimensional image depicting one or more results of the PDN analysis. Numerous other features are also within the scope of the present disclosure. |
| US08539421B2 |
Layout-specific classification and prioritization of recommended rules violations
A method, system, and computer program product for classifying and prioritizing a set of recommended rule (RR) violations in an integrated circuit (IC) design are provided in the illustrative embodiments. The set of RR violations is received. A layout corresponding to the IC design is received. A set of features is selected in the layout. A classification model corresponding to the set of features is selected. Using the set of features and the classification model, the first RR violation is classified into a classification from a set of classifications. The classification is prioritized in an order of priority such that the first RR violation in the classification is recommended for remedying in the order of priority. |
| US08539418B1 |
Method and apparatus for performing efficient incremental compilation
A method for designing a system on a target device includes identifying candidate portions in the system to preserve based on similarities between the system and another system. Preservation criteria are applied on the candidate portions in the system to preserve to identify portions of the system to preserve. Design results from the another system are reused for portions in the system that are preserved. |
| US08539417B2 |
Generating physical designs for electronic circuit boards
Generating a physical circuit board design. The physical circuit board is designed based on a design data set containing multiple electronic components. In a first step, the electronic components are classified by assigning them either to a group of so-called Core Components or to a group of Application Specific Components. Subsequently, a circuit board layer structure is generated. The layer structure includes a Core Layer Structure located in the center of this layer structure. The components are placed onto the board's layer structure in such a way that the Core Components are placed onto the Core Layer Structure. Finally, a design macro of the resulting physical design is generated and the circuit board is assembled. |
| US08539412B2 |
Macro layout verification appartus
A macro layout verification apparatus for verifying a layout of a macro to be placed as a functional block on a semiconductor device. The apparatus includes: a unit, which assumes as a virtual wiring line, a wiring line that uses an unused intra-macro channel located adjacent to an intra-macro wiring line; a unit which calculates a parallel wiring length along which the virtual wiring line and the intra-macro wiring line run; and a unit which outputs information concerning the virtual wiring line when the parallel wiring length exceeds a reference value defined as a design rule. |
| US08539410B2 |
Semiconductor device, adjustment method thereof and data processing system
A method includes preparing a chip-stack structure in which a first memory chip is stacked over a first main surface of a second memory chip, data electrodes of the first and second memory chips being electrically connected and a data signal outputted from the data electrode of the first memory chip being conveyed on a side of the second main surface of the second memory chip, accessing the first memory chip so that the data signal is outputted from the first memory chip and appears on the side of the second main surface of the second memory chip in first access time, accessing the second memory chip so that a data signal is outputted and appears on the side of the second main surface of the second memory chip in second access time, and setting output timing adjustment information into at least one of the first and second memory chips. |
| US08539404B2 |
Functional simulation redundancy reduction by state comparison and pruning
Methods and systems initiate a simulation of an integrated circuit design. The simulation produces data that will exist in latches of the integrated circuit design when a device manufactured according to the integrated circuit design is operating. The methods and systems evaluate same-state latches associated with different portions of the simulation. If two of the same-state latches have the same state, given the same inputs and environmental conditions, the method and systems terminate a first portion of the simulation associated with a first of the same-state latches, but allow a second portion of the simulation associated with a second of the same-state latches to proceed. |
| US08539401B2 |
Generating a convergent circuit design from a functional description using entities having access to the functional description and to physical design information
A method of designing a circuit is described. In an embodiment, a physical design implementation for the circuit is created using a plurality of entities. These entities are named “genomes”. Each entity includes a portion of a functional description of the circuit that has been synthesized into a gate-level implementation. An entity is selected to facilitate the physical design implementation meeting a plurality of design constraints. Several steps (e.g., beginning with selection of an entity) of this method are repeated several times to meet the design constraints. As a consequence, the physical design implementation provides more accurate information for use in a final physical design implementation. Moreover, the physical design implementation can be created faster than prior techniques while still allowing a global view of the physical design implementation in meeting design constraints. |
| US08539400B2 |
Routability using multiplexer structures
Mechanisms are provided for generating a logic design of an integrated circuit device. An initial logic design representation of the integrated circuit device is received and one or more areas of the initial logic design representation are identified where logic elements in the one or more areas can be replaced with one or more multiplexer tree structures. Logic elements in the one or more areas of the initial logic design representation are replaced with multiplexer tree structures to generate a modified logic design representation. The modified logic design representation is output to a physical synthesis system to generate a physical layout of the integrated circuit device based on the modified logic design representation. |
| US08539393B2 |
Simulation and correction of mask shadowing effect
Disclosed are techniques for simulating and correcting the mask shadowing effect using the domain decomposition method (DDM). According to various implementations of the invention, DDM signals for an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography mask are determined for a plurality of azimuthal angles of illumination. Base on the DDM signals, one or more layout designs for making the mask may be analyzed and/or modified. |
| US08539388B2 |
Method and apparatus for low power semiconductor chip layout and low power semiconductor chip
A layout system is described comprising a layout unit configured to layout cells in a mask design for a semiconductor chip based on library cells for a specified process node; a non-critical path determination unit configured to determine a non-critical path in the semiconductor chip; a cell determination unit configured to determine a group of cells in the mask design that form a part of the non-critical path and determine the corresponding library cell for at least one of the group of cells; a library cell modifying unit configured to modify one or more corresponding library cells to form a corresponding modified library cell; and a cell replacement unit configured to replace a library cell in the group of cells in the mask design that form a part of the non-critical path with the corresponding modified library cell. |
| US08539385B2 |
Device, method, and graphical user interface for precise positioning of objects
A method includes, at a computing device with a touch-sensitive display: displaying a user interface object on the touch-sensitive display; detecting a contact on the user interface object; while continuing to detect the contact on the user interface object: detecting an M-finger gesture, distinct from the contact, in a first direction on the touch-sensitive display, where M is an integer; and, in response to detecting the M-finger gesture, translating the user interface object a predefined number of pixels in a direction in accordance with the first direction. |
| US08539384B2 |
Multi-screen pinch and expand gestures
Embodiments of multi-screen pinch and expand gestures are described. In various embodiments, a first input is recognized at a first screen of a multi-screen system, and the first input includes a first motion input. A second input is recognized at a second screen of the multi-screen system, and the second input includes a second motion input. A pinch gesture or an expand gesture can then be determined from the first and second motion inputs that are associated with the recognized first and second inputs. |
| US08539373B1 |
Sliding window manager
The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, a method that includes presenting a first window in a graphical user interface. The method includes presenting at least a portion of each secondary window. The method includes presenting one or more indicators indicating that additional windows exist. The method includes receiving a first user selection of a first one of the indicators. The method includes bringing at least one of the additional windows to the foreground, moving the at least one of the additional windows across the graphical user interface to be in view of the graphical user interface, sending the first window and the secondary windows behind the at least one of the additional windows, and moving at least one of the first window and the secondary windows across the graphical user interface to be out of view of the graphical user interface. |
| US08539369B2 |
Central monitoring and measurement system
A central monitoring and measurement system is described. A central user interface system for generation of a plurality of user-desired information based upon a plurality of measured data, the central user interface system may include a receiver system configured to receive wirelessly the plurality of measured data from a plurality of external sensor systems. An input/output system may be configured to provide output data to a display screen, receive input data from the display device, and provide output data to a processing system. The processing system may be configured to process the plurality of measured data from the plurality of external sensor systems into the plurality of user-desired information. Each external sensor system may include a transmission system configured to transmit wirelessly measured data to the central user interface system, and a measurement system configured to determine the measured data associated with an external device. |
| US08539365B2 |
IM conversation management
