| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08720421B2 |
Turbo-charging apparatus for vehicle engine
The disclosure provides a turbo-charging apparatus for a vehicle engine, which includes a first and second turbocharger, an inter-turbine passage connecting a discharging port of a first turbocharger turbine with an introducing port of a second turbocharger turbine, a bypass passage connecting an introducing passage of the first turbocharger turbine with the inter-turbine passage, and a control valve for opening and closing the bypass passage. The inter-turbine passage extends substantially straight from the discharging port of the first turbocharger turbine toward the second turbocharger when viewed from a direction parallel to turbine shafts of the first and second turbochargers, which are arranged substantially parallel to each other, so that the inter-turbine passage connects with an outer circumferential part of the second turbocharger turbine so as to extend in a direction tangent to an outer circumference direction of the second turbocharger turbine. |
| US08720419B2 |
Internal combustion engine efficiency
The technique disclosed increases the energy conversion efficiency by means of substantial reduction of friction between the cylinder walls and the associated piston rings. The result is achieved by eliminating the unwanted carbonaceous deposits on cylinder walls and associated piston rings by means of vapor nitric acid (HNO3) delivered to the combustion chambers of an engine. Nitric acid is produced by means of chemical reaction between oxygen (O2) and water vapor (H2O) in air and nitric dioxide (NO2) generated throughout an electrical discharge in the air intake path. |
| US08720416B2 |
Methods and apparatus to detect and inhibit low-speed pre-ignition in an engine
The disclosure provides a method of detecting and inhibiting an abnormal combustion event in an internal combustion engine, comprising operating the internal combustion engine to produce exhaust gas from the cylinder at a break mean effective pressure greater than or equal to 10 bars at a speed less than or equal to 2,000 revolutions per minute; monitoring the exhaust gas from the cylinder with an oxygen sensor while the internal combustion engine undergoes a pre-ignition combustion event; obtaining an output from the oxygen sensor, the output from the oxygen sensor providing an indicator of the pre-ignition combustion event; and adjusting at least one operating parameter of the internal combustion engine in response to the output of the oxygen sensor, wherein the at least one operating parameter is adjusted to inhibit an occurrence of a subsequent pre-ignition combustion event. |
| US08720412B2 |
Control apparatus for direct injection type internal combustion engine
A control apparatus for a direct injection type engine is provided for reducing an amount of fuel that adheres to and that remains on a crown surface of a piston so as to suppress the increase of Number of particles as well as advancing the first injection as much as possible when plural fuel injections are carried out in one cycle in the direct injection type engine. The first injection timing is set based on a pulse width of at least the first injection among each of injections split plural times, and when the pulse width of the split first injection is short, the injection timing of the first injection is more advanced as compared with a case of a longer pulse width of the split first injection. |
| US08720409B2 |
Oil squirter with damping vent
An oil squirter for an engine includes a piston-type valve having a damping vent configured to damp oscillations of the valve piston during opening and closing. The valve piston may be spring biased and the valve may opened by oil pressure exerted on the piston at or above a cracking pressure. The damping vent controls displacement of the valve piston by creating delta pressure in oil contained in a piston chamber in opposition to axial piston movement during opening and closing of the valve, to stabilize the axial movement of the piston thereby damping valve oscillation during valve opening and closing. The damping vent operates to increase cracking stability and eliminate cyclic contact of the valve piston and valve seat to prevent noise, wear, binding, and oil system pressure fluctuations due to squirter valve instability. |
| US08720408B1 |
Oil filtering and cooling system for a vehicle compression ignition engine
An oil distribution system for a vehicle diesel engine having a replacement oil cooler block which directs oil to a remote oil filter block. Filtered oil is routed across the supply passage of a thermostat to an oil-to-air oil cooler. Oil from the cooler is directed via a return passage to the oil cooler block for distribution to the engine. The thermostat will bypass oil directly to the return passage when the oil temperature is below a preset level. The system may be an OEM system or a retrofit modification to existing engines. The system may include multiple oil-to-air heat exchangers and may be adapted to retain existing components such as a stock oil-to-coolant oil cooler. |
| US08720407B2 |
Internal combustion engine
In an engine crankcase including a crankshaft supported at its front end by a crankshaft bearing having a crankshaft bearing cover including a bearing top part and a bearing bottom part and a front end gear drive arranged in front of the crankcase for driving auxiliary component and including a first drive gear mounted onto the crankshaft, a second gear mounted to the auxiliary component and an intermediate gear in meshing engagement with the first and second gears and supported on a support plate, the support plate is screwed onto the crankcase, the bearing top part and the bearing bottom part. |
| US08720405B2 |
Piston with improved side loading resistance
A piston including a crown and a skirt extending generally axially away from the crown. The skirt includes a pair of opposed skirt panel portions and a band spaced away from the crown and extending generally around a perimeter of the piston. The piston further includes a pair of strut assemblies, each strut assembly including a pair of struts which converge in a radially outward direction. Each strut terminates at or adjacent to one of the panel portions. |
| US08720403B2 |
Having a crankshaft and two balancer shafts
A balancer shaft of an engine includes a pair of journal portions, a first stage balance weight and a second stage balance weight. The first stage balance weight is formed between the journal portions and eccentrically arranged with respect to an axis. The second stage balance weight is formed on a center part of the first stage balance weight in the axial direction and projects outward from the first stage balance weight in a radial direction. The balancer shaft has a recess portion on the opposite side of the eccentricity direction. |
| US08720396B2 |
Split-cycle engine
A compression-ignition “split-cycle” engine (100) having: a cylinder block with an expansion cylinder having an expansion piston that moves alternatively between a top dead center (ETDC) and a bottom dead center (EBDC) by a crankshaft mechanism that causes a predetermined position of the expansion piston to correspond to a predetermined crankshaft angle; a compression cylinder having a compression piston adapted to move alternatively between a CTDC and a CBDC according to a predetermined angular phase shift in delay to the expansion piston; a cylinder head that closes the cylinders and comprises a crossover passageway with an opening in constant communication towards compression cylinder and an opening having a transfer valve towards expansion cylinder, an intake valve and an exhaust valve; means for opening/closing the transfer valve; means for opening/closing exhaust valve at predetermined moments of the alternative cycle of the pistons, and a fuel injector in the crossover passageway. |
| US08720393B2 |
Engine structure having conjugate cam assembly
An engine structure having a conjugate cam assembly is provided and includes a piston which can be used to push or pulled by the conjugate cam assembly mounted on a camshaft through a connection rod, a roller rocker and two rollers. The conjugate cam assembly has two cams with cam profiles and relative arrangement angle which can be varied according to actual operational desire, so as to vary the ratio of intake/exhaust strokes and the ratio of compression/power strokes. Thus, the combustion efficiency and the exhaustion efficiency can be enhanced. When the camshaft finishes four strokes of an operational cycle, the camshaft only rotates one circle (i.e. 360 degree), so that the rotation speed of the camshaft can be lowered. |
| US08720386B2 |
Pet protective collar with stays
A flexible pet protective collar having stays formed of a more rigid material than flexible sheets of the collar, the stays being disposed inside channels located at seams of the collar. |
| US08720381B2 |
Pet grooming tool
A pet grooming tool includes a plurality of tine members and dematting members juxtaposed with one another along a shaft axis of a mounting shaft to be secured to a handle assembly. Each tine member has front and rear edge surface extending to join with each other to form a tine tip. Each dematting member has a dematting blade region extending to terminate at an inclined distal edge surface, and having a blade cutout portion which extends from the inclined distal edge surface to form a dematting blade tip that is disposed rearward from the tine tip for preventing injury to a user or a pet. The pet grooming tool will rake or comb a pet by means of the tine members while cutting tangles and mats of the undercoat of the pet by means of the dematting members. |
| US08720379B2 |
Shipping containers for livestock
Shipping containers and systems for transporting livestock on shipping vessels over extended periods including features for water distribution, feed distribution, temperature control, air movement, and waste management and partitions for separating livestock from feed throughout shipment. |
| US08720377B1 |
Container and method for acclimating animals or plants
An aquarium transfer container has an inner container with holes therein. A double siphon is created from the aquarium to the transfer container and then from the transfer container to drain. When all the foreign water in the transfer container has been replaced with aquarium water, the inner container is lifted out and set inside the aquarium to release the transferred fish/plant. |
| US08720376B2 |
Coral cultivation method, manufacturing method for coral-growth substrate precipitated with electrodeposited minerals, and coral-growth substrate
A coral cultivation method includes: an electrodeposited-mineral precipitating procedure for precipitating electrodeposited minerals on a coral-growth substrate for growing coral, which is placed in seawater, by applying an electric current between the coral-growth substrate and a first anode that is electrically connected to the coral-growth substrate and placed in the seawater; a coral-larvae growing procedure for growing coral larvae on the coral-growth substrate precipitated with the electrodeposited minerals; a coral-cultivation-structure configuring procedure for configuring a coral cultivation structure from a plurality of the coral-growth substrates on which the coral larvae are grown; and a coral cultivating procedure for cultivating coral by applying an electric current between the coral-growth substrate on which the coral larvae are grown and a second anode. |
| US08720371B2 |
Method for milking an animal, and milking arrangement
A method of and arrangement for automatically milking an animal by use of an automatic milking system including a plurality of teat cups, a robot arm for automatic attachment of the teat cups and a control system arranged to control the milking system, wherein the teat cups are used, until a defect is established with respect to a teat cup. In that case, milking of the non-milked teat is automatically taken over by a different teat cup. |
| US08720365B2 |
Method for fabricating displays, and apparatus and process for producing displays
A method for fabricating a display is provided. The method includes providing a substrate having a pixel area, forming a plurality of patterned first electrodes on the pixel area, forming a plurality of partitions on both sides of the patterned first electrodes, respectively filling in spaces between the partitions with various colored material to cover the patterned first electrodes by a depositing process, and forming a cover on the partitions and the colored materials. |
| US08720363B2 |
Water activated buoyancy device
A water activated device having a lower casing with a cavity into which a spring is received, followed by a plunger and a bobbin. The lower casing attaches to an upper casing which houses a floatation member and includes a central aperture sized to allow the plunger to pass. The bobbin is sandwiched between the floatation member and the plunger. The floatation member defines a line holding dispensing spool such that one end of a line is attached to the spool and the opposite end of the line is attached to the device. The bobbin is the water sensitive trigger: when the water comes in contact with the bobbin, the bobbin starts to disintegrate losing its structural integrity, allowing force to enable the spring, forcing the plunger against the floatation member which discharges the floatation member from the upper casing. Once the floatation member is discharged, the floatation member floats to the water surface. |
| US08720358B2 |
Rudder stock
In order to achieve improved properties in a rudder stock for rudders for water vehicles, at least the lower end area of the rudder stock to be inserted into the rudder and to be mounted in the rudder has a non-metallic material. |
| US08720357B2 |
Passenger-rotatable boat
A boat configured for rotating in response to passenger inputs such as rotation of a wheel or pumping a hand pump. The boat includes a hull with an upper portion for receiving at least one passenger and a lower portion comprising a bottom contact surface. Further, the boat includes a rider interface, provided on the upper portion of the hull, that is configured for receiving physical input from the passenger. The boat also includes a torque producing assembly with a boat-to-water interface provided on the lower portion below a waterline region and above bottom contact surface. The boat-to-water interface applies a force to water adjacent to the lower portion of the hull in response to the received physical input, whereby the boat rotates due to a resistive force applied by the water in response to the applied force. |
| US08720344B2 |
Thermal management system and method
A system includes an interior duct, a blower, a vent coupling, and a secondary duct. The interior duct is fluidly coupled with the inlet and with an energy storage device disposed in a vehicle. The blower draws cooling fluid received through the inlet and through the interior duct to cause a first portion of the cooling fluid to flow over and/or through the energy storage device. The vent coupling directs the first portion of the cooling fluid that flowed over and/or through the energy storage device into a vented area. The secondary duct directs a second portion of the cooling fluid from the interior duct into the vent coupling to mix with the first portion of the cooling fluid after the first portion of the cooling fluid flows over and/or through the energy storage device. |
| US08720342B1 |
Low collateral damage fragmentation warhead
A fragmentation warhead includes a cylindrical body, and an explosive charge disposed within the innermost part of the warhead body comprised of slidable positionable explosives, their times of detonation controllable by an operator. The apparatus can produce numbers and sizes of fragments ranging from relatively large to relatively small. |
| US08720338B2 |
Process for controlling the quantity of ink applied to a material being printed and corresponding device
A process for controlling the quantity of ink applied to a material being printed includes the stages of: driving an inking roller and a printing roller at first inking and printing speeds, changing the printing speed to a second printing speed, changing the inking speed to a second inking speed on the basis of a speed correction index, measuring a first and a second quantity of ink, calculating the difference in the quantities of ink applied, and altering the speed correction parameter on the basis of the difference in the quantity of ink printed. The process may be applied to offset presses. |
| US08720336B2 |
Plate for magnet cylinder
A plate for a magnet cylinder includes a main body, a nonmagnetic portion, and a magnetic piece. The main body is formed of a flexible thin plate-like magnetic material to be magnetically mounted on the outer surface of a magnet cylinder. The nonmagnetic portion is projected from one end of the main body. The magnetic piece magnetically sandwiches the nonmagnetic portion against the outer surface of the magnet cylinder. |
| US08720331B2 |
Screen printing apparatus and method for printing of circuit board including a mask having two different patterns for printing different parts of the circuit board in separate printing steps
A screen printing device and screen printing method in which, in screen printing which is to be applied to a cavity circuit board configured by bonding board members together, printing misalignment hardly occurs. A mask member has a cavity-portion corresponding mask region MRC where a mask pattern MPC corresponding to cavity-portion electrode patterns is formed on the bottom faces of fitting portions to be fitted into cavity portions CV; and a flat-portion corresponding mask region MRF where a mask pattern MPF corresponding to flat-portion electrode patterns is formed as separate regions. Positioning between the cavity-portion corresponding mask region MRC and the cavity-portion electrode patterns is performed, and screen printing is applied. Positioning between the flat-portion corresponding mask region MRF and the flat-portion electrode patterns is performed, and screen printing is applied. |
| US08720328B2 |
Control device of servo press and method for controlling servo press
A control system of a servo press and a control method are provided for preventing an overload on a pressure capability of a press and a torque capability of a drive system. A control device of a servo press for pressing by transferring a drive force of a servomotor to a slide via a drive mechanism includes: a motion calculation unit for calculating slide target position data; a torque calculation unit for calculating process torque for pressing and control torque for speed change of the servo motor on the basis of slide target position data; a process system limit unit for limiting the calculated process torque to predetermined process limitation torque; and a drive system limit unit for limiting combined torque of the limited process torque and the control torque to predetermined drive limitation torque. The servo motor is driven on the basis of a command of drive limitation torque. |
| US08720322B2 |
Barbeque smoker with heated reverse flow exhaust
A barbeque smoker has an angled front with a heated exhaust that increases draft and air circulation, resulting in a more even heat and smoke distribution than conventional smokers. By heating an internal chimney directly over the smoker's fire, the temperature in the exhaust is higher than it is inside the cooking chamber, thus increasing draft/air circulation. The chimney intake is positioned below the cooking grates and runs on an upward angle through the cooking chamber. The chimney terminates outside the top of the smoker. This configuration forces the chamber to uniformly fill with heat and smoke before any heat or smoke can exit the cooking chamber. The increased draft aids efficient circulation of the heat and smoke, creating a very uniform cooking environment. |
| US08720318B2 |
Actuator
An actuator is equipped with a cylinder body in the interior of which a piston is disposed for displacement therein. A piston rod connected to the piston projects outwardly to the exterior from an end of the cylinder body. A guide unit, having a guide body that is attached to the cylinder body, and a pair of guide rods, which are disposed displaceably with respect to the guide body, are disposed detachably on the cylinder body. Additionally, by mutually interconnecting the guide rods of the guide unit and the piston rod through a connecting plate, when the piston rod is displaced in an axial direction, the piston rod is guided by the pair of guide rods. |
| US08720316B2 |
High-pressure fuel pump
A high-pressure fuel pump includes a housing and a swash plate which is mounted in the housing and is arranged in an oil space of the housing. A drive shaft is connected to the swash plate and passes through a housing opening, and with a seal for the drive shaft, which seal is mounted in the housing in the region of the housing opening. The high-pressure fuel pump has a plurality of pump elements for sucking up, compressing and ejecting fuel, which pump elements can be acted upon consecutively by the rotatable swash plate. In a pump of this type, the fuel pump has at least one magnet, the magnetic force field of which acts on the oil space of the housing. Premature wear of the pump, in particular premature wear of the seal, is avoided since the magnet separates off iron-containing dirt particles found in the oil. |
| US08720313B2 |
Window covering cutting machine
A window covering cutting machine is disclosed that has a support table, a cutting mechanism adjacent the support table and a plurality of moveable stops moveably connected to at least one of the cutting mechanism and the support table. The support table has a surface on which at least a portion of a window covering work piece can be placed. The cutting mechanism has a housing with a plurality of openings sized to receive at least a portion of a window covering work piece. The cutting mechanism also has at least one cutting device configured to cut portions of a window covering that extend through any of the openings. One stop is aligned with each opening and is independently moveable relative to the housing and the other stops. |
| US08720312B2 |
Hands-free quick-change air tool configuration
A hands-free quick-change air tool configuration for a machining apparatus includes a tool holder configured to receive a normally hand-held air operated tool. The air manifold is operably receptive of the tool holder. A plunger-type seal configuration is operably interconnected to an air supply and is in operable communication with the air manifold. A method for deburring a part in a machining apparatus is included. |
| US08720309B2 |
Ratchet wrench having easily assembling structure
A ratchet wrench having easily assembling structure includes a body, a D-head, a loose ratchet, a heart-shaped spring, a disc and a ring. The body has a head portion. The head portion has a through hole. A plurality of teeth is uniformly defined on the through hole. The D-head is rotatably disposed in the through hole and has a connecting member and a threaded member. The loose ratchet is disposed on the D-head. The heart-shaped spring has a closed tip. The disc is disposed on the head portion. A shouldered hole is opened on the disc. A ring is disposed onto the shouldered hole. The ring is disposed onto the shouldered hole. Under this arrangement, a user engages a tool bit with the connecting member of the present invention to lock a bolt by repeatedly rotating the body of the present invention clockwise/counterclockwise. |
| US08720307B2 |
Ratchet screwdriver
A ratchet screwdriver includes an adjusting assembly. The adjusting assembly is selectively changable between a first position, a second position, and a third position. When the adjusting assembly is in the first position, a rib is located between the first and second ends of a slanting slot. First and second pawls are engaged with a ratchet portion. A position assembly is engaged in a first bore. A shank is able to drive the screwdriver bit in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. When the adjusting assembly is in the second position, the shank is able to drive the screwdriver bit in the clockwise direction. When the adjusting assembly is in the third position, the shank is able to drive the screwdriver bit in the counterclockwise direction. |
| US08720304B1 |
Bicycle crank assembly
A bicycle crank assembly of bicycle cranks and axle includes a first crank having a first hole which has a first open end and a second open end opposite the first open end. A first protrusion extends from the inner periphery of the first open end and a second protrusion extends from the first protrusion. The second protrusion has a first restriction face. An axle extends through the first crank and has a third end and a fourth end opposite the third end. The third end has a fixing portion on the outside thereof. The fixing portion has a recessed portion defined in the connection area with the axle. The recessed portion has a second restriction face which is matched with the first restriction face so as to evenly share the stress. |
| US08720303B2 |
Pivoting structure for a brake lever
A pivoting structure for a brake lever includes a connector having one end connected to a handle of a bicycle and another end having a assembling space opened thereon; a brake lever having one end which is assembled to the assembling space; and a pivoting set having a horizontal shaft and a vertical shaft, one end of the horizontal shaft inserted through a wall of the assembling space, the vertical shaft passing through one end of the brake lever, another end of the horizontal shaft connected to the vertical shaft. Therefore, the brake lever is vertically and horizontally pivotable on the connector via the pivoting set. |
| US08720302B2 |
Anchoring means for the sheath of a bowden cable
An anchoring device for anchoring an elongate member to a fixed member having a slot leading to an edge thereof, wherein the elongate member passes through the slot; the anchoring device comprising a sleeve which is fixable coaxially around said elongate member and which is provided with a peripheral groove that has an axial length sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the fixed member at said slot and has an outer dimension being less than the inner dimension of the slot; the anchoring device further comprising a collar member which is carried by, and axially moveable along, said sleeve, said collar member having a leading edge which extends into said groove and engages the edge of the slot when the anchoring device is located within said slot, the collar member being arranged such that the leading edge of the collar is withdrawn from the groove by moving the collar member along the sleeve in an axial direction away from the slot. |
| US08720293B2 |
Shift lever device
A shift lever device for operating a vehicle mounted transmission by pivoting operation of a shift lever about a predetermined axis is disclosed, and in this shift lever device, a housing is configured by a first housing member that is disposed on one side of the shift lever in a predetermined direction and a second housing member that assemblable to the first housing member along the predetermined direction from the side of the shift lever opposite to the side facing the first housing member with the shift lever therebetween, and the shift lever is axially supported inside the housing such that the shift lever is pivotable about an axis whose axial direction is the predetermined direction. |
| US08720289B2 |
Loading machine for feeding a receiver
A loading machine for feeding a receiver includes, but is not limited to, a drum cam that is configured to rotate. The drum cam includes, but is not limited to, a first cam path, and a second cam path. A rammer subassembly is positioned proximate the drum cam. The rammer subassembly includes, but is not limited to, a first member that is configured to engage the first cam path and to move longitudinally with respect to the drum cam upon a rotation of the drum cam, and a second member that is configured to telescopically engage the first member and further configured to engage the second cam path and telescopically move with respect to the first member upon the rotation of the drum cam. |
| US08720287B2 |
Gas trap
The gas trap collects formation gases from oil well fluid flow in real time. Gases are released by the fluid when agitated by an agitating pipe which stirs the fluid flow; the gases are then collected and separated from the fluid to be analyzed. The gas trap does hinder the flow of formation cuttings in the drilling fluid flow line, but allows the formation cuttings to flow around the agitator pipe and out to the sample box. |
| US08720283B2 |
Variable torque-rate test joint
The invention provides a variable torque-rate test joint for the performance testing of rotary tools for threaded fasteners. In a typical test routine a nut is repeatedly tightened by the tool and after each tightening the nut must be released and run back to its start position. The invention provides a means for rapidly releasing the pressure on the tightened nut so that it can be run back quickly and easily. The variable joint is supported by a reaction surface that is the operative face of a piston and cylinder assembly seated on a shoulder fast to a shank of the threaded fastener. A hydraulic control is provided for the piston and cylinder assembly including means for hydraulically extending the piston from the cylinder to a fixed maximum extension which defines a test position of the reaction surface, and means for hydraulically retracting the piston back into the cylinder to remove the pressure from the nut at the end of the test. During tightening the piston is extended and preferably hydraulically locked. |
| US08720278B1 |
Method of detecting inconsistencies in composite structures and stress sensitive coatings used therein
A coating system includes at least one polymeric coating layer comprising at least one fluorescent dye, wherein an optical behavior of the fluorescent dye changes as a function of a stress of the at least one polymeric coating. |
| US08720277B2 |
Process fluid pressure measurement system with improved coupling
A process pressure measurement system includes a remote seal assembly configured to couple to a process. The system has a remote seal diaphragm with a first side adapted to contact a process fluid and a second side adapted to contact a fill fluid. A first capillary conduit has a first coupling and is coupled to the remote seal and is filled with the fill fluid. A second capillary conduit is coupled to a process fluid pressure transmitter. The second capillary conduit is filled with the fill fluid. A second coupling is coupled to the second capillary conduit and to the first coupling to provide fluidic communication from the remote seal diaphragm to the pressure inlet of the process fluid pressure transmitter. At least one of the first and second couplings is sized to pass through a penetration in a process containment barrier. |
| US08720276B2 |
Moment fraction computation for sensors
An implantable medical sensor system provides signals representative of a magnitude of moment fraction applied to a sensor module at a selected site. A sensor module includes a first transducer producing a first signal having an associated first response to pressure and strain applied to the sensor module and a second transducer producing a second signal having an associated second response to pressure and strain applied to the sensor module. A moment fraction is computed in response to the first signal and the second signal. In various embodiments, the moment fraction is used to guide positioning of the sensor module, indicate a need for repositioning the sensor module, report loading of the sensor module during normal operation for use as sensor design information and in setting sensor calibration ranges. |
| US08720274B2 |
Device and method for studying a study area by means of an acoustic wave
A device includes a substrate 5, an emission source 1 emitting an acoustic beam from the first surface 7 of the substrate 5 towards the second surface 6 of the substrate 5, first reflection element 11 arranged so that, after reflection, the beam has a propagation direction substantially parallel to the second surface 6 and through a study area 3, and second reflection element 12 for reflecting the beam after crossing the study area 3 in the direction of the first surface, towards a receiver 10. The device is useful in the field of bioMEMS and labs-on-a-chip, and in particular makes it possible to leave one of the surfaces of the substrate free, for example for observation of the study area in parallel by element of an optical microscope. Moreover, the device facilitates the production of elements for the focussing or divergence (lenses) or reflection (mirror) of the acoustic beam. |
| US08720273B2 |
Scanning acoustic microscope with an inverted transducer and bubbler functionality
A scanning acoustic microscope includes a transducer mounted in a cup below a particular elevation and a coupling fluid source disposed below the particular elevation and which is adapted to introduce coupling fluid into the cup. A controller is operable to control the transducer and the coupling fluid source during testing such that ultrasonic energy can be directed upwardly through coupling fluid disposed between and contacting the transducer and a first surface of a part to be inspected. The part is disposed at the particular elevation and a second surface of the part is not contacted by coupling fluid during testing. |
| US08720271B2 |
Electromagnetic disc drive wheel balancer
A device to balance a disc, comprising a shaft disposed for rotation about an axis having one end adapted to coaxially receive the disc and an opposite end including rotor structure stator structure to magnetically drive the rotor structure, shaft and disc about the axis; and structure for determining imbalance in the disc. |
| US08720267B2 |
Partial stroke testing system coupled with fuel control valve
A system for on-line testing of an emergency shut-off valve includes a first emergency shut-off valve (first valve) and a flow control valve (second valve), with the system being configured to allow the second valve to serve as a combination flow control and second emergency shut-off valve. A subsystem is also provided for testing the first valve without fully closing the first valve in response to a signal from the control. In this subsystem, a solenoid valve bleeds off pressurized fluid to move the first valve from a fully opened to a partially closed position. A bypass around the second valve allows it to be tested as the second emergency shut-off valve, allowing the second valve to close completely without shutting down the process. The use of the two emergency shut-off valves in series wherein either valve can shut down the process provides a level 3 safety integrity level. |
| US08720266B2 |
Measuring device
A measuring device for measuring the torque of a torsion spring, includes a base, an electronic scale secured to the base, a supporting plate fixed to the base, and a holding mechanism slidably secured to the supporting plate. The holding mechanism includes a screw slidably secured to the supporting plate, two nuts engaging with the screw and arranged at opposite sides of the screw, and a holding portion for holding the torsion spring. The nuts are operated to adjust the height of the screw relative to the supporting plate, to drive the torsion spring to depress the electronic scale. The electronic scale displays a weight value for calculating the torque of the torsion spring when depressed by the torsion spring. |
| US08720265B2 |
Spring testing fixture and measuring assembly thereof
A spring testing fixture and measuring assembly thereof are described. The spring testing fixture includes a measuring assembly, an upper cover and a lower cover. The measuring assembly further includes a contact plate, a containing space and a buckling unit. The contact plate of the measuring assembly is correspondingly adapted to the configuration (or profile) of the spring for effectively restricting the exerted force on the spring to precisely measure the practical reliability and the life span of the spring. |
| US08720261B2 |
Jig for crash test of brake pedal
The jig may include a base plate having mounting surfaces, upper mounting holes formed in the mounting surfaces and disposed symmetrically, lower mounting holes formed through both of the mounting surfaces, respectively, and disposed under the upper mounting holes, an upper support bracket having one end connected to both of the upper mounting holes and another end fixed and connected to one mounting surface, a lower support bracket having one end connected to both of the lower mounting holes and another end fixed and connected to another mounting surface, a first sample fixing rod connected and supported across the upper support bracket at both sides, and a second sample fixing rod connected and supported across the lower support bracket at both sides. |
| US08720256B2 |
Off-axis imaging for indentation instruments
Modifications to the indenter probe tips and transducer, and proper selection of optics in an indentation system allow straight down or slightly angled optical viewing of the sample surface under the indentation tip by a microscope, by providing an optical path through the transducer from the sample surface under the tip to a microscope objective, thereby simplifying alignment of the tip to features on the sample. |
| US08720255B2 |
Water uptake measurement system
A water uptake measurement system for measuring uptake of a fluid by a sample includes a sample chamber, a suspension component and a supply interface. A suspension aperture is located at a first end of the sample chamber and extends from an outer surface of the sample chamber to an inner surface of the sample chamber. The suspension component passes through the suspension aperture and is configured to support the sample within the internal cavity such that the sample is spaced apart from the inner surface of the sample chamber. The supply interface is configured to deliver the fluid to the internal cavity of the sample chamber. |
| US08720254B2 |
Device for detecting micro-leaks
Micro-leaks are detected by means of a sniffer device including, in an original manner, a flat suction capsule (11) with divergent channels where the flow is regular, a resonant optical cavity (15) as a means of detection and a pump (16) with a low flow rate, which is insufficient to create a vacuum which would be required with other means of detection. Much fainter micro-leaks can be detected. |
| US08720252B2 |
Quality control apparatus for gas diffusion layer for fuel cells
A quality control apparatus for a gas diffusion layer includes a support, at least one first pressure device, a plate provided below the first pressure device and supporting the pressure applied to the gas diffusion layer sample, a first controller controlling the compression of the first pressure device, a thickness gauge measuring the thickness of the gas diffusion layer sample, a flow channel formed in the sample compressing portion to discharge a gas to the gas diffusion layer sample, a gas supply controller, a gas supply source, a pressure gauge, two fixing devices, a third controller controlling the compression of the fixing devices, two second pressure, a second controller controlling the compression of the second pressure device, a stopper, a protrusion, and a load cell. |
| US08720251B2 |
Gas sensing system
A gas detection system comprising a gas sensor having a detection surface for detecting an analyte gas, the accuracy of detection being degraded by the presence of an unwanted gas at the sensor, and a thermal scrubber layer directly adjacent said detection surface of the gas sensor defining a diffusion path for the analyte and unwanted gases to traverse through to the detection surface, the diffusion path having a sufficient length and the thermal scrubber being heated by the heater to a sufficient temperature capable of at least partially thermally decomposing the unwanted gas prior to contacting the detection surface to thereby improve the accuracy of the sensor. The system further comprises a heater that is preferably arranged to heat both the detection surface and the thermal scrubber. The invention is particularly useful for improving the performance of an NO2 gas sensor in the presence of ozone (O3). |
| US08720249B2 |
Non-invasive sensor calibration device
A calibration device according to embodiments of the disclosure is capable of being used with a non-invasive sensor. Certain embodiments of the calibration device simulate a human pulse by varying the volume of blood being measured by the optical sensor. Further, embodiments of the calibration device allow the generation of calibration curves or data for measured parameters over larger ranges of measured values compared to patient-based calibration. |
| US08720248B2 |
Hot stretch forming die having distortion-minimizing characteristics
A hot stretch wrap forming die typically includes a rigid backing section, a series of spaced ribs extending forward from the backing section, and an elongated face sheet secured to the ribs forward of the backing section with a convex forward-facing die face. The ribs elastically deflect during thermal expansion of the face sheet when a heated metal bar is forced against the die face so that the metal bar transfers heat to the face sheet. The die typically includes stiff ribs secured to the backing section and the face sheet which provide substantially fixed points for the face sheet during its thermal expansion. The face sheet may include several face sheet segments which together from the die face. The face sheet may also include contour plates which form respective portions of the die face and which may be used to adjust the specific contour of the die face. |
| US08720247B2 |
Method for bending process and processing machine
Multiple movable die portions (press punches) are respectively opposing to multiple fixed die portions (block members). Each of the press punches is sequentially pushed down with a predetermined time difference to the corresponding block member to continuously carry out press work to a material inserted into a press-work area between the press punches and the block members. A clearance is formed between a forward end of the press punch and a forward end of the block member at a position shortly before a press-work operating position in order to control a pulling force of the material, so that a shape distortion can be avoided. |
| US08720244B2 |
Method of supplying lubrication oil in cold rolling
The present invention provides a method for supplying lubricant to various kinds of steel sheets with different qualities in cold rolling without any restrictions, such as lubricant supplying apparatus or lubrication conditions. This method comprises storing two or more kinds of lubricant such as A and B, having different compositions, selecting one lubricant or a mixture lubricant of the above A and B in accordance with the friction coefficient between the steel sheet to be cold rolled and a work-rolls, and supplying an emulsion comprising a mixture of the lubricant A and/or B and heated water. |
| US08720243B2 |
Switching device, especially floor switch, for a production device
The invention describes a switching device which can be variably positioned (45), in particular a foot switch (47), which is connected, preferably wirelessly, to a control device (46) optionally co-operating with a production unit (1), in particular a press brake (2), for transmitting signals and/or data. A positioning system (50) is provided as a means of changing the position when necessary, which comprises at least a detection unit (51) and a drive system (52) in the form of a bogie provided with a drive mechanism and at least one drive member. |
| US08720240B2 |
Arrangement for transmitting movement between, in particular, a vehicle door catch and lock
A rotary output member that is a motor vehicle door catch and a rotary input member of a mechanism that is a motor vehicle door lock is disclosed. The arrangement includes a movement transmitting device that is inserted between the two rotary members, the transmission shaft of the two ends of which, together with the rotary output and input members, form articulated universal joints allowing some degree of axial misalignment. Each end of the shaft is ball shaped, collaborating with a complementary rotary member part. The ball at the door catch end of the transmission shaft is a faceted ball, the number of facets of which is defined according to the angle between the door catch and the door lock. |
| US08720239B2 |
Tool box locking mechanisms for remote activation
An improved method of rotating the lockrod of a tool storage unit to the “locked” or “unlocked” position by use of a linear actuator to rotate the lockrod actuator, where the linear actuator operates electrically, allowing for control by any remotely or automatically operated system. The tool storage unit locking mechanisms include a center-neutral key position that rotates 90 degrees in either direction from center to lock and unlock the unit. This design allows a standard key to operate the locking mechanism, but also allows a secondary mechanism (such as an electromagnetically driven mechanism) to directly operate the lock. Due to its specifics, the design would also allow for retrofitability. |
| US08720237B2 |
Rotary latch
A rotary latch mechanism is provided for securing the lid of a container in a closed position wherein a mechanical advantage is employed to facilitate latching and unlatching of a latch plate of the rotary latch mechanism. |
| US08720234B2 |
Laundry treating apparatus
The laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet forming an external appearance of the laundry treating apparatus, the cabinet having a laundry entrance opening for introducing laundry therethrough, a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet for opening and closing the laundry entrance opening, a hook provided at the door, and a door switch provided at the cabinet such that the hook can be latched to the door switch to prevent the door from being opened. The door switch separates the hook for opening the door. |
| US08720232B2 |
Continuous glass filaments manufacturing equipment
An apparatus is provided for producing continuous glass filaments by spinning molten glass through nozzles of a bushing and cooling the thus-spun filaments with fins joined to one or more cooled manifolds and arranged in a proximity of the nozzles. Each manifold is provided at at least three locations thereof with at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port for coolant, respectively, with a proviso that the total number of the inlet and outlet ports is the same as the number of the locations of the manifold. Without using a complex construction, this invention makes it possible to provide the fins with improved durability and to produce the glass filaments with improved quality. In particular, the present invention can be applied to large bushings each of which is equipped with a number of nozzles. |
| US08720231B2 |
Method and apparatus for optical fiber coloring
