| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08721031B2 |
System and method for analyzing images deposited on an image receiving member of a printer
A method and apparatus for analyzing images deposited on an image receiving member of a printer, and more particularly analyzing images deposited on a surface of an imaging drum in an inkjet printer. A photoelectric sensor supported by a sled in contact with the surface of the imaging drum can be used to detect missing jets in the printhead, to align the printhead, to reduce the amount of purged ink, and to determine run out of the imaging drum. |
| US08721028B2 |
Printhead maintenance based on ink supply interruption
A method of controlling a maintenance operation in an inkjet printer, the method includes detecting that ink supply connection to a printhead has been interrupted; detecting that ink supply connection to the printhead has been restored; measuring a time interval between the interruption and the restoration of the ink supply connection to the printhead; and selecting a level of the maintenance operation, depending upon a length of the time interval. |
| US08721022B2 |
Digital printing method and a system therefor
Images, one per page, are printed by a digital printer consecutively on a web of paper fed to travel forward. A timing mark is printed for each image. In case printing is temporarily halted, the web of paper is first fed backward, and then it is fed forward again. The number of timing marks in each of the backward feed and forward feed of the web of paper are counted. When the number of counts of the timing marks counted in the forward feed coincides with the number of counts of the timing marks counted earlier in the backward feed, printing of consecutive images is reinitiated from a position immediately following an image last printed before printing was temporarily halted. |
| US08721019B2 |
Apparatus and method for treatment of printed ink images
An inkjet printer ejects ink drops onto a surface of a print medium to form an ink image. A fluid emitter sprays fluid onto the ink image. The fluid sprayed on the ink image reduces or eliminates an offset of ink from the ink image during additional processing of the print medium after the ink image is printed on the print medium. |
| US08721013B2 |
Grille cover assembly for domestic refrigerator
A domestic refrigerator includes a cabinet having a refrigerated compartment defined therein, and a base grille secured to a lower front of the cabinet. The base grille has an opening defined therein that is sized to receive a hinge bracket. A cover is positioned in front of the opening defined in the base grille. The cover is formed from a semi-flexible elastomeric material. |
| US08721012B2 |
Reinforcement and adjustment device for slide assembly
A reinforcement and adjustment device includes a rail, a reinforcement member, an extension support and an installation support which is movably connected to the extension support. The rail has a top wall, a bottom wall and a sidewall connected between the top and bottom walls. The sidewall has a first face and a second face which is located opposite to the first face. A space between the top wall, the bottom wall and the first face of the sidewall define a slide path. The second face of the sidewall defines a recessed reinforcement path. The reinforcement member is movably located in the reinforcement path of the rail. The extension support is fixed to the reinforcement member and engaged with the rail. The rail is reinforced by the reinforcement member and the extension support. The installation support is adjustable by the cooperation of the extension support, the reinforcement member and the rail. |
| US08721011B2 |
Assembly of an automatic opening and closing device and a retaining device for a displaceable part of an article of furniture
The assembly of an automatic opening and closing device and a retaining device for a displaceable part of an article of furniture. The automatic opening and closing device includes a first cursor (8) mobile such as to be selectively engageable with drawing pins (39, 40, 43) operatively connected to the displaceable part of the article of furniture; a first elastic elements (9), and a second elastic element. The retaining device includes a second cursor (21), mobile along a first sliding guide (20) on a base body (19) such as to be selectively engageable with the drawing pins; a hooking element (23) connected movably to the second cursor (21) and selectively slidable along a second sliding guide (22) or along a third sliding guide (24) provided in the base body (19), and blocking elements in the base body (19), associated to the third sliding guide (24) for releasably blocking the hooking element (23). |
| US08721010B2 |
Equipment cabinet
An equipment cabinet having a corrugation in the side panels is disclosed. The panels are affixed to a base by bolting or welding so as to be disposed opposite each other. Holes are provided in opposing surfaces the so that cross members may be secured in a position between the opposing side panels of the cabinet to form a support structure for equipment, such as batteries. Equipment may also be attached using mounting brackets. An equipment retaining bracket includes a retaining cross member, an L-shaped bracket and a bolt to joint the retaining cross member and the L-shaped bracket so as to secure the battery in two dimensions. Retaining brackets may be provided at the front and the rear surfaces of the equipment and, in cooperation with the cross members, retain the equipment in the cabinet. |
| US08721009B1 |
Anti-skid braking system for an aircraft
An anti-skid braking system for an aircraft having a brake pedal in communication with a master cylinder and fluid reservoir, and a brake caliber engaged with a wheel. The system includes a three way hydraulic valve controlled by a solenoid wherein the hydraulic valve is in fluid communication with and between the master cylinder and fluid reservoir and the brake caliper. A double acting spring loaded accumulator has an accumulator piston wherein the accumulator is in fluid communication with and between the three way hydraulic valve and the brake caliper. A hydraulic pump is in fluid communication with and between the three way hydraulic valve and the brake caliper. |
| US08721008B2 |
Hub device for bicycle
A hub device for a bicycle includes a hub case which is attached to a center of a wheel for receiving a load exerted from a rim to which a tire is fitted, and formed to have each inner diameter of both end portions larger than a diameter of a center portion, a sleeve with plural slits in a circumferential direction and a cylindrical shape integrally attached to the hub case at the inner diameter side, which serves to transfer the load exerted to the hub case to a shaft, a bearing for receiving the load exerted to the sleeve and rotatably supporting a whole structure of the wheel, a shaft for rotatably supporting the whole structure of the wheel via the bearing, and spherical washers attached to both end portions of the shaft. |
| US08721007B2 |
Highwall mining system, conveyor segment and method for providing such a mining system
The invention relates to a highwall mining system comprising: a cutterhead (2), a train of conveyor segments (6) connecting to the cutterhead (2), a base structure (5), and a gas guide (P1-P4) running from the base structure (5) to the cutterhead (2) for guiding inert gas to the environment of the cutterhead (2). The invention also relates to a conveyor segment (6) for use in a such a highwall mining system, and to a method for providing this highwall mining system. |
| US08721001B2 |
Headrest
A headrest includes a front casing, a rear casing fixed to the front casing, and a headrest support fixed between the front casing and the rear casing. The headrest support includes a metal plate and a stationary rod. The metal plate is fixed to the top of the stationary rod and clamped between the front casing and the rear casing, and the stationary rod is fixed to the rear casing and extends downward out of the rear casing. The headrest has a certain degree of pressure resistance and softness at the same time, and it retains its original profile after long periods of use. |
| US08720998B2 |
Fitting for a vehicle seat
A fitting (10) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, includes a first fitting part (11) on which a ring gear (17) is formed, a second fitting part (12) on which a gear (16) is formed, the gear meshing with the ring gear (17). The two fitting parts (11, 12) are in a transmission connection with each other. A rotatably supported rotating eccentric (27) drives a relative rolling motion of the gear (16) and of the ring gear (17) and is driven by a carrier forming a driver (21). A bearing (28) for the eccentric (27) is arranged on the edge (12b) of a receptacle (12a) of one of the two fitting parts (11, 12), wherein the edge (12b) of the receptacle (12a) is partially extended along the circumference of the edge by means of individual axial projections (12c). |
| US08720996B2 |
Folding seat
A dual front linkage system for a adjusting a vehicle seat includes a seat sub-frame member, a first linkage member, a second linkage member, and a base member. The first end of the seat sub-frame member is coupled to the second end of the first linkage member and the second end of the seat sub-frame member is coupled to the seat base, the first end of the first linkage member is coupled to the first end of the second linkage member, the second end of the second linkage member is coupled to the first end of the base member, and the second end of the base member is coupled to the vehicle. The linkage system enables the seat base and seat back to be folded forward and downward into a stowed position and allows the seat to be tumbled forward to enhance vehicle ingress and egress. |
| US08720994B2 |
System for adjusting the relative position between two furniture parts
A system for adjusting the relative position between two furniture parts includes a first part provided on one side with at least two parallel guide surfaces at a prefixed distance X apart, a second part facing the first part, an eccentric multi-lobe cam, the continuous profile of which is composed of tangential curves disposed such as to form an odd number n of pairs of opposing arcs, each pair of arcs having the same center of curvature with the sum of the radii of curvature being equal to X, the cam being housed between said two parallel guides and being pivoted to said second part on the eccentric pin, and means for rotating the multi-lobe cam. |
| US08720991B2 |
Seat divider with recessed top panel and two-way viewing window
A seat divider for an automobile configured to create a barrier between children seated in the back seat of an automobile also allows visual contact and communications between them through a two-way viewing window and a top divider panel that can be raised and lowered when needed. The seat divider holds recessed desk top tables that can be extended and supported through their legs or by the armrests on the back seat for use by the children to read, write, watch DVD's, or play with toys. The seat divider also has storage space and trays to hold toys, books and other material as well as pen and pencil holders. The seat divider has specially configured seat belt and shoulder strap hooks that allow the middle seat belt and shoulder strap to be inserted through them to firmly secure the seat divider to the back seat of the vehicle. |
| US08720990B2 |
Combination bench and table
A combination bench and table may include a platform that is movable between a bench configuration and a table configuration. The platform may form a backrest in the bench configuration and a table in the table configuration. The platform may be supported by a cantilever support member that extends upwardly at an angle and a connecting assembly preferably connects the platform and the cantilever support member. The connecting assembly may allow the platform to pivot about an axis and the axis may be disposed proximate a front edge of the table and the lower portion of the backrest. The axis may also be generally vertically aligned with a midpoint of a connecting member of the frame. Further, the axis may be generally horizontally aligned with a lower edge of the backrest when the combination bench and table is disposed in the bench configuration. |
| US08720985B2 |
Side body structure for vehicle
A side body structure for a vehicle includes a side sill. The side sill includes a closed cross sectional shape which is formed by a side sill inner and a side sill outer, the side sill inner includes an upper inner member and a lower inner member which are separate members, a tensile strength of the upper inner member being higher than a tensile strength of the lower inner member, the side sill has. At a front portion of the side sill, a deforming portion which is to be deformed by a load applied in a longitudinal direction of the side sill is provided. The upper inner member and the lower inner member are connected together by a reinforcing member which is disposed close to the deforming portion and in the closed cross section. |
| US08720984B2 |
Vehicle-body structure of vehicle and manufacturing method of the same
In a vehicle-body structure of a vehicle which comprises at least one vehicle-body forming member forming a closed-section portion continuously in a specified direction, a partition member extending in the specified direction and partitioning an inside of the closed-section portion, and a bulkhead provided in the closed-section portion and joined to the vehicle-body forming member, the bulkhead is joined to an inner face of the vehicle-body forming member at specified positions which are located on both sides of the partition member, and the bulkhead is joined to a specified portion of the partition member which is located in the vicinity of opening portions formed at the partition member or to an end portion of the partition member in the specified direction. |
| US08720982B2 |
Arrangement for a front portion of a motor vehicle
An arrangement for a front portion of a motor vehicle, including at least one structural box element including two substantially longitudinal intermediate beams and two upper substantially longitudinal elements at an end of which is attached a transverse technical element and supporting parts of the vehicle, the front portion supporting at least two headlights of the vehicle, a bumper, and two abutments for closing an associated hood. The transverse element includes at least two opposing upper transverse arms extending from a central portion and an end of each of which is attached to the upper longitudinal elements and includes a mechanism attaching at least one attachment tab of an associated headlight, at least one attachment point of the bumper, and the hood-closing abutment. |
| US08720980B2 |
Vehicle body structure in the floor region of the occupant compartment and associated manufacturing method
The invention relates to a vehicle body structure in the floor region of the occupant compartment having on both sides a respective longitudinal beam (3) in the floor region of the occupant compartment between a transmission tunnel and a side sill. According to the invention each longitudinal beam (3) extends longitudinally continuously over the entire footwell length from the front end (4) to a heel plate. The longitudinal beam (3) is here formed on the bottom side as a closed longitudinal hollow beam by virtue of a longitudinal beam stepped edge (9) of the floor panel (10AB) and on the top side as a longitudinal beam closure part (11SW) by virtue of a longitudinal beam angle section connected to the top side. |
| US08720977B2 |
Door attached to cabin for work vehicle
In a door (25) of a cabin for work vehicle, which door (25) opens and closes an entrance of the cabin and includes a door main body (25A) having a plurality of accessories (A), the door main body (25A) is formed as a hollow welded unified structure having a door cavity (25B), by welding an inner panel (27) to an outer panel (28) each made of a press-molded sheet-metal. An accessory attaching portion (B) is integrally molded with the inner panel (27), and the outer panel (28) has an opening (28J) formed therein for part assembly which allows the accessories (A) to be brought into the door cavity (25B) and assembled to the accessory attaching portion (B). The outer pane (28) is further provided with a decorative cover (60) for closing the opening (28J). |
| US08720971B2 |
Fan and canopy assembly for riding vehicle
A riding vehicle is provided with a downdraft fan assembly mounted on a vehicle roll bar for providing a flow of ambient air over the vehicle operator and a canopy carried by the fan assembly and providing solar and precipitation protection for the operator. |
| US08720969B2 |
Cargo area protector with hinged outboard flaps
A vehicle cargo compartment assembly is provided that has a vehicle floor defining an opening for a storage compartment and a lid sized for covering the opening and moveable between a closed position and an open position. A cargo mat has a body portion overlaying the lid and is moveable with the lid between the closed position and the open position. An outboard flap extends beyond the lid to overlay a portion of the vehicle floor bordering the opening when the lid is in the closed position. The outboard flap is supported by the vehicle floor when the lid is in the closed position, and the outboard flap is hinged to the body portion such that the outboard flap extends downward at a hanging angle with respect to the body portion when the lid is in the open position. |
| US08720968B2 |
Charge port door with electromagnetic latching assembly
A door latching system for the door covering the charge port of an electric vehicle, or for the door covering the fuel filler port of a conventional vehicle, is provided. The door latching system is comprised of a ferromagnetic member attached to an interior surface of the door, and a latching assembly integrated into the port housing, where the latching assembly includes an assembly case, an electromagnet, and a permanent magnet that maintains the door in a closed position when the electromagnet is not energized and releases the door when the electromagnet is energized. The latching assembly may include a magnetic flux sensor that monitors when the port door is open or closed. The magnetic flux sensor may be coupled to a system controller that performs a preset response when the magnetic flux sensor determines that the door is open. |
| US08720964B2 |
Self-adaptive mechanical finger and method
A mechanical finger comprises at least three phalanges, with a base phalanx pivotally connected at a proximal end to a base. At least one intermediate phalanx is pivotally connected at a proximal end to a distal end of the base phalanx. An end phalanx is pivotally connected at a proximal end to a distal end of a distal-most one of the at least one intermediate phalanx. The phalanges pivot about parallel pivot axes. A transmission linkage is between the base and the end phalanx. The transmission linkage has links and joints unconnected to any of the phalanges other than the end phalanx, the transmission linkage being configured so as not to constrain the degrees of freedom of the mechanical finger. |
| US08720960B2 |
Door lock with anti-ligature function