A method and apparatus for managing IM conversations is provided. In response to idle time and, preferably, read message status, particular current conversations are removed from a list of current conversations. The removed conversations may be moved to an archive which may be automatically maintained in response to size constraints. An archive interface is facilitated to review conversations, save all or portions thereof, delete, etc. The archived conversations are preferably associated with the contact for the conversation to show a history of conversations. |
| US08539364B2 |
Attaching external virtual universes to an existing virtual universe
The present invention is directed to attaching an external virtual universe to an existing virtual universe. A method for enhancing a preexisting virtual universe (VU) in a computerized system may include providing an external virtual universe in a second computerized system, where the external virtual universe is configured so as to be attachable to the first, preexisting virtual universe. As a result, residents of virtual universes can create, run, and/or host their real estate, inventory items, and/or avatars (including all necessary geometries, textures, scripts, etc.) using their own computing devices, which may be inserted, attached, and detached from the VU grid. |
| US08539361B2 |
Multiple display regions in a unified message inbox
Various embodiments are provided herein of a method of displaying an inbox window of a message application. The method includes partitioning a display of the inbox window into a first message display region and a second message display region, displaying located messages that satisfy user-defined designation criteria in the first message display region; and displaying remaining messages of the inbox window in the second message display region. The method can be performed by a communications device and can also be stored as program code on a computer readable medium. |
| US08539359B2 |
Social network driven indexing system for instantly clustering people with concurrent focus on same topic into on-topic chat rooms and/or for generating on-topic search results tailored to user preferences regarding topic
A machine-implemented social networking system includes a hierarchy tree containing topic nodes. New nodes are added as new topics emerge in online public forums. Each topic node can link to an on-topic real time chat room whose occupants are currently discussing the topic of the node. A node-seeking automated process operates in the background and seeks out nodes that currently have topics appearing to be the same as or similar to what topics the user appears to have in mind. Content browsing experience of the user is enhanced by addition of an invitations displaying subsystem that automatically invites him or her to co-compatible chat rooms currently discussing the topic(s) the user appears to have in mind. |
| US08539345B2 |
Updating portlet interface controls by updating a hidden version of the control and then switching it with a displayed version
Portlet information can be updated by first identifying one or more portlets presented on a client. Each portlet can include an interface control that is iteratively updated from a remotely located data source. For each portlet, a presented and a hidden version of the interface control can be established. Each portlet can fetch data from the data source and use this data to update the hidden version of the interface control. The hidden version of the control can be updated using the fetched data. After the hidden version is updated, the hidden version can be switched with the presented version. Each portlet can have a portlet refresh rate and the steps of fetching data, updating the hidden version, and switching the hidden version with the presented version can be repeated to satisfy the portlet refresh rate. |
| US08539343B2 |
Calculating uniqueness coefficients for data objects and displaying the data objects in a layout based on the uniqueness coefficient
Data records with one or more data objects are displayed according to layout rules on a computer user interface. The data objects associated with the record are identified, layout rules for the one or more data objects of the record are accessed and a layout is calculated based at least in part a uniqueness coefficient of the one or more data objects. The data objects are then displayed on the computer interface according to the determined layout. |
| US08539342B1 |
Read-order inference via content sorting
The present disclosure includes a system for generating a presentation order from a document that has fixed presentation layout when rendered. Techniques include reconstructing structural information and logical ordering for fixed-layout documents. A document editor generates a presentation order, or a read order, for contents within a fixed-layout document. The document editor creates an initial sort order for areas of content within a document. The document editor then generates a presentation order based on graphical dimensions and graphical placement relationships among areas of content within a document. The resulting presentation order can be used to create a second document or second layout, or to add structural information to create reflowed or reflowable content. |
| US08539336B2 |
System for linking to documents with associated annotations
An annotation system includes first annotation data for annotating a manifestation of a first instance of a first XML document. The first instance of the first XML document is served by a document system. The first annotation data includes a first XML document identifier for the first XML document. The first annotation data is uniquely identified by a first annotation data identifier. The document system is configured to respond to a request containing the first XML document identifier with a manifestation of a second instance of the first XML document. The annotation system: (A) receives a request containing the first annotation data identifier; (B) issues a request containing the first XML document identifier to the document system; and (C) in response to the request containing the first annotation data identifier, manifests the first annotation data in connection with a manifestation of a second instance of the XML document. |
| US08539332B2 |
Importing an external subordinate document into a master document, editing the “subordinate” portion of the master document and updating the external subordinate document by exporting the edit of the “subordinate” portion of the master document to the external subordinate document
Document data to be edited includes reference information to external document data corresponding to a component document constituting the document data. When the component document is selected and when an instruction is given for the reflection thereof in the external document, a chapter to be updated is identified first, and reference information corresponding to that chapter is identified. Then, the external document identified by the reference information is overwritten and updated with the selected component document. |
| US08539327B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit for testing logic circuit
A semiconductor circuit for testing a logic circuit, the semiconductor circuit including: an exclusive OR circuit receiving an input testing signal to a circuit under testing and a output testing signal from the circuit under testing; a multiplexer receiving a result signal output from the exclusive OR circuit and a clock signal; and a flip-flop storing a logical value represented by a captured signal in synchronization with a multiplexed signal output from the multiplexer, the captured signal being selected from a entered signal (I) and a data signal that is output from another semiconductor circuit for testing. |
| US08539322B2 |
Data processing apparatus and method, and program
The present invention relates to data processing apparatus and method, and a program which make it possible to scatter burst errors with respect to both codes of a product code.A block-wise interleaver performs interleaving A, which is a process of inputting data in the order of the column direction as one direction, and reading the data in the order of the direction diagonally downward to the right, NB bits by NB bits (=block by block) with respect to ND×NB×NA bits of a product code. Next, the block-wise interleaver performs interleaving B, which is a process of inputting data in the order of the column direction as one direction, and reading the data in the order of the row direction as the other direction, NB bits by NB bits with respect to (NC−ND)×NB×NA bits representing the parity portion of an inner code indicated by P, of the product code. The present invention can be applied to, for example, a recording/reproducing apparatus. |
| US08539321B2 |
Apparatus and method for correcting at least one bit error within a coded bit sequence
An apparatus for correcting at least one bit error within a coded bit sequence includes an error syndrome generator and a bit error corrector. The error syndrome generator determines the error syndrome of a coded bit sequence derived by a multiplication of a check matrix with a coded bit sequence. |
| US08539317B2 |
Hybrid error-control algorithm
An embodiment of the invention includes an efficient error-control system and method for recovering packet losses, especially losses in distributing multicast video over broadband residential networks. Preferably, unlike most existing error-control algorithms designed for Internet multicast, the system and method does not employ substantial feedback suppression. Preferably, the system and method does not employ substantial multicasted retransmission. Preferably, the system and method does not employ substantial parity retransmission. Preferably, the system and method does not employ substantial local loss recovery. The system and method integrates two existing classes of error-control algorithms: Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) and Forward Error Correction (FEC), to reduce traffic overhead and achieve scalability. |
| US08539309B2 |
System and method for responding to error detection
Systems and methods to respond to error detection are provided. A particular method may include issuing a first command to a first redrive device and a second command to a second redrive device. The method may also include reissuing the second command to the second redrive device in response to detecting a transmission error between a memory controller and the second redrive device. The method may further include storing at a first buffer first data that is received from the first redrive device in response to the first command. The method may include storing at a second buffer second data that is received from the second redrive device in response to the reissued second command. The method also may include merging the second data with the first data. |
| US08539307B1 |
Device for and method of linear interpolative coding