An apparatus for coloring optical fibers, includes: a first reservoir for containing a natural coating material to be applied onto an optical fiber being drawn; a second reservoir for containing a colorant to be mixed with the natural coating material; a mixer in fluid communication with the first and second reservoirs to receive a first flow of natural coating material and a second flow of colorant and to mix the first and second flows to obtain a colored coating material; a coating die in fluid communication with the mixer to receive the flow of colored coating material and to apply it onto the optical fiber being drawn. A first gas pressure source is associated with the first reservoir, exerting on the natural coating material a first gas pressure variable as a function of at least one optical fiber drawing parameter, and a second gas pressure source is associated with the second reservoir, exerting on the colorant a second gas pressure variable as a function of at least one optical fiber drawing parameter. The first and second lines have relevant pressure drop in a ratio corresponding to the ratio of natural coating material and colorant providing the colored coating material. |
| US08720230B2 |
Method for fabricating an optical fiber preform
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for fabricating a preform (1,10,100) that can be used for drawing an active optical fiber (8). The present invention further relates to an active optical fiber (8), designed for amplification or attenuation purposes, drawn from said preform (1,10,100) and to an optical amplifier (600, 601) using a laser active optical fiber. |
| US08720229B2 |
Vacuum degassing apparatus, apparatus for producing glass products and process for producing glass products
A vacuum degassing apparatus having a throughput of at least 200 tons/day without causing problems such as a stagnation of molten glass flow in the molten glass flow path, an increment of flow rate of the molten glass flow in a local area, an excessive increment of pressure loss of the molten glass flow.A vacuum degassing apparatus comprises a vacuum degassing vessel, and an uprising pipe and a downfalling pipe which are connected with the vacuum degassing vessel, wherein the vacuum degassing vessel includes a wide portion for providing a molten glass flow path, and in the wide portion, the proportion W1/L1 of the breadth of molten glass flow path W1 to the length of molten glass flow path L1 is at least 0.2 and that in the vacuum degassing vessel, the breadth of molten glass flow path W2 of the portion connected with the uprising pipe and the breadth of molten glass flow path W3 of the portion connected with the downfalling pipe are narrower than the breadth of molten glass flow path W1 in the wide portion, and the position of the bottom of molten glass flow path of the portion connected with the uprising pipe and the position of the bottom of molten glass flow path of the portion connected with the downfalling pipe are lower than the position of the bottom of molten glass flow path of the wide portion. |
| US08720227B2 |
Conveyance assisting device of glass ribbon
In a glass-ribbon conveyance assisting device which is applied to a glass-ribbon conveyance device configured to convey a glass ribbon on a plurality of rotating glass-conveyance rolls, the glass-ribbon conveyance assisting device includes a rotary drive section, a plurality of rolls configured to be rotated by the rotary drive section, an annular belt configured to rotate while running with flexion under a state where the rolls have been inserted into the belt, and a wheel configured to press the glass ribbon which is conveyed on the belt. The glass ribbon is conveyed on the belt by a drive of the belt under a state where width-directional both end portions of the glass ribbon are sandwiched between the belt and the wheel. |
| US08720222B2 |
Higher efficiency appliance employing thermal load shifting in refrigerators having horizontal mullion
An appliance includes a cabinet; a first compartment; and a second compartment. The first compartment and the second compartment are separated by a horizontal mullion. The cabinet also typically includes a coolant system that has: a single compressor for regulating a temperature of the first compartment and a temperature of the second compartment operably connected to at least one evaporator; a shared coolant fluid connection system; and a coolant fluid spaced within the shared coolant fluid connection system used to regulate both the temperature of the first compartment and the second compartment. The compressor can provide the shared coolant at at least two different pressures to at least one evaporator using the shared coolant fluid connection circuit. The ratio of the substantially steady state heat gain for the first compartment to the substantially steady state total heat gain for the overall cabinet is about 0.65:1 or greater. |
| US08720220B2 |
Air convection warmer with noise reduction filter
To reduce the noise level of air convective warmer, the air filter of the warmer is fitted with an air intercept mechanism to disrupt the flow of air that traverses inside the interior cavity of the air filter. By thus disrupting the air flow, the noise that otherwise would have been generated due to a non-interrupted air stream flow is lowered. The air intercept mechanism may be in the form of at least one partition positioned inside the interior cavity of the air filter. Alternatively, double-ended open tubes may be used, so long as the interior cavity of the filter is sealed, with only the tubes providing the passages for air to output from the air filter. Yet a third embodiment of the air reduction filter has an air impermeable material covering at least one portion of the surface area of the filtering material to prevent the inflow air from directly entering into the interior cavity of the air filter through the covered surface area. |
| US08720219B1 |
All solid state optical cryocooler using intracavity optically pumped semiconductor lasers and a method of making the same
A device and corresponding method for cooling electronics is disclosed. The device is an all-solid-state optical cryocooler and can include an optically pumped semiconductor laser (OPSL); a cavity configured to receive and control absorption of the optically pumped semiconductor laser, the cavity having a high reflection (HR) surface and an anti-reflection (AR) surface; and a doped crystal housed within the cavity, the doped crystal configured to cool in response to input of the optically pumped semiconductor laser. The method can include supplying an intracavity optically pumped semiconductor lasers to a doped crystal within a cavity; and configuring the cavity to include a high reflection (HR) surface and an anti-reflection (AR) surface, the HR surface and AR surface formed on or in connection with the doped crystal to increase pump light absorption at the crystal within the cavity. |
| US08720218B2 |
Pressure activated recharging cooling platform
A cooling platform for cooling an object is provided. The cooling platform comprises a temperature regulation, a support layer, and a channeled covering layer. The temperature regulation layer is adapted to hold a composition. The temperature regulation layer has a plurality of angled segments, wherein angled segments within a sealed perimeter of the temperature regulation layer are formed by a top side and a bottom side at a predefined distance, and channels, wherein the channels substantially form sides by contacting the top side with the bottom side at a distance lesser than the predefined distance. The support layer is substantially bonded to the bottom side of the temperature regulation layer and is comprised of material sufficiently pliable to deform and sufficiently rigid to withstand collapse in response to the weight of the object. The channeled covering layer encompasses the support and temperature regulation layers. |
| US08720205B2 |
Advanced hypersonic magnetic jet/electric turbine engine (AHMJET)
With turbine segments controlled electrically in a shaftless design, the turbine of the present invention creates high propulsion efficiencies over a broader range of operating conditions through the integration of gas turbine, electric and magnetic power systems, advanced materials and alternative petroleum-based combustion cycles. |
| US08720204B2 |
Resonator system with enhanced combustor liner cooling
A combustor liner has a plurality of resonators formed thereon. Each resonator has a radially outer wall and at least one side wall. The outer wall can be free of holes. Each resonator has an inner cavity defined between the outer wall, the at least one side wall and the outer peripheral surface of the liner. The at least one side wall of each resonator surrounds a subset of a plurality of holes that extend substantially radially through the liner. A plurality of cooling passages extends generally longitudinally within the liner. Each cooling passage has an inlet in fluid communication with the exterior of the liner and an outlet in fluid communication with the inner cavity of a respective one of the resonators. A coolant, such as compressor air, can enter and flow along the cooling passages to thereby cool the liner and purge the inner cavity of the resonator. |
| US08720201B2 |
Method of monitoring an electronic engine control (EEC) to detect a loss of fuel screen open area
A method of sensing a reduction in fuel screen area in a fuel system. The method includes detecting an engine shutdown, initiating an electronic engine control (EEC) built in test, shifting a metering valve from a first position to a second position, determining a travel time of the metering valve, and sensing a reduction in fuel screen area based on the travel time of the metering valve. |
| US08720200B2 |
Multistage supercharging system control apparatus
In the case where a low-pressure-side supercharging pressure acquired value corresponding to the pressure of inlet gas at the outlet of a low-pressure compressor operated in a twin supercharging mode is less than a target supercharging pressure in a single supercharging mode, changeover from the twin supercharging mode to the single supercharging mode is prohibited. Meanwhile, in the case where the low-pressure-side supercharging pressure acquired value is equal to or greater than the target supercharging pressure, the changeover from the twin supercharging mode to the single supercharging mode is permitted. Alternatively, in the case where a supercharging pressure during operation in the single supercharging mode is less than a target value of the pressure of supply gas at the outlet of the low-pressure compressor in the twin supercharging mode, changeover from the single supercharging mode to the twin supercharging mode is prohibited. Meanwhile, in the case where the supercharging pressure is equal to or greater than the target value, the changeover from the single supercharging mode to the twin supercharging mode is permitted. |
| US08720197B2 |
Flow management system for hydraulic work machine
A flow management system capable of providing adjustable hydraulic fluid flow or pressure at a common line to supply bidirectional pumps in electro-hydrostatic actuation systems and conditioning re-circulated hydraulic fluid. The system enables flow sharing between multiple actuation systems and minimization of energy consumption by a power-on-demand approach and/or electrical energy regeneration while eliminating the need for an accumulator. The system has particular application to electro-hydrostatic actuation systems that typically include bi-directional electric motor driven pumps and unbalanced hydraulic actuators connected within closed circuits to provide work output against external loads and reversely recover energy from externally applied loads. |
| US08720196B2 |
Controller of hybrid construction machine
Disclosed is a controller of a hybrid, construction machine wherein electric power is generated by utilizing the standby flow rate of first and second main pumps, and the standby flow rate is converted into energy. Pilot channels are connected to the upstream side of on/off valves which are closed when first and second main pumps ensure a standby flow rate, and a controller unit judges that the first and second main pumps are discharging at the standby low rate based on pressure signals from first and second pressure sensors, and brings first and second solenoid valves to an open position. |
| US08720195B2 |
Exhaust assembly
An exhaust assembly includes an exhaust pipe, a first venturi member at the inlet end of the pipe and a second venturi member at the outlet end of the pipe. A diffuser/mixer is mounted at the outlet end of the exhaust pipe. A shield pipe surrounds a portion of the exhaust pipe. A shield member is mounted to the shield pipe and covers a portion of the first venturi member. The first and second venturi members operate to combine ambient air with exhaust gases. |
| US08720193B2 |
Hybrid catalyst radiant preheating system
A catalyst heating system includes a monitoring module, a mode selection module and an electrically heated catalyst (EHC) control module. The monitoring module monitors at least one of (i) a first active volume of a catalyst assembly in an exhaust system of an engine and (ii) a first temperature of a non-EHC of the catalyst assembly. The mode selection module is configured to select a non-EHC radiant heating mode and generate a mode signal based on the at least one of the first active catalyst volume and the first temperature. An EHC control module increases temperature of the EHC to an elevated temperature that is greater than a stabilization temperature based on the mode signal. The stabilization temperature is greater than a catalyst light off temperature. |
| US08720192B2 |
Engine off particulate filter (“PF”) regeneration using a plurality of secondary energy storage devices
An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The internal combustion engine has an engine off condition. The exhaust gas treatment system includes particulate filter (“PF”) device in fluid communication with an exhaust gas conduit, an electric heater, a primary energy storage device, a plurality of secondary energy storage devices, and a control module. The PF device has a filter structure for removal of particulates in the exhaust gas, and is selectively regenerated based on an amount of particulates trapped within the filter structure of the PF device. The electric heater is disposed upstream of the filter structure and is selectively energized to provide heat for regeneration of the PF device. The plurality of secondary energy storage devices are selectively connected to the primary energy storage device. The secondary energy storage devices selectively energize the electric heater. |
| US08720190B2 |
Method for predicting SOx stored at DeNOx catalyst and exhaust system using the same
A method for predicting sulfur oxides (SOx) stored at a denitrification (DeNOx) catalyst may include calculations of the mass flow of SOx poisoned at the DeNOx catalyst, the mass flow of SOx released from the DeNOx catalyst, and the SOx amount poisoned at the DeNOx catalyst by integrating the value obtained by subtracting the released mass flow of SOx from the poisoned mass flow of SOx. An exhaust system using the method may comprise an engine having a first injector, an exhaust pipe, a second injector mounted at the exhaust pipe and injecting a reducing agent, a DeNOx catalyst mounted at the exhaust pipe and reducing SOx or nitrogen oxides (NOx) or both contained in the exhaust gas by using the reducing agent, and a control portion electrically connected to the system and performing the calculations and controls. |
| US08720188B2 |
Purification system for variable post injection in LP EGR and control method for the same
A purification system for variable post injection in LP EGR, the system includes a turbo charger disposed downstream of a diesel engine, a DPF (catalyzed particulate filter) disposed downstream of the turbo charger, a NOx reduction apparatus disposed upstream or downstream of the DPF, a bypass line diverged from the DPF for mixing exhaust gas and air inflowing the turbo charger, a exhaust gas control portion disposed downstream of the DPF for controlling flowing of the exhaust gas and a lean/rich controlling portion for controlling lean/rich of the exhaust gas. |
| US08720187B2 |
Exhaust diagnostic control system and method with selective disablement of NOx reduction efficiency diagnostic
An exhaust diagnostic control system comprises a test enabling module, an exhaust gas temperature management module in communication with the test enabling module, and a component management module configured for executing a test for determining a reduction efficiency associated with the after-treatment component. The test enabling module is configured for assessing a reliability of an estimated level of reductant load on an after-treatment component, and, based on the reliability, selectively facilitating disablement of a subsequent test for determining an efficiency of NOx reduction in the after-treatment component. The exhaust gas temperature management module is configured for selectively adjusting a temperature of the after-treatment component to a predetermined temperature range using intrusive exhaust gas temperature management. The test for determining reduction efficiency comprises determining a NOx reduction efficiency of the after-treatment component. |
| US08720183B2 |
Thrust reverser translating sleeve assembly
A translating sleeve assembly for use with an aircraft engine thrust reverser broadly comprises a slider track, a lifting bolt, and a hinge. The slider track may include a tubular sidewall and a guide channel formed therein that follows a curved path along a length thereof. The lifting bolt may be slidably positioned within the slider track. The hinge may include a first hinge element with a base coupled to an outer cowl shroud, a second hinge element with a hinge rod slidably positioned within the guide channel, and a pin about which the first hinge element and the second hinge element pivot. During deployment of the thrust reverser, the lifting bolt slides aftward and the hinge rod slides within the guide channel, urging the lifting bolt to pivot and the hinge to open, thereby lifting the outer cowl shroud away from the center of the aircraft engine. |
| US08720180B2 |
Turbine engine for vehicle
A turbine engine includes an air inlet fluidly coupleable with an air compressor subassembly. The air compressor subassembly is fluidly coupleable with a combustion subassembly. The combustion subassembly generates and combusts ionic hydrogen, and is fluidly coupleable with a mid-turbine subassembly. The mid-turbine subassembly is fluidly coupleable with a rear turbine subassembly. The rear turbine subassembly is fluidly coupleable with an exhaust outlet for exhausting combustion products from said mid-turbine subassembly. The combustion subassembly includes an electrostatic subassembly fluidly coupleable with a combustion chamber subassembly. The combustion chamber subassembly is fluidly coupleable with the mid-turbine subassembly. The air compressor subassembly can compress and humidify air. The electrostatic subassembly can generate ionic hydrogen from the compressed and humidified air, the combustion chamber subassembly can combust the ionic hydrogen, and the mid-turbine subassembly and rear turbine subassembly can rotate with the flow of combustion products therethrough. |
| US08720178B2 |
Component for a line routing system including at least one line routing device, as well as a corresponding line routing device and line routing system
A component for a line routing system including at least one line routing device having at least one section of the surface of the component that is flocked. The component of line routing device is at least one of a chain link, a chain link plate of a chain link, a transverse web of a chain link, a cover of a chain link, a dividing web of a chain link, a guide element, a housing, a line, and a hose. |
| US08720177B2 |
Method and device for producing a three-layer cord
Method of manufacturing a metal cord with three concentric layers (C1, C2, C3), of the type rubberized in situ, i.e. during its manufacture comprising a first, internal, layer or core (C1), around which there are wound together in a helix, at a pitch p2, in a second, intermediate, layer (C2), N wires of diameter d2, N varying from 3 to 12, around which second layer there are wound together as a helix at a pitch p3, in a third, outer, layer (C3), P wires of diameter d3, P varying from 8 to 20, the said method comprising the following steps: a sheathing step in which the core (C1) is sheathed with a rubber composition named “filling rubber”, in the uncrosslinked state; an assembling step by twisting the N wires of the second layer (C2) around the core (C1) thus sheathed in order to form, at a point named the “assembling point”, an intermediate cord named a “core strand” (C1+C2); an assembling step in which the P wires of the third layer (C3) are twisted around the core strand (C1+C2); a final twist-balancing step. |
| US08720172B2 |
Helical acting straight snap roll flutes for corn header
A helical-acting snap roll for a harvesting header having straight flutes which are free of a formed twist. The snap roll includes elongated straight flutes that extend substantially the entire length of the snap roll but that are parallel misaligned with a central axis of rotation of the snap roll. A pair of opposing and counter-rotating snap rolls of the present invention chops and pulls crop stalks passing therebetween downward toward the ground while also creating a helical action such that the crop stalks are conveyed rearward. |
| US08720170B2 |
Header height control with tire flex compensation
A header height control system (208) includes a header height sensor (108) and a tire compression sensor (212) coupled to an electronic control unit (210). The two signals are combined by the electronic control unit (210) to derive a compensated header height signal that compensates for the transient flexure of the pneumatic tires of the vehicle. This compensated header height signal is then used in a header height control algorithm executed by the electronic control unit (210) to control the height of the header (104). |
| US08720167B2 |
Device for sub-dividing tubular packaging into packaging units
The invention relates to an apparatus for subdividing a fed tubular packaging sleeve into packaging units, having two displacer groups which are intended for constricting the tubular packaging sleeve, it being possible for the rear displacer group, as seen in respect of the movement of the tubular packaging sleeve, to be moved in the longitudinal direction of the tubular packaging sleeve, and the apparatus comprises a supporting element which is connected to the rear displacer group and is intended for supporting the tubular packaging sleeve. The supporting element allows the tubular packaging sleeve to be transported away reliably. |
| US08720161B2 |
Mast for a wind turbine
The invention relates to a mast (10) for a wind turbine, which mast tapers towards the top and comprises at least two superposed annular mast sections (12, 14, 16, 18, 20). Every annular mast section consists of a plurality of prefabricated wall parts (A, B, C, D, E, F), wherein at least a part of which has a curved section, at least the curved sections of prefabricated wall parts in different annular mast sections having at least identical cross-section. |
| US08720160B1 |
Process for forming concrete walls and other vertically positioned shapes
A method for forming a vertical wall cavity above a raised foundation having multiple vertical rigid re-enforcement members linearly arrayed and protruding therefrom, the method utilizing spacers secured to re-enforcement members positioned between opposing wall formation panels secured in position, and semi-annular dams supported by center and edge dam supports, the cavity bounded by wall formation panels on two opposing sides and the dams and dam supports on the other two opposing sides. |
| US08720156B2 |
Wall panel attachment system
A panel hanger for flush mounting a wall panel to drywall. The panel hanger includes a cylindrical mounting body adapted for being inserted into a drywall sheet. A control member is rotatably carried by the mounting body. A clamp arm is rotatably carried by the control member. Rotation of the control member draws the clamp arm toward the mounting body and rotates the clamp arm to extend beyond a diameter of the mounting body for engaging the drywall sheet to secure the mounting body to the drywall. A hanger slot is disposed within the mounting body for receiving a hanger member carrying a drywall sheet. |
| US08720153B2 |
Tapered spiral welded structure
A method for creating a tapered spiral welded conical structure where the overall shape of the cone is first graphically slit axially and unwrapped, and then a series of construction arcs and lines are created to form the edge lines of a strip that can then be wrapped (rolled) to form a tapered conical structure. The edges of the spirally wound strip can be welded together, and a very large conical structure can thus be achieved. Various construction options are presented from a constant width strip to strip made from straight segments. Equations are given for the formation of the strips to enable those skilled in the art of spiral welded tubing to practice the invention. |
| US08720152B2 |
Truss hinge with angular variability
A truss hinge that allows hinging between truss parts, and also allows configuration into a different size. |
| US08720150B2 |
Panel
The invention relates to a panel with complementary locking means provided in pairs on opposite panel edges. One of the locking means is hook profiles with a receiving hook and a locking hook. The free step end of the locking hook is designed narrower than the width of the receiving opening of the receiving hook. The locking contour of the locking hook protrudes at least partially past the plane of the joint surface of the receiving hook so that the free step end fits into the receiving opening far enough at first that a part of the horizontal locking surface of the locking hook makes contact with the horizontal locking surface of the receiving hook during a joining motion without elastic deformation of the hook profiles, and that the receiving hook bends so that the width of the receiving opening can be expanded so that the locking step can be inserted entirely into the receiving recess and the locking contour of the locking hook is further inserted into a form-fit contour of the receiving hook. |
| US08720143B2 |
Tile spacer
In an embodiment, a tile spacer for providing spacing between adjacent tiles during installation on an installation surface includes a body portion defining a substantially planar surface, a flange portion extending outward from the body portion along the planar surface and at least one arm member extending from the flange portion substantially perpendicular to the planar surface and configured for insertion between adjacent tiles |
| US08720142B2 |
Stabilized lath and method of manufacture
A lath and method to produce a lath may include furring strand wires with furring bends, transverse wires joined to the furring strand wires to not overlap a furring bend, and a stabilization wire arranged along a serpentine path and joined to the transverse wires. |
| US08720141B2 |
Wall structure with enhanced cladding support
A building structure includes a framework of: (a) metal studs having walls that define an interior channel; (b) a cellular backing material extending lengthwise within the interior channel of at least a portion of the metal studs; (c) a thermally insulating layer extending over multiple metal studs; (d) fasteners extending through the thermally insulating layer, through a wall of a metal stud and into the cellular backing material within the interior channel of the metal stud; and (e) a cladding attached to the framework of metal studs by means of the fasteners. |
| US08720138B2 |
Fire barrier
A fire barrier operable to be placed within a gap formed between two surfaces. The fire barrier may generally include a first intumescent section, a first foam section coupled with the first intumescent section, and a second intumescent section coupled with the first foam section generally opposite the first intumescent section. In some embodiments, the fire barrier may include a plurality of intumescent sections and a plurality of foam sections with each foam section being positioned between at least two of the intumescent sections. |
| US08720132B2 |
Electrical wiring systems for use in roofing applications
The present invention relates generally to electrical systems. The present invention relates more particularly to electrical wiring systems suitable for use in roofing applications. One aspect of the invention is a wiring system on a roof comprising a roof deck having a slope and one or more roofing elements disposed on the roof deck, the wiring system including one or more wires extending along the roof on top of the roofing elements; and a wire covering disposed over the one or more wires. |
| US08720131B2 |
Installation system for PV modules
A mounting system for photovoltaic modules includes at least two profile-shaped cross rails arranged parallel to each other and configured to hold several PV modules. Each cross rail includes plane supporting surfaces. The PV module is mounted by placing it onto the at least two cross rails so that the at least two holders lay flat on the plane supporting surfaces of the at least two cross rails. The PV module is then moved in a joining direction perpendicular to the cross rails while lying on the plane supporting surfaces so that either a recess engages with an integrated protrusion or a protrusion engages with an integrated recess. A retaining safety device is disposed between at least one cross rail and its corresponding holder and is configured to counteract a move against the joining direction. |
| US08720124B2 |
Wall element for repairing a cabin wall structure
A wall element for repairing a wall structure of a sanitary unit of a cabin comprising at least an inner metal sheet, an outer metal sheet and an insulator layer between the inner and outer metal sheets. |
| US08720123B1 |
Rain gutter system for mounting atop a roof
A new rain gutter system includes a set of interlocked segments that are placed about perpendicular to the roof atop the roof. The segments create a channel that is angled from one edge of the roof to the other. The segments also create a non-permeable barrier at the intersection of the segments with the roof which causes the rain runoff running down the slope of the roof to be redirected into the channel and passed to one edge of the roof where it is deposited into a drain. The non-permeable barrier is established by laying a skirt that extends from the bottom of each segment upwards against the slope of the roof. The skirt can be inserted underneath the shingles, sealed with a sealant, or the end of the skirt can be thin enough to rest bare atop the roof and still provide a sufficient barrier. |
| US08720122B1 |
Rain gutter screen assembly
A rain gutter screen assembly is fixed in place over a rain gutter system mounted on a building to prevent the entry of debris into the gutter system. The screen assembly has plural gutter screens with each of the gutter screens having a bead of a water phobic substance engaged on its bottom surface with the bead extending to edges of the screen. The screens are arranged in side-by-side positions such that a bead termination of each one of the beads of each one of the gutter screens is in contact with another bead termination of another one of the beads of another one of the gutter screens so that rain water is unable to bridge the screens but is forced to fall into the gutter system. |
| US08720121B2 |
Fascia gutter system and coverings using the same
A covering employing a fascia gutter is disclosed. The fascia gutter includes a front member, bottom member, a rear member, a ledge, a guiding groove, a protrusion and a receiving space. The bottom member connects the front member to the rear member. The receiving space is defined by the front member, the bottom member, and the rear member. The ledge is connected to the rear member, and the guiding groove is defined in the ledge. An opening is defined by the ledge and the protrusion. |
| US08720119B2 |
Blocking closure of a passageway
A device includes a base attachable to a first side of a door; a swing arm coupled to the base, the swing arm including a bracket flange configured to extend across an edge of the door between the first side of the door and a second side of the door opposite the first side of the door; and a biasing member coupled between the swing arm and the base and configured to urge the swing arm from a retracted position in which the bracket flange is adjacent the edge to an extended position in which the bracket flange is apart from the edge. |
| US08720116B1 |
Hands-free door opener assembly
The hands-free door opener assembly permits a person to open, close and lock a door by employing a forearm or elbow. The system comprises respective push handle members disposed on both the interior and exterior surfaces of the door. Pushing either handle member functions to pivot a latch out of engagement with a latch plate positioned in the door frame. A door opening spring-biased plate is mounted on the latch plate to provide an assist to open the door when the latch is disengaged. The door is provided with a hands-free locking structure on the interior surface. An occupancy alert is disposed on the exterior surface of the door. |
| US08720113B1 |
Non-handed swing door operator
A non-handed door operator comprising a motor connected to a mounting plate; at least one gear assembly coupled to the motor and having a driven gear and a driving gear; a gear coupled to the at least one gear assembly; a shaft fixed to the gear and rotatable around an axis in a first rotational direction, the shaft having a first end and an opposing second end; at least one cam positioned on the shaft and having a shell of revolution about the shaft axis; at least one switch intersecting the shell of revolution of the at least one cam; and an arm attachable to the first end and the second end of the shaft. |
| US08720108B2 |
Optimum density termite bait composition
A composition in compacted form for use for termite monitoring and control comprises a cellulose material which may be purified cellulose or micro-crystalline cellulose as a base bait, the composition being compacted to an optimum density of not less than approximately 1.033 g/cc. Also disclosed is a method for monitoring and controlling termite infestations which comprises the steps of a) preparing such a composition; b) placing the composition in a bait station; c) monitoring the station at periodic time intervals for termites; and d) upon observing termite infestation in the bait station, replacing the above composition with a bait composition containing a termite killing agent. |
| US08720106B2 |
Electrified bird deterrent device with cavity
An animal deterrent device includes an elongated carrier having an internal cavity. A conductive trace can be coupled to the carrier by a first fastener that extends from the conductive trace to the cavity, which prevents water from contacting the fastener and shorting the conductive trace. |
| US08720104B2 |
Customizable fishing lure system and accompanying apparatus
A customized fishing lure system having a lip and a body. The lip being adapted to provide resistance when said fishing lure is moved within water. The body having a keyway adapted to receive, engage and lock the lip. The lip being adapted to releasably engage with the body without the need of another structural element or hand-tool. The lip further having a stem portion and a protrusion portion being adapted to releasably engage within the keyway. The lip is not capable of being releasably disengaged from the body by merely apply a longitudinal tensile force to the lip. The lip is releasably engaged within the keyway by applying a rotational force no greater than 360 degrees. |
| US08720100B1 |
Dual handgun assembly for close combat
A weapon system includes a first handgun, a second handgun and a clamp removably connecting the first handgun and the second handgun. The clamp includes a bracket securing to the first handgun over the grip and above the magazine butt plate. The clamp has a ball joint connected to the bracket below the magazine butt plate. The clamp includes a beam connected to the ball joint. The clamp includes an attachment brace connected to the distal end of the beam. The attachment brace releasably holds the second handgun. The attachment brace is tighten-able to the second handgun such that the muzzle of the second handgun can be adjusted to a rotatable position in three dimensions. The second handgun can also be fired when in such rotatable position. |
| US08720099B1 |
Multi-axis adjustable buttstock
A multi-axis adjustable buttstock is taught that incorporates a buttstock, having, a grip neck, and a butt along with an interfaced set of two serrated grip retainers attached onto the buttstock grip neck, for buttstock tilt adjustment. A plurality of selectable flat and tapered grip spacers engage the grip serrated retainers for trigger grip length, cast and drop adjustment of the buttstock. A flanged stock bolt is disposed through a portion of the buttstock retaining the spacers and grip retainers while being embraced tightly by a first lock ring. A threaded rod is inserted into the buttstock a desired distance for length of pull adjustment and a second threaded lock ring is positioned on the threaded rod for securement. A recoil pad adapter plate, having a plurality of concentric holes, is attached to the threaded rod, for recoil pad slant adjustment, and a recoil pad is attached to the adapter plate aligned with selected recoil pad holes for recoil pad height and angle adjustments. |
| US08720093B2 |
Recoil reducing buffer and stock adaptor for firearms
A recoil reducing buffer and stock adaptor having a front portion adapted to fit into and connectively engage with the backplate of an H&K-style rifle and a rear portion comprising an aperture adapted to accept and connectively engage with an AR-15/M16 buffer tube. The adaptor attaches to an H&K-style rifle between the action or receiver and the buttstock and allows the rifle to accept and function with a larger and/or stronger H&K-style rifle buffer than its original factory-installed buffer. The adaptor reduces the recoil of an H&K-style rifle by allowing the rifle to function with a larger and/or stronger H&K-style recoil buffer than its original factory-installed buffer. The adaptor also makes substantially all existing H&K-style rifles compatible with substantially all current and existing H&K-style rifle stocks and AR-style rifle stocks and stock accessories. |
| US08720092B2 |
Electronic device for a firearm
The invention relates to a an electronic device for the location of a firearm, comprising a processing module, a storage module operatively associated with the processing module, a detection module of a shot fired from a firearm operatively associated with the processing module, a transmit/receive module, operatively associated to the processing module, to allow the processing module to transmit/receive information representative of the electronic device position. The processing module results configured to transmit information representative of a shot fired from the firearm by means of the transmit/receive module. |
| US08720089B1 |
Ultra-thin retractable label holder for rack-mounted electrical chassis
A label holder for a chassis having: a frame having a window therein and a flat, label holding member disposed within the window. The label holding member includes an integrally formed: frontal handle portion projecting outwardly from an outer edge of the chassis; label mounting surface portion disposed rearward of the handle; and flexible, serpentine spring portion disposed between the label mounting surface portion and a rearward end portion of the label holding member. The label holding member slides forward and rearward within the window. The spring portion has a plurality of elongated members traversing sides of the frame and interconnected at edges thereof by curved interconnecting sections, and wherein material forming the interconnecting sections is reduced progressively from a rearward portion of the spring towards a frontal portion of the spring. |
| US08720083B2 |
Waterproof vapor-permeable shoe
A waterproof vapor-permeable shoe, including an upper part that delimits a foot insertion region; a sole, made mainly of plastic material, provided with at least one region which is diffusely perforated with through holes in the direction of a walking surface; a vapor-permeable or perforated flat element, rigidly coupled to the lower part of the sole on which the tread of the sole is formed or rigidly coupled, the flat element adapted to limit the formation of hollows in the foot insertion region at the projection of the holes of the diffusely perforated region; and a waterproof vapor-permeable membrane associated with the upper part and/or with the sole; the membrane being arranged above the flat element so as to be superimposed on the diffusely perforated region. |
| US08720079B2 |
Modular aeration assembly for grain bins
A grain aeration assembly is provided for a hopper bottom bin, and includes a plurality of curved wall segments sized to pass through the manhole of the bin. The wall segments are assembled inside the bin to form a cylindrical tower extending upwardly. The wall segments include an internal frame and inner and outer screens. The tower is supported above the sloped floor of the bin by a plurality of legs. An air conduit extends between the tower and an exterior fan, which provides forced air into the space between the inner and outer screens of the wall segments. The air flows outwardly through the screens, while grain or stored material is prevented from passing through the screens into the wall segments. |
| US08720077B1 |
Photographic aid measuring tape
A photographic aid measuring tape is formed of a flexible, tearable substrate having regularly spaced markings on the top side and an adhesive on the back side to allow the invention to be temporarily affixed to an object or item, such as a wall, ceiling or floor. The invention has markings of sufficient size to be readable in a photograph taken of the event using a digital camera and the image viewed using standard software on a conventional computer. |
| US08720075B2 |
Power takeoff gasket selection tools and methods
Devices and methods to facilitate proper installation of a power takeoff on a transmission are disclosed. Embodiments include gauges and methods that enable users to properly select the thickness of the gasket between the power takeoff and the transmission housing to minimize gear backlash and gear interference while installing a power takeoff on a transmission. In one embodiment, the gauge is of unitary construction with at least one surface adapted to contact the transmission housing and another surface adapted to avoid contact with the transmission gear by at least 2/1000 inches and at most 3/100 inches when the gasket thickness is proper for minimizing gear backlash and interference. Alternate embodiments include cutouts that aid in aligning the gauge within the transmission housing and can assist in determining the appropriate gasket thickness. |
| US08720072B2 |
Razor with three-axis multi-position capability
A razor includes a handle and detachable blade cartridge. The end of the handle has a pivot sphere upon which the blade cartridge is rotatably mounted, with freedom to pivot around three axes of the handle, and otherwise holds its orientation relative to the handle. The blade cartridge is held to the pivot sphere by a clevis having recesses defined in at least the inner side surfaces of its legs. The recesses, together with the clevis, are sized to admit the pivot sphere between them and to hold the sphere therein once admitted. The clevis and/or the pivot sphere can be formed of a resilient injection molded plastic. The range of motion of the blade cartridge can be limited by forming one or more stops on the pivot sphere to interact with the clevis and thereby interrupt its free rotation. |
| US08720071B2 |
Weed trimmer with accuracy shield
A weed trimmer having an accuracy shield. The accuracy shield is a generally planar, circular configuration that is attached to a weed trimmer at a location in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the rotating line and in close proximity thereto between the rotating line and the housing having a debris shield. The accuracy shield protects the line from being severed too short and also provides a convenient guide for edging wherein the cut is uniform and easy to control. |
| US08720065B2 |
Valved sheath introducer for venous cannulation
A valved sheath introducer for venous cannulation, including a valve, sheath, handle and cap. The valve is configured to permit safe introduction and removal of medical instruments through the sheath introducer. The valve may have one or more anchoring members and a thickened central portion through which a slit is formed. The central portion may have one or more concave surfaces and the slit can be angled with respect to the top surface of the valve. The cap is attached to the handle, compressing a portion of the valve therebetween. |
| US08720062B2 |
Molding method for a thin-profile composite capillary structure
A molding method for a thin-profile composite capillary structure includes the steps of preparing a metal grid and metal powder separately; attaching a liquid medium onto the metal grid by means of spraying or brushing or steeping; attaching uniformly the metal powder onto the grid with the liquid medium; and fixing the metal powder onto the surface of the grid by means of sintering, such that a sintered powder layer is formed onto the surface of the grid. The structure includes a metal grid, which is of planar grid pattern made of woven metal wires. A sintered powder layer is sintered onto a lateral surface of the metal grid from the metal powder. The thickness of the sintered powder layer is 0.1 mm-0.7 mm. The total thickness of the thin-profile composite capillary structure is 0.2 mm-0.8 mm, thus presenting flexibility. The thin-profile composite capillary structure is particularly suitable for a heat pipe. |
| US08720060B2 |
Transition duct
A transition duct is provided for coupling a combustor and a turbine section of a gas turbine. The transition duct includes a transition duct skin. The transition duct skin comprises a first surface section, a second surface section, and a clinch welded joint connecting the first surface section and the second surface section. Also provided is a method for manufacturing such a transition duct. |
| US08720059B2 |
Apparatus and method for aircraft engine core exchange
A method and ground support equipment (GSE) for attaching an engine core to an engine fan module on an aircraft pylon. The GSE may comprise GSE supports and lifting components attached to the pylon, two suspension rails attached to the lifting components, two translating rails translatably attached to the two suspensions rails and fixedly attached to opposite sides of the engine core, and two alignment fittings fixed to the engine fan module. The method of using the GSE may comprise lifting the engine core vertically using the lifting components and anchoring the suspension rails to the alignment fittings. The translating rails and engine core may then be translated in an aft-to-forward direction such that portions of the translating rails engage portions of the alignment fittings to cooperatively guide the translating rails into a final forward position in which the engine core is aligned relative to the engine fan module. |
| US08720058B2 |
Method of repairing a wind turbine blade