A lock device comprising a lock mechanism configured to be mounted on a door, the lock mechanism including a locking member having extended and refracted positions relative to the door for releasably securing the door relative to an adjacent structure, and the lock mechanism including a pivoting member operably connected to the locking member such that pivotal movement of the pivoting member about an axis moves the locking member between the extended and retracted positions, and an assembly including a handle manually pivotable about the axis, and a clutch mechanism connecting the handle to the pivoting member, the clutch mechanism at all times transmitting a torque below a predetermined value from the handle to the pivoting member, and the clutch mechanism at all times allowing the handle to pivot relative to the pivoting member when the torque exceeds the predetermined value. |
| US08720955B2 |
Connecting device for connecting a flexible container to a flange or a connecting ring
A connecting device for connecting a flexible container to a flange or a connecting ring includes an outer ring, which has an inner surface radially inside and a connection side facing the flange or the connecting ring, and an inner ring, which has an outer surface radially outside and over which an end section of the container can be turned. The outer and inner surfaces are at least partially congruent so that the end section can be clamped between the outer and inner rings. The inner ring can be inserted into the outer ring from the connection side. The outer ring has an accommodating groove radially inside. The accommodating groove extends completely around the outer ring, is open radially inwardly, and has a round cross-section. The inner ring is one-piece and has a round cross-section in an area of the outer surface and is made of a single flexible material. |
| US08720953B2 |
Riser bending relief joint
A connector for use with a subsea riser installation is provided. The connector comprises a body, wherein the body comprises a first connecting face comprising a through-passageway and adapted for connection to a first external conduit element and a ball joint within the body, wherein the ball joint comprises a through-passageway which is substantially aligned with the through-passageway in the first face, and a second connecting face on an opposite side of the connector to the first connecting face and adapted for connection to a second external conduit element. The connector further comprises at least one detent mechanism adapted to engage a corresponding locating feature on the ball joint, wherein the through-passageway are maintained in alignment and wherein the ball joint is prevented from moving relative to the body until a predetermined bending moment is applied to the ball joint across the axis of the through-passageway in the ball joint. |
| US08720952B2 |
Connector
A connector includes a female member, and a checking member. The female member has a housing being provided with paired windows. The checking member is assembled outward with and retained onto the housing from the axially perpendicular direction, and has a letter “C”-shaped portion and paired locker protrusions. The locker protrusions have a first locker, a leading-end contact, and an inclined second locker, respectively. The first lockers inhibit an assembly-line worker or robot from pulling the checking member from out of the housing. The leading-end contacts expand the letter “C”-shaped portion diametrically when a male member is inserted into the female member completely. The inclined second lockers inhibit elastic force, which arises in the letter “C”-shaped portion, from removing the checking member from the housing. The housing further has a fitting dent. The checking member's letter “C”-shaped portion has a fitting protrusion that fits into the fitting dent. |
| US08720951B2 |
Method for producing a film element
The invention concerns a process for producing a film element having mutually registered metallic layers (11, 16) and a film element which can be produced by such a process. A first metallic layer (11) provided on a first surface of a flexible single-layer or multi-layer carrier film (10) and a masking layer (13) provided on the second surface of the carrier film (10), opposite to the first surface, are structured in accurate register relationship with each other by means of mutually synchronized structuring procedures. After structuring of the first metallic layer (11) and the masking layer (13) one or more further layers are applied to the first metallic layer (11). Applied to the one or more further layers (15) is a second metallic layer (16) to which a first photoactivatable layer (17) is applied. The first photoactivatable layer (17) is structured by means of trans-exposure through the masking layer (13), the first metallic layer, the one or more further layers and the second metallic layer (16) from the side of the masking layer (13) by means of electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength to which the first photoactivatable layer (17) is sensitive, or the first photoactivatable layer is exposed controlledly through the masking layer from the side of the film body that is opposite to the masking layer. |
| US08720942B2 |
Steering wheel
Provided is a steering wheel in which, even in the case where a moving part of a horn switch exists in a space formed between a pad and a main body, harness can be prevented from getting caught in a gap. The steering wheel includes a first horn plate secured to the main body, a second horn plate secured to the pad, guide pins arranged vertically on the second horn plate and inserted through openings of the first horn plate, flange-shaped stoppers formed on the guide pins, an insulators disposed so as to be slidable along the guide pins, and coil springs that urge the insulators toward the stoppers. The insulator covers an outer periphery of the stopper and has a wall surface portion, the height of which is substantially equal to an offset distance between a fixed contact and a moving contact. |
| US08720928B2 |
Adjustable rake and height triple tree
This invention allows motorcycle owner to easily change the rake and height of a motorcycle by the providing an upper tree assembly with spherical bearing connected by a center stem internally to the frame neck bearing housing. The lower tree assembly with a spherical bearing and an interchangeable degree rake puck being connected to the center stem. Tube extensions inserted into the motorcycle stock factory fork tubes and attached to the upper tree and lower tree allows height adjustments. A removable screw in the top of tube extensions inserted into a hollow bore through the center of tube extension allows service of the motorcycle fork tube hydraulic oil. |
| US08720920B2 |
Sleeve, sub-assembly, vehicular suspension assembly and methods for forming/assembling the same
A sleeve for assembling into a sub-assembly including a control arm of a vehicular suspension assembly prepared by a process is disclosed. The process includes the steps of: providing a tubular segment; firstly shaping a first portion of the tubular segment to include a proximal flange; secondly shaping a second portion of the tubular segment to include a distal flange. A third portion of the tubular segment forms an intermediate body extending between the proximal flange and the distal flange. The length of the tubular segment includes a substantially constant and uniform thickness after the firstly shaping step and the secondly step. A sleeve is also disclosed. A sub-assembly. A portion of a vehicular suspension assembly is also disclosed. |
| US08720919B2 |
Suspension subframe
Disclosed is a suspension subframe (1) in which highly rigid side-end members (10) are attached to opposite side end sections of a flat plate-like main body member (2) so as to extend in the front-rear direction of a vehicle. The subframe (1) has extremely high rigidity against forces acting thereon from the front, rear, left, right and the like with the aid of the side-end members (10). The subframe (1) makes it possible to cut out materials with almost zero waste, and is made lightweight and inexpensive. |
| US08720918B2 |
Foldable scooter
A foldable scooter includes a pedal, front and rear wheel assemblies, a riser and two handlebars. The pedal includes front and rear parts hinged together and has a latch rod at an underside thereof to prevent the two parts from rotating toward each other. The front and rear parts respectively have a front shaft and a rear shaft extended in a front-rear direction along the pedal. The front wheel assembly includes a head tube, a front fork, a front wheel and a connecting base positioned to a rear side of the head tube and the front shaft. A positioning lever between the connecting base and the front part secures the front wheel assembly. The rear wheel assembly is positioned to the rear shaft, and a locking mechanism between the rear wheel assembly and the rear part prevents them from rotating relative to each other about the rear shaft. |
| US08720917B1 |
Skateboard accessory for performing ollie maneuver
A spring-loaded skateboard accessory is configured to assist a rider in the performance of an ollie maneuver. The accessory includes a mounting plate for attaching the accessory to a skateboard truck, a rotatable kick plate assembly and a spring component coupled between the mounting plate and the rotatable kick plate. The spring component compresses as the kick plate assembly contacts the ground during the beginning of an ollie maneuver. As the rider forces the board off the ground, the tension in the spring is released and provides energy to provide increased lift (“air”) to a skateboard maneuver. |
| US08720915B2 |
Device for transporting a user with an injured leg
The present application is directed to a device for transporting users having an injured leg across a surface and a method of adjusting the device. An embodiment of the device includes a frame, at least two wheel assemblies, and a support for supporting the knee of the injured leg of the user. The frame may have a top portion and at least two legs. The wheel assemblies may be operatively connected to the legs of the frame. The support may be at least partially supported by the top portion of the frame. The device may include an anti-rotation arrangement that increases the resistance to the rotation of a wheel of at least one of the wheel assemblies to assist alignment of the device with a forward direction when a force is applied by the non-injured leg of the user in a direction that is parallel to the forward direction. |
| US08720910B2 |
Reformable closure device strap
Various mechanical closure systems and securing systems are disclosed, such as snowboard bindings and car rack systems. The systems include a mechanically reformable strap. The strap includes a wire disposed along a longitudinal axis of the strap. The wire maintains the strap in a desired geometry that is different from a previous geometry of the strap. In other embodiments, a wire-core strap can include transverse ridges, holes, or other types of grooves or apertures. |
| US08720905B2 |
Sealed t-joint assembly
A sealed t-joint includes a first component having a first sealing surface, a second component having a second sealing surface, and a third component including a channel characterized by a channel height, channel width, and a channel depth. The t-joint also includes a gasket having a thickness and a protrusion characterized by a protrusion height, a protrusion width, and a protrusion depth. The protrusion height is less than the channel height, the protrusion width is less than channel width, and the protrusion depth is less than the channel depth. The t-joint additionally includes a polymer sealant. The gasket is compressed between the first and second sealing surfaces to generate a first and second component sub-assembly. Additionally, the polymer sealant is applied into the channel. The third component is subsequently assembled with the first and second component sub-assembly such that the protrusion extends into the channel to seal the t-joint. |
| US08720903B2 |
Fluid seal assembly
A fluid seal assembly (the assembly) of the present invention is disposed between an outer surface, i.e. engine block or any other part that requires application of the assembly and a rotatable member, such as, for example a shaft, wherein the assembly circumscribes the shaft and lubricated the shaft and the same rotates around the axis. The assembly includes at least three members: a casing unit, a sealing ring unit, and a collar. The assembly eliminates problems associated with prior art designs such as static leakage of oil, clogging up the spirals with carbonized oil that negatively impact lifecycle of the fluid seals. |
| US08720902B2 |
Pressure balanced radial rotary shaft seal
In combination with a body defining an annular space and a member received for rotation or linear movement within the annular space, an annular seal includes a first sealing member defining a first sealing portion disposed in constant engagement with a peripheral surface of the member during the rotation or the linear movement thereof, a second sealing member defining a second sealing portion disposed in constant engagement with the first sealing member and radially aligned only with the first sealing portion, and a fluid pressure directed at least onto the second sealing member, whereby the second sealing portion is configured to bias the first sealing portion into the constant engagement with the peripheral surface of the member. |
| US08720900B2 |
Magnetic fluid seal with shunt element
A magneto-fluidic seal includes a shaft, a pole piece, and a plurality of sealing fluid rings located between the shaft and the pole piece. The sealing fluid rings may be defined by the shaft and/or the pole piece and contain a ferromagnetic fluid. At least one channel having a bottom is defined by either the shaft or the pole piece. A shunt is located directly adjacent to the bottom of the channel. The thickness of the shunt is based on the energy differential in the plurality of sealing fluid rings as the fluid is displaced from one side of the sealing fluid rings to the other side of the sealing fluid rings. |
| US08720899B2 |
Dynamic sealing
A dual seal accommodates radial and axial movement, and accommodates positive and negative pressure differentials, when in sealing engagement about a rotating shaft. |
| US08720896B2 |
Portable archery target support
In a preferred embodiment the present invention contemplates a system for selectively coupling a shooting target to a target mount device. This system includes a target mount device having a T-shaped mount body. The mount body has three mount holes defined on an underside of the mount body and each mount hole terminates at a solid wall portion provided by an underside of a top surface of the mount body. Three legs selectively attach to the mount body, one leg at each corresponding mount hole. At least one leg includes an adjustment mechanism for extending the length of the leg. A conventional target attaches to the mount device by a mechanism for suspending the target from the mount block coupled to the mount block. |
| US08720893B2 |
Three trumps card game
A card game and a method of playing a card game. There is a dealer and at least one player, who must make a base wager. The dealer deals a hand of three cards to all players, who must then make a further wager in order to participate in play. A trump suit is determined. The dealer leads a card from his hand, and the players try to beat this card by playing a higher card of the same suit, or a trump card. The payout is calculated by a pre-determined formula based on the number of tricks won per player. An optional bonus wagering scheme is disclosed, whereby players can wager on the cards in their hands before having sight of them. |
| US08720892B2 |
Playing card shuffler
An apparatus is for shuffling a plurality of playing cards used in gaming. The apparatus includes a card support adapted to support the unshuffled cards on-edge. An exciter is also included, and is adapted to impart vibrational action to the supported cards. Cards drop in a random fashion such as by controlling the relative position of the cards and passage through one or more card slots in a card rest. In at least some of the apparatuses, a medial card receiver is adapted to receive at least one card dropped from the card support and to retain the at least one received card to substantially block the card slot to prevent further cards from dropping. A positioner is preferably included to change a relative position of the unshuffled deck and card slots though which the cards drop. |
| US08720887B2 |
Conveying mechanism and image forming apparatus incorporating conveying mechanism
Conveying mechanism includes first conveying element including upstream end on which feeding assembly for supplying sheet; and second conveying element for defining conveying path to guide sheet with the first conveying element, wherein the second conveying element has turning element including pivotal first and second ends, and displacement element coupled to turning element, pivotal first end is held near first conveying element, pivotal second end is coupled to the displacement element, displacement element along first conveying element defines conveying path when turning element is in a first position where turning element extends along first conveying element, and displacement element translates away from first conveying element while forming corner with turning element when turning element turns from first position to move away from first conveying element. |
| US08720883B2 |
Recording apparatus
There is provided a recording apparatus including: a first member having a first sliding surface formed into a comb shape along the direction of movement of an object; a second member having a second sliding surface formed into a comb shape opposing the first sliding surface of the first member with the intermediary of a viscous member, the second member sliding between a first position which causes a restricting member to be positioned at a restricting position and a second position which causes the restricting member to be positioned at the releasing position in a state of engaging the restricting member; and a urging device configured to apply an urging force which causes the second member to slide from the first position to the second position, the urging device being arranged at least partly between tips and roots of teeth of the comb shape of the second sliding surface. |
| US08720875B2 |
Carrier for holding microelectronic devices
One embodiment is a carrier for holding devices that includes a tray having one or more sites in which a device may be held, and a frame resiliently coupled to the tray so the tray is movable with respect to the frame. |
| US08720874B2 |
Ball actuated lock pin
A lock pin assembly used for clamping two plates together, that have aligning bores for receiving the lock pin assembly. The lock pin assembly includes radially extending pins that can be forced outwardly from the center of a lock pin housing forming a part of the lock pin assembly. The actuator pins are forced outwardly and cooperate with a tapered surface on a bottom plate to create a clamping force relative to an end of the lock pin housing supportable on a top plate. The lock pin housing has cam tracks on an outer side thereof, and an actuator ring surrounds and supports the pin and carries cam followers sliding in the cam tracks. The cam tracks are made such that relative rotation of the lock pin housing and the actuator ring changes the axial location of the actuator ring along the housing. The actuator ring rests on the top plate and when the actuator pins are released so they can retract and the lock pin housing and the actuator ring are relatively rotated, the lock pin housing is raised relative to the two plates to aid in removing the lock pin assembly. |
| US08720871B2 |
Dual-hinged spring
