| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08628038B2 |
Method and device for cutting and adhesion for an unrolling machine
The method involves preparing an end of a new band of a new bobbin (6), and fitting a gluing joint on a connection assembly (4). Another gluing joint to be transferred is mounted on the connection assembly corresponding to a bobbin (8) unrolling a completed band. The bobbin (8) is stopped, and a junction is formed by gluing the new band with a section of the completed band using connections of the connection assembly. The unrolling of the new bobbin is started. An independent claim is also included for an end-to-end cutting and gluing device for an unrolling machine. |
| US08628026B2 |
Apparatus for spraying liquids, and disposable containers and liners suitable for use therewith
A spray gun (1) has a fluid reservoir (11) with a removable liner (13) received in a container (12) having a detachable lid (15). The liner (13), which may be thermo/vacuum-formed from a planar material, has a shape that corresponds to and is a close fit within the interior of the container (12) and collapses as fluid is withdrawn from within the liner (13) during operation of the spray gun (1). The lid (15) has an outlet (16) connected to an inlet on the spray gun (1) for transfer of liquid from the reservoir (11) to the spray gun (1) and the container (12) has a vent (12A) in the base end for admitting air between the container (12) and the liner (13) as liquid is withdrawn from within the liner (13). |
| US08628025B2 |
Vehicle waste heat recovery system and method of operation
A vehicle waste heat recovery system may include a first pump, an internal combustion engine, a waste heat recovery device and a condenser. The first pump may be in fluid communication with a fluid. The internal combustion engine may be operable to power rotation of a drive axle of a vehicle and may define an engine coolant passage having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the first pump. The waste heat recovery device may have an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the engine coolant passage. The condenser may have an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the waste heat recovery device and an outlet in fluid communication with an inlet of the first pump. |
| US08628023B2 |
Augmented binary code symbol
An augmented binary code symbol (100) includes a perimeter, first and second data regions (20) along adjacent sides of the perimeter, first and second utility regions (30) along adjacent sides of the perimeter opposite the first and second data regions (20), first and second finder cells (40) at opposite comers of the rectangle, and inner and outer quiet regions distinguishing the first and second data regions, the first and second utility regions (30), and the first and second finder cells (40) from their background. Each data region and each utility region has at least one row (22) of a plurality of data cells (24) and utility cells, respectively, which encode data and have well-defined edges, enabling the number of data and utility cells to be increased, so as to increase the density of the encoded data. The data and utility cells are marked using a short wave length laser in order to create the well-defined edges. |
| US08628021B2 |
Debit/credit card device
A debit/credit card (chip card) having a body, storage element, at least one processor, a display element (LCD screen) and at least one touchpad, allowing a user to manually enter electronic information to be stored by the at least one storage element and displayed by the at least one display element, such that the at one display element displays the electronic information in the form of at least two credit and/or debit card transactions. A method of keeping track of a person's spending, the method involving providing a chip card, manually entering the electronic information; and viewing the electronic information on the at least one display element, the at least one display element displaying at least two credit and/or debit card transactions. |
| US08628020B2 |
Flexible wireless patch for physiological monitoring and methods of manufacturing the same
Provided herein is an integrated wireless patch comprising a contact layer, an electronics layer, and a battery layer. The contact layer is a substrate having gel cutouts. The electronics layer can be folded into contact with the contact layer. The battery layer can be folded into contact with the electronic layer. Further provided herein is a method of manufacturing a wireless integrated patch comprising folding a substrate comprising at least one cutout, at least one contact disk in communication with a surface of a patient through the cutout, and battery terminals, wherein the at least one cutout, the at least on contact, and the battery terminals are adaptable to be located in different layers after the substrate is folded. |
| US08628014B1 |
Light field instruction symbol identifier and method of use
An instruction symbol identifier comprising a digital imaging capturing features that utilizes a light field sensor to capture the intensity and direction of incident light is described. The instruction symbol identifier comprises a computing device, whereby a digitally captured image may be digitally focused to identify an instruction symbol. An instruction symbol identifier is described being coupled to a point of sale counter, whereby product bar codes may be identified more quickly and effectively than conventional bar code scanners. A light emitting feature and an image locator feature are described, to further enhance capturing an image. |
| US08628013B2 |
Apparatus comprising image sensor array and illumination control
There is set forth herein an indicia reading apparatus having a configuration in which an illumination assembly for projecting an illumination pattern is de-energized during subsequent exposure periods. In one embodiment the indicia reading apparatus includes a configuration in which the illumination assembly is energized intermediate of the exposure periods. The indicia reading apparatus is useful for reading decodable indicia that is displayed on a display. |
| US08628008B1 |
System and method for card customization
A computer-implemented data processing system comprises eligibility logic and network interface logic. The eligibility logic is configured to generate a list of accounts that are eligible for customized cards (e.g., credit cards, debit cards) and that are associated with a user. The network interface logic is configured to generate a user interface for interaction with the user. The user interface includes screen displays configured to display the list of accounts and configured to receive card customization information from the user. The card customization information includes information regarding a custom image to be placed on a customized card. |
| US08628006B1 |
Banking system that operates responsive to data read from data bearing records
A banking system operates to provide vault access responsive to authorizing data read from data bearing records. The system selectively permits authorized individuals to access safety deposit boxes located in an interior area of the vault. An individuals's personal mobile device can wirelessly communicate user identifying data to a data reader of the system. A system data store includes data corresponding to authorized users of the vault. A system computer operates to cause a vault gate lock to electronically change from a locked condition to an unlocked condition in response to the data reader wirelessly receiving from the personal mobile device, user identifying data associated in the system data store with an authorized user of the vault. |
| US08628005B1 |
Check accepting and cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method
An automated banking machine system and method includes automated banking machines that operate responsive to data bearing records and accept checks and dispense cash to users. The automated banking machines are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash is dispensed to the user from the machine in exchange for the deposited check. |
| US08628004B2 |
Automation control system components with electronic keying features
Systems and methods for utilizing electronic keying features stored within one of the components (e.g., I/O modules, terminal blocks, bases) of I/O devices may include reading or detecting the electronic keying features using electronic key identification circuitry in one of the other components of the I/O devices. More specifically, the electronic keying features may include unique identification keys that may be read or detected by the electronic key identification circuitry to determine whether the components (e.g., a paired I/O module and terminal block) are associated with each other and intended to operate together. For example, the electronic key feature may be disposed within a terminal block and the electronic key identification circuitry may be disposed within an I/O module, or vice versa. In addition, the electronic key feature and/or the electronic key identification circuitry may be removable from their respective component of the I/O device. |
| US08628002B2 |
Packing box and manufacturing method thereof
A packing box comprising a rectangular bottom plate and a plurality of side plates erected from the periphery of the bottom plate and surrounding the bottom plate, in which at four corners in corner parts formed by the plurality of side plates, frame columns, each erected from the bottom plate side and extending to the midway to a distal end of the side plates, are formed and joined to the side plates, and the bottom plate, the side plates, and the frame columns are formed by one corrugated fiberboard sheet. |
| US08627999B2 |
Beverage container
A beverage container includes right, left, front, and rear sidewalls that define a closed space there between. The right sidewall defines an opening. The beverage container also includes a bag for storing fluids that is positioned within the closed space. The bag includes a spout for dispensing the fluids. At least a portion of the spout extends through the opening in the right sidewall. The beverage container includes first and second lid members that extend from respective top edges of the front sidewall and the rear sidewall, respectively. The first and second lid members cover the bag when in a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, a side edge of at least one of the lid members is positioned behind at least a portion of the spout and is configured to prevent the spout from falling into the closed space. |
| US08627998B2 |
Blank and methods of constructing a container from the blank
A blank of foldable sheet material is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, a first bottom side panel and a second opposing bottom side panel extending from opposing side edges of the bottom panel, and a front panel extending from a front edge of the bottom panel. The front panel includes opposing side edges. The blank also includes a first and a second diagonal panel extending from a front edge of the first and second bottom side panels, respectively, and a third and a fourth diagonal panel extending from each side edge of the front panel. The third and fourth diagonal panels have a length greater than a length of the first and second diagonal panels. The blank includes a first and a second corner panel, wherein the first corner panel is hingedly connected to the first and third diagonal panels and the second corner panel is hingedly connected to the second and fourth diagonal panels. |
| US08627997B2 |
Universal radio frequency shield removal
Apparatus and methods for removing components soldered to a printed circuit board (PCB). Embodiments presented generally include a contact plate having a component specific platform offset from the contact plate body. The offset platform may be substantially identical in size and shape as the component to be removed. Accordingly, contact between a heated platform and component may allow for conductive heating to occur based on contact with the component. Thus, forced air or convective heating of the component does not occur such that solder joint defects in adjacent components may be prevented. A vacuum retention port may be provided at an interface of the platform and component when in contact. The vacuum retention port may allow the freed component to be removed from the PCB using vacuum to hold the freed component to the platform. Also, apparatus for automation of a process according to the forgoing are presented. |
| US08627996B2 |
System and method for terminating aluminum conductors
A system and method for terminating a wire having an aluminum conductor includes a terminal having a conductor receiving area adapted to receive the aluminum conductor, and a welding buffer sized and shaped to fit within the conductor receiving area of the terminal with the aluminum conductor disposed between the welding buffer and the terminal. The terminal, the welding buffer and the aluminum conductor are ultrasonically welded together to form an integrated unit, such that the welding buffer forms a part of a finished terminated wire assembly. |
| US08627992B2 |
Endovascular stapler
An endovascular stapler for securing an endograft to a vessel is disclosed. The stapler includes a staple housing adapted for storing at least one staple therein, the staple housing having an exit area for discharge of the at least one staple therethrough, an actuating assembly adapted for discharging the at least one staple through the exit area, and a displacement mechanism in operative association with the staple housing near the exit area. The displacement member is operative for pushing the exit area against the endograft when discharging the at least one staple therethrough. The discharged staple forms a plurality of opposed loops connected by a central element upon discharge. Also disclosed are staples and displacement mechanisms adapted for use with surgical instruments such as the present endovascular staplers. The staples may be formed from memory metal or other metal. The displacement mechanisms disclosed include balloons and rigid offsetting devices. |
| US08627985B2 |
Bottle with integral dip tube
Described is a fluid dispensing container having a bottle and fluid withdrawing assembly for liquids, such as liquid cleaners and the like. The bottle has an integral dip tube formed therein connecting at a landing below the top of the bottle neck, fluidly connecting the inside of the bottle with the top opening of the bottle. 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 fluid dispensing mechanism may be aligned to allow a direct connection between integral dip tube and the fluid dispensing mechanism at a landing below the bottle opening. The fluid dispensing mechanism may be attached to the bottle with a snap-fit connection. |
| US08627980B2 |
Enclosed bathtub liner
Systems and methods for collection and storage of potable water, in particular, disposable-food-grade liners and bladders for sanitary storage of water in a bathtub, and emergency preparedness kits comprising a disposable food grade bladder liner for collection and storage of water in a bathtub. |
| US08627978B2 |
Easy-open can end, method for manufacturing can end, and beverage product filled in can container using the same
An easy-open can end including an inclined surface formed in a direction of a tab tail of a pull-tab from a center of a panel such that the center of the panel becomes a maximum concave portion, a lower surface of the pull-tab abuts on the inclined surface or is brought close to the inclined surface along the inclined surface, the pull-tab has a pit S formed by pressing-down forming, and the pull-tab is bent by the pit S. A method for manufacturing an easy-open can end including a process for pressing down part of an outer rim of the pull-tab after or at the same time as a process for fixing the pull-tab to the panel. |
| US08627977B2 |
Tamper evident plastic dispensing container
Tamper-resistance is provided in spice container closures and containers through use of tamper-evident and/or tamper-resistant elements. A tamper evident closure includes a base, a cover, and a tamper strip, with the tamper strip being joined to the base and cover by a first hinge connecting the tamper strip to the base and a second hinge connecting the tamper strip to the cover. At least one dispensing port in the base is selectively coverable by a flap of the cover. The tamper strip is adapted to be manually torn away and fully released from the cover and base. The flap is hinged to the cover by a third hinge. In addition, or alternatively, a snap lock connection is formed between a container closure and the container. |
| US08627975B1 |
Content-saving systems for sealing opened product tubes and preventing product hardening
A content-saving system featuring a plunger series, a cap series, and a winder series. After a hand-squeeze type tube or a cartridge gun type tube is opened for use, the caps are used to prevent hardening of contents during storage. The winder aids in forcing the contents out of the hand-squeeze tube. If the product contents harden to prevent use, the plunger is used to clear the obstruction in the end of either type tube. Additional caps of both sizes and winders may be provided with the plunger assembly in kit form or sold separately when the consumer needs additional units for storage surplus. |
| US08627966B2 |
Scalable shelving system
A shelving system includes a plurality of vertical posts and horizontal traverses. The horizontal traverses are coupled to the vertical posts by means of a bifurcated collar that are placed on each vertical post. Each horizontal traverse includes an end piece which is configured to couple to both halves of the bifurcated collar. Each half of the bifurcated collar comprises a wedge shaped design such that when a load is placed on the traverse, forces are applied to the bifurcated collar that squeezes each half of the collar together more tightly around the vertical post. The traverses may be coupled to one or both sides of the vertical post to allow the shelving system to be extended as far as the user desires in any lateral direction. The shelving system may also be extended in a perpendicular or other angular direction by means of a wedge shaped corner connector. |
| US08627965B2 |
Multi-component display and merchandise systems
A multi-component divider including a first divider component and a connection mechanism for a second divider component. The second divider component connects to the first divider component when the first divider component is connected to a base. The second divider component extends above the first divider component, thereby extending the overall height of the divider. The base and multi-component divider can be used in locations where there is limited space between shelves, such as a shelf in a freezer or refrigerated display, or in any application where a higher divider may be preferred, but cannot be installed. The base can additionally include a pusher moveable along a longitudinal direction of the base, wherein the pusher is also adjustable linearly along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base. |
| US08627964B2 |
Filter device for filtration of a fluid
A filter device for filtration of fluid has a filter element of a zigzag-folded filter medium that is flowed through in a radial direction of the filter element. An additive for functional change of fluid properties of the fluid to be filtered in the filter device is provided. The additive is applied circumferentially on the filter element onto outwardly positioned fold tips of the zigzag-folded filter medium of the filter element. |
| US08627962B2 |
Screen for separating solid materials
The invention is a screen (1) for separating solid residues, comprising: a plurality of parallel rotary shafts (2) spaced from each other and associated with a supporting structure (3); drive means (4, 4a) of the shafts (2) suited to set them rotating around their longitudinal axis (Y); a plurality of screening discs (8) arranged spaced from each other along the rotary shafts (2) to which they are fixed through connection means (9); a plurality of anti-clogging sleeves (10; 20) coupled externally to the rotary shafts (2) and each included between two corresponding screening discs (8). A stabilizing body (11, 21) is arranged peripherally inside each one of the anti-clogging sleeves (10, 20). |
| US08627958B2 |
Suspension packaging system
A packaging assembly can include a container comprising a top, a bottom and a plurality of sidewalls, a first frame and a second frame. The first frame can include a first support panel including a first surface configured to face an article and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a first leg portion pivotably connected to the first support panel and located between the first support panel and the bottom. The first leg portion can cause a resilient force to bias the first support panel away from the bottom when the first leg portion is located at a third rotational position between the first rotational position and the second rotational position. The second frame can include a second support panel. The second frame can nest with the first frame within the container so as to retain an article between the first and second support panels. |
| US08627955B2 |
Surgical clip cartridge and housing member for use therein
A surgical clip cartridge is provided, having a housing member, a plurality of C-shaped surgical clips stored in the housing member, and a plurality of compartments provided on the housing member, each compartment being adapted for receiving a respective one of the surgical clips. A holding member is arranged on the housing member on opposite sides of each compartment, each of the holding members being adapted to be pivoted from a holding position into a release position and, in the holding position, the holding members on opposite sides of each compartment fix the respective surgical clip in the respective compartment and, in the release position, the holding members are removed from the respective surgical clip. A releasable, resilient latching connection is provided for fixing the holding members in the holding position relative to the housing member. |
| US08627952B2 |
Packaging and display system
A packaging is provided for the transport, storage and display of rounded articles. The packaging may include an elongated arm, a gripping portion and a mounting portion. The packaging may be configured to be stacked onto other packagings of like structure. The packaging may also be configured for mounting to a vertical surface. |
| US08627948B2 |
Drive and tensioning unit for a scraper chain conveyor
A drive and tensioning unit for a scraper chain conveyor, in particular a face conveyor for drum cutter-loader mining apparatus, includes a telescopically configured machine frame having a machine frame base and a machine frame head, which is displaceable relative to the machine frame base by at least one hydraulic cylinder and has bearing recesses for supporting a chain drum shaft. Each hydraulic cylinder is supported at one end in a connecting joint on a side board of the machine frame head and at the other end in a connecting joint on a side wall of the machine frame base. The connecting joints include a recess in the side boards and the side walls and bearing brackets detachably anchorable in the recesses. Each of the recesses provided in the side boards and in the side walls are structurally identical. |
| US08627945B2 |
Container treatment machine
The invention relates to a container treatment machine for treating containers, especially a labeling machine, comprising a rotor which can be driven to revolve about a vertical machine axis and a plurality of treatment positions configured on the rotor and having at least one container support and a clamping and/or centering unit each. Said unit can be displaced in a controlled manner in a controlled travel movement between an initial position and a position which centers and/or clamps the respective container. |
| US08627942B2 |
System and method for synchronously conveying underbody components for vehicle body
A synchronized carrying system comprising: an overhead conveyor which transports a vehicle body; a floor-side conveyor which transports an underbody part; a control device which operates and controls the overhead conveyor and the floor-side conveyor; and a carrying device on which the underbody part is mounted, wherein the synchronized carrying system synchronizes the overhead conveyor and the floor-side conveyor during a process that loads the underbody part to the vehicle body. |
| US08627940B2 |
Drive system for a passenger transport installation
A drive system for transport of a passenger transport installation including an escalator or a moving walkway. Steps or pallets of the transport are actively connected to pulling elements which can be moved in the transport direction by at least one electric motor provided with a gear train having a chain wheel. The electric motor containing the gear train is positioned in one of the reversing areas of the transport and a further electric motor exclusively serves for the linear motion of the transport. Bushes/rolls of plate link chains are adjacent to or roll along individual teeth of the chain wheel while only getting into line contact, outside the tooth ground of the chain wheel. A point of force application of the bushes/rolls on the respective tooth of the chain wheel is realized such that only a one-directional force application component is generated at the respective tooth. |
| US08627937B2 |
Power-transmission clutch
A clutch comprises two plates each connected to a respective shaft, so that rotary power may be transmitted. One shaft exerts engagement force near the center of the first plate, whereas the second shaft exerts engagement force about the circumference of the second plate. In this manner it is provided that the first plate tends to deform convexly, whereas the second plate tends to deform concavely, as the plates approach and then engage each other. Due to the geometry resulting from the deformation of the plates, engagement surfaces on the first plate are urged towards receiving surfaces on the second plate, with said surfaces entering into firm contact with each other, as said plates deform convexly and concavely respectively; despite the fact that when the plates are undeformed, there may be clearance rather than interference between said surfaces so that rotation is not transmitted between the plates. |
| US08627935B2 |
Clutch for selectively driving an accessory
A clutch assembly having a driver, an output member, a clutch spring, an armature and an actuator. The clutch spring includes a plurality of coils that are configured to be drivingly engaged with the driver. The clutch spring further includes first and second ends. The first end is configured to drivingly engage the output member to facilitate the transmission of rotary power from the driver, through the clutch spring and into the output member. The second end is engaged to the armature. The actuator is selectively operable for rotating the armature relative to the driver in a rotational direction opposite a predetermined rotational direction in which the driver is driven to thereby initiate at least partial disengagement of the coils of the clutch spring from the driver. |
| US08627932B2 |
Bypass for a suspension damper
A vehicle suspension damper comprises a cylinder and a piston assembly including a damping piston along with working fluid within the cylinder. A bypass permits fluid to avoid dampening resistance of the damping piston. A fluid path through the bypass is controlled by a valve that is shifted by a piston surface when the contents of at least one predetermined volume is injected against the piston surface which acts upon the valve. In one embodiment, the bypass is remotely operable. |
| US08627929B2 |
Disc brake
A disc brake includes a brake caliper which engages over a brake disc and which has a caliper head and a caliper back connected thereto by tension struts. Brake pads are received in the brake caliper, are radially secured by a retaining bracket that extends in the axial direction of the brake disc, and can be forced against both sides of the brake disc. The disc brake further includes a measuring device which is connected to an evaluation unit for determining the brake application force and which is designed such that the measuring device has two base elements that can be displaced relative each other in the direction of brake application, one of the elements being a sensor and the other being a corresponding element actively connected thereto. One base element is arranged on the retaining bracket which is clamped on one side of the caliper head or on the caliper back and the other base element is arranged on the brake caliper on the side opposite the side on which the retaining bracket is clamped. |
| US08627927B2 |
Leg levelling
A device (10), such as a ladder, scaffold, piece of furniture or a support for any other appliance has at least two legs (12;14), each of which has a slidable leg part (30;32) slidably positioned with respect to another part (18;20) of the device to form a leg having an adjustable length. A locking structure (34;36) is arranged to prevent movement of each of the slidable leg parts (30;32) with respect to said other part (18;20) of the device in a locked state of the locking structure (34;36), and to allow movement of each of the slidable leg parts (30;32) with respect to said other part (18;20) of the device in an unlocked state of the locking structure (34;36). A flexible member (38) interconnects the slidable leg parts (30;32) and is arranged such that it pulls the locking structure (34;36) into the unlocked position when strained under the action of gravity acting on at least one of the slidable leg parts (30;32). |
| US08627922B2 |
Laminated acoustic soundproofing panel
A laminated acoustic building panel comprises a pair of plasterboard substrates which are bonded together by an adhesive layer, the panel having a dynamic Young's modulus of 0.1 to 5 GPa and a damping loss factor of 5-30% (η=0.05-0.3), and the ratio of the adhesive to the applied surface area of the substrates being 80-250 g/m2. The laminated panel is relatively soft in construction and hence sound waves caused by knocking or impact noise is surprisingly damped using considerably less adhesive than known panels. The use of soft substrates and less adhesive significantly reduces the weight of the panel. Furthermore, the use of less adhesive significantly reduces costs and makes production easier. |
| US08627921B2 |
Exhaust filter
An exhaust muffler comprising an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet via an expansion chamber (16), the expansion chamber (16) comprising an inner core (22) extending in the longitudinal direction, wherein the muffler is provided with at least one accelerator (24a) tube between the inlet and the expansion chamber. The disclosure extends to a catalytic converter of a similar construction. |
| US08627919B2 |
Speaker and portable information terminal
A speaker has a speaker unit and a box. The speaker unit has a speaker unit side terminal. The box includes a casing having an internal space, and a box side terminal arranged in the casing so as to be in close contact with the casing. Under the condition that the speaker unit is housed in the internal space, a first terminal serving as one of the speaker unit side terminal and the box side terminal has a projection, a second terminal serving as the other thereof surrounds and sandwiches an outer periphery of the projection from at least both sides, and the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected with soldering. Thus, it is possible to obtain the speaker which can improve workability on a connection between the speaker unit and the box and save a space, and the portable information terminal provided with the speaker. |
| US08627918B2 |
Electric power steering device
An electric power steering device includes a steering column in which a steering shaft for transmitting a steering torque is built, an electric motor for transmitting a steering assist force through a gear mechanism in a gearbox to the steering shaft, and a control device for driving and controlling the electric motor. The control device includes a drive circuit module having a switching element for driving the electric motor, and a control module that is mounted on the gearbox for controlling the drive circuit module. The drive circuit module is mounted on a housing of the electric motor. |
| US08627915B2 |
Throttle position detector for two-wheeled electric vehicle
Inside of a swing arm (30) that pivotally supports a rear wheel (WR) of an electric two-wheeled vehicle (1) and that is freely swingably attached to a vehicle body, a battery (56), an electric motor (M) for driving the rear wheel (WR), and a board (50) serving as a control device for controlling the electric motor (M) are equipped. Coupling a throttle grip (80) and a throttle position sensor (60) by physical transmission means (62, 85, 86) therebetween allows a configuration so that a turning angle of the throttle grip (80) can be detected, and the throttle position sensor (60) is attached to the board (50). The board (50) is disposed with a planar portion oriented in a vehicle width direction. |
| US08627914B2 |
Energy recovery drive system and vehicle with energy recovery drive system
Vehicles of embodiments of the invention are propelled by an electric motor (DC or AC motor) coupled to one of the vehicle's axles. The electric motor is powered by two or more electrical storage devices (e.g., batteries or battery banks or capacitors). The electrical storage devices are charged by alternators driven by a rotating flywheel. The flywheel is selectively coupled to a different one of the vehicle axles, such that movement of the vehicle (caused by the electric motor) causes the rotation of the flywheel. |
| US08627911B2 |
Roller shutter device for regulating the air flow entering into the engine compartment of a motor vehicle
A roller shutter device is mounted in front of a radiator of a motor vehicle for regulating air flow entering into the engine compartment and traversing the radiator. The shutter is wound on a transverse roller which is received in an additional space defined in front of the radiator by a reinforcement crosspiece of the body having a substantially C-shaped outwardly projecting cross-section, which divides the front opening of the body into at least one lower opening and into at least one upper opening. The roller shutter is provided in one of said upper and lower openings; while an auxiliary shutter device which can be of the tilting louver type or even of the roller shutter type is associated to the other opening. |
| US08627903B2 |
Percussion assisted rotary earth bit and method of operating the same
A method of boring through a formation includes providing a drilling machine and drill string and operatively coupling an earth bit to the drilling machine through the drill string. An air flow is provided through the drill string at an air pressure less than about one-hundred pounds per square inch (100 psi) and an overstrike force is applied to the earth bit, wherein the overstrike force is less than about five foot-pounds per square inch (5 ft-lb/in2). |
| US08627902B2 |
Estimating drill cutting origination depth using marking agents
A method for estimating a depth from which cuttings have been recovered from a well may include varying a parameter of one or more marking agents added into a drilling fluid circulated into the well and recovering the cuttings from the well. The depth may be estimated by estimating a value associated with the marking agent that marks the cuttings. A system for estimating a depth from which cuttings have been recovered from a well includes at least one marking agent configured to mark the cuttings and a marking agent dispensing device configured to add the at least one marking agent into a drilling fluid circulated into the well. The marking agent dispensing device may be further configured to vary a parameter of the at least one marking agent. |
| US08627900B2 |
Electric power tool
An electric power tool (1) includes a brushless direct-current motor (3) and a drive circuit that supplies drive power to the motor, the power tool rotates or drives a tool, whereby the drive circuit includes plural switching elements (21), and is arranged on a board (9) provided in a grip portion of a housing or below the grip portion; and an electric fan (22) is provided in the vicinity of the switching element for cooling the switching element. |
| US08627898B2 |
Tillage system
A tillage system has a first set of deep tilling tines and a second set of shallow tilling coulter tines present in a number more than twice that of the deep tilling tines. The deep tilling tines till the field to a depth of about 5 to 12 inches at row planting locations, loosening the soil for easy plant growth. This deep grooving action builds mounds of soil at both sides of the deep groove which are cleared by a second set of shallow tilling curved coulter tines followed by a third set of plurality of rows of shallow tilling toothed coulters that till the space between grooves to a depth of about 1 to 4 inches, providing a water reservoir space and clearing plant debris. A last row of shallow tilling ruffled coulters are provided to mix and incorporate into soil plant debris and plant stocks, anchoring tilled soil. |
| US08627896B2 |
System, method and apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations
A system for conducting earth borehole operations comprising a CT carrier, a reel of CT rotatably mounted on the CT carrier, a mast carrier, separate from the CT carrier, a mast mounted on the mast carrier and movable between a lowered position for transport and a position transverse to the horizontal, a top drive carried by the mast, the top drive being longitudinally movable along the mast and a CT injector on the mast carrier. |
| US08627893B2 |
Apparatus and method for selective flow control
A disk member selectively blocks flow across a fluid conduit formed in a body. The disk member may include a shaft having a longitudinal axis, a ring member disposed on the shaft, a sealing member disposed on the shaft, and a pressure applying surface in contact with the sealing member. The pressure applying surface may be non-orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. |
| US08627891B2 |
Manifold structure having adjustable brackets
The invention relates to a manifold structure that includes a frame construction (1), a number of pipes (2), a pipe bend and possible valves, deployed in a pipe system having a number of pipe terminations projecting from the frame construction. The frame construction (1) is designed with a number of support brackets (5) for respective coupling parts associated with said pipe terminations. Each support bracket (5) is made as a separate, standardized unit that includes several securing means for releasable assembly to the frame construction, where each securing means is arranged for defined adjustability in height and lateral direction for adaption to a preinstalled pipe termination. |
| US08627887B2 |
In situ recovery from a hydrocarbon containing formation
An in situ process for treating a hydrocarbon containing formation is provided. The process may include providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the one or more heaters to a part of the formation such that heat from the one or more heat sources pyrolyzes at least some hydrocarbons within the part. Hydrocarbons may be produced from the formation. |
| US08627885B2 |
Non-collapsing built in place adjustable swage
A swage is made from segments that slide relatively to each other to go from a run in dimension to a maximum or built dimension when the segments move into alignment. The angle of inclination of the sliding axis between the members is less than the swaging angle for the pipe on the exterior of the segments so that once the segments are aligned and driven into a tubular for swaging they are precluded from extending into misalignment to clear an obstruction. In this manner a minimum drift is provided or the swage simply stalls. The swage in a tubular goes to the predetermined maximum dimension using the sliding surfaces that are at an angle to bear the radial reaction forces from the tubular more directly, thereby reducing the contact forces and the resulting friction. The edge connections reduce bending which can cause segment binding as the swage is built in the tubular. |
| US08627883B2 |
Downhole linear actuation apparatus and method
A linear actuation apparatus for controlling fluid flow comprises a tubular manifold for conducting fluid through a portion, and a shaft supported for reciprocal axial movement within the manifold. A valve seat is supported within the manifold in substantial alignment with the shaft, and a valve closure element is carried by the shaft for reciprocal axial movement between a closed and an opened position. A magnetic element is also carried by the shaft for reciprocal axial movement therewith. A pair of springs are carried on opposing sides of the magnetic element wherein one spring is compressed and applies an axial force to the shaft when the shaft is moved from a neutral position. A compound magnet, carried by the manifold, applies an axial force to the magnetic element that together with the axial force of the spring(s) and fluid pressure control movement of the shaft and the valve closure. |
| US08627882B2 |
Heat exchanger, exhaust gas recirculation system, and use of a heat exchanger
A heat exchanger, particularly an exhaust gas heat exchanger, for transferring heat in two stages between a first fluid and second and third fluids that have different temperatures includes a block for separately conducting the first and second and third fluids in a heat transferring manner. The block encompasses a number of ducts through which the first fluid can flow, a first chamber of a high-temperature part through which the second fluid can flow and which accommodates the ducts, a second chamber of a low-temperature part through which the third fluid flows and which accommodates the ducts, and a housing in which the first and second chamber as well as the ducts are arranged. The first chamber and the second chamber are separated from one another by a separation area that is mounted in a groove. |
| US08627880B2 |
Exhaust gas cooler
The present invention relates to an exhaust gas cooler (1), in particular for an exhaust gas recirculation system of an internal combustion engine, preferably of a motor vehicle, comprising an exhaust gas inlet (2) which is connected in a communicating manner with an inlet chamber (4), an exhaust gas outlet (3) which is connected in a communicating manner with an outlet chamber (5), a plurality of exhaust gas pipes (7) which are configured as flat pipes, extend parallel to each other through a coolant chamber (8) and are connected in a communicating manner on one side to the inlet chamber (4) and on the other side to the outlet chamber (5), a coolant inlet (9) which is connected in a communicating manner to the coolant chamber (8), and a coolant outlet (10) which is connected in a communicating manner to the coolant chamber (8). The exhaust gas pipes (7) have on mutually opposite sides (28) a plurality of outwardly projecting protrusions (29) which are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (30) of the exhaust gas pipes (7).A simplified cooling effect can be achieved if, with in each case two adjacent exhaust gas pipes (7), the protrusions (29) of one exhaust gas pipe (7) bear in each case directly against the other exhaust gas pipe (7) at a distance in the longitudinal direction (30) of the exhaust gas pipes (7) from the nearest protrusion (29) of the other exhaust gas pipe (7). |
| US08627877B2 |
Core or foundry sand coated and/or mixed with water glass with a water content in the range of ≧ approximately 0.25% by weight to approximately 0.9% by weight
A core or foundry sand that can be used for the production of cores and casting molds for the casting of molten metals includes a basic molding material, a layer of an adhesive agent coating the basic molding material, and a layer of water glass lying over the adhesive agent layer. The core or foundry sand has a water content in the range of ≦ approximately 0.25% by weight to approximately 0.9% by weight in relation to the overall weight of the core or foundry sand. |
| US08627875B1 |
Freight car yoke molding apparatus and method
This invention teaches an improved apparatus and method to make metal alloy castings, such as freight car yokes. One embodiment of the invention comprises a core mold assembly unit, wherein the mold unit is filled with molten metal. The core mold assembly units may be further formed of the same material, such as phenolic urethane impregnated sand, which is used to accurately replicate the desired shape of a final desired product. |
| US08627872B2 |
Garage door with reinforcing truncated isosceles strut construction and reinforcing strut construction
A door strut construction includes a strut having a top cross wall connecting lateral side walls that are part of a truncated isosceles triangle and wherein the lateral cross wall joins first and second spaced pylons attached to the top edge of the side walls and further wherein the bottom edge of the side walls include projecting plate members having upstanding, outside lips for reinforcement. The strut further includes lateral ribs positioned in the upper half region of the side walls to improve torsion resistance. |
| US08627871B2 |
Sectional overhead door actuators
The present disclosure pertains to a sliding overhead door operator system for an overhead door not employing a counterbalance mechanism. The operator system comprises an overhead door including first and second side edges, the door includes a plurality of hingedly connected longitudinally extending panels. Additionally, a first rodless cylinder is located adjacent the first side edge of the door and a second rodless cylinder is located adjacent the second side edge of the door. Each of the first and second cylinders includes a carriage. First and second bracket assemblies are provided such that each assembly includes a first portion secured to a respective carriage of one of the first and second rodless cylinders and a second portion secured to one of the plurality of panels. A controller is adapted to actuate the first and second rodless cylinders to move the door up and down. |
| US08627869B1 |
Melt bonding device for sealing belt-shaped sheet
Stoppers for preventing lifting of the worked sheet are comprised of two stoppers near the press and above the worked sheet at a predetermined space from the worked sheet, one of the stoppers arranged at an upstream side from the press and the other of the stoppers arranged at a downstream side from the press, whereby when the press seals the worked sheet and then moves upward, the preventive stoppers prevent the worked sheet from being lifted up. |
| US08627867B2 |
System and method for microelectronics lamination press
The system contains a lamination press. The first cavity is formed in a chassis. A film assembly is fitted within the chassis. A buffer mounts over the film assembly and within the chassis. A tool set is shaped to fit within the first cavity. The tool set and chassis are positioned within the lamination press to confer heat and pressure from the lamination press to the film assembly and chassis. |
| US08627862B2 |
Mechanical locking of floor panels, methods to install and uninstall panels, a method and an equipment to produce the locking system, a method to connect a displaceable tongue to a panel and a tongue blank
Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system including tongue and grooves provided with protrusions and cavities which are displaceable in relation to each other and configured such that the protrusions can obtain a vertically unlocked position where they match the cavities and a vertically locked position where the protrusions overlap each other. |
| US08627860B2 |
Fuel coupler with wireless port door unlatching actuator
A fuel delivery system and method of use are provided that may be used to open the door covering the charge port of an electric vehicle, or the door covering the fuel filler port of a conventional vehicle. The system includes a fuel coupler (e.g., a charging connector or a gas nozzle) designed to transfer fuel from the source to the vehicle via the vehicle's fuel port. The fuel coupler includes a switch that when toggled, causes a control signal to be wirelessly transmitted over a short distance. Upon receipt of the control signal by a receiver integrated into a vehicle that is in close proximity to the fuel port, an unlatching actuator within the vehicle unlatches the port door, thereby allowing it to open and provide port access. |
| US08627858B2 |
Methods and systems for selectively fuelling a vehicle
