| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08544653B2 |
Storage frame for tool rack assemblies
A storage frame for tool rack assemblies has a box and multiple rack holders. The rack holders are held between two holding bars in the box. Each rack holder has a board and two clamping devices for holding multiple tool rack assemblies on the board. Each clamping device has a front clamping element and a rear clamping element mounted respectively on two surfaces of the board and connected to each other. The front clamping element has a clamping bar and multiple clamping protrusions formed on and protrude from the clamping bar at a side facing the other clamping bar and are parallel with each other. Accordingly, multiple tool rack assemblies can be held and displayed in the box at a stand condition regularly. |
| US08544651B2 |
Wafer transfer pod for reducing wafer particulate contamination
A wafer transport pod for storing or transporting semiconductor wafers during semiconductor wafer processing includes a body having a top panel, a bottom panel, a back panel, two side panels and a front panel. The two side panels are configured for receiving the semiconductor wafers therebetween. The two side panels have a plurality of separately hermetically sealed partitions inside the body, any two of the sealed partitions for sealing a wafer therebetween and for preventing wafer contamination. The front panel provides ingress and egress for the semiconductor wafers to and from the wafer transport pod. |
| US08544650B2 |
Theft-resistant and senior-friendly packaging of consumer products
The present invention is a novel, theft-resistant, and senior-friendly packaging for consumer and retail products that is cheap and easy to manufacture. The packaging is designed to prevent individuals from gaining access to the enclosed product through tampering with the packaging while at the same time meeting or exceeding federal child-resistant and senior-friendly guidelines. The packaging incorporates plastic material and multiple cuts to be tear-resistant and to halt the propagation of a tear, if one should occur. |
| US08544647B2 |
Packaging arrangement including a wallet and method for packaging a wallet
Packaging arrangement includes a wallet having an internal channel and an insert arranged partly in the channel and having first and second portions extending outward from respective ends of the wallet, and each of which includes at least one aperture on an alignment region. The apertures in the alignment regions align with one another to thereby form a suspension aperture that enables the packaging arrangement to be suspended for retail sale. A grommet may be arranged in the suspension aperture to facilitate such suspension. A method for forming the packaging arrangement is also disclosed. |
| US08544639B2 |
Holder for portable electronic device background
A foldable holder includes a foldable cover, a supporting assembly attached to the cover. When the holder is unfolded, the supporting assembly is maintained in a substantially planar form. When the holder is folded, the supporting assembly form a three-dimensional structure that will not collapse under a weight. |
| US08544638B2 |
Conveyor belt
A conveyor belt includes a number of coupling elements, each having two links which are present on either side of a coupling element and which are each coupled to a link of an adjacent coupling element; a pin which extends between the two coupling elements and is connected to each of the two links; such that two mutually adjacent coupling elements can be moved out of the main plane and are mutually rotatable in the main plane. The conveyor belt has the feature that at least the most outward lying leg of a link has a third hole; the pin is inserted with its free end into the third hole of the link or a link of an adjacent coupling element; and the pin is substantially fixed relative to each link on the sides of the conveyor belt. |
| US08544637B2 |
Continuous conveyor belt
A continuous conveyor belt (1) has a transporting side and a driving side (31). Arranged on the driving side (31) are driving ribs (2), spaced evenly apart in the running direction (9) of the conveyor belt and running transversely to the running direction (9) of the conveyor belt. The driving ribs (2) have lateral guiding elements (21) for longitudinally guiding the conveyor belt (1) on teeth of a driving element. These lateral guiding elements (21) are formed in the manner of crests of a wave. This ensures good cleanability. |
| US08544633B2 |
Segmented solid feed pump
A system is provided with a segmented solid feed pump having a plurality of pump segments disposed along a closed-loop path. The plurality of pump segments are coupled together in series along the closed-loop path, and the plurality of pump segments move along the closed-loop path. Furthermore, each pump segment includes a holding receptacle. |
| US08544629B2 |
Device and method for receiving or dispensing bank notes
A method for accepting and/or dispensing/returning bank notes wherein bank notes to be accepted or dispensed/returned are transported from or to an input and dispensing position to or from a processing position. At least an input velocity for the bank notes is ascertained upon an input of bank notes to be accepted, or at least a withdrawal velocity for the bank notes upon the dispensing/return of bank notes to be dispensed/returned is ascertained, and the bank notes to be accepted are transported at a transport velocity corresponding substantially to the input velocity or withdrawal velocity, whereas the bank notes to be dispensed/returned are transported at a transport velocity corresponding substantially to the withdrawal velocity or input velocity. |
| US08544627B2 |
Two-speed clutch and retro-fit kit
A magnet holder assembly for a clutch includes a magnet holder and first and second permanent magnets. The magnet holder includes a body portion, a first groove defined in the body portion, a second groove defined in the body portion adjacent to the first groove, and a flange extending from the body portion opposite the first groove and extending in a different direction than the first groove. The flange has a connection feature for securing the magnet holder to a rotatable component of the clutch. The first permanent magnet is radially retained by the first groove in the body portion, and the first permanent magnet has a beveled edge configured to mate with the first groove. The second permanent magnet is radially retained by the second groove, and the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet have magnetic orientations arranged substantially opposite one another. |
| US08544625B2 |
Overrunning bi-directional clutch as gear synchronizer and coupler
The over-running bi-directional clutch is used to synchronize gears in a transmission to allow for locking and unlocking the gears in an efficient manner. |
| US08544624B2 |
Hydraulic circuit for controlling a hybrid clutch and an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle
A hydraulic circuit for controlling a hybrid clutch and an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle. The circuit includes an electrically-powered hydraulic pump to supply the hybrid clutch and the automatic transmission with a hydraulic medium. A pressure booster is connected downstream of the hydraulic pump and includes a pressure booster slave cylinder and a pressure booster master cylinder. A hydraulic line segment extends between the pressure booster and the hybrid clutch, with the pressure booster master cylinder connected with a hybrid clutch slave cylinder to actuate the hybrid clutch. An oil feed device is connected with the pressure booster slave cylinder and fed by it with the hydraulic medium for refilling the hydrostatic line segment with the hydraulic medium. |
| US08544621B2 |
Shock absorber
A shock absorber which facilitates an insertion/fixation operation. The shock absorber includes a spring-force application unit (84) for applying a force in a valve-closing direction to a disc valve while allowing the fixed shaft to be inserted therethrough; and a cylindrical member (47) for allowing the fixed shaft (21) to be inserted therethrough. The disc valve includes a plurality of valve discs (53) to (58). The cylindrical member is inserted into each of the valve discs (53) to (58) and the spring-force application unit (84), in which: the cylindrical member (47) is provided so as to have a radially extending gap on an inner side of the inner seat (31) of the valve main body (14). |
| US08544618B2 |
Brake pad for a partially-lined disk brake
A brake pad for a partially-lined disk brake and a method for making such a brake pad. The brake pad has a back plate, a friction lining arranged fixedly on a front side of the back plate and a damping plate provided on a rear side. At least one hook-shaped guide end adjoins a body region of the back plate in a circumferential direction. The guide end has an elevation with a material thickness D increased in relation to a material thickness d of the body region. At least one abutment face for tangential abutment in a circumferential direction is provided on the guide end and a support face is provided thereon for radial support in a radial direction. The damping plate has at least one bent-over bracket which rests against the radial support face in a bracket region of the back plate. The damping plate is offset axially to the rear relative to the bracket region in the body region of the back plate. |
| US08544613B2 |
Disc braking system for a vehicle combining service and parking brake
A disc braking system (10) for a vehicle comprises a service caliper (12) suitable to be arranged astride a disc (14) rotating about an axis (16), said service caliper comprising at least one couple of service pads (18, 20). The system further comprises a floating parking caliper (30) suitable to be arranged astride the disc (14) and comprising a least one couple of parking pads (32, 34) housed in a floating structure (36) of the parking caliper. The floating structure comprises a side portion (38) and a bracket portion (40) extending from the side portion (38) in the axial direction to the disc (14). An individual mount structure (22) is provided which is suitable to be mounted on a fixed portion of the vehicle, and suitable to receive the couple of service pads (18, 20) and the floating parking caliper (30), which is slidably mounted thereon. Each parking pad (32, 34) is slidably inserted within a respective housing (48) of the mount structure (22) that is circumferentially defined by containment walls (50) being formed in the mount structure (22) and suitable to contain circumferentially opposed sides (52) of the parking pads (32, 34). |
| US08544612B2 |
Methods and systems for providing service requests to conveyance systems
A conveyance system comprises at least one user interface having at least one service request pushbutton for providing service requests to the conveyance system. An identifier device is provided to a passenger. The identifier device stores identifier device data for determining a service profile of the identifier device. The identifier device data in the identifier device is read when a passenger presses or touches a service request pushbutton of the user interface. Based on the data read from the identifier device, the service profile of the identifier device is determined. A service request connected to the service request pushbutton is activated based on the service profile. |
| US08544611B2 |
Elevator safety system with bar to prevent shaft entry
A safety system for an elevator has a bar mounted on a landing door, the bar being adapted to extend into a passageway of the landing door, and a holding member adapted to prevent the bar from extending into the passageway of the landing door when a car door is positioned correctly behind the landing door. The bar is adapted to extend into the passageway when the landing door is opened and when the holding member does not prevent the bar from extending into the passageway of the landing door. |
| US08544610B2 |
Lubricant dispenser
The invention relates to a lubricant dispenser having a storage container, an outlet channel, and a pump element disposed between the storage container and outlet channel for conveying lubricant. A piston is sealed in a cylinder and is movable between two positions, of which, in a suction position, the cylinder is in a flow connection with the storage container. The cross-section area of the piston is smaller than the cross-section area of the storage container. The piston and the cylinder are adapted to one another such that, upon a movement of the piston into the suction position thereof, a negative pressure may be generated in the cylinder as compared to the pressure in the storage container for taking in or letting in lubricant from the storage container into the cylinder, and such that, upon a movement of the piston in the opposite direction out of the suction position in the cylinder, a positive pressure may be generated for conveying the lubricant out of the cylinder into the outlet channel. |
| US08544609B2 |
Automated valve stem lubrication system
An at least partially automatic valve stem lubrication system including a source of grease lubricant, a pump and an at least partially automated control system, the control system structured and arranged such that lubricant is pumped onto a valve stem surface area as a function of the receipt of certain inputs. |
| US08544607B2 |
Rail lubrication and/or friction modification system within a non-freight carrying intermodal container
A lubrication system is contained within the body of a non-freight carrying intermodal container for lubricating a pair of rails of a train track. The lubrication system includes at least a lubricant holding tank for holding lubricant, a lubricant dispensing pump, and one or more hoses connected to the lubricant holding tank for directing a flow of the lubricant to one or more nozzles. The nozzles are positioned to distribute lubricant to at least a top of the pair of rails. The nozzles may be mounted with respect to a car body, floor, or axle trucks. The container is easily moved and repaired via its corner fittings, for example. |
| US08544606B2 |
Oil drainage apparatus
An oil drainage apparatus includes a disk-shaped base member having an outer tube extending upwardly and defining a channel. The outer tube has a threaded exterior surface for coupling to a threaded engine oil pan drainage port. An inner tube is positioned in the channel and outer tube and is movable between a retracted configuration in which a closed inner tube upper end in is sealed in the outer tube and an extended configuration in which the closed upper end extends above the channel open upper end. The inner tube defines at least one aperture configured to receive oil from the oil pan into the inner tube when the inner tube is at the extended configuration and to direct oil through the channel lower end. |
| US08544605B2 |
Scaffolding comprising an anti-release device for flooring units
A scaffolding (20) comprises vertical frame elements (22), crossbeams that extend therebetween, flooring units (27) which have mounting aids (28) to be mounted on the crossbeam (21), and at least one anti-release device (40) for securing the flooring units (27) against being released. The anti-release device (40) can be removably connected to the crossbeam (21) and has a securing member (41) which corresponds to the length of the crossbeam, is to be placed on the mounting aid (28), and is fitted with at least one hook-shaped fastening element (42) that penetrates a hole (33) located in the crossbeam and partially embraces the crossbeam (21) in the anti-release state. One end of the securing member (41) is provided with a pivotable plate which is fastened by means of a hinge and is pivoted from the open position into the locking position and retained by means of a spring mechanism (60). Alternatively or additionally, the hook-shaped fastening element (42) can be made of flat steel, and the parallel lateral surfaces are placed at an adequate distance from the mounting aids (28) in the anti-release state in order to prevent a collision. |
| US08544604B2 |
Elevating platform assembly
An elevating platform assembly (50) comprises a pair of laterally spaced, generally vertical masts (52). A drive mechanism (100) is coupled to each mast (52) and is moveable upwardly and downwardly along the masts. An elongated elevating platform (58) extends between the masts. A connection frame (150) couples each end of the elevating platform to a respective one of the drive mechanisms (100). Each connection frame (150) is pivotally coupled to the drive mechanism (100). |
| US08544602B2 |
Safety protection device for roof construction of train body assembly
A safety protection device for the roof construction of a train body assembly comprises two arch bridge shaped transverse walking boards and a safety rope, wherein the safety rope is fixed between the span of the two arch bridge shaped transverse walking boards. The invention has the following benefit effects: the safety for the worker walking and working on the roof can be guaranteed since the worker walks up to the roof through the arch bridge shaped transverse walking boards and ties the other end of a safety belt which is tied on him to the safety rope. |
| US08544591B2 |
Bearing device for the vibration-decoupled rotatable support of an intermediate shaft on the engine block of a motor vehicle, and method for the vibration-decoupled rotatable support of an intermediate shaft on the engine block of a motor vehicle
The subject matter of the present invention is a bearing device for the vibrationally decoupled rotary mounting of an intermediate shaft on the engine block of a motor vehicle. It has the following features: a. a radial bearing with an inner ring for accommodating the intermediate shaft, and an outer ring, b. a bearing housing provided for attachment on the engine block of the motor vehicle and for accommodating the radial bearing in a non-rotatable manner, and which forms a mechanical interface for the attachment of the bearing housing on the engine block of the motor vehicle, wherein the bearing device further comprises at least one rubber-elastic damper member provided to be disposed in a vibration-damping way between the bearing housing and the engine block when the bearing housing is mounted on the engine block. |
| US08544589B1 |
Apparatus for deflecting a vehicle away from an object during an offset frontal impact
A deflector is attached to a frame on a vehicle in front of a front wheel which cooperates with the front wheel to glance a vehicle past a laterally offset impacting object. The deflector acts as a first boundary against the impacting object and the deflector turns the front wheel inboard to an inwardly turned position to act as a second deflecting boundary against the impacting object. The deflector and inwardly turned front wheel cooperate to deflect the vehicle past the object, such that the object passes outboard of a rocker member on the vehicle. |
| US08544588B2 |
Power takeoff for all-wheel-drive systems
A system for transmitting rotary power to the wheels of a motor vehicle includes an input, a planetary final drive connected driveably to the input and including a first output that is driven at a speed that is slower than a speed of the input, and a inter-wheel planetary differential driveably connected to the first output for splitting torque carried by the first output between a second output connected driveably to a first wheel of a first wheel set and a third output connected driveably to a second wheel of the first wheel set. |
| US08544579B2 |
Axle assembly for electric drive machine
An axle assembly includes an electric drive motor oriented along an axis and disposed within a central axle housing. The electric drive motor includes a motor housing having an engagement face perpendicular to the axis. A spindle assembly includes an external connection to the central axle housing and an internal engagement face that is perpendicular to the axis. A sealing member is in sealing contact with the engagement face of the motor housing and the internal engagement face of the spindle assembly. |
| US08544576B2 |
Hybrid construction machine and method of controlling hybrid construction machine
A hybrid construction machine including an internal combustion engine, a motor generator, a hydraulically driven working element, and a rotation mechanism rotationally driven by a rotation electric motor includes a charge storage part provided between the motor generator and the rotation electric motor, wherein the charge storage part includes a constant voltage charge storage part configured to maintain its voltage value within a certain range; and a variable voltage charge storage part configured to tolerate a variation in the voltage value of the charge storage part due to the electric motor and the generator operation of the motor generator or the power running and the regenerative operation of the rotation electric motor. |
| US08544575B1 |
Lightweight internal combustion/electric hybrid power source for vehicles
A compact and lightweight hybrid vehicle power source employs an integrated engine hybrid electric boost power design that operates on a single battery bank for all electrical functions. An integrated flywheel, cooling fan and a single hybrid electric motor drive, engine starter, electromagnetic regenerative braking device and battery charging alternator are combined. The flywheel alternator/starter/hybrid-drive configuration generates electrical power for battery recharging and parasitic loads, rotates the engine for starting, provides boost power for faster vehicle accelerations, provides regenerative braking for faster decelerations, provides inertia for smooth engine operation, and provides pressurized air for forced convection cooling. |
| US08544573B2 |
Robotic system and methods of use
A robotic system that can have a chassis and a track drive system is described. The track drive system can be configured to move the chassis. The track drive system can have a pulley, a pulley cap having a larger diameter than the pulley, and a track. The pulley cap can be rotationally fixed to the pulley. The track can be engagable and disengagable with the pulley cap. The methods of using and making the robotic system are also described. |
| US08544568B2 |
Shoulder durability enhancement for a PDC drill bit using secondary and tertiary cutting elements
A PDC bit includes a plurality of blades. A blade includes a primary cutter row and a secondary cutter row. Primary PDC cutters on the primary cutter row are set in accordance with a single set methodology. Backup PDC cutters on the secondary cutter row are set in accordance with a methodology wherein a radial position of each backup PDC cutter in the secondary cutter row is offset from a radial position of each primary PDC cutter in the primary cutter row. The blade further includes a tertiary cutter row. Additional backup PDC cutters on the tertiary cutter row are set in accordance with a methodology wherein a radial position of each additional backup PDC cutter in the tertiary cutter row is offset from a radial position of each primary PDC cutter in the primary cutter row. The backup cutter setting methodology is effectively radially positions the included backup PDC cutters (in the secondary cutter row and/or tertiary cutter row) between primary PDC cutters in the primary cutter row. |
| US08544567B2 |
Drill bit with a flow interrupter
A drill bit comprises: a drill bit head having a cutting face with one or more fixed cutting elements; a flow passage extending through the drill bit head to the cutting face; a flow interrupter within the drill bit head and positioned to interrupt flow of fluid through the flow passage; and a power section connected to drive the flow interrupter and cause, in operation, variable flow of fluid through the flow passage. A method of drilling comprises: flowing fluid through a flow passage extending through a drill bit head to a cutting face of the drill bit head, the cutting face having one or more fixed cutting elements; and driving a flow interrupter within the drill bit head with a power section to interrupt the flow of fluid through the flow passage and cause variable flow of fluid through the flow passage. |
| US08544566B2 |
Fluid actuated impact tool with solid piston-standard bit arrangement and water seal
A fluid-actuated percussive impact tool includes a drill bit disposed partially within a casing for respective longitudinal movement between extended and retracted positions. A bearing having a bore is fixedly disposed within the casing. A piston is located in the chamber and a second end thereof is configured to selectively enter the bore of the bearing through the first end to impact the first end of the drill bit. At least one groove is formed in an exterior surface of the piston proximate the second end thereof. The tool has a sealed position when the drill bit is in the extended position wherein a water seal is formed between an interior surface of the bearing and a portion of the exterior surface of the piston between the first end of the piston and the first end of the at least one groove. |
| US08544559B2 |
Portable power tool with indicating means for actual operation parameter values
A portable power tool having a housing with a rotation motor for powering a working implement, wherein sensors are provided to indicate the motor speed and the power supply, and a programmable evaluation unit is arranged to compare indicated speed and pressure values with stored limit values, and to accumulate the total operation time of the power tool and compare that with preset time limits for tool service intervals, and an optical information unit is provided on the housing to indicate whether those stored limit values have been reached. |
| US08544558B1 |
Tongue pulled spreader and grader system
A tongue pulled spreader and grader system having a pair of spaced apart sidewalls and cross beams to define a frame portion, a plurality of moveable or fixed blades extending between the sidewalls, each blade positionable along the length of each sidewall and fixed in position at a predetermined angle; a tongue for mounting the frame to the rear of a vehicle; a pair of wheels positioned on an axle on either side of the sidewalls; means for manually or hydraulically extending the wheels to a down position to make contact with a surface in order to transport the spreader and grader and for retracting the wheels to an up position so that the spreader and grader can undertake the grading process. The spreader and grader can attach to and be operated by ATVs, SUVs, light trucks, lawn tractors, sub compact tractors, side by side ATVs and fork trucks. |
| US08544554B2 |
Restricting production of gas or gas condensate into a wellbore
A method of producing liquid hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation can include flowing the liquid hydrocarbons from the formation through at least one valve, and increasingly restricting flow through the valve in response to pressure and temperature in the formation approaching a bubble point curve from a liquid phase side thereof. A method of producing gaseous hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation can include flowing the gaseous hydrocarbons from the formation through at least one valve, and increasingly restricting flow through the valve in response to pressure and temperature in the formation approaching a hydrocarbon gas condensate saturation curve from a gaseous phase side thereof. |
| US08544550B2 |
Subsea wellhead with segmented fatigue reduction sleeve
A subsea wellhead a generally cylindrical body including a lower extension for forming an annular space for a cement column between the lower extension and an outer conductor. The extension carries a multiplicity of interfitting rings forming a sleeve which facilitates flexure of the extension in the presence of the cement column. Each ring may comprise an inner flange for disposition adjacent the outside of the extension and an outer flange for fitment over the inner flange of an adjacent ring. The outer flange may have a radial through-bore. |
| US08544548B2 |
Water dissolvable materials for activating inflow control devices that control flow of subsurface fluids
An apparatus for controlling flow of a fluid into a wellbore tubular may include a flow control device controlling the flow of the fluid; and a disintegrating element associated with the flow control device. The flow control device may be actuated when the disintegrating element disintegrates when exposed to the flowing fluid. The disintegrating element may disintegrate upon exposure to water in the fluid. A method for producing fluid from a subterranean formation includes: configuring an element to disintegrate when exposed to a selected fluid; positioning the element in a wellbore; and actuating a flow control device using the element. The element may disintegrate when exposed to water. Actuating the flow control device may restrict a flow of fluid into a wellbore tubular. |
| US08544544B2 |
Forming oriented fissures in a subterranean target zone
A system for forming a subterranean oriented fissure in a target zone by utilizing a connection between two well bores and a flexible linear cutting device, such as a segmented diamond wire saw, to form the fissure beginning at the connection of the well bores and extending along a specified the length of the well bores. |
| US08544540B2 |
Well jet device for logging and developing horizontal wells with abnormally low formation pressure
Well pump units for studying, repairing and developing of wells. The proposed well jet system comprises a logging instrument, a movable sealing unit, and a jet pump arranged in a flow string. The latter enables to create a series of different drawdown values in a well under-packer area, and thus to register parameters of the well and a medium pumped out of the well and to easily register a formation pressure restoration curve for the well under-packer area. When testing the formation, a pumping mode may be adjusted by changing pressure of an active working medium supplied to a jet pump nozzle. The provision of a channel for supplying the pumped out medium with a check valve helps avoiding a spontaneous flow of the working medium into the under-packer area. The system reveals increased operational reliability and productivity during the treatment of a productive formation and well testing. |
| US08544539B2 |
Independent guide string hanger
A system, in certain embodiments, includes a casing head and a tubing hanger disposed within the casing head and supported by a first retaining feature of the casing head. The tubing hanger is configured to support a tubing string. The system also includes a guide string hanger disposed within the casing head and supported by a second retaining feature of the casing head independent of the first retaining feature. The guide string hanger is configured to support a guide string. |
| US08544537B1 |
Drilling rig with a top drive with integral traveling block and airlift thread compensator
A drilling rig with top drive assembly consisting of a traveling block housing, sheaves, with axles connected to a pair of links supporting a top drive, and a compressible extendable airbag as a thread compensator for running tubulars into a wellbore, making up tubulars, or breaking tubulars out of a wellbore. |
| US08544536B2 |
Coiled tubing injector with limited slip chains
A coiled tubing injector comprises a drive system for independently driving a plurality of chains independently but otherwise retarding relative motion between the driven chains when a chain begins to slip uncontrollably. |
| US08544534B2 |
Power systems for wireline well service using wired pipe string
A wellbore instrument system includes a pipe string extending from earth's surface to a selected depth in a wellbore. The pipe string includes at least one of an electrical conductor and an optical fiber signal channel. A power sub including an electric power source is coupled proximate a lower end of the pipe string. At least one electrically powered wireline configurable wellbore instrument is coupled to the power source in the sub. |
| US08544533B2 |
Vehicular air conditioner having two-layered air flow
An air conditioner for vehicles having a two layer air flow structure which uses one temperature control door for adjusting the temperature and serving as a partition wall for the two-layer air flow structure. |
| US08544531B2 |
Surface cooler with noise reduction
A surface cooler is provided and includes an oil layer through which oil flows, fins extending into an air flow pathway and being disposed at a first side of the oil layer in heat transfer communication with the oil, an acoustic lining to reduce noise present in or transmitted by the air flow pathway, which is disposed at a second side of the oil layer opposite the first side and noise transfer tubes extending through the oil layer to transfer the noise present in or transmitted by the air flow pathway to the acoustic lining. |
| US08544527B2 |
Method to reduce condensation in a cooling zone of a continuous catalyst regeneration system
A process for providing a blended cooling air stream to a cooling zone cooler in a continuous catalyst regeneration system. The process includes removing a first effluent stream from a regeneration tower, providing the first effluent stream to a regeneration cooler; providing a first air stream to the regeneration cooler to form a heated first air stream, combining at least a portion of the heated first air stream with a second air stream to form a blended cooling air stream, and providing the blended cooling air stream to a cooling zone cooler. |
| US08544523B2 |
Automatic barrier operator system
An automatic barrier operator system for operating a gate or upward acting garage door, for example, includes a controller for operating a reversible motor, a base radio frequency transmitter and a base radio frequency receiver. One or more remote control units include a radio frequency remote receiver and remote transmitter. The controller is operable to automatically close or open the barrier in response to a query signal sent from the base transmitter to the remote receiver and when the remote receiver is within range, returning a signal to effect operation of the barrier. The system is operable to effect operation or maintain the status quo of the barrier depending on the state of the barrier and a particular signal or lack of signal received by the controller from an authorized remote control unit or units. The system provides essentially hands-free automatic operation of opening and closing a garage door and the like. |
| US08544522B2 |
Window covering
A window covering includes window covering material that extends from a first rail. A first lift cord extends from the first rail to a position adjacent the bottom of the window covering material. A first spacer cord extends from the first rail to a position adjacent to a bottom of the window covering material. First hitches extend from the first spacer cord to encircle the first lift cord. The window covering may have additional lift cords and may utilize other similar spacer cords having hitches that extend to those lift cords as well. |
| US08544519B2 |
Tack labeler
The present invention is to provide a tack labeler capable of automatically adhering tack labels without using release papers to articles to be adhered. The present invention is provided with a roll holder 10 for rotatably holding a base material pair roll MPR, a reeling-out unit 20 for reeling out a label formation base material pair LMP from the base material pair roll MPR set in the roll holder 10, a base material pair accumulation unit 30 for accumulating the reeled label formation base material pair LMP, a delivering unit 40 for bringing out and delivering the label formation base material pair LMP from the base material pair accumulation unit 30, a separating-delivering unit 50 for separating the delivered label formation base material pair LMP into label formation base materials LM and delivering the label formation base materials LM, cut units 60 for cutting the separated and delivered label formation base materials LM by predetermined length so as to form individual tack labels, and adhering units 70 for adhering the tack labels cut off from the label formation base materials LM to containers C conveyed to adhering positions. |
| US08544513B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having circumferential sipes
A pneumatic tire has a tread pattern including a plurality of main grooves extending along a tire circumferential direction, and a shoulder land portion constructed by a rib or a block row formed in an outer side in a tire width direction of the main groove positioned in an outermost side. A circumferential sipe is provided in each of the shoulder land portions in both sides in the tire width direction. The number of the circumferential sipes provided in the shoulder land portion in a vehicle inner side is larger than the number of the circumferential sipes provided in the shoulder land portion in a vehicle outer side. |
| US08544512B2 |
Pneumatic tire with tread having sipe
A sipe formed in a block of a tread surface is provided with a first sipe portion having a first wide portion, a second sipe portion having a second wide portion in a different side from the first wide portion in a sipe width direction and positioned close to a sipe bottom portion side of the first sipe portion so as to become wider than the first sipe portion, and a third sipe portion having a third wide portion in the same side as the first wide portion in the sipe width direction and positioned close to a sipe bottom portion side of the second sipe portion so as to become wider than the second sipe portion. |
| US08544510B2 |
Pneumatic tire with noise reducer
Provided is a pneumatic tire with noise reducer, which can reduce the cost for manufacturing a noise reducer and which can keep the effect to suppress cavity resonance. The pneumatic tire with noise reducer 1 comprises a pneumatic tire 3 and a noise reducer 7 attached to a tire cavity surface 6 of the tire. The noise reducer 7 is formed into a ring shape by butting both end faces 12e of elongated sponge material 12 disposed along the tire circumferential direction. In the noise reducer 7, moreover, a butt-joint face 8 formed by butting both of the end faces 12e of the sponge material 12 is a substantive plane. |
| US08544507B2 |
Method for filling particulate water-absorbing agent having as a main component water-absorbing resin
There is provided a filling method which is capable of suppressing uneven distribution of particle diameter and suppressing property decrease of the particulate water-absorbing agent. The method for filling the particulate water-absorbing agent according to the present invention includes a abutting step for making a member for filling the particulate water-absorbing agent abutted on a vibrator; a supplying step for supplying the particulate water-absorbing agent to the member for filling; and a vibration step for vibrating the particulate water-absorbing agent present in the member for filling by vibrating the vibrator. Preferably, the supplying step is performed by dividing into a plurality of times. Preferably, the vibration step includes an intermediate vibration step performed at a stage where a part of a plurality of times of the supplying steps is completed, and a final vibration step performed at a stage where all of a plurality of times of the supplying steps is completed. Total filling mass W2 is set preferably at 500 kg to 1500 kg. |
| US08544502B2 |
Anchor system for pre-insulated piping
An anchor system is shown for use with a pre-insulated piping system having an inner steel carrier pipe surrounded by a layer of insulation and then by an outer protective jacket. The anchor system includes an inner carrier pipe for insertion within the length of the piping system at a selected point. A steel anchor sleeve surrounds a portion of the length of carrier pipe and insulation. It terminates at one end at an outwardly flaring anchor plate which is subsequently embedded within a concrete anchor block. A steel end cap is welded to a second, opposite end of the sleeve and to the inner carrier pipe at a point along the length of piping which is outside the concrete anchor block and which is spaced apart from the location of the anchor plate, whereby heat from the high temperature fluids in the piping is transferred to the end cap at a location along the length of piping which is distant from the location of the anchor plate. |
| US08544500B2 |
Coupling apparatus for chemical fluid flow channel
This invention provides a chemical fluid flow channel coupling apparatus that couples and decouples chemical fluid flow channels. The coupling apparatus includes a first coupling unit; and a second coupling unit. The first coupling unit includes a first chemical fluid valve member chamber and a first valve member configured to open and close a first chemical fluid opening communicated with the first chemical fluid flow channel; and a purging fluid supply control valve configured to open and close the purging fluid supply flow channel. The second coupling unit includes a second chemical fluid valve member chamber, and a second valve member configured to open and close a second chemical fluid opening connected to the second chemical fluid flow channel; and a purging fluid discharge control valve. |
| US08544499B2 |
Variable orifice for particulate coal conduit
A simplified variable orifice for a conduit furnishing a stream of particulate coal to a burner for a turbine in an electrical utility plant. Two plates are installed across the conduit, one of them being fixed and the other being variable in angular position relative to the first. A lockable mechanism is provided externally of the conduit to manually adjust the degree of blocking and to indicate the position of the movable plate. |
| US08544496B2 |
Garden hose booster system
A garden hose booster system includes a pump for pressurizing water, a motor connected to and designed to drive the pump, and a housing supporting the pump and the motor. The garden hose booster system further includes an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit, and a storage container. The inlet has a first garden hose coupling on an end thereof, and extends into the housing to direct the water to the pump. The outlet conduit has a second garden hose coupling on an end thereof, and extends out of the housing to direct the water from the pump. The storage container includes a bottom designed to be mounted to the top of the housing and a side wall extending upward from the bottom. The side wall and the bottom form an open volume within which a garden hose may be piled or coiled for storage thereof. The outlet conduit extends into the open volume of the storage container such that the garden hose stored in the storage container may be coupled to the second garden hose coupling and may receive a boosted water flow during operation of the garden hose booster system. |
| US08544495B1 |
Dispenser for liquid and/or solid chemicals
A dispenser (10) for liquid and/or solid chemicals consisting of a reservoir (20), an inlet line (40) and an outlet line (44) both connected into the reservoir. A saddle (52) attaches to an external fluid supply line with inlet and the inlet lines interfacing with the reservoir. A press-in inlet nozzle (64) is disposed in the fluid inlet line and enters upstream into the fluid supply line and a press-in outlet nozzle (66) is attached into the fluid outlet line entering downstream into the fluid supply line. A saddle clamp (76) attaches the saddle enclosing the external fluid supply line, such that when a fluid flows downstream through the fluid supply line the inlet nozzle receives a portion of the flow through velocity ram induction and is introduced into the reservoir where it mixes with liquid and/or solid chemicals, forming a suspended solution. The solution is drawn from the reservoir with negative pressure created by the downstream facing outlet nozzle positioned within the flow stream, thereby permitting the solution to mix with the supply fluid in a controlled volume manner according to a selected nozzle configuration. Different nozzle spacing, types, combinations, and the use of either nozzle alone use permit the manipulation of fluid flow volume and speed of dispersal. |
| US08544492B2 |
Vacuum activated power tower
The present invention is a modular tower structure comprising a common up-flow column topped with a covered header to which multiple independent down-flow and scavenger columns are attached. It employs a renewable energy process for extracting energy from the atmosphere. The process works by creating a vacuum into which atmospheric air is drawn through a vacuum operated motor driver. The motor in turn can operate other mechanisms as electric power generators. A scavenger column and a header operate independently to collect and remove air before it can accumulate in the tower header and interfere with the siphon process. The tower header is equipped to remove solids or floatables before they can collect at the top of the header and interfere with the process. The header cover is removable for inspection and ease of maintenance. |
| US08544490B2 |
Valve
A valve comprising an inlet port, an outlet port, an exhaust port and a diaphragm disposed between the inlet and exhaust ports which is moveable, in response to air pressure within the valve, between a first position in which it seals the exhaust port and a second position in which the exhaust port is open, there being one or more projections associated with the exhaust port on which the diaphragm is able to rest in its first position. |
| US08544489B2 |
Collapsible tent frame with retractable eaves
A collapsible tent structure includes a plurality of poles coupled with a plurality of linkages. The tent structure also includes a plurality of rods where each rod is pivotally coupled to each pole on one end and pivotally coupled to a hub on an opposite end. A plurality of struts are further included in the tent structure and each strut is pivotally coupled to each rod on one end and pivotally coupled to each pole on an opposite end, and a locking mechanism is coupled to each of the rods. A plurality of eaves, each pivotally coupled to a locking mechanism, extend radially outward beyond the poles when in an extended position and retracted radially inward of the poles when in a retracted position while the tent is in an open configuration. |
| US08544488B2 |
Collapsible canopy
A collapsible canopy that is expandable during rain fall. The canopy includes a frame, a propulsive mechanism and a shelter. The frame has a stationary side and a movable side. The stationary side is fixed to ground. The movable side is opposite to the stationary side and is configured to move forward and backward in a predetermined path, which expands the coverage of the collapsible canopy. The propulsive mechanism drives the movable side to expand the frame. The shelter is expandable and collapsibly connected to the frame, wherein the shelter forms a collective area to provide sheltering from exterior weather conditions and guides the fluid out when the shelter is expanded and driven by the movable side of the frame. |
| US08544486B1 |
Walker adapter
An adapter for use with a walker is disclosed. The adapter has a mesh that includes a running surface for engaging soft surfaces such as sand, dirt, and the like, into which conventional walker legs generally sink. A post on the adapter is configured to lockingly engage an end portion of one of the walker legs. Optionally, each adapter has two posts that are separated from each other by a distance that is substantially equal to a distance between end portions of two legs of a walker. In use, the adapter is positioned lateral to a user's feet, substantially outside of the space defined by a walker handrail, to avoid the user stepping on or tripping over the adapter. |
| US08544485B2 |
Structure of self-closing collapsible umbrella
A self-closing collapsible umbrella is disclosed and an example of a three-fold umbrella is described. The umbrella includes a central shaft including a first section that includes a handle carrying an actuation button. A positioning seat that receives a retention block arranged therein is provided between the first section and a second section of the shaft and between the second section and a third section of the shaft. As such, the umbrella is opened manually to have the second section extending and positioned by the retention block engaging an upper end of the first section, and the third section is positioned by being retained at the upper end of the second section. To close the umbrella, a collapsing ring is depressed to drive a rotation block of a control seat to release the engagement of the retention block. Collapsing springs arranged on umbrella ribs apply a force to retract the sections of the central shaft to thereby complete the collapse of the umbrella. |