A method of repairing a wind turbine blade while mounted on a tower without removing the blade from the tower is provided. The method may begin by positioning the wind turbine blade in a substantially vertical orientation. Next, a containment structure is suspended from a nacelle via a hoisting system that positions the containment structure at a damaged portion of the blade. The damaged portion is enclosed within the containment structure and the temperature of the air within the containment structure is controlled. The blade is repaired by removing a damaged portion of the blade, and installing a repair portion to the blade where the damaged portion was removed. The method may conclude by operating the hoisting system to remove the containment structure from the blade. |
| US08720052B2 |
Method for continuous sintering on indefinite length webs
A method of applying a conductive pattern of metal onto a web of indefinite length material. This method includes applying a metal containing composition onto the web in a predefined pattern, providing a roll having a very low thermal mass, and conveying the patterned web around the roll while simultaneously applying heat energy to the metal containing composition thereby converting the metal to a conductive pattern. This allows for flexible circuitry to be fabricated in an inexpensive roll-to-roll process. |
| US08720047B2 |
Method for making microstructured objects
Described herein are casting and molding methods useful for making microstructured objects. By including a plurality of microfeatures on the surface of an object, other characteristics may be imparted to the object, such as increased hydrophobicity. Some of the casting and molding methods described herein further allow for manufacture of objects having both microfeatures and macro features, for example microfeatures on or within macro features or selected macro feature regions. |
| US08720046B2 |
Production system general-purpose cell
In a production system general-purpose cell for general-purpose use in processing and transportation of a received workpiece in a production system of processing and delivering the workpiece, the production system general-purpose cell includes a base unit having a planar shape of quadrangle and supporting at least a robot for use in transportation of the workpiece such that the robot is movable on the planar area of quadrangle, a parts supply unit for supplying parts of the workpiece to the robot supported by the base unit, and a processing area extending outside the base unit. The robot supported by the base unit having a motion range set in a range from inside to outside the base unit in a form including at least part of the processing area. |
| US08720044B1 |
Method for manufacturing a magnetic recording transducer having side shields
A method for manufacturing a magnetic transducer is described. The method includes providing a negative mask having a bottom, a plurality of sides, and a top wider than the bottom. The method also includes depositing a nonmagnetic layer on the negative mask. The nonmagnetic layer has a plurality of portions covering the plurality of sides of the negative mask. The method also includes providing a first mask having a first trench therein. The negative mask resides in the first trench. The method further includes depositing side shield material(s), at least a portion of which resides in the first trench. The method further includes removing the negative mask to create a second trench between the plurality of portions of the nonmagnetic layer and form a pole, at least a portion of which resides in the second trench. |
| US08720043B2 |
Method of allocating resources in a rack system
A method of allocating resources in a rack system includes establishing a budgeted amount of a resource for a defined amount of rack space in a rack system. Electrical modules are deployed in a particular space in the rack system having the defined amount of rack space such that the amount of the resource used by the electrical modules in the particular rack space is maintained within the budgeted amount of the resource. |
| US08720038B2 |
Method and device to remove pipe
A pipe removal method includes navigating a flexible element through a first pipe. At least a portion of the flexible element is coupled with the first pipe. The flexible element and the first pipe are pulled as a composite assembly, and the flexible element reinforces the tensile strength of the first pipe. In one example, the first pipe is at least pulled in compression between the point of coupling between the flexible element and the first pipe and a proximal end of the flexile element. In another example, the method includes wrapping the composite assembly around a spool. The composite assembly is thereby removed from the ground surrounding the first pipe. |
| US08720034B2 |
Head assembly attaching method, cylindrical jig, and caulking ball
A method of attaching a head assembly having an annular hollow boss to an arm having a through hole of a carriage is provided. The head assembly includes a load beam of a head suspension and a base plate fixed to a base part of the load beam. The boss is formed on the base plate. The method includes steps of, inserting the boss into the through hole, thereby setting the head assembly to the arm of the carriage, supplying lubricant along the cylindrical jig to the caulking ball and pushing the caulking ball with the cylindrical jig to pass the caulking ball through an inside of the boss and diametrally expand and plastically deform the boss, thereby fixedly fitting the boss of the head assembly to the through hole of the arm of the carriage. The method causes no deformation of a flange formed on the base plate during caulking and is achievable at low cost. |
| US08720030B2 |
Blown cable apparatus and method
Apparatus for installing a cable into a tube with the assistance of a fluid drag acting on the cable within the tube with an installation device, the apparatus including a driving mechanism comprising a driving surface arranged to contact the cable substantially along the full driving surface length, for driving the cable into the tube, a first measurement device for obtaining a first value indicative of a rate at which the installation device is driving the cable into the tube, a second measurement device for obtaining a second value indicative of a rate at which the cable is travelling through the apparatus, a processor for detecting when the first value exceeds the second value, and for reducing the rate at which the installation device is driving the cable into the tube for the duration when the first value exceeds the second value. |
| US08720021B2 |
Method for increasing thickness of non-woven fabric and apparatus for implementing the same
The present invention utilizes jet streams of hot gas at a high efficiency and thereby to increase a bulk of non-woven fabric. Non-woven fabric containing thermoplastic synthetic fibers is subjected to jet streams of hot gas in a thickness direction of the non-woven fabric. A temperature of the jet streams of hot gas used for this process is set to a level lower than the temperature at which a resinous ingredient forming the surface of the thermoplastic begins to be melted. The jet streams of hot gas are directed to penetrate fiber interstices in the non-woven fabric and then to strike on a means serving to divert the jet streams of hot gas. |
| US08720017B2 |
Locking mechanism
A locking mechanism for joining an elongate member to an assembly may include a frame, clamp, actuator and link between the clamp and actuator. Stop surfaces on the clamp and actuator cooperate to secure the elongate member. A pin and the force transmitted by a compression spring may further be provided for additional security. The link between the clamp and actuator retracts the clamp permitting the elongate member to be detached from the assembly. A linear actuator may be operatively disposed between the frame and the actuator for opening and closing the clamp about the elongate member. |
| US08720013B2 |
Trigger grip
A trigger grip (100) includes a body (10) including an upper jaw (11) extending laterally, a pivot section (12) depending from one end of the upper jaw (11), and a sleeve section (13) depending from another end of the upper jaw (11), the sleeve section (13) having a slot (131) and an extension (132) depending from the slot (131); a pivotal link (20) pivotably secured to the pivot section (12); a lever (30) having a first hole (31) at one end, a second hole (32) at the other end, and a protuberance (33) depending from the other end, the lever (30) being inserted through the slot (131) with its first hole (31) pivotably secured to the pivotal link (20); and a bifurcated gripping seat (40) pivotably secured to the pivotal link (20) and having a jaw member (41) engaged with the upper jaw (11) from below in an inoperative position. |
| US08720012B2 |
Fastener for document folder
A fastener for a document folder includes a base plate, a hook bracket and torsion springs. The front end of the base plate is extended upwards and curled to form a bending section. A slot is formed by the surrounding of the bending section. Rotating shafts on two sides of the front end of the hook bracket are respectively arranged at two ends of the inside of the slot. The torsion springs are respectively sleeved on the rotating shafts on two sides of the front end of the hook bracket. Some ends of the torsion springs are fixed on the rotating shafts and the other ends of the torsion springs are fixed on the base plate. End sections of the rotating shafts are bent upwards to form retaining sections. Clamp holes are engaged with the retaining sections and used for fastener opening formed on the front of the bending section. |
| US08720010B2 |
Damping device, furniture hinge and furniture
A damping device for damping a relative movement of device parts of a device for pivoting and/or displacing a furniture part guided movably on a furniture body is proposed, the damping device comprising a damper housing with an inner volume and an inner part accommodated in the inner volume, the damper housing and the inner part executing a relative movement during a damping action, so that, during the relative movement, wall portions delimiting the inner volume and an at least essentially cylindrical portion of the inner part can be moved past and opposite one another. According to the invention, the wall portions have an essentially hollow-cylindrical basic shape, guide means portions projecting in regions into the hollow-cylindrical basic shape, which guide means portions are in bearing contact against the cylindrical portion of the inner part during the relative movement. |
| US08720008B2 |
Horizontally adjustable hinge for use with heavy insulated doors
A hinge for use with an insulated door of a walk-in freezer, refrigerator or cooler including a hinge base adapted to be attached to the frame of said freezer, refrigerator or cooler, a hinge blade pivotally coupled to the hinge base and a wall that extends across the hinge base which has a U shaped clearance opening. Fastening screws located in clearance openings in the hinge blade and threadedly coupled to a door mounting plate adapted to be securely attached to the insulated door for slidably or securely coupling the hinge blade to the door mounting plate, and a micro adjust screw having a threaded shaft located in the U shaped clearance opening and threadedly coupled to the door mounting plate, wherein turning the micro adjust screw slides the door mounting plate horizontally along the hinge blade to provide door lift or rotation to compensate for frame or mounting misalignment. |
| US08720004B2 |
Floor tool
A floor tool for a cleaning appliance includes a head for engaging with a floor surface, a connecting arm pivotally connected to the head about a first axis and a supporting body pivotally connected to the head about a second axis. The head includes a suction opening which lies in a suction plane. The connecting arm includes an outlet in communication with the suction opening and adapted to connect to the cleaning appliance. The connecting arm is adapted and arranged to engage with the supporting body so that when, in use, the floor tool is pushed forwardly across the floor surface, the connecting arm applies a force to the head in a direction away from the floor surface. This allows the floor tool to be of reduced depth than was achievable hitherto while still being able to achieve the desired “rocking” motion to improve cleaning performance. |
| US08720002B2 |
Handle assembly for a cleaning appliance
A handle assembly for a cleaning appliance such as a vacuum cleaner includes a flexible hose having a first end that is connectable to a main body of the cleaning appliance and a second end, a handle portion for maneuvering the handle assembly during use and a tubular wand. The second end of the flexible hose is connected to the handle portion, and the tubular wand is slidably mounted in the handle portion so as to be movable between a first position in which the tubular wand extends beyond the handle portion inside the flexible hose and a second position in which the tubular wand extends beyond the handle portion away from the flexible hose. |
| US08719999B2 |
Method and apparatus for cleaning surfaces with high pressure electrolyzed fluid
A mobile surface cleaner includes a mobile body, a least one wheel, a source of a fluid, a pump, a sprayer hose connectable to a fitting on the mobile body, a high pressure spray gun connectable to the sprayer hose, and a functional generator. The functional generator includes first and second electrode chambers, which are separated by an ion exchange membrane. A flow path extends from the fluid source to the fitting and passes through the functional generator. The flow path is configured to combine all the fluid produced in the first and second electrode chambers to form a combined fluid on the cleaner. A control circuit is coupled to the pump and the functional generator and is configured to energize the pump to pump the fluid along the flow path and energize the functional generator to electrochemically activate the liquid that is passed through the functional generator. |
| US08719996B1 |
Systems and methods for cleaning and conditioning a moving surface
A cleaning apparatus is disclosed for processing a moving surface. The cleaning apparatus includes a pad that is attached to a support structure, wherein the pad includes a plurality of pad apertures and the support structure includes a plurality of support structure apertures. A vacuum is provided proximate the plurality of support structure apertures for removing debris from a moving surface during use as well as for facilitating cooling of the pad during use. |
| US08719994B2 |
Connector for installing and articulating a windscreen wiper on the end of a drive arm
A connector between a windscreen wiper and a drive arm, with the wiper extending in a longitudinal direction, and the connector being capable of being installed in a free end of the arm, includes an attachment part equipped with a housing open towards a bottom and allowing removable attachment according to a vertical direction of the wiper with the connector, and elastically deformable locking means having a portion that is capable of ensuring locking in the longitudinal direction of the connector in an installed position thereof in the free end of the arm. The attachment part is designed to cooperate with an installation element other than the locking means and is permanently fixed to the wiper. The locking means comprise a tab that extends in the longitudinal direction. |
| US08719991B2 |
Cleaning implement
Novel cleaning implements and novel components of cleaning implements are provided. Aspects relate to novel wringers having convex regions with a plurality of drain exits. In some embodiments, concave regions are also provided. The concave regions are substantially devoid of any drain exits. An upper portion of the wringer may be substantially cylindrical or conic-cylindrical and a lower portion may be neither cylindrical nor conic-cylindrical. The bottom perimeter of the bottom may define a square-like shape. Further aspects relate to novel connection assemblies. Certain assemblies may have a top portion with a vertical wall that is configured to position mop fibers along a vertical axis. |
| US08719984B2 |
Segmented air foam mattress
An air foam mattress system includes a foam top component, and a foundation component including a plurality of segmented, individually wrapped, inflatable air cells allowing for a plurality of pivot points, a segmented perimeter, and individual pressure adjustment of the segments for maximum patient comfort in all articulated bed positions. In an embodiment, the air cell contains a u-shaped insert providing segmented perimeter sections integral to the air cell. In another embodiment, the air cell contains a trapezoidal shaped insert with multiple segments having different degrees of foam stiffness. |
| US08719983B2 |
Inflatable body contour support cushion
An inflatable body contour support cushion comprises a bladder comprising a flexible material. Said bladder is configured to retain a quantity of material to maintain said bladder in a flaccid state in which the material flows freely within said bladder. Said bladder is further configured to support a body contour by filling the space between the body contour and a surface against which the body contour is resting. A valve mechanism is configured to enable addition and removal of the material from said bladder in which a user can adjust a level of the support. |
| US08719981B2 |
Pillow with neck support
A pillow having a bladder for containing fluid or gas and on top of which compressible fill is to float. The pillow includes an elongate neck support mat atop an upper surface of the bladder, under the compressible fill, and extending along the substantially the length of one side of the bladder. The elongate mat provides upwards neck support when a user's head displaces fluid or gas by applying a downwards force near the center portion of the bladder. |
| US08719979B2 |
Patient positioning support structure
A patient support system includes independently adjustable end columns supporting a centrally hinged, jointed or breaking patient support structure. At least one column includes a powered rotation assembly. The patient support includes at least two sections. A coordinated drive system provides for both upwardly and downwardly breaking or jointed orientations of the two sections in various inclined and tilted positions. Cable, cantilevered and pull-rod systems are included. |
| US08719978B2 |
Patient support apparatus and medical imaging apparatus comprising the patient support apparatus
A patient support apparatus, in particular for a medical imaging apparatus, has a table for supporting a patient, and a support unit, wherein the table is arranged at the support unit such that the table may be displaced along a longitudinal extension of the support unit. Further, the patient support apparatus has a protective wall element which closes off a region for receiving fluids on the table and/or on the support unit in a fluid-tight manner. |
| US08719973B2 |
Portable toilet
A portable toilet with mechanism that causes the toilet to flush as the door to the toilet enclosure is opened. |
| US08719971B2 |
Lavatory dispensing devices
The present invention relates to improved toilet dispensing devices for use in conjunction with a sanitary appliance, particularly a toilet. |
| US08719968B2 |
Adjustable facial protector
A head gear assembly for protecting a user's head, the assembly having an upper head portion; a facial protector connectively attached to the upper head portion; and a movable armature for movable engagement to at least a portion of the facial protector, wherein engagement between the movable armature and the least a portion of the facial protector forms at least one gap a gap further comprising a gap size, and wherein the gap size is adjustable from a first size to a plurality of other sizes. |
| US08719967B2 |
Helmet
A helmet, especially a cricket or other sports helmet, comprises an outer shell member and, disposed adjacent its inner surface, a layer comprising an inflatable element operatively connected with inflation mechanism. The layer comprising the inflatable element preferably comprises a plurality of individual cells or pockets defined by a fluid-impermeable plastics membrane material, the individual cells or pockets being mutually in communication for pressurization and pressure-release purposes and connected to the inflation mechanism. The cells or pockets may contain impact-absorption or cushioning materials which are preferably porous to allow absorption and desorption of the inflation fluid. |
| US08719965B2 |
Apparel incorporating a protective element
An article of apparel may include may include a garment portion and at least one protective element. The garment portion and the protective element have a configuration that forms a gap, separation, or pleat structure through, for example, folding or overlapping of a textile element of the garment portion. The gap, separation, or pleat structure may permit the protective element to move independent of other portions of the apparel, thereby enhancing a range of movement of the individual and the overall comfort of the apparel. |
| US08719964B2 |
Thin-wall polymer coated articles and gloves and a method therefor
The present invention relates to articles and gloves having a polymer coating on at least a portion of the article or gloves's surface, wherein the polymer coating comprises a polyurethane dispersion made from the reaction product of an isocyanate functional prepolymer, a chain extender, and a chain terminator; and methods for making the same. The articles and gloves of the present invention have improved flexibility, breathability, dexterity and feel, and provide self-sanitizing and self-deodorizing capabilities and improved non-slip grip performance in dry, wet, humid and lubricated conditions. |
| US08726408B2 |
Electronic device with encryption function
An electronic device includes a housing, a function module, and a mechanical lock. The mechanical lock includes a lock shell, a plurality of lock wheels, a lock axle, a first conductive component, and a second conductive component. Rotation of the lock wheels to an unlocking state permits movement of the lock axle between two positions, where the first conductive component and the second conductive component are electrically connected or disconnected. When the first conductive component and the second conductive component are electrically connected, the function module is able to electrically connect to a power source so as to obtain electrical power therefrom. |
| US08726405B1 |
Techniques for providing security using a mobile wireless communications device having data loss prevention circuitry
A technique provides wireless communications security. The technique involves providing a mobile wireless communications apparatus (e.g., a smart phone) having DLP circuitry, and configuring the DLP circuitry to perform DLP scanning operations. The technique further involves conducting, after the DLP circuitry is configured to perform the DLP scanning operations, wireless communications sessions (e.g., a mobile phone calls) between the mobile wireless communications apparatus and external devices (e.g., wireless access points) while the DLP circuitry performs the DLP scanning operations. In some arrangements, the DLP circuitry is configured by a user to (i) allow only authorized apps to send sensitive information and/or (ii) block retransmission of the sensitive information (e.g., in the event an application containing spyware attempts to send the sensitive information to an attacker after the user has completed a legitimate transaction). Thus, the DLP circuitry protects the mobile wireless communications apparatus against illicit dissemination of sensitive information. |
| US08726396B1 |
Scanning protected files for violations of a data loss prevention policy
A method and apparatus for scanning protected files for violations of a Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policy is described. In one embodiment, a protected file scanning tool monitors protected files in a computing system, and when one of the protected files is created, opened, or saved, the protected file scanning tool obtains a running instance of a data object, corresponding the protected file, from a data store that stores information to track objects that are currently running on the computing system. The protected file scanning tool extracts the decrypted data from the obtained data object, and scans the decrypted data to detect a violation of a DLP policy. |
| US08726395B2 |
Methods and computer systems for document encryption
Methods and systems are provided for document encryption. In one embodiment, an adaptation engine is provided for partial encryption of a document. The adaptation engine may include a paginator for paginating the document into at least one sub-page according to characteristics of a specific device class. The adaptation engine may further include an encryptor for separately encrypting a to-be-encrypted element of the at least one sub-page using a partial encryption mechanism known by a client device that belongs to the specific device class. |
| US08726394B2 |
Method and system of runtime analysis
A method and a system for detecting one or more security vulnerabilities. The method comprises providing test instructions for an application, such as a web application or a client server application, adding test code to a code segment of the application according to the test instructions, sending at least one message to the application according to the test instructions at runtime thereof, monitoring test information pertaining to at least one reaction of the application to the at least one message during an execution of the test code, performing an analysis of the at least one reaction, and detecting a presence or an absence of at least one security vulnerability according to the analysis. |
| US08726393B2 |
Cyber security analyzer
An overall cyber security risk diagram is generated from a hierarchy of determined KPI's by combining a Procedures and Protocol KPI determined from values assigned to answers to questions presented to organization personnel implementing a control systems, with a Group Security Policies KPI that is determined from system-wide policy information and settings of the automation system by an automated processing device tool, and a Computer Settings KPI determined from device setting data collected from individual system devices by the automated processing device tool and relevant to cyber security. The device setting data comprises service areas unique to each device that are not assessable by review of the domain data collected and used to determine the Group Security Policies KPI. Each level of the hierarchy of determined KPI's may be used to generate a representation of relative risk of a cyber-security attribute. |
| US08726391B1 |
Scheduling malware signature updates in relation to threat awareness and environmental safety
Information is received from a set of peer clients associated with a client, the information indicating likelihoods of peer client exposure to malware threats. An environmental safety score associated with the client is determined based, at least in part, on the information received from the set of peer clients, wherein the environmental safety score indicates a likelihood that the client is exposed to malware threats. A set of malware signatures is retrieved from the server at a time determined responsive to the environmental safety score and stored. |
| US08726388B2 |
Look ahead malware scanning
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of scanning for malware during execution of an application on a computer system. The method includes detecting accesses by the application to files within a common directory, using the detected accesses to identify one or more groups of files within said common directory that the application may subsequently want to access, and scanning said one or more groups of files for malware prior to the application attempting to access files of the group or groups. |
| US08726384B2 |
Apparatus, and system for determining and cautioning users of internet connected clients of potentially malicious software and method for operating such
A system at a central server and at a plurality of web filters is installed to observe traffic and to protect users from attempting connection to suspicious, malicious, and/or infectious targets. Targets are defined as Uniform Resource Identifiers (URI) and Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. Traffic is collected, analyzed, and reported for further analysis. Behavior is analyzed for each client attempting a connection to an uncategorized target. IP addresses and URIs are evaluated toward placement in either a Trusted target store or an Anomalous target store. The accumulated content of Anomalous target store is provided back to the Network Service Subscriber Clients. Warnings and tools are presented when appropriate. |
| US08726379B1 |
Systems and methods for dynamic protection from electronic attacks
Systems and methods for gathering, classifying, and evaluating real time security intelligence data concerning security threats presented by an IP address, and reporting in real time the degree and character of such security threats. |
| US08726376B2 |
Methods, systems and devices for the detection and prevention of malware within a network
Methods, systems and devices examine data flows in a communication system control network for known malware threats and suspicious properties typically associated with malware threats. A policy management system inside the control network accesses a user repository and a charging network, and performs pattern matching and/or observed behavior detection methods to determine if the data flows carry content (e.g., malware) that poses a security risk to network or wireless devices. The policy management system generates policy rules based on user preferences and risk-level. The policy management system sends the generated policy rules to a gateway/PCEF, which blocks the data flows, allows the data flows, or restricts the data flow based on the policy rules. |
| US08726372B2 |
Systems and methods for securing controllers
A system includes a control system having a plurality of controllers configured to control a process. Each controller of the plurality of controllers further includes a secure repository configured to store a login credential. The control system is configured to authorize a user action by comparing a user credential against the login credential of each of the plurality of controllers. |
| US08726371B2 |
Enhanced security for devices enabled for wireless communications
In one embodiment, a method includes determining a location of a device relative to a reference, and identifying a first password from a plurality of passwords for use to unlock the device based on the location of the device relative to the reference. The plurality of passwords includes at least one complex password and at least one simple password. The method also includes prompting for input arranged to unlock the device, obtaining the input, and determining when the input matches the first password. When it is determined that the input matches the first password, the device is unlocked. |
| US08726367B2 |
Highlighting in response to determining device transfer
A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: determining that a computing device that was presenting an item has been transferred from a first user to a second user; and presenting, via the computing device, one or more highlighted portions of the item, the one or more highlighted portions being highlighted in response, at least in part, to said determining. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. |
| US08726363B2 |
Information packet communication with virtual objects
Modules and methods that provide virtual device communication via information packets addressed to the virtual devices. Virtual devices aggregate capabilities of target devices and represent the aggregate as an operational device to remote systems. Physical device elements and virtual devices contained within modules are able to communicate and cooperate over extended distances in a peer-to-peer fashion via a virtual bus tunnel offering addressing and data transport functionality. Such modules and methods can be combined with disk drives to form RAID-like storage structures. |
| US08726357B2 |
System and method for tracking network traffic of users in a research panel
A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for tracking network traffic of users in a research panel are presented. A packet for a network device coupled to the network access device is received. An indicia corresponding to a presumptive user of the network device is obtained, where the presumptive user includes a member of a set of known users. One or more logging rules is applied to the network device, where the one or more applied logging rules correspond to the obtained indicia. Information relating to the packet is stored when the packet satisfies at least one of the logging rules applied to the network device. |
| US08726356B2 |
Authentication apparatus, authentication method, and authentication program implementing the method
For enabling single sign-on among applications, a linkage ID indicating connection between the authentication apparatus 1 including the client function and the server apparatus 2 is shared among a plurality of applications. For that, a SV information management unit Aa of the authentication apparatus 1 having the client function manages the linkage ID by storing it in a predetermined storing unit. An AP information management unit Ab manages and stores connection information between applications in a predetermined storing unit, wherein the connection information includes an application name corresponding to an application. Then, an AP decision unit determines whether an application name included in a received linkage ID request is registered in the AP information management unit Ab, obtains the linkage ID from the SV information management unit Aa when the application name is registered in the AP information management unit Ab, and returns the linkage ID to a source of the linkage ID request. |
| US08726355B2 |
Identity verification via selection of sensible output from recorded digital data
A digital data sampler operating in a computer processor selects and stores digital data samples from a data stream used for generating audio-visual output during a session with a client operated by a user. The session generates the data stream independently of the data sampler. The data sampler may collect parameter data correlated to a probability will be remembered by the user at some future time, for each sample. The data sampler may store the data samples and parameter data as shared secret data for use in a future authentication session. During a future authentication session, an authentication device selects test data from the shared secret data to generate sensible output in an authentication process. The authentication process grants access to a controlled resource in response to user input indicating specific knowledge of the shared secret data selected from a presentation of similar sensible outputs. |
| US08726349B2 |
Optimizing interactions between co-located processes
In one set of embodiments, methods, systems, and apparatus are provided to enable secure local invocation of a web service in response to receiving a request from a first composite application to invoke a web service operation of a second composite application, where the first application is associated with a reference policy, and the second application is associated with a service policy, then determining, based upon the service policy and the reference policy, whether local invocation is secure, and invoking the operation using the local invocation in response to determining that the local invocation is secure. Attributes associated with the reference and service policies can indicate whether those policies can be used in a local invocation, or if user authentication is needed before performing the invocation with those policies. The local invocation may comprise a procedure call in an application server from the first application to the second application. |
| US08726348B2 |
Collaborative rules based security
A cloud computing security system. An access manager module includes first and second client profiles. The first client profile has a first set of rules enabling access to a first set of cloud computing system resources, and the second client profile has a second set of rules enabling access to a second set of cloud computing system resources. A security logic module is in communication with the access manager module. The security logic module is configured to receive an access request for access to one of the first and second sets of cloud computing system resources. Responsive to determining that the access request complies with at least one of the first set of rules and the second set of rules, the security logic module is configured to provide an access grant that grants access to at least one of the first and second sets of cloud computing system resources. |
| US08726346B2 |
Secure provision of a digital content protection scheme
Methods, apparatuses and storage medium associated with securely provisioning a digital content protection scheme are disclosed. In various embodiments, a method may include forming a trust relationship between a media application within an application execution environment of a device and a security controller of the device. The application execution environment may include an operating system, and the operating system may control resources within the application execution environment. Additionally, the security controller may be outside the application execution environment, enabling components of the security controller to be secured from components of the operating system. Further, the method may include the security controller in enabling a digital content protection scheme for the media application to provide digital content to a digital content protection enabled transmitter within the application execution environment for provision to a digital content protection enabled receiver. Other embodiments may be disclosed or claimed. |
| US08726342B1 |
Keystore access control system
A keystore access system is provided that controls access to a keystore. The keystore access control system receives a request to access content of the keystore from a software application component. The keystore access control system applies a stored authorization policy to the request to determine whether access to the content of the keystore is granted. The keystore access system further grants the software application component access to the content of the keystore when it is determined that access to the content of the keystore is granted. The keystore access system further denies the software application component access to the content of the keystore when it is determined that access to the content of the keystore is not granted. |
| US08726341B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining resource trust levels
According to one embodiment, an apparatus may receive a first resource token indicating that access to a resource has been requested. The apparatus may determine the value of an access value associated with at least one resource token in response to the determination that the plurality of resource tokens comprises the at least one resource token. The apparatus may determine that the value of the access value is insufficient to grant access to the resource. The apparatus may determine, in response to the determination that the value of the access value is insufficient to grant access to the resource, that access to the resource should be denied. |
| US08726338B2 |
Dynamic threat protection in mobile networks
In general, techniques are described for dynamic threat protection in mobile networks. A network system comprising a network security device and a management system may implement the techniques. The management system includes a network server having a shared database. A mobile device manager (MDM) of the management system receives a report message from a mobile device, specifying a threat to a mobile network. The MDM publishes the threat to the shared database. A network management system (NMS) of the management system receives data from the shared database identifying the threat and generates a security policy that specifies actions to address the threat. The NMS then installs the security policy in the network security device so that the network security device performs the actions of the security policy to address the threat. |
| US08726336B2 |
Authorizations for analytical reports
A system may include reception of a request from a user to start a report associated with a node of a business object object model, where the node of the business object object model is associated with an access control list associating instances of the node with at least one access context restriction, determination of a first access context restriction associated with the user, retrieval of the at least one instance of the node based on the first access context restriction and on the access control list associated with the node, and presentation of an instance of the report to the user, the instance of the report populated with the at least one instance. |
| US08726335B2 |
Consigning authentication method
A method for sharing content between clients at a common trust level in a trust hierarchy associated with a network implementing policy-based management includes making a first request for delivery of content, receiving the requested electronic content, receiving a second request for delivery of the electronic content, communicating the second request, receiving a decision, and delivering the electronic content if the second request is granted. The first request is made to a policy enforcement point in the network for delivery of content to a first client, and includes a trust level of the first client. The second request is for delivery of the content to a second client at the trust level of the first client and includes integrity information about the second client, and is communicated to the policy enforcement point. If the second request is granted, the content is delivered from the first client to the second client. |
| US08726333B2 |
Virtual channel table for a broadcast protocol and method of broadcasting and receiving broadcast signals using the same
A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel. |
| US08726327B2 |
System and method for peer-to-peer live streaming
A P2P network has a content provider and a plurality of peers viewing the same video streaming channel. Each peer has a P2P live streaming system. In an exemplary system, a token manager module manages at least a token sent by the plurality of peer nodes, notifies a recording manager module to publish recorded media stream content, and to record media stream data. The recording manager module, according to the notification, manages a corresponding buffer for each peer node itself, records the media stream content into the corresponding buffer and publishes the recorded media stream content information to the P2P network. A P2P module handles the P2P messages and maintains the P2P network topology for the plurality of peer nodes. |
| US08726326B1 |
Internet browsing system using a wirelessly received hyperlink
A system for automatically using internet information which is contained within a commercial on an entertainment medium e.g. television. The system determines information indicative of the web address. This can be done automatically by optical character recognition or by storing information indicative of the web address in an interval of the television signal. Once obtained, the information is sent, either to a user's computer, or to a central office which sends an e-mail to the user. In this way, the information can be used to automatically jump to a web site of the advertiser. |
| US08726319B2 |
Apparatus for connecting multiple DiSEqC to satellite reception devices in a video distribution system
A bridge is provided for connecting multiple satellite receivers to multiple accessories in a video distribution system such as a direct broadcast satellite system. The bridge is designed for interposition between multiple satellite receivers (set top boxes or STBs) and controllable accessories (e.g. LNBs or multi-switches) of the video distribution system. The bridge provides controlled communication between STBs and controllable accessories using, for example, customized vendor extensions to the DiSEqC communication protocol. The bridge includes a communication protocol transceiver for each STB port, a communication protocol transmitter for each controllable accessory port, a mailbox for each STB port, a mailbox for the bridge, and a controller, processor, processing means or processing logic controlling or regulating video distribution system communication. |
| US08726316B2 |
Computer-implemented system and method for obtaining goods and services shown in television and movies
A system and method for obtaining goods and services shown in television and movie programs including at least one server computer and at least one client computer coupled to the at least one server computer through a network to perform the steps of receiving a first search parameter from a user stationed at the at least one client computer, receiving a second search parameter from the user, calculating a search result based on the first and second search parameters, determining if a single television or movie program is specified by the search result, permitting the selection of at least one scene with the television or movie program, if a single television or movie program is specified by the search result, permitting the selection of at least one product or service within the at least one scene, and directing the user to a webpage or website including specific purchasing information for the at least one product or service. The system and method thus permits a user to determine the products and services shown on television and movie programs, and purchase such products and services directly. |
| US08726310B2 |
Meta channel media system control and advertisement technology
Media system control technology, in which an advertisement on a selected content channel being experienced by a user using a media system is detected, advertisement preferences of the user are accessed from electronic storage, and secondary content is selected based on the accessed advertisement preferences of the user. The secondary content is substituted for the advertisement on the selected content channel, and the media system is controlled to output the secondary content instead of the advertisement. |
| US08726307B2 |
Method for receiving and displaying thematic audio-visual programme sequences, and receiver therefor
The invention consists of a process for receiving and for screening audiovisual transmissions broadcast by a network. The transmissions consisting of events and of short transmissions possessing a distinctive element, these short transmissions being broadcast by services identifiable by this distinctive element. At a certain moment specified by the broadcaster, a sequence is transmitted on the network, it is replaced at the level of the display of the receiver by another sequence extracted from a service broadcasting short transmissions. The choice of this service is made at the receiver level. To avoid the appearance of a black screen between the network's transmitted sequences and the short transmissions, the receiver dispatches a filler transmission to the screen.The invention also consists of a digital television receiver for implementing the process. |
| US08726296B1 |
Source-independent event collection and flattening