A dual-hinged spring assembly. One assembly comprises two elastomeric arcs including an upper arc having downward ends, and a lower arc having upward ends, the upward ends of the lower arc being movably connected to the downward ends of the upper arc, thereby forming an ovoid spring. Further, when the lower arc is secured against a supporting surface, pressure against the upper arc causes the dual-hinge spring to compress. |
| US08720864B2 |
Fifth wheel hitch removal device
A device is provided to install and remove a fifth wheel hitch from a vehicle. This device includes an attachment bar connected to the kingpin of a fifth wheel trailer. The attachment bar is in communication with an extension arm. The extension arm includes a hoist with a cable to be attached to the fifth wheel hitch. Operation of the hoist will lift or lower the fifth wheel hitch to its desired position. |
| US08720862B2 |
Trash can lifting device with lever
The apparatus is to assist in the removal of trash receptacles and or bag liners from under counter single, double, or multiple slide-out trash can cabinets. By stepping on the lever located below the trash can, the trash-can will be raised approximately one inch which will allow a person to remove the plastic trash bag (bag liner) from the rim of the trash can. It will also allow easy removal of the trash receptacle itself once it is raised by allowing a person to grasp the rim of the trash can. The unit can be retrofitted onto existing pull-out trash can cabinets or mounted in new. |
| US08720861B2 |
Pedal pumper tool
A tool for pumping the brake pedal of a vehicle does not require a person in the vehicle to pump the brakes. The tool permits a person to bleed the hydraulics when doing a brake job without the need for a second person. The tool, also referred to as a pedal pumper, or a pedal pumping device, may include straps on each end for extending the tool between the steering wheel and the brake pedal. When air is supplied to the tool, the air pressure may cause the tool to extend and depress the brake pedal. When the air pressure is released, the force of the tool is released and the brake pedal is allowed to return to its un-depressed position. |
| US08720860B2 |
Hammer with leverage No. II
A hand tool includes an elongated plunger assembly and a locking assembly. The locking assembly has a catch assembly with a release actuator. The release actuator is movable in a direction generally not aligned with the tool head plane of motion. The locking assembly catch member is structured to engage the plunger assembly body and maintain the plunger assembly body in a selected position. Further, the plunger assembly is disposed in a socket within the tool head and biased toward an extended position by a spring. The release actuator is, preferably, disposed on the neck of the hand tool just above the user's thumb. When the plunger assembly body is disposed within the tool head and a user desires to extend the plunger assembly, the user actuates the release actuator thereby removing the engagement of the catch member and allowing the socket spring to move the plunger assembly body to the extended position. |
| US08720856B2 |
Valve with a two-piece sealing gasket
Valve comprising a gasket interposed between a body (1) and a closure member (2), which is in two pieces (6), each piece (6) has a curved part (12), and the two pieces are fixed within the body (1) and within the closure member (2), in such a way as to come into contact via the convex face of their curved part (12). |
| US08720851B2 |
Valve apparatus
When a valve body is rotated toward a full-close position in a valve-close mode, a control portion controls an electric motor so that the rotating speed of the valve body is lower than that in a valve-open mode. A rotating speed of the valve body around the shaft in the valve-close mode is lower than that in the valve-open mode. Thus, when the seal ring is brought into contact with the inner wall surface, an impact generated therebetween can be moderated. While the valve body is rotated toward the full-close position, a seal ring is gradually elastically deformed. A sliding friction between the seal ring and the inner wall surface can be reduced. |
| US08720850B2 |
Suck back valve system and valve-closing-operation control method for the same
There is provided a suck back valve system in which problems in the suck back function are resolved. In a suck back system including an integral-type suck back valve in which an on/off valve that performs opening and closing operations by a first pneumatic actuator has a suck back function of preventing liquid dripping by means of a diaphragm that moves with the closing operation and a protective on/off valve provided at the upstream side adjacent to the integral-type suck back valve as a measure against malfunction in the integral-type suck back valve and performing opening and closing operations by a second pneumatic actuator, an opening and closing control unit is provided that, during the fully closing operation of the integral-type suck back valve, completes the fully closing operation of the protective on/off valve earlier than full closing of the integral-type suck back valve. |
| US08720846B2 |
Television safety strap
A safety strap for securing flat panel displays to a support structure to prevent the flat panel display from tipping forward or side-to-side. |
| US08720842B2 |
Hanger device for a car mat
A hanger device is made of a rigid plastic material and includes a hooked portion and a plate formed below the hooked portion. The plate includes a coupling portion and a plurality of annular portions. A car mat is coupled with the coupling portion. At least one fixing device is integrally formed on at least one of the annular portions. The at least one fixing device includes a through-hole. The at least one fixing device is separable from the at least one of the annular portions. The at least one fixing device is to be mounted to the car mat. |
| US08720830B1 |
Efficient solar panel wing-stowage on a space launch vehicle
An adapter assembly for interconnection with a launch vehicle is provided. Generally, the adapter assembly is positioned between two separable components of a launch vehicle along a longitudinal axis of the launch vehicle to structurally interconnect the components. In an embodiment, a solar panel having a stowed state and a deployed state is interconnected to the adapter assembly. In a stowed state, the solar panel can be positioned within the interior space of the adapter assembly to utilize space within the launch vehicle that would otherwise not be fully utilized. |
| US08720827B2 |
Dual function lavatory door
A dual function lavatory door and methods are presented. A hinged door panel comprises a doorway hinge coupled to a first side of a lavatory doorway of a lavatory. The doorway hinge positions the hinged door panel to couple to a first interior side-wall of the lavatory in a deployed position. An extendable door panel is coupled to the hinged door panel by a vertical hinge and can couple to a second side of the lavatory doorway opposite to the first side. The extendable door panel folds along the vertical hinge into an interior space of the lavatory in the deployed position. An extension panel is coupled to the extendable door panel and extends from the extendable door panel to couple to a second interior side-wall of the lavatory opposite to the first interior side-wall in the deployed position. |
| US08720825B2 |
Composite stiffeners for aerospace vehicles
An aerospace vehicle includes a plurality of composite stiffeners. Each stiffener of the plurality has a stack of plies of reinforcing fibers. At least some of the plies in the stack have reinforcing fibers oriented at ±α with respect to an axis of primary loading, where α is between 2 and 12 degrees. At least some of the plies in the stack have reinforcing fibers oriented at ±β with respect to the axis of primary loading, where β is between 50 and 85 degrees. |
| US08720818B1 |
Thrust reverser and nacelle for aircraft equipped with at least one such reverser
A thrust reverser for a double-flow nacelle that has a cowling, with the thrust reverser having an internal door and an external door designed to be made within the thickness of the cowling. The reverser also has means for simultaneously displacing the doors between a first position called the rest position, in which the doors are integrated into the cowling so as to form an aerodynamic continuity with the external wall and the internal wall of the cowling, and a second active position, in which the doors are open so that the internal and external doors extend toward the inside and toward the outside of the nacelle, respectively, thus at least partially blocking the annular channel of the secondary flow, to deflect the secondary flow and to generate a thrust reversal, with the means being designed to be received in a compartment arranged inside the cowling formed by the doors in the rest position. |
| US08720817B1 |
Twin-boom empennage
Apparatus and methods provide for an aircraft empennage that utilizes two torque tube members to create opposing sides of the empennage. The torque tube members are connected using a bridging member that is attached at opposing ends to the top portions of the torque tube members. The torque tube members and bridging member provide structural support for access cut-outs within the aircraft skin between the torque tube members for access to a payload space within. The torque tube members may include any number of walls, any of which may provide a pressure barrier to the payload space. |
| US08720815B2 |
Aircraft propulsion system
An aircraft propulsion system is disclosed herein. The aircraft propulsion system includes a core engine having an intake, a compressor section, a combustor section, and a turbine section arranged along a centerline axis. The aircraft propulsion system also includes a nacelle surrounding the core engine. The aircraft propulsion system also includes at least one free power turbine driven to rotate by exhaust gases exiting the turbine section. The aircraft propulsion system also includes at least one rotor module driven to rotate by at least one free power turbine. The aircraft propulsion system also includes first and second pylons extending away from the nacelle and operable to mount the core engine to an aircraft. The first and second pylons are spaced from one another on opposite sides of at least one plane containing the centerline axis and mirror one another across the at least one plane. |
| US08720812B2 |
Winding apparatus providing steady tension
A winding apparatus providing steady tension includes: a loading unit rotatably supporting a roll of a sheet, releasing the sheet, and outputting an angle signal and a torque signal; a winding unit adapted to collect the sheet into a roll form; a dancer roller and a tension sensing unit separately arranged between the loading unit and the winding unit and outputting a shift signal and a tension signal respectively; and a control module having a calculating unit and a command unit. The calculating unit electrically connects with the loading unit, the dancer roller and the tension sensing unit to receive the signals and generates a torque command signal. The command unit electrically connects with the calculating unit and the loading unit to receive the torque command signal and produces a control signal by the torque command signal or a velocity signal. |
| US08720811B2 |
Apparatus and method for storing and dispensing a pressure hose
An apparatus for storing, rotating and feeding a high pressure hose, including: a first rotatable drum with a helical groove; a second rotatable drum; and at least one actuator for rotating the first and second drums. For rotation of the first and second drums in first and second opposite directions, respectively, a hose and a cable are coilable into the helical groove such that the hose is in compressive engagement with the cable and the first drum. For rotation of the first and second drums in the second and first directions, respectively, the hose is uncoilable from the first drum and displaceable beyond the apparatus and the cable is coilable about the second drum. |
| US08720810B2 |
Spool for telecommunications cable and method
A spool system for a telecommunications cable. The spool system winds-up and pays-out the cable without accumulating twist in the cable. The spool system can also pay out a distal end of the cable and mount a proximal end of the cable. Because no twist is accumulated in the cable, the first end and/or the second end of the cable can remain connected while the spool system is winding-up or paying-out. The spool system includes a base, a cable unwrapper, and a hub. The cable unwrapper and the hub rotate in opposite directions from each other. A first cable wrapping area is provided on the base and a second cable wrapping area is provided on the hub. |
| US08720807B2 |
Pill crusher assembly and methods
A pill crusher includes a base and a handle. The base has a bottom resting surface that includes an at least partially molded friction-enhancing portion. The handle includes an upper region, a gripping region, and a column. The gripping region includes an at least partially molded friction-enhancing portion. A method of crushing a pill includes placing a pill within a pill chamber, inserting a column into the pill chamber, and then crushing the pill by exerting force on the pill by the column. The handle and the base include at least partially molded friction-enhancing portions. |
| US08720801B2 |
Spray device and process for manufacturing the same
A lightweight spray device with spray body that is suitable for precision cast molding, solving general casting problems, such as shrinkage and bubbling; and a process for manufacturing the same. The spray device is one with magnesium spray body provided with a spray part and a handle part, characterized in that the magnesium spray body is one formed with the use of a mold for magnesium spray body wherein a first slide pin is provided at a region where the spray part and the handle part cross each other and wherein around the first slide pin, there is provided a product melt orifice. |
| US08720800B2 |
Shower head
A shower head includes a main body seal seat fixed to a main body. The main body seal seat is fitted in a rotation seat in a rotation way and located above a cover seal seat. The cover seal seat is fixed to a cover unit. The joint of the main body seal seat and the rotation seat has a groove to receive a first seal ring. The main body seal seat has at least one water inlet. The water inlet is provided with a spring and a second seal ring therein. The spring is located between the second seal ring and the water inlet of the main body seal seat. The cover seal seat has at least one through hole corresponding in position to the water inlet. The cover unit has at least one water outlet. |
| US08720795B2 |
Shower device
Providing a flush bowl capable of discharging a planar shower-like water discharge flow in a wide range while changing the water discharge trajectory is directed. The shower device according to an embodiment of the invention is a shower device including: a water discharger including a plurality of water discharge ports; a rotator including a channel at its center; a coupling section coupling the inside of the water discharger to the channel of the rotator; a receiving section receiving the rotator; a driving mechanism configured to rotate and revolve the rotator in the receiving section; and a decelerating section provided inside the water discharger. The plurality of water discharge ports is provided asymmetrically with respect to a central axis of the rotator, or discontinuously in a peripheral direction, the water discharger is configured to rotate and revolve by rotation and revolution of the rotator caused by the driving mechanism, the plurality of water discharge ports is configured to cause rotational trajectories of water discharged from the water discharge ports to undergo a periodic rotary motion associated with the rotation of the rotator, the decelerating section has an area larger than a cross-sectional area of the coupling section, and the water discharge ports have a smaller total cross-sectional area than the decelerating section so as to accelerate water decelerated by the decelerating section. |
| US08720794B2 |
Gas permeation devices
A system used for permeating or emitting a gas or a chemical at a constant, predictable and controllable rate uses an amorphous fluoropolymer material as a gateway. The system may comprise a tube assembly which holds a gas or liquid. The gas or liquid permeates though the fluoropolymer material to be released in precise quantity, resulting in known concentrations of the gas, when mixed with a flowing or carrier gas such as air or nitrogen. |
| US08720789B2 |
Wireless IC device
A wireless IC device includes a wireless IC element, a power supply circuit substrate including a laminate of a plurality of base layers and a power supply circuit connected to the wireless IC element, and a radiating element connected to the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit includes a first coil element connected in series with the wireless IC element, and a second coil element connected in parallel with the wireless IC element. The first coil element and the second coil element are wound and arranged such that winding axes of the first and second coil elements coincide or substantially coincide with each other and directions of magnetic fields generated in the respective first and second coil elements are opposite to each other. |
| US08720788B1 |
RFID tag
An apparatus for temporarily attaching an RFID device to a mobile object, includes an RFID tag comprising an enclosure, attachment mechanism, handles, and an RFID device. The handles may be rotatable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The attachment mechanism may comprise magnets, which are used to attach the RFID tag to a metal support surface. |
| US08720779B2 |
Method of reading pattern image, apparatus for reading pattern image, information processing method, and program for reading pattern image
Disclosed is a method of capturing and reading a pattern image having three or more pages generated from predetermined information using a capturing section provided in a reading apparatus. The pattern image is configured such that each page includes relevant page information indicating a position of the relevant page and the pages are displayed on a display screen sequentially and successively at a time interval and cyclically and repetitively. The method includes a step of, when two pages of the pattern image have been read, causing the reading apparatus to predict a capturing timing by the capturing section for each remaining unread page from a capturing time interval between the two pages and the relevant page information of each of the two pages, and to perform control such that each remaining unread page of the pattern image is captured and read by the capturing section with the predicted capturing timing. |
| US08720765B2 |
Nailing machine
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a nailing machine including: a housing; a motor that is accommodated in the housing; a plunger that plunges a nailing member; and a spring that is expanded or compressed by the motor to store an elastic energy therein and that accelerates the plunger by releasing the elastic energy, wherein a spring constant of the spring at one end of the spring in an expanding/compressing direction is set smaller than that of the spring at a center in the expanding/compressing direction. |
| US08720764B2 |
Fuel cell adapter