Methods and systems for selectively fuelling a vehicle are provided. One example method of fuelling a vehicle may include receiving a fuel in a fuel reservoir in the vehicle, and directing the fuel to one of a plurality of storage tanks based on a fuel type. In one example, the directing of fuel may include adjusting one or more fuelling valves positioned between the fuel reservoir and the plurality of storage tanks to vary a direction of fuel flow to the plurality of storage tanks. |
| US08627857B2 |
Device for sealing and inflating inflatable object
A sealing and inflating assembly includes an air compressor device engaged in a receptacle for generating a pressurized air, and a tire repairing container for receiving a sealing preparation, an outlet piece attached to a mouth opening of the tire repairing container and having an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit, a pipe is disposed in the container and includes one end coupled to the outlet piece and includes a bore for directing the pressurized air to flow through the bore of the pipe and to flow into a base portion of the container without flowing through the sealing preparation, for allowing the tire sealing preparation to be effectively supplied to seal and inflate the inflatable objects. |
| US08627849B2 |
Valve having two opposing self-sealing poppets
A valve having two opposing self-sealing poppets includes a valve body, two poppets, a diaphragm and two levers. The valve body has two passages opposite to each other and two poppet seats disposed opposite to each other and corresponding to the passages. When the valve is in a closed state, both poppets are pressed against the poppet seats and the media is prevented from flowing in either direction. When the valve is in an open state, both poppets axially move away from the poppet seats and the media can flow in either direction. |
| US08627847B2 |
Backflow preventer valve
An insertable backflow preventer is presented. The backflow preventer is provided with a cylindrical housing. The housing has a flow transition zone, a proximal orifice/ball seat, a ball with a specific weight that equals or is close to the specific weight of the surrounding fluid, and a distal retaining screen. The housing can have a flange provided on the outside of the housing at one end to facilitate securing the valve in a pipe. The valve is self-cleaning, can be placed in any orientation in a pipe and has low hydraulic head-loss. The valve's unique cost-effective design provides for easy and relative quick installation, eliminates the need to reconfigure existing plumbing, and can be performance tested remotely. Properly installed, it can dramatically improve the security of, for example, potable water sources in a building or other context, and inasmuch as when installed it is not visible, it is tamper proof. The valve can be scaled to any size pipe or tube, and due to its internal flow dynamics is self cleaning. Multiple valves can be installed in series, and balls of varying specific weight can be used in each valve in such a series to allow for contexts where a range of fluids are sent through the same line, or to provide fail-safe operation in the event that contaminants change the specific gravity of the fluid. |
| US08627844B2 |
Magnetic escutcheon mounting assembly
An escutcheon mounting assembly including an escutcheon coupled to a base and including an opening for receiving a valve user interface. A magnetically attractive element is supported by one of the base and the escutcheon, and at least one magnet is affixed to the other of the base and the escutcheon and is configured to magnetically couple the escutcheon to the base. |
| US08627842B2 |
Mix-proof valve
A cleaning arrangement (15, 26) for cleaning the drain area (13, 14) of a valve (1) with a cleaning media, where the cleaning arrangement includes at least one cleaning device (15, 26), which is preferably arranged in a mix proof valve (1) comprising at least a valve body (2), one or more valve seats (4, 7), a first valve plug (5) with a first stem (6) and a second valve plug (8) with a second stem (9), the second valve plug (8) having a central hollow part (10) for guiding the first stem (6), where the at least one cleaning device (15, 26) is rotationally arranged inside the valve housing (2), where the at least one cleaning device (15, 26) is rotated by the pressurized cleaning media and where the at least one cleaning device (15, 26) is provided with a screen arrangement (18) creating a spray of cleaning media for cleaning the drain area (13, 14) of the valve (1). |
| US08627841B2 |
Storage tank system and method of decompressing the storage tank system
A tank system includes a high-pressure tank, a detection unit for detecting a temperature increase in at least a portion of the high-pressure tank, a decompression unit for decompressing the high-pressure tank, and a control unit for controlling the decompression unit to decompress the high-pressure tank when a temperature increase in at least a part of the high-pressure tank is detected by the detection unit. |
| US08627838B2 |
Rotary impingement cleaning apparatus for sanitary environments
A rotary impingement cleaning apparatus is configured for use in sanitary environments with a minimum of components to enable easy inspection and cleaning. The components of the cleaning apparatus are formed to fit relatively loosely to one another and promote self flushing and self drainage of cleaning liquid. A stator is mounted within a housing for diverting the flow of the pressurized cleaning liquid from axial to angular to impinge and rotationally drive a rotator stem or a rotor. The rotator stem or rotor causes an elbow to rotate around the vertical axis and a number of nozzles mounted to a nozzle housing to rotate around the horizontal axis. |
| US08627834B2 |
Control system for vehicle washing system
A vehicle washing system. The vehicle washing system includes a vehicle washing system component. Also, provided is an apparatus for moving the vehicle relative to vehicle washing system component. The speed of the relative motor of the vehicle is selected either by an operator automatically or may be varied to vary the vehicle throughput through the vehicle wash. A control unit is provided. The control unit senses the speed of movement of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle washing system. The control unit adjusts the vehicle washing system component for coordinating the vehicle washing system component in accordance with the speed of the vehicle. |
| US08627832B2 |
Rotating filter for a dishwashing machine
A dishwasher with a tub at least partially defining a washing chamber, a liquid spraying system, a liquid recirculation system defining a recirculation flow path, and a liquid filtering system. The liquid filtering system includes a rotating filter disposed in the recirculation flow path to filter the liquid. |
| US08627825B2 |
Method for insertion of material into cigarette filters
Filter rods for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements are provided, with each rod having a longitudinal axis and incorporating a generally longitudinally extending filter material and a generally longitudinally extending strand within that filter material. A filter making unit receives a continuous supply of a filter material, and forms the filter material into a gathered composite having a continuous cylindrical shape. A continuous supply of a strand (e.g., colored thread) is provided and is introduced into the filter material gathered composite in the tongue of the filter making unit. The filter material and continuous strand positioned therein are formed into a continuous rod having the strand material laterally positioned within that rod, and the continuous rod is subdivided at pre-determined longitudinal intervals to provide a plurality of rod portions. |
| US08627823B2 |
Pleated bag for interventional pullback systems
The present invention provides for pleated bags used with interventional pullback systems, including imaging catheters such as IVUS catheters, as well as for use with other catheters. An exemplary pleated bag of the present invention may be an elongate, sterile bag, having a plurality of pleats near the distal end, and including an orifice proximal to the pleats designed to allow passage of a catheter into the bag. The present invention also provides for a system that includes a pullback device, catheter, and pleated bag. The present invention allows for improved imaging catheter procedures at reduced costs. |
| US08627821B2 |
Method and device for decreasing contamination
Methods and devices to determine rate of particle production and the size range for the particles produced for an individual are described herein. The device (10) contains a mouthpiece (12), a filter (14), a low resistance one-way valve (16), a particle counter (20) and a computer (30). Optionally, the device also contains a gas flow meter (22). The data obtained using the device can be used to determine if a formulation for reducing particle exhalation should be administered to an individual. |
| US08627820B2 |
Device for supplying a patient with breathing gas and process for regulating a respirator
A device for supplying a patient with breathing gas, in which an initially high initial pressure Paw(t=0) applied from the outside is automatically lowered by means of a control circuit to a lower inspiratory pressure Paw(t) as soon as a pulmonary internal pressure Plung(t) threatens to exceed a predetermined pulmonary target pressure Plung,soll. Overinflation of the lungs due to the respiration is thus ruled out according to the present invention. The device permits, moreover, rapid filling of the lungs with breathing gas and makes thus possible a comparatively long phase of expiration. A process is also provided for regulating a respirator and for respirating a patient. |
| US08627816B2 |
Medicament delivery device for administration of opioid antagonists including formulations for naloxone
Medicament delivery devices for administration of opioid antagonists are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, a medicament container disposed within the housing and an energy storage member disposed within the housing. The medicament container is filled with a naloxone composition that includes naloxone or salts thereof, a tonicity-adjusting agent, and a pH adjusting agent, whereby the osmolality of the naloxone composition ranges from about 250-350 mOsm and the pH ranges from about 3-5. The energy storage member is configured to produce a force to deliver the naloxone composition. |
| US08627815B2 |
Support arm, cylindrical-parabolic solar collector support and method of producing the arm
The invention relates to a support arm for a cylindrical-parabolic collector, which is intended to be coupled to a central body (1) of the collector in the form of a bracket in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a focal line (2) of the collector. The inventive arm takes the form of a wedge comprising: a first side (10) which is provided with support devices (11) for supporting at least one mirror (3), a second side (20), and a third side (30) which is provided with support devices (31) such that the arm is supported by the central body (1). The arm is formed by at least one press-formed plate such as to obtain a resistant structure that provides stiffness and a carrying capacity by means of a plurality of ribs (42) which form a lattice comprising a plurality of laminar segments (41) between said ribs. |
| US08627814B2 |
Solar water heater
The present invention provides a solar water heating apparatus which includes concentric inner and outer vessels defining an annular cavity therebetween, within which cavity a phase change material is located, and which is vaporised when solar radiation is incident on the outer vessel, in order to transfer heat to a water store contained in the inner vessel, this water store being fed fresh unheated water while the heated water is extracted therefrom for domestic or other purposes. |
| US08627813B1 |
Carrying handle for compound archery bow
A carrying handle for a compound archery bow includes an anchor portion, an intermediate portion, and a hand engaging portion. These portions are integral with each other and form a one piece handle. The handle lower end is on the anchor portion. The handle free end is on the hand engaging portion. The anchor portion includes a riser engaging surface and a bore with a stabilizer bore axis. A bolt passes through the bore and in to a threaded stabilizer bore in the riser. The intermediate portion sets the distance between a bow hand grip and the hand engaging portion. The hand engaging portion is directly forward of the hand grip on the riser. The hand engaging portion includes a hand engaging surface. A threaded bore with a forwardly facing open end is provided in the engaging portion. A stabilizer is received in the threaded bore. |
| US08627811B1 |
Compound archery crossbow
A crossbow includes a riser having projecting limbs with first and second pulleys mounted on the limbs for rotation around respective axes. A barrel extends from the riser, and a bowstring cable extends between the pulleys outside of the barrel for engaging and propelling a projectile. A pair of pulley rotation power cables extend between the pulleys through slots in the barrel, and a spacer is disposed adjacent to the riser and disposed in the barrel for engagement by the pulley rotation power cables at the end of the power stroke to dampen vibration from the riser and cables to absorb vibration that otherwise might be transmitted to the barrel. |
| US08627809B2 |
Engine lubrication method
An engine lubrication method is provided. The four-cycle engine has an engine block having a cylindrical bore and an enclosed oil reservoir. A crankshaft is mounted in the engine block. An oil pump driven by the cam gear, brings the oil from the oil reservoir and the valve chamber. The engine is provided with a cylinder head assembly having a pair of overhead intake and exhaust valves. A circular arc wall surrounds the web of the crankshaft at a slight distance from the web. The crankshaft web causes the oil to fly to lubricate engine parts and the oil, returns into the oil reservoir by a check valve. Flowing of oil in to the combustion chamber when the engine is oriented to incline is prevented by oil recesses and long pipes. Another lubrication and breathing system without pump is presented, wherein construction except pump is basically followed. |
| US08627808B2 |
Method for regulating a combustion process and control device
In a control device and a method for regulating a combustion process in an internal combustion engine, fuel is injected into the internal combustion engine for combustion, wherein exhaust gas is returned in an intake channel, wherein a combustion point of the combustion is detected, wherein the detected point of time is compared to a target value, wherein depending on the comparison result the injection is changed in order to move the combustion toward the target value, wherein part of the change of the injection is translated into an adaptation value for regulating the exhaust gas return in order to move the combustion in the direction of the target value. |
| US08627807B2 |
Arrangement for cooling of recirculated exhaust gases in a combustion engine
An arrangement for recirculation of exhaust gases of a combustion engine (2) in a vehicle (1), including an exhaust line (4) to lead exhaust gases out from the combustion engine (2), and a return line (5) for recirculating part of the exhaust gases in the exhaust line (4) to the combustion engine (2). A high-temperature cooling system (11) containing a circulating coolant in the form of a liquid medium which, at an intended operating pressure in the high-temperature cooling system (11), has a boiling point of at least 150° C. An EGR cooler (10) subjects the recirculating exhaust gases in the return line (5) to a first step of cooling by the circulating high-temperature coolant. A radiator element (13) cools the high-temperature coolant by air. There is a second cooler cooled by engine coolant which cools gases in the return line. There is an optional third low-temperature cooling system and a further cooler in the third system cooling gases in the return line. |
| US08627801B2 |
Structural assembly comprising a pump piston and a tappet
A structural assembly (1) for a high pressure fuel pump, with the structural assembly (1) having a tappet (3) connected to a pump piston (2), which bears frontally against a contact surface (7) of an inner side (8) of the bottom (5) of the pump piston (2), the bottom (5) being connected to a guide skirt (10) of the tappet (3). An outer peripheral wall (11) of the pump piston (2) is surrounded near the inner side (8) with radial lash by a bore (12) of a spring plate (13) on whose bottom-distal side (14) a coil compression spring (15) bears for resetting the pump piston (2), and a bottom side (16) of the spring plate (13) is situated opposite an annular surface (17) of an entraining collar (18) on the pump piston (2). The entraining collar (18) is a separate, disk-like element seated on the pump piston (2) with slight axial distance to the spring plate (13), which spring plate (13) possesses a disk section (19) with the bottom side (16) having the bore (12). A concentric bushing (21) projects from the outer edge (20) of the disk section (19) in direction of the bottom (5) and surrounds the entraining collar (18) with radial lash, which bushing (21) merges into an annular collar section (22) that includes the bottom-distal side (14) that supports the coil compression spring (15) and is supported directly on the inner side (8) of the bottom (5), and an outer peripheral wall (23) of the pump piston (2), free of radial collars, is finely machined by centerless grinding. |
| US08627799B2 |
Induction and fuel delivery system for piston engine
Apparatus constituting part of an induction and fuel delivery system for a cylinder of a piston internal combustion engine comprising a small cyclone into which is tangentially discharged a flow of heated air to generate a sustained vortex of high rotational speed; a modulatable fuel injector delivering a flow of atomized fuel into said small cyclone wherein it underdoes flash evaporation and energetic mixing; a delivery duct connecting said small cyclone to the inlet tract of said cylinder wherein said vortex fuel-air mixture is mixed with heated induction air; and means to prevent overheating of said modulatable fuel injector. |
| US08627798B2 |
Direct fuel-injection engine
A direct fuel-injection engine includes a piston, a cavity recessed in a central part of a top face of the piston, and a fuel injector. At a main injection collision point of a fuel-injection axis when main injection is performed while the piston is near top dead center, a main injection collision angle formed between its tangent and the fuel-injection axis is set at an obtuse angle. Fuel colliding with the main injection collision point is deflected towards a cavity open end side. At a secondary injection collision point of the fuel-injection axis when performing secondary injection with the piston is further from top dead center, a secondary injection collision angle formed between its tangent and the fuel-injection axis is set at one of a right angle and an acute angle. Fuel colliding with the secondary injection collision point is deflected primarily in the circumferential direction of the cavity. |
| US08627797B2 |
Automatic start and stop of a portable engine driven power source
The present embodiments provide a control system and method that is able to automatically start and/or stop a portable engine-driven power source. For example, in one embodiment, a system includes an engine-driven power source having an engine, a compressor driven by the engine, a sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a demand for air pressure from the compressor and a second signal indicative of no demand for air pressure from the compressor. The engine-driven power source also includes a controller configured to stop the engine in response to the second signal. |
| US08627796B2 |
Pivot foot for deactivating rocker arm
A dual body rocker arm comprising an outer arm, an inner arm, a substantially cylindrical pivot axle, a pivot foot and a first and second pivot foot retaining ring. The inner arm is disposed between side arms of the outer arm. The pivot axle is mounted to both the inner and outer arm. The pivot foot has a cylindrical axle interfacing surface and a valve tip interface. Retaining rings mount the pivot foot to the axle, allowing partial rotation of the pivot foot about the axle. Interfering protrusions on the retaining rings limit the range of motion of the pivot foot. A pivot foot having at least one interfering block is configured to restrict motion of the pivot foot by interfering with at least one interfering tab. |
| US08627795B2 |
Camshaft arrangement
A camshaft arrangement (1) for changing the relative angle position of at least one cam of a camshaft (2) relative to a second cam of the camshaft (2), wherein the arrangement includes an angular adjustment device (3) having a stator (4) and a rotor (5) which is arranged such that it can be rotated relative thereto. The rotor (5) is connected to a shaft (6) in a rotationally fixed manner, the stator (4) is connected to a hollow shaft (7) in a rotationally fixed manner, and the shaft (6) and the hollow shaft (7) are arranged concentrically to one another. The at least one first cam is connected to the shaft (6) in a rotationally fixed manner and the at least one second cam is connected to the hollow shaft (7) in a rotationally fixed manner. In order to establish a fixed connection between stator and hollow shaft, which requires little space, the rotationally fixed connection between stator (4) and hollow shaft (7) is established via a cover element (8) that is rigidly connected to the stator (4), wherein the cover element (8) includes a borehole (9) for receiving a cylindrical section (10) of the hollow shaft (7) and a force-fitting and/or form-fitting connection between cover element (8) and hollow shaft (7) is formed. |
| US08627786B2 |
Pet feeding apparatus
A pet feeding apparatus includes a container and a base assembly, wherein the base assembly includes a sensor assembly operatively coupled to a portion keypad circuit board and operation keypad circuit board. The base assembly displays an indication of the amount of food carried by the container, and the base assembly provides an indication of the feeding time. |
| US08627783B2 |
Combined wafer area pressure control and plasma confinement assembly
A combined pressure control/plasma confinement assembly configured for confining a plasma and for at least partially regulating pressure in a plasma processing chamber during plasma processing of a substrate is provided. The assembly includes a movable plasma confinement structure having therein a plurality of perforations and configured to surround the plasma when deployed. The assembly also includes a movable pressure control structure disposed outside of the movable plasma confinement structure such that the movable plasma confinement structure is disposed between the plasma and the movable pressure control structure during the plasma processing, the movable pressure control structure being deployable and retractable along with the movable plasma confinement structure to facilitate handling of the substrate, the movable pressure control structure being independently movable relative to the movable plasma confinement structure to regulate the pressure by blocking at least a portion of the plurality of perforations. |
| US08627780B2 |
Painting device and associated method
Exemplary painting devices for painting components, e.g., motor vehicle bodies or parts thereof, and associated exemplary methods are disclosed. An exemplary painting device may include a multi-axis painting robot positioning an atomizer, a robot controller for controlling the painting robot, and a controls enclosure comprising the robot controller. An exemplary controls enclosure may be a load-bearing column that mechanically supports the painting robot. |
| US08627778B2 |
Elevated dock
An elevated dock designed to lift boats out of the water when not in use is provided because storing a boat in the water exposes the boat to contaminants in both fresh and salt water. These contaminants attach to the bottom of the boat severely impeding the performance of the boat. Cleaning these contaminants off of the boat is time consuming and costly. Repeated cleaning of the boat will eventually result in damage to the hull. The elevated dock uses polymer to form adjustable pontoons that can easily be fitted to a variety of sizes and styles of boats. An embodiment of the elevated dock uses an articulated set of pontoons for lifting sailboats. The elevated dock can be deployed completely independent of the dock, eliminating unwanted stress to the dock. The unique gusset design, free-floating feature, articulated pontoon option coupled with the unique manner in which the pontoon length, width and volume can be adjusted for various boat types and sizes. |
| US08627775B1 |
Burning apparatus for a solid wood-fueled process heating system
A burner apparatus (10) for a process heating system (400) includes a combustion air damper (48) to control the volume of air in the combustion chamber (98). Top (15), bottom (17), and sidewalls (14) of the chamber are of steel without refractory material lining while a fuel door (178) is steel with refractory material lining (186). A flue gas damper (34) selectively allows or disallows flue gas out of the chamber. A cooling jacket (18) of a steel sheeting surrounds and is narrowly spaced from the combustion chamber top, bottom, and sidewalls. The cooling jacket conducts air, transfers heat from the combustion chamber top, bottom, and sidewalls to thereby prevent overheating, and generates heated air. A turbulation device (38) combines flue gas and heated air into a turbulent air-gas mixture, completes combustion, and outputs a heated gas stream. |
| US08627769B2 |
Cementitious compositions
The invention provides a method of preparing a blast hole which method comprises the steps of: drilling a blast hole; placing explosives in the blast hole; filling the blast hole with a stemming material comprising a cement composition and water wherein the weight ratio of water to solids content of the stemming material is at least about 1:1. |
| US08627768B2 |
Ball marking device
A device for marking a ball includes a stencil ring and a housing. The housing includes a base and a top. The base includes a base quick connecting element. The top includes a top quick connecting element. The base and said top quick connecting elements are for connecting and disconnecting the base to the top. The housing encloses the stencil ring when the base and the top quick connecting elements are connected. The stencil ring includes stencil symbols. The base and the top are sized to hold the ball for marking with the stencil symbols when the base and top quick connecting elements are connected. |
| US08627763B2 |
Automatic top-off for deep fat fryers
A system for automatically filling and maintaining fryer pots with oil in a deep fryer having a deep fryer and a plurality of fryer pots disposed within the deep fryer. Each of the plurality of fryer pots contains a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. The second temperature sensor is enabled to commence a filling cycle of a fryer pot in response to said first temperature sensor when said first temperature sensor senses a first predetermined temperature. |
| US08627759B2 |
Whirlpool
A whirlpool with an inner chamber for hot break separation by means of the whirlpool effect. In order to remove undesired volatile substances from the wort in a simple manner, the whirlpool comprises an integrated stripper, which has an outer chamber arranged around the inner chamber, for evaporating undesired volatile substances from the wort that has been transferred from the inner chamber. |
| US08627753B2 |
Reorientable rotatable processing tool
A tool includes first and second tool parts that move toward one another, at least one processing device provided on the first tool part, and at least two counter devices provided on the second tool part. The processing device and the counter devices are rotatable relative to one another about at least one positioning axis, and the counter devices are aligned relative to one another along a direction of relative rotational movement of the processing device and the counter devices. The processing device and a first counter device are allocated to one another by at least a first defined processing parameter, and the processing device and a second counter device are allocated to one another by at least a second defined processing parameter. The first processing parameter is different than the second processing parameter. |
| US08627750B2 |
Vacuum shroud for frangible collar retrieval
A vacuum shroud is provided for receiving nuts separated from frangible collar fasteners by use of a powered offset ratchet head. The shroud comprises of an offset ratchet head receiving portion and a nut receiving portion. The offset ratchet head receiving portion defines an aperture formed to receive and engage the offset ratchet head. The nut receiving portion defines a nut receiving aperture and a nut discharge port. The nut receiving aperture is disposed adjacent to the offset ratchet head receiving aperture, to receive nuts discharged from the offset ratchet head when the ratchet head is disposed in the ratchet head receiving aperture. The shroud may further define a conduit extending from the nut receiving portion to the nut discharge port. The nut discharge port is engageable to a vacuum source to draw nuts received in the nut receiving portion out of the nut discharge port. |
| US08627740B2 |
Robot for harsh outdoor environment
An industrial robot adapted for a harsh environment involving exposure to salt water. A robot arm includes a plurality of arm parts movable relative each other about a plurality of joints. Electrical motors move the arm parts. A salt water proof coating on at least a portion of an exterior of the robot arm parts. |
| US08627739B2 |
Dual fork single shift rail assembly
A multiple shift fork, single shift rail assembly reduces weight and complexity in manual and dual clutch transmissions. In a first embodiment, a stationary shift rail includes pluralities of detenting recesses and cooperating detent assemblies are mounted on the shift forks. Associated actuators translate the shift forks and synchronizer clutches. In a second embodiment, the detenting recesses reside on the outside surface of the shift forks and the detent assemblies are mounted in the transmission housing. In a third embodiment, one shift fork is slidably mounted on the shift rail and includes an external detent assembly. The shift rail itself translates and includes detenting recesses and a second shift fork connected thereto. |
| US08627736B2 |
Variable speed transmission for motor vehicles
A variable speed transmission for motor vehicles includes multiple drive gears which are switchable by means of at least one gear changing device, in particular by means of synchronous shifting clutches, in particular multiple forward gears and a reverse gear. The variable speed transmission is subdivided or divided into at least two part-transmissions each with multiple gears, by at least one shifting device in particular least one shifting clutch in such a manner that at least one of the part-transmissions is engaged and at least one of the part-transmissions is disengaged as a function of one of the drive gears as selected by the gear changing device and/or as a function of defined shifting states of the shifting device. |
| US08627735B2 |
Transmission shift device
A transmission shift device is provided that includes, but is not limited to a shifting shaft, which is mounted so it is axially immovable and rotatable in a transmission shift housing and is mechanically connected to a shift lever. Furthermore, the transmission shift device includes, but is not limited to a selector lever, which is mounted so it is axially displaceable on the shifting shaft and is mechanically connected to a selector lever. The selector lever is held in a spring-elastic manner in a middle axial selection position on the shifting shaft by at least one spring element. |
| US08627733B2 |
Device for characterizing a size distribution of electrically-charged airborne particles in an air flow
A device (1,2) for characterizing a size distribution of electrically-charged particles in an air flow (50), comprising: a particle charging unit (60), a parallel arrangement of a first measurement section (10) and a second measurement section (20), located downstream from the particle charging unit (60), and a data evaluation unit (40), wherein the first measurement section (10) comprises: a first particle sensing unit (11) arranged to precipitate substantially all entering electrically-charged particles, and to generate a first output signal (41), the second measurement section (20) comprises: a second particle sensing unit (21) arranged to precipitate at least part of all entering electrically-charged particles, and to generate a second output signal (42), and a first particle precipitation unit (22) arranged to partially reduce the concentration of electrically-charged particles having a size larger than a first particle size limit, the data evaluation unit (40) for calculating a particle number concentration and an average diameter based on first and second output signals. |
| US08627730B2 |
Torque sensor with u-profile web
The invention relates to a torque sensor comprising an inner body, an outer annular body surrounding the inner body concentrically and webs connecting the inner body to the outer annular body in a star shape. Further on the torque sensor comprises a means for introducing torque and at least one measuring element on a web for determining deformation. The webs have the form of a u-profile. |
| US08627723B2 |
Digital sampling and zero crossing of acoustic signals of animals
A method and apparatus for measuring frequency and amplitude of an input signal representative of an echolocation call. In one example, a system includes a combination of a digital sampling channel and a zero crossing measurement channel that are configured to simultaneously measure the echolocation call and produce a combined, time-synchronous data set representative of the echolocation call. |
| US08627719B2 |
Micromechanical sensor element, method for manufacturing a micromechanical sensor element and method for operating a micromechanical sensor element
A micromechanical sensor element includes: a substrate; a first seismic mass suspended from the substrate, which is deflectable from a first rest position by an acceleration acting perpendicularly to a main plane of extension; and a second seismic mass, which is deflectable from a second rest position by the acceleration. At least a partial overlap is provided between the first seismic mass and the second seismic mass perpendicular to the main plane of extension. |
| US08627716B2 |
Capacitive proximity tactile sensor
A novel capacitive proximity tactile sensor is formed by an electrode layer and a compressible non-conductive layer. Positioning a conductive object in contact with the sensor and applying contact force onto the sensor surface allows for both detecting the location of touch (as in traditional proximity sensors) as well as measuring contact force (as in tactile array sensors) due to a capacitance-measuring sensor formed between the electrode layer and the object with the compressible non-conductive layer therebetween. Useful applications of the sensor include input device for consumer electronic item, flexible and thin weight scale, shoe insole for monitoring pressure distribution of a foot while walking, pressure-monitoring seat cushion and others. |
| US08627715B2 |
Imaging subsurface formations while wellbore drilling using beam steering for improved image resolution
A system for imaging rock formations while drilling a wellbore includes a drill collar and a plurality of acoustic emitting transducers mounted in the drill collar at angularly spaced apart locations and oriented to emit acoustic energy at least one of laterally away from the drill collar and longitudinally away from the drill collar. A plurality of arrays of acoustic transducers arranged is longitudinally along the drill collar and angularly spaced apart from each other. Each transducer in the plurality of arrays is oriented normal to a longitudinal axis of the collar. Angular spacing between adjacent arrays is selected to provide lateral beam steered receiving response having a selected main lobe width and side lobe response for a plurality of rock formation acoustic velocities. A controller selectively actuates the emitting acoustic transducers at selected times. The controller beam steers response of the plurality of arrays of transducers to detect reflected acoustic energy from the emitting acoustic transducers. |
| US08627712B2 |
Systems and methods for collecting tear film and measuring tear film osmolarity
A sample receiving chip comprising a substrate that receives an aliquot volume of a sample fluid and a sample region of the substrate, sized such that the volume of the sample fluid is sufficient to operatively cover a portion of the sample region. The energy imparted into the sample fluid is transduced by the sample region to produce an output signal that indicates energy properties of the sample fluid. The sample receiving chip also includes a channel formed in the substrate, the channel configured to collect the aliquot volume of a sample fluid and transfer the aliquot volume of sample fluid to the sample region. |
| US08627710B2 |
Gas probe for sampling gas molecules from a fluid and a system comprising the gas probe
A gas probe for sampling gas molecules from a fluid. A housing includes an orifice and is adapted to be arranged in gas communication with a test gas sensor. The probe includes a stack of layers, whereby gas sample molecules have to pass through all layers of the stack in order reach the sensor. The stack includes at least a first membrane layer, a first spacer layer, a first filter layer and a second spacer layer. The housing includes an inlet for introducing blocking gas molecules into the second spacer layer and an outlet for discharging blocking gas molecules out of the first spacer layer. The gas probe is connectable to a control unit for controlling the blocking gas flow into the second spacer layer. |
| US08627705B2 |
Self compensating sliding air valve mechanism
A turret for an article processing machine assembly includes a turret main body, a sliding ram assembly, and an air manifold device. The air manifold device is connectable to the turret main body and provides pressurized air through a pressurized air pathway system. The pressurized air pathway system includes a turret air passage extending from the air manifold through the turret body to the sliding ram assembly, and a ram air passage that supplies the pressurized air to an article in the machine assembly. A valve mechanism is positioned between one end of the turret body air passage and a first end of the ram air passage. The valve mechanism includes a slidable disc that seals the connection between the turret body air passage and the ram air passage. |
| US08627703B2 |
Linear drawing machine and method for linear drawing of a workpiece through a drawing ring
In order to allow a more targeted intervention in a drawing procedure, in particular on a linear drawing device, the invention proposes a linear drawing machine for the linear drawing of a workpiece through a drawing ring, a drawing unit, in which one or more drawing tools grasp the workpiece and draw it linearly in the drawing direction, being situated behind the drawing ring, the linear drawing device being distinguished in particular by a drawing ring which is situated fixed in relation to the drawing direction during the drawing procedure, preferably perpendicularly, and by a workpiece guide situated in front of the drawing ring in the drawing direction, which is displaceable perpendicular to the drawing direction. |
| US08627702B2 |
Method for rolling metal strips, particularly steel strips
A method of rolling metal strip, and in particular steel strip, in which the metal strip passes through the roll gap of at least one roll stand, allows the work rolls of the roll stand which define the roll gap to be able to be shifted along their axes of rotation if differences occur in the shape of the roll gap from its desired shape. The method provides for flat products to be rolled which meet very stringent requirements in respect of their dimensional accuracy. For this purpose, the work rolls are shifted in the same direction in accordance with the invention, following a given shift strategy which is characterized by a regular change in the direction of shift (R−, R+) as a function of the reaching of given maximum shifted positions (V2, V4, V6, . . . , V28, V28, V30, V32 . . . , V53). |
| US08627697B2 |
Method of performing non vessel shaping operations during vessel shaping
An embodiment of the present invention is a method of performing non-shape forming operations during vessel shaping, the method comprising indexing a cylinder across a pathway of at least one of an operation wheel, the operation wheel further having a plurality of work zones, performing at the plurality of work zones a plurality of operations on the cylinder in a sequence of a first shaping plurality of operations followed by a non-shaping plurality of operations followed by a second shaping plurality of operations, and effectuating transformation of the cylinder into a shaped vessel.Other embodiment include applying decoration to the cylinder contoured surface during non-shaping operations, trimming the cylinder during non-shaping operations, and top-forming the cylinder during non-shaping operations, to name a few. |
| US08627695B2 |
Method for ultrasound shot-blasting of turbomachine parts
A method for ultrasound shot-blasting by a cloud of balls set in motion through contact with a sonotrode having one metallic surface including an area of difficult access, characterized in that the surface is that of a hook axially restrained on a turbomachine blade including a groove provided between the hook and the base of the blade, and the cloud of balls is contained in a chamber encompassing the groove and the surface portion outside the groove. |
| US08627694B2 |
Method and device for bending sheet metal sections
During the bending of sheet metal sections (1, 2) for forming can bodies by means of a bending machine, the sheet metal characteristics of the individual sheets are measured, e.g. the thickness and/or the strength of the sheets. The measured value is used to control the bending machine (4). This permits a substantially constant bending result to be achieved, even with varying sheet metal characteristics. |
| US08627689B2 |
Energy management of clothes washer appliance
A clothes washer is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current state of an associated utility. The controller operates the clothes washer in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to change the power consuming functions by adjusting one or more of an operation schedule, an operation delay, an operation adjustment, and a selective deactivation of at least one of the one or more power consuming functions to reduce power consumption of the clothes washer in the energy savings mode. |
| US08627683B2 |
Methods for controlling glass sheet thickness
Methods for controlling thickness variations across the width of a glass ribbon (104) are provided. The methods employ a set of thermal elements (106) for locally controlling the temperature of the ribbon (104). The operating values for the thermal elements (106) are selected using an iterative procedure in which thickness variations measured during a given iteration are employed in a mathematical procedure which selects the operating values for the next iteration. In practice, the method can bring thickness variations of glass sheets within commercial specifications in just a few iterations, e.g., 2-4 iterations. |
| US08627680B2 |
Centrifugal compressor assembly and method
A centrifugal compressor assembly for compressing refrigerant in a 250-ton capacity or larger chiller system comprising a motor, preferably a compact, high energy density motor or permanent magnet motor, for driving a shaft at a range of sustained operating speeds under the control of a variable speed drive. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises a mixed flow impeller and a vaneless diffuser sized such that a final stage compressor operates with an optimal specific speed range for targeted combinations of head and capacity, while a non-final stage compressor operates above the optimum specific speed of the final stage compressor. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises an integrated inlet flow conditioning assembly to condition flow of refrigerant into an impeller to achieve a target approximately constant angle swirl distribution with minimal guide vane turning. |
| US08627679B2 |
Ice making and dispensing system
A refrigerator which has a refrigerating section maintained above 0 degrees C., and a freezer section located below the refrigerating section maintained below 0 degrees C. A refrigerating section door covers at least a portion of the refrigerating section. An ice compartment is located on the refrigerating section door. An ice is located in the ice compartment with an ice storage bin located in the ice compartment below the ice maker. A dispenser located on the refrigerating section door can dispense ice from the ice storage bin. |
| US08627678B2 |
Refrigerator
Provided is a refrigerator that includes a cabinet and a refrigerator door. The cabinet defining a storage compartment. The refrigerator door opens and closes the storage compartment. The refrigerator door includes a door liner defining an ice compartment, an ice compartment door opening and closing the ice compartment, and a handle provided to the ice compartment door. The ice compartment door includes a dike protruding from the ice compartment door. The handle and the dike are disposed on an identical line. |
| US08627677B2 |
Icemaker assembly for a refrigerator
An icemaker assembly for a refrigerator includes a support bracket having at least one support arm and a rear panel section, a bin slidably attached to the at least one support arm, an icemaker unit having an ice mold is also supported by the at least one support arm within the freezer compartment. The icemaker assembly also includes a fan mounted to the rear panel portion of the support bracket. The fan is selectively operable to direct an airflow onto the icemaker unit in order to speed ice production. Operation of the fan is tied to activation of a water inlet valve. A controller is coupled to the fan and the water inlet valve such that once the water inlet valve opens, fresh water enters the ice mold and the control activates the fan to hasten the production of ice. |
| US08627676B2 |
Flow rate control system in refrigeration circuits, method for controlling a refrigeration system and a refrigeration system
The present invention relates to a flow rate control system in refrigeration circuits, to a method for controlling a refrigeration system and to a refrigeration system properly speaking, which may include, for example, from a domestic refrigerator to an air conditioning system. In particular, the present invention is directed to a solution for the loss of efficiency in the expansion valve (17), when the system load varies, making the expansion valve (17) operate below its nominal capacity and, therefore, at low efficiency. One of the ways to achieve the objectives of the present invention is through a flow rate control system in refrigeration circuits comprising a hermetic compressor fluidly connected to a closed circuit (20). The closed circuit (20) comprising a condenser (11), an evaporator (12) and a fluid expansion device (17), the closed circuit (20) being filled with a fluid, the fluid expansion device (17) having a nominal expansion capacity and being positioned between the evaporator (12) and the condenser (11), the hermetic compressor (10) promoting a fluid flow inside the closed circuit (20), the closed circuit (20) having a circuit nominal flow rate capacity. In addition, the system comprises a flow control valve (15) which is positioned between an outlet of the condenser (11) and an inlet of the fluid expansion device (17), the flow control valve (15) being modulated so that the fluid passing through the fluid expansion device (17) is always at nominal expansion capacity. A method for controlling a refrigeration system is also disclosed. |
| US08627672B2 |
Wall-hung air conditioner and installing device for air conditioner
