Document Document Title
US08608558B2 System and method for securing electronic games
According to some embodiments, a method, apparatus and computer readable medium are provided for facilitating play of a game utilizing an encoded player number and a decoding key for decoding the encoded player number.
US08608557B2 Betting ticket purchase system, method of controlling a betting ticket purchase system, program, and recording medium
Provided is a betting ticket purchase system capable of avoiding a time lag between the reception of a purchase request that changes the odds greatly and the reflection of the specifics of the purchase request on a change in the odds . A betting request receiving unit (26) receives a purchase request for a betting ticket. An odds outputting unit (24) outputs odds which are calculated based on specifics of the purchase request. The betting request receiving unit (26) identifies a level of impact of the purchase request on the odds based on the specifics of the purchase request. The betting request receiving unit (26) sets a processing order of the purchase request so that the purchase request is processed before a purchase request that is identified as being smaller in impact on the odds than the purchase request.
US08608556B2 Linked progressive jackpot system
A gaming machine 10 has a display 14 and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display 14. The game controller is arranged to play a game 16 in which at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display 14. If a predefined winning event occurs, the machine 10 awards a prize to a player. When a trigger condition occurs in a base game of the game 16, a bonus game feature is awarded comprising a series of bonus games. If a particular special symbol outcome occurs during any of the bonus games, the particular special symbol outcome is collected towards a jackpot prize awarding event.
US08608553B2 Interface for a gaming machine
A gaming machine adapted to print validated tickets for a game player includes a microprocessor for controlling game operation (e.g., slot machine operation) and including a cashout signal input, a network interface coupled to the microprocessor for communicating with a central authority, and a memory in the network interface that stores a pre-loaded ticket validation number received from the central authority. In addition, a ticket printer is coupled to the microprocessor for printing a ticket that includes pending credit indicia and pre-loaded ticket validation indicia in response to a cashout signal on the cashout signal input. After the ticket is printed, the gaming machine obtains a new pre-loaded validation number in preparation for the next ticket printing event.
US08608552B2 Method and apparatus for providing a complimentary service to a player
Systems and methods are provided for providing a service to a player using a player device. A indication of a player identifier which corresponds to a player of a gaming device is received. A player device is provided to the player. A service to provide the player is determined based on a gaming activity of the player, and the service is then provided to the player using the player device.
US08608550B1 Coordinating three dimensional wagering game content presentations
A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include determining a number of distinct channels of images associated with 3D wagering game content to present sequentially in a common display of the wagering game system during a corresponding number of sequential time slots based, at least in part, on a number of active shutter 3D glasses of the wagering game system that have been initiated. The operations can also include transmitting a synchronization signal to the active shutter 3D glasses to synchronize lens film activation operations with the presentation of the distinct channels of images in the common display. The operations can further include sequentially presenting the distinct channels of images associated with the 3D wagering game content in the common display during the corresponding number of sequential time slots according to a timing of the synchronization signal.
US08608546B2 Wagering game, gaming machine, networked gaming system and method with a simultaneous secondary game
A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed in which a gaming machine provides both a base game and a side game which may be played and wagered upon concurrently or according to some play sequence. The base game may be one type of game displayed on a portion of a primary display of the gaming machine and the side game may be a different type of game displayed on a remaining portion of the primary display.
US08608544B2 Wagering game including multiple arrays of reel symbols
A gaming system displays a first array of symbols and a second array of symbols for a wagering game. The second array of symbols includes at least one second-array reel. The at least one second-array reel includes a predetermined sequence of symbols. The at least one second-array reel rotates the predetermined sequence of symbols to determine at least partially the second array of symbols. The second array is divided into at least two sub-arrays, the at least one second-array reel extending into the at least two sub-arrays. A controller selects at least one symbol from the first array and copies the at least one selected symbol into one or more positions in each of the at least two sub-arrays. The at least two sub-arrays is displayed with combinations of symbols including the at least one selected symbol. The controller evaluates the combinations to determine an outcome to the wagering game.
US08608539B2 Gaming machine capable of transfer from base game
A gaming machine is provided which is capable of providing a rendering in such a manner that a story gradually extends together with a bonus game in a case where rendering processing is executed in parallel with the bonus game. The routine transfers to a free game, as triggered by establishment of a condition for rearranging a specific symbol in a base game. Next, the routine transfers to a bonus game, as triggered by establishment of a first transfer condition in the free game. Then, the routine transfers to another free game, as triggered by establishment of a second transfer condition in the bonus game. In this manner, an extended game loop in which the free game and the bonus game enter extended games is formed.
US08608538B2 Gaming method
A gaming method operates to provide expert card-counting information to some or all participants, in exchange for a premium. The premium may be a cash payment, a reduction in the prize amount or betting odds, some combinations of the foregoing, or any other useful remuneration. The house retains its edge via the premium. The method may be implemented for play at a physical or virtual card table.
US08608537B2 System and method for simulating group play within asynchronous videogame content
To simulate group play, player controlled characters may be grouped prior to entry into a set of asynchronous videogame content. Then separate instances of the set of asynchronous videogame content may be provided to players associated with individual ones of the grouped player controlled characters. In the separate instance provided to a given player, secondary instances of the player controlled characters other than the player controlled character being controlled by the given player may be controlled automatically to accompany the player controlled character being controlled by the given player.
US08608533B2 Automatic roof ventilation system
A roof ventilation system operable based on environmental parameters is disclosed. The system includes a vent, a fan, a solar panel, a battery and a controller. The vent is positioned within a field of a roof, and includes a first opening configured to allow airflow between regions above and below the roof. The fan is positioned to generate an air flow through the vent. The solar panel is positioned on the roof in a location such that the solar panel receives solar radiation. The battery is electrically connected to the solar panel. The controller is in communication with the fan, and is configured to drive the fan based on at least one environmental parameter.
US08608529B2 Dollhouse and method of folding the dollhouse
A dollhouse is moveable from a closed or folded position to an open or unfolded position. In its open configuration, the dollhouse provides one or more play areas on each side of the dollhouse. The dollhouse can be provided with a variety of sensors for detecting play activities and providing feedback such as audible feedback, motion or lights in response to the specific play activities. Feedback can also be produced in response to the order in which the sensors are activated and in response to activation by particular play components to encourage desired play behavior.
US08608526B2 Amusement apparatus
An amusement apparatus 100 of the present invention comprises a mirror placed in the bath, a support 125, a lighting member 129, a half mirror 128, a transparent waterproof sheet 130, a waterproofing mechanism 145, and an inlet 146. The support 125 and the lighting member 129 is placed on the mirror 120, the half mirror 128 is supported to the support 125, placed to an inner wall of bath 110 watertightly. Transparent waterproof sheet 130 coats the aperture upper part of bath 110, by a waterproofing mechanism the transparent waterproof sheet is watertightly fixed in the bath. Also an inlet for injecting a liquid between the half mirror and transparent waterproof sheet is provided, by the lighting member lighting up a region between the half mirror and the mirror, a reflection of the light is repeated in the region.
US08608525B1 Coated articles and/or devices with optical out-coupling layer stacks (OCLS), and/or methods of making the same
Certain example embodiments relate to organic light emitting diode (OLED) inclusive devices, and/or methods of making the same. A substrate supports a transparent conductive coating (TCC) based layer, and first and second organic layers disposed thereon. A reflective conductive layer is supported by the organic layers. An out-coupling layer stack (OCLS) interposed between the organic layers and a viewer of the device includes a hybrid organic-inorganic polymer matrix having scatterers dispersed throughout in a manner such that each scatterer is located in the far field of its nearest neighbor. The scatterers are dispersed to have a high Zeta potential, and promote Mie-like scattering of light passing through the OCLS. Mie-like scattering caused by the OCLS may help to frustrate the wave-guiding modes in the glass, e.g., by breaking down the in-phase coherence.
US08608524B2 Water shoe
Provided is a water shoe facilitating walking on a water surface. The water shoe of the present invention includes: a foot fixing portion to fix a foot; a supporting bar coupled with the foot fixing portion; a floating membrane foldable toward and unfoldable from the supporting bar with the supporting bar functioning as a pivot shaft to provide buoyancy to the water shoe when the floating membrane comes into contact with a water surface; and a folding hinge portion coupled with the floating membrane to fold and unfold the floating membrane. The water shoe of the present invention has a simple structure, and may be put to use in water leisure sports at an inexpensive cost. Further, the water shoe may be used even in a narrow area, without a motor boat, and almost unencumbered by weather conditions.
US08608523B2 Lightweight personal hydroplane watercraft
A lightweight watercraft device designed for use by general consumers and those without means or desire for a traditional, larger boat. The device comprises a pilot seat, an outboard electric motor and steering means mounted to a lightweight foam hull wrapped in a composite shell. The hull comprises a central region bounded by two forward sweeping sides that form the bow of the vessel. The sides taper from bow to stern, terminating at the rear of the boat in a squared configuration. The hull is a unitary foam structure, wrapped in plys of composite material for structural reinforcement. A plank board is bonded between plys along the central axis of the boat, and provides support for the seat, a rear transom board and an area for carrying supplies. Mounted on the transom board is the outboard electric motor, which provides motive power for the vessel.
US08608520B2 Cable connector having a circuit board partially encased by a coating and connected to a cable
A cable connector comprises a first connector and a cable. The first connector comprises a first connector body and a first circuit board. The first circuit board has first and second surfaces, a plurality of first connection points installed on the first surface, and soldering portions of the first conductive terminals correspondingly soldered to the first connection points. The first circuit board has a plurality of second connection points on the first and second surfaces, and the cable's conducting wires are correspondingly soldered to each second connection point. The first connector comprises a first coating partially encasing the first circuit board. The first coating comprises first and second portions. The first portion encases one side of the first surface in order to encase the first connection points. The second portion encases the edge of the first and second surfaces in order to encase the second connection points.
US08608519B1 Quick lock conductor receiver
A conductor receiver is described herein for engaging a conductor. The conductor receiver can include a stationary portion for receiving and securing a bottom portion of the conductor. The conductor receiver can also include a movable portion that is coupled to the stationary portion and has an open position and a closed position. When the movable portion is in the closed position, the movable portion secures a top portion of the conductor. The conductor receiver can also have a channel with a number of rows positioned width-wise within the channel. Each row has at least one member made of conductive material, where each member has a normal position and a retracted position. When the conductor is positioned within the channel, each member is in the retracted position.
US08608514B2 Connector block with parallel electrical connection
An external connector block that can be positioned over multiple standard-sized power supply terminals that are secured to the housing of, e.g., a compressor is disclosed. The connector block includes an electrically conductive bridge connecting respective pins of the terminals in parallel. By connecting the terminals in parallel, the connector block increases the maximum allowable operating current of a terminal connection, while still utilizing standard-sized power terminal feed-throughs. As such, the connector block of the present disclosure may enable higher power rated applications without requiring a new power supply terminal design.
US08608512B2 Cable connector
An assembly including an electrical wire and a plug housing forming an electrical connector. The electrical wire includes an electrical conductor and electrical insulation surrounding the electrical conductor. An end of the electrical conductor is not surrounded by the electrical insulation. The plug housing is on the end of the electrical wire. The plug housing covers a bottom of the end of the electrical conductor and covers a first portion of a front side of the end of the electrical conductor. The plug housing does not cover a top of the end and does not cover a second portion of the front side such that the top of the end and the second portion are exposed to be able to electrically contact an electrical contact of a mating electrical connector.
US08608509B2 Electrical connector
An electrical connector having a housing provided with an opening through which a flat circuit device is inserted into the housing, a plurality of conductive contacts arranged on the housing for contacting with connecting terminals on the flat circuit device in the housing, and a shell member mounted on the housing and provided therein with a holding portion for holding the flat circuit device in the housing and a manipulatable releasing portion for releasing the flat circuit device from holding by the holding portion, wherein the holding portion is constituted to extend from a portion of the shell member provided for covering one of opposite plate-shaped portions of the housing into an inside of the housing and to have an engaging projection formed thereon for selectively engaging with and disengaging from the flat circuit device.
US08608508B2 Rubber plug and waterproof connector
A rubber plug (10) has a plug main body (11) with at least first and second seal holes (13A, 13B) penetrating therethrough. Front and rear first lips (15A) are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first seal hole (13A) and a valley (16) is defined between the first lips (15A). Front and rear second lips (15B) are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second seal hole (13B) and a valley (17) is defined between the second lips (15B). The lips (15A, 15B) are disposed so that tips of the first lips (15A) align with the valley (17) of the second seal hole (13B). As a result, the first lips (15A) do not add to compressive forces exerted by the second lips (15B) when a wire is inserted into the second seal hole (13B).
US08608507B2 Tool-less and visual feedback cable connector interface
An electrical connector interface has a male portion and a female portion. The male portion provided with at least three outer diameter radial projecting connector tabs and a conical outer diameter seat surface at an interface end. A releasable retainer seats upon the male portion. The female portion provided with at least three outer diameter radial projecting base tabs and an annular groove open to the interface end with an outer sidewall dimensioned to mate with the conical outer diameter seat surface. the releasable retainer dimensioned to engage the base tabs, upon rotation of the releasable retainer, retaining the outer diameter seat surface against the outer sidewall. A handle projection of the releasable retainer and/or visual engagement indicia may be applied for ease of tool-less interconnection and/or verification of engagement.
US08608503B2 Connector guide member and electrical connector device having the same
A connector guide member is provided for guiding a connector attached on a circuit board to a mating connector attached on another circuit board when the connector is connected to the mating connector. The connector guide member includes a positioning member that sets a position of the connector relative to the mating connector; an engaging member that locks to the connector while the positioning member positions the connector, and a guiding member that guides a guided portion provided on the mating connector.
US08608501B2 Attachment mechanism for electronic component
An attachment mechanism for fastening an electronic component includes a circuit board and a fastener. The circuit board includes a first connector to be connected to a second connector of the electronic component. The fastener includes a main body engaging with the first connector and an operation portion extending up from the main body. An engaging bar protrudes from the operation portion to abut against a top of the electronic component.
US08608499B2 Connector system
A connector system includes a plurality of first connecting terminals, a plurality of second connecting terminals, a first housing, a second housing, a plurality of insulating members, a laminated structure formed by the plurality of first and second connecting terminals and the plurality of insulating members, a pressing mechanism including a rotary member rotatably supported on the first housing and configured to generate a pressing force to press the laminated structure in a lamination direction thereof, a rotation inhibiting mechanism configured to inhibit a rotation of the rotary member in a direction of generating the pressing force when the first housing is not fitted to the second housing, and a rotation-inhibition release mechanism configured to release the inhibition of the rotation of the rotary member by the rotation inhibiting mechanism so as to allow the rotation of the rotary member when the first housing is fitted to the second housing.
US08608498B2 Connector
A connector includes a first terminal housing for housing plural first connecting terminals aligned, a second terminal housing for housing plural second connecting terminals aligned, plural insulating members, a connecting member for collectively fixing and electrically connecting the plural first connecting terminals and the plural second connecting terminals at each contact point by pressing the plural first connecting terminals and the plural second connecting terminals. The connecting member includes a ring-shaped support fixed to the first terminal housing and a pressing portion an upper part of which is inserted into a hollow formed inside the ring-shaped support so as to be pivotally supported by the support. The pressing portion is configured to turn relative to the support by turning the upper part of the pressing portion and to move relative to the support with the turning of the pressing portion in a vertical direction.
US08608496B2 Connector for multi-phase conductors
A connector for multi-phase conductors. The connector includes conductors for conducting multi-phase currents, and at least one conductive plate corresponding to each phase. Each conductive plate defines apertures for the conductors to pass through, there being at least one aperture in each conductive plate for each respective conductor. Each conductive plate includes at least one connecting member for forming an external electrical connection. Each conductor passes through a respective aperture of each conductive plate. Each conductor is selectively coupled to form electrical connection only to a conductive plate corresponding to the respective phase of the conductor.
US08608494B2 Socket for micro subscriber identification module card
A micro SIM card socket is equipped with an insulator housing, wherein the SIM card is installed; a metal shell, connected to the housing at a constant distance from the housing, that guides the insertion of the SIM card; multiple contact terminals, supported by the housing, one end of which is connected to the contact terminal of the SIM card and the other end of which is fixed to the printed circuit board; a locking unit installed on the side of the housing in order to selectively fix the insertion point of the SIM card, having a curve-shaped pressure pin, at the end of the unit, putting pressure to the edge of the SIM card; a detect terminal installed in the housing in order to detect the insertion of the SIM card and that is pressured by the pressure pin, located in proximity of the pressure pin, when the SIM card is inserted; and a switch terminal that elastically contacts the detect terminal.
US08608491B2 Electrical connector having structure to pre-set solder balls
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing with a number of passageways extending therethrough, a number of electrical contacts secured in the passageways respectively, and a number of solder balls contacting with the electrical contacts. The passageways each includes a solder ball receiving slot and a pre-setting slot below the solder ball receiving slot and expanded therefrom. The electrical contacts each have a solder tail at a lower end thereof and a contact section at an upper end thereof. The solder balls and the solder tails are disposed in the solder ball receiving slot and the pre-setting slot. The pre-setting slot restricts the solder ball at a first position and the solder ball receiving slot restricts the solder ball at a second position.
US08608487B2 Phishing redirect for consumer education: fraud detection
A method and system for detecting fraud may redirect a user from a phishing message to an education message. The phishing message may include a phishing website that mimics a target entity. A user may be convinced to disclose sensitive information to a fraudster operating the phishing website. The phishing website may be maintained through a service provider and the target entity may request that the service provider disable the phishing website. During evaluation of the target entity's request by the service provider, a user may be directed to an education website that may be displayed until the phishing website may be permanently disabled. The education website may include information or identify a source of information that may help educate the user on fraud prevention, phishing, the target entity, the targeted industry, future prevention tips and suggestions, and other related information.
US08608483B2 Breast tissue models, materials, and methods
Devices, systems, and methods appropriate for use in medical training that include materials that better mimic natural human tissue are disclosed. In one aspect a polysiloxane mixture for simulating human biological tissue, especially human breast tissue, is disclosed. In another aspect, a method of manufacturing a biological tissue phantom is disclosed. In another aspect, a human breast tissue models are disclosed. In one instances, the human breast tissue model comprises a simulated breast tissue comprising a mixture of a silicone foam and a silicone oil and a simulated skin layer covering the simulated breast tissue, where the simulated breast tissue and the simulated skin layer are sized and shaped to mimic a natural human breast. In some instances, the human breast tissue model includes at least one simulated pathological structure that simulates such pathologies as a cyst, a medullary carcinoma, a ductal carcinoma, an infiltrating scirrhus carcinoma, a lobular carcinoma, and a fibroadenoma.
US08608480B2 System and method of training by providing motional feedback
A method is generally described which includes providing training by altering a user's motional response includes directing a user to perform specified motions in accordance with a training sequence and detecting the user's motions, by a feedback sensor device, the motions associated with the user. The method also includes generating, by the control program, control data based on the data representative of the detected motions and the training sequence. The control program is configured to receive data representative of the detected motions and to receive the training sequence. The control program has a control algorithm configured to generate control data based on the data representative of the detected motions and the information. Further, the method includes running the control program by a controller configured to output control signals based on the control data. Further still, the method includes delivering current, during a repeating phase in which the user is attempting to repeat the training sequence, from the current source to a vestibular stimulation device configured to deliver a stimulation current to at least one electrical contact, in response to the control signals. The at least one electrical contact is configured to contact flesh of the user.
US08608477B2 Selective writing assessment with tutoring
An on-line, computerized, software-driven system provides writing assessment of submitted essays with instructional feedback. The feedback incorporates comments and prompts provided to the user which are generated in response to the assessment evaluation of written text. Skill level and developmental level comments, remarks and prompts on various genre specific domain areas are provided in a real-time mode or in a request response mode, as elected by the user. Assessment and scores are provided by machine methods driven by a software engine. All appropriate comments and prompts are generated to the user by analysis logic software operating on a database of genre specific, educationally acceptable comments and prompts.
US08608476B1 Fabric mosaic art kit
A kit by which a fabric mosaic may be assembled comprising a template, fabric pieces, and stylus. The fabric pieces are secured to the template by inserting portions of the fabric pieces into opening where they are secured by an interference fit.
US08608473B2 Immediate provisional implant
An immediate provisional implant is provided, and method of use therefor, that serves to protect permanent dental implant anchors and overlying tissue during the healing and osseointegration process. Potentially damaging forces resulting from patient use of a temporary prosthesis during the osseointegration period are carried by the immediate provisional implant, rather than impinging upon non-osseointegrated permanent implant anchors or overlying tissue. The immediate provisional implants are self-threading and are inserted in osteotomies located near permanent dental implant anchors. The temporary prosthesis is removed after a period allowed for osseointegration of the permanent implant anchors, and the provisional implants can also be removed at the same time. The immediate provisional implants are non-linearly tapered from a maximum thread diameter near the bone surface to a more narrow distal end, providing immediate stability without the benefit of osseointegration.
US08608469B2 Method and device for producing plastic molded skins having different subregions
The present invention relates to a method and a device for producing plastic molded skins having different subregions. For this purpose, before melting the first plastic material, a region of the molding tool surface is covered with a separate energy-self-sufficient mask. After an unmasked region of the molding tool surface has been coated, the mask is removed, and in a second manufacturing step, the exposed subregion of the molding tool surface is coated with a different plastic material, the two subregions of the plastic skin bonding with each other.
US08608468B2 Wide area stamp for antireflective surface
Nanoimprint molds for molding a surface of a material are provided. A nanoimprint mold includes a body with a molding surface that is formed by shaped nanopillars. The nanopillars may be formed on a substrate and shaped by performing at least a first partial oxidation of the nanopillars and then removing at least a portion of the oxidized material. Once shaped, a hard substance is deposited on the nanopillars to begin forming the molding surface of the nanoimprint mold. The deposition of a hard substance is followed by the deposition of carbon nanotube on the hard substance and then the removal of the substrate and nanopillars from the molding surface.
US08608465B2 Positive-displacement rotary pump having a positive-displacement auxiliary pumping system
Positive-displacement auxiliary pumping systems for use in pump apparatus of different configurations are disclosed. The positive-displacement auxiliary pumping systems are included in positive-displacement rotary pumps having a casing defining a pumping cavity, an inlet port connected to the pumping cavity, a discharge port connected to the pumping cavity, and a positive-displacement auxiliary pumping port connected to the pumping cavity. Pumping elements move within the pumping cavity of the casing and define a collapsing pocket that maintains fluid communication with the positive-displacement auxiliary pumping port after the collapsing pocket is no longer in fluid communication with the discharge port.
US08608463B2 Micro cooling fan
A micro cooling fan comprises a housing and a main circuit board. The housing has an accommodation space, a first inner surface, and a gap. The gap is in communication with the accommodation space, and two opposite side edges of the gap have a groove respectively. The main circuit board comprises a first circuit board and a second circuit board. The first circuit board has a stator, the second circuit board has a driving circuit, and the stator is electrically connected to the driving circuit. The first circuit board is disposed on the first inner surface, and the second circuit board is embedded into the grooves and blocks the gap.
US08608462B2 Motor stator and rotary compressor
According to one embodiment, a motor stator includes a substantially cylindrical stator iron core and insulators. The stator iron core includes a yoke, teeth, and U-shaped grooves. The U-shaped grooves are formed on the circumference of the yoke in the axial direction. The insulators each include an outer circumference wall, hoisting drums, inner guards, and at least three engagement claws. The engagement claws are located spaced apart in the circumferential direction on the outside of the outer circumference wall and fitted in axial-direction ends of the U-shaped grooves, respectively. One of the engagement claws is arranged such that a first circumferential-direction side portion of the engagement claw is in contact with a first side wall of one U-shaped groove. Another is arranged such that a second circumferential-direction side portion of the engagement claw is in contact with a second side wall of another U-shaped groove.
US08608460B2 Method and apparatus for increasing compressed air efficiency in a pump
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for increasing compressed air efficiency in a pump utilizes an air efficiency device in order to optimize the amount of a compressed air in a pump. The air efficiency device may allow for controlling the operation of the air operated diaphragm pump by reducing the flow of compressed air supplied to the pump as the pump moves between first and second diaphragm positions. A sensor may be used to monitor velocity of the diaphragm assemblies. In turn, full position feedback is possible so that the pump self-adjusts to determine the optimum, or close to optimum, turndown point of the diaphragm assemblies. As such, air savings is achieved by minimizing the amount of required compressed air.
US08608458B2 Pump assembly
A pump assembly includes a pump housing (2) with a fluid entry (6) and a fluid exit (8) for a fluid to be delivered. A stator housing (4) is connected to the pump housing (2). At least one cooling channel (12) is formed in a wall of the stator housing (4) and is connected to cooling channels (22, 24) in the pump housing (2), which are in connection with the fluid entry (6) and the fluid exit (8), so that the fluid flows through the at least one cooling channel on account of the pressure difference between the fluid entry (6) and the fluid exit (8).
US08608456B2 High pressure pump
At least one choked flow passage communicates between one side of the movable member and the other side of the movable member and limits an amount of fuel, which passes from the one side of the movable member to the other side of the movable member, when the movable member is moved by an urging force of a relief spring toward a valve element. A larger amount of fuel, which is larger than the amount of fuel that is passable through the at least one choked flow passage, flows from a first return flow passage to a second return flow passage, when the movable member is moved toward the other side, which is opposite from the valve element, against the urging force of the relief spring.
US08608453B2 Feed pump and modular pump system
The invention relates to a feed pump for supplying lubricant to at least one lubricating point, with at least one driving module and at least one pump module. Each driving module and each pump module is selected from a modular system which comprises a plurality of driving modules and/or a plurality of pump modules which each have at least one connecting region. In this case, the connecting regions are matched to one another in such a manner that the at least one driving module can be exchanged for at least one further driving module and/or the at least one pump module can be exchanged for at least one further pump module.
US08608447B2 Disk for turbine engine
A disk for a turbine engine is disclosed herein. The disk includes a rotatable body extending along a longitudinal axis between a forward side and an aft side. The disk also includes a plurality of slots disposed about a periphery of the body. Each of the slots extends between the forward and aft sides along a respective slot axis. The sides of each of the slots are asymmetrical relative to one another in a cross-section normal to the slot axis.
US08608446B2 Rotor disk and blade arrangement
A compressor disk for a turbine engine includes a plurality of blades mounted about the circumference. To assemble the blades onto the disk a lock assembly is inserted within a blade slot on the disk. A blade is assembled into the blade slot and slider seals are inserted between the blade and the disk to limit air from entering the blade slot. Additional blades are assembled until the end of the slider seals are reached. The process is repeated until all the blades have been assembled onto the disk. After the last blade has been assembled a spacer seal is placed at each lock assembly to take up the slack. Once all the blades and spacer seals are assembled the lock assemblies can be moved to a locked position.
US08608445B2 Centrifugal pump impellers
A centrifugal pump impeller includes front and back shrouds and a plurality of pumping vanes therebetween, each pumping vane having a leading edge in the region of an impeller inlet and a trailing edge, the front shroud has an arcuate inner face in the region of the impeller inlet, the arcuate inner face having a radius of curvature (Rs) in the range from 0.05 to 0.16 of the outer diameter of the impeller (D2) The back shroud includes an inner main face and a nose having a curved profile with a nose apex in the region of the central axis which extends towards the front shroud, there being a curved transition region between the inner main face and the nose. Fr is the radius of curvature of the transition region and the ratio Fr/D2 is from 0.32 to 0.65. Other ratios of various dimensions of the impeller are also described.
US08608441B2 Rotatable blade apparatus with individually adjustable blades
The lengths and/or chords and/or pitches of wind turbine or propeller blades are individually established, so that a first blade can have a length/chord/pitch that is different at a given time to the length/chord/pitch of a second blade to optimize performance and/or to equalize stresses on the system.
US08608440B2 Simplified system for controlling propeller blade pitch in an aircraft turboshaft engine
A system for controlling propeller blade pitch in a turboshaft engine, including: a first track connected to a propeller blade, of which the rotation provides for the setting of the incidence of this blade; a second track; a member actuating the first track, arranged between the first and second tracks, and having a recessed angular portion; and at least one locking member provided between the first and second tracks, housed in the recessed angular portion and in the notch. The locking member can occupy a normal over-center position rendering the first and second tracks integral in rotation, and a release position authorizing the displacement in rotation of a unit including the first track, the locking member, and the actuating member.
US08608434B2 Variable geometry turbine
A variable geometry turbine comprises: a turbine wheel mounted within a housing assembly for rotation about a turbine axis, the housing assembly defining a radial gas flow inlet passage; an annular wall member defining one wall of the inlet passage and which is displaceable in a direction substantially parallel to the turbine axis to control gas flow through the inlet passage; and a linkage mechanism comprising at least one actuating member operably connected to the annular wall member to control displacement of the wall member. The actuating member extends in a direction substantially parallel to the turbine axis through an aperture defined by a retaining member such that a first bearing surface defined by the actuating member extending transverse to the turbine axis is contacted by a surface of the retaining member so as to connect the actuating member to the annular wall member. The aperture is appropriately dimensioned to define a clearance between a wall of the aperture and a portion of the actuating member located within the aperture so as to accommodate displacement of the retaining member, resulting from displacement of the annular wall member, relative to the actuating member.
US08608432B2 Cooling system
A fan configured for integration with a structure having at least two support members is disclosed. The fan comprises a fan guard, a fan blade surrounded by the fan guard, and first and second mounting brackets. Each of the first and second mounting brackets is configured for connection to a respective one of the support members. The fan also comprises first and second connectors oppositely disposed on the fan guard and configured for connection to a respective one of first and second mounting brackets. The first and second connectors are adjustable with respect to the first and second mounting brackets, and the fan is configured to rotate between at least two struts. Rotation of the fan between the at least two struts is limited such that an opening defined by one of the struts and said fan guard does not exceed a predetermined size.
US08608428B2 Submersible centrifugal pump with normal and ejector modes of operation
The present invention relates to a submersible centrifugal pump assembly comprising an impeller suspended in the end of a drive shaft, and driven in rotation relative to an impeller seat which is stationary in normal operation and which defines an axial intake for liquid to be transported by the impeller in rotation. The pump assembly is characterized in that the impeller seat is journalled in a pump housing for limited rotational movements in opposite directions of rotation relative to the pump housing, and in rotation controlled in guide means for limited linear displacements in opposite axial directions relative to the impeller.
US08608421B1 Nut tightening system
A device for applying rotational torque to a fastener (such as a nut) on a fastening member (such as a threaded rod) to maintain the tight fastening. One specific embodiment of the device uses a recoil spring to apply such torque directly to the fastener; the device enables continued tightening of the fastener long after the initial fastening occurs.
US08608416B2 Cargo supporting device
The present invention discloses a cargo supporting device, addressing a problem in prior art conventional cargo supporting devices, where the teeth on the handle might be brought in dead lock with the teeth on the inner tube. The present cargo supporting device includes an inner tube and an outer tube, and the outer tube is hinged to a handle. The outer tube is further hinged with a jogged part which keeps being inserted among the teeth. A clutch mechanism is provided between the handle and the jogged part. The handle can be connected with the jogged part by means of the clutch mechanism. The handle can be disengaged from the jogged part by said clutch mechanism when the handle is turned to the inner tube. Therefore the gear would not be brought in dead lock with the teeth of the inner tube during the aforesaid two states being switched.
US08608415B2 Intermodal transport platform
A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises first braces that rotate about a mounting point on the frame that supports a cargo loading surface. The first braces are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fitments at the standard overhead crane lifting points when in a lift configuration. The first braces may be rotated inboard down to the loading surface, thereby presenting stacking blocks at the crane lifting points for stacking several platforms together. Second braces attach to the first braces to assist in load distribution. The second braces may assist in translating the platform from one position to another by rotating along a wheel. Other features and aspects disclosed lend to the invention's low weight and high carrying capacity, as well as its unique load securing features.
US08608413B2 Shank attachment device
A shank attachment device attaches a core drill to a rotating portion of a drill device and includes an arbor and a shank. The arbor is detachably attachable to the rotating portion. The arbor and the shank are detachably attachable to each other. The shank is detachably attachable to the core drill. A stopper engages a groove of the shank to stop a movement of the shank in an axial direction away from the arbor. A rotational torque of the arbor can be transmitted to the shank by engaging a first engaging portion of the arbor with a first engaged portion of the shank. The shank contacts the arbor to stop the movement of the shank in the axial direction toward the arbor.
US08608411B2 Device for consolidating soils by means of mechanical mixing and injection of consolidating fluids
Device (1) for consolidating soils by mechanical mixing and injection of consolidating fluids is designed to be connected to one or more drilling rods and to carry out operations of drilling and mixing. The device has a main body (10), one or more blades (30) (30′) (30″), which are mobile with respect to the body (10) and are constrained by cams (22) to a central structure (20) internal to the body (10). The device (1) has channels for the flow of fluids (40), which are connected in a liquid-tight way to at least one sprayer; a relative motion is generated between the central structure (20) and the external body (10) as a function of the pressure of a liquid introduced into the channels for the flow of fluids (40), which brings about opening of the blades (30) (30′) (30″).
US08608408B1 Secondary column enhanced tension leg platform
A tension leg platform for use in offshore hydrocarbon production and drilling operations, wherein the tension leg platform can include a plurality of column pairs. Each column pair can include a primary column connected with a secondary column and a secondary pontoon between the primary column and secondary column. The primary columns can be configured to support a deck, and the secondary columns can be connected with the primary column below the draft of the tension leg platform. The tension leg platform can also include a plurality of primary pontoons for connecting the primary columns to one another.
US08608400B2 Position arrangement device and joint module thereof
According to an example embodiment, a position arrangement device includes at least one joint module between a first base and a second base. The at least one joint module is configured to adjust a position of the second base relative to the first base based on elastic flexion in the joint module.