A device and method of detecting and correcting errors in data having a control unit, a coefficient computation unit, an error computation unit, and an error detection and correction unit, where errors such as garbled data, missing data, and added data are either detected and corrected or just detected. |
| US08539306B2 |
Data processing circuit and data processing method
A data processing circuit includes a receive circuit that receives data including a control bit for controlling a process of the data, a hold circuit that holds the received data, an error detection circuit that detects an error in the received data, a first correction circuit that corrects the received data when an error of the control bit in the received data is detected, and outputs the corrected data, and an output select circuit that outputs data held in the hold circuit when no error is detected in the control bit, and outputs the corrected data outputted from the first correction circuit when an error is detected in the control bit. |
| US08539305B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus and data processing method
A semiconductor apparatus includes a bus inversion information (DBI) processing unit configured to, when receiving multi-bit data, calculating DBI information of the data, and outputting a plurality of DBI flag signals, generate the plurality of DBI flag signals such that each DBI flag signal reflects DBI information of predetermined bits of the data, a first CRC processing unit configured to calculate cyclic redundancy check (CRC) information using the multi-bit data and partial DBI flag signals calculated among the plurality of DBI flag signals and output a plurality of CRC signals, and a second CRC processing unit configured to output CRC codes using the plurality of CRC signals and remaining DBI flag signals calculated among the plurality of the DBI flag signals. |
| US08539304B1 |
Parallel encoder for low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes
A low-density parity check (LDPC) encoder that calculate parity check values for a message using an LDPC parity check matrix is provided. A matrix-vector multiplication unit is operative to multiply a portion of the LDPC parity check matrix and the message to obtain an intermediate vector. A parallel recursion unit is operative to recursively calculate a first plurality of parity check values for the message based on the intermediate vector and to recursively calculate a second plurality of parity check values for the message based on the intermediate vector. The first plurality of parity check values are calculated in parallel with the second plurality of parity check values. |
| US08539298B2 |
Multicarrier mobile communication system
A transmitting unit divides a transmit data into a plurality of code blocks, and encodes each of the plurality of code blocks to generate a transmission signal. The transmitting unit transmits the transmission signal, and a receiving unit receives the transmission signal as a reception signal. The receiving unit receives performs an iterative decoding to each of the plurality of code blocks of the reception signal. The iterative decoding is terminated to a first code block group in which an error has not been detected before a first setting iteration count. The receiving unit, when being an error in the reception signal, transmits a retransmission request feedback data which contains a NACK data and a data indicating the first code block group to the transmitting unit. First resources are assigned for each of the plurality of code blocks of the transmission signal. The transmitting unit assigns resources of the first code block group of the plurality of code blocks of the transmission signal to second resources which are fewer than the first resources, based on the retransmission request feedback data, and retransmits the transmission signal to the receiving unit. |
| US08539292B2 |
Testing of an integrated circuit that contains secret information
An integrated circuit comprises a scan chain with parallel inputs and outputs coupled to a functional circuit. A scan chain modifying circuit is provided coupled to the scan chain. When testing is authorized the scan chain modifying circuit operates in a mode wherein a normal shift path is provided through the scan chain. When testing is not authorized the scan chain modifying circuit operates to effect spontaneous dynamic changes in the shift path, which dynamically vary the length of the shift path between external terminals of the integrated circuit while shifting takes place. In an embodiment the dynamical variations are controlled by a running key comparison. In other embodiments running key comparison is used to disable transfer through the scan chain or operation of functional circuits. |
| US08539291B2 |
Circuits with selectable paths of control and data scan cells
An integrated circuit or circuit board includes functional circuitry and a scan path. The scan path includes a test data input lead, a test data output lead, a multiplexer, and scan cells. A dedicated scan cell has a functional data output separate from a test data output. Shared scan cells each have a combined output for functional data and test data. The shared scan cells are coupled in series. The test data input of the first shared scan cell is connected to the test data output of the dedicated scan cell. The combined output of one shared scan cell is coupled to the test data input lead of another shared scan cell. The multiplexer has an input coupled to the test data output, an input connected to the combined output lead of the last shared scan cell in the series, and an output connected in the scan path. |
| US08539285B2 |
Systems for agile error determination and reporting and methods thereof
According to one embodiment, a method for handling errors includes detecting that an error has occurred in a machine in a system, determining an error ID associated with the error, determining that the error should be reported to a host system for further analysis based on the error ID, determining that one or more actions should be taken by the system based on the error ID, and sending information corresponding to the error to the host system after it is determined that the error should be reported to the host system. In another embodiment, a system includes a processor and logic for performing the method. According to another embodiment, a computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having computer readable code embodied therewith for performing the method. Other methods, systems, and computer program products are also described according to more embodiments. |
| US08539283B2 |
System and method for executing a high-reliability application
A system for executing a high-reliability application and a third party application is provided. The system includes an application module and a second module. The application module has control logic for executing the high reliability application and the third party application. The high reliability application generates a message sequence. The application module includes a normal operating mode, a high reliability mode, and a high reliability boot. The second module is in communication with the application module, and includes a first control logic for monitoring the message sequence when the application module is operating in the normal operating mode. The second module also includes control logic for initiating the high reliability boot in the application module. |
| US08539278B2 |
Methods and systems for measuring I/O signals
Some embodiments of the invention relate to an embedded processing system. The system includes a memory unit to store a plurality of operating instructions and a processing unit coupled to the memory unit. The processing unit can execute logical operations corresponding to respective operating instructions. An input/output (I/O) interface receives a first time-varying waveform and provides an I/O signal that is based on the first time-varying waveform. A comparison unit coupled to the processing unit and adapted to selectively assert an error signal based on whether the I/O signal has a predetermined relationship with a reference signal, wherein the predetermined relationship holds true during normal operation but fails to hold true when an unexpected event occurs and causes an unexpected change at least one of the I/O signal and reference signal. |
| US08539275B2 |
Single wire serial interface
A single wire serial interface for power ICs and other devices is provided. To use the interface, a device is configured to include an EN/SET input pin. A counter within the device counts clock pulses sent to the EN/SET input pin. The output of the counter is passed to a ROM or other decoder circuit. The ROM selects an operational state for the device that corresponds to the value of the counter. In this way, control states may be selected for the device by sending corresponding clock pulses to the EN/SET pin. Holding the EN/SET pin high causes the device to maintain its operational state. Holding the EN/SET pin low for a predetermined timeout period resets the counter and causes the device to adopt a predetermined configuration (such as off) until new clock pulses are received at the EN/SET pin. |
| US08539270B2 |
Profiling an application for power consumption during execution on a compute node
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for profiling an application for power consumption during execution on a compute node that include: receiving an application for execution on a compute node; identifying a hardware power consumption profile for the compute node, the hardware power consumption profile specifying power consumption for compute node hardware during performance of various processing operations; determining a power consumption profile for the application in dependence upon the application and the hardware power consumption profile for the compute node; and reporting the power consumption profile for the application. |
| US08539260B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for enabling platform power states
To address the need for power management, the following facilitates maintaining power states in an efficient manner based at least in part on managing packets at different layers of an input/output interface that supports multiple layers. One specific example prevents a destructive event for link layer control logic because packets and information might have been lost or dropped due to a hang condition and/or a dropped packet. In yet another example of power management, this facilitates a low power platform state by preventing the loss of packets or data upon exiting a platform power state upon initiation of a link reset condition by preventing certain types of packets from reaching link layer controller logic. |
| US08539256B2 |
Optimizing power consumption and performance in a hybrid computer environment