A system and machine-implemented method relating to event processing including receiving from a first system first event data describing a first user initiated event occurring on the first system and converted from a first data format to a second data format, receiving from a second system second event data describing a second user initiated event occurring on the second system and converted from a third data format to the second data format, associating a first view component which processes at least one of event data and dimension data to generate a report with event data received from the first system, and invoking the first view component in response to receiving the first event data to generate a report for an end user. |
| US08726292B2 |
System and method for communication in a multithread processor
A system and method for Inter-Thread Communication using software interrupts in a multithread processor are disclosed. Bits in a shared control register and/or a private control register can enable an Inter-Thread Communication path. When the interrupt is triggered, one thread processor raises an interrupt in another thread processor. |
| US08726291B2 |
Job execution apparatus, image forming apparatus, computer readable medium and job execution system
A job execution apparatus includes: a receiving unit configured to receive each job; a calculation unit configured to calculate an index value representing a load needed to execute each of a pre-processing sub-job and a post-processing sub-job when each of n jobs (n is a natural number equal to or more than 2) is decomposed into a pre-processing sub-job for generating information, and a post-processing sub-job for causing an output unit to output information generated by executing the pre-processing sub-job; a pre-processing execution unit configured to sequentially execute pre-processing sub-jobs which are respectively included in jobs received by the receiving unit and registered in a pre-processing sub-job queue; and a post-processing execution unit configured to sequentially execute, upon completion of the pre-processing sub-jobs, post-processing sub-jobs which are respectively included in the received jobs and which are registered in a post-processing sub-job queue. |
| US08726289B2 |
Streaming attachment of hardware accelerators to computer systems
A method of streaming attachment of hardware accelerators to a computing system includes receiving a stream for processing, identifying a stream handler based on the received stream, activating the identified stream handler, and steering the stream to an associated hardware accelerator. |
| US08726282B1 |
Job scheduler for remote maintenance of servers and workstations
A method, system and program product for remote scheduling of at least one job to run on a plurality of computers in a computer network. The job scheduler enables selection of a domain that includes at least a subset of the computers on which the job is to run. A list of computers in the selected domain is automatically generated. The computers on which the job is to run can be selected from the generated list of computers. A configuration file is created for storing an identification of the selected domain and the job to be run on the selected computers in the domain. The job scheduler determines whether or not the job already exists in a task scheduler on each of the selected computers in the domain. If the job already exists on any selected computer, it is removed from the task scheduler on that computer. The configuration file identifying the selected domain and job to be run is transmitted to the task scheduler of each selected computer in the domain. |
| US08726276B2 |
Resetting a virtual function that is hosted by an input/output adapter
A computer-implemented method may include selecting a first virtual function that is hosted by a hardware input/output adapter and identifying a first logical partition that is associated with the first virtual function. The computer-implemented method may include retrieving first data corresponding to the first virtual function from a table in response to determining that the first logical partition has initiated a shutdown operation. The computer-implemented method may also include creating a first reset virtual function structure that includes at least a portion of the first data. The computer-implemented method may include sending the first reset virtual function structure to a dispatchable hypervisor. |
| US08726271B1 |
Method and system for installing software
Method and system are disclosed for providing multiple installations of a software application. The method/system creates an installation template from a single correct or “golden” installation of the software application and uses the installation template to produce additional installations of the software application. In one embodiment, any references to a specific host or computing system in the files or directories of the installed software application are replaced with a temporary variable in the installation template. The installation template may then be stored on a designated server and uploaded to any computing system needing a new installation of the software application. Once uploaded, the variable is replaced with system-specific references to complete the new installations. Since the installations are produced from the installation template and not from floppy disks or CD-ROMs, the process takes significantly less time. |
| US08726267B2 |
Sharing software certification and process metadata
A management service is provided for maintaining software of one or more users, or an enterprise. On behalf of users or enterprises, the management service collects supplemental metadata about the certification and updates of software as well as processes related to the development and testing of the software. Supplemental metadata relates to any information that qualitatively describes the software outside of its basic operations. Each piece of supplemental metadata may be individually authenticated to ensure its accuracy. In addition, pieces of supplemental metadata can be combined with other supplemental metadata. Accordingly, a user or system administrator may then use various policies to manage software and determine which updates to install based on the supplemental metadata in addition to the typical intrinsic metadata, such as dependency information. |
| US08726266B2 |
Method and system for updating a medical device
Embodiments described herein include methods and/or systems for updating a medical device. Embodiments include medical devices which are configured for updates in response to various events including connection of a peripheral device to the medical device, a user initiated event, or based on received recommendations. |
| US08726265B2 |
Apparatus and method for packing a software package of version upgrade
The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for packing a version upgrade software package. The method comprises: acquiring version upgrade software for upgrading a mobile terminal; encrypting the version upgrade software; generating version upgrade software information corresponding to the encrypted version upgrade software, wherein the version upgrade software information comprises a decryption flag, and the decryption flag is configured to indicate that the encrypted version upgrade software is decrypted within the version upgrade software package during process of upgrading mobile terminal; and packing to obtain the version upgrade software package of the mobile terminal, wherein the version upgrade software package comprises the encrypted version upgrade software, the version upgrade software information and a self-triggered unpacking program, and the self-triggered unpacking program is configured to start the version upgrade software and the version upgrade software information to upgrade the mobile terminal. |
| US08726263B2 |
Detection and installation of software on a per-user basis
Techniques for detection and installation of software on a per-user basis are disclosed. An update agent in a client device may receive configuration data for a software application, the configuration data indicating availability of updates for the software application. The client device may be configured to have user accounts for a plurality of users. The update agent may determine that the software application is a per-user application. The update agent may identify a subset of the plurality of users for whom the updates for the software application are to be installed. The update agent may download the updates for the software application, and install the updates for a first user of the subset, in response to the first user logging into the client device. |
| US08726259B2 |
System and method for preserving device parameters during a FOTA upgrade
A device, system and method that preserves non-volatile items during a firmware over-the-air update are described. The electronic device comprises a non-volatile memory, a FOTA client module, and back-up and restore module. The non-volatile memory comprises one or more variant non-volatile items having one or more variant offsets associated with at least one of the variant non-volatile items. The FOTA client module is configured to receive the FOTA upgrade and replace an existing firmware program resident on the electronic device. The back-up and restore module is configured to store the variant non-volatile items before the FOTA client performs the FOTA upgrade. Additionally, the back-up and restore module is configured to restore the variant non-volatile items after the FOTA client performs the FOTA upgrade. The system further comprises a server that is configured to receive the FOTA upgrade and communicate the FOTA upgrade to the electronic device. |
| US08726258B2 |
Supporting multiple hardware components in UEFI
Approaches for customizing a unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI) compatible firmware component to support multiple hardware components. The UEFI compatible firmware component may be implemented by linking one or more executive drivers created in an executive module of the firmware component. The executive drivers, instead of platform drivers, are executed by UEFI dispatchers. The platform module, rather than being a collection of drivers, functions as a platform library that links to the executive drivers. One or more programs for providing one or more library functions to the one or more executive drivers are also linked into the firmware component. Call outs to board library functions provided by a board module are implemented in the executive drivers, instead of drivers of the platform module. The board library functions replace the one or more library functions provided to the executive drivers and reflect a change in a customer reference board (CRB). |
| US08726257B2 |
File attributes for flexible linking
The object file format and linker are enhanced to provide file attributes to allow flexible selection and placement of objects. |
| US08726255B2 |
Recompiling with generic to specific replacement
Executable code may be recompiled so that generic portions of code may be replaced with specific portions of code. The recompilation may customize executable code for a specific use or configuration, making the code lightweight and executing faster. The replacement mechanism may replace variable names with fixed values, replace conditional branches with only those branches which are known to be executed, and may eliminate executable code portions that are not executed. The replacement mechanism may comprise identifying known values defined in the executable code for variables, and replacing those variables with the constant value. Once the constants are substituted, the code may be analyzed to identify branches that may be evaluated using the constant values. Those branches may be reformed using the constant value and the rest of the conditional code that may not be accessed may be removed. |
| US08726250B2 |
Configurable logic integrated circuit having a multidimensional structure of configurable elements
Programming of modules which can be reprogrammed during operation is described. Partitioning of code sequences is also described. |
| US08726249B2 |
Bootup method and device for application program in mobile equipment
A bootup device and method for an application program on a mobile equipment to improve the bootup speed of the application program on the mobile equipment. The bootup device has an application management module, that boots up a virtual machine module based on the application program to be run. A virtual machine module, loads codes of the application program and Just in Time (JIT) compilation results of a bootup process of the application program into a memory, search, in the JIT compilation results, for local JIT compiled codes corresponding to the bootup process code segment to be executed, and executes the found local JIT compiled codes when executing each bootup process code segment of the application program. A storage management module, store and reads the codes of the application program and the JIT compilation results obtained from the JIT compilation of the bootup process of the application program. |
| US08726246B2 |
Static analysis of validator routines
A method includes accessing a validator routine having an input string and one or more return points, each return point returning a return value having two possible values; finding the return points in the validator routine; for each of the return points, performing a backwards traversal from a return point through a code section and determining constraints on the input string based at least on one or both of the two possible return values for the return point; using the determined constraints for the input string, determining whether all of the return values returned from the one or more return points meet validation constraints; and outputting one or more indications of whether all of the returned values returned from the return points meet the validation constraints for the one or both of the two possible return values. Apparatus and computer program products are also disclosed. |
| US08726244B2 |
Software breakpoint handling by eliminating instruction replacement and execution under certain conditions
The debugging system is provided that includes a debugging module that receives an application having one or more software breakpoints such that when a target system encounters the one or more software breakpoints the debugging module starts handling of the one or more software breakpoints. A determination is made as to whether the one or more software breakpoints is a selective software breakpoint, if it is determined that the selective software breakpoint has been encountered, the debugging module eliminates instruction replacement for all other remaining breakpoints and execution of the original instruction of the application at the encountered breakpoint or eliminates instruction replacement for all other remaining breakpoints and reinstalls the encountered breakpoint. |
| US08726242B2 |
Systems and methods for continuous data replication
Systems and methods for intelligent data replication are provided, which may include the identification and use of consistency points in application data, such that one or more replication volumes may be created using an “application aware” replication process that allows the system to intelligently replicate data or other information (e.g., metadata) relating to a particular process, application or specified set of data. |
| US08726240B2 |
Capturing replayable information at software defect locations in a multi-tenant environment
A method for software debugging in a multi-tenant database network system is provided. When an exception occurs the stack frames in temporary working memory are dumped into long term memory for later analysis. A stack trace is performed from which performance information may be derived, which may aid in discovering the cause of the exception. |
| US08726237B2 |
Event handling for unmanaged code
Many computer applications involve event driven programming. Unfortunately, it may be burdensome on application developers to develop event handlers in unmanaged code for all relevant events within their computer application. For example, when using COM objects in connection with event handling, the burden of lifetime management may be placed on the application developer. Accordingly, one or more systems and/or techniques for event handling in unmanaged code are disclosed herein. A delegate comprising a first interface and a second interface is provided. The delegate may receive event data from a software platform connected to the first interface and may notify a function of a process connected to the second interface. The delegate self destructs when both the computing platform and the process have released their connections to the respective interfaces, thus mitigating manual coding of lifetime management functionality within the process. |
| US08726232B1 |
Identification of patterns in modeling environments
A tool for enabling a user, such as a programmer and a designer, to identify patterns in a program or model and to determine duplicated portions of the program or model that have the same or similar pattern is disclosed. The pattern may include the connectivity of the elements in the group as well as the attributes and parameters of the elements in the group. The tool may also enable the user to replace the duplicated portions of the program or model with a sub-program or sub-model that can be shared for the duplicated portions. Code for the sub-model may be used for the simulation or generated code for the duplicated portions of the program or model in the simulation or code generation of the program or model. |
| US08726228B2 |
Developing programs in a graphical specification and constraint language
System and method for specifying and implementing programs. A graphical program is created in a graphical specification and constraint language that allows specification of a model of computation and explicit declaration of constraints in response to user input. The graphical program includes a specified model of computation, a plurality of interconnected functional blocks that visually indicate functionality of the graphical program in accordance with the specified model of computation, and specifications or constraints for the graphical program or at least one of the functional blocks in the graphical program. The specified model of computation and specifications or constraints are useable to analyze the graphical program or generate a program or simulation. |
| US08726225B2 |
Testing of a software system using instrumentation at a logging module
In one embodiment, a method includes determining an instrumentation action to perform with the software program when a logging statement is encountered during execution of a software program. The instrumentation action is performed by an instrumentation service associated with a logging service and the execution of the software program is monitored based on the instrumentation action being performed. |
| US08726223B2 |
Hot-plugging debugger architectures
Systems and techniques for hot-plugging debugger capabilities are described. A described integrated circuit device includes a processor, a first pad interface, a detector configured to detect a clock signal via the first pad interface, one or more second pad interfaces, two or more components including a debug system that is communicatively coupled with the processor, a multiplexer communicatively coupled with the one or more second pad interfaces and the two or more components, and configured to selectively interconnect the one or more second pad interfaces with a selected component of the two or more components. The multiplexer can be configured to cause the debug system to be the selected component when the clock signal is detected via the first pad interface. |
| US08726221B2 |
Topology density aware flow (TDAF)
A method for selecting and placing of an IP block in a SOC design based on a topology and/or a density of the SOC design is disclosed. Embodiments include: displaying a user interface; causing, at least in part, a presentation in the user interface of a topology and density view of a SOC design that includes an IP block; and modifying, prior to a tape-out of the SOC design, topology and/or density transition for the IP block in the SOC design based on the presentation. |
| US08726215B2 |
Standard cell placement technique for double patterning technology
A method for generating legal colorable multiple patterning standard cell placement is provided. In this method, a standard cell library including color information can be accessed. For each standard cell, edge labels can be assigned based on colors of objects within a predetermined distance from each edge. A truth table, which indicates legal spacing between pairs of standard cells based on their edge labels, can be accessed. A plurality of standard cells of a design can then be placed based on the truth table. |
| US08726212B1 |
Streamlined parasitic modeling with common device profile
An embodiment method of streamlining parasitic modeling using a common device profile includes importing, using a processor, a simulated middle end of line (MEOL) profile into a characterization tool, generating, using the processor, a MEOL pattern based on the simulated MEOL profile, import, using the processor, the MEOL pattern and a real profile into a field solver to generate a MEOL capacitance table, updating, using the processor, capacitance data in the characterization tool based on the MEOL capacitance table generated, and generating, using the processor, a resistance and capacitance parasitic extraction technology file using the characterization tool with the capacitance data as updated. |
| US08726211B2 |
Generating an equivalent waveform model in static timing analysis
A method is provided for use during static timing analysis of an integrated circuit design to produce an equivalent waveform model, the method comprising: using an analog model of the inner component, to simulate an inner component to produce multiple analog simulation output characterization waveforms as a function of multiple input waveforms used to characterize the design cell; using the analog model of the inner component to simulate the inner component to produce an analog simulation output waveform as a function of the complex waveform; and producing the equivalent waveform model as a function of the multiple analog simulation output characterization waveforms and the analog simulation output waveform. |
| US08726206B1 |
Deadlock detection method and related machine readable medium
A deadlock detection method includes: retrieving at least one power node input of a circuit design file of an integrated circuit; retrieving a starting order of the power node; retrieving a target path starting from a specific node in accordance with the starting order; and performing deadlock detection in accordance with the starting order and the target path. A non-transitory machine readable medium stores a program code, wherein when executed by a processor, the program code enables the processor to perform the following steps: retrieving at least one power node input of a circuit design file of an integrated circuit; retrieving a starting order of the power node; retrieving a target path starting from a specific node in accordance with the starting order; and performing deadlock detection in accordance with the starting order and the target path. |
| US08726203B1 |
System and method for generating virtual test benches
A method and system for generating a test bench for testing a requirement is described. According to an embodiment, a test bench generator subsystem automatically chooses a test template based on a user specification of a requirement to be tested. The requirement is automatically associated with information such as parameters, context identifiers, and success criteria. The subsystem automatically generates a test bench data construct for a simulation that will test the requirement and evaluate success or failure. In an embodiment, generating the test bench includes automatically choosing a system model for the test bench. |
| US08726201B2 |
Method and system to predict a number of electromigration critical elements
A method and system to predict a number of electromigration critical elements in semiconductor products. This method includes determining critical element factors for a plurality of library elements in a circuit design library using a design tool running on a computer device and based on at least one of an increased reliability temperature and an increased expected current. The method also includes determining a number of critical elements in a product based on: (i) numbers of respective ones of the plurality of library elements comprised in the product, and (ii) the critical element factors. |
| US08726200B2 |
Recognition of template patterns with mask information
Apparatus includes a machine readable storage medium for storing a template library having at least one template. The template is to include a first layout representation of at least one pattern to be formed by multi-patterning a single layer of an IC. The pattern has a plurality of portions to be formed using a plurality of respectively different photomasks. The first layout representation includes data identifying on which photomask each portion is to be located. An electronic design automation (EDA) tool includes a processor configured to receive a hardware description language representation of at least a part of a circuit and generate a second layout representation of the part of the circuit having a plurality of polygons. The EDA tool has a matching module that identifies and outputs an indication of whether one or more of the plurality of portions matches a subset of the plurality of polygons. |
| US08726196B2 |
Gesture input device, gesture input method, and program
A gesture input device includes an input unit to which image information representing an action is input. The gesture input device also includes a detection unit that detects the action based on a shape of the input image information. The gesture input device further includes a prediction unit that predicts one or more gestures based on a detection result of the action. In addition, the gesture input device includes a notification unit that notifies an action to be performed next to input the predicted one or more gestures. |
| US08726195B2 |
Enabling an IM user to navigate a virtual world
A user is enabled to interact with a virtual world environment using an instant messenger application by enabling a user to enter the virtual world environment using the instant messenger application that includes an instant messaging (IM) user interface, generating and managing an avatar to represent the user in the virtual world environment, monitoring a sub-portion of the virtual world environment corresponding to a current location of the user in the virtual world environment, determining descriptions of activities taking place in the sub-portion of the virtual world environment based on the monitoring, and providing the user with the determined descriptions of activities taking place in the sub-portion of the virtual world environment via the IM user interface. |
| US08726194B2 |
Item selection using enhanced control
An enhanced control, in which a guide line is defined relative to an object in a user interface, items aligned with the guide line are displayed without obscuring the object. A selected item is output based on receiving a selection of one of the displayed items. |
| US08726193B2 |
Apparatus, method, and program for display control
A display control apparatus includes the following elements. An accepting unit accepts selection of one of objects displayed in a window in either a cursor mode, in which a cursor is moved to select an object, or a pointer mode, in which a pointer is moved to select an object, one of the modes being selected by a user. When an instruction to switch the pointer mode to the cursor mode is given, a display control unit erases the pointer and displays the cursor such that the cursor selects an object closest to a position where the pointer was displayed just before being erased. |
| US08726186B2 |
Method for displaying content within an online collage-based editor using a relative coordinate system
In a server-based system for creating and editing image and or text-based projects, the system having access to a digital medium containing an executable graphics user interface (GUI) accessible by computer browser, a method is provided for scaling a project page using relative units including the steps (a) establishing a 0 point at the center of the project page, (b) from the center, scaling a number of relative units ending at a negative limit value for width equal to one half of total width value, (c) from the center, scaling a number of relative units ending at a negative limit value for height equal to one half of the total height, (d) from the center, scaling a number of relative units ending at a positive limit value for width equal to one half of total width, and (e) from the center, scaling a number of relative units ending at a positive limit value for height equal to one half of the total height. For all of the steps, each unit represents an equal division of the total value from the negative limit to the positive limit for width and for height. |
| US08726183B2 |
Input apparatus configured to change color when a set value change exceeds a predetermined threshold and image forming apparatus incorporating input apparatus
An input apparatus configured to change a set value continuously, comprising: an operating key configured to be pressed; a detector configured to detect press of the operation key; a calculation portion configured to sequentially add or subtract a first variable to or from the set value during the press of the operation key and sequentially add or subtract a second variable greater than the first variable to or from the set value after a number of calculations with the first variable exceeds a first threshold number; and a change portion configured to change the operating key in color from a first hue to a second hue, when the number of the calculations with the first variable exceeds a second threshold number smaller than the first threshold number. |
| US08726181B2 |
Log-information processing apparatus, log-information processing method, and computer program product
A log-information processing apparatus includes a first interface unit, a storage unit, and a control unit. The first interface unit is configured to be attached and removed to and from an image processing apparatus. When the first interface unit is connected to the image processing apparatus, the control unit performs initialization on units included in the log-information processing apparatus, acquires log information from the image processing apparatus via the first interface unit, and stores acquired log information in the storage unit. |
| US08726178B2 |
Device, method, and computer program product for information retrieval
An information retrieval device includes an area splitting unit that splits the input information into a plurality of subareas by each information attribute, an extracting unit that extracts a retrieval key from the input information in each of the subareas, a display control unit that displays the input information in the subareas on a first screen, and receives an instruction for specifying any of the subareas displayed on the first screen to be moved to a second screen on a display unit, and a retrieving unit that retrieves information via the network based on a retrieval key corresponding to the subarea that is moved to the second screen. The display control unit displays retrieved information on the second screen. |
| US08726173B2 |
Enabling browser based applications through customized temporary browser profiles
A method, system and apparatus for browser based enablement through customized temporary browser profiles. A method for enabling a browser based application through a customized temporary browser profile can include the following steps. First, responsive to a request to provide a browser based application to a content browser in a client computing device, a customized browser profile can be applied in lieu a default browser profile in the content browser. Subsequently, the browser based application can be loaded in the content browser and the customized browser profile can be deleted in temporal proximity to the loading step. Preferably, the applying step can include receiving wrapper logic in the content browser; and, executing the wrapper logic to configure the customized browser profile and to apply the customized browser profile to the content browser. |
| US08726167B2 |
Display and installation of portlets on a client platform
A client computer system, method and software tool for displaying portlet content are provided. The system comprises a user interface, a portlet server and a portlet view tool. The user interface allows the display of a page including one or more view window(s), each displaying content provided by a component of the computer system. The portlet server processes requests for portlet content, and has one or more portlet(s) installed thereon. The portlet view tool is associated with a portlet installed on the portlet server, and controls the associated portlet. A web browser is used to display content from the associated portlet in a view window on the display. |
| US08726163B2 |
Audience platform
An audience platform is disclosed. In a first example case, a first question is received. A preference event associated with the first question is received. A score is determined for the first question based at least in part on the preference. In a second example case, indications of a first and second potential interviewee are received. Preference events associated with the first and second potential interviewees are received. Scores are determined for the first and second potential interviewees based at least in part on the received preference events. A designated interviewee is selected based on the first and second scores. In a third example case, indications of a first and second potential awardee are received. Preference events associated with the first and second potential awardee are received. Scores are determined for the first and second potential awardees based at least in part on the received preference events. |
| US08726162B2 |
Audio apparatus media folders and files organization
An audio apparatus contains a plurality of playable files stored in a database and organized in folders. The folders can be listed in a manner understandable at a glance even when viewed on a small display area and when the hierarchical structure shows a minimum level of detail. A folder selection section selects a folder from a database, and a directly-under-folder detection section detects if a playable file exists directly under a folder selected. A folder-under-folder detection section detects if a playable file exists directly under any folder located under the selected folder assuming no playable file exists directly under the selected folder. |
| US08726161B2 |
Visual presentation composition
Methods, systems and/or computer program products are disclosed that help facilitate visual presentation composition. A method includes analyzing a plurality of video clips, each video clip comprising a plurality of frames, to determine a subset of the plurality of video clips that have at least one frame depicting one or more faces. The method further includes presenting, in a user interface of a video editing application, the determined subset of video clips along with indicia indicating one or more face-related characteristics of each of the subset of video clips. Furthermore, the method includes receiving, from a user of the video editing application, a selection of one or more frames of at least one of the subset of video clips to populate a shot placeholder in a movie-building template, and generating a playable media file representing a movie based at least in part on the selection received from the user. |
| US08726155B2 |
System of individually and separately displaying and sharing video/audio and method of the same
The present invention relates to a system of individually and separately displaying and sharing of video/audio that is used in an vehicle, comprises: a primary video/audio device having a micro processor, a storing device for storing various of digital video/audio information owned by a user for displaying in secondary video/audio devices and a network interface, the primary video/audio device provides at least one service of displaying digital video/audio information; and a plurality of secondary video/audio devices, each of the secondary video/audio devices is provided with a digital video/audio encoding device, a network interface, a display panel or a video/audio output interface and an operation interface, and the operation interface is provided with a display key and a share key; each of the secondary video/audio devices can individually and at-any-time applies a service request to the primary video/audio device and obtains a related service, such as video/audio displaying, or one of the secondary video/audio devices can invite the other secondary video/audio devices to share what is displayed on the display panel by pressing the share key. A method of sharing vehicle navigating maps is also disclosed by the present invention. |
| US08726153B2 |
Multi-user networked digital photo display with automatic intelligent organization by time and subject matter
A display device for displaying a plurality of contents in a predetermined display area. The display device includes a content acquiring unit configured to acquire the contents, a content arranging unit configured to arrange the contents based on time information possessed by the contents, a time difference calculating unit configured to calculate a time difference between adjacent contents in terms of time based on the time information possessed by the contents, a display position setting unit configured to set a position of each content along a time axis based on the time difference between the contents, the display position setting unit determining whether the time difference between the contents is larger than a predetermined value, and a content display unit configured to display the plurality of contents based on position information on the time axis along the depth direction of the predetermined display area. |
| US08726152B2 |
Automated detection and implementation of state and object modifications
Automatic detection and implementation of modifications to an application are described. A new base model of the application is generated using the edited version of the application. This base model is simulated to a selected state, resulting in a new presentation model that includes a tree of multiple objects described by the new base model at the selected state, and a pointer for each node of the tree that points back to the associated node in the new base model. The pointers of each node of the new presentation model are compared to the nodes of the previous presentation model of the application and then replaced with those corresponding nodes in the previous presentation model when the nodes are equivalent. Otherwise, the nodes of the new presentation model are maintained. |
| US08726149B2 |
Method and system for providing reduced-size hypertext content to a limited-display client device
A computer system provides content to a client device such as a handheld wireless telephone by identifying the client device as a limited-display client device, receiving a request from the client device for hypertext content (e.g. content in HTML form), and generating a reduced-size version of the requested hypertext content. Based on the identification of the client device as a limited-display client device and in response to the request, the reduced-size version of the hypertext content is returned to the client device. The reduced-size version of the hypertext content may be generated by removing information from the hypertext content which is not relevant to the display of the client device, and the reduced-size version of the hypertext content may include page in a text-based hypertext markup language such as HTML. A layout conversion may be used from a first hypertext layout to a second hypertext layout of the reduced hypertext content, which may be more directly usable by a handheld wireless telephone than is the first hypertext layout. |
| US08726148B1 |
Method and apparatus for processing text and character data
Methods and systems for processing text or character data are disclosed. A text processing system receives a character input string and determines whether to apply character processing. A non-English language such as Italian can be entered into a processing system such as a computer using a standard English based keyboard such that additional keys for providing accents or other grammatical and punctuation symbols or characters not existing in English are unnecessary. In one mode, text is automatically accented or punctuated without requiring user intervention. In another mode, a user is provided with a list of accent or punctuation choices so that the user may select the optimum accent or punctuation. Text processing of an input may be activated by a predefined activator key pressed in a predetermined sequence, or may be activated in the event a predetermined sequence of characters is received. |
| US08726147B1 |
Systems and methods for restoring web parts in content management systems
A computer-implemented method for restoring web parts in content management systems may include identifying a backup of a content management system. The computer-implemented method may also include identifying an instruction to restore at least one web part of the content management system. The computer-implemented method may further include retrieving the web part. The computer-implemented method may additionally include identifying at least one object referenced by the web part. The computer-implemented method may also include recreating the object within the content management system. The computer-implemented method may additionally include updating the web part to reference the recreated object. The computer-implemented method may also include restoring the web part to the content management system. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08726145B2 |
Content communication system and methods
A system and methods are disclosed to facilitate communication to, with, and for persons with special needs. The system can provide assistance with reading, test-taking, language development, or other forms of communication. The system is compatible with a variety of types of input (173), and provides a variety of options for output (174). In one embodiment, the system is portable, and can be connected to a number of different devices having varying purposes. In another embodiment, the system is software designed to be utilized as a stand-alone software application, or in conjunction with an existing or third-party application. |
| US08726143B2 |
System and method for a spreadsheet application supporting diverse formulaic functions
A spreadsheet application or other application supporting formulaic cells that automatically provides support for a number of diverse formulaic functions. The automatically provided diverse formulaic functions include a function returning the value of the formula logic if the logic can be evaluated without an error. Another function finds a value in a formulaic cell that is in the same row as a particular value from the first column and the same column as a particular value in the first row. Other functions allow a selection of a set of multiple lookup rows and columns for matching the values used as variables in the function. The spreadsheet application is further configured to automatically supply other functions in addition to those described. |
| US08726141B2 |
Content integrity management system
A method and system are provided for efficiently verifying the integrity of file-based video audio and other essence in a content production system. The method involves creating a sequence of hash codes for the editable units of the essence, which are stored as metadata apart from the content (either in a separate file or in a separate portion of the same file), and are correlated to the content by a time label (which may be an offset or a timecode number). Upon retrieval from storage, the hash codes are generated for the retrieved essence and compared to the stored hash codes to verify that the content has not been modified. |
| US08726137B2 |
Encoding and decoding methods for expurgated convolutional codes and convolutional turbo codes
A convolutional encoder (50) comprises an expurgation unit (22) and a first component convolutional encoder section (24). A convolutional turbo encoder (20) comprises an expurgation unit (22); a first component convolutional encoder section (24); a second component convolutional encoder section (26); and an interleaver (28). For both the convolutional encoder (50) and the expurgating convolutional turbo encoder (20) the expurgation unit (22) inserts predetermined values at selected bit positions of an input bit sequence and thereby provide an expurgated input bit sequence. A lower rate convolutional code is obtained from a higher rate code via expurgation. |
| US08726135B2 |
Wireless communication system, wireless communication apparatus, and wireless communication method
A wireless communication system includes: a dividing unit to divide data into a plurality of first code blocks; a generation unit to generate first error detection information for each of the plurality of code blocks; a transmission unit to wirelessly transmit at least one of the plurality of first code blocks using a first channel and the first error detection information using a second channel; a reception unit to receive a plurality of second code blocks and second error detection information transmitted wirelessly; and a detection unit to execute error detection on each of the plurality of second code blocks using the second error detection information and to control a continuation of the error detection for the code blocks based on a result of the error detection. |
| US08726134B2 |
Checksum verification accelerator
Disclosed is a method for validating a data packet by a network processor supporting a first-network protocol and a second network protocol and utilizing shared hardware. The network processor receives a data packet; identifies a network packet protocol for the data packet; and processes the data packet according to the network packet protocol comprising: updating a first register with a first partial packet length specific to the first network protocol; updating a second register with a second partial packet length specific to the second network protocol; and updating a third register with a first checksum computed from fields independent of the network protocol. The method produces a second checksum utilizing a function that combines values from the first register, the second register, and the third register. The method validates the data packet by comparing the data packet checksum to the second checksum. |
| US08726129B1 |
Methods of writing and recovering erasure coded data
An embodiment of a method of writing erasure coded data swaps a new data block for an old data block within a stripe of erasure coded data. The stripe of erasure coded data comprises data blocks and a redundancy block. The method computes a redundancy update parameter for the redundancy block using the new data block and the old data block. The method updates the redundancy block using the redundancy block, the redundancy update parameter, and a mathematical operator. An embodiment of a method of recovering erasure coded data obtains a lock on a subset of data blocks and one or more redundancy blocks. The method determines whether the subset of the data blocks and the one or more redundancy blocks includes sufficient blocks to restore the stripe. If not, the method relaxes the lock to allow at least one update of the one or more redundancy blocks while not allowing any writes of the data blocks. The method uses the subset to restore the stripe. |