US08608394B2 Image-forming apparatus
An image-forming apparatus includes: a plural image-holding members, each image-holding member holding an image and being rotatable around a rotation shaft; a frame member that at least partially defines a space for accommodating the plural image-holding members therein; a cover provided to the frame member to open and close the space with respect to an outside, an inner side of the cover being formed with rotation shaft insertion holes each for receiving an end portion of the rotation shaft of a corresponding one of the image-holding members accommodated in the space; a supporting shaft that supports the cover such that the cover is pivotable with respect to the frame member, the supporting shaft being inserted into a supporting shaft insertion hole provided to the frame member or to the cover, the supporting shaft insertion hole being elongated in a direction having a vertical component when the cover closes the space; and a positioning mechanism that positions the cover with respect to the frame member when the cover closes the space, the positioning mechanism including at least two projections that project from one of the frame member and the cover, and that are spaced apart from each other in a direction of an axis of the supporting shaft, and projection insertion holes provided to the other one of the frame member and the cover to receive corresponding projections when the cover closes the space.
US08608391B2 Shock-absorbing mechanism for movable mirror of camera
A movable mirror shock-absorbing mechanism of a camera, includes a movable mirror rotatable between a viewfinder light-guiding position and a retracted position, a mirror-advancing shock-absorbing member which comes into contact with, and is pressed and moved by, the movable mirror to absorb shock of the movable mirror when the movable mirror rotates from the retracted position to the viewfinder light-guiding position, and a mirror-retracting shock-absorbing member which comes into contact with, and is pressed and moved by, the movable mirror to absorb shock of the movable mirror when the movable mirror rotates from the viewfinder light-guiding position to the retracted position. The mirror-advancing shock-absorbing member is held in a position so as not to contact with the movable mirror by the mirror-retracting shock-absorbing member when the movable mirror is in the viewfinder light-guiding position.
US08608385B2 Main bearing for engine with high belt load
A main bearing (20) for supporting a rotating crankshaft (56) includes an upper shell (22) and a lower shell (24). An upper inner surface (32) of the upper shell (22) has an oil supply groove (26) extending circumferentially therealong, an oil stem groove (28) extending obliquely from the oil supply groove (26), and a pair of oil distribution grooves (30) extending from the oil stem groove (28) along and parallel to the oil supply groove (26) to present an F-shape along the upper inner surface (32) of the main bearing (20). The oil grooves (26, 28, 30) provide for improved lubrication of the main bearing (20) at startup and when the engine is idle or stopped, especially in electric and hybrid vehicles. The main bearing (20) also has exceptional strength and load bearing capacity.
US08608383B2 System for holding a linear motion guide track to a support base and method therefor
A system for securing a linear motion guide track (1010) to a support extrusion (1030) comprises an elongated wedge (1040) having a protrusion configured for insertion in a slit in one side of the well of the support extrusion for positioning the wedge in the well, the wedge having deformable teeth on a side opposite the protrusion such that insertion of the guide track in the well deforms the teeth of the wedge thereby securely holding the guide track in the support extrusion.
US08608381B2 Easy pour bag
Vertical fill and form bags fabricated from flexible packaging film are provided with at least one transverse seal at an oblique angle. Upon opening, the oblique angled seal provides a natural use easy pour dispensing feature. The bag is intuitively and ergonomically easy to use to facilitate controlled pouring without spilling. The bag are especially useful for bulk particulate contents especially consumer food products such as ready-to-eat cereals for use in food service venues such as universities and hospitals. Apparatus and method of preparation for the productions of the easy pour bulk bags are described including using transverse sealers at least one of which is oriented at an angle such as to impart the oblique angled transverse seal.
US08608372B2 Portable timepiece
A wristwatch has a casing containing a movement. An insertion cylindrical portion of a pipe is inserted into a through-hole in a body of the casing, and the pipe is fixed to the body. A push-button has a button shaft engageable with a contact member of the movement through the pipe, and a push operation head connected to the button shaft and disposed outside the body. The button shaft has a first portion integrated with the head and a second portion screwed onto the first portion. The second portion has a diameter greater than that of the first portion and an engagement surface capable of approaching and being separated from a tip of the insertion cylindrical portion. The push-button is biased toward the outside of the body by a spring so the engagement surface is held in contact with the tip of the insertion cylindrical portion.
US08608370B1 Combination holding furnace and electromagnetic stirring vessel for high temperature and electrically conductive fluid materials
Apparatus for, and method of, containing, transferring and electromagnetically stirring an electrically conductive fluid is provided. A vessel is formed from spaced-apart annular structural elements, or hoops, that are bound together by a high-temperature electrical insulating material, which also forms the interior surface of the vessel. Reinforcing members are embedded in the high-temperature electrical insulating material and passed through the hoops. The vessel is disposed within an electrical stator having multiple electrical poles. Each pole is wound with a separate coil. Current can be supplied to each coil winding, with a suitable phase shift between currents to all coil windings, to achieve an electromagnetically induced stirring and heating of the electrically conductive fluid. The vessel may be removably disposed in the electrical stator so that the vessel can be transported to and from the electrical stator for induced stirring.
US08608366B2 Screw-shaped LED
A screw-shaped LED including a high power LED, a metal circuit board, power supply cords, and a screw-shaped housing. The high power LED and the metal circuit board are both mounted inside the screw-shaped housing. Within the housing, the high power LED is fixed on and electrically connected with the metal circuit board. The power supply cords are electrically connected with the metal circuit board and pass through the screw-shaped housing.
US08608365B2 Backlight fixing device with adjustable test angle
A backlight fixing device includes a base plate, a first slidable unit and a second slidable unit. The base plate includes an L-shaped bar formed on an upper surface of the base plate protruding from edges of two adjacent sides of the base plate. A first guiding groove and a second guiding groove are defined in the upper surface of the base plate and extended perpendicularly from the other two adjacent sides of the base plate towards a central area of the base plate correspondingly. The first slidable unit is movably attached to base plate to be movable along the first guiding groove. The second slidable unit is movably attached to base plate to be movable along the second guiding groove. The first slidable unit, the second slidable unit and the L-shaped bar form a receiving space for accommodating a backlight module.
US08608363B2 Recycling backlights with semi-specular components
A hollow light-recycling backlight has a “semi-specular” component providing a balance of specularly and diffusely reflected light improving the uniformity of the light output. The component may be arranged on the reflectors (1021), (1014) or inside the cavity (1016). This balance is achieved by designing the component's “transport ratio” defined by (F−B)/(F+B), (F and B are the amounts of incident light scattered forwards and backwards respectively by the component in the plane of the cavity) to lie in a certain range. Furthermore, the product of the front and back reflector “hemispherical” reflectivities should also lie in a given range. Alternatively, the “cavity transport value”, a measure of how well the cavity can spread injected light from the injection point to distant points in the cavity should lie in a further range and the “hemispherical” reflectivity of the back reflector should be >0.7.
US08608362B2 Collimating light engine
Collimating light engines, methods of making collimating light engines, and articles incorporating collimating light engines are disclosed. In one aspect, a light source and circuitry can be disposed between a reflector and a reflective baffle to form a collimating light engine. The light source is at least partially obscured from view by the reflective baffle. Light emitted from the light source is partially collimated upon leaving the light engine. Light uniformity of the output surface of a backlight can be proved by disposing an array of the collimating light engines in the backlight
US08608360B2 Liquid light guide having position retaining function
An illumination apparatus includes an irradiation source and a liquid light guide coupled thereto. The liquid light guide has the form of a goose neck. A liquid filled light guide tube of the liquid light guide is supported in a position retaining tube and at least one end of the light guiding tube, preferably the light input end, is supported rotatably in the position retaining tube.
US08608356B1 Underbody terrain lighting for off-road vehicles
The present invention may be used for illuminating the terrain in the proximity of the axles, differential, wheels and tires for off-road vehicles. An access cover of differential gear axle housing may have lateral ribs formed as part of the cover outside surface. A recess may be formed by recess walls as an element of the lateral ribs. A light emitting device may be mounted in the recess and may be electrically connected through a port in the recess walls to an electrical power source controllable from an off-road vehicle.
US08608352B2 Illuminating device
An illuminating device is disclosed in this invention. The illuminating device includes a shell, a light module, and a fan. The light module is disposed on the shell. The shell includes a sealed space. The fan is disposed within the sealed space.
US08608351B2 Removable optical component for luminaire
This is directed to a luminaire having a removable inner accessory and optical component. A luminaire can include a base and an outer accessory through which light generated by a light source placed in the base is transmitted. To customize the light emitted by the luminaire, an inner accessory having an optical component can be placed within the outer accessory. The optical component can be tuned to provide a light pattern corresponding to an environment in which the luminaire is placed. Because all of the components used to create the luminaire, other than the optical component, are standard, the luminaire can be easily constructed with a default optical component, but also easily customized at a minimal cost. In addition, the optical component can be recessed relative to the outer accessory to improve optical performance of the luminaire.
US08608348B2 Sealed electrical device with cooling system and associated methods
An electrical device and method are presented, the device having an enclosure defining an interior volume sealed from the environment and an electronic lighting apparatus, which may include a heat generating element such as a light source, a heat sink, and a fluid flow generator, and optionally a support offsetting the fluid flow generator form the heat sink. The heat sink may be positioned adjacent the heat generating element and transfer heat there from. The fluid flow generator may create a flow of fluid to transport heat away from the heat sink and to the enclosure. The electronic lighting apparatus may be carried by the enclosure and partially disposed within the interior volume of the enclosure. The electrical device may further include an optic carried by the enclosure.
US08608346B2 Backlight module and light guide plate fixture thereof
The present invention discloses a backlight module and a light guide plate (LGP) fixture thereof, wherein the LGP fixture comprises a LGP, a heat dissipation base and a plurality of clamps. The heat dissipation base is planar and correspondingly disposed below the LGP. The heat dissipation base is installed with the clamps on sides of the LGP. Each of the clamps has a bottom portion, and a retaining plate and at least one upright plate are vertically formed from the bottom portion. The upright plate and the retaining plate are clamped on the heat dissipation base, and the clamps are used to position the LGP.
US08608344B2 LED lighting structure
An LED lighting structure includes a main body and a filling body. The main body has a first side and a second side. The first side has multiple raised sections. The second side has multiple light incidence sections corresponding to the raised sections respectively. At least one recessed channel section is formed on the second side around the light incidence sections. The filling body is disposed in the channel section. The filling body provides waterproof effect to prevent humidity and alien particles from infiltrating into the channel section. Also, multiple main bodies can be quickly serially connected.
US08608338B2 Light source unit
A light source unit includes an LED mount bar and a set of LEDs. The LED mount bar has an inside channel that is located at a center portion of the LED mount bar, and outside channels that are located at outside portions of the LED mount bar, respectively. The set of LEDs is disposed in the inside channel and the outside channels. The set of LEDs is ranked into a plurality of chromaticity regions within a predetermined chromaticity range in a chromaticity coordinate system and ranked into a plurality of luminous flux ranges according to a luminous flux value of the LEDs, respectively. The inside channel including a plurality of first LEDs from a subset of the set of LEDs. The subset of LEDs is ranked in a predetermined chromaticity region of the chromaticity regions and ranked in a predetermined luminous flux range of the luminous flux ranges.
US08608336B2 Multifunction electricity generating assembly using solar power
A multifunction electricity generating assembly includes: a pivot seat mounted pivotally in a housing; a solar power collecting unit mounted selectively to the pivot seat, and including a carrier connected detachably to the pivot seat to co-rotate with the pivot seat relative to the housing, and formed with electrical contacts that contact respectively and electrically exposed conductive members of the pivot seat when the carrier is connected to the pivot seat, and a solar power collecting plate connected electrically to the electrical contacts, and carried on the carrier for converting solar power into electrical energy; and a rechargeable battery unit disposed in the housing for storing collecting plate, the electrical energy converted by the solar power collecting plate.
US08608335B2 Lighting apparatus with a boost
Lighting apparatus and structures are described to space electrical drivers from a light panel. In this way, a driver box housing the driver can be spaced from the light panel to communicate with pre-existing facilities (e.g. electrical wiring) and can serve the additional advantage of keeping the driver box out of standing water that may accumulate on the structure.
US08608334B2 Device for displaying and illuminating an image
Some embodiments may include a device for displaying and illuminating images. The device may include a housing including an interior portion. An opening in the housing may provide access to the interior portion. A viewing aperture may be formed in the housing. The device may include a light guide having a light source. The light guide may be removably received within the housing via the opening. The device may include a graphic medium with an image printed thereon. The graphic medium may be removeably received within the housing via the opening and guided via a guide surface disposed on a portion of the light guide. The graphic medium may be guided via the guide surface and positioned with respect to the light guide such that at least a portion of the image is viewable through the aperture and at least partially illuminated via light originating from the light source.
US08608333B2 Helmet lighting system
A helmet including a lighting system integrated into said helmet, the lighting system comprising a first layer; light emitting means mounted to said first layer; controller means mounted to said first layer for controlling said light emitting means; wiring means for linking said light emitting means to said controller means; a second layer fixably attached to said first layer thereby providing an area between said first and second layer for said light emitting means, controller means, and wiring means; power means fixably attached to said second layer for powering said controller and light emitting means; and operating means functionally linked to said controller means for operating said controller means. The application also discloses lighting system contained in a shell that that can be attached to an existing helmet. This application also discloses a lighting system contained in a flexible material that can be fitted onto an existing helmet.
US08608325B2 Focusing mount
A focusing mount includes a focusing frame fixed to a focus tube with at least one lens having an optical axis which is connected to a constraining frame by prismatic joints for enabling movement of the focusing mount along the optical axis without any twisting, lateral, rotational or swing movements.
US08608321B2 Systems and methods for projecting in response to conformation
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that are related to projection.
US08608315B2 Device and method for the pre-operative selection and position determination of an endoprosthesis
A device and method for pre-operative selection and determination of a position of an endoprosthesis using a first rear projection screen with variable opacity and a movable second rear projection screen located in front of the first projection screen in respect of rear projection. The device may include a first projection unit for generating at least one first projection of the region of a subject in which an endoprosthesis is to be fitted, onto the first rear projection screen, and a second projection unit for generating at least one second projection of the endoprosthesis onto the second rear projection screen, the scaling of the first and second projection being identical. In an alternative embodiment, the second rear projection screen can be omitted.
US08608314B2 Scanning optical system for large axial scan depth anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT)
An optical coherence tomography scanning system includes a lens divided into two halves: one optimized to achieve normal incidence angles on the posterior surface of the eye's lens, the other optimized for the anterior surface of the eye's lens.
US08608313B2 Training and/or measuring visual focusing and vergence abilities using a plurality of optical elements
The visual focusing and/or vergence abilities of a subject may be trained and/or tested using apparatuses and methods in accordance with the present invention. The subject may be provided with an apparatus having optical elements having different optical characteristics and instructed to look through an optical element having a first optical characteristic and to focus on an indicia or object. The subject may be instructed to rotate the apparatus and to look through optical elements having a second optical characteristic and to focus on the same or different indicia or object. The subject may be instructed to repeat this process with this or further apparatuses having optical elements having the same or different optical characteristics. The visual focusing and/or vergence abilities of a subject may thus be tested and/or trained.
US08608311B2 Colored contact lens
A computer-implemented method of designing an iris region of a colored contact lens including providing an annular digital image representing at least a portion of an iris region of the eye. Applying a gradient fill algorithm to the digital image. And applying a halftoning algorithm to the digital image.
US08608310B2 Wireless powered contact lens with biosensor
A contact lens having an integrated glucose sensor is provided. The contact lens includes an electrochemical sensor configured to measure the level of glucose in the tear fluid of the eye of the user wearing the contact lens. The electrochemical sensor is powered by radiation off-lens, through an RF antenna or a photovoltaic device mounted on the periphery of the contact lens. The power provided to the contact lens also enables transmission of data from the electrochemical sensor, for example by backscatter communications or optically by an LED mounted to the lens.
US08608298B2 Printing apparatus
Provided is a printing apparatus in which bubbles in a print head are easily removed. The printing apparatus includes a first one-way valve disposed between the pump and the ink tank in the collection channel, the first one-way valve allowing movement of ink from the pump to the ink tank and blocking movement of ink from the ink tank to the pump; a circulation channel that connects the ink tank to the collection channel at a position between the pump and the first one-way valve, the circulation channel enabling circulation of ink from the ink tank, through the print head, and to the ink tank; and a second one-way valve disposed in the circulation channel, the second one-way valve allowing movement of ink from the ink tank to the pump and blocking movement of ink from the pump to the ink tank.
US08608293B2 Process for adding thermoset layer to piezoelectric printhead
Disclosed is a process for preparing an ink jet printhead which comprises: (a) providing a diaphragm plate having a plurality of piezoelectric transducers bonded thereto; (b) aligning an electrical circuit board having a fill joint with the piezoelectric transducers and temporarily attaching the electrical circuit board to the piezoelectric transducers, thereby creating a layered structure having interstitial spaces between the diaphragm plate, the piezoelectric transducers, and the electrical circuit board; (c) applying a thermoset polymer through the fill joint and allowing it to fill the interstitial spaces via capillary action; and (d) curing the thermoset polymer to form an interstitial polymer layer.
US08608288B2 Liquid drop ejector having self-aligned hole
A method for forming a self-aligned hole through a substrate to form a fluid feed passage is provided by initially forming an insulating layer on a first side of a substrate having two opposing sides; and forming a feature on the insulating layer. Next, etch an opening through the insulating layer, such that the opening is physically aligned with the feature on the insulating layer; and coat the feature with a layer of protective material. Patterning the layer of protective material will expose the opening through the insulating layer. Dry etching from the first side of the substrate forms a blind feed hole in the substrate corresponding to the location of the opening in the insulating layer, the blind feed hole including a bottom. Subsequently, grind a second side of the substrate and blanket etch it to form a hole through the entire substrate.
US08608278B2 Direct marking printer having a user configurable print resolution
A printing device can be configured with different numbers of ink colors and ink types to print with a different cross-process direction print resolution for each ink color and ink type. The printing device includes a plurality of printhead arrays with each printhead array being configured to eject ink onto an image receiving surface at a first print resolution in a cross-process direction. Each ink supply in a plurality of ink supplies is configured to provide ink to one printhead array in the plurality of printhead arrays, and a controller is configured to operate the printhead arrays at one of at least two combinations of ink colors and ink types. The controller operates the printhead arrays ejecting a same ink color or a same ink type at a second print resolution in the cross-process direction that is different than the first print resolution.
US08608277B2 Printing position alignment method and printing apparatus
Multiple alignment patterns, each composed of first and second alignment pattern elements printed by forward and backward movements of a print head, respectively, are formed while the relative printing positions of the two elements are shifted. From optical characteristics data thereof, whether the data is influenced by a disturbance is determined. When the data is determined to be less influenced by the disturbance and therefore to be reliable, an adjusting value for aligning positions in printing in reciprocal movements is calculated by use of: data with the smallest relative printing position misalignment between the first and second alignment pattern elements; and data of optical characteristics close to the data. When the data is largely influence by the disturbance, a range of shifting of relative position is widened than that of the data less influenced by the disturbance so that more data pieces are used to obtain the adjusting value.
US08608273B2 Print data compensation for variations in paper position within a printing system
Methods and systems herein provide for print data compensation for a print head based on a lateral offset of a media relative to the print head. In one embodiment, a print controller of a printer identifies an edge of a media that is parallel to a direction of travel of the media, and determines a lateral offset between the edge of the media and a print head of the printer. The print controller then modifies data for the print head based on the lateral offset to compensate for a lateral motion of the media relative to the print head.
US08608268B2 Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a first acquisition unit configured to acquire a speed of ink discharged from a recording head, a second acquisition unit configured to acquire information relating to a speed change based on the speed acquired by the first acquisition unit and a reference speed; a setting unit configured to set driving information relating to the recording head based on the information relating to the speed change acquired by the second acquisition unit, and a drive unit configured to drive the recording head based on the driving information set by the setting unit.
US08608264B2 Refrigerator rail system for removably supported side-sliding shelves
A repositionable rail system for a refrigerator includes first and second rails, each rail having a plurality of spaced-apart apertures. A crossbar has first and second ends adapted to fit within respective apertures on the first and second rails. After inserting the crossbar into the apertures, the crossbar is rotated to a fixed angled position. A half-width shelf having a hook is adapted to removably supported, in a cantilevered manner, by the crossbar. The half-width shelf can be slid along the crossbar for repositioning within the refrigerator cabinet, or may be placed alongside another half-width shelf on a crossbar, or replaced with a full width shelf mounted on the first and second rails in a corresponding, cantilevered manner.
US08608263B2 Beverage container storage and dispensing compartment for a refrigerator
A storage/dispensing compartment includes a front wall portion, a rear wall portion, a bottom wall portion and opposing side wall portions that collectively define a storage zone. The storage/dispensing compartment further includes a mounting element that is arranged on an underside of the bottom wall portion. The mounting element cooperates with a mounting member to position and secure the storage compartment in a storage cavity of a chiller compartment arranged on a refrigerator door. The storage/dispensing compartment, constructed in accordance with one embodiment, includes first and second, laterally arranged storage zones, each having respective inlet and outlet portions and a plurality of divider walls. The divider walls establish a serpentine path that extends from the inlet portion to the outlet portion.
US08608259B2 Housing of electronic device
A housing includes a main body, a cover coverable on the main body, and a latching mechanism for latching the cover to the main body. The main body defines at least one elongated hole. The cover defines at least one latching hole corresponding to the at least one elongated hole. The latching mechanism includes a driving member and a latching member coupled to the driving member. The driving member is rotatable around an axis A and drives the latching member sliding between a first position away from the axis A to a second position adjacent to the axis A. When the latching member is driven to slide to the first position, the latching member is detachable from the at least one latching hole, and the cover is unlatched from the main body; when the latching member is driven to slide to the second position, the latching member is latched to the at least one latching hole, and the cover is latched to the main body.
US08608257B2 Projector suspension device
A projector suspension device includes a casing and a suspension mechanism. The casing defines a space for accommodating an optical projection engine, and the casing has a trough extending into an inside of the casing. The suspension mechanism includes a fixed rod and a movable rod, and the fixed rod is disposed inside and fixed to the casing. One end of the movable rod is connected to the fixed rod, and another end of the movable rod is fixed to a stationary object. The movable rod is slidably coupled to the fixed rod and slides relative to the fixed rod so as to be stored inside the trough or to stick out from the trough.
US08608253B1 Locking hub
A locking hub that is useful for wheels on small vehicles. Such wheels may use a press fit or integrally cast version of the invention. The locking hub fits over a shaft. The hub has a bore for receiving the end of the shaft. An outer member is connected to and spaced from the hub. A finger is adjacent to the bore and has a protrusion that extends into the bore. The finger is resilient and movable between a first and second position. The first position has the protrusion protruding into the bore and the second position has the protrusion outside of the bore with the finger being bent radially outward. The shaft has a notch or hole that receives the finger. A locking device may selectively be placed between the outer member and the hub to prevent the finger from moving into its second position, thereby locking the hub onto the shaft.
US08608244B2 Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat having a seat part and a backrest that can be inclined relative to the seat part to allow transfer between an in-use position and a stowed position includes structure that causes the length of the backrest to change during the transfer. In a particular embodiment, the length of the backrest is greater in the in-use position than in the stowed position to provide satisfactory comfort and safety to an occupant seated in the vehicle seat when it is in the in-use position and to provide a compact arrangement in the stowed position.
US08608236B2 Front module for a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a front module for a motor vehicle, wherein the front module is in one piece and is composed exclusively of plastic.
US08608235B2 Vehicle body structure
Disclosed is a vehicle body structure of an automobile in which a front edge portion of a front windshield glass is supported by an air box including a vertical wall surface portion facing an inner side of a vehicle compartment. In the vehicle structure, the front edge portion of the glass is connected to the air box in such a way that when glass membrane vibrations of the glass in surface inward-outward directions are in a phase shifting in an inward direction to the vehicle compartment, the vertical wall surface portion of the air box shifts in an outward direction from the vehicle compartment, and when the glass membrane vibrations of the glass in the surface inward-outward directions are in a phase shifting in an outward direction from the vehicle compartment, the vertical wall surface portion of the air box shifts in an inward direction to the vehicle compartment.
US08608230B2 Localized energy dissipation structures for vehicles
An impact protection structure for a vehicle impacting a blunt-object barrier includes a support structure of the vehicle, an energy absorbing rail coupled to the support structure, and a localized energy dissipation structure. The energy absorbing rail extends an energy absorbing rail length and includes a plurality of lumens. The localized energy dissipation structure extends a localized energy dissipation structure length less than the energy absorbing rail length.
US08608229B2 Motor vehicle having interconnected outer skin components and a method for connecting outer skin components
A motor vehicle having interconnected outer skin components and a method for connecting outer skin components is provided. In cutting off damaged outer skin components and replacing same, in a connected state of the two outer skin components, a reinforcing component is arranged on an inner surface of each of the two outer skin components via an adhesive. This results in a two-layer construction at the joint between the two outer skin components.
US08608222B2 Fuel tank cover and fuel tank cover module for a motor vehicle
A tank inlet cover module is provided, which is installable in a motor vehicle, and a tank inlet cover mounted so it is pivotable thereon. The tank inlet cover module has a groove body having an end stop for limiting a pivot movement of the tank inlet cover. The tank inlet cover itself has a tank inlet cover body and a counter stop element, which interacts with the stop of the tank groove via a counter stop surface, furthermore, means being provided for damping a structure-borne noise propagation between counter stop element and the tank inlet cover body.
US08608221B1 Resettable pop-up system for a closure panel
A counterbalanced hinge system rotatably attaches a closure panel to a body for rotation about a rotation axis. The counterbalanced hinge system applies an assist torque to the closure panel to bias the closure panel about the rotation axis from a closed position into an open position. A pop-up system is moveable from an un-sprung position into a sprung position to apply an opening force to the closure panel. A reset system includes a connecting cable interconnecting the counterbalanced hinge system and the pop-up system. The reset system converts a portion of the assist torque applied by the counterbalanced hinge system into linear motion of the connecting cable to move the pop-up system from the sprung position into the un-sprung position automatically upon the closure panel moving from the closed position into the open position.
US08608212B2 Door closer apparatus
A door closer apparatus includes: a pole lever that is rotated by a pole which rotates in the direction opposite from the direction of engaging a latch; a pole lever urging portion that urges the pole lever; a spring that urges the pole lever in the direction of coming into contact with the pole; a stopper that comes into abutment with the pole lever at a half lock position to prohibit the pole lever from rotating in the direction of coming into abutment with the pole; a first switch that is activated in response to the latch positioned in a range from the initial position to a position between the half lock position and the full lock position; and a second switch that is activated in response to the pole lever positioned in a range from a position between the initial position and the half lock position to the full lock position.
US08608210B2 Coupling device for tubular members
A coupling device includes a coupling body and a collar adapted to engage a tubular member in a fluid tight seal. The coupling device includes axially spaced front and back ferrules which engage during mounting to provide a plurality of seals intermediate the ferrules and the tubular member as well as the coupling body. The back ferrule includes a generally cylindrical or tubular wall that is elastically/plastically deformed to an arcuate shape to enhance the maintenance of the seals.
US08608207B2 Apparatus to make up multiple quick connect couplings
An apparatus for providing coolant to a computer rack system comprises a first and a second quick disconnect couplings each having a male insert, a female socket aligned with the male insert and a release collar movable on the female socket between a release position and a docked position, a carriage slidably coupled to the chassis to move the male inserts between a retracted position with male inserts separated from the female sockets and a docked position with male inserts inserted into the female sockets. A resilient member intermediate the chassis and the release collars assists in moving the release collars from the release position to the docked position to make up a fluidic circuit. A collar stop coupled to the chassis and aligned with the release collars engages and moves the release collars from the docked position to the release position to break out the fluidic circuit.
US08608206B2 Pipe-sealing collar
The invention comprises a replacement collar for a roof vent pipe. The collar provides UV protection for an existing gasket or can be used as a separate installation. Preferably, the collar has a thicker gauge and includes a seal flange and pre-applied sealant. The collar is designed for universal application for all appropriate sizes of pipe with unique cut line indentations to enable correct trimming to selected size.
US08608204B2 Tags
A self attaching tag made essentially of self adhesive printable plastic to be attached to a fragile and easily deformable object characterized in that the tag is covered with a plurality of varnishes which allow for the protection of pre-printing and for printing and writing on at the moment of use. The tags are delivered on large rolls where perforations allow for easy separation of the tags.
US08608203B2 Spray prevention device
A device for preventing spray from emerging from the wheels of vehicles comprises a panel (4) that is adapted to be mounted substantially vertically behind a vehicle wheel (3) for receiving on a first side water released by the wheel (3) as it rotates. The panel (4) includes at least one passage (6) which leads from the first side to a rear second side of the panel (4). The or each passage (6) is other than normal to the plane of the panel (4). There is at least one water-collecting pocket (7A, 7B, 7C) along the side of the or each passage (6). In use, air and water enter the or each passage (6) and are separated so that air passes through the or each passage (6) and mixes with ambient air and water collects in the at least one water-collecting pocket (7A, 7B, 7C).
US08608200B2 Passenger seat air bag, passenger seat air bag apparatus and vehicle
When an air bag body beings to expand due to gas flowing from an inflator into the air bag body, a left side folded piece and a right side folded piece which have been folded into concertinas expand quickly to thrust laterally to the left and right. Vent holes are located to be exposed in upper faces of the folded pieces. Accordingly, the gas can flow out from the interiors of the folded pieces through the vent holes as soon as the folded pieces begin to expand.
US08608197B2 Airbag module for a motor vehicle
An airbag module for a motor vehicle is provided. The airbag module comprising a gas bag, which is inflatable by means of a gas generator for the protection of a person, and a vent opening through which gas originating from the airbag module can escape, and a device for controlling the outlet cross-section of the vent opening, which comprises at least one covering member with which the vent opening can be covered, in order to at least partly close the same, and which furthermore comprises an actuating mechanism which cooperates with the covering member, in order to vary the outlet cross-section of the vent opening. The actuating mechanism includes a gas source and an element inflatable by means of the gas source, which during inflation cooperates with the covering member such that it effects a change in the outlet cross-section of the vent opening.
US08608196B2 Gas generating system
A gas generating system (10) including a filter assembly (36) formed from a plurality of nodules (36b) positioned and secured in relation to each other so as to form a porous structure (36a). In one embodiment, the nodules (36b) are metallic and are secured in relation to each other using either a sintering process or a brazing process. The nodules (36b) may be bonded directly together, or the nodules may be secured within a metallic matrix material. The gas generating system may also include a first baffle plate (40) positioned between the plurality of nodules (36b) and a gas source of the gas generating system (10), and a second baffle plate (42) positioned between the plurality of nodules (36b) and a housing wall (12c) of the gas generating system (10). The baffle plates (40, 42) provide added structural integrity to the porous structure (36a) and increase the length of a tortuous flow path of gases through the filter assembly (36). Apertures (40a, 42a) and are provided in the baffle plates (40, 42) to aid in directing the flow of gases through the porous structure (36b), thereby ensuring a tortuous flow path for the gases. A vehicle occupant protection system (480) incorporating the filter assembly (36) is also described.
US08608195B2 Airbag apparatus for a front passenger's seat
An airbag apparatus for a front passenger's seat is disclosed. The apparatus includes a wrapping member that wraps up an airbag in a folded-up configuration. The wrapping member includes a joint portion that is secured to an airbag housing or its vicinity together with the airbag, a main body that extends forward from the joint portion and a cover portion that extends rearward from the joint portion for deployment between the airbag and an out-of-position object in an initial phase of airbag deployment. During a folding process of the airbag, the cover portion is wrapped around a front-rear contracted bag, and a leading end of the cover portion is tucked down between an upper folded portion and a lower folded portion of the front-rear contracted bag.
US08608194B2 Steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle
A steering wheel assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a steering wheel that can be mounted rotatably about a steering axle on a motor vehicle is provided. The steering wheel assembly comprises an airbag module disposed in a pre-determinable use position on the steering wheel, and an adjusting device disposed on the steering wheel assembly. Said adjusting device is adapted and provided for adjusting the spatial position of the airbag module relative to the steering wheel for the purposes of compensating for tolerances perpendicular to the steering axle. In the process, the adjusting device comprises adjusting means for generating an adjusting force that has at least one force component along the adjusting direction of the airbag module and also a guide device for guiding the airbag module along the adjustment direction thereof.
US08608191B2 Protection device including an inflatable member
A protection device comprising an inflatable member and one or more structures is described. The inflatable member comprises a first wall and a second wall that form an internal chamber. The one or more structures are housed in the internal chamber, and each structure in the one or more structures comprises a first mesh and a second mesh connected by a plurality of tie members. Methods for manufacturing such a protection device are also described.
US08608190B2 Telescoping handle assembly and stroller equipped with the same
A telescoping handle assembly includes a first handle, a second handle, a first coupling member, a second coupling member and a driving member. The second handle is movably disposed in the first handle. The first coupling member is movably disposed in the first handle and the second handle. The second coupling member is movably disposed in the second handle. The driving member is coupled to the second coupling member and used for driving the second coupling member to move from a first position to a second position. When the second coupling member is located at the first position, the second coupling member is capable of moving with respect to the first coupling member. When the second coupling member is located at the second position, the first coupling member and the second coupling member are capable of moving together while the driving member is driven.
US08608188B2 Light duty cart
The foldable frame cart carries items and doubles as a table. A main-frame has a pivotally attached upper framework, a lower frame stand and wheels attached to the main-frame. A panel attaches to the cart space defining members. The cart is a table when the main-frame is positioned horizontally on the ground. The upper and lower framework are fully extended. The cart has swivel locks. A lower swing arm safety latch system maintains the first frame stand in a fully extended position with respect to the main-frame. An off center swing hinge lock system pivotally attaches the upper framework to the main-frame. The hinge lock systems prohibits unintentional closure or collapse of the framework from its fully extended position with respect to the plane of the main-frame.
US08608187B2 Flange mount drawbar with self-aligning snubber
A drawbar assembly includes a mounting member adapted to couple to a vehicle and that includes a body portion having a first passage, an eye portion extending outwardly from the mounting body portion, wherein the eye portion includes a top surface, a bottom surface and a second passage extending therethrough adapted to receive a pintle hook therein, and a wedge member slidably received within the first passage of the body portion. The wedge member is slidably movable between a first portion, wherein the wedge member is withdrawn into the first passage of the body portion, and a second position, where the wedge member extends into the second passage of the eye portion. The wedge member is located between the top surface and the bottom surface of the eye portion, and does not extend above the top surface or the bottom surface.