| US08544483B2 |
Barrier structure and nozzle device for use in tools used to process microelectronic workpieces with one or more treatment fluids
Apparatuses, and related methods, for processing a workpiece that include a particular barrier structure that can overlie and cover a workpiece. Apparatuses, and related methods, for processing a workpiece that include a particular movable member that can be positioned over and moved relative to a workpiece. Apparatuses, and related methods, for processing a workpiece that include a particular ceiling structure that can overlie a processing chamber. Nozzle devices, and related methods, that include a particular annular body. Nozzle devices, and related methods, that include a particular first, second, and third nozzle structure. |
| US08544478B2 |
Dual gas and AC electric hair styler
A dual gas and AC electric hair styler comprises: a heater, a housing, and a control member movably disposed in the housing. One end of the control member is exposed out of the housing and another end of the control member is inserted in the housing to connect a linkage device of the heater. The linkage device includes a guiding member. A gas supply and an electric power supply are selectively inserted in the housing to the heater and each have a valve which is pressed to achieve connection. The axial movement of the control member causes axial movements of the linkage device and the guiding member to affect connection of the gas and the electric power supply to the heater. The hair styler can be powered by gas or electric power, and the switching of gas and electric power supplies can be done by the control member. |
| US08544477B1 |
Hair styling iron with interchangeable combs
The quickness, relative effortlessness, and convenience associate with an improved attachment for a hair styling iron or an improved hair styling iron, either one featuring interchangeable comb bristles assemblies located adjacent to and extended outwardly and perpendicular to a hair styling iron heating element for the purpose of contacting and positioning the hair strands in parallel arrangement before, during, and/or after application of heat from a hair styling iron heating element. The interchangeable comb bristle arrangements may be composed of different bristle densities, thicknesses, and/or material to accommodate different types and thicknesses of hair. The improved attachment may be slid over a hair styling iron arm element and be secured to the hair styling iron using a retaining lip which hooks to engage an inner surface of the heating element arm and a security clip that attaches onto one end of the interchangeable comb bristle assembly. |
| US08544474B2 |
Systems and methods for magnetic-assisted therapeutic agent delivery
Systems and methods that provide magnetically-enhanced delivery of therapeutic agents to selected tissue are disclosed. The systems and methods involve the use of carrier devices and release devices and two different magnetic fields to move magnetic particles into selected tissue. Movement of the magnetic particles (and any associated therapeutic agent) into the tissue may be assisted by both magnetic attractive forces as well as magnetic repulsive forces. |
| US08544470B2 |
Replaceable forehead liner
A replaceable forehead liner for the continuous positive airway pressure machine, which includes a base, a support, and a locking member. The base has a plurality of flexible pads and a connecting member for bridging the flexible pads. The support has a plurality of support pillars and a support plate connecting the support pillars. The support pillars, the support plate, and the flexible pads form a hollow area, and each support pillar has a hollow hole. The hollow area and holes make the support pillars elastic and compressible. The locking member forms off the surface of the support pillars and the support plate, with the locking member being wider than the side of the hollow area. The locking member has a locking portion for engaging to the clipping portion of the CPAP mask. Functionally, the replaceable forehead liner is more secured and improves pressure relief for the user. |
| US08544468B2 |
System, apparatus and method for maintaining airway patency and pressure support ventilation
An assembly for modifying airflow into a nasopharyngeal airway or trachea of a patient. A valve assembly having an inlet and an outlet attaches to a traditional airflow generator. A valve seal within the assembly is operable by a solenoid and is adapted to cycle in response to a programmable controller circuit wherein upon activation of both the airflow generator and the controller circuit, pressurized air from the airflow generator continuously enters the inlet but passes out of the outlet of the assembly only when the solenoid causes the valve seal to retract and to at least partially unblock the outlet such that the pressurized air is converted into a single, repeatable burst exiting the outlet thereby modifying the traditional airflow. |
| US08544464B2 |
Breathing assistance device comprising a gas regulating valve and associated breathing assistance method
The invention relates to a breathing assistance device for a patient, the device including: a source of respiratory pressurised gas; a gas transmission duct comprising a distal end coupled to said source and a proximal end coupled to the patient; a gas regulating valve interposed in the gas transmission duct at a proximal location, comprising a leakage orifice and an obstruction means capable of varying the opening of the leakage orifice upon signal of controlling means and allowing a bidirectional gas flow through the leakage orifice in both expiration and inspiration phases. |
| US08544462B2 |
Systems and methods for aerosol delivery of agents
Aerosol delivery systems and methods for delivering an agent to a patient are described herein. In particular embodiments, an insulated receptacle is connected to a housing and holds a vial of an agent to be delivered to a patient. The vial is located in an inverted position within the receptacle. One or more reusable thermal packs can be located on the inner sides of the receptacle, to maintain a selected temperature surrounding the vial. The agent is administered to a patient by placing a prong into one of the patient's orifices and then activating an aerosol delivery system. Such systems can include jet aerosolization and pneumatic and ultrasonic nebulizers and preferably are portable. |
| US08544457B1 |
Archery rest system
An archery rest system comprises a body mounted to the bow. A shaft is mounted within the body and a lever arm is secured to the shaft. An opening is formed in the body with an arrow launcher mounted to the shaft and extending through the opening. A spring biases the arrow launcher in an up position. A cord is secured to the lever arm. A securing mechanism secures the cord to the bow and an in-line dampening spring is mounted between the lever arm and the securing mechanism. With the bow at rest, the launcher moves to a down position out of contact with the arrow. Upon bow draw, the launcher moves into the up position contacting the arrow. Upon bow firing, the launcher moves to the down position with the spring absorbing load imparted on the cord when the shaft reaches a rotation travel limit. |
| US08544456B2 |
Adjustable draw stop for archery bows
A draw length adjustment system including a draw stop, an adjustment element and a fastener that joins the draw stop and/or adjustment element with a cam or pulley of an archery bow. The draw length adjustment system is micro-adjustable so that an archer can make minute and/or incremental adjustments to the draw stop, and thus the draw length of the archery bow. The draw stop can be of an eccentric construction that is eccentrically rotatable relative to the cam or pulley to alter the draw length. Alternatively, the draw stop can be selectively moveable relative to the cam assembly via a rack and pinion gear to alter the draw length. |
| US08544453B2 |
Supercharger cooling
A supercharger cooling system provides a path for coolant from an air/coolant heat exchanger to a supercharger intercooler and loops around a hot outlet end of a screw type supercharger and back to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be a dedicated air/coolant heat exchanger or be a vehicle radiator. The intercooler is sandwiched between the supercharger and intake manifold and cools the flow of hot compressed air from the supercharger into the intake manifold. The supercharger cooling loop circles the front rotor bearings thereby cooling the bearings and seals, the forward ends of the male and female rotors, and the male and female rotor gears. The cooling loop is preferably located in the outlet end wall between the supercharger rotors and the rotor drive gears to form a barrier to heat. A dedicated pump cycles the coolant flow and restrictions control the flow of coolant to the supercharger. |
| US08544450B2 |
Cylinder head sleeve for a fuel injector or ignitor of an engine
A cylinder head sleeve for an engine is provided comprising a sleeve first part and a sleeve second part which form a cavity to contain a fuel injector or an ignitor, and wherein the sleeve first part and the sleeve second part which form a joint for the sleeve first part and the sleeve second part to move relative to each other. A cylinder head assembly is also provided comprising the sleeve and a cylinder head, as well as a method of providing the cylinder head assembly. |
| US08544441B2 |
Piston including a pair of cooling chambers
A piston for an internal combustion engine including a piston body (20). The piston body (20) defines a first cooling chamber (46) that is sealed closed and contains a first cooling medium (48) other than air. During operation of the piston, the first cooling medium (48) extracts heat from the surrounding regions of the piston body (20) to cool the piston body (20). The piston body (20) also defines a second cooling chamber (50) adjacent to the first cooling chamber (46). A cooling oil (51) is projected into the second cooling chamber (50) and against the portion of the piston body (20) separating the first and second cooling chambers (46, 50) to extract heat from the first cooling medium (48). The cooling oil (51) is redirected within the second cooling chamber (50) to extract additional heat from the first cooling medium (48) or directly from the piston body (20). |
| US08544432B2 |
Variable valve actuation apparatus of internal combustion engine
In a variable valve actuation apparatus with a speed reducer between a timing sprocket and a camshaft for changing a phase of the camshaft relative to the sprocket, while reducing normal-rotation/reverse-rotation of an electric motor, the speed reducer includes an eccentric rotation member connected to an output shaft of the motor, an annular member connected to the sprocket, a plurality of rollers installed between an inner toothed portion of the annular member and an outer peripheral surface of the eccentric rotation member, and a cage connected to the camshaft for circumferentially partitioning the respective rollers, while permitting a radial displacement of each roller. Depending on a dimension of a clearance space between the eccentric rotation member and the annular member, a suitable one of a plurality of roller sets, each having a different outside diameter, is selected, and then the selected rollers are installed. |
| US08544431B2 |
Varying the phase and lift of a rocker arm on a camshaft actuating a valve or injector
In an internal combustion engine using poppet type valves, a center pivot rocker arm is moved through a specific path wherein the roller in contact with a cam is moved to alter the phasing of the valves or injectors in the engine. Depending on the interface between the valve or injector and the rocker arm, the rocker ratio of the rocker arm may be altered, giving a change in lift as well. By positioning a control arm at desired points on either side of a centered position, and rotating the control arm about its own pivot point via an arm actuator, phase change is achieved. The arm actuator controls the location of the control arm and thus the timing of the valve or injector relative to the rotation of the cam. Advanced, centered, and retarded phase change is possible depending upon the movement of the control arm. |
| US08544427B2 |
Cooling water passage structure in cylinder head of internal combustion engine
A cooling water passage structure in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine includes a main cooling water passage extending in the lengthwise direction above combustion chambers. An exhaust-side communication passage communicates the main cooling water passage with a first exhaust-side cooling water passage and with a second exhaust-side cooling water passage. A ridge extends in the lengthwise direction to adjust a flow speed of cooling water to flow through the main cooling water passage and is provided on a first wall surface of a main passage defining portion on a side away from the combustion chambers. An exhaust-side throttle portion extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction to reduce a passage cross-sectional area of the exhaust-side communication passage and is provided on a second wall surface of an exhaust-side communication passage defining portion on a side away from the combustion chambers. |
| US08544424B2 |
System, controller and method thereof for transmitting and distributing data stream
A system, a controller, and a method for transmitting and distributing a data stream from a host to a storage device having a non-volatile memory and a chip are provided. A specific mark is added into a data stream which is transmitted from the host to the storage device, such that the data stream can be dispatched to the chip by transmitting a write command. Then, a response message generated by the chip can be received inerrably by executing a plurality of read commands. |
| US08544423B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling a water heater
A control for a water heater is provided that comprises a pressure switch for sensing a predetermined level of airflow sufficient for maintaining proper burner operation, and a temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of the water in the tank. The control further comprises a processor for controlling the operation of the burner to maintain the water temperature above a predetermined value. When the processor receives a signal from the pressure switch or temperature switch indicating a malfunction, the processor shuts down the burner and subsequently attempts to restart the burner. The processor will lock-out further burner operation after a predetermined number of consecutive shut downs occurs, and will communicate any malfunction information to a remote display device. |
| US08544421B2 |
Animal control pole
An animal control pole has a first end adapted to be held by a user, and a second end adapted to ensnare and assist in the control of an animal. The pole has an axial bore extending therethrough and a cable that extends through the axial bore and extends from each end of the pole. A retaining element is located at the second end of the pole and retains the free end of the cable that extends from the second end, so as to form a closed animal engageable adjustable loop. The animal control pole includes dual release mechanisms. A first release mechanism releases the free end of the cable that extends through the second end of the pole. A second release mechanism forces an additional length of cable through the axial bore of the second end and thereby increases the size of the loop. |
| US08544420B2 |
Personal carrier-mounted dog leash with distal stiffener
A dog leash having a stiffener and a mast, the latter connected to a clamp by a flexible coupling. Moored to the clamp by a cord, the stiffener protrudes outwardly from the mast's end distal from the clamp. Built up by encasing a cord segment and the base of a clip in a semi-rigid plastic sheath, the stiffener directly links the clip to the mast. Because, in use, the stiffener and the clip ride attached to the dog's collar without slapping or flopping around randomly so as to confuse the animal, the leash can transmit nonverbal communication free of extraneous signals from the user of a personal carrier to a tethered dog. The dog can be then trained quickly and easily controlled, making possible the leash's use not only on bicycles but also, once they have been retrofitted with a universal mounting bracket, on wheelchairs and other personal carriers. |
| US08544417B2 |
Pet crate
A pet crate broadly includes a crate housing. The crate housing includes first and second connector sections and a support wall extending between and interconnecting the sections. The connector sections and wall extend between opposite housing ends of the crate housing to cooperatively present an enclosed pet space. The crate housing presents a crate opening at a corresponding housing end. The crate opening permits pet ingress and egress relative to the enclosed pet space. |
| US08544416B2 |
Ventilated rack system
A ventilated cage and rack system for assembly by a user using simple tools and a method for assembly is provided. A plurality of frames and vertical plenums can be connected to a base, and a retaining assembly can be used to connect a plurality of vertical beams and horizontal support beams. A plurality of canopies is preferably used to connect the plenums and the support beams to shroud cages beneath the canopies. The canopies preferably include removable side walls to adapt to the width of the cage being shrouded. A plenum clean out system preferably provides a relatively simple method of draining a cleaning fluid from a plenum by moving a lever between an open and closed position. A pressure based plenum system is also provided wherein a constant air pressure is maintained in the ventilated rack system and air is provided into a cage at a constant air pressure. |
| US08544415B2 |
Breeding method for orange-adductor-muscle scallop
The present invention relates to a method in the field of shellfish breeding techniques, for breeding a scallop population that have improved carotenoid content in the orange-red adductor muscles or other muscle tissues. This method includes the steps of selecting the rare individuals that have orange-red adductor muscles from natural scallop populations, growing the selected scallops, inducing the reproduction, artificially fertilization, and finally breeding a scallop population with orange-red adductor muscles which can be expanded for the cultivation on a large scale. Comparing to other known breeding methods, the present method does not use transgenic technologies to include introduce any exogenous genes, thus does not have any bio-safety and ethics issues. All the mutant scallops with orange-red adductor muscles are selected from natural or cultivated populations. After breeding for four generations, the obtained scallops have abundant carotenoid ingredients in their orange-red adductor muscles. The obtained scallop population is genetically stable and has high survival rate, and it thus can be used for cultivation on a large scale. In summary, this breeding method is simple, low cost and the breeding scallop population has high economic and nutritious values. |
| US08544414B1 |
Method and system for animal waste collection
A compact animal waste collector and method thereof is provided. The collector includes a planar base having a first side and a second side. A plurality of walls is affixed perpendicularly to the base. A substantially planar first cover is hinged to at least one of the plurality of walls, the first cover forming an interior compartment proximate to the first side of the base and movable between at least a first position and a second position. A bag is removably located within the collector and lining the interior compartment, the bag having an opening edge inverted about an exterior of the collector. A storage compartment is formed on the second side of the base and enclosable by the plurality of walls and a substantially planar second cover hinged to at least one of the plurality of walls. The storage compartment may house a replacement bag. |
| US08544411B2 |
Batch-type remote plasma processing apparatus
A plasma processing apparatus comprises a processing chamber in which a plurality of substrates are stacked and accommodated; a pair of electrodes extending in the stacking direction of the plurality of substrates, which are disposed at one side of the plurality of substrates in said processing chamber, and to which high frequency electricity is applied; and a gas supply member which supplies processing gas into a space between the pair of electrodes. |
| US08544409B2 |
Coating zone with inclined guide rails
A coating zone comprises a conveyor for transporting an application object. At least one guide rail extends through the coating zone adjacent the conveyor, arranged above the conveyor at a height at least at the level of the top of the object. At least one robot may move along the conveyor on the guide rail, the robot having a first axis for joint rotation of at least one moving member of the robot in relation to a main body guided along the guide rail. A load-bearing structure supports the at least one guide rail, the load-bearing structure including at least one load-bearing pillar extending substantially vertically downwards from the level of the guide rail. The guide rail and the main body of the robot are arranged in such a way that the first axis of the robot is inclined relative to a vertical plane parallel to the conveying direction. |
| US08544407B2 |
Attachment module for a safety cone
An attachment module for a safety cone permitting a variety of safety enhancing devices to be easily attached to the cone. The attachment module comprising a top ring and a bottom ring joined together to form an assembly. The top ring and bottom ring sized to conform to a predefined safety cone angle or range of angles, the assembly having an attachment arm for attaching a safety-enhancing device. Examples of safety enhancing devices include, but are not limited to a flag, a sign, a safety tape holder, a light, or other safety-enhancing device. The assembly may be placed over a safety cone and is held secure by gravity and the wedge of the cone angle. Safety enhancing devices may then be attached to the module and thus to the cone to improve the effectiveness of the cone. |
| US08544406B2 |
Meter device for motorcycle
A meter device is disposed on an upper surface of a fuel tank that is disposed between a steering handlebar and a rider's seat. The meter device includes a dial substrate having a scale and a pointer that is rotated by a drive portion and points to the scale corresponding to a measurement output. The pointer includes a ridge that extends in a longitudinal direction and a spine portion having two surfaces that cross each other so as to form the ridge. An angle β, at which the two surfaces forming the ridge cross each other, is formed into an acute angle, so that a side farther from the ridge as viewed from a side of a rider is not visible. |
| US08544399B2 |
Ornamented composite materials
A method for producing a composite part is provided that includes the steps of obtaining a fibrous mat having an outer surface; stitching an ornamental feature over the outer surface of the fibrous mat; and encapsulating the fibrous mat with the ornamental feature stitched therein in a transparent matrix with the ornamental feature outwardly visible through the matrix. |
| US08544398B2 |
Hydraulic down pressure control system for closing wheels of an agricultural implement
In one embodiment, an agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame. A support member is pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the support member relative to the attachment frame, and at least one furrow-closing device is mounted on the support member. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the support member for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil. The hydraulic cylinder includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for urging the ram in a first direction that pivots the support member in a first vertical direction. An accumulator has a fluid chamber containing a pressurized gas for urging the ram in a second direction that pivots the support member in a second vertical direction. |
| US08544394B2 |
Method for reducing nitrogen oxide on the primary side in a two-stage combustion process
Method for reducing a formation of nitrogen oxide on a primary side of a furnace and reducing or avoiding nitrous oxide and ammonia slip in an offgas of the furnace in which a fuel is burned in a combustion process having at least two stages. The method includes passing a fuel consecutively through each of a plurality of bed areas of a combustion bed of the furnace. A primary gas including oxygen is fed individually to each of the bed areas so as to burn the fuel in the combustion chamber of the furnace. A secondary gas including oxygen is introduced into a downstream offgas burn-out zone, so as to after-burn incompletely burned offgas components formed during the burning of the fuel. Partial offgas streams from the combustion bed areas are axially mixed by injecting a water-gas mixture as at least one free jet above a surface of the combustion bed upstream from the downstream offgas burn-out zone so that the at least one free jet penetrates the partial offgas streams of the combustion bed areas to reduce a heating value of the offgas between the surface of the combustion bed and the downstream offgas burn-out zone. |
| US08544392B2 |
Releasable engagement apparatus
Disclosed is an engagement assembly for releasably engaging a rigid member, including a rotating member that releasably engages the rigid member to prevent movement of the rigid member in at least one direction by friction. The rotating member is forced by a biasing element to selectively engage the rigid member, preventing retraction of the leg and inhibiting extension of the leg. A control release interacts with the biasing element, providing a releasable engagement of the rotating member with the rigid member. |
| US08544390B1 |
Lazy susan device with snap fit top and base
A lazy susan type device for holding food items has a top and a base that are snap fit to one another when the device is in use. The top and base can therefore be easily separated from one another to facilitate independent washing of those two parts. The snap fit device is a toroidal ring having multiple flexible “L”-shaped arms secured about the outer periphery of the ring. Each arm is momentarily displaced in a radially inwardly direction when the top and base are in the process of being interconnected to one another. The inherent bias of each arm causes each arm to abruptly return to a position of repose when the top and base are fully interconnected to one another. The displacement of each arm when returning to its position of repose is a radially outward displacement. |
| US08544388B2 |
Arrangement for supporting shell into breech-loading weapon barrel
An arrangement for supporting a shell (1) into the barrel of a breech-loading weapon, the arrangement comprising a support piece (4) provided with a rim flange (15) and to be fastened to the tail of the shell (1), the support piece being fastened in connection with the tail of the shell (1) with one or more adhesive materials. In addition, a method of fastening a support piece (4) to a shell (1). |
| US08544385B2 |
Printing press with different fixed cutoffs and method
A web printing press is provided printing a web having a first side and a second side including a first plate cylinder having a first diameter for printing a first image on the first side of the web and a second plate cylinder having a second diameter different from the first diameter for printing a second image on the second side of the web. A method of printing a web is also provided. |
| US08544383B2 |
Liquid separation device
A liquid separating device (1) for processing a mixture material (3) containing both solid and liquid materials (3a,3b), in order to separate liquid material (3b) from the solid material (3a), the liquid separating device (1) includes a support frame (5), a series of liquid separation assemblies (7a,7b) and a corresponding guiding assembly (19) between each pair of liquid separation assemblies (7). The liquid separation assemblies (7) are disposed about the support frame (5) in a cascading configuration, and the passage (13) of each liquid separation assembly (7) is narrower in width than the passage of a preceding liquid separation assembly (7) so that each subsequent liquid separation assembly (7b) is enabled to extract more liquid material via an increased wringing pressure resulting from a thickening of the remaining mixture material (3) to be processed and the narrower subsequent passage (13b) through which it is channeled and pressed. |
| US08544374B2 |
Scribe device, scribe method, and tip holder
A tip 14 is rotatably attached to a tip holder 10. The tip holder 10 is made into a cylindrical shape and its end has an installation part 16. An opening is arranged at a holder joint. The tip holder 10 is attracted by a magnet for attachment so that detaching and attaching can be performed easily. Tip offset data is recorded as a 2-dimensional code 17 on the surface of the tip holder 10. When replacing the tip holder, the offset data is read out and inputted to a scribe device, thereby canceling the offset. This eliminates the operation required for correction when attaching/detaching the tip holder and enables easy tip replacement during a short time of device stop. |
| US08544368B2 |
Magnetic device adapted for being assembled with a socket
A magnetic device assembled with a square hole of a socket includes a base received in a connecting portion of the square hole, a magnetic element mounted to an end of the base. The magnetic element magnetically attracts a bolt received in a driving hole of the socket, and at least one expansive portion formed at an end of the base disposed opposite to the magnetic element. The expansive portion selectively hinders a connecting portion of the square hole of the socket. The magnetic device is received in the square hole of the socket without departing from the driving hole of the socket in an operating process. |
| US08544367B2 |
Socket for a wrench
A socket for a wrench comprises a fixed portion provided with a first fastener receiving aperture and a rotatable portion provided with a second fastener receiving aperture. The fixed and rotatable portions are disposed such that the first and second fastener receiving apertures are in overlying relationship to define a fastener receiving space and the rotatable portion is rotatable with respect to the fixed portion to adjust the fastener receiving space. |
| US08544366B2 |
Spark plug removal tool apparatus
A spark plug removal tool apparatus and method for a spark plug having components of an extended smooth spark arc producing terminal portion, an adjacent helical threaded portion, an adjacent hex drive, an adjacent insulator portion, and a terminal electrical interface extension. The tool apparatus includes a non rotating collet extension having a plurality of fingers to removably engage the electrical interface and an inner surrounding sidewall that threadably engages the collet, also an outer surrounding sidewall rotatably engaged to the inner surrounding sidewall not having one-way axial movement as between the inner and outer surrounding sidewalls, wherein the collet, inner, and outer surrounding sidewalls are all co-axial. Operationally, when the tool starts to unscrew the spark plug from an engine head, an axial non-rotating force is applied to the electrical interface extension that helps prevent separating damage between the spark plug components. |
| US08544360B2 |
Fixing seat and industrial robot using the same
An industrial robot includes a first rotation assembly, a second rotation assembly, and a cable assembly. The first rotation assembly includes a holding seat, a first rotation shaft rotatably positioned in the holding seat, and a first driver driving the first rotation shaft to rotate. The second rotation assembly includes a fixing seat. The cable assembly is received in the first rotation assembly and the second rotation assembly. The fixing seat includes a main body and a retaining portion extending from one end of the main body, and the main body of the fixing seat is positioned on the holding seat and fixed with the first rotation shaft of the first rotation assembly. The main body of the fixing seat defines a passing slot to receive the cable assembly and a passing hole communicating with the passing slot through which the cable assembly passes. |
| US08544359B2 |
Robot arm assembly
A robot arm assembly includes a first shaft base, a second shaft base rotatably connected to the first shaft base, a wire harness, and a clamping mechanism for clamping the wire harness. The first shaft base defines a first through hole along a longitudinal axis, and the second shaft base defines a second through hole. The clamping mechanism includes a main body connected to the second shaft base, and a locking member engaged with the main body. The second shaft base rotates relative to the first shaft base around the longitudinal axis. The main body further comprise a clamping portion on an end thereof, and the clamping portion is capability of radial deformation. The locking member resists the clamping portion to clamp the wire harness. The wire harness extends through the first through hole, the second through hole, and then the clamping mechanism. |
| US08544358B1 |
Actuating device comprising a locking mechanism
An actuating device for selecting gear steps in a gearshift transmission. The actuating device comprises a selector lever that can be moved between at least two drive-setting positions and a locking mechanism for restricting the movement range of the lever and locking certain positions or for locking the selector lever. The locking mechanism comprises a locking recess connected to the selector lever and a blocking cam that can be rotated by an actuator. The cam engages in the locking recess. Complex locking tasks are possible with the simplified actuating device. In addition, the range of movement of the selector lever can be freely positioned largely variably and its width can be changed. Furthermore, the selector lever of the actuating device is movable by the actuator or locked in a desired position. |
| US08544357B2 |
Differential roller screw
A differential roller screw comprises an outer nut, and rolling elements comprising a first set of rollers equipped with first grooves, the first set being arranged in a first cylindrical ring around the screw. The screw comprises a second set of rollers equipped with second grooves. The second set is arranged in a second cylindrical ring. The two cylindrical rings are coaxial. An intermediate cylindrical element is arranged between the two sets of rollers, the intermediate element comprising a first internal thread formed with a first pitch and having a first direction and a second external thread formed with a second pitch and having a second direction opposite the first direction. |
| US08544353B2 |
Spindle drive of an adjustment device of a motor vehicle seat
The spindle drive of an adjustment device of a motor vehicle seat comprises a spindle (24) and a nut unit (28), wherein the nut unit (28) comprises a nut (30) made from plastic and a retainer. The nut (30) is in engagement with the spindle (24) by means of an internal thread (34) and retained in the retainer. The nut (30) has an outer jacket comprising recesses (38, 40). The retainer is configured as a tube section (32) comprising an inner space adapted to the outer jacket. The tube section (32), in the area of the recesses (38, 40) is deformed towards the inside such that material of the tube section (32) is located within the recesses (38, 40). |
| US08544351B2 |
Method and apparatus for characterizing the flowability of toner particles
Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for characterizing the flowability of a dry powder, and particularly for use with toner particles. The methods and apparatuses use an optionally transparent or semi-transparent cylindrical container. When the container is partially filled with dry powder, the dry powder is aerated and torque measurements are then taken while rotating the container to determine the flowability of the dry powder. |
| US08544347B1 |
Force measurement system having a plurality of measurement surfaces
A force measurement assembly includes a first component supported by a first load measuring device and having a first measurement surface; a second component supported by a second load measuring device, spaced apart from the first component by a gap, and having a second measurement surface; and a third load measuring device operatively coupled to both the first component and the second component; wherein the first load measurement device is configured to output at least one first quantity that is representative of the load being applied to the first measurement surface, the second load measurement device is configured to output at least one second quantity that is representative of the load being applied to the second measurement surface, and the third load measuring device is configured to output at least one third quantity that is representative of a load being transferred between the first component and the second component. |
| US08544346B2 |
Apparatus for transforming energy of liquid flowing in a liquid flow path
An apparatus for positioning thereof in a liquid flow path, comprising: a housing configured to be received in the flow path and having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet defining a flow direction therebetween; a current generator including a shaft supported by the housing and having a rotor mounted thereon and having a plurality of vanes, the shaft extending in the housing along the flow direction allowing rotation of the rotor with the vanes by liquid passing through the generator, and a stator associated with the rotor for producing electrical signals corresponding to the rotation of the rotor; and, electrical wiring for electrically connecting the current generator to a power receiver for transferring the electrical signals thereto. |
| US08544344B2 |
Ultrasonic type flow sensor
First and second piezoelectric transducers 2 and 3 are fixed to a tubular main body 1 via first and second fitting bases 4 and 5. On front and rear surfaces of an end portion of each of the first and second piezoelectric transducers 2 and 3 are provided first and second electrodes 6 and 7. When the tubular main body 1 is secured to a circuit box, each of the end portions of the first and second piezoelectric transducers 2 and 3 is inserted between first and second contact members provided on the circuit box such that the first and second electrodes 6 and 7 are electrically connected to the first and second contact members, respectively to connect the first and second piezoelectric transducers 2 and 3 to the circuit box by one touch operation. |
| US08544338B2 |
Fatigue crack growth test apparatus
An apparatus for fatigue and/or crack growth testing, including a cyclic loading device and a preferred sample mounted at one end. An embodiment of the device has at least two concentric and coaxial load frames, with guiding interfaces between adjacent load frames to maintain alignment. Solid state actuation systems, which deform in response to the application of energy, are mounted at the end opposite the sample between adjacent load frames to provide up to two modes of actuation, including tension, compression, or torsion. The preferred sample includes a cylindrical gage section with a concentric hole running from a first end, and terminating within the gage section, with one mode of loading introduced at the terminus of the hole, and reacted at the end where the hole originates. A second mode of loading is optionally introduced at a second end of the specimen. Mount hardware for conventional specimens is also presented. |
| US08544336B2 |
Sealed conductive grid capacitive pressure sensor
A capacitive pressure sensor array is made of two conductive layers, wherein each conductive layer is formed with a plurality of elongated conductors disposed in a substantially parallel manner between an upper and a lower insulating sheet, wherein the upper and lower insulating sheets are bonded to each other between adjacent conductors. |
| US08544335B1 |
Pressure sensor with integrated thermal stabilization and method of using
The present invention relates to a method of determining both pressures and temperatures in a high temperature environment. The present invention also relates to a method of determining temperatures about a pressure-sensing element using a bi-functional heater. In addition, the present invention preferably relates to a pressure sensor with the pressure-sensing element and a heating element both integrated into the sensor's packaging, preferably onto the diaphragm of the pressure sensor, and particularly to such a pressure sensor capable of operating at high or elevated temperatures, and even more particularly to such a pressure sensor wherein the heating element is capable of both heating, at least in part, the pressure-sensing element and monitoring the temperature of the application area. Preferably, the pressure-sensing element is formed from shape memory alloy (SMA) materials that can be used at high or elevated temperatures as a pressure sensor with high sensitivity. |
| US08544331B2 |
Parameter independent detection of rotating machinery faults
A parameter-free method to analyze sensor signals incorporates two or more of frequency demodulation, amplitude demodulation and phase demodulation of the raw signal data. The resulting signal is transformed to a frequency domain, and target fault characteristics from the demodulated signal are identified. The method is used to detect faults in bearings, gears and other mechanical components. |
| US08544321B2 |
Flow control assembly
A flow control device for automatically controlling the flow of a fluid at a predetermined rate that is capable of taking measurements of the pressure of the fluid within the device while the device is functioning and that is capable of real-time adjustment of the flow rate is provided. Said device includes a casing having a casing outlet, a piston having a piston inlet and an edge, wherein said piston interfaces with the casing in a manner such that the edge is cooperable with the casing outlet to control the flow of fluid through the device. A biasing member, such as a spring, for biasing the casing with the piston is further included, as is a sensor, such as a pressure transducer, for measuring the pressure within the interior of the casing. |
| US08544320B2 |
Integrated micromachined wind and gas velocity profiler
A wind or gas velocity profiler integrated with micromachined (a.k.a. MEMS, Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) silicon sensors in an open or enclosed space is disclosed in the present invention. There are three main embodiments disclosed in the present invention. Through the preambles of the independent claims, the advantages and merits of such measurement apparatus with MEMS flow sensor will be demonstrated as well. A silicon-based MEMS flow sensor can greatly reduce the sensor fabrication cost by a batch production. The integration with MEMS flow sensor makes the invented anemometer operate in the ways of better measurement accuracy, lower power consumption, higher reliability and a compact dimension compared to traditional anemometers such as cup anemometer, thermal anemometer and ultrasonic anemometer. |
| US08544319B2 |
Tire uniformity through dispersion optimization
A system and related method for improving tire uniformity includes providing at least one set of test tires constructed with one or more process elements provided at known relative angular locations. At least one uniformity parameter, such as radial or lateral run-out, balance, mass variation, radial lateral or tangential force variation, is measured for at least one harmonic of interest for each test tire. Respective rectangular coordinates are determined for each measured uniformity parameter and harmonic of interest for each tire. A form of the determined rectangular coordinates (e.g., the rectangular coordinates themselves and/or the log of the residuals squared) is analyzed for each tire to identify optimized relative angular locations for each process element that reduce dispersion (or dispersion and mean) of the measured uniformity parameter. New tires are built with the one or more process elements positioned in the identified optimized relative angular locations. |
| US08544318B2 |
Abnormal combustion detection method for internal-combustion engines
A method for detecting abnormal combustion in the combustion chamber of at least one cylinder of a spark-ignition supercharged internal-combustion engine includes: measuring a quantity linked with the combustion of the fuel mixture in the chamber, producing a signal whose amplitude depends on the amplitude of the measured quantity, comparing the amplitude of the signal produced with the amplitude of a threshold signal corresponding to the amplitude of a signal during combustion with engine knock, determining the presence of a rumble type abnormal combustion in the combustion chamber when the amplitude of the signal produced exceeds the amplitude of the threshold signal by a significant value. |
| US08544317B2 |
Semiconductor processing apparatus with simultaneously movable stages
A method and apparatus provide for simultaneously moving multiple semiconductor wafers in opposite directions while simultaneously performing processing operations on each of the wafers. The semiconductor wafers are orientated in coplanar fashion and are disposed on stages that simultaneously translate in opposite directions to produce a net system momentum of zero. The die of the respective semiconductor wafers are processed in the same spatial sequence with respect to a global alignment feature of the semiconductor wafer. A balance mass is not needed to counteract the motion of a stage because the opposite motions of the respective stages cancel each other. |
| US08544316B2 |
Micro viscometer
Disclosed is a micro viscometer comprising a first chamber and a second chamber positioned with an interval; a micro channel that connects the first chamber and the second chamber; and a first thin film and a second thin film arranged on top of the first chamber and the second chamber, respectively, wherein a height of the first chamber and second chamber are substantially identical to a half wavelength corresponding a first resonant frequency of the first thin film and the second thin film, respectively, and a width of the first chamber and the second chamber are narrower than the height of the first chamber and the second chamber. |
| US08544306B2 |
Plug, piercing-rolling mill, and method of producing seamless tube by using the same
A plug includes a front edge portion having a convex curvature; a cylindrical portion having a truly or nearly cylindrical shape; a trunk portion having an outer diameter gradually increasing toward a rear edge thereof; a mandrel joint provided in a rear edge portion of the plug; a lubricant ejection hole running through the trunk portion from the mandrel joint that opens on the surface of the cylindrical portion; and a coating comprising oxides and Fe that is formed on the base metal surface of each of the front edge portion as well as the trunk portion by arc spraying using an iron wire. In this way, the plug can prevent inner surface flaws from occurring in a hollow blank that is deformed by piercing-rolling, and can extend its life without requiring a long time for making it. |
| US08544304B2 |
Method for improving fatigue resistance of a threaded joint
A make-up method for a threaded joint with a pin and a box to increase the fatigue life of the joint is provided. The method includes the step of applying a torque for making up the pin in the box until first and second abutment shoulders of the pin and the box abut. The method can also include the step of applying an additional torque to the threaded joint until a magnitude of between 50% and 90% of the yield strength of the joint material in the most stressed part of the joint is reached. |
| US08544302B2 |
Door cylinder lock
The presently disclosed subject matter is directed towards an anti-vandalism electronic cylinder lock (10). The lock comprising a cylinder housing (30), an electronic cylinder lock mechanism, an inside knob (26), and an outside knob (100), the outside knob (100) being configured for assuming a first non-accessible, non-operable, retracted position, and a second, accessible operative position, in which the outside knob (100) projects from the cylinder housing (30). |