In a wall-hung air conditioner 1 provided with a vertical blade 85 for wind-direction change, a flap 60, and a fan guard 70 at an outlet 13 of a housing containing a heat exchanger 2 and a blower, the fan guard 70 is provided with a plurality of wires 71 extending in the longitudinal direction of the outlet 13 and a pair of supporting bodies 72 and 73 bundling the both ends of the wires 71, and the fan guard 70 is installed with the plurality of wires 71 extended into a space between the vertical blade 85 and the flap 60 and the pair of the supporting bodies 72 and 73 are fixed and mounted onto the outlet 13 through one-touch operation. |
| US08627665B2 |
Installation and method for storing and returning electrical energy
An installation for storing and returning electrical energy having first and second enclosures containing a gas and porous refractory materials suitable for transferring heat by contact between said porous refractory materials and a gas flowing through said enclosures, and a compressor and an expander for the gas flowing in pipes between each of the ends of an enclosure connected to an end of the other enclosure. Methods are also disclosed for storing electrical energy in the form of heat energy in which an installation of the invention is used, and for a method of returning electrical energy from heat energy stored by a method according to the invention. The electrical energy is stored in the form of heat within masses of refractory material, and the stored thermal potential energy is returned in the form of electrical energy. |
| US08627663B2 |
Energy recovery system and method using an organic rankine cycle with condenser pressure regulation
An energy recovery system and method using an organic rankine cycle is provided for recovering waste heat from an internal combustion engine, which effectively controls condenser pressure to prevent unwanted cavitation within the fluid circulation pump. A coolant system may be provided with a bypass conduit around the condenser and a bypass valve selectively and variably controlling the flow of coolant to the condenser and the bypass. A subcooler may be provided integral with the receiver for immersion in the accumulated fluid or downstream of the receiver to effectively subcool the fluid near the inlet to the fluid pump. |
| US08627660B2 |
Control device for internal combustion engine with supercharger
In an internal combustion engine with a variable nozzle vane turbocharger, when the flow rate (VN passage flow rate) of exhaust gas passing through nozzle vanes has reached a spatial resonance region in an exhaust gas passage space between a turbine housing and a catalyst during acceleration, the flow rate is increased so that the spatial resonance region can be quickly passed. When the flow rate (VN passage flow rate) of exhaust gas passing through the nozzle vanes has reached the spatial resonance region during deceleration, the flow rate is decreased so that the spatial resonance region can be quickly passed. Such a control can reduce a period of time during which the frequency of pressure pulsation occurring at the rear ends of the nozzle vanes is amplified in the spatial resonance region, whereby noise caused by the pressure pulsation can be reduced. |
| US08627657B2 |
Vehicle hydrostatic transmission device
A hydrostatic transmission apparatus having a main pump, two main ducts that are respectively a feed main duct and a discharge main duct for first and second hydraulic motors serving to drive two drive members of a vehicle that are situated one after the other. At least the first hydraulic motor is a dual motor made up of two elementary motors, a first one of which is connected via a series link to the second hydraulic motor. A link selector can take up a first position in which a series loop including said series link coexists with a direct loop for directly linking at least the second elementary motor to the two respective orifices of the main pump, and a second position in which at least one of said direct and series loops is bypassed by a bypass link having a constriction valve. |
| US08627656B2 |
Oil supply device for vehicle
An oil supply device for a vehicle includes an oil pump driven by a rotation of an internal combustion engine, a hydraulic actuator to which oil is supplied from the oil pump, an engine lubricating system to which the oil is supplied from the oil pump, an oil supply adjusting valve adjusting a supply condition of the oil from the oil pump to the hydraulic actuator and the engine lubricating system, a first oil supply passage supplying the oil from the oil pump to the hydraulic actuator, and a second oil supply passage supplying the oil from the oil pump to the engine lubricating system, wherein the oil supply adjusting valve consistently distributes the oil to the first oil supply passage and the second oil supply passage. |
| US08627655B2 |
Method and device for producing ammonia for the exhaust gas treatment in internal combustion engines in a motor vehicle
A method for producing ammonia for treating exhaust gas in internal combustion engines in a motor vehicle proposes that the internal combustion engine is operated with an air/fuel ratio λ<1.0, and water is added to the air/fuel mixture supplied to the internal combustion engine in order to produce the ammonia required for treating the exhaust gas on board the vehicle. And in a device for implementing the method with a means for determining the air/fuel ratio λ of the air/fuel mixture supplied to the internal combustion engine, it is proposed that an addition means for adding water to the air/fuel mixture be provided in order to produce the ammonia required for exhaust gas treatment on board the motor vehicle, the addition means being controllable depending on the determined air/fuel ratio λ. |
| US08627654B2 |
Method of treating emissions of a hybrid vehicle with a hydrocarbon absorber and a catalyst bypass system
A method of treating emissions from an internal combustion engine of a hybrid vehicle includes directing a flow of air created by the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is spinning but not being fueled through a hydrocarbon absorber to collect hydrocarbons within the flow of air. When the hydrocarbon absorber is full and unable to collect additional hydrocarbons, the flow of air is directed through an electrically heated catalyst to treat the flow of air and remove the hydrocarbons. When the hydrocarbon absorber is not full and able to collect additional hydrocarbons, the flow of air is directed through a bypass path that bypasses the electrically heated catalyst to conserve the thermal energy stored within the electrically heated catalyst. |
| US08627651B2 |
NH3 emissions management in a NOx reduction system
A system includes an internal combustion engine producing an exhaust gas, an aftertreatment system receiving the exhaust gas, the aftertreatment system including a particulate filter positioned upstream of an SCR catalyst component, and a urea injector operatively coupled to the aftertreatment system at a position upstream of the SCR catalyst component. The system further includes a controller that interprets an exhaust temperature value, an ambient temperature value, and a urea injection amount. The controller determines a urea deposit amount in response to the exhaust temperature value, the ambient temperature value, and the urea injection amount, and initiates a desoot regeneration event in response to the urea deposit amount. The desoot regeneration event includes operating the engine at a urea decomposition exhaust temperature. |
| US08627649B2 |
Device and method for metering liquid pollutant-reducing media into an exhaust gas duct of an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a device and a method for metering liquid pollutant-reducing media into an exhaust gas duct of an exhaust gas line of an internal combustion engine, with at least one metering means which is located in or on the exhaust gas duct and downstream to which, viewed in the flow direction of the exhaust gas upstream from a catalytic converter arrangement, a baffle body is connected such that the liquid which has been metered by means of the metering means strikes a baffle body for its distribution. According to the invention the baffle body is formed by a static mixer which has a plurality of preferably single-blade guide vane plates which project away from the mixer plane at a given angle and which are aligned such that the metered liquid, especially liquid droplets, strikes the plane of the guide vane plates essentially perpendicularly. |
| US08627647B2 |
Residual burnt gas scavenging method in a direct-injection supercharged internal-combustion multi-cylinder engine running under partial loads
A method of scavenging the residual burnt gas of a direct-injection supercharged multi-cylinder internal-combustion engine(10), notably of diesel type, running under partial loads, with a piston moving in a reciprocating motion between a top dead center (PMH) and a bottom dead center (PMB) includes a burnt gas scavenging stage that is carried out by a sequence of opening/closing at least one exhaust valve (18) during engine exhaust phase (E) and at least one sequence of opening/closing at least one intake valve (28) during this exhaust valve opening/closing sequence. The method includes, during the scavenging stage, in controlling the closing time of intake valve (28) so as to cause a decrease in exhaust pressure (Pe) in order to achieve a pressure differential between intake pressure (Pa) and exhaust pressure (Pe) favorable to intake pressure (Pa). |
| US08627640B2 |
Intermittent rotating machine for filling capsules with pharmaceutical products
In an intermittent rotating machine for filling capsules with pharmaceutical products, each capsule is opened in a respective pocket of a conveying wheel, is filled with a pharmaceutical product, is closed and is finally released from the pocket itself; a supporting block fitted above the conveying wheel defining an upper stopping device for stopping the capsules during the closing thereof, and further defining an upper diverting device for moving the capsules outside the conveying wheel, and supporting a sucking pneumatic device for cleaning the pockets. |
| US08627637B2 |
Method and machine for the manufacture of air pillows
Devices and methods for forming air pillows are described. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, an apparatus for manufacturing air-filled pillows from a tube material includes a plurality of support rollers, a drive means, an injector means, and a sealing means. The plurality of support rollers support a roll of a tube material along an outer circumferential extent of the roll, in which the tube material includes two opposing sheets joined along at least one longitudinal edge thereof. The drive means draws the tube material from the roll along the support rollers, the injector means injects air into an interior space between the two opposing sheets of the tube material drawn from the roll, and the sealing means seals the two opposing sheets together with the injected air entrapped in the interior space therebetween. |
| US08627636B2 |
Method of constructing liquefied gas storage tank on land
The present disclosure relates to a method of constructing a liquefied gas storage tank on land, which enables rapid and easy construction of walls of a cylindrical storage tank by stacking a plurality of pre-produced unit-wall structures to be stacked or superposed with respect to one another. The method includes: producing unit-wall structures made of concrete and each having iron rods arranged lengthwise and breadthwise therein, stacking the unit-wall structures in a cylindrical arrangement, and connecting the unit-wall structures adjacent and in longitudinal and lateral directions with respect to each other to form a wall of the storage tank. |
| US08627633B2 |
Portable modular roof truss system
The present invention provides a portable modular roof truss system for creating a symmetric roof. In one embodiment, the portable modular roof truss system comprises a collar, a crossbar, two arms, two connecting members, and a locking mechanism. The arms are elongated hollow cylinders coupled to opposing sides of the hollow cylindrical collar at a predetermined slope. The crossbar is also an elongated cylinder residing parallel to the ground and is coupled to both arms. Each hollow cylindrical connecting member is coupled to the end of an arm, respectively. Finally, the locking mechanism is coupled to the bottom portion of the collar and prevents a roof pole residing therein from moving back and forth. Each connecting member further comprises two apertures residing on opposite sides of the member used to couple the truss system to a variety of truss components (e.g., spacers, clamps, hinges, etc.). |
| US08627631B2 |
Floor covering
Hard panels formed from a wood-based material and having a decorative layer for floor coverings are provided, at least on two opposite edges, with coupling devices made in one piece with the panels wherein similar panels may be coupled together to form a floor covering, wherein these coupling devices provide for an interlocking in a direction perpendicular to the plane of coupled panels, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the edges concerned and parallel to the plane of coupled panels. These coupling devices are constituted of a tongue and a groove. The top side of the tongue has a protrusion that cooperates with a meshing recess located in the lower side of the upper lip of the groove of the coupling devices, and a portion extending generally parallel with the plane of the panel to form a contact surface cooperating with the lower side of the upper lip of the groove. |
| US08627627B2 |
Concrete casting elements
Concrete casting elements for forming an expansion joint in concrete including: a pair of expansion joint members each having a gasket mounting formation to which a gasket may be mounted in operative interposition between the expansion joint members for sealing the joint; a flange extending from a remaining portion along one side of the expansion joint member and retainer mounting means formed onto or into said remaining portion for mounting one or more retainer elements to protrude from the opposite side of the expansion joint member from the flange; the flanges of each one of the expansion joint members being formed to engage one with the other; the flange of one joint member at least partly overlying the flange of the other to provide an expansion joint upper face and such that the remaining portions may be spaced from one another when the flanges are so engaged; the flange of the other expansion joint including a lip formed to be substantially coplanar with the expansion joint upper face; and the flanges also being formed and positioned for protection of the gasket against damage. |
| US08627624B2 |
Deck drainage system
An elongate channel insert configured for installation between elongate structural members to prevent water from flowing through an overlying structure into the area beneath the structural members includes a U-shaped hook on a first side of the insert that goes over the top and both sides of a joist, an L-shaped ledge on the other side of the channel insert prevents the inserts from becoming off center as they are placed side by side on joists across the entire width of a deck with the base of the insert angled along its length such that water captured within the channel will drain from one end of the insert to the other. |
| US08627623B2 |
Modular foundation system and method
A modular foundation system comprising prefabricated foundation sections each comprising stems and bases. In some embodiments, the base of each section is configured to have complimentary ends adapted to selectively engage in a desired configuration. In some embodiments, each base and/or each stem of each section can include coupling openings adapted to receive engagement reinforcing adapted to engage adjacent sections. Each section includes a clamping bracket adapted to selectively couple with an alignment rod adapted to draw adjacent sections together and align said adjacent sections. |
| US08627619B2 |
Rigging deck module
A rigging deck module including: a deck body including a flexible deck material bounded by a web-reinforced tensile edge, suspension means spaced about the edge whereby the deck body is tensionable to form a substantially flat deck surface, and a lattice of tensile web members secured to the flexible deck material and the web-reinforced tensile edge; tensile rigging strops adapted to be mounted in tension to a structure in maintained spaced relation to each other, and each having securing points formed thereon; and tensionable connection means located at each suspension means for securing and tensioning the deck body to the respective securing points. |
| US08627613B2 |
Avian nesting diverters and methods for using the same
An avian nesting diverter system for inhibiting a bird from building a nest on a structure includes a base and a spring member. The base is adapted to be mounted on the structure. The spring member has first and second ends. The first and second ends are secured to the base and the spring member extends over the base. The spring member presents a resilient, unstable platform for a bird attempting to perch on the spring member. The spring member also presents an impediment to a bird attempting to perch on the base. |
| US08627612B2 |
Building structure and method
A net layer (32) defines the shell (40) of a building, carried by any necessary supports. A hardening layer (34) is applied to fix the shape of the net layer (32) and to establish wall, roof, and floor. Optionally the shell is of sufficient strength to receive application of further layers in order to define an exoskeleton. Structures of roof sections include parallel-sided segments and converging-sided segments, with troughed or domed section shapes. Structures of walls include opposed shell sides (35), (78) and central filler layers (70), together defining an exoskeleton. Posts (72) can add additional structural capacities for supporting walls, roof and floor and can be formed integrally of net (32) and hardener (34). |
| US08627607B2 |
Sliding window guide for a sliding window component comprising non-parallel guides
Nonparallel sliding window guides guide a window for a motor vehicle. Each guide may have a guide rail. At least one guide has a fixed holding device mounted to the pane. At least one guide is attached to a holding device, in which the guide is movably mounted using an equalizing bearing. The equalization bearing comprises at least one movable interlink, preferably a pivotally movable interlink, wherein the interlink connects the guide rail to the holding device in a stabilizing manner to accommodate transverse and/or torsion forces that may act on the guide rail. The interlink engages with the guide via a control groove and control bolt. The distance between at least one guide and the sliding window changes depending on the displacement of the sliding window. The position of at least one guide relative to the mount also changes depending on the displacement of the sliding window. |
| US08627605B2 |
Method and device for preventing contamination from a door which opens vertically
A door assembly including a vertically moving door to permit and prohibit access through an opening which has a top, a bottom defined by a floor, and at least two sides, the door assembly. The assembly having a door body having upper and lower portions, and being mounted proximate the opening such that the lower end portion being proximate the floor when the door is in the closed position. A protective body is configured in connection with the door so as to be moveable between a first position under at least a portion of the door body lower portion when the door is in at least a partially open position and a second storage position. The protective body having at least one debris collecting surface, and opposing ends, the protective body being configured such that debris collected on the debris collecting surface will be urged toward one of the opposed ends. |
| US08627604B2 |
Bypass door
A door assembly that includes a normally fixed door panel disposed between an ingress opening and an egress opening. The door assembly includes a first sliding door panel slidable between a 1) closed position wherein the first sliding door panel blocks the ingress opening and 2) an open position wherein the first sliding door panel is in an overlapping configuration with the normally fixed door panel so as to permit persons to egress through the egress opening. A second sliding door panel is slidable between a 1) closed position wherein the second sliding door panel blocks the egress opening and 2) an open position wherein the second sliding door panel is in an overlapping configuration with the normally fixed door panel so as to permit persons to ingress through the ingress opening. The normally fixed door panel is pivotable to a breakout open position upon receiving a pivoting actuation. |
| US08627602B2 |
Gate assembly
A gate assembly is provided for positioning in an opening through which selective access is required in use. The gate assembly includes two or more gate panels movably mounted to each other via movement means to allow adjustment of the overall width of the gate assembly to allow fitting of said gate assembly in the opening in use. The movement means including protruding means provided on at least one of said gate panels which are slidably mounted in a slot or channel provided on the other of said gate panels. At least two spaced apart location means are associated with the slot or channel for receiving the protruding means, thereby providing at least two pre-defined width positions for said gate panels. |
| US08627599B2 |
Planting pot display system
A planting pot system is provided. In the system, a multi-compartment tray that contains compartments that have either no vertical planes of symmetry or only one vertical plane of symmetry causes pots that have either one vertical plane of symmetry or no vertical planes of symmetry to be limited or precluded from being rotated and consistently urged into a place in only one orientation. Through this system efficient and effective orienting of and displaying of the contents of the pots may be achieved. |
| US08627592B2 |
Telescopable strut for turkey decoy
A turkey decoy comprises a mass-producable synthetic resinous body adapted to be deployed in either a sentry or feeding position, with a telescopable assembly of rigid, that is, essentially inflexible, upper and lower struts, the upper necessarily being tubular, and the lower being either tubular or solid. The upper strut is removably securely fixed in an aperture in the upper surface of the decoy's body. Typically, the strut assembly is pre-assembled in the decoy so that neither strut in the assembly is detachable relative to the other. The strut assembly of non-detachably assembled struts, which assembly is secured in the decoy long before the decoy is to be deployed, allows a hunter to transport the pre-assembled decoy to the desired site in the poor light of the pre-dawn hours, unfold the decoy, pull the inner strut out until it locks in the outer strut, and thrust the pointed end into the ground. There is no assembly of the strut on site, no searching for the desired aperture in the dark. |
| US08627588B2 |
ESL locking mechanism
An ESL and ESL holder combination includes a locking mechanism for releasably securing the ESL to the ESL holder, and an ESL provided with at least one gripping means for cooperative engagement with the ESL holder. The ESL holder is attachable to an edge of a shelf, the ESL holder being provided with one or more receiving means such as for example slots for receiving the gripping means and the locking element in cooperative engagement. A spring loaded element is arranged inside the ESL such that the spring loaded element, in a latched position, secures the ESL to the ESL holder when the gripping means is brought into a hooked position in the receiving means. When displaced from its latched position, allowing the gripping means to leave its hooked position, this enables removal of the ESL from the ESL holder. |
| US08627586B2 |
Illuminated trim panels
A vehicle trim panel is illuminated from behind to create an illuminated design (e.g., logo and/or lettering) includes a transparent layer and an opaque layer with an opening(s) in the shape of the design. An opaque or partially opaque design piece may be placed over the opening(s) in the opaque layer and be lit around its edges. The vehicle trim panel may be formed by forming a panel with a transparent layer and an opaque layer. An opening in the opaque layer may be formed by removing opaque material (e.g., by machining or laser etching) or by masking (the mask is placed between the opaque layer and transparent layer and removed taking a portion of the opaque layer with it). A design piece may be placed over the location of the opening in the opaque layer. |
| US08627585B2 |
Cover for display structures
A jacket structure for mounting to a display structure, the jacket structure comprising one or more panels having an inner side and an outer side with regards to the display structure, one or more members corresponding to columns of the display structure, one or more elements corresponding to a tray base of the display structure, the elements corresponding to a tray base of the display structure intersecting with the members corresponding to columns of the display structure, the intersection of the members corresponding to the column of the display structure and the elements corresponding to the tray base of the display structure forming a window through which a consumer can reach out to grab the product within the display structure, a horizontal flap in an upper side of the element corresponding to a tray base and a horizontal flap in a lower side of the element corresponding to a tray base, wherein the flaps are configured to form a locked tab structure when the jacket structure is in a mounted position, and vertical flaps formed from the parts corresponding to the column of the display structure towards the window, wherein the vertical flaps are configured to form a locked tab structure when the jacket structure in a mounted position. |
| US08627583B2 |
Energy-return shoe system
An energy-return shoe system includes a shoe portion. A shaft runs longitudinally along a lower sole and the shaft is rotatable along its axis. A mechanical interface between the shaft and the shoe portion keeps the shoe portion in horizontal synchronization with the shaft, thereby shoe portion maintains horizontal position with respect to the shaft and a forward set of points on each of the shoe portion and the shaft converge and diverge to and from each other at the same rate as a rearward set of points on each of the shoe portion and the shaft. |
| US08627582B2 |
Energy-return shoe system
An energy-return shoe system includes a shoe portion having a sole. The sole has a toe area and a heel area. The sole is capable of bending at a point between the toe area and the heel area. A lower sole has a toe area and a heel area and is bendable at a point between the toe area and the heel area. A heel mechanism interfaces the shoe heel area to the lower sole heel area and holds the shoe heel sole area in horizontal synchronization with the lower heel sole area thereby maintaining a same horizontal position between the heel areas and allowing front and rear ends of the heel areas to close and open at the same rate. A spring or other device pushes the heel areas away from each other, thereby absorbing energy upon impact and releasing the energy on step-off. |
| US08627580B2 |
Dryer
A dryer is provided. The dryer may include a main body having an inner space formed therein, a fixed drum provided in the inner space of the main body, and a tumbling device coupled to the drum. The fixed drum may have a non-circular cross-section as it is rotated. The tumbling device may tumble laundry items received in the fixed drum as it slides along an inner circumferential surface of the fixed drum. |
| US08627574B2 |
Electric shaver
An electric shaver includes a rod-shaped body part, a head part, and an interposer. The head part projects from one end portion, in a longitudinal direction, of the body part and swingably attached to the body part. The head part includes a shaving portion and a drive mechanism. The interposer is configured to support the head part swingably about a first swing axis parallel with a longitudinal direction of the shaving portion, and to be supported on the body part swingably about a second swing axis orthogonal to the projecting direction of the head part and orthogonal to the first swing axis. |
| US08627573B2 |
Hair-removing device
The invention relates to a hair-removing device with a movable actuator head and/or at least one movable actuator support, which have at least one actuator element for removing hair on a skin surface. The particular feature of the invention is that a detecting device for detecting a parameter which relates to the position of the actuator element relative to the skin surface is provided as well as at least one actively actuated positioning device for modifying the position of the actuator head and/or the actuator support and a control device for activating the positioning device according to the detected parameter. |
| US08627572B2 |
Coasting brake arrangement for a power tool
A chainsaw having a brake arrangement comprising: a kickback brake drum (10) arranged to rotate together with a drive sprocket driving a saw chain of a chainsaw, a kickback brake for quickly stopping the saw chain if at least one kickback actuator (7) is actuated, the kick back brake including a kickback brake band (11) extending around the kickback brake drum (10) and means for tightening the kickback brake band (17-19, 22) around the kickback brake drum (10), and; a coasting brake weaker than the kickback brake being arranged to brake the saw chain (2) unless a coasting actuator of the chainsaw is actuated, the coasting brake includes a coasting brake band extending around a coasting brake drum (10) arranged to rotate together with the drive sprocket (37), and means for tightening the coasting brake band (20, 22, 23) around the coasting brake drum, wherein the coasting brake band is either at least one longitudinally slit portion (11b) of the kickback brake band or a separate brake band. |
| US08627570B2 |
Roller thrust bearing cage and manufacturing method thereof
A manufacturing method of a roller bearing cage, including a cage main body formed with an annular plate, and a plurality of cage pockets opened along a circumferential direction on the cage main body for retaining rollers having flat end faces, includes punching an annular plate from a metal, forming a plurality of cage pockets on the annular plate, and pressing an edge of one of the cage pockets in a thickness direction of the annular plate on a side face of the one of the cage pockets with a press jig having a pressing face of a predetermined shape to form a chamfered portion. |
| US08627566B2 |
Method for packaging a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device
A ceramic header configured to form a portion of an electronic device package includes a mounting portion configured to provide a mounting surface for an electronic device. In addition, the ceramic header includes one or more conductive input-output connectors operable to provide electrical connections from a first surface of the ceramic header to a second surface of the ceramic header. The ceramic header also includes one or more thermally polished surfaces. |
| US08627564B2 |
Electronic assembly and method of manufacturing same
An electronic assembly comprises a housing, a cover for the housing, a printed circuit board receivable in the housing, and a compliant pin header assembly. The compliant pin header assembly is moimtabie in the housing by inter-engaging features on the header assembly and the housing. The compliant pin header assembly has compliant pins for engaging corresponding features on the printed circuit board to connect the compliant pin header assembly electrically to the printed circuit board. The cover, when the electronic assembly is assembled, engages the housing and also engages the printed circuit board at a location spaced from an outer periphery of the printed circuit board. |
| US08627563B2 |
Low pressure molding encapsulation of high voltage circuitry
A process relating to a one step low pressure injection molding method of encapsulating high voltage circuitry while incorporating a unique recessed high voltage connector contact means within the injection molding material, greatly reducing the component size, while increasing the capabilities of this type of circuitry. The process reduces the manufacturing time and maintains a clean sealed contact point for repeated usage by the means of a conductive rubber slug. An additional advantage is by creating cavities through the circuit board; axially leaded high voltage components may be conveniently mounted without additional assembly components while being fully encapsulated. |
| US08627559B2 |
Media-compatible electrically isolated pressure sensor for high temperature applications
A method for manufacturing a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System pressure sensor, including forming a gauge wafer including a diaphragm and a pedestal region. The method includes forming an electrical insulation layer disposed on a second surface of the diaphragm region and forming a plurality of sensing elements patterned on the electrical insulation layer disposed on the second surface in the diaphragm region, forming a cap wafer with a central recess in an inner surface and a plurality of through-wafer embedded vias made of an electrically conductive material in the cap wafer, creating a sealed cavity by coupling the inner recessed surface of the cap wafer to the gauge wafer, such that electrical connections from the sensing elements come out to an outer surface of the cap wafer through the vias, and attaching a spacer wafer with a central aperture to the pedestal region with the central aperture aligned to the diaphragm region. |
| US08627555B2 |
Memorial product including cremation remains
A memorial product is presently disclosed that includes a glass structure having a first helix of cremation remains and a second helix of a second material, wherein the helix of the cremation remains and the helix of the second material are intertwined to form a double helix in the glass structure. In some embodiments, the second material is additional cremation remains or a colored material selected to correspond to the deceased represented by the cremation remains. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a memorial product including forming a first portion of molten glass into a substantially cylindrical shape having an exterior surface, applying cremation remains on a first portion of the exterior surface, applying a second material on a second portion of the exterior surface, and gathering a second portion of molten glass over the first portion of molten glass to encase the cremation remains and the second material. |
| US08627552B2 |
Multicontact adaptive fastener clip
A fastener clip includes a base plate and a pair of laterally offset arms extending from the base plate. The fastener clip is operative for insertion into a hole (slot) defined in a first engagement structure, such as a vehicle chassis. At least four wings extend from the arms. Each wing includes at least one engagement portion including a depressed portion formed on each wing, wherein each depressed portion is operative to engage a portion of the hole. According to one embodiment, each arm is coupled to at least one wing at a distal end of each arm (i.e., a long arm), so that each wing extends inwardly towards the base plate. According to an alternative embodiment, each arm (i.e., a short arm) is coupled to the at least one wing, so that each wing extends outwardly away from the base plate. |
| US08627547B2 |
Invisible hinge with internal electrical wiring
A self-closing invisible hinge for returning a door to its closed position from its opened position including a self-closing structure in which the closing force can be selectively adjusted externally at the hinge and in which the self-closing structure is compact. The self-closing invisible hinge further having an embedded wiring system for providing electrical communication between an area on or in the door and an area adjacent a mounting structure supporting the door, such as a building electrical and/or communication system. |
| US08627544B2 |
Debris collecting apparatus and methods of making and using the same
A system and method are disclosed for a suction nozzle for attachment to a vacuum source, such as a suction line, to collect debris such as airborne particles. The suction nozzle includes a tubular-shaped funnel with a large mouth at one end, to receive and channel airborne debris to the vacuum source. The suction nozzle also includes a connector at an opposite end of the funnel, for connecting the suction nozzle to a vacuum source. The mouth of the funnel may further include an inwardly-extending rim portion, which is shaped to accommodate objects that may be adjacent to the funnel and its mouth. The mouth includes a lip extending inwardly from the rim of the mouth for helping deflect debris inwardly into the funnel. In one embodiment, the rim portion of the funnel mouth may further include a scraper portion which extends inwardly from the rim, toward the interior of the funnel mouth. This scraper portion is useful for helping to remove debris from instruments or other. |
| US08627542B2 |
Robot cleaner with improved dust collector
A robot cleaner having a configuration capable of improving an ability to collect dust, etc. is disclosed. The robot cleaner includes a suction hole to suction dust, a dust collector to receive the dust suctioned through the suction hole, and a rotating brush provided at a side of the suction hole. The robot cleaner is configured to sweep up and collect the dust into the dust collector by a drive force of the rotating brush. |
| US08627541B2 |
Mop press having top and bottom cam tracks
A mop press having a front wall and a pair of sidewalls is provided. The sidewalls each have a top cam track, a bottom cam track, and a bucket slot. The bucket slot defines a shoulder, where the bottom cam track is positioned below the shoulder. In some embodiments, the mop press includes a moveable press-plate and a handle mechanism. The handle mechanism includes a left and right couplings each configured to removably receive a pressing arm therein. In other embodiments, the mop press includes a locking mechanism having a locking arm rotatably supported by the sidewalls for movement between a locking position and an unlocking position. The locking position is above the unlocking position. |
| US08627540B2 |
Wiper device improving separation function of wiper blade
A wiper device having an improved function of separating a wiper blade. The wiper device includes: a wiper blade including: a wiper rib for cleaning a glass of a vehicle; a lever member supporting the wiper rib; and a rotary shaft disposed across opposite side walls of a penetration hole formed in a center portion of the lever member, and including a rotary shaft that has a non-circular cross section; a retainer including a receiving recess including an opening corresponding to the non-circular cross section so as to detachably receive the rotary shaft; and an index unit indicating a position where the wiper blade is coupled to or separated from the retainer while the wiper blade is rotated with respect to the retainer within a predetermined angle range. |
| US08627538B2 |
Wet and/or dry vacuum with floor collector
A vacuum can include a housing having an inlet adapted to receive debris being vacuumed. A mounting bar can be fixedly coupled to the housing. A floor collector assembly can be rotatably disposed about a first axis defined by the mounting bar. The floor collector assembly can include a floor scoop that, in the use mode, can be pivoted to be disposed adjacent to the floor. The front wall of the floor scoop can define a recess that allows debris to pass under the recess so that the floor collector assembly can be used in a debris pickup mode. A visor can be mounted to the floor scoop and can be moved to a closed position to block at least a portion of the recess so that the floor collection assembly can be used in a water pickup mode. |
| US08627533B2 |
Apparatus for cleaning submerged surface with eddy filtration
Detailed is a device for cleaning an immersed surface, including a body and members for driving the body over the immersed surface, a filtration chamber which has a liquid inlet in the body located at the base of the body, at least one liquid outlet out of the body, a hydraulic circuit for flow of liquid between the inlet and the outlet through a filtering device, wherein it includes: at least one rear outlet, and a rigid wall which is arranged in the filtering device and which extends in a direction which is non-parallel with at least one direction which connects an inlet and an outlet in order to form an obstacle to the flow of liquid from this inlet to this outlet which brings about a swirling flow of liquid in the filtering device downstream of this rigid wall. |
| US08627529B1 |
Centralized air supply loading dock leveling system
A central pressurized air supply selectively couples pressurized air to one or more dock levelers to pivot a hinged ramp of a dock leveler. Each dock leveler includes an inflatable member to which the pressurized air is selectively coupled, and the inflatable member is arranged to pivot about the hinged ramp of a respective dock leveler. A control system allows continued operation of the system during adverse conditions. |
| US08627527B2 |
Laundry treating device and method of controlling the same
A laundry treating device includes two separate laundry washing mechanisms. Methods of controlling such a laundry treating device include steps for supplying water to a first tub provided in the first laundry treating device and to a second tub provided in the second laundry treating device. The water can be supplied to the two tubs simultaneously or separately. Also, the water supply steps can be alternated. Further individual hot and cold water supply steps can include simultaneously or sequentially supplying the hot and cold water. |
| US08627524B2 |
Household-type water-recirculating clothes washing machine with automatic control of the washload weight, and operating method thereof
Household-type front loading and water-recirculating clothes washing machine adapted to automatically measure the weight of the dry clothes loaded in the machine for washing, also on the basis of the information on the type of clothes in said washload entered from the outside (user), in which the measurement of such weight of the washload is performed by measuring the amount of water that is absorbed by the clothes in the washload when this is soaked with water to a point at which it is in a dynamic saturation, i.e. steady-state condition. Said measurement of the amount of water absorbed in the clothes is obtained by subtracting the amount of water that is present in the machine, and that does not interact with the washload, from the total amount of water let into the wash tub. The weight of the load of clothes is finally calculated by processing and interpolating the amount of absorbed water and rectifying such value with an information on the properties of the clothes in the washload. |
| US08627519B2 |
Main drain outlet for a swimming pool, wading pool, spa, or hot tub
A main drain outlet and a water sanitation system for a swimming pool, wading pool, spa, or hot tub are provided. A main drain outlet comprises a cylindrical or toroidal sump, an inlet tangentially extending from the cylindrical or toroidal sump having an orifice with a length extending a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical or toroidal sump and a width substantially less than its length. The sump may have a curved inner surface throughout the length of the orifice. The main drain outlet may be of unitary assembly and may have more than one sump and inlet. The main drain outlet may comprise a testing strip. The pool water sanitation system may comprise skimmer flow equalizer lines in flow communication with a main drain outlet. |
| US08627518B1 |
Portable toilet
A portable toilet (12) is provided having a bowl (14), a seat (16), legs (20), and wheels (28) mounted to the legs (20). The legs (20) are spaced apart and telescopically extensible to allow positioning of the bowl (14) above a conventional building toilet (60). The bowl (14) has a lower end (48) defined by sections (50) which pivot to open the bowl (14) and allow the contents to spill therefrom into the conventional toilet (60). A liner (34) fits in the bowl (14) and is held in place by the seat (16). The bowl (14) is placed over the conventional building toilet (60), the lower end (48) of the bowl is opened, the seat (16) is raised, and then the liner (34) and its contents fall through the open lower end (48) of the bowl (14) and into the conventional toilet (60). |
| US08627517B2 |
Head suspension headband
A head suspension headband includes an elongated headband having a band length and configured to be disposed across a forehead of a user, and a plurality of suspension elements disposed along the band length and configured to contact the forehead of a user. |
| US08627516B2 |
Removable band for visor
A removable band for a conventional sun visor is disclosed. The removable band allows a visor-wearer to customize their visor without having to permanently alter their visor. A non-damaging adhesive may be used to affix the removable band to the visor and may be reused multiple times. The removable band may have decorative elements such as colors, patterns, themes, logos, lettering, attachments, rhinestones or other attractive decorations. |
| US08627514B1 |
Vehicle ready modular light weight load bearing equipment apparatus
Preferably, a vehicle ready modular light weight load bearing equipment apparatus “V-MOLLE,” includes a semi-rigid panel portion that includes a front side surface and a backside surface. In a preferred embodiment the front side surface includes a plurality of attachment points configured for reception of a number of utility pouches. The apparatus further preferably includes a vertical anchor system secured to the panel portion and configured for communication with a seat of a vehicle, and a horizontal anchor system secured to the panel portion and configured for communication with the seat of the vehicle. Additionally, the apparatus includes a cover portion attachable to a backside surface of the panel portion, wherein the backside surface of the panel portion is exposable to reveal a signal panel when the cover portion is detached from the panel portion. |
| US08631508B2 |
Managing licenses of media files on playback devices
Embodiments are described herein for managing licenses of media files on playback devices in a media system. In some embodiments, each media file is purchased based on a number of licenses, each license granting permission to store the media file on a single playback device. Each media file may have an associated number of one or more licenses that specifies the maximum number of playback devices on which the media file may be stored at the same time (concurrently). The media system may comprise a home central licensing (HCL) device, a primary storage device, and playback devices coupled via a network. The primary storage device may be used to initially store newly purchased media files. The HCL device may allow or prohibit distribution of the media files on the primary storage device to playback devices by using a license manager data structure storing licensing information for each media file. |
| US08631503B2 |
System and methods for key challenge validation
This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for detecting an initiation of a transaction and generating a string of characters based on the detection. A first portion of the string of characters may be presented in such a way as to be distinguished from a second portion of the string of characters. In various example embodiments, the transaction is validated based on an identification of the first portion of the string of characters. |
| US08631502B2 |
Method and apparatus for updating revocation list and reproducing encrypted content
Method of updating revocation list is disclosed. Time information of revocation list indicating registration time of most recently registered revocation entity included in revocation list of first device is extracted, and time information of revocation list indicating registration time of the most recently registered revocation entity included in the revocation list of a second device connected to the first device is also extracted. A revocation entity registered in the first device after the registration time of time information of the revocation list of the second device is copied in the revocation list of the second device, if the registration time of extracted time information of the revocation list of the first device is later than the registration time of the extracted time information of the revocation list of the second device. Thus, the revocation list can be updated by connecting the first and second devices even in an offline state. |