US08608184B2 Mobility assistance device
A mobility assistance device for use as a walking aid includes a frame member extending from a front assembly to a rear assembly. The front and rear assemblies comprise a pair of wheels for rotational movement of the assistance device. The mobility device further comprises an energy absorption assembly located between the frame member and an axle housing of a rear assembly. The energy absorption assembly includes first and second ends, the first end is operably connected to a rearward position of the frame member and the second end is rotatably connected to the axle housing assembly supporting the pair of wheels of the rear assembly.
US08608181B2 Active roll control system
An active roll control system may include a sliding unit which includes a housing disposed on a suspension, a slide rail disposed within the housing along vehicle width direction, and a connector movably disposed on the slide rail, wherein the connector may be pivotally connected with a lower end of the stabilizer link, the connector guided along the vehicle width direction according to vehicle driving condition, and a driving unit connected with the connector so as to drive the connector, wherein the connector may be movable at inward of an imaginary line connecting the first connecting point connected with the knuckle and the second connecting point connected with the outward portion of the sub frame.
US08608180B2 Chuck with jaws moved radially outwardly for clamping
The invention relates to a chuck comprising a chuck casing (3) and jaws (1) moved radially outwardly and having an axially extending clamping face (17) for clamping a workpiece. The jaws (1) are guided in radial guides and are provided with two sloping guideways on an axially slidable clamping piece (4) is guided in such a manner that the jaws (1) are moved radially upon an axial sliding motion of the clamping piece (4). A jaw casing (2) accommodating the radial guides of the jaws (1) is carried for axial movement in the chuck casing (3) and is supported on the chuck casing (3) in the direction of the clamping movement of the clamping piece (4) via an axially resilient spring element (9).
US08608177B2 Sealing system
A sealing system is provided which is intended to achieve an improvement in durability. A dust seal is composed of a first dust seal (100) and a second dust seal (200) which is arranged at a location nearer to an atmospheric air side than the first dust seal (100), wherein each of the first dust seal (100) and the second dust seal (200) has a seal lip formed so as to be slidable with respect to an outer peripheral surface of the shaft. The first dust seal (100) has seal lips (121, 122) made of urethane rubber, and the second dust seal (200) has only a single seal lip (221) which is made of a rubber higher in flexibility than urethane rubber, and which extends toward the atmospheric air side.
US08608176B2 Sealing arrangement
A sealing arrangement for the sealed leadthrough of rotating shafts (2) through housing bores of housings (1) comprises at least one lip seal (3, 8, 14, 15) with a sealing lip that faces toward the area normally under higher pressure. In order to extend substantially the area of application of sealing arrangements with lip seals and by doing so, to make use of the sealing arrangement to achieve its advantages of being more economical, more durable also at pressure peaks, easier to install, and easier to maintain, also at higher pressures and pressure fluctuations, the lip seal (3, 8, 14, 15) on the side (5) facing the area with higher pressure is under a constant pressure that is higher than the highest pressure occurring inside the housing (1), and a gap (7, 10) that throttles the outflow is provided between this area and the inside of the housing.
US08608171B1 Game machine with tamper resistance function
A game machine includes a cabinet, a shutter, a sensor and a drive mechanism. The cabinet has a chute for guiding items therein to a hatch accessible to a user. The shutter is normally disposed in a closed position in the cabinet to cover the chute in order to prevent the item from entering the hatch. The sensor is provided for detecting whether an item is deposited on the shutter, and if yes, sending out a signal. Upon reception of the signal, the drive mechanism is activated to cause the shutter to move to an opening position uncovering the chute to allow entry of the detected item into the hatch.
US08608167B2 Pole assembly for flying disk game
A game apparatus which allows for a target disposed on the top of a pole to be knocked down by a projectile. The game apparatus includes a segmented pole which can be assembled and disassembled easily via coupling mechanisms between each segment. The top segment of the pole includes a top cap where a surface on which targets can be placed, is provided. The bottom segment of the pole is connected to a base which holds the pole up. Alternatively, a stake can be coupled to the bottom segment of the pole to drive the pole into the ground directly. A scoring mechanism along the surface of the poles is provided, as well as a target illuminating device to enhance the visibility of the target. The top cap of the pole can also include illumination such that the game can be played even in low ambient light.
US08608165B2 Sheet conveyance device and image forming apparatus with conveyance guide for conveyance belt
A sheet conveyance device includes an upstream rotary member and a downstream rotary member, an endless rotatable conveyance belt, stretched over the upstream rotary member and the downstream rotary member, to convey a sheet of recording media thereon in a predetermined conveyance direction, a conveyance guide disposed downstream of the conveyance belt in the predetermined conveyance direction, disposed across a gap from the conveyance belt, to guide the sheet to a predetermined conveyance position, and a guide member to introduce the sheet into a gap between the conveyance belt and the conveyance guide and onto the conveyance belt, so that the sheet is conveyed from the downstream rotary member to the upstream rotary member.
US08608163B1 Method and apparatus for constant velocity cut-sheet inversion in a printing system
An approach is provided for inverting a sheeted substrate processed by a printing system while continuously running the sheeted substrate through the printing system without stopping. The approach involves a series of rolls that cause an orientation of the sheeted substrate to be changed such that the sheeted substrate may be returned to a first process path when inverted for duplex printing, or otherwise diverted to a bypass path.
US08608162B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including an image forming unit, a discharger, and a presser including a swingable member and a contact member is provided. The contact member is partially attached to the swingable member in a condition to create clearance between an unattached part and the swingable member. Weights of the contact member and the swingable member affect the sheet when the recording medium contacts the contact member and the contact member is moved to swing upward along with the swingable member by the recording medium. Resilient force is provided by the contact member to affect the recording medium when the recording medium contacts the contact member and the contact member is moved in a direction to narrow the clearance.
US08608157B2 Medium feed device and image forming apparatus with suction-member moving mechanism
A medium feed device includes a suction member that sucks a medium on a stack member, a surrounding member supported movably in directions toward and away from the stack member together with the medium by suction, a stack-member moving mechanism, a suction-member moving mechanism, a transport member that transports the medium, a detected part associated with the surrounding member, a detecting part that is supported at the suction-member body and detects the detected part, a detector that detects a medium surface position based on a detection result of the detected part detected by the detecting part if the surrounding member moves toward the suction-member body from a state in which the medium contacts the surrounding member. The stack-member moving mechanism moves the stack member based on the medium surface position.
US08608154B2 Sheet tray and image forming apparatus including same
A sheet tray for feeding a sheet toward an image forming part of an image forming apparatus. The sheet tray is detachably attachable to the image forming apparatus in a sheet feeding direction and includes a tray portion, a detachable cover member provided apart from the tray portion with a gap interposed therebetween through which the sheet passes in an engaged state in which the tray portion and the cover member are engaged with each other, a lock assembly that engages the tray portion and the cover member with each other in the engaged state and disengages the cover member and the tray portion from each other in a disengaged state, and a switching mechanism that puts the lock assembly into the engaged state in absence of the sheet within the gap and into the disengaged state at presence of the sheet within the gap.
US08608152B2 Sheet conveyor device and image-reading device
A sheet conveying device is provided that may include a sheet receiving portion having a movable member, a protruding portion and a recessed portion. The protruding portion may protrude from an upper portion of a sheet receiving surface of the movable member when the movable member is located in one position. When a document is discharged from an outlet port onto the sheet receiving surface of the movable member, the protruding portion may come into contact with a leading edge of a sheet. When the movable member is located in another position, the recessed portion may receive the protruding portion therein.
US08608150B2 Sheet post-processing apparatus with branched holding path
A sheet post-processing apparatus is provided that includes a first delivery path that guides a sheet to a first post-processing portion, a delivery holding path having a first holding path which branches off from a branch point of the first delivery path and a second holding path which is formed to be continuous with the first holding path and joins together with the first delivery path; a second delivery path that branches off from a branch point of the first holding path and guides the sheet to the second post-processing portion; a first path switching portion that is provided at the branch point of the first delivery path; and a second path switching portion that is provided at the branch point of the first holding path.
US08608148B2 Tool holder, tool, and workstation with tool holder and tool attached thereto
A tool holder (2) defines three stop surfaces (18, 20, 22), which lie in three planes (60, 62, 64), which are perpendicular to each other. A pin (24), which can be lowered into the base body (8) of the tool holder (2) and extended from it, is to be introduced into a receptacle (42) of the tool (4) and comprises a slanted active contact surface (26), which defines a fourth plane (66), which intersects each of the three planes (60, 62, 64) of the tool holder (2) at an acute angle, as a result of which the active pressure surface (26), upon the extension of the pin (24), exerts a force component toward each of the three stop surfaces (18, 20, 22). A corresponding tool (4) and a workstation with the tool holder (2) and the tool (4) attached thereto are also described.
US08608147B1 Workpiece carrier
A workpiece carrier including an insert rail having a plurality of teeth, with each of the plurality of teeth having a first beveled upper edge surface.
US08608146B2 Reinforced pin for being used in a pin chuck, and a pin chuck using such reinforced pin
Improved durability and longevity of spin chucks is achieved by using a composite support pin structure in which a pin body of a chemically inert plastic includes a hollow cavity containing an insert formed from a material whose Young's modulus is greater than that of the inert plastic.
US08608141B2 Travel control for a gas spring and gas spring having very short travel modes
A gas spring capable of having long and short travel modes is described. The gas spring uses liquid in combination with pressurized air to affect the travel length. Unlike conventional gas springs, the gas spring according to the invention may have its travel reduced more than, for example, by 50%.
US08608138B2 Inline infusion device and method for introduction of a gas into a flowing media
The present invention comprises a method and system for the infusion of a gas into a liquid. The gas is passed through a container with ceramic filtering material of a specific pore size after which the gas enters the flow stream of the liquid.
US08608124B2 Baked goods decorating and display assembly
A rotating and tilting cake stand comprising a rotation assembly, a base assembly, and a platter. The rotation assembly has a fixed portion and a rotatable portion. A rotation control mechanism controlling the rotation of the rotatable portion relative to the fixed portion. The base assembly has a base portion and a support portion that connects to the rotation assembly. Within the base assembly is a tilt-support arm that is connected to the rotation assembly and support portion with a pin that allows the tilt-support arm to pivot, causing the platter to tilt. In the base portion, a lock engages the tilt-support arm to either inhibit or allow the tilt-support arm to move freely. The lock is manipulated by a button in the base portion that is connected to a rotational pivot that is connected to the lock.
US08608123B2 Stand device for portable electronic device
To provide a stand device capable of improving workability in removing a portable electronic device. A stand device has a pedestal and a lever mechanism. The pedestal is supported movable between a support portion for supporting an electronic device mounted on the support surface and a removal position at which the pedestal is arranged through a movement thereof in which the pressing portion descends. The lever mechanism includes a pressed arm and a projection. The pressed arm is pressed by the pressing portion to thus move downward when the pedestal moves from the support position to the removal position. The projection moves upward along with the rotation of the fulcrum portion caused by the downward movement of the pressed arm to thus project from the support surface of the pedestal.
US08608117B2 Isolator having push and turn mounting
An elastomeric assembly is disposed within an aperture defined by a supporting structure of a vehicle. The elastomeric assembly is movable between a first position where the elastomeric assembly can move axial within the aperture and a second position where the elastomeric assembly is prohibited from moving axially within the aperture.
US08608114B2 Platform and launch initiation system for secondary spacecraft for launch vehicle
A platform and launch initiation control system for secondary spacecraft for a launch vehicle includes an aluminum honeycomb core sandwiched between top and bottom structural aluminum skins and strengthened by a spider-like stiffener. Spool inserts for engaging the secondary spacecraft are arranged on the platform. A computer processor based auxiliary payload support unit (APSU) is provided on the platform and receives power and enable signals through a single cable from the LV to permit the APSU to control the release of the secondary spacecraft transparently to the LV without impacting LV operations.
US08608113B2 Method for capturing a container of planet-ground samples traveling in open space
A method for capturing a container of planet ground samples moving in space by a probe also moving in space includes, when the probe is on the orbit of the container, at a distance of a few meters therefrom and the receiving face of the probe is oriented toward the container, generating, on board the probe, a first controlled magnetic field to reduce the angular speeds of the container and orient it in a preferred direction for the capture, and, when these speeds have become negligible and the probe is positioned in the correct orientation, while the probe is being brought closer to the container, a process of attraction of the container relative to the probe is begun using another field whose field lines converge toward the capture zone of the probe.
US08608108B2 Aircraft configuration with ramp access to multiple decks
An aircraft may include a cabin having a first portion, a second portion, a first ramp and a second ramp. The first portion of the cabin may include an upper deck and a lower deck. The upper deck and the lower deck may be disposed proximate to each other with vertical separation therebetween. The second portion may include an intermediate deck disposed in a plane that is substantially parallel to planes in which the upper deck and the lower deck lie. The intermediate deck may be vertically separated from both the upper deck and the lower deck. The first ramp may extend between the lower deck and the intermediate deck to provide access therebetween. The second ramp may extend between the upper deck and the intermediate deck to provide access therebetween.
US08608106B2 Aircraft cooling system
An aircraft cooling system (10) comprises a cooling element (12), which comprises a housing (14), a cooling air inlet (18) formed in the housing (14) and a plurality of heat exchangers (32, 34, 36, 38), which are disposed on lateral surfaces (24, 26, 28, 30) of the housing (14) and through which cooling air supplied through the cooling air inlet (18) may flow. A cooling air supply channel (40, 40′) connects a cooling air supply opening (44, 44′) formed in a tail section of an aircraft to the cooling air inlet (18) of the cooling element (12). A cooling air outlet channel (46) connects the heat exchangers (32, 34, 36, 38) of the cooling element (12) to a cooling air discharge opening (50).
US08608104B2 Device and system for propelling a passenger
The invention relates to a propulsion device (10) comprising a body (11) arranged for receiving a passenger (1) and engaging with a thrust unit (12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) supplied with a pressurized fluid from a compression station. The arrangement of such a device offers great freedom of movement through the air or under the surface of a fluid. The invention also relates to a propulsion system in which the compression station can be remote in the form of a motorized marine vehicle.
US08608099B2 Hammer mill, rotor of a hammer mill, hammer pins, catch device and fixing device
A hammer mill has a lockable milling chamber and a rotor disposed in the milling chamber. The rotor has a shaft supporting plural rotor discs and plural hammer pins for receiving hammers or hammer assemblies. The hammer pins do not extend over all the segments defined by the discs.
US08608097B2 System and method for monitoring operational characteristics of pulverizers
In a system for monitoring the operating condition of a pulverizer, a sensor interface module positioned on or proximal to the pulverizer. The sensor interface module is operable to receive information generated by one or more sensors mounted on the pulverizer. An operator control station is in communication with the sensor interface module and is operable to receive data from the sensor interface module relevant to the signals received from the sensors. The operator control station is also operable to generate operational information indicative of a functional characteristic of the pulverizer and to track the operational information to determine whether degradation of the functional characteristic is occurring.
US08608096B2 Method for the production of water-absorbing polymer particles
A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, comprising classification by means of a tumbler screening machine, wherein the tumbler screening machine used for classification is equipped with at least one ball knock cleaning system and entrained balls are removed outside the tumbler screening machine by means of a capture device.
US08608095B2 Method for the disintegration of lignocellulose to fibers
The method for disintegration of materials containing lignocellulose to fibers is characterized in that roller pressure is applied to the material containing lignocellulose in a flat die pellet mill by pinch rollers which can have an offset from the die of several millimeters, said pressure being applicable over a wide area, and the material being in a mixture with fiber-improving agents and moist on the surface, whereby the fiber improving agents, supported by the high moisture in the pore interiors, enter far into the interior of the fiber material and react spontaneously or with a delay, wherein finally the disintegrated and refined material is pressed through the bores of the flat die.
US08608093B2 Fuel injector having a high-pressure inlet
The invention relates to a fuel injector for the operation of an internal combustion engine, having an injector body. An inlet bore of the injector body connects a conical pressure connection to a valve chamber for supplying highly pressurized fuel. The valve chamber is placed along a longitudinal center axis of the injector body and above a nozzle needle. According to the invention, the inlet bore further has a fan-shaped contour starting at the conical pressure connection along the extension thereof, the contour having a fan angle and a variable cross-section in the shape similar to an elongated hole.
US08608088B2 Data carrier device
A passive data carrier device (100) comprises an input port (110) for receiving a finite duration radio frequency input signal of defined time and frequency spectral characteristics. The data carrier device (100) comprises at least one branch (130) having combinations of passive RF elements, such as band filters (134) and time delays (136), optionally together with powder dividers (120) and combiners (140). The input signal is processed by the device (100) to form an output signal having time and frequency spectral characteristics different from the input signal. The data carrier device (100) has potential application in an RF identification system.
US08608086B1 Attachment bracket for an RFID tag
An apparatus for temporarily attaching an RFID tag to a mobile object includes a bracket comprising a first arm comprising an object mounting surface, and a second arm comprising a tag mounting surface. The first arm further comprises an attachment mechanism used to attach the bracket to a support surface.
US08608084B2 Financial card with embedded circuit lock technology
The claimed invention is directed to a contactless card, an inlay for a contactless card or a circuit embedded within a contactless card containing a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) circuit that is only actuated when the card is flexed. The RFID circuit comprises an antenna comprising a first conductive lead, a second conductive lead; and an RFID chip connected to the antenna. A dielectric layer having an aperture is embedded in between the antenna and a bridge, the aperture in the dielectric layer being situated between the first conductive lead and the second conductive lead of the antenna. Normally, the bridge is biased away from the first conductive lead and the second conductive lead. When the card is flexed, the bridge is biased into contact with the first conductive lead and the second conductive lead thereby completing the circuit.
US08608083B2 Cards and devices with magnetic emulators with zoning control and advanced interiors
A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to act as a magnetic stripe read-head detector and a data transmitter. A multiple layer flexible PCB may be fabricated to include multiple magnetic emulators. An emulator may include a coil that includes magnetic, ferromagnetic, or ferromagnetic, material in the coil's interior. Coils may be associated with zones. As a read-head is detected to move from zone-to-zone, coils may be activated to transmit information in those zones.
US08608081B2 Chip card comprising a display
A chip card (1) comprises a chip card controller (3), access to at least one power source (7, 8, 10), a display (6), and a display driver (5) operatively coupled to the chip card controller (3), to the display (6), and to the at least one power source (7, 8, 10). The display driver (5) is configured to drive the display (6) and the display driver (5) comprises, as an integral part, a power management functionality (11) configured to manage power that comes from the at least one power source (7, 8, 10) for at least the display driver (5).
US08608075B2 Code reading apparatus and computer program product
Disclosed is a code reading apparatus including a control section including: a first adjustment section repeating focus setting within a first execution time to execute first focus adjustment; a second adjustment section changing a focal position of a variable focal lens within a second execution time to execute second focus adjustment; a timer section counting a first execution number of the first focus adjustment and a second execution number of the second focus adjustment; and a time setting section setting the first execution time to be shortened starting from a predetermined first initial set time such that the first execution time is shortened as the first execution number increases, and setting the second execution time to be shortened starting from a predetermined second initial set time such that the second execution time is shortened as the second execution number increases.
US08608074B2 Method and apparatus for locating and decoding machine-readable symbols
For recognizing two-width barcodes having N bars and N spaces, a first class (cluster) A of wide bars or spaces contains n elements Array [1] to Array [n], and a second class (cluster) B of narrow bars or spaces contains N−n elements Array [n+1] to Array [N] are created. Looping n times where n=1 to N−1, a mean value μA to of class A and a mean value μB of class B are calculated, a between-class difference D=μA−μB is calculated, a value of n when D achieves a maximum value is recorded, and if n=M when D achieves the maximum value, then the N bars or spaces are recognized as a two-width barcode; otherwise, the N bars or spaces are determined as not a two-width barcode.
US08608071B2 Optical indicia reading terminal with two image sensors
An optical indicia reading terminal configured to capture and process an image of decodable indicia can comprise a first image sensor and a second image sensor having overlapping fields of view. The optical indicia reading terminal can further comprise at least one analog-to-digital converter configured to convert analog signals read out of the two image sensors into first and second digital signals, respectively. The optical indicia reading terminal can further comprise a hand held housing encapsulating the two image sensors. The optical indicia reading terminal can further comprise a microprocessor configured to output a decoded message data corresponding to the decodable indicia by processing at least one of the two digital signals.
US08608070B2 Systems and methods to define possible ESD risk
Systems and methods for performing test procedures for measuring and defining the sensitivity of payment devices to ESD (electrostatic discharge) are disclosed. In some embodiments, a plurality of test equipment in a controlled environment are used to measure the peak discharge current (Ip) when a payment device is inserted into a charge/discharge device during several simulated conditions. Energy levels of the discharge currents are calculated using an energy calculation program. One or more reference current and energy levels are determined.
US08608067B2 Web service for enabling network access to hardware peripherals
The present specification discloses methods and systems to enable a peripheral device, which otherwise lacks intrinsic networking capabilities, to be accessible over a network once attached to a local multi-function device, such as computers, laptops, printers, copiers, or other computing devices. An enabling application executing on the multi-function device includes a first layer that communicates with the local peripheral device using a driver specific to the peripheral device, a second layer that abstracts a subset of functions from the first layer and exposes the subset of functions to a third layer, and the third layer which communicates over the network with a client and provides the client access to the subset of functions through standardized calls.
US08608066B2 Combined radio-frequency identification and touch input for a touch screen
A method for a point of sale terminal, including reading a first PIN code that is stored in an RFID chip that is embedded in a plastic card, identifying a first keypad character on a touch sensitive display screen that is being tapped by the plastic card, reading a second PIN code that is stored in an RFID chip that is embedded in a plastic card, identifying a second keypad character on a touch sensitive display screen that is being tapped by the plastic card, determining whether the second PIN code matches the first PIN code, and if the determining is affirmative, then appending the second keypad character to the first keypad character to generate a two-character input code, else starting a new one-character input code with the second keypad character alone.
US08608065B2 Authenticating electronic financial transactions
To improve security and simplify financial transactions in electronic communications environments, a cryptographic Private Key is securely stored in a storage device of a user. A Public Key Certificate corresponding to the Private Key is also created and can be stored in an online repository for merchant access. The Public Key Certificate identifies a payment card of the user, and is signed by or on behalf of a financial institution issuing the payment card. When initiating a payment card transaction with a merchant, a data item is signed using the Private Key. The signed data item and the Public Key Certificate are conveyed to the merchant, which enables the merchant to authenticate the transaction without needing to communicate with the user's financial institution, and while avoiding the inconvenience and privacy issues associated with obtaining other card details and user details.
US08608063B2 Systems and methods employing intermittent scanning techniques to identify sensitive information in data
Potentially sensitive information (e.g., account numbers for payment cards, etc.) may be identified from data by use of an “interval scanning” technique, in which a string of data is evaluated in intervals. When a system employs an interval scanning technique, data is evaluated by analyzing bytes of data in periodic sequence (e.g., every thirteenth byte, etc.), while the bytes between the analyzed bytes are initially ignored. If the value of an analyzed byte corresponds to a character of interest (e.g., a decimal numeral or numeric digit (i.e., a character having a value that corresponds to a base-ten, or Arabic, number, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9), etc.), that byte is identified as a “base byte,” from which a more focused evaluation (e.g., a byte-by-byte analysis, or sequential analysis, etc.) may then commence.
US08608058B2 Automated banking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records
A banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that can read identifying data from user cards. The system can authorize operation of an automated banking machine responsive to the read data. The system can provide an electronic transaction receipt to the machine user. A bank computer is operable to submit the receipt to a system address of record with the bank. The address can correspond to an e-mail address, phone number, or other address associated with an account involved in the transaction. The receipt can also include an image associated with the transaction. The system can also operate to image a check deposited at the machine, and then electronically send the image to the check maker, the payee, and/or a clearinghouse.
US08608056B2 Guiding pathway
A method and apparatus are disclosed for guiding an item of media travelling along a pre-determined transport pathway. The apparatus includes a guide body comprising an arcuate guide surface, at least one drive roller comprising an outer drive surface, and at least one pulley member having an outer item engaging surface that extends through an opening in the guide surface and is urged against the outer drive surface. The drive roller and pulley member co-operate to lift an item away from the guide surface at an arcuate region of the transport pathway.
US08608054B2 System for on-site management of an event
A system includes a first portable, ruggedized, and waterproof case. The first portable, ruggedized, and waterproof case includes a router and a switch. The system further includes a computing system connectable to the switch. The computing system includes a first memory for storing first ticket information and a first set of instructions. The computing system further includes a first processor that, upon execution of the first set of instructions, receives a ticket identifier scanned from a ticket. The first processor also compares the ticket identifier to the stored first ticket information. Based on the comparison, the first processor further generates an indication of validity of the ticket. The first processor further transmits the indication of validity of the ticket.
US08608052B2 High-density barcodes for medical consumables
A medical instrument for carrying out at least one medical function is proposed, more particularly a medical instrument embodied as a hand-held instrument. The medical instrument is designed to interact with at least one medical consumable in order to carry out the medical function. The medical instrument has at least one code reader for reading out at least one item of information from an optical code of the medical consumable. The code reader comprises at least one image sensor. The code reader furthermore comprises at least one areal light source, which is designed to illuminate the optical code in a transmissive fashion.
US08608051B2 Folding box for cigarettes
The hinge-lid pack comprising box part (11) and lid (12) features a polygon-like configuration in the region of its side walls (22, 23), namely having angular wall legs (28, 29) and a narrow, transverse side wall (22, 23). The cross-sectional shape of the hinge-lid pack thus conforms to the contour of a cigarette group as the pack's contents, with the cigarette group having at its edges adjacent to the side walls (22, 23) a marginal transverse row of 2 cigarettes and adjacent thereto a transverse row of 3 cigarettes.
US08608050B2 Re-usable, knock-down box apparatus and method
An apparatus formed from a single piece of planar material as a continuous and contiguous structure is foldable into a re-usable, knock-down box. A bottom panel supports contents placeable in the box. A front panel and a rear panel operate as shear walls to support the bottom. End panels act as shear walls adjacent to and extending between the front panel, rear panel, and bottom panel. Hinge panels are formed with a free portion, extending from an edge of one of the end, front, and rear panels, and a fixed portion, fixed to a surface of an adjacent one of the end, front, and rear panels to fix the positions of the front, rear, and end panels with respect to each other and the bottom panel in an assembled configuration. Drawing a front edge of the lid toward the front panel, one may lock the lid against the front panel by inserting a tab portion of the lid into a slot formed between the front panel and the front tuck panel.
US08608047B2 Surgical stapling instruments including a cartridge having multiple staples sizes
A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
US08608043B2 Surgical instrument having a multi-layered drive beam
A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, a movable handle, a tool assembly, a drive beam and a closure apparatus is disclosed. The movable handle is in mechanical cooperation with a drive member. The tool assembly includes an anvil, a cartridge assembly and a contact surface. The drive beam includes a plurality of layers and at least one layer has a proximal engagement portion and is configured to engage a portion of the drive member. The closure apparatus is configured to engage the contact surface of the tool assembly. At least a partial actuation of the movable handle moves the closure apparatus distally into engagement with the contact surface to approximate the anvil and the cartridge assembly. At least one of the layers of the drive beam is affixed to an adjacent layer of the drive beam via at least one spot weld.
US08608034B2 Dispensing valve
A dispensing valve includes a resiliently flexible mounting portion, a resiliently flexible opening portion disposed radially inwardly of the mounting portion, and a resiliently flexible intermediate portion disposed radially between and coupled to the mounting and opening portions, and extending both radially outwardly and axially to form a first radial space between the opening and isolating portions, and spaced radially inwardly of the mounting portion to form a second radial space between the mounting and intermediate portions. The mounting portion includes an annular rib extendable axially outward with respect to the opening portion to limit axial movement of the opening portion during dispensing and venting of the valve.
US08608033B2 Process of making a shrink sleeve on a bottle with integral dip tube
Described is a shrink sleeve label for a fluid dispensing container having a bottle and fluid withdrawing assembly for liquids, such as liquid cleaners and the like. The bottle has an external integral dip tube formed at the bottle front surface and separated from the bottle by a partition. The integral dip tube fluidly connects to the bottle interior at a landing below the top of the bottle neck. A fluid dispensing mechanism, such as a pump or trigger-sprayer, is attached to the top of the bottle to take fluid up through the integral dip tube and dispense the fluid accordingly. The shrink sleeve label covers the bottle, the integral dip tube and the partition.
US08608032B2 Dispenser
A disinfectant dispenser includes a rotating assembly coupled to a base and rotatable thereabout and a first motor operatively coupled to the rotating assembly for rotation thereof when activated. A carriage is pivotally mounted to an upper portion of the rotating assembly and movable between vertical and horizontal configurations. A second motor is operatively connected to the carriage for moving the carriage between the vertical and horizontal configurations. A control unit is electrically connected to the power source and motors and includes programming for activation thereof. A delivery unit configured to hold a propellant container is attached to the carriage, the delivery unit defining an outlet to dispense the propellant when activated. A solenoid is positioned proximate the delivery unit so as to activate the propellant when the solenoid is actuated.
US08608025B2 Pneumatic liquid dispensing apparatus and method
A dispenser and method for dispensing a liquid. The dispenser includes a barrel with an interior chamber for holding the liquid, a discharge outlet communicating with the interior chamber for discharging the liquid, and an air space for receiving pressurized air for forcing the liquid from the interior chamber through the discharge outlet. An air supply solenoid valve and an air exhaust solenoid valve are each operatively coupled with the barrel. The air supply solenoid valve controls the flow of pressurized air to the air space, and the air exhaust solenoid valve controls the flow of air from the air space to atmosphere. A control selectively activates the air supply solenoid valve and the air exhaust solenoid valve to respectively supply air to the air space and exhaust air from the air space in order to dispense desired amounts of the liquid from the discharge outlet.
US08608023B2 Sheet product dispenser
A sheet product dispenser includes a body portion defining an inner cavity arranged to support a stack of sheet products and a faceplate attached to the body portion. The faceplate portion is arranged to support and dispense the sheet products, has an opening comprising a rectangular portion with a centrally disposed arcing triangular portion having a centrally disposed arced apex, the rectangular portion extends from an upper edge of the faceplate to the arced apex, the opening is arranged to expose a plurality of the sheet products on one end of the body portion through the rectangular portion and to expose a planar surface of a single sheet product through the arcing triangular portion.
US08608021B2 Road tanker fluid storage tank fill cover assembly
A fill cover assembly for a liquid fuel storage tank of a road tanker, the assembly comprising: a seat member having a frame, the frame defining a fill aperture, the frame being configured to be fixedly coupled to a base plate of a liquid storage tank, the base plate having a plate aperture formed therein, thereby to form a fluid-tight seal between the seat member and the base plate around said plate aperture; and a fill-cover coupled to the tank and arranged to be moveable with respect to the frame between a closed condition in which a fluid-tight seal is formed between the fill-cover and the frame and an open condition in which fluid may be passed through said fill aperture to fill said storage tank, wherein the assembly is further arranged to allow venting of pressurized fluid from the liquid storage tank in the event that a pressure of the fluid exceeds a prescribed value.
US08608014B2 Cylindrical pressure vessel having a defined leakage path
Cylindrical pressure vessel with an internal body enclosed by an external body, with a cylindrical section closed by end caps and with the internal body and external body kept separate from each other to avoid a transfer of shear forces, wherein at least one end cap is connected only with the external body and contacts, with an overlap section intruding into the internal body, the inside surface of the internal body, with a seal arranged in the overlap section that contacts an interior circumferential surface of the internal body, and with at least one recess serving as a defined leakage path in case of an expansion of the external body relative to the internal body being arranged on the side of the seal facing away from the interior chamber, in the interior circumferential surface of the internal body that encloses the overlap section of the end cap.
US08608013B2 Gas cylinder
A gas cylinder (1) formed of a cylinder body (2) with a tubular wall (5) having at least a first tubular portion (11) that is enlarged, and at least a second tubular portion (12) that is adjacent and narrowed relative to the first tubular portion (11).
US08608012B2 Automotive fuel tank
An automotive fuel tank is provided in which a plurality of mounting members are provided on a built-in part which are fusion bonded to an inner surface of an outer wall of the fuel tank so as to attach the built-in part in place in the fuel tank. An abutment portion is formed on the mounting member which is brought into abutment with an inner surface of the outer wall of the fuel tank. The abutment portion has formed thereon an abutment surface which is made to tightly stick to the inner surface of the outer wall of the fuel tank and elongated projections which project from the abutment surface, whose cross section at their distal end portions is of triangular shape and which penetrate into an interior of the outer wall of the fuel tank, and a height of an apex of the elongated projection from the abutment surface is in the range of 30% to 70% of a thickness of the outer wall of the fuel tank.
US08608007B2 Resealable easy-open end
Provided is a resealable easy-open end including a panel functioning as an end for hermetically sealing a can and having an opening formed at one side thereof and on which a score (S) is engraved; a tab having a first button hole formed in a button coupling part formed at a center thereof, rotatably coupled to a first button protruding from the panel through the first button hole, and rotatably installed between a first position at which a front end pressing part is disposed on the opening and a second position at which a rear end finger portion is disposed on the opening; and a closing plate rotatably installed between the first position and the second position, and to configured to be supported by the tab at the second position to close the opening when the tab breaks the score to open the opening.
US08607998B2 Railway car yoke
A railway car yoke includes a nose end and at least two straps adjoining the nose end. At least one top strap adjoins a top portion of the nose end and at least one bottom strap adjoins a bottom portion of the nose end. The railway car yoke also includes a butt end adjoining the at least two straps such that the nose end and the butt end are separated by the at least two straps. The butt end comprises at least one concave contour along an outside surface of the butt end. The outside surface is a surface along the butt end opposite the nose end that extends from a top surface of the at least one top strap to a bottom surface of the at least one bottom strap.