A fuel cell adapter to be received in a combustion tool fuel cell cavity, the cavity having a predetermined diameter, and the adapter having a post extending longitudinally along an axis. First and second platforms are positioned at a first and second end of the post and they extend laterally outwardly from the post to occupy a distance slightly less than the predetermined diameter of the fuel cell cavity. A flange extends from the post between the first and second ends of the post and has at least one portion extending laterally outwardly from the post to occupy a distance, when combined with the post, slightly greater than the predetermined diameter of the fuel cell cavity. The flange is formed of a resilient material and a thickness so as to permit the flange to be deformed as the adapter is inserted into the fuel cell cavity. |
| US08720762B2 |
Load carrier systems and associated manufacturing methods
Embodiments of the invention relate to load carrier systems and associated manufacturing methods. In one embodiment, a load carrier system can include a unitary piece of material. The unitary piece of material can include a body portion comprising a first face side, an opposing face side, a first peripheral edge and an opposing second peripheral edge; and one or more straps comprising a respective extended end, wherein the straps are an integral part of the body portion; wherein the one or more straps are folded over onto the first face side adjacent to the first peripheral edge; and wherein at least one respective end of the one or more straps is fastened to the opposing second peripheral edge. |
| US08720759B1 |
Bicycle accessory storage system
A bicycle accessory storage device and system are described. The device is comprised of an elongated bowl that is sized and shaped to mate to the bottom of a bicycle seat. The system includes the bowl and the bicycle seat. |
| US08720758B2 |
Shoe holder system for bicycle saddle
Embodiments of the disclosed systems are useful to participants in triathlons who wish to transport their own running shoes while bicycling. Athletic shoes are transported behind a bicycle saddle by use of an arm bracket 300 attaching to saddle rails 101. The arm bracket comprises an attachment section 307, a neck section 317 and two antler 301 styled sections. Each antler section includes an outer prong area 313 and an inner prong area 314. A shoe holder 200 attaches to each antler section wherein voids within the shoe holders match the voids found within the arm bracket components. The side components of the shoe holders assist in preventing rotational movement of a shoe. Each shoe holder further comprises a rear retainer section 208 having an upper arch edge 209, useful in allowing the shoe holder to flex inwardly or outwardly to facilitate the ingress or egress of a shoe. |
| US08720751B2 |
Lifesaver backpack
The lifesaver backpack includes an inflatable life raft folded into a pack. A plurality of straps is attached to the pack for securing the pack onto a user's back. The pack is inflated by a gas canister attached to the pack and selectively operable by a pull cord. Upon inflation of the pack, the pack transforms into the life raft that surrounds the user. A canopy stretches across the stern of the life raft to provide shade and protection against the elements. The lifesaver backpack can be provided with paddles and hoops on the sides of the life raft for rowing. An embodiment for submarine emergencies is also provided. |
| US08720750B2 |
Non-slip metal wire clothes hanger
Metal wire coated with a thermoplastic elastomer has non-slip properties, especially suited for textile and paper. The coated metal wire is further mechanically deformable for use as a clothes hanger or a paperclip. |
| US08720749B1 |
Portable mouthwash carrying device
A portable mouthwash carrying device is provided for transporting and using a single use portion of mouthwash. The device includes a pouch having a closed bottom. A perimeter wall extends upwardly from the closed bottom. The closed bottom and the perimeter wall define an interior space of the pouch. A tab is coupled to and extends from the pouch. The interior space extends into a bottom of the tab. The tab is removable from the pouch to form an opening into the interior space. A fluid, more particularly mouthwash, is contained in the interior space. |
| US08720747B2 |
Sleeve activated compressed fluid dispensing device with internal seal
A dispensing device for dispensing compressed fluid from a can through a valve stem of the can has a hollow tube with a channel extending through it from an entrance end to an opposing dispensing end, a connector defining a conduit therethrough that is in fluid communication with the channel of the hollow tube and that attaches to a valve stem of a can, a plug located within the channel of the hollow tube that forms a sealing configuration within the channel when pressed towards the dispensing end of the channel, and a sleeve that wraps at least partially around the hollow tube and that has a protrusion that upon activating the sleeve extends through the dispensing end of the hollow tube and prevents the plug from establishing a sealing configuration with the hollow tube. |
| US08720743B2 |
Dispensing package
A paperboard carton for receiving articles in two or more layers separated by a divider pad is provided. The divider pad is secured relative to an end panel arrangement at one end of the carton. The carton has a top panel, a base panel and a pair of opposite sides. One of the side panels has a removable portion adjacent one end, which, when removed, defines a roll out aperture for article removal when the carton is lying on the end panel arrangement. |
| US08720734B2 |
Plate with features that cooperatively interact with utensils
A food serving plate with features that cooperatively interact with utensils to provide fun assistance to children with their effort to load food onto their utensils. The features on the plate include either or both of: a vertically slotted ramp that accepts the tines of an eating utensil, such as a fork, which allows a person to load food onto the utensil by pushing the food up the ramp and then sliding the utensil under the food when it has reached sufficient height; and a ramp with a nested depression that accepts the leading perimeter contours of a utensil with a food-receiving bowl, such as a spoon, which allows a person to load food onto the utensil by positioning the utensil within the nested depression and by pushing the food up the ramp and over the nested depression with a second utensil with a blunt profile, such as a pusher. |
| US08720729B2 |
Foil for providing a peel-seal valve, package comprising the foil, and method of manufacturing the foil
A foil made of two plastic films and an adhesive layer laminating the two films together, wherein the first plastic film has a first side and a second side and comprises punctures therebetween. The foil is of a dual peel-seal type such that the first plastic film realizes a first peel-able seal within the foil at its first side in the form of an adhesion peel seal in an open state and/or in the form of a cohesion peel seal in a sealed state, and wherein the adhesive layer leaves open the punctures such that gas can penetrate through the punctures in-between the two films towards the first peel-able seal. |
| US08720728B2 |
Trash can
A trash can with a lid can include a lock for the lid. The lock can include a latch that cooperates with the trash container body to lock the lid over the opening of the body. The latch can be configured to slide with respect to the edge of the opening of the body from an unlocked position to a locked position. This latch can be integrated into, built into or self contained in the lid. The trash can can also include a pedal actuator for opening the lid. The trash can can also include a damping mechanism mounted to the body of the trash can with a mounting plate. The mounting plate can be made from a material that is harder than the material used for the body of the trash can. Additionally, the trash can can have wheels. |
| US08720727B2 |
Dual tab lid
A packaging system includes a lid having a permanent portion and a removable portion. The permanent portion includes a first tab. The removable portion includes a second tab. In one embodiment a partially cut line extends between the permanent portion and the removable portion. In one embodiment the removable portion includes a latching region for latching to a container. In one embodiment the first tab is coplanar with the second tab. In one embodiment the lid includes a planar region and the second tab is coplanar with the planar region. |
| US08720726B2 |
One-piece lid for cartons
A one-piece or monolithic body flat plastic lid for carton packages with thin walls and membrane or a web breaking under pressure, with a semicircular skirt provided with rectangular shaped entrance housing and locked to a closing and opening pivoting tab, joined to the border of a pouring orifice by means of a rupture horizontal perimeter membrane and a vertical breaking or tearing by means of pressure exerted in the vertical or transversal direction to the surface of the tab, which is locked by means of a hinge line to a transverse wall making the rectangular channel. |
| US08720725B2 |
Container reclosure device having a flexible band
An attachable closure device for reclosing contains a base member, a resilient expandable band coupled to and extending from the base member, an adhesive layer on a surface of the base member, and a release agent on the adhesive layer. The release agent is housed in a coating on a release support layer, which may be coupled to the base member and unitary with the base member. The resilient, expandable band may be coupled and retained to the attachable closure device solely by a portion of the unitary base member-release support layer. |
| US08720724B1 |
Protective cover assembly for electronics
A mechanism is provided for physically protecting an interface on an electronic device having first and second protrusions, each having a surface. The mechanism includes first and second clamping mechanisms, a hinge assembly and a cover plate. Each clamping mechanism has a pair of blocks that are detachably fastenable together. As assembled along the protrusion surface of the device, the blocks form a channel that rigidly engages that surface. The hinge assembly forms a pivotable joint and can be removably attached to the first clamping mechanism to orient the pivotable joint substantially parallel to the interface. The cover plate can be removably attached to the hinge assembly for disposal to swing on the pivotable joint between closed and open positions. In the closed position, the cover plate securely connects to at least the second clamping mechanism. |
| US08720723B2 |
Modular rainwater storage tank system
A modular rainwater storage tank configured to allow storage capacity in a small area when positioned around the corner of a rectangular house or other structure utilizing run off from a roof top. The storage tank may be designed as a three-dimensional quarter-round such that three units will fit in a tight configuration around a right angle. Each storage tank has opposing overflow channels in a raised rim enclosing a recess in the lid. Downspout water is directed to an opening in the raised rim. When the storage tank is full, excess water in the recess in the lid may be directed to an adjacent storage tank in a cascaded configuration. In this manner, three storage tanks may be positioned and cascaded around a corner. |
| US08720722B2 |
Venting mechanism for containers
The presently disclosed device provides a method and means for ensuring that containers of all types and sizes are vented or purged to atmospheric or environmental conditions upon the interior or exterior of the container reaching a critical temperature pressure, or humidity. Specifically, the presently disclosed invention integrates shape memory polymer (SMP) based, thermally activated fasteners into the venting systems. The result is a venting system that increases munitions safety without compromising the venting effectiveness, structural integrity, or the required bullet/fragment impact resistance requirements of the system. |
| US08720721B2 |
Capless refueling system
A capless refueling system is provided which utilizes snap-in attachment of a multi-stage valve assembly within a fuel pipe. The valve assembly includes a lower body portion and a cover independent from the lower body portion. The lower body portion and the cover are configured to be lockingly adjoined to one another. The cover is adapted to be adjoined to the fuel pipe. The system is sealed at a position above the primary shutoff valve thereby eliminating the need for a spring pin support bracket. |
| US08720720B2 |
Housing and method for manufacturing same
A housing includes a plastic panel and a metal insert. The plastic panel includes an outer surface and an inner surface, the plastic panel defines a through groove through the outer surface and the inner surface. The metal insert is integrally molded to the inner surface of the plastic panel covering, the through groove so it is capable of seeing a metallic pattern corresponding to the through groove viewing through the through groove. |
| US08720718B2 |
Foldable carrying case
A foldable carrying case is described that has an integrated one-piece body of hingeably connected panels, and flexible gussets hingeably connected to the panels. The body is further provided with releasable fasteners. The body converts from a plane configuration to a container configuration, and vice versa. The container configuration is formed by folding the panels and the gussets, and the panels and gussets are connected by the releasable fasteners to prevent the container from unfolding. Also described is a method for making and using such a foldable carrying case. Also described is a kit including such a foldable carrying case and at least one storage container. |
| US08720712B1 |
Feeding bottle
A feeding bottle includes a hollow container having an inner surface, a top cap having a center opening, the top cap removably attached to a top portion of the hollow container, a nipple disposed through the top cap's center opening and held in contact by the top cap against the top portion of the hollow container, a collapsible liner disposed within the hollow container and configured to hold food, and a vacuum plate disposed within the hollow container, the vacuum plate having a shape and size such that the vacuum plate remains in moveable contact with the inner surface of the hollow container. |
| US08720711B2 |
Railcar coupler core with vertical parting line and method of manufacture
A method of casting a core includes the steps of preparing a first half of a corebox, preparing a second half of a corebox such that the parting line of a core formed from the first and second coreboxes runs along the vertical axis of the core. |
| US08720709B2 |
Crane and method for erecting the crane
A method for telescoping a main boom includes guying the erected main boom during the telescoping operation, the main boom consisting of a telescopic boom which is guyed via a spatial boom guying. Further, a crane may include a telescopable main boom, a spatial guying and a crane controller, wherein the crane controller determines the necessary guy dimension of the spatial guying in dependence on the current main boom length during the telescoping operation. |
| US08720707B2 |
Frame using interior connectors for holding highly-concentrated solar cells
A frame is provided for highly-concentrated photovoltaic cells. The frame uses vertical and horizontal rods. Connectors are fixed at where the vertical and horizontal rods connect. The frame is constructed with the rods and connectors coordinated with fixing components. Thus, solar cell receivers can be directly set at any place on the frame; and the frame can be easily constructed and safely moved. Furthermore, location space is effectively used and weather resistance is achieved. |
| US08720706B2 |
Display stand
A display stand has a base, a vertical pole having a lower end fixed to the base. The pole includes two sections having a stem projecting upward from each section. A bearing is coupled each stem of the pole. A pair of racks, each having a central tube with a bearing race fixed within a lower end contacts an outer surface of the bearings for rotation around the tube. Each rack has a generally square perimeter with rounded corners formed of wire, with a plurality of radial support members coupled between the central tube and the rounded corners. Each side of the square perimeter portion includes a pair of hooks adjacent the rounded corners to engage products to be displayed on the stand, the hooks projecting a limited distance outward below the plane of the rack square perimeter. |
| US08720702B2 |
Merchandise pusher tray with adjustable side barriers
A merchandise pusher tray is provided. The merchandise pusher tray includes a base structure. The base structure is configurable for bar or shelf mounting. The base structure includes a pair of load bearing members for supporting a floor of the base structure. The merchandise pusher tray also includes at least one divider mounted to and adjustable in a first direction relative to the base structure. The merchandise pusher tray also includes a pusher mounted to and movable in a second direction relative to the base structure. A locking arm is provided for locking the pusher in a locked position and automatically unlocking the pusher from the locked position upon the exertion of an actuation force against the locking arm. |
| US08720692B2 |
Pallet
A collapsible bin includes a base having a floor from which a plurality of spaced apart columns extend downwardly. A plurality of walls are hingeably connected to an upper surface of the base. A lid is securely received on upper edges of the walls when the walls are in the erected position. The lid can also be secured to the base when the walls are in the collapsed position. The bin is securely stackable in the collapsed and erected positions, with and without lids. |
| US08720690B2 |
Musical pizza box
A musical pizza box includes a box material foldable into a pizza box having a lid hingedly attached to a base and a pizza box audio module. The pizza box audio module preferably includes a speaker, a microchip board capable of receiving a microchip mounted on the microchip board, at least one power source, electrical wiring electrically connecting the speaker, the microchip board, and the power source, and an activation mechanism. When the box material is folded to form the pizza box, the microchip is mounted to the microchip board, and the lid is moved from a closed state to an opened state, the activation mechanism is triggered to cause any recorded audio message stored on the microchip to be emitted by the speaker. Methods of manufacturing a musical pizza box and methods of advertising are also disclosed. |
| US08720685B2 |
Packaged ready-to-use product and method
A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element. The activation of at least some of the hydrophilic coating occurs solely by reason of exposure of the outer surface of the catheter to a vapor produced by the vapor donating liquid. The distribution of the catheter following manufacture is delayed for a time sufficient to permit the vapor to complete hydration of the entire hydrophilic coating on the surface. |
| US08720684B2 |
Packaging system for a floor panel
A packaging system and a method of packaging a plurality of floor panels in a box includes floor panels having a top layer and a bottom layer. The top layer has a top surface with a visible decorative pattern and a bottom surface adhered to a top surface of the bottom layer such that the bottom layer is offset from the top layer in a direction of length and width and a marginal end portion of the top surface of the bottom layer and a marginal end portion of the bottom surface of the top layer is exposed. At least one of the marginal end portions has an adhesive. The floor panels are stacked in the box in pairs. Each of the pairs is stacked such that the top surfaces of the top layers of each of the pairs of the floor panels are facing each other. |