| US08726127B2 |
Utilizing a dispersed storage network access token module to access a dispersed storage network memory
A method begins by a computing device determining that dispersed storage network (DSN) memory is to be accessed regarding data. The method continues when the computing device is paired with a DSN access token module with the DSN access token module retrieving a plurality of sets of at least a threshold number of dispersed storage (DS) error coding function slices from the DSN memory via the computing device. The method continues with at least one of the computing device and the DSN access token module decoding the plurality of sets of the at least a threshold number of DS error coding function slices using a default DS error coding function to recapture a DS error coding function and executing, by one or more of the computing device and the DSN access token module, the DS error coding function to access the DSN memory regarding the data. |
| US08726124B2 |
Cyclic redundancy check generation via distributed time multiplexed linear feedback shift registers
Cyclic redundancy check (CRC) values are efficiently calculated using an improved linear feedback shift register (LFSR) circuit. CRC value generation is separated into two sub-calculations, which are then combined to form a final CRC value. A programmable XOR engine performs logic functions via a table lookup rather than via a random logic circuit. LCRC and ECRC calculations are performed using a single shared LFSR circuit. Multiple links share the same CRC value generator. One advantage of the present invention is that CRC values are generated using smaller and fewer LFSR circuits relative to conventional circuit designs. As a result, a CRC value generator utilizing the disclosed techniques consumes less surface area of an integrated circuit and consumes less power, resulting in cooler operation. |
| US08726122B2 |
High throughput LDPC decoder
According to one embodiment, a wireless communications device includes a low-density parity check (LDPC) decoder configured to receive a codeword associated with a parity check H-matrix. The LDPC decoder includes multiple processing elements coupled to a memory for storing the parity check H-matrix comprising R rows and C columns. Each processing element is configured to perform LDPC decoding on different rows of the H-matrix during multiple sub-iterations. A first portion of the processing elements are configured to process certain rows in an upward direction in the H-matrix relative to other rows and a second portion of the processing elements are configured to process other certain rows in a downward direction in the H-matrix relative to the other rows. |
| US08726118B2 |
Communication system, communication device, and data frame retransmission control method
A mobile station device configured to communicate with a base station device by a time division duplex (TDD) scheme, and to transmit retransmission data to the base station device by an automatic retransmission scheme in response to reception acknowledgement information transmitted from the base station device, the mobile station device including a controller configured to determine a number of frames from a reception of the reception acknowledgement information to a transmission of the retransmission data, based on a position of a reception slot within a reception frame, the reception slot including the reception acknowledgement information. |
| US08726116B2 |
Physical uplink shared channel encoder for user equipment modem and encoding method of the same
Provided are a Physical Uplink Shared CHannel (PUSCH) encoder and an encoding method of the same. The PUSCH encoder includes a plurality of encoding units and a channel interleaving unit interleaving the data transferred from the plurality of encoding units. Herein, the respective encoding units perform encoding operations on different data. The PUSCH encoder is configured to perform the respective encoding operations in parallel. In accordance with the PUSCH encoder and the encoding method thereof, the encoding operations are performed on different data in parallel to reduce latency, leading to an increase in processing speed of a codec system. Furthermore, the increase in processing speed of the codec system results in the improvement of performance and throughput per unit hour in a data communication system. |
| US08726114B1 |
Testing of SRAMS
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with at-speed testing of static random access memory (SRAM) are described. In one embodiment, a method includes loading, into a multi-stage pipeline of memory devices, a control pattern for testing a static random access memory (SRAM). The SRAM is tested by generating a test input that is based, at least in part, on the control pattern from the multi-stage pipeline of flip-flops. The test input is provided to the SRAM over a series of clock cycles that are at a core clock speed of the SRAM. |
| US08726109B2 |
Architecture, system, method, and computer-accessible medium for eliminating scan performance penalty
Exemplary apparatus, methods, and computer-accessible medium can be provided for transforming a circuit. For example, it is possible to select, from the circuit, at least one scan cell which includes a first multiplexer coupled to a first flip-flop. A second flip-flop and a second multiplexer can be inserted in the circuit. The first multiplexer can be coupled as an input to the second flip-flop, and the second multiplexer can be coupled to the output of the first flip-flop and the second flip-flop. |
| US08726108B2 |
Scan test circuitry configured for bypassing selected segments of a multi-segment scan chain
An integrated circuit comprises scan test circuitry and additional circuitry subject to testing utilizing the scan test circuitry. The scan test circuitry comprises at least one scan chain having a plurality of scan cells, wherein the scan chain is separated into a plurality of scan segments with each such segment comprising a distinct subset of two or more of the plurality of scan cells. The scan test circuitry further comprises scan segment bypass circuitry configured to selectively bypass one or more of the scan segments in a scan shift mode of operation. The scan segment bypass circuitry may comprise a plurality of multiplexers and a scan segment bypass controller. The multiplexers are arranged within the scan chain and configured to allow respective ones of the scan segments to be bypassed responsive to respective bypass control signals generated by the scan segment bypass controller. |
| US08726106B2 |
Semiconductor device having redundant select line to replace regular select line
Disclosed herein is a semiconductor device that includes selection lines selected based on an access address, a first hit signal generation circuit activating a first hit signal when the access address is coincident with a programmed address that designates a defective selection line included in the selection lines, and a first redundant selection line selected when the first hit signal is activated. The first hit signal generation circuit deactivates the first hit signal when a value of the access address is in a first address range even if the access address is coincident with the programmed address. |
| US08726104B2 |
Non-volatile memory and method with accelerated post-write read using combined verification of multiple pages
A post-write read operation, using a combined verification of multiple pages of data, is presented. In a simultaneous verification of multiple pages in a block, the controller evaluates a combined function of the multiple pages, instead of evaluating each page separately. In one exemplary embodiment, the combined function is formed by XORing the pages together. Such a combined verification of multiple pages based on the read data can significantly reduce the controller involvement, lowering the required bus and ECC bandwidth for a post-write read and hence allow efficient post-write reads when the number of dies is large. |
| US08726102B2 |
System and method for handling system failure
A system and a method for handling a system failure are disclosed. The method is adapted for an information handling system having a basic input and output system and a micro-controller. The method includes the following steps: sending, via the micro-controller, a signal; checking, via the micro-controller, whether an acknowledgement is received from the basic input and output system responsive to the signal; and scanning, via the micro-controller, a type of a system failure in response to the acknowledgement being not received. |
| US08726100B2 |
Non-transitory computer-readable recording medium in which a failure analyzing program is recorded, failure analyzing apparatus, and method for analyzing failure
Among the combinations of failure candidates which combinations are generated by a generator, one combination that minimizes a cost derived in a cost calculator is selected. For the selected combination of failure candidates, a function, which specifically provides a correlation between one or more failure factor and an error (or error rate) of each failure element is output. A correct failure factor is estimated on the basis of the function. |
| US08726095B2 |
System and method for proactive management of an information handling system with in-situ measurement of end user actions
Dissatisfaction variables track inputs made by an end user at an information handling system that are associated with end user dissatisfaction regarding the operation of the information handling system, such as corrective actions, so that an alert issues if a dissatisfaction variable changes by a predetermined amount over a predetermined time period. Dissatisfaction variables identify a pattern of a change in behavior by an end user rather than the operational status of system components. For example, an increase in end user forced shutdowns of the information handling system indicates end user dissatisfaction with the information handling system, such as repeated freezes of the operating system so that performing a timely diagnostics will improve end user satisfaction and proactively correct and impending system failure. |
| US08726093B2 |
Method and system for maintaining direct hardware access in the event of network interface card failure
A system for maintaining direct hardware access in the event of PNIC failure. A host for the system includes: a processor; a first and a second PNIC, where the first PNIC is activated and all other PNICs are deactivated; a host operating system; a virtual machine; and a hypervisor for transferring packets between the host operating system and the virtual machine. The host operating system includes a link aggregator, multiple host VNICs, and a virtual switch associated with the VNICs. The first virtual machine includes a virtual network protocol stack and a guest VNIC. The link aggregator is configured to determine whether the first PNIC has failed. Based on a determination that the first PNIC has failed, the link aggregator is further configured to: remove a virtual function mapping between the first PNIC and the virtual machine; determine the second PNIC; deactivate the first PNIC; and activate the second PNIC. |
| US08726090B2 |
Information processing system, management apparatus, information processing apparatus, and computer program product
A management apparatus is connected to an information processing apparatus via a network, and includes: a determining unit that, when receiving a failure notification that installation of software fails from the information processing apparatus, determines a cause of failure based on the notification; a storing processing unit that, when the determining unit determines that the cause of the failure cannot be solved by remote control, stores registration information in which identifying information of the information processing apparatus and information indicating to-be-installed software which has not been installed on the information processing apparatus are associated with each other, in a storage unit; and a reinstallation instruction unit that, when receiving an inquiry as to whether there is the to-be-installed software from the information processing apparatus, searches the registration information in the storage unit, and instructs the information processing apparatus to install the to-be-installed software thereon if there is the to-be-installed software. |
| US08726082B2 |
Method and system for providing incomplete action monitoring and service for data transactions
An approach for providing incomplete action monitoring and service for data transactions is described. Incompleteness of a transaction event associated with an application is monitored. The incompleteness of the transaction event is detected in response to a failure in a communication session that transports data of the application. State information relating to transmission of the data for the application is stored. The restoration of the communication session is determined. Completion of the transaction event is initiated based on the stored state information. |
| US08726080B2 |
Merging multiple contexts to manage consistency snapshot errors
A method including creating a commit-in-progress context from a copy of a data object in a redirect-on-write file system; and begin storing the commit-in-progress context in a persistent storage device. The method further includes, while storing the commit-in-progress context in the persistent storage device: receiving a notification of a pending modification to the first data object, creating an update-in-progress context from a copy of the commit-in-progress context, and begin applying the modification to the update-in-progress context. The method further includes detecting that a connectivity error has occurred between the commit-in-progress context and the storage device, and in response, identifying whether the commit-in-progress context is successfully stored in the storage device. In response to identifying that the commit-in-progress context is not successfully stored: aborting the storing of the commit-in-progress context, assigning a new commit-in-progress context, and begin storing the new commit-in-progress context. |
| US08726079B2 |
Handling of messages in a message system
A messaging system comprises a message source, a message receiver and a message service. The message service is intermediate of the message source and message receiver, and a compensation component is established at the message source. A one way message is transmitted from the message source, where the one-way message is part of a plurality of one way messages of an overall business transaction. The message is received at the message service and is transmitted to the message receiver, which processes the received message. The message receiver transmits a communication indicating success or failure of the processing of the message. The system causes compensation logic defined by a compensation component to execute responsive to receiving an indication of a failure of part of the overall business transaction despite the communication from the message receiver indicated that processing of the particular one way message succeeded. |
| US08726075B1 |
Method and apparatus for screenshot archiving to digital video disk (DVD)
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for storing and reconstructing data. In one embodiment of the present invention, both real-time (i.e., dynamic) information and static information are stored in a Digital Video Disk (DVD) to replicate or restore an information system. The dynamic and static information are considered trust-support data. The trust-support data provides a complete view of the information system. For example, the state of current transactions operating in the information system is part of the trust-support data. The trust-support data may include GUI information, timestamp information, network information, authentication information, generalized receipts, and specialized receipts. |
| US08726072B1 |
System and method for improving cluster performance using an operation thread for passive nodes
A system for providing improved cluster operation performance comprises a storage system and a cluster system communicatively coupled to the storage system. The cluster system comprises an active node and a plurality of passive nodes. The active node comprises a storage system interface engine and at least one initiator engine and each of the plurality of passive nodes comprises a storage system interface engine and at least one initiator engine. The storage system interface engine of the active node is configured to coordinate communication between the cluster system and the storage system, and simultaneously communicate an operation request from each of the plurality of passive nodes of the cluster system to the storage system. |
| US08726064B2 |
Interconnection system
An interconnection system, apparatus and method is described for arranging elements in a network, which may be a data memory system, computing system or communications system where the data paths are arranged and operated so as to control the power consumption and data skew properties of the system. A configurable switching element may be used to form the interconnections at nodes, where a control signal and other information is used to manage the power status of other aspects of the configurable switching element. Time delay skew of data being transmitted between nodes of the network may be altered by exchanging the logical and physical line assignments of the data at one or more nodes of the network. A method of laying out an interconnecting motherboard is disclosed which reduces the complexity of the trace routing. |
| US08726063B2 |
Systems and methods providing output sample frequency determinism by calculating a delay with a wall clock and using a timer to compensate for the delay
A computer-implemented method for performing processing including setting a timer associated with a first processing event, scheduling an expected time for the processing event using wall clock time, at the timer, using the expected time to calculate a delay associated with the timer, performing the first processing event in response to the timer, and setting a subsequent timer to compensate for the delay. |
| US08726060B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit for transmitting and receiving data signals in a source-synchronous scheme
An adjustment circuit including tri-state circuits is provided between a transmitter circuit and a receiver circuit. Jitter generated by transmission of a signal over a long-distance interconnect is reduced by being converted into jitter of control signals generated by a pulse generator circuit in the tri-state circuits. |
| US08726058B2 |
Power supply system, powered device, and power reception method
Power sourcing equipment starts power supply after outputting a detection signal to a transmission line and detecting that a powered device is connected with the transmission line. The powered device includes a power storage unit configured to store power obtained from the detection signal output from the power sourcing equipment, and a correction unit configured to correct an impedance unbalance in the transmission line. The power storage unit provides the stored power to the correction unit. |
| US08726057B2 |
Power management of components having clock processing circuits
A method and system for managing power consumption of a component that employs a clock processing circuit to produce a processed clock signal used by the component from a clock signal supplied to the clock processing circuit. A frequency of a clock signal supplied to the clock processing circuit is changed based on operating characteristics of a voltage regulator module (VRM) or power supply unit so as to maintain acceptable operating parameters of the power supply unit during a change in frequency of a clock signal. Data pertaining to operating characteristics of the VRM or power supply may be one or both of two forms. |
| US08726051B2 |
Computer system for supplying electric power to external apparatus and control method thereof
A computer system includes multiple ports to which at least one external device is connected and which are connectable to multiple power supplying lines branched from a power supplying line for supplying electric power to the at least one external device; a switching unit which controls connections between the power supplying lines and the ports; and a controller which controls the switching unit so that two or more power supplying lines among the power supplying lines are connected to a first port, to which one of the at least one external device is connected, among the ports. |
| US08726046B2 |
Integrated circuit device and control method for electrostatic protection circuit thereof
The integrated circuit device includes: an electrostatic protection circuit that is provided between first and second power supply lines coupled to external terminals respectively, and forms a current pathway between the first and second power supply lines during a given period in response to an increase in a voltage between the first and second power supply lines; and a power supply generating circuit that performs power supply control based on a voltage of the first power supply line and generates a control signal in accordance with a switching timing of the power supply control. And, the electrostatic protection circuit includes an adjustment circuit for shortening the given period in response to the control signal. |
| US08726045B2 |
Automated power topology discovery by detecting communication over power line and associating PDU port identifier to computing device
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with automatically detecting and characterizing a power topology are described. One example system includes a topology logic that identifies connections between PDUs and computers that receive power from the PDUs. The example system may include a data store that receives PDU/computer association data from the topology logic. A computer may communicate with a power providing PDU over a power line connecting the two devices. The computer and the power providing PDU may be configured with network interface devices (e.g., Ethernet switches) configured to communicate over the power line using, for example, EoP. The topology logic may discover a PDU/CE association by examining data transmitted over a network to which the computer and/or the PDU are connected. |
| US08726043B2 |
Securing backing storage data passed through a network
Techniques described herein generally relate to methods, data processing devices and computer readable media to ensure that data stored in a remote backing storage device are in encrypted form before that data is transferred to another device or over a network. In some examples, the methods, data processing devices and computer readable media may be arranged to encrypt the data passed to the network when the data stored in the backing storage device is in unencrypted form. Also disclosed are methods, data processing devices and computer readable media that identify when the data stored in the backing storage device is in unencrypted form, including methods that may detect that the data may appear to be in encrypted form as a result of the data being compressed. |
| US08726042B2 |
Tamper resistant memory protection
Various mechanisms are disclosed for protecting the security of memory in a computing environment. A security layer can have an encryption layer and a hashing layer that can dynamically encrypt and then dynamically hash sensitive information, as it is being loaded to dynamic memory of a computing device. For example, a memory unit that can correspond to a memory page can be processed by the security layer, and header data, code, and protect-worthy data can be secured, while other non-sensitive data can be left alone. Once such information is secured and stored in dynamic memory, it can be accessed at a later time by a processor and unencrypted and hash checked. Then, it can be loaded back onto the dynamic memory, thereby preventing direct memory access attacks. |
| US08726040B2 |
Memory randomization for protection against side channel attacks
Side channel attacks against a computing device are prevented by combinations of scrambling data to be stored in memory and scrambling the memory addresses of the data using software routines to execute scrambling and descrambling functions. Encrypted versions of variables, data and lookup tables, commonly employed in cryptographic algorithms, are thus dispersed into pseudorandom locations. Data and cryptographic primitives that require data-dependent memory accesses are thus shielded from attacks that could reveal memory access patterns and compromise cryptographic keys. |
| US08726039B2 |
Reducing decryption latency for encryption processing
In a storage system, using a pool of encryption processing cores, the encryption processing cores are assigned to process either encryption operations, decryption operations, and decryption and encryption operations, that are scheduled for processing. A maximum number of the encryption processing cores are set for processing only the decryption operations, thereby lowering a decryption latency. A minimal number of the encryption processing cores are allocated for processing the encryption operations, thereby increasing encryption latency. Upon reaching a throughput limit for the encryption operations that causes the minimal number of the plurality of encryption processing cores to reach a busy status, the minimal number of the plurality of encryption processing cores for processing the encryption operations is increased. |
| US08726038B2 |
FPGA apparatus and method for protecting bitstream
An FPGA apparatus and a method for protecting bitstreams are provided. The FPGA apparatus includes: a key storage unit, which is configured to be accessed only from within the FPGA, and having stored therein the encryption/decryption key and the initial key generated by the random number generator; a setting bitstream storage unit, which is an internal non-volatile memory stored with bitstreams for setting authentication and encryption/decryption; and an authentication and encryption/decryption setting unit, which is configured to call the encryption and decryption key and the initial value stored in the key storage unit to store encrypted bitstreams and authentication codes generated as a result of performing encryption on the bitstreams stored in the setting bitstream storage unit in external non-volatile memory, and verity the integrity of the encrypted bitstreams stored in the external non-volatile memory at the time of designing of the FPGA using the encrypted bitstreams. |
| US08726035B2 |
Method and system for a recursive security protocol for digital copyright control
Systems and methods are described which utilize a recursive security protocol for the protection of digital data. These may include encrypting a bit stream with a first encryption algorithm and associating a first decryption algorithm with the encrypted bit stream. The resulting bit stream may then be encrypted with a second encryption algorithm to yield a second bit stream. This second bit stream is then associated with a second decryption algorithm. This second bit stream can then be decrypted by an intended recipient using associated keys. |
| US08726033B2 |
Context sensitive dynamic authentication in a cryptographic system
A system for performing authentication of a first user to a second user includes the ability for the first user to submit multiple instances of authentication data which are evaluated and then used to generate an overall level of confidence in the claimed identity of the first user. The individual authentication instances are evaluated based upon: the degree of match between the user provided by the first user during the authentication and the data provided by the first user during his enrollment; the inherent reliability of the authentication technique being used; the circumstances surrounding the generation of the authentication data by the first user; and the circumstances surrounding the generation of the enrollment data by the first user. |
| US08726031B2 |
Watermark generator, watermark decoder, and method for providing binary message data
A watermark generator for providing a watermark signal in dependence on binary message data, the watermark generator has an information spreader configured to spread an information unit to a plurality of time-frequency-domain values, to obtain a spread information representation. The watermark generator also has a synchronization inserter configured to multiplicatively combine the spread information representation with a synchronization sequence to obtain a combined information-synchronization representation. The watermark generator also has a watermark signal provider configured to provide the watermark signal on the basis of the combined information-synchronization representation. A watermark decoder, methods and computer programs are also described. |
| US08726028B2 |
Digital contents receiving apparatus
A television set is capable of receiving both broadcast program from television station and corresponding digital file of the same contents from a server station through internet. The television set keeps information of time limit for the server station to surely provide the file. The television set automatically downloads the file when the time limit comes close or the time limit information is failed to be kept. The television set keeps URL for the moving image program enjoyed upon turning-off of the television set until the next turning-on for instantly enjoying the moving image content provided at the URL. User who turning-on the television set or changing the channel with any program not in mind to feel interest in the program on display by chance can enjoy the program from the beginning by means of downloading corresponding digital file of the same contents through internet by an automatic link. |
| US08726027B2 |
Method and system for data delivery and reproduction
Methods and apparatus for processing title data watermarked with a code. At least a portion of the title data may be watermarked at a plurality of locations within the title data with customer information data, so that the title data provided to a customer includes the watermark information. To obtain the code from the watermarked title data, watermarking information associated with the watermarked title data is first received. The watermarking information identifies a plurality of locations and a number to frequency modulation relationship at each of the locations. A different modulation scheme may be used at each location. The watermarked title data is demodulated at each of the plurality of placement locations based on the number to frequency modulation relationship. The code is then generated from the demodulated watermarked title data. A verification indication is output based in part on the generated code. |
| US08726025B2 |
Secured critical information storage and transaction
An enterprise system includes a storage having stored thereon a private key and a processor that is configured to receive a data object including an encrypted datum; decrypt the encrypted data based on the private key to generate a first string of digits, each digit including N bits, wherein N is a positive integer; shuffle the N bits of the each digit according a pre-determined pattern of bit positions to generate a second string of digits; and substitute a subset of the N bits of the each digit with pre-determined bits to generate a third string of digits. |
| US08726024B2 |
Authentication method
According to one embodiment, a authentication method comprising: generating a second key by the first key, the first key being stored in a memory and being prohibited from being read from outside; generating a session key by the second key; generating first authentication information, the secret identification information stored in a memory and being prohibited from being read from outside; transmitting encrypted secret identification information to an external device and receiving second authentication information from the external device, the encrypted secret identification information stored in a memory and readable, the second authentication information generated based on the encrypted secret identification information; and determining whether the first authentication information and the second authentication information match. |
| US08726023B2 |
Authentication using GAA functionality for unidirectional network connections
Methods, a client entity, network entities, a system, and a computer program product perform authentication between a client entity and a network. The network includes at least a bootstrapping server function entity and a network application function entity. The client entity is not able to communicate with both of the network entities in a bidirectional manner. The 3GPP standard Ub reference point between the client entity and the bootstrapping server function entity is not utilized for authentication purposes, such as authentication using GAA functionality for unidirectional network connections. |
| US08726015B2 |
Methods and apparatus for secure content routing
Systems and methods are described which provide handling and secure routing of an article of content in accordance with a code or instruction set identifier embedded in or associated with the article of content. In one aspect, the invention provides a content handling system that comprises a digital data store containing a plurality of instruction sets, each defining a content handling workflow. The system further includes a content handling engine in communication with the store, wherein the content handling engine identifies a code associated with an article of content and executes workflow processing in accordance with an instruction set associated with the code. In various embodiments, an article of content comprises digitally encoded information (e.g., containing one or more of text, image, audio, video, data, and PACS data) and/or information otherwise convertible to digital format (e.g., printed matter, images, film, and audio recordings). |
| US08726014B2 |
System and method for securely updating license files in an automated licensing system
A system for managing license files comprises a memory operable to store a socket module. The system further comprises a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and operable to receive a command to open a license file, wherein the command is associated with a first user identifier. The license file is stored in a first remote node and is associated with a second user identifier. If the second user identifier matches the first user identifier, the processor is further operable to use the socket module to establish a socket connection with the first remote node. The processor is further operable to, using the socket connection, retrieve from the first remote node a file descriptor associated with the license file. The processor is further operable to apply an update to the license file, wherein the update is addressed according to the file descriptor. If the second user identifier does not match the first user identifier, the processor is further operable to prevent the updating of the license file. |
| US08726011B1 |
Systems and methods for managing digital certificates
A method of managing a digital certificate by a computer system can include the steps of receiving, the at the computer system, a business request for a digital certificate from a requester and transmitting, by the computer system, the request to a first approver. The method can further include, upon approval by the first approver, transmitting, by the computer system, the request to a second approver, upon approval by the second approver, transmitting, by the computer system, the request to a certificate manager, transmitting, by the computer system, the request to an implementer and receiving, by the computer system, from the implementer, technical information related to the request and transmitting, by the computer system, a certificate to a certificate supplier. |
| US08726008B2 |
Network security smart load balancing
A system and method for protecting data communications in a system including a load-balancer connected to a cluster of security network components, e.g. firewall node. The load-balancer transfers one or more of the data streams respectively to the security components. The security network components transmit control information to the load-balancer and the control information includes an instruction regarding balancing load of the data streams between said components; The load-balancer balances load based on the control information. Preferably, network address translation (NAT) is performed by the load-balancer based on the control information or NAT is performed by the security network component and the control information includes information regarding an expected connection based on NAT. Preferably, when the data communications includes an encrypted session, an encrypted connection of the encrypted session is identified based on the control information and the balancing of the load maintains stickiness of said encrypted connection. |
| US08726006B2 |
System and method for establishing a virtual private network
A system and method for establishing a virtual private network (VPN) between a client and a private data communication network. An encrypted data communication session, such as a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) data communication session, is established between a gateway and the client over a public data communication network. The gateway then sends a programming component to the client for automatic installation and execution thereon. The programming component operates to intercept communications from client applications destined for resources on the private data communication network and to send the intercepted communications to the gateway via the encrypted data communication session instead of to the resources on the private data communication network. |
| US08726002B2 |
Embedded managed system services repository
An embedded management system that allows an administrator to manage the systems hardware without having to install and setup any management software. In certain embodiments, the embedded management ecosystem includes a unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI), internal persistent storage and a service processor to provide a single interface that allows the administrator to consistently manage system hardware independent of any operating system without installing an operating system or specific agents. |
| US08725998B1 |
Managing host computing devices with a host control component
Systems and methods are disclosed which facilitate the management of host computing devices through the utilization of a host computing device control component. The host computing device control component includes a state monitoring component that monitors operating states of the control component and a group of associated host computing devices. Based on a determination of a power event, the state monitoring component causes the initiation of a reboot of the grouping of host computing devices based on exchange priority information and additional reboot parameters. |
| US08725987B2 |
Cache memory system including selectively accessible pre-fetch memory for pre-fetch of variable size data
Systems and methods are disclosed for pre-fetching data into a cache memory system. These systems and methods comprise retrieving a portion of data from a system memory and storing a copy of the retrieved portion of data in a cache memory. These systems and methods further comprise monitoring data that has been placed into pre-fetch memory. |
| US08725985B2 |
Logical-to-physical address translation for a removable data storage device
A method for making memory more reliable involves accessing data stored in a removable storage device by translating a logical memory address provided by a host digital device to a physical memory address in the device. A logical memory address is received from the host digital device. The logical memory address corresponds to a location of data stored on the removable storage device. A physical memory address corresponding to the local address is determined by accessing a lookup table corresponding to the logical zone. |
| US08725982B2 |
Garbage collection with memory quick release
Memory management includes identifying a region of virtual memory to be reclaimed, the region including an object that is currently located at an original virtual memory location, and the region being supported by at least a portion of a memory resource; relocating the object from the original virtual memory location to a target virtual memory location; releasing the portion of the memory resource so that the portion of memory resource can be reused; and after the portion of the memory resource is released, replacing a reference of the object that points to the original virtual memory location with a reference of the object that points to the target virtual memory location. |
| US08725980B2 |
System and method for allocation of organizational resources
System and methods for storing electronic data is provided, where the system comprises a storage manager component and a management module associated with the storage manager component. The management module is configured to receive information related to storage activities associated with one or more storage operation components within the storage operation system under the direction of the storage manager component. The management module is adapted to predict storage operation resource allocations based on the received information related to the storage activities. |
| US08725977B2 |
NVMHCI attached hybrid data storage
A hybrid data storage device includes a solid-state memory device, a disc-type memory device and a hybrid data storage device controller in communication with the solid-state memory device and the disc-type memory device. The hybrid data storage device controller is configured to receive Non-Volatile Memory Host Controller Interface (NVMHCI) commands from a host and use logic to make decisions for the optimization and efficient performance of the solid-state memory device and the disc-type memory device. |
| US08725970B2 |
System and method for backing up data
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method includes receiving second information about second data stored on a second device. The method also includes determining that the second data is associated with first data stored on a first device. The method further includes, based on the determination about the second data, associating the second data with a policy for backing up a particular type of data. The method further includes initiating a transfer of one or more copies of the second data to a second one or more storage medias defined by the policy. |
| US08725968B2 |
Storage section controlling apparatus, storage section controlling system and computer-readable recording medium on or in which storage section controlling program is recorded
A storage section controlling apparatus includes a queuing section adapted to retain a processing order of write requests and readout requests from a data processing apparatus to plural storage sections to, and a processing order controlling section adapted to change, where a readout request for a target region of a duplexing process of a second storage section of the plural storage sections by a duplexing controlling section is issued from the data processing apparatus and a write request for a target region of at least one first storage section of the plural storage sections of a copying source corresponding to the target region of the readout request exists later than a processing turn of the readout request in a processing order in the queuing section, the processing turn of the readout request in the processing order so as to be later than the writing request in the processing order. |
| US08725967B2 |
Providing executing programs with access to stored block data of others
Techniques are described for managing access of executing programs to non-local block data storage. In some situations, a block data storage service uses multiple server storage systems to reliably store copies of network-accessible block data storage volumes that may be used by programs executing on other physical computing systems, and snapshot copies of some volumes may also be stored (e.g., on remote archival storage systems). A group of multiple server block data storage systems that store block data volumes may in some situations be co-located at a data center, and programs that use volumes stored there may execute on other computing systems at that data center, while the archival storage systems may be located outside the data center. The snapshot copies of volumes may be used in various ways, including to allow users to obtain their own copies of other users' volumes (e.g., for a fee). |
| US08725961B2 |
Systems, methods, and devices for configuring a device
Disclosed are methods and devices, among which is a method for configuring an electronic device. In one embodiment, an electronic device may include one or more memory locations having stored values representative of the capabilities of the device. According to an example configuration method, a configuring system may access the device capabilities from the one or more memory locations and configure the device based on the accessed device capabilities. |
| US08725959B2 |
Systems and methods for internal initialization of a nonvolatile memory
Methods and systems are provided that may include a memory device having a physical nonvolatile memory, a memory space, and a controller. At least a portion of a physical nonvolatile memory may permit a direct read operation of the physical nonvolatile memory and prohibit a direct write operation of the physical nonvolatile memory. A memory space may comprise at least open one write overlay window available after a reset operation. Such a memory space may be adapted to permit at least one read overlay window to be opened that is logically separate from at least one open write overlay window. A controller may be included to open at least one read overlay window. |
| US08725958B2 |
Methods and systems for maintaining cache coherency in multi-processor systems
The present invention provides a data processor capable of reducing power consumption at the time of execution of a spin wait loop for a spinlock. A CPU executes a weighted load instruction at the time of performing a spinlock process and outputs a spin wait request to a corresponding cache memory. When the spin wait request is received from the CPU, the cache memory temporarily stops outputting an acknowledge response to a read request from the CPU until a predetermined condition (snoop write hit, interrupt request, or lapse of predetermined time) is satisfied. Therefore, pipeline execution of the CPU is stalled and the operation of the CPU and the cache memory can be temporarily stopped, and power consumption at the time of executing a spin wait loop can be reduced. |
| US08725956B2 |
Memory sharing among computer programs
A system and method for memory sharing among computer programs is disclosed. A method for memory sharing among computer programs includes identifying memory units of a plurality of memory units having identical contents, collapsing the identified memory units into a single merged memory page, and mapping the single merged memory page into an associated shared physical memory location. The method further includes when a request to write to a memory unit merged into the single merged memory page is received: copying, by a computer system, contents in the associated shared physical memory location to a different memory location, and redirecting, by the computer system, the request to the different memory location. |