A method for optimizing efficiency and power consumption in a hybrid computer system is disclosed. The hybrid computer system may comprise one or more front-end nodes connected to a multi-node computer system. Portions of an application may be offloaded from the front-end nodes to the multi-node computer system. By building historical profiles of the applications running on the multi-node computer system, the system can analyze the trade offs between power consumption and performance. For example, if running the application on the multi-node computer system cuts the run time by 5% but increases power consumption by 20% it may be more advantageous to simply run the entire application on the front-end. |
| US08539255B2 |
Variable power over ethernet based on link delay measurement
According to an example embodiment, an apparatus at a power source equipment (PSE) may include a transceiver configured to transmit and receive data via a communications link with a powered device (PD), and a controller configured to: determine a propagation delay of the communications link based on a message exchange between the PSE and the PD, the PSE and PD being connected via the communications link; and determine an amount of power to be supplied via Power Over Ethernet (POE) from the PSE to the PD via the communications link based on the propagation delay of the communications link. |
| US08539246B2 |
Secure resume for encrypted drives
Systems, methods and products are described that provide secure resume for encrypted drives. One aspect provides a method including: receiving an indication to resume from a suspended state at a computing device; responsive to authenticating a user at one or more input devices, accessing a value in a BIOS derived from authenticating the user at the one or more input devices; responsive to accessing the value, releasing a credential for unlocking one or more encrypted drives; and thereafter proceeding to resume from the suspend state. |
| US08539243B2 |
Information processing apparatus capable of communicating with external authentication device
Authentication information necessary for authentication processing at an external authentication device is restricted to be transmitted from a user terminal to an information processing apparatus without being encrypted. The information processing apparatus restricts transmission of information that allows a user to select authentication processing at an external authentication device in the case of not employing encryption communication arranged to communicate encrypted information. |
| US08539242B2 |
Voice-capable system and method for providing input options for authentication
A system and method for use with a voice-capable system, includes but is not limited to a method including receiving one or more user-centric authentication preferences, and preparing one or more categories of authentication questions based on the one or more user-centric authentication preferences. |
| US08539241B2 |
Method and system for securing communication
A method for securing communication between a plurality of members. The method includes a first member sending a first input to a second member, receiving a second input from the second member, and generating, by an n-bit generator, an initial message digest using the first input and the second input. Communications between the first member and the second member are encrypted using the initial message digest. |
| US08539240B2 |
Rights object authentication in anchor point-based digital rights management
Digital lights management (DRM) can be effectively implemented through use of an anchor point and binding records in a user domain. Furthermore, authentication of a rights object defining the scope of access allowed for a digital property instance may be achieved through use of a signing key in the anchor point. The signing key may be used to assure no tampering has occurred with the rights object since acquisition of a digital property instance. A digital property owner may gain additional functionality and control through implementation of a play counter, rental duration limit, etc., using a signing key. |
| US08539239B2 |
Information processing apparatus
An information processing apparatus includes: an acquiring unit that acquires specific information; a preparation unit that makes out a certificate signing request based on the specific information, wherein the preparation unit makes out a first type certificate signing request including extensions and makes out a second type certificate signing request not including extensions; a display control unit that displays a selection screen on a display unit; and an output unit that is configured to output one of the first type certificate signing request and the second type certificate signing request to an outside according to selecting by a user in the selection screen. |
| US08539238B2 |
Authenticated nonvolatile memory signing operations
A wireless device includes a nonvolatile memory that handles the task of securely performing integrity checks that do not expose the authentication private key externally. The system security architecture installs and associates private keys with the nonvolatile memory to create a secure execution environment resistant to virus attack. The nonvolatile memory provides integrity checks of nonvolatile memory data and generates signatures for data provided by the memory. |
| US08539233B2 |
Binding content licenses to portable storage devices
Systems, methods, and/or techniques (“tools”) for binding content licenses to portable storage devices are described. In connection with binding the content licenses to the portable storage devices (“stores”), a host may perform authentication protocols that include generating a nonce, sending the nonce to a store, and receiving a session key from the store, with the session key being generated using the nonce. The store may perform authentication protocols that include receiving the nonce from the host, generating a random session key based on the nonce, and sending the session key to the host. |
| US08539231B1 |
Encryption key management
Secure information is managed for each host or machine in an electronic environment using a series of key identifiers that each represent one or more secure keys, passwords, or other secure information. Applications and services needing access to the secure information can specify the key identifier, for example, and the secure information currently associated with that identifier can be determined without any change to the code or manual input or exposure of the secure information on the respective device. Functionality such as encryption key management and rotation are inaccessible and transparent to the user. In a networked or distributed environment, the key identifiers can be associated with host classes such that at startup any host in a class can obtain the necessary secure information. Updates and key rotation can be performed in a similar fashion by pushing updates to host classes transparent to a user, application, or service. |
| US08539229B2 |
Techniques for secure data management in a distributed environment
Techniques for secure data management in a distributed environment are provided. A secure server includes a modified operating system that just allows a kernel application to access a secure hard drive of the secure server. The hard drive comes prepackaged with a service public and private key pair for encryption and decryption services with other secure servers of a network. The hard drive also comes prepackaged with trust certificates to authenticate the other secure servers for secure socket layer (SSL) communications with one another, and the hard drive comes with a data encryption key, which is used to encrypt storage of the secure server. The kernel application is used during data restores, data backups, and/or data versioning operations to ensure secure data management for a distributed network of users. |
| US08539228B1 |
Managing access to a resource
Methods of managing access to at least one resource in a computer system. The methods may comprise the step of associating access rights with an application resource. The access rights may define a level of access to the resource granted to the application. The methods may also comprise the step of digitally signing the access rights and the application resource. In various embodiments, the associating may comprise incorporating the access rights into a stream of a file including the application resource. Also, in various embodiments, the associating may comprise incorporating the access rights into an extended attribute of a file including the application resource. |
| US08539225B2 |
Method and device for dynamic deployment of trust bridges in an ad hoc wireless network
A method for deploying a trust bridge in an ad hoc wireless network can provide interoperability for multi-organizational authentication. The method includes processing at a delegate certification authority (DCA) node device authorizations received from of a plurality of certification authorities (CAs) of different organizations, where the authorizations authorize the DCA node device to serve as a DCA representing the CAs (step 1105). The DCA node device then processes context information received from the ad hoc wireless network (step 1110). Next, the DCA node device determines, based on the context information, that a second node device should be enabled as a new trust bridge (step 1115). The DCA node device then performs a trust bridge deployment to enable the second node device to serve as the new trust bridge (step 1120). |
| US08539220B2 |
Secure computation using a server module
A server module evaluates a circuit based on concealed inputs provided by respective participant modules, to provide a concealed output. By virtue of this approach, no party to the transaction (including the sever module) discovers any other party's non-concealed inputs. In a first implementation, the server module evaluates a garbled Boolean circuit. This implementation also uses a three-way oblivious transfer technique to provide a concealed input from one of the participant modules to the serer module. In a second implementation, the server module evaluates an arithmetic circuit based on ciphertexts that have been produced using a fully homomorphic encryption technique. This implementation modifies multiplication operations that are performed in the evaluation of the arithmetic circuit by a modifier factor; this removes bounds placed on the number of the multiplication operations that can be performed. |
| US08539218B2 |
Systems and methods for using an installation script to create a hidden boot partition to install a bootable virtual storage appliance on a virtualized server platform
One embodiment is a method for installing a virtual storage appliance on a host server platform. One such method comprises: providing an installation package to a host server platform, the installation package comprising an installation script for installing an I/O virtual machine (IOVM), an IOVM boot console, and an IOVM management module; running the installation script to create a hidden boot partition on a boot disk and copy the IOVM boot console and the IOVM management module to the hidden boot partition; rebooting the host server platform; loading the IOVM boot console and the IOVM management module from the hidden boot partition; configuring a disk array via the IOVM management module; for each disk in the array, creating a hidden boot partition and replicating the IOVM boot console and the IOVM management module; and installing a virtual storage environment using the IOVM boot console as a storage driver. |