| US08720679B2 |
Container for orally ingested pharmaceutical composition
A container for an orally ingested pharmaceutical composition has, in a container body, a pharmaceutical composition chamber, a chamber for an auxiliary substance for the pharmaceutical composition chamber, and a chamber for the auxiliary substance for a cap. The container for an orally ingested pharmaceutical composition is provided with said cap in addition to a container body. An inter-chamber portion seals the pharmaceutical composition chamber from the chamber for the auxiliary substance for the chamber. A boundary portion seals the chamber for the cap auxiliary substance from the inside of the cap. By the inter-chamber portion and the boundary portion being bent, one end of the container body is removably inserted into the cap. |
| US08720674B2 |
Sorting apparatus
A sorting apparatus sequentially receives and holds a plurality of transported items that are transported and sorts and supports the transported items, and includes an endless movement member disposed so as to form a constant revolving movement pathway, and a plurality of support members that are attached to the movement member so as to be arranged along the direction in which the movement member revolves and that are capable of supporting respective transported items. In a support region that is a region of the revolving movement pathway of the movement member in which the transported items are supported by respective support members, the highest position of the support members decreases the closer the support members are to the downstream side of the direction in which the movement member revolves. |
| US08720673B2 |
Transport apparatus
The invention relates to a transport apparatus for conveying a product, comprising a moveable conveying element (2) for conveying a product, a stationary sliding rail (3) that is arranged around the circumference for guiding the conveying element (2), and a drive device (5) for a linear motor for driving the conveying element (2), wherein the conveying element (2) comprises a main body (2a), a pusher finger (15) that can be brought into contact with the product, and a permanent magnet (6) that is operatively connected to the drive device (5) for the linear motor, wherein the conveying element (2) comprises a first running device (10), which is arranged on a side of the conveying element (2) in the running direction (A) of the conveying element (2), and a second running device (11) which is arranged on the other side of the conveying element (2) in the running direction (A) of the conveying element (2), and wherein the conveying element (2) comprises a guiding device (12, 22) that is arranged such that a resulting pre-stressing force (F) guides the conveying element (2) on the sliding rail (3) between the permanent magnet (6) and the drive device (5) for the linear motor. |
| US08720672B2 |
Device for inputting securities into a container
The invention relates to a device for the input of notes of value into a container. The device comprises a supply unit for supplying the notes of value and a stacking unit for stacking the supplied notes of value. Further, the device has a vane wheel (10c) for handling the notes of value. The vane wheel (10c) comprises a rotatably mounted basic body (12c) and at least one vane (14c, 16c) firmly connected to the basic body (12c) at a first end of a connecting area (20c, 22c). A support area (38, 40) of the vane (14c, 16c) contacts the circumferential surface of the basic body (12c) when the vane (14c, 16c) exerts a force on a note of value. |
| US08720671B1 |
Conveyor system with pivotal flight members
A conveyor system for transporting material from an origin to a destination includes a conveyor surface that moves a plurality of pivotal flight members along a continuous, predetermined path. The pivotal flight members allow the conveyor surface to freely travel along rollers positioned both within and outside of the conveyor loop for various applications. For example, various obstructions along the predetermined path pivot the flight members in either of two directions to trap, transport and release the material at desired locations. The flight members may be scraped and compressed to remove residual fluids if the conveyor system is used to collect liquids, such as released oil or other contaminants. |
| US08720668B2 |
Conveyor belt apparatus including magnetically actuated rollers
A conveyor comprising a conveyor belt having rollers with metallic or magnetic rotors. A magnet or metallic element next to the conveyor belt is positioned to rotate the rotor. A magnetic field produced by the magnet or by the magnetic rotor rotates the rollers as they pass the magnetic field or as the magnetic field is changed. |
| US08720664B2 |
Apparatus and method for characterizing items of currency
In one aspect, a validation apparatus comprises a light source capable of emitting a broadband spectrum of light for illuminating an item of currency. The validation apparatus also includes a receiver configured to receive light emitted from the light source. In another aspect, the validation apparatus also includes a transportation unit configured to transport the item of currency within the validation apparatus. In a further aspect, the validation apparatus also includes a processor configured to reconstruct a spectral response of the item of current. In this design, the light received by the receiver comprises at least a portion of light reflected by or transmitted through the item of currency. |
| US08720656B2 |
Combination rolling cart and suitcase
The present invention is a combination rolling cart and suitcase that includes a base suitcase, an external support frame, a plurality of steel stabilizers, a plurality of permanent adjustable straps and plurality of attachment points where the attachment points receive and removably couple the permanent adjustable straps to secure one or more suitcases across a top portion of the combination rolling cart and suitcase. The combination rolling cart and suitcase also includes a pair of telescoping handles, a telescoping stem, a releasable handle lock, a plurality of omnidirectional casters and a lid releasably fastened to the base suitcase. |
| US08720655B2 |
Luggage case with large folding wheels
A wheeled luggage case may include first and second shells connected together at their perimeter edges to define a generally parallelepiped packing volume. A wheel device may be attached to each of the first and second shells. Each of these wheel devices may include a hub rotatably attached to a respective shell. A tire may be attached to the hub for rolling on the supporting surface when the tire portion and hub are rotated about this axis of rotation. The tire portion may include a series of tire segments. At least some of the segments may be attached to the hub portion by a hinge. The hinge may include a hinging axis of rotation at a substantially right angle to the axis of rotation of the hub itself. |
| US08720654B2 |
Brake disc pot for motor vehicles
A brake disc pot for a motor vehicle disc brake having one or two brake discs includes a device for the centered attachment of the brake disc and a device for guiding cooling air in the radial direction toward the brake disc. The brake disc pot has recesses on its periphery. |
| US08720651B2 |
Reversible hydraulic caliper brake for a bicycle
A bicycle hydraulic caliper brake apparatus includes a first brake arm with a first bearing surface, a second brake arm with a second bearing surface, and a hydraulic control device that includes a housing and a piston unit. The first bearing surface non-lockingly engages the piston unit, and the second bearing surface non-lockingly engages the housing. At least one of the piston unit or the housing engages a corresponding first or second bearing surface so that the piston unit or the housing rotates at least in part around an axis that is substantially parallel to at least one of the rotational axes of the brake arms. The housing is carried by the first brake arm and the second brake arm so that the housing moves together with the first brake arm and the second brake arm relative to a bicycle frame member. |
| US08720648B1 |
Check valve and method and apparatus for extending life of check valves
A device and method are described for extending the life of check valves. An improved check valve having a double poppet and tapered guides is more robust, and a check valve protection device between the check valve and the environment into which fluid is injected protects the valve from a contaminating or corrosive environment. The check valve and check valve protection device are small and light weight to prevent vibration-induced failures. The check valve protection device preferably has an interior volume that fills quickly by relatively few cycles of the lubricant pump to reduce delay of lubricant to the injection point. |
| US08720643B1 |
Aquatic ladder for marine applications
The aquatic ladder has wide, deep treads, arranged like a staircase, with side and upper railings to make it easy to enter or exit the water, even by elderly people, tired individuals, those carrying aquatic equipment, such as SCUBA gear or water skis, and, even, by pets. The ladder is preferably made from aluminum, although it can be made of other materials, such as steel (e.g., stainless or galvanized), fiberglass, plastic, or other composites. |
| US08720642B1 |
Acoustic element and method for producing an acoustic element
An acoustic element has at least two board-shaped elements (1, 2). A dampening element (3), preferably a nonwoven element, is arranged between the two board-shaped elements (1, 2). The board-shaped elements (1, 2) exhibit bore holes (1c, 1d, 2c, 2d). The bore holes each exhibit a diameter of not more than 3 mm. |
| US08720640B2 |
Method and apparatus for a loudspeaker assembly
A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, apparatus is provided comprising a ground plane, a loudspeaker driver mounted in a loudspeaker driver aperture of the ground plane, and a grille positioned relative to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases with increasing distance from the loudspeaker driver. The loudspeaker assembly can be used to replace ceiling tiles having any size or configuration, and can also me mounted in other surfaces, such as ceiling walls, floors, table tops, etc. made of drywall, hard decking, wood, stone, cement, glass, or any other material or type of construction, or configured in a stand-alone loudspeaker frame or cabinet. The loudspeaker assembly of the present invention can be mounted in any orientation. |
| US08720634B2 |
Working vehicle
The invention is a working vehicle that has high practicality and a high degree of freedom of a turning operation. A lawn mowing vehicle includes a lawn mowing unit that includes drum wheels driven so as to rotate about an axis Ax1 extending in a vehicle width direction as a rotational center, a frame that is connected to the lawn mowing unit, and a steering drive device that is provided in the frame. The steering drive device includes a pair of steered wheels that is disposed in the vehicle width direction, steering units that can independently steer the pair of steered wheels respectively, and wheel driving units that can rotationally drive the pair of steered wheels. |
| US08720633B2 |
All wheel drive speed synchronization and connection
A vehicle driveline includes a power source, a transmission connected to the power source and including an output driveably connected to primary road wheels, a driveshaft, a synchronizer that opens and closes a drive connection between the output and the driveshaft, and a clutch that alternately opens and closes a drive connection between the driveshaft and secondary road wheels. A control executes synchronization and connection strategies using one of singular, overlapping and sequential activation of the driveline components that produce all-wheel-drive on-demand. |
| US08720629B2 |
Power control apparatus and power control method of construction machine
The present disclosure provides a power control apparatus of a construction machine, including: an engine connected to a hydraulic pump to drive the hydraulic pump; and a controller for calculating an engine load ratio defined as a ratio of a load torque of the engine for an engine maximum torque calculated from an input engine target RPM, and calculating an engine RPM command value according to the engine load ratio such that the engine is driven at the target RPM to output the calculated engine load ratio and engine RPM command value to the engine. |
| US08720626B2 |
Motor drive system
System and methods for driving a blower motor of a vehicle such as a mining truck or locomotive are provided. A drive system includes a blower drive circuit configured to receive power from an alternator and use the power from the alternator to drive the blower motor. The blower drive circuit is further configured to receive power from at least one traction motor of the vehicle during a retarding operation of the vehicle and use the power from the at least one traction motor to drive the blower motor. The drive system further includes a bypass circuit configured to electrically isolate the blower motor from the blower drive circuit when a fault is detected in the blower drive circuit and to provide power from the alternator to the blower motor such that the blower motor remains operable without use of the blower drive circuit. |
| US08720623B1 |
In-wheel motor system
Disclosed is an in-wheel motor system including: an in-wheel motor mounted inside a wheel and generating a driving force; an oil pump provided adjacent to the in-wheel motor and supplying cooling oil into the in-wheel motor; and an oil tank provided under the in-wheel motor and collecting cooling oil discharged from the in-wheel motor, wherein the oil pump and the oil tank are arranged at a lower end of the in-wheel motor and between the in-wheel motor and a steering tie-rod in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle so as to be located at a more inner position than a knuckle in a widthwise direction of the vehicle. In the in-wheel motor system, the oil tank and the oil pump may be efficiently arranged to minimize the size of the oil tank and to improve the cooling performance. |
| US08720622B2 |
Internal motorized bicycle hub
An internal motorized bicycle hub includes a hub axle, a motor, a partitioning wall section and at least one soundproofing member. The motor includes a stator. The partitioning wall section has least one opening and the stator mounted thereon. The at least one soundproofing member is disposed adjacent the partitioning wall section and blocking the at least one opening. |
| US08720619B2 |
Method for operating a drive device of a hybird vehicle
In a method for operating a drive device of a hybrid vehicle, in particular a hybrid motor vehicle, having at least one internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine, the torques of the internal combustion engine and the electric machine are added. A torque/torque component which, with respect to a request, is not deliverable by the internal combustion engine because of the system-related inertia of the internal combustion engine, is compensated at least partially by a torque/torque component delivered by the electric machine. |
| US08720617B2 |
Electric bus
An electric bus is disclosed, comprising a body including a floor, a rear cabin, and two front wheel wells. The front wheel wells are disposed in a middle section of the body. The body further includes a seat area having one or more seats arranged in one or more rows. The rear cabin is disposed behind a back row of the seats. The electric bus further includes a chassis and a battery system for providing electric power to the electric bus. The battery system further comprises a first battery group disposed above the respective front wheel wells; a second battery group disposed under the floor and proximate to an intermediate row of the seats; and a third battery group disposed under the floor and proximate to a back row of the seats and in the rear cabin behind the back row of seats. |
| US08720612B2 |
Cutting element and a method of manufacturing a cutting element
The present disclosure relates in one aspect to a cutting element comprising a substrate and a cutting layer disposed on a surface of the substrate. The cutting layer comprises an ultra hard material. The substrate comprises tungsten carbide and a metal binder. The substrate has a magnetic saturation value in the range of from 80% to less than 85%. In another aspect, the magnetic saturation value may increase within the substrate along a gradient, wherein proximal to the interface with the cutting layer, the substrate has a magnetic saturation value in the range of from 80% to less than 85%. Also included are drill bits incorporating such cutting elements. Additionally, the present disclosure relates to methods of manufacturing cutting elements. |
| US08720611B2 |
PDC bits with cutters laid out in both spiral directions of bit rotation
Downhole drilling tools designed and manufactured to reduce bit axial force and torque and to enhance drilling efficiency comprising laying out some cutters in one spiral direction of rotation about a bit rotational axis and other cutters in an opposite spiral direction of rotation; evaluating forces acting on cutters during simulated engagement with a downhole formation (straight and transitional drilling); and modifying cutter layout with respect to a spiral direction of rotation. Some embodiments further comprise, prior to simulation, placing cutters in cutter groups/sets at respective locations to obtain a level of force balance. Multilevel force balanced downhole drilling tools may be designed using five respective simulations: cutter group level, neighbor cutter group level, cutter set level, group of N (N=3 or N=4) consecutive cutters level and all cutters level. Cutter layout procedures and algorithms to minimize respective bit forces and in some embodiments to obtain force balance are described. |
| US08720610B2 |
Resilient bit systems and methods
A drill bit for subsurface drilling includes a body; a blade extending from the body and having a front, a back side, and a formation facing surface between the front side and the back side. The blade is configured to have a plurality of cutting elements mounted to it. In addition the drill bit includes a first flex cut extending into the blade from the formation facing surface and positioned between the front side and the back side of the blade. The first flex cut is configured to allow at least a portion of the blade to flex. |
| US08720608B2 |
Wellbore instruments using magnetic motion converters
A directional drilling system, a drilling hammer and a fluid flow telemetry modulator use a plurality of magnets arranged to convert rotational motion into reciprocating linear motion. Various types of motor can provide rotational motion to a part of the magnets and various linkages and other devices can cause steering or operation of a modulator valve. A torsional drilling hammer uses a plurality of magnets arranged to convert reciprocating linear motion into reciprocating rotational motion. A motor and linkage drives the linearly moving part of the magnets, and the rotating part provides torsional impact be striking the linearly moving part of the magnets. |