| US08631495B2 |
Systems and methods for message threat management
The present invention is directed to systems and methods for detecting unsolicited and threatening communications and communicating threat information related thereto. Threat information is received from one or more sources; such sources can include external security databases and threat information data from one or more application and/or network layer security systems. The received threat information is reduced into a canonical form. Features are extracted from the reduced threat information; these features in conjunction with configuration data such as goals are used to produce rules, in some embodiments, these rules are tested against one or more sets of test data and compared against the same or different goals; if one or more tests fail, the rules are refined until the tests succeed within ah acceptable margin of error. The hues are then propagated to one or more application layer security systems. |
| US08631494B2 |
Method and device for scanning data for signatures prior to storage in a storage device
The present invention relates to a method and device for scanning of data for signatures prior to storage. First data are received at a storage device for storage therein. Upon receipt the first data are stored in a temporary storage medium for storing other than guaranteed previously scanned data. Using a processor of the storage device, the first data are compared with at least a predetermined signature and a comparison result is determined in dependence thereupon. In dependence upon the comparison result the first data are provided to the scanned data memory when the comparison result is indicative of other than a match or the first data are other than provided to the scanned data memory when the comparison result is indicative of a match. The method and the device according to the invention substantially reduce the risk that a file infected with a computer virus is transferred from one computer to another via a portable storage medium. In another aspect of the invention, the method and the device according to the invention prevents storage of sensitive data by unauthorized persons. |
| US08631493B2 |
Geographical intrusion mapping system using telecommunication billing and inventory systems
Systems and methods for geographically mapping a threat into a network having one or more network points include receiving threat information identifying a threat to a point of the network, correlating the threat information with location information for the identified network point, and network identification information for the identified network point, and generating a map displaying a geographical location of the threat. |
| US08631490B2 |
Altering sampling rate to thwart attacks that involve analyzing hardware sensor output
A hardware sensor and a hardware user-input component are integrated in a portable electronic device. The hardware sensor is operable to produce hardware sensor output indicative of orientation or motion or both of the device within its environment. The hardware user-input component has multiple elements operable to accept user input through touch. A user-input driver and the device's operating system are jointly operable to detect touch events involving the elements. A software application stored in the device's memory is executable by the device's processor as a process. A sensor driver or the operating system or both are configured to control what hardware sensor output, if any, is receivable by the process. This control may thwart an attack based on analysis of the hardware sensor output, the attack designed to deduce what user input has been made via multiple elements of the hardware user-input component. |
| US08631489B2 |
Method and system for detecting malicious domain names at an upper DNS hierarchy
A method and system for detecting a malicious domain name, comprising: collecting domain name statistical information from a non-recursive domain name system name server (RDNS NS); and utilizing the collected domain name statistical information to determine if a domain name is malicious or benign. |
| US08631486B1 |
Adaptive identity classification
A method is used in identity assurance. A process is executed that is used to verify a user identity. A description of the executed process is stored and is used to determine a level of trust. |
| US08631483B2 |
Packet processors and packet filter processes, circuits, devices, and systems
A packet filter (2500) for incoming communications packets includes extractor circuitry (2510) operable to extract data from a packet, and packet processor circuitry (2520) operable to concurrently mask (3010) the packet data from the extractor circuitry (2510), perform an arithmetic/logic operation (3020) on the packet to supply a packet drop signal (DROP), and perform a conditional limit operation and a conditional jump operation (3030). |
| US08631481B2 |
Access to a network for distributing digital content
A transmission of a digital content to a user terminal is managed by a network comprising a service subnetwork adapted for providing the terminal with a service token, and a digital contents distribution subnetwork which includes a control part and a transmission part. The control part of the distribution subnetwork receives a request from the user terminal for a digital content, indicating a service token. Next, if the service token is recognized as valid, an address relating to the distribution subnetwork is determined and a session token associated with said address is generated. A message indicating said address and the session token associated with said address is then transmitted to the user terminal. |
| US08631479B2 |
Automated device provisioning and activation
A method comprising providing a plurality of links to a plurality of end-user devices communicatively coupled to a network system, a particular link of the plurality of links supporting control-plane communications between the network system and a particular end-user device of the plurality of end-user devices over one or more wireless access networks; receiving a message from a server communicatively coupled to the network system, the message comprising payload for delivery to the particular end-user device; generating an encrypted message comprising the payload and an identifier identifying a particular device agent of a plurality of device agents on the particular end-user device, the identifier configured to assist in delivering at least a portion of the payload to the particular device agent on the particular end-user device; and sending the encrypted message to the particular end-user device over the particular link. |
| US08631477B2 |
Lifecycle management of privilege sharing using an identity management system
Managing a lifecycle of a shared privileged account via a proxy service which comprises an Identity Management (IdM) system that defines and manages identity services, which in turn manage privileged accounts used to access managed targets. Each of the identity services is mapped to a privilege group of the proxy service and an ID pool manager is implemented to manage sharing of the privileged accounts. A request is generated to access a managed target with a privileged account. A shared privileges module generates a shared ID authorization account and associates it with the requestor. The shared ID authorization account is populated with sign out information for a shared privileged account, which the requestor uses to access the corresponding managed target. When use of the shared privileged account is ended, the shared privileges module disassociates the requestor with the shared privileged account by deleting the shared ID authorization account. |
| US08631468B2 |
Active access monitoring for safer computing environments and systems
Techniques for controlling access are disclosed. The techniques can be used for reference monitoring in various computing systems (e.g., computing device) including those that may be relatively more susceptible to threats (e.g., mobile phones). Allowed access can be disallowed. In other words, permission to access a component can be effectively withdrawn even though access may be on-going. After permission to access a component has been allowed, one or more disallow access conditions or events can be effectively monitored in order to determine whether to withdraw the permission to access the component. As a result, allowed access to the component can be disallowed. Access can be disallowed by effectively considering the behavior of a component in the aggregate and/or over a determined amount of time. By way of example, a messaging application can be disallowed access to a communication port if the messaging application sends more messages than an acceptable limit during a session or in 4 hours. Disallow-access policies, rules and/or conditions can be defined and modified, for example, by end-users and system administrators, allowing a customizable and flexible security environment that is more adaptable to change. |
| US08631466B2 |
Machine to-machine (M2M) call flow security
Systems, methods, and instrumentalities are disclosed to provide secure operations in an M2M device. An M2M device may receive an indication that an operation to be performed is security sensitive. The M2M device may determine that the operation is to be performed in a secure environment on the M2M device. The secure environment may be a logically distinct portion of the M2M device. The determination may be made in in accordance with a policy. For example, the M2M device may determine that the operation meets a requirement specified in the policy indicating that the operation is to be performed in the secure environment. The M2M device may perform the operation in the secure environment on the M2M device. The M2M device may store a result relating to the operation in the secure environment. |
| US08631464B2 |
Method of detecting anomalous behaviour in a computer network
Method of detecting anomalous behavior in a computer network comprising the steps of—monitoring network traffic flowing in a computer network system,—authenticating users to which network packets of the network traffic are associated,—extracting parameters associated to the network packets for each user, said parameters including at least the type (T) of network services,—forming symbols based on a combination of one or more of said parameters, and—modeling and analyzing individual user behavior based on sequences of occurrence of said symbols (S). |
| US08631461B2 |
Dynamic data-protection policies within a request-reply message queuing environment
A request to process a request message using a request queue within a request-reply messaging environment is detected at a dynamic data protection module. At least one authorized sender module and a sole authorized recipient module of a response message to the request message is identified using a request queue policy of the request queue. A reply queue policy is dynamically created to process the response message using the identified at least one authorized sender module and the sole authorized recipient module of the response message. The dynamically-created reply queue policy is associated with a reply queue. The response message is processed responsive to a request to process the response message using the dynamically-created reply queue policy and the associated reply queue. |
| US08631456B2 |
Method and apparatus for browsing using alternative linkbases
Systems and methods for navigating hypermedia using multiple coordinated input/output device sets. Disclosed systems and methods allow a user and/or an author to control what resources are presented on which device sets (whether they are integrated or not), and provide for coordinating browsing activities to enable such a user interface to be employed across multiple independent systems. Disclosed systems and methods also support new and enriched aspects and applications of hypermedia browsing and related business activities. |
| US08631455B2 |
Adaptive streaming for digital content distribution
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for adapting playback bit rate to available delivery bandwidth in a content delivery system comprising a content server and a content player. A content player periodically estimates whether a given playback bit rate can feasibly provide complete playback for a given title assuming currently available bandwidth. If playback becomes unfeasible at a current bit rate assuming currently available bandwidth, then the content player adapts the bit rate downward until a feasible bit rate is achieved. If playback is feasible using a higher bit rate, then the content player may adapt the bit rate upward. |
| US08631453B2 |
Video branching
In certain implementations, a method of displaying a branched chain of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) video content involves providing a first stream of video content, the first stream of video content having a plurality of video features that appear during a plurality of associated time intervals in the first stream of video content; providing a collection of affiliate video streams related to the plurality of time intervals; providing a set of metadata that associates the time intervals with one of the plurality of affiliate video streams; playing the first stream of video content on an IPTV compatible player device to sequentially reveal the plurality of features of the first stream in their respective time relationships in the first stream via a display driven by the IPTV compatible player device; at the IPTV compatible player device, receiving a selection signal during the associated time interval that selects the video feature being displayed; upon receipt of the selection signal, the IPTV compatible player device accessing the metadata to identify a particular one of the collection of affiliate data streams that is associated with the time interval of the selected video feature; and the IPTV compatible player device ceasing to play the first stream of video content and beginning playing the associated one of the collection of affiliate data streams that is associated with the time interval of the selected feature; whereby, the viewer directly navigates from one stream of video content to an affiliate video. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08631451B2 |
Server architecture supporting adaptive delivery to a variety of media players
A media server component serves media programs to a plurality of client media players across a distribution network taking into consideration available data transfer rate and media player characteristics. The media programs are served adaptively, considering screen size, refresh rate required, frame rate, audio format, user preferences at the recipient media player's end and estimated available data transfer rate. The media server component responds to the channel conditions, recipient media audio and video characteristics and the user preferences at the recipient device's end in real time, by either delivering a stored program or transcoding the stored program in real time. |
| US08631450B1 |
Broadband local area network
A BCN network with BCN modems that enable network wired devices to communicate over a typical home coaxial network that may include passive splitters and different types of coaxial cable. |
| US08631448B2 |
Systems and methods for scheduling interactive media and events
The user can respond to a media segment wherein the media segment may be associated with a schedulable event. Software on the device can then schedule the event into an electronic calendar system, and/or may use data associated with the media segment. At the appropriate time, the electronic calendar system may notify the user of the scheduled broadcast and/or event. |
| US08631445B2 |
Digital television signal, digital television receiver, and method of processing digital television signal
A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs. |
| US08631441B2 |
Method of coding and transmitting EPG data, coder and receiver
EPG data regarding programs and their scheduled times are structured and/or transmitted in such a way that program and schedule records are interleaved. This scheme allows better handling by receiving devices such as embedded devices (i.e. LCD remote controls), because a more efficient reception and storage of transmitted data is possible. In particular, the receiving device can read, parse and store the downloaded EPG data on the fly as it is being received (it can start reading, parsing and storing before the complete reception of data id finished). At any time when the device would have to stop storing EPG data into persistent storage, (almost) all of the data that was stored can actually be used. |
| US08631439B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing a navigational search structure for media content
Methods, systems, and computer program products for navigating during playback of media content on a content viewing device are provided. A method includes associating a descriptor with a time element. The time element references an instantiation of the descriptor in a content file. The method also includes applying a reference tag that identifies the descriptor to a location on the navigational search structure associated with the content file. The location is determined by the time element. The method further includes displaying the reference tag on the navigational search structure at the content viewing device while viewing the content file in playback mode. |
| US08631437B2 |
Automatically generated TV favorites list
A favorite channel list for a media system is generated by observing the viewing, surfing, and recording habits of a user. The viewing habits may include the duration and frequency of viewing a channel. A user's surfing habits, including navigation habits of a guide, the method used for navigation to a channel, and information queries made during a surfing session may be used to determine which channels may be added to a favorites list. When the user has an ability to record a program and view the program later, the user's behavior in selecting programs for recording, and the behaviors of playing back and archiving recorded shows may also be used to identify favorite channels. In some embodiments, the favorites list may be customized for a user or node of a playback system, as well as time of day. |
| US08631436B2 |
Method and apparatus for presenting media segments
An approach is provided for presenting media segments. A media segment manager receives an input, from a device, for specifying a plurality of segments. Each of the plurality of segments corresponds to one or more media streams and is associated with a respective duration of time. The media segment manager then causes, at least in part, presentation of the plurality of segments in a predetermined order based on the input and the respective durations of time. |
| US08631435B2 |
Method for providing program image information in digital broadcasting receiving device
A method for providing program image information in a digital broadcasting receiving device. The method includes receiving image broadcasting information segments containing pre-edited program image information about a plurality of channels to be displayed by displaying in a plurality of areas of a display screen and displaying the received image broadcasting information segments. The method allows display of program image information about a plurality of channels on a single screen, thus enabling a user to easily monitor a program being played back on each channel. |
| US08631432B2 |
System and method for a communication exchange with an avatar in a media communication system
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a processor that causes a STB to present an avatar. The processor can receive from the STB a response of the user, detect from the response a change in an emotional state of the user, adapt a search for media content according to the change in the emotional state of the user, and adapt a portion of the characteristics of the avatar relating to emotional feedback according to the change in the emotional state of the user. The processor can cause the STB to present the adapted avatar presenting content from a media content source identified from the adapted search for media content. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08631429B2 |
Apparatus and method for managing programs in a digital television
The invention provides a program managing method for use in a digital television for managing programs by rating region tables (RRTs). The method includes receiving a channel switch signal; switching to a channel according to the channel switch signal; searching whether a local rating region table (RRT) of the channel is stored in the digital television; and playing programs according to the contents of the local rating region table when the local rating region table is stored in the digital television, else creating the local rating region table in the digital television and playing programs according to the contents of the local rating region table. |
| US08631425B2 |
Method for processing of application transaction in a web services framework
A system and method are provided to perform tentative updating for transactions using the Web Services Reliable Messaging protocol. From a protocol layer of a client side web services framework persists a message from an application transaction (a reversion message) in a persistent storage unit. The web services framework forwards the reversion message as a reliable message to a transport layer to cause a recipient to revert to a state prior to the application transaction, if a triggering event occurs in the web services framework. If no triggering event occurs a confirmation message is forwarded as a reliable message to confirm receipt of the tentative update at the transport layer. Concurrently with the confirmation persisted reversion message is deleted from the persistent storage unit. |
| US08631422B2 |
Business event processing
Techniques for business event processing are presented. Methods and apparatuses disclosed herein may operate to receive a request to perform an operation on a listing previously published by an online marketplace; to identify at least one additional listing having certain characteristics in common with the listing from a plurality of previously published listings including the listing; and to automatically perform the operation on the at least one additional listing. |
| US08631421B2 |
Notification processor that notifies information and position information manager
To provide an apparatus that transmits information, which includes a storage unit that stores notification rule information in which transmission destination information is associated with notification type information, a reception processor that receives predetermined information from a detector that detects a mobile information storage medium attached to an object, a notification information generating unit that obtains information specified by the notification type information in the notification rule information based on the predetermined information, to generate notification information from obtained information, and a notification unit that transmits the notification information to a transmission destination specified by the transmission destination information associated with the notification type information that is used when the notification information is generated. |
| US08631416B2 |
Parallelizing scheduler for database commands
A system, method, and computer-readable medium, is described that enables a parallelizing scheduler to analyze database instructions, determine data dependencies among instructions, and provide a multi-threaded approach to running instructions in parallel while preserving data dependencies. |
| US08631407B2 |
Real time flash based user interface for media playback device
Common clients for consumer electronics devices that include natively implemented virtual machines are described. One embodiment of the invention includes audio and video decoders, a natively implemented host process, a natively implemented virtual machine, a common client including natively implemented processes configured to coordinate playback of audio and video using the playback device's audio and video decoders, a VM framework configured to execute within the virtual machine and to enable scripts executing within the virtual machine to initiate playback of audio and video using the natively implemented processes, and a user interface implemented as a script configured to be executed within the virtual machine. |
| US08631406B2 |
Distributed cloud computing architecture
Availability of processing resources of client computing systems can be registered by a client virtual machine on each of the plurality of client computing systems with a cloud controller. Thereafter, the cloud controller selectively dispatches tasks to at least one of the client virtual machines based on availability of corresponding processing resources and a level of workload in at least one datacenter coupled to the cloud controller. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described. |
| US08631405B2 |
Identification and placement of new virtual machines based on similarity of software configurations with hosted virtual machines
A mechanism for optimizing initial placement of virtual machines (VMs) to reduce memory consumption based on similar characteristics is disclosed. A method of embodiments of the invention includes identifying characteristics of a new virtual machine (VM) to be placed by a host controller on one of a plurality of candidate host machines and, for each candidate host machine of the plurality of candidate host machines, communicating with one or more VM agents each associated with a VM of one or more VMs hosted by the candidate host machine to identify characteristics of the one or more VMs. The method further includes identifying the candidate host with the most VMs having similar characteristics to the new VM. |
| US08631404B2 |
Mechanism for downloading hypervisor updates via a virtual hardware device using existing virtual machine-host channels
A mechanism for downloading hypervisor updates using existing virtual machine (VM)-to-host channels is disclosed. A method of embodiments of the invention includes receiving one or more updates to the hypervisor from the VM via a hypervisor update component, verifying that the one or more received updates are valid, and installing the one or more received updates if the one or more received updates are valid. |
| US08631403B2 |
Method and system for managing tasks by dynamically scaling centralized virtual center in virtual infrastructure
Methods, systems, and computer programs for performing management tasks in a virtual infrastructure are presented. The method includes detecting an increase, beyond a predetermined threshold, in the number of tasks waiting to be processed by a first virtual center (VC), which executes as a virtual machine (VM) in the virtual infrastructure. Further, the method includes operations for spawning one or more additional VCs executing as VMs in the virtual infrastructure and for distributing the managed objects handled by the first VC among the additional VCs. The tasks waiting to be processed are reallocated among the first VC and the additional VCs, and the reallocated tasks are then processed by the corresponding VC. |
| US08631401B2 |
Capacity planning by transaction type
Capacity planning is performed based on expected transaction load and the resource utilization for each expected transaction. Resource usage is determined for one or more transactions or URLs based on transaction specific and non-transaction specific resource usage. Once the resource usage for each transaction is known, the expected resource usage may be determined for an expected quantity of each transaction. The actual resources needed to meet the expected resource usage are then determined. Resources may include hardware or software, such as a central processing unit, memory, hard disk bandwidth, network bandwidth, and other computing system components. The expected resource usage for a transaction may based on the usage directly related to the transaction and usage not directly related to the transaction but part of a process associated with the performed transactions. |
| US08631400B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating a software dependency map
A virtual installation map, and method involving installing a software functionality using the same, the virtual installation map including a first software installation map including a plurality of software elements representative of a related software file, the software elements also including at least one dependency to another software element. The virtual installation map further including a second software installation map also including a second plurality of software elements representative of related software file along with related dependencies. The first and second software installation maps may be hosted in separate databases and may relate to software products provided by different vendors. One or both software installation maps may include a pointer or other reference to the other installation map thereby providing a virtual installation map, in one example. |
| US08631395B2 |
Inter-procedural dead catch handler optimizations
Whole program analysis during a link time code generation part of compilation can be used to detect and eliminate dead catch handlers. If all catch handlers of a try clause in a computer program are found to be dead then the try clause can also be eliminated. Detection of dead catches can be automatic, using iterative propagation of the types of thrown exceptions from callee function to caller function from bottom to top in the call-graph and iterative propagation of the types of in-flight exceptions from caller function to callee function from top to bottom in the call-graph. |
| US08631393B2 |
Custom database system and method of building and operating the same
A process for performing a software task is detailed that includes preparing readable programming computer code and storing the computer code within the storage of a computer system in uncompiled form. The computer code is compiled to machine code in response to an executional call for the code. The machine code corresponding to the computer code is then executed to perform the software task. In addition to removing the conventional limitation of retaining only executable compiled software, only a portion of a larger total computer code necessary to perform the desired software task is compiled in response to an executional call from a user, request for another computer process, a prompt by an interfaced electronic instrument or a boot event. |
| US08631392B1 |
Analysis of a sequence of data in object-oriented environments
A tool for analyzing a sequence of data in an object-oriented environment is disclosed. In an embodiment, the sequence of data may include time-indexed sequence of data (“time series data”). The tool may enable a user to generate a time series object for encapsulating the time series data in the object-oriented environment. The user may construct the time series object from data or mathematical expressions using a command line interface. The time series object may include a sequence of objects implementing APIs that supply an interface for analyzing the times series data in the time series object. The user may analyze the time series data encapsulated in the time series object using the APIs of the time series object. |
| US08631391B2 |
Method and a system for process discovery
The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and a method for process discovery. Embodiments of the present invention comprise extracting process data from a data source, creating a trace using the extracted process data, wherein the trace comprises a plurality of events, and detecting a process model using the plurality of events. |
| US08631388B2 |
Graphical editor with incremental development
Techniques for developing a graphical editor using an incremental development approach. Externally-stored descriptors are used to specify information on which a graphical editor engine operates to create a graphical editor. Developers can thus redefine the look and feel of the graphical editor by modifying these descriptors, effectively re-configuring the elements of visual models without changing the code of the graphical editor engine. Visual models for modeling a domain can be created and used, without first requiring the domain model to be defined. |
| US08631385B2 |
Optimizing code generation system with input data integration
A code generation system is optimized by integrating input data. An input code to the code generation system has a program code and an annotation. The program code is a program text to be automated by the code generation system. The annotation has code generating instructions to process the program code. An input code parser generates a template that parameterizes texts of the program code for automatically generating an output code. The input code parser produces a model to instantiate parameterized program code for each parameter. The template is used as inputs to a template engine of the code generation system and produces a code generator. An output code is created by applying the model to the code generator. |
| US08631383B2 |
Integrated circuits, standard cells, and methods for generating a layout of an integrated circuit
An integrated circuit according to an embodiment of the invention includes a substrate having a first cell and a second cell, the first and the second cells being adapted to perform a substantially same functionality. Corresponding functional structures of the first and the second cell are electrically connected, at different locations inside the standard cells, to information carrying signal interconnection lines, wherein the functional structures are adapted to serve as an information carrying signal input or as an information carrying signal output. |
| US08631382B2 |
LVS implementation for FinFET design
A method includes converting an active region in a layout of an integrated circuit into a fin-based structure that has a fin. The active region belongs to an integrated circuit device, and has a planar layout structure. The method further includes extracting a Resistance-Capacitance (RC) loading of the integrated circuit device using the parameters of the fin-based structure. The steps of converting and extracting are performed by a computer. |
| US08631380B2 |
Method of, and apparatus for, data path optimisation in parallel pipelined hardware
A method of generating a hardware design for a pipelined parallel stream processor, by defining a hardware processing operation; specifying at least one propagation rule; defining a graph representing the processing operation in the time domain, comprising at least one data path to be implemented as a hardware design and a plurality of parallel branches; each data path having: at least one data path input, output, and discrete object corresponding to a hardware element; each discrete object comprises an input for receiving an input variable, an operator for executing a function on said input variable, and an output variable; optimizing each output from each discrete object in dependence upon the propagation rule to produce an optimised graph; and utilizing the optimised graph to define an optimised hardware design for implementation in said pipelined parallel stream processor. |
| US08631376B2 |
Method and system for generating a placement layout of a VLSI circuit design
A method and a system for generating a placement layout is disclosed. The method includes receiving one or more user provided schematic with circuit data, placement parameters of circuit elements, default values, and user specified function calls and variables for calculating placement parameters; evaluating variables and function calls to discrete placement parameters; evaluating justification values and adjusting relative parameter values; calculating absolute placement coordinates for all cells from relative placement parameters for each instance; adjusting placement coordinates for alignment options; and generating a layout/hierarchical layout with placement circuit elements based on the calculated absolute placement coordinates. |
| US08631368B2 |
Method and circuit to generate race condition test data at multiple supply voltages
A method and circuit for characterizing a process variation of a semiconductor die is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes operating a circuit at multiple supply voltage levels to generate race condition testing data. The circuit is disposed on at least one die of a wafer and includes at least one racing path circuit having at least two paths. The method further includes collecting the race condition testing data and evaluating the collected race condition testing data. The race condition testing data is correlated to a process variation of the at least one die. |
| US08631366B2 |
Integrated circuit design using DFM-enhanced architecture
Integrated circuit libraries include a first standard cell having a first left boundary and a first right boundary, and a second standard cell having a second left boundary and a second right boundary. The first standard cell and the second standard cell are of a same cell variant. A first active region in the first standard cell has a different length of diffusion than a second active region in the second standard cell. The first active region and the second active region are corresponding active regions represented by a same component of a same circuit diagram representing both the first standard cell and the second standard cell. |
| US08631362B1 |
Circuit instance variation probability system and method
A system and process for utilizing probability distribution information about process parameters to quantify the probability of manufacturing process variation for variants of circuit designs in order to more efficiently analyze and simulate the designs. |
| US08631361B2 |
Integrated circuit design method with dynamic target point
The present disclosure provides one embodiment of an integrated circuit (IC) method. The method includes receiving an IC design layout having a pattern, assigning target points to segments of the pattern, and producing first a simulated contour of the pattern based on the assigned target points. The method further includes reassigning the target points to the segments of the pattern based on the first simulated contour of the pattern; producing a second simulated contour of the pattern based on the reassigned target points, and after producing the second simulated contour of the pattern, producing a modified IC design layout. |
| US08631351B2 |
Providing multiple degrees of context for content consumed on computers and media players
Multiple degrees of context for media content that is consumable on computing platforms including PCs and personal media players is provided by logically organizing context objects into halos that surround each piece of consumable content. The context objects represent information and experiences that are contextually associated with media content to enable users to easily discover content and experiences that they will find interesting in a rich and personal manner. As a user navigates from a content item to a context object in the halo, the context object itself morphs into content that is then surrounded by a new halo of context objects to which the user may navigate. The organization of media content and information into halos enables an effective contextual paradigm that cuts across strict hierarchical structures to allow the user experience to be much more seamless and free-flowing. |
| US08631347B2 |
Electronic document style matrix
A method and system for rendering electronic document objects is provided in which a style matrix holds potential attribute values, and attribute references are used to address values in the style matrix. A mix of attribute references and actual attribute values may be used to make some attributes theme- and application-specific, and others theme- and application-independent. Further, a method for rendering a gallery of potential styles is provided. Additionally, a method for associating a style matrix with an electronic document application is provided. Finally, a computer-readable medium for storing a computer-interpretable data structure that identifies a matrix of style attribute types and style attribute values is provided. |
| US08631345B2 |
Information processing apparatus, display control method and display control program
An information processing apparatus includes: a display control section for displaying a window showing a first icon and a second icon of a predetermined display size on a display screen. The display control section reduces the display size of at least either the first icon or the second icon so as not to overlap with each other if it determines that the icons overlap with each other when it alters a display area of the window being displayed on the display screen. |
| US08631344B2 |
Menu display apparatus, menu display method, and storage medium containing menu display program
There is provided a novel menu selection method in a mobile phone. Also provided is a cursor displaying method with which a user can intuitively recognize a moving direction and moving speed. In addition, a novel scrollbar with which the user can recognize, in a case of displaying menus beyond a display screen, a range currently displayed on a display screen among all the menus and a current cursor position within the menus displayed on the current display screen. |
| US08631343B1 |
Automatically designating document items, such as references to other documents, for improved navigation and/or retrieval
Referenced items (e.g., search results, ads, etc.) on a document may be designated automatically. Alternatively, or in addition, a user can designate more than one reference without needing to repeat a designation input. The designated item references may be rendered persistently (e.g., constantly displayed), perhaps as separate tabs. A user could then select a persistent item reference, and the referenced item would be rendered to the user. |
| US08631341B2 |
System and method for selecting a tab within a tabbed browser
The techniques and mechanisms described herein are directed to a method for managing and selecting one out of large set of open tabs in a tabbed browser. Browsing software is configured to provide a quick pick user-interface that visually displays the content of the several tabs, such as a by displaying a thumbnail for each tab. The thumbnails allow a user to easily distinguish between each opened tab. The browsing software may also be configured to recognize a user selection from within the quick pick user-interface and in response, switch back to a tabbed window view and display the selected tab in that view. The browsing software may adjust the tab row so that the selected tab is positioned in a favorable position within the tab row. In addition, within the quick pick user-interface, the user may reposition the thumbnails and/or close the thumbnails, thus affecting the associated tab in the tab row. |
| US08631340B2 |
Tab management in a user interface window
Techniques to facilitate finding a tab or tabs in a user interface window are described. Various embodiments present tabs, individual tabs being associated with an opened document such as a web page or an activity, in a user interface window and automatically group at least some of the tabs together in a visually distinctive way. In at least some embodiments, this grouping is performed in response to a user interacting with the tabs in a particular way. For instance, a user may cause a tab to be created or moved within the user interface window such that the tab is grouped with a tab group or ungrouped from a tab group. Furthermore, one or more embodiments provide for certain tab-related actions, such as selecting an active tab and changing a display of a title of a tab, which can be performed in a manner based at least in part on this grouping. |
| US08631337B2 |
Systems and methods of copying data
A particular method includes detecting a context switch to a first interface. In response to the context switch, data values from a plurality of data fields of the first interface may automatically be copied to a shared storage location. |
| US08631336B2 |
Display system for an aircraft cockpit
Disclosed is a display system for an aircraft cockpit. The display system includes a plurality of display devices, each of which comprises at least one viewing screen configured to display a display format, and a cursor management unit linked to each display device and configured for moving a cursor over sensitive objects on the viewing screens of the display devices. Each of the display devices includes a format display unit configured to determine the display format of an associated viewing screen; a cursor detection unit configured to detect the presence of the cursor on the associated viewing screen; a geographic determining unit, linked to the format display unit and cursor detection unit, and configured to determine current geographic position of the cursor on the associated viewing screen; a data transmission link that links the geographic determining unit to the data transmission network; and a display unit configured to display a characteristic signal representing the determined current geographic position of the cursor. |
| US08631335B2 |
Interactive element management in a web page
An illustrative embodiment of a computer-implemented method for plug-in re-use in a web page for simulated simultaneous interactive elements, determines whether an interactive element is a plug-in instance on a web page and responsive to a determination that the interactive element is not a plug-in instance on a web page, requests current state information of the interactive element from the web page. The computer-implemented method loads the current state information into an available plug-in instance on the web page, positions and sizes the available plug-in instance on top of the interactive element on the web page and enables interaction with the interactive element. |
| US08631333B2 |
Feature set differentiation by tenant and user
A system for online collaboration includes an application for online collaboration, the application including an application feature set, a control module programmed to receive a request from a user to access a tenancy associated with the application on the system, the tenancy including a site provisioned for a tenant, the request including a tenancy identifier identifying the tenancy and a user identifier identifying the user, the control module using the tenancy identifier to identify a tenancy feature set associated with the tenancy, and the control module using the user identifier to identify a user feature set associated with the user, and a web-page render module programmed to generate a collaboration web site including a site feature set including the tenancy feature set and the user feature set, the web site being sent to the user for rendering on the user's computing device. |
| US08631332B2 |
Content visualization
Displaying a preference by a user of a content contribution is disclosed. A preference event by the user is detected. A plurality of detected events is stored. In response to a query from a client, at least a portion of the stored detected events is stored. At least a portion of the received events is displayed in an interface. |
| US08631331B2 |
Apparatus for network traffic classification benchmark
The present invention relates to a network management system for analyzing Internet application traffic. An apparatus for Internet application traffic classification benchmark according to the present invention configures two or more Internet application traffic classifications in plug-in scheme to perform a benchmarking function for the performance of each Internet application traffic classification. The apparatus can provide an objective and accurate evaluation for each classification technology by aggregating various Internet application traffic classification technologies by the plug-in scheme. |
| US08631329B2 |
Method and device for the restitution of multimedia data transmitted by a gateway to a terminal
A method is provided for the restitution of multimedia data transmitted by a gateway to a communications terminal via a first transmission channel. The method includes the following steps: interrogating the terminal via the gateway about its capabilities of restituting the multimedia data; transmitting, to the gateway via the terminal, a list of commands that it is capable of executing; transmitting, via the gateway, multimedia data with the aid of at least one series of commands that is part of the list of commands that can be executed by the terminal, and restituting, in this terminal, the multimedia data with the aid of the received command. |