| US08725952B2 |
Memory controller for suppressing read disturb when data is repeatedly read out
An address comparator stores an address of data read out by a host system. Also, a buffer reads out the data from a memory and stores the data. If an address of data which is expected to be newly read out by the host system is included in addresses which have already been stored in the address comparator, the host system 1 newly reads out the data from the buffer, not from the memory. As a result, it is possible to eliminate or lessen the possibility of unintentional rewriting of data which is likely to be caused due to repeated readout of data. |
| US08725951B2 |
Efficient flash memory-based object store
Approaches for an object store implemented, at least in part, on one or more solid state devices. The object store may store objects on a plurality of solid state devices. The object store may include a transaction model means for ensuring that the object store performs transactions in compliance with atomicity, concurrency, isolation, and durability (ACID) properties. The object store may include means for providing parallel flushing in a write cache maintained on each of the solid state devices. The object store may include means for maintaining one or more double-write buffers, for the object store, at a location other than the solid state devices. The object store may optionally comprise means for maintaining one or more circular transaction logs, for the object store, at a location other than the solid state devices. The object store may operate to minimize write operations performed on the solid state devices. |
| US08725945B2 |
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. |
| US08725944B2 |
Implementing raid in solid state memory
The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to implementing fault tolerant data storage in solid state memory. In some implementations, a method includes receiving a request for data stored in a solid state memory, and identifying a logical block grouping for logical data blocks of the requested data, the logical data blocks corresponding to the solid state memory, and the logical block grouping comprising at least one physical data storage block from two or more solid state physical memory devices. The method also includes reading the stored data and a code stored in the identified logical block grouping, and comparing the code to the stored data to assess the requested data. |
| US08725942B2 |
Virtual storage mirror configuration in virtual host
A method and a system for configuring mirrors of virtual storage devices in a virtual host includes obtaining a topology connection relationship between the virtual storage devices to be configured with mirrors and the virtual host, where the topology connection relationship is a hierarchical relationship in a tree shape with the virtual host as a root node and the virtual storage devices to be configured with mirrors as leaf nodes, and configuring the mirrors of the virtual storage devices to be configured with mirrors in the virtual host according to the obtained topology connection relationship. The method and the system for configuring mirrors of virtual storage devices in a virtual host can increase reliability. |
| US08725941B1 |
Determining efficiency of a virtual array in a virtualized storage system
A virtualized storage system comprises at least one host, at least one virtual array, a backend array and a management server. The host requests storage operations to the virtual array, and the virtual array executes storage operations for the host. The backend array, coupled to the virtual array, comprises physical storage for the virtual array. The management server determines the efficiency for the virtual array. The management server determines an input throughput data rate between the host and the virtual array based on storage operations between host and virtual array. The management server also determines an output throughput data rate, from the virtual array to the backend array. The output throughput data rate is based on the storage operations that require access to the backend array. The management server determines the efficiency of the virtual array using the input throughput data rate and the output throughput data rate. |
| US08725940B2 |
Distributedly storing raid data in a raid memory and a dispersed storage network memory
A method begins by a processing module receiving redundant array of independent disks (RAID) data and determining whether to store the RAID data in at least one of a RAID format and in a dispersed storage network (DSN) format. The method continues with the processing module converting at least a portion of the RAID data into at least one set of encoded data slices when the at least a portion of the RAID data is to be stored in the DSN format. The method continues with the processing module outputting the at least one set of encoded data slices to a DSN memory. |
| US08725938B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for testing physical regions in a solid-state storage device
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for testing physical regions in a solid-state storage device. The method includes defining a physical storage region on solid-state storage media of a solid-state storage device. The physical storage region includes a subset of storage capacity of the solid-state storage media. The method includes implementing the physical storage region definition on a storage controller such that memory operations are bounded to the physical storage region. The method includes testing wear of solid-state storage media associated with the physical storage region using memory operations bounded to the physical storage region. |
| US08725932B2 |
Memory system and method of controlling memory system
A first log indicating that a system is running is recorded in a second storage unit before a first difference log is recorded in the second storage unit after system startup, and a second log indicating that the system halts is recorded in the second storage unit following the difference log, at the time of normal system halt, and it is judged whether normal system halt has been performed or an incorrect power-off sequence has been performed last time, based on a recorded state of the first and second logs in the second storage unit, at the time of system startup, thereby detecting an incorrect power-off easily and reliably. |
| US08725930B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A command analyzer 160 determines whether or not a first write command after power-on is issued. A new block reserve determinator 170 determines that a new physical block is reserved, in a case where the command analyzer 160 determines that first writing command after power-on is issued and the physical block corresponding to a logical address at which a host device requests transmit is in a written state. At this time, the semiconductor memory device writes data to the new physical block. Thereby, data written before power disconnection does not been destroyed. |
| US08725926B2 |
Computer system and method for sharing PCI devices thereof
In order to provide an inexpensive way to share an I/O device loaded in an I/O drawer among a plurality of blades, in a server system including a plurality of servers, a PCI device, and a manager for initializing a PCI switch, the PCI device has a plurality of virtual functions (VFs). The PCI switch, which has VF allocation information which indicates association between the servers and the VFs, is configured to: receive a transaction from one of the servers or from the PCI device; when the received transaction is a transaction sent from the one of the servers, remove a server identifier with which a sender server is identified and transfer the received transaction to the PCI device; and when the received transaction is a transaction sent from the PCI device, attach a server identifier that is determined based on the VF allocation information. |
| US08725923B1 |
BMC-based communication system
A method, computer program product, and computing system for receiving, on a baseboard management controller coupled to an addressable endpoint of a non-transparent bridge included within a storage network, a plurality of condition messages concerning one or more components of the storage network. The plurality of condition messages are filtered into critical condition messages and noncritical condition messages. |
| US08725920B2 |
Variable read latency on a serial memory bus
Systems and/or methods are provided that facilitate employing a variable read latency on a serial memory bus. In an aspect, a memory can utilize an undefined amount of time to obtain data from a memory array and prepare the data for transfer on the serial memory bus. The serial memory bus can be driven to a defined state. When data is ready for transfer, the memory can assert a start bit on the serial memory bus to notify a host prior to initiating the data transfer. |
| US08725910B1 |
Cable connection detection for electronic devices
A cable detection circuit for a device, set forth by way of example and not limitation, includes a generator circuit operative to provide currents on a line of a communication interface. A controller is coupled to the generator circuit and operative to detect an amount of capacitance on the line based on the provided currents. The controller is operative provide an output based on the detected amount of capacitance, the output indicating whether a cable is connected to the device via the communication interface. |
| US08725908B2 |
Information processing apparatus, peripheral apparatus control method, and storage medium
A peripheral apparatus control system that provides a device management screen capable of producing appropriate view contents and functions according to the use environment of each user for improving operability. The system includes an information processing apparatus, a peripheral apparatus, a driver capable of controlling the peripheral apparatus, a peripheral apparatus management function capable of managing the peripheral apparatus, and a peripheral apparatus management screen. The system determines a view content of the peripheral apparatus management screen according to an attribute of the driver. |
| US08725906B2 |
Scalable data storage architecture and methods of eliminating I/O traffic bottlenecks
A Storage Area Network (SAN) system has host computers, front-end SAN controllers (FE_SAN) connected via a bus or network interconnect to back-end SAN controllers (BE_SAN), and physical disk drives connected via network interconnect to the BE_SANs to provide distributed high performance centrally managed storage. Described are hardware and software architectural solutions designed to eliminate I/O traffic bottlenecks, improve scalability, and reduce the overall cost of SAN systems. In an embodiment, the BE_SAN has firmware to recognize when, in order to support a multidisc volume, such as a RAID volume, it is configured to support, it requires access to a physical disk attached to a second BE_SAN; when such a reference is recognized it passes assess commands to the second BE_SAN. Further, the BE_SAN has firmware to make use of the physical disk attached to the second BE_SAN as a hot-spare for RAID operations. |
| US08725902B2 |
Optimal network configuration repair
Changing a network configuration to restore compliance to one requirement may invalidate the network compliance with another requirement. A method changes a configuration to restore compliance to all requirements at minimum cost. The requirements are a hybrid of symbolic, arithmetic and bit-vector constraints, so traditional optimization techniques such as linear programming, that work only for purely arithmetic constraints, do not apply. The requirements are represented as SMT (satisfiability-modulo-theory) constraints on configuration variables, and then a weighted Max-SAT solver is used to compute the optimal configuration changes in order to minimize the cost. |
| US08725899B2 |
Systems and methods for providing content and services on a network system
Systems and methods for managing and providing content and services on a network system. Aspects of the invention include location-based determination of network content and services that may be provided to client computers. Other aspects of the invention include authorization and authentication components that determine access rights of client computers. Additional aspects include systems and methods for redirecting client computers to different network content. The disclosed systems and methods may be used in numerous network system applications. |
| US08725896B2 |
Methods, systems and devices for forked routing
Methods, servers and systems for communicating signaling information in a policy and charging control network within a telecommunications signaling network, may include receiving a message encoding signaling information in a dynamic context router operating at the application layer. The dynamic context router may determine whether the received message is to be replicated, and if so, the dynamic context router may identify a primary destination to which the received message is to be sent and secondary destinations to which replicated messages (“fork-routed messages”) are to be sent. The message may be replicated into multiple fork-routed messages, with the original message sent to the primary destination and the fork-routed messages sent to secondary destination components. The replicated fork-routed messages may be the same as or different from the received message, and may be sent using the same protocol or different protocols. |
| US08725895B2 |
NAT traversal by concurrently probing multiple candidates
An improved system and method are disclosed for peer-to-peer communications. In one example, the method enables two endpoints to dynamically select one of multiple possible routes for inbound and outbound messages. |
| US08725894B2 |
Transparent auto-discovery of network devices logically located between a client and server
Discovery of intermediate network devices is performed using a technique that piggybacks upon the existing standard TCP (Transport Control Protocol) “SACK” (Selective Acknowledgment) option in a SYN/ACK packet so that discovery information may be shared between pair-wise-deployed peer intermediate devices when a TCP/IP connection (Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is first established between network endpoints using a conventional three-way handshake. Use of the SACK option is combined with another technique which comprises modifying the original 16-bit value of the TCP receive window size to a special arbitrary value to mark a SYN packet as being generated by a first peer device. The marked SYN when received by the second peer device triggers that device's discovery information to be piggybacked in the SACK option of the SYN/ACK packet. The first device then piggybacks its discovery information in the SACK option of the ACK packet which completes the three-way handshake. |
| US08725892B2 |
Techniques for providing connections to services in a network environment
Methods and apparatus for facilitating consumption of services via a services network are described. Access is provided to a services directory which identifies a plurality of services and at least one connector for facilitating consumption of each of the services via the network. Each connector is operable to mediate communication protocol and business policy differences between a first network end point associated with the corresponding service and a second network end point associated with a consumer of the service. For each of selected ones of the connectors, information accessible via the services directory is provided regarding how to use the connector to consume the corresponding service. For each of selected ones of the services, access to a connector design process is provided via the services directory. The connector design process is operable to facilitate creation of a new connector for the corresponding service, and to specify at least one business process for mediating the business policy differences. |
| US08725890B2 |
Data recovery in heterogeneous networks using peer's cooperative networking
A method and apparatus for recovering data, comprising establishing a secondary recovery network with a device, detecting data loss and recovering via the secondary recovery network the lost data from the device, the device having correctly received the data, are described. The lost data was sent in a primary wireless multicast network. A method and apparatus for recovering data, comprising receiving data, establishing a secondary recovery network with device and recovering the lost data via said secondary recovery network, are also described. The received data was sent in a primary wireless multicast network. |
| US08725889B2 |
E-mail management services
The present invention provides an electronic message management system (EMS) that includes a real-time feedback loop where data is collected from the electronic messages on incoming connection attempts, outgoing delivery attempts, and message content analysis, and written to a centralized data matrix. A separate process accesses the data matrix and analyzes trends in that data. The detected data patterns, trends or behavior is based on configuration parameters for the recipient. Based on these determinations, the process is able to instruct components in the EMS to accept, redirect, refuse, modify, defer, or otherwise dispose of the connection request, the delivery attempt, or the message. Associated methods for managing the transmission of electronic messages are also disclosed. |
| US08725887B2 |
License management system and function providing device
A function providing device provides a function to an information processing device. The function providing device is connected to a license management device that manages a connection license which allows the information processing device to use the function. The function providing device determines, when a connection request is received from the information processing device, whether the information processing device is assigned with a connection license; sends a connection license assignment determination request to the license management device when the information processing device making the connection request is determined as not being assigned with a connection license; and controls whether to authorize connection of the information processing device based on a determination result obtained at the determining or a determination result received from the license management device indicating whether a connection license is assigned to the information processing device making the connection request. |
| US08725882B2 |
Masking database outages from clients and applications
Methods, devices, and computer-readable media are provided for restoring state that was built up on a first session between a first server instance and a client to a second session between a second server instance and the client. Non-transactional session state that existed for the first session is preserved by repeating non-transactional commands in the second session. Transactions are executed in the second session when the transactions did not complete in the first session. The first server instance sends, to the client in the first session, information to maintain for a possible replay of commands that were sent in a request to the first server instance for execution in the first session. If the first session becomes unavailable, the maintained information may be used by the second server instance to restore the database session, masking the outage from users, applications, and clients. |
| US08725881B2 |
Resources allocation flexibility
A method for an application function (AF) device in a wireless cellular network including the steps of determining with a processing unit whether an application service requires confirmation that a transmission path for corresponding application service media is available to progress set up of an application service session. There is the step of sending a message generated by the processing unit through a network interfacing unit to a policy and charging rule function (PCRP) server to indicate whether the application service requires confirmation that the transmission path for the corresponding application service media is available. An application function (AF) device in a wireless cellular network including a processing unit which determines whether an application service requires confirmation that a transmission path for corresponding application service media is available to progress set up of an application service session. The AF device includes a network interfacing unit that sends a message generated by the processing unit to a policy and charging rule function (PCRF) server indicating whether the application service requires confirmation that the transmission path for the corresponding application service media is available. A method for a policy and charging rule function (PCRF) server in a wireless cellular network. A policy and charging rule function (PCRF) server in a wireless cellular network. |
| US08725879B2 |
Network interface device
A network interface device is provided. The network interface device is connected to a computer and performs communications via a network includes a first management unit that identifies a communication connection by a port number, and manages a communication connection state of each port by a context that is stored in a storage unit and is associated with a port number, a second management unit that manages a storage state of the context, and a control unit that refers to the context, and performs an exemplary operation to establish a communication connection and an exemplary operation to cut off a communication connection between ports. |
| US08725877B2 |
Session control system, session control method and session control program
A session control device connected to a web site and a client terminal through a network, which includes a calculation unit for calculating, with a state of a session in each access to a reference page which is a page whose effect is large on arrival at processing whose importance in the web site is high as a stage, a tendency of a session toward the processing whose importance is high on a stage basis, a storage unit for storing a calculated tendency toward the processing whose importance is high, a setting unit for setting a reference for limiting the session, and a collation unit for comparing a tendency toward the processing whose importance is high with respect to a stage of the session received from the client terminal and comparing with the reference to determine whether to limit the session from the client terminal. |
| US08725876B2 |
Cluster-free techniques for enabling a directory protocol-based domain name system (DNS) service for high availability
Cluster-free techniques for enabling a directory protocol-based Domain Name System (DNS) service for high availability are presented. A DNS service monitors a node for wild-carded IP address that migrate to the node when a primary node fails to service DNS requests for a directory of the network. The DNS service forwards the wild-carded IP address to a distributed directory service for resolution and uses the distributed directory service to dynamically configure the DNS service for directly handling subsequent DNS requests made to the directory over the network while the primary node remains inoperable over the network. |
| US08725875B2 |
Native cloud computing via network segmentation
Disclosed herein are systems, methods and storage medium associated with native cloud computing. In embodiments, a system may include a number of clusters of computing nodes, and a data communication network configured to couple the clusters of computing nodes. The system may further include a control node configured to segment or cause segmentation of the data communication network to isolate a cluster of the computing nodes from other clusters of the computing nodes, t for allocation for native execution of a computation task. The system may further include a control network coupled to the data communication network and the control node. Other embodiments may be disclosed and claimed. |
| US08725867B2 |
Method and system for reporting the policy installation failure
A method and a system are provided for reporting policy installation failures in the field of communications. The method and system enable the policy decision functional entity (PD-FE) to accurately obtain detailed information of policy installation failures of the policy enforcement functional entity (PE-FE), thus enhancing the efficiency of sending the next policy for installation. The method includes: when the installation of a policy sent from the PD-FE to the PE-FE is failed, the PE-FE generates a feedback message to be sent to the PD-FE, and the feedback message includes the error reason of the policy failed in installation. |
| US08725866B2 |
Method and system for link count update and synchronization in a partitioned directory
A method of updating a link count in a partitioned directory shared by a plurality of computers within a cluster. The partitioned directory is traversed once by a first computer to obtain a link count. The link count is stored in the first computer and broadcast to a cluster of computers. A total number of allocated links is less than a maximum limit on link count minus the link count. A respective number of links is allocated to each computer within the cluster. Delta values of each computer are updated in real-time as subdirectories are created/erased. A delta value associated with each of the plurality of computers is received. A delta value represents a net number of links created or removed by each computer. The link count is updated based on the previous link count and further based on each of the delta values and further based a delta value associated with the first computer. The updated link count is stored by the first computer and broadcast to the plurality of computers. |
| US08725865B2 |
Method for context based discovery and filtering of portable collaborative networks
A peer-to-peer collaborative network system is described. The peer-to-peer collaborative network system allows for the existence of a number of collaborative networks. Within the collaborative networks, users can interact in ways such as messaging, file sharing, resource sharing, and the like. The user will query other users on the network to determine which collaborative networks are active. The user can then select an active collaborative network without having to be invited there. |
| US08725864B2 |
Communication management network system and method for managing a communication network
A mechanism usable in a communication management network system includes a network element and an operations system portion. After the network element is physically connected to the operations system portion, adaptation information is transmitted from the network element to the operations system. The operations system configures one or more applications on the basis of metadata which are accessed by using the adaptation information. The network element and all further network elements of the same type/release are manageable by the operations system portion. |
| US08725862B1 |
Server selection based upon time and query dependent hashing
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for selecting a server from a plurality of servers to process a query. A query is converted into a query number. A hashing operation is performed on a combination of the query number and a second number that is associated with a present time interval. The hashing operation generates a hash value associated with the query and the present time interval. A length of the present time interval is increased as a quantity of servers in a plurality of servers increases. A server in the plurality of servers is selected to process the query, based on the hash value. The query is sent to the selected server. |
| US08725854B2 |
Methods and apparatus for implementing virtualization of storage within a storage area network
Methods and apparatus for implementing storage virtualization on a network device of a storage area network are disclosed. A frame or packet is received at a port of the network device. It is then determined that the frame or packet pertains to access of a virtual storage location of a virtual storage unit representing one or more physical storage locations on one or more physical storage units of the storage area network. A virtual-physical mapping between the one or more physical storage locations and the virtual storage location is then obtained. A new or modified frame or packet is then sent to an initiator or a target specified by the virtual-physical mapping. |
| US08725852B1 |
Dynamic network action based on DHCP notification
Techniques for providing DHCP updates are provided. In various embodiments, a DHCP notification is received from a DHCP server, the notification includes a network address and a unique device identifier combination of a device. A second notification is generated in response to receiving the first notification, the second notification includes the network address and the unique device identifier combination. |
| US08725850B2 |
Automatic connectivity analysis for a DICOM network
A method, a computer program product, a system and a connectivity analyzer are disclosed for determining available communication functionalities during the configuration of a DICOM node in a DICOM network. According to an embodiment of the invention the available communication functionalities are registered automatically by way of test communication requests and analysis of the test communication responses. Following the analysis the result containing the detected communication functionalities can be provided automatically. The result is preferably provided in the configuration phase and already prior to the entry into operation of the respective DICOM node. |
| US08725849B1 |
Browser cache pre-population
A device may generate, based on historical access pattern information of web content items, a set of web content items that are likely to be accessed by a first user of a client device through a browser program. The device may transmit the determined set of web content items to the client device for pre-population of the cache of the browser program. |
| US08725847B2 |
Asynchronous invocation of web services using mobile client applications
Implementations of the present disclosure provide methods of invoking a web service using a mobile client. In some implementations, a method includes defining a correlation between a plurality of input components of an application that is executed on the mobile client and a plurality of parameters of a web service application, generating a text file based on the correlation, storing the text file in memory of the mobile client, generating an invocation message at the mobile client based on the text file and a user input, and transmitting the invocation message to a server to invoke the web service application. |
| US08725844B2 |
Method and system for adjusting the relative value of system configuration recommendations
A method and system are provided for proposing advice consisting of corrective actions and enhancements to address a detected problem or measured degradation in the operation of a computer based on collected configuration and performance data. After the advice is proposed, the method and/or system automatically detects when and in what form the advice was implemented, and rates the efficacy of the implementation action based on subsequent collection and measurement of performance. The method and/or system is then able to adjust the importance of the advice relative to other advice. |
| US08725843B2 |
Method and apparatus for adaptively configuring a router
A method, device, and computer readable medium for adaptively configuring a router in a communication system having a plurality of network devices. Data packets passing through the router are examined in order to determine network parameters associated with the plurality of network devices. A plurality of network interfaces in the router are then adapted to the network parameters so that the router is operatively coupled to the plurality of network devices. |
| US08725842B1 |
Smart watch
A smart watch is provided. The smart watch includes a band unit, a network unit, a display unit and a control unit. The band unit is configured to be worn on a user's wrist. The smart watch includes a band unit that is capable of being worn on a user and includes a wrist band layer disposed on the band unit, an image capture device disposed on the band unit, a power source coupled to the image capture device, a memory coupled to the image capture device, and a motion detector coupled to the memory. The smart watch includes a network unit located in the band unit and communicates wirelessly with at least one of a portable network device and a server and a display unit being coupled to the power source, and a control unit that includes a processor and coupled to the memory, the power source, the display unit, and the network unit, the control unit receiving information from the image capture device, and the motion detector and storing information in the memory. |
| US08725840B2 |
Autonomous local web-server updating
A method includes exchanging information between a local web-server of a local storage device and a remote web-server through a network. The exchange of the information is initiated autonomously by the local storage device upon a determination by the local web server that the information is not stored at the local storage device. |
| US08725837B2 |
Content awareness caching with network-aware geo-location protocol
A device receives subscriber information associated with user devices provided in a network, receives network information associated with the network, and receives user device information associated with the user devices. The device also determines content to cache based on the received information, and requests the determined content from a content provider device. The device further receives the determined content from the content provider device, and stores the determined content in a cache device. |
| US08725835B2 |
Method and web server for implementing web access
Implementing Web access includes finding a Web module and a Web module method associated with a client request. Based on a parameter declaration of the Web module method, a Web server obtains from a Web context request data that is used to invoke the Web module method. The Web server then stores in a Web context a return value and renders a displayed Web page based on the Web context. In some aspects, implementing Web access further includes analyzing the parameter declaration of the Web module methods and finding a data scope and a data item associated with the request data. In some aspects, implementing Web access further includes generating a Web module instance in response to determination that the instance does not exist. |
| US08725834B2 |
Access of resources by way of hypertext transfer protocol
In an embodiment, a method is provided for accessing a resource. In this method, a HTTP request that defines an operation to be performed on an identified resource is received. The HTTP request is then parsed to extract an operation parameter from a header of the HTTP request. The HTTP request is executed based on the operation parameter to generate a result, and the result of the execution of the HTTP request is returned in an HTTP response. |
| US08725832B2 |
System and method for creating and posting media lists for purposes of subsequent playback
A method and apparatus for creating and posting media is provided. For example, the invention allows a user to quickly create, signal process, encode, and transfer media files to a server for storage, posting, distribution, and retrieval. Thus, media such as audio, video, display, photo, spreadsheet, Web Clips, and HTML pages can be combined into a media file for uploading to a server and accessed from listings posted at web sites. In accordance with embodiments, a user downloads and installs a plug-in at the user's client computer. The user then registers and logs onto the server to perform various tasks. For example, the user can create a combined audio and photo media file at the client computer, in accordance with server based control parameters received from the system server. The plug-in then allows the user to perform digital signal processing and encoding of the media file at the client computer. After the file is encoded, it may be uploaded to a server for storage, posting, distribution, and retrieval. A file management system provides copies and listings of the file to other servers and web sites as permitted. Thus, other user having access to the database or web site lists via other client computers may select the file for retrieval. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an information management system provides file and file list rankings based upon selection or click through of files and file listings. |
| US08725831B2 |
Architecture and two-layered protocol for real-time location-aware applications
A two-layer communication protocol that supports efficient real-time location-aware application on multiple mobile devices that must communicate with each other and/or a centralized server. The two-layer protocol includes a method of communicating data between a first mobile device and a second mobile device using a server to facilitate the communication of the data. The two-layer communication protocol also includes a method of communicating data between a first mobile device and a second mobile device using a server to facilitate the connection between the two devices. The communication of data occurs directly between the two mobile devices. Each method uses reliable, connection-oriented protocols to exchange application-level information and control signals while utilizing unreliable, connection-less protocols to communicate real-time location data. Also provided are architectures implementing these methods. |
| US08725829B2 |
Method and system for identifying sound signals
A method and system is described which allows users to identify (pre-recorded) sounds such as music, radio broadcast, commercials, and other audio signals in almost any environment. The audio signal (or sound) must be a recording represented in a database of recordings. The service can quickly identify the signal from just a few seconds of excerption, while tolerating high noise and distortion. Once the signal is identified to the user, the user may perform transactions interactively in real-time or offline using the identification information. |
| US08725827B2 |
Data communication system and data communication apparatus in a token passing system with improved recovery
In a data communication system that performs data communication between a master station and slave stations in a token passing system employing an Ethernet (registered trademark), when a communication processing unit of a master station subjects processing for circulating a token frame between the master station and slave stations and receiving data from the slave stations to retry processing, the communication processing unit subjects the processing to the retry processing without transferring data received from the slave stations to a data processing unit that performs transmission and reception of data between the data processing unit and an arithmetic processing device. |
| US08725817B2 |
Service disclosure device, service disclosure method, and program
A service disclosure device receives a search message transmitted from a service using device, and if the ID of the service using device is stored in a memory, transmits a response message indicating a service to be disclosed to the service using device. The service disclosure device displays information about the service using device on a display, and if a permission to disclose the service to the service using device is input, registers the ID of the service using device in the memory. After a response limit to the search message has expired, the service disclosure device transmits a notification message indicating the service to be disclosed to the service using device. |
| US08725816B2 |
Program guide based on sharing personal comments about multimedia content
Members of a social network service may share real-time comments about multimedia content they are viewing. The comments are attached to bookmarks that allow other members to view the video and add to the discussion thread. |
| US08725815B2 |
Transmitting messages between internationalized email systems and non-internationalized email systems
A method is provided for transmitting an email message from a sender to a recipient, the recipient capable of receiving email messages compliant with American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII). However, one or more of the sender or other recipients have a non-ASCII email address. Accordingly, mapped ASCII email addresses are created for each of the non-ASCII email addresses. A username is generated as a mapping of the non-ASCII email address using a predefined mapping algorithm. A domain name is selected from one or more predefined domain names. The username is concatenated with the domain name to create the mapped ASCII email address. Then, the non-ASCII email address is replaced with the mapped ASCII email address and the email message is sent to the selected recipient. |
| US08725814B2 |
Broker facilitated peer-to-peer publisher collaboration in a publish-subscription environment
Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for broker facilitated, publisher peer-to-peer (P2P) collaboration in a publish-subscription (pub/sub) environment. Specifically, in a typical embodiment, a broker system acts as an intermediary between publisher systems and subscriber systems in the pub/sub environment. Along these lines, the broker creates an administrative communication channel between known publisher systems and the broker system. Using this administrative communication channel, the broker system informs individual publisher systems about other publisher systems such that peer-to-peer communication channels between two or more publisher systems can be established. This can be accomplished using the broker system's knowledge of data being published by the individual publisher systems. Regardless, the publisher systems can then use information received from the broker system to: establish a P2P communication channel with one or more other publishers; identify a set of data that has commonality to the peers (and thus has a potential to be cached); and negotiate a caching schema/approach to store the data in a cache. The broker system may generate a set of cache key/unique identifiers and communicate the unique identifiers to at least one of the publisher peers, which will then share the unique identifiers among the peers. The set of data will then be cached (e.g., by a publisher system, a broker system and/or a subscriber system) using the unique identifiers. |
| US08725811B2 |
Message organization and spam filtering based on user interaction
Embodiments of message organization and spam filtering based on user interaction are presented herein. In an implementation, user interaction with a plurality of messages in a user interface is monitored, which includes analyzing an amount of time spent by a user in interacting with each message. Subsequent messages may then be filtered based on the monitored user interaction. In another implementation, messages are processed that are received via a network using a spam filter that was generated based on monitored interaction of a user with previous messages. The processing results in a value describing a relative likelihood of importance of each of the processed message to the user. The processed messages are then arranged for display in an order, one to another, in a user interface based on respective values. |
| US08725810B1 |
Method and system for anonymous login for real time communications
A method and system are provided to permit subscribers to a service to engage in real time communications with users who are not subscribers to the service. The method comprises receiving, from a non-subscriber to a service, a request for real time communications with a subscriber to the service and providing real time communications between the subscriber and the non-subscriber. |
| US08725809B2 |
Method, system, and apparatus for providing self-destructing electronic mail messages
A method, system, and apparatus for providing a self-destructing e-mail messages are described. An e-mail client application provides a user interface through which the sender of an e-mail message can enter the message and a time period for destruction of the message. Once the sender has provided this information, the e-mail client application sends a request to an e-mail server application to transmit the self-destructing e-mail message. The e-mail client application may also receive self-destructing e-mail messages. When a self-destructing e-mail message is received, the destruction date associated with the e-mail message is identified and the message is destroyed at the specified time. The e-mail client application can also limit the number and type of operations that may be performed on a self-destructing e-mail. An e-mail server application is also provided that receives requests from the e-mail client application to transmit self-destructing e-mail messages and perform other functions. |
| US08725802B2 |
Method for transferring file in conference system, file transfer system and conference server
A method for transferring a file in a conference system is provided, which includes the following steps. A file sending UE sends a conference identification of the conference to the file receiving UE through a conference server; and sends the file to the file receiving UE through the conference server. A conference server, and a file sending and receiving UE are also provided. In the present invention, when a user sends a file to another user in a conference, a conference identification of the conference, together with the file, is sent to the file receiving user, so that the file receiving user can get to know the conference associated with the file when receiving the file, thereby enhancing the experience enjoyed by the file receiving user. |
| US08725797B2 |
Providing access to managed content in rich client application environments
Providing access to managed content in rich client application environments is disclosed. A request is received from within a first application environment for access to managed content not managed primarily by a first application with which the first application environment is associated. Access is provided to managed content based at least in part on a context data associated with the first application environment. |
| US08725795B1 |
Content segment optimization techniques
Techniques for content segment optimization are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method for content segment optimization comprises receiving a user selection of a content item available on a network resource, providing a segment of the content item to a user for accessing, recording user activity on the network resource subsequent to the user accessing the content item segment, determining a type of user activity with respect to the content item based on the recorded user activity, and assigning a score to the segment provided to the user. The assigned score corresponds to the determined type of user activity with respect to the content item. Scores for each segment of the content item provided to users are combined to select a representative segment for the content item. The user activity includes purchasing the item, renting the item, adding the item to wishlist, or providing a review of the item. |