| US08720606B2 |
Locking mechanism for a ground drill
A locking mechanism for locking an insertable device relative to an outer tube of a ground drill comprises at least one latch, which is arranged to releasably retain the insertable device in a substantially fixed axial position relative to the outer tube. The locking mechanism comprises a cam and a cam follower, which are arranged to control a radial position of the latch. The locking system may be used in a ground drill system. |
| US08720604B2 |
Method and system for steering a directional drilling system
A drill bit direction system and method is disclosed that modifies or biases the stochastic movement of the drill bit to change a drilling direction of a drilling system. The direction of the drill bit is monitored to determine if the direction happens to align in some way with a preferred direction. If the direction isn't close enough to a preferred or desired direction, stochastic motion of the drill bit in the borehole may be controlled and/or motion of the drill bit under a side force acting on the drill bit to direct the drilling may be focused or biased to modify the direction of drilling closer to the preferred direction. Any of a number of stochastic motion control mechanisms or biasing mechanisms can be used. Some embodiments can resort to conventional steering mechanisms to supplement the stochastic motion control or side force biasing mechanisms. |
| US08720603B2 |
Underwater drilling arrangement and method for making a bore
The invention relates to an underwater drilling arrangement for making a bore in the bed of a lake, sea or river with a platform which can be lowered for positioning on the bed of the lake, sea or river, a drill drive which is arranged on the service platform and a drill rod with drill head which can be driven in rotation via the drill drive. It is provided that the service platform comprises a guide tube, on the inner side of which at least one linear guide is arranged, along which at least one part of the drill drive is guided axially displaceably and the guide tube is held so that it can be adjusted and fixed in a mount of the service platform. The invention further relates to a method for creating a bore in the bed of a lake, sea or river. |
| US08720600B2 |
Method of detecting a fault attack
A method of detecting a fault attack including generating a first signature of a first group of data values by performing a single commutative non-Boolean arithmetic operation between all the data values of the first group; generating a second set of data values by performing a permutation of the first set of data values; generating a second signature of the second group of data values by performing said single commutative non-Boolean arithmetic operation between all the data values of the second group; and comparing the first and second signatures to detect a fault attack. |
| US08720598B2 |
Power drill
The invention relates to a power drill, having a tool-clamping device that is coupled to a drive motor via a drive shaft and a torque clutch equipped with a transmission element. The torque clutch has a clutch-adjusting ring that cooperates at least indirectly with at least one clamping element that exerts a prestressing force on the transmission element. An end of the drive shaft oriented toward the tool-clamping device is guided in a bearing that axially fixes the drive shaft in a drilling or screwdriving position and axially releases the drive shaft in an impact drilling position. The bearing cooperates with a bearing holder, which moves the bearing axially via a user-actuatable actuating element. According to the invention, the actuating element is coupled to an adjusting element that axially fixes the transmission element and axially releases the bearing in the impact drilling position and axially releases the transmission element and axially fixes the bearing in the drilling or screwdriving position. |
| US08720594B2 |
Beach cleaner
A beach cleaner has a frame formed by a longitudinal member and a lateral member, a ski member that is secured to a front portion of the frame and grounded to a sand surface GL, a trailing target portion that is trailed by a trailing vehicle, a separator that is provided at a front lower portion of the frame and scrapes up trash from a sand area while separating the trash from sand, a trash withdrawing member that is provided to the frame at a rear side of the separator to collect the trash scraped up by the separator onto a mesh member, and a wheel at a rear side of the frame. The trash withdrawing member has a fixed withdrawing body that is located at a front end portion and fixed to the frame, and a swing withdrawing body. |
| US08720592B2 |
Expansion nozzle assembly to produce inert gas bubbles
A nozzle assembly for encapsulating a gaseous solution in bubbles comprises a discharge tube having a diffuser and a foam solution spray nozzle mounted therein. The discharge tube has upstream and downstream ends. The discharge tube has a front face at the upstream end with a first opening configured to be joined to a gas supply line that provides a gaseous solution and a second opening configured to receive a non-expanded foam solution. The downstream end of the discharge tube is open. A chamber is formed within the discharge tube to receive the gaseous solution at the upstream end and release the gaseous solution through the diffuser into the discharge tube towards the downstream end. |
| US08720589B2 |
Apparatus and method to support a tubular member
Apparatuses and methods are disclosed herein relating to an apparatus to support a tubular member. The apparatus includes a bowl having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, in which the bowl includes an inner wall formed about the longitudinal axis that is tapered with respect to the longitudinal axis. The apparatus further includes a plurality of slip assemblies movably disposed within to the bowl and having a tapered outer surface and a tapered inner surface with respect to the longitudinal axis. The tapered outer surface of the plurality of slip assemblies is configured to engage the tapered inner wall of the bowl. Further, the bowl may include a shoulder disposed on the inner wall that extends towards the longitudinal axis with respect to the inner wall. Each of the plurality of slip assemblies may be configured to engage the shoulder of the bowl. |
| US08720588B2 |
Method and system for fixing an element in a borehole
A method is provided of fixing at least one element, preferably a sensor or a valve, in a borehole formed in an earth formation. The method comprises positioning each element in the borehole, positioning a swellable body in the borehole, the swellable body being susceptible of swelling upon contact with a swell fluid, wherein the swellable body is arranged to press the element against a wall of the borehole upon swelling of the swellable body, and allowing the swell fluid to contact the swellable body thereby inducing the swellable body to swell and to press the element against said wall of the borehole. |
| US08720587B2 |
Control mechanism for subsurface safety valve
A control mechanism for use with a safety valve adapted to seal a wellbore is described. The control mechanism comprises at least one valve actuator for engaging with the safety valve, the at least one actuator being moveable, in use, between a valve open position in which the safety valve is open and a valve closed position, in which the safety valve is closed. The control mechanism further comprises biasing apparatus adapted to bias the at least one valve actuator to the valve closed position, wherein, in use, the at least one valve actuator extends from the safety valve up to a wellbore wellhead. In one described embodiment, the safety valve is moved between the open and closed positions by movement of the at least one valve actuator with respect to the wellbore. |
| US08720586B2 |
Hybrid seal
A casing hanger seal assembly is lowered into a pocket between a casing hanger and a wellhead housing while in a run-in position. The seal assembly has a metal-to-metal upper seal ring and an elastomeric and metal lower seal ring carried by and below the upper seal ring. The upper and lower seal rings are movable from a run-in position to a set position sealing between the sidewalls of the casing hanger and the wellhead housing by applying a downward force. The downward force required to move the lower seal ring to the set position is less than the downward force required to move the upper seal ring to the set position. A downward force applied to the upper seal ring after the lower seal ring has landed in the pocket transfers to the lower seal ring to cause the lower seal ring to move to the set position before the upper seal ring moves to the set position. |
| US08720582B2 |
Apparatus and methods for providing tubing into a subsea well
In some embodiments, apparatus useful for providing tubing into an underwater well includes at least one surface injector configured to control movement of the tubing into and out of the well and at least one underwater injector configured to apply pushing and pulling forces to the tubing. |
| US08720581B2 |
Production manifold accessory
A production flow base (1) for possible future branched connection onto a production manifold (10) in order to provide for the connection of at least two production jumpers extending from respective subsea Xmas trees onto the production manifold (10), is shown. The production flow base (1) is arranged as a retrofit module connectable to a single inboard hub (11) prearranged on the production manifold (10). The production flow base (1) includes a frame structure (2), piping (3), at least one connector (4) and guiding means (9). The frame structure (2) is arranged for landing on a supporting arrangement (12) projecting from a manifold structure (10). The piping (3) forms a branch terminating in a connector (4) and at least two outboard hubs (6). |
| US08720574B2 |
Subsea connector
A subsea connector that includes a connector capable of selectively connecting to a spool body to form a connector assembly. The subsea connector may include an adapter ring that is capable of connecting the spool body to the connector. The connector assembly may be lowered onto a wellhead member and locked into place by a movable piston and split lock ring. While the connector assembly is in the unlocked state, the adapter ring may be rotated moving the connector up or down with respect to the spool body, which lands on the wellhead member. The movement of the connector may be used to vary the alignment of the connector locking means with respect to the locking profile of the wellhead member. This change in position may be used to modify the preload force applied to the connector when locked onto the wellhead member. |
| US08720573B2 |
Method for sampling and analysis of production from a subsea well for measuring salinity of produced water and also volumetric ratio between liquid fractions
A permanent subsea sampling and analysis system is integrated into a replaceable equipment module for a choke valve of a subsea production well. The analysis system is self-contained, and separates a sample into liquid fractions consisting of crude oil, condensate and produced water and then measures the salinity of the water as well as the volumetric ratio between the liquid fractions all in the same sampling container. |
| US08720565B2 |
Tubular severing system and method of using same
A method for severing a tubular of a wellbore is provided. The method involves positioning a blowout preventer about a tubular, the blowout preventer having a plurality of rams slidably positionable therein and a plurality of blades carried by the rams for engaging the tubular. The method further involves piercing the tubular with a piercing point of at least one of the blades such that a portion of the tubular is dislodged therefrom, and raking through the tubular with a cutting surface of at least one of the blades. |
| US08720563B2 |
Calcium aluminate cement composition containing a set retarder of an organic acid and a polymeric mixture
A cement composition for use in an oil or gas well, the cement composition comprises: a calcium aluminate cement; water; an organic acid; and a polymeric mixture comprising: (A) water; (B) citric acid; (C) a first polymer, wherein the first polymer: (i) comprises a cellulose backbone and carboxymethyl functional groups; and (ii) has a molecular weight of less than 100,000; and (D) a second polymer, wherein the second polymer: (i) comprises a lignosulfonate; and (ii) has a molecular weight of less than 100,000, wherein a test composition consisting essentially of: the cement; the water; the organic acid; and the polymeric mixture, and in the same proportions as in the cement composition has a thickening time of at least 5 hours at a temperature of 300° F. (148.9° C.) and a pressure of 10,000 psi (68.9 MPa). |
| US08720561B2 |
Sliding stage cementing tool and method
A downhole tool provided within a casing string for use in cement staging operations. The tool includes a sleeve in the tool that selectively slides downward under pressure to expose ports formed in a side wall of the tool. Also, an annulus through the tool is selectively blocked so that cement in the casing string flows radially outward through the ports and into an annulus between the tool and a wellbore. An inflatable packer is included that is integral to the body of the tool and is inflated with a fluid that is pushed into the packer as the sleeve slides downward. An optional expanding agent can be included in the packer that is a metal oxide and is activated with the addition of water. |
| US08720560B2 |
Apparatus and method for cementing a borehole
In aspects, the disclosure provides a method for cementing a borehole that includes selecting a location in the borehole for cementing. The method further includes providing a cement slurry comprising a cement and shape memory members having a first shape, the shape memory members configured to expand from the first shape to a second shape upon application of heat to the shape memory members, placing the cement slurry in the selected space and heating the shape memory members in the selected space to attain the second shape. |
| US08720559B2 |
Cementing method and apparatus for use with running string having an obstruction
A cementing assembly is mounted to a lower end of a running string. The running string has an obstruction in it such as a cable preventing a wiper dart from passing through. A production string liner wiper plug is secured to the running tool with a shear pin or other device. A dart is temporarily suspended above the liner wiper plug in a manner that cement can be pumped around the dart and through an open bore in the wiper plug. Picking up to let dogs extend followed by setting down releases the dart. Picking up again exposes a lateral port to circulate out contaminated cement. Setting down closes the port and pressure launches the plug to push the cement into the annulus surrounding the string being run in. A passage without restrictions results at the top of the cemented string after the running tool is pulled out of the hole. |
| US08720554B2 |
Apparatus and methods of flow testing formation zones
A method of flow testing multiple zones in a wellbore includes lowering a tool string into the wellbore. The tool string includes an inflatable packer or plug and an electric pump. The method further includes operating the pump, thereby inflating the packer or plug and isolating a first zone from one or more other zones; monitoring flow from the first zone; deflating the packer or plug; moving the tool string in the wellbore; and operating the pump, thereby inflating the packer or plug and isolating a second zone from one or more other zones; and monitoring flow from the second zone. The zones are monitored in one trip. |
| US08720549B2 |
Process for enhanced production of heavy oil using microwaves
A process for utilizing microwaves to heat H2O within a subterranean region wherein the heated H2O contacts heavy oil in the subterranean region to lower the viscosity of the heavy oil and improve production of the heavy oil. |
| US08720548B2 |
Process for enhanced production of heavy oil using microwaves
A process for utilizing microwaves to heat H2O and sulfur hexafluoride within a subterranean region wherein the heated H2O and sulfur hexafluoride contacts heavy oil in the subterranean region to lower the viscosity of the heavy oil and improve production of the heavy oil. |
| US08720547B2 |
Process for enhanced production of heavy oil using microwaves
A process for utilizing microwaves to heat solvent within a subterranean region wherein the heated solvent, vapor, contacts heavy oil in the subterranean region to lower the viscosity of the heavy oil and improve production of the heavy oil. |
| US08720545B2 |
Continuous flow drilling systems and methods
A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid into a top of a tubular string disposed in the wellbore at a first flow rate and rotating a drill bit. The tubular string includes: the drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof, tubular joints connected together, a longitudinal bore therethrough, a port through a wall thereof, and a sleeve operable between an open position where the port is exposed to the bore and a closed position where a wall of the sleeve is disposed between the port and the bore. The method further includes moving the sleeve to the open position; and injecting drilling fluid into the port at a second flow rate while adding a tubular joint(s) to the tubular string. The injection of drilling fluid into the tubular string is continuously maintained between drilling and adding the joint(s). |
| US08720541B2 |
Tubular handling device and methods
A tubular handling apparatus including a tubular member running tool adapted to provide load-bearing, and preferably torquing, capacity upon the gripping of a tubular is provided. The running tool includes a slotted member having a plurality of elongated slots, a recessed member associated with the slotted member and having a plurality of recesses, and a plurality of gripping elements disposed between the slotted member and recessed member. Each such gripping element is adapted to move with an engaged tubular so as to grip the tubular. A tubular member elevator associated to the running tool, as well as related floor slips, are also encompassed. Methods of casing running are also included. |
| US08720539B2 |
Modular power source for subsurface systems
An electrical power system comprising a support configured for interconnection within a subsurface drillstring, an electrical power unit coupled to the support, and a conductive link configured to distribute electrical power from the electrical power unit to at least one component coupled to the electrical power system within the subsurface drillstring. |
| US08720537B2 |
Graphite sheet and heat transfer structure using same
A graphite sheet preventing leakage of a heat radiating member when a fluid heat radiating member such as grease is used and improving heat radiation performance is provided. A graphite sheet includes a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface and has a large anisotropic thermal conductivity in a main surface direction. The graphite sheet includes a first concave portion provided on the first main surface and having a first bottom surface, a second concave portion provided on the second main surface and having a second bottom surface, a thin film portion formed in a region in which the first bottom surface and the second bottom surface are overlapped with each other, and a connecting hole penetrating the thin film portion and allowing the first concave portion and the second concave portion to communicate with each other. |