| US08544301B2 |
Combination lock
A combination lock includes a locking mechanism, a plurality of dials, and a code identifying member. When each of the plurality of dials is rotated to an unlocking orientation, a recess on each of the dials aligns with a portion of the locking mechanism, allowing the locking mechanism to move from a locked condition to an unlocked condition. When the code identifying member is in a dial engaging position, and one of the plurality of dials is rotated to the unlocking orientation, one of a plurality of dial engaging portions of the code identifying member engages the recess of the one of the plurality of dials to provide a perceptible indication that the one of the plurality of dials is in the unlocking orientation. |
| US08544298B2 |
Glass-melting furnace, process for producing molten glass, apparatus for producing glass products and process for producing glass products
Glass raw material particles are dropped from an oxygen combustion burner 24, and the glass raw material particles are heated by a flame F of an oxygen combustion burner 24 and a thermal plasma P, to melt the particles. Liquid glass particles 30 produced by the melting fall downwardly in a melting tank 12, and fall on a surface of a molten glass liquid G in the melting tank 12. Then, an upper layer G1 of the molten glass liquid G is heated by electrodes 40, 40 of a heating apparatus 38 provided in the melting tank 12. By this method, air and residual gas generated in the molten glass liquid G and the liquid glass particles 30 fallen onto the surface of the molten glass liquid G, become bubbles, surface and are smoothly discharged. |
| US08544295B2 |
Methods of conveying fluids and methods of sublimating solid particles
A heat exchanger and associated methods for sublimating solid particles therein, for conveying fluids therethrough, or both. The heat exchanger includes a chamber and a porous member having a porous wall having pores in communication with the chamber and with an interior of the porous member. A first fluid is conveyed into the porous member while a second fluid is conveyed into the porous member through the porous wall. The second fluid may form a positive flow boundary layer along the porous wall to reduce or eliminate substantial contact between the first fluid and the interior of the porous wall. The combined first and second fluids are conveyed out of the porous member. Additionally, the first fluid and the second fluid may each be conveyed into the porous member at different temperatures and may exit the porous member at substantially the same temperature. |
| US08544289B2 |
Exhaust air removal system
An exhaust air removal system and method for use with a rack or enclosure containing equipment is provided. The system and method are configured for removal of exhaust air vented from equipment during operation to thereby remove heat from the equipment. In one aspect, the system includes a fan unit preferably configured to serve as a back door of an equipment rack or enclosure and configured to provide access to an interior of the rack or enclosure. The fan unit provides multiple fans coupled to internal exhaust ducts that are arranged to draw and to remove exhaust air vented from rack-mounted equipment. The fan unit is further configured to vent exhaust air to an area external to a rack or enclosure, such as an external exhaust duct or plenum. Removal of hot and warm exhaust air vented from rack-mounted equipment enables the equipment to operate effectively, drawing sufficient amounts of cooling air to meet its cooling requirements. The fan unit is constructed for portability and for easy attachment to and removal from a rack or enclosure, providing flexibility in handling equipment exhaust needs. |
| US08544287B1 |
System and method for recycling non-reusable refrigerant containers
A system and method for recycling non-reusable refrigerant transport containers. At least one intact refrigerant transport container is received into a sealed chamber. The refrigerant transport container is punctured to release residual refrigerant, which is removed and compressed. The container is shredded and/or compacted. A refrigerant transport container deposit program is provided, comprising: encoding a deposit container prior to use; receiving the encoded spent container and releasing the imposed deposit; automatically removing residual refrigerant from the spent container; and recycling materials from the refrigerant transport container. A database storing a record relating to the encoded refrigerant transport containers may be employed for tracking. |
| US08544285B2 |
HVAC controller with user-friendly installation features facilitating both do-it-yourself and professional installation scenarios
A thermostat includes a housing, a user interface, and a processing system configured to control an HVAC system using setpoint temperature values. The thermostat may also include a plurality of HVAC connectors configured to receive corresponding HVAC control wires, and a connection sensing module configured to determine the identities of HVAC connectors into which corresponding wires have been inserted. The processing system may be further configured to identify, based on the subset of HVAC connectors, whether (i) only a single possible HVAC system configuration is indicated thereby, or (ii) multiple possible HVAC system configurations are indicated thereby, resolve a particular one of the multiple possible HVAC system configurations that is applicable based on a user response to an inquiry presented on the user interface, and operate the HVAC system according to the HVAC system configuration. |
| US08544277B2 |
Turbulated aft-end liner assembly and cooling method
A combustor of a turbine engine includes a portion where the aft end of a combustor liner is sealed to a forward end of a transition piece. A cover sleeve surrounds the aft end portion of the combustor liner to form an annular airflow passage between the exterior of the combustor liner and the inner side of the cover sleeve. A plurality of turbulators project radially outward from the combustor liner. One or more circumferential rows of supports also extend radially outward from the combustor liner to support the cover sleeve. |
| US08544273B2 |
Solar thermal power plant
A solar thermal power plant is provided. The plant includes a steam-electric power plant associated with a steam generation system operationally connected thereto for providing heat to drive its operation, a solar collection system designed to heat thermal fluid and is in communication with the steam-electric power plant to provide heat thereto for driving its operation, and a non-solar power plant including a power generation unit and a waste heat recovery unit. The solar thermal power plant further includes a controller configured to selectively operationally connect the solar collection system and the waste heat recovery unit to the steam-electric power plant to provide heat thereto. |
| US08544271B2 |
Pyrotechnic actuator with filter
A pyrotechnic actuator is provided for an active hood that encompasses an installation site for a gas generator, a cylinder incorporating a moving piston and a compressed gas line that joins the installation site with the cylinder. A filter body for trapping particles from the gas stream of the gas generator is arranged on the compressed gas line. |
| US08544270B2 |
Waste heat recovery system of internal combustion engine
A waste heat recovery system of an internal combustion engine, in which regenerative energy transmitted to the internal combustion engine is increased with a simple mechanism. A controller of the waste heat recovery system of an internal combustion engine makes a determination as to whether it is necessary to increase the pressure of heat-transfer media in a heat exchanger, on the basis of the pressure detected by the high-pressure sensor. When it is necessary to increase the pressure in the heat exchanger, the controller causes a flow-rate regulating valve to start regulating the flow rate of the heat-transfer media while leaving the pump working. The controller causes the flow-rate regulating valve to continue the regulation at least until it is not necessary to increase the pressure in the heat exchanger, and then terminates the regulation. |
| US08544269B2 |
Engine
An engine (100) provided with a variable series supercharging system (7) composed of a high-pressure supercharger (10) and a low-pressure supercharger (20), a supercharging pressure sensor (63) for detecting the pressure of intake air pressurized by the variable series supercharging system (7), a high-pressure supercharger rotation sensor (61) for detecting the rotational speed of the high-pressure supercharger (10), a variable actuator (14) for adjusting the capacity of the high-pressure supercharger (10), and a control device (60) capable of controlling the variable actuator (14). The control device (60) controls the variable actuator (14) based on detection signals from the supercharging pressure sensor (63) and the high-pressure supercharger rotation sensor (61). |
| US08544268B2 |
Engine assembly including turbocharger
A turbocharger includes a housing, a first rotor wheel, a second rotor wheel, a driveshaft, a first bearing and a second bearing. The housing defines a first region, a second region, an intake air inlet, an intake air outlet and an exhaust gas inlet. The first rotor wheel is located in the first region and the second rotor wheel is located in the second region. The first bearing is located on a first axial side of the first rotor wheel axially between the first and second rotor wheels and supports the driveshaft for rotation relative to the housing. The second bearing is located on a second axial side of the first rotor wheel and supports the first rotor wheel for rotation relative to the housing. |
| US08544265B2 |
Hydraulic pressure multiplier
A hydraulic pressure multiplier having a housing, a bore in the housing and an outer piston slidably positioned within the bore. The pressure multiplier also includes an inner piston having a bore therethrough, the inner piston being positioned within a bore within the outer piston. An opening is provided through an end wall of the outer piston, and a mechanism is provided to selectively control hydraulic fluid flow into the bore within the outer piston. Hydraulic fluid first flows through the opening in the outer piston and through the bore through the inner piston to actuate a slave cylinder or a hydraulic piston within a brake. After a threshold pressure is reached within the slave cylinder, the valve closes and the outer piston is caused to move axially, thereby providing an increased hydraulic pressure within the slave cylinder. |
| US08544261B2 |
Exhaust gas purification catalyst and exhaust gas purification apparatus using the exhaust gas purification catalyst
This invention provides an exhaust gas purification catalyst, which can burn PM (particulate matter) at a temperature below the temperature required in the prior art technique and can realize a high PM combustion rate at elevated temperatures, and an exhaust gas purification apparatus using the exhaust gas purification catalyst. The exhaust gas purification catalyst comprises a composite oxide having oxygen release properties and Ag and a noble metal co-supported on the composite oxide. The exhaust gas purification catalyst and an exhaust gas purification apparatus (1) using the exhaust gas purification catalyst can increase the PM combustion rate at elevated temperatures and, at the same time, can burn PM at a temperature below the temperature required in the prior art technique. Further, fuel consumption loss caused by forced regeneration, EM deterioration, and catalyst deterioration can be suppressed, and, thus, the load on automobiles can be reduced. |
| US08544258B2 |
Exhaust treatment system diagnostic via ammonium nitrite decomposition
A method of monitoring operation of an exhaust treatment system of a diesel engine includes injecting a dosing agent into an exhaust and monitoring the operating conditions of an engine during normal driving conditions. A control module monitors inlet and outlet temperatures of a catalyst and compares the inlet temperature to the outlet temperature. The control module further evaluates the exhaust treatment system based on the inlet temperature, the outlet temperature and a predetermined temperature threshold. |
| US08544250B2 |
Draper platform with center conveyor and method of replacing the center conveyor belt
A draper platform (100) has a center endless belt conveyor (118) that is supported on and between first and second adjacent support arms (246A, 246B). The center endless belt conveyor (118) is releasable from a first support arm (246A) of the two adjacent support arms to pivot downward away from the first support arm of the two adjacent support arms a distance sufficient to slidably remove an endless conveyor belt (134) from the center endless belt conveyor in a direction parallel to the axes of rotation of the rolls (300, 302) that support the endless conveyor belt. |
| US08544248B2 |
Self-propelled lawn mower with chipper
A lawn mower with an integral chipper including a deck that has a volute shape with a rearwards-facing funnel along one side, expanding towards and exiting at the rear of the deck, a skirt is arranged around the perimeter of the deck to enclose a cutting space, a handle, front and rear wheel sets, and a motor having a drive shaft extending downwards through the deck. The mower also having grass cutting blades and shredder blades connected to the drive shaft, and the chipper blades located above the grass cutting blades. The mower also having a chipper tube running through the deck and opening above the chipper blades. The mower also having a power take-off mechanism connecting to the rear wheels and the motor, and adapted to drive the rear wheels in use. |
| US08544247B2 |
Rotatable string trimmer
The present invention relates to a rotatable string trimmer. The string trimmer typically includes a primary support, at least two wheels attached to the primary support, and an engine attached to the primary support. The string trimmer typically includes a trimmer portion, which has a rotatable trimmer head and cutting line attached to the rotatable trimmer head. The trimmer portion is capable of rotating between a trimming position and an edging position. The string trimmer also typically includes a rotatable handle bar that has a first handle-bar portion and a second handle-bar portion. The rotatable handle bar is typically in communication with the trimmer portion. |
| US08544244B2 |
Method for unscrewing lids from a cartridge system
Decapping system for opening or closing reagent containers or cartridge systems closed by a lid which is removed and secured by a rotational movement and method thereof are disclosed. The decapping system has a centering unit at its lower end that provides a snap-in element which engages the lid, and a plurality of simultaneously driven and vertically movable screwing heads which compensates for variable heights and/or sizes of cartridge systems to be processed. |
| US08544237B2 |
Lifting system for solar power tower components
A lifting assembly for a solar power tower includes a track, a cable, and a winch. The track extends longitudinally from the tower top to the tower base. The winch is located at the tower top and anchors the cable that extends toward the tower bottom adjacent the track. A component attached to the track and to the cable is guided along the track by the winch spooling or unspooling the cable. |
| US08544232B2 |
Covering panel
A covering panel has a support plate, made from synthetic plastic material, with a flat and even top surface, a bottom face and pairs of opposite sides provided with complementary profile edges in the form of a male profile edge on one side and a female profile edge on the other, where said male profiled edge can be connected to a female edge of an equal adjacent covering panel, preferably according to a direction that runs perpendicular to said top surface. In their bottom face there are strip-shaped recesses that run according to the direction of extrusion and alternate with a number of support strips, of which at least a part has a width S along that bottom face that complies with 1.5T |
| US08544230B2 |
Mechanical locking system for floor panels
Floor panels (1b, 1c) provided with a mechanical locking system made of a separate material in order to reduce snapping resistance during vertical displacement. |
| US08544228B2 |
Winged anchor and spiked spacer for veneer wall tie connection system and method
A spacer for an anchor includes a base having first and second sides. The first side is adapted for engagement with an anchor. At least two spikes extend from the second end of the base. An opening is provided within the base. |
| US08544227B2 |
Structural support column with base embedded within a foundation and method of forming
A structural support system includes one or more generally vertically extending columns of curable material wherein each column defines an outer column periphery. A base of curable material is preferably monolithically formed with the column on its lower portion. In one embodiment, the base may have an outer periphery that increases or varies along the base and wherein a foundation of curable material is formed over at least a portion of the base whereby the column, the base, and the foundation are mechanically locked together to resist lateral, torsional, and/or upwardly directed vertical forces. |
| US08544221B2 |
Adjustable racking system for solar array and method of construction of a solar array
A structure for supporting an array of solar panels above a surface comprises finned poles, a horizontal spline, and a number of movable yokes coupling each of the solar panels to the spline, such that the solar panels may be secured to the spline, and later repositioned along the spline and re-secured to the spline. A pole includes one or more fins in a central portion, to stabilize the pole when set into the ground. The cross-section of the spline may take a variety of shapes, including quadrilateral shapes and conic sections. Constructing a solar array involves using commonplace, readily accessible materials, and construction equipment and methods with low-environmental-impact, all to produce an attractive, easy to construct environmentally friendly installation. |
| US08544218B2 |
Acoustically insulating product
An acoustically insulating product for acoustically insulating a building structure includes a base entangled net material, and an acoustical nonwoven material. The acoustical nonwoven material is on at least one side of the base entangled net material. The acoustical nonwoven material has an increase in impact insulation class of 6 or greater. |
| US08544214B2 |
Wind turbine tower assembly and method for assembling the same
A wind turbine tower assembly includes a tubular section having a first longitudinal axis and a base section assembly including a plurality of legs. The base section assembly is configured to be assembled into a base section having the legs coupled together at an interface such that the base section has a second longitudinal axis and such that the legs are obliquely oriented relative to the second longitudinal axis at the interface, wherein the base section is configured to support the tubular section on the legs and in substantially coaxial alignment with the base section. |
| US08544212B2 |
Externally braced inflatable structures
A reinforced inflatable structure includes an inflatable member having a longitudinal axis. The member includes a bladder and a braided restraint layer mounted to the bladder. A plurality of spaced supports is mounted on the member and extends outwardly therefrom. A plurality of spaced bracing cables are connected at each end to a respective one of the plurality of supports. The cables are oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the member and are held at a generally fixed distance from the member by the supports. The inflatable member tensions the bracing cables rendering them capable of resisting bending. |
| US08544209B2 |
Window lifter assembly
A window lifter assembly is provided including a flexible pulling means for transmitting a driving force produced by a window lifter drive to a window pane to be adjusted, having a carrier, which is to be coupled to flexible pulling means and to which the window pane is to be fixed so that the window pane is connected to the flexible pulling means via the carrier. Additionally, the window lifter assembly includes guiding means being spaced from the carrier for guiding the window pane along an adjustment path defined by the guiding means. The window pane is moved together with the carrier in said adjustment path if a drive force is applied to the window pane without the carrier engaging in a guiding device that extends along the adjustment path in addition to the connection of the carrier to the flexible pulling means. |
| US08544208B2 |
Plant culture apparatus
A plant culture apparatus includes: a culture container including a transparent surrounding wall, a top opening, and a cover to close the top opening; a liquid culture medium disposed inside the culture container and having a liquid surface distal from the cover; a plant support fixed inside the culture container; a plant supported by the plant support; and a solid culture medium disposed within the culture container above the liquid surface. The solid culture medium is dissolvable in the liquid culture medium when the liquid culture medium is caused to contact the solid culture medium. |
| US08544200B2 |
Trigger guard for loading and unloading a weapon
A weapon safety apparatus comprising a sleeve comprising a cavity portion open to receive a trigger portion of a weapon and free of any structures that impede movement of the trigger. The sleeve further comprises a body portion comprising at least one closed portion preventing access to a trigger of the weapon. The sleeve is shaped to provide access to all loading or unloading components of the weapon. The cavity portion of the sleeve may be further open to receive a handle of the weapon. A method for loading and unloading a weapon using the above weapon safety apparatuses is also provided. |
| US08544199B1 |
Method and apparatus for producing kinetic imagery
An apparatus for repetitively lifting and lowering objects to create visual patterns having a plurality of units each with a motor, a rotary member, a cord attached at its distal end to the circumferential edge of the rotary member, an attaching mechanism affixed to the proximal end of the cord, and an object removably connected to the attaching mechanism. A computer or microprocessor is provided and programmed to selectively rotate the rotary members to move the objects between selected pre-determined positions along a generally vertical path of travel to establish a geometric pattern of repetitive elements. |
| US08544198B2 |
Illuminated license plate holder
The present device relates to a license plate holder, and more specifically to a license plate holder with illumination for attachment to remote locations on a vehicle. The license plate holder includes a backing plate sized for attachment of a license plate. A support member extends outwardly from the backing plate and is sized and shaped for insertion into a boat rod holder. A self-contained electrical system is included in the license plate holder for illumination of the license plate. The self-contained electrical system includes at least one LED, a switch, an electrical storage device and at least one solar panel. The illuminated license plate holder may be mounted on a watercraft while being hauled on a trailer so that the license plate is not subject to scraping, mutilation, or destruction; as typically occurs when a license plate is affix to a trailer. |
| US08544197B2 |
Article of footwear incorporating an illuminable panel
An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes an illuminable panel and a plurality of strands positioned to extend adjacent and parallel to the illuminable panel. The illuminable panel has a surface with a covered area and an exposed area. The covered area includes a substantially opaque covering, and the exposed area is at least partially visible from the exterior of the footwear. The strands are located to correspond with the exposed area of the illuminable panel. Light from the exposed area of the illuminable panel may enhance, highlight, or otherwise increase the visibility of the strands or areas of the upper that include the strands. |
| US08544193B2 |
Snowshoe with forward frame support
A snowshoe with binding suspended by tension straps secured to a frame is assembled from a generally U-shaped nose, and an aft section which can be a midsection and a tail. In one embodiment the nose has sufficient strength to resist inward pulling under tension to suspend the binding resiliently, without significant strength contribution from aft portions of the frame. The aft portion of the snowshoe includes traction elements, i.e. rows of teeth, positioned to engage into snow and ice. An important aspect of the invention is that the nose and aft sections are non-integral and very dissimilar in cross section, in a suspended-binding snowshoe. |
| US08544191B2 |
Smooth shoe uppers and methods for producing them
Shoe uppers having smooth seams and methods for producing them are disclosed. In one embodiment the upper uses thermoplastic seam tape which forms bonds between contiguous upper sections after being subjected to heat and/or pressure. In another embodiment, different parts of the shoe can be joined using hidden seams. Close seams can also be covered with a transfer material adapted to give the interior and/or exterior of the upper a smooth surface. In yet another embodiment, a method is disclosed which allows three-dimensional upper sections to be bonded on a last using thermoplastic seam tape. |
| US08544190B2 |
Shock absorbing device for shoe sole in rear foot part
The present invention provides a shock absorbing device for a shoe sole in a rear foot part which can restrain the inclination of the foot toward the medial side while absorbing the shock of landing on the lateral side of the foot. A shock absorbing device for a shoe sole in a rear foot part according to the present invention, includes: a support element M; deformation elements 3 disposed below the support element, the deformation elements deforming to be compressed vertically at landing; and outer sole elements 2 contacting a ground at landing, each outer sole element being joined to a bottom surface of the respective deformation element. Both the deformation elements 3 and the outer sole elements 2 are substantially separated in a medial-lateral direction in the rear foot part to be arranged at least three regions of the rear foot part. A quotient obtained by dividing an area of a bottom surface of the support element M by an area of bottom surfaces of the outer sole elements 2 is set at about 1.3 or more in the rear foot part. A vertical compressive stiffness of the deformation element 3 disposed on the lateral side is smaller than that of the deformation element 3 disposed on the medial side. |
| US08544187B2 |
Clothes dryer and control method thereof
Disclosed herein are a clothes dryer and a control method thereof in which a drying time is adjusted according to wool content during a drying cycle of a wool course. Wool content of woolen textiles is judged by sensing a dryness of the woolen textiles during a drying cycle of a wool course, and a drying time is adjusted according to the wool content, thereby minimizing contraction or deformation of the woolen textiles while satisfying the range of a target dryness set by wool mark standards. Further, only a high-capacity heater is driven during the drying cycle of the wool course, thereby allowing an internal temperature of a rotary drum to keep the optimum temperature without contraction or deformation of the woolen textiles. |
| US08544184B2 |
Method and apparatus for drying a fibrous web
A machine for the production of a fibrous web. The fibrous web being a paper web, a cardboard web or a tissue web. The machine including a hot air hood, an upstream drying zone, a downstream dryer cylinder and a dryer hood. The upstream drying zone has an area in which the moving fibrous web is treated with hot air from the hot air hood, the hot air hood being allocated to the upstream drying zone. The downstream dryer cylinder is a Yankee-Cylinder. The dryer hood is associated with the downstream dryer cylinder for further drying of the fibrous web. The hot air for the hot air hood is at least partially recovered from the dryer hood which is associated to the downstream drying cylinder. |
| US08544181B2 |
Method and apparatus for modelling the interaction of a drill bit with the earth formation
A method of predicting a well trajectory wherein the method utilises a series of parameters to calculate the trajectory. The method is characterised in that the parameters include the angle of a drill bit (23) relative to a well bore (27), and the variation of said angle during drilling wherein the variation of said angle is related to the moment on the bit (23). |
| US08544177B2 |
Razor with rearwardly secured shaving blade member
A shaving blade unit comprising a shaving cartridge having a rearwardly secured shaving blade member wherein the cartridge comprises a) a housing having a front wall, a rear wall, and opposing side walls extending between the front and rear walls; b) a shaving blade member disposed within said walls of the housing and wherein the blade member has a cutting edge that faces a front surface of said housing; c) a resilient member disposed rearward of the shaving blade member and that is secured by a shaving blade member retainer; and wherein the resilient member provides a forward biasing force to the shaving blade member and wherein the shaving blade member exhibits a springing motion during a shaving stroke. |
| US08544175B2 |
Method of manufacturing handguards
An improved method for manufacturing hand guards, utilizing this method multiple sheets can be stacked and then clamped to a XY cutting table to cut multiple patterns therein, subsequently a forming tool or die is used to form complex 3 dimensional shapes in any XY, XZ, YZ or XYZ planes in a single operation. |
| US08544174B2 |
Differential mechanism having multiple case portions
A differential mechanism includes a case including first and second portions, the first portion including a first surface interrupted by recesses, the second portion including a second surface interrupted by second recesses, contacting the first surface, and secured to the first portion, a pin extending though the recesses, and a ring gear secured to the portions and overlapping the surfaces and the pin. |
| US08544173B2 |
Turbine nozzle biform repair
A turbine nozzle may be repaired by severing the inner band from the vanes and outer band, which may then be discarded. A replacement nozzle is cast to include replacement vanes extending between a replacement outer band and an inner web, with the replacement outer band and vanes conforming with the original outer band and vanes. The new web is configured differently than the old inner band and includes a tie bar. The inner band is machined to form vane seats. The web is machined to form plinths atop the tie bar at each of the replacement vanes. The plinths and tie bar are assembled through the vane seats and bonded to the machined inner band to collectively form the repaired turbine nozzle. |
| US08544168B2 |
Part-mounting, inspecting and repairing method
It is an objective to provide a part-mounting method that, even when parts are extremely small, makes it possible to mount the parts at a repair-requiring location without fail, to thus enhance a percentage of a non-defective substrate. In a part-mounting method, inspection is made as to whether or not a parts-missing location exists on a substrate Pb reloaded between a solder printer 2 and a first part-mounting machine 4A after having undergone manual repair by an operator OP, or the like, in connection with a repair-requiring location found through inspection performed after mounting of parts Pt, by use of an inspection camera 15A of a first part-mounting machine 4A. When a parts-missing location on the substrate Pb is found, the parts-missing location is identified. Subsequently, a mounting head 14A of the first part-mounting machine 4A and a mounting head 14B of a second part-mounting machine 4B mount a part Pt at the parts-missing location on the thus-identified substrate Pb. |
| US08544167B2 |
Collective mounting method of electronic components and manufacturing method of electronic component-embedded substrate
There is disclosed a collective mounting method of electronic components in which a plurality of electronic components can uniformly be pressed to an insulating layer in a short time in a case where the electronic components and a resin layer are fixed. To manufacture a semiconductor-embedded substrate 200 in which a plurality of semiconductor devices 220 are embedded, after disposing the plurality of semiconductor devices 220 on an unhardened resin layer 212, this is stored in a container 31 of a pressurizing and heating unit 3, the plurality of semiconductor devices 220 are simultaneously, collectively and isotropically pressurized by use of an internal gas in the container 31 as a pressure medium to simultaneously press the plurality of semiconductor devices 220 to the unhardened resin layer 212, and the resin layer 212 is heated and hardened. In consequence, the plurality of semiconductor devices 220 are collectively and uniformly fixed and mounted onto the resin layer 212 without being influenced by a state change of the resin layer 212. |
| US08544166B2 |
Quick release feed guide and tool support for terminal applicator
An electrical terminal applicator system includes a die connected to a press. A one-piece member includes a stock guide portion homogeneously connected to a tool receiving portion. The one-piece member is releasably secured to the die using only a single fastener. A male member extends from either one of the one-piece member or the die, and a female slot is created in the other one of the one-piece member or the die slidably receiving the male member to permit the one-piece member to be horizontally positioned on the die prior to securing the one-piece member using the single fastener. |
| US08544164B1 |
Method for test mounting a head stack assembly cartridge
According to one embodiment, a head stack assembly cartridge is provided. The head stack assembly cartridge includes a base plate having a pivot shaft for pivotally mounting a head stack assembly and a base voice coil motor magnet attached to an inner surface of the base plate. The base voice coil motor magnet is arranged on the inner surface of the base plate to be adjacent to a coil of the head stack assembly pivotally mounted on the pivot shaft. The head stack assembly cartridge further includes a cover removably attached to the base plate and a pivot clamp removably attached to the cover and configured to secure the head stack assembly pivotally mounted on the pivot shaft. |
| US08544163B2 |
Robot having obstacle avoidance mechanism
A robot is placed on a first surface of a panel. The robot includes a body and first and second feet connected to the body via joints. A flux conducting device is positioned on an opposing second surface of the panel, opposite the robot, so that each foot of the robot is magnetically coupled to the flux conducting device. The flux conducting device is moved along the exterior surface to pull the robot along the interior surface until an obstacle on the first surface is encountered. The robot decouples one of the feet from the flux conducting device, lifts the decoupled foot above the obstacle, and moves the decoupled foot past the obstacle. |
| US08544161B2 |
Method for mounting a portable device
A method of mounting a hand-held portable telephone or other normally hand-held portable device, wherein the method includes: mounting a body of a portable device holder on a mounting surface external of the portable device holder with a base surface thereof facing substantially away from the mounting surface; rotating opposing arms apart around a central post interior of the body, whereby substantially upright opposing fingers adjacent to ends of the arms are rotated apart; inserting a portable device between the rotated apart opposing fingers; and resiliently urging together the rotated apart opposing arms, whereby opposing fingers are urged into compressive contact with the portable device. |
| US08544159B2 |
Methods of manufacturing parts using a manufacturing cell
A manufacturing cell has a plurality of stations arranged in two rows having a main aisle therebetween. Each of the plurality of stations has a station-aisle interface that provides an interaction area to the main aisle. The manufacturing cell also comprises a plurality of storage units that are located within the cell along the main aisle and a guided forklift truck that traverses the main aisle without requiring steering control of a stock handler operating the forklift truck within the main aisle to relocate containers from the storage units to designated station-aisle interfaces and to remove containers from the designated station-aisle interfaces when work is completed at the corresponding stations. At least one of the plurality of stations having two conveyors each having a tiltable platform such that each of the two conveyors can be used to receive and return containers. |
| US08544158B2 |
Fluid filter with an attachment structure on an endplate of the filtering element
A fluid filter includes a filter element having a filtering media disposed between two endplates. One endplate includes an open flow passage that allows a working fluid to flow into or out of the media during operation. The other endplate includes a connection structure. A cover houses the filter element, and has an opening that is an inlet or outlet in fluid communication with the opening of the one endplate. The cover includes another fill opening proximate the other endplate. A cap is connected to the connection structure of the other endplate to close the opening of the cover. The cover is retained between the cap and other endplate. Generally, the attachment configuration between the cap and the other endplate of the filter element helps ensure that the filter element with the correct micron rating is installed in a filtration system. |
| US08544157B2 |
Method for producing a liquid transport apparatus
A method for producing a liquid transport apparatus includes forming a recess, on a surface of a vibration plate on a side not facing the pressure chamber, in one of areas which are defined by dividing an area overlapping with a pressure chamber in a predetermined direction; forming a piezoelectric layer by depositing particles of a piezoelectric material on the surface of the vibration plate on which the recess is formed so that a thickness of a portion of the piezoelectric layer corresponding to the area formed with the recess is thinner than a thickness of a portion corresponding to an area not formed with the recess; and forming a first electrode, on a surface of the piezoelectric layer on a side not facing the vibration plate, in an area overlapping with the pressure chamber and corresponding to the area of the vibration plate not formed with the recess. |
| US08544155B2 |
Safety hook
A safety hook includes a main body defining an inner space and an opening, a latch unit pivoted to the main body, an operable unit pivoted to the main body, and a safety lock unit. The latch unit is normally at a closed position for blocking the opening. When the operable unit is pressed, the safety lock unit is co-rotatable with the operable unit with respect to the main body from a locked position, where the safety lock unit abuts against the latch unit to retain the latch unit at the closed position, to an unlocked position, where the safety lock unit is removed from the latch unit to allow the latch unit to rotate from the closed position to an opened position allowing access into the inner space through the opening. |
| US08544150B2 |
Top pin door assembly
An improved top pin assembly is provided for a traffic door which is side-mountable to the door without the necessity of integrated the top pin assembly within the interior of the door panel. |
| US08544148B2 |
Traverse rod system
A traverse rod system for manipulating one or more hanging objects is provided. The traverse rod system includes a hollow longitudinally extending tube having an opening that extends along an upper length of the tube as well as a number of rings that at least partially encircle the tube and that are directly or indirectly coupled with one or more hanging objects. A cord is suspended within the tube and secured by one or more cord carriers, each having a top portion that attaches to one of the rings and a bottom portion that is freely suspended through the opening and into the hollow tube such that other than the cord and the cord carriers, an interior of the hollow tube remains substantially free of structure relating to the traverse rod system. Movement of the cord causes the cord carriers to traverse an interior of the tube while the attached rings traverse an exterior of the tube. As a result, the hanging object(s) move in connection with the cord and the cord carriers in a desired direction or directions. |
| US08544147B2 |
Grommet
A grommet includes two semicircular closing plate sections that protrude from inner peripheries of a larger diameter end of an enlarging diameter tubular section provided with a vehicle body latch recess. Two half ring sections protrude from peripheral edges of central circular cut-outs at opposed ends of the semicircular closing plate sections. Adhesive tape is wound around the half ring sections. The semicircular closing plate sections are thinner than the enlarging diameter tubular section and have bellows-like configurations with projections and depressions. The half ring sections deform in accordance with an outer diameter of the wire harness and a bending direction of the wire harness. Deformation of the semicircular closing plate sections is absorbed by the bellows-like configurations, and the vehicle body latch recess of the enlarging diameter tubular section coupled to an outer periphery of the semicircular closing plate sections. |
| US08544146B2 |
Smooth surface scraper
The invention relates to a scraper, including a device for projecting-onto a surface through an opening, and a scraping body with a resilient scraping element including a ridge capable of scraping a smooth surface. The body includes, towards a surface of the scraping element, a device for collecting liquid on a substrate absorbing residual liquid connected to a conduit. The device for collecting has an end surface-capable of entering into contact with said surface. The invention also relates to a household appliance incorporating such a scraper. |
| US08544145B2 |
Surface treating head
A surface treating head in the form of a floor tool for a vacuum cleaner includes a main body, a suction cavity and an outlet. The suction cavity includes first and second suction channels, bounded on both sides by respective working edges. A fluid flow path extends from the first suction channel to the second suction channel and from there to the outlet. The plurality of suction channels permits effective pick-up of dirt. To enable the surface treating head to be used to treat both carpeted floor surfaces and hard floor surfaces, the surface treating head may be provided with a brush unit and a drive mechanism for moving the brush unit between a stowed position and a deployed position. |
| US08544143B2 |
Vacuum cleaner with removable dust collector, and methods of operating the same
A vacuum cleaner includes a dust collector that compresses dust stored inside a dust container to minimize the volume of the dust. The dust collector would include one or more pressing plates that are used to compress the dust stored in dust collector. Various methods are used to control movements of the movable pressing plates to facilitate the compression operations. Also, various methods are used to determine when the dust collector is full and needs to be emptied. |
| US08544138B2 |
Windscreen wiper device
A windscreen wiper device, particularly for automobiles, includes an elongated wiper blade, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped. The windscreen wiper device includes a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm is pivotally connected with its first end to the connecting device and with its second end to a mounting head on a drive shaft, and wherein the oscillating arm is provided with a longitudinally extending base and two spaced-apart sidewalls extending outwardly along opposite sides of the base to form a tube having an open face. The oscillating arm is produced integrally form a single sheet material, wherein outboard edges of the sidewalls are folded inwardly towards each other to partially close the open face of the tube. |
| US08544135B2 |
Multi-material cleaning towel with hand pockets
A towel for cleaning and drying a surface includes a first portion, a second portion, and a pocket formed in the first portion. The first portion includes an underlying layer of material and two outer layers of material. The second portion is formed primarily of a material different from the outer layer of the first portion. The pocket is formed in the first portion between the underlying layer and the outer layer for receiving a user's hand or foot. |
| US08544132B2 |
Interactive toothbrush and removable audio output module
An oral care implement (100), comprising an oral care region (124,127) attached to a body (125), a portion (126) of the body being configured for gripping by a user; a memory configured to store a plurality of audio signals from an external signal source; at least one measurement component configured to measure a parameter of use of the oral care region (124,128); and a processor configured to change output of a first audio signal of the plurality of audio signals to a second audio signal of the plurality of audio signals based on the measured parameter from the at least one measurement component. |
| US08544131B2 |
Pressure indicator for an oral care instrument
An oral hygiene implement comprising having a handle, head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head is described. The head has a plurality of cleaning elements and/or massaging elements attached to the head. The oral hygiene implement also has a force sensor and an output source. The output source provides a plurality of output signals which correspond to a plurality of conditions to a user. |
| US08544128B1 |
Multi-task hand aid
A hand-held tool for individuals who have diminished use of their hands or reduced gripping strength due to infirmity or medical condition that provides a number of shaped spaces for seating and manipulation of various items that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to manipulate. Among the multiple shaped spaces is a space for a writing instrument and a space for an eating utensil enabling a user to write and eat without for example, directly gripping a pencil or a fork. |
| US08544125B2 |
Changing table connection to a playard
A playard having an easily and selectively attachable changing table platform including a saddle structure for resting upon upper perimeter frame members of the playard and secured from unintentional removal by a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism includes a connector that is secured to the playard upper perimeter frame members in a manner fixing the vertical separation of the connector and the frame member. The changing table includes a latching member moveable between catch and release positions that engages the connector as the changing table is moved into an operable position and prevents the changing table from being uplifted from the playard. The moveable latching member is biased toward the catch position. Movement toward the release position allows the changing table to be removed from the playard. |
| US08544123B2 |
Flush toilet
A flush toilet device has a toilet body having a bowl section, rim water discharge opening, a jet water discharge opening, and a discharge water trap conduit. A pressurizing pump is provided for pressurizing flush water contained in a cistern to supply it to the jet water discharge opening. A pump controller regulates the operation and rotation speed of the pressurizing pump to regulate the flow speed and flow rate of flush water discharged from the jet water discharge opening so that flush water at a first flow rate for generating a siphon effect is discharged and then at a second flow rate is discharged at the end of the siphon effect generated by the first flow rate. The second flow rate having a flow speed that can carry away human wastes and causes the siphon effect to continue by closing the cross section of any portion of the discharge water trap conduit. |