| US08631327B2 |
Balancing loudspeakers for multiple display users
A method consistent with the present invention involves displaying a window on a computer monitor; at one or more programmed processors, determining a position of the window on the computer monitor; at the one or more programmed processors, deducing a user position for a user of the window with the window based on the position of the window on the computer monitor; and steering audio signals from an application running in the window to a loudspeaker in an array of loudspeakers, where the loudspeaker is a loudspeaker in the array of loudspeakers closer to the deduced user position than another loudspeaker in the array. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08631326B2 |
Segmented timeline for a media-editing application
Some embodiments provide a method that receives a timeline that includes several pieces of content. The method receives user input to divide the timeline into hierarchical segments of varying duration. The method defines associations between the pieces of content and at least one hierarchical level of the segments. In some embodiments, the method is performed by a media-editing application and the pieces of content are media clips inserted into the timeline by a user. |
| US08631325B1 |
Real-time data visualization of streaming data
In certain implementations, a first data element set associated with a first attribute may be provided on a user interface. Individual first data elements of the first data element set may each represent a first value associated with the first attribute. A control element set may be provided on the user interface. Individual control elements of the control element set may each represent an attribute. A first touch-based input indicating an association of a first one of the individual control elements with a first one of the individual first data elements may be received. Responsive to the indicated association, a second data element set associated with a second attribute that is represented by the first one of the individual control elements may be provided on the user interface. Individual second data elements of the second data element set may each represent a second value associated with the second attribute and correspond to the first value represented by the first one of the first individual data elements. |
| US08631324B2 |
Running content emitters natively on local operating system
Techniques for running content emitters natively on a local operating system, by executing a local executive as a native application on the target operating system. In some embodiments, a content emitter such as a portlet preferably invokes, by its normal inclusion mechanism, a markup emitter directed toward the native user interface environment. The markup streams created by locally-executing portlets are collected by the local executive, but instead of being combined into a browser-based markup stream as in the prior art, one or more windows represented by the markup streams is/are created for rendering with the native operating system. An association is maintained between the created window and the portlet(s) emitting content for that window, and controls can be created and valued for the window using this association. In other embodiments, the content emitters execute remotely and deliver content that is adapted for native rendering. |
| US08631321B2 |
Content authoring system and method
Provided herein are exemplary embodiments of a system and method of enabling a content author, such as an instructor, to rapidly create interactive, educational content for use in an online environment, without a costly pre-production or post-production process. In one embodiment, the system comprises a network, a library of interactive template files in a first file format, such as .swf; at least one authoring device coupled to the network, capable of recording a plurality of audio visual content segments in a second file format, such as .avi, and providing one or more of the interactive template files; and a device for converting the audio visual content segments in the second file format to files in the first file format. The authoring device is also adapted to assign a defined run order to the files in the first file format. |
| US08631313B2 |
Method of error detection for wireless transmission
A transmitter generates an encrypted data by processing a specific data according to a specific transmission mode, generates a verification code according to the specific transmission mode, and provides a protocol data unit according to the encrypted data and the verification code. After transmission, a receiver decodes the protocol data unit and determines whether the decrypted data of the protocol data unit matches the verification code, thereby providing error detection for wireless transmission. |
| US08631309B2 |
Forward error correction with extended effective block size
In an aspect, in general, a forward error correction algorithm (FEC) utilizes an FEC block structure in a manner that extends the effective error correction such that it can approach an “infinite” length to obtain benefits typical of very large FEC block size without the commensurate computation cost. |
| US08631308B2 |
Apparatus and method for determination of a position of a 1 bit error in a coded bit sequence, apparatus and method for correction of a 1-bit error in a coded bit sequence and decoder and method for decoding an incorrect, coded bit sequence
An apparatus for determination of a position of a 1-bit error includes an error position determiner of the inner code, an error syndrome determiner of the outer code, a derivative determiner and an overall error position determiner. The error position determiner of the inner code determines at least one possible error position of a bit error in the coded bit sequence on the basis of the inner code. The error syndrome determiner of the outer code determines a value of a non-linear syndrome bit of the outer code on the basis of a non-linear function of bits in the coded bit sequence. Furthermore, the derivative determiner determines a value of a derivative bit for at least one determined, possible error position of the bit error on the basis of derivation of the non-linear function based on the bit at the determined, possible error position in the coded bit sequence. |
| US08631294B2 |
Methods and devices to increase memory device data reliability
A first data set is written to first memory units identified as having a higher data reliability and a second data set is written to second memory units identified as having a lower data reliability than the first memory units. In some cases, the second data set may include metadata or redundancy information that is useful to aid in reading and/or decoding the first data set. The act of writing the second data set increases the data reliability of the first data set. The second data set may be a null pattern, such as all erased bits. |
| US08631286B2 |
Information storage device
During initial access in which a control unit 8 accesses a disk device 3 for a first time following execution of a command, the control unit 8 waits for an access response from the disk device 3 until a first timeout value, which is set at a time for completing access to the disk device 3, is counted, and during an access retry subsequent to the initial access, the control unit 8 waits for an access response from the disk device 3 until a second timeout value, which is larger than the first timeout value and set at a time required to specify a source of an access error, is counted. |
| US08631285B2 |
Content data recording apparatus and method
A content data recording apparatus includes a code addition unit adding an error correction code to an input content data, a data storing unit temporarily storing the content data, and outputting it, a plurality of nonvolatile memories that enable writing/reading of the content data, a generator generating a write address and a read address, a read buffer temporarily storing the read content data, and outputting it, an error correction unit correcting an error of the content data based on the error correction code, and giving correction impossible notification when the error is not corrected by the error correction code, and a controller carrying out a read control for reading content data from the nonvolatile memories, and carrying out a first rewrite control for controlling the data storing unit so that the data storing unit again outputs content data, and writing the content data again output to the nonvolatile memories. |
| US08631281B1 |
System and method for archive verification using multiple attempts
Systems, methods and apparatus for archive verification including the verification of media in a library, are disclosed. More specifically, a method of archive verification may include performing an initial verification on a set of media to obtain an initial result for each of the media. Based on the results of the initial verification a subsequent set of media may be selected for subsequent verification utilizing a set of rules. A subsequent verification may then be performed on each of the subsequent set of media. Based on the results of the subsequent verification it can then be attempted to determine if any of the media require still require subsequent verification using the set of rules. This iterative process may continue until no media need any subsequent verification. |
| US08631280B2 |
Method of measuring and diagnosing misbehaviors of software components and resources
Systems and methods are described for diagnosing behavior of software components in an application server. The application server can comprise a plurality of components that process incoming requests. A diagnostics advisor can be deployed with the application server and can determine an efficiency and/or inefficiency of each of the components of the application server or other middleware system. The efficiency determined by computing a ratio of the number of requests that completed execution during a particular sampling time period to the number of requests that were received. The inefficiency is the ratio of the number of requests that are still being executed at the end of the sampling time period to the number of requests that were received. The diagnostics advisor employs the determined efficiency and/or inefficiency to diagnose a misbehavior or other problem of the components in the application server. |
| US08631279B2 |
Propagating unobserved exceptions in distributed execution environments
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for propagating unhandled exceptions in distributed execution environments, such as clusters. A job (e.g., a query) can include a series of computation steps that are executed on multiple compute nodes each processing parts of a distributed data set. Unhandled exceptions can be caught while computations are running on data partitions of different compute nodes. Unhandled exception objects can be stored in a serialized format in a compute node's local storage (or an alternate central location) along with auxiliary details such as the data partition being processed at the time. Stored serialized exception objects for a job can be harvested and aggregated in a single container object. The single container object can be passed back to the client. |
| US08631275B2 |
Controller arrangement of an electrical power transfer system of a wind turbine
A controller arrangement of an electrical power transfer system (1) of a wind turbine is described. The wind turbine has an electrical generator and is connected to an electrical power grid, wherein the power transfer system (1) is arranged to transfer electrical power from the generator to the grid. The power transfer system (1) has at least two electrical elements (2-6), e.g. converters, and at least two controllers (15-17) each arranged to control at least one element (2-6). |
| US08631271B2 |
Heterogeneous recovery in a redundant memory system
Providing heterogeneous recovery in a redundant memory system that includes a memory controller, a plurality of memory channels in communication with the memory controller, an error detection code mechanism configured for detecting a failing memory channel, and an error recovery mechanism. The error recovery mechanism is configured for receiving notification of the failing memory channel, for performing a recovery operation on the failing memory channel while other memory channels are performing normal system operations, for bringing the recovered channel back into operational mode with the other memory channels for store operations, for continuing to mark the recovered channel to guard against stale data, for removing any stale data after the recovery operation is complete, and for removing the mark on the recovered channel to allow the normal system operations with all of the memory channels, the removing in response to the removing any stale data being complete. |
| US08631269B2 |
Methods and system for replacing a failed node in a distributed storage network
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a system and method for replacing a failed node in a distributed data storage network. The network includes storage nodes storing source data amongst them in a redundant manner that is coded using one of minimum-storage, minimum-bandwidth or twin code techniques. On failure of a storage node, means of obtaining the data of the failed node from the existing nodes are described, under each of these coding techniques. This action is performed in a manner that requires a minimal amount of download. The storage space required in the nodes is also minimized. |
| US08631268B2 |
Slave device, system including master device and slave device, method for operating the same, and chip package
A slave device communicating with a master device includes a transmission unit configured to transmit a signal to the master device through a communication channel, a calibration unit configured to measure a flight time of a calibration signal which is transmitted to the master device and fed back through a calibration channel coupled to the master device, and a transmission delay unit configured to delay the signal transmitted from an internal circuit of the slave device to the transmission unit by a delay value determined according to the measurement result of the calibration unit. |
| US08631263B2 |
Information processing apparatus, control method for information processing apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium
An information processing apparatus decreases power supply to a processing unit if a predetermined condition is satisfied. If a waiting time has elapsed during a power saving state in which power supply to the processing unit is decreased, the information processing apparatus cancels the power saving state. The information processing apparatus executes a head retraction in response to the cancellation of the power saving state. The information processing apparatus stops power supply to the storage unit in response to completion of the head retraction. |
| US08631257B2 |
Platform power management based on latency guidance
Embodiments of a system for receiving power management guidelines from a first plurality of components of a system, and developing a power management policy to manage one or more of a second plurality of components of the system based at least in part on the received power management guidelines. Other embodiments are described. |
| US08631253B2 |
Manager and host-based integrated power saving policy in virtualization systems
A mechanism for a manager and host-based integrated power saving policy in virtualization systems is disclosed. A method of the invention includes receiving configuration and power information of a host machine from a management agent on the host machine, performing a macro-level power saving scheduling algorithm that takes into consideration the received configuration and power information of the host machine, and requesting that the host machine alter a number of active running CPU cores as part of the macro-level power saving scheduling algorithm. |
| US08631249B2 |
Operation unit and program
In an embodiment, regarding an addition of a kb-bit number A and a b-bit random number r, element data of a pre-calculated table C′ is set based on a sum AH+rH of a value AH of upper b/2 bits of a number A2, which is lower b bits of the number A, and a value rH of upper b/2 bits of the random number r and the sum AL+rL of a value AL of lower b/2 bits of the number A2 and a value rL of lower b/2 bits of the random number r in such a way that presence/absence of carrying-over of A2+r is indicated. Accordingly, the size of the pre-calculated table needed to be reduced for obtaining an addition result of upper (k−1)b bits by mutually adding the kb-bit number A and the b-bit number r. |
| US08631245B2 |
Information processing apparatus, control method and computer-readable medium
An information processing apparatus that performs mapping of a data field in a database to a document template holding a variable area according to a mapping rule defined in the variable area, thereby generating print data for each record in the database, the information processing apparatus comprises: an accepting unit configured to accept designation from a user regarding whether or not to perform encryption of the data field referred to by the mapping rule, for each data field; a determination unit configured to determine whether or not to encrypt content that is to be applied to the variable area based on the data field for which encryption designation is accepted by the accepting unit and the mapping rule; and a generation unit configured to encrypt the content that is to be applied to the variable area and that is determined to be encrypted by the determination unit. |
| US08631240B2 |
Compressed ECDSA signatures
An improved compression scheme for compressing an ECDSA signature is provided. The scheme substitutes the integer s in a signature (r, s) by a smaller value c. The value c is derived from s and another value d, d being small enough such that c is smaller than s. The compressed signature (r, c) is verified by computing a value using r and e, e being a hash of a message m, and using this value with a value R recovered from r to derive the value d. The value s can then be recovered and the full signature then recovered and verified. |
| US08631239B2 |
Multiple system images for over-the-air updates
In one embodiment, a mobile device performs an over-the-air firmware update by writing the updated firmware to a inactive system image partition, and rebooting the device. The security of the OTA update is maintained through checking a plurality of security signatures in an OTA manifest, and the integrity of the data is maintained by checking a hash value of the downloaded system image. |
| US08631237B2 |
Simplified login for mobile devices
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to a simplified login for mobile devices. In aspects, on a first logon, a mobile device asks a user to enter credentials and a PIN. The credentials and PIN are sent to a server which validates user credentials. If the user credentials are valid, the server encrypts data that includes at least the user credentials and the PIN and sends the encrypted data to the mobile device. In subsequent logons, the user may logon using only the PIN. During login, the mobile device sends the PIN in conjunction with the encrypted data. The server can then decrypt the data and compare the received PIN with the decrypted PIN. If the PINs are equal, the server may grant access to a resource according to the credentials. |
| US08631236B2 |
Auto file locker
Online file locker system, method, and computer software are described. Some such tools can employ a universal serial bus memory drive, a residential gateway, and/or a data server over a network. In some cases, when the universal serial bus memory drive is inserted into a universal serial bus port of the residential gateway, data stored on the universal serial bus memory drive is automatically uploaded to, and/or synchronized with data stored on, the data server, which is in communication with the residential gateway over the network. In other cases, data deletion is accomplished in a similar manner, for example, upon removal of the universal serial bus drive and/or upon detection of files deleted from the universal serial bus drive. |
| US08631235B2 |
System and method for storing data using a virtual worm file system
A system and method for storing data in a virtual file system using write once read many (WORM) protection includes a WORM server in communication with one or more storage devices and a controller in communication with the WORM server. A first time stamping process for creating a first time stamp for a data object based on instructions applied by the controller for storage on the WORM server. A second time stamping process for creating a second time stamp for the data object for storage on the WORM server. The second time stamping process creates the second time stamp for the data object and first time stamp to ensure the integrity of the data object stored on the system. |
| US08631233B1 |
Pipelined packet encryption and decryption using counter mode with cipher-block chaining message authentication code protocol
An apparatus including a key mixing circuit, an input circuit, a packet number circuit, and an encryption circuit. The key mixing circuit generates a plurality of encryption seeds, wherein each encryption seed is generated based upon a predetermined key, a transmitter address, and a corresponding value for a packet number. The input circuit receives a plurality of packets of data. The packet number circuit inserts, into each packet of data received by the input circuit, a different one of the corresponding values for a packet number. The encryption circuit encrypts each packet of data using the encryption seed that was generated based on the corresponding value for the packet number inserted into the packet of data. The key mixing circuit generates each of the plurality of encryption seeds prior to the input circuit receiving the plurality of packets of data. |
| US08631232B2 |
Wireless personal area network accessing method
A wireless personal area network accessing method is provided, the method includes that: a coordinator broadcasts a beacon frame, the beacon frame includes the information about whether the coordinator sends an authentication requirement, the beacon frame also includes the authentication supported by the coordinator and key management package when a device receipts the authentication requirement, the device receives the beacon frame, the authentication between the coordinator and the device is made by using a authentication method corresponding to the authentication supported by the coordinator and key management package, when the device determines that the coordinator and the device is directly made according to the authentication result, or the association between the coordinator and the device is made after making session key negotiation. |
| US08631226B2 |
Method and system for video monitoring
An approach is provided for video monitoring. A video server records an event to output a video master and to generate a video proxy of the master. A monitoring server transmits the video proxy to a central monitoring system that is configured to correlate the video proxy with other video proxies from a plurality of sources. |
| US08631221B2 |
Method and apparatus for allocating host memory for a memory-less add-on devices
Methods and apparatus for allocating host memory for use by a host channel adapter (HCA) with insufficient on-board memory are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes determining when a host memory arrangement which has a host memory updates a system address map associated with the host memory, and obtaining control from a system basic-input-output-system (BIOS) associated with an operating system (OS) of the host memory arrangement when the system address map is updated. The method also includes allocating a first memory block in the host memory using an add-on device after obtaining control from the host memory arrangement. The system address map is updated by the add-on device to indicate that the first memory block has been allocated to the add-on device. Finally, the method includes returning the control to the system BIOS after updating the system address map. |
| US08631212B2 |
Input/output memory management unit with protection mode for preventing memory access by I/O devices
A memory management unit is configured to receive requests for memory access from a plurality of I/O devices. The memory management unit implements a protection mode wherein the unit prevents memory accesses by the plurality of I/O devices by mapping memory access requests (from the I/O devices) to the same set of memory address translation data. When the memory management unit is not in the protected mode, the unit maps memory access requests from the plurality of I/O devices to different respective sets of memory address translation data. Thus, the memory management unit may protect memory from access by I/O devices using fewer address translation tables than are typically required (e.g., none). |
| US08631209B2 |
Reusable content addressable stores as building blocks for creating large scale storage infrastructures
Techniques are described for using chunk stores as building blocks to construct larger chunk stores. A chunk store constructed of other chunk stores (a composite chunk store) may have any number and type of building block chunk stores. Further, the building block chunk stores within a composite chunk store may be arranged in any manner, resulting in any number of levels within the composite chunk store. The building block chunk stores expose a common interface, and apply the same hash function to content of chunks to produce the access key for the chunks. Because the access key is based on content, all copies of the same chunk will have the same access key, regardless of the chunk store that is managing the copy. In addition, no other chunk will have that same access key. |
| US08631207B2 |
Cache memory power reduction techniques
Methods and apparatus to provide for power consumption reduction in memories (such as cache memories) are described. In one embodiment, a virtual tag is used to determine whether to access a cache way. The virtual tag access and comparison may be performed earlier in the read pipeline than the actual tag access or comparison. In another embodiment, a speculative way hit may be used based on pre-ECC partial tag match to wake up a subset of data arrays. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08631205B1 |
Managing cache memory in a parallel processing environment
An apparatus comprises a plurality of processor cores, each comprising a computation unit and a memory. The apparatus further comprises an interconnection network to transmit data among the processor cores. At least some of the memories are configured as a cache for memory external to the processor cores, and at least some of the processor cores are configured to transmit a message over the interconnection network to access a cache of another processor core. |
| US08631203B2 |
Management of external memory functioning as virtual cache
A method and apparatus for managing the caching of data on an auxiliary memory of a computer. Pages of data may be cached on an auxiliary memory, such as a flash memory, at a virtual level using an identifier that does not involve a physical address of the pages on a memory. Pages may be cached on auxiliary memory that may be removable from the computer, e.g., by unplugging the memory from the computer. Page data may be encrypted and/or compressed on the auxiliary memory. An authentication indicator may be used to verify the accuracy of cached data in the case of an interrupted connection to the auxiliary memory, e.g., as a result of computer power down, hibernation, removal of the memory from the computer, etc. |
| US08631200B2 |
Method and system for governing an enterprise level green storage system drive technique
A method and system for manipulating a spin state of each disk in a drive array is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes monitoring input/output (I/O) requests to each disk drive in a disk array and identifying any disk drive as an inactive disk drive based on a number of I/O requests directed to said any disk drive for a given time interval. The method further includes moving data from the inactive disk drive to an active disk drive having a free disk space to store the data and updating metadata associated with the data using a log-structured file system for the disk array. Further, the method includes manipulating a spin state of the inactive disk drive by spinning down the inactive disk drive to conserve power. Furthermore, the method includes redirecting subsequent I/O requests for the inactive disk drive to the active disk drive by accessing the metadata of the log-structured file system. |
| US08631198B2 |
Dynamic cache reduction utilizing voltage warning mechanism
An interface controller of a storage device configured to manage a write cache of the storage device responsive to changes in a voltage supply provided to the storage device. In one implementation, the interface controller reduces the size of the write cache responsive to the voltage supply dropping at or below a first threshold. The interface controller further disables write permissions to the write cache responsive the voltage supply dropping at or below a second threshold, wherein the second threshold is lower in magnitude that the first threshold. The interface controller periodically receives the voltage supply responsive to transmitting sequential requests to a servo firmware of the storage device. |
| US08631197B2 |
Implementing enhanced updates for indirection tables
A method and a storage system are provided for implementing indirection tables and providing enhanced updates of the indirection tables for persistent media or disk drives, such as shingled perpendicular magnetic recording (SMR) indirection tables. A plurality of memory pools are used to store indirection data. An exception pointer table provides a pointer to an exception list for an I-Track. The exception list includes predetermined-size exception entries sorted by an offset from a start of the I-Track. An insert exception entry is provided for a new host write and merged to an updated exception list using an offset of the insert exception entry. |
| US08631190B2 |
Prefetching data tracks and parity data to use for destaging updated tracks
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for prefetching data tracks and parity data to use for destaging updated tracks. A write request is received including at least one updated track to the group of tracks. The at least one updated track is stored in a first cache device. A prefetch request is sent to the at least one sequential access storage device to prefetch tracks in the group of tracks to a second cache device. A read request is generated to read the prefetch tracks following the sending of the prefetch request. The read prefetch tracks returned to the read request from the second cache device are stored in the first cache device. New parity data is calculated from the at least one updated track and the read prefetch tracks. |
| US08631188B1 |
Data storage device overlapping host data transfer for a write command with inter-command delay
A data storage device is disclosed comprising a non-volatile memory, such as a disk of a disk drive or a non-volatile semiconductor memory. First and second write commands are received from a host, and in response first and second write data are requested from the host. The first write data is stored in the non-volatile memory, and after storing the first write data, a first acknowledge is transmitted to the host to acknowledge completion of the first write command. After transmitting the first acknowledge, a third write command is received from the host. The second write data is stored in the non-volatile memory, and after storing the second write data, a second acknowledge is transmitted to the host acknowledging completion of the second write command. After transmitting the second acknowledge, third write data is requested from the host associated with the third write command. |
| US08631187B2 |
Dual-scope directory for a non-volatile memory storage system
A device, system, and method are disclosed. In one embodiment the device includes a non-volatile memory (NVM) storage array to store a plurality of storage elements. The device also includes a dual-scope directory structure having a background space and a foreground space. The structure is capable of storing several entries that each correspond to a location in the NVM storage array storing a storage element. The background space includes entries for storage elements written into the array without any partial overwrites of a previously stored storage element in the background space. The foreground space includes entries for storage elements written into the array with at least one partial overwrite of one or more previously stored storage elements in the background space. |
| US08631179B1 |
System and method for automatically assigning bus addresses to slave devices
An example method for generating bus addresses for slave devices on a two wire interface bus includes providing a base address to each of N slave devices connected to the two wire interface bus and providing a sequence of N−1 clock pulses to each of the N slave devices to provide unique bus addresses. Circuitry within each of the example slave devices is operative to receive a base address followed by a plurality of clock pulses from the host device and to increment the base address by a digital integer. Circuitry within each of the example slave devices is further operative to terminate incrementing of the base address when an inhibit logic signal is detected at the slave program input and to save an address resulting from incrementing the base address as a bus address subsequent to terminating the incrementing of the base address. |
| US08631177B1 |
Multi-port device with controller for storage media device port
Various techniques are provided for hosting storage media devices using multi-port devices having a plurality of ports. For example, in one embodiment, a method of operating a multi-port device includes detecting whether a host device or a storage media device is connected to a first port of the multi-port device or a second port of the multi-port device. The method also includes, if the host device is connected to the first port, configuring the first port as a slave port and operating the multi-port device as a slave hosted by the host device. The method also includes, if the host device is connected to the second port and the storage media device is connected to the first port, configuring the first port as a host port and hosting the storage media device from the multi-port device. |
| US08631175B2 |
Facilitating transport mode input/output operations between a channel subsystem and input/output devices
A method of performing an input/output operation includes: generating by a channel subsystem at least one command message including one or more device command words (DCWs), at least one DCW including a data count and a suppress-length indication (SLI) configured to instruct a control unit whether to continue to perform the I/O operation in response to an incorrect length condition; forwarding the at least one command message to the control unit; receiving an incorrect length (IL) value from the control unit and storing an IL indicator in a subchannel-status word, the IL indicator representing the IL value, the IL value being a first IL value in response to a first SLI value and the data count not matching the amount of data required, the IL value being a second IL value in response to a second SLI value and the data count not matching the amount of data required. |
| US08631173B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a first arithmetic engine which executes a first arithmetic process in every cycle and outputs first data representing the result of the first arithmetic process and a first valid signal representing a first or second value in every cycle, and a second arithmetic engine which executes a second arithmetic process in every cycle and outputs second data representing the result of the second arithmetic process and a second valid signal representing the first or second value in every cycle. The device also includes an inter-arithmetic-engine buffer which is used to exchange the first data and the second data between the first and second arithmetic engines, enables write of the first or second data if the first or second valid signal indicates the first value, and inhibits write of the first or second data if the first or second valid signal indicates the second value. |
| US08631167B2 |
System and method for reproduction control means for automatically reproducing audio type data recorded in USB device in response to detecting means
An information processing apparatus with a plurality of USB (universal serial bus) ports to which USB devices can be connected, includes: detection means for detecting the USB port of the plurality of USB ports to which the USB device that is in the course of data communication is connected; and first display control means for displaying on a display unit provided in a position corresponding to the detected USB port the fact that the USB device connected to the detected USB port is in the course of data communication. |
| US08631166B2 |
Storage devices with bi-directional communication techniques and method of forming bi-directional communication layer between them
A storage device includes a storage media storing an information structure for establishing a bidirectional communication layer and a controller configured to send the information structure to an external device according to an information structure read/write command. A layer for a bidirectional communication between the storage device and the external device is formed according to the information structure. |
| US08631165B2 |
Communications network with smart card
Methods and systems are disclosed to enable a smart card having relatively low data rate and low computational power to control a high data rate communications channel without degradation of performance. The smart card and an associated monitor/interface, which can be implemented in a network access device, are interposed between transmitting and receiving nodes in a network, and configured to intervene when conditions of rules stored in the smart card are met. For example, the smart card can intervene when a packet header indicates sufficient change in information, such as the exceeding of a predefined threshold or a requirement for user authorization/authentication. In one mode of regulating packet flow, the smart card selectively enables or disables packet transmission, reception, or both, according to the rules stored therein. |
| US08631156B2 |
Systems and methods for providing network resource address management
Systems and methods are provided for allowing a user to obtain an intended network resource address. An undesired network resource address (NRA) which had been mistakenly entered by a user may be identified as being undesired. In response, an intended NRA may be determined and provided to the user. For example, a database of undesired NRAs may be access to determine an intended NRA (e.g., based on an association of the undesired NRA with an intended NRA). The undesired NRA database may be located local to or remote from the user equipment. The NRA database may be updated in response to, for example, receiving an undesired address command from the user. |
| US08631155B2 |
Network address translation traversals for peer-to-peer networks
In a networking environment, multiple end-users applications running on computing devices may operate behind a respective NAT device. Information transferred from one end-user application to another can be accomplished by establishing a connection from one private network to another. The NAT device translates information related to an end-user application operating within a private network to information that is understood by the public network environment. This translated information is communicated to the associated NAT device of the intended recipient. The NAT device of the intended recipient translates the public environment related information to information for the end-user in the private network. |
| US08631154B2 |
Dynamically modifying quality of service levels for resources in a networked computing environment
Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for dynamically modifying Quality of Service (QoS) levels for resources (e.g., applications, processes, services, etc.) running in a networked computing environment. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention dynamically adjust transport level networking QoS parameters based on associated service level agreements (SLA) term. In a typical embodiment, a set of service level requirements associated with a resource running in the networked computing environment will first be identified (e.g., in a computer data structure). Then, the set of service level requirements will be mapped to a set of QoS parameters associated with a transport layer of the networked computing environment. A current performance of the resource within the transport layer will then be determined. Once the current performance has been determined, it will be further determined whether the current performance meets the set of service level requirements. Based on this determination/comparison, the set of QoS parameters can be adjusted accordingly. |
| US08631150B2 |
Method and apparatus for in-band management of storage devices
A management request from a management client to perform an operation on a storage element includes an instance identifier identifying the storage element. A translator translates the instance identifier to a storage identifier that uniquely identifies the storage element. The method identifying the operation and the storage identifier is encapsulated in a storage command and forwarded to the storage element. |
| US08631146B2 |
Dynamic media serving infrastructure
Systems and methods provide for dynamic generation of media content at the point that content is served. The system and method work within the bounds of simple, existing, open protocols and the media files served are playable by standard media playback clients. The method is driven by a request for media content from a client specifying an edit list. The server opens one or more source files and selects portions of one or more files to transmit based on edit list instructions, and sequentially writes those portions to an output for serving to the client. The method allows for various modifications of the content before serving. |
| US08631144B2 |
System and method for selection of streaming media
A system reduces latency associated with accessing multiple sources of content provided to a mobile device. In one implementation, a streaming server receives multiple live encoded streams and makes the received encoded streams available to the mobile device. The mobile device instructs the streaming server as to which received encoded streams to provide to the mobile device. When the instructions indicate that the mobile device is requesting a different encoded stream, such as by using PAUSE and PLAY buttons on the mobile device, the streaming server switches the content streamed to the mobile device and provides the newly desired content to the mobile device. |
| US08631141B2 |
Method and device for logging communications connections at very high data rates
The device records the data of several steps of a protocol hierarchy within a communications system. For this purpose, the data are received by a receiver and buffered by a buffer. The data consist of payload data and control information. The control information is assigned to the individual protocol-hierarchy planes. In this context, the control information of all protocol-hierarchy planes is received and buffered. Furthermore, a maximum of one copy of the payload data is buffered. |
| US08631139B2 |
System and method for automatically initiating and dynamically establishing secure internet connections between a fire-walled server and a fire-walled client
A system and method for automatically and dynamically initiating and establishing secure connections between a Server and a Client using a session control server (SCS). Both the Server and the Client are connected to an untrusted network (such as the Internet) through a Network Address Translator or Translation (NAT) router or a firewall. The SCS, independently trusted by both the Server and the Client, brokers the required connection parameters to establish a secure connection between the Server and the Client. The system and method does not require any user configuration on the Client and eliminates the need for the Server to accept explicit connection requests or packets from the Client, thereby allowing the Server firewall to always remain closed to all inbound traffic. |
| US08631137B2 |
Bridge between digital living network alliance (DLNA) protocol and web protocol
A web protocol request is received from a web-based device for aggregated A/V content information associated with A/V content stored within the DLNA home network. The web protocol request is converted to one or more DLNA search messages each associated with one or more active DLNA servers. A/V content information associated with each of the one or more active DLNA servers is aggregated using the one or more DLNA search messages. The aggregated A/V content information is formatted into a web protocol response. The web protocol response is sent to the web-based device. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08631133B1 |
Method and system of providing a virtual transport session
A method and system of providing a virtual transport session is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a virtual transport session is provided by establishing a virtual transport session between an initiator module and a target module across a network, wherein the virtual transport session comprises a transport session. Thereafter, information is transferred between the initiator module and the target module using the virtual transport session. According to another embodiment, establishing a virtual transport session between an initiator module and a target module across a network comprises associating a globally unique identifier to an initiator module. |
| US08631128B2 |
Method and apparatus for geographic-based communications service
An apparatus includes memory and a processor. The processor is operable to receive identification information of a user from a portable computing device. The processor is also operable to access the memory to identify a previous trip record based on the identification information of the user and to identify a user preference based on the previous trip record. The processor is further operable to generate reservation information based on the user preference, where the reservation information is associated with a requested trip of the user. |
| US08631121B2 |
Method for continuous, frame-specific click-stream recording
A data processing system-implemented method can be used to better track a user's movements between network addresses. The method can comprise sending a frame identifier and a requested (current) network address at a first time. The method can also comprise finding a record including the frame identifier that has a prior network address and a time prior to the current time. The method can further comprise generating an entry for a table that includes the frame identifier, the current network address, the prior network address, and time. A server computer or a client computer can generate the entry. Improved accountability and improved user profile accuracy can be obtained with the method. A data processing system readable medium can comprise code that includes instructions for carrying out the method. |
| US08631118B2 |
Recording medium having distributed processing program stored therein, distributed processing device and distributed processing method
A computer executes a distributed processing program. The computer is a master computer that uses communicable worker computers to execute distributed processing on plural jobs. The computer determines an allocation destination of the jobs from the worker computers. The computer calculates the number of jobs to be allocated to the allocation destination based on the processing performance and the communication time (delay time) taken for communications with a worker computer. The computer generates a job group to be allocated to the allocation destination on the basis of a calculation result obtained. The computer transmits a processing request of the generated job group to the allocation destination. |