| US08539217B2 |
Method and system to facilitate data transfer to a device
A method to facilitate data transfer to a line replaceable unit that lacks a transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) interface is provided. The method comprises interfacing a memory-processing card to the line replaceable unit. The memory-processing card includes a memory, a central processing unit module, an interface to the line replaceable unit, an interface to an access point communicatively coupled to the central processing unit module, and a bus arbitrator communicatively coupled to the memory, the central processing unit module, and the interfaces. The method also includes determining a state of the line replaceable unit at the bus arbitrator responsive to the interfacing, providing access at the bus arbitrator from the central processing unit module to the memory when the determined state of the line replaceable unit is OFF, and providing access at the bus arbitrator from the line replaceable unit to the memory when the determined state of the line replaceable unit is ON. |
| US08539216B1 |
System-on-a-chip (SoC) security using one-time programmable memories
A system-on-a-chip including a first one-time-programmable memory, a second memory, a test interface, an input circuit, and a processor. The input circuit is configured to receive data transmitted from a third memory to the system-on-a-chip. The processor is configured to, while booting up the system-on-a-chip, determine whether a first one-time-programmable memory has been previously programmed. The processor is also configured to (i) in response to the first one-time-programmable memory not having been previously programmed, enable the test interface for debugging of the system-on-a-chip, (ii) based on the first one-time-programmable memory having been previously programmed, disable the test interface, and (iii) subsequent to one of the enabling of the test interface and the disabling of the test interface, load the data from the third memory into the second memory. |
| US08539206B2 |
Method and apparatus for universal logical operations utilizing value indexing
An apparatus and method are described for performing arbitrary logical operations specified by a table. For example, one embodiment of a method for performing a logical operation on a computer processor comprises: reading data from each of two or more source operands; combining the data read from the source operands to generate an index value, the index value identifying a subset of bits within an immediate value transmitted with an instruction; reading the bits from the immediate value; and storing the bits read from the immediate value within a destination register to generate a result of the instruction. |
| US08539203B2 |
Multi-thread processor selecting threads on different schedule pattern for interrupt processing and normal operation
In an exemplary aspect, the present invention provides a multi-thread processor including a plurality of hardware threads each of which generates an independent instruction flow, a thread scheduler that outputs a thread selection signal in accordance with a first or second schedule, the thread selection signal designating a hardware thread to be executed in a next execution cycle among the plurality of hardware threads, a first selector that selects one of the plurality of hardware threads according to the thread selection signal and outputs an instruction generated by the selected hardware thread, and an execution pipeline that executes an instruction output from the first selector, wherein when the multi-thread processor is in a first state, the thread scheduler selects the first schedule, and when the multi-thread processor is in a second state, the thread scheduler selects the second schedule. |
| US08539200B2 |
OS-mediated launch of OS-independent application
A system, method, and computer readable medium for an operating system (OS) mediated launch of an OS dependent application is disclosed. An application running within an OS may operate outside an OS environment by constructing for example a capsule file, passing the capsule file to firmware interface, and restarting the system. The firmware interface may load various drivers and applications contained within the capsule file and execute them to perform a task. Upon completion of the task, the OS is booted again and the original application may resume control, making use of any information stored by the firmware interface in a dedicated status table or file. Other embodiments may be employed, and other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08539199B2 |
Hash processing in a network communications processor architecture
Described embodiments provide a hash processor for a system having multiple processing modules and a shared memory. The hash processor includes a descriptor table with N entries, each entry corresponding to a hash table of the hash processor. A direct mapped table in the shared memory includes at least one memory block including N hash buckets. The direct mapped table includes a predetermined number of hash buckets for each hash table. Each hash bucket includes one or more hash key and value pairs, and a link value. Memory blocks in the shared memory include dynamic hash buckets available for allocation to a hash table. A dynamic hash bucket is allocated to a hash table when the hash buckets in the direct mapped table are filled beyond a threshold. The link value in the hash bucket is set to the address of the dynamic hash bucket allocated to the hash table. |
| US08539196B2 |
Hierarchical organization of large memory blocks
A multi-bank memory system includes one or more levels of logical memory hierarchy to increase the available random cyclic transaction rate of the memory system. The memory system includes a plurality of multi-bank partitions, each having a corresponding partition interface. Each partition interface accesses the corresponding multi-bank partition at a first frequency. A global interface may access the partition interfaces at a second frequency, which is equal to the first frequency times the number of partition interfaces. Alternately, a plurality of cluster interfaces may access corresponding groups of the partition interfaces, wherein each cluster interface accesses the corresponding group of partition interfaces at a second frequency that is faster than the first frequency. A global interface accesses the cluster interfaces at a third frequency that is greater than the second frequency. |
| US08539195B2 |
Non-volatile memory device with non-evenly distributable data access
A system includes chips and a control module. Each of the chips includes an array of memory cells. Each of the arrays of memory cells includes rows of memory cells. Each of the rows of memory cells is configured to store a predetermined amount of data. The control module is configured to receive data, encode the data to generate blocks of encoded data, store a first portion of one of the blocks of encoded data in a first selected number row of a first chip, and store a remaining portion of the one of the blocks of encoded data in a second selected number row of a second chip. An amount of data in each of the blocks of encoded data is more than the predetermined amount of data. The second selected number row is a same number row or a higher number row than the first selected number row. |
| US08539194B2 |
Storage system and method for storage capacity change of host-device-specified device
A controller in a storage system receives a capacity change command specifying a device, and changes, to a volume capacity value indicating a storage capacity following the capacity change command, a volume capacity value of a virtual volume associated with the device specified in management information, which includes the volume capacity value indicating a storage capacity of the virtual volume. As such, without increasing or decreasing the number of logical volumes associated with a device provided by a host device, the device can be changed in storage capacity. |
| US08539191B2 |
Estimating space in a compressed volume
A method and system for estimating space in a compressed volume to enable a storage server to respond to write requests before actually compressing and/or allocating data on disk. In some embodiments, in response to receiving a request to store data, the storage server estimates the amount of storage space required to store the data on disk. The storage server compares the estimated amount with the amount of available disk space. When the amount of available disk space is less than the estimated space, the storage server sends a response indicating that the request failed. Otherwise, when the amount of available disk space is greater than or equal to the estimate space, the storage server sends a response indicating that the request succeeded. The response is sent before the storage server allocates any disk space in connection with the request. |
| US08539186B2 |
Methods and mechanisms for proactive memory management
A proactive, resilient and self-tuning memory management system and method that result in actual and perceived performance improvements in memory management, by loading and maintaining data that is likely to be needed into memory, before the data is actually needed. The system includes mechanisms directed towards historical memory usage monitoring, memory usage analysis, refreshing memory with highly-valued (e.g., highly utilized) pages, I/O pre-fetching efficiency, and aggressive disk management. Based on the memory usage information, pages are prioritized with relative values, and mechanisms work to pre-fetch and/or maintain the more valuable pages in memory. Pages are pre-fetched and maintained in a prioritized standby page set that includes a number of subsets, by which more valuable pages remain in memory over less valuable pages. Valuable data that is paged out may be automatically brought back, in a resilient manner. Benefits include significantly reducing or even eliminating disk I/O due to memory page faults. |
| US08539185B2 |
Systolic networks for a spiral cache
Systolic networks within a tiled storage array provide for movement of requested values to a front-most tile, while making space for the requested values at the front-most tile by moving other values away. A first and second information pathway provide different linear pathways through the tiles. The movement of other values, requests for values and responses to requests is controlled according to a clocking logic that governs the movement on the first and second information pathways according to a systolic duty cycle. The first information pathway may be a move-to-front network of a spiral cache, crossing the spiral push-back network which forms the push-back network. The systolic duty cycle may be a three-phase duty cycle, or a two-phase duty cycle may be provided if the storage tiles support a push-back swap operation. |