US08607996B2 Server cabinet and server cabinet assembly
A server cabinet assembly includes a number of chassis arranged on a floor in a row, a sliding rail mounted on the floor, a sliding plate slidably supported on the rail, and a supporting frame to accommodate servers. Each chassis includes a bottom wall defining a pair of sliding slots perpendicular to the sliding rail. The sliding plate defines a pair of slots in a top surface thereof. The supporting frame includes a bottom plate, and a number of rollers mounted to the bottom plate. When the sliding plate is slid along the rail to one of the chassis, and the slots of the sliding plate align with the sliding slots of the one of the chassis, the rollers slide on the slots of the sliding plate and the sliding slots of the chassis to move the supporting frame in or out of the chassis.
US08607995B1 Folding shelf
Embodiments of the present invention include a folding shelf intended for attachment to a door having a mail slot. The shelf is pivotably attached below the mail slot by a support and moved from its storage position to its operative position by a chain attached to the door by a fastener. The chain is attached to the shelf near that part of the shelf that is distal from the door. Using embodiments of the present invention, items inserted through the door are retained on the shelf rather than fall to the floor, and the door remains functional when the shelf is in the operative position.
US08607984B2 Cup and bowl carrier
A tray having a socket configured for holding containers of different sizes is provided. The tray includes a socket having a lower portion configured for accommodating a first container, such as a beverage cup, and an upper portion configured for accommodating a second container, such as a bowl, having a base that is larger than the base of the first container. The lower portion of the socket includes a plurality of inwardly-sloping stabilizing walls extending therein that are adapted for supporting a commonly-sized beverage cup within the lower portion of the socket. The upper portion of the socket comprises a shelf structure that is surrounded by a plurality of stabilizing shoulders for supporting a bowl therein. The socket is thus adapted for optionally holding either a beverage cup within the lower portion or a bowl within the upper portion.
US08607983B2 Packaging system
A system for discretely packaging liquid or solid medication, or other substances, comprising a tray (10) with individual compartments (12) each containing a removable pot (17) and a perforated sealed sheet (21) enabling individual pots to be removed from the tray (10) for dispensing of its contents. The system also includes a computer and printer with software to create printed matter for the sheet (21) representative of the contents of the individual pots (17). An outer container (24) may receive several such filled and sealed trays (10) and an information sheet (28). One or more windows (30) in the container (24) provide a visual display of the contents. The system enables safe, accurate and easy packaging and dispensing of medication or other substances.
US08607980B2 Openable and reclosable sealed package for confectionery products
A reclosable consumer product package assembly (10) supports a plurality of consumable products (12). The product package retains and encloses the products, The package is formed from a planar sheet (16) folded about the products. The folded sheet (16) defines a portion overlying the products and an extending portion extending beyond the products to define a foldable flap (29). The sheet is scored at a location overlying at least a portion of the products. The foldable flap is folded over the scored location and adhesively secured thereto such that upon opening the flap, the scored location is removed from its overlying location to expose the products for dispensing. The flap is reclosable over the exposed products.
US08607979B1 Paint brush protector and maintenance device
A paint brush protector and maintenance device provides storage, protection, and care for paint brushes includes a clamshell enclosure that opens to encase bristle and ferrule portions of a paint brush. The enclosure in at least one embodiment provides a rigid plastic to ensure that the bristles remain in a straight position and a plurality of drying holes along a front surface to aid in drying the bristles after cleaning. An end portion of the enclosure has a compressible stabilizer pad to hold the paint brush securely in place. The apparatus also provides a brush comb that clips onto the exterior of the enclosure providing a toothed comb and a pair of stiff bristle brushes to clean and condition the bristles as needed.
US08607977B2 Keyboard unit with cradling function
A keyboard unit adapted to provide a cradling function for a portable terminal includes: a keyboard and a keyboard case for receiving the keyboard to protect the keyboard from an external environment. The keyboard case has a cradling unit adapted for cradling a portable terminal after the keyboard is extracted from the keyboard case.
US08607975B2 Case for portable electronic device
An electronic device can be inserted into a pocket formed with a main cover through between a side cover and the main cover. A part of the electronic device where an operating stick is formed can be stored in a flap formed with the side cover. The upper end of the flap rim of the side cover is positioned further away from the center line C1 of the case than the lower end is. The pocket rim of the main cover gets closer to the center line C1 of the case as it goes from the upper end to the lower end. According to a case including the main cover and the side cover, insertion/removal work of the electronic device can be facilitated, undesired exposure of the electronic device can be prevented, and a load applied to the operating stick can be readily reduced.
US08607974B2 Pack for smoking articles
The disclosure addresses aspects of a PACK FOR SMOKING ARTICLES, wherein smoking articles may include, but are not limited to, cigarettes and the like. This disclosure details a pack for smoking articles comprising a plurality of planar panels, and a blank for producing such a pack. In one embodiment, at least one of the panels includes a plurality of formations extending out of the plane of a surface of the panel(s). In one non-limiting implementation, the formations may provide protection for the contents of the pack from subsequent processes performed thereon.
US08607972B2 Miscarriage care package
The present invention is a miscarriage kit. More specifically, the present invention is a kit for use with a miscarriage by a human. The kit comprises at least one item for use in helping the human with the miscarriage. For example, the miscarriage kit may contain at least one under pad/bed liner, at least one sanitary napkin, at least one towel, at least one pair of gloves, at least one specimen pan, and at last one container for holding pregnancy remains.
US08607970B2 Jewelry detention system and method
A device for displaying jewelry comprising a retractable cord positioned beneath a jewelry display pad, wherein the cord passes through a slot in the display pad and is securely attached to an item of jewelry to be displayed on the display pad, and wherein the item of jewelry can be pulled away from the display pad for examination by a customer.
US08607956B2 Bottle receiving and detection apparatus and method therefore
A device and method for receiving and detecting a bottle. The device includes a chute, a bottle inlet for receiving the bottle into the chute, and a bottle outlet through which the bottle exits the chute. A stop member is disposed to engage the bottle within the chute, the stop member being biased to allow the bottle to pass in one direction, but to move into and grip the bottle if the bottle is moved in the other direction. Sensors detect the position of the bottle within the chute, and can indicate that the bottle was received within the device. A method for receiving and detecting the bottle is also provided.
US08607949B2 Dual clutch
A dual clutch which has two friction clutches, a central pressure-exerting plate and two pressure plates which are axially movable relative to the pressure-exerting plate with the interposition of the friction linings of two clutch disks, which each mesh with one gearbox input shaft, of actuating devices. The dual clutch is held at the drive-input side, with the dual clutch being supported at the gearbox side by an actuating system, which holds the two actuating devices, for actuating the pressure plates, and with the actuating system being rotatably held on the clutch housing.
US08607945B2 Carbon fiber-reinforced intelligent wheeled backpack and human transportation seat with adjustable foot rest
A system and a method of a carbon fiber-reinforced intelligent wheeled backpack and human transportation seat with adjustable foot rest is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of simultaneous human being and luggage transportation through an airport may include coupling an upper part of a handle assembly to a hollow lower part through a connector wherein the upper part of the handle assembly may be permitted to be pulled in and out of the hollow lower part of the handle assembly. A backpack body comprising a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) material may be coupled to the hollow lower part of the handle assembly wherein the backpack body may include spinable wheels, an adjustable seat, and adjustable footrests for simultaneous human and luggage transportation.
US08607944B2 Shock-absorbing structure
A shock-absorbing structure configured to absorb an impact load in a specific direction includes a first steric portion having a hollow steric structure; and a second steric portion disposed inside the first steric portion and having a hollow steric structure. In the shock-absorbing structure, the second steric portion includes a wall portion along a direction crossing the specific direction.
US08607942B2 Suspension damper having inertia valve and user adjustable pressure-relief
A modern suspension damper, for example, a shock absorber or a suspension fork, including an inertia valve and a pressure-relief feature is disclosed. The pressure-relief feature includes a rotatable adjustment knob that allows the pressure-relief threshold to be externally adjusted by the rider “on-the-fly” and without the use of tools.
US08607938B2 Electric parking brake
Disclosed is an electric parking brake commonly used as a single puller type or a dual puller type. The electric parking brake includes an actuator housing; a parking cable connected to a brake that applies braking force to wheels of a vehicle; a motor generating driving force to operate the parking brake; a reduction gear unit for transferring power of the motor; a screw nut unit including a gear member connected to the gear reduction unit, a nut member connected to the gear member, and a screw member connected to a first parking cable of the parking cable while moving relative to the nut member; and a displacement sensor connected to the nut member of the screw nut unit. The displacement sensor includes a sensor housing, a magnet housing that moves relative to the sensor housing, a magnet elastic member elastically supported between the sensor housing and the magnet housing, a magnet provided in the magnet housing, and a hall IC provided in the sensor housing. The magnet housing is coupled with a second parking cable of the parking cable or the actuator housing.
US08607934B2 Air/hydraulic injection lubrication unit
The present invention is an air/hydraulic injection lubrication unit. The present invention is embodied in a handheld lubrication system conveniently transported in a carrying case. A frame provides a base on which the system components are mounted. The system components include a lubricant barrel assembly in conjunction with a cradle assembly and an air/hydraulic pressure pump removably-mounted upon the frame. A hose assembly at one end is releaseably fastened to the discharge end of the lubricant barrel assembly. When the air/hydraulic pressure pump is activated, the lubricant or other material in the lubricant barrel is forced out of the hose assembly through a lubricant discharge unit located at the opposing end of the hose assembly.
US08607933B2 Lubricant-dispensing system and method of operating same
A lubricant dispenser has a housing whose interior is subdivided by a shiftable piston into a generally closed gas compartment and a lubricant compartment having an outlet port and filled with a body of lubricant. A gas generator associated with the gas compartment is electrically energizable to produce gas and thereby pressurize the gas compartment, shift the piston, and express lubricant from the outlet. A controller including a power supply and a circuit is connected between the power supply and the gas generator for feeding current from the power supply to the gas generator. During a first predetermined part of an operational cycle of the dispenser, the gas generator is energized at a first level. During a second predetermined part of an operational cycle after the first time, the gas generator is energized at a second level lower than the first level.
US08607931B2 Compressible accommodation ladder and related methods
An accommodation ladder includes a body having opposite sides, an upper, and rear and bottom surfaces. The body is formed of a compressible material, such as dense foam material, and the upper surface of the body forms a staircase with a plurality of steps. Spaced stanchions extend upwardly from the staircase and stanchion pipes extend through the body and receive lines therethrough to secure the body to a marine structure. The spaced stanchions are adapted to accommodate a plurality of releasable safety lines therebetween. A method of facilitating access between adjacent first and second marine structures includes arranging the staircase accommodation ladder between the structures, the accommodation ladder being a fender between such structures.
US08607929B2 Acoustically tunable sound absorption articles and methods of making same
A moldable acoustic facing comprises cellulosic fibers and synthetic fibers entangled together. The acoustic facing has a basis weight of from about 1.5 to about 5.0 ounces per square yard (osy), a thickness of less than about 0.050″, a mean pore size of between about 8 microns and about 40 microns, and an elongation at break of at least twenty percent. The acoustic facing includes less than about five percent synthetic microfiber and has an acoustic resistance of at least about 250 Rayls.
US08607926B2 Composite flame barrier laminate for a thermal and acoustic insulation blanket
A multilayer laminate comprising in order, a polymeric film layer capable of withstanding a temperature of at least 200 C for at least 10 min, an adhesive layer having an areal weight of from 2 to 40 gsm capable of activation at a temperature of from 75 to 200 degrees C. and an inorganic refractory layer.
US08607925B2 Wedge-shaped acoustic diffuser and method of installation
A wedge-shaped, number theoretical acoustic diffuser both diffuses and reflects sound while eliminating wasted space created by prior art. The inventive diffuser consists of wells of continuously variable depths which provide wide-bandwidth diffusion in a single dimension. The back of the wells are reflective planes of a plurality of angles that direct energy away from the sound source. The invention may be installed in the upper corners of a room, with the deepest end of the wedge-shape up and tapering down to the thinnest end of the wedge shape. This installation allows floor standing furniture or other objects to be placed against the wall, an impossibility with the installation of prior art. The present invention may be installed as an array in which the deepest ends of the wedge shape are butted together. This formation splits and reflects sound in two different directions both away from the sound source.
US08607923B2 Exhaust apparatus of internal combustion engine
An exhaust apparatus for internal combustion engines which can reduce exhaust noises, its weight and production cost with no need to provide a sub-muffler. The exhaust apparatus is provided with an inner pipe having the upstream open end and the downstream open end is disposed in the tail pipe, and the upstream open end of the inner pipe is protruded outwardly from the inside of the tail pipe to be extended into the resonance chamber, and thus the upstream open end is closed by the resonance chamber defined by the outer shell of the muffler, the end plate, and the partition plate.
US08607922B1 High frequency horn having a tuned resonant cavity
A high frequency horn for use in a multiple frequency loudspeaker system having a midrange transducer and a high frequency transducer is disclosed. The high frequency horn includes a horn chamber, horn mouth, a horn throat, a tuned resonant cavity, and a port connected to both the tuned resonant cavity and the horn chamber. The horn throat and horn chamber are located on opposite sides of the horn chamber, the port is located proximate to the horn throat, and the horn throat is configured to be connected to the high frequency transducer. The tuned resonant cavity is tuned to reduce high frequency standing waves produced by the midrange transducer within the horn chamber.
US08607918B2 Motorcycle engine
A motorcycle is provided that includes a connecting pipe, a throttle body, an intake pipe, and an air cleaner, which are intake system parts disposed forward of a cylinder of an engine and are connected to the front side of the cylinder. The motorcycle further includes an exhaust pipe and a muffler, which are exhaust system parts connected to the rear side of the cylinder. The cylinder is inclined rearward, and the exhaust pipe of an exhaust system part extends forward along one side of the motorcycle in a widthwise direction of the engine 50 and detours the front of the engine and then extends rearward along the other side of the motorcycle in a widthwise direction of the engine.
US08607917B2 Electrically-operated hydraulic actuator unit and hydraulic four-wheel-drive work vehicle
Provided an electrically-operated hydraulic actuator unit that includes an electrically-operated motor controlled by a control apparatus and actuating a volume adjusting mechanism through driving-side and driven-side arms, and a clutch mechanism in which the driven-side arm presses a contact member against a clutch case so that the driven-side arm is locked when a force from the volume adjusting mechanism is applied to the driven-side arm. The control apparatus can set duties of first to fourth drive signals to be output to the electrically-operated motor in a neutral-side start period, a neutral-side ordinary actuation period, a higher-volume-side start period and a higher-volume-side ordinary actuation period. The duties of the first and fourth drive signals are larger than that of the second drive signal, the duty of the third drive signal is larger than that of the fourth drive signal, and an integrated ON-time of the third drive signal is larger than that of the first drive signal.
US08607913B2 Motorized three-wheeled vehicle rear steering mechanism
A system that steers the rear wheels of the three wheeled vehicle in coordination with the operator turning the front wheel that improves handling, performance and safety. The rear wheels are steered by a rear end mounted powered steering rack that is controlled by a steering control computer that receives input from a variety of sensors including a sensor for vehicle speed and a sensor in the steering neck that measures the angular rotation of the handlebars as they are turned by the operator. Based on these inputs, using proprietary programming the steering control computer calculates the rate, timing and direction to turn the rear wheels. Rear steering offers advantages over front wheel only steering including being easier for the operator to turn the vehicle, a smaller turning radius, better straight line stability, better high speed handling, improved corning performance, improved steering response and improved safety.
US08607912B2 Snowmobile suspension
A suspension system for a snowmobile has a rail and first and second suspension arms having lower ends pivotally connected to the rail. A first shock absorber pivotally connected between the first suspension arm and the rail. A second shock absorber operatively pivotally connected between the first suspension arm and the rail. Left and right brackets are connected to the second suspension arm. Left and right tie rods have lower ends operatively pivotally connected to the first suspension arm and upper ends pivotally connected to their corresponding brackets about a first pivot axis. The second shock absorber is disposed laterally between the left and right tie rods. The suspension is movable between a first position where the first pivot axis intersects the second shock absorber and a second position where the first pivot axis is spaced from the second shock absorber.
US08607911B2 Moving shelf equipment
A movable rack system able to carry out a widthwise shift control of a movable rack without using a sheet rail member to be detected. The system is so configured, that magnets are placed at stop positions of the movable rack on the floor surface as members to be detected, while the movable rack is equipped with magnetic sensors to detect the magnets. When the movable rack stops traveling, the magnetic sensors detect the magnets and compares the detected magnetic intensity to the magnetic intensity detected at the previous stop. If the change exceeds a pre-determined value, namely the widthwise shift exceeding a pre-determined value is detected, a travel route of the movable rack to eliminate the widthwise shift is determined. In the next travel of the movable rack the rotation speeds of the respective driving motors are controlled so that the movable rack follows the travel route.
US08607909B2 Fuel cell vehicle
This fuel cell vehicle FCV is provided with a fuel cell FC as well as a first tank and a second tank, which store a reaction gas to be supplied to the fuel cell FC. The first tank and the second tank are arranged in the front area of the fuel cell vehicle FCV. The second tank is arranged nearer to a rear area than the first tank and arrangement is performed so that the positions of the tanks are out of alignment in a vertical direction. This configuration enables compatibility to be ensured between an increase in the tank capacity of the fuel cell vehicle and an increase in the space in a passenger room and a trunk, and is capable of absorbing the impact of a collision even if the collision occurs.
US08607899B2 Rock bit and cutter teeth geometries
A rolling cone drill bit for cutting a borehole comprises a rolling cone cutter mounted on a bit body and adapted for rotation about a cone axis. Further, the bit comprises a tooth extending from the cone cutter. The tooth includes a base at the cone cutter and an elongate chisel crest distal the cone cutter. The crest extends along a crest median line between a first crest end and a second crest end and includes an elongate crest apex. The tooth also includes a first flanking surface extending from the base to the crest, and a second flanking surface extending from the base to the crest. The first flanking surface and the second flanking surface taper towards one another to form the chisel crest. Moreover, the tooth includes a first raised rib extending continuously along the first flanking surfaces and across the chisel crest to the second flanking surface.
US08607898B2 Force compensator for top drive assembly
A force compensator for a top drive assembly includes a carrier block, a pair of top drive link assemblies, a mandrel, and a shock absorber assembly. The top drive link assemblies being positionable on either side of a power swivel and having a lower end connectable to the power swivel, an upper end connected to the carrier block, and being slidably positionable on a derrick of a drilling rig. The mandrel is slidably disposed through the carrier block and has an upper end connectable to a mover assembly of the drilling rig. The shock absorber assembly is interposed between the carrier block and a lower end of the mandrel in such a way that the shock absorber assembly is movable between an expanded condition and a compressed condition.
US08607897B2 Center discharge gas turbodrill
A compact gas turbine motor and a speed reduction transmission capable of providing the speed and torque required for drilling with center discharge bits. The transmission includes two sun gears of different pitch diameters, keyed to the turbine shaft. Upper planet gears, whose carrier is fixed in place, drive an outer ring gear, which engages lower planet gears having a different pitch diameter. The lower planet gears engage the lower sun gear. Due to the different pitch diameters of the sun gears and planet gears, the gear carrier for the lower planet gears rotates in the same direction as the turbine shaft, but at a much slower rate. Exhaust gas from the turbine can be directed through one or more flow restriction elements to increase gas density in the turbine, further reducing turbine speed. The flow restriction element can comprise a venturi, to provide a vacuum assist to remove cuttings.
US08607891B2 Electrical power tool
An electrical power tool may include an electric motor, a speed change device, and a battery pack. The speed change device is capable of changing a reduction ratio thereof and capable of automatically switching between a high speed low torque mode in which a high speed low torque is output and a low speed high torque mode in which a low speed high torque is output, based on an external torque applied to a spindle. A distance from the axis to a center of gravity of the battery pack and a mass of the battery pack are set such that an inertia moment around the axis is greater than a reaction around the axis that is produced when the high speed low torque mode is changed to the low speed high torque mode in the speed change device.
US08607886B2 Combined plug and sealing ring for sprinkler nozzle and related methods
A combined plug and sealing ring for a sprinkler nozzle includes a nozzle plug having a substantially cylindrical portion adapted to engage within a nozzle orifice of a sprinkler nozzle, and a cap overlaying the substantially cylindrical portion. A sealing ring is adapted to seat onto a threaded pipe fitting portion of the sprinkler nozzle. A leash interconnects the nozzle plug and the sealing ring. A combined plug and sealing ring in combination with a sprinkler nozzle, and a method of installing a sprinkler nozzle in a highly corrosive or extremely corrosive environment are also disclosed.
US08607885B2 Fire suppressor cylinders with enhanced bubble production
A fire suppression cylinder includes a valve at an outlet of a canister, and a control for the valve. The canister receives a liquid suppressor agent and a pressurized gas. A feature within a portion of the canister will receive the liquid suppressor agent. The feature increases the formation of gas bubbles within the liquid suppressor agent.
US08607881B2 Heavy duty rope sockets and related methods
A rope socket comprises a slip cone subassembly having a straight outer diameter and a tapered inner diameter. A plurality of slips is positioned within the slip cone body. A retainer ring holds the slips together. A guide plug is positioned within the slips to maintain the slips in an opening position during insertion of a cable. A spring stabilizer having a spring thereon is coupled above the slip cone assembly to ensure even compression of the spring. A safety slot is located on the body of the rope socket in order to provide a visual indication of the cable position.
US08607880B2 Gas lift plunger acceleration arrangement
An elongated plunger arrangement for moving up and down in a tubing string and a plunger lift system for an oil well and a gas well, the plunger having an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a lower portion, all of the portions having an elongated longitudinally directed bore or cavity therewithin, the plunger also having a direction accelerating arrangement therewithin, the direction accelerating arrangement comprising an elongated acceleration inducing valve containing shift rod extending through the elongated bore, wherein the shift rod is longer than the elongated plunger.
US08607878B2 System and method for cathodic protection of a subsea well-assembly
Disclosed herein is a subsea well assembly; wherein in an example embodiment the subsea well assembly includes an umbilical attached to a power source. The power source can be on a platform. Also included is a connector for connecting the umbilical to a receptacle included with the subsea well assembly and a subsea control module delivering power and control signals to the subsea well assembly. An impressed current protection module is integrated in the subsea control module that receives power from the umbilical.
US08607876B2 Flapper valve
A flapper valve includes a valve body, a valve cover pivotally coupled to the valve body at a hinge between an open and closed position, and a biasing element biasing the valve cover to the closed position. The valve cover includes an interior face comprising a sealing surface and a boss including a face surrounded by a beveled edge joining the boss with the sealing surface.
US08607874B2 Controlling flow between a wellbore and an earth formation
A valve for controlling flow in a subterranean well can include a working fluid and a closure member which rotates in response to phase change in the working fluid. A well system can include a valve which controls flow between a wellbore and a tubular string, with the valve including a working fluid and a closure member which rotates in response to phase change in the working fluid. Rotation of the closure member can displace a seat relative to a plug of a check valve.
US08607873B2 Flow controller device
A flow controller device for controlling a fluid flow between a petroleum reservoir and a pipe body is described. The fluid flow is carried through a flow restriction. A pressure-controlled actuator is connected to a valve body that cooperates with a valve opening. The valve opening is connected in series subsequent to the flow restriction. A closing side of the actuator communicates with fluid located upstream of the flow restriction. An opening side of the actuator communicates with a fluid located downstream of the flow restriction and upstream of the valve opening.
US08607872B1 Fire prevention blow-out valve
The present invention comprises fire arrestor device a triggering mechanism operatively connected to a well head and a plunger with a plug at one end being connected to the triggering mechanism. A guide and a valve are mounted to an inner surface of oil piping positioned below the well head align the plunger. A plug is formed at the distal end of the plunger, and is seated on a spring below the valve seat. The spring is held in compressed mode during normal operation. In the event of destruction of the well head, the triggering mechanism will melt or break. The spring then urges the plug upward engaging the valve seat and shutting off the fuel flow.
US08607866B2 Method for accelerating start-up for steam assisted gravity drainage operations
The present embodiment is a method for decreasing the time required for a start-up phase in a steam assisted gravity drainage production. The present method begins by forming a steam assisted gravity drainage production well pair within a formation comprising an injection well and a production well, beginning a preheating stop by introducing heat between the injection well and the production well, beginning a steam squeeze stage by injection steam into the formation and beginning the steam assisted gravity drainage production.
US08607863B2 System and method for downhole communication
A method of servicing a wellbore extending from a surface and penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The method comprises placing a workstring in the wellbore, wherein the workstring comprises at least a first downhole tool, a signal receiver subassembly, and a conveyance between the first downhole tool and the surface. The method further comprises the signal receiver subassembly receiving a first signal generated by contact between the wellbore and the workstring and initiating a first function of the first downhole tool based on the first signal.
US08607858B2 Spiral whipstock for low-side casing exits
A whipstock features a spiral ramp so that, in a horizontal run, access to a milled window with other tools is not impeded because such tools can traverse onto the ramp and still be directed to the window. Angular rotation of the ramp can be at 180° or more and the pitch is selected to avoid getting the equipment being advanced into a bind. Optionally, a guide track can be configured into the whipstock ramp to help the mill follow the spiral path until the proper orientation is obtained and the track ends to allow separation of the mill from the track. A slot can be provided near the ramp upper end to aid in retrieval operations.
US08607857B2 Vacuum debris removal with articulated pickup and visual capability
A debris removal tool has a lower end pickup hose into which debris laden fluid is pulled when there is circulation through the debris removal tool from the surface. An anchor near the open end of the hose stabilizes the lower end near a recess or groove from which debris is to be removed. Once the anchor is set the hose can be extended or retracted as well as rotated on its axis to pick up debris. A camera can be located in or near the hose opening to be able to see where the debris is located and for confirmation that the debris is being removed and that the debris has fully been removed.
US08607848B2 Method for casting metal strip with dynamic crown control
A method of continuously casting thin strip dynamically controlling roll casting surface configuration by controlling the temperature of water flowing through the longitudinal water flow passages in a cylindrical tube thickness of no more than 80 millimeters of counter rotated casting rolls, and varying the speed of the casting rolls with attenuation of the ends of the casting rolls with a casting roll drive system responsive to electrical signals received from sensors during a casting campaign.
US08607846B2 Mold and molding manufacturing method
A mold includes a first groove part and a second groove part. The first groove part extends with a constant length or a constant width from a center part to an outer circumferential part of the mold. The second groove part extends from a terminal end of the first groove part on an outer circumferential part side of the first groove and merges with any portion of the first groove part. A molding manufacturing method includes manufacturing a preform by semimolten die casting or semisolid die casting using the mold. The method may also include removing a portion of the preform corresponding to the second groove part.
US08607843B2 Sunshade device
A sunshade device including: a sunshade; a stay to which one edge of the sunshade is fixed; a windup shaft to which the other edge of the sunshade is fixed; a first support member supporting one end of the windup shaft to rotate relative thereto and move relative thereto in a longitudinal direction of the windup shaft, and mounted at a vehicle; a second support member supporting the other end of the windup shaft to rotate relative thereto and move relative thereto in the longitudinal direction of the windup shaft, and mounted at the vehicle; and a biasing member configured to pivotally bias the windup shaft against the second support member. The windup shaft includes a restricted portion at the other end thereof, and the second support member includes a rotation restricting portion and a rotation releasing portion formed to be adjacent to each other.
US08607842B2 Device and method for increasing the wind load resistance and disengage-ability of overhead roll-up doors
A door assembly having a flexible door panel wound and unwound on a drum or the like to selectively block or permit access through an opening, the flexible door panel having a stiffness, a width, and a length. The door assembly further includes vertically extending side columns disposed on opposite sides of the opening, the side columns being configured to engage a marginal edge of the flexible panel to vertically guide the panel while opening or closing. Attached to a leading edge of the door panel is a bottom bar having a greater stiffness than the door panel and a narrower width than a distance between the vertical panel guide assemblies. Bottom bar guides are disposed proximate a lower portion of the opening and are configured to engage a portion of the bottom bar only when the bottom bar is located in at least a partially closed position.
US08607838B2 Retractable shade with collapsible vanes
A retractable cover for architectural openings having collapsible vanes includes a support structure in the form of a sheet of material, monofilaments, tapes, ribbons, cords, or the like, supporting an upper edge of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally extending vanes with the lower edges of the vanes in most embodiments of the invention being connected to operating elements adapted to raise the lower edges of each vane toward the upper edges to define openings or gaps between the vanes through which vision and light can pass in an open condition of the covering. Variations of the covering do not require movement of a lower edge of a vane relative to an upper edge but simply movement of some vanes relative to other vanes. The vanes can be made of materials having different flexibilities and where more rigid materials are used, creased fold lines can be established for desired operability.
US08607833B2 Router depth adjustment mechanism
A routing machine comprises a plunge post, an electric motor, and a motor housing slideably connected to the plunge post. The motor housing defines an upper surface. A lockpiece selectively engages the plunge post between a locked position and an unlocked position. The lockpiece is allowed to slide relative to the plunge post along with the electric motor and motor housing when the lockpiece is in an unlocked position. The lockpiece is configured to lock in place relative to the plunge post and limit the extent to which the electric motor and motor housing may slide relative to the plunge post when the lockpiece is in the locked position. A fine adjustment mechanism is moveably connected to the lockpiece. The fine adjustment mechanism is configured to move the electric motor and motor housing relative to the plunge post when the lockpiece is in the locked position.
US08607829B2 System and method for the automation of column and media packing
This invention provides for the fully automated, hands free, packing of chromatography columns by means of delivering a pre-calculated volume of slurry and using two different packing modalities to stop the packing when either 1) this volume has been delivered in the column, or 2) when the adapter is moved to reach a bed height corresponding to the pre-calculated volume. Thus, a chromatography column can be packed in a fully automated fashion and such a column is 1) stable and 2) has the desired performance characteristic.
US08607826B2 Interlocking bend limiter and method of assembly
Interlocking bend limiter sections are substantially mirror images of each other and are joined to form an interlocking bend limiter segment without use of fasteners by engaging engaging each other's interlocking ends. An interlocking bend limiter comprises a plurality of interlocking bend limiter segment secured at an end by an end piece.
US08607822B2 Heating and air conditioning system
A heating and cooling system for a building utilizes lower vents which open into lower portions of rooms of a building, and upper vents which open into upper portions of rooms of the building. When the system is operating in a heating mode, heated air is delivered into the upper portions of the rooms through the upper vents and air is removed from the rooms through the lower vents. When the system is operating in a cooling mode, cool air is delivered into the rooms through the lower vents, and air is removed from the rooms through the upper vents. Operating the heating and cooling modes in this fashion provides the most efficient operation of the heating and cooling system.
US08607816B2 Structure of solenoid valve attached to resin cover by insert-molding
A structure of a solenoid valve attached to a resin cover by insert-molding, the solenoid valve includes a valve body having a cylindrical shape and at least two fluid passages, a spool housed in the valve body and slidable therein in an axial direction relative to the valve body, a solenoid for actuating the spool, wherein a plurality of flanges is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the valve body, and at least one of the flanges has a through hole formed in the axial direction relative to the valve body.
US08607809B2 Independently adjusting, multi-legged walking cane
The invention is a multi-legged walking cane where each leg operates independently of each other by employing compressible legs, enhancing stability thru the complete gait cycle.
US08607803B2 Hair treatment process providing dispersed colors by light diffraction
Hair was coated with polymer-containing fluid and then hot pressed to form a composite of hair and a polymer film imprinted with a nanopattern. Polychromatic light incident on the nanopattern is diffracted into dispersed colored light.
US08607797B2 Airflow restriction system
Airflow restriction systems are described herein which may be used to treat various disorders by creating expiratory positive airway pressure while providing for patient comfort regardless of the patient's anatomical variances. Such a device may be removably secured externally over the patient's nose rather than within the nasal passages to increase patient comfort. The restriction device may be secured, e.g., via an adhesive, to the patient and actuated via any number of mechanical or electromechanical mechanisms. Moreover, the restriction device may include one or more sensors to detect the patient's respiration activity such that the device may be actuated to correspond to the patient's exhalation and squeeze or otherwise constrict the nasal passages at least partially by pressing against the exterior surface of the nose to restrict the expiratory airflow.
US08607794B2 Non-invasive breathing assistance apparatus and method
An nCPAP device for assisting patient breathing includes a generator body forming an inlet, a chamber, and first and second flow circuits. The chamber directs pressurized gas from the inlet to the flow circuits. The flow circuits each include a nozzle, a channel, and at least one port. The nozzle emits a jet stream into the channel in a direction of a patient side thereof. The port fluidly connects the channel to ambient, and promotes entrainment of ambient air with the jet stream. In some embodiments, the channel forms a ramp feature directing exhaled air toward the jet stream in an angular fashion. The generator body requires reduced driving pressures to achieve target CPAP levels and reduces total imposed WOB as compared to conventional designs.
US08607791B2 Ventilator-initiated prompt regarding auto-PEEP detection during pressure ventilation
This disclosure describes systems and methods for monitoring and evaluating ventilatory parameters, analyzing ventilatory data associated with those parameters, and providing useful notifications and/or recommendations to clinicians. Modern ventilators monitor, evaluate, and graphically represent a myriad of ventilatory parameters. However, many clinicians may not easily identify or recognize data patterns and correlations indicative of certain patient conditions, changes in patient condition, and/or effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Further, clinicians may not readily determine appropriate ventilatory adjustments that may address certain patient conditions and/or the effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Specifically, clinicians may not readily detect or recognize the presence of Auto-PEEP during various types of pressure ventilation. According to embodiments, a ventilator may be configured to monitor and evaluate diverse ventilatory parameters to detect Auto-PEEP and may issue suitable notifications and recommendations to the clinician when Auto-PEEP is implicated. The suitable notifications and recommendations may further be provided in a hierarchical format.