| US08631111B2 |
Method and apparatus of selection interface by queue and workload for storage operation
A method selects an interface in a storage subsystem for processing storage operations, each interface associated with a corresponding processor. A management server has plural providers, each for executing storage operations on one of the processors via the corresponding interface. The method comprises: collecting information on status of each of the providers; based on the status of each provider, determining an operational characteristic of operation time as a function of a number of operational units for each provider; comparing the operational characteristics of the providers; for a given number of operational units in the storage operations to be processed, selecting from among the providers one provider which has the lowest operation time for the given number of operational units; and identifying the interface based on the selected provider to be used for executing the storage operations via the identified interface on the corresponding processor. |
| US08631110B2 |
Combined header processing for network packets
A computer system to efficiently process packets received over a network operating in accordance with a layered protocol. The system includes logic that provides combined processing to determine whether a received packet complies with multiple requirements of the layered protocol. Combined processing determines compliance with requirements at more than one of the protocol layers of the layered protocol. If the combined processing does not verify compliance with all of the requirements of a protocol layer, those requirements may be verified in a layered fashion following the combined processing. In this way, greater efficiencies may be achieved through the combined processing of requirements from multiple protocol layers, but advantages of implementing a layered protocol in a modular fashion may still be retained. |
| US08631109B2 |
System and method for dynamic control of network management traffic loads
A system and method for dynamically controlling network management traffic load on network devices is provided. A network management module on a network management server has a request module for requesting management data from a network device. A storage device accessible by the network management module stores a list of the network devices and associated management request limits representing a number of management requests the network management module is allowed to send to a particular network device for processing at a time. A queue module on the network management module stores a management request from the network management module when a number of outstanding management requests exceeds the management request limit and places the management request in a queue. The queue module also forwards a management request from the queue to a network device when the network management module receives a response from the network device. |
| US08631107B2 |
Communication system, communication control method, communication control apparatus
According to an aspect of an embodiment, a communication system comprising: a plurality of service providing devices for providing first service information for identifying service by a first communication protocol; a gateway apparatus for converting from said first service information to second service information, and for sending second service information to said service using devices; and a plurality of service using devices for storing said second service information received from said gateway apparatus and sending a request for executing service in said service providing device to said gateway apparatus in accordance with an user input. |
| US08631104B2 |
System and method for quality of service management in mobile wireless networks
A system and method are provided by which a wireless network service provider is able to provide and maintain a high level of quality of service for terminals in the corresponding network, by overcoming problems that result in a diminished quality of service, including handoff delays as terminals move between cells in a network and the uncertainly as to which cell the individual terminals are moving to as they roam within the network. Providing and maintaining a high level of quality of service in a wireless network includes recording a history of movements of a terminal within the wireless network, analyzing the movements of the terminal within the wireless network to compute a probability distribution of the terminal's target location, and allocating network resources, including bandwidth and priority scheme, to the terminal based on the probability distribution for the terminal. |
| US08631103B1 |
Web-based administration of remote computing environments via signals sent via the internet
A solution for remotely administering dynamic computing environments is provided. A list of administrative actions and computing devices are displayed on a user interface. The user then can select an administrative action to be performed on any number of the computing devices in the list. Once selected, a signal is sent to the remote computing environment indicating the administrative action to be performed on the selected computing devices. The administrative action is then performed on the selected computing devices. |
| US08631102B2 |
Automated device provisioning and activation
Devices, methods, and computer readable media for communicating with a network system over a wireless access network, the network system comprising one or more network elements, and communicating with one or more other devices over one or more of a wireless local-area network, a personal-area network, and a near-field network; obtaining configuration information from the one or more network elements, the configuration information enabling modification of a first service policy setting for authorizing provision of a forwarding service to the one or more other devices; obtaining a user input associated with enabling or disabling the forwarding service; and modifying a second service policy setting in accordance with the user input, the second service policy setting for assisting in enabling or disabling the forwarding service. |
| US08631099B2 |
Systems and methods for cloud deployment engine for selective workload migration or federation based on workload conditions
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for a cloud deployment engine for selective workload migration or federation based on workload conditions. A set of aggregate usage history data can record consumption of processor, software, or other resources subscribed to by one or more users in a or clouds. An entitlement engine can analyze the usage history data to identify a subscription margin and other trends or data reflecting short-term consumption trends. An associated deployment engine can analyze the short-term consumption trends, and generate a decision to either deploy any over-subscribed resources to a set of federated backup clouds, or to one or more new host clouds. In aspects, the decision to augment the capacity of the host cloud with either a cloud federation or a complete host cloud replacement can be based on a set of selection criteria, including the margin by which the resources are over-subscribed and/or whether the over-subscription is static, increasing or accelerating, among others. |
| US08631098B2 |
Resource configuration method, server, network equipment and network system
A resource configuration method, a server, a network equipment, and a network system are provided. The resource configuration method includes performing a resource configuration on a network equipment according to a resource requirement of the network equipment and updated resource configuration information. The resource configuration information includes resource registration information reported by each of network equipments in a network. By implementing the present invention, the number of lookups for the resources is reduced and the process thereof is shortened, thereby achieving an effective resource allocation. In the case that an update frequency is fast enough, a search for resources is realized by one lookup. With such dynamic resource configuration information, the resource allocation is performed quickly and the waste of processing capacity of the server is avoided effectively. |
| US08631094B1 |
Distributed parallel determination of single and multiple source shortest paths in large directed graphs
Systems and methods for checkpointing a computation distributed over multiple peer servers. On each server, sequentially storing checkpoints collectively representing a current state of the computation on that server as of a most recent checkpoint, each checkpoint having a checkpoint timestamp. When restarting a first server, rebuilding a most recent state of the first server from the checkpoints written by the first server through a most recent checkpoint having a most recent checkpoint timestamp, and requesting from each of the other peer servers updates from the most recent checkpoint timestamp time of the first server. On each server, in response to a first request for updates as of a particular time, deriving the requested updates from the state data in the server uncommitted to a checkpoint and the state data in checkpoints of the server that have a timestamp no earlier than the particular time of the first request, and providing the requested updates to the first server. |
| US08631093B2 |
Remote data acquisition, transmission and analysis system including handheld wireless equipment
A remote data acquisition, transmission and analysis system including handheld wireless equipment to obtain operational data and the status of remote machines is disclosed. A plurality of application controllers are interfaced with the remote machines from which operation data is acquired by the application controllers. The application controllers communicate with an application host via a local area network. The application host may communicate with a network operations center using a wide area network. The handheld wireless equipment may be used to obtain operational information for each remote machine from the network operations center. |
| US08631092B2 |
Embedded protocol objects
Embedded protocol objects. Dynamic and static protocol objects are mixed together at a server and included in a dynamic reply to a communication request made by a client application. In effect, static protocol objects can be embedded in dynamic replies, along with dynamic protocol objects. When a request is made by a client to receive a reply, such as a Web page using the HTTP application protocol, the server creates at least one dynamic protocol object to form at least a portion of the reply. The dynamic protocol object or objects are sent to the client application. Static protocol objects are then retrieved and sent to the client application to complete the reply to the application protocol request at the client application. |
| US08631090B2 |
Resource-conserving technique for as-available data delivery to a mobile device
A method for delivering data to a mobile device can begin with determination of the need to transmit data to a client application installed upon a mobile device by a provider in response to the occurrence of a predefined event. A session initiation protocol (SIP) message encapsulating the data can then be addressed to the mobile device using a static, unique identifier of the mobile device. The static, unique identifier can be acquired during registration of the mobile device for the service and can be electronically coupled with a hardware component of the mobile device. The SIP message can be conveyed to the Internet protocol (IP) multimedia subsystem (IMS) of an IP-based mobile communications network via a dedicated communications mechanism where it can be routed based on the static, unique identifier. |
| US08631089B1 |
Previewing audio data associated with an item
Systems and methods are provided for previewing audio data associated with an audio book or other item. In some embodiments, following capture by a mobile computing device of an image of a graphical code included on packaging associated with an audio book, a request may be received from the mobile computing device for audio data and/or other data associated with the audio book. The request may include a uniform resource identifier generated using the graphical code from the image captured by the mobile computing device. In response to receiving the request, audio data associated with the audio book may be retrieved from a data store. The retrieved audio data may then be sent to the mobile computing device for playback by the mobile computing device. |
| US08631087B2 |
Information processing server, remote control system, and remote control method using a tunnel to determine a service on another network and executing the service without using the tunnel
There is provided with a remote control method using a terminal device connected to a first network and an information processing server connected to a second network, including: setting a tunnel between the terminal device and the information processing server; transmitting a broadcast or multicast packet output from service providing servers on the first network to the information processing server via the tunnel to cause the server to find the service providing servers and services provided by the service providing servers; notifying the terminal device of the services found, from the information processing server via the tunnel or the second network; and if execution request of the service is received by the information processing server from the terminal device via the tunnel or the second network, conducting data communication concerning the service between a service providing server providing the service and the information processing server, via the second network. |
| US08631086B2 |
Preventing messaging queue deadlocks in a DMA environment
Embodiments of the invention may be used to manage message queues in a parallel computing environment to prevent message queue deadlock. A direct memory access controller of a compute node may determine when a messaging queue is full. In response, the DMA may generate an interrupt. An interrupt handler may stop the DMA and swap all descriptors from the full messaging queue into a larger queue (or enlarge the original queue). The interrupt handler then restarts the DMA. Alternatively, the interrupt handler stops the DMA, allocates a memory block to hold queue data, and then moves descriptors from the full messaging queue into the allocated memory block. The interrupt handler then restarts the DMA. During a normal messaging advance cycle, a messaging manager attempts to inject the descriptors in the memory block into other messaging queues until the descriptors have all been processed. |
| US08631080B2 |
Email characterization
Email users may feel overwhelmed with the abundance of emails they receive. Many current email management techniques require at least some manual intervention that may be time consuming and/or otherwise frustrating to a user. As provided herein, emails may be characterized based upon content of the email and domain classification data (e.g., a company name, business category, or a website name associated with the domain name of the sender). One or more viewing panels may be populated with the characterized emails. A viewing panel may present emails corresponding to a particular characterization (e.g., a shopping viewing panel may display emails characterized as shopping). To enhance characterization, rules used to characterize emails may learn from a user's actions. For example, a user may move an email from a shopping viewing panel to a travel viewing panel, thus altering the characterization of the email from shopping to travel. |
| US08631077B2 |
Duplicate e-mail content detection and automatic doclink conversion
A Duplicate Content Storage and Access Program (DCSAP) identifies duplicate content, stores the duplicate content in one location, and provides a doclink to the stored duplicate content so that the doclink may be automatically replaced with the duplicate content. DCSAP examines email to determine whether the email contains a section identifier. A section identifier is a data element assigned by an algorithm in such a manner that no two section identifiers can be the same. If the email does not contain a section identifier, DCSAP embeds a section identifier into the email and forwards the email. If the email contains a section identifier, DCSAP extracts the section. DCSAP stores the extracted section in a repository and creates a doclink to the stored section. DCSAP then embeds a section identifier in the remainder of the email, and forwards the remainder and the doclink to the recipient. The doclink may be activated by the recipient, or it may be activated automatically. When activated the doclink resolves into the text of the corresponding section in the repository. Additional features such as security permissions, sorting preferences, and display effects may be added to the doclink. |
| US08631058B2 |
Providing nondeterministic data
A system and method for providing non-deterministic data for processes executed by non-synchronized processor elements of a fault resilient system is discussed. The steps of the method comprise receiving a request for getting non-deterministic data from a requesting processor element; assigning non-deterministic data generated by an entropy source to the request; and supplying the non-deterministic data assigned to the request, to the requesting processor element. |
| US08631056B2 |
Processor and method of determining a normalization count
In a particular embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes receiving an operand to be normalized at a normalization logic circuit, where the operand includes a plurality of bits. The method further includes generating a zero output when a value of the operand is equal to zero and, when the value is not equal to zero, generating an output value representing a number that is one less than a count of leading bits of the operand. |
| US08631055B2 |
Enhanced multi-processor waveform data exchange using compression and decompression
Configurable compression and decompression of waveform data in a multi-core processing environment improves the efficiency of data transfer between cores and conserves data storage resources. In waveform data processing systems, input, intermediate, and output waveform data are often exchanged between cores and between cores and off-chip memory. At each core, a single configurable compressor and a single configurable decompressor can be configured to compress and to decompress integer or floating-point waveform data. At the memory controller, a configurable compressor compresses integer or floating-point waveform data for transfer to off-chip memory in compressed packets and a configurable decompressor decompresses compressed packets received from the off-chip memory. Compression reduces the memory or storage required to retain waveform data in a semiconductor or magnetic memory. Compression reduces both the latency and the bandwidth required to exchange waveform data. This abstract does not limit the scope of the invention as described in the claims. |
| US08631052B1 |
Efficient content meta-data collection and trace generation from deduplicated storage
The method and apparatus collect file recipes from deduplicated data storage systems, the file recipes consist of a list of fingerprints of data chunks of a file. Detailed meta-data for each unique data chunk is also collected. In an offline process, research and analysis can be performed on either the meta-data itself or on a reconstruction of a full trace of meta-data constructed by matching recipe fingerprints to the corresponding meta-data. The method and system can generate the full meta-data trace efficiently in an on-line or off-line process. Typical deduplicated storage systems achieve 10× or higher deduplication rates, and the meta-data collection is faster than processing all of the original files and produces compact meta-data that is smaller to store. |
| US08631051B2 |
Hybrid fragmenting real time garbage collection
A method of managing memory, and a system implementing the method, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment according to the invention, the method comprises the step of allocating a first space, a first semi-space and a second semi-space of a memory unit. The first space has a first space size, and the first and second semi-spaces have a semi-space size. The first object is transformed into a plurality of elements and a spine containing pointers to the plurality of elements. The plurality of elements are stored in the first space and the spine in one of the first semi-space and the second semi-space. First memory portions of the first space are reclaimed using a mark-sweep policy and second memory portions of one of the first semi-space and the second semi-space are reclaimed using a moving policy. |
| US08631047B2 |
Editing 3D video
Some embodiments provide a 3D video editing application. The application identifies a set of video clips on one or more external sources. The set includes a first video clip of a particular scene from a first view and a second video clip of the particular scene from a second view. The application associates the first video clip with the second video clip and stores the associated first and second video clips in a storage. The association for use in creating a composite presentation that includes the set of video clips. The application receives an edit to a first video clip in a first track of the composite presentation. The application identifies an associated second video clip in a second track and automatically applies the received edit to the first video clip and the associated second video clip. |
| US08631041B2 |
Secondary lazy-accessible serialization of electronic content
In one embodiment, a method comprising selecting a first node included in a data structure, the data structure representing, in a node-and-link representation, a first portion of electronic content, the data structure including a first external link being associated with the first node, the first external link referencing a first serialization, the first serialization representing a second portion of electronic content in a representation differing from the node-and-link representation of the data structure, augmenting the data structure using the first serialization comprising constructing a set of new nodes, the set of new nodes including all nodes constructible from the serialization, selecting a target node from among the set of new nodes, inserting the target node into the data structure, and inserting a first inter-node link into the data structure, the first inter-node link connecting the first node and the target node, the first inter-node link corresponding to the first external link. |
| US08631034B1 |
High performance real-time relational database system and methods for using same
A database system supporting persistent queries, comprising a client software application, a persistent query service, and a plurality of network-attached data sources. On receiving a request to create a persistent query from the client software application, the persistent query service: creates a query virtual table; parses the persistent query; creates a plurality of intermediate virtual tables; establishes listeners for the query virtual table; creates a plurality of data source virtual tables; causes the plurality of data source virtual tables to retrieve initial data from data sources; and propagates data via intermediate virtual tables to the persistent query virtual table. On detection of a data change in a data source, the associated data source virtual table causes the data change to propagate via intermediate virtual tables to the persistent query virtual table, and the client software application executes client code of at least one listener. |
| US08631032B2 |
Mechanisms to persist hierarchical object relations
Mechanisms to persist object relations are provided. A project is defined as a series of interrelated objects having dependencies and relationships with one another. The dependencies and relationships are maintained via a storage organization for files that define the objects within a project storage environment for the project. Thus, the dependencies and relationships are not maintained via hardcoded instructions or references that are included within the files. |
| US08631028B1 |
XPath query processing improvements
A method for processing an inputted XPath query against an inputted XML document is provided. The method generates a summary index, an ancestor-descendant path index, and a value index from one or more inputted XML documents. The summary index and the ancestor-descendant path index and the value index have at least one path defined. XPath queries at articulation points are parsed into multiple partial queries. The cursor type index access methods are determined. Partial queries are executed against the SUM-Index to generate a list of path identifiers (PID) satisfies the partial query segments. A set of ancestor-descendant PID identifiers list is generated to provide a result sequence. The result sequence of nodes is filtered producing one or more outputted XML documents from the final result sequence of nodes. A related system and computer medium is also provided. |
| US08631025B2 |
Filter by example
The invention relates to a system (100) for identifying a certain data-object of a set of data-objects, wherein each data-object of the set of data-objects is described by a plurality of discriminating characteristics, the system comprising: a composition unit (110) for composing a query for identifying the certain data-object; an identification unit (120) for identifying a candidate data-object of the set of data-objects, based on the query; a presentation unit (130) for presenting a description of the candidate data-object to a user; a feedback unit (140) for receiving user feedback on a discriminating characteristic of the plurality of discriminating characteristics, the discriminating characteristic describing the candidate data-object; and an update unit (150) for updating the query for identifying the certain data-object, based on the user feedback on the discriminating characteristic describing the candidate data-object. Thus, the user may evaluate a discriminating characteristic of the candidate data-object, based on information obtained from the presentation unit, and provide user feedback comprising a reason specifying why the retrieved data is relevant and/or not relevant to the query. |
| US08631020B2 |
Encoding data to be sorted
Key conditioning involves the construction of a byte orderable array from values for a possibly multi-field key concatenated key, for comparison by a sort routine. Byte-orderable sort keys are conditioned prior to execution of a sort routine, to facilitate an accurate and/or efficient sort procedure. Key conditioning may be applied to values in one or more columns of a database table, where the column(s) are used as keys for sorting rows of the table. Six factors are considered in encoding the byte array, such as whether nulls compare high or low; whether a field is fixed width or variable width; whether a field is guaranteed to be not null; whether a field is ordered ascending or descending; whether a field is the last field of a multi-field sort key or the only field of a sort key; and whether a field is likely to contain a significant number of zero values. |
| US08631019B1 |
Restricted-locality synonyms
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for identifying and scoring restricted-locality synonyms. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a search query including a query term and a synonym for the query term. The synonym is evaluated using one or more predetermined criteria and based on the evaluation is designated as a restricted-locality synonym. A first scoring model is selected that specifies how to score occurrences of restricted-locality synonyms in documents. A document is received that is identified as being responsive to the search query. A document score for the document is determined using the first scoring model. |
| US08631017B2 |
Collaborative filtering with hashing
Systems, methods, and machine readable and executable instructions are provided for collaborative filtering. Collaborative filtering includes representing users and objects by rows and columns in an ordinal ratings matrix having a particular dimensional space. Values in the ordinal ratings matrix are weighted with a weight matrix having the particular dimensional space. The weight matrix is hashed into a lower dimensional space by one of row and column by multiplying a projection matrix by the weight matrix. The ordinal ratings matrix is hashed into a lower dimensional space by multiplying the projection matrix by an element-wise product of the weight matrix and the ordinal ratings matrix to form a reduced ratings matrix, and element-wise dividing the reduced ratings matrix by the hashed weight matrix. The hashed ordinal ratings matrix and the hashed weight matrix are low-rank approximated by alternating least squares. A result of the low-rank approximation for the one of row and column is updated using the ordinal ratings matrix and the weight matrix. A recommendation of one of the objects can be generated for one of the users based on the updated result. |
| US08631014B2 |
Method and system for integrated asset management
The method and system of the present invention provides an improved technique for integrated asset management. Information is aggregated from a variety of sources into a centralized computerized database. Thereafter, asset transition events are scheduled. Information from the centralized computerized database is used in the performance of the asset transition events and information relating to the asset transition events is added to the centralized computerized database. Subsequent changes to the asset are also recorded into the centralized computerized database. As a result, a plethora of information is available within said database for the purpose of managing future asset transition events. |
| US08631013B2 |
Non-intrusive data logging
Mediums, methods, and systems are provided for efficiently logging data. A model may include one or more logging points which process data, the data being stored in a log associated with the logging point. The logging point may request that a logging object store the data point. The logging object may include a reference to a vector for storing the data point. When two or more logging objects are associated with the same logged data points, the two or more logging objects may share the same vector. If an object logs a point which is not present in a shared vector, the object may update the object's reference so that the object references a different existing vector, or the object may create a new vector. The vectors may be compressed and/or made circular to achieve improved efficiency. |
| US08631009B2 |
Systems and methods for embedded internet searching, and result display
Systems and methods allow a user of a text or graphics editor to quickly create multiple robust internet search queries by selecting and ranking groups or individual key words from a document. A user who is composing or reading a document can identify and link multiple sets of key words into separate search queries by highlighting and assigning either unique search numbers, colors or other readily ascertained indicators of their logical relation. Each individual search query is routed to selected internet search engines, and the results are returned to the user in the same viewed document. The user may select the form in which the results are displayed. For example, results may be listed within the document by way footnotes, endnotes, or separate hover or pull-down windows accessible from the search terms. In addition, the user can browse, sort, rank, edit or eliminate portions of the results. |
| US08631006B1 |
System and method for personalized snippet generation
Snippets of text provided are generated based in part on a user's profile. An item, such as a document, is examined to identify terms related to the user's profile. A term profile for an identified term is compared to a user's profile. The more closely related the identified term is to the user's profile, the higher a similarity score will be. Alternatively, terms found in a document may have a user profile score which may be obtained by looking the term up in the user's profile. Terms having high profile similarity scores or high user profile scores are used in identifying snippets which may be relevant to a user. The high scoring terms may be added to search terms and provided to a snippet generator. |
| US08631005B2 |
Header-token driven automatic text segmentation
A method and a system to automatically segment text based on header tokens is described. A relevance value and an irrelevance value are determined for each token in a description, assuming no tokens are left out of computations. The irrelevance value is based on occurrences of a token in a sample set of descriptions. The relevance value is an estimated probability of relevance based on the header of the description being segmented. |
| US08630999B2 |
Systems and computer program product for cost estimation using partially applied predicates
In accordance with aspects of the present invention, provided are systems and computer program products for incrementally estimating the cardinality of a derived relation including statistically correlated partially applicable predicates for a range-partitioned table. During the generation of a QEP a cardinality estimate is calculated in which one or more partially applicable predicates is correlated to another partially applicable predicate and/or to one or more fully applicable predicates. The cardinality includes a number of rows expected to be returned by the QEP and is computed in an incremental fashion for each operator of the QEP. |
| US08630998B2 |
Framework for testing query transformation rules
Described is a test framework for testing transformation rules of query optimizers. Rule patterns obtained as tree structures from a query optimizer are used to generate queries that are used to test the rule optimizer's transformation rules. The test framework tracks which rules are exercised for each query, and also determines the correctness of the transformation rule by comparing the results of the query processing with the rule and without the rule (by turning off the rule). The test framework creates a composite pattern corresponding to two or more rules, such as to test rules in a set (e.g., as pairs). Also described is the efficient execution of a test suite for correctness testing, in which queries of the test suite are selected based upon cost information. |
| US08630996B2 |
Identifying duplicate entries in a historical database
A data management system (102) has a memory (102B-C), and a processor (102A) coupled thereto. The processor is programmed to extract (206) historical data from a historical database according to predetermined extraction criteria, search (208) for one or more potential duplicate entries in the historical data according to a portion of selection criteria used for generating the historical database, and submit (214) a notification when one or more potential duplicate entries have been identified. |
| US08630995B2 |
Methods and systems for acquiring and processing veterinary-related information to facilitate differential diagnosis
Computer-implemented methods and systems for acquiring and processing veterinary-related information, such as non-human animal diseases, associated medical signs, differentials, and treatment-related information, are provided. The disclosed methods and systems facilitate performing computer-based differential diagnosis by veterinary medicine practitioners. An example method may comprise: importing veterinary-related text information, wherein the veterinary-related text information is related to one or more non-human animal diseases; parsing the veterinary-related text information into one or more terms; determining relations between the one or more terms; classifying the one or more terms such that each term relates to one of: a non-human animal species, an animal disease, a medical sign and a treatment; and generating a database table associated with the imported veterinary-related text information, the database table comprising the one or more classified terms and the relations therebetween. |
| US08630989B2 |
Systems and methods for information extraction using contextual pattern discovery
Described herein are methods, systems, apparatuses and products for automatically discovering patterns in a text corpus. An aspect provides extracting at least one context string related to at least one annotator from the at least one text corpus; analyzing the at least one context string for at least one sequence, the at least one sequence comprised of at least one subsequence; determining at least one sequence signature for each at least one sequence by applying applicable rules to the at least one sequence; and grouping the at least one sequence signature into at least one group. |
| US08630987B2 |
System and method for accessing a data object stored in a distributed storage network
A user device includes a browser module, a DSN interface to a local or external DSN memory and a DS processing module coupled to the DSN interface for storing and retrieving the data object from the DSN memory, wherein the data object is divided into a plurality of data segments and wherein each of the plurality of data segments is stored in the DSN memory as a plurality of encoded data slices that are generated based on an error encoding dispersal function. The browser module is operable to interpret a user input as a request to display a data object, determine the data object is stored in the DSN memory, request the DS processing module to retrieve the data object from the DSN memory and request an application program to open the data object for display. |
| US08630983B2 |
Backup of data across network of devices
A distribution plan that indicates how to encode and distribute backup data across multiple data centers may be generated. The distribution plan may be generated such that one or more characteristics of the distribution plan, such as costs, are optimized while constraints on the plan, such as protection level, recovery point objective (RPO), and recovery time objective (RTO) are satisfied. The protection level may indicate the number of the data centers that are to remain available such that the backup data is recoverable from encoded fragments of the backup data stored in the data centers that remain available. |
| US08630980B2 |
Synchronization framework that restores a node from backup
Architecture for restoring nodes. After restoring a node, fix-up occurs to make the node appears as a different node than before the restore operation. The node appears as a new node, which new node knows the data up to a certain point from when the new node had the prior identity. This allows for new changes generated by the new node to flow to the other nodes in the topology, as well as have the changes that the prior identity sent to other nodes flow back to the new node. In other words, the architecture maintains information to create the new node in the topology while maintaining prior data knowledge. Additionally, item level metadata of associated data items is updated to correlate with the updated data items so that changes can be correctly enumerated and applied. This metadata update occurs across scopes of which the data items are included. |
| US08630972B2 |
Providing context for web articles
An overwhelming number of articles are available everyday via the internet. Unfortunately, it is impossible to peruse more than a handful, and it is difficult to ascertain an article's social context. The techniques disclosed herein address this problem by harnessing implicit and explicit contextual information from social media. By extracting text surrounding a hyperlink to an article in a post and assessing the article as a function of content surrounding the hyperlink, an article's social context is determined and presented. Additionally, articles that are sufficiently similar in content may be grouped to establish a many-to-one relationship between posts and an article, creating a more accurate assessment. |
| US08630969B2 |
Systems and methods for implementing business rules designed with cloud computing
Systems and methods presented herein may involve locally executing rules (e.g., business rules) that are designed in a remote computing cloud. Systems and methods may include receiving a file representing modified rules from the remote computing cloud and compiling the file locally for integration into a local system. By separating the design and execution phases of the rules, new versions of the rule design application(s) may be utilized in the remote cloud to design local rules without upgrading or otherwise changing the applications that implement the rules on the local system. |
| US08630967B2 |
Determining operational settings for fluid moving devices using a multivariate time series of data
In a method for determining operational settings for a plurality of fluid moving devices, one or more motifs in utilization data of the plurality of fluid moving devices collected over a time series is identified as a multivariate time series of data, sustainability metric levels for each of the one or more identified motifs are calculated, and a determination as to which of the one or more identified motifs have favorable sustainability metric levels is made. |
| US08630959B2 |
Determining costs for workflows
Techniques are disclosed for modeling costs when editing a workflow process model. A request may be received to assign a cost factor to a workflow process step of the workflow process model. Responsive to the request, the cost factor may be assigned to the workflow process step, such that a traversal of the workflow process step by a transaction invoking the workflow process model results in the cost factor being included in a total cost to be charged for executing the transaction. |
| US08630954B2 |
System and method of using load network to associate product or service with a consumer token
Systems, devices, apparatuses, and methods for conducting a transaction in which a consumer purchases a product or a service by providing payment to a merchant whom is not the provider of the product or service. The invention permits a consumer to present cash or a payment device (such as a credit card or debit card) to a merchant, where that merchant may be an element of a load network or payment processing network. In a typical load network transaction, the merchant would accept the cash or payment device from the consumer and use the funds provided to “load” or recharge an account of the consumer. However, instead of this use of the network, embodiments of the invention operate to allow the consumer to provide the source of payment to the merchant for a product or service offered by a third party which is accessed by the consumer using a consumer token. |
| US08630953B1 |
Methods and systems for creating a transaction lifecycle for a payment card transaction
Methods and systems for labeling payment transactions with a transaction lifecycle label using a lifecycle labeling computer system are provided. The system stores authorization, clearing and fraud data associated with a plurality of payment transactions within a database. The system further generates a first table of matching transaction identifiers for a first group of transactions included within the plurality of transactions by matching authorization data to clearing data for the first group of payment transactions The system then generates a second table of matching transaction identifiers for a second group of transactions included within the plurality of transactions by matching clearing data to fraud data for the second group of payment transactions The system also generates a third table of matching transaction identifiers by comparing the first table of transaction identifiers to the second table of transaction identifiers using the lifecycle labeling computer system. |
| US08630951B2 |
Systems and methods for electronically circulating a currency
Virtual currency notes may be derived from one or more currency notes deposited at a currency reserve and/or from an asset held by a depository institution. A transaction provider may provide for ownership and/or transfer of the notes by various entities. Ownership of virtual currency notes may be transferred between entities while the depository institution maintains the asset associated therewith. A virtual currency note may be transferred to a transfer account, which may cause an amount equivalent to the virtual currency note to be deposited therein. After the transfer to a transfer account, the transferred virtual currency note may be removed from electronic circulation and/or transferred to another entity. |
| US08630947B1 |
Method and system for providing electronic bill payment and presentment
An embodiment of the present invention relates to capturing payer information and biller information for generating menu delivered to a customer to activate the billers for electronic payment and/or electronic presentment by selecting one or more billers. A method for facilitating electronic payment related services to at least one payer entity for making payments to at least one biller may comprise the steps of collecting payer information associated with the at least one payer entity; collecting billing information associated with the at least one payer entity; identifying one or more billers associated with the at least one payer entity from the payer information and the billing information, where the at least one payer entity has a relationship with each of the one or more billers; generating a menu for the at least one payer entity to select one or more billers for activating one or more electronic payment related services; and activating the one or more electronic payment related services in response to the at least one payer entity's selection of the one or more billers. |
| US08630942B2 |
Method of billing a purchase made over a computer network
A method of effecting a sale over a computer network in which it is determined whether a user passes fraud control before effecting a sale over a computer network. Information associated with a method of payment, such as credit card information, debit card information, checking account information, a telephone service account, a cable television account, a utility service account, or an Internet service provider account, is requested from the user after the user passes the fraud control. Information associated with the method of payment is received from the user in real time. Method-of-payment information is communicated to a payment authorization database, which can be located locally or remotely. The method-of-payment information includes the received information associated with the method of payment. Payment authorization information associated with the method of payment is received from the payment authorization database. A sale transaction is completed when the payment authorization information is affirmative. Sale charge information associated with the sale effected over the computer network is transmitted to the payment authorization database when the sale transaction is complete. The sale charge information includes information for charging the method of payment an amount representing a charge for the sale. |
| US08630940B1 |
System for investing money into and removing money out of a stock market
A method of using at least one computer system to execute a financial transaction includes: obtaining, by a computer system, individual economic subcomponents score(s) related to a financial benchmark or genus of equity positions; obtaining, typically by a computer system, an overall zero-baseline score by summation of each of the individual economic scoring subcomponents; determining (typically using a computer system), based upon the overall zero-baseline score, whether or not to purchase or sell a financial stake in a financial position chosen from the group consisting of: an equity; a set of equity stocks; a money market; one or more mutual funds; one or more bond funds; and one or more securities or any combination thereof; and purchasing securities having an equity component when the overall zero-baseline score is positive or selling securities having an equity component when the overall zero-baseline score is negative. |
| US08630939B2 |
System and method for electronic spread trading in real and synthetically generated markets