| US08544121B1 |
Carrier for wall mounted toilets
A carrier or support system for a wall mounted toilet for adequately supporting the weight of a user. A first support assembly has a faceplate, spaced-apart pedestals, two washer plates, a fitting member, a coupling, a first fastener for allowing vertical movement between the pedestals and the faceplate, a second fastener for allowing vertical movement between the fitting member and the faceplate, and a first threaded stud arrangement for mounting the toilet to the wall. A second support assembly has a support member, a second threaded stud arrangement, and an anchor foot for supporting the fitting member on the floor. A third support assembly has a frame and a third threaded stud arrangement mounted to the frame for supporting the frame on the floor. The second and/or third support assemblies may be used with the first support assembly for providing adequate support for bariatric or obese users. |
| US08544115B1 |
Materials and methods for maintaining proper body temperature
The subject invention provides materials and methods for convective and/or conductive and/or evaporative cooling of individuals, such as athletes and contestants, for safety, comfort, and enhanced performance. The materials and methods of the subject invention can, advantageously, be used to modify body core temperature or rate of change of temperature. Other uses include heating players or player parts (e.g., a kicker's leg, a pitcher's arm) in cold weather conditions. |
| US08544112B2 |
Guard and method of protecting food from germs and contamination
A guard includes a transparent face shield, a neck strap having one end secured to one side of the guard and a second end secured to the opposite side of the guard, and a neck opening defined by the guard and the neck strap. The guard is worn by user with the user's neck extending through said neck opening such that said guard depends from the user's neck by said neck strap with an edge of said guard in contact with the user's chest and with said face shield extending upwardly in a direction from the user's chest shielding the user's face. The guard, when worn by the user, protects foodstuff handled by the user from contamination by the user sneezing or from other material falling from the user's head and/or face. |
| US08549661B2 |
Apparatus for performing magnetic resonance force microscopy on large area samples
An apparatus for performing magnetic resonance force microscopy on one or more large area samples comprising a base plate, one or more heat sink plates coupled to the base plate, one or more suspension mechanisms coupled to the base plate and the heat sink plates, a probe head suspended from the one or more suspension mechanisms for scanning the one or more samples and a sample cylinder comprising a sample stage coupled to the probe head for sample positioning and an outer drum for isolating the sample stage. |
| US08549659B2 |
Non-volatile memory for anti-cloning and authentication method for the same
A method and a non-volatile memory apparatus for cloning prevention is provided. The non-volatile memory apparatus includes an Enhanced Media Identification (EMID) area, which is located in a specific area of the non-volatile memory, and stores an EMID for identifying the non-volatile memory; and an EMID encoder for modifying the EMID by a preset operation in conjunction with an arbitrary value. |
| US08549658B2 |
Provisioning credentials for embedded wireless devices
A system and method are used to connect an installed device to a local premise network, such as a home network provided by a router in the home. A user may use a host device, such as a mobile telephone that is already connected to the home network to provide the home network credentials to the installed device without having to enter the home network credentials manually into the installed device such as a thermostat. |
| US08549656B2 |
Securing and managing apps on a device
Apps are secured or security-wrapped either before they are downloaded onto a device, such as a smartphone or tablet device, or after they are downloaded but before they are allowed to access the device operating system and cause any potential damage to the device. An app provider, such as an employer or a cellphone provider, can secure its apps before consumers download an app from their app store or marketplace. The app is secured before it is allowed to access the operating system of the device, thereby preventing the app from malicious behavior. Core object code of the app is obtained and the digital signature is removed. App object code is substituted with security program object code, thereby creating a security-wrapped app. The security-wrapped app is prepared for execution on the device and is re-signed with a new key. |
| US08549650B2 |
System and method for three-dimensional visualization of vulnerability and asset data
The system and method for three-dimensional visualization of vulnerability and asset data described herein may provide a management console that integrates various active vulnerability scanners, various passive vulnerability scanners, and a log correlation engine distributed in a network. In particular, the management console may include a three-dimensional visualization tool that can be used to generate three-dimensional visualizations that graphically represent vulnerabilities and assets in the network from the integrated information that management console collects the active vulnerability scanners, the passive vulnerability scanners, and the log correlation engine distributed in the network. As such, the three-dimensional visualization tool may generate three-dimensional representations of the vulnerabilities and assets in the network that can be used to substantially simplify management of the network. |
| US08549646B2 |
Methods, media and systems for responding to a denial of service attack
Methods, media and systems for responding to a Denial of Service (DoS) attack are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes detecting a DoS attack, migrating one or more processes that provide a service to an unaffected system; authenticating users that are authorized to use the service; and routing traffic generated by authenticated users to the unaffected system. |
| US08549643B1 |
Using decoys by a data loss prevention system to protect against unscripted activity
A computing device executing a data loss prevention (DLP) system tracks bait data on at least one of the computing device or a network. The DLP system identifies a potential security threat in response to detecting unscripted activity associated with the bait data. The DLP system performs an action in response to identifying the potential security threat. |
| US08549640B2 |
System and method for computer security
A system and method are disclosed for providing security for a computer network. Content is generated for a computer associated with the network. It is determined whether a user should be routed to the generated content. If it is determined that the user should be routed to the generated content, the user is so routed. |
| US08549639B2 |
Method and apparatus for diagnosing and mitigating malicious events in a communication network
A controller (104) for managing operations of a communication network has a communication element (202) for monitoring data traffic of an IP address in the communication network and for controlling operations of the communication network, a memory for storage (204), and a processor (206) for controlling operations of the communication element, and the memory. The processor is programmed to select (302) an IP (Internet Protocol) address to analyze, monitor (304) for the effects of malicious software originating from the IP address utilized by one or more customers, detect (306) a suspected malicious event, and restrict (312) Internet access to one or more customers suspected of interrupting service of the communication network. |
| US08549637B2 |
Website defacement incident handling system, method, and computer program storage device
A website defacement incident handling system and associated methodology and non-transitory computer program storage device for detecting a defacement of a website and taking appropriate corrective action upon detection of the defacement. The website defacement incident handling system receives web page information and snapshot images corresponding to websites and performs comparisons against corresponding information and snapshot images of a reference website. Probability scores indicating the likelihood that a website has been defaced are calculated based on the comparisons and corrective actions are taken as appropriate to protect the affected website. |
| US08549636B2 |
Information processing apparatus, authentication method, and computer program
An information processing apparatus includes: a software storing unit that stores software; a storage recognizing unit that recognizes, when a storage having stored therein first authentication information for enabling a function of the software stored in the software storing unit is connected to the information processing apparatus via an interface unit, that the storage is connected and transmits second authentication information uniquely corresponding to the function of the software to be enabled to the storage; and a function managing unit that enables, when the first authentication information and the second authentication information compared by the storage coincide with each other, the function of the software on the basis of a notification informing that the first authentication information and the second authentication information coincide with each other issued by the storage, the storage deleting the first authentication information. |
| US08549635B2 |
Malware detection using external call characteristics
A malware scanner 2, for malware such as computer viruses, worms, Trojans and the like, utilizes the external call characteristics associated with known items of malware to identify the presence of malware within a computer file. Malware written in a high level language when compiled can take a variety of different forms as object code, but these different object code forms will usually share external call characteristics to a sufficient degree to allow the presence of such external call characteristics to properly and accurately generically identify different compiled variants of the source code malware. |
| US08549633B2 |
Security controller
A security controller has first and second read request paths for performing security checking of read requests received from a master device and for controlling issuing of the read request to a safe device. If the first read request path is selected for an incoming read request then the first read request path controls issuing of the read request in dependence on result of the security checking. If the second read request path is selected, then the incoming read request is issued without waiting for a result of the security checking, and tracking data is stored indicating the result of the security checking. When receiving a response to a read request issued using the second read request path, a response path modifies the response to mask read data if the tracking data stored for the corresponding read request indicates that a security violation occurred. |
| US08549628B2 |
Method and apparatus to measure the security of a system, network, or application
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related security evaluation system including one or more of the following: determining, at the security evaluation system, a plurality of security dimensions to be evaluated for the target system; determining a reference value for each of the plurality of security dimensions, wherein each reference value is representative of a minimum target value for the associated security dimension of the target system; evaluating the security of the target system to generate an actual value for each of the plurality of security dimensions; and generating a security index representation that displays the reference value and the actual value of each of the plurality of security dimensions for the target system. |
| US08549627B2 |
Detection of objectionable videos
A video that advertises a particular web site may be a form of video spam. For example, pornographers often advertise their web sites by displaying a link to their web sites in videos, and then placing the videos on video-sharing services. This type of video spam may be detected by analyzing the video for the presence of text and then determining whether the text is a URL. If the text is a URL, the URL may be checked to determine whether it points to an objectionable web site. The determination of whether a URL points to an objectionable web site may be made by comparing the URL with a blacklist and/or whitelist, or by retrieving the URL and analyzing the retrieved content. If a video is found to be an advertisement for an objectionable web site, action may be taken, such as removing the video from a content database. |
| US08549626B1 |
Method and apparatus for securing a computer from malicious threats through generic remediation
A method and apparatus for securing a computer from malicious threats through generic remediation is described. In one embodiment, the method for securing a computer from malicious threats through generic remediation includes processing at least one malicious threat to the computer, wherein the at least one malicious threat is not associated with a specific remediation technique and examining information regarding prior remediation of the at least one malicious threat by at least one computer to determine at least one remediation technique for the at least one malicious threat. |
| US08549624B2 |
Probabilistic shellcode detection
Various embodiments include a method of detecting shell code in an arbitrary file comprising determining where one or more candidate areas exist within an arbitrary file, searching at least one nearby area surrounding each of the one or more candidate areas within the arbitrary file for an instruction candidate, and calculating for any such instruction candidate a statistical probability based on a disassembly of instructions starting at a found offset for the instruction candidate that the disassembled instructions are shellcode. |
| US08549621B2 |
Client apparatus and a method therefor
To limit access to a document according to a plurality of types of access authorities set to the document when a server apparatus for limiting access to the document having a setting of a plurality of types of access authorities to operate the document cannot limit access to the document according to the access authority, an apparatus includes a conversion unit configured to convert a document into a plurality of documents having a setting corresponding to each of the plurality of types of access authorities, and a generation unit configured to merge the plurality of documents formed through conversion by the conversion unit, so as to be handled as one document, to generate one merged document. |
| US08549611B2 |
Systems and methods for classification of messaging entities
Methods and systems for operation upon one or more data processors for assigning a reputation to a messaging entity. A method can include receiving data that identifies one or more characteristics related to a messaging entity's communication. A reputation score is determined based upon the received identification data. The determined reputation score is indicative of reputation of the messaging entity. The determined reputation score is used in deciding what action is to be taken with respect to a communication associated with the messaging entity. |
| US08549609B2 |
Updating firewall rules
A host rule mapping module in a firewall server may receive an update notification from a name server. The update notification may indicate a change to an address associated with a host name of a host machine. In response to receiving the update notification, the host rule mapping module may request a record corresponding to the host name identified in the update notification. The host rule mapping module may receive a contents of the record in response to the request from the name server, and update a firewall rule corresponding to the address identified in the update notification to include the contents of the record. |
| US08549603B2 |
System and method for addressing a unique device from a common address book
A method and system for addressing a unique device from an address book, the method having the steps of: receiving a message having a root token and a secondary token; checking whether the root token exists within the address book, if no, creating a record in the address book with the root and secondary token; and if yes, checking whether the secondary token exists within the address book, if yes, providing a representation of the unique device; and if no, storing the secondary token against the root token in the address book. |
| US08549599B2 |
Fingerprint authentication server, client computer and fingerprint authentication method
A fingerprint authentication server device is disclosed. The fingerprint authentication server device includes a database in which user IDs and the registered fingerprint data of plural users are stored; and a hash value table including user hash values of the user IDs and the registered fingerprint data of the users. The fingerprint authentication server device is configured to receive a hash value of a user ID of a user to be authenticated and a hash value of registered fingerprint data associated with the user ID from a client computer; perform a search in the hash value table to determine whether there are hash values corresponding to the received hash values in the hash value table; and transmit a determination result to the client computer, thereby to cause the client computer to perform a fingerprint authentication process for a user for which correspondence of the hash values has been confirmed. |
| US08549590B1 |
Systems and methods for identity authentication using a social network
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for identity authentication using an social network. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for authenticating an identity of a target person. The method can include determining, from a first system graph, connections between one or more hypothetical identities and a plurality of related entities associated with the one or more hypothetical identities; determining, from a second system graph, one or more real entities associated with the target person; identifying matches comprising common real entities associated with the target person and related entities associated with the one or more hypothetical identities based at least in part on the determined connections; and providing an indication of identity authentication of the target person based at least in part on the identified matches. |
| US08549587B2 |
Secure end-to-end transport through intermediary nodes
A communication network encrypts a first portion of a transaction associated with point-to-point communications using a point-to-point encryption key. A second portion of the transaction associated with end-to-end communications is encrypted using an end-to-end encryption key. |
| US08549586B2 |
System utilizing a secure element
An electronic device includes a receiver configured to receive, from an entity, a request to perform a function. The electronic device also includes a secure element to verify the request to perform the function. The secure element includes hardware programmed with instructions to verify that a security of the secure element has not been breached. The secure element also includes software including instructions to determine an access right for the entity requesting performance of the function, and to perform the function when the hardware verifies that the security of the secure element has not been breached and the access right indicates that the entity is authorized to request performance of the secure function. |
| US08549584B2 |
Physical security triggered dynamic network authentication and authorization
A unified access control component (UACC) can maintain information relating to network access information and physical location information associated with respective users who may access a network that can include network resources (e.g., applications, information). The UACC can cross reference the network access information (e.g., user network access events, credentials, and policy) and physical location information (e.g., user physical access events, credentials, and policy) and can generate and enforce a unified network access policy based on network access information and physical location information associated with a particular user. After network access privileges have been granted to a user, the UACC can continue to monitor the user. The UACC can include a dynamic authentication component that can request a user re-authenticate if a change in the physical location and/or network access associated with the user is detected, such that a re-computation of network access privileges is desired. |
| US08549580B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing software security
A method and apparatus for providing software security is provided. In the software security method, an installation file of software that includes at least one execution file and at least one data file which are stored in a user terminal is executed. Accordingly, at least one virtual execution file corresponding to the at least one execution file and at least one virtual data file corresponding to the at least one data file are installed in a user area of the user terminal, and the at least one execution file, the at least one data file, and a controller for controlling the at least one virtual execution file and the at least one execution file are installed in a security area of the user terminal. |
| US08549575B2 |
Dynamic synchronization of media streams within a social network
A method of synchronizing first and second streams of a multimedia content program is operable for determining a temporal difference indicative of a relative timing between first and second streams of the program, the first stream being provided to a first multimedia processing resource (MPR) and the second stream being provided to a second MPR. The method includes manipulating at least one of the streams to reduce the temporal difference until the temporal difference is less than a predetermined threshold and enabling a viewer of the first stream to interact with a viewer of the second stream regarding the program. Interactions are visually detectable on a first display screen corresponding to the first MPR. |
| US08549570B2 |
Methods and apparatus for managing network resources used by multimedia streams in a virtual pipe
Some embodiments are directed to a method performed by a pipe control node for managing network resources that are used to transport network traffic. The method includes allocating network resources to a virtual pipe for transporting a plurality of multimedia streams through the network. Utilization of the network resources by the plurality of multimedia streams transported through the virtual pipe is monitored relative to the network resources allocated to the virtual pipe. The network resources that are used by the plurality of multimedia streams transported through the virtual pipe are managed in response to the monitored utilization. Some other embodiments are directed to a corresponding pipe control node that manages network resources which are used to transport network traffic. |
| US08549566B2 |
Method of processing non-real time service and broadcast receiver
A method of receiving and processing a Non-Real Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of processing an NRT service in a broadcast receiver includes receiving and processing a signaling information table including detail information of each content in the NRT service and indication information indicating whether the content is available on internet, acquiring internet access information of each file belonging to content available on the internet through File Delivery Table (FDT) of File Delivery over Unidirection Transport (FLUTE) based on the indication information, and downloading files belonging to the content by accessing the internet based on the acquired internet access information. |
| US08549565B2 |
Power balancing signal combiner
Multiple systems for delivering satellite signals are described. An embodiment in accordance with the present invention comprises a receive antenna, including at least one low noise block amplifier (LNB), and a module, coupled to and proximate the receive antenna, the module comprising a multiswitch, coupled to the LNB, for directing the satellite signals received by the LNB to a plurality of outputs of the multiswitch, a plurality of tuners, respectively coupled to the outputs of the multiswitch, for tuning to a plurality of specific portions of the satellite signals in a respective fashion, the specific portions of the satellite signals selected based on commands received from a plurality of receivers, and an interface for delivering the specific portions of the satellite signals to the plurality of receivers, wherein the specific portions of the satellite signals are combined into a single combined signal and delivered to the plurality of receivers on a single output of the interface. |
| US08549564B1 |
Wireless video uplink system that wirelessly broadcasts a network access provider identifier
A wireless access system comprises a base station and a control system. The base station wirelessly broadcasts a pilot signal including a network access provider identifier that identifies a wireless video service. The base station wirelessly receives a wireless video uplink request from a wireless video device in response to the pilot signal. The control system processes reservation data for the base station to determine if the wireless video device has a current wireless video uplink reservation and directs the base station to provide a wireless video uplink to the wireless video device if the wireless video device has the current wireless video uplink reservation. The base station wirelessly receives video data from the wireless video device over the wireless video uplink as directed by the control system. |
| US08549562B2 |
Digital television signal, digital television receiver, and method of processing digital television signal
A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs. |
| US08549561B2 |
TV user interface with recommended content entry in favorites menu
A “recommendation” genus entry is added to the list of other genre in a TV “favorites” menu. Entries in the recommendation genus entry are depicted in a stack and sorted by recommendation strength and channel number. A user can elect to hide the recommendation entry from the favorites menu. |
| US08549557B2 |
Delivering personalized media items to multiple users of interactive television by using scrolling tickers
A system and method of delivering personalized media items to users of an interactive television is disclosed. The system comprises a television terminal, a computing device and a remote control device. The computing device further comprises a set top box. The computing device may be connected to a server through a communication network. The system stores a personal profile for each of its users. Personal mobile devices associated with the users are connected wirelessly to the computing device. Identities of the users may be transmitted from the personal mobile devices to the computing device. Media items are selected based upon the personal profiles according to a predetermined algorithm. Selected media items may be delivered using scrolling tickers displayed on the television terminal. |
| US08549556B2 |
Contextual advertising
A contextual advertising system and method receives video data and multiple advertisements associated with the video data. The system and method identify object content in the received video data and generates a video signal representing the video data. The video signal is communicated to a display device which displays a video image. User interaction with the displayed video image is monitored by the system and method. An advertisement is selected from the multiple received advertisements for display to the user. The advertisement is selected based on the user interaction with the displayed video image and the identified object content in the video data. |
| US08549555B2 |
Interactive product placement system and method therefor
A method for presenting advertisements for commercial products in video productions, whereby the commercial product is placed in the video production as an element of the video production. A viewer is enabled to interact with the video production to select the product. Information is then displayed about the selected product; and the viewer is enabled to purchase the selected product. |
| US08549554B2 |
Dynamic replacement of cinematic stage props in program content
Stage props, such as consumer products, in legacy program content are replaced with dynamically replaceable assets. Such assets can be used for advertising purposes in that images of different products and services can be inserted therein and are changeable via a network. Such assets may be created by identifying props in the content for replacement, determining location and visual effects information for each identified prop, and creating a reference file that includes the content and the location and the visual effects information associated with each identified prop. A value may be determined for each asset or advertisers may bid on the assets to yield additional advertising revenue channel for the content. The content may be played back by broadcasting the content and reference information designating parameters for inserting the assets into the content. Replacement images, such as images of products, may be obtained via a network. The visual appearance of each replacement image may be modified using visual effects information so the inserted objects appear natural as if they were part of the original scene. |
| US08549552B2 |
Methods and apparatus to monitor media exposure in vehicles
Methods and apparatus to monitor media exposure in vehicles are disclosed. An example implementation includes collecting audience measurement data with a media monitoring device fixed in a vehicle and transmitting the audience measurement data from the media monitoring device to a shuttle located within the vehicle, the shuttle being incapable of collecting audience measurement data independent of the media monitoring device. |
| US08549548B2 |
Disc tray for printing device
A disc tray for a printing device includes a driving mover including a first guiding portion; a main body including a disc receiver having a holding portion and a sloping portion connected with each other, a second guiding portion engaged with the first guiding portion, and a third guiding portion, with the driving mover driving the main body by way of the first guiding portion and the second guiding portion to move the main body; and a supporter including a fourth guiding portion engaged with the third guiding portion to allow the fourth guiding portion to move along the third guiding portion. The supporter and the holding portion are used to support a printed disc. When the disc receiver receives the printed disc, the supporter is moved to be veiled under the main body for dropping the printed disc from the sloping portion of the disc receiver. |
| US08549547B2 |
Disk clamping mechanism and disk drive system, with movably supported clamper
A disclosed disk clamping mechanism includes a turntable fixed on a rotational shaft of a spindle motor to rotate a flexible thin optical disk, a stabilizer member configured to suppress a run-out of the flexible thin optical disk by an applying aerodynamic force to the rotating flexible thin optical disk so as to stabilize the run-out of the rotating flexible thin optical disk, and a clamper movably supported in a center of the stabilizer member in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the flexible thin optical disk. In the disclosed disk clamping mechanism, the flexible thin optical disk is sandwiched between the turntable and the clamper such that the turntable and the clamper rotate the flexible thin optical member sandwiched in-between. |
| US08549537B2 |
Middleware bridge system and method
This invention relates to a middleware bridge system, for bridging a kernel space module and a user space middleware having a user space interface, including: a kernel space bridge manager, for providing a kernel space interface to receive function call request from the kernel space module; an user space bridge manager, for bringing a function call relating to the function call request to the user space middleware through the user space interface, and receiving a return data from the user space middleware; wherein the architecture of the kernel space interface is the same with the architecture of the user space interface. The present invention further includes a middleware bridge method thereof. |
| US08549535B2 |
Distributed taskflow architecture
A method, a system and a product are disclosed for executing a taskflow in a distributed taskflow architecture and for providing the latter. In at least one embodiment, the taskflow is generated by interconnecting modular tasks, having a synchronization mechanism in order to be able to execute the taskflow on different processing instances both in an online mode and in an offline mode and in order to allow a change between the modes even during performance of the taskflow. |
| US08549531B2 |
Optimizing resource configurations
Systems and methods for monitoring the performance associated with fulfilling resource requests and determining optimizations for improving such performance are provided. A processing device obtains and processes performance metric information associated with processing a request corresponding to a set of resources. The processing device uses the processed performance metric information to determine a resource configuration to be associated with the set of resources. In making such a determination, the processing device can assess performance metric information collected and associated with subsequent requests corresponding to the content associated with the set of resources and using each of a variety of alternative resource configurations. The processing device may also consider a number of factors. Aspects of systems and methods for generating recommendations to use a particular resource configuration to process a subsequent request corresponding to the content associated with the set of resources are also provided. |
| US08549526B2 |
Access control apparatus and access control method
The disclosed access control apparatus and method controls an I/O device to perform processing of access requests in a predetermined order including inputting access requests from multiple tasks to cause the I/O device to perform file processing, storing and managing information about file priorities, obtaining a file priority corresponding to an access request, managing a queue having multiple queues for which the processing priorities corresponding to the file priorities are set and causing the access request to be stored in any of the queues corresponding to the file priority, and obtaining the access requests stored in the queues in an order based on the processing priorities set for the queues and sends the access requests to the I/O device. |
| US08549525B2 |
Method for tuning service performance of multi-task system and multi-task system thereof
A method for executing a first and a second task in M time units is disclosed. The method includes comparing the priority of the first task and the task. If the first task has a higher priority than the second task, the first task is executed. The first task is then suspended after the first duration, and the second task is executed for a second duration. |
| US08549523B2 |
Performing runtime analysis and control of folding identified threads by assuming context of another thread and executing in lieu of another thread folding tool
A computer program product for performing runtime analysis on and control of a multithreaded computer program. One embodiment of the present invention can include identifying threads of a computer program to be analyzed. Under control of a supervisor thread, a plurality of the identified threads can be folded together to be executed as a folded thread. The execution of the folded thread can be monitored to determine a status of the identified threads. An indicator corresponding to the determined status of the identified threads can be presented in a user interface that is presented on a display. |
| US08549517B2 |
Address assignment method, computer, and recording medium having program recorded therein
An address assignment method includes a first notification step of selecting a range of use of addresses to be assigned to the virtual network interface card from the set of addresses, and notifying another physical machine of the range of use via a network, the first notification step being carried out by the physical machine that creates the virtual machine; a storage step of storing the range of use, the storage step being carried out by the physical machine notified of the range of use at the first notification step; and a second notification step of selecting the range of use of addresses to be assigned to the virtual network interface card in the virtual machine to be created from the set of addresses excluding the stored range of use, and notifying another physical machine of the range of use via the network. |
| US08549516B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling, by a hypervisor, access to physical resources
A system for controlling, by a hypervisor, access to physical resources during execution of a virtual machine includes a physical disk and a hypervisor. The physical disk is provided by a computing device and stores at least a portion of a virtual disk. The hypervisor executes on the computing device. The hypervisor allocates, to the virtual disk, an amount of access to the physical disk. The hypervisor determines that a level of utilization of the physical disk has exceeded a threshold. The hypervisor limits, in response to the determination, access by the virtual disk to the physical disk. |
| US08549510B2 |
Firmware update apparatus and method
The firmware update apparatus is configured so that data required for update is accessible from both of normal firmware and emergency firmware and is provided with a section which sets the next-time boot destination to the emergency firmware during update, a section which saves a file before update into an area originally occupied by an update file, a section which inspects that a file required for booting the normal firmware is not broken or confirms that activation is actually possible from a virtualized environment, during activation of the emergency firmware, a section which restores the state before update by the saved files before update and a new update procedure automatically generated by reversing the contents of operations of the update procedure, and a section which, for each update file, describes a necessary reactivation target in the update procedure. |
| US08549508B2 |
Mechanism for performing instruction scheduling based on register pressure sensitivity
A mechanism for performing instruction scheduling based on register pressure sensitivity is disclosed. A method of embodiments of the invention includes performing a preliminary register pressure minimization on program points during a compilation process of a software program running on a virtual machine of a computer system. The method further includes calculating a register pressure at each of the program points, detecting an instruction to be scheduled, and performing instruction scheduling of the instruction based on a current register pressure at a current scheduling point and potential register pressures at subsequent scheduling points. |
| US08549507B2 |
Loop coalescing method and loop coalescing device
A loop coalescing method and a loop coalescing device are disclosed. The loop coalescing method comprises removing an inner-most loop from among nested loops, so that an outer operation provided outside of the inner-most loop is performed when a condition of a conditional statement is satisfied, generating a guard code by applying an if-conversion method to the conditional statement, and converting a guard by using an instruction calculating the guard of the guard code, the instruction calculating the guard using a register where information related to a period of time corresponding to the number of iterations of the inner-most loop is stored. |
| US08549501B2 |
Framework for generating mixed-mode operations in loop-level simdization
Generating mixed-mode operations in the compilation of program code for processors having vector or SIMD processing units is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, program instructions making up the body of a loop are abstracted into virtual vector instructions. These virtual vector instructions are treated, for initial code optimization purposes, as vector instructions (i.e., instructions written for the vector unit). The virtual vector instructions are eventually expanded into native code for the target processor, at which time a determination is made for each virtual vector instruction as to whether to expand the virtual vector instruction into native vector instructions, into native scalar instructions, into calls to pre-defined library functions, or into a combination of these. A cost model is used to determine the optimal choice of expansion based on hardware/software constraints, performance costs/benefits, and other criteria. |
| US08549498B2 |
Integration of trace selection and trace profiling in dynamic optimizers
Integrated trace selection and profiling in dynamic optimizers may include selecting a trace head based on profile of basic blocks that are executed. The basic blocks executed from the trace head may be recorded as a trace. The trace may be added to a trace nursery in non-compiled state. The trace may be interpreted and profiled until the trace matures. Under a profiling mode, path sensitive runtime information such as values, types, targets of call-sites, and exit frequencies can be collected. The trace may be moved out of the nursery to a compilation queue in response to determining that the trace has matured based on an execution count of the profiled trace. |
| US08549497B2 |
High-level hypermedia synthesis for adaptive web
A process for dynamically generating browser-ready code from a high-level code description of a web page written in a first predefined language having one or more adaptive features and from one or more constraints associated with a request for such browser-ready code. |
| US08549496B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer program product for automatically generating a computer program using consume, simplify and produce semantics with normalize, transpose and distribute operations
A code generator and multi-core framework are executable in a computer system to implement methods as disclosed herein, including a method for the code generator to automatically generate multi-threaded source code from functional specifications, and for the multi-core framework, which is a run time component, to generate multi-threaded task object code from the multi-threaded source code and to execute the multi-threaded task object code on respective processor cores. The methods provide transparency to the programmer, and during execution, provide automatic identification of processing parallelisms. The methods implement Consume-Simplify-Produce and Normalize-Transpose-Distribute operations to reduce complex expression sets in a functional specification to simplified expression sets operable in parallel processing environments through the generated multi-threaded task object code. The result is a code generator which compiles transparent declarative code into multi-threaded code and that in the process identifies and assigns parallel processing paths to improve overall processing performance. |
| US08549495B2 |
Using appropriate level of code to be executed in runtime environment using metadata describing versions of resources being used by code
A method for using an appropriate level of code to be executed in a runtime environment. Code in a non-Java format is translated into a Java source file. During the translation process, metadata is generated from a configuration file where the metadata includes version information of the resources (e.g., JSTL) being used by the code written in the non-Java format. A determination is made as to whether to recompile the non-Java code based on software components, referred herein as “listener components,” determining whether the versions of the resources being used by the non-Java code performs acceptably well in the runtime environment. If a listener component determines that a version of a resource being used is not acceptable, then the non-Java code is recompiled with a newer version of the resource. In this manner, an appropriate level of code is executed by the runtime environment. |
| US08549491B2 |
Apparatus and method for application testing of embedded system
Provided is to an apparatus for application testing of an embedded system which can cross-develop an application program installed in the embedded system regardless of the type of a target system. A virtual environment for testing the application program adopted in the target system is constructed on the basis of information inputted through a user interface and the application program is tested by configuring a virtual target system in the constructed virtual environment. According to the present invention, the application program adopted in the target system can be developed and tested without constructing a cross-development environment for each target system in an environment in which various kinds of embedded systems are developed. |
| US08549490B2 |
Static code analysis for packaged application customization
A method for static code analyzing customizations to a pre-packaged computing solution can include establishing a communicative connection from a recommendation generation module to a pre-packaged computing solution and authenticating into the pre-packaged computing solution. Customized program code can be extracted from the pre-packaged computing solution and a call graph of the customized program code can be constructed such that the call graph indicates method calls to different interfaces for program code of the pre-packaged computing solution. Finally, a report can be generated identifying customized program code to be adapted to a new version of the pre-packaged computing solution based upon changes in the different interfaces shown by the call graph to be used in the new version of the pre-packaged computing solution and modifications required for the customized program code to call the different interfaces in the new version of the pre-packaged computing solution. |
| US08549489B2 |
Computer source code generator
A programming editor and creator allows users with minimal knowledge of a computer language syntax to generate computer source code using a structured rather than freeform process. A predefined command sentence is provided representing at least a portion of a programming command, and includes words, which may be defined as constant or enterable words. Enterable words may be required or optional, and correspond to entry components. Each word may be defined according to word types, including list words, variable list words, variable words, mathematical words, condition words or Boolean words. Enterable words may include repeatable words which may be inserted multiple times within a command to create conditional statements, mathematical equations and string concatenations. Input values are provided for the entry components. The predefined command sentence with the input values is converted to a completed command sentence corresponding to the programming command, which is translated to a target programming language. |
| US08549487B2 |
Automated identification of redundant method calls
Detection of redundant or duplicate method calls in a running program is provided. One or more methods can be selectively called when a program is running. Specified data is collected each time that a call to a given one of the methods occurs, wherein a given call to the given method is associated with a set of arguments comprising one or more particular argument values for the given method. The collected data includes an element uniquely identifying each of the particular argument values. The collected data is stored at a selected location, and a call threshold is selected for the given method, wherein the call threshold comprises a specified number of occurrences of the given call to the given method. The collected data is selectively analyzed at the storage location, to determine whether an occurrence of the given call to the given method has exceeded the call threshold. |