| US08539184B2 |
On demand storage group management with recapture
A method to dynamically adjust the amount of free space in a storage group is disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, such a method may include monitoring the amount of free space in an active storage group. The method may further include maintaining an overflow storage group containing unused volumes. When the free space in the active storage group falls below a lower threshold value, the method may automatically move a volume from the overflow storage group to the active storage group. Conversely, when the free space in the active storage group exceeds an upper threshold value, the method may automatically transfer data from a volume in the active storage group to other volumes in the active storage group, and move the volume from the active storage group to the overflow storage group. A corresponding computer program product and apparatus are also disclosed herein. |
| US08539177B1 |
Partitioning of a storage array into N-storage arrays using virtual array non-disruptive data migration
Described are a system and method of migrating data stored logical units of storage (LUNs) at a source storage array to a plurality of destination storage arrays transparently with respect to a host in communication with the source storage array through a switch. The source storage array is divided into a plurality of source virtual arrays including a first source virtual array and a second source virtual array. Each destination storage array is divided into one or more destination virtual arrays. During a data migration event, data stored in a LUN of the first source virtual array are copied to a corresponding LUN of a destination virtual array of a first one of the destination storage arrays, and data stored in a LUN of the second source virtual array are copied to a corresponding LUN of a destination virtual array of a second one of the destination storage arrays. |
| US08539172B1 |
System and method for accessing data in an external virtual memory
A method is provided for accessing data in an external virtual memory. A host receives from a storage manager a created handle for autonomous access of a volume. The volume forms part of accessible volumes in the virtual memory. The host autonomously provisions the handle to a selected volume from among the accessible volumes, and the host accesses the selected volume through the handle. |
| US08539169B1 |
Managing power consumption of a storage system
Some embodiments of the invention relate to selecting a data protection scheme, such as, for example, mirroring or RAID, for a content unit based on power-related metadata associated with the content unit. The data protection strategy selected for a content unit may impact the amount of power that a storage system consumes. |
| US08539167B2 |
Shared memory device
A shared memory device is disclosed which includes: a plurality of processor elements; a plurality of memory modules configured to be accessible by the plurality of processor elements; and a connection device configured to enable a specific processor element out of the plurality of processor elements to access a specific memory module out of the plurality of memory modules; wherein the plurality of processor elements are allowed to access via the connection device a plurality of memory systems each constituted by at least one memory module; and wherein each of the plurality of memory systems accessible by different processor elements allows the plurality of memory modules to be partially shared and accessed by the different processor elements. |
| US08539164B2 |
Cache coherency within multiprocessor computer system
An embodiment of a multiprocessor computer system comprises main memory, a remote processor capable of accessing the main memory, a remote cache device operative to store accesses by said remote processor to said main memory, and a filter tag cache device associated with the main memory. The filter cache device is operative to store information relating to remote ownership of data in the main memory including ownership by the remote processor. The filter cache device is operative to selectively invalidate filter tag cache entries when space is required in the filter tag cache device for new cache entries. The remote cache device is responsive to events indicating that a cache entry has low value to the remote processor to send a hint to the filter tag cache device. The filter tag cache device is responsive to a hint in selecting a filter tag cache entry to invalidate. |
| US08539162B2 |
Caching based on spatial distribution of accesses to data storage devices
Methods and systems for quantifying a spatial distribution of accesses to storage systems and for determining spatial locality of references to storage addresses in the storage systems are described. In one aspect, a specified quantity of address references associated with a storage system is received. A spatial distribution of references to addresses of the storage system is determined based at least in part on the received specified quantity of the address references, and the determined spatial distribution is combined with a previously determined spatial distribution into a spatial locality metric of the storage system. The spatial locality metric includes a weighted sum of the determined spatial distribution and the previously determined spatial distribution. The spatial locality metric is used in caching data from the storage system to a cache device. |
| US08539159B2 |
Dirty cache line write back policy based on stack size trend information
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for managing memory write back. In some embodiments, the method may include examining current and future instructions operating on a stack that exists in memory, determining stack trend information from the instructions, and utilizing the trend information to reduce data traffic between various levels of the memory. As stacked data are written to a cache line in a first level of memory, if future instructions indicate that additional cache lines are required for subsequent write operations within the stack, then the cache line may be written back to a second level of memory. If however, the future instructions indicate that no additional cache lines are required for subsequent write operations within the stack, then the first level of memory may avoid writing back the cache line and also may keep it marked as dirty. |
| US08539156B2 |
Storage subsystem and its logical unit processing method
When a command to restore a logical unit is issued after a command to delete the logical unit, the logical unit is restored easily. When a controller receives an LU deletion command from a management terminal and if the relevant LU is a normal LU, it retains information about the deletion target LU, from among information in an LU management table, as reset information; and if the relevant LU is a virtual LU, the controller retains information about the deletion target LU, from among information in a virtual address table, as the reset information. If the controller receives an LU restoration command to restore the deletion target LU as an access target LU, from the management terminal, it restores the retained reset information as setting information corresponding to the access target LU and manages the restored setting information by using the LU management table or the virtual address table, thereby processing an access request from a host computer. |
| US08539151B2 |
Data delivery system, terminal apparatus, information processing apparatus, capability notification method, data writing method, capability notification program, and data writing program
Herein disclosed a data delivery system including an information processing apparatus and a terminal apparatus. The terminal apparatus has a first attachment unit, a first writing unit, a first reading unit, a decoding unit, a storage unit, and a first control unit. The information processing apparatus has a second attachment unit, a second writing unit, a second reading unit, and a second control unit. |
| US08539150B2 |
Storage system and management method of control information using a cache memory with multiple cache partitions
An embodiment of this invention divides a cache memory of a storage system into a plurality of partitions and information in one or more of the partitions is composed of data different from user data and including control information. The storage system dynamically swaps data between an LU storing control information and a cache partition. Through this configuration, in a storage system having an upper limit in the capacity of the cache memory, a large amount of control information can be used while access performance to control information is kept. |
| US08539147B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling storage system
In a storage control apparatus, a first duplication control unit causes a logical volume in a disk array device to be copied to a secondary storage medium. A second duplication control unit causes the logical volume to be copied also to an export storage medium in a library device, in connection with the copying to the primary storage medium by the first duplication control unit, when export attributes indicate that the logical volume copied by the first duplication control unit is supposed to be exported. A medium ejection control unit causes the library device to eject the export storage medium, in response to an ejection request therefor. |
| US08539146B2 |
Apparatus for scheduling memory refresh operations including power states
A method for performing refresh operations on a rank of memory devices is disclosed. After the completion of a memory operation, a determination is made whether or not a refresh backlog count value is less than a predetermined value and the rank of memory devices is being powered down. If the refresh backlog count value is less than the predetermined value and the rank of memory devices is being powered down, an Idle Count threshold value is set to a maximum value such that a refresh operation will be performed after a maximum delay time. If the refresh backlog count value is not less than the predetermined value or the rank of memory devices is not in a powered down state, the Idle Count threshold value is set based on the slope of an Idle Delay Function such that a refresh operation will be performed accordingly. |
| US08539143B2 |
Memory systems and methods of initiallizing the same
A memory system is provided includes a host processor, and a plurality of cascade connected memory cards connected to the host processor. Each of the memory cards stores a same default relative card address (RCA) prior to initialization of the memory system. The host processor is configured to sequentially access each memory card using the default RCA, and to change the default RCA to a unique RCA upon each sequential access. |
| US08539137B1 |
System and method for management of virtual execution environment disk storage