A system and method are provided to analyze synthetic and real markets that offer interchangeable tradable objects to find market opportunities that a trader may capitalize on. A synthetic market is an electronic market created out of real markets by a computer terminal or gateway. A real market is an electronic market that is offered by an electronic exchange. If a desirable market opportunity is found, the preferred embodiments can take action such as by sending orders to either one of the markets, or by sending orders to both markets. An advantage of the preferred embodiments, among many others, is that they can make “invisible” trading opportunities more readily apparent. |
| US08630937B1 |
System and method for analyzing and searching financial instrument data
Systems and methods for financial data analysis are provided. A system is provided wherein financial data associated with stocks and stock options is collected from multiple sources and calculations performed thereon to derive values for a set of searchable screening parameters related to searching stock option spreads. Users may access the system and provide values and ranges of values for searching the set of searchable screening parameters. In response, users are presented with the set of option spreads, in sorted order, that satisfy the user-supplied search values. Users may select to execute an option spread in which case the system automatically executes the plurality of option trades that underly the spread. |
| US08630933B1 |
Biometric financial transaction system and method
Tokenless biometric authorization of transaction between a consumer and a merchant uses an identicator and an access device. A consumer registers with the identicator a biometric sample taken from the consumer. The consumer and merchant establish communications via the access device. The merchant proposes a transaction to the consumer via the access device. The access device communicates to the merchant associated with the access device. After the consumer and merchant have agreed on the transaction, the consumer and the identicator use the access device to establish communications. The access device communicates to the identicator the code associated with the access device. The identicator compares biometric sample from the consumer with registered biometric sample. Upon successful identification, the identicator forwards information regarding the consumer to the merchant. These steps accomplish a biometrically authorized electronic financial transaction without the consumer having to present any personalized man-made memory tokens. |
| US08630931B2 |
System and method for funding companies
A system and method for funding investment seeking companies (ISCs), e.g., startup companies, by a funding company is disclosed. For each of the ISCs, in exchange for private equity therein, the funding company issues a corresponding publicly tradable class of its own stock substantially based on the performance of the ISC. The ISCs are categorized according to characteristics important to investors, e.g., type of technology, revenue, and products or services (to be) offered so that ISCs in a same category compete against one another for funding distributions from the funding company. In particular, income returns on the investments of proceeds from public sales of each class of stock are periodically distributed among competing ISCs according to, e.g., the share prices of their corresponding class of funding company stocks. |
| US08630930B1 |
Sell-side icon
A network-based reverse auction system value discovery system that involves at least four major customers: consumers, and the three sell-side customers bidder/sellers, product manufacturers, and advertisers who are not also product manufacturers. Initially, a shopping list is constructed containing e.g., widely available goods (WAGs). The shopping list is the base of the value discovery network and adds significant value for each of the four key customers. A sell-side icon may be used to add items to the shopping list. |
| US08630929B2 |
Using commercial share of wallet to make lending decisions
Commercial size of spending wallet (“CSoSW”) is the total business spend of a business including cash but excluding bartered items. Commercial share of wallet (“CSoW”) is the portion of the spending wallet that is captured by a particular financial company. A modeling approach utilizes various data sources to provide outputs that describe a company's spend capacity. Banks and lenders can use CSoW/CSoSW to determine who to lend to and who to deny credit to, as well as for pricing loans and other products in a dynamic way. Banks and lenders can also determine which customers should be retained, as well as identify loans which are likely to default. |
| US08630928B1 |
Asset-backed convertible security
There is provided a financial unit security. The financial unit security includes a secured debt security and an option. The secured debt security and the option are coupled together as a unit. |
| US08630926B1 |
System, method, and program product for unit transfer fee processing
A method, system and program product, the method comprising: accessing Transfer Fee data to be paid to a third party that is not the borrower or the lender or the buyer or seller in a repurchase agreement transaction of a security for a right to loan or repo one or more units of the security; accessing data on a loan or repo of units of the security, calculating an amount of a Transfer Fee for the right to loan or repo the security; generating data for debiting an account or sending a bill for the Transfer Fee; and updating the database with data on the Transfer Fee. |
| US08630924B2 |
Detection of stock out conditions based on image processing
Image analysis techniques, including object recognition analysis, are applied to images obtained by one or more image capture devices deployed within inventory environments. The object recognition analysis provides object recognition data (that may include one or more recognized product instances) based on stored product (training) images. In turn, a variety of functionalities may be enabled based on the object recognition data. For example, a planogram may be extracted and compared to a target planogram, or at least one product display parameter for a product can be determined and used to assess presence of the product within the inventory environment, or to determine compliance of display of the product with a promotional objective. In yet another embodiment, comparisons may be made within a single image or between multiple images over time to detect potential conditions requiring response. In this manner, efficiency and effectiveness of many previously manually-implemented tasks may be improved. |
| US08630923B2 |
Virtual shelf with single-product choice and automatic multiple-vendor selection
A retail front-end experience for the user with a multi-seller back-end. A product is displayed on a webpage, and if the user views it, the software automatically selects at least one best supplier for each item and condition (new, used, etc.) for that user, and then displays the one specific price from only those vendors. The price includes the shipping costs from that vendor's location to the user's location. Thus, the back end is hidden from the user—the user is not forced to choose from a list of vendors. The software selects the best vendor based on a variety of criteria, such as item selection (condition, price and version), the geographic closeness of the vendor (reduced shipping costs and/or reduced shipping speed), the reliability rating of the vendor (responsiveness, product description accuracy, etc.). |
| US08630921B2 |
Leveraging a social network to search for local inventory
In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for leveraging a social network to search for local inventory includes communicating with a first mobile communication device over a network, the first mobile communication device associated with a user, and communicating with a second mobile communication device over the network, the second mobile communication device associated with a social network contact. The method further includes obtaining a geo-location of the second mobile communication device, processing a search request from the first mobile communication device, obtaining a radius of coverage for a merchant, determining whether the geo-location of the second mobile communication device is within the radius of coverage of the merchant, and providing a listing to the first mobile communication device of one or more items for sale by the merchant when the second mobile communication device is within the radius of coverage of the merchant. |
| US08630918B1 |
Methods and systems for managing part replacement
Methods and systems for use in managing part replacement associated with a manufactured product. A part agent, executed by a computing system and associated with a current part installed in the manufactured product, provides a replacement notification to an ordering manager agent executed by the computing system and associated with the current part. The replacement notification indicates that a replacement of the current part is desired. The ordering manager agent determines that the current part is associated with a configuration change that represents a substitution of a new part for the current part. The ordering manager agent provides the configuration change to the part agent. The part agent orders the new part via the ordering manager agent based on the configuration change. |
| US08630917B2 |
Arrangement for guiding user design of comprehensive product solution using on-the-fly data validation
A computer-implemented method guides a user in designing a product defined by data. The method involves examining (420) items of the data to detect whether each item conforms to rules (106) or violates the rules; performing (431 . . . ) at least one action in response to a detection of a rule violation; displaying (450) the data to the user in a manner emphasizing at least one particular data item that caused the rule violation; receiving (460) any new data input from the user; and repeating the examining, action performing, and displaying steps using the new data. The displaying step may involve displaying data defining a current state of the product in a tabular (spreadsheet) format, including displaying data detected to have caused the rule violation in a first manner that is visibly distinct from displaying other data that is not detected to have caused the rule violation. |
| US08630912B2 |
Server, information communication terminal, product sale management method, and storage medium and program transmission apparatus therefor
A product retail sales management server for managing the retail sales of a product across a communication network comprises: a retail sales management module for managing the retail sales of the product; a price update 13 for dynamically setting the price of the product in accordance with rules and the retail sales state of the product and in accordance with the actual retail sales state of the product when managed by the retail sales management module; and an acceptance module 11 for, upon the receipt of an information request via the communication network, furnishing a request transmission source with the information concerning the product and the price of the product, set by the price update module at the time the information request is received. |
| US08630906B2 |
Single tap transactions using a point-of-sale terminal
The invention describes how a consumer can hold their NFC enabled device in proximity to an NFC enabled point-of-sale terminal and with a single “wave” or “tap” to automatically redeem coupons, pay for a purchase using a default payment card or a selected card, view receipts view reward point balances, and receive relevant coupons and other digital artifacts both before and after the purchase. The NFC enabled device includes a secure element with a payment application, payment credentials, and other digital artifacts such as coupons. The secure element can be internal to the mobile device, externally affixed to the mobile device, or inserted into a slot within the body of the mobile device. |
| US08630902B2 |
Automatic classification of consumers into micro-segments
A campaign is received, at a micro-segmentation system, from an offer provider. The micro-segmentation system is a third-party system. The campaign indicates a set of target attributes and one or more offers corresponding to the set of target attributes. A set of user attributes pertaining to each of the plurality of users is received at the micro-segmentation system. The set of attributes is defined by an attribute knowledge structure. Permission is received at the micro-segmentation system from each of the plurality of users to receive an offer from the micro-segmentation system. Data associated with the micro-segment classification is provided from the micro-segmentation system without user information to the offer provider. |
| US08630900B2 |
Method for playing a sequence of advertisements as waiting message, and call centre system
A method for playing a sequence of advertisements as a waiting message of at least one private automatic branch exchange (“PABX”) is disclosed. A template sequence message may be created at the advertisement management server. The template sequence message may comprise a plurality of successive slots, each slot being able to receive an advertisement. The template sequence message and the advertisements may be sent to the PABX. For each incoming call received by the PABX and placed on hold by the PABX, the advertisements may be organized in a random order so as to allocate to each advertisement a rank, the successive advertisements may be inserted respectively in the successive slots of the template sequence message according to rank, and the completed template sequence message in which the advertisements have been inserted may be played by an audio player software of the PABX while the incoming call is on hold. |
| US08630897B1 |
Transportation-aware physical advertising conversions
The present invention relates generally to arranging for free or discounted transportation to an advertiser's business location. More specifically, the invention involves automatically comparing the cost of transportation and the potential profit from a completed transaction using a number of real-time calculations. For example, the calculation may consider various factors including a consumer's current location, the consumer's most likely route and form of transportation (such as train, personal car, taxi, rental car, or shared vehicle), the consumer's daily agenda, the price competing advertisers are willing to pay for the customer to be delivered to alternate locations, and other costs. In this regard, the customer's obstacles to entering a business location are reduced while routing and cost calculations are automatically handled based on the demand for the advertiser's goods and potential profit margins. |
| US08630883B2 |
Information delivery system for providing senders with a recipient's messaging preferences
An information delivery system includes a web server in operative communication with a plurality of recipients and a plurality of senders, the plurality of senders desirous of generating messages intended for the plurality of recipients, respectively. The web server includes a plurality of recipient preference profiles corresponding to the plurality of recipients, respectively, and a plurality of sender profiles corresponding to the plurality of senders, respectively. Each of the recipient preference profiles includes respective information directed to the recipient's preferences for receiving messages and the web server provides the plurality of senders with access to the plurality of recipient preference profiles. The web server maintains a relationship between a log of recipient preference profiles out of the plurality of recipient preference profiles that have been accessed by a particular sender. For each of the recipient preference profiles in the log of recipient preference profiles, the web server provides a change notification to the particular sender of a change in the recipient preference profile. |
| US08630882B2 |
Implementing an optimal intelligent enterprise architecture via virtualization, information intelligence, social computing and green environmental considerations
An intelligent enterprise architecture (LEA) for an enterprise is defined. One or more IEA entry points are selected. IEA entry points represent a starting point for defining the IEA, which is an architectural development process for defining an enterprise computing architecture within a smart computing system. One or more business drivers for pain points in the enterprise are associated with a selected IEA entry point. A business value model is generated and utilized to focus a scope of the business drivers for the selected IEA entry point. An optimal IEA that satisfies the business drivers to ameliorate the pain points in the enterprise is then defined. |
| US08630880B2 |
System and method for insurance premium calculaton using commodity prices
Risk characteristic information is received concerning a property that is to be insured by an insurance company. The risk characteristic indicates sensitivities of the property to commodity prices. Commodity futures information is also received. The commodity futures information indicates futures contract prices for at least one commodity. An insurance pricing model is stored. The insurance pricing model operates to base pricing of insurance policies at least in part on the commodity futures information. A premium quotation for insuring the property is generated based at least in part on the insurance pricing model and the commodity futures information. |
| US08630877B1 |
Systems and methods for retirement gap insurance
Methods and systems for retirement planning that provides an insurance against a failure to obtain a desired retirement savings amount because of market forces. A retirement planning engine may run on a server and operates to determine a customer's retirement plans. The retirement planning engine may define a customer's retirement plan using one or more savings or investment vehicles, and details an amount to be saved of time in order to provide a desired income for the customer's retirement years. In some implementations, the retirement planning engine may offer a retirement “gap” insurance product to the customer to protect against a difference between the amount saved by the customer and the amount needed to achieve desired annual income for the retirement years. The insurance policy may cover this “gap” if the customer adheres to the plan defined by the retirement planning engine. |
| US08630874B2 |
Preventive care engine
A preventative care recommendation engine to provide a preventative care recommendation corresponding to a patient is disclosed. Processor(s) may be coupled to network interface(s) accessible by healthcare provider(s) and/or patient(s), to execute instructions to access a set of confidential health information for an identified patient, where the set is derived from a first data source, and includes an indication of a health condition of the identified patient, a healthcare service provided to the identified patient, and/or a time when the health care service was provided to the identified patient. A second data source that includes a set of criteria specified by a third party indicating a preventative care service may be accessed. A recommendation corresponding to the identified patient may be sent, wherein the recommendation is a function of the set of confidential health information for the identified patient and the set of criteria. |
| US08630872B2 |
Competition driven health management
An application offers personalized content, such as health care plans, health actions, and interactive games, to a user. Based on such health data provided by a user, the health management application may provide content, such as health information or health care plans, that is tailored to the current health status or condition of the user. In some instances, a user may request to participate in a particular health action or task. The health management application may recommend personalized tasks or actions for the user to complete to promote and improve health. Following partial or successful completion of a chosen health action, a user may earn points or rewards that may be redeemable for various prizes. A user may also earn points by completing an educational or informational task such as quizzes, questionnaires, or surveys. Points may also be earned by participating in or playing a game. |
| US08630869B2 |
Dental implant system and method
A method includes receiving an input indicative of a user's geographic location and providing a listing of providers available for use in planning and implementing a dental implant treatment plan based on the user's geographic location. A listing of dental implant treatment and planning software options available for use in planning and implementing the dental implant ireatment plan for the patient are provided and selected by the user. Dental implant information for the patient is received from the user. A listing of user selectable dental implant treatment plan options is provided. A cost associated with the user selectable dental implant treatment plan options available for inclusion in the dental implant treatment plan are provided and the cost is updated based on the user's selection of the user selectable dental implant treatment plan options. |
| US08630864B2 |
Method for switching rate and bandwidth scalable audio decoding rate
A method of bitrate switching on decoding an audio signal coded by a audio coding system, said decoding comprising a post-processing step depending on the bitrate. On switching from an initial bitrate to a final bitrate, said method includes a transition step of continuous change from a signal at the initial bitrate to a signal at the final bitrate, one or both of said signals being post-processed. Application to transmission of VoIP speech and/or audio signals in data packet networks. |
| US08630859B2 |
Method for developing a dialog manager using modular spoken-dialog components
A method of developing a dialog manager for a spoken dialog service is disclosed. The method comprises selecting a top level flow controller based on application type, selecting available reusable subdialogs for each application part, developing a subdialog for each application part not having an available subdialog and testing and deploying the spoken dialog service using the selected top level flow controller, selected reusable subdialogs and developed subdialogs. The method enables a developer to create a dialog manager that has individual reusable dialog modules that operate independent of the dialog model of the other modules. Application dependencies and context shifts are defined independent of the subdialogs to enable them to be reusable. The spoken dialog server manages context shifts in the spoken dialog by transitioning between dialog modules and subdialog modules. |
| US08630854B2 |
System and method for generating videoconference transcriptions
A method for generating a transcription of a videoconference includes matching human speech of a videoconference to writable symbols. The human speech is encoded in audio data of the videoconference. The writable symbols are parsed into a plurality of statements. For each statement of the plurality of statements, user profile data stored in computer-readable memory is used to determine which participant of a plurality of participants of the videoconference is most likely the source of the statement. A transcription of the videoconference is generated that identifies for each statement the determination of which participant of the plurality of participants of the videoconference is most likely the source of the statement. |
| US08630853B2 |
Speech classification apparatus, speech classification method, and speech classification program
A speech classification apparatus includes a speech classification probability calculation unit that calculates a probability (probability of classification into each cluster) that a latest one of the speech signals (speech data) belongs to each cluster based on a generative model which is a probability model, and a parameter updating unit that successively estimates parameters that define the generative model based on the probability of classification of the speech data into each cluster calculated by the speech classification probability calculation unit. |
| US08630849B2 |
Coefficient splitting structure for vector quantization bit allocation and dequantization
A method and apparatus to convert a linear predictive coding (LPC) coefficient into a coefficient having order characteristics, such as a line spectrum frequency (LSF), and to vector quantize the coefficient having the order characteristics when a speech signal is encoded. The method and apparatus split the vector of the coefficient having the order characteristics into a plurality of subvectors, select a codebook in which an available bit is variably allocated to each subvector according to distribution of elements of each subvector, and quantize each subvector according to the selected codebook. The method and apparatus use normalized codebooks. |
| US08630848B2 |
Audio signal transient detection
Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for detecting whether a transient exists within an audio signal. According to one representative embodiment, a segment of a digital audio signal is divided into blocks, and a norm value is calculated for each of a number of the blocks, resulting in a set of norm values for such blocks, each such norm value representing a measure of signal strength within a corresponding block. A maximum norm value is then identified across such blocks, and a test criterion is applied to the norm values. If the test criterion is not satisfied, a first signal indicating that the segment does not include any transient is output, and if the test criterion is satisfied, a second signal indicating that the segment includes a transient is output. According to this embodiment, the test criterion involves a comparison of the maximum norm value to a different second maximum norm value, subject to a specified constraint, within the segment. |
| US08630840B1 |
Systems and methods for communication with foreign language speakers
Instant messaging (IM) is provided and translated between parties that speak different languages, such as between a foreign language speaker and an entity. One or more converters may convert the foreign language speaker's speech to IM text in the speaker's language, which may then be translated into a language used by the entity. The foreign language speaker may provide IM text instead of speaking, and this IM text in the foreign language may be translated into IM text in a language used by the entity. The translated IM text or the speech converted from the translated IM text may then be provided as text, or may be converted to speech and provided as speech, to the entity, or a representative associated with the entity. |
| US08630838B2 |
Systems and methods for providing translations of applications using decentralized contributions
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for providing a translation for a set of one or more terms or phrases related to a software application using decentralized contributions. In particular, various embodiments provide systems and methods by which multiple users of the application contribute translations for individual terms or phrases of the application instead of having one entity supply the translation of the software application. Specifically, the process of various embodiments: (1) provides a repository for storing translations of the individual terms or phrases in a target language (e.g., a language for which a translation is needed); (2) collects the translations provided by users and stores the translations in the repository; (3) identifies the preferred translation for each individual term or phrase; and (4) displays the preferred translation to the user in response to receiving a user's request for a preferred translation in the target language. |
| US08630837B2 |
Multicast emulation
Systems and methods for emulating the reception of a multicast message considering simulated host channel characteristics. Methods, according to various embodiments, may comprise executing a plurality of host applications subscribing to a first multicast group address. The methods may also comprise executing a plurality of sockets. The methods may also comprise receiving a data packet indicating the first multicast group address. The data packet may be modified according to a first channel impairment condition to generate a first impaired data packet, which may be directed to a first host application selected from the plurality of host applications via a first socket selected from the plurality of sockets. The first socket may correspond to the first host. The data packet may be modified according to a second channel impairment condition to generate a second impaired data packet directed to a second host application via a second socket. |
| US08630835B2 |
Simulation device, simulation method, and recording medium storing program
Provided are a device model, a recording medium storing a program, a simulation circuit, device, and method that calculate a local temperature increase in an element. The device model according to the present invention is used for a semiconductor circuit simulation and has at least two model parameters. The model parameters include an electrical model describing temperature characteristics and a thermal model describing thermal characteristics and corresponding to the electrical model. |
| US08630834B2 |
Simulating apparatus for simulating integrated circuit
A device to simulate an integrated circuit (IC) includes a main body, a simulating signal generating module, and a converting module. The simulating signal generating module is positioned on the main body and generates signals indicative of signals of the IC. The converting module is positioned on the main body and converts the signals from digital to analog form. The connecting board is assembled to the main body and sends the converted signals to a printed circuit board (PCB). |
| US08630829B1 |
Computer aided design environment with electrical and electronic features
In one embodiment, a Computer Aided Design (CAD) environment is configured to maintain a model of a system. The CAD environment includes a plurality of predefined transducers, and a graphical user interface configured to permit a user to select one or more of the predefined transducers and connect the selected transducers to portions of the model. The CAD environment further includes a simulation engine to run a simulation of the model. A graphical programming environment is configured to execute a graphical program embodied in a block diagram. The graphical program receives one or more simulated transducer signals from the CAD environment and generates and sends one or more control signals to the CAD environment, to control the simulation. |
| US08630827B1 |
Automated linearization analysis
A method and apparatus automatically determines equilibrium operating conditions of a system model. The automated method enables users of block diagram models of dynamic systems to utilize simulation to define operating conditions for linearization. The automated method further allows users to generate operating conditions during simulation instead of explicitly specifying them by hand or using trim analysis. In accordance with one example, the method of generating a linear time invariant model includes providing a system model. A user specifies at least one event at which a linearization analysis should be performed. A simulation of the system model is executed. The electronic device automatically performs the linearization analysis upon occurrence of the at least one event as the simulation is running. Output results are generated of the linearization analysis to form the linear time invariant model. |
| US08630825B1 |
Method to determine a convergent reflector topology
A method of determining the surface topology of a reflector for convergence of a beam incident thereupon. |
| US08630822B2 |
Data center design tool
A data center design tool is described herein. The tool receives a number of design specifications for a proposed facility of the data center. The tool determines requirements of the data center based on the design specifications. Further, the tool receives an equipment component input and attributes of the equipment component input for the data center. The tool determines additional equipment component inputs and additional attributes based on the received design specifications, the determined requirements, and the received equipment component inputs and attributes. |
| US08630821B2 |
High speed data testing without high speed bit clock
System and method for testing a high speed data path without generating a high speed bit clock, includes selecting a first high speed data path from a plurality of data paths for testing. Coherent clock data patterns are driven on one or more of remaining data paths of the plurality of data paths, wherein the coherent clock data patterns are in coherence with a low speed base clock. The first high speed data path is sampled by the coherent clock data patterns to generate a sampled first high speed data path, which is then tested at a speed of the low speed base clock. |
| US08630818B2 |
Method and device for the determination of a statistical measurement value
A method and a device for determining a statistical parameter for all frequencies of a frequency distribution of signal levels of a test signal registered respectively in several observation intervals counts the frequency of the signal level of the test signal measured in each case within the respective signal-level range and at the respective value of the time or frequency raster of the frequency distribution from new within every observation interval, and buffers it for display on a display device. After every observation interval, for every signal-level range and every value of the time or frequency raster of the frequency distribution, the respective statistical parameter from the respective, newly-buffered frequency and all respective frequencies measured and buffered at earlier observation intervals is determined and buffered. |
| US08630815B2 |
Digital network quality control system utilizing feedback controlled flexible waveform shape for the carrier signal
A digital network quality control system and method utilizing feedback controlled flexible waveform shape for the carrier signal is provided. The system and method provides self-analysis and feedback to a variable waveform to increase network reliability and speed by modifying the shape of the waveform itself based on a self analysis of the waveform. |
| US08630813B2 |
Method and device for assessing the structural characteristics of installed supporting poles
The present disclosure relates to a method for automatically assessing structural characteristics of a supporting pole sunk in the ground, including the operational steps of detecting data regarding a pole being assessed, striking at least one blow against said pole, detecting pole oscillations generated by said struck blow(s), analyzing detected oscillations in order to determine at least one significant parameter of the oscillation trend, and comparing said significant parameter(s) with pre-established threshold values in order to obtain a conformity or non-conformity index related to pole characteristics. |
| US08630812B2 |
Method and system for patient-specific modeling of blood flow
Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model. |
| US08630811B2 |
Method for combining individual risk variables derived from cardiopulmonary exercise testing into a single variable
A method of pattern recognition for classifying the functional status of patients with chronic disease comprising characterizing the functional status based on a multivariable index (MVI) scoring system wherein the MVI is computed by summing a plurality of individual variable values as individual variable indexes (IVI) and dividing the sum by the number of variables and wherein the plurality of IVI includes rest PetCO2, ΔPetCO2, SaO2, QUES, Ve/VCO2 slope and Pcap and wherein each IVI is given an equivalent value of <1.00 to >=4.00, the number increasing with increasing severity yielding an MVI value ranging from <1.00 to >=4.00, normal to severe-very severe. |
| US08630808B2 |
Estimation of diagnostic markers
A method for estimating concentrations or concentration changes of particular biological markers, e.g. proteins, includes performing estimations by providing a mathematical model with data from measurements of other biological markers, e.g. other proteins. Thus, instead of measuring the concentration of particular proteins, this concentration can be estimated using the model. The estimated proteins can be used together with other clinical data in another model which is able to provide information or estimations of a patient's disease, for example. |
| US08630797B2 |
Method and device for guiding a person to a destination
A method, device, and computer-readable medium are configured for guiding a person (21) to a destination. The method comprises the steps of storing an association between a person (21) and a content item, wherein the content item comprises audio and/or at least one image, determining a destination for the person (21), determining a current position of the person (21), identifying at least one reproduction device (22, 23, 24, 25) between the current position and the destination, and reproducing the content item on the identified at least one reproduction device (22, 23, 24, 25). |
| US08630794B2 |
Method for the operation of a navigation device, and navigation device
A method for the operation of a navigation device, and a corresponding navigation device are provided. Multiple route elements are received which each have at least one parameter. The route elements characterize a route. Each of the route elements are assigned to local route elements which are stored in a digital memory card stored in the navigation device. A quality coefficient for the assignability to a local route element is determined for each of the route elements depending on at least one of the at least one parameters. A route reconstruction quality coefficient is determined depending on the respective quality coefficients of the route elements. |
| US08630792B2 |
Vehicle fuel cost-per-time display
Vehicle operating conditions are computed and the instant variable cost of operation is displayed, enabling operators to learn to operate the vehicle in ways that maximize value, minimize fuel consumption, and reduce or avoid operations that are excessively costly or wasteful. The display quantity is termed “Dynamic Fuel Cost” or DFC, usually measured and displayed in currency (such as Dollars or Euros) per hour. Once every second or so, up to six modes of vehicle operation are detected, including steady speed, acceleration, deceleration by coasting (reduced power or parasitic drag), regenerative braking (in vehicles so equipped such as hybrids), friction braking, and zero speed idling. Then DFC is computed and displayed to the operator. Operators can choose to operate the vehicle in ways that maximize the value of their time and minimize fuel consumption and resulting emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases. |
| US08630791B2 |
Dynamic route guidance
A vehicle route guidance system is provided that may dynamically determine one or more possible destinations within a predetermined distance of a current location of a vehicle having the vehicle route guidance system. The vehicle route guidance system may determine respective routes to the one or more possible destinations and may access price information with respect to the one or more possible destinations. For each of the one or more possible destinations, the vehicle route guidance system may estimate a cost of fuel to be consumed by the vehicle to reach respective ones of the one or more possible destination based on received traffic information, a respective route, and vehicle fuel consumption information. The vehicle route guidance system may provide information for guiding the vehicle to one of the one or more possible destinations having a lowest total overall cost. |
| US08630786B2 |
Low purge flow vehicle diagnostic tool
A vehicle includes an engine, a sealed fuel system having a fuel tank, a canister for storing fuel vapor, a vapor circuit external to the fuel tank, and a control valve. The vapor circuit includes an absolute pressure sensor and a switching valve connecting the fuel tank to the control valve. A controller evaluates or diagnoses a vapor purge function of the sealed fuel system using vacuum measurements from the absolute pressure sensor, executing or diagnosing only when the engine is running, purge is enabled, and the pump is off. The controller diagnoses the vapor purge function by comparing the vacuum measurements to a threshold vacuum. An apparatus includes the vapor circuit and controller. A method for diagnosing the vapor purge function includes actuating the switching valve, measuring a vacuum in the system using the absolute pressure sensor, and comparing the measured vacuum to a threshold vacuum. |
| US08630781B2 |
Braking regeneration energy shunt system
A regeneration energy shunt system utilizes a module to monitor the power bus voltage and can divert excess regeneration energy to a resistor array to dissipate the excess regeneration energy. The module can monitor the state of charge of an energy storage device to ascertain when excess regeneration energy condition exists. The resistor array can include a plurality of resistors. The module can ascertain the number of resistors needed dissipate the excess regeneration energy and selectively direct the excess regeneration energy to the required number of resistors. The module can dynamically switch which resistors are used to dissipate the excess regeneration energy and can thereby even out the loading across the resistors. The module can ascertain a state of health of the individual resistors and remove unhealthy resistors from service, report the state of health of the resistors, and initiate changes in operation based thereon. |
| US08630780B2 |
Brake system and method for operating a brake system
A method for controlling a brake system including receiving a braking signal for setting a braking action by the brake system, ascertaining a minimum rate of pressure increase in the brake system in order to effect the braking action within a predefined response time, and setting a pumping capacity of a pump of the brake system so that the pressure in the brake system increases in accordance with the minimum rate. |
| US08630779B2 |
Method and system for vehicle ESC system using map data
An Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system for a vehicle is disclosed. An electronic control unit (ECU) is programmed to reduce vehicle lateral skidding by reducing differences between an intended vehicle direction and/or yaw rate and an actual vehicle direction and/or yaw rate by applying modifications to operation of the vehicle brakes and/or throttle. The ESC system receives inputs from wheel speed sensors, a steering wheel position sensor, a yaw rate sensor and a lateral acceleration sensor. The ESC system also receives input that indicates at least a property of the road upon which the vehicle is located, wherein the road upon which the vehicle is located is determined from a positioning system that uses a map database and the property is determined from the map database. The ESC system incorporates the road property information in determining when and/or how to modify operation of the vehicle to reduce vehicle skidding. |
| US08630778B2 |
Controlling a throttle for fuel cut acquisition
A system and method for determining a required throttle position and operating a throttle in the required throttle position to attain a required engine speed for fuel cut acquisition is disclosed. A lock-up clutch may be engaged without a shock if a required engine speed is achieved that corresponds to a current transmission speed. Fuel economy may be increased by cutting fuel to the engine when a lock-up clutch is engaged. |
| US08630773B2 |
Waste collection vehicle and method for monitoring safety of vehicle
A method for monitoring safety of a waste collection vehicle, a digital image is captured by an image capturing device positioned on the waste collection vehicle. The method detects a person in the digital image, and controls a safety device to cut of power being supplied to the waste collection vehicle if the person has been detected. The method further outputs alarm messages by lighting one or more signal lamps of the waste collection vehicle. |
| US08630770B2 |
Vehicle and feedback control method
A vehicle capable of easily translating in an arbitrary direction. A vehicle comprising: wheels composed of two front wheels and two rear wheels; four steering actuators connected to the wheels, respectively, and steering the wheels; four drive actuators connected to the wheels, respectively, and driving the wheels; a joystick (64) tiltable in an arbitrary direction to perform operation and instructing the operation of the steering actuators; an accelerator pedal (63) for instructing the operation of the drive actuators; and a controller (100) which, when the joystick (64) is tilted, steers the wheels in the direction in which the joystick (64) is tilted, and when the accelerator pedal (63) is operated, drives the wheels on the basis of the amount of the operation of the accelerator pedal (63). |
| US08630768B2 |
System and method for monitoring vehicle parameters and driver behavior
System and method for monitoring the operation of a vehicle, comprising a housing having an accelerometer unit, and a global positioning system (GPS) unit, wherein the housing is adapted to be mounted in a window of the vehicle, and wherein the system is adapted to be powered by an on-board diagnostic system of the vehicle. |
| US08630766B2 |
Universal vehicle input/output transceiver and method of operation thereof
A vehicular diagnostic tool configured to interface with a plurality of vehicular computing systems that each utilize a different communications protocol. The tool includes a transceiver that itself includes a voltage threshold controller and a current threshold controller. Also, a method of using a single vehicular diagnostic tool to communicate with a plurality of vehicular computing systems that each utilize a different communications protocol. |
| US08630765B2 |
OBD II-compliant diagnostic PC tablet and method of use
An OBD II-compliant diagnostic PC tablet and method are provided. The tablet enables the simultaneous display of diagnostic data from multiple systems. Further, the tablet enables retrieval of potential solutions in response to the diagnostic data. The tablet may be used to retrieve the diagnostic data from a given vehicle system. The tablet features a display screen, an input node, and a processor. The tablet may communicate with one or more remote databases obtaining diagnostic summaries therefrom. Thus, the computer receives the diagnostic data vehicle system, derives diagnostic information therefrom, and can use external databases to derive potential diagnostic solutions therefrom. |
| US08630762B2 |
Method for the calculation of a collision-preventing trajectory for a driving maneuver of a vehicle
A method for calculating a collision-avoiding trajectory for a driving maneuver of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, in order to evade at least one obstacle approaching the motor vehicle during driving operation. The lateral speed of the motor vehicle is taken into account in the calculation independently of the longitudinal speed of the motor vehicle. |
| US08630759B2 |
Control of regenerative braking in a hybrid vehicle
A method is provided for controlling regenerative braking in a hybrid electric vehicle. The vehicle includes an energy-storage device, a motor/generator configured to retard the vehicle via regenerative braking, and a controller arranged to control regenerative braking. The method includes receiving a regenerative braking request, and detecting whether the energy-storage device is between first and second predetermined states of charge. The method additionally includes retarding the vehicle via the motor/generator and directing electrical energy from regenerative braking to an energy dissipating device, if the energy-storage device is at or above the first predetermined state of charge, or at or below the second predetermined state of charge. Furthermore, the method includes retarding the vehicle via the motor/generator and directing electrical energy from regenerative braking to the energy-storage device, if the energy-storage device is between the first and second predetermined states of charge. |
| US08630750B2 |
Method of controlling steering control equipment for aircraft, and steering control equipment for aircraft and aircraft provided therewith