US08607789B2 Ventilator-initiated prompt regarding auto-PEEP detection during volume ventilation of non-triggering patient exhibiting obstructive component
This disclosure describes systems and methods for monitoring and evaluating ventilatory parameters, analyzing those parameters and providing useful notifications and recommendations to clinicians. That is, modern ventilators monitor, evaluate, and graphically represent multiple ventilatory parameters. However, many clinicians may not easily recognize data patterns and correlations indicative of certain patient conditions, changes in patient condition, and/or effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Further, clinicians may not readily determine appropriate ventilatory adjustments that may address certain patient conditions and/or the effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Specifically, clinicians may not readily detect or recognize the presence of Auto-PEEP during volume ventilation of a non-triggering patient exhibiting an obstructive component. According to embodiments, a ventilator may be configured to monitor and evaluate diverse ventilatory parameters to detect Auto-PEEP and may issue notifications and recommendations suitable for a non-triggering patient to the clinician when Auto-PEEP is implicated. The suitable notifications and recommendations may further be provided in a hierarchical format.
US08607786B2 Inhalation method and apparatus
A drug delivery apparatus of the type which releases a drug in aerosolized form into the inhaled airstream of a person, programmed to release the drug in a pulse which ends a pre-set time before the person is expected to stop inhaling. In doing so, a minimum residence time within the lungs is created, and drug treatment time can be reduced. A corresponding method of controlling a drug delivery apparatus comprises the step of controlling the apparatus to release the drug in aerosolized form into the inhaled airstream of a person in a pulse which ends a pre-set time before the person is expected to stop inhaling.
US08607781B2 Partially transparent sun collector having a sun protection function
The present invention relates to a sun collector comprising a flat absorber body (1) on or in which one or more absorber channels (17) for the flow of a heat transfer medium are configured. In areas which are not occupied by the one or more absorber channels (17), the absorber body (1) of the present sun collector has penetrable openings (4, 10, 13) for sunlight to pass through. The sun collector therefore provides the double function of a sun collector with a partially transparent sun protection device.
US08607777B2 Folding worktable for use on an outdoor grill
The present invention relates to outdoor grill accessories, and more particularly, a foldable worktable attachment for an outdoor grill that includes a large table that is pivotally connected to the side of the grill. When in an erect position, the table provides ample space for preparing foods and the like, but when in a collapsed position, the table lies flush against one of the sides of the grill housing, thus, enclosing supporting legs that are folded and stored between the table and the grill housing.
US08607776B2 Barbecue
The invention relates to a barbecue comprising a carrier element, a grilling area being substantial horizontal orientated and being located at the top of the carrier element and a cover, wherein the cover can be positioned in a first position in which the grilling area is covered and in a second position in which the grilling area is accessible. To improve the functionality of such a barbecue, the invention suggests that means are provided to allow the cover to move from the first position into the second position, wherein the cover is pivoted during the movement from the first position into the second position around a horizontal axis and wherein the barycenter of the cover is moved from a first level to a second, lower level.
US08607771B1 Automatically-repeating, rapid-firing rubber band gun with an ammunition-powered operating system
An automatically-repeating, rapid-firing rubber band gun with an ammunition powered operating system. The gun includes a mechanism for retaining, releasing and projecting a plurality of stretched rubber bands, with the release of the rubber bands occurring in such a manner as to allow the harnessing of a portion of the elastic potential energy present in the rubber bands to perform work upon the mechanism. Work performed upon the mechanism results in the mechanism moving relative to a static structure within the gun, and this relative movement affects a temporal sequencing of the release of the rubber bands. A trigger system provides for control of rubber band discharge by way of alternately inhibiting or allowing rubber band release. A structural frame supports the operating system and provides for the gun to be manually operated.
US08607765B2 Method for adjusting pressure in a fuel tank and a fuel tank system
A method and a fuel tank system for adjusting a pressure in a fuel tank are described. Evaporated fuel tank escapes from the fuel tank under overpressure with respect to the ambient and is transferred to a temporary storage for at least one substance of the evaporated fuel. A venting means, through which the evaporated fuel escapes, is controlled by at least one parameter different from a pressure or at least one information provided in form of data. The pressure in the fuel tank can thereby be more variably adjusted.
US08607758B2 Motorcycle engine
A motorcycle engine includes a cylinder block with an axis extending perpendicularly or slightly inclined forwardly. A cylinder head includes an intake port, an exhaust port disposed on a front surface of the cylinder head opposite the intake port, an engine hanger boss, a coolant temperature sensor mounting portion, and a cam chain tensioner lifter. The intake port has an outer opening having a center disposed on a level upward of a center of an outer opening of the exhaust port. The engine hanger boss is provided on either side of the cylinder head, has a centerline that crosses the intake port, and disposed upwardly of an upper end of the outer opening of the exhaust port. The cam chain tensioner lifter and the coolant temperature sensor are in an overlapping position in a side view, downwardly of the engine hanger boss and an open end of the intake port.
US08607754B2 Roller tappet
The invention concerns a roller tappet (1) for a high pressure fuel pump, said roller tappet (1) comprising a housing (2) comprising on a drive side front end (3), a slide-mounted roller (4) serving as a running surface of a cam, said housing (2), as viewed in housing direction, comprising a bridge member (5) arranged below the roller (4), said bridge member (5) comprising on a front end (7) turned towards a driven side front end (6) of the housing (2), a support (8) for a tappet follower member, wherein a shell member (11) like a semi shell or a one-third shell separated out of a rolling bearing ring is seated in a cylindrical cavity (9) of a further drive side front end (10) of the bridge member (5), and the roller (4) extends for sliding displacement directly in said shell member (11).
US08607746B2 Cooling system expansion tank
An expansion tank is disclosed in which a non-return valve is fitted in an outlet port of the expansion tank to limit backflow of coolant into the expansion tank in the event that the pressure in the expansion tank falls below the pressure in a return conduit thereby preventing the expansion tank from filling with coolant. The non-return valve and the expansion tank are formed as a single component and the non-return valve is located in an outlet port of the expansion tank.
US08607737B2 Watering fountain
A watering fountain having a first valve assembly coupled to a pressurized water supply, including a check valve configured to restrict water flow under pressurized water conditions. The fountain includes a second valve assembly selectably coupleable to the first valve assembly and including a disabling structure, a valve, a drain port, a flexible diaphragm, a diaphragm actuator, and a quick connect valve. The watering fountain also includes a fluid conduit extending upwardly from the second valve assembly. The fountain includes an activator rod extending upwardly from the second valve assembly inside the fluid conduit. The watering fountain includes a basin extending upwardly from the fluid conduit. The fountain includes an activator plate operationally coupled to the activator rod and disposed within the basin.
US08607733B2 Atomic layer deposition apparatus and atomic layer deposition method
An atomic layer deposition apparatus includes: a first chamber which is surrounded by walls including a supply hole for the reactive gas formed thereon; a second chamber which is surrounded by walls including a supply hole for a source gas formed thereon; an antenna array which is provided in the first chamber, the antenna array having a plurality of rod-shaped antenna elements provided in parallel respectively to produce the plasma using the reactive gas; a substrate stage which is provided in the second chamber, the substrate being placed on the substrate stage; and a connecting member which connects the first chamber and the second chamber to supply gas containing reactive gas radical from the first chamber to the second chamber, the reactive gas radical being produced using the antenna array.
US08607732B2 In-liquid plasma film-forming apparatus, electrode for in-liquid plasma, and film-forming method using in-liquid plasma
In an in-liquid plasma film-forming apparatus having: a vessel 1 being capable of accommodating a substrate “S” and a liquid “L” including raw material therein; an electrode 2 for in-liquid plasma, electrode 2 which is disposed in the vessel 1; an electric power device 3 for supplying electricity to the electrode 2 for in-liquid plasma; the electrode 2 for in-liquid plasma is equipped with: a main electrode 21 having a discharging end 22; an auxiliary electrode 26 not only facing the discharging end 22 but also being disposed between the discharging end 22 and the substrate “S” that face each other; and a plasma generating unit 29 having a space that is demarcated by a surface 22a of the discharging end 22 and a surface 26a of the auxiliary electrode 26 facing the surface 22a, and being for generating plasma by means of electricity being supplied to the main electrode 21.
US08607730B2 Method of replacing liquid of circulation line in substrate liquid processing apparatus of single-wafer type
An apparatus and method of replacing a liquid of a circulation line in a substrate liquid processing apparatus of a single-wafer type, which can replace the liquid more efficiently, by relating the replacing method with a process-liquid replenishing method. A substrate liquid processing apparatus of a single-wafer type includes: a circulation line through which a process liquid is circulated; a tank disposed in the circulation line; a liquid level sensor disposed in the tank; a liquid replenish part configured to replenish the tank with a new process liquid, based on an output of the liquid level sensor; and a liquid-replacement control part configured to stop the operation of the liquid replenish part based on a predetermined replenish stop condition that is set cooperatively with a predetermined liquid disposal condition, and to discard all the process liquid in the tank based on the predetermined liquid disposal condition.
US08607729B2 Dip coating line
A line for the dip coating of objects operates with a known conveyor system. In order to avoid a collision between the objects and the hard structure adjoining the movement path, a position transducer measuring the absolute value is provided for each possible degree of freedom of movement of the object fixed to the holding frame. The course of a first boundary surface or a boundary line, which reproduces the course of the hard structures along the movement path of the object, is stored in a memory. Also stored is the course of a second boundary surface or boundary line, which runs at a distance from the first boundary surface or boundary line. Finally, the course of a contour which represents the course of the object fixed to the holding frame is also stored. The control device calculates, from the signals supplied to it by the position transducers and the other stored data, whether the contour representing the object fixed to the holding frame intersects the second boundary surface or boundary line or not and, in the first case, interrupts immediately the further movement of the object.
US08607722B2 Aerodynamic wind propulsion device having active and passive steering lines and method for controlling of such a device
An aerodynamic wind propulsion device is provided, particularly for watercraft, in form of an aerodynamic wing connected to a steering unit located below the aerodynamic wing via a plurality of tractive lines, at least one pair of two active steering lines being connected to the aerodynamic wing at two points in distance and being coupled to a drive unit at the steering unit, a tractive cable, a first end of the tractive cable being connected at the steering unit to at least two of the tractive lines and a second end of the tractive cable being connected to a base platform, the aerodynamic wing having an aerodynamic profile which generates an uplift force, and two passive steering lines are connected to each other to form a continuous passive steering line section passing through the steering unit in order to passively follow a deformation of the aerodynamic wing.
US08607720B1 Apparatuses and methods for positioning an embroidery pattern on an embroiderable
Apparatuses and methods for positioning an embroidery pattern are provided. According to an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for positioning an embroidery pattern includes a central edge adapted to be positioned adjacent a centerline of an embroiderable, and an outer edge comprising a set of first, embroidery-positioning points. The set of first points is adapted to receive an adjacent marking to indicate a starting point for embroidering an embroidery pattern on the embroiderable.
US08607719B1 Feed regulator for thermostatic control
The effective length of a control arm having manually alterable stops repositionable along is rendered automatically changeable by means of a solenoid movable strip arranged to be either pressed against the control arm or removed from contact with the control arm by operation of the automatically operated solenoid which may usually be operated by a change in the surrounding ambient temperature.
US08607718B2 Recovery boiler combustion air system with intermediate air ports vertically aligned with multiple levels of tertiary air ports
A combustion air system particularly useful for Kraft process recovery boilers or soda process recovery boilers has a level of liquor air ports located above the black liquor guns, and multiple levels of tertiary air formed by substantially vertically aligned tertiary air ports located above the black liquor guns. The liquor air ports and the tertiary air ports are on the same opposing walls of the furnace and are substantially vertically aligned with air ports in the same wall at different levels. The liquor air ports are located just above the black liquor guns, within a range of about ½ foot to about four feet. The tertiary air ports are laterally offset with respect to the tertiary air ports on the opposing wall of the furnace. The first tertiary air level is located a vertical distance in the range of about four feet to twelve feet above the elevation of liquor air ports, and the second and any additional tertiary air levels are located and spaced from an adjacent tertiary air level at regular spaced vertical intervals in the range of about four feet to eight feet. The vertically aligned and laterally offset tertiary air ports form a combustion air pattern of vertical sheets which travel across the width of the furnace to the opposing wall to carry smaller liquor particles to the walls of the furnace and reduce carryover and improve combustion efficiency.
US08607713B2 Device for pivoting one or more nose flaps of a track-guided vehicle
The invention relates to a device for pivoting one or more nose flaps of a track-guided vehicle, a railway vehicle in particular. It is hereby provided for the device to comprise at least one supporting frame (10) connected or connectable to the vehicle undercarriage and at least one actuating device connected on one side to the at least one supporting frame (10) and on the other to the pivotable nose flap (1a; 1b) for pivoting the nose flap (1a; 1b) relative to the supporting frame (10) from a closed state into an opened state and vice versa, wherein the actuating device comprises at least one lifting spindle drive (30a, 32a; 30b, 32b).
US08607712B2 System for guiding rails on a rail train
A system for guiding rails onto a rail train having rail cars with a plurality of vertically spaced rail support shelves includes upwardly opening guide channels extending from funnel members position at the end of the rail car to each shelf in alignment with the outermost rail receiving pockets of each shelf. A guide shoe with a horizontal roller recessed therein and projecting below the bottom of the shoe is mounted on the end of a rail threaded across the shelves and guide channels of the rail support car. An alternative guide shoe further includes vertically extending rollers projecting from the sides of the guide shoe.
US08607711B2 Most innovative mode of transportation, called a train ferry on a four track rail system
The Innovative Four Railroad Track Systems expands present two track rail systems to support the use of twenty foot wide cars that will simplify the loading, unloading and therefore transportation of many goods, especially vehicles and similar sized construction or farm equipment. The extra two rails are added on the outside of the current track in single rail lines. The expanded width of the cars allows for loading and unloading from the side which can be facilitated in the case of vehicles through a tiered loading dock much the same as is done with a ferry, hence the name “train ferry”. This will drastically reduce the time and effort required and revolutionizes the bulk transportation of these goods.
US08607707B1 Identifiable ammunition and related methods
The invention relates to an identifiable bullet and methods for making an identifiable bullet. In one embodiment, the bullet has a generally circumferential body that tapers from a rearward end toward a forward end. A generally circumferential bore extends from an orifice on the forward end into the body at least part of the way between the forward end and the rearward end. The end of the bore opposite the orifice includes a polymeric material support surface. A polymeric material is placed between the polymeric material support surface and the forward end. The polymeric material may include a user identifiable marker for allowing a user to identify the bullet when viewing the forward end. Alternatively, the polymeric material may cover a user identifiable marker and seal the user identifiable marker in the bore. A user may identify the bullet by viewing the marker from the forward end of the bullet.
US08607706B2 Device for temporarily connecting and pyrotechnically separating two assemblies
Temporary connection and pyrotechnic separation device with a longitudinal axis (X) comprising a pyrotechnic expansion tube (14) mounted in a space (11) formed in a connection zone between a first (2) and second assembly (4) to be separated, the second assembly (4) being formed of a stack of plies (12.1, 12.2) bonded together, the two assemblies (2, 4) being connected to each other by two metal parts (10.1, 10.2), said metal parts being fixed onto the first assembly and bonded onto the outer plies (12.1) of the second assembly (4), the bonding area between said outer ply (12.1) and the adjacent inner ply (12.2) is less than the bonding area between two inner plies (12.2) forming a fuse ply, such that, when the pyrotechnic expansion tube (14) is used, the outer ply (12.1) separates from the adjacent inner ply.
US08607704B2 Method for electrical flashover ignition and combustion of propellent charge, as well as propellent charge and ammunition shot in accordance therewith
The invention relates to a method of, in the electrical ignition of a propellent charge (1) provided with an electrically conductive surface coating (5) and comprising one or more propellant components (3), ensuring that ignition and progressive combustion of the propellent charge take place. The method is characterized in that said electrically conductive surface coating, when ignition of the propellent charge is desired, is connected to an electrical high-voltage source (6), in that said high-voltage source is made to generate at least one high electrical pulse to said connected electrically conductive surface coating, and in that said at least one high electrical pulse produces an instantaneous flashover ignition of the electrically conductive surface coating of the propellent charge and of all its propellant components, simultaneously. The invention also relates to a propellent charge and to an ammunition shot comprising the propellent charge.
US08607699B2 Rotating cliché pad printer
A rotating cliché pad printer includes a frame, a flat cliché operably mounted to the frame, an ink cup configured to reside on the cliché and a pad applicator. The cliché includes at least one etched region and is adapted to receive ink thereon in the etched region. The ink cup is configured to reside on the cliché and to deposit ink into the at least one etched region. The cliché and ink cup are rotatably movable relative to one another. The pad applicator includes at least one pad adapted to move into and out of contact with the at least one etched region to receive ink from the etched region. The pad is further configured to contact an associated object to transfer the received ink to the associated object.
US08607694B2 Boiler for a machine for making hot beverages
The present device concerns a boiler for use in a machine for making hot beverages including a diffuser (32) with a first wall (33) destined to be placed in contact with the liquid to be heated and a second wall (34) opposite first wall (33), heating element (11) consisting of at least one thick film or photo-etching resistor (31) arranged on second wall (34) of diffuser (32), a body which, with first wall (33) of diffuser (32), defines a heating volume (11) inside which the liquid is to be heated, characterized in that it is arranged so that heating volume (11) is positioned on either side of heating element (30). Also described is the fabrication of machines for preparing hot beverages such as coffee.
US08607692B2 Beverage system
A beverage system (1) having a coffee machine (2) for preparing and dispensing hot beverages, and a water dispenser (3) for processing and dispensing drinking water the system being inexpensive and requiring little space. The coffee machine (2) and the water dispenser (3) are connected to on other n such a way that at least one functional component of the coffee machine (2) or of the water dispenser (3) can be utilized both for the coffee machine (2) and for the water dispenser (3).
US08607690B1 Coffee brewing apparatus
A system and method for brewing coffee to produce elevated levels of niacinamide is shown. One embodiment includes providing a dark roasted coffee, brewing the coffee at pressures above atmospheric pressure in water heated above boiling temperature, and producing a brewed coffee with elevated levels of niacinamide. Another embodiment includes a system comprising a boiler with a heating element, a heat exchanger extending into the boiler, the heat exchanger having an injector with at least one lateral opening to inject water laterally into the heat exchanger, to produce pressurized water above atmospheric boiling temperature to brew ground coffee at temperatures above boiling to produce a coffee with elevated levels of niacinamide. The embodiment system may also include a thermally insulating lid.
US08607685B2 Load sharing hard point net
A shield system for an ordnance includes a frame and a flexible net subsystem supported by the frame. Diagonal lines of net material intersect at nodes forming diamond shaped mesh openings and a hard point is attached to at least select nodes.
US08607684B2 Multi-functional body armor
A flexible, multi-functional, multi-ply material mix and device, capable of providing ballistic protection are herein presented. The device and material herein presented provide multiple electronic and ballistic functionality integrated into a soft body armor that is lighter in weight and more comfortable to wear than previously available alternatives.
US08607683B1 Active ammunition magazine
An ammunition magazine for feeding linked ammunition to a weapon system having a power take off (PTO) may include a housing with a storage cavity for the linked ammunition. A drive shaft may be rotatably fixed to the housing and may include a driver on one end for selectively engaging the PTO. A drive sprocket may be mounted on the drive shaft for engaging and moving the linked ammunition in a feed direction. The drive sprocket may include first and second sprocket wheels that engage a cartridge portion of the linked ammunition. A pick-off round opening may be formed in the housing for presenting a pick-off round to the weapon system. A link chute may be disposed below the opening and including an exit for ammunition links.
US08607680B1 Combined dual bevel miter and radial arm saw device
The combined dual bevel miter and radial arm saw device provides the advantages of both a radial arm saw and a miter saw. The device thereby provides for cross cuts, rip cuts and angle cuts, all simultaneously if desired.
US08607679B2 Laminate flooring saw
A laminate flooring saw system which can be used for both rip cuts and miter cuts in one embodiment includes a first power switch proximate the saw and movable with the saw along a support arm; a second power switch that is not movable with the saw along the support arm; and a third switch movable between a first position wherein application of energy to the saw is dependent upon the position of the second power switch and independent of the position of the first power switch and a second position wherein application of energy to the saw is dependent upon the position of both the first power switch and the second power switch.
US08607677B2 Method and apparatus for anvil pruner and lopper with shock absorbing feature
A shock absorbing anvil pruner/lopper comprises a cutting blade and a shock absorbing anvil member with a compound action tang. The anvil member includes a liner member for engagement with the blade and a shock absorber in relation to the liner member, whereupon on engagement of the blade with the liner member during a cutting operation, the shock absorber will compress or otherwise absorb some of the force, providing for less physical shock being transmitted to the user through the pruner/lopper handles.
US08607675B2 Torque wrench
A torque wrench includes a driving head, a hollow handle, compression unit, an adjustment unit, an index unit and a display unit. The driving head and the handle are pivotably connected to each other. The compression unit has a resilient member and an end piece which contacts the driving head. The adjustment unit adjusts the length of the resilient member to set the torque of the wrench. The index unit has a first index and a second index, both of which are moved with the movement of the adjustment unit. The movement of the first index is detected by the display unit and transferred into digits to display the value of the torque. The second index is cooperated with the marks of the scale member to display the value of the torque.
US08607670B2 Damaged fastener extractor
A damaged fastener extractor is provided with a body defining generally cylindrical coordinates ⊖, Z and R about an axis and having a rear body portion communicating with a front body portion. The rear body portion has an outer surface shaped to be engaged by a tool to be used in rotating the body circumferentially about the axis and sized to present a working outer dimension OD to said tool. The front body portion has a front terminus and an inner surface in which the front terminus is oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis and provides a generally circular receiving aperture communicating with the inner surface. The inner surface is shaped to engage a damaged fastener to be extracted and sized to present a working inner diameter ID to the damaged fastener. The front body portion inner surface has equally spaced, parallel grooves positioned thereon and oriented to extend along an arcuate, inwardly tapering path from a forward groove terminus located proximal to the front body portion front terminus to a rearward groove terminus located proximal to the rear body portion. Each groove has a centerline extending along its length and a pitch P defined by the axial displacement of the centerline per revolution of the centerline about the axis. Each groove further has a substantially constant cross-sectional geometry extending along most of its length, whereby the position of each groove centerline at the forward terminus is ⊖1, Z1 and R1 and the position of each groove centerline at the rearward terminus is ⊖2, Z2 and R2. Due to the inward taper, R1 is greater than ID/2 which is greater than R2, and an angle of inward taper μ is defined by tan μ=(R1−R2)/(Z1−Z2).
US08607666B2 Power transfer unit with output shaft having integrated joint assembly
A power transmission device for a four-wheel drive vehicle includes an input shaft adapted to be driven by a power source. A first output shaft is rotatable about a first axis and adapted to transmit torque to a first driveline. A second output shaft is adapted to transmit torque to a second driveline and is rotatable about a second axis. The first and second axes diverge from one another. A transfer unit includes a drive member rotatably supported on the first output shaft and a driven member coupled to the second output shaft. A joint is positioned within a cavity formed in the driven member and drivingly interconnects the driven member and the second output shaft. The driven member includes first and second portions separable from and re-mountable to each other to allow service to the joint.
US08607659B2 Robotic arm assembly
A robotic arm assembly includes a support body, a first segment, a second segment, a first driving device, a second driving device, a first bevel gear, a second bevel gear, a third bevel gear, a first transmission mechanism, and a second transmission mechanism. The first segment is rotatably connected to an end of the support body. The second segment is rotatably connected to the first segment. The first driving device and the second driving device are received in the support body. The first bevel gear and the second bevel gear are rotatably sleeved on opposite ends of the first segment, and mesh with the third bevel gear fixed to the second segment. The first transmission mechanism transmits the power of the first driving member to the first bevel gear, and the second transmission mechanism transmits the power of the second driving member to the second bevel gear.
US08607658B2 Horizontal articulated robot
A horizontal articulated robot includes a base, a first arm provided rotatably around a first rotation axis on the base, a second arm provided rotatably around a second rotation axis on the first arm, the second rotation axis being parallel to the first rotation axis, and a main shaft provided in the second arm to be extended in a direction parallel to the second rotation axis. A distance between the second rotation axis and the main shaft is shorter than a length of a straight line connecting the first and the second rotation axes. Additionally, the first arm has a recessed portion formed so as to include a position on a rotation path where a rotation radius around the second rotation axis is equivalent to the distance between the second rotation axis and the main shaft.
US08607654B2 Platform for suspended sensor stabilization
A sensor stabilization platform and method for installation in an enclosure is described, wherein the platform can be lowered into the enclosure from the enclosure's entry way (without requiring a person to enter the enclosure) and properly oriented to provide the structural support/securing capabilities needed for a sensor that is “sensing” the material at the bottom of the enclosure. The securing platform is weighted or configured to rest (without movement) at the bottom of the enclosure floor or manhole, and sensors can be lowered into the platform's receptacle(s), etc. The platform may be configured to be foldable, allowing it to be compact and pass through narrow entry ways.
US08607652B2 Apparatus for handling a liquid sample
An apparatus for handling a liquid sample, especially for automatic removal of a liquid sample from a sample-taking location, comprising: a control unit; a sample collecting unit; a supply and metering system, which is embodied to convey a liquid sample from the sample-taking location and to meter the sample into a liquid receptacle of the sample collecting unit; a housing with a first housing part, which at least partially surrounds at least the sample collecting unit, and a second housing part, which is separated from the first housing part, and which at least partially surrounds a metering space; wherein at least parts of the supply and metering system are arranged in the metering space; and wherein the apparatus furthermore includes a plate, which is releasably connected with the second housing part surrounding the metering space, and which divides the metering space into a first metering space part and a second metering space part.
US08607651B2 Hybrid capacitive force sensors
Hybrid force sensitive input devices are formed as a membrane assembly that is capable of detecting capacitive presence near the sensor surface as well as pressure inputs and varying applications of pressure to the sensor surface. As a capacitive sensor, the electrical charge of a user's hand, finger or other extremity is sensed by the conductive layers of the sensor as a function of the input extremity's location and proximity to the sensor surface. As a force sensor, a user's input contact with the sensor surface is detectable when conductive elements on apposing substrates are forced into contact when input force is applied. Increasing the applied force increases the number of conductive particles making contact allowing the electrons to travel from one conductive trace on a first substrate through the contacting conductive patches to a perpendicular conductive trace on a second substrate.
US08607648B2 Rotation angle detection device and torque detection device
A rotor includes a cylindrical magnet having a plurality of magnetic pole pairs. There are two types of the magnitude of magnetic force in the magnetic pole pairs, that is, a relatively large first magnetic force and a second magnetic force that is smaller than the first magnetic force. Three magnetic sensors are arranged around the rotor. A rotation angle computing device detects the peak values of output signals of the respective magnetic sensors. Then, the rotation angle computing device identifies the magnetic pole pair, sensed by the first magnetic sensor, based on a combination of the local maximum values of the three output signals.
US08607645B2 Time delay adjustment mechanism for sprinkler system water flow detector
A water flow detector has a spring driven mechanical timer responsive to the movement of a lever. The lever is connected to a paddle. The paddle is responsive to the flow of water in a pipe. The detector via the spring driven timer responds to the flow of water in the pipe after a predetermined delay.
US08607640B2 Sensor for measuring large mechanical strains in shear or lateral translation
A capacitive strain sensor for sensing strain of a structure. The sensor includes a first section attached to the structure at a first location and a second section attached to the structure at a second location. The first section includes a capacitor plate electrically isolated from the structure and the second section includes two electrically isolated capacitive plates, both of the plates being electrically isolated from the structure. A flexible connector connects the first section to the second section. The capacitor plate of the first section is separated from the two capacitive plates of the second section by at least one capacitive gap. When strain is experienced by the structure, a change occurs in the capacitive gap due to relative motion between the first and second sections. The first section includes a core and the second section includes a ring that receives the core.
US08607637B2 Gage pressure transducer and method for making the same
A gage pressure transducer comprising a first pressure sensing assembly exposed to a main pressure and a second pressure sensing assembly exposed to a reference pressure. The pressure sensing assemblies comprise half-bridge sensors and means for using an alignment glass plate with each sensor which reduces the amount of oil required for operation, which consequently reduces the back pressures caused by large volumes of oil. The pressure sensor assemblies are hermetically sealed using glass frits, therefore enabling the gage pressure transducer to robustly and accurately measure pressure in harsh environments.
US08607634B2 Ultrasound based method and apparatus to determine the size of kidney stone fragments before removal via ureteroscopy
A transducer is used to send an ultrasound pulse toward a stone and to receive ultrasound reflections from the stone. The recorded time between a pulse that is reflected from the proximal surface and a pulse that is reflected either from the distal surface of the stone or from a surface supporting the stone is used to calculate the stone size. The size of the stone is a function of the time between the two pulses and the speed of sound through the stone (or through the surrounding fluid if the second pulse was reflected by the surface supporting the stone). This technique is equally applicable to measure the size of other in vivo objects, including soft tissue masses, cysts, uterine fibroids, tumors, and polyps.
US08607633B2 Measuring system for resonant frequency measurements on disc brake pads
A system is provided for measuring the resonant frequencies on disc brake pads. The system includes a data recording apparatus and a measuring device in the form of a sensor system. In order to record a maximum number of resonant frequencies, the sensor system consists of two or more microphones.
US08607631B2 Heated air mass WCSP package and method for accelerometer
An inertial sensor (16) includes a differential thermocouple (13) including first (4A) and second (4B) metal traces, a poly trace (6) with a first end connected to a first end of the first metal trace to form a first (−) thermocouple junction and a second end connected to a first end of the second metal trace to form a second (+) thermocouple junction. A gas mass (10) located symmetrically with respect to the thermocouple junctions is heated by a heater (8). Acceleration or tilting of the sensor shifts the relative location of the gas mass relative to the thermocouple junctions, causing differential heating thereof and generation of a corresponding thermocouple output signal.
US08607624B2 Sensor system for determining a parameter of a fluid medium
A sensor system for determining at least one parameter of a fluid medium flowing through a channel, in particular of an intake air mass of an internal combustion engine. The sensor system has at least one sensor chip situated in the channel for determining the parameter of the fluid medium. The sensor chip is accommodated in a sensor carrier that extends into the channel. The sensor carrier has an inflow edge situated transversely to the flow of the fluid medium, which on its part has at least one turbolator, which is equipped to develop turbulences in the flowing fluid medium in the area of the sensor carrier.
US08607619B2 Fluid probe
A device for detecting a property of a fluid includes a body region and a flexible element having a first end and a second end. The first end is fixedly located on the body region. The flexible element is arranged to move from at least a first configuration to a second configuration via bending of the flexible element. The flexible element includes an actuating portion arranged to move the flexible element between the first configuration and the second configuration. The device also includes a movement detector for detecting movement of the flexible element.
US08607615B2 Microfabricated thermal modulator for comprehensive 2D gas chromatography
A two-dimensional gas chromatography system having first and second separation columns, a thermal modulator disposed between the first and second columns and having a plurality of stage channels, and a micro heater monolithically integrated in the thermal modulator. The thermal modulator is operable to trap and focus gas/vapor species within the plurality of stage channels upon cooling and release the gas/vapor species to the second column upon heating by the micro heater.
US08607612B2 Sensor calibration
A method of calibrating a reversible-binding sensor for detecting an analyte includes: (i) varying the temperature of a first calibration solution from a first temperature (T1) to a second temperature (T2) while the first calibration solution is in contact with a sensing region of the sensor; (ii) determining the sensor output for the first calibration solution as a function of temperature; (iii) varying the temperature of a second calibration solution from a third temperature (T3) to a fourth temperature (T4) while the second calibration solution is in contact with the sensing region, the second calibration solution having a concentration of analyte which is different from that of the first calibration solution; (iv) determining the sensor output for the second calibration solution as a function of temperature; and (v) using the determined sensor output from steps (ii) and (iv) to calibrate the sensor.
US08607608B2 Bending apparatus and bending method
A bending apparatus (1) is for bending a workpiece (object to be worked), using a bending die (2) formed in accordance with a bent form of the workpiece, and a linear die (3) linearly extended, and includes a table (10) having a work face (11a) where the bending die (2) and the linear die (3) are placed; and a pair of rollers (40, 50) configured to move along the work face (11a), wherein each of the rollers (40, 50) is configured to move from one end side of the bending die (2) and the linear die (3) to the other end side thereof in a state of pinching the bending die (2) and the linear die (3) in a die closing direction. According to this configuration, it is possible to configure the bending apparatus (1), to make a work space small, and to improve the work efficiency of the bending.
US08607607B1 System and method for feeding wire material to a rotary press
A system and a method for feeding wire material to a rotary compaction press are provided. In some embodiments the method includes the steps of feeding a wire strand of material to a location adjacent a cutting surface; moving the cutting surface, thereby causing the cutting surface to cut the wire strand of material into a wire pellet of material; and transporting the wire pellet of material to adjacent a die table of a rotary compaction press. In some embodiments the system includes a wire exit aperture. A cutting disc may be provided adjacent the wire exit aperture and may have a plurality of wire cutting surfaces and adjacent wire notches. The cutting disc may be rotatable, thereby causing the wire cutting surfaces to sequentially pass over the wire exit aperture.
US08607606B2 Method for producing the round edge of a part, device for carrying out said method and a striker used therein
The inventive method involves deforming the extremities of a plate, which has a rectangular edge and is disposed between the working surface of strikers, by ultrasonic forging with the aid of the strikers, simultaneously moving the plate in a transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal axes of the strikers and turning the strikers. Each striker is provided with a groove with a curvilinear generatrix which is made on the surface thereof with a variable radius R. The width of the plate is reduced by a value Δ=R(1−π/4), wherein R is the variable radius value at a point where the ultrasonic forging of the plate is carried out. The circumferential speed Vcirc.S of the striker rotation is chosen, during the plate displacement, as to correspond to the above-mentioned relationship. In the device, the circumferential speed of the striker rotation is synchronized with the plate displacement velocity. The groove of the striker is designed with the variable radius R.