A method, system and computer program product for storing data of a Virtual Execution Environment (VEE), such as a Virtual Private Server (VPS) or a Virtual Machine, including starting an operating system running a computing system; starting a Virtual Machine Monitor under control of the operating system, wherein the VMM virtualizes the computing system and has privileges as high as the operating system; creating isolated Virtual Machines (VMs), running on the computing system simultaneously, wherein each VM executes its own OS kernel and each VM runs under the control of the VMM; starting a storage device driver and a file system driver in the operating system; mounting a virtual disk drive; starting VM-specific file system drivers in the VM, the VM specific file system driver together with the common storage device drivers support virtual disk drives, the virtual disk drive is represented on the storage device as a disk image, the disk image data are stored on the storage device as at least one file that includes user data storage blocks and redirection blocks, the redirection blocks point to user data storage blocks, the redirection blocks have a multilevel hierarchy, and the internal structure is used by the VM-specific file system driver. |
| US08539135B2 |
Route lookup method for reducing overall connection latencies in SAS expanders
A system and method for reducing overall connection latencies in a SAS expander is disclosed. The SAS expander includes a plurality of ports and a route lookup table configured for providing a central resource for routing information for the ports. The SAS expander also includes a plurality of connection history caches (CHCs) associated with the ports, each CHC is configured for storing at least one successfully established connection record. Upon receiving a connection request at a particular port, that particular port may determine whether a matching connection record for the connection request is stored in its corresponding CHC. If the matching connection record is stored in its corresponding CHC, a connection may be established in response to the connection request based on the matching connection record. However, if no matching connection record is found in its corresponding CHC, the connection may be established utilizing the route lookup table. |
| US08539129B2 |
Bus arbitration techniques to reduce access latency
A method of arbitrating requests from bus masters for access to shared memory in order to reduce access latency, comprises looking ahead into currently scheduled requests to the shared memory and predicting latency of the requests based on characteristics of the currently scheduled requests, such as increasing page hit rate, or balancing read and write traffic. The requests are scheduled based at least in part on the predicted latency. |
| US08539128B1 |
Architecture for an efficient media framework
A system comprises a first media framework component, a second media framework component, and a media framework. The media framework comprises a simplified media framework interface and a non-tunnel mode handler. The simplified media framework interface handles connectivity between a first port and a second port in a tunnel mode. The non-tunnel mode handler converts connectivity of a third port and a fourth port in a non-tunnel mode to appear to be the tunnel mode for the simplified media framework interface. The first port and the second port of the simplified media framework interface is coupled to a fifth port and a sixth port of the non-tunnel mode handler. And, the third port of the non-tunnel mode handler is coupled to the first media framework component and the fourth port of the non-tunnel mode handler is coupled to the second media framework component. |
| US08539119B2 |
Methods and apparatus for exchanging messages having a digital data interface device message format
The present invention provides a digital data interface device message format that describes command and response messages to be exchanged between a digital device having a system controller and a digital data interface device. The digital data interface device includes a message interpreter, content module and a control module. The digital data interface device may include an MDDI link controller. The digital data interface device can be used by a cellular telephone to control a peripheral device, such as a camera, bar code reader, image scanner, audio device or other sensor. The digital data interface device message format includes a transaction identification field, a count field, a command identification field and a status field. Optionally, the message format can include a data field. When an MDDI link is used, a digital data interface device message can be included in an MDDI register access packet. |
| US08539118B2 |
Systems and methods of media management, such as management of media to and from a media storage library, including removable media
A system and method for determining media to be exported out of a media library is described. In some examples, the system determines a media component to be exported, determines the media component is in the media library for a specific process, and exports the media component after the process is completed. |
| US08539114B2 |
State sharing between base and detachable device
An apparatus and method are disclosed for state sharing. A change module detects a change of a configuration state for at least one of a base and a detachable device. A connection module detects a connection between the base and the detachable device. The detachable device provides a display and a network connection for the base if the base and detachable device are connected. A synchronize module synchronizes the configuration state of the detachable device with the configuration state of the base in response to detecting the connection and detecting the change of configuration state. |
| US08539112B2 |
TCP/IP offload device
A host CPU runs a network protocol processing stack that provides instructions not only to process network messages but also to allocate processing of certain network messages to a specialized network communication device, offloading some of the most time consuming protocol processing from the host CPU to the network communication device. By allocating common and time consuming network processes to the device, while retaining the ability to handle less time intensive and more varied processing on the host stack, the network communication device can be relatively simple and cost effective. The host CPU, operating according to instructions from the stack, and the network communication device together determine whether and to what extent a given message is processed by the host CPU or by the network communication device. |
| US08539110B2 |
Block-orientated control system having wireless gateway for communication with wireless field devices
An apparatus in a distributed control system having a network interface and wireless gateway coupled to the network interface. The network interface is configured to communicate with a network. The wireless gateway includes a wireless gateway function block application process configured to map process information between a wireless network having at least one wireless field device and the network. The wireless gateway further includes a wireless network management component configured to manage access to the wireless network and at least one wireless field device function block application process configured to define a resource and input and output process information of the wireless field device. |
| US08539109B1 |
Third party direct memory access protocol extension to separate data path from control path
A network communication system and method providing a communication protocol extension for direct memory access operations allowing the separation of the command and data paths. The identification of the communication path to a third-party device is provided to a direct-memory-access initiator allowing the passing of data directly to the third-party device. |
| US08539104B2 |
System and method for mixed mode delivery of dynamic content to a mobile device
A method, system and apparatus for mixed mode delivery of content to a mobile device, the method having the steps of: receiving a subscription message including a filter; storing the filter; sending a subscription identifier; applying the filter to content available on the content provider, thereby producing a content subset; waiting for receipt of a content request; and forwarding the content subset upon receipt of the content request. |
| US08539102B2 |
Downloading a code image to remote devices
A server downloads a code image to remote devices so that the remote devices are performing properly in accordance with an updated version of the code image. The server may include an application server that targets devices and informs the targeted devices about a multicasting session. The targeted devices subsequently join the multicast session supported by a multicasting server and extract the code image from the multicast session. After the multicast session has been completed, the downloading center polls the targeted devices to determine which devices have successfully downloaded the code image. The server may repeat the download to devices that did not successfully download the code image by subsequently scheduling a subsequent multicasting session or by individually sending the code image to the devices. Portions of the code image may be sent in multicasting messages based on a depth level and interval. |
| US08539099B2 |
Method for providing on-path content distribution
In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a content request from the end user at a proxy. A modified TCP connection request message is generated such that the modified TCP connection request message includes a content identifier. The content identifier identifies the requested content. The modified TCP connection request message is sent from the proxy towards an origin server associated with the requested content, and a response to the TCP connection request message is received from a network element. A TCP connection is established with the network element. |
| US08539098B2 |
Multiplexed client server (MCS) communications and systems
A method of transferring a file between first and second end-user devices via network communications includes: communicating by the first end-user device network contact information of the first end-user device; communicating by the second end-user device network contact information of the second end-user device; establishing an open network connection between the first end-user device and the second-end user device based on the communicated network contact information of each of the end-user devices; and transferring the file from the first end-user device to the second end-user via the open network connection between the first end-user device and the second-end user device. A single encryption key may be used between the application and network layers on each end-user device, each of which may include virtualized routing capabilities. |
| US08539095B2 |
Reliable message transfer