| US08720535B2 |
Heat exchanger, use, and manufacturing process for a heat exchanger
A heat exchanger includes a block for the separated and heat-exchanging guiding of first and second fluids, the block having a number of fluid flow channels, at least one box which is flow-connected to the flow channels, and at least one base that includes one or more openings for feeding the flow channels from the box. At least one opening is formed as a passage with a collar having a near-bottom section and an end-side section, and a wall thickness of the end-side section is smaller than a wall thickness of the near-bottom section. A shoulder between the near-bottom and end-side section has a contour running transverse to the contour of the near-bottom section and/or the end-side section, and the end-side section is inclined away from a passage axis. Also a manufacturing process for a heat exchanger. |
| US08720526B1 |
Process for forming a long gas turbine engine blade having a main wall with a thin portion near a tip
A process is provided for forming an airfoil for a gas turbine engine involving: forming a casting of a gas turbine engine airfoil having a main wall and an interior cavity, the main wall having a wall thickness extending from an external surface of the outer wall to the interior cavity, an outer section of the main wall extending from a location between a base and a tip of the airfoil casting to the tip having a wall thickness greater than a final thickness. The process may further involve effecting movement, using a computer system, of a material removal apparatus and the casting relative to one another such that a layer of material is removed from the casting at one or more radial portions along the main wall of the casting. |
| US08720525B2 |
Methods for operating window covers
A window cover system includes an extendible window cover that has a pair of lift cords. A lift cord pulley shaft is coupled to a pair of spaced apart lift pulleys. A spring drive unit is constructed of a beveled gear system with a first gear that is spring biased to resist rotation of the first gear in one direction of rotation, and a second gear meshed with the first gear. The lift cord pulley shaft is operably coupled to the second gear and is configured to rotate therewith. The spring drive unit has a single output and no input, and the single output is coupled to the first gear. |
| US08720523B2 |
Shielding apparatus and clutch used for the same
A shielding apparatus is provided in which operations of raising and lowering a middle rail and operations of raising and lowering a bottom rail can be performed independently from each other by means of a common operation cord. In a shielding apparatus equipped with an elevation apparatus configured to raise and lower a middle rail 3 and a bottom rail 5, whereby a shielding member 2, 4 can be pulled out in the vertical direction or folded in, the elevation apparatus comprises an operation cord 16 of an endless type hanging down from a head box 1, and selective operation means 13 configured to raise or lower the middle rail 3 through an operation of the operation cord 16 in one direction, and to raise or lower the bottom rail 5 through an operation in the other direction, wherein the selective operation means 13 is configured to push up the middle rail 3 by the bottom rail 5 so that the bottom rail 5 and the middle rail 3 can be raised together. |
| US08720522B2 |
Motorcycle tire/wheel changing tool
A motorcycle wheel changing tool is presented that utilizes a rolling carriage that immobilizes the front or back wheel utilizing flat steel swing arms and a tension spring that holds the wheel in place with a knockout retaining rod through the wheel. The entire unit can be rolled and/or lifted in place to work in conjunction with a motorcycle stand. There is a folding handle that expands or contracts to accommodate different size tire/wheel widths and can pull the unit. The rolling wheels can be raised or lowered for different motorcycles depending on the height of the bike in relation to the wheel stand. Additionally, four large eye hooks can be raised or lowered to secure the wheel. Two threaded rods are utilized that secure both angle ends in place to secure the unit so that it is perpendicular to the wheel and keeps the unit from flexing. |
| US08720517B2 |
System and method for applying individually coated non-linear elastic strands to a substrate
A system and method applies a plurality of stretched elastic strands onto a substrate such as along a predetermined non-linear path, to form a leg gather of a disposable absorbent personal hygiene product. The system includes an adhesive dispensing module for individually applying adhesive to the elastic strands. A heated strand guide located downstream of the dispensing module includes guide openings for the respective elastic strands. A drive mechanism coupled to the strand guide actuates movement of the strand guide in a direction transverse to the movement direction of the substrate, thereby causing the elastic strands to be applied to the substrate along the predetermined non-linear path. |
| US08720516B2 |
Ultrasonic press using servo motor with delayed motion
An ultrasonic welding system includes a controller, an electrically powered linear actuator driving a movable element to which an ultrasonic welding stack is mounted to move linearly and apply a controlled force and/or speed to a workpiece. A sensor measures a control variable and outputs to the controller a signal corresponding thereto. Based on this signal, the controller causes the linear actuator movable element to apply through the ultrasonic welding stack a predetermined positive initial force at an initiation of a welding operation and to limit a linear displacement of the ultrasonic welding stack to a predetermined initial displacement until the dynamic signal output from the sensor indicates that a sensed variable satisfies a predetermined condition. Based on the signal relating to the satisfied predetermined condition, the controller moves the ultrasonic welding stack in accord with a default weld profile or a weld profile selected from available weld profiles. |
| US08720512B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire having inconspicuous sidewall surface irregularities. The pneumatic tire includes a plurality of sidewall parts and a tread portion extending between the sidewall parts. At least one sidewall part has a pattern extending in the tire circumferential direction that can be visually differentiated from the surrounding regions of the sidewall surface by an irregularity or reflectance properties of light of the sidewall surface. The pattern includes a plurality of linear protrusions or grooves that extend in a wave shape in a tire circumferential direction while deflecting in a tire radial direction with a period of λ1. The line protrusions or grooves have intervals in a tire radial direction, and are non-intersecting. Outer and inner circumferences of the pattern of the tire radial direction are formed by the plurality of linear protrusions or grooves to extend in a wave shape in a tire circumferential direction. |
| US08720507B2 |
Pneumatic tire with high speed durability
A pneumatic tire with superior durability having a tread part comprising a cap tread layer (layer A) and an under tread layer (layer B), wherein, in the pneumatic tire, when storage elastic moduli of the rubber compositions constituting the layer A and the layer B are designated as EA and EB, the storage elastic moduli EA (60° C.) and EB (60° C.) determined at a temperature of 60° C. satisfy the following formulae (1) and (2): EA(60° C.)/EB(60° C.)≦0.66 (1) 10(MPa)≦EB(60° C.) (2) |
| US08720506B2 |
Pneumatic tire
To significantly improve performances on ice by optimizing a tread pattern.This pneumatic tire has, in at least a part of a tread portion 1, a block group GB formed by arranging blocks 3 close to each other, the blocks being defined by grooves 2 and being independent of each other, and when a symbol P (mm) stands for a reference pitch length of the blocks in the block group GB, a symbol W (mm) stands for a width of the block group GB, a symbol a (pieces) stands for the number of the blocks 3 existing in a reference zone Z of the block group GB, the reference zone being comparted by the reference pitch length P and the width W, and a symbol N (%) stands for a negative ratio in the reference zone Z, a block number density S, which is the number of the blocks per unit of an actual ground contact area of the block group GB and given by a formula of S=a/{P×W×(1−N/100)}, is set within a range of not less than 0.003 (pieces/mm2) but not more than 0.04 (pieces/mm2). |
| US08720495B2 |
Integrated supplying apparatus for gas and sizing
The present invention discloses an integrated supplying apparatus for gas and sizing. It comprises a sizing barrel, a gas supply unit and a switching unit. The sizing barrel and the gas supply unit are both connected with the switching unit. When the switching unit is fixed in a first state by a safety cover, the gas supply unit can only output high pressure gas through the switching unit. When the switching unit is converted into a second state by releasing the safety cover, the gas supply unit in turn outputs some high pressure air into the sizing barrel through the switching unit, so that the sizing inside the sizing barrel is output under the action of the gas pressure and the gas inside the sizing barrel is then output when completing the output of the sizing. |
| US08720489B2 |
Faucet with wand
The present invention provides a faucet with a wand that has a geometric orientation of the wand and/or a geometric relationship between components of the faucet. |
| US08720488B2 |
Gas valve
In order to achieve high opening speeds in a dry running gas valve with electromagnetic actuation, it is provided to arrange the engagement point of the magnet armature 22 and the limit stop at the radially inner guide region 16 of the valve element 2. Due to the resulting reduced deflection, the valve element can be built more compact and lighter and the residual air gap can be reduced, which allows higher opening speeds. |
| US08720487B2 |
Grease delivery receiver and nozzle couplable without fluid pressure bleed-down and having pressurization lockout and flush face coupling
A grease and lubricating oil line coupler includes a nozzle and a receiver which can be intercoupled for grease or lubricating oil delivery. Each component is equipped with a normally closed, sealed poppet, which prevents the entrance of dirt and other contaminants into the free ends thereof when decoupled, and which provides an easily-cleanable, flush-faced mating surface. The nozzle has a handle-operated internal valve with an interlock that is controlled by a quick disconnect slidable collar, which prevents the release of lubricants from the nozzle unless it is coupled to the receiver. Only when the nozzle and receiver are interconnected can the valve be opened, and only when the valve is closed can the nozzle be decoupled from the receiver. When the nozzle and receiver are coupled together, internal parts within the two components move to create a path through which lubricants can flow. |
| US08720486B2 |
Valve apparatus
A valve apparatus includes a valve main body provided with a first inlet and outlet, a valve chamber to which a valve port is open, and a second inlet and outlet connected to the valve port. A valve shaft having a valve body portion for opening and closing the valve port is provided in the valve chamber. A relief valve is provided within the valve body portion to relieve a pressure of the valve chamber to the second inlet and outlet when a fluid pressure of the refrigerant within the valve chamber becomes a predetermined pressure or more in a fully closed state in which the valve port is closed by the valve body portion, thereby to automatically relieve a fluid within a valve chamber without causing a cost increase and an enlargement of size. |
| US08720484B2 |
Fuel system and method for assembling the same
A fuel system is disclosed. The fuel system includes a fuel tank having a chamber defined by a wall and an electrical circuit associated with the fuel tank. The electrical circuit includes means for determining an amount of fuel disposed within the fuel tank chamber. A portion of the electrical circuit includes a sensor for detecting whether or not the fuel line is properly connected to the fuel tank. A method for assembling a fuel system is also disclosed. |
| US08720482B2 |
Fuel system
A fuel metering unit (FMU) comprising a metering valve operable to control the supply of fuel to a delivery chamber of a pressure raising valve (PRV), the PRV including a valve member movable under the influence of the pressure within the delivery chamber between a closed position and an open position in which fuel is able to flow from the delivery chamber to an outlet port, and a push piston movable under the influence of the pressure within a control chamber to urge the valve member towards its open position, wherein the control chamber communicates with a valve control port. |
| US08720473B2 |
Cell flow technology that provides continuously variable, and renewable, continuance of pressure resistance
Cell flow technology is a platform technology comprised of a family cell, or multiple familiar cells (matrix), in a homogeneous or heterogeneous group format, which includes primary and secondary active cells and passive cells. These continuance cells in a congruent or varying size and shape that have the same or different degrees of capabilities are interconnected and interactive with or without the advantage of a properly calibrated and variable continuance valve(s) and shall dynamically transfers air, gas, liquid, or other substance or media, or mixture thereof by a continuously variable, and renewable, continuance of pressure resistance autogeneously through elastomeric potential energy, geometric advantages, introduction of a force, or removal of a source of a force. Thereby, the family cell will perform the predetermined function in a present device that shall use the technology for a wide array of uses for any imaginable living being that shall operate the technology. |
| US08720470B2 |
Intelligent emergency shut down system and a method for emergency closing and regulation of fluid stream in fluid storage and dispensing systems during earthquake
The various embodiments herein disclose a system and a method for regulating a flow of fluid stream in fluid storage and dispensing systems. The system comprising a valve arrangement including a compressed air unit bloated by a connecting air inlet tube, a frame and a valve elevating means to mount the valve arrangement on the frame, several sensors to detect one crisis factor, a communication unit, a data logger and processing unit, a remote management system and several actuators to regulate the operation of the valve arrangement. The valve arrangement shuts down the outflow of fluid stream on receiving a valve shutdown signal from one of the sensors and data processing unit in case of a crisis detection. The data processing unit informs the remote management system to take adequate safety measures through the communication unit. |
| US08720469B2 |
Electronic flow sensor
A safety shut-off device is provided for a liquid gas system for vehicles and/or vehicle trailers, in order to avoid an inadvertent release of gas. The device includes an electromagnetic gas valve for supplying/shutting off the gas, an electronic unit for activating the electromagnetic gas valve, and a flow sensor for determining a current gas flow being discharged from a storage tank. Furthermore, the device includes an evaluation unit for comparing the current gas flow to a previous gas flow or to a gas flow which is indicated by the gas consumers and is to be expected. If, during use, the evaluation unit determines a current gas flow which differs by more than a maximum permissible rate of change from the previous gas flow or from a gas flow which is indicated by the gas consumers and is to be expected, the electromagnetic gas valve is activated via the electric unit in order to shut off the supply of gas. |
| US08720467B2 |
Purging device for assembled unit and method of deflating an assembled unit
A purging device is provided for an assembled unit for a vehicle, having both a wheel including a rim and a tire. The purging device has a body connected to the inflation tube of the assembled unit, the body being designed to be subjected to the inflation pressure of the assembled unit, and a piston able to move inside the body. The piston operates an open/close element, fixed to the piston, between a closed position and a purging position of the body, the open/close element being normally closed, the open/close element and the piston each having a face designed to be exposed to the inflation air inside the body in the closed position. The open/close element is opened by the action of an operating force on the piston. Also disclosed is a method for deflating an assembled unit. |
| US08720460B2 |
Field-deployable cable-splicing outdoor-shelter
Apparatus and methodology providing, a portable enclosed space in an outdoors setting, the space being free from environmentally-induced distractions. A technician can perform a mechanical or fusion splice on an optical fiber inside the space. Splicing or fusing miniscule optical fibers is challenging out of doors, particularly when distracted b wind, rain, snow, sun-glare, bugs, animals, etc. A tent is supported by a “spine” support structure modularly constructed by the technician in the outdoors location where an optical fiber operation shall take place. A splice-tray is affixed to the spine, the tray height being adjustable to accommodate that technician and provide an approximately horizontal work surface. The tent can be used on soft ground, hard pavement, leaning against utility poles or further supported by attachment to overhead cables. The technician can perform delicate operations on optical cables inside the tent with outside distractions mitigated. |
| US08720458B2 |
Tubular crutch with a cantilever handle
A tubular crutch including a tubular crutch body, a cantilever handle and a ground engaging extension is described. The tubular crutch body includes a tubular posterior stabilizing element, a first concave curve adjacent to the posterior stabilizing element, a second convex curve proximate to the first concave curve, a third concave curve proximate to the second convex curve and a tubular elongated portion adjacent to the third concave curve. The cantilever handle includes a curved base plate, a bolt, a tubular member, a nut and a contoured component. The tubular crutch also includes a ground engaging extension with a spring loaded button that is configured to be received at the bottom of the tubular elongated member. |
| US08720457B2 |
Bottom-triggering wind safety umbrella
The invention relates to an umbrella including a security system having a triggering device located on the contact area of the mast with the ground. The triggering device includes a slider, a slider return spring, a flexible transmission assembly connected to the head of the slider; a mechanism to inactivate the trigger, including a cam pivotally mounted on the trigger and capable of resting against the mast. |
| US08720455B2 |
Closed-circuit installation for the surface-treatment of components in a liquid bath