| US08549485B2 |
Method and system for concise expression of optional code snippets in interrepted languages
A method and apparatus for the concise expression of optional code snippets in interpreted object-oriented programming language software applications is described. In one embodiment, the method includes defining a first class where the first class is a concise expression class that includes one or more objects. The method may also include including the concise expression class in a second class that includes one or more objects of the second class. The method may also include executing an expression in a software application to evaluate an object of the second class and returning an instance of an object of the concise expression class when data associated with the object of the second class does not exist within the software application. |
| US08549482B2 |
Displaying subtitles
Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to display subtitles are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes selecting a test script that corresponds to an application, and superimposing a subtitle bar including a test instruction from the test script over a portion of a display of the application within a user interface so that the subtitle bar reduces interference with viewing a region of interest of the display, wherein the test instruction provides an action a user is to perform to test the application. |
| US08549481B2 |
Web-based integrated test and debugging system
A computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product for a web-based integrated test and debugging system is provided. The method includes configuring a proxy widget on a server to communicate with a debug widget on a browser, and configuring the proxy widget to communicate with an integrated development environment (IDE) external to the server. The method also includes running a process on the server associated with one or more process-control widgets on the browser. The method further includes polling the IDE via the proxy widget to access a debug and test infrastructure of the IDE for debug data associated with the process, and relaying the debug data associated with the process from the proxy widget to the debug widget to provide web-based integration of testing and debugging on the browser while the process is running on the server. |
| US08549474B2 |
Method and system for implementing WS-policy
A method and system for implementing WS-Policy is described. In one embodiment, the system includes an API that may be used to call one or more methods for processing a WS policy file. These methods are associated with one or more classes. |
| US08549469B2 |
System and method for specification and implementation of MVC (model-view-controller) based web applications
A system and method for requirement specification for entire MVC (Model-View-Controller) based web applications, by providing processes and artifacts that are suitable for each of the areas of concerns, and cohesively combining them with standard object modeling. Some of the areas provided for include general static as well as the dynamic aspects presentation, web navigation and actions, and view to model data mapping; also provides the system and method to create application for target platforms using the resulting design specification and platform mapping information. |
| US08549464B2 |
Reusing expression graphs in computer programming languages
A reusable expression graph system and method that generates reusable expression graphs that can be used with potentially different input parameters in order to achieve computational efficiency and ease of programming. Reusable expression graph mitigate the need to rebuild an expression for each new value. This is achieved in part by creating a node called a “parameter node.” The parameter node acts as a generic placeholder for a leaf node in the expression graph. In addition, the parameter node acts as a proxy for a bindable term of the leaf node, and the bindable term can be either a value or one or more additional expressions. The parameter node then is bound to the bindable term and the expression is evaluated with that bindable term instead of the placeholder. The parameter node created by embodiments of the reusable expression graph system and method works across many different programming languages. |
| US08549463B2 |
Die expansion bus
A die expansion bus efficiently couples a supplemental portion of a processing system to an original portion of the processing system on a die. The die expansion bus couples bus subsystems of the supplemental portion of the processing system to the bus subsystems of the original portion of the processing system. The original portion of the processing system is arranged to control the data resources of the supplemental portion of the processing system by accessing memory mapped control registers associated with the bus subsystems of the supplemental portion of the processing system. |
| US08549460B2 |
Supplying power to integrated circuits using a grid matrix formed of through-silicon vias
An integrated circuit structure includes a chip including a substrate and a power distribution network. The power distribution network includes a plurality of power through-silicon vias (TSVs) penetrating the substrate, wherein the plurality of power TSVs forms a grid; and a plurality of metal lines in a bottom metallization layer (M1), wherein the plurality of metal lines couples the plurality of power TSVs to integrated circuit devices on the substrate. |
| US08549455B2 |
Methods for cell phasing and placement in dynamic array architecture and implementation of the same
A semiconductor chip is defined to include a logic block area having a first chip level in which layout features are placed according to a first virtual grate, and a second chip level in which layout features are placed according to a second virtual grate. A rational spatial relationship exists between the first and second virtual grates. A number of cells are placed within the logic block area. Each of the number of cells is defined according to an appropriate one of a number of cell phases. The appropriate one of the number of cell phases causes layout features in the first and second chip levels of a given placed cell to be aligned with the first and second virtual grates as positioned within the given placed cell. |
| US08549454B1 |
System and method for automated configuration of design constraints
In one embodiment, a method for propagating design constraints between a module and a module instance in a circuit design is provided. A port of the module and a port/pin of the circuit design are determined, between which constraints are to be propagated. The determination of the port/pin includes determining whether or not pin of the module instance corresponding to the port is directly connected to a top-level port of the circuit design. In response to determining that the pin is directly connected to a top-level port, the top-level port is selected as the port/pin. In response to determining that the pin is not directly connected to the top-level port, the pin is selected as the port/pin. Design constraints are propagated between the port and the selected port/pin. The propagated design constraints are stored in a storage device. |
| US08549449B2 |
Mutual inductance extraction using dipole approximations
Various methods for analyzing mutual inductance in an integrated circuit layout are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, for instance, a circuit description indicative of the layout of signal wires and ground wires in the circuit is received. The signal wires and the ground wires are grouped into at least a first bundle and a second bundle, wherein the first bundle and the second bundle each comprise a respective signal-wire segment and one or more corresponding ground-wire segments. A representative dipole moment is calculated for the first bundle. Using the representative dipole moment, the mutual inductance between the first bundle and the second bundle is calculated. Computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions for causing a computer to perform any of the disclosed methods or storing design databases created or modified using any of the disclosed techniques are also disclosed. |
| US08549440B2 |
System and method for toy adoption and marketing
A method provides a virtual presentation of a product and includes registering at least one registration code for at least one product on a website; after successful registration, viewing a virtual replica of the at least one product on the website, accessing at a least a subset of features on the website that allow user interaction with the virtual replica of the at least one product, and purchasing one or more virtual furnishings for at least one virtual room on the website, in which room said virtual replica is viewable. |
| US08549438B2 |
Split mode command button
Systems and methods for control of a split mode command button are disclosed. The method includes displaying a button to a user, the button including a primary function area incorporating a primary function available for immediate selection and a secondary function area incorporating a drop-down menu of at least one secondary function. The method further includes accepting a selection of a secondary function and executing the secondary function. The method also includes updating the button such that the secondary function is associated with the primary function area and the primary function is associated with the secondary function area and displaying the updated split mode command button to a user. |
| US08549426B2 |
Apparatus and method for configuring an on-screen image in a mobile telecommunication handset upon connection of earphone
Apparatus and a method for configuring an on-screen image in a mobile telecommunications handset making it possible for a multimedia menu to be displayed when a connected earphone is recognized, thereby allowing a user to conveniently select a multimedia application without having to use a keypad for initiating an instruction to perform the multimedia application. |
| US08549424B2 |
System and method for text disambiguation and context designation in incremental search
Methods and systems for text disambiguation and context designation in incremental search are provided. A method for selecting items in response to ambiguous keystrokes entered by a user and unambiguous metadata associated with a previously selected search result includes receiving ambiguous keystrokes, selecting and presenting a first subset of items and metadata associated with the items presented based on the ambiguous keystrokes. The method also includes receiving a selection of one of the items from the user, and, in response to a locking operation received from the user, locking in fixed relation at least one of the ambiguous keystrokes to at least one metadata term associated with the selected item. The method further includes, subsequent to receiving the locking operation, selecting and presenting a second subset of items based at least in part on the locked metadata term, and presenting the second subset of items. |
| US08549419B2 |
Mobile terminal providing graphic user interface and method of providing graphic user interface using the same
A mobile terminal providing a graphic user interface and method of providing a graphic user interface are disclosed. In one embodiment a mobile terminal may comprise a control unit, a touch screen display unit coupled to the control unit, and a memory storing instructions to be executed by the control unit. In one embodiment a method may comprise displaying and then moving one or more icons around the screen of the mobile terminal, detecting a designation of a point on the screen, and executing a predefined action based on a distance from a location of the designated point to a location of at least one of the icons. Another embodiment may detect an application related event, display an indicator icon, and execute a predefined action in response to the event detection. |
| US08549414B2 |
Utilizing social relationship information to discover a relevant active meeting
An active meeting can be identified that occurs in a collaborative environment that is an electronic meeting system. The meeting can be associated with a meeting identifier, a ranking value, and/or a plurality of participants. Relationship information of the participants with regard to a specified entity can be determined. Relationship information can include a social network relationship, presence information, and/or collaboration metadata. A ranking value, which is a numerical or alphanumeric value, for the meeting can be programmatically established based on the relationship information. |
| US08549411B2 |
Method of reactive targeted advertising
In one inventive aspect, a method of reactive targeted advertising provides for display of advertising, via the internet, to computers of users. In a particular example, a plurality of keywords are stored in a memory. The method comprises determining whether one or more of those keywords are used in a web page, and for any keywords determined to be used, an advertisement is selected using those keywords. The advertisement is for display on the computer of the user who is accessing the web page. A request is received for the selected advertisement, and the advertisement is provided, from an advertising server and over the internet, for display on the computer of the user. |
| US08549408B2 |
Multi-functional peripheral and multi-functional peripheral control system
A multi-functional peripheral 21 according to this invention operates in accordance with a web browser software, and includes: a web browser section 5 configured to store cookie information received from a web server section 53 into a setting information database 6; and an apparatus control section 7 configured to manage the cookie information in accordance with a mode set by a verification mode setting section 13. In a case where the mode set by the verification mode setting section 13 is a user verification inactive mode, the apparatus control section 7 discards the cookie information from the setting information database 6 after operation of the web browser section is terminated. |
| US08549407B2 |
Multi-dimensional dynamic visual browsing
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to present a first plurality of visible images indicating a corresponding group of visible element navigation pathways associated with a first level of an online marketplace, receive a selection of one of the first plurality of visual images to provide a selected image, and navigate to a second level of the online marketplace along the visible element navigation pathways by presenting a second plurality of visible images representing one of a super-category including the selected image and a sub-category included in the selected image, wherein the first and second levels form part of at least three levels of visual navigation. Selections may be saved for future manipulation, review, and navigation as a collection of thumbtacked images. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08549400B2 |
Techniques for encoding media objects to a static visual representation
Techniques for encoding a media object are provided. First information is determined from an input media object. Second information is then determined from the input media object. A first visual representation is created based on the first information and a second visual representation is created based on the second information, wherein an output media object is constructed from the first and second visual representations. |
| US08549394B2 |
Apparatus and method for helping in the reading of an electronic message
An apparatus and method are disclosed for determining whether the meaning of a word in an electronic message should be presented to a user, according to a dynamic determination of whether the user knows the meaning of the word. A communication control unit receives a message sent from user A to user B. A morphological analysis unit extracts a word from the message, and a history acquisition unit acquires history information on viewing, usage, or the like of the word by user B. A display determination unit determines whether the meaning of the word should be displayed, according to the acquired history information, the language level of user B, and the difficulty level of the word. The meaning of the word is presented to user B according to the determination result. |
| US08549393B2 |
Generation of electronic forms
A computerized system, method, computer program product, client processing system and/or server processing system for generating electronic forms are disclosed. In particular, the computerized system is configured to obtain selection data indicative of a selected form template including one or more component templates; present a form composition environment including a plurality of components available for composing a form, wherein the plurality of components available includes at least one templated component being a modification of a base component defined by one of the component templates; generate form composition data indicative of a user composing, within the form composition environment, a form composition using at least one of the templated components; and generate the electronic form based upon the form composition data. |
| US08549392B2 |
Customizable spreadsheet table styles
Table styles provide a way to format an entire spreadsheet table quickly and easily. According to described implementations, table styles can be created and customized for repeated use in a spreadsheet application. As a result, a user does not have to manually modify multiple formatting options for each table included in one or more spreadsheets. A graphical user interface is also described that provides simple user access to existing table styles that can be modified according to the user's requirements. |
| US08549390B2 |
Verifying content of resources in markup language documents
A markup element of a markup language document references a resource with a resource indicator. A method for verifying the content of the resource includes extracting a characteristic of the content from the markup element, retrieving a resource according to the resource indicator, and comparing a characteristic of the content of the retrieved resource to the extracted characteristic. A computer readable program for authoring a markup language document when executed on a computer causes the computer to include in a markup element of the markup language document a characteristic of the content of a resource that is referenced by the markup element with a resource indicator. |
| US08549389B2 |
Systems and methods for 1553 bus operation self checking
Systems and methods for 1553 bus operation self checking are provided. In one embodiment, a fault tolerant computer comprises a self-checking processor pair that includes a master processor, a checking processor, and self-checking pair logic; a 1553 bus transceiver; and a device comprising 1553 self-checking logic coupled between the self-checking processor pair and the 1553 bus transceiver, wherein the 1553 self-checking logic manages data communication between the 1553 bus transceiver and the self-checking processor pair. The 1553 self-checking logic includes a primary logic and a secondary logic that operate in lock-step. When the 1553 self-checking logic writes data to the 1553 bus transceiver, the 1553 self-checking logic compares a first 1553 formatted message generated by the primary logic to a second 1553 formatted message generated by the secondary logic, and generates an error indication when the first 1553 formatted message does not match the second 1553 formatted message. |
| US08549387B2 |
System and method of decoding LDPC code blocks
A receiver apparatus comprises a LDPC decoder that can apply an accelerated belief propagation method for iteratively decoding each code block. When the number of iterations reaches a certain threshold value, the accelerated belief propagation method can adjust the initial condition used in each iteration. The initial condition is adjusted so as to enhance the likelihood of convergence in the iterative method. As a result, performance of the decoder and receiver apparatus can be improved. |
| US08549386B2 |
Pre-decoded tail-biting convolutional code decoder and decoding method thereof
A pre-decoded tail-biting convolutional code (TBCC) decoder and a decoding method thereof are provided. The decoder includes a pre-decoder, a storage module, and a control module. The pre-decoder receives a current state, a neighboring state, and a current path status corresponding to sequential data encoded in TBCC, generates predicted decoded bits, and determines whether states corresponding to minimum path metrics of neighboring stages are in continuity according to the current state, the neighboring state, and a current path status. The storage module is connected to the pre-decoder and stores the predicted decoded bits. The control module is connected to the storage module and the pre-decoder. In addition, the control module selects to output the decoded bits from the storage module when the continuity between the states corresponding to the minimum path metrics of the neighboring stages reaches a truncation length. |
| US08549383B2 |
Cache tag array with hard error proofing
A cache memory system includes a cache controller and a cache tag array. The cache tag array includes one or more ways, one or more indices, and a cache tag entry for each way and index combination. Each cache tag entry includes an error correction portion and an address portion. In response to an address request for data that includes a first index and a first address, the cache controller compares the first address to the cache tag entries of the cache tag array that correspond to the first index. When the comparison results in a miss, the cache controller corrects cache tag entries with an error that correspond to the first index using the corresponding error correction portions, and stores at least one of the corrected cache tag entries in a storage that is external to the cache tag array. The cache controller, for each corrected cache tag entry, replays the comparison using the least one of the externally stored corrected cache tag entries. |
| US08549382B2 |
Storage drive with LDPC coding
For storage drives with LDPC encoded data, read techniques are provided whereby an errantly read memory unit (e.g., faulty LDPC codeword) may be recovered. |
| US08549380B2 |
Non-volatile memory error mitigation
Techniques for decoding levels in non-volatile memory. A level of a cell in a multi-bit non-volatile memory is read. A minimum of Log-Likelihood Ratio (LLR) and a modified LLR to decode the level, wherein the modified LLR is a function of a misplacement probability is used. A value corresponding the decoded level is written to a volatile memory. |
| US08549379B2 |
Classifying a criticality of a soft error and mitigating the soft error based on the criticality
Methods and systems mitigate a soft error in an integrated circuit. A map is stored in a memory, and the map specifies a criticality class for each storage bit in the integrated circuit. A mitigative technique is associated with each criticality class. The soft error is detected in a corrupted one of the storage bits. The mitigative technique is performed that is associated with the criticality class specified in the map for the corrupted storage bit. |
| US08549376B1 |
Vector turbo codes
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for error correction utilizing turbo code and signal transmission with error correction utilizing turbo code. A sequence of data is divided into a plurality of elements. Each element is encoded separately in parallel utilizing turbo encoding and decoded separately in parallel utilizing turbo decoding. The encoding and decoding of each element may be performed by an encoder and a decoder dedicated to that respective element. The control mechanism that controls each encoder and decoder may be identical, similar to a SIMD (single instruction, multiple data) architecture, allowing each element to be encoded and decoded separately in parallel utilizing turbo encoding and decoding. The encoding and decoding of each element separately in parallel utilizing turbo encoding and decoding may utilize the same interleaver permutation. |
| US08549369B2 |
Semiconductor-based test device that implements random logic functions
A semiconductor-based test device includes a plurality of testing clusters and a pseudorandom global stimulus source coupled to the testing clusters. Each testing cluster includes a plurality of data registers and logic elements configured to perform random logic functions for generating test data for the plurality of data registers. The pseudorandom global stimulus source generates a pseudorandom binary stimulus for the logic elements. At least some of the plurality of testing clusters are coupled together to support inter-cluster fan-out and fan-in of data register output. |
| US08549366B2 |
Memory refreshing circuit and method for memory refresh
The optimization of a refresh cycle is carried out in harmony with the error occurrence state in the memory with the presence of a normal patrol controlling section controlling a normal patrol operation that patrols the memory; an additional patrol controlling section controlling an additional patrol operation that patrols, if a first error in the memory is detected during the normal patrol operation, an error occurring area in which the first error occurs and which is included in the memory; a measuring section (15) measuring, if a second error is detected in the error occurring area during the additional patrol operation, an error frequency representing information of error in the error occurring area; and a refresh cycle adjusting section adjusting the refresh cycle in accordance with the error frequency measured by the measuring section. |
| US08549364B2 |
Failure detection and recovery of host computers in a cluster
In one or more embodiments of the invention, communication among host agents providing high availability in a computer cluster is implemented by reading and writing to files on a shared data store. Each host agent holds a lock on a file on the shared data store corresponding to a liveness indicator for the host agent and a coordinator host agent periodically monitors the liveness indicators for host failures. |
| US08549354B2 |
Managing rollback in a transactional memory environment
A system and technique for managing rollback in a transactional memory environment is disclosed. The system includes a processor, a transactional memory, and a transactional memory manager (TMM) configured to perform a rollback on the transactional memory. The TMM is configured to, responsive to detecting a begin transaction directive by the processor, detect an access of a first memory location of the transactional memory not needing rollback and indicate that the first memory location does not need to be rolled back while detecting an access to a second memory location of the transactional memory and indicating that a rollback will be required. The TMM is also configured to, responsive to detecting an end transaction directive after the begin transaction directive and a conflict requiring a rollback, omit a rollback of the first memory location while performing rollback on the second memory location. |
| US08549345B1 |
Methods and apparatus for recovering from a failed network interface card
Methods and apparatus for processing a network connection in a computer system including a software network protocol stack and a network interface card including a hardware network protocol stack are disclosed. State information associated with the network connection is provided to or received by the driver associated with the network interface card. The driver provides the state information to the network interface card, thereby enabling the network interface card to process the network connection. In addition, any packet that is processed by the network interface card is also provided to the driver. Since the driver can maintain a copy of the state information and a copy of the data packet, the software network protocol stack can obtain the state information and the data packet from the driver in the event of a failure of the network interface card. |
| US08549342B1 |
Method and apparatus for fine edge control on integrated circuit outputs
A device for adjusting the timing of at least one edge of an output pulse created in response to a reference pulse is disclosed. Such a device may include a first memory circuit having two or more first memory cells and a second memory circuit also having two or more second memory cells. The first memory circuit may be configured to periodically sample the reference pulse at the rising edges of a first sample clock while the second memory circuit may be configured to periodically sample the reference pulse at the falling edges of the first sample clock. A combinatorial logic circuit may also be included to produce the output pulse having at least one adjusted edge based on a set of timing instructions and timing information provided by the first and/or second memory circuits. |
| US08549341B2 |
System and method for reducing latency associated with timestamps in a multi-core, multi-threaded processor
A system and method are provided for reducing a latency associated with timestamps in a multi-core, multi threaded processor. A processor capable of simultaneously processing a plurality of threads is provided. The processor includes a plurality of cores, a plurality of network interfaces for network communication, and a timer circuit for reducing a latency associated with timestamps used for synchronization of the network communication utilizing a precision time protocol. |
| US08549339B2 |
Processor core communication in multi-core processor
Embodiments of the disclosure generally set forth techniques for handling communication between processor cores. Some example multi-core processors include a first set of processor cores in a first region of the multi-core processor configured to dynamically receive a first supply voltage and a first clock signal, a second set of processor cores in a second region of the multi-core processor configured to dynamically receive a second supply voltage and a second clock signal, and an interface block coupled to the first set of processor cores and the second set of processor cores, wherein the interface block is configured to facilitate communications between the first set of processor cores and the second set of processor cores. |
| US08549338B2 |
Low-power data loop recorder
A system and method are disclosed for capturing pre- and post-event data for random events using minimum power. Real-time data is captured and stored in a continuous loop in a segment of a first memory. Upon detection of a designated event, a second memory is powered-on and post-event data is stored to a segment of the second memory. After a designated data capture window, the second memory is powered-off and real-time data is captured in an unused segment of the first memory. The post-event data may be captured in the unused segment of the first memory and later transferred to the second memory. Auto-address logic monitors and controls the storage and retrieval of pre- and post-event in the first and second memory. An energy management system determines and controls which segments of the first and second memory should be powered-on or kept in the stasis mode to store event data. |
| US08549334B2 |
Electric power control support device and electric power control support method
An electric power control support device (101) includes: an electricity consumption receiving unit (102) that receives, from each of devices, operation data indicating a time period during which the device is operating; an electricity consumption history storage unit (103) storing the received operation data; a subordinate-superior relationship determination unit (105) that determines, from the devices, a superior device operating independently and a sub device operating in conjunction with the superior device, based on a temporal position relationship between operating sections temporally overlapping each other; a power-off forgetting determination unit (107) that specifies the sub device operating while the superior device is not operating; and the energy saving support execution unit (108) that supports energy saving for the sub device specified by the power-off forgetting determination unit (107). |
| US08549330B2 |
Dynamic energy management
A computer system with reliable dynamic energy management includes a thread synchronized energy configurator, the thread synchronized energy configurator extending an instruction decoder of the computer system and the thread synchronized energy configurator is disposed to append an energy configuration field including energy configuration bits to pipeline control bits of instructions in the instruction decoder, a thread synchronized dynamic frequency shifter (DFS), the thread synchronized DFS disposed to set control signals indicative of a frequency shift both per thread and per pipeline, and a thread synchronized general purpose register (GPR) super scaler, wherein the GPR super scaler is disposed to optimize thread operation based upon the set control signals. |
| US08549328B2 |
Memory controller, memory system including the same, and method for operating the same
A memory controller includes a first interface unit, a processor, a randomization unit, a state conversion unit, and a second interface unit. The first interface unit exchanges data with an external device, and the processor determines whether to randomize or state-convert the received data. The randomization unit randomizes data received through the first interface unit in response to the processor and generates randomization information in response to the randomization operation. The state conversion unit state-converts data received through the first interface unit in response to the processor and generates conversion information in response to the state conversion operation. The second interface unit receives the randomized data and the randomization information from the randomization unit, receives the state-converted data and the conversion information from the state conversion unit, and exchanges at least one of the randomized data, the randomization information, the state-converted data and the conversion information with a memory. |
| US08549327B2 |
Background service process for local collection of data in an electronic discovery system
Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for a local collection tool that is configured to run as an authorized background service process. As such, the local collection tool of the present invention is capable of being executed in the absence of the device user's credentials. As a result, local collection can be accomplished without the user being present or covertly without the user's knowledge of collection process. Moreover, the back-up file generated by the collection tool may include encrypted data, which can automatically be decrypted by the collection entity through application of a master key. |
| US08549325B2 |
Reducing information leakage between processes sharing a cache
A method of impeding leakage of cache access behavioral information of a section of a sensitive process to an untrusted process, said sensitive and untrusted processes being performed by a processor within a data processing apparatus, said data processing apparatus further comprising at least one cache operable to store information required by said processor while performing said sensitive and untrusted processes, the method comprising the steps of prior to commencing processing of a section of said sensitive process by said processor, evicting information stored in locations of said at least one cache which may otherwise be evicted by said sensitive process loading information that may be required by said section of said sensitive process in said at least one cache; commencing processing of said section of said sensitive process by said processor; switching said processor during processing of said section of said sensitive process to said untrusted process in response to a switching request; on switching back to said section of said sensitive process from said untrusted process, evicting information stored in locations of said at least one cache which may otherwise be evicted by said sensitive process loading information that may be required by said section of said sensitive process in said at least one cache prior to recommencing processing of said section of said sensitive process. |
| US08549322B2 |
Secure data scanning method and system
A method of scanning secure data in a data store is performed in a manner that does not expose the scan data, the files being searched, or information about when matches occur between the scan data and the files. During the scan process, encrypted versions of searched files are compared to encrypted versions of match strings, and any resulting match data is encrypted before being written into a results file. In addition, to disguise when match entries are written, during the scan one or more encrypted dummy items are written into the results file. |
| US08549315B2 |
System and method for generating and managing administrator passwords
A password management system and method for securing networked client terminals and mobile devices is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides a system and method for encrypting randomly generated administrator-level passwords and providing a means for decrypting the randomly generated passwords for single-use unrestricted access to a designated terminal or mobile device. When unrestricted access to the terminal or mobile device is required, the encrypted administrator-level password is decrypted using a shared symmetric key, which is generated during encryption of the administrator password, to reveal the administrator-level password for the terminal or mobile device. The administrator-level password is a single-use password, wherein upon use of the administrator-level password a new administrator-level password may be automatically generated for the corresponding terminal or mobile device. |
| US08549313B2 |
Method and system for integrated securing and managing of virtual machines and virtual appliances
Method and system for the integrated securing and managing of virtual machines and virtual appliances are presented. Sealing the virtual appliance at the computer of a sender, verifying authenticity of the sender at a recipient computer and managing the execution of the VA are performed in a seamless fashion. |
| US08549310B2 |
Method and apparatus for secure measurement certification
The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for acquiring a physical measurement, and for creating a cryptographic certification of that measurement, such that its value and time can be verified by a party that was not necessarily present at the measurement.The certified measurement may also include corroborative information for associating the actual physical measurement process with the certified measurement. Such corroborative information may reflect the internal or external state of the measurement certification device, as well as witness identifiers of any persons that may have been present at the measurement acquisition and certification.The certification may include a signal receiver to receive timing signals from a satellite or other external source. The external timing signals may be used to generate the time included in the certified measurement, or could be used to determine the location of the measurement certification device for inclusion in the certified measurement. |
| US08549304B2 |
System and method for controlled copying and moving of content between devices and domains based on conditional encryption of content key depending on usage state
A system and method is disclosed for allowing content providers to protect against widespread copying of their content, while enabling them to give their customers more freedom in the way they use the content. In accordance with one embodiment, content providers identify their content as protected by watermarking the content. Consumers use compliant devices to access protected content. All of a user's compliant devices, or all of a family's devices, can be organized into an authorized domain. This authorized domain is used by content providers to create a logical boundary in which they can allow users increased freedom to use their content. |
| US08549302B2 |
Downloadable conditional access system, channel setting method and message structure for 2-way communication between terminal and authentication server in the downloadable conditional access system
Provided are a Downloadable Conditional Access System (DCAS), and a channel setting method and a message format for a 2-way communication between a terminal and an authentication server in the DCAS. The DCAS may include: a verification unit to verify an electronic signature and an integrity with respect to a message received from the authentication server; an extraction unit to extract network access information of the authentication server from the message in which the electronic signature and the integrity are verified; and a channel setting unit to set a communication channel with the authentication server based on the extracted network access information. |
| US08549298B2 |
Secure online service provider communication
Computer-readable media, systems, and methods for encrypting communications between a client and an online service provider to ensure the communications are secure. In embodiments an authentication request is received from a user agent associated with the client and the authentication request includes identification information and authentication information. Additionally, it is determined that the identification and authentication information are associated with a user. An authentication ticket is created that includes a user identification and an authentication and indicates to the online service provider that the user is authenticated to access one or more services. Further, a session key is generated and an encrypted session key is embedded into the authentication ticket. The session key is encrypted and the private key is known only to the online service provider and the public key is known at least by an authentication server. |
| US08549295B2 |
Establishing secure, mutually authenticated communication credentials
Establishing secure, mutually authenticated communication between a trusted network and a perimeter network. Servers on the perimeter network may be securely and automatically configured to communicate with the trusted network. Servers not functioning properly may be stopped from communicating with the other servers. Credential information relating to a perimeter server may be automatically, and regularly, updated without intervention. |
| US08549294B2 |
Securing home agent to mobile node communication with HA-MN key
The invention is a new protocol for securing the communication link between the Home Agent and the Mobile Node. A cipher key and an integrity key are generated at a home AAA server and are also generated independently at the Mobile Node. The two keys generated at the home AAA server are transmitted to the Home Agent to secure information packets transmitted between the Mobile Node and the Home Agent. The cipher key and integrity key are used to establish a security association used for information packet transmissions. The cipher key is used to encrypt the information packets, and the integrity key is used to ensure that the contents of the encrypted message are not altered. |
| US08549288B2 |
Dynamic creation and hierarchical organization of trusted platform modules
A trusted platform module is presented that is capable of creating, dynamically, multiple virtual trusted platform modules in a hierarchical organization. A trusted platform module domain is created. The trusted platform module creates virtual trusted platform modules, as needed, in the trusted platform module domain. The virtual trusted platform modules can inherit the permissions of a parent trusted platform module to have the ability to create virtual trusted platform modules themselves. Each virtual trusted platform module is associated with a specific partition. Each partition is associated with an individual operating system. The hierarchy of created operating systems and their privilege of spawning new operating systems is reflected in the hierarchy of trusted platform modules and the privileges each of the trusted platform modules has. |
| US08549287B2 |
Ciphering as a part of the multicast concept
The invention proposes a method for transmitting a message to a plurality of user entities in a network by using a multicast service, comprising the steps of encrypting a multicast message by using ciphering, and sending the encrypted multicast message to the plurality of user entities simultaneously. The invention also proposes a corresponding multicast service control device and a corresponding user entity. |
| US08549285B2 |
Method and apparatus for anonymous IP datagram exchange using dynamic network address translation
Methods, apparatus, system and computer program are provided for concealing the identity of a network device transmitting a datagram having a network layer header. A unique local identifier and broadcast address are determined in accordance with a next-hop address. A partially encrypted network layer header is determined by encrypting a plurality of identifying portions of the network layer header, where one portion of the network layer header is the unique local identifier. The datagram is encapsulated with another network layer header whose address is set to the broadcast address. The encapsulated datagram can be received and detunneled, and an address of a recipient can be extracted from the network layer header. The datagram is then admitted into a network domain. |
| US08549279B1 |
Encryption and tokenization architectures
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for transmitting a character string. Such embodiments provide systems and methods to: (1) store a character string in storage devices; (2) associate a unique token with the character string; (3) associate a sub-string of the character string to identify that the unique token is associated with the character string without revealing the character string; (4) access the character string by using the unique token; and (5) transmit the character string to a device or user requesting the string. In addition, various embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for transmitting a unique token associated with a character string. Such embodiments provide systems and methods to: (1) access the unique token by using the character string; and (2) provide the unique token to a computer device or user requesting the string. |
| US08549275B2 |
Method and apparatus for secure execution using a secure memory partition
A processor capable of secure execution. The processor contains an execution unit and secure partition logic that secures a partition in memory. The processor also contains cryptographic logic coupled to the execution unit that encrypts and decrypts secure data and code. |
| US08549273B1 |
Method and apparatus to present a unique background image on a personal computer display when the computer system is booted from an external drive
A backup system on an external bootable personal computer drive that presents a unique and specific wall paper display on the computer monitor when the operating system residing on the drive is booted when the drive is externally attached to the computer system. The invention is used to make it obvious to the user that the original system drive has been replaced by a cloned or imaged drive. The invention consists of a software program and a graphics file. The software program recognizes the case where the drive it resides on has been booted over an external bus and when that event occurs the software program substitutes a specific graphic file for the normal wall paper file used to display the background on the computer display. |
| US08549272B2 |
Information handling system image management deployment of virtual machine images to physical information handling systems