US08607592B2 Optical fiber manufacturing apparatus and optical fiber manufacturing method
An optical fiber manufacturing apparatus including: a heating furnace in which an optical fiber is formed by melt-drawing an optical fiber preform; a sealing mechanism which is provided on an opening portion located at an upstream of the heating furnace and seals the heating furnace with an inert gas; a first pipe which is connected to the heating furnace and introduces the gas into the heating furnace; a second pipe which is connected to a lowermost compartment closest to the heating furnace among the compartments and introduces the gas into the lowermost compartment; and a gas flow rate control unit which controls a total sum of a flow rate of a gas supplied from the first pipe into the heating furnace and a flow rate of a gas supplied from the second pipe into the lowermost compartment to be substantially constant.
US08607590B2 Methods for separating glass articles from strengthened glass substrate sheets
Methods for separating glass articles from strengthened glass substrate sheets and strengthened glass substrate sheets are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes forming at least one groove on at least one surface of the glass substrate sheet and strengthening the glass substrate sheet by a strengthening process. The groove defines the glass article and partially extends through a thickness of the glass substrate sheet. The method further includes generating an initiation defect on the groove at an initiation location to cause a through crack to self-propagate through the glass substrate sheet along the groove, thereby separating the glass article from the glass substrate sheet. In another embodiment, a strengthened glass substrate sheet includes a strengthened glass having a glass article groove and an initiation groove on a surface, the glass article groove defining a glass article.
US08607586B2 Aircraft galley refrigeration system with multi-circuit heat exchanger
An aircraft galley refrigeration system is provided which, in one embodiment, includes: first and second galleys; a first chiller for providing a first heat transfer fluid to the first galley; a second chiller for providing a second heat transfer fluid to the second galley; and a heat exchanger including a first circuit and a second circuit, the first circuit connecting the first galley with the first chiller, and the second circuit connecting the second galley with the second chiller. In another embodiment, the system includes a first cooling subsystem with a first heat transfer fluid, a second cooling subsystem with a second heat transfer fluid, and a heat exchanger that thermally couples the first and second cooling subsystems for distributing heat between the first and second heat transfer fluids.
US08607580B2 Regasification of LNG using dehumidified air
A process and apparatus for regasification of LNG to form natural gas using ambient air as the primary source of heat are described. LNG is directed to flow through an ambient air vaporizer to form a natural gas stream through direct heat exchange between the LNG and ambient air. The temperature of the natural gas stream is adjusted to suit a predetermined delivery temperature in a trim heater exchanging heat with a circulating intermediate fluid. The intermediate fluid is directed to flow through an ambient air heater such that the intermediate fluid exchanges heat with ambient air. Heat transfer between the ambient air and the LNG is assisted using one or more force draft fans to direct the flow of ambient air over the ambient air heater and the ambient air vaporizer in turn to dry the ambient air before it arrives at the ambient air vaporizer.
US08607579B2 Particle-mediated heat transfer in Bernoulli heat pumps
Embodiments of a heat transfer apparatus, and related methods, involve at least one boundary wall defining a first flow path through a neck portion, a first heat source external to and in thermal communication with the boundary wall, and a working fluid (e.g., a first fluid component with a second fluid component entrained therein). The neck portion may be shaped such that at least a portion of the second fluid component impinges upon at least a portion of the boundary wall as the working fluid flows therethrough, whereby heat is transferred from the first heat source to the working fluid through the boundary wall.
US08607577B2 Attaching ceramic matrix composite to high temperature gas turbine structure
An assembly for use in a gas turbine engine has an underlying metal sheet, and at least one ceramic matrix composite tile attached to the underlying metal sheet with at least one fastener assembly. The panel fastener assembly includes a fastener having a threaded portion extending rearwardly from a head, which has a frustoconical surface facing the threaded portion. The frustoconical surface is received in a frustoconical bore in the ceramic matrix composite panel. A bushing is positioned on an opposed side of the metal sheet from the ceramic matrix composite panel. The bushing has a flange extending away from the metal sheet. A sleeve is received about the threaded portion of the fastener, and extends away from the panel, beyond the metal sheet. The sleeve has a lip extending radially outwardly toward the flange on the bushing, such that the flange on the bushing extends beyond a space defined between the lip and a seating surface on the bushing. A wave spring is received within the cavity.
US08607576B1 Single turbine driving dual compressors
A gas turbine engine is provided, which includes a first compressor rotor coupled to a first shaft, a second compressor rotor downstream of the first compressor and coupled to a second shaft. A combustor is disposed downstream of the compressor rotors. A turbine is disposed downstream of the combustor and coupled to the second shaft. A gear is configured to be driven by the second shaft. The second shaft is configured for driving the first shaft through the gear, whereby the turbine drives the first compressor rotor at a different rotational speed than the turbine.
US08607573B2 Combustor having a first plurality of fuel nozzles having a first cross-sectional shape and a second plurality of fuel nozzles having a second cross-sectional shape different than the first cross-sectional shape
A combustor includes a chamber mixing and burning fuel and air and an air hole plate disposed on a wall surface of the chamber. The air hole plate includes a plurality of rows disposed concentrically of a plurality of air holes jetting coaxial jets of fuel and air into the chamber. A first fuel nozzle and a second fuel nozzle are disposed near a fuel hole for jetting fuel into an air hole row on an inner peripheral side. The first fuel nozzle is structured to suppress turbulence of surrounding air flow and the second fuel nozzle is structured to promote turbulence of a surrounding air flow. In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, good flame stability can be maintained while further reducing NOx in a combustor using coaxial jets.
US08607570B2 Airblown syngas fuel nozzle with diluent openings
A fuel nozzle tip for use with a combustor and a method of assembling the fuel nozzle tip are provided. The fuel nozzle tip includes a fuel tube and an air collar coupled to the fuel tube. The fuel tube includes a first plurality of circumferentially-spaced fuel openings and a second plurality of circumferentially-spaced fuel openings. The fuel tube is configured to channel fuel into a mixing zone defined within the combustor. The air collar includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced air openings configured to discharge air into the mixing zone.
US08607567B2 Solar steam generator
A solar power generation system includes a solar receiver disposed on a tower that receives radiant heat reflected from a field of solar collectors. The solar receiver includes an evaporator having a plurality of vertically oriented tubes to form a panel for receiving a fluid, such as water and/or steam, wherein the tubes have a rifled internal surface. The fluid within the tubes has a mass flow greater than 0.2×106 lb/hr/ft3 at a pressure in the range of 100-2850 psia, wherein radiant heat fluxes on the outside of the tubes exceed 185,00 but/hr/ft2.
US08607562B2 Shape memory alloy heat engines and energy harvesting systems
A heat engine includes a first rotatable pulley and a second rotatable pulley spaced from the first rotatable pulley. A shape memory alloy (SMA) element is disposed about respective portions of the pulleys at an SMA pulley ratio. The SMA element includes first spring coil and a first fiber core within the first spring coil. A timing cable is disposed about disposed about respective portions of the pulleys at a timing pulley ratio, which is different than the SMA pulley ratio. The SMA element converts a thermal energy gradient between the hot region and the cold region into mechanical energy.
US08607560B2 Method for centering reciprocating bodies and structures manufactured therewith
Methods for assembling a reciprocating body, such as a piston, within a bore using a design are described. The piston is substantially centered within the bore and then connected at one end through a rotational coupling to a substantially laterally fixed structure connected to the bore such that during normal operation the piston can rotate within the bore along the bore axis of symmetry but can no longer move laterally. Before fixing the rotational coupling, the piston is connected to an external gas source and substantially aligned along the bore axis of symmetry by a gas bearing having one or more gas bearing ports disposed toward the bore. During normal operation, the gas bearing provides a rotational force sufficient to realize a non-frictional bearing between the piston and the bore. The method of assembly is particularly useful in the assembly of Stirling cycle cryocooler comprising a piston, a compressor bore, adapted to contain the piston, a gas inlet to the piston, a plurality of gas bearing ports located within the piston and disposed toward the compressor bore, the gas inlet being in fluid communication with the gas bearing ports, a rotational coupling structure attached to one end of the piston, and a substantially laterally fixed structure affixed to the compressor bore and the rotational coupling structure.
US08607559B2 Fluid bypass system
A method for actuating a bypass control valve assembly of a fluid system includes receiving a first input signal at an electronic control unit. The first input signal is related to an active position of a direction control valve that is in fluid communication with a fluid pump and a fluid actuation device. The directional control valve includes a neutral position that provides fluid communication between a fluid inlet port of the directional control valve and a fluid outlet port of the directional control valve. A second input signal is received at the electronic control unit. The second input signal is related to the rotational speed of the fluid pump. The second input signal is compared to a limit. A drain valve of a bypass valve assembly is actuated so that fluid communication between the fluid pump and a fluid reservoir through the bypass valve assembly is blocked.
US08607552B2 Emission control system with heat recovery device
In an emission control system, an absorbent in an exhaust-emission passage absorbs a particular component in the emission with a temperature thereof being lower than a first temperature, and desorbs therefrom the absorbed particular component with the temperature thereof being equal to or higher than the first temperature. A catalyst in the exhaust-emission passage converts the particular component desorbed from the absorbent into another component with a temperature thereof being equal to or higher than a second temperature higher than the first temperature. A heat recovery device is disposed in the exhaust-emission passage upstream of the absorbent and recovers heat from the exhaust emission by heat exchange between a heat-transfer medium and the exhaust emission. An adjusting unit adjusts an amount of heat to be recovered by the heat recovery device to thereby adjust a temperature state of the exhaust emission.
US08607551B2 Exhaust gas purifier and system for exhaust gas purification
An exhaust gas purifier including an NOx catalyst of the selective reduction type and a diesel particulate filter arranged in series, and being disposed in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine. The purifier includes a passage for urea supply having a hydrolysis catalyst therein and a passage for hydrocarbon supply having an oxidation catalyst therein. The passages are parallel to each other and separate on an upstream side of both the NOx catalyst and the diesel particulate filter. A urea feeder which supplies urea to the passage for urea supply and a hydrocarbon feeder supplies hydrocarbon to the passage for hydrocarbon supply. The injection of an urea is thereby reconciled with the direction injection of hydrocarbon into the exhaust pipe in a compact space.
US08607550B2 System for admixing a reducing agent to an exhaust gas flow of an internal-combustion engine
A system is provided for admixing a reducing agent to an exhaust gas flow of an internal-combustion engine. The system includes an exhaust line and a metering device for feeding the reducing agent into the exhaust line, the metering device is arranged in or on a hollow body arranged on the exhaust line. An inner volume of the hollow body is connected in an exhaust-gas-conducting manner with the exhaust line. The reducing agent is feedable by a nozzle into the hollow body. A jacket body is provided between the hollow body and the nozzle-fed reducing agent, which jacket body surrounds the reducing agent at least in areas in the inner volume. Accordingly, a depositing of reducing agent on the metering device and on the hollow body is substantially avoided.
US08607547B2 Flue gas purifying device
An object of the present invention is to provide a flue gas purifying device that can suppress leakage of ammonia and can efficiently decrease nitrogen oxides in flue gas. The object is achieved by a flue gas purifying device including: an exhaust pipe; a urea-water injecting unit that injects urea water into the exhaust pipe; a catalytic unit that includes a urea SCR catalyst that promotes a reaction between ammonia and nitrogen oxides and a support mechanism that supports the urea SCR catalyst in the exhaust pipe, and is arranged on a downstream side to a position where urea water is injected; a concentration measuring unit arranged on a downstream side to the catalytic unit in a flow direction of flue gas to measure an ammonia concentration in flue gas having passed through the urea SCR catalyst; and a control unit that controls injection of urea water by the urea-water injecting unit based on an ammonia concentration measured by the concentration measuring unit.
US08607545B2 Air-fuel ratio control device
An air-fuel ratio control device is provided for controlling the air-fuel ratio of an engine. The device includes an exhaust passage having a main catalytic converter and a bypass passage having a bypass catalytic converter, the bypass passage diverging from the exhaust passage at an upstream junction and rejoining the exhaust passage at a downstream junction. A valve mechanism disposed in the exhaust passage between the upstream junction and the downstream junction moves between a closed state and an open state. During a predetermined period of time after the valve mechanism opens to permit flow in the exhaust passage, the air-fuel ratio of the engine is controlled based on a signal from a first air-fuel ratio sensor in the bypass passage using a low response correction value that is less than a normal response correction value that would be used when the valve mechanism is closed.
US08607541B1 Chain and method of assembly
A chain includes a plurality of links, each link has a first end having a knob and an opposite second end having a cavity, wherein the cavity is shaped and dimensioned to receive the knob of a mating link. The links are joined together knob-to-cavity to form a chain wherein the links can both axially and transversely rotate. In an embodiment, each link has a neck which receives a collar. In another embodiment, a wire is passed through a tunnel in all the links.
US08607539B2 Organopolysiloxane composition and process for producing rope structure with the same
Provided are an organopolysiloxane composition for producing a rope structure excellent in fatigue resistance, a rope structure using the same, and a process for producing the rope structure. The organopolysiloxane composition comprises an organopolysiloxane having an average polymerization degree of 50,000 to 200,000 and represented by the following formula (I): wherein X1, X2, X3 and X4 are the same or different, each independently representing —H, —OH, —COOH, —R, —NH2, —ROH, —RCOOH, or —RNH2; R representing an alkyl group or an aryl group; and each of m and n independently denotes an integer of not less than 1. The organopolysiloxane composition is applied to liquid crystalline polymer filaments in the process of producing the rope structure from the filaments.
US08607538B2 Apparatus for changing film reels
An apparatus comprises a reel-holding unit for a wrapping machine for wrapping a product with a film unwound by a plurality of rollers from the reel and a reel-changing unit for replacing a finished reel with a new reel, the reel-holding unit and the reel-changing unit being mutually positionable in a reel-change configuration in such a manner that the new reel can be positioned instead of the finished reel, the reel-changing unit being provided with elements that define a curvilinear path for an initial portion of the film of the new reel, the elements being positionable in the reel-change configuration such that when a roller of the plurality of rollers is positioned at a curve, at least one of the elements is completely interposed between the film and the roller.
US08607535B2 Forming device, machine, packaging laminate web, forming method and process in producing packages
A forming device and method for use in a packaging machine of the type where packages are produced from a tube. The forming device comprises two opposing sealing elements between which the tube is arranged to be flat-laid and squeezed to heat the thermoplastic and obtain a first transverse seal of the tube. It further comprises two volume control elements. The forming device is arranged to displace the first transverse seal off-center in relation a longitudinal axis of the first portion of the tube in a displacement direction essentially perpendicular to the first transverse seal to enable later shaping of a corresponding final package with a wall arranged with a predetermined angle of inclination in relation to the displacement direction. Also disclosed is a machine, a process and a packaging laminate.
US08607529B2 Mini-truss thin-sheet panel assembly
A mini-truss thin-sheet panel assembly, in one embodiment, a substantially rigid thin-sheet panel assembly having a non-rigid thin-sheet component includes the thin-sheet component which has selected plan area and shape, a hacker having a plan shape and area substantially similar to the thin-sheet component, and plural riser elements of selected height and configuration each extending from the backer to distal ends connected to a reverse surface of the thin-sheet component, the riser elements being configured and disposed in an array which causes the assembly to have substantial rigidity in a selected direction in the thin-sheet component.
US08607513B2 Thermal growth compensators, systems, and methods
A thermal compensation apparatus is disclosed including an elongated element extending from a proximal end to a distal end. A length of the elongated element from the proximal end to the distal end decreases in response to an increase in the temperature of the elongated element from a baseline temperature. The length of the elongated element increases in response to a decrease in the temperature of the elongated element from the baseline temperature. In various embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated in solar module mounting systems.
US08607512B2 Parking shelter provided with photovoltaic solar panels
The invention relates to a parking shelter (200) in particular comprising a roof (205) at least partially covered with photovoltaic solar panels (206), characterized in that said parking shelter comprises four supporting legs (201; 202; 203; 204), wherein at least one first supporting leg (201) and one second supporting leg (202) have a substantially vertical bottom portion (301) and an inclined top portion (302) directed towards the periphery of the roof.
US08607509B2 Roof ice and snow melt system
A snow and ice melting device adapted to rest on a roof; having a flat plate with a series of channels therethrough containing a heating element to heat the flat plate and melt the ice and snow on the roof.
US08607508B2 Stayed connection for wind turbine
A stayed connection for a wind turbine (1) is provided with a tower (4) having an upper pipe-shaped tower portion (12) and a lower tower portion (14) and where the upper pipe-shaped tower portion (12) is connected to the lower tower portion (14) by means of a stayed connection (16), and wherein the stayed connection (16) comprises pipe-shaped diagonal stays (18) extending from the lower tower portion (14) and in toward the outside of the upper pipe-shaped tower portion (12), as the diagonal stays (18) at their toward the upper pipe-shaped tower portion (12) facing end portion (28) are compressed and connected directly or via a plate portion (30) to the upper pipe-shaped tower portion (12) by means of a welded connection.
US08607503B2 Adventure door
A half-sized adventure door suitable for entry ways to rooms occupied by children is described. The half-door provides a substitute to the costly modification of existing doors in childcare centers and pre-schools while being in compliance with laws and regulations. The half-door decreases costs and risk of damage to existing structure as compared to other ways of implementing a half-door, and doing so while nurturing the imagination of children with a theme. The half-door is constructed to be attached to any standard interior house doorjamb using self-adhesive tape such that no tools are required and damage to existing structure can be mitigated. When the half-door is opened, lights will flash and music will sound. The music and light colors can be coordinated to match the various themes available.
US08607501B2 Watering device
A watering device is provided that includes a receptacle and a sponge wick. The receptacle includes a reservoir and a probe. The probe projects from the reservoir and is adapted to extend into potting mix in a plant pot. The probe is also adapted to hook on to the rim of the plant pot in order to support the device thereon. The wick is adapted to extend from the reservoir within or along the probe and into the potting mix in the plant pot. The wick includes non-woven Polyvinyl Alcohol fibers which are bound by a Polyvinyl Alcohol foam resin.
US08607494B2 Firearm pull-through cleaning tool with integrated foldable handle
A novel firearm pull-through cleaning tool with an integrated foldable handle. The handle is pivotable at a first tool end between a closed position wherein a portion of the handle occupies a longitudinal well in the tool body and an open position wherein the handle is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of body. When in closed position the diameter of the tool is less than the bore diameter of a weapon to be cleaned. In use, the handle is pivoted in a first direction to place the tool in the closed position; the tool is inserted into the firearm bore; a cleaning tool is attached to the attachment portion; the tool is passed through the bore; the handle is pivoted in a second direction to place said tool in the open position; and the handle is pulled to cause the cleaning tool to be passed through the bore.
US08607493B2 Frame scratch prevention tool
A scratch prevention tool used to disassemble a pistol with a generally planar body, a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface, a retaining aperture formed within the body, the retaining aperture intersecting the first surface and the second surface and an upper surface interconnecting the first surface and second surface. The tool also includes a side surface interconnecting the first surface and the second surface, a notch interconnecting the first surface and the second surface and interconnecting the upper surface and the side surface, an outer surface interconnecting the first surface and the second surface and interconnecting the upper surface and the side surface, wherein the upper surface abuts a lower surface of a slide of the pistol, the side surface abuts a forward surface of a stock of the pistol and wherein a portion of a magazine release member is interposed within the retaining aperture.
US08607492B2 Modular vertical foregrip
Embodiments herein relate to the field of weapon accessories, and, more specifically, to modular, electrically powered weapon accessories. Various embodiments include powered modular vertical foregrips that may serve as platforms for multiple firearms accessories, such as modular laser and/or LED lighting and/or sighting systems, radiofrequency receiver and/or transmitter systems, and/or other powered accessories. Various embodiments may be adapted to couple to a mounting rail, such as a Picatinny or Weaver rail, and particular embodiments may be adapted to couple to a lower hand guard quad-rail of an M4 or other small arms weapon. Systems in accordance with various embodiments may provide a platform that may consolidate multiple accessory devices and functions into a single ergonomic and compact unit. Thus, in some embodiments, systems disclosed herein may greatly reduce the size and weight of the total accessory package, and may provide an extremely ergonomic platform that is much easier to manage before, during, and after operations.
US08607491B2 Vertical fore grip with rotating and/or canting and/or tilting
Devices, systems and methods of canting, tilting, and rotating firearms such as rifles relative to fore grip. One version allows for a rocking and canting of the firearm by pivotally attaching an upper portion of expanded legs. Another version allows for a separate canting member to be clamped to both the upper portion of a vertical fore grip and to the lower mounting rail of the firearm. The canting member has portions that cant (move to the left or to the right) relative to one another. An operator can cant the firearm in a free-state or to fixed positions as desired. Another canting embodiment allows for an extra sleeve to compress the legs on the fore grip inward allowing the upper pivoted connection of the legs to move within the lower fore grip housing. Embodiments to allow the fore grip to rotate can also made part of the fore grip.
US08607486B2 Card for presenting information during waving
A card for presenting visual information while being waved. The card is flexible and has a sensor detecting or quantifying the bending of the card. The card has, preferably at an edge thereof, light emitters for presenting the information. A controller determines the position of the edge and forwards information so that a user watching the edge sees an emulated 2D information provider.
US08607483B2 Iron with external water reservoir
The present invention proposes a domestic appliance and specifically an ironing appliance having an external water reservoir connected to the appliance through a feeding tube. Water conveyed to the ironing unit is directly subjected to an independently heated inner plate where steam is directly produced and conveyed to the soleplate whose temperature being independently adjusted. The independently heated inner plate comprises a pair of covers set one above the other. The first cover receives water through its openings and channels and the second cover lying just below the first one to define an inner space allows conveyance of the water to the steam producing plate. The steam then reaches the soleplate to be applied to the cloth item being ironed.
US08607479B2 Pair of golf shoes
The invention relates to a pair of golf shoes with a rolling surface supporting the swing, wherein an external rolling surface is provided along a shoe outer edge and in the big toe region to the tip region of the other shoe an inner rolling surface is provided along the shoe inner edge.
US08607477B2 Spike device for an anti-slid shoe
Various embodiments provide a spike device for a sole of an anti-slid shoe. The device comprises at least a spike and a resilient member comprising an elastic diaphragm hving an inner portion and an outer portion. A spike unit comprising the spike is arranged in an opening in the inner portion of the elastic diaphragm such that the spike protrudes in an axial direction from the elastic diaphragm. The spike unit is movable in an axial direction and fixed in relation to the opening so as to allow the spike unit to move together with the inner portion of the elastic diaphragm. The spike device further comprises a guiding and supporting means for guiding the axial movement of the spike unit when the inner poriton moves in relation to the outer portion. A shoe comprising the spike device is also provided, having respective lower and upper sole members.
US08607475B2 Shock absorbing footwear construction
A footwear sole includes shock absorbing elements that extend from upper and lower plates. In one embodiment, the shock absorbing elements include a bridge defining a plurality of receptacles extending from the lower plate and a plurality of protrusions extending from the upper plate. Each protrusion is associated with one receptacle, and a portion of each protrusion extends into the receptacle.
US08607473B2 Dryer door and dryer comprising the same
Disclosed are a door for a dryer and a dryer having the same, the door for the dryer having a concave portion or an inclined portion formed at an end surface of a door glass, such that an inner volume of the dryer can be enlarged without increasing the size of the dryer, under consideration of the dryer having the same capacity, resulting in allowing a large quantity of clothes to be dried at once.
US08607470B2 Hair styler
A hair styling and drying apparatus has a pair of pivotally connected arms, styling surfaces on the arms, air suction and discharge orifices in the styling surfaces, and a blower for blowing air through the air orifices and recycling air between the arms. At least some suction orifices of one styling surface can align with at least some discharge orifices of the other styling surface. The blowers blow air out the discharge orifices and suck air into the suction orifices, thereby recycling much of the blown air. The apparatus can include heaters for heating the blown air and for heating the styling surfaces.
US08607469B2 Cement burning apparatus and method of drying high-water-content organic waste
Provided is cement burning apparatus 1 comprising a dryer 6 for drying high-water-content organic waste of which water content is 40 mass percent or more, in which combustion gas extracted from outlet portions or ceiling, portions of preheater cyclones 3A to 3D of a cement kiln 2 is fed to the dryer 6. As the dryer 6, a grinding-type flash dryer, which directly contacts the combustion gas G with the high-water-content organic waste W while grinding it, can be used. In addition, the apparatus 1 further comprises a coarse powder separator 12 for separating coarse powder from the combustion gas extracted from the range described above, and the combustion gas G from which dust is separated by the coarse powder separator 12 can be fed to the dryer 6, and the dust concentration of the gas fed to the dryer 6 may be adjusted to 0.05kg/Nm3 or more and 0.35kg/Nm3 or less.
US08607464B2 Hand saw
A hand saw that includes a saw blade and a handle assembly having a clamp member movable between a clamped position and a released position. In the clamped position the clamp member exerts a clamping force on a top edge of the saw blade within a slot of the handle assembly to couple the saw blade to the handle assembly and to retain a tang of the saw blade within the slot. In the released position the tang is removable from the slot. A first interior wall and a second interior wall of the handle assembly that define the slot are flat such that the tang of the saw blade can be removed from the slot without moving the saw blade in a direction normal to a longitudinal axis of the saw blade when the clamp member is in the released position.
US08607463B1 Woodworking plane using utility knife
A block plane uses a standard utility knife blade mounted at about a 40° angle so the edge of the blade runs parallel to the side of the main body. The blade is set angled to the longitudinal axis of the plane. A snap on plastic grip holds extra blades inside. Cuts of ten thousands of an inch are made, and buying different thicknesses of the disposable blades varies the cut slightly. Most utility knife blades are about 0.025 inches thick.
US08607460B1 Single spring arm assisted knife
A single spring arm assisted knife includes a base frame and a blade. A spring arm is formed as an integral portion of the base frame. A frame lock is also formed as an integral portion of the base frame. One end of the blade is pivotally retained by one end of the base frame at a blade pivot point. A thumb stud is secured to the blade. A stop pin is pressed into the base frame, adjacent the blade pivot point. A roller is pivotally retained on one end of the spring arm. An assist cam surface is formed on the one end of the blade to receive the roller. A second embodiment of the single spring arm assisted knife includes a spring arm which is not an integral portion of the base frame, but is attached to the base frame.
US08607453B2 Method of manufacture by superplastic forming and by fishplating of a rib for an aerodynamic fairing of an aircraft engine mounting pylon
The present invention relates to a method of manufacture of a group of transverse internal stiffening ribs (46) for an aerodynamic fairing of an engine mounting device, including: production, for each rib (46), of a given rib preform (46a) by superplastic forming; and in respect of at least one of the ribs (46) of the group having a smaller size than that of the preform (46a), division of the latter into four preform parts (56a-56d) each incorporating one of the four corners of the quadrilateral formed by the preform, followed by the joining of the four parts to one another so as to obtain the rib.
US08607452B2 Method for reducing sound output at the back of a turbo engine and turbo engine improved by this method
Disclosed is a method for producing a modified aircraft bypass turbojet engine having reduced sound output, in which the method is based on modifying an initial configuration of a rear portion of the turbojet engine to produce a modified rear portion of the turbojet engine. The modified rear portion includes a modified outer convex rear part shaped with a modified concave inner rear part that delimits an intermediate space beyond an initial cold stream outlet orifice. The intermediate space has a thickness at least equal to the thickness (E) of a sound deadening coating, which is placed in the intermediate space.
US08607440B2 Method of manufacturing a thermistor element
Disclosed is a manufacturing method for a thermistor element having a step wherein a thermistor raw material powder formed from a metal oxide, an organic binder powder, and a solvent are mixed and kneaded to form a clay, a step wherein the clay is extrusion-molded by means of a molding die to form a rod-shaped, green molded body having multiple through-holes, a step wherein the rod-shaped green molded body is dried to form a rod-shaped dried molded body, a step wherein the rod-shaped dried formed body is cut to a prescribed length to form a cut molded body having through-holes, and a step wherein lead wires are introduced into the through-holes of the cut molded body and firing is then performed to form a metal oxide sintered body for thermistor use from the cut molded body.
US08607437B2 Method of generating electrical current with free moving inner magnetic core
An energy harvesting device (EHD) and method including a hollow outer envelope (201) having an inner wall (200) with a first predetermined magnetic field distributed on an inner surface of the inner wall, at least one inner core (202), free to move in the hollow envelope (200) characterized by a second predetermined magnetic field distributed on an inner surface of the at least inner core, the inner core being characterized by one or more convex projections of magnetically active material, at least one conducting loop (203) disposed at locations selected from the group consisting of the outer envelope and the at least inner core, so as to be suffused with magnetic flux due to the magnetic field distributions of the at least one inner core and the at least one outer envelope and generating an alternating current due to movement of the inner core within the outer envelope and a rectifying circuit in electrical connection with the at least one conducting loop (203) rectifying the alternating current into a current having a DC component.
US08607436B2 Method for winding and terminating dynamo electric machine cores
A method for terminating and winding coils of a core (20) of a dynamo electric machine. The coils being formed from at least an electric wire (W) and the core (20) having a longitudinal axis (20′). The coils (19) are wound by relatively moving a wire dispenser (21) with respect to a core with relative motions of translation and rotation; at least a stretch of wire extends from the coil and the stretch of wire is provided with a portion (W4) for a termination connection to a termination structure (22) of the core (20) such as a tang. The method avoids waste cut wire in the apparatus. The core is provided with a groove (120) at an end to receive at least a wire in the path of the wire for the termination of the coils. The apparatus comprises a wire deflector positioned adjacent the end of the core, where the groove (120) is located, in order to intercept and align the wire with the groove (120). The apparatus can comprise a device for applying torques in two directions on a pulley wheel for feeding wire as a function of the position of the dispenser in the translation and the position of the core in the rotations.
US08607432B2 Methods for making a connection
A method of making a sterile connection comprises mating a first fitting having an aperture and a second fitting having an aperture, removing first and second strip out layers from between the end surfaces of sealed first and second resilient sealing members, and contacting the end surfaces of the resilient sealing members to provide fluid communication between the aperture of the first fitting and the aperture of the second fitting. A connector assembly comprises first and second fittings, a stem mounted for axial movement through the first fitting into the second fitting, and a deformable locking device which selectively prevents axial movement of the stem in the first fitting.
US08607430B1 Method for providing removable GPS device in rear-view car mirror
An interior rear-view mirror for cars is so designed that a portable GPS device may be readily mounted on. Depending on implementation, a portable GPS device may be slid in or clipped onto a rear-view mirror.
US08607424B1 Reverse MIM capacitor
A method and apparatus for a reverse metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor. The apparatus includes a lower metal layer, a bottom electrode, and an upper metal layer. The lower metal layer is disposed above a substrate layer. The bottom electrode is disposed above the lower metal layer and coupled to the lower metal layer. The upper metal layer is disposed above the bottom electrode. The upper metal layer comprises a top electrode of a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor.
US08607423B2 Casket insert roller system
A casket system includes a casket container and a movable platform. The casket container has a bottom, and includes a plurality of rollers supported by said bottom. The movable platform is disposed within the casket container. The movable platform including slots extending through the platform and aligned horizontally with the plurality of rollers, the movable platform having a raised position and a lowered position, wherein at least a portion of a first number of the plurality of rollers extend through the slots and stand proud the movable platform in the lowered position, and a portion of fewer than the first number of the plurality of rulers stand proud the movable platform in the raised position.
US08607419B2 Buckle for securing goods
A buckle for securing a strap for goods, comprising a body having two side walls and bars extending between these side walls, which bar or bars provided with a peripheral roughening, wherein at least one tensioning side of the body of the bar or bars are provided with a profile which allows the strap to pass through, and that the lease strain on the strap causes the profile to bite into the strap.
US08607418B2 Latch for boat bow
A latching mechanism for use in securing a boat that is afloat, includes a main body having a channel for accepting a line that will hold the boat. A latching member is pivotally secured within the main body and is movable between a position that closes off the channel and movable to a position which opens the channel, the latching member being pivotable about a pivot point on the main body. A spring force holds the latching member in a closed position and a cable attached to the latching member at a location on an opposite side of the pivot point pivots the latching member to an open position.
US08607416B2 Decklid hinge counterbalance system with a combination torque rod and torque tube assembly
A decklid hinge assembly for a vehicle includes a counterbalance torque system having a torque storing assembly. The torque storing assembly includes a torque rod having a first axial end and a second axial end, and a torque tube having a first axial end and a second axial end. The first axial end of the torque rod is attached to a linkage system in torque transmitting engagement for transmitting torque therebetween, the second axial end of the torque rod is attached to the second axial end of the torque tube in torque transmitting engagement for transmitting torque therebetween, and the first axial end of the torque tube is attached to a hinge box in torque transmitting engagement for transmitting torque therebetween. The torque storing assembly is pre-loaded with a moment to generate a torque for assisting movement of the support member from a closed position into an open position.
US08607415B2 Hinge apparatus for a foldable electronic device
An apparatus (10) for an electronic device, the apparatus comprising a first housing (12) having a first face (14) and a second housing (11) having a first face (13), the apparatus comprising a hinge (15) arranged towards the edge of the first faces to allow the first faces to be folded towards and away from one another between respective closed and open configurations of the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a biasing mechanism (17) arranged to bias the apparatus between the open and closed configurations, the biasing mechanism comprised with the first and/or second housings and not with the hinge.
US08607413B2 Furniture glide having interchangeable base
A furniture glide for use with a tubular furniture leg. The glide comprises a furniture leg engagement assembly adapted to be mounted to the furniture leg and a base assembly mounted to the furniture leg engagement assembly. The base assembly includes a receiver member and a base member removably mounted to the receiver member. The base member has a pad portion with a bottom surface adapted for contacting a floor.
US08607412B2 Cleaning appliance
There is provided a portable cleaning appliance (100) comprising a main body (102), a nozzle (104) and a graspable handle (106), the nozzle (104) and handle (106) each being movable relative to the main body (102) between a first, storage, position adjacent the main body (102) and a second, in-use, position in which the nozzle (104) and handle (106) extend from the main body (102), wherein the nozzle (104) and handle (106) are connected by a linkage member (128) arranged such that, in use, movement of one of the nozzle (104) and the handle (106) between the first and second positions causes a corresponding coupled movement of the other of the nozzle (104) and handle (106) between the first and second positions.