| US08725794B2 |
Enhanced website tracking system and method
An enhanced tracking system comprises an enhanced tracking server for storing and remotely executing one or more third party tags that have been removed from a client website. As a result, a visitor browser only needs to process the webpage itself such that the time required for a browser to display at the client website is reduced. The remote processing of the third party tags is able to be initiated by an enhanced tag placed on the client website or through a redirect process. |
| US08725793B2 |
Architectural pattern for persistent web application design
A computer system operating a web application with offline capabilities, including a web browser, a local web application, a write queue maintained in the local memory and a persistent local database. When the web application needs to perform an operation on a data item, the web application issues a database request to determine if the data item is in the local database. If the data item is not in the local database, the web application issues the data request to the server system. If the data item is in the local database, the web application performs the operation on the data item stored in the database and writes the operation to the write queue along with the identifier of the data item. When a network connection exits between the client device and the server system, the web interface drains the write queue to the server system. |
| US08725792B1 |
Rapid loading of multiple frames' content
Systems and techniques to rapidly load multiple frames' content. According to an aspect, a system includes a server to transmit an initial document including frames corresponding to multiple information sources, to retrieve data from the multiple information sources, and to transmit one or more subsequent documents including the data and one or more scripts. The system further includes a browser to receive and display the initial document including the frames without the data, to receive the one or more subsequent documents, and to run the one or more scripts that cause writing of the data, with external scripts inserted, inside the frames. As a result, the data can be displayed in an order of receipt, irrespective of a layout order of the frames. |
| US08725789B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing distributed data
Some embodiments are directed to processing content units stored on a distributed computer system that comprises a plurality of independent nodes. The content units may be processed by determining which content units are stored on each node and identifying which content units warrant processing. Nodes may be selected to process the content units that warrant processing and instructions may be sent to these nodes to instruct them to process these content units. |
| US08725784B2 |
Method and apparatus for compressive domain filtering and interference cancellation
A method for compressive domain filtering and interference cancelation processes compressive measurements to eliminate or attenuate interference while preserving the information or geometry of the set of possible signals of interest. A signal processing apparatus assumes that the interfering signal lives in or near a known subspace that is partially or substantially orthogonal to the signal of interest, and then projects the compressive measurements into an orthogonal subspace and thus eliminate or attenuate the interference. This apparatus yields a modified set of measurements that can provide a stable embedding of the set of signals of interest, in which case it is guaranteed that the processed measurements retain sufficient information to enable the direct recovery of this signal of interest, or alternatively to enable the use of efficient compressive-domain algorithms for further processing. The method and apparatus operate directly on the compressive measurements to remove or attenuate unwanted signal components. |
| US08725781B2 |
Sentiment cube
A sentiment cube system is disclosed. In one example, the system discloses a sentiment storage, including a sentiment cube data structure having a set of cells arranged by a set of dimensions. The system includes a computer programmed with executable instructions which operate a set of modules, wherein the modules comprise: a sentiment storage module which receives sentiment values associated with a set of entity features, and then populates a hierarchy of the cells in the sentiment cube with the sentiment values. A sentiment analysis module effecting a set of operations on the sentiment cube. |
| US08725778B2 |
Methods and apparatus to provision network resource records
Methods and apparatus to provision network resource records are described. An example method includes creating a statement representative of a plurality of numbers to be provisioned to a plurality of users via an iterative process; and, for each iteration of the iterative process, generating an instance of the statement to form a resource record by replacing a first character in a domain name segment of the statement with a first version of a respective one of the numbers; replacing a second character in a resource identifier segment of the statement with a second version of the respective one of the numbers different than the first version; and storing the instance of the statement as a resource record in connection with the respective one of the numbers. |
| US08725774B2 |
Enforcing policies over linked XML resources
A system and method generate an ontology of linked resources. The method includes providing a policy comprising at least one logical rule which is to hold across an ontology of linked resources and initializing a set of resources with an initial subset of the set of resources, each resource in the initial subset being identified by a respective link. Each of the resources in the subset is processed, which includes populating the ontology with a corresponding member of a resource class, for a resource that is valid against a schema, asserting the member's class as a class specific to the schema of the validated resource in the ontology and providing a dependency specification for extracting links within the resource, each extracted link identifying one of the set of resources. A link property is asserted in the ontology for a link between the resource of the subset containing an extracted link and the resource identified by the extracted link and the ontology populated with a member of the resource class for each newly identified resource. A verification that the at least one logical rule holds across the set of resources in the ontology is performed. |
| US08725773B2 |
System and method for generating a knowledge metric using qualitative internet data
An online marketing research measurement that allows a user to derive and/or monitor knowledge metrics, such as awareness metrics, recommendation metrics, advocacy metrics, etc. about a target subject, such as the user's brands and/or products using existing data on the Internet. Rather than requiring responses solicited from active participants in a survey (as in traditional surveys), unsolicited opinion data residing on the Internet can be gathered and processed for deriving various types of knowledge metrics. A recommendation metric can be derived from opinion data gathered from the Internet, which reflects a measure of recommendation opinions about the target subject. Users may identify the specific brand in which they are interested. After an Internet crawler is sent out to select data, the engine cleans the results of poor quality data, codes the data according to the appropriate constructs or variables, and then scores the sentiment using the system's sentiment engine. |
| US08725772B2 |
Extending cluster allocations in an extensible file system
An extensible file system format for portable storage media is provided. The extensible file system format includes the specification of primary and secondary directory entry types that may be custom defined. The primary and secondary directory entry types can be further classified as critical and benign directory entries. The directory entry types can define whether a cluster chain corresponding to a file can be contiguously allocated. |
| US08725771B2 |
Systems and methods for semantic search, content correlation and visualization
Methods and systems for searching over large (i.e., Internet scale) data to discover relevant information artifacts based on similar content and/or relationships are disclosed. Improvements over simple keyword and phrase based searching over internet scale data are shown. Search engines providing accurate and contextually relevant search results are disclosed. Users are enabled to identify related documents and information artifacts and quickly, ascertain, via visualization, which of these documents are original, which are derived (or copied) from a source document or information artifact, and which subset is independently generated (i.e., an original document or information artifact). |
| US08725769B2 |
Method and apparatus providing omnibus view of online and offline content of various file types and sources
An online service provider (OSP) operates online data centers to store members' data objects relating to various online member services of the OSP. An aggregated catalog lists members' data objects residing in the online data centers and also those residing in member computers' local storage. An aggregator monitors contents of the online storage facilities to detect new storage of prescribed types of data objects owned by the members, and also communicates with member computers to identify prescribed types of data objects newly stored in the respective local storage. The aggregator updates the aggregated catalog to list the newly stored data objects. Responsive to a request by a member, a finder searches the aggregated catalog and utilizes results of the search to provide, for display at the requesting member's computer, a consolidated listing of online data objects and locally stored data objects owned by the requesting member. |
| US08725765B2 |
Hierarchical registry federation
Some embodiments of a system and a method to implement a hierarchical registry federation have been presented. For instance, a registry federation can be stored in a set of one or more storage devices, the registry federation including multiple registries, each registry having one or more records. The registries can be organized in an oriented graph such that each registry is logically connected to another registry in the registry federation as a parent registry or a child registry. |
| US08725764B2 |
Method and apparatus for searching message data in a portable electronic device
A method and apparatus for searching message data in a portable electronic device are provided. A threaded message inbox is provided at a display of the device, the message data grouped as threads. Search criteria are received and a search of an index of the threaded message inbox is initiated using the search criteria, the index comprising key words extracted from the message data. Additional message data is received while the search is being performed, the additional message data belonging to a given thread. Additional message data is searched in addition to the index. Search results are generated based on whether at least one of data from additional message data and data from the index meets the search criteria. Search results are provided in threads at the display. Search results are automatically updated in response to receiving additional message data when the additional message data meets the search criteria. |
| US08725763B2 |
Massive model visualization with spatial indexing
Systems and methods for massive model visualization in product data management (PDM) systems. A method includes storing a hierarchical product data structure that includes a plurality of occurrence nodes and component nodes. The method includes creating an occurrence equivalency table from, the hierarchical product data structure, that identifies at least one anchor occurrence node and at least one equivalent occurrence node. The product component corresponding to the equivalent occurrence node is spatially located within a specified distance threshold of product component corresponding to the anchor occurrence node. The method includes creating an anchor occurrence table corresponding to the hierarchical product data structure that lists a plurality of unique occurrence chain represented by the hierarchical product data structure, where each equivalent occurrence node is replaced by its corresponding anchor occurrence node, and that associates each listed unique occurrence chain with an associated cell index value. |
| US08725759B2 |
Exposing data through simple object access protocol messages
In some embodiments, a method of providing data comprises receiving an XML document. The XML document includes data from a data repository. A SOAP message is generated. The SOAP message is configured to receive a value associated with a selected one of a name-value pair and an XML attribute and configured to receive XML text. The XML document is embedded as the value within the SOAP message. The XML document is designated in the SOAP message as character data such that a SOAP parser does not parse the XML document. |
| US08725758B2 |
Video tag sharing method and system
A tag sharing method and system. The method includes receiving by a computer processor, an audio/video data file and tag data describing different subject matter of audio/video data of the audio/video data file. The computer processor associates portions of the tag data with audio/video subsets of the audio/video data and in response the computer processor generates a modified audio/video data file including independent audio/video tags. Each audio/video tag of the independent audio/video tags includes an audio/video subset of the audio/video subsets independently stored with an associated portion of the portions of the tag data. The computer processor receives rule data comprising rules associated with allowing users of a social networking system to view each audio/video subset. The computer processor stores the modified audio/video data file and the rule data. |
| US08725753B2 |
Arrangements of text type-ahead
A method and system of text entry. An attribute of text entered by a user into an application is determined. The entered text is matched to a single portion of each attribute segment of one or more indexed segments of text, based upon a determined attribute of each attribute segment and the determined attribute of the entered text. Each attribute segment consists of the single portion and a remaining portion. After the entered text is matched to a single portion of each attribute segment, a selection of a single attribute segment selected from the one or more indexed segments of text by the user is received. The remaining portion of the selected single attribute segment is entered into the application. |
| US08725752B2 |
Method, apparatus and computer readable medium for indexing advertisements to combine relevance with consumer click feedback
A method and apparatus are provided for better web ad matching by combining relevance with consumer click feedback. In one example, the method includes receiving a query page, extracting features from the query page, re-weighting the query page, evaluating the query page in light of each ad in order to score each ad and pick substantially best ad matches of the indexed ads, and returning the substantially best ad matches to the consumer computer. |
| US08725751B1 |
Method and apparatus for blocking or blurring unwanted images
One embodiment relates to an apparatus for blocking or blurring unwanted image features. The apparatus includes at least a memory, a processor, a browsing application, and an image blocking component. The image blocking component is configured to block or blur images with unwanted image features before the images are displayed by the browsing application. Another embodiment relates to a process for blocking or blurring unwanted image features prior to displaying web pages. A web page including an image is received, but it is not displayed the image until after checking the image for unwanted image features. Image features are extracted from the image, and the extracted image features are compared against features in a customized image feature database. The image is displayed if no match is found during said comparison. The image is blocked or blurred if a match is found during said comparison. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US08725750B1 |
Framework for generating programs to process beacons
A method receives a specification for processing beacons. The beacons are associated with an event occurring at a client while a user is interacting with a web application and include unstructured data. The method parses the specification to determine an object model including objects determined from the specification where different specifications are parsed into a format of the object model. A generator is determined and each generator is configured to process the format of the object model to generate a different type of target program to process the beacons and multiple generators can process different specifications that are parsed into the format of the object model. The method runs the generator with the object model to generate a target program configured to identify the beacons for the specification, determine unstructured data in the beacons that were specified in the specification, and transform the unstructured data into structured data. |
| US08725747B2 |
Filtering of custom attributes of computer objects for display
A computer-readable medium, computer-implemented method, and system are provided for filtering of custom attributes. A custom attribute is an attribute of an object defined by a user. Once a user has defined one or more custom attributes, the user can filter a set of objects based on a criteria that includes a value for one or more custom attributes. The filtering can be dynamic so that when the set of objects is modified (such as creating a new object, deleting an existing object, or modifying an existing object), the filter is automatically updated. Furthermore, a filtering criteria can be based on the set of objects present in the system, so that any filter that is defined returns at least one object. In addition, once a filter is applied, any additional filter applied to the original filter can have a filtering criteria based on the subset of objects returned by the original filter. |
| US08725745B2 |
Provision of applications to mobile devices
Embodiments related to the provision of applications to mobile devices are disclosed. One embodiment provides a mobile device application server system, comprising a database, a processor, and memory comprising instructions stored thereon that are executable by the processor to perform a method of providing applications to mobile devices. The method comprises receiving a first application configured to be run on a first mobile device type, storing the first application, receiving a second application configured to be run on a second device mobile device type, and storing the second application. The method further comprises receiving a request for the first application from a first mobile device of the first mobile device type, providing the first application to the first mobile device, receiving a request for the second application from a second mobile device of the second mobile device type, and providing the second application to the second mobile device. |
| US08725743B2 |
Accessible commanding interface
A commanding interface can provide an efficient computer interface for users of assistive technology by focusing on the tasks that an application can perform, rather than on the interface the application exposes. The commanding interface can provide a search mechanism that searches for and presents functions or functionality in response and dynamically updates results as the search query is entered. Additionally, the commanding interface can prioritize search results based on contextual data, including prior search terms, prior actions, and the context of the user's interaction with the application program. The commanding interface can enable the user to filter the functions and functionality presented through the commanding interface according to types of user-performed activities for which such functions would be utilized, patterns, or heuristically determined associations. |
| US08725742B2 |
Enterprise data matching
A system and method for managing media advertising enterprise data including a process for learning enterprise data matching. An EDM (Enterprise Data Management) application module can be configured to include a set of rules at an enterprise level to manage disparate and disconnected records associated with an entity. A number of unmatched and enterprise entities that matches with respect to an active entity can be returned based on a fuzzy logic associated with various matching options stored in an EDM database. A matching process can then be performed to accurately match similar records regardless of manual input, location, and format of the records in a distributed system. Each unmatched record can then be assigned with a parent enterprise entity. Such an optimization mechanism can interactively manage and report records at the enterprise level in a simple and efficient manner. |
| US08725736B2 |
Computer-implemented system and method for clustering similar documents
A computer-implemented system and method for clustering similar documents is provided. Concepts are identified for a set of documents and occurrence frequencies are determined for each concept in the documents set. A distance quantifying a similarity for each of the documents in the set with one or more clusters of documents is calculated. Each document is mapped to at least one of the one or more document clusters. |
| US08725730B2 |
Responding to a query in a data processing system
A data processing system includes a plurality of processing stages. In response to a query, a membership structure is accessed to determine whether partially processed data from a particular one of the processing stages. |
| US08725727B2 |
System and method for determining website popularity by location
Internet websites that are popular for users in a specific location are determined and displayed to a user of an electronic device. The popularity information may be of benefit to users in the location or to users of inherently portable devices, such as a mobile telephone or a laptop computer, that travel to the location. In one embodiment, position data relating to devices used to access websites is used to establish statistics regarding the most visited websites based on location. For instance, positioning data may be added to “webpage look-up/URL requests” that are made by the devices. This data may be transmitted to a server for deriving of the statistics. |
| US08725725B2 |
Method and system for assessing relevant properties of work contexts for use by information services
An information retrieval system for automatically retrieving information related to the context of an active task being manipulated by a user. The system observes the operation of the active task and user interactions, and utilizes predetermined criteria to generate context representation of the active task that are relevant to the context of the active task. The information retrieval system then processes the context representation to generate queries or search terms for conducting an information search. The information retrieval system determines the relevance of a word to the context by utilizing an adaptive weighting system. The information retrieval system assigns varying weights to different attributes of a word and calculates an accumulated weight of the word by accumulating all weights assigned to the word. The attributes may include word size, style, location of the word, etc. The system then ranks the importance of words based on their respective accumulated weight, and chooses words that rank within a predetermined number from the top to form search terms to conduct an information search using various data sources. |
| US08725723B2 |
Method for searching relation sudden rising word and system thereof
A method and system for searching for a related term having rapidly increasing popularity is provided. The method includes: analyzing a search log and extracting a daily search frequency for each search term; comparing peaks of the daily search frequency, extracted for each search term in a predetermined period; and analyzing relevance between candidate search terms in which the peaks have occurred together in the predetermined period as a result of the comparison and filtering out a candidate search term having no relevance. |
| US08725722B2 |
Method and apparatus for directly writing multimedia data on a digital device
A method and apparatus for directly writing multimedia data onto a digital device are provided. The method includes sensing multimedia data written on a storage medium; displaying a user interface screen to display the multimedia data and a folder for a digital device; receiving a command to write the multimedia data in the folder; converting the multimedia data to a format which is playable by the digital device; and writing the converted data in the folder. The apparatus includes a sense unit which senses multimedia data written on a storage medium; a display unit which displays a user interface screen; an input unit which provides input in the form of a command to write the multimedia data in a folder; and a converting and writing unit which converts the multimedia data to a format which is playable by the digital device and writes the converted multimedia data in the folder. |
| US08725713B2 |
String searches in a computer database
An apparatus and method for a query optimizer improves string searches in a computer database that sequentially search for a string in a database record. The query optimizer optimizes the query to search records of a database from a specified start position other than the beginning of the record. The specified start position of the search may be determined by from historical information stored from previous searches. Alternatively, the query optimizer determines the specified start position of the search based on an overriding starting position provided by a system administrator. The query optimizer may also direct that the database record be reorganized to more efficiently search for strings in the record. |
| US08725712B2 |
Context based media content presentation
The invention allows location and other context based presentation of media content while capturing new content with a mobile device. First media content is captured with the mobile device located at a current location. A current context of the mobile device is determined. Second media content is retrieved based on the determined current context of the mobile device. Then, the captured first media content is presented concurrently with the retrieved second media content. |
| US08725709B2 |
Electronic device and operating method thereof
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device may include a memory, a display unit, and a controller. The controller may generate a first folder having a name including text obtained from first contents displayed on the display unit, search the memory for second contents that are associated with the obtained text, and store information related to the searched second contents in the first folder. Thus a user of the electronic device may integrally store, manage, and utilize the second contents associated with the text. |
| US08725708B2 |
Resolving a unit of work
A method for resolving a unit of work involving a plurality of participants, for use in a publish/subscribe system having a plurality of participants that subscribe to a first topic and at least one component having access to an outcome associated with the unit of work. The component publishes, to the first topic, a first message comprising a first outcome associated with the unit of work. If there is a failure associated with a first participant, a second participant use the published outcome to recover the unit of work. |
| US08725706B2 |
Method and apparatus for multi-item searching
An approach is provided for multi-item searching. A searching platform receives an input at a device for specifying one or more search criteria. The searching platform then causes, at least in part, a search for one or more services based, at least in part, on the one or more search criteria, and a presentation of a user interface including an animation based, at least in part, on the search, one or more results of the search, the one or more services, or a combination thereof. |
| US08725700B2 |
Clearinghouse systems and methods for collecting or providing quality or performance data for enhanced availability of wireless communications
A computerized system, method and process allows telecommunications carriers to find, evaluate and select locations for equipment through direct access to end users, while providing citizens the opportunity to offer the use of their dwelling or other assets to carriers. The system and method further provides a computerized mechanism for (a) creating an inventory and marketplace for available properties for use in telecommunications networks, (b) providing quality and/or performance monitoring and control for wireless communication systems based on data in the clearinghouse, and (c) providing localized content over wireless networks using the clearinghouse. |
| US08725696B2 |
Providing access to media content in multiple locations
A computer-implemented method for providing access to media content in multiple locations includes: storing media content in a system that has a memory and another storage; generating an object that represents the media content, the object including media content metadata and a media content reference configured to identify each of a memory location and a storage location; and making the object available to an application, the media content reference providing access to the stored media content at the memory location or at the storage location. |
| US08725694B2 |
Systems and methods for performing replication copy storage operations
A system and method are provided for performing storage operations relating to a first secondary copy of electronic data. A storage policy or storage preferences may dictate that a replication copy should be used in storage operations performed to a particular client, sub-client, data, media or other item. Based on the storage policy, when a new client, sub-client, data, media or other item is received, a media agent determines whether there is a replication copy of the item. In the absence of a replication copy, one may be created. The replication copy may be provided by a third party application, or created by the client or a storage management system component. Information regarding the replication copy and its corresponding first secondary copy may be stored in a database. To optimize use of system resources, storage operations relating to the first secondary copy may be performed using the replication copy instead of the first secondary copy. |
| US08725692B1 |
Replication of xcopy command
A method, system and program product for implementing the xcopy command in a replication environment, the replication environment having a production site, a splitter, and a replication site, wherein the replication site has a journal, comprising, determining if the source and target LUNs of the xcopy command are replicated, based on a determination that both source and target LUNs are replicated, determining if the production and replication LUNs are synchronized, based on a positive determination that the LUNs are synchronized, and performing the xcopy command on the replication. |
| US08725691B1 |
Dynamic LUN resizing in a replication environment
A method, system and program product for dynamically changing the size of a LUN in a replication based environment, the replication environment having a splitter, a production site and a replication site, the production site having a production LUN, the replication site having a journal and a replication LUN, comprising changing the LUN size on the production site based on a request to change the size of the LUN on the production site, determining on the replication site that the LUN on the production site has changed size, determining whether it is possible to change the size of the replication LUN, based on a negative determination and in response to a request for the replication LUN, pausing replication, and based on a positive determination, changing or faking the size of the replication LUN. |
| US08725689B1 |
Method and system for creation, analysis and navigation of virtual snapshots
A method and system for generating and managing snapshots of Virtual Machine (i.e., virtual snapshots) and creating a centralized integrated backup for the Virtual Machine (VM). Proposed method and system allow users to roll back to any previous version of the VM and instantiate this version using the logic encapsulated in a virtual snapshot of the VM. The virtual snapshots taken at various times can be combined into a chronological tree viewable via a virtual snapshot image viewer. The snapshot trees for different VMs are combined into centralized integrated system backup (CIB) that can be managed by a central console including a GUI of the virtual snapshot image viewer. |
| US08725686B2 |
Method and program for creating determinate backup data in a database backup system
The invention provides an application technique of a backup data in which a backup data can be utilized by creating a backup data including no indeterminate data in a backup system. In a backup system including a primary system and a backup system, the method of creating the backup data includes: a data update record rerun step for rerunning a data update record to a backup data; and a backup data creation step for starting a read to a backup data B, stopping a read to a backup data A, copying the backup data to the backup data A, starting the read to the backup data A, stopping the read to the backup data B, and copying the backup data A to the backup data B. |
| US08725677B1 |
State change detection using multi-dimensional phase space
One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a method of detecting a change in the state of a system. The method comprises embedding time series data relating to the system within a reconstructed phase space having a D-dimensional embedding dimension. D is greater than two. The method further comprises enclosing the reconstructed phase space in a D-dimensional bounding space and partitioning the bounding space into a plurality of regions. The method further comprises generating a matrix having a plurality of cells. The matrix comprises a row and a column for each of the plurality of regions. A value stored in each cell is based on a probability that the system will transition from a first region associated with the cell to a second region associated with the cell and a rate of separation of trajectories of the embedded data within at least one of the first region and the second region. |
| US08725676B1 |
State change detection
A method of detecting a change in the state of a system is provided. The method comprises embedding time series data relating to the system within a reconstructed phase space. The method further comprises partitioning the reconstructed phase space into a plurality of regions. The method further comprises generating a matrix having a plurality of cells. The matrix comprises a row and a column for each of the plurality of regions. A value stored in each cell is based on a probability that the system will transition from a first region associated with the cell to a second region associated with the cell and a rate of separation of trajectories of the embedded data within at least one of the first region and the second region. |
| US08725675B2 |
File server, file management system and file relocation method
In a file server for suppressing power consumption of a storage apparatus, when a file sharing program receives a file access from a client, the program references a mapping table. The program addresses the access to the target file in the volume of a RAID group where the target file is stored. A coupling-request reception program memorizes a coupling time for each user into a coupling history table. A grouping program applies a grouping to users whose coupling time-zones are similar. A data transfer program transfers, into the same RAID group, data of the files associated with the grouped users, thereby collecting the data into the same RAID group. Thus, the time-zone when no access is made to the RAID group (i.e., non-coupling time-zone) can be made longer. Accordingly, a spin-up/down request program makes a spin-down request to the RAID group in the non-coupling time-zone. |
| US08725668B2 |
Classifying an item to one of a plurality of groups
A method of classifying an item to one of a plurality of groups includes providing a plurality of predictors associated with the item. For each predictor, the item is assigned to one of the groups. An assignment number is determined for each group. The item is classified to one of the groups based on the assignment number for each group. |
| US08725666B2 |
Information extraction system
An information extraction system and methods of operating the system are provided. In particular, an information extraction system for performing meta-extraction of named entities of people, organizations, and locations as well as relationships and events from text documents are described herein. |
| US08725660B2 |
Applying non-linear transformation of feature values for training a classifier
A collection of labeled training cases is received, where each of the labeled training cases has at least one original feature and a label with respect to at least one class. Non-linear transformation of values of the original feature in the training cases is applied to produce transformed feature values that are more linearly related to the class than the original feature values. The non-linear transformation is based on computing probabilities of the training cases that are positive with respect to the at least one class. The transformed feature values are used to train a classifier. |
| US08725658B2 |
Elementary network description for efficient memory management in neuromorphic systems
A simple format is disclosed and referred to as Elementary Network Description (END). The format can fully describe a large-scale neuronal model and embodiments of software or hardware engines to simulate such a model efficiently. The architecture of such neuromorphic engines is optimal for high-performance parallel processing of spiking networks with spike-timing dependent plasticity. Methods for managing memory in a processing system are described whereby memory can be allocated among a plurality of elements and rules configured for each element such that the parallel execution of the spiking networks is most optimal. |
| US08725654B2 |
Managing consistent interfaces for employee data replication business objects across heterogeneous systems
A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to an employee master data replication request and/or an organizational center replication request business object. |
| US08725652B2 |
Using mix-media for payment authorization
Techniques for identifying a user and authenticating payment transactions based on the identification include requesting the user to send his audio, video, and/or image from the point of sale location and comparing the received audio, video, and/or image to an audio/video/image on file to identify and authenticate the user as being the official holder of the payment device being used in the transaction. Once, the user is authenticated, the payment processing can be performed using conventional techniques. Some techniques involve use of accelerometer data associated with the user in addition to or in lieu of the audio, video, and/or image data to perform the identification and authentication of the user. |
| US08725650B2 |
Document template licensing
Methods and systems for licensing a document template are provided herein. The method includes obtaining, within a computing device, a license for a document template from a marketplace service. The method also includes downloading the document template to the computing device. The method includes providing a functional experience of a document derived from the document template to a licensed user. The method further includes sharing a license-restricted document with an unlicensed user in response to an input from the licensed user, wherein the license-restricted document provides a reduced-functionality experience of the document derived from the document template to the unlicensed user. |
| US08725647B2 |
Method and system for determining software license compliance
According to one embodiment, a method includes providing one or more selectable criteria that each characterize a respective software license restriction. One or more selections of the one or more selectable criteria are received. A license metric is generated. The license metric corresponds to one or more selections of the one or more selectable criteria. A total number of instances of one or more software products is determined using the generated license metric. |
| US08725646B2 |
Output protection levels
A system of controlling playback of digital media. A system of controlling playback of digital media comprising a CE device having an output path and a license having a specified output protection level disposed upon the CE device in which the specified output protection level controls playback of the digital media over the output path. |
| US08725640B2 |
Method for the withdrawal of funds at cash dispensers without a card, by means of a payment order via SMS
A method is described for the withdrawal of cash at automatic telling machines in which the beneficiary of the payment does not have to make use of a card, account or any other instrument in order to obtain cash, and without the need for any transfer of funds to take place. The method envisages that cash should be withdrawn by means of a payment order via SMS, permitting a principal to use a mobile telephone to order the payment of a certain amount of money to a third party, who, thanks to the information received at his mobile telephone, may withdraw that amount from any cash dispenser enabled for the purpose, having as a means of security an exclusive code or PIN for each operation known only by the principal and the beneficiary. The method of payment via SMS contemplated by the invention is especially applicable to the existing network of cash dispensers and services. |
| US08725639B1 |
Coupling prepaid debit cards to online stored-value accounts
Technologies are described herein for making the value in an online-stored value account accessible through a prepaid debit card. A payment services provider may offer general-purpose reloadable (“GPR”) cards to customers that are co-managed by the payment services provider and a traditional prepaid program manager. An integration is implemented between the payment services provider system hosting the online stored-value account and the program manager system such that the balance of the funds maintained for the online stored-value account may be used for purchases made using the GPR card. |
| US08725638B2 |
Method and system for payment authorization and card presentation using pre-issued identities
Systems and methods for authenticating a party are disclosed. A transaction may be initiated between a relying party and a presenter. The relying party may be a merchant, and the present may be a consumer. The relying party can send the presenter a message with transaction information and requirements for authentication. The presenter can forward the message to a third party, which can authenticate the presenter to the relying party. Messages may be routed through the presenter. |
| US08725635B2 |
Online payment system and method
System, method, and computer program product are provided for a user to send and receive P2P payments using the Internet. Through the use of a network, a user may access accounts the user has at a financial institution and direct payments to other individuals or entities using the other individuals or entities alias. In this way, the user may ensure a secure payment to a third-party through the network associated with a financial institution. The payments may be directed to individuals the user may input into the system by providing the user's alias. A user's alias may be a unique identifier of the user and tied to a financial account of that user. In this way, the sender of the P2P payments may input the recipient's alias and transfer funds via the P2P payment system without having to input the recipient's account information. |
| US08725629B2 |
System and method for managing credit risk for investment portfolios
A system is disclosed for enabling a portfolio manager to obtain credit approval for an issuer of securities from a credit analyst. The system includes a relational database containing subjective and objective issuer information, a graphical user interface for permitting a portfolio manager to submit a credit approval request to a credit analyst, a graphical user interface for permitting a credit analyst to evaluate the credit approval request submitted by the portfolio manager based on the issuer information contained in the database, and a graphical user interface for permitting the credit analyst to resolve the credit approval request on behalf of the portfolio manager. |
| US08725623B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling traders from manipulating electronic trading markets
Systems and methods are provided to control gaming in electronic trading markets. These systems and methods alleviate the problem of a seller or buyer trying to act on a trader's original bid or offer only to trade at an unfavorable level after the trader changes the bid or offer. A pricing method suspends trading for a period of time if a price difference between two bids or offers by the same trader is too great. A timing method prevents a trader from canceling or replacing a bid or offer for a period of time. These methods provide a more fair and efficient way of executing electronic trades. |
| US08725620B2 |
System and method for negotiating improved terms for products and services being purchased through the internet
A method and system for negotiating improved terms for a product being purchased over the Internet. Once a purchaser has made a decision to buy a specific product over the Internet, the purchaser may use the services of a personal negotiating broker-agent program to beat the best available purchase transaction within a specifiable time window. The personal broker-agent program may detect an issuance of a commitment to purchase over the Internet by a purchaser. The personal broker-agent program may then make an offer to the purchaser the option of waiting a predetermined amount of time while the broker agent searches for improved items. On acceptance of the option by the purchaser, the personal broker-agent program may conduct an auction and/or search the Internet for a better deal and may evaluate the auction and/or search responses to determine the best deal. The personal broker-agent program may then execute the best deal. If the purchaser elects not to accept the option from the personal broker-agent program, then the purchaser may execute the commitment to purchase transaction without delay. |