A steering control equipment has a controller having a provisional-target-angular-position calculating section calculating a provisional target angular position of a steering mechanism corresponding to the operation amounts of a steering handle and rudder pedals, a speed setting section setting the aircraft speed on the basis of detected ground speed and airspeed, a target-angular-position limiting section outputting the provisional target angular position as a final target angular position when the calculated provisional target angular position is equal to or lower than a limit value corresponding to the set speed and outputting the limit value as a final target angular position when the calculated provisional target angular position is larger than the limit value, and a actuating control section controlling an actuating mechanism for actuating the steering mechanism so that the output final target angular position and the actual angular position of the steering mechanism detected coincide with each other. |
| US08630749B2 |
Vehicle control system, electronic control device, and communication method
A vehicle control system has a radio wave transmitting body that transmits information using a radio signal, a first electronic control device that receives the radio signal from the radio wave transmitting body, and a second electronic control device that receives the radio signal from the radio wave transmitting body. The first electronic control device includes a first transmitting/receiving unit that transmits and receives the radio signal, a first information acquisition unit that acquires the information, which is transmitted from the radio wave transmitting body, from the radio signal received by the first transmitting/receiving unit, and an information repeater that passes the information acquired by the first information acquisition unit to the second electronic control device by transmitting the radio signal from the first transmitting/receiving unit. |
| US08630736B2 |
Conveying device for rod
A conveying device capable of sequentially and efficiently picking up a plurality of randomly located rods, and conveying the picked up rod to a predetermined place, without using a complicated mechanism. A sucking unit has a nozzle attached to a robot hand, and is configured to move the nozzle close to an end of a first cylindrical portion of a rod to be picked. The nozzle is configured to hold the rod by being lifted while sucking the first portion within the nozzle. |
| US08630735B2 |
Method, apparatus, and medium for estimating pose of mobile robot using particle filter
Disclosed is a method, apparatus, and medium for estimating a pose of a moving robot using a particle filter. A method for estimating a pose of a moving robot using a particle filter according to an embodiment of the invention includes a detecting a change in pose of the mobile robot and calculating a pose of the current particle by applying the detected change in pose to the previous particle, predicting the probability of the pose of the current particle and obtaining a weight of the current particle on the basis of range data obtained by a sensor and map information, resampling the current particle on the basis of the weight, and adjusting the weight in consideration of an error of the sensor. |
| US08630734B2 |
Method and automated manipulator for moving a person with the manipulator
A method to move a person with an automated manipulator, in particular a robot, includes moving a rider receptacle for a person with the manipulator, and determining an acceleration variable of this movement before and/or during the execution of this movement and comparing the acceleration variable with a predetermined acceleration variable and/or adapting the movement to a predetermined acceleration variable in the event that the determined acceleration variable deviates from the predetermined acceleration variable, and/or a predetermined acceleration variable is used that includes different permissible acceleration durations that are respectively associated with a permissible acceleration value. |
| US08630732B2 |
Method for avoiding an unwanted collision between a tool and a workpiece in a machine tool
A method for avoiding an unwanted collision between a tool and a workpiece in a machine tool is disclosed, wherein when a parts program starts to run, the determination of setpoint movement values for controlling a relative movement between tool and workpiece is started based on the parts program and a determination of the material removal at the workpiece by the tool is started based on the determined setpoint movement values. It is then checked whether a tool model overlaps with a workpiece model. When an overlap is detected, the relative movement between tool and workpiece is slowed down until the relative movement stops. A related facility employing the method for controlling a machine tool is also disclosed. Unwanted collisions between a tool and a workpiece in a machine tool can thus be avoided, while attaining short machining times for the workpiece. |
| US08630731B2 |
Method of calibrating an ophthalmic processing device, machine programmed therefor, and computer program
The present invention is directed to a method of calibrating drill depth of an ophthalmic processing device. A number of drill cycles are selected for drilling an expected number of holes in a lens blank. The selected number of drill cycles is performed. The drill depth of each consecutive drill cycle varies incrementally. An actual number of locations the drill bit contacted the lens blank during the drill cycles is compared to the expected number of holes. The drill depth is adjusted depending on the compared values. A method of calibrating drill hole size is also disclosed. |
| US08630730B2 |
Machine and method for cutting
A machine for cutting a continuously extruded tube into segments of lesser and predetermined length, comprising: —means (33) for actuating sliding means (3) that are movable along a guide (30) parallel to a direction (20) of advance; said sliding means (3) comprising a first and a second station (31, 32) for cutting the tube which in turn comprise respectively a first and a second shearing cutter (311, 312). To the first shearing cutter (311) is associated a first cutting plane (310) transverse to the direction (20) of advance of the tube, to the second shearing cutter (312) is associated a second cutting plane (320) that is transverse to the direction (20) of advance of the tube and distal from the first cutting plane (310);—means for measuring the relative displacement between said tube and said first and second cutting plane (310, 320) along the direction (20) of advance of the tube;—control means commanding said actuating means (33) of said sliding means (3) according to the desired length of the segments produced by the machine (1) and according to the information provided by said measuring means. |
| US08630727B2 |
Closed loop analog signal processor (“CLASP”) system
A system, device, and method for recording audio with the character and sonic benefits of a genuine analog recording is disclosed. More specifically, an electro-mechanical-software controlled closed loop analog signal processor (“CLASP”) system which is comprised of a CLASP unit containing firmware, a latency detection module, and CLASP hardware display and controls. The CLASP system further comprises CLASP software operably running on a digital audio workstation (“DAW”) which is also in operable communication with the CLASP unit. The CLASP unit is also in operable communication with an analog recordable medium. An analog audio signal is recorded on the analog recordable medium, which may consist of a coated tape, cup, cylinder, drum, or disk, and then immediately played back and routed to the DAW via an analog to digital converter, thus providing for digitally recorded analog audio. The CLASP system may also include converters and a mixing console. |
| US08630724B2 |
Measurement and management technology platform
Techniques for implementing system best practices are provided. In one aspect, a method for monitoring, modeling and managing a physical system is provided. The method includes the following steps. A physical data model of the physical system is provided. Real time data is obtained from the physical system. The physical data model is updated based on the real time data. An analytic model of the physical system is created based on the updated physical data model. Operation of the physical system is controlled based on output from the analytic model. |
| US08630723B2 |
Method for controlling behavioral intervention of a submodule
A method for controlling behavioral intervention of a submodule, where a device model is used to model and operate an automation system, where the device model comprises an input/output device, a first module including at least one submodule and a first controller, a supervisory controller and a control module including at least one control submodule. The submodule is provided with a behavior identification code and behavior information in addition to interconnection information. A respective control submodule having a specific behavior identification code is addressed by the supervisory controller to control the intervention in the submodule, where the addressed control submodule thereupon issues a control command containing the specific behavior identification code to all other submodules, and where the other submodules having the specific behavior identification code are induced to adopt a behavioral change based on the behavior information. |
| US08630720B2 |
Implantable device using ultra-nanocrystalline diamond
An implantable biocompatible electrical device is uniformly covered with a coating approximately one-micron thick of ultra-nanocrystalline diamond, hermetically sealing the electrical device. Selected electrodes are either left uncovered during coating or uncovered by conventional patterning techniques, allowing the electrodes to be exposed to living tissue and fluids. The ultra-nanocrystalline diamond coating may be doped to create electrically conductive electrodes. These approaches eliminate the need for a hermetically sealed lid or cover to protect electrical circuitry, and thus allow the device to be thinner than otherwise possible. The conformal ultra-nanocrystalline diamond coating uniformly covers the device, providing relief from sharp edges and producing a strong, uniformly thick hermetic coating around sharp edges and on high aspect-ratio parts. |
| US08630719B2 |
Implantable medical lead with biased electrode
This disclosure describes implantable medical leads that include a lead body and an electrode. A width of the electrode as measured along a longitudinal direction of the lead varies about the perimeter of the lead. The uneven width of the electrode may bias a stimulation field in a particular direction, e.g., a radial or transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the lead. Electrodes with an uneven width may be useful for controlling the direction of propagation of the stimulation field in order to, for example, avoid phrenic nerve stimulation during LV pacing or neck muscle stimulation during vagal neurostimulation. |
| US08630718B2 |
Insulative structure for MRI compatible leads
A medical device lead includes a proximal connector, an insulative lead body extending distally from the proximal connector. The proximal connector is configured to couple the lead to a pulse generator. A first conductive coil is coupled to the proximal connector and extends through the lead body. The first conductive coil is coupled to a first electrode at a distal end of the first conductive coil. A first magnetically impregnated polymer layer is adjacent the first conductive coil. |
| US08630715B2 |
Rule-based stimulation program search
Techniques that involve application of one or more rules to a “parent” program to generate a plurality of different “child” programs are described. Each of the rules may define a respective electrode configuration modification, and each child program may be a variation of the parent based on a modification of the electrode configuration of the parent according to one of the rules. The systems or devices may generate further generations of child programs from a previous generation child program using the same one or more rules. The child programs may be provided to a user, so that the user may test the efficacy of the new programs, assisting the user in identifying desirable programs. The child programs may be relatively minor variations of the parent program, and the user may “fine tune” a generally desirable parent program by testing the child programs. |
| US08630714B1 |
Bone growth stimulation using a constant current capacitively coupled stimulator
A non-invasive bone growth stimulation system and method of use are disclosed. The non-invasive bone growth stimulation system generates a substantially constant AC current signal that is delivered to a body to treat bone fractures. The substantially constant AC current is derived from a square wave that is converted to a sinusoidal signal with at least one low pass filter to effectively produce the constant AC current at the fundamental frequency of the square wave. |
| US08630712B2 |
Respiration stimulation
An automated respiration stimulation apparatus comprising a detector configured to measure a respiratory cycle of a user and a stimulator configured to automatically apply a stimulation to the user's acoustic nerve to interrupt a disturbance in the respiratory cycle of the user in response to the detection of the disturbance as indicated by the respiratory cycle measurements of the detector. |
| US08630705B2 |
Implantable stimulator
An implantable stimulator includes a tube assembly that is configured to house a number of components that are configured to apply at least one stimulus to at least one stimulation site within a patient. The tube assembly has a shape that allows the stimulator to be implanted within said patient in a pre-determined orientation. Exemplary methods of stimulating a stimulation site within a patient include applying an electrical stimulation current to a stimulation site via one or more electrodes extending along one or more sides of a stimulator. The stimulator has a shape allowing the stimulator to be implanted within the patient in a pre-determined orientation. |
| US08630704B2 |
Neural stimulation with respiratory rhythm management
A system embodiment comprises at least one respiration sensor, a neural stimulation therapy delivery module, and a controller. The respiration sensor is adapted for use in monitoring respiration of the patient. The neural stimulation therapy delivery module is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal for use in stimulating the autonomic neural target of the patient for the chronic neural stimulation therapy. The controller is adapted to receive a respiration signal from the at least one respiration sensor indicative of the patient's respiration, and adapted to control the neural stimulation therapy delivery module using a respiratory variability measurement derived using the respiration signal. |
| US08630699B2 |
Body worn physiological sensor device having a disposable electrode module
A method for providing high voltage circuit protection for a patient monitor. The method includes providing a substrate that supports one or more electrical connections to a patient's body. The method further includes determining a print pattern and thickness of a first material having a first resistivity to be printed on the substrate, determining a print pattern and thickness of a second material having a second resistivity to be printed on the substrate, printing the first material onto the substrate, and printing the second material onto the substrate wherein at least part of the second the material overlays the first material. |
| US08630694B2 |
Medical imaging system and fluid-driven injector
Some injectors of the invention may include a fluid drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid (e.g., liquid, pneumatic, or both) to impart a sequence of forces to drive a delivery device (e.g., a syringe) to deliver a medical fluid (e.g., a contrast agent, a radiopharmaceutical, a drug, or a combination thereof). Some injectors may include a multimedia tube configured to pass a working fluid (e.g., air) and a light signal (e.g., infrared). Some injectors may include a peristaltic drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid. |
| US08630690B2 |
Thermal contraction compensation for superconducting and cryo-resistive cables
A method of compensating for thermal contraction of superconducting and cryo-resistive cables. The method includes the steps of determining a compensation length for a cable such that when the cable is subjected to an operating temperature, the cable is in or near a stress-free state, and installing the cable into a pipe such that portions of the cable extend outwardly past ends of the pipe. The method further includes the steps of marking each end of the cable such that the determined compensation length is visibly shown, forcing the cable into the pipe at an ambient installation temperature such that a cable pattern is formed therein, and maintaining the cable in the pipe to prevent the cable from being pushed out of the pipe. |
| US08630689B2 |
Superconducting accelerator cavity and method of manufacturing superconducting accelerator cavity
Provided is a superconducting accelerator cavity and a method thereof with which product reliability can be enhanced and manufacturing costs can be reduced. A method of manufacturing a superconducting accelerator cavity includes a beam-pipe forming stage of forming a beam pipe by processing a superconducting material into a tube shape; an end-plate joining stage of joining, by welding, an inner circumferential surface of an end plate formed in a shape of a ring that forms an end of a jacket, which accommodates coolant, to an outer circumferential portion of an end in the beam pipe formed in the beam-pipe forming stage; and an end-cell joining stage of joining, by welding, an iris portion of an end cell, which is formed of a superconducting material in a shape of a ring so as to form a cavity portion, to an inner circumferential portion of the end of the beam pipe. |
| US08630688B2 |
Winding for use in high temperature superconducting generator
A winding for use in a superconducting electric generator having a rotating rotor assembly surrounded by a non-rotating stator assembly is provided. The winding comprises at least one conductor structure associated with a component in the superconducting electric generator. The conductor structure comprises a plurality of conductive elements formed from a high temperature superconductive material. At least a portion of the conductive elements is arranged in a transposed relationship. A protective shell is positioned about the conductive elements and formed from a high strength alloy suitable for cryogenic temperatures. |
| US08630687B2 |
Sulfur-induced superconductivity in strontium ruthenates
In one aspect, a method is disclosed of making a material, the method including synthesizing a composition Sr2RuO4-ySy where y is in the range of, e.g., 0.1-1.2. In some embodiments y is in the range of 0.1-0.6. In some such embodiments, the material may exhibit a strong diamagnetic signal, e.g. of up to 5% of absolute diamagnetism (χ=−¼π) or more (e.g., at temperatures ranging from 4K-300K). In some embodiments, the material may exhibit high temperature superconductivity. |
| US08630680B2 |
Efficient wireless transmission opportunity handoff
Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide high-throughput control fields that, among other functions, provide efficient TXOP handoffs in wireless networks. A handoff may be made by setting one or more bits in a field in a QoS frame, such as the HT control or other appropriate field. Various conditions may be placed on a handoff by a granting station. For example, conditions specifying where a station receiving a TXOP handoff may send data, what the receiving station may do with any remaining TXOP, or what types of data may be transmitted by the receiving station may be imposed. These various conditions may be combined or omitted in any logic combination. |
| US08630676B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus and method for transmitting a signal according to determined transmission power and transmission time
A wireless communication apparatus and method are provided. The wireless communication apparatus includes: a transmission/reception side location recognizing unit recognizing the location of a transmission side and that of a reception side; a transmission power determining unit recognizing radio wave propagation characteristics according to the locations of the transmission side and the reception side, and determining transmission power in consideration of the radio wave propagation characteristics; a transmission time determining unit analyzing a transmission signal service type and determining a transmission time in consideration of a frequency usage fee if the transmission signal is not required to be transmitted in real time; and a transmission and reception unit transmitting the transmission signal according to the transmission power and the transmission time determined by the transmission power determining unit and the transmission time determining unit. |
| US08630674B2 |
Method of driving a mobile communication terminal
A method of driving a mobile communication terminal in a cellular network, includes monitoring with a control unit of the mobile communications terminal, reception power levels between the mobile communication terminal and cellular network base stations at a predefined monitoring rate for each base station. Timing information values for a number of base stations are intermittently monitored by the control unit. Drift of the timing information values for at least two of the base stations is monitored and significant motion of the mobile communication terminal is deemed detected if at least one of the timing information values indicates a drift equal to or exceeding a given timing drift threshold. The predefined reception power level monitoring rate is reduced to a reduced reception power level monitoring rate for at least a number of the base stations as long as the motion of the mobile communication terminal is not significant. |
| US08630673B2 |
Method and system for reducing feedback information in multicarrier-based communication systems based on frequency grouping
Systems and methods for decreasing the amount of information sent on a feedback channel are disclosed. Various forms of spectral binning may be used to reduce the amount of information sent on the feedback channel. The systems and methods may be applicable to wideband communication systems, ultra-wideband communication systems, and/or other communication system using multiple carrier frequencies (e.g., tones). |
| US08630671B2 |
System and method for message notification based on text modification
An apparatus and methods are disclosed for enabling a telecommunications terminal to notify its user of the arrival of a message via an acoustic or visual signal whose properties are based on attributes of the message. A network infrastructure element (e.g., a switch, a private branch exchange [PBX], a server, etc.) receives a message directed to a terminal and sets the values of ringtone properties (e.g., tempo, volume, pitch, rhythm, etc.) based on attributes of an incoming message (e.g., the sender, a priority, a subject, the location from which the message was sent, etc.). In a first illustrative embodiment the network infrastructure element sends the message and the instantiated ringtone to the terminal, while in a second illustrative embodiment the network infrastructure element sends the message and the property values to the terminal, and the terminal plays a locally-stored ringtone in accordance with the property values. |
| US08630667B2 |
Methods and apparatus for paging reception in multimode wireless networks
Methods and apparatus enabling a mobile device to receive paging notifications from multiple networks. In one embodiment of the present invention, a first device connected to a first network momentarily ignores the first network, to monitor a second network instead. The first device identifies and prioritizes a list of applications of the first network; the prioritized listing allows the first device to preempt one of its lower priority tasks to monitor the second network for paging messages instead. The described methods and apparatus enable e.g., GSM paging for Class B cellular devices which are connected to GPRS NMO-2 type networks. The Class B cellular device can ignore certain GPRS data (which is tolerant to error), to decode GSM paging channels, which would otherwise be missed. |
| US08630665B1 |
Estimating the location of a wireless terminal despite apparently reasonable but misleading or erroneous empirical data
A location engine is disclosed that estimates the location of a wireless terminal using (i) cell ID, (ii) triangulation, (iii) GPS, (iv) RF pattern-matching, or (v) any combination of them. The location engine is adept at discounting the contribution of apparently reasonable but erroneous data. The location engine receives data that are evidence of the location of a wireless terminal at each of a plurality of different times. The location engine then generates an initial hypothesis for the location of the wireless terminal at each time assuming that all of the data is correct and equally probative. Next, the location engine generates one alternative hypothesis for each initial hypothesis and each datum assuming that the datum is erroneous. Finally, the location engine generates the estimate for the location of the wireless terminal at each time by determining which combination of initial hypotheses and alternative hypothesis is the most self-consistent. |
| US08630663B1 |
Labeling visited locations based on contact information
The systems and techniques disclosed herein provide the ability to determine locations visited by a user and associate relevant location labels with the locations visited based on contact information. In some examples, a location label can be applied based on a match between a location visited and information stored in a user's contact list. In other examples, a user can efficiently designate a contact and location label to be associated with a location visited. In still other examples, if a location visited by a user is not listed in the user's contact list, but is otherwise known to the system, the location visited can be appropriately labeled and the corresponding contact in the user's contact list can be updated to include the location visited. |
| US08630661B2 |
Method, mobile device and computer-readable recording medium for location-aware application
A method, a mobile device, and a computer-readable recording medium for a location-aware application are provided. In the method, at least one signal source around the mobile device and a signal strength thereof are detected by using a signal detecting module. Then, each detected signal source and the signal strength thereof are compared with a signal source and a signal strength thereof recorded in multiple system profiles, so as to find a system profile having matched signal source and signal strength, in which the system profiles include signal sources and signal strengths thereof which are recorded and detected by the mobile device at multiple different locations and a system setting of the mobile device applicable to each location. Finally, a system setting of a matched system profile is executed. |
| US08630660B2 |
Mobile device supported medical information services
A wireless telecommunications system can receive position information associated with a wireless mobile device of a user and a medical access point name from the wireless mobile device, can determine a gateway based on the position information and the access point name, can receive medical information associated with the user from the wireless mobile device via the gateway, and can provide, based on the medical information and the position information, the medical information to a computer system of a medical facility. The medical information can include drug allergies, food allergies, health issues, physician contact information, emergency contact information, and/or a preferred medical facility, among others. The medical information can be useful in providing medical aid to the user of the wireless mobile device if the user is not able to communicate via verbal means, via written means, and/or via sign means. |
| US08630659B2 |
Systems and methods of delivering content to an occupant in a vehicle
A method of delivering content to an occupant in a vehicle, the method comprising: establishing an Internet connection using an electronic cellular device, the electronic device being integrated with an HMI system of the vehicle, the HMI system including HMI controls; searching for a content source providing an Internet media stream by selecting a content category using the HMI controls; connecting to the content source using the Internet connection; and playing the Internet media stream using a speaker of the vehicle. |
| US08630657B2 |
Systems for and methods of determining likelihood of reference point identity duplication in a positioning system
Systems for and methods of determining likelihood of reference point identity duplication in a positioning system are disclosed. A method of determining a measure of likelihood that a designated identifier is shared by wireless devices includes determining reference points associated with any wireless device having a designated identifier. The reference points are a geographic position at which signals from any of the wireless devices were detected and/or wireless devices from which signals were also detected within a selected period of time during which the signals from any of the wireless devices having the designated identifier were detected. The method also includes determining statistical information about a temporal distribution of detection of signals of reference points, a spatial distribution of the reference points, and/or a cardinality of the reference points and determining a measure of likelihood that the designated identifier is shared by wireless devices is based on the statistical information. |
| US08630655B2 |
Method and base station for automatic carrier selection
A femtocell basestation selects its carrier frequency by detecting a carrier used by at least one other basestation in its network, and selecting its own carrier frequency such that it partially overlaps with the detected carrier. The downlink power of the femtocell basestation is set based on the degree of overlap between the selected carrier and the detected carrier, so that a user equipment having a connection to the other basestation is forced to search for the selected carrier. |
| US08630654B2 |
Communication apparatus and communication method
A mobile communication system where a mobile station apparatus transmits reception quality information to a base station apparatus, the reception quality information indicating quality of a signal received from the base station apparatus, characterized in that the base station apparatus transmits information for instructing transmission of reception quality information without uplink data included in an uplink data transmission permission signal, and the mobile station apparatus transmits reception quality information without uplink data according to the information for instructing transmission of reception quality information without uplink data. This allows a mobile station apparatus to transmit reception quality information including a large amount of information even if there is no uplink data between the mobile station apparatus and the base station apparatus, and the transmission control flexibly responding to the amount of information and the frequency of transmissions of the reception quality information transmitted from the mobile station apparatus is possible. |
| US08630648B2 |
Verifying neighbor cell
A base station, computer readable medium and method for determining whether a neighbor cell is a neighbor of a serving cell, where the serving cell and the neighbor cell belong to a same communication network that includes a user terminal served by the serving cell. The method includes receiving at a base station of the serving cell, via the user terminal, a first identity of the neighbor cell, a second identity of the neighbor cell, and a random number generated by a base station of the neighbor cell; sending, from the base station of the serving cell, a request to the base station of the neighbor cell, for establishing a neighbor relation, wherein the request includes the received random number; and obtaining at the base station of the serving cell a response from the base station of the neighbor cell in response to the request, the response indicating acceptance or denial of the neighbor relation. |
| US08630639B2 |
User equipment and cell search method for the same
A user equipment and cell search method for the same are disclosed. The user equipment supports two or more frequency bands. The cell search method for the user equipment includes: receiving intersection data through a first frequency band; and skipping, when the received intersection data is set to a search skip value, cell searching in a second frequency band. |
| US08630636B2 |
Radio base station and radio communication method
The disclosed radio base station (1A) executes radio communication with a radio terminal that measures the SNR or CNR of each of a plurality of predetermined subbands. The radio base station (1A) includes a radio communication unit (110), which receives a CQI indicating the SNR or CNR for each subband a plurality of times, or receives the CQI from a plurality of radio terminals that include said radio terminal, a counting unit (122c), which counts, for each of the plurality of subbands, the number of times that the radio communication unit (110) has received a CQI that has degraded more than a predetermined threshold value, and an interfered subband detector (123), which detects those subbands from among the plurality of subbands for which the count has reached a predetermined number as interfered subbands. |
| US08630635B2 |
Methods and apparatus for use in transferring user data between two different mobile communication devices using a removable memory card
Techniques for use in processing user data associated with a user account of a mobile device having an application is described. The mobile device includes a memory and an interface configured to receive a removable memory card. A encryption/decryption key is stored in the memory, but is not stored in the removable memory card. The mobile device regularly receives and stores updates to the user data in the memory for use in the application. For updates to the user data, the mobile device updates a copy of the user data stored in the removable memory card in an encrypted format in accordance with the encryption/decryption key. |
| US08630632B2 |
Managing mobile communication identity
The disclosure addresses technology for identifying a mobile subscriber integrated services digital network number (MSISDN) of a mobile communication device in an extended enterprise voice network comprising the mobile device, an enterprise server, a private branch exchange (PBX), and a service management platform (SMP). The need to determine an MSISDN is detected. At least one of disable calling line identification restriction at the mobile communication device, and enable calling line identification restriction override at the SMP is implemented. The SMP is contacted from the mobile communication device. The incoming contact is identified at the SMP. The MSISDN is transmitted to the mobile device from the SMP. The transmitted MSISDN is written to the SIM card. |
| US08630630B2 |
Enhanced roaming services and converged carrier networks with device assisted services and a proxy
A method performed by a network system communicatively coupled to a wireless device by a wireless access network, the network system including a network element corresponding to a network element destination, the method comprising providing at least a portion of a device policy to the wireless device, wherein the device policy is configured to assist in detecting wireless device traffic associated with a service activity, identifying the service activity as being included in a service usage activity classification, and directing or routing the wireless device traffic associated with the service activity over the wireless access network based on information identifying the network element destination; providing a network element policy to the network element corresponding to the network element destination; detecting, at the network element, traffic associated with the wireless device; and applying the network element policy at the network element to the traffic associated with the wireless device. |
| US08630628B2 |
Multimedia calling methods and systems for video phones
A calling method for performing a video phone call including: establishing a bearer of a video phone call between a calling terminal and a Multimedia Ring Back Tone (MRBT) device; playing, by the MRBT device, a MRBT to the calling terminal via the bearer between the calling terminal and the MRBT device; sending, by a MSC server of the calling terminal, a prompt message to the calling terminal; removing the bearer between the calling terminal and the MRBT device upon receiving the prompt message; establishing another bearer of the video phone call between the calling terminal and a called terminal; and performing a video phone call communication between the calling terminal and the called terminal via the bearer between the calling terminal and the called terminal. The present invention also provides the corresponding systems, thereby realizing the Multimedia Ring Back Tone service of a video phone call. |
| US08630626B2 |
Enhanced messaging with language translation feature
A method for creating and managing a distribution list can include creating a distribution list at a voicemail system. The distribution list can include at least one recipient and at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients. The method can further include selecting the created distribution list and recording an audio message to be sent to the at least one recipient. Translating the audio message into the at least one language preference for one or more of the at least one recipients thereby creating at least one translated audio message and sending the at least one translated audio message to the at least one recipient. |
| US08630624B2 |
Managing notification messages
Methods and apparatuses that generate a subtopic identifier identifying a client application within a client device are described. The client application may be associated with a server application hosted in one or more application servers. Notification services may be registered with the application servers from the client application to forward identifiers associated with the client application to the server application to enable the server application to push notification messages to the client device selectively for the client application. When receiving a notification message from the application server, the notification message may be examined to forward the notification message directly to the client application without invoking other applications in the client device if the notification message carries a subtopic identifier of the client application. |
| US08630620B2 |
Method and apparatus for securing location information and access control using the location information
A method and apparatus for securing location information and access control using the location information are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) includes a location sensing entity and a subscriber identity module (SIM). The location sensing entity generates location information of the WTRU and the location information is embedded in a message in an SIM. A trusted processing module in the WTRU verifies integrity of the location information. The trusted processing module may be on the SIM. The location information may be physical location information or contextual location-related information. The trusted processing module is configured to cryptographically secure and bind the location information to the WTRU, and verify trust metrics of an external entity prior to granting an access to the location information or accepting information from the external entity. The trusted processing module may be a trusted computing group (TCG) trusted platform module (TPM) or mobile trusted module (MTM). The location information may be used for an authentication purpose or access control. The location information may be combined with time information. |
| US08630619B2 |
Method of communicating between a vehicle and a telematics subscription service
A method of communicating between a vehicle and a telematics subscription service includes initiating a call from a vehicle telematics unit to a telematics subscription service via a wireless carrier system; accessing a vertical service code telephone number that is associated with the telematics subscription service and stored at a vehicle carrying the vehicle telematics unit; establishing a call between the vehicle telematics unit and the telematics subscription service using the accessed vertical service code telephone number; and wirelessly transmitting vehicle-related data between the vehicle telematics unit and the telematics subscription service over the established call. |
| US08630617B2 |
Device group partitions and settlement platform
A method performed by a network system communicatively coupled to an end-user device via a wireless network, the method comprising: obtaining usage information associated with the end-user device from one or more sources, the usage information identifying a device activity of the end-user device and including a measure of usage of the wireless network associated with the device activity; using one or more rules and the usage information, generating first information and second information, the first information for use in providing, to a first entity, a first accounting of a first portion of the usage, the first entity being other than a user of the end-user device and other than the operator of the wireless network, the second information for use in, providing, to a second entity, an accounting of a second portion of the usage; and providing the first information and the second information to a network element. |
| US08630616B2 |
Operations method for providing wireless communication services
The present invention is directed to an improved operations method for a wireless communication system. The improved business method, operations method, network and system of the present invention includes the steps of delivering cellular services to the mass market, reducing peak capacity, increasing overall capacity utilization, improving capital utilization, providing an “all-you-can-eat” pricing model, and designing capacity based upon where the users live, work, and play. |
| US08630612B1 |
Feature management of a communication device
A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need to regulate how that device can be used and to determine who will pay for what goods or services. In addition to providing all of the features associated with a device, service providers need to be able to establish and enforce rules (policies) regulating how and when that device can be used and who will pay for a good or service requested by the user of the device. |
| US08630609B2 |
Data message service controller and method for handling emergency text messaging
A system and method for communicating an emergency data message includes receiving a data message and determining whether an emergency abbreviated dialing code was received with the data message. If an emergency data message includes an abbreviated dialing code, an emergency data message short code associated with the abbreviated dialing code may be requested. A cell code identifier in which the wireless communications device is located may be determined, and the data message, emergency data message short code, and cell code identifier may be communicated via a communications network for the data message to be routed to a PSAP handling emergencies in an area in which the wireless communications device is located. |
| US08630605B2 |
Synchronization system and method for achieving low power battery operation of a vehicle locating unit in a stolen vehicle recovery system which receives periodic transmissions
Synchronization for achieving low power battery operation of a vehicle locating unit in a stolen vehicle recovery system whose radio receiver receives periodic transmissions, includes receiving periodic transmissions; turning on a radio receiver for a limited time to detect an expected message; if an expected message is not found, turning off the receiver and turning it on again after a time asynchronous with the transmission period; and after finding an expected message, waiting for the period of the transmissions less the length of an expected message and then looking for a synchronization symbol in the expected message and synchronizing subsequent actuation of the receiver using that synchronization symbol. |
| US08630602B2 |
Pilot interference cancellation
Techniques for generalized pilot interference cancellation in a communications receiver. In an exemplary embodiment, a residual pilot is cancelled from a post-traffic cancellation signal following initial first-pass pilot cancellation. Residual pilot cancellation is achieved by adding the first-pass cancelled pilot as earlier stored in memory back to the post-traffic cancellation signal, and pilot filtering the resulting signal to generate an improved pilot interference estimate. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, an arbitrary number of iterations may be applied to generate the pilot interference estimate by successively storing each generated pilot interference estimate in memory. |
| US08630600B1 |
Systems and methods for asynchronous re-modulation with adaptive I/Q adjustment
Various embodiments provide for systems and methods for signal conversion of one modulated signal to another modulated signal using demodulation and then re-modulation. According to some embodiments, a signal receiving system may comprise an I/Q demodulator that demodulates a first modulated signal to an in-phase (“I”) signal and a quadrature (“Q”) signal, an I/Q signal adjustor that adaptively adjusts the Q signal to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a transitory signal that is based on a second modulated signal, and an I/Q modulator that modulates the I signal and the adjusted Q signal to the second modulated signal. To increase the SNR, the Q signal may be adjusted based on a calculated error determined for the transitory signal during demodulation by a demodulator downstream from the I/Q modulator. |
| US08630599B2 |
Discovery of safety and non-safety capable single-radio devices in wireless environments
Discovery of safety and non-safety capable single-radio devices in vehicular wireless environments is made possible through the use a two-bit indicator. A first indicator is associated with a type C device. A second indicator is associated with a non-type C device within one hop of a type C device. A third indicator is associated with a non-type C device within two hops of a type C device. A fourth indicator is associated with a non-type C device within three hops or more (out of range) of a type C device. Discovery of safety and non-safety capable single-radio vehicular devices within a protection range in multiple-channel based wireless vehicular environments is thus made possible. |
| US08630597B2 |
Antenna tuner and method for adjusting antenna impedance
Disclosed are an antenna tuner and a method for adjusting antenna impedance. The antenna tuner includes a reference impedance resistor, a first coupler having an isolated port connected to one end of the reference impedance resistor, a second coupler having an input port connected to an output port of the first coupler and an output port connected to the antenna, and an impedance adjusting device group connected to the second coupler to adjust impedance of the antenna. An impedance controller generates an impedance adjustment control signal according to a first voltage applied to a coupled port of the first coupler, and a second voltage applied to a coupled port of the second coupler to provide the impedance adjustment control signal to the impedance adjusting device group. |
| US08630592B2 |
System and method for triggering a wireless connection
Systems and methods displaying information from a mobile device are described herein. One embodiment of this disclosure provides method of triggering a wireless connection. The method comprises detecting a wired connection at a mobile device. The method further comprises adjusting a power to a wireless interface based on the detection of the wired connection. |