Images for information handling system manufacture and maintenance are created and managed by manipulating the images as virtual machines through a secure remote network interface, such as a virtual private network or virtual desktop infrastructure. Operating system and application installation and updates, such as service packs and patches, are performed on a virtual machine of the image to adjust the image as desired, and then the image is transformed for loading on physical information handling systems, such as newly manufactured information handling systems or deployed information handling systems in need of maintenance. |
| US08549268B2 |
Computer-implemented method of processing resource management
A computer-implemented method for managing processing resources of a computerized system having at least a first processor and a second processor, each of the processors operatively interconnected to a memory storing a set of data to be processed by a processor, the method comprising: monitoring data accessed by the first processor while executing; and if the second processor is at a shorter distance than the first processor from the monitored data, instructing to interrupt execution at the first processor and resume the execution at the second processor. |
| US08549263B2 |
Counter-based memory disambiguation techniques for selectively predicting load/store conflicts
A memory access management technique is disclosed, one embodiment of which relates to a technique to issue loads to a memory ahead of older store operations corresponding to the same target address. A processor may include load buffer entries having predictor table entries associated therewith, including saturation counters to record history of previous conflicts between loads and stores corresponding to the same target address. A watchdog unit may disable memory disambiguation (MD) if the MD causes too high a misprediction rate for load operation and store operation conflicts. In one embodiment, the MD is disabled if a flush counter value reaches a threshold. |
| US08549258B2 |
Configurable processing apparatus and system thereof
A configurable processing apparatus includes a plurality of processing units, at least an instruction synchronization control circuit, and at least a configuration memory. Each processing apparatus has a stall-output signal generating circuit to output a stall-output signal, wherein the stall-output signal indicates that an unexpected stall is occurred in the processing unit. The processing unit has a stall-in signal, and an external circuit of the processing unit can control whether the processing unit is stalled according to the stall-in signal. The instruction synchronization control circuit generates the stall-in signals to the processing units in response to a content stored in the configuration memory and the stall-output signals of the processing units, so as to determine operation modes and instruction synchronization of the processing units. |
| US08549257B2 |
Area efficient arrangement of interface devices within an integrated circuit
An integrated circuit is disclosed that comprises: a core comprising logic circuitry: a plurality of interface devices for transmitting signals to and from the processing core, the plurality of interface devices comprising two types of interface devices: one type being a power interface device for delivering power to the core; and a second type being a signal interface device for transmitting data signals between the core and devices external to the integrated circuit; wherein the plurality of interface devices are arranged in two rows, an outer row towards an outer edge of the core and an inner row within the outer row closer to a centre of the core the inner row comprising one of the two types of interface devices and the outer row comprising an other of the two types of interface devices. |
| US08549254B2 |
Using a translation lookaside buffer in a multiple stage memory address translation structure to manage protected microcontexts
Embodiments of an invention for using a translation lookaside buffer to manage protected micro-contexts are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an interface and memory management logic. The interface is to perform a transaction to fetch information from a memory. The memory management logic is to translate an untranslated address to a memory address. The memory management logic includes a storage location, a series of translation stages, determination logic, and a translation lookaside buffer. The storage location is to store an address of a data structure for the first translation stage. Each of the translation stages includes translation logic to find an entry in a data structure based on a portion of the untranslated address. Each entry is to store an address of a different data structure for the first translation stage, an address of a data structure for a successive translation stage, or the physical address. The determination logic is to determine whether an entry is storing an address of a different data structure for the first translation stage. The translation lookaside buffer is to store translations. |
| US08549241B2 |
Method and system for frequent checkpointing
A virtualization platform provides fault tolerance for a primary virtual machine by continuously transmitting checkpoint information of the primary virtual machine to a collector process, such as a backup virtual machine. When implemented on a hardware platform comprising a multi-processor that supports nested page tables, the virtualization platform leverages the nested page table support to quickly identify memory pages that have been modified between checkpoints. The backup virtual machine provides feedback information to assist the virtualization platform in identifying candidate memory pages for transmitting actual modifications to the memory pages rather than the entire memory page as part of the checkpoint information. The virtualization platform further maintains a modification history data structure to identify memory pages that can be transmitted simultaneous with the execution of the primary virtual machine rather than while the primary virtual machine has been stunned. |
| US08549239B2 |
Network message logging and archival
A method includes receiving a message to be logged. In response to receiving the message, the message is written to a stream corresponding to an active archive. The active archive includes compressed messages. Also in response to receiving the message, the message is written to an active log without compression. |
| US08549238B2 |
Maintaining a timestamp-indexed record of memory access operations
A memory management system determines a timestamp for a memory access operation that accesses a block of data, and uses the timestamp to access a timestamp-indexed record. The timestamp-indexed record includes a plurality of record arrays, each of which corresponds to a different time range, and includes one or more record entries of a different array-specific time duration. The system selects a record entry that indicates a time range associated with the timestamp, and that indicates an amount of memory accessed during the indicated time range. The system then updates the selected record entry to account for the memory size of the block of data. |
| US08549237B2 |
Method and apparatus for use in data transfer
Apparatus for use in transferring data to or from a plurality of storage media, comprises means for identifying a most recently written to data storage media of said plurality of data storage media. |
| US08549235B2 |
Method for detecting address match in a deeply pipelined processor design
A method, apparatus and algorithm for quickly detecting an address match in a deeply pipelined processor design in a manner that may be implemented using a minimum of physical space in the critical area of the processor. The address comparison is split into two parts. The first part is a fast, partial address match comparator system. The second part is a slower, full address match comparator system. If a partial match between a requested address and a registry address is detected, then execution of the program or set of instructions requesting the address is temporarily suspended while a full address match check is performed. If the full address match check results in a full match between the requested address and a registry address, then the program or set of instructions is interrupted and stopped. Otherwise, the program or set of instructions continues execution. |
| US08549227B2 |
Multiprocessor system and operating method of multiprocessor system
According to one aspect of embodiments, a multiprocessor system includes a cache memory corresponding to each of the processors, a hierarchy setting register in which the hierarchical level of each cache memory is set, an access control unit that controls access between each cache memory. The hierarchical level of the cache memory for each processor is stored in a rewritable hierarchy setting register. Each processor handles a cache memory corresponding to another processor as the cache memory having a deeper hierarchy than the cache memory corresponding to the each processor. As the result, each processor can access all the cache memories, and therefore the efficiency of cache memory utilization can be improved and the hierarchical level can be set so that the latency becomes optimal for each application. |
| US08549225B2 |
Secondary cache for write accumulation and coalescing
A method for efficiently using a large secondary cache is disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, such a method may include accumulating, in a secondary cache, a plurality of data tracks. These data tracks may include modified data and/or unmodified data. The method may determine if a subset of the plurality of data tracks makes up a full stride. In the event the subset makes up a full stride, the method may destage the subset from the secondary cache. By destaging full strides, the method reduces the number of disk operations that are required to destage data from the secondary cache. A corresponding computer program product and apparatus are also disclosed herein. |
| US08549219B1 |
Preventing hard drive failure and data loss due to vibration
A method to prevent data loss includes monitoring a vibration from a computer rack and, when the vibration is harmful to a hard disk drive in the computer rack, moving data in transition to the hard disk drive to another hard disk drive, spinning down the hard disk drive, and sending an alarm. The method further includes, after the vibration is no longer harmful to the hard disk drive, spinning up the hard disk drive, moving the data from the other hard disk drive to the hard disk drive, and clearing the alarm and adding an event to an alarm history. |
| US08549218B2 |
Low cost implementation for small content-addressable memories
A content-addressable memory (CAM) for managing the reallocation of erasable objects within a non-volatile memory is conceptually separated into two tables: a first table provides verification of whether or not a logical address has been reallocated and, if so, a second table provides the physical address of the reallocated erasable object. |
| US08549217B2 |
Spacing periodic commands to a volatile memory for increased performance and decreased collision
A periodic command spacing mechanism is provided for spacing periodic commands (e.g., refresh commands, ZQ calibration, etc.) to a volatile memory (e.g., SDRAM, DRAM, EDRAM, etc.) for increased performance and decreased collision. In one embodiment, periodic command requests are monitored and if a collision is detected between two or more of the requests, the colliding requests are spaced with respect to one another by a timer offset applied on a chip select basis. The periodic command spacing mechanism may be used in conjunction with command arbitration to make sure the periodic commands are executed without significantly impacting performance (e.g., Reads and Writes are allowed to flow). Preferably, the periodic command requests are initialized by generating an initial sequence of individual requests, each successive request in the initial sequence being generated spaced apart with respect to the previous request by a timer offset applied on a chip select basis. |
| US08549213B2 |
Nonvolatile storage device, access device and nonvolatile storage system
A nonvolatile storage device includes a nonvolatile memory that stores data and a memory controller that controls the nonvolatile memory. The memory controller accepts a pause instruction to pause writing from the access device within a period in which data from the access device are written, and writes the data received from the access device to the nonvolatile memory within a predetermined time interval, then pauses the writing and accepts read and/or write of new data from the access device. |
| US08549212B2 |
Flash storage device and operation method thereof
The invention provides a flash storage device. In one embodiment, the flash storage device comprises a flash memory and a controller. The flash memory comprises a plurality of blocks, wherein each of the plurality of blocks comprises a plurality of pages for storing data, and each of the plurality of pages has a physical address. The controller divides a plurality of logical addresses into a plurality of logical address ranges, records a plurality of partial link tables respectively storing a mapping relationship between logical addresses of a corresponding logical address range and corresponding physical addresses, stores the partial link tables in the flash memory, combines the partial link tables to obtain a link table, and converts logical addresses sent by a host to physical addresses according to the link table. |
| US08549210B2 |
Mirroring virtual machines from a primary host to a secondary host
A system and computer program product for mirroring virtual machines from a primary host to a secondary host. The system includes a processor tracking changes for each of a plurality of memory pages and processor states for one or more primary host virtual machines. Responsive to an occurrence of a checkpoint, the primary host virtual machines are stopped. A determination is made if each of the memory pages is frequently changed. In response to the memory page being frequently changed, the frequently changed memory page is marked as being writeable and copied to a buffer. In response to the memory page being infrequently changed, the infrequently changed memory page is marked as being read only. The one or more primary host virtual machines are resumed. A copy of the memory pages, the buffer and changes to the processor states are transmitted to the secondary host. |
| US08549209B2 |
Bridging device having a configurable virtual page size
A composite memory device including discrete memory devices and a bridge device for controlling the discrete memory devices. The bridge device has memory organized as banks, where each bank is configured to have a virtual page size that is less than the maximum physical size of the page buffer. Therefore only a segment of data corresponding to the virtual page size stored in the page buffer is transferred to the bank. The virtual page size of the banks is provided in a virtual page size (VPS) configuration command having an ordered structure where the position of VPS data fields containing VPS configuration codes in the command correspond to different banks which are ordered from a least significant bank to a most significant bank. The VPS configuration command is variable in size, and includes only the VPS configuration codes for the highest significant bank being configured and the lower significant banks. |
| US08549208B2 |
Cache memory having enhanced performance and security features
A cache memory having enhanced performance and security feature is provided. The cache memory includes a data array storing a plurality of data elements, a tag array storing a plurality of tags corresponding to the plurality of data elements, and an address decoder which permits dynamic memory-to-cache mapping to provide enhanced security of the data elements, as well as enhanced performance. The address decoder receives a context identifier and a plurality of index bits of an address passed to the cache memory, and determines whether a matching value in a line number register exists. The line number registers allow for dynamic memory-to-cache mapping, and their contents can be modified as desired. Methods for accessing and replacing data in a cache memory are also provided, wherein a plurality of index bits and a plurality of tag bits at the cache memory are received. The plurality of index bits are processed to determine whether a matching index exists in the cache memory and the plurality of tag bits are processed to determine whether a matching tag exists in the cache memory, and a data line is retrieved from the cache memory if both a matching tag and a matching index exist in the cache memory. A random line in the cache memory can be replaced with a data line from a main memory, or evicted without replacement, based on the combination of index and tag misses, security contexts and protection bits. User-defined and/or vendor-defined replacement procedures can be utilized to replace data lines in the cache memory. |
| US08549205B1 |
Providing a consolidated sideband communication channel between devices
In an embodiment, the present invention includes a protocol stack having a transaction layer and a link layer. In addition a first physical (PHY) unit is coupled to the protocol stack to provide communication between a processor and a device coupled to the processor via a physical link, where the first PHY unit is of a low power communication protocol and includes a first physical unit circuit. In turn, a second PHY unit is coupled to the protocol stack to provide communication between the processor and the device via a sideband channel coupled between the multicore processor and the device separate from the physical link, where the second PHY unit includes a second physical unit circuit. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08549202B2 |
Interrupt source controller with scalable state structures
A data processing system includes a processor core, a system memory, coupled to the processor core, that includes an interrupt data structure including a plurality of entries each associated with a respective one of a plurality of interrupts. An input/output (I/O) subsystem including at least one I/O host bridge and a plurality of partitionable endpoints (PEs) each having an associated PE number. The I/O host bridge, responsive to receiving a message signaled interrupt (MSI) including at least a message address, determines from the message address a system memory address of a particular entry among the plurality of entries in the interrupt data structure, accesses the particular entry, and, based upon contents of the particular entry, validates authorization of an interrupt source to issue the MSI and presents an interrupt associated with the particular entry for service. |
| US08549198B2 |
Communication protocol
One aspect relates to a communication protocol for communicating between one or more entities, such as devices, hosts or any other system capable of communicating over a network. Another aspect relates to a system architecture that permits more than one slave system (e.g., a slave device) to be connected to a master system (e.g., a master device) in a communication system implementing a master/slave protocol. In one aspect, a pass-through device is provided that facilitates communication and authentication to one or more downstream slave devices. Yet another aspect relates to a star-based configuration of slave devices coupled to the master, and protocols for communicating and authenticating slave devices. Another aspect relates to a protocol that allows communication between entities without a priori knowledge of the communication protocol. In such a protocol, for example, information describing a data structure of the communication protocol is transferred between communicating entities. Further, an authentication protocol is provided for providing bidirectional authentication between communicating entities. In one specific example, the entities include a master device and a slave device coupled by a serial link. In another specific example, the communication protocol may be used for performing unbalanced transmission between communicating entities. |
| US08549195B2 |
Communication apparatus and method in PLC
Disclosed is a communication apparatus and method in a programmable logic controller (PLC). In a communication method, a micro processing unit (MPU) decides whether or not an interrupt signal is generated. When it is decided that the interrupt signal has been generated, the MPU communicates with an external programming and debugging tool (PADT). |
| US08549193B2 |
Data transmission method, device and system
A data transmission method is provided, which includes: obtaining a current queue length of a queue corresponding to an output port; when the current queue length meets a back-pressure requirement, determining a back-pressure priority corresponding to the current queue length according to the current queue length and a mapping relationship between a preset queue length and the back-pressure priority, and generating back-pressure information, where the back-pressure information inhibits a line card from sending data with a data priority less than or equal to the back-pressure priority to the output port; and sending the back-pressure information to a line card. |
| US08549192B2 |
Stream data control server, stream data control method, and stream data controlling program
A stream data control server includes: a processable flow rate managing unit which manages a processable flow rate corresponding to an amount of data per unit time, which can be processed in each of storage units serving as storing destinations; a classified data flow rate managing unit which manages a data flow rate corresponding to an amount of data processed per unit time for each class of data to which a data priority is attached; and a storing destination control unit which controls the storing destinations of respective data based upon the processable flow rate of each of the storage units and the data flow rate for each class in such a manner that the data having higher data priorities are stored in the storage units having higher priorities within a range of the processable flow rate of each of the storage units. |
| US08549191B2 |
Method and apparatus for SATA hot unplug
A method and apparatus are provided for serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) hot unplug. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting a connection of a SATA storage device to a SATA host interface by monitoring physical (PHY) layer signals derived from SATA communication terminals, by a controller of the host interface. The detection being based on phase locked loop (PLL) response of the PHY layer signals. The method further includes detecting disconnection of the SATA device based on the PLL response and outputting a notification, by the controller, when the PLL response indicates that the SATA device has been disconnected. |
| US08549188B2 |
Electronic device with main microcomputer and sub microcomputer
The present invention discloses an electronic device having a main microcomputer that controls some functions of the electronic device, and a sub microcomputer that executes a process according to an operation input from an external device by using a control program. The sub microcomputer has a first memory that stores plural control programs respectively corresponding to each different specification of the electronic device. The main microcomputer has a second memory that stores specification information to specify the electronic device and sends a selection instruction of the specification to the sub microcomputer based on the specification information stored in the second memory. The sub microcomputer selects the control program corresponding to the specification indicated by the selection instruction from the plural control programs stored in the first memory and then executes a process according to the selected control program. |
| US08549186B2 |
System and method for sharing a device across operating systems
A system for sharing a device across a plurality of operating systems is provided. The system includes a sharable bit in the namespace for identifying whether the device is sharable. The system further includes one or more operating systems that are adapted to recognize the sharable bit. |
| US08549185B2 |
Facilitating transport mode input/output operations between a channel subsystem and input/output devices
A computer program product is provided for performing an input/output (I/O) processing operation at a host computer system. The computer program product is configured to perform: obtaining a transport command word (TCW) at a channel subsystem for an I/O operation, the TCW including an address of a transport command control block (TCCB) having a transport command area (TCA) configured to hold a first plurality of device command words (DCW) and control data associated with respective DCWs, the first plurality of DCWs including a transfer TCA extension (TTE) DCW that specifies a TCA extension, the TCA extension configured to hold one or more DCWs and control data associated with respective DCWs; gathering the TCCB from one or more locations specified in the TCCB address and transferring the TCCB to the control unit; gathering the TCA extension specified by the TTE DCW; and transferring the TCA extension to the control unit. |
| US08549182B2 |
Store/store block instructions for communicating with adapters
Communication with adapters of a computing environment is facilitated. Control instructions specifically designed for communicating data to and from adapters are provided to facilitate the communication. The instructions explicitly target the adapters. Information provided in an instruction is used to steer the instruction to an appropriate location within the adapter, such as a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) or Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) adapter. |
| US08549180B2 |
Optimizing access to federation infrastructure-based resources
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing access to federation infrastructure-based resources. Various different layers within a federation infrastructure can signal location change events indicating the hosting location and/or access location for a resource is to be optimized. In response to a location change event, redirection information for accessing the resource is updated within the federation infrastructure. The redirection information is used to redirect resource access requests to appropriately optimized locations within the federation infrastructure. Redirecting resource access requests reduces communication within the federation infrastructure. |
| US08549179B2 |
Collaborative state machine framework for use in a communication network
An apparatus for use in a communication network comprises a state machine capable of transitioning between a plurality of states. The plurality of states comprises at least two concurrent states. The state machine operates in the at least two concurrent states concurrently. Each of the concurrent states may be associated with a task. At least a portion of the task associated with one of the concurrent states may be performed concurrently with at least a portion of the task associated with another of the concurrent states when the state machine operates in the concurrent states. |
| US08549175B2 |
Methods and apparatus for adaptively scheduling a finger stabilization algorithm
Methods and apparatus for adaptively scheduling a finger stabilization algorithm. A method is provided that includes comparing first and second finger determinations associated with a node, increasing a time interval between executions of a finger stabilization algorithm if differences between the finger determinations satisfy a first criteria, and decreasing the time interval between executions of the finger stabilization algorithm if differences between the finger determinations satisfy a second criteria. An apparatus is provided that includes a processor configured to compare first and second finger determinations associated with a node, and a timer coupled to the processor and configured to increase a time interval between executions of a finger stabilization algorithm if differences between the finger determinations satisfy a first criteria, and decrease the time interval between executions of the finger stabilization algorithm if the differences between the finger determinations satisfy a second criteria. |
| US08549173B1 |
User-space resource management
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for user-space resource management are described. In one aspect, a method includes receiving in a user memory space kernel resource information from a kernel executing in a kernel memory space, the kernel resource information identifying one or more kernel items in the kernel memory space that depend on kernel resources. The method further includes evaluating one or more resource management policies for one or more of the kernel items. The resource management polices are stored in the user memory space. The method further includes selecting a kernel item to be modified based on the evaluation in order to release some or all of the kernel resources, and communicating a request for modification of the selected kernel item to the kernel. |
| US08549167B2 |
Just-in-time transcoding of application content
The techniques discussed herein contemplate improved methods and systems for transcoding application content to minimize latency in just-in-time conversion of application formats. In embodiments, a target client device requests application content of a particular format from a content provider. If the content provider does not have a local copy of the requested format, the content is split to multiple segments and a first high-priority segment is identified. This first segment is converted using a dedicated high-performance computing unit and transmitted with minimal latency to the target client device for immediate rendering. Concurrently, remaining segments of the content are converted in multiple lower performance computing units and fed into the target client device. By ensuring that at least a first segment of the application is available for immediate rendering while other segments are converted, the transcoding application minimizes latency delay in rendering of the application in the target device. |
| US08549163B2 |
Passive parameter based demographics generation
A method for characterizing website visitors based on visitor passive parameters and using the characterization to select and/or market website content. The passive visitor parameters include data in the browser agent, time of a website visit, IP address, etc. Such visitor passive parameters are available each time a visitor visits a website. In a first step, a first embodiment of the method anonymously compares the visitor passive parameters with known demographics, for example, at financial websites, to create a statistical mapping between the visitor passive parameters and the demographics. In a second step, the mapping is used to estimate demographics data for future website visitors and then site content provided to the future website visitors is based on the estimated demographics. |
| US08549162B2 |
Image forming apparatus having web service functions
The object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can transmit and receive data without any process part of an application corresponding to various communication protocols and easily add a communication protocol and an application. An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes connection request mediation means for, in response to a connection notice from a plurality of communication protocol daemons to transmit and receive data in accordance with respective different communication protocols, mediating connection instead of the communication protocol daemons by informing the application that a connection request is provided to the communication protocol daemons and a shared memory being used for delivery of received data and transmitted data between the application and the plurality of communication protocol daemons and being shared by the communication protocol daemon. |
| US08549161B2 |
Data communication method and data carrier therefor
The invention relates to a method for the data communication between a portable data carrier (10) and an external communication device, which both in each case comprise a TCP/IP protocol stack (24). In a first step the communication device sends communication data to the data carrier (10), the communication data comprising at least commands according to an Internet protocol of the application layer of the TCP/IP reference model and commands in the form of APDUs according to ISO/IEC 7816-4. The method additionally comprises the steps of transmitting the communication data between the communication device and the data carrier (10), of receiving the communication data by the data carrier (10) and of separating the received APDUs and the received Internet protocol commands from each other by means of the allocator unit (32) of the data carrier (10). Here, the mentioned commands are transmitted by means of TCP/IP and the allocator unit (32) separates the APDUs and the Internet protocol commands not until above the transport layer of the TCP/IP reference model. This permits the APDUs and the Internet protocol commands transmitted together with said APDUs in a joint TCP/IP data stream to be separated from each other in a simple fashion. |
| US08549160B2 |
Personal media relay for rebroadcasting streaming data
A Personal Media Relay (PMR) is used to retransmit data in a system for point-to-point data streaming over a TCP/IP network. It is “Personal” because it is downloadable by end-users will onto their own personal computers (PCs) in order to help their other devices (e.g. a mobile device) send or receive data. The user installs the PMR, which is a software application, onto a personal computer (PC) that is perhaps more powerful and accesses higher Internet bandwidth than the Sender. Subsequently, the user streams data from the Sender to the PMR, which resends the live streaming data to potentially many Viewers. During PMR installation and configuration, users are given the option of allowing others to utilize their PMR as well for rebroadcasting streaming data. |
| US08549156B1 |
Method and apparatus for sharing a stored video session
A method and apparatus for enabling a user to invite one or more participants in a SoIP network to join a shared video session hosted by the user are disclosed. The present method allows a user to order and store video selections in the network that the user can access later using a personal password. In one embodiment, for all the other users who are invited to join the shared video session, the network provides another one time password that the invited users can use to access the shared video session. |
| US08549155B2 |
Method and arrangement for enabling multimedia communication with a private network
A method and arrangement for enabling access to a home device in a private network from a remote device located outside the private network. The private network includes a multimedia gateway connected to a multimedia service network. A session invite message is sent from the remote device to the multimedia gateway. In response, connection parameters of a residential gateway in the private network are sent to the remote device, which are associated with the selected home device if a home device identification was included in the received message, or with a proxy function in the multimedia gateway capable of providing home device information, if no such identification was included in the received message. In this way, home devices in the private network can be easily and safely accessed remotely. |
| US08549154B2 |
Recovering stateful read-only database sessions
A process, apparatus, and computer-readable medium are provided for rebuilding a database session when a previous database session becomes unavailable and the commands previously sent for execution on the previous database session satisfy certain criteria. The process includes determining whether or not a set of commands sent by a client for execution on the previous database session is acceptable to replay based at least in part on whether or not the set of commands satisfies one or more criteria. The process further includes determining that the previous database session is unavailable. In response to determining that the previous database session is unavailable, if the set of commands is acceptable for replay, the set of commands is sent for execution on a new database session to rebuild the state on the new database session. The process masks the outage from the application. |
| US08549153B2 |
Method and device of session control
A method and device of session control are used to resolve the problem that when there is a failure in the session control function bound with the user, the UE can not re-login in time or the session can not be continued. In the flow of the user initial login, an address information of P-CSCF bound with the user in HSS is saved, so that when the user is called, an available S-CSCF can get the address information of P-CSCF bound with the called user from the HSS, and inform the user to do re-initial login according to the address information of P-CSCF or complete the session continuation; further, the address information of the user in D-HSS is saved, so that when the user is called, an available A-CSCF can get the address information of the called user from the D-HSS, and inform the user to do re-initial login according to the address information of the called user or complete the session continuation. |
| US08549152B2 |
System and method for TCP/IP offload independent of bandwidth delay product
A network interface device may include an offload engine that receives control of state information while a particular connection is offloaded. Control of the state information for the particular connection may be split between the network interface device and a host. The at least one connection variables may be updated and provided to the host. |
| US08549150B1 |
Fractional redundant distribution of media content
A method and system for a client device to download media content directly from a group of other client devices which play a role of edge servers placed by a content service provider. According to some embodiments, an end user can use his/her client device to stream or download media content from the source client devices selected based on the geographic locality, network topology, etc. The fractions of data corresponding to a portion of media content are stored on the source client devices such that only a subset of the fractions of data are needed to recreate the corresponding portion. That is, by using the first received of the minimum number of fractions to reconstruct each portion of media content, the system does not need to wait for the slowest fractions to arrive, which contributes in reducing latency. |
| US08549145B2 |
Pre-access location-based rule initiation in a virtual computing environment
Methods, systems, and devices are described for updating resource access permissions in a virtual computing environment. In these methods, systems, and devices, a host computer system determines that a user associated with an existing session has moved from a first location to a second location, identifies at least one pre-access rule based on the second location, applies the at least one pre-access rule to the existing session before authenticating the user for access to the existing session in response to the determination that the user has moved to the second location, and authenticates the user at the second location for access to the existing session after the at least one pre-access rule has been applied to the existing session. |
| US08549141B1 |
User tracking without unique user identifiers
A computer memory attached to a user computer system that is used by a user is described. The memory contains an advertising characterization data structure that can be used to select advertising for the user. The data structure contains a identifier passed to the user computer system by a remote computer system. The identifier is mapped by a dictionary that is resident on the remote computer system to a set of actions performed by the user. |
| US08549139B2 |
Method and system for monitoring control signal traffic over a computer network
A system and method is provided for detecting, tracking and/or blocking control signal attacks, which can occur between local computer systems and/or between remote computer systems, network links, and/or routing systems over a computer network. The system includes a router monitor adapted to receive a plurality of control signals and related information from the computer network and to process the plurality of control signals and related information to detect one or more control signal anomalies. The router monitor is further adapted to generate a plurality of alert signals representing the one or more control signal anomalies. The system further includes a controller that is coupled to the router monitor and is adapted to receive the plurality of alert signals from the router monitor. The controller is constructed and arranged to respond to the plurality of alert signals by tracking attributes related to the one or more control signal anomalies to at least one source, and to block the one or more control signal anomalies using a filtering mechanism executed in close proximity to the at least one source. |
| US08549126B2 |
Application level broadcast in peer overlay network
A broadcast message may be initiated or received at a peer node. The node obtains an uplink bandwidth available for broadcasting the message over the network and a number of copies that can be broadcast based on the available bandwidth. The node determines a range of key values for finger nodes that should receive copies of the broadcast message from a finger table. The finger table entries include references to finger nodes and key values associated with the finger nodes. The node determines which other nodes should receive copies of the broadcast message from range of key values and the number of copies. The node also determines an End ID for each recipient node. A copy of the broadcast message and corresponding End ID is sent to a finger node if the finger node's key value is within a range of key values specified by the End ID. |
| US08549119B1 |
Error handling for device management configuration and operational data retrieval commands
An example network management device includes a network management module, and a reconstruction module. The network management module is configured to generate a data retrieval command to direct a managed device to retrieve a set of management variables stored within a database within the managed network device and send the data retrieval command to the managed device. The reconstruction module is configured to receive a plurality of partial responses generated by a deconstruction module of the managed device in response to receiving the data retrieval command and determining that the set of management variables does not fit in a single response, and combine the received plurality of partial responses into the requested set of management variables, wherein each of the plurality of partial responses is received as a separate message from the managed network device and includes a different portion of the requested set of management variables. |
| US08549118B2 |
Updating a domain name server with information corresponding to dynamically assigned internet protocol addresses
A computer implemented method includes receiving a broadband connection request from a remote computing device at a broadband service provider access device. The broadband connection request includes a broadband subscriber identifier. The computer implemented method includes dynamically assigning an Internet Protocol (IP) address to the remote computing device in response to receiving the broadband connection request. The computer implemented method also includes sending a message to a domain name server to update a record that includes a domain name associated with the broadband subscriber identifier to include the IP address assigned to the remote computing device. |
| US08549117B2 |
Method for address translator traversal in 3GPP networks
In response to an ACTIVATE PACKET DATA PROTOCOL (PDP) CONTEXT REQUEST message from a host, including a global reachability request option that requests a global IP address and a global port to be allocated to the host, a serving gateway transmits a CREATE PDP CONTEXT REQUEST message to an Internet gateway device. The CREATE PDP CONTEXT REQUEST message includes the global reachability request option. In response to a CREATE PDP CONTEXT RESPONSE message from the Internet gateway, where the CREATE PDP CONTEXT RESPONSE message includes a global reachability response option specifying therein a global IP address and a global port allocated to the host, the serving gateway transmits an ACTIVATE PDP CONTEXT ACCEPT message to the host, where the ACTIVATE PDP CONTEXT ACCEPT message includes the global reachability response option. As a result, the host does not need to establish a separate connection session to the Internet gateway device to acquire the same. |
| US08549109B2 |
Portable terminal, information processing apparatus, content display system and content display method
A portable terminal includes a receiving unit which receives content information, an external device communication unit which conducts communication with an external information device, a display unit which displays the content information received by the receiving unit, an acquiring unit which acquires identification information identifying the content information displayed by the display unit, an operation unit which receives an operation indication from a user, and a control unit which conducts control such that if a transmission indication of the identification information is received by the operation unit while the content information is being displayed, the identification information acquired by the acquiring unit is transmitted to the external information device and the display of the content information by the display unit is terminated. |
| US08549106B2 |
Leveraging remote server pools for client applications
Techniques for enabling client computing devices to leverage remote server pools for increasing the effectiveness of applications stored on the client computing device are described herein. In some instances, the server pools comprise a “cloud”, “cluster” or “data center” that comprises hundreds or thousands of servers connected together by a network that has an extremely low latency and high bandwidth relative to the network through which the client computing device connects to the server pool. The client computing device may request that the server pool perform a certain task for an application whose canonical state resides on the client. After computation of a result of the task, a server of the server pool then provides the result to the client. By doing so, the techniques dramatically increase the amount of resources working on the request of the client and, hence, dramatically increase the speed and effectiveness of the client-side application. |
| US08549104B2 |
System and method for managing access to a resource
A server system includes a processor and a data structure having an entry for a resource, the entry including a first sequence number. The server has communication procedures for receiving a request from a client to access the resource, where the request includes a second sequence number obtained from a service, and a resource request handling program. Upon receiving the request, the resource request handling program determines whether the server has any record of having previously received a request to access the resource. If not, the server returns a provisional rejection to the client, requiring the client to verify that it holds a lock on the specified resource. A provisional bit in the entry is initially set to indicate that the resource has not been accessed since the system was last initialized. The provisional bit is reset when a request to access the resource is granted. |
| US08549097B2 |
Web application for accessing media streams
A web page has a player for playing media objects, a sequencer which displays a play list that defines an order in which media objects are played by the player, and a media access area for containing a plurality of graphical icons. Each graphical icon representing a media object, and the graphical icons can be manipulated by a user to modify the play list. For example, the media icons may be dragged to the sequencer to add them to the sequencer. |
| US08549096B2 |
Scalable architecture