| US08725619B2 |
Fair value model based system, method, and computer program product for valuing foreign-based securities in a mutual fund
A system for determining fair value prices of financial securities of international markets includes selecting a universe of securities of a particular international market, computing overnight returns of each security in the selected universe over a predetermined past period of time, selecting at least one return factor of a domestic financial market from a plurality of return factors, computing, for each selected return factor, the return factor's daily return over said predetermined past period of time, calculating, for each selected return factor, a return factor coefficient for each security in the selected universe by performing a time series regression to obtain the contribution of each return factor's return to the security's overnight return, and producing each calculated return factor coefficient in a data stream. |
| US08725617B2 |
Systems and methods for facilitating aggregation of social credits
Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for facilitating the aggregation of carbon reduction credits resulting from finance loans financing the purchase of energy technology. For example, a credit aggregator may receive from a finance institution estimate parameters describing a loan type. The credit aggregator may calculate a value of a carbon reduction credit associated with each loan of the loan type considering the estimate parameters and display the value to the finance institution. In addition, the credit aggregator may receive bid data and booking data from the finance institution. When a credit is booked, the credit aggregator may receive from the finance institution periodic indications of a status of the intervention technology. |
| US08725614B2 |
Creating and maintaining a payout-ready portfolio within an investment plan to generate a sustainable income stream
Financial advisory methods and systems for creating a steady lifetime income stream within an investment plan is provided. According to one embodiment, based on an investor's current holdings in the investment plan, a pattern of periodic cash payouts is identified that can be made to the investor from an in-plan payout program implemented with the limited universe of financial products available within the investment plan. The assets of the investment plan are rebalanced to form a payout portfolio and an equity exposure portfolio. The payout portfolio is constructed to create an annuity-like stream of income to support the pattern of periodic cash payouts and includes multiple bond funds. The equity exposure portfolio is constructed to address inflation risk by providing an ability to rise with equities markets. Finally, a periodic cash payout of the pattern of periodic cash payouts is caused to be paid to the investor from the investment plan. |
| US08725613B1 |
Systems and methods for early account score and notification
The embodiments illustrated herein provide systems and methods for predicting or identifying early life account fraud at a point-in-time within existing account portfolios. The identity-level linking of inquiry data described herein allow for detecting inconsistent and/or suspicious use of identity data elements across multiple applications that traditional fraud detection systems may consider to be different consumers. The system can be configured to calculate or generate a fraud score after a credit account is booked and/or opened by a financial institution or other third party. Even though the likelihood of fraud is assessed at the time when an applicant applies for credit, there may still be some applicants that successfully pass through authentication and/or fraud tools. |
| US08725611B1 |
System and method for providing borrowing schemes
A system and method providing a borrowing scheme. The method comprises the steps of: determining a designated event using the programmed computer processor; determining parameters associated with the designated event using the programmed computer processor; providing incentives to the user via the network, wherein the incentives comprise upgrades, discounts or access associated with the designated event; determining whether a transaction is associated with the designated event using the programmed computer processor; rewarding at least one benefit to the transactions associated with the designated event using the programmed computer processor; and allowing a user to selectively pay down transactions or balance amount(s) associated with the designated event. |
| US08725602B1 |
System and method for associating financial transaction data with user's project data in real time
This invention relates to an expense reporting system for viewing and manipulating a user's financial transaction data and a method for associating financial transaction data with a user's project data. The system includes a user's financial transaction data hosted in a data storage unit, addressable on a network, and accessible by a remote user on a user interface unit having a user input means and a display; and an expense reporting module having a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows a user to define project category data and associate representations of the user's financial data with the user-defined project category data. |
| US08725601B2 |
Method and apparatus for consumer driven protection for payment card transactions
Method and apparatus for facilitating a commercial transaction between an account holder and a merchant. The account holder has an account that is associated with respective account information. The account information includes at least one criterion for pre-authorizing a transaction. When the consumer initiates a purchase transaction, a transaction approval request is generated which includes information relating to the commercial transaction. A purchase approval entity compares the received transaction approval request to the account information to determine whether the at least one criterion for pre-authorizing the transaction is satisfied. The transaction approval request is denied when a determination is made that the at least one criterion for pre-authorizing the transaction is not satisfied. |
| US08725594B1 |
Continuous flow execution
A system that facilitates continuous flow execution of orders is provided. The system includes a supply chain data store that stores supply chain data (e.g., inventory, supply, demand) and a data acceptor operable to receive the supply chain data from supply chain members, to conform the supply chain data to supply chain schema and to validate the supply chain data. The system also includes an inventory deployment analyzer that analyzes a user defined inventory network and accounts for the stored supply chain data to produce inventory transfer recommendations, transfer orders, alerts and/or a diversion order. |
| US08725593B2 |
Redeemable gift message
A method for enabling redeemable gift messages to be ordered and sent comprises presenting a webpage for customer orders by means of a server. After receiving a response from a customer that a redeemable gift message has been selected, the server presents information on a webpage to the customer to enable the customer to order a redeemable gift message. After receiving a redeemable gift message order from the customer, the server sends a redeemable gift message or an invitation to accept or reject the message to a recipient designated by the customer. A system for implementing the above method comprises a storage that stores at least one order form; and a processor that presents a webpage for customer orders, the at least one order form from the storage, and sends a redeemable gift message or an invitation to accept or reject the message to a recipient designated by a customer according to information on the customer order form. The gift may be a cookie or cookies. |
| US08725591B2 |
Method of reusing advertising material
The present disclosure describes a method of reusing advertising material that includes selecting a reused advertising material that was once displayed on a billboard and selecting product that includes the reused the advertising material. The reused advertising material has attributes that include a defined subject matter, the location where the advertising material was displayed and the date of display of the advertising material. The product includes a certification of the attributes identified for the advertising material included in the product. |
| US08725589B1 |
Methods for personalizing multi-layer transaction cards
Exemplary embodiments provide a transaction card that may have multiple layers contained therein. The layers may include a metal sub-assembly core. The transaction card may be engraved, prior to providing to a cardholder, with a replica of the cardholder's actual signature. Additional items may be personalized upon the transaction card. The transaction card may also be incorporated into a system whereupon the transaction card may be triggered to perform an action such as emitting an audible tone or an electronic communication being sent to the cardholder. |
| US08725587B2 |
System and method for managing relationships between brokers and traders
According to one embodiment, a method of managing access to a trading network is provided. A first network login request for a first user is received from a client application. The first network login request includes first authentication information. Based at least on the first authentication information, the first network login request is approved, which authorizes the first user to access the trading network. One or more associated users for which the first user is authorized to act as a proxy is identifying from a plurality of users. User profile information for one of the associated users is obtained and communicated to the client application. The user profile information includes information regarding the second user that can be used to allow the first user to engage in trading activity via the trading network on behalf of the second user. |
| US08725586B2 |
Accounting system and management methods of transaction classifications that is simple, accurate and self-adapting
A computer implemented method for categorizing transactions for a user comprising receiving a plurality of transactions, each transaction including a transaction party, a date associated with the transaction, and a transaction amount, providing a set of transaction categories, automatically associating one of the transaction categories with at least one of the received transactions from the set of transaction categories, providing a set of reliability codes comprising at least two reliability codes, selecting a reliability code from the set of reliability codes for at least one of the automatically selected transaction categories, and displaying at least one of the received transactions with its selected reliability code. |
| US08725580B2 |
Method and system for routing transactions to a mobile-commerce platform
A method and system for routing transactions to a mobile-commerce platform is described. One illustrative embodiment receives, via a network, a purchase request from a user's mobile communication device; authenticates the user to the mobile-commerce platform; generates a one-time-use perishable transaction code associated with the purchase request; prefixes to the transaction code an Issuer Identification Number (IIN) corresponding to the mobile-commerce platform to form a combined number; returns the combined number to the user's mobile communication device via the network to enable the user to provide the combined number to a merchant's point-of-sale system in connection with a transaction corresponding to the purchase request; and receives, via a payment network in communication with the merchant's point-of-sale system, the transaction code and transaction details associated with the transaction, the IIN informing the payment network to route the one-time-use perishable transaction code and the transaction details to the mobile-commerce platform. |
| US08725575B2 |
Remote transaction processing with multiple payment mechanisms
A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization. |
| US08725574B2 |
Methods and systems for payment account issuance over a mobile network
According to some embodiments, a request for a new payment account may be received in connection with a mobile device, such as a wireless telephone. A temporary payment account number (“PAN”) may then be automatically assigned to the request. The temporary PAN may be mapped to a mobile PAN, and data to facilitate a personalization of the mobile device with the mobile PAN may be transmitted. The mobile device may then be used, for example, in connection with a near field communications enabled purchasing transaction. |
| US08725569B2 |
Location based user behavior analysis and applications
Methods, systems and apparatuses for generating a user profile of a mobile device user are disclosed. One method includes tracking user stays of the user over time, wherein the user stays include at least one location, and generating the user profile based at least in part on at least one of an arrival time, a time duration or a frequency of visits of the user at each of the user stays. Another method includes determining a current state of a mobile device user. The method includes tracking locations of user stays of the mobile device user over time, and determining a current state of a mobile device user based on user stays within a predetermined time of a present time, wherein the predetermined time is dependent upon an application of the user device or an observed behavior of a user of the user device. |
| US08725564B2 |
Method and system for electronic exchange of reward points
A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns rewards from a plurality of independent reward issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned rewards. A trading server accumulates some or all of the user's earned rewards from the reward servers and credits the accumulated points rewards into a single reward exchange account associated with the user. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated rewards. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the rewards. Reward points may also be redeemed in exchange for services, such as the playing of a video game or Internet access. |
| US08725559B1 |
Attribute based advertisement categorization
System and methods for categorizing electronic advertisements categorized based on the attributes associated with the creatives, such as product type, predominant color, size of the create, media type of the creative are provided. Categories to be associated with electronic advertisements may be predefined, and an electronic advertisement may have various attributes associated with each of these categories. |
| US08725557B1 |
System, computer-implemented method, and non-transitory, computer-readable medium to determine relative market value of a sale group of livestock based on genetic merit and other non-genetic factors
Systems, computer-readable medium having computer program, and related computer implemented methods are provided to determine the relative market value of a sale group and to generate a genetic merit scorecard. Such systems, computer-readable medium having computer program, and related computer implemented methods utilize the genetic merit estimates of relatives of a sale group, along with associated economic weighting factors to determine the relative market value of the sale group. The genetic merit scorecard reflects the relative market value and ranking of the genetic merits of the sale group, as compared to the industry. |
| US08725556B2 |
Wage index navigator system
A healthcare wage index reporting method and system providing questions and tasks to collect information for filling out a wage index and occupational mix report; receiving responses; processing the responses to complete the report; checking the responses to detect errors; generating error notices; tracking progress; and generating a completed report for submission. Electronic data files, including PUFs, can be imported to complete the report, or to pre-populate responses, and the system can generate notifications of differences between the report and the imported file. A dashboard can display progress, and current results. The system can save supporting documents, and supply templates for supporting information. The system can generate prompts based on responses, and determine future questions based on past responses. The system can generate various user-requested reports and can include bulletin board functionality. |
| US08725553B1 |
Methods and apparatuses for determining a value attributable to an ATM
Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for determining a value attributable to an automated teller machine (ATM). For example, in one embodiment, a method is provided that includes using a processor to determine a value attributable to an ATM based at least partially on a comparison of financial account information associated with ATM users to financial account information associated with non-ATM users. |
| US08725549B2 |
System and business method for work-flow review and management
A method in a computer system for paperless business work-flow review and management includes the steps of: creating an interactive document electronically; entering the interactive document into a document entry stage; electronically submitting the interactive document to a first approval level from the document entry stage, when such approval is required by a set of business rules; approving the submitted interactive document; for N levels of approval, iteratively submitting the interactive document electronically to the next approval level, up to level N, when the interactive document is approved at the previous approval level; returning the interactive document to the document entry stage when the interactive document is rejected at any of the first through N approval levels; electronically processing the interactive document at the processing level when the interactive document is approved at all required approval levels; verifying the electronic processing of the interactive document; and archiving the interactive document. When multiple approvals of the interactive document are required at an approval level, approval takes place in parallel by all of the approvers at that level. |
| US08725543B1 |
Communication of insurance claim data
Aspects of the invention are directed to methods and systems for efficiently communicating data between an insurer and a non-referral repair shop, e.g., vehicle repair shops that are normally not preapproved by the insurer to perform the estimating and repair work. The methods and systems described herein are particularly useful for insurers utilizing non-referral repair shops for servicing vehicles involved in insurance claims. According to aspects of this invention, the insured may be able to select a non-referral repair shop, not delegated or preapproved by the insurer, thereby generally allowing the insured to select any available vehicle repair shop. |
| US08725541B2 |
Systems and methods for rating and pricing insurance policies
Systems, methods, apparatus, computer program code and means for rating and pricing insurance policies are provided. In some embodiments, an automated insurance processing platform rates and prices insurance policies by including a territory factor in the calculation of a premium for the policy. Pursuant to some embodiments, the territory factor is calculated by receiving historical loss data, geographical data, and demographic data, analyzing the historical loss data, the geographical data, and the demographic data to identify data having similar claim behaviors. The historical loss data is analyzed to identify at least a frequency and severity of historical loss by coverage type. The frequency and severity of loss data, the geographical data, and the demographic data is iteratively analyzed to create a territory set having different geographical boundaries for the different coverage types; and the territory set is used to generate a set of territory factors for the different coverage types and the territories. |
| US08725535B2 |
Systems and methods for user-configurable range settings in clinical information systems
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a clinical information system including a user interface and a custom range storage component. The user interface is adapted to allow a user to configure a custom range. The custom range is configured for a lab result. The custom range storage component adapted to store the configured custom range. |
| US08725533B2 |
Policy-driven relocation of electronic healthcare records in a network environment
A method and apparatus for storing electronic healthcare records is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for managing electronic healthcare records in a hybrid domain that includes a high-availability centralized data store and set of distributed data nodes. A set of location policies may be used to determine whether to store an electronic healthcare record in the centralized data store. Over time, events may occur that trigger certain data records to be relocated from the plurality of distributed database nodes to the centralized data store. |
| US08725530B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for use in gathering and providing healthcare information
A method for presenting a favored treatment includes querying, via an electronic device, a patient regarding a healthcare issue; providing, to the patient via the electronic device, information regarding a favored treatment for the healthcare issue; receiving, from the patient via the electronic device, an indication of a preferred treatment; and effecting printing of a document based on information input by the patient via the electronic device. The document includes an identification of the preferred treatment of the patient. |
| US08725526B2 |
Methods, systems, and apparatus for providing real time query support and graphical views of patient care information
The present disclosure relates to methods, systems, and apparatus for providing query support for a real-time patient care graphical view. Location information associated with one or more patients and information associated with at least one indicator of care of at least one of the patients may be received. A graphical user interface may display the location information associated with the patients and the at least one indicator of care of at least one of the patients in a geospatial arrangement. The graphical user interface may be updated when a change occurs in either the location information associated with the patients or the at least one indicator of care of at lease one of the patients. In addition, a user query for the location information associated with each of the patients receiving care from a physician may be received and output in the geospatial arrangement via the graphical interface. |
| US08725525B2 |
Endoscope system
The present invention relates to an endoscope system including: a real time clock; an interface for receiving medical information output from a peripheral device; and a control unit that adjusts clock information added to the received medical information into clock information of the real time clock when the peripheral device adds the clock information to the medical information, and adds clock information of the real time clock at a time of receiving to the received medical information when the peripheral device does not add the clock information to the medical information. According to the invention, even the medical information obtained from the different devices can be reproduced with data from the respective devices synchronized by associating the clock information based on the identical real time clock therewith. Consequently, even after the surgical operation, the contents of treatment performed during the surgical operation can be accurately reproduced. |
| US08725524B2 |
Fraud detection method and system
A method for determining the legitimacy of an insurance claim includes the steps of receiving codes that identify a service for which payment is requested from an insurance provider. Services that might have been upcoded or miscoded to the claimed service are also identified. An insured, a patient or a family member or care giver can be queried about the occurrence of observable aspects of the service that is billed as well as a service that might have been upcoded to what is billed. Responses to the queries suggest the legitimacy or illegitimacy of the claim. |
| US08725523B2 |
Contact center data visualization system and method
A data visualization system is disclosed that includes a retrieval component, a display component, and a contour generator. The retrieval component is configured to retrieve data representing interactions between customers and the merchant, and to construct a finite set of data values from the retrieved data. The display component is configured to display a graphical representation of a merchant and a graphical representation of each of the set of data values represented as data points. The contour generator is configured to generate and display one or more contour lines at least partly around each data point to form a contoured surface, in which the areas of representation around each data point are shown in a series of contour lines, and the nature of the contour lines gradually fans away from each data point. Each data point is vertex of the contoured surface. |
| US08725518B2 |
Automatic speech analysis
A system for providing automatic quality management regarding a level of conformity to a specific accent, including, a recording system, a statistical model database with statistical models representing speech data of different levels of conformity to a specific accent, a speech analysis system, a quality management system. Wherein the recording system is adapted to record one or more samples of a speakers speech and provide it to the speech analysis system for analysis, and wherein the speech analysis system is adapted to provide a score of the speakers speech samples to the quality management system by analyzing the recorded speech samples relative to the statistical models in the statistical model database. |
| US08725517B2 |
System and dialog manager developed using modular spoken-dialog components
A dialog manager and spoken dialog service having a dialog manager generated according to a method comprising 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 dialog manager capable of handling context shifts in a spoken dialog with a user. Application dependencies are established in the top level flow controller thus enabling the subdialogs to be reusable and to be capable of managing context shifts and mixed initiative dialogs. |
| US08725515B2 |
Electronic apparatus and method for controlling the electronic apparatus using voice
An electronic apparatus includes a microphone, a processor, a motherboard, and a voice recognition microchip. The voice recognition microchip compares a voice command with a pre-stored voice command. If the voice command is identical with the pre-stored voice command, the processor outputs a control signal to the motherboard. The motherboard controls the electronic apparatus to perform an action corresponding to the control signal. |
| US08725509B1 |
Back-off language model compression
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, relating to language models stored for digital language processing. In one aspect, a method includes the actions of generating a language model, including: receiving a collection of n-grams from a corpus, each n-gram of the collection having a corresponding first probability of occurring in the corpus, and generating a trie representing the collection of n-grams, the trie being represented using one or more arrays of integers, and compressing an array representation of the trie using block encoding; and using the language model to identify a second probability of a particular string of words occurring. |
| US08725505B2 |
Verb error recovery in speech recognition
A computer implemented method and system for speech recognition are provided. The method and system generally maintain a set of verbs for speech recognition commands. Upon recognizing utterance of a verb of the set in combination with an invalid object or objects for the verb, the method and system generate an indication relative to the verb and invalid object. The indication can include informing the user that the system is unsure how to execute the command associated with the verb with the invalid object. The method and system can then receive a user input to specify how the verb and invalid object should be treated. |
| US08725503B2 |
Forward time-domain aliasing cancellation with application in weighted or original signal domain
The present invention relates to methods and devices for forward time-domain aliasing cancellation in a coded signal transmitted from a coder to a decoder. Information related to correction of the time-domain aliasing in the coded signal is calculated at the coder and added in a bitstream sent from the coder to the decoder. The decoder receives the bitstream and cancels the time-domain aliasing in the coded signal in response to the information comprised in the bitstream. The information may be representative of a difference between a frame of audio signal to be encoded in a first coding mode and a decoded signal from the frame including time-domain aliasing effects. |
| US08725502B2 |
System and method of an in-band modem for data communications over digital wireless communication networks
A system is provided for transmitting information through a speech codec (in-band) such as found in a wireless communication network. A modulator transforms the data into a spectrally noise-like signal based on the mapping of a shaped pulse to predetermined positions within a modulation frame, and the signal is efficiently encoded by a speech codec. A synchronization sequence provides modulation frame timing at the receiver and is detected based on analysis of a correlation peak pattern. A request/response protocol provides reliable transfer of data using message redundancy, retransmission, and/or robust modulation modes dependent on the communication channel conditions. |
| US08725496B2 |
Customization of a natural language processing engine
A method, an apparatus and an article of manufacture for customizing a natural language processing engine. The method includes enabling selection of one or more parameters of a desired natural language processing task, the one or more parameters intended for use by a trained and an untrained user, mapping the one or more selected parameters to a collection of one or more intervals of an input parameter to an optimization algorithm, and applying the optimization algorithm with the collection of one or more intervals of an input parameter to a model used by a natural language processing engine to produce a customized model. |
| US08725492B2 |
Recognizing multiple semantic items from single utterance
Semantically distinct items are extracted from a single utterance by repeatedly recognizing the same utterance using constraints provided by semantic items already recognized. User feedback for selection or correction of partially recognized utterance may be used in a hierarchical, multi-modal, or single step manner. An accuracy of recognition is preserved while the less structured and more natural single utterance recognition form is allowed to be used. |
| US08725491B2 |
Mobile electronic device and associated method enabling identification of previously entered data for transliteration of an input
An improved mobile electronic device and associated method enable the identification of previously-entered textual objects in one or more custom wordlists to identify possible transliterations of textual inputs. Such textual objects can be stored as data in a Pinyin custom wordlist if it is in the nature of Standard Mandarin characters or it can be stored in a BoPoMoFo custom wordlist if it is in the nature of Traditional Chinese characters, or it can be stored in both if it is in the nature of both Standard Mandarin characters and Traditional Chinese characters. |
| US08725489B2 |
Method for testing in a reconfigurable tester
In some implementations, a method for testing is provided, which includes simulating a functional operational environment for a first type device-under-test with a tester. This includes recognizing a non-deterministic response signal having a predetermined protocol, receiving the non-deterministic response signal from the first type device-under-test, ascertaining an expected stimulus signal to be transferred to the first type device-under-test from the non-deterministic response signal based on the predetermined protocol, and initiating transmission of the expected stimulus signal to the first type device-under-test. The method further includes simulating a functional operational environment for a second type device-under-test with the tester after testing the first type device-under-test. |
| US08725488B2 |
Method and apparatus for adaptive voltage scaling based on instruction usage
Different software applications may use a set of instructions having critical timing paths less than a worst case critical timing path of a processor complex. For such applications, a supply voltage may be reduced while still maintaining the clock frequency necessary to meet the application's performance requirements. In order to reduce the supply voltage, an adaptive voltage scaling method is used. A critical path is selected from a plurality of critical paths for analysis on emulation logic to determine an attribute of the selected critical path during on chip functional operations. The selected critical path is representative of the worst case critical path to be in operation during a program execution. During on-chip functional operations, a voltage is controlled in response to the attribute, wherein the voltage supplies power to a power domain associated with the plurality of critical paths. The reduction in voltage reduces power drain based on instruction set usage allowing battery life to be extended. |
| US08725486B2 |
Apparatus and method for simulating a reconfigurable processor
A processor simulation technique to evaluate the performance of a processor that executes application programs is provided. The processor simulation technique may be used to optimize the execution of an application program. A simulator of a reconfigurable processor including a plurality of functional units models a processor by representing routing paths between functional units that generate operands and functional units that consume the operands. The size of each queue may be decided based on information regarding routing delays between functional units and stage information of iteration loops according to modulo scheduling received from a scheduler. A modeling code DB that stores host-oriented binary codes for operations of routing queues is also provided. The simulation may be performed by executing a host-directed binary code corresponding to a binary file instead of the binary file. |
| US08725483B2 |
Minimizing the maximum required link capacity for three-dimensional interconnect routing
A mechanism is provided for determining connectivity while minimizing wiring in an electronic system. The mechanism identifies a configuration of the electronic system, a location of each module in a plurality of modules within the electronic system and at least one constraint with regard to wiring the electronic system, the location of each module being identified using three-dimensional coordinates. The mechanism routes a separate cable from each module in the plurality of modules to each of the other modules in the plurality of modules without violating any constraints, thereby forming a plurality of cables. The mechanism then generates a cabling list indicating how each cable in the plurality of cables is to be routed in the electronic system in order to not violate any constraints and provide connectivity while minimizing wiring. |
| US08725475B2 |
Pneumatic device selection system, pneumatic device selection method, recording medium, and pneumatic device selection program
A pneumatic device selection system includes a standard circuit selection processor for selecting a cylinder operating system based on input data, an independent characteristic calculation processor for calculating characteristics of the cylinder operating system based on entered usage conditions, a branching and joining circuit processor for selecting a branching and joining circuit based on input data and calculating characteristics of the selected branching and joining circuit, a manifold circuit processor for selecting a manifold circuit based on input data and calculating characteristics of the selected manifold circuit, and a shock absorber selection processor for selecting a shock absorber based on input data and/or a selection result from the standard circuit selection processor. |
| US08725471B2 |
Adaptive optical system testbed with karhunen-loeve polynomial based method for simulating atmospheric turbulence
A system and method for simulating atmospheric turbulence for testing optical components. A time varying phase screen representing atmospheric turbulence is generated using Karhunen-Loeve polynomials and a splining technique for generating temporal functions of the noise factor for each Zernike mode. The phase screen is input to a liquid crystal spatial light modulator. A computer display allows the user to set geometric characteristics, the severity of the turbulence to be simulated, and to select between methods for generating atmospheric turbulence including Karhunen-Loeve polynomials, Zernike polynomials, and Frozen Seeing. |
| US08725470B1 |
Co-optimization of blunt body shapes for moving vehicles
A method and associated system for multi-disciplinary optimization of various parameters associated with a space vehicle that experiences aerocapture and atmospheric entry in a specified atmosphere. In one embodiment, simultaneous maximization of a ratio of landed payload to vehicle atmospheric entry mass, maximization of fluid flow distance before flow separation from vehicle, and minimization of heat transfer to the vehicle are performed with respect to vehicle surface geometric parameters, and aerostructure and aerothermal vehicle response for the vehicle moving along a specified trajectory. A Pareto Optimal set of superior performance parameters is identified. |
| US08725469B2 |
Optimization of data processing parameters
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for optimizing data processing parameters. A data set is received that represents a plurality of samples. The data set is processed using a data processing algorithm that includes one or more processing stages, each stage using a respective first set of data processing parameters to generate processed data. A design of experiment model is generated for the data processing algorithm based on the processed data and a set of response values. For each stage of the data processing algorithm, a second set of data processing parameters is calculated based on at least the design of experiment model. |
| US08725464B2 |
Systems and methods for analysis and design of radiating and scattering objects
Methods and apparatus for analysis and design of radiation and scattering objects are disclosed. In one embodiment, unknown sources are spatially grouped to produce a system interaction matrix with block factors of low rank within a given error tolerance and the unknown sources are determined from compressed forms of the factors. |
| US08725461B2 |
Inferring effects of configuration on performance
Configuration data and performance data can be collected from computing machines running a target program. Periods of stress for the computing machines can be identified using the performance data, and a set of the computing machines can be grouped under a stress profile using the performance data. One or more configuration points can be identified on the set of machines, and an effect of each of the configuration point(s) on performance of the set of machines can be inferred using the configuration data and the performance data. The inferred effect(s) of the configuration point(s) can be used to determine a baseline set of configuration settings. |
| US08725460B2 |
Alerting apparatus for fan failure and method for the same
An alerting method for fan failure first reads a target value of rotating speed of a fan motor. Predetermining values of each parameters of the fan motor is calculated according to the target value of rotating speed of the fan motor. If a current value of rotating speed of the fan motor is lower than the target value of rotating speed of the fan motor, the failure recorded in a counter is added one time. If a current peak value of the fan motor is higher than a first predetermining current value, the failure recorded in the counter is added one time. If the duration of the current which is higher than a second predetermining current value of the fan motor is higher than a predetermining duration, the failure recorded in the counter is added one time. An alarm signal is sent if the failure recorded in the counter is larger than a predetermining time. |
| US08725458B2 |
Heat sink blockage detector
A method, a data processing system, and a computer program product identify blockages in a heat sink of a data processing system. An electromagnetic emitter and an electromagnetic detector are positioned on opposite sides of the heat sink. An intensity of a stream of electromagnetic radiation directed from the electromagnetic emitter is measured by the electromagnetic detector. Based on the measured intensity of the stream of electromagnetic radiation as measured by the electromagnetic detector, a blockage level of the heat sink is determined. If the blockage level of the heat sink exceeds a blockage threshold, an alert is generated. |
| US08725457B2 |
System and method for evaluation of fluid flow in a piping system
A method to model a complex system of pipes. The model takes into account the physical processes in a tree-type piping system and provides for an accurate modeling of a real world tree-type piping system. In a preferred embodiment, a computer program is provided for analyzing models of dry pipe systems. The computer program includes a user interface and a computational engine. The user interface allows a model of a dry pipe system to be defined and the computational engine determines a liquid flow time through the model of the dry pipe system. The computational engine provides a verification of the liquid flow time in a model of a referential dry pipe system within 20% of an actual liquid flow time in the referential dry pipe system. |
| US08725453B2 |
Mobile terminal and step length-calculating method
A mobile terminal which makes it possible to automatically calculate a step length of a user with accuracy. A step count-acquiring section acquires a step count of the user of a mobile terminal. A position calculating section calculates a position of the mobile terminal. A center position-calculating section calculates a center position of a plurality of positions calculated by the position calculating section. A covered distance-calculating section calculates a distance covered by the mobile terminal based on a plurality of the center positions calculated by the center position-calculating section. A step length-calculating section calculates the step length based on the step count acquired by the step count-acquiring section and the covered distance calculated by the covered distance-calculating section. |
| US08725448B2 |
Self validating gas turbine engine flame detection system using duel optical verification
A self validating flame detection system (10) for a turbine engine (12) configured to determine whether a flame exists in a turbine engine combustor is disclosed. The self validating flame detection system (10) may include two different types of flame detection sensors to reduce the risk of false positive signals. In at least one embodiment, the flame detection system (10) may include one or more infrared sensors (20) that sense infrared radiation within the combustor of the turbine engine (12) and one or more ultraviolet light sensors (22) that sense ultraviolet light within the combustor of the turbine engine (12). The flame detection system (10) may include a processor (24) configured to ignore the steady state infrared signal generated and instead analyze the dynamic infrared signal. The processor (24) may be configured to determine whether both types of sensors indicate a flame out condition so that a false alarm does not occur. |
| US08725444B2 |
Thermometer and temperature measurement method
A thermometer includes a first surface temperature measurement unit; a first reference temperature measurement unit; a second surface temperature measurement unit; a second reference temperature measurement unit; a temperature correction unit that calculates a mounting positional difference between the first and second surface temperature measurement units from a measurement subject and a mounting positional difference between the first and second reference temperature measurement units from the measurement subject in terms of temperature differences that compensate for temperature dependence, thus correcting the first surface temperature and first reference temperature, or the second surface temperature and second reference temperature; and a core temperature calculation unit that calculates a core temperature of the measurement subject using the first surface temperature and first reference temperature or the second surface temperature and second reference temperature corrected by the temperature correction unit. |
| US08725443B2 |
Latency measurement
Touchscreen testing techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a piece of conductor (e.g., metal) is positioned as proximal to a touchscreen device and the touchscreen device is tested by simulating a touch of a user. This technique may be utilized to perform a variety of different testing of a touchscreen device, such as to test latency and probabilistic latency. Additional techniques are also described including contact geometry testing techniques. |
| US08725442B2 |
Method for measuring system parameter of linear multiport and measuring method using vector network analyzer
The present invention provides a novel measurement method for system parameters of a 5-port junction used in a VNA (Vector Network Analyzer). A VNA is a device for measuring amplitude ratios and phase differences (S-parameters: scattering matrix elements) between incident waves and reflected waves of a DUT (Device Under Test), or between input waves and transmitted waves. What has been newly discovered is that for 5 ports, S-parameters can be expressed by a linear coupling using H and power difference ratios ({P(S)/P(0)}−1). It is possible to easily calculate parameter H using a minimum of three already known standards, and amount of calculation can be reduced compared to conventionally. |
| US08725441B2 |
Antenna matching network tuning method
A matching network having a pi configuration between an antenna and another component in an RF circuit may be tuned by a process including computing the admittance of the antenna using measured reflection coefficients from three settings of the matching network, and identifying capacitance values for tuning the matching network. Capacitance values for an antenna side shunt and a circuit side shunt are found by computing target susceptance value for the shunts and comparing to a list of available susceptance values. The capacitance values corresponding to the available susceptances closest to the target susceptances are used to tune the antenna side shunt. |