US08607411B2 Combination of carpet-cleaning machine and platform for transporting the machine
In a platform-carried carpet-cleaning machine for facilitating transport of the machine, the platform including a machine-supporting base having upper surface extending between an open entry-end and a closed back-end, the upper surface having an entry portion sloping at no more than about 5° with respect to horizontal such that the machine can be driven on and off the platform with application of about the same amount of user force as during carpet-cleaning operations. Inner surfaces of first and second platform sidewalls both include protrusions frictionally engaging the machine side panels and configured to sandwich the machine therebetween to prevent lateral movement of the machine on the platform. A pair of wheels is mounted with respect to the base for rolling the machine on the platform across a floor, each wheel being secured to its corresponding sidewall by an axle which extends therethrough and is molded in place through the sidewalls to facilitate assembly of the platform. At least one skid-resisting projection extends from the lower surface to hold the platform from unintended backward rolling when the machine is driven onto the platform.
US08607408B2 Vacuum cleaner
In a vacuum cleaner (1) particulate matter (32) accumulates on a counter-weighted flap (4). When the weight of the particulate matter (32) exceeds the effect of the counterweight (15) and the effect of any air-pressure differential across the flap (4), the flap opens and voids particulate matter (32) from within the vacuum cleaner (1).
US08607404B2 Steam cleaning apparatus
A surface cleaning apparatus, and in particular a steam/vacuum mop, comprises a steam delivery system for generating and distributing steam onto a surface to be cleaned and a vacuum source mounted to at least one of the foot assembly and the handle assembly and in communication with multiple suction inlets, where one of the suction inlets are intermittently blocked.
US08607400B2 Disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a hand held cleaning implement having an elongated handle
A disposable liquid absorbing cleaning pad for a hand held cleaning implement having an elongated handle includes a layer of sponge material, a layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin fixedly attached to the layer of sponge material and attachment structure fixedly secured to the layer of sponge material for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In one embodiment of the invention the attachment structure includes a backing plate which is fixedly mounted onto the layer of sponge material and a pair of wing screw assemblies which are removably and slidably mounted on the backing plate for removably attaching the cleaning pad to the cleaning implement. In using the hand held cleaning implement the layer of flexible open cell foam material made from melamine resin is the layer that contacts the surface to be cleaned.
US08607396B2 Implement washing apparatus and method
An implement washing apparatus is disclosed. A portable, rigid housing defines at least a first basin and a second basin. The first basin has an open top and closed side walls and bottom for containing liquid to soak the implement. The second basin has side walls that include a plurality of bristles in an arrangement directed generally inwardly to a center of the second basin to scrub the implement.
US08607390B2 Structure for suspended bedding
A bedding apparatus may include a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer, and a frame. The first fabric layer may allow passage of fluid therethrough. The second fabric layer may also allow passage of fluid therethrough. The second fabric layer may be connected to the first fabric layer to form a gap therebetween. The frame may engage at least one of the first and second fabric layers and retain the first and second fabric layers in a taut condition.
US08607387B2 Multi-walled gelastic mattress system
The present invention is directed to a gelastic cushion. The gelastic cushion is made from a conventional gelastic composition. The gelastic cushion has a structure having a first wall that defines an opening area and buckles when a force is applied to the first wall. When the first wall buckles a predetermined amount, a second wall, interconnected to the first wall, also buckles. The second wall decreases the chance that the first wall bottoms out. Bottoming out increases the pressure on the patient (a.k.a., the force) overlying the gelastic cushion. That increased pressure is undesirable.
US08607385B2 External immobilizer
An external immobilizer for cancer treatment has a plurality of inflatable bladders that are independent finable depending on computer instruction based on patient position data provided from integrated or separate position determining means, such as external cameras or sensors, optionally with internal and/or external markers. In preferred embodiments, the immobilizer is fully integrated with an imaging means as well as the external beam radiation source, thus allowing both real time, independent anatomical compensation or correction for patient movement and fine control of beam shape and position to accurately target the tumor, even if the patient moves.
US08607384B2 Bed frame assembly with a lift system having a translatable carriage
A bed frame assembly includes a base frame 32, an elevatable frame 40 and a lift system 80. The lift system includes a carriage 82 longitudinally translatably mounted on the base frame and a lift arm 84 having a crank end 86 and a remote end 88. The crank end of the lift arm is mounted to the carriage at a pivotable joint A for pivoting about a laterally extending crank axis 100. The remote end of the lift arm is connected to the elevatable frame by a lift arm connector 102, which may take various forms. The lift system also includes an actuator 120 mounted on the carriage at a juncture B and connected to the lift arm such that operation of the actuator rotates the lift arm about the crank axis. The lift system also includes a part span connector 130 pivotably connected to the lift arm at a joint D and pivotably connected to the base frame at a joint C. In one embodiment the lift arm connector is a single link 132. In another embodiment the lift arm connector comprises multiple links such as first and second links 144, 146.
US08607377B2 Water collection and distribution monitoring system and methods
The invention relates to a grey water reclamation system and methods therefor. Grey water is captured from a source, such as a sink, and stored in a main body containing a pump. The grey water is transported to a flush tank for use with a toilet. The system provides for use of a mixture of fresh water and grey water without interrupting the service to the user. Usage of grey water is maximized without completely eliminating the fresh water as a component that ensures service when grey water is unavailable.
US08607376B2 Cover and method for covering the flange of a waste water strainer
A waste water insert has a wall surrounding a vertical bore. A horizontal flange extends outwardly from the upper end of the wall and has a lip formed on its outer periphery. The horizontal flange of the waste water insert is super-imposed over the horizontal flange of a waste water strainer located in a bathtub, sink or the like. The wall of the insert extends downwardly through the cylindrical wall of the waste water strainer with the two walls being spaced from each other by virtue of the cylindrical wall of the insert having a smaller diameter than that of the strainer.
US08607368B2 Connection device between toilet and drainpipe
This is a type of connection device between a toilet and a drainpipe, including a trap with an inlet connected to a toilet flush port and an outlet connected to the drainpipe. The trap has a bend part and a horizontal lower pipe connected to it. Upper and lower inner pipe walls of the horizontal lower pipe have different declination angles. There is a containing part in the inlet; and in the containing part there is a sealing part forming a sealing structure between the flush port and the inlet. This simplifies the complex structure of existing toilet drainage parts for on-site installation and for reliable use. The separated trap design includes structure that can generate a siphon phenomenon. At the time of sale, wash-down drainage can be easily transformed to siphon wash-down drainage just by changing parts, such as the trap of the toilet, thus improving the drainage effect.
US08607364B2 Ergonomic swaddling garment
Ergonomic garment for swaddling an infant garment with an elongate retractable fabric shell having an outer surface and inner surface defining an interior volume for receiving the arms, legs and trunk of an infant therein. Garments have a head end for receiving the arms of said infant, a foot end for receiving the legs of said infant, and a mid section for receiving the trunk of said infant that is narrower than said head end and said foot end, and a neck opening at the head end for receiving a neck of said infant. Garments have an ergonomic peanut-like shape. Garments have a reversible closure means accessing said interior volume of said fabric shell extending longitudinally along the central axis of said fabric shell from said head end to said foot end, a chin protector closure means and optionally a means for accepting an automotive seat belt. Detachable arms and/or leggings and attached retractable arms and/or leggings garments are shown. Porous light-permeable and antimicrobial fabric embodiments are described.
US08613109B2 Method and apparatus for providing mobile social networking privacy
A method, computer readable medium and apparatus for providing mobile social networking privacy are disclosed. For example, the method receives a request from a third party application for location information of a mobile endpoint device user, determines whether the third party application is a multiple user application and provides the location information of the mobile endpoint device user to the third party application in accordance with a privacy setting pre-defined by an authorized user if the third party application is a multiple user application.
US08613108B1 Method and apparatus for location-based digital rights management
A method and apparatus for location-based access control applies a location-based identifier to a document, wherein the location-based identifier indicates an original storage location of the document. The original storage location is an authorized node having access privileges specific to the document. In response to the document being moved or copied, an access control engine compares a current location of the document to the original storage location and denies access when there is a discrepancy. When the document is moved consistent with an access control policy, such as when an administrator moves the document, an original storage location identifier is changed consistent with a new location. The document is only accessible when accessed from an authorized location. The locations may be referred to as access nodes, wherein each access node corresponds to a folder.
US08613107B2 System, method and apparatus for electronically protecting data associated with RFID tags
The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for protecting sensitive data associated with RFID tags by extracting the sensitive data from RFID data associated with the RFID tag, generating a pointer indicating for the sensitive data, storing the extracted data and the pointer in a secure storage and replacing the sensitive data in the RFID data with the pointer. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for protecting sensitive data associated with an RFID tag by receiving RFID data from the RFID tag, authenticating the RFID data, retrieving the sensitive data associated with the RFID tag from a secure storage using the RFID data whenever the RFID data is authentic and providing the sensitive data to one or more applications.
US08613101B2 Software distribution service federation
Software update distribution techniques are disclosed. Authentication information is received, from a content source authenticator, by an update agent included in a client device. The authentication information comprises a list of a plurality of content sources, wherein the plurality of content sources have been verified by the content source authenticator as being authentic content sources for legitimate software applications. The update agent selects a first content source of the plurality of content sources, where the first content source is configured to provide updates for a first software application. The update agent checks the first content source for updates for the first software application.
US08613097B2 Methods and systems for detecting an access attack
Embodiments of the present invention may detect an access attack by analyzing the passwords from successive access requests in an access session or by analyzing successive access attempts to determine patterns in the access information. For example, the analysis may consist of examining the access information to determine cycling in passwords of the access information. Cycling passwords may consist of password that are varied in a predictable or repetitive manner such as “aaaa”, “aaab”, “aaac”, “aaad”, etc. In addition, the usernames and passwords from successive access requests in an access session are analyzed to determine patterns in both the usernames and passwords. The analysis may consist of examining the access information to determine the use of identical passwords for various usernames. The analysis may also detect the cycling of passwords across multiple usernames.
US08613096B2 Automatic data patch generation for unknown vulnerabilities
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that generates data patches for vulnerabilities. The system can include devices and components that examine exploits received or obtained from data streams, constructs probes and determines whether the probes take advantage of vulnerabilities. Based at least in part on such determinations data patches are dynamically generated to remedy the hitherto vulnerabilities.
US08613094B1 Using a honeypot workflow for software review
An application distribution server may be operable to perform an application distribution process for an application, where the application distribution process may comprise a plurality of phases. The plurality of phases may comprise, in sequence, a developer account creation phase, a risk assessment phase, an application upload phase, an application publication phase, an application promotion phase and an application download phase. The application distribution server may detect, at each of the plurality of phases, whether a particular behavior corresponding to use of the application to distribute undesirable software may occur. In instances when an occurrence of the particular behavior is detected at a certain phase in the application distribution process, the application distribution server may continue, utilizing a trap system, one or more subsequent phases after the certain phase for the application, without communicating information on the detection of the occurrence of the particular behavior.
US08613091B1 Method and apparatus for creating a secure anywhere system
A method and apparatus for providing portable end-point security are provided. In one embodiment, a PEPS system may include a PEPS processor having a memory operatively coupled thereto, the memory having stored therein instructions which when executed by the PEPS processor causes: an automatic loader to automatically trigger loading of the PEPS system; the PEPS system including a malicious software detector to scan a main memory of the computing system for malicious software; and wherein the malicious software detector performs a scan of the main memory of the computing system following triggering of the PEPS system by the automatic loader by comparing existing data in main memory of the computing system with indicia of malicious software.
US08613085B2 Method and system for traffic management via virtual machine migration
Aspects of a method and system for traffic management via virtual machine migration include detecting an abnormal traffic pattern in traffic communicated by a first virtual machine that utilizes a first set of network resources. Responsive to the detection of the abnormal pattern, a second virtual machine that utilizes a second set of network resources may be initialized. The second virtual machine may take over functions performed by the first virtual machine and initialization of the second virtual machine is based on an analysis of the traffic. The second virtual machine may be initialized utilizing stored virtual machine state information in instances that the abnormal traffic is a result of a malicious attack. The second virtual machine may be initialized utilizing current virtual machine state information in instances that the abnormal traffic is not a result of a malicious attack.
US08613084B2 System, method, and computer program product for detecting at least potentially unwanted activity based on execution profile monitoring
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for detecting at least potentially unwanted activity based on execution profile monitoring. In use, an execution profile of code is monitored utilizing call frame monitoring. Further, at least potentially unwanted activity is detected based on the monitoring of the execution profile.
US08613082B2 License management server, license management method, and computer program product
A license management server connected to an MFP includes an activating unit that, upon receiving an application activation request from the MFP, accesses a license management DB, and, when the number of licenses associated with a product key of the application in the license management DB is one or greater, grants a license for the application to the MFP and cancels the license for the application granted to the MFP upon receiving a deactivation request, and a license managing unit 315 that decrements the number of licenses by one when the license for the application has been granted to the MFP and increments the number of licenses by one when the license for the application granted to the MFP has been canceled.
US08613081B2 Apparatus for controlling processor execution in a secure environment
Various embodiments described herein relate to apparatus for executing software in a secure computing environment. A secure processor can be used and configured to request a context swap from a first context to a second context when switching execution from a first portion of software to a second portion of software. A context manager, which can be in communication with the secure processor, can be configured to receive and initiate a requested context swap. A trust vector verifier, which can be in communication with the secure processor and the context manager, can be configured to load a trust vector descriptor upon command from a context manager.
US08613070B1 Single sign-on access in an orchestration framework for connected devices
Aspects described herein allow multiple devices to function as a coherent whole, allowing each device to take on distinct functions that are complementary to one another. Aspects described herein also allow the devices function as a coherent whole when interconnected devices and their respective applications are configured to operate in various operation modes, when management policies are employed to control the operation of the interconnected devices and their respective applications, when transferring content between the interconnected devices and storing the content at those devices, when obtaining access credentials for the interconnected devices that enable the devices to access enterprise resources, when a policy agent applies management policies to control operation of and interaction between the interconnected devices, and when the interconnected devices are used to access an enterprise application store.
US08613067B2 Single sign on with multiple authentication factors
The authentication of a client to multiple server resources with a single sign-on procedure using multiple factors is disclosed. One contemplated embodiment is a method in which a login session is initiated with the authentication system of a primary one of the multiple server resources. A first set of login credentials is transmitted thereto, and validated. A token is stored on the client indicating that the initial authentication was successful, which is then used to transition to a secondary one of the multiple resources. A second set of login credentials is also transmitted, and access to the secondary one of the multiple resources is granted on the basis of a validated token and second set of login credentials.
US08613066B1 Techniques for user authentication
Techniques for user authentication are disclosed. In some situations, the techniques include receiving, from a client device, an authentication request to access a network resource, the request including a user identifier, obtaining a security credential associated with the user identifier contained in the received request, generating an authorization code based on the obtained security credential, providing to the client device instructions to obtain first information corresponding to the generated authorization code, receiving, from the client device, the first information provided in response to the provided instructions, and, when the first information received from the client device corresponds to at least a portion of the generated authorization code, authorizing the client device to access the network resource.
US08613064B1 Method and apparatus for providing a secure authentication process
A method and apparatus for providing a secure authentication process is described. In one embodiment, a method for a method for providing a secure authentication process includes monitoring login activity of at least one authentication process associated with a computer resource and analyzing the login activity to identify suspicious login activity associated with user credentials.
US08613063B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium
An image forming apparatus receives authentication information about a user who requests a function and determines whether the user needs to be authenticated before executing the requested function. The image forming apparatus then transmits the authentication information to an authentication device that performs authentication of the user, and receives an authentication result from the authentication device indicative of whether the user is authentic. The image forming apparatus executes the function specified in the request only when the authentication result shows that the user is authentic.
US08613057B2 Identity management facilitating minimum disclosure of user data
A method and apparatus to prove user assertions. A client request to authenticate a user assertion pertaining to user personal data may be received. The requested authentication may be generated for the client, the authentication proving the user assertion without revealing other information about the user. The requested authentication may be sent to the client.
US08613056B2 Extensible authentication and authorization of identities in an application message on a network device
User credentials are validated within a network infrastructure element such as a packet data router or switch. The network element has authentication and authorization logic for receiving one or more packets representing an input application message logically associated with OSI network model Layer 5 or above; extracting user credentials from the one or more packets; authenticating an identity associated with the user credentials; authorizing privileges to the identity; and forwarding the application message to an intended destination if the identity is successfully authenticated and/or authorized. The authentication and authorization logic in the network element can invoke extension authentication and authorization methods that may be provisioned after the network element is deployed in a networked system.
US08613054B2 Managing secure sharing of private information across security domains using an access profile
In a method of granting a user in a first organization access to private information stored within an access profile of a second organization, an access agreement between the two organizations is formed. Authorization is requested for the user, the access profile is retrieved, and authorization to private information is granted if authorized by the access agreement.In a method of authorizing access by users to private information stored by an organization as associated with a program, three types of caseloads are defined. The first authorizes access to information of a first individual of a first program, the second authorizes access to information of a second individual of a second program, and the third authorizes access to information of all individuals of all programs.Authorization is requested for the user to access one or more of the caseloads, and access to one or more caseloads is granted to the user.
US08613052B2 Apparatus, system and method employing a wireless user-device
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to apparatus, systems and methods for authentication, in particular, apparatus, systems and methods for authenticating an entity for computer and/or network security, secure authorization of a payment or for funds transfer and for selectively granting privileges and providing other services in response to such authentications. In addition, embodiments of the invention relate generally to apparatus, systems and methods for the communication of information between a mobile user-device and a point-of-sale device to securely provide authorization for a financial transaction.
US08613051B2 System and method for COPPA compliance for online education
A method of providing an online verifiable consent from a parent to a minor to permit usage of an online education system and that prevents misrepresentation and unauthorized access is provided. The method comprises establishing a relationship between an adult parent and a minor and based on the relationship verifying whether the adult parent permits the minor access to the online education system. If the adult parent permits the minor access, the method then grants access to the minor to the online education system.
US08613049B2 Network system, its control method, and program
The invention provides a network system which can prevent an illegal access to a network or the like set in a specific area and improve security of the network. The network system permits the entering of the user into a security area in accordance with security information (user ID) read out of a contactless IC in a carrying ID card by an entering/leaving room managing apparatus and registers an MAC address of a notebook computer carried by the user when he enters the security area to a managing server as ID information corresponding to the user ID. When a leaving request of the user is received through the entering/leaving room managing apparatus, the network system deletes the registered ID information and restricts connection between the notebook computer and the network on the basis of a registration situation of the ID information to the managing server.
US08613048B2 Method and apparatus for providing authorized remote access to application sessions
A method and apparatus for providing authorized remote access to one or more application sessions includes a client node, a collection agent, a policy engine, and a session server. The client node requests access to a resource. The collection agent gathers information about the client node. The policy engine receives the gathered information, and makes an access control decision based on the received information. The session server establishes a connection between a client computer operated by the user and the one or more application sessions associated with the user of the client node identified in response to the received information.
US08613040B2 Adaptive data loss prevention policies
A monitor detects a policy violation on a computing device, wherein the policy violation includes a user attempt to perform an operation to move data that includes sensitive information off the computing device. The monitor determines whether one or more previous policy violations have occurred on the computing device. The monitor performs an action to minimize a risk of data loss based on the one or more previous policy violations.
US08613037B2 Wireless digital video recorder manager
Various embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for managing the reception and/or recording of video content on a wireless digital video recorder. In certain embodiments, the wireless digital video recorder comprises a wireless phone with video reception and video recording capabilities. One set of embodiments provides a reception manager for managing the reception of video content by the wireless digital video recorder. Merely by way of example, embodiments of the present invention may provide for monitoring of the signal strength of broadcast video content, and certain embodiments may provide for receiving and displaying information concerning video content available to the wireless digital video recorder. Other embodiments of the present invention may provide for the management of recording and/or storing video content on the wireless digital video recorder e. Merely by way of example, in some embodiments, a storage processor may determine the video content to record or may associate values to stored video content.
US08613035B2 Package identification method and location resolution method
Provided are a package identification method and a location resolution method, more particularly, a package identification method for identifying a dependent package linked with a main AV and independent packages not linked with the main AV, and a location resolution method. Both when the package is dependent and linked with the main AV and when the package is independent and not linked with the main AV, a CRID is used as an identifier for the package. The present invention supports TVA-2 service scenarios by suggesting improved package identification and a location resolution mechanism.
US08613032B2 Television apparatus and display control method
According to one embodiment, a television apparatus includes: a specific receiver configured to receive, from a communication apparatus connected via a network, list information of a plurality of network services each of which provides data, destination information indicating a connection destination for each of the network services, and setting information corresponding to each of the network services and indicating a setting to a display to receive the data from each of the network services; a display controller configured to control displaying of the list information; a selection receiver configured to receive a selection of the network service included in the list information that is displayed; and a setting controller configured to set the display according to the setting information corresponding to the selected network service and configured to control the display to display the data received from the connection destination for the selected network service indicated by the destination information.
US08613028B2 Audiovisual multi-room support
The invention relates to providing audiovisual content on a network, and methods of transferring the audiovisual content between devices attached to the network. The methods involve accepting user input, at a first output device that is outputting audiovisual content, to select a second output device from the output devices associated with the network and subsequently outputting the audiovisual content on the second output device that is selected.
US08613027B2 System and method for signal reception and distribution
A system and method for receiving and distributing an over-the-air signal over a network. At least one antenna receives an over-the-air signal containing a plurality of channels, at least one tuner isolates from the over-the-air signal information associated with a selected channel and produces an intermodulated carrier wave associated with the selected channel, at least one demodulator demodulates the intermodulated carrier wave to produce a data stream in a first format. Optionally a processor (for example a transcoder) converts the data stream in a first format into a second format. A communications interface produces a network transport stream from the data stream in the second format and distributes the network transport stream over the network. A line coupling unit (LCU) sets resistance/capacitance values which optimize the signal for distribution.
US08613026B2 Methods and systems for viewer interactivity and social networking in a mobile TV broadcast network
Methods and systems enable viewers of mobile TV to interact and communicate with one another in real time regarding programs being viewed. Viewers may search other viewers on the mobile TV system. Viewers may invite other viewers to join them in viewing a program or to chat. Viewers may write programs with rating since the broadcast network provider for tallying and broadcast to others. Viewers may set reminders for programs and share those reminders with other viewers. Programs may be hosted by individuals who may control the broadcast stream and communicate with viewers of the program. Viewers may also create ad hoc channels in which they can share their favorite programs with other viewers.
US08613025B2 Method and apparatus for selecting one of a plurality of video channels for viewings
One of a plurality of video channels is selected for viewing. A specific one of a plurality of video channels is bookmarked. An object representing said bookmarked channel is displayed. A displayed object is selected to select the bookmarked channel.
US08613024B2 Cross-platform predictive popularity ratings for use in interactive television applications
Systems and methods for determining cross-platform predictive popularity ratings information are provided. An interactive television application operating on at least one predetermined platform, such as an online interactive application platform, may monitor user interactions with the interactive television application to obtain cross-platform data, which may be used to determine predictive popularity ratings information. The predictive popularity ratings information may then be distributed for use in at least one platform of a type different than the type of the predetermined platform, such as a user television equipment platform.
US08613022B2 Content providing apparatus, content providing method, and program of content providing method
Method and apparatus to determine a preference of a user based on a content of a broadcast selected by the user and a content of a recording medium, so that the content of the broadcast can be selectively recorded and provided.
US08613021B2 Providing suggestions of related videos
Methods are provided for identifying media files that are related to a user-selected media file. Initially, a first set of media files that have previously been determined to be related to the selected media file is identified. It is determined that the number of media files in the first set of media files does not exceed a minimum number. A query is constructed based on the title or description of the selected media file to locate more related media files. A media database is searched and the results are combined with the first set of media files to be displayed.
US08613018B2 Three-dimensional electronic programming guide providing apparatus and method
An electronic programming guide (EPG) providing apparatus and method, in which an EPG is configured as a 3D form to facilitate a search for broadcasting program information included in the EPG. The EPG providing apparatus includes an EPG screen configuring unit and a control unit. The EPG screen configuring unit configures an EPG screen such that broadcasting program information is displayed on at least three faces of a 3D polyhedron. The control unit controls the EPG screen configuring unit to configure the EPG screen such that broadcasting program information corresponding to another broadcasting time zone or another broadcasting channel is displayed on the EPG screen based on a user input signal requesting a search for the broadcasting program information corresponding to another broadcasting time zone or another broadcasting channel.
US08613015B2 Two-stage processed video link aggregation system
Methods and systems for presentation of content through an interface to provide personalized video feeds to a user. A video feed is harvested from feed items gathered at various Internet sources. The feed items are filtered to remove those that do not link to video content. A criteria specified by the user is used to filter the feed items.
US08613014B2 Television displayed messaging
A method and system is contemplated for television displayed messaging. The television displayed messaging may be facilitated with an automated process for selecting an adapter suitable for use in formatting to be displayed messages according to operating requirements of the television. The television displayed messaging may be implemented as a one-way, downstream process such that the television or a user agent associated therewith need not overload upstream communications in order to receive and display messages.
US08613013B2 Ad splicing using re-quantization variants
In one embodiment an apparatus for splicing an ad into a data stream includes an ad segmenter, an ad variant generator coupled to the ad segmenter, and an ad variant selector coupled to the ad variant generator. The ad segmenter designates end portions, including beginning and ending portions, of the ad and designates an intermediate portion between the end portions. The ad variant generator generates a plurality of variants of at least one end portion. Each variant corresponds to a unique bit-rate. The ad variant selector selects at least one variant for splicing into the data stream based on a buffer level of a data stream buffer.
US08613009B2 System and method for a video content service monitoring and provisioning architecture
According to one example embodiment a storage medium having computer instructions which, responsive to being executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform operations. The operations can include analyzing data from data sources of an internet-protocol television network where the data provided by the data sources includes set-top-box data having voice over internet protocol usage for a plurality of subscribers of the internet protocol television network in a geographic area and correlating video provisioning information obtained from the data sources, individual subscriber channel viewing information, internet-usage data, subscriber data and demographic data to produce correlated information. The operations can include generating one or more reports associated with the plurality of subscribers in the geographic area based on the correlated information. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08613004B2 System and method for cloud infrastructure data sharing through a uniform communication framework
A system and method are provided for data sharing. A uniform communication framework is provided as part of a sharing service on the cloud platform to facilitate data sharing among a plurality of applications. The uniform communication framework includes an application programming interface which provides a communication gateway to permit a first application to access data of a second application stored in the data store.
US08613001B2 Host device having merged plug-in function and method of generating merged plug-in
A host device having a merged plug-in function and a method of generating a merged plug-in. A storage unit stores a plurality of plug-ins necessary to process respective jobs. A plug-in generator is used to generate a merged plug-in to process a new job by associating respective jobs of selected existing plug-ins among the plurality of plug-ins. A workform generator is used to generate a workform necessary to request an external device to execute the new job using the merged plug-in generated by the plug-in generator. A central processing unit is used to process the workform generated by the workform generator and to store the workform in the storage unit.
US08613000B2 Method and apparatus for dynamically assigning I/O device in virtual machine system
A method and apparatus for dynamic assigning I/O device in virtual machine system, the virtual machine system comprises a service OS, a hypervisor and at least one guest OS. The service OS contains a device model module, the device model module providing an access platform for I/O device to the guest OS. The guest OS access the device model module through the hypervisor. One device state module for dynamic reflecting the device's state is increased in the device model module, the device state module dynamic altering the register condition of the device in hardware space. It is possible to dynamic control the access to I/O device by the guest OS by using the control panel in the service OS to dynamic alter the device's state in the device state module. One agent module is increased in guest OS, for altering the device's state in guest OS anytime based on the change of the device state.
US08612996B2 Technique for integrating a distributed object system component with a service oriented architecture application
A method for receiving user event at a distributed object system component, passing the received user events to a service oriented architecture (SOA) application for processing and receiving the result of the processed user events at the distributed object system component from the SOA application.
US08612995B1 Method and apparatus for monitoring code injection into a process executing on a computer
Method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for monitoring code injection in a computer is described. In some examples, at least one application programming interface (API) call configured to inject data into a process executing on the computer is intercepted. The data is parsed to identify instruction code to be performed by the process. The instruction code is compared with instances of predetermined instruction code to produce a score for the instruction code. The data is prevented from being injected into the process in response to the score satisfying a threshold score. The data may be allowed to be injected into the process in response to the score not satisfying the threshold score.
US08612990B1 Prioritized rate scheduler for a storage system
A storage system may include a set of storage devices; a controller; and a management device. The controller may arbitrate among operations for execution by the set of storage devices, where the operations are received from users that are associated with priority levels. The controller may maintain queues, corresponding to the users, to queue operations from the users. The controller may additionally include a scoring component and a scheduler. The scoring component may maintain a score for each queue. The scheduler may choose, from the queues and based on the score of each queue, one of the operations to service. The management device may receive usage updates, from the controller, reflecting usage of the set of storage devices; calculate a maximum allowed usage levels, based on the received usage updates, for each user; and transmit the calculated maximum usage levels to the controller.
US08612985B2 Apparatuses and methods for processing workitems in taskflows
At least one example embodiment discloses a method of processing a workitem including a plurality of tasks. The method includes transmitting requests for completion to the plurality of tasks, respectively, receiving processed data from a first task of the plurality of tasks in response to the request, the processed data being marked as intended for a second task of the plurality of tasks, changing a counter value associated with the second task, each of the plurality of tasks associated with a counter value, transmitting the processed data to the second task, and determining a state of the workitem based on the counter values.
US08612984B2 Energy-aware job scheduling for cluster environments
A job scheduler can select a processor core operating frequency for a node in a cluster to perform a job based on energy usage and performance data. After a job request is received, an energy aware job scheduler accesses data that specifies energy usage and job performance metrics that correspond to the requested job and a plurality of processor core operating frequencies. A first of the plurality of processor core operating frequencies is selected that satisfies an energy usage criterion for performing the job based, at least in part, on the data that specifies energy usage and job performance metrics that correspond to the job. The job is assigned to be performed by a node in the cluster at the selected first of the plurality of processor core operating frequencies.
US08612982B2 Multi-tasking method according to simple priority inheritance scheme and embedded system therefor
A multi-tasking method performs a plurality of tasks according to priority of each of the plurality of tasks. It is determined whether a resource that is to be used by a current task is being used by another task, a priority of the current task is compared to a priority of the task that is using the resource according to a result of the determination, and according to a result of the comparison, the priority of the task that is using the resource is increased to a highest priority of priorities of all tasks trying to occupy a CPU. Accordingly, conventional problems in the BPI and IIP schemes can be solved.
US08612977B2 Wake-and-go mechanism with software save of thread state
A wake-and-go mechanism is provided for a data processing system. When a thread is waiting for an event, rather than performing a series of get-and-compare sequences, the thread updates a wake-and-go array with a target address associated with the event. Software may save the state of the thread. The thread is then put to sleep. When the wake-and-go array snoops a kill at a given target address, logic associated with wake-and-go array may generate an exception, which may result in a switch to kernel mode, wherein the operating system performs some action before returning control to the originating process. In this case, the trap results in other software, such as the operating system or background sleeper thread, for example, to reload thread from thread state storage and to continue processing of the active threads on the processor.
US08612976B2 Virtual parts having configuration points and virtual ports for virtual solution composition and deployment
Various embodiments disclose a method and system for creating a virtual part used for composing a virtual solution. In one embodiment, a user's selection of at least one virtual image is received. A set of configurability points is associated with the virtual image. A set of parameters of a virtual part is set as configurable during virtual solution composition. A set of virtual ports is generated. Each virtual port within the set of virtual ports indicates at least one of a set of virtual parts required by a virtual part including the set of virtual ports and a set of virtual parts that is compatible with the virtual part. A set of configuration operations is received. A virtual part including at least the virtual image, the set of configurability points, the set of virtual ports, and the configuration operations is generated.
US08612974B2 Dynamic service topology
A method and apparatus for a dynamic service topology. One service is assigned to a virtual machine. The virtual machine is assigned to a physical machine on a network. The service of the virtual machine is transferable from the physical machine to another physical machine on the network by moving the virtual machine.
US08612971B1 Automatic optimization for virtual systems
Techniques are disclosed for controlling and managing virtual machines and other such virtual systems. VM execution approval is based on compliance with policies controlling various aspects of VM. The techniques can be employed to benefit all virtual environments, such as virtual machines, virtual appliances, and virtual applications. For ease of discussion herein, assume that a virtual machine (VM) represents each of these environments. In one particular embodiment, a systems management partition (SMP) is created inside the VM to provide a persistent and resilient storage for management information (e.g., logical and physical VM metadata). The SMP can also be used as a staging area for installing additional content or agentry on the VM when the VM is executed. Remote storage of management information can also be used. The VM management information can then be made available for pre-execution processing, including policy-based compliance testing.
US08612970B2 Purpose domain for low overhead virtual machines
Embodiments of the present invention provide an architecture for securely and efficiently executing byte code generated from a general programming language. In particular, a computer system is divided into a hierarchy comprising multiple types of virtual machines. A thin layer of software, known as a virtual machine monitor, virtualizes the hardware of the computer system and emulates the hardware of the computer system to form a first type of virtual machine. This first type of virtual machine implements a virtual operating domain that allows running its own operating system. Within a virtual operating domain, a byte code interpreter may further implement a second type of virtual machine that executes byte code generated from a program written in a general purpose programming language. The byte code interpreter is incorporated into the operating system running in the virtual operating domain. In addition, an operating system running in a virtual operating domain may be configured as a special purpose operating system that is optimized for the functions of a particular byte code interpreter.
US08612969B2 Electronic device
An electronic apparatus is provided that can include a first downloader downloading a replacement control program from an external host computer by way of a first communicator under the control of a first communication program, in a case where a first inspector judges a control program is not normal and a second inspector judges the first communication program is normal. The apparatus can also include a second downloader downloading a replacement first communication program from an external maintenance computer by way of a second communicator under the control of a second communication program, in a case where a second inspector judges the first communication program is not normal, so that a first communication program stored in a rewritable flash ROM is rewritten with the replacement first communication program downloaded by the second downloader.