Exemplary embodiments may employ techniques for dynamically dispatching requests to resources operating in a distributed computing environment, such as a computing cloud, according to one or more policies. Embodiments may further dynamically adjust resources in the computing environment using predictive models that use current loads as an input. Embodiments may still further maintain a state for a processing environment independent of the type or configuration of a device used to access the environment on behalf of a user. |
| US08549095B2 |
Distributed decentralized data storage and retrieval
Systems and methods for distributed, decentralized storage and retrieval of data in an extensible SOAP environment are disclosed. Such systems and methods decentralize not only the bandwidth required for data storage and retrieval, but also the computational requirements. Accordingly, such systems and methods alleviate the need for one node to do all the storage and retrieval processing, and no single node is required to send or receive all the data. |
| US08549092B2 |
Memory network methods, apparatus, and systems
Apparatus and systems may include a first node group include a first network node coupled to a memory, the first network node including a first port, a second port, a processor port, and a hop port. Network node group may include a second network node coupled to a memory, the second network node including a first port, a second port, a processor port, and a hop port, the hop port of the second network node coupled to the hop port of the first network node and configured to communicate between the first network node and the second network node. Network node group may include a processor coupled to the processor port of the first network node and coupled to the processor port of the second network node, the processor configured to access the first memory through the first network node and the second memory through the second network node. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08549088B2 |
Document object model API for MIME
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a system and method for facilitating the interpretation of Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) data. Specifically, embodiments disclosed herein are directed to receiving MIME data and identifying structural information encoded within the MIME data. A MIME reader is then used to analyze the MIME data to interpret the encoded structural information and generate at least one primitive based on the encoded structural information. A MIME writer may be used to generate corresponding MIME data from the at least one primitive based on the encoded structural information. Embodiments also provide that corrupted MIME data interpreted by the MIME reader may be identified and corrected. |
| US08549085B2 |
Conditional communication
Conditional communication settings may be defined by a user of a communications device to be transmitted with a communication to a receiving device, where the receiving device may be restricted from performing a user-specified type of communication operations with a user-specified contact until the conditional communication settings are satisfied. The conditional communication settings may include a condition value setting, which may be a task to be performed by a recipient, a date and/or time, a location, an operation to be performed by a third party contact, or other suitable criterion. The receiving device may detect whether such condition value setting has been satisfied. Unless the condition value setting has been satisfied, the receiving device may be prevented from performing the user-specified type of communication operation with the user-specified contact. |
| US08549084B2 |
Methods, apparatus, and systems for exchanging information between excavators and other entities associated with underground facility locate and marking operations
Methods, apparatus, and systems for providing information regarding a locate and/or marking operation to identify a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area. At least one notification indicating a status of the locate and/or marking operation is electronically transmitted and/or stored so as to inform at least one party associated with requesting the operation (a “requesting party,” e.g., an excavator, a property owner, a facility owner, a regulatory authority, a damage investigator, etc.) of the status of the operation. In one aspect, a requesting party may designate a preferred format, content, and/or method of receiving notifications regarding the locate and/or marking operation. In another aspect, a computer-generated GUI is provided to facilitate submission of requests, generation of “virtual white line” images to indicate one or more dig areas on a digital image of a work site, and/or selection of notifications and preferences for same. In yet another aspect, a requesting party may provide an acknowledgement of receipt (e.g., a “return receipt”) for one or more received notifications. |
| US08549081B2 |
Recognizing spam email
A system includes at least one router for routing email messages from a sender node to a destination node; a system memory; a network interface; a database; and a processor configured for: extracting the delivery path information from the email message; determining a network path for the email message using delivery path information; comparing the delivery path information with the plurality of prior delivery paths; determining a measure of similarity between the network path of the received email message and one or more of the plurality of prior email paths; and determining a spam score for the email received, based on the measure of similarity. |
| US08549075B2 |
Automatically locating users in proximity to a user of a social networking system
Systems and methods for automatically locating web-based social network members are provided. According to one embodiment, contact content including an associated GPS identifier and status for web-based social network members located at or near the same location automatically appears on a GPS-enabled device. A further exemplary system includes a GPS-enabled device configured to receive a GPS identifier and a status representing a location and a current state for a web-based social network member, a processing module that associates the received GPS-identifier and the received status, and a communications module that sends the associated GPS-identifier and status to a server comprising a web-based social network database. Contact content in a web-based social network database record in the web-based social network database is updated to include the associated GPS identifier and status for the web-based social network member. |
| US08549074B2 |
Adjunct use of instant messenger software to enable communications to or between chatterbots or other software agents
A method and article of manufacture are provided for communicating confidential information during an electronic chat session. The chat session has a plurality of participants, including human users and associated software controlled agents. The software controlled agents have artificial intelligence. A first human user requests a first software controlled agent associated with the first human user to request information from a second software controlled agent associated with a second human user. The second agent receives authorization to release the requested information. The second agent transmits the requested information, wherein the transmitted information is not revealed to the human users. |
| US08549069B1 |
Validation of device activity via logic sharing
Methods for validating device activity by way of logic sharing are presented. In an example of the method, a text file comprising a script defining programming logic to be executed is received at a first device. The text file is accessed at a second device. Input data for an application executing at the first device is received at the first device. The input data is transmitted from the first device to the second device. The script is executed at the first device from the application using the input data to produce a first result. The script is also executed at the second device from an application using the input data to produce a second result equal to the first result. |
| US08549060B2 |
Concept for realistic simulation of a frequency spectrum
An apparatus for simulating a signal composed of a plurality of individual signals from respective signal locations at a simulation location, having a provider for providing the plurality of individual signals in the time domain, a transformer for transforming the individual signals to the frequency domain, a processor for processing the individual signals transformed to the frequency domain each depending on a signal channel existing between the simulation location and the respective signal location, a combiner for combining the processed individual signals transformed to the frequency domain to a combined signal, and a transformer for transforming the combined signal to the time domain for generating the simulated combined signal at the simulation location. |
| US08549057B1 |
Signal level control
An embodiment of a method for control of signal level is disclosed. In such an embodiment, a number for a pre-cursor set, a number for a cursor set, and a number for a post-cursor set are set corresponding to a weighted contribution of a pre-cursor symbol, a weighted contribution of a cursor symbol, and a weighted contribution of a post-cursor symbol, respectively, for the signal level. A number associated with a high-impedance set is determined. The number associated with the high-impedance set is determined by subtracting the number for the pre-cursor set, the number for the cursor set, and the number for the post-cursor set from a total available amount of units. The high-impedance set provides no weighted contribution to the signal level. Data is transmitted using the signal level set responsive to the pre-cursor set, the cursor set, and the post-cursor set. |
| US08549054B2 |
Arithmetic processing apparatus and arithmetic processing method
In an arithmetic processing apparatus, a dividing unit divides a second bit string into a low-order bit part having a bit width equal to a first bit width and a high-order bit part which is higher than the low-order bit part, a first arithmetic unit performs arithmetic operations for a carry to and a borrow from the high-order bit part; and a second arithmetic unit performs addition of absolute values of the low-order bit part and the first bit string. Finally, a selecting unit selects an output of the first arithmetic unit from among an arithmetic operation result with a carry, an arithmetic operation result with a borrow, and the high-order bit part itself, according to information about the high-order bit part, sign information of the first bit string and the second bit string, and an intermediate result of the addition of the absolute values by the second arithmetic unit. |
| US08549052B2 |
Security event update protocol
Methods and computer-readable mediums are provided. For example, in one method a request is initiated for a security event update. Thereafter, a last received event identification (“LREI”) for at least one event type is retrieved from memory and inserted a security event update request. The request is transmitted as a polling signal towards a device (e.g., a server or remote client). In another method, a request signal containing is received. An LREI for an event type is extracted from the request. The LREI is compared to an event identification stored in memory. The results are inserted into a response. An indication, is inserted into the response, that at least one event identification is greater than said LREI and is not inserted in the response. The response is transmitted. In yet other embodiments, the computer-readable mediums and systems are also provided which perform similar features recited by the above methods. |
| US08549049B2 |
Systems and methods for updating an application on a mobile information device
An application manager receives a descriptor for a MIDlet update from an MIDP server system. The application manager determines that the descriptor identifies an update to a MIDlet that is already installed on the MID. The application manager also identifies the MIDlet for which the update is intended, and determines that the update is valid with respect to the MIDlet. The application manager provides information from the descriptor to the user of the MID. If the user decides to download the update that corresponds to the descriptor, the application manager sends a request to the MIDP server system to transmit the MIDlet update to the MID. When the application manager receives the MIDlet update from the MIDP server system, an installer installs the file(s) of the MIDlet update in the existing MIDlet. |
| US08549048B2 |
Workflow database for scalable storage service
A method of managing workflows related to storage services provided by a service provider to a customer (via a management system) is presented. The management system includes a Web server and a workflow process. The Web server presents to a customer a task screen (or set of task screens) for a customer-selected work order request type so that the customer can prepare and submit a work order request to the management system. After receiving the work order request, the Web server uses information contained in and associated with the request to create a database object that includes some or all of the following elements: customer identifier; work order identifier, date/time of request; request state (e.g., new, open or closed); type of request; parameters or arguments to the request; and any textual description provided by the customer. The Web server stores the object in a database. The workflow process locates the new request in the database, performs the task specified by the request and closes the work order request by updating the object with the appropriate state. The workflow process generates a billable event corresponding to the work order request and enters that billable event in an account record of the customer that submitted the request. The account record can then be used to generate billing information. If the workflow process cannot complete the task successfully, an administrator of the service provider may perform the task, close the work order request and enter the billable event in the customer account record. |
| US08549043B2 |
Concurrent insertion of elements into data structures
A method of adding an element to a data structure may include atomically associating the element with the data structure if the element is not associated with the data structure. The element may be prepared for insertion into a location in the data structure. The method may also include atomically inserting the element into the location in the data structure if another element has not been inserted into the location. |
| US08549035B2 |
Operational information providers
In a computer program product, system and method for retrieving operational data, a front-end unit generates a query for operational data. In an embodiment, in response to the generation of the query, an operational information provider is sent to a back-end unit to retrieve real-time operational data from the back-end unit using a retrieval method specified in the operational information provider. The retrieved operational data, including the real-time operational data is received by the front-end unit from the back-end unit. |
| US08549031B2 |
Range definition method and system
A range-conversion method and system includes receiving data records. Each data record includes one or more data fields and a field value associated with each data field. One or more data fields are identified as a range-based data field. A plurality of text-based range descriptors are defined, such that each text-based range descriptor is associated with a range of field values for one of the range-based data fields. |
| US08549030B2 |
Methods and apparatus to enhance queries in an affinity domain
Methods and apparatus to enhance queries in an affinity domain are disclosed herein. An example method of providing a query service in an affinity domain includes receiving a query including one or more template identifiers that indicate conformance with a standard related to content of a document; generating an expression including the one or more template identifiers to define a search of a registry; performing the search of the registry according to the expression, wherein the search is configured to identify documents including the one or more template identifiers; and conveying the identified documents to an entity associated with the query. |
| US08549024B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjustable data matching
A method and apparatus for performing a matching operation on data are disclosed. With an exemplary embodiment, a programmable logic device can be used to search for data of interest to an application, where the programmable logic device processes streaming data against a data key to generate a signal indicative of a similarity between the streaming data and the data key and compares the generated signal with a defined threshold to thereby determine whether the streaming data is deemed a match to the data key, wherein the threshold is adjustable to control whether the programmable logic device performs an approximate match operation or an exact match operation, and further to control, for an approximate match operation, a degree of approximate matches returned by the approximate match operation. |
| US08549021B2 |
Apparatus, method, and system of controlling setting information for confidential document
An apparatus, method, and system of generating a confidential document by adding additional information to image data are described, each of which obtains administrator setting information set by an administrator, and user setting information set by a user. Information for display to the user is controlled based on at least the administrator setting information to satisfy the requirement set by the administrator setting information even when the user setting information differs from the administrator setting information. |
| US08549017B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method, program, and recording medium
Disclosed herein are an information processing apparatus and method, a program, and a recording medium, in which a content is recommended to each user on the basis of even the metadata that is assigned with no classification. A metadata analysis block resolves metadata acquired by a metadata acquisition block into components. A dictionary data generation block generates dictionary data in which genre is correlated with keyword and each component. An associated information database generation block references the dictionary data to assign genre to the metadata which are assigned with no genre, thereby generating an associated information database of content. An associated information search block references the dictionary data to identify a genre from a keyword of interest data to search for associated information, thereby recommending content to the user. The present invention is applicable to personal computers or HDD recorders. |
| US08549005B1 |
Dynamic bitwise sharding of live stream comment groups
Groups of users accessing content are generated and modified to allow the users to more easily interact with each other. A number of groups and a maximum number of users in a group are received and used to generate shards. In one embodiment, the number of shards generated is based on the number of groups received. Each shard is associated with a unique shard identifier. In one embodiment, a user is associated with a shard when the user accesses content. For example, when a comment is received from a client device associated with a user, a user identifier is determined and associated with a shard. Using the shards, groups of users are generated. In one embodiment, a substring of the shard identifiers associated with the shards is determined and users associated with shard identifiers having the same substring of the shard identifier are included in a group. |
| US08549004B2 |
Estimation of unique database values
Estimation of unique values in a database can be performed where a data field having multiple information values is provided in the database. The data field can be partitioned into multiple intervals such that each interval includes a range of information values. An interval specific Bloom filter can be calculated for each of the multiple intervals. A binary Bloom filter value can be calculated for an information value within an interval specific Bloom filter. The binary Bloom filter value can represent whether the information value is unique. A number of unique values in the database can be determined based on calculated binary Bloom filter values. |
| US08549002B2 |
Cluster health indicator with dynamic load correlation
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with producing a proximity display of correlated load metrics associated with members of a cluster are described. One example method includes acquiring metrics data (e.g., load data) from nodes in a cluster. The example method may also include determining a cluster element state based on the metrics data and determining relationships between members of the set of related cluster elements. The method may also include identifying element metric representations for cluster elements based on cluster element states and identifying locations on a proximity display at which element metric representations are to be displayed. The locations may depend on relationships between cluster element states. The method may also include displaying element metric representations at the computed locations to produce a proximity display of correlated load metrics. |
| US08548998B2 |
Methods and systems for securing and protecting repositories and directories
A system and method for protecting a networked organizational data storage facility, which is accessible by a network environment, by mapping the network environment, profiling the network environment and filtering the network traffic based on said profiling of the network environment. |
| US08548995B1 |
Ranking of documents based on analysis of related documents
A ranking component refines an initial document ranking in which the initial ranking is based on a scoring criterion. The ranking component generates or receive a set of documents that are related to a document. The set of documents may be related in a number of ways, such as similarity in authorship or publisher. The ranking component then applies the scoring criterion to the set of related documents to generate a related set score. The related set score is used to refine the initial rankings. |
| US08548994B2 |
Reducing overheads in application processing
A method, a system and a computer program of reducing overheads in multiple applications processing are disclosed. The method includes identifying resources interacting with each of the applications from a set of applications and grouping the applications from the set of applications, resulting in at least one application cluster, in response to the identified resources, wherein overheads associated with re-initialization of agents assigned to the identified resources are reduced. The method further includes assigning an agent corresponding to each of the identified resources and initializing the agent corresponding to each of the identified resources. The method further includes identifying parameters associated with the identified resources, pre-processing the identified parameters for each of the identified resources, and also includes selecting a clustering means for the clustering. |
| US08548990B2 |
Presenting interactive images with search results
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for presenting interactive images associated with a search engine in association with a search engine results page (SERP) are provided. Upon receiving a search query at a search engine, it is determined that the search query content has a related interactive image associated with the search engine. An interactive image may be associated with the search engine, for instance, by having been previously presented as a background image for a search engine home page. A link to the interactive image may be presented as a search result on the SERP, the interactive image may be automatically presented as a background image of the SERP, or the interactive image may be determined to be related to an algorithmically-derived search result and a visual indicator thereof may be presented in association with the search result. |
| US08548986B2 |
Adaptive row-batch processing of database data
Architecture that provides for greater interoperability between column stores and row stores by leveraging the advantages both have to offer. The architecture operates automatically (e.g., dynamically) to move between row oriented processing mode and batch processing mode, and the combination thereof, when it is more beneficial to run in one mode relative to the other mode, or both modes. The auto-switching of data processing between batch and row oriented mode occurs during the execution of a single query. The architecture can automatically modify an operator in the query tree and/or remove an operator if desired at runtime for more efficient processing. This approach also accounts for memory constraints for either of row or column processing. |
| US08548982B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling access to custom objects in a database
In embodiments, methods and systems for controlling access to custom objects are provided. These techniques for controlling access to custom objects can enable embodiments to utilize a key for the protection of the security of data that is to remain private while not compromising efficiency of a query. The key for a requested custom object is identified and then used so that only an appropriate portion of a custom entity share table is searched to locate access information. It is then determined whether the user can access at least a portion of the custom object, and the appropriate and allowed data is sent to the user. |
| US08548979B2 |
Indexing for regular expressions in text-centric applications
A method, system, and article are provided for evaluating regular expressions over large data collections. A general purpose index is built to handle complex regular expressions at the character level. Characters, character classes, and associated metadata are identified and stored in an index of a collection of documents. Given a regular expression, a query is generated based on the contents of the index. This query is executed over the index to identify a set of documents in the collection of documents over which the regular expression can be evaluated. Based upon the query execution, the identified set of documents is returned for evaluation by the regular expression responsive to execution of the query over the index. |
| US08548975B1 |
Systems and methods for browsing historical content
A system graphically plots articles. The system executes one or more search queries to search stored articles and receives results of the executed one or more search queries, where the results identify selected articles of the stored articles. The system further designates a graphical marker for each of the selected articles and plots each of the graphical markers on a graphical display. |
| US08548974B2 |
Apparatus and methods for providing geographically oriented internet search results to mobile users
A method of providing Internet search results to a user on a mobile platform. Search terms are received from the user via a web portal. Information pertaining to the user and/or to the platform is used to identify a marketplace relevant to the user. A search engine is selected based on the identified marketplace. The search terms are submitted to the selected search engine. |
| US08548972B1 |
Near-duplicate document detection for web crawling
A system generates a hash value for a fetched document and compares the hash value with a set of stored hash values to identify ones of the stored hash values with a sequence of bit positions, less than all of the bit positions, that match a corresponding sequence of bit positions of the hash value. The system also determines whether any of the identified hash values are substantially similar to the hash value and identify the fetched document as a near-duplicate of another document when one of the identified hash values is substantially similar to the hash value. |
| US08548971B2 |
Financial transaction reconciliation
Methods, computer-readable media, and apparatuses are disclosed for reconciling sets of financial transactions. A reconciliation input set of positive and negative numbers may be received, and a positive subset size and negative subset size may be determined for one or more reconciliation attempts. Maximum and minimum subset sums for the positive and negative subset sizes may be determined, and certain overlapping and non-overlapping portions may be identified between the positive subset sum range and the negative subset sum range. For any overlapping portions, a plurality of subset sum comparisons may be performed between positive subsets of the determined positive subset size and negative subsets of the determined negative subset size. |
| US08548960B2 |
Music processing method and apparatus to use music data or metadata of music data regardless of an offset discrepancy
A method to use music data or metadata of music data regardless of an offset discrepancy including steps of: determining code values according to a volume transition in every certain period starting from a coding start position on a time axis in music data; and generating a characteristic pattern indicating a characteristic of a volume transition of the music data using a series of the code values determined over plural periods. The code value can be configured to indicate whether an average volume in a certain period is increased or decreased from an average volume in a previous period, for example. |
| US08548950B2 |
Method and system for data archiving
Disclosed is a method and system for archiving data. A server computer (or any computing device) receives data transmitted over a network from a client computer, wherein at least some of the data was previously collected by a scientific instrument during an experiment. After receiving the data, the server computer updates (e.g., creates) an index for the received data, archives the received data, and automatically transmits a notification to the client computer that the received data has been archived. |
| US08548948B2 |
Methods and apparatus for a fine grained file data storage system
A method for maintaining access information for individual data portions within a file. Generally, the system disclosed herein provides a method for procuring and maintaining various access information specific to data portions within a file. Thus, by providing specific access information to a file data portion the access manager allows a process to perform processing on the individual file data portion. Consequently, the process can operate more efficiently since it is no longer required to access and perform processing on the entire file. |
| US08548947B2 |
Systems and methods for file maintenance
Systems and methods are disclosed that collect information for entries in a list. Multiple versions of the entries are maintained in a version object base. The elements are determined to be removable based on whether the elements are private versions or master versions. |
| US08548944B2 |
De-duplication based backup of file systems
File system backups are performed by copying information describing changes in the file system since a previous point in time. To restore data, a virtual restored file system (VRFS) structure is created corresponding to a snapshot of data copied from the file system that is stored in the backup file system. A client can read the data stored in the backup file system pointed at by the VRFS structure as well as write to the backup file system. Multiple clients can share blocks of data stored on the backup file system via the same VRFS structure or via multiple VRFS structures. If a client writes to a data block pointed at by a VRFS, a copy of the data block is made to which the client makes changes so that the data in the original data blocks is saved for other clients. |
| US08548935B2 |
Predicting a future property using reagents by measuring properties at points in time
A method for measuring specific substances and extracting objective information from the measurements that is especially applicable in immunoassays but can also be used in other assays which rely on affinity between binding partners. The invention overcomes problems and difficulties caused by disturbing or interfering phenomena by exploiting a mathematical algorithm which predicts the target value from a series of measurements performed during the reaction. The mathematical method of linear prediction is used for this purpose. |
| US08548932B2 |
Per-unit method for pricing data processing services
Data processing services are offered on a per-unit basis, where a unit is, for example, an application program running on a server. Environmental complexity, level of change, and type of environment are determined for each unit of the services and points are assigned. The points are summed to give a count of points for each unit, and the counts of points are summed to provide a total number of points. A baseline price for the services is divided by the total number of points to provide a per-point price. The price of any unit may then be determined by multiplying its count of points by the per-point price. When a new unit is added in, its count of points is determined. The baseline price is then adjusted by multiplying the count of points for the new unit by the per-point price, and adding the result to the previous baseline. |
| US08548925B2 |
Monitoring capabilities for mobile electronic devices
Improved computer-implemented techniques for providing relevant information to mobile electronic devices are disclosed. According to one aspect, usage of mobile electronic devices can be monitored and usage data can be formed. The usage data can then be used to perform an action. The action can operate to provide more relevant information, such as digital (e.g., online) information or rewards, to the user. In one embodiment, usage of mobile electronic devices can be monitored and users of such mobile electronic devices can be provided with rewards based on their usage. Another aspect pertains to monitoring locations of a mobile electronic device for a duration of time and then providing location-specific information based on the locations of the device. |
| US08548924B2 |
Self-authorizing token
Self-authorizing tokens are disclosed. Typical embodiments employ a secure element and a secure element interrogator. Such tokens may be used for authorization of financial payments and other secure transactions. In some embodiments the secure element is provisioned with information about a particular payment card holder account. A secure element reader interrogates the smart element and derives information needed to authorize a transaction. In some embodiments the secure element and the secure element interrogator communicate using communications formatted according to ISO 7816-4. |
| US08548922B2 |
System and method for a private and secure payment system between two parties using a central system
A private and secure payment system has a portable wireless device belonging to party A with a payment function and a central system that is used to effect a private and secure payment transaction to a party B. At time of payment transaction from party A to party B, a party B identification and a payment amount is entered into the wireless device, a data record including at-least the party B's identification, the payment amount and the wireless device identification is transferred over the global network to the central system. The central system assembles payment transaction records from the party A pre-stored bank account data, to a central system bank and from the central system bank to a party B's bank account identification for submission to an automated clearing house and receives a payment approval record and sends a notification to the party A and party B's e-mail addresses. |
| US08548921B2 |
Generic value bearing item labels
The present invention provides an intuitively-based (WYSIWYG) user interface for generic value bearing item label custom specification of each label on a multi-part label set. According to the present invention, an interactive display such as is depicted in FIG. 13 would be provided on a display monitor of a plurality of independently interactive panels, wherein each panel corresponds to a particular label on a multi-part label set. As depicted in FIG. 13, the exemplary WYSIWYG generic custom VBI label specification interface of the present invention displays an interactive label display (1110) in which each separate label panel (e.g., 1120-11 through 1120-45) displays an independent postage rate class input field (e.g., 1125-11 with a postage rate class menu button, e.g., 1123-11). Once the user has selected the “Custom” option (1150), the user can set the price for each label by clicking on the individual rate input field (e.g., 1121-11) of the particular label panel (e.g., 1120-11), and inputting any amount, e.g., $0.37 (e.g., 1122-11); and then clicking on the corresponding postage rate class menu button (e.g., 1123-11) and selecting a postage rate class (e.g., 1125-11). |
| US08548920B2 |
System and method of authentication, monitoring, and advertisement distribution
A method including receiving, by a processor of a computing system, a submission from a user, authenticating, by the processor, the submission received from the user with a unique identifier of the submission, tracking, by the processor, the unique identifier to detect a presence of the submission, determining, by the processor, whether the presence is authorized, and distributing, by the processor, a portion of proceeds to the user if the presence is authorized is provided. Furthermore, an associated computer program product and computer system is also provided. |
| US08548918B1 |
Methods and systems for automated content distribution
Content distributions may be optimized based on data from past distributions, including recipients, content metadata, and distribution path strength parameters. A content distribution package may be assembled, with the package including content metadata and an optimized distribution path. Clients that receive the package may modify the distribution. The details of the modified distribution may be reported back for inclusion in the distribution history records. In some embodiments, updates to the distribution records may be reflected in real-time such that ongoing distributions of content may be adjusted in response to feedback regarding distributions of other content. Each client may maintain a content management queue for users to specify, for each content package, which content is to be downloaded, which content is to be disregarded, and parameters and preferences for further distribution of the package itself. |
| US08548916B2 |
Managing passwords used when detecting information on configuration items disposed on a network
Disclosed embodiments include a computer system for receiving an encrypted password from an ID management system. The computer system sends the encrypted password to a decryption system, where the decryption system decrypts the encrypted password. The decrypted password is then transmitted to the computer system, and the computer system transfers the decrypted password to a configuration item disposed on a network. Based on the password, the configuration item sends data concerning the configuration item to the computer system. |
| US08548904B1 |
Transaction risk analyzer
Methods and systems are disclosed for automatically identifying and managing potentially fraudulent transactions without adversely impacting legitimate customers. In one implementation, the methods and systems provide a transaction risk analyzer for analyzing a risk associated with a financial transaction. The transaction risk analyzer quickly and automatically evaluates a number of factors in connection with each transaction to determine the risk associated with the transaction. The factors may include, for example, the relationship of the customer to the financial services company, the identity of the customer, and the behavior pattern of the customer. A set of business rules may then be applied to these factors to help distinguish between potentially fraudulent transactions and legitimate transactions. Based on the business rules, the transaction risk analyzer may recommend certain actions to mitigate loss potentially resulting from the transaction. Such an arrangement helps lower the risk of fraudulent activity without penalizing legitimate customers. |
| US08548902B2 |
System for online lending services via an application service provider network
A method for online lending services with the creation and population of loan applications and other related documents in Portable Document Format (PDF) for subsequent access by applicant and other entities. Consumers use their Web browsers for access and said method includes an Application Service Provider (ASP) architecture, a loan origination site interface, and a secure server facility. |
| US08548900B1 |
FPGA memory paging
To improve the performance of a market data platform, a market data platform includes a hardware offload solution that allows received financial information to bypass the software portion of the platform and be written directly into memory. The hardware offload solution includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that takes over responsibility for some tasks that were previously performed in software. These tasks include performing line arbitrage on financial information feed pairs to ensure that an accurate copy of the financial information feed is obtained and stored in memory as quickly as possible. These tasks also include performing memory paging in order to allow financial orders to be stored and accessed in an efficient manner. |
| US08548899B2 |
System and method for optimizing order placement in an order queue in an electronic trading environment
Systems and methods for optimizing order placement in an electronic trading environment are provided. Global queue holder orders are placed in a tradeable object to reserve quantity for traders. Traders may submit order requests for quantity at price levels at which a global queue holder order is holding quantity. When a trader submits an order for a quantity at a price level at which quantity is being held, a gateway compares the order to the global queue holder order information stored in a database. If the trader's order coincides with a price level at which quantity is held, then the gateway virtually transfers ownership of that quantity to the trader, who then assumes the advantageous queue position. When the quantity associated with the order is filled, the fill information is sent to the gateway, which to the database to determine which trader is associated with the filled order quantity. |
| US08548896B2 |
Real time trading
A computer based system for executing transactions involving financial instruments, comprising a central host computer system, and a network of client computer systems including browser-based software which is adapted to present different interfaces to different trading parties, and also adapted to enable the different parties to set permission filters which control the presentation of information relating to their own trading, to other parties. |
| US08548892B2 |
Method and apparatus for deriving benchmarks for trading instruments
Benchmarks for the price of a financial instrument such as FX spot rate for a currency pair are calculated by an algorithm based on a previous benchmark and a market price. The market price is derived from a deal price and a quote price. The deal price is based on deals conducted since the last benchmark and the quote price is based on bids and offers entered since the last benchmark. For each of the deal and quote prices, a price, weight and scatter is calculated which is used to calculate a benchmark price, weight and scatter and a benchmark error. |
| US08548891B1 |
Computed-aided financing method for consolidated groups
A method for funding the purchase or construction of a real or personal property through issuing preferred stock is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a computer that is programmed to forecast multi-year financial results of a consolidated company, receiving inputs relating to market variables, and generating outputs forecasting incremental cash flow, earnings, and balance sheet liabilities to the consolidated company. The method further includes determining whether to issue common stock and preferred stock for financing a stock issuer's purchase or construction of the financed property by comparing the outputs with financial results attributable to leasing the financed property from an unrelated third party or purchasing the financed property using proceeds of a third party loan secured by the financed property. |
| US08548890B2 |
Expected utility maximization in large-scale portfolio optimization
A system and method efficiently solve the expected utility maximization problem in large-scale financial asset portfolio optimization. The system and method solve the expected utility maximization problem employing a factor representation of asset returns. Additionally, the system and method calibrate the optimization model to a benchmark to obtain unconditional mean returns and enable active management based on conditional expected return predictions. The system and method also enable options to be considered as part of the portfolio. |
| US08548887B2 |
Method of evaluating the performance of a family of target date funds
A method of evaluating the performance of a family of target date funds. A model of the family is constructed using realized rates of return (“returns”) for an evaluation period for each of the funds. The returns for each fund are assigned to the periods of the model corresponding to the periods during which the return was realized by the fund. An estimate of the wealth generated by the family may be determined as a function of the returns assigned to the model and a pattern of contributions. A benchmark portfolio may be selected and used to construct a model of the benchmark portfolio having the same number of periods as the model of the family. The model of the benchmark and the pattern of contributions may be used to determine wealth generated by the benchmark portfolio, which may be compared to the estimate of wealth generated by the family. |
| US08548886B1 |
Account opening system, method and computer program product
A system that facilitates opening of a bank account by banking personnel for a customer. The account opening system includes an automatic rate determination feature that uses customer information, account information and other criteria to determine an account interest rate. The rate determination system may also mediate rate negotiation between a personal banker and the customer by limiting the increase in rate awarded by the personal banker. An auditing system assigns numbers to a series of profiles, each describing a request to open an account. Profiles to be audited are determined by generating random numbers that fall within the range of assigned profile numbers. Random number generation is repeated until a threshold percentage of profiles have been selected for auditing. The account opening system includes a system for tracking the progress of the account application and for organizing information recorded by the personal banker during interactions with the customer. |
| US08548885B2 |
Fixed income securities ratings visualization
An arrangement is provided for enabling online retail fixed income. A fixed income online retail enabling mechanism analyzes a request received from a user to determine the requested operation related to online retail fixed income. If the request is for visualizing information related to securities in one or more fixed income capital markets, visual representations are constructed using color codes and real value ratings converted from corresponding ratings issued from different sources and presented to the user. If the request is for managing account information, the fixed income online retail enabling mechanism facilitates the needs of managing accounts. If the request is related to conducting a transaction related to fixed income securities, the fixed income online retail enabling mechanism performs operations to trade securities in one or more fixed income capital markets. |
| US08548884B2 |
Systems and methods for portfolio analysis