Various embodiments of systems and methods for reliable message transfer are described herein. In a sender adapter, at least one message is divided into a plurality of message chunks based on a predetermined chunk size. A chunk key is assigned to each of the message chunk to correspond to each message. Further, a chunk sequence key is generated for each of the message chunks to identify a sequence of the message chunks. The plurality of message chunks including the corresponding chunk key and the chunk sequence key is transmitted to a receiver adapter. At the receiver adapter, the plurality of message chunks including the corresponding chunk key and the chunk sequence key are received. Further, the message chunks are grouped based on the corresponding chunk key and each message is reconstructed from the message chunks based on the corresponding chunk sequence key. |
| US08539093B2 |
Port discovery and message delivery in a portable electronic device
In accordance with some embodiments, a computer-implemented method for fetching email from an email server to a portable electronic device is disclosed. The method includes, at a portable electronic device configured with an email client: (1) when creating an email account on the portable electronic device: (a) attempting to connect to an outbound email server using a first port/security combination according to a first preferred sequence of port/security combinations; (b) if connection is made using the first port/security combination, storing the first port/security combination as a stored configuration for the email account; (c) if connection is not made using the first port/security combination, repeating (1)(a) for different port/security combinations according to the preferred sequence until connection is made with a second port/security combination; and (d) storing the second port/security combination as the stored configuration; and (2) subsequently employing the stored configuration to connect to and send email via the outbound email server. |
| US08539086B2 |
User device group formation
Systems and methods for the forming of user device groups are presented. In one example, a message including location information indicating a geographic location of a first user device is received from the first user device. Values representing logical connection strengths between the first user device and other user devices are calculated using the location information. A first device group is determined for the first user device based on the calculating of the values representing the logical connection strengths, the first device group including a plurality of the other user devices. |
| US08539081B2 |
Enabling proxy services using referral mechanisms
A NAS (Network Attaches Storage) switch authenticates a client on multiple file servers for proxy services. The NAS switch enables proxy services by successively authenticating the client on the file servers using referrals. The NAS switch further comprises a connection manager to establish connections to the client and the file servers, a referral manager to redirect the client for successive authentications, and a transaction manager to perform data transfers with the file servers on behalf of the client. The system components support DFS (Distributed File System), and communicate using a protocol dialect that supports referral mechanisms such as NFSv4 (Network File Server version 4) or CIFS (Common Internet File System). The transaction manager also performs a protocol dialect translation service when the connection manager negotiates one protocol dialect with the client, and a different protocol dialect with the file server. |
| US08539079B2 |
Edge-based resource spin-up for cloud computing
Aspects of the present invention include distributing new resources closer to end-users which are making increased demands by spinning-up additional virtualized instances (as part of a cloud provisioning) within servers that are physically near to the network equipment (i.e., web servers, switches, routers, load balancers) that are receiving the requests. |
| US08539078B2 |
Isolating resources between tenants in a software-as-a-service system using the estimated costs of service requests
An apparatus hosting a multi-tenant software-as-a-service (SaaS) system maximizes resource sharing capability of the SaaS system. The apparatus receives service requests from multiple users belonging to different tenants of the multi-tenant SaaS system. The apparatus partitions the resources in the SaaS system into different resource groups. Each resource group handles a category of the service requests. The apparatus estimates costs of the service requests of the users. The apparatus dispatches service requests to resource groups according to the estimated costs, whereby the resources are shared, among the users, without impacting each other. |
| US08539075B2 |
On-demand global server load balancing system and method of use
A method and system for measuring performance and balancing workload of sites and servers is provided. The method comprises measuring performance of one or more servers located at different sites of the network and computing a performance metric for each of the sites or one or more servers at each of the sites. The method further comprises providing a bias to the performance metric and routing a request to one of the different sites or one of the one or more servers based on the biased performance metric. |
| US08539073B1 |
Startup of container applications
A container application is a native application that allows a web based application to access a computer's system resources and windowing system. Web based applications are downloaded from application servers and run inside container applications. If a container application is associated with a window, then the web based application can alter or control many, or all, aspects of the container application's content area and meta user interfaces (UIs). A container startup module stored in a non-volatile memory can launch container application instances that automatically download and run web based applications. As such, an entire web based user environment can be easily launched. |
| US08539072B1 |
Generation of a targeted advertisement in an untrusted sandbox based on a psuedonym
Particular embodiments permit a computer program running within a security sandbox to discover and communicate with networked services for example print servers, or remote control programming interfaces for TVs, stereos, and game boxes. The sandbox allows the computer program to originate unicast connections to a limited set of hosts but otherwise provides no access to the network. Particular embodiments may require no prior install, zero configuration, no account names or passwords, and yet resists spam. This is achieved by using centralized global infrastructure to coordinate the communications rather than local multicast, anycast, or datalink broadcast. |
| US08539069B2 |
Distributed storage system, method thereof and computer readable medium storing distributed storage program
A distributed storage system includes, a plurality of storages configured to store a plurality of items of block data obtained by dividing an original data in a distributed manner, a route planning unit configured to obtain unused bandwidth information of a plurality of networks that are connected to the plurality of storages, and a balancing control unit configured to obtain block data that is a target of data transfer among the plurality of the storages based on the unused bandwidth information of the plurality of networks, and position information indicating a position of the block data in the original data. |
| US08539068B2 |
Methods and systems for providing customized domain messages
Methods and apparatus are provided for providing customized domain messages. A customized message for one of a plurality of domains is received at one of a plurality of servers of a content delivery network. A request is received from a user device for content for the one of the plurality of domains at the one of the plurality of servers. The customized message is provided by the one of the plurality of servers to the user device in response to the request when the one of the plurality of domains is unavailable. |
| US08539067B2 |
Multi-campaign content allocation based on experiment difference data
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for creating experiment content distribution campaigns (“experiment campaign”) and allocating content in accordance with the experiment campaign. In one aspect, a control campaign or an experiment campaign are selected as an available campaign for providing content in response to receiving a content request. The selection can be a probability constrained selection where the probability with which the experiment campaign is selected is specified as a portion of a total number of requests received during an experiment period for which the experiment campaign is available to provide content. Content is provided in response to the request, where the provided content being content corresponding to the selected campaign. |
| US08539066B1 |
System and method to monitor performance of different domains associated with a computer or network
A system to monitor performance may include at least one probe to collect data related to performance of an associated domain. The system may also include at least one base station to receive data from associated ones of the at least one probe. |
| US08539059B2 |
Managing cooling devices and computing nodes in an infrastructure
A system for managing computing nodes and cooling devices cooling the computing nodes in an infrastructure includes one or more managers. The one or more managers receive a service request for a workload to be run on one or more of the computing nodes. Candidate workload placements for placing the workload on the one or more computing nodes are determined. A first cost associated with each candidate workload placements using a computational network model. A second cost associated with the cooling devices for each candidate workload placement is determined using a thermal network model. A cost function is minimized. The cost function determines an economic cost of operating the infrastructure while running the requested workload and is based upon the first cost, the second cost. A candidate workload placement is selected from the candidate workload placements based on the minimized cost function. |
| US08539057B2 |
Website presence
Website presence includes receiving aggregated website presence information describing website presence information for one or more objects of a website, and displaying the aggregated website presence information based at least in part on a website object profile for an object of the website. The website presence information describes one or more of the state of a website object regarding its participation in a communication session, the ability of the website object to participate in a communication session, and the willingness of the website object to participate in a communication session. Each of the one or more objects represents an entity associated with the website. |