US08612966B2 Method and system for preparing software offerings having software application code and post-install configuration information
Embodiments relate generally to a method of generating a post-installation configuration for a software application offering. The method includes receiving a request for a post-installation configuration for a software application and determining a software distribution in which the software application will operate. The method also includes determining a set of inter-dependencies between the software application and the software distribution and retrieving a set of templates for post-installation configuration of the software application. The method further includes generating a post-installation configuration file that customizes the software application for operation with the software distribution and packaging the software application into an offering that comprises the post-installation configuration file and the software application.
US08612963B2 Guided problem resolution in deploying an application
Techniques are disclosed for deploying an application. In one embodiment, a packaging tool determines that an error exists in a packaged application. The packaging tool may guide a user in fixing the error by updating the packaging tool and repackaging the application using the updated packaging tool. The packaging tool may guide the user via one or more notifications output for display to the user.
US08612961B2 System and method for downloading software upgrades
A method of upgrading a first software file stored at a wireless communication device so that the wireless communication device is provided with a second software file that is an upgraded version of the first software file, and also a wireless communication device and system, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method includes receiving a software upgrade file, where the software upgrade file includes second-order difference information. The method also includes storing the upgrade file in a memory portion associated with the wireless communication device, and generating the second software file based upon the upgrade file, the first software file, and additional information. The additional information includes at least one of a pattern file representative of assumed differences between the first and second software files and at least some first-order difference information representative of at least some actual differences between the first and second software files.
US08612960B2 Common class loaders
Embodiments include a system for loading components with complex intra-dependencies. Components in the system may be assigned at start up to a common loader module. The system detects reference cycles amongst the set of components in the system. All components in a reference cycle may be assigned for loading to the same common loader. This system avoids deadlock scenarios by identifying reference cycles at start up and assigning each cycle to a single common loader. The embodiments of the system also analyze components to be loaded that are identified after start up to determine if they cause a new reference cycle. Components that cause a new reference cycle may not be allowed to be loaded to prevent deadlock loading scenarios.
US08612959B2 Linking code for an enhanced application binary interface (ABI) with decode time instruction optimization
A code sequence made up multiple instructions and specifying an offset from a base address is identified in an object file. The offset from the base address corresponds to an offset location in a memory configured for storing an address of a variable or data. The identified code sequence is configured to perform a memory reference function or a memory address computation function. It is determined that the offset location is within a specified distance of the base address and that a replacement of the identified code sequence with a replacement code sequence will not alter program semantics. The identified code sequence in the object file is replaced with the replacement code sequence that includes a no-operation (NOP) instruction or having fewer instructions than the identified code sequence. Linked executable code is generated based on the object file and the linked executable code is emitted.
US08612957B2 Scheduling multithreaded programming instructions based on dependency graph
A computer implemented method for scheduling multithreaded programming instructions based on the dependency graph wherein the dependency graph organizes the programming instruction logically based on blocks, nodes, and super blocks and wherein the programming instructions could be executed outside of a critical section may be executed outside of the critical section by inserting dependency relationship in the dependency graph.
US08612952B2 Performance optimization based on data accesses during critical sections
Detecting optimization opportunities is enabled by utilizing a trace of a target concurrent computer program and determining a relation between data objects accessed during the tracked execution. The relation may be stored in a Temporal Relation Graph (TRG), in an extended-TRG or another data structure. The relation may be affected by temporally-adjacent accesses to data objects. The relation may further be affected by accesses to data objects performed during critical sections of the target program.
US08612948B2 Dynamic compiler program, dynamic compiling method and dynamic compiling device
A dynamic compiling method, and device for sequentially compiling a partial computer program in a computer. The computer runs methods to acquire respective values of one or more pieces of current execution status information; read, from the shared pool, a list of the conditions associated with an executable instruction stream generated by compiling a partial program that is the same as a partial program to be compiled, and determine whether respective values of corresponding pieces of current execution status information satisfy the conditions. The computer runs methods to further generate an executable instruction stream by compiling the partial program to be compiled on the condition that a result of determination made is negative.
US08612947B2 System and method for remotely compiling multi-platform native applications for mobile devices
A computer readable medium comprises executable instructions to: provide an SDK to a client computer comprising executable instructions for communicating with a build server, receive an HTML/Javascript source application and a configuration file referencing one or more source application files over a computer network from a client computer to the build server, transmit the HTML/Javascript source application and configuration file to multiple compile servers corresponding to each of multiple mobile device platforms, combine the HTML/Javascript source application with a mobile device platform specific framework source code for each mobile device platform on each compile server, compile the HTML/Javascript source application and framework source code on the compile server to output an executable native application for each mobile device platform, and transmit each executable native application from the compile server to the client computer over a computer network.
US08612945B2 XML processing device, XML processing method, and XML processing program
Provided is an XML processing device capable of describing, using conventional XML processing language, a method of processing also an asynchronously inputted XML. The XML processing device converts, according to a predetermined rule, the XML inputted asynchronously from outside and outputs the XML. The XML processing device is characterized by including an XML conversion module which performs XML conversion of the XML inputted according to the rule, an output destination interpretation module which interprets an output destination described in the converted XML, and an output distribution module which allows the XML to be outputted to the output destination interpreted by the output destination interpretation module.
US08612944B2 Code evaluation for in-order processing
Systems and methods of code evaluation for in-order processing are disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes identifying a first instruction having multiple execution source paths. The method also includes generating a first execution path model identifying an execution order of multiple instructions based on a first condition and generating a second execution path model identifying an execution order of a second instruction based on a second condition. The method includes evaluating at least one of the execution path models to identify a hazard condition.
US08612940B2 Lock removal for concurrent programs
A system and method are disclosed for removing locks from a concurrent program. A set of behaviors associated with a concurrent program are modeled as causality constraints. The causality constraints which preserve the behaviors of the concurrent program are identified. Having identified the behavior preserving causality constraints, the corresponding lock and unlock statements in the concurrent program are identified which enforce the identified causality constraints. All identified lock and unlock statements are retained, while all other lock and unlock statements are discarded.
US08612939B2 Multi trace parser
A method and a system for tracing the execution of multiple software products. The system includes: a collecting tool that is configured for collecting and internally listing in a list trace files; a determining device for determining the format of each trace file on the list, and selecting, as function of the format and for each trace file on the list, an associated parser, the associated parser being configured to read the listed trace file and extract trace data of the listed trace file; a translator for translating the extracted trace data into a new dataset; and a Graphical User Interface for displaying at least a subset of said new dataset.
US08612938B2 System and method for automatic generation of test data to satisfy modified condition decision coverage
The tool, MC/DC-Automatic Tool Generator automatically generates test data to satisfy Modified Condition Decision Coverage (MCDC) from input code/model. This tool reduces the effort required to generate MCDC test data significantly. In order to reduce the time required by model checkers, abstraction and optimization methodologies have been implemented to analyze typical reactive software model/code.
US08612937B2 Synchronously debugging a software program using a plurality of virtual machines
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for synchronously debugging a software program using a plurality of virtual machines are provided. Embodiments include controlling, by a master debugging module operating on a first virtual machine, execution of the software program within the first virtual machine; controlling, by a slave debugging module operating on a second virtual machine, execution of the software program within the second virtual machine including delaying execution of the software program within the second virtual machine relative to the execution of the software program within the first virtual machine; detecting, by the master debugging module, an error in the execution of the software program within the first virtual machine; and in response to the detection of the error, capturing, by a hypervisor, a snapshot of the second virtual machine.
US08612935B2 Input supporting method of variable name in programming of PLC
This invention enables a target variable name to be confirmed without inputting all the character string even when a method of giving a name such as allocating a number to the end of the name is performed from the necessity to allocate a variable name having the same meaning to a plurality of different addresses. If narrowed down variable name exists in plurals and one or two or more continuous next character strings match each other among the variable names, the series of character strings without any choice are automatically adopted and confirmed as the character string of the target variable name without waiting for the input of an operator.
US08612930B2 Methods and apparatus for dynamic class reloading and versioning
Methods and apparatus for dynamic class reloading and versioning that allow developers to change and recompile classes and to have running programs adopt the new versions of the classes dynamically, without redeploying the application. A dynamic class reloading component detects if the environment supports dynamic class redefinition and uses it if supported but does not require it. As the component loads a managed class, it modifies the bytecode of the class and generates additional classes and interfaces to support type-safe class versioning. Unique names are generated for successive versions of a managed class. A separate interface may be generated for each distinct method name and signature implemented on managed classes. Each generated class may implement all the generated interfaces that correspond to its methods. The same class loader that would load each managed class without the component loads the component-generated classes and interfaces.
US08612929B2 Compiler implementation of lock/unlock using hardware transactional memory
A system and method for automatic efficient parallelization of code combined with hardware transactional memory support. A software application may contain a transaction synchronization region (TSR) utilizing lock and unlock transaction synchronization function calls for a shared region of memory within a shared memory. The TSR is replaced with two portions of code. The first portion comprises hardware transactional memory primitives in place of lock and unlock function calls. Also, the first portion ensures no other transaction is accessing the shared region without disabling existing hardware transactional memory support. The second portion performs a fail routine, which utilizes lock and unlock transaction synchronization primitives in response to an indication that a failure occurs within said first portion.
US08612925B1 Zero-footprint telephone application development
A zero-footprint remotely hosted phone application development environment is described. The environment allows a developer to use a standard computer without any specialized software (in some embodiments all that is necessary is a web browser and network access) together with a telephone to develop sophisticated phone applications that use speech recognition and/or touch tone inputs to perform tasks, access web-based information, and/or perform commercial transactions. For example, in preparation for a sales pitch for selling hosting services, a non-programmer can develop a short application appropriate to the target customer. After the pitch, access to the demonstration could be given to the target customer to allow them to more fully develop the application. When the target customer is satisfied with the application, they can have their application live for their actual (as opposed to test users) at a suitable phone number simply by having the hosting provider configure the appropriate access. Once the source code of phone application is identified to the development environment, the developer can use a telephone to immediately call the application on the hosted development environment. Some embodiments support concurrent call flow tracking that allows a developer to observe, using a web browser, the execution of her/his application. A variety of reusable libraries are provided to enable the developer to leverage well-developed libraries for common playback, input, and computational tasks. This focuses the development on application specific logic. Embodiments of the invention simplify the process of defining speech recognition grammars within their applications. Embodiments of the invention support rapid application deployment from the development environment to hosted application deployment to the intended audience.
US08612923B2 Methods, systems, and computer-program products for item selection and positioning suitable for high-altitude and context sensitive editing of electrical circuits
Methods, systems, computer program products for editing electrical circuits that facilitate and speed the layout of electrical circuits. Embodiments provide high-altitude editing capabilities to the user that enable the user to more easily select circuit items in congested layouts and schematic diagrams, and modify and arrange circuit items with respect to one another in congested layouts and schematic diagrams. Additional embodiments are directed to enabling EDA commands and the like to have context sensitivity, neighborhood awareness, and/or an ability to anticipate intentions of the user.
US08612919B2 Model-based design verification
An analog design-rule-check tool analyzes a microdevice design, such as an integrated circuit design, to identify occurrences of geometric elements that share a specified relationship. When the tool identifies such an occurrence of these geometric elements, it will associate or “cluster” these geometric elements together into an identifiable unit. For specified “clusters” of geometric elements, the analog design-rule-check tool will then determine the value of a measurement or measurements required by a user. Once the analog design-rule-check tool has determined the necessary measurement values, it will use those values to evaluate the function describing a model.
US08612912B1 Static timing analysis method and system considering capacitive coupling and double patterning mask misalignment
A method for analyzing an IC design, comprises: using a computer implemented electronic design automation tool to perform a parasitic RC extraction for a layout of the IC design, the parasitic RC extraction outputting for each of a plurality of routing paths, a nominal capacitive coupling, a minimum capacitive coupling and a maximum capacitive coupling, where the minimum and maximum capacitive couplings correspond to circuit patterning in the presence of double patterning mask misalignments; and performing one of a setup time analysis or a hold time analysis of the IC design using a computer implemented static timing analysis tool. For a given flip-flop having a launch path and a capture path, the setup or hold time analysis is performed using the minimum capacitive coupling for one of the launch and capture paths and the maximum capacitive coupling for the other of the launch and capture paths.
US08612909B1 Identifying logic blocks in a synthesized logic design that have specified inputs
Logic blocks in a synthesized logic design that have specified inputs are identified by performing a two-pass analysis of the synthesized logic design. A number of levels is specified. A forward linear trace is performed to identify inputs at each level for each logic block, without regard to the specific function of each logic block. A list of potential equivalency points is generated from the forward linear trace. A reverse logical trace is then performed from the potential equivalency points to identify equivalent logic. When no equivalent logic exists, the analysis can specify one or more additional inputs, or one or more missing inputs, to determine whether similar logic exists that could be replicated and modified to achieve the desired function.
US08612901B2 Method and system for forming patterns using charged particle beam lithography with multiple exposure passes
A method and system for optical proximity correction or fracturing or mask data preparation or mask process correction or proximity effect correction for charged particle beam lithography are disclosed in which a set of shaped beam shots is determined which, when used in a shaped beam charged particle beam writer, will form a pattern on the surface, where the set of shots includes shots for a plurality of exposure passes, and where the determination of the shots includes increasing the dose margin of the pattern by adding a shot in a single exposure pass.
US08612899B2 Fast lithography compliance check for place and route optimization
A computer is programmed to use at least one rule to identify from within a layout of an IC design, a set of regions likely to fail if fabricated unchanged. An example of such a rule of detection is to check for presence of two neighbors neither of which fully overlaps a short wire or an end of a long wire. The computer uses at least another rule to change at least one region in the set of regions, to obtain a second layout which is less likely to fail in the identified regions. An example of such a rule of correction is to elongate at least one of the two neighbors. The computer may perform optical rule checking (ORC) in any order relative to application of the rules, e.g. ORC can be performed between detection rules and correction rules i.e. performed individually on each identified region prior to correction.
US08612897B2 Idle screen arrangement structure and idle screen display method for mobile terminal
An idle screen arrangement structure and an idle screen display method for a mobile terminal are provided. The idle screen arrangement structure includes a base idle screen; and a plurality of different extended idle screens arranged in four or eight directions around the base idle screen. A first idle screen of the base idle screen and extended idle screens is displayed on the display unit. In response to an input of a screen-switch event, a second idle screen of the base idle screen and extended idle screens different from the first idle screen is displayed instead of the first idle screen. For example, when the pointer is moved into a screen-switch region on the display unit, the first idle screen is switched to the second idle screen. The base and extended idle screens may have shortcuts to particular functions, and be switched one another in a circular or a non-circular manner.
US08612890B2 Labeling a segmented object
The present invention has the advantage over the prior art that it provides a labeling method suitable for a complete medical report. In an aspect the present invention provides intuitive visual manual labeling, easy navigation based on anatomy, feedback to improve segmentation interactively, and automatic labeling based on anatomical textbook knowledge and already provided manual labels.
US08612881B2 Web page content discovery
Various embodiments enable discovery of functionality associated with a webpage's content. In at least some embodiments, a user interface instrumentality can be automatically presented to a user to inform the user of functionality associated with content appearing on a webpage. The user interface instrumentality can, in some instances, reside in the form of a clickable button that is automatically presented when a user moves their cursor on or near a particular piece of webpage content. By clicking on the presented button, the user can access functionality associated with the particular piece of webpage content. In at least some other embodiments, a browser's chrome includes a discovery button that provides a listing of items that have functionality that can be performed relative to the items.
US08612880B2 System and method for document management
Systems and methods for uploading documents to a document database by using an efficient drag and drop interface is provided. The drag and drop interface includes a persistent and movable drop box rendered on an operating system. The drop box is preconfigured to access a document database to upload documents. Furthermore, the drop box is persistently available on a desktop of the operating system, wherein one or more objects can be dragged and dropped for upload to the document database from any other interface or from the desktop, whereupon documents corresponding to the one or more objects are uploaded to the database based on preconfigured destination locations to which to upload.
US08612879B2 Displaying and inputting symbols
Methods, systems, and computer-storage media having computer-usable instructions embodied thereon, for displaying and inputting symbols are provided. Bopomofo symbols are phonetic representations of Chinese characters. To accommodate all the Bopomofo symbols on a mobile device keyboard without sacrificing key size, the Bopomofo keys are dynamically disabled based on grammar rules and user inputs. For example, a symbol that is not eligible to follow an input symbol is disabled such that it does not distract a user searching for a symbol in the keyboard. Further, specific keys on a keyboard are dynamically replaced with tone keys once a user inputs a symbol. A user interface for displaying the symbols is, thus, consistent and easy to navigate for a user.
US08612877B2 Method for providing options associated with computer applications in a mobile device and a menu and application therefor
A menu and application utilizing the menu is provided that provides a sub-list of outcomes associated with a list of options directly in the menu to avoid multiple sub-menus and/or navigation through multiple screens. The menu is particularly beneficial with mobile devices where screen area is at a premium and navigation through multiple screens can be confusing. The outcomes may be folders in which an application stored on the mobile device can be moved, and/or a list of applications that can be unhidden. When moving an application into a folder, a moving mode feature is preferably initiated that enables the user to move the application within the selected folder without having to choose such an option.
US08612876B2 Multi-layered online calendaring and purchasing
A computer-implemented method and system for generating and displaying a calendar containing user-selected events from user-selected categories. A plurality of categories of events are provided. The user can select which categories are of interest, and then select individual events within those categories. Events are overlaid on a calendar unique to the user. Calendars may also be shared among a number of selected users, if desired. Online purchasing and related actions can be associated with each event.
US08612871B2 Graphical diagram which automatically determines a data transport mechanism for wires based on configured policies
Configuring wires/icons in a diagram. The diagram may be an executable diagram such as a graphical program or a system diagram. The diagram may include a plurality of icons that are connected by wires, and the icons may visually represent functionality of the diagram. The diagram may be executable to perform the functionality. Displaying the diagram may include displaying a first wire in the diagram, where the first wire connects a first icon and a second icon. Data transfer functionality may be specified for the first wire and/or the first or second icon in the diagram. The data transfer functionality may be visually indicated in the diagram, e.g., by appearances of the first icon, the second icon, the first wire, and/or icons displayed proximate to these components of the diagram.
US08612869B2 Peer-to-peer access of personalized profiles using content intermediary
A method for personalizing content for a particular user in a computing system comprising a user interface configured to display content. The method comprises identifying a content item accessed by a user, identifying features associated with the content item; using the features of the content item to identify one or more third party profiles that substantially match a content profile of the content item, and displaying a list of the identified third party profiles.
US08612867B2 Embedding tools in a collaboration window
A computer implemented method, system and/or computer program product automatically extends a collaboration window. An initiation of an interactive teleconference, which utilizes a collaboration window that is displayed on two communication devices, is detected. The topic of the interactive teleconference is determined by a starting context of the interactive teleconference. The topic is associated with a related application that provides supporting information for the interactive teleconference. This supporting information and/or associated application(s) are then displayed on one or both of the two communication devices.
US08612863B2 Methods and systems for setting and enabling badges on web pages
A charity badge may be set up for a web site of a publisher. The publisher may indicate a charity organization that the publisher wants to support. The charity badge may not be visible until an event occurs. The event may be a disaster event.
US08612861B2 Viewpoint collaboration
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing messages. A viewport is displayed on a display in association with a chat window in which the viewport defines an area on the display. The image is defined as graphical data in the area defined by the viewport to form a selected image in response to a user input to select an image. A marker is placed in a text message in the chat window in which the marker is associated with the selected image.
US08612860B2 Systems, methods, and media for coordinating the presentation of media with an event
Systems for coordinating the presentation of media with an event are provided, the systems comprising: at least one processor that: receives media characteristic data associated with an event and target media; identifies presentation media as being target media based on the media characteristic data; determines a timing of a presentation of the presentation media; and presents the presentation media with the event according to the timing. Similar methods, and computer readable media containing instructions that perform such methods, are also provided.
US08612854B2 Methods and apparatus for securely displaying digital images
The invention provides methods and apparatus for securing personalized or sensitive information appearing in digital images. Digital images containing information to be secured is processed and divided into a plurality of image cells. At least one image cell from the plurality of image cells is selected and redacted or altered to render the information to be secured with the selected image cells indecipherable. The invention also provides methods and apparatus for redacting information to be secured in a high throughput automated process.
US08612853B2 System for automatically inserting reference numerals in a patent application
A system for preparing a patent application in conjunction with a word processing program. The patent application includes elements, each having a common noun and being differentiated by a different adjective or combination of adjectives. The computer program automatically inserts the proper reference numeral or reference numerals following each occurrence of the common noun throughout the patent application.
US08612851B2 Edition grid layout
A system, computer-implemented method and computer-readable medium for displaying edition content of a magazine edition are provided. In an embodiment, a screen selection corresponding to a size of a screen upon which to render a magazine edition is received, the magazine edition including a content page with one or more articles. A grid with grid segments is calculated for the selected screen size. A layout for the content page is determined, the layout including a tile of one or more of the grid segments corresponding to each of the articles. Content associated with each of the articles is determined. The content of each of the articles is arranged for display within its corresponding tile. The content page of the magazine edition is displayed, the displayed page including the articles arranged for display within its corresponding tile.
US08612848B2 N-up display method and apparatus, and image forming device thereof
A display method and an apparatus to display a plurality of images on a screen, and an image forming apparatus to performs the N-up display method, wherein the image display method includes: classifying the images according to the similarities in their shapes on the basis of horizontal length information and vertical length information of the images; and displaying the images on the display screen such that images having similar shapes are positioned adjacent to each other. Therefore, by positioning images having similar, or corresponding, shapes at adjacent positions when images to be printed are displayed on a display unit, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) included in the image forming apparatus, a reduction of blank spaces between displayed images and an increase of the number of images that can be displayed on a screen are promoted.
US08612845B2 Method and apparatus for facilitating directed reading of document portions based on information-sharing relevance
One embodiment provides a system to facilitate directed reading of a selected portion of an original document by a recipient. During operation, the system creates a transfer document based at least on the original document and the selected portion. The transfer document, when viewed by the recipient, enables the following operations: opening the transfer document to the selected portion without requiring manual navigation to the selected portion, highlighting the selected portion, obscuring a context surrounding the selected portion based at least on a distance metric from the selected portion, and directly navigating from one highlighted portion to another highlighted portion in the transfer document without requiring manual navigation within obscured contexts. After the system creates the transfer document, it sends the transfer document to the recipient.
US08612843B2 Systems and methods for qualitative media defect determination
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. As an example, a data processing circuit is disclosed that includes a media defect detector circuit. The media defect detector circuit is operable to compare a data input derived from a medium against at least a first defect level to yield a first level output, and a second defect level to yield a second level output; and provide a combination of the first level output and the second level output as a defect quality output. A value of the defect quality output corresponds to a likelihood of a defect of the medium.
US08612839B2 Protecting and migrating memory lines
A data protection method is provided that includes determining a compressibility score of one or more lines of data stored in a memory. The memory includes a first area characterized by a first reliability level and a second area characterized by a second reliability level. Lines of data with a first compressibility score are migrated to the first area of the memory. Lines of data with a second compressibility score are migrated to the second area of the memory.
US08612834B2 Apparatus, system, and method for decoding linear block codes in a memory controller
Described herein are an apparatus, system, and method for encoder assisted decoding of linear systematic block codes. The apparatus comprises a first logic unit to receive a codeword from a memory, the codeword having a data portion and a corresponding parity portion; an encoder to encode the data portion of the received codeword and to generate a corresponding parity of the data portion of the received codeword; a second logic unit to generate a first parity portion from the corresponding parity portion of the codeword received by the first logic unit and the corresponding parity portion generated by the encoder; and a correction unit to correct the data portion of the codeword via the generated first parity portion.
US08612833B2 Apparatus and method using matrix network coding
Provided are a communication apparatus and method using a matrix network coding scheme. The communication apparatus includes a reception unit to receive a corrupted packet including a plurality of corrupted words, and a controller to estimate a first decoded word corresponding to the corrupted words based on the corrupted words and a generator matrix. The controller generates a second decoded word corresponding to the corrupted words based on a codebook and the estimated first decoded word. The codebook is based on the generator matrix. The controller generates a message based on a plurality of second decoded words respectively corresponding to the plurality of corrupted words.
US08612832B2 Mechanisms and techniques for providing cache tags in dynamic random access memory
A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) is operated as a cache memory coupled with a processor core. A block of data is transmitted to the DRAM as even and odd pairs of bits from the processor core. The block of data includes N error correcting code (ECC) bits and 11*N data bits. Two or more cache lines are to be stored in a memory page with tag bits aggregated together within the page.
US08612831B2 Accessing data stored in a dispersed storage memory
A method begins by a processing module forward error correction (FEC) encoding data to produce FEC encoded data and dividing the FEC encoded data into a set of FEC encoded words. The method continues with the processing module generating integrity information based on the data and generating a word name for an FEC encoded word of the set of FEC encoded words. The method continues with the processing module affiliating an address of allocated address space of a dispersed storage memory with the word name and storing the integrity information, the word name, and the address. The method continues with the processing module creating a write command to store the FEC encoded word at the address in the dispersed storage memory.
US08612829B2 Communication apparatus
A communicating unit used in an X-ray image pickup apparatus in this invention has an error detecting function to detect communication errors, and an FIFO for temporarily storing data received from a control and image processing apparatus, which is an external apparatus, by a receiving function of a communication control unit. Only when no error is detected within a predetermined period before and after receipt of data, by the receiving function of the communication control unit, from the control and image processing apparatus, a transmitting function of the communication control unit performs controls to transmit and write the data received and temporarily stored in the FIFO to/in an external portion. Thus, when a cable is plugged or unplugged or the control and image processing apparatus which is an external apparatus is rebooted, the error detecting function detects this as a communication error. In such cases also, an inadvertent writing of the data can be prevented. Therefore, a writing operation can be carried out also when there is no communication error. As a result, even if a communication error occurs, an inadvertent writing of data is prevented, and working efficiency is improved.
US08612828B2 Error correction mechanisms for 8-bit memory devices
Described herein are 8-bit wide data error detection and correction mechanisms that require fewer memory chips and therefore provide reduces system complexity and reduced system power consumption as compared to traditional mechanisms. This technique relies on testing a fixed set of possible solutions in order to correct the fault. This error code provides a very high error detection rate, but requires a set of error trials to correct the detected faults. The extra correction latency for infrequent errors may be acceptable given a low frequency. For repeated corrections, a log may be maintained to simplify error correction.
US08612827B2 Digital content distribution utilizing dispersed storage
A computer includes an interface and a processing module. The processing module receives, over time and via the interface, requests to playback recorded broadcast data, wherein a single copy of the recorded broadcast data is dispersed error encoded to produce a plurality of sets of encoded data slices that is stored in a dispersed storage network (DSN). In response to the playback requests, the processing module identifies unique combinations of at least a threshold number of encoded data slices for sets of the plurality of sets of encoded data slices to produce unique copies of the recorded broadcast data. For a particular playback request, the processing module retrieves a unique copy of the unique copies of the recorded broadcast data from the DSN and outputs, via the interface, the retrieved unique copy to a device associated with the particular playback request.
US08612817B2 Method and apparatus for selective acknowledgement
A transceiving unit receives at least one sequence of data blocks where the data blocks each have a respective sequence number. The receipt of the data blocks is monitored to establish whether the data blocks have been successfully received or not. A receipt report is selectively generated based at least in part on the performed monitoring. The receipt report includes at least one data part in accordance with a predetermined data format, which includes at least a first data portion with information identifying a sequence number of one data block in the sequence that has not been successfully received and a second data portion with information on whether successful receipt has been achieved for a number of data blocks in the sequence having sequence numbers following directly after the identified sequence number. The receipt report is provided in a generated data block that is transmitted.
US08612816B2 Inserting error detection codes into information packets on a one-to-one basis, at a certain layer at which signal processing is performed earlier than at a physical layer
Problem: A packet error rate in a receiver needs to be effectively reduced.Solution to Problem: A transmitter 11 inserts error detection codes into information packets on one-to-one basis, at a certain layer at which signal processing is performed earlier than at a physical layer, to obtain first information packets. The transmitter 11 codes the first information packets at the physical layer to obtain second information packets, and transmits the second information packets. At the certain layer, the transmitter 11 generates parity packets by coding the information packets and inserts the error detection codes into the parity packets on one-to-one basis to obtain first parity packets. The transmitter codes the first parity packets at the physical layer to obtain second parity packets. The transmitter 11 transmits the second parity packets in accordance with a transmission request from each of one or more receivers.
US08612815B2 Asynchronous circuit with an at-speed built-in self-test (BIST) architecture
Disclosed are integrated circuits that incorporate an asynchronous circuit with a built-in self-test (BIST) architecture using a handshaking protocol for at-speed testing to detect stuck-at faults. Specifically, a test pattern generator applies test patterns to an asynchronous circuit and an analyzer analyzes the output test data. The handshaking protocol is achieved through the use of a single pulse generator, which applies a single pulse to the test pattern generator to force switching of the test pattern request signal and, thereby to control application of the test patterns to the asynchronous circuit and subsequent switching of the test pattern acknowledge signal. Generation of this single pulse can in turn be forced by the switching of the test pattern acknowledge signal.
US08612812B2 Semiconductor memory device, test circuit, and test operation method thereof
A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of banks, each including a plurality of first memory cells and a plurality of second memory cells, a first input/output unit configured to transfer first data between the first memory cells and a plurality of first data pads; a second input/output unit configured to transfer second data between the second memory cells and a plurality of second data pads, a path selection unit configured to transfer the first data, which are input through the first data pads, to both the first and second memory cells, during a test mode, and a test mode control unit configured to compare the first data of the first and second memory cells, and to control at least one of the first data pads to denote a fail status based on a comparison result, during the test mode.
US08612798B1 Hybrid drive storing write data in non-volatile semiconductor memory if write verify of disk fails
A hybrid drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk comprising a plurality of data sectors, a volatile semiconductor memory (VSM), and a non-volatile semiconductor memory (NVSM). A first write command is received from a host, the first write command comprising first data. The first data is stored in the VSM and written to a first data sector on the disk. The first data is read from the first data sector at least once during a first read operation, and when the first read operation fails, the first data is written to the NVSM. The first data sector is read at least once during a second read operation, and when the second read operation fails, the first data sector is mapped out.
US08612795B1 Segmented clock network for transceiver array
One embodiment relates to a clocking network interconnecting an array of transceivers. The clocking network includes first and second series of multiplexers, each multiplexer in the first and second series being adjacent to a transceiver. The first series of multiplexers selectively transmits clock signals in a first direction of the array, and the second series of multiplexers selectively transmits clock signals in a second direction of the array. Another embodiment relates to an integrated circuit with a programmable interface. The integrated circuit includes an array of physical media attachment circuits, phase-locked loop circuits, and a clock distribution network. The clock distribution network is arranged to be programmed into multiple segments. Each segment distributes a clock signal to a bounded range of the physical media attachment circuits in the array. Another embodiment relates to a method of distributing clock signals in an integrated circuit. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed.
US08612792B2 Power measurement device
A device to measure power consumption includes a processor connected to a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory module, a switch for setting the power measurement device to measure either the power supplied to the CPU or the power supplied to the memory, and a display to show the results of such measurements.
US08612790B2 Serial data transfer apparatus
A serial data transfer apparatus includes a transport controller that performs a process of a transport layer, a link controller that performs a process of a link layer, and a physical layer circuit that performs a process of a physical layer. The serial data transfer apparatus transmits and receives data with a destination apparatus via a serial bus. The link controller outputs idle data, which is received from the destination apparatus, to the physical layer circuit, and stops to operate of a unit responsible for generating data to transmit to the destination apparatus while outputting the idle data to the physical layer circuit. This enables to output idle data defined in the standard in an idle period of the serial data transfer apparatus and also reduce the power consumption.
US08612789B2 Power management within an integrated circuit
An integrated circuit can include a processor system configured to execute program code, wherein the processor system is hard-wired. The IC also can include programmable circuitry configurable to implement different physical circuits. The programmable circuitry can be coupled to the processor system and can be configured to implement a power off procedure under the control of the processor system.
US08612788B2 Computer device and method for controlling supply of power to an internet protocol camera
A computer device having a power switch mechanism for an Internet protocol (IP) camera includes: a switch component for enabling manual switching of a power supply status of an IP camera; an embedded controller electrically coupled to the switch component for outputting a control signal indicating conduction or non-conduction of power in accordance with a status of the switch component; and a switch circuit coupled to the embedded controller and operable to open or close a route for supply of power to the IP camera in accordance with the control signal from the embedded controller. Since the embedded controller has a closed system characteristic and controls the switch circuit for making or breaking a route for supply of power to the IP camera, user control over the power supply status of the IP camera can be assured, and vulnerability of the IP camera to external threats can be reduced.
US08612787B2 Computer power saving system
A computer power saving system includes a computer, an UPS, a power detecting device, and an USB device. The computer includes a USB port and a power management module, and can work in a normal mode or in a STR mode. The UPS is connected to the computer and used for supplying power to the computer upon a condition that a commercial power supply stops supplying power to the computer. The power detecting device detects the state of the commercial power supply and sending out an abnormal power signal when the commercial power supply stops supplying power to the computer. The USB device sends the abnormal power signal to the USB port. When the computer works in the normal mode, the power management module detects the USB port, and controls the computer to shift to the STR mode if the USB port receives the abnormal power signal.
US08612782B2 System and method for determining multiple power levels of the sub-systems based on a detected available power and prestored power setting information of a plurality of different combinations of the sub-systems
A power control manager includes a processor to compute available power from a power source and a comparator to compare the available power to an amount of power to concurrently operate a plurality of sub-systems of an electronic device at full or a predetermined power. The processor generates one or more control signals in response to a decision signal output from the comparator. The control signals may indicate that a maximum power setting is to be set for a first sub-system and a reduced non-zero power setting is to be set for a second sub-system of the plurality of sub-systems. The sub-systems may be different sub-systems of a smartphone or another electronic device.