In one aspect, the invention comprises a computer-implemented method comprising: (i) electronically receiving data describing one or more risk factors driving volatility of each of a plurality of securities comprised in a specified portfolio; (ii) for each of the plurality of securities, categorizing each of the risk factors as a random variable and identifying a distribution that best fits each risk factor's historical behavior; and generating a return distribution for the security, based on the best fit distributions; and (iii) aggregating the security return distributions to generate a return distribution for the specified portfolio. Other aspects and embodiments comprise analogous software and computer systems. |
| US08548882B2 |
Determination of a bid value associated with a selected bidder
A method and associated system comprise obtaining historical auction data, determining, from the historical auction data, a first parameter that is a function of a joint bid distribution and a density function related to the joint bid distribution, selecting a bidder, obtaining a value distribution for the selected bidder, and solving an equation. The equation may include the first parameter and the selected bidder's value distribution, and not the value distribution of other bidders. The equation computes a bid value associated with the selected bidder for a given bid. |
| US08548879B2 |
Materials management system
A material management system includes integrated modules that cooperate to electronically manage a pooled inventory of material held at differing locations and used in the maintenance of multiple fleets of aircraft. The system includes a material request module for processing requests for material and for determining whether the requested material is present at one of the locations. A material transfer module responds to material requests by transferring parts between the differing locations. A material receiving and inspection module controls receiving and inspection of the material. A material shipment module manages the shipment of the material from a supplier in response to a material request. |
| US08548876B1 |
Automatic selection of product categories for merchandising
Disclosed are various embodiments for selecting a subset of categories of product items to be used in merchandising. The subset of categories may be selected on a basis of a measured level of interest in the product items. Based on the subset of subcategories that have been selected, merchandising presentations may be automatically formulated and presented to a customer. |
| US08548870B1 |
Transaction-driven social network
A transaction-based social network for a life science vertical industry is provided. A method for implementing the network includes qualifying a user to join the transaction-based social network based on a minimum set of qualifications. The method also includes creating, from input received by the user, an opportunity with respect to an offer, identifying members of a target user community in the network based on the input from the user, and posting the opportunity over the social network to the members of the target user community. The method further includes receiving at least one response from the target user community that is indicative of a bid to accept the opportunity. The method also includes providing a view of the bid for the user and, once accepted, executing a transaction based on a pre-negotiated fee. The executing includes validating regulatory compliance of content associated with the transaction. |
| US08548862B2 |
Methods, systems and devices for categorization of articles and associated images and for image merging thereof
An e-commerce method involves on-line viewing of a first article through a linking node for virtual merging on another structure. A particular application of the invention is directed to on-line apparel shopping involving a color matching scheme using color codes provided with images to be merged. For example, on-line viewing of one article, such as clothing, on another structure, includes creating an item from image-data corresponding to a colored article selected by an on-line viewer from an on-line viewer site with an image of a colored structure selected by the on-line viewer, and indicating whether the colored article and the colored structure satisfy a color-matching criterion. |
| US08548861B2 |
Multimedia B2B opportunity and error detection and resolution engine
A method and system for automatically handling exceptions in a business-to-business transaction. E-commerce internet gateways through which the business-to-business transaction passes are monitored for exceptions. When an exception is detected, an intelligent contact manager automatically determines and then locates the representative(s) authorized to resolve this exception. A unified communication system is then utilized to automatically contact and notify the authorized representative(s) of the exception. A web collaboration system is then utilized to automatically establish a collaboration session between representatives of the business-to-business transaction so that the exception can be readily resolved. |
| US08548860B2 |
Method and apparatus for verifying product sale transactions and processing product returns
The present invention relates to a computer-based system that provides a method for real time data storage and retrieval for the purpose of verifying and validating sales transactions and product return/warranty repair eligibility. An electronic product registration system is provided which stores information on purchased products and which enables a retail store or the like to verify compliance with return policies prior to accepting a product for return or replacement, thereby reducing improper or fraudulent product returns under warranty, while also providing related functionality to third parties such as law enforcement agencies and the like. |
| US08548857B2 |
Method and system for detection of credit card fraud
A method and system for detecting and preventing the fraudulent use of credit/debit cards. A number, referred to as a pre-stored Card Identity Key, is typically four or five digits in length, and the final two digits of this number are variable according to a formula which is applied at the time of the attempted transaction. The pre-stored CIK is created by the credit card owner or issued by the card-issuing financial institution, and is maintained in the card-issuing financial institution's computer database and used along with a software routine for validation. The software routine used for validation employs the formula, which is typically created and memorized by the card owner, to generate a dynamic Card Identity Key from the pre-stored Card Identity Key. The dynamic Card Identity Key must be entered by the card holder/user at a merchant terminal for validation of the transaction. Typically the internal time and/or date are displayed on the screen at the merchant terminal at the time the user's credit card is swiped, and at least a portion of the time and/or date shown is utilized in the formula to generate the dynamic Card Identity Key. |
| US08548845B2 |
Electric toll management
Identifying a vehicle in a toll system includes accessing a set of toll transaction entries. Each entry in the set designates a toll transaction between a vehicle and the toll system and includes a transaction descriptor and a transaction time stamp. A series of toll transaction pictures is accessed. The series includes a plurality of pictures, each of which is associated with a picture time stamp. A toll transaction entry is identified from the set as a violation transaction entry based on the transaction descriptor. A toll transaction picture is selected from the series. The transaction time stamp of the violation transaction is compared, using a processing device, with the picture time stamp of the selected toll transaction picture. The selected toll transaction picture is identified as a violation picture corresponding to the violation transaction entry based on a result of the comparison. |
| US08548841B1 |
Supply expense analysis
A method for comparing a hospital's existing supply expenses to another hospital's existing supply expenses is described. The method includes determining a number of patient cases (Ci) associated with each diagnosis related classification (DRCi) from a plurality of DRCis, receiving a supply mix index weight (SMIi) value for each DRCi from the plurality of DRCis, and determining, with a processor, a weighted supply mix index value for each of the plurality of DRCis based on the SMIi value for each DRCi and the Ci for the corresponding DRCi. The method also includes determining an overall HCP supply mix index (HCPSMI) for the hospital based on the sum of the weighted supply mix index value for each of the plurality of DRCis and the sum of Ci for each of the plurality of DRCis, and outputting the HCPSMI for the hospital. Other methods, systems, and machine-readable media are also described. |
| US08548839B2 |
System and method for facilitating healthcare volunteering
Computer-implemented methods and systems for connecting and facilitating communication among healthcare volunteers, organizations, patients and donors are disclosed. A matching system to match volunteers, donors, organizations and patients to coordinate and manage providing low cost or free health care services is disclosed. An donation inventory management system is also disclosed. Dynamic volunteer coordination methods for responding to public health events are also disclosed. |
| US08548830B2 |
System and method for selecting healthcare management
The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows a prospective insured to make an informed decision on healthcare insurance or a specific health care management decision by using a current medical profile to assist in their selection. Based on past medical care, as obtained from payor data, a number of different plans, each having different providers, different deductibles, different maximums, different reimbursement policies, etc., a person can make an informed decision. When a family has different payors for different family members, a proper blend of payors can be more easily selected since the payors (or a single payor) has a medical profile of each family member and also has information on providers in the network, prescription policies, deductibles, maximums, etc. |
| US08548829B1 |
System and method for loan guarantee insurance
Loan guarantee or surety insurance processes and systems for use in a commercial loan arrangement between a borrower and a lender, in which the borrower is typically required to provide to the lender a personal guarantee of some or all of the amount of the commercial loan to obtain the loan, wherein loan guarantee insurance of an insured amount is calculated and provided, in exchange for payment of premiums, by a loan guarantee insurance provider or similar third party in order to replace some or all of the personal guarantee amount required of the borrower. The terms of the loan guarantee insurance is calculated and based on information about the commercial loan, the underlying project, the borrower, and other underwriting criteria. |
| US08548822B2 |
Reactive workflow system and method
A system and method for determining the consequent step of a multi step procedure determines the identity of components usable in the procedure. Based on the components introduced and the context of the procedure at the time the component is introduced determines a consequent step and moves to that determined consequent step. |
| US08548821B2 |
Method for using market-based social networking website to create new funding and referral fees
In one embodiment, the method uses a social networking website and employs a monetary incentive to get members of their social network to identify potential funding sources for entities that are growing or need liquidity, wherein a funds seeker and a funds finder, who agree to terms of use of the secure website, act to enter into an exclusive rights contract providing for a contingent referral fee for the funds finder if the terms of the offered contract are met. If the funds seeker is qualified, many offers of introduction will be made. The funds seeker can enter into many exclusive rights contracts, for an equal number of funding sources, but will pay only one referral reward if only one funding source provides funds. |
| US08548820B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for targeting advertisements
Methods, systems, and products target advertisements to users. Clickstream data is received and compared to a purchase history. When a common attribute is determined, an advertisement associated with the attribute is retrieved and targeted to a user. |
| US08548815B2 |
Efficient design of MDCT / IMDCT filterbanks for speech and audio coding applications
A more efficient encoder/decoder is provided in which an N-point MDCT transform is mapped into smaller sized N/2-point DCT-IV and/or DCT-II transforms with isolated pre-multiplications which can be moved to a prior or subsequent windowing stage. That is, the windowing operations may be merged with first/last stage multiplications in the core MDCT/IMDCT functions, respectively, thus reducing the total number of multiplications. Additionally, the MDCT may be systematically decimated by factor of 2 by utilizing a uniformly scaled 5-point DCT-II core function as opposed to the DCT-IV or FFT cores used in many existing MDCT designs in audio codecs. The modified windowing stage merges factors from a transform stage and windowing stage to obtain piece-wise symmetric windowing factors, which can be represented by a sub-set of the piece-wise symmetric windowing factors to save storage space. Such features offer appreciable reduction in complexity and less memory usage than the prior art. |
| US08548814B2 |
Method and portable system for phonetic language translation using brain interface
A phonetic language translation system receives audio output from an audible program presented to the user, so as to identify any speech signal contained within the audio output. The speech signals are broken down into recognizable phonemes which make up the most basic elements of speech in spoken languages. The sequentially generated phonemes are then regrouped to form recognizable words in one of native languages spoken around the world. While watching the audible program, the activity of language area of user's brain is recorded using electrodes in the cap. The recorded language area brain signals are analyzed and compared with brain language area activity knowledge base to identify the native language of user. Sentences are formed using the grammatical rules of the native language. Each sentence is then translated into the identified native language and broadcast to the user using a voice synthesizer. |
| US08548809B2 |
Voice guidance system and voice guidance method using the same
A voice guidance system for providing a guidance by voice concerning operations of an information processing apparatus, comprises a detector that detects that a predetermined function of the information processing apparatus is disabled, and a voice guidance unit that outputs a voice message reporting a reason why the predetermined function of the information processing apparatus is disabled, in response to the detection output of the detector. |
| US08548807B2 |
System and method for adapting automatic speech recognition pronunciation by acoustic model restructuring
Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable storage media for recognizing speech by adapting automatic speech recognition pronunciation by acoustic model restructuring. The method identifies an acoustic model and a matching pronouncing dictionary trained on typical native speech in a target dialect. The method collects speech from a new speaker resulting in collected speech and transcribes the collected speech to generate a lattice of plausible phonemes. Then the method creates a custom speech model for representing each phoneme used in the pronouncing dictionary by a weighted sum of acoustic models for all the plausible phonemes, wherein the pronouncing dictionary does not change, but the model of the acoustic space for each phoneme in the dictionary becomes a weighted sum of the acoustic models of phonemes of the typical native speech. Finally the method includes recognizing via a processor additional speech from the target speaker using the custom speech model. |
| US08548805B2 |
System and method of semi-supervised learning for spoken language understanding using semantic role labeling
A system and method are disclosed for providing semi-supervised learning for a spoken language understanding module using semantic role labeling. The method embodiment relates to a method of generating a spoken language understanding module. Steps in the method comprise selecting at least one predicate/argument pair as an intent from a set of the most frequent predicate/argument pairs for a domain, labeling training data using mapping rules associated with the selected at least one predicate/argument pair, training a call-type classification model using the labeled training data, re-labeling the training data using the call-type classification model and iteratively several of the above steps until training set labels converge. |
| US08548802B2 |
Acoustic data processor and acoustic data processing method for reduction of noise based on motion status
An acoustic data processor according to the present invention is used for processing acoustic data including signal sounds to reduce noises generated by a mechanical apparatus. The acoustic data processor includes a motion status obtaining section for obtaining motion status of the mechanical apparatus, an acoustic data obtaining section for obtaining acoustic data corresponding to the obtained motion status, and a database for storing various motion statuses of the mechanical apparatus in a unit time and corresponding acoustic data as templates. The acoustic data processor further includes a database searching section for searching the database to retrieve the template having the motion status closest to the obtained motion status; and a template subtraction section for subtracting the acoustic data of the template having the motion status closest to the obtained motion status from the obtained acoustic data to reduce noises generated by the mechanical apparatus. |
| US08548801B2 |
Adaptive time/frequency-based audio encoding and decoding apparatuses and methods
Adaptive time/frequency-based audio encoding and decoding apparatuses and methods. The encoding apparatus includes a transformation & mode determination unit to divide an input audio signal into a plurality of frequency-domain signals and to select a time-based encoding mode or a frequency-based encoding mode for each respective frequency-domain signal, an encoding unit to encode each frequency-domain signal in the respective encoding mode, and a bitstream output unit to output encoded data, division information, and encoding mode information for each respective frequency-domain signal. In the apparatuses and methods, acoustic characteristics and a voicing model are simultaneously applied to a frame, which is an audio compression processing unit. As a result, a compression method effective for both music and voice can be produced, and the compression method can be used for mobile terminals that require audio compression at a low bit rate. |
| US08548792B2 |
Electronic language simulator system and method
Described are field of training devices and methods to simulate the use of interpreters and spontaneous verbal exchanges between participants who speak different languages. More particularly, the devices and methods simulate an environment wherein participants are communicating through a third-party interpreter, which simulates the use of an interpreter. Some embodiments of the devices include audio components that are configured in a manner that distorts direct verbal communication between two parties of a trilateral verbal exchange. Although the direct verbal communication is distorted, tonality and tempo of the communication can still be preserved. Further, visual information from the speaker is still conveyed. |
| US08548790B2 |
Rapidly determining fragmentation in computing environments
A mechanism is provided for determining fragmentation in a computing environment. A simulation of virtual machine requests for resources in the computing environment is run for a predetermined time. The simulation is scaled down when the predetermined time exceeds a threshold. The scaling down includes scaling down the resources in the computing environment and/or scaling down a number of the virtual machine requests. The scaled down simulation is run iteratively to estimate relative fragmentation of the virtual machine requests against the resources in the computing environment. |
| US08548789B2 |
Methodology for modeling the fuel rod power distribution within a nuclear reactor core
A method for modeling a nuclear reactor core that follows the history of each fuel pin and employs fuel pin flux form factors to explicitly track each fuel pin's fluence and burnup along its axial length and uses this information to obtain fundamental data for each fuel rod, i.e. fuel rod cross-sections, for each fuel pin segment. The data obtained for the fuel pins segments are employed to adjust the fuel pin flux form factors to match the real fuel pins' history so that the fuel rod power distribution can be precisely calculated based on the fuel rod cross-sections and the flux form factors. |
| US08548788B2 |
Technology computer-aided design (TCAD)-based virtual fabrication
A single finite element mesh is generated for predicting performance of an integrated circuit design. A plurality of sample points are identified for conducting a variability study on at least one parameter associated with the integrated circuit design. The sample points are selected to predict performance of the integrated circuit design when subject to variations in the at least one parameter due to variations in manufacturing processes to be used to manufacture the integrated circuit design. A parameterized netlist is generated corresponding to each of the sample points. A technology computer aided design (TCAD) simulation is run for each of the parameterized netlists, using the single finite element mesh for each of the parameterized netlists, until convergence is achieved, to obtain, for each of the parameterized netlists, at least one metric indicative of the performance of the integrated circuit design. A predicted design yield is developed for the integrated circuit design. |
| US08548785B2 |
Method for uncertainty quantification in the performance and risk assessment of a carbon dioxide storage site
A CO2 sequestration site is evaluated by incorporating a consistent petrophysical framework having uncertainties expressed in the form of probability density functions of wellbore measurements, by systematically propagating the uncertainties in generating probability density functions or cumulative distribution functions of the parameters used in a reservoir simulation, by using the reservoir simulation to transform the first set of parameters into output variables with uncertainties, and by using the output variables and uncertainties to generate an answer product from which uncertainty levels of performance metrics can be ascertained. |
| US08548783B2 |
Computer-implemented systems and methods for controlling sand production in a geomechanical reservoir system
Systems and methods are provided for use in predicting sand production in a geomechanical reservoir system. Computation of the sand production predictions can include solving a system of partial differential equations that model the geomechanical reservoir system. Systems and methods also are provided for use in operating a geomechanical reservoir system based on the sand production prediction for controlling sand production in the geomechanical reservoir system. |
| US08548781B2 |
Method and system for determining a volume of a vehicle component and the disposition and connectedness of subcomponents therein
A method and system of determining a volume of a vehicle component. The system includes a computing device having a host application and analytical tool. The host application is configured to present an interface to a user and allow the user to modify a component model. The component model includes a three-dimensional representation of at least a portion of a vehicle component and has a virtual housing at least partially defining an internal cavity. The analytical tool is configured to generate a solid body representing the internal cavity and calculate a volume of the solid body. The analytical tool is configured to determine whether the internal cavity is bounded by the virtual housing, counting a number of external and internal faces traversed by the fluid during the simulated fluid flow, and determining a shortest path between the selected external and internal faces. |
| US08548775B2 |
Method for designing and/or selecting a device and/or material for implanting in tissues of the human or animal body and a device and/or material obtained thereby
A method for designing a device and/or bio material for implanting in tissues of the human or animal body, comprising the acquisition of a digital image of the structure of the recipient tissue and its breakdown and processing in fractal elements that enable the classification of the type of tissue and the design of the device and/or biomaterial so as to achieve an optimal coupling for the purposes of the integration and the stability of the implant in the tissue. An automatic and simplified procedure is also described, based on the analysis of the image of the tissues with a view to providing indications on the most suitable device and/or biomaterial to choose for a implant. |
| US08548774B2 |
Simulation environment for simulating physical system and/or sub-systems
A simulation environment for simulating a physical system or sub-system. The environment includes a plurality of elements that can be arranged to form any of a number of component objects or sub-component objects. The component or sub-component objects are assembled to form at least one assembly object that forms at least part of the system or sub-system. Each element is provided with mesh data, and rules of connectivity. The rules of connectivity govern the interconnection of the elements to form the component or sub-component objects. The mesh data for a particular element is automatically incorporated into each completed component or sub-component object that includes that particular element. |
| US08548772B2 |
Automated method and apparatus for detecting erroneous sample collection in clinical assays
An automatic method for identifying biological samples that are collected using the wrong blood preservative for subsequent analytical testing. The method also provides for identification and/or suppression of certain analytical test results that are substantially or partly adversely affected. The invention is particularly suited for use in point-of-care medical diagnostic testing. |
| US08548770B2 |
Portable monitoring devices and methods of operating same
A portable activity monitoring device comprising a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, a motion sensor to detect user motion and, in response thereto, to generate data which is representative of motion of the user, an altitude sensor to detect a change in user altitude and, in response thereto, to generate data which is representative of the change in altitude of the user, processing circuitry to calculate activity metrics of the user, wherein the processing circuitry: (i) calculates a motion metric using the motion data, (ii) calculates an altitude metric using the altitude data, and (iii) calculates at least one sleep metric of the user. In certain embodiments, the processing circuitry may automatically determine a sleep mode of the user using the motion data and calculate at least one user sleep metric. |
| US08548768B2 |
System and method for evaluating and providing treatment to sports participants
The invention relates to a system for monitoring a physiological parameter of players engaged in a sports activity and a method for evaluating and treating players when the parameter exceeds a predetermined level. The system measures, calculates and records the parameter and then alerts trained personnel to apply the method to evaluate and treat players. When the system is configured for use with football, hockey or lacrosse, the system generally includes reporting units, a sideline controller, a database, and a signaling device, such as a wireless personal digital assistant. The physiological parameter data measured and collected by the reporting units are processed by the sideline controller for meaningful analysis or use. When the physiological parameter(s) exceeds a predetermined threshold level the sideline controller generates an alert that is received by the signaling device, which is typically worn by sideline personnel, such as coaching staff or trainers. After an alert occurs, the method for evaluating and treating a player is initiated. |
| US08548766B2 |
Systems and methods for gyroscope calibration
A method that compensates gyroscopes comprises rotating a sensor platform with three gyroscopes, three accelerometers and three magnetometers thereon; determining a first rotation vector Og based upon the rotation sensed by at least one of the three gyroscopes; determining a second rotation vector Om vector based upon the rotation sensed by the three accelerometers and the three magnetometers; and determining a compensation gain and a compensation bias for the at least one gyroscope based upon the first rotation vector and the second rotation vector. |
| US08548757B1 |
Method for calculating maximum allowable operating pressure and maximum operating pressure of a pipeline
A method for providing MAOP information for gas pipelines and MOP for hazardous liquid pipelines that is accessible continuously via a network. The method comprises obtaining a route identifier for a specific pipeline segment; collecting authenticated pipeline segment information related to the specific pipeline segment; collecting non-authenticated pipeline segment information related to the specific pipeline segment; calculating smart segmentation for the specific pipeline segment; identifying gaps in MAOP or MOP data based on the smart segmentation; filling the gaps in MAOP or MOP data; calculating MAOP or MOP for the specific pipeline; and showing valid and invalid MAOP to a user using an executive dashboard. |
| US08548756B1 |
System for calculating maximum allowable operating pressure and maximum operating pressure of a pipeline
A system for providing traceable, verifiable complete MAOP or MOP information for a specific pipeline to users in an automated manner that is viewable continuously via a network. The system comprises a processor in communication with the network; a data storage in communication with the processor. The data storage includes computer instructions for identifying a specific pipeline, providing a unique identifier for the specific pipeline, collecting authenticated pipeline segment information related to the specific pipeline, collecting non-authenticated pipeline segment information related to the specific pipeline, automatically identifying gaps in MAOP or MOP data, automatically identifying gaps in user established MAOP or MOP; automatically filling the gaps in MAOP or MOP data, calculating MAOP or MOP for the specific pipeline, and showing valid and invalid MAOP or MOP to a user using an executive dashboard. |
| US08548755B2 |
Flow rate measurement device
Switching a transmitting and receiving direction of two transducers (2,3) in the forward and the reverse direction, a time differential memory part (17b) storing a propagation time differential every K times a unit measurement process being executed, the propagation time differential being a differential between a propagation time of the ultrasonic wave signal in a forward direction and in a reverse direction, a flow rate calculating part (15) calculating a flow rate of a passing fluid based on a lump sum of propagation times in both the forward and the reverse directions obtained at least every K times of a unit measurement process being executed, an estimating part (18) estimating a change in a momentary flow rate of the fluid based on the time differential obtained every K times of the unit measurement process being executed and storing thereof in a time differential memory part (17b), thus obtaining an accurate flow rate and detecting the change in the momentary flow rate. |
| US08548749B1 |
Path classification and estimation method and system for prognosticating asset life
Path classification and estimation method and system used in combination with a computer and memory for prognosticating the remaining useful life of an asset by classifying a current degradation path of a current asset as belonging to one or more of previously collected degradation paths of exemplary assets and using the resulting classifications to estimate the remaining useful life of the current asset. |
| US08548748B2 |
Determining thin film stack functional relationships for measurement of chemical composition
A method for determining chemical composition from optical properties of a stack formed with a process, by preparing test samples of the stack using known and intentional variations to the process to affect a variation in the chemical composition, measuring the optical properties of the test samples, measuring the chemical composition of the test samples, performing a processor-based regression analysis to determine an optical state function including correlations between the optical properties of the test samples and the chemical composition of the test samples, fabricating production samples of the stack using the process, measuring the optical properties of the production samples, and estimating the chemical composition of the production samples using the optical state function. |
| US08548745B2 |
Visual-servoing optical microscopy
The present invention provides methods and devices for the knowledge-based discovery and optimization of differences between cell types. In particular, the present invention provides visual servoing optical microscopy, as well as analysis methods. The present invention provides means for the close monitoring of hundreds of individual, living cells over time; quantification of dynamic physiological responses in multiple channels; real-time digital image segmentation and analysis; intelligent, repetitive computer-applied cell stress and cell stimulation; and the ability to return to the same field of cells for long-term studies and observation. The present invention further provides means to optimize culture conditions for specific subpopulations of cells. |
| US08548743B2 |
Method and apparatus to monitor reformation and replacement of CO2/CH4 gas hydrates
A method for monitoring production from a methane hydrate reservoir includes obtaining a plurality of temperature measurements in a wellbore connected with the methane hydrate reservoir; and deriving a parameter relating to conversion of methane hydrate to carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrate by injection of liquid CO2, wherein the deriving uses a modeling program and the plurality of temperature measurements, wherein the modeling program uses at least one parameter relating to a thermodynamic properties that are substantially different between methane and CO2. The at least one parameter relating to thermodynamic properties may include Joule-Thomson coefficients of methane and CO2. The parameter relating to the conversion of methane hydrate to CO2 hydrate may include a ratio of methane and CO2 in a mixed fluid. |
| US08548742B2 |
Non-contact measurement systems for wireline and coiled tubing
A system for measuring at least one parameter of moving cable, the system including a system power source, a digital camera adjacent a moving cable for taking digital images of the cable as the cable moves past the digital camera, the digital camera producing signals corresponding to the digital images, a signal processor for receiving the signals from the digital camera and for processing the images to produce processed image data, the signal processor for calculating measurements of the at least one parameter of the cable based on the processed image data, the system power source for powering systems devices, e.g., the digital camera and/or the signal processor. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b). |
| US08548741B2 |
Fleet tracking system having unicast and multicast functionality
A tracking system is disclosed for use with a fleet of machines operating at a common worksite. The tracking system may have a locating device located onboard each machine of the fleet of machine that is configured to determine a current location of an associated machine of the fleet of machines, and a communicating device located onboard each machine in communication with the locating device. The tracking system may also have a central controller located offboard the fleet of machines in communication with each communicating device. The central controller may be configured to receive an unacknowledged message from each communicating device relaying the current location of the associated machine. The central controller may also be configured to update a location listing of the fleet of machines with the current location, and to repetitively multicast the location listing to the communicating devices of the fleet of machines. |
| US08548740B2 |
System and method for wavelet-based gait classification
A motion classification system comprises an inertial measurement unit configured to sense motion of a user and to output one or more channels of inertial motion data corresponding to the sensed motion; and a processing unit configured to calculate a coefficient vector for each of the one or more channels based on a wavelet transformation of the respective inertial motion data, and to select one of a plurality of gaits as the user's gait based on the calculated coefficient vector of at least one of the one or more channels and on a plurality of templates, each template corresponding to one of the plurality of gaits. |
| US08548732B2 |
Navigation system for vehicle
A travel-estimated road, which a vehicle is estimated to travel, intersects with a cross road at an intersection. A search area shaped of a sector centering on the intersection is defined to have a central angle to include an extending direction of the cross road. An arc intersecting point is then defined where an outer circumference arc of the search area intersects with the cross road. A display position of the road name of the cross road on a road map is determined based on a line segment between the intersection and the arc intersecting point. Thus, the road name of the cross road can be displayed in a position, which is in proximity to the travel-estimated road so as to allow a user to clearly recognize that the displayed road name indicates the cross road irrespective of the configuration of the cross road. |
| US08548731B2 |
Navigation method, navigation system, navigation device, vehicle provided therewith and group of vehicles
A navigation system is described comprising at least a first and a second navigation device (201A, 201B) that each is capable of determining an initial estimation (P1A, P1B) of their own position,—the first navigation device (201A) having a facility (225A) for transmitting its relevant navigation information (P1A) to the second navigation device (201B),—the second navigation device (201B) having a facility (225B) for receiving the relevant navigation information (P1A),—at least one of the first and second navigation device (201A, 201B) having a facility (210A, 210B) for providing a proximity signal (Spr, S′pr) that indicates whether the first and second navigation device are within proximity of each other,—the second navigation device having a dead reckoning facility (210B) for calculating the initial estimation (P1B) of its position and a facility (250B) for improving an accuracy of estimating its own position using relevant navigation information (P1A) provided by the first navigation device (201A) for positions for which the proximity signal (Spr) was given. |
| US08548730B2 |
System and method for controlling object detection based on driver status
Primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on each of the primary and secondary keys and is configured to generate a driver status signal indicative of whether the driver the primary driver or the secondary driver. A controller is operably coupled to the key ignition device. The controller is adapted to determine whether the driver is the primary driver or the secondary driver. The controller is adapted to generate a position notification signal indicative of the position of the object with respect to the vehicle. The controller is adapted to notify the primary and secondary drivers of the position of the object. The controller is adapted to selectively control the operation of generating the position notification signals based on whether the driver is the primary driver or the secondary driver. |
| US08548728B2 |
Display device for an aircraft including means for displaying a navigation symbology dedicated to obstacle avoidance
The general field of the invention is, within the framework of terrain anti-collision systems for aircraft, the presentation on navigation aid displays of a simplified symbology suited to these critical situations. More precisely, the symbols comprise at least one arrow representing the direction of the ground speed vector with respect to the axis of the airplane and at least one set of straight segments representing the limit boundaries in plan view beyond which the aircraft will inevitably crash. Other symbols such as the indication of the instructed course supplement this symbology. |
| US08548724B2 |
Positioning terminal and server
The positioning terminal of the present invention includes a positioning unit 103 configured to perform positioning processing for acquiring position information which indicate a current position of the positioning terminal, a route storage unit 104 configured to store a registered route formed by concatenating location points indicated by position information previously acquired by the positioning unit 103, a route matching determining unit 106 configured to determine whether or not the positioning terminal 10 moves on the registered route, and a continuous positioning control unit 109 configured to change a positioning interval at which the positioning unit 103 performs positioning processing from a time interval TI1 to a time interval TI2 which is longer than the time interval TI1, when it is determined that the positioning terminal moves on the registered route. |
| US08548723B2 |
Car navigation system
A car navigation system includes a distance sensor 2; an angular velocity sensor 1 for detecting angular velocity having a sensor detection axis in a vertical direction of a casing; an acceleration sensor 3 for detecting acceleration having a sensor detection axis in a back and forth direction of the casing on a horizontal plane; a body velocity and acceleration measuring unit 42 for measuring velocity and acceleration in the body direction of vehicle movement from the signal from the distance sensor; an angular velocity measuring unit 41 for measuring angular velocity from the signal from the angular velocity sensor; a body roll angle estimating unit 43 for estimating a body roll angle from the body direction of vehicle movement velocity and angular velocity; an acceleration sensor output estimating unit 45 for outputting, when the casing is set in the body with a rotation in a yaw direction, estimation values of the output signal of the acceleration sensor at every prescribed angle; and a yaw direction mounted angle detecting unit 46 for determining as a yaw direction mounted angle in the body an angle at a time when an estimated value is obtained which agrees most closely with a value remaining after subtracting from the signal from the acceleration sensor its offset component. |
| US08548720B2 |
System and method for aircraft taxi gate selection based on passenger connecting flight information
A system and method for aircraft taxi gate selection based on passenger connecting flight information. In one embodiment, a communication link is established between an aircraft computing system and a ground station system via a communication network provided by the ground station system. Further, aircraft taxi gate selection information and the passenger connecting flight information are substantially simultaneously displayed on a display device to a pilot upon establishing the communication link. Furthermore, the pilot is allowed to select an aircraft taxi gate based on the displayed aircraft taxi gate selection information and passenger connecting flight information. |
| US08548719B2 |
Real-time traffic condition measurement
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for identifying a first location, at time one, of a plurality of automobiles using cell phone tower triangulation to locate a cell phone within each of the plurality of automobiles, identifying a second location, at time two, for each of the plurality of automobiles using cell phone tower triangulation to locate the cell phone within each of the plurality of automobiles, calculating a vehicle speed for each of the plurality of automobiles using the first and second locations already identified, and creating a traffic condition measure for a route in proximity to the first and second locations. The computer program product may repeat this process in real-time to calculate a real-time traffic condition measure that may be a traffic density measure the computer program product may use to predict a travel time. |
| US08548714B2 |
Method for making uniform the thrust command of the engines of an aircraft
According to this invention, artificial force gradient means (9a) of a throttle control lever (4) for a turbo-engine comprise means (17) for adjusting the intensity of the artificial force gradient. |
| US08548713B2 |
Power demand management
A method is disclosed of determining the power demand on a power subsystem (2) of a system (1) by optimising a respective demand-dependent operating characteristic based on one or more operating conditions affecting the power subsystem, the method comprising: using a system-authority (3, 14) to determine system-level power demand limits on the basis of a system-level objective associated with an operating period; inputting the power demand limits to a separate power control processor (4, 16) configured for regulating the power demand on the power subsystem (2); determining each of said operating conditions; and using the power control processor (4, 16) autonomously to determine the overall power demand on the power subsystem (2) within said system-level limits, based on each of said operating conditions, thereby to optimise said operating characteristic. A method of regulating the power demand during the operating period is also disclosed. The method finds particular application in vehicles, turbomachinery and plant equipment, notably multi-engine aircraft and marine vehicles. |
| US08548710B1 |
Off-road wheeled vehicle speed limiting system
An open cockpit off-road vehicle has an engine, four wheels, side-by-side driver and passenger seats, and at least one safety belt which include a seat belt, first and second connecting portions selectively connected to each other, and one of a safety belt sensor and a safety belt switch sensing a state of this connection. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively connects the engine to the wheels. A control unit is connected to the engine. A vehicle speed sensor senses a speed of rotation of a shaft driven by the CVT. The control unit controls the engine in a vehicle speed limit mode when the first and second connecting portions are disconnected. When in this mode, the control unit controls the engine to limit the speed of the vehicle to a predetermined speed and to permit the engine to reach a torque necessary to operate the vehicle at the predetermined speed. |
| US08548706B2 |
Device operable to control turning of vehicle
A device operable to control a turning of a vehicle, includes: a motion controller operable to: control a first adjuster so as to increase a drive force applied to at least one of front wheels and rear wheels situated in an inner side of the turning, and control a second adjuster so as to increase the braking force applied to at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels situated in an outer side of the turning; and control the first adjuster so as to increase the drive force applied to at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels situated in an outer side of the turning, and control the second adjuster so as to increase the braking force applied to at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels situated in an inner side of the turning. |