An installation including a bath storage reservoir, a treatment tank to receive the component that is to be treated which is carried by a support tool collaborating with the tank, respective pipes for conveying the bath from the reservoir to the tank and for emptying the bath from the tank to the reservoir, and a motion instigating device for setting the bath in motion in the closed circuit is provided. The tank is of elongate shape with a longitudinal axis and a cross section that is substantially constant between the respectively upstream and downstream opposite transverse ends of the tank. The bath conveying and emptying pipes are respectively connected to the upstream and downstream ends of the elongate tank along the longitudinal axis thereof. The tooling carrying the component that is to be treated, which component is placed in the tank, is mounted fixedly thereon. |
| US08720454B2 |
Eyelash curler
An eyelash curler can be used to curl a user's eyelashes. The user can position the eyelashes within the eyelash curler to the eyelash curler can act on the eyelashes causing them to take on a desired shape or configuration. The eyelash curler can press the eyelashes between two members so that they take on or are move towards a desired shape or configuration. |
| US08720452B2 |
Hair piece device
A hair piece of the present invention includes a comb portion formed from a flexible polymeric material. The comb includes a top portion presenting a track or female connector and a plurality of teeth extending radially from the top portion for engaging hair of a user. The comb may be fabricated from many other materials in addition to polymeric material or combination thereof without limiting the scope of the present invention. A base or support portion of the hair piece is formed from another polymeric material such as foam or the like. The base portion may present various cross sections such as circular, rectangular, square, and the like. The base portion may present various length and heights as desired by the user. A human or synthetic hair of various shapes, styles and colors is connected to the base portion thereby totally covering the base portion. |
| US08720450B2 |
Filter element comprising multifunctional fibrous smoke-altering material
A filter element for use in a smoking article and providing filtration of particulate material and gaseous components of mainstream smoke is provided. The filter element includes a segment of fibrous tow comprising a plurality of individual filaments, wherein each individual filament includes a plurality of adsorbent material particles at least partially encapsulated with a removable encapsulant imbedded therein. The individual filaments may further include an outer coating that provides a plurality of reactive groups adapted for reaction with one or more components of mainstream smoke. Alternatively, the multifunctional filter element combines different fibrous filter materials, such as cellulose acetate or polyolefin filaments combined with activated carbon filaments and at least one of ion exchange filaments and catalytic filaments. A method of providing a cellulose acetate fibrous tow containing an imbedded adsorbent material is provided, wherein a plurality of encapsulated adsorbent particles are mixed with a cellulose acetate dope. |
| US08720449B2 |
Cigar punch
A cigar punch with retractable plunger that includes a housing that has a cutting edge and an end-to-end passage having two sub-passages with different cross-sectional area. The cigar punch further includes a plunger extending through the housing and protruding from the cutting edge of the housing. The plunger includes at least one locking pin and a knob. The cigar punch further includes a biasing means to bias the plunger head for movement towards the cutting end when the plunger is in retracted position. To cut the cigar plug, the plunger is retracted and locked using locking means, thereby compressing biasing means and exposing the cutting edge to cut and hold a cigar plug. The plunger is unlocked by twisting the knob. The biasing means effects movement of the plunger head towards the cutting end, thereby automatically ejecting plug from within the cigar punch. |
| US08720438B2 |
Breathing mask with sticky edge
Breathing assist kits having a cranio-cervical extension device and a strapless breathing mask are presented. The mask comprises a seal that couples the mask to a victim's face preferably using an adhesive gasket that ensures the mask does not become dislodged while a care giver provides assisted breathing. The mask can also include, among other enhancements, a window or a light gathering lens to provide a view into the victim's mouth. |
| US08720437B2 |
Protective headgear equipment with respirator and optical shield
A head protective equipment comprises: —a breathing mask (2) connectable to a breathing-gas source and adapted to be applied, in a use position, around an user's nose and mouth, for supplying said user with breathing gas; —a shield (6) adapted to be applied around the user's eyes; and—first and second lock elements (28, 30, 38, 40), respectively located on said mask and on said shield, and adapted to cooperate with each other in order to secure said shield to said mask when said mask is in said use position around said user's nose and mouth, said first and second elements being adapted to create a snap-together connection, —said shield and said mask being adapted to be locked together by a two-step movement, the first step consisting in approaching the shield to the mask until said shield reaches said mask, and the second step being a substantially linear movement until locking. |
| US08720436B2 |
Nitric oxide gel apparatus and method
Gel strips containing reactants capable of reacting to form nitric oxide are maintained separate until application. Upon application, the gel strips are placed in contact with one another, and may mix, or operate by diffusion, to deliver nitric oxide directly to the stream of breathing air of a user. Adhesive strips bonded to a substrate supporting the gel strips may provide for securing the nitric oxide generator directly to an upper lip of a user for breathing the nitric oxide through the nostrils. |
| US08720430B2 |
Mechanism for the autonomous latching of coke oven chamber doors for horizontal coke oven chambers
A device for latching of horizontal coke oven chambers which is triggered by an auxiliary frame located on the coke oven chamber door is provided. The auxiliary frame is restrictively movable in vertical direction on the coke oven chamber door. During the outward movement, the auxiliary frame hits upwardly against limit stop cams firmly mounted on the oven door and transmitting the vertical traction force onto the coke oven chamber door. During the upward movement, the auxiliary frame actuates levers which are rotationally movable to an axis arranged orthogonally to the coke oven chamber and which are connected to a translatorily freely movable latch. On actuation of this lever, it pulls the latch from the latch take-up bearings mounted on the coke oven chamber door so that the coke oven chamber door is unlatched and opened. In an embodiment of the present invention, the coke oven chamber door can be arrested the open or closed position with a device suitable for this purpose. |
| US08720422B2 |
Internal combustion heat engine, control system, method for dimensioning the engine, and automobile with said engine
The invention relates to an internal combustion heat engine, with at least one combustion chamber for intake gases comprising a mixture consisting of a fuel such as petrol and an oxidizer such as air, connected to an intake circuit (A) for the intake of said intake gases into the chamber and an exhaust circuit (B) for the exhaust of the burnt gases outside the chamber, an exhaust gas recirculation circuit (C, D) connecting the exhaust circuit to the intake circuit, and a control system for the exhaust gas recirculation. The control system is arranged so that the exhaust gas recirculation is implemented for at least one operation point defined by an engine speed and a torque output by the engine, for which the output torque is higher than 50% of the maximum engine torque. The invention can be used for operating the engine with optimal stoichiometric mixture and ignition advance without the occurrence of rattling. |
| US08720418B2 |
Fuel injection system
The invention relates to a fuel injection system of the common rail type having a rail body comprising a central bore and one or more outlet bores in fluid communication with the central bore for communicating with a respective fuel injector. The outer circumference of the rail body is substantially oval in cross-section and is thicker in cross-section in a direction substantially perpendicular to the outlet bore axis as compared to the thickness in cross-section substantially parallel to the outlet bore axis. By increasing the thickness of the rail body in this way, stresses at the intersection of the intersection of the central bore with the outlet holes may be reduced by up to 10% or more, thereby increasing the acceptable cycled running pressure of the system. |
| US08720417B1 |
Control system of internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine can use ammonia and a non-ammonia fuel which is easier to burn than ammonia as fuel. The non-ammonia fuel is directly injected into a combustion chamber by a non-ammonia fuel injector, and the injected non-ammonia fuel is ignited, whereby combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber is commenced. In the control system of the internal combustion engine, the injection timing of the non-ammonia fuel is advanced at a time when a ratio of ammonia in all fuel fed to the internal combustion engine is high in comparison with the time when the ratio is low. Therefore, a control system of an internal combustion engine capable of using ammonia and a non-ammonia fuel (gasoline, light oil, hydrogen, etc.) which is easier to burn than ammonia, which suitably feeds fuel and controls combustion in order to suitably burn an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber is provided. |
| US08720415B2 |
Output control device of vehicle
An output control device of a vehicle is provided. A flow speed ratio calculator obtains a flow speed ratio which is a ratio between a flow speed of an intake air of the internal combustion engine realizing a current base request torque which is currently calculated and a flow speed of the intake air of the internal combustion engine realizing a previous request torque which is previously calculated. A base request torque corrector corrects the base request torque based on the flow speed ratio. A controller controls a driving parameter of the internal combustion engine according to the current request torque which is currently calculated based on the current base request torque corrected by the base request torque corrector. |
| US08720414B2 |
Throttle position sensor assembly
Throttle body assemblies having improved throttle position sensing assemblies and a method of integrating a throttle position sensor assembly with a throttle body assembly are described. The method comprises the steps of: i) press-fitting a sensor element onto a shaft of a throttle plate of a throttle body assembly; ii) engaging one or more inwardly extending members of the sensor element with one or more recessed portions formed on the shaft of the throttle plate; and iii) disposing an inductive rotary position sensor proximate the sensor element, wherein the press-fit engagement and one or more inwardly extending members limit axial and rotational movement of the sensor element with respect to the throttle plate, and wherein the inductive rotary position sensor detects a relative position of the sensor element for the purpose of ascertaining a position of the throttle plate. |
| US08720413B2 |
Variable compression ratio apparatus of exhaust gas brake
A variable compression ratio apparatus of an exhaust gas brake in an engine, may include a piston reciprocally moving in a cylinder of the engine, and an exhaust control valve that selectively communicates a combustion chamber of the cylinder with an exhaust manifold in accordance with pressure generated by the piston in the cylinder to control operating pressure of the piston. |
| US08720411B2 |
Reciprocating piston engine
The invention relates to a reciprocating piston engine, comprising at least one main combustion chamber, which is formed between a piston and a cylinder and which is connected by means of a riser to a pre-chamber having a pre-chamber axis, so that gas-air mixture pushed from the main combustion chamber into the riser by the piston forms a rising flow in the pre-chamber, wherein a gas supply channel separate from the riser opens into the prechamber, and wherein the riser and the gas supply channel are oriented with respect to each other in such a way that gas fed into the pre-chamber by means of the gas supply channel hits the rising flow substantially head-on, wherein the riser runs at an angle from the pre-chamber axis. |
| US08720404B2 |
Balance shaft assembly for vehicle
A balance shaft assembly for a vehicle, which includes a balance shaft carrier disposed under a cylinder block and, includes an oil pan, an upper end of the oil pan being coupled to a bottom of the cylinder block, may include a balance shaft protruding rearward from the balance shaft carrier and rotatably supported by the balance shaft carrier, a balance weight formed on an outer circumferential surface of the balance shaft, and a balance weight receiving portion formed at the oil pan and coupled to the balance shaft carrier to seal the balance weight therebetween. |
| US08720402B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and an air intake system, with the air intake system formed from at least one distributor pipe, a plurality of intake pipes and at least one plenum, and with the plenum positioned between the distributor pipe and the intake pipes. Here, the combustion air is fed to the air intake system via an air guiding duct which opens out into the distributor pipe, with the charge pressure of the combustion air reduced between the outlet out of the compressor and the inlet into the combustion chamber. A distributor pipe length is dimensioned as a function of an equivalent distributor pipe diameter such that it is possible for a reduction in the charge pressure to be obtained within the air intake system by expansion taking place partially in the plenum in the respective intake pipe and/or within the distributor pipe. |
| US08720401B2 |
Method and device for starting an internal combustion engine
A method and a device for starting an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the internal combustion engine exerting a drive torque on a crankshaft in one direction of the internal combustion engine, a starting motor exerting a starting torque on the crankshaft during a starting process to achieve a minimum rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, and a control unit regulating the starting torque. The control unit regulates the starting torque in a time-dependent manner between a positive maximum starting torque and a negative minimum starting torque during the starting process, a positive starting torque acting on the crankshaft in one direction and a negative starting torque in the opposite direction. |
| US08720400B2 |
Three-port pintle valve for control of actuation oil
A three-port flow control valve comprising a valve body having two opposite-facing valve seats disposed along a central bore terminating in an exhaust port. A supply port communicates with the first valve seat, and a common port communicates with the second valve seat. A pintle shaft connected to an actuating linear solenoid extends along the central bore. A first valve head actuated by the pintle shaft mates with the first valve seat. A second valve head disposed colinearly with the pintle shaft mates with the second valve seat. Opening of the first valve closes the second valve and vice versa. While the solenoid is de-energized the supply pressure keeps the first valve closed. A spring may be disposed between the second valve head and the exhaust port to urge the second valve head to close with the second valve seat. |
| US08720399B2 |
Valve timing control apparatus of internal combustion engine
In a valve timing control apparatus of an internal combustion engine, a first lock member is installed axially movably on either one of a housing and a vane member, a first lock recess section with which the first lock member is engaged when the vane member is relatively revolved at an intermediate phase position between most advance and retardation angle sides is installed on the other of the housing and the vane member, and a third lock recess section is installed at a retardation angle side in a circumferential direction of the housing with respect to the first lock recess section to limit a relative rotary position of the vane member at the most retardation angle side by an engagement of the first lock member with the third lock recess section. |
| US08720397B2 |
Compensating arrangement for a variable compression ratio engine
A compensating arrangement for a variable compression ratio engine, the compensating arrangement comprising a piston (1) reciprocally movable in a guiding sleeve (2) having an open end (24) in communication with a combustion cylinder of the engine and a closed end (11, 30), wherein the arrangement further comprises a first pneumatic cushion (20) formed between the closed end (11, 30) of the guiding sleeve (2) and the internal surface of the piston (1) such as to limit the movement of the piston (1) towards the closed end (11, 30) of the guiding sleeve (2), a second pneumatic cushion (19) formed between the guiding sleeve (2) and the external surface of the piston (1) such as to limit the movement of the piston (1) towards the open end (24) of the guiding sleeve (2), and a check valve (18) configured to provide pneumatic medium to the second pneumatic cushion (19) in amount dependent on the displacement of the piston (1) during its movement towards the closed end (11, 30) of the guiding sleeve (2). |
| US08720394B2 |
Variable compression ratio apparatus with dual eccentric links
A variable compression ratio (VCR) apparatus with dual eccentric links is mounted on an engine, receives combustion power of a fuel-air mixture from a piston to rotate a crank shaft and changes a compression ratio of the fuel-air mixture. The VCR apparatus may include a connecting rod having a large end portion formed at one end thereof, which is connected to the crank shaft to receive a torque of the engine, and a small end portion formed at the other end thereof, the small end portion having a coupling hole formed therein, a pair of eccentric links having one ends coupled to the coupling hole from both sides facing each other and integrally rotating, and an eccentric rod connected to the other ends of the eccentric links and rotating within a predetermined angle range. The eccentric rod may be a pair of eccentric rods. |
| US08720391B2 |
Pre-combustion cycle pressurisation system
A two stroke internal combustion engine (1) incorporating an asymmetric exhaust port/transfer port inversion device (2) characterized in that the device includes a hollow flap valve (100) adapted to pivot about a hollow pivot shaft (101) between a closed position and an open position wherein pivoting the device (2) to the open position as the piston (3) begins the compression stroke allows the transfer of air to continue after the leading edge of the piston has closed off the exhaust port (105) thereby advancing the timing of the exhaust port closing and extending the duration of air transfer from the crankcase primary compression chamber (103). |
| US08720390B2 |
Fuel performance booster
Hydrogen is produced from methanol and water under supercritical temperature and pressure conditions desirably without any catalyst. The hydrogen can be produced in situ on an internal combustion engine using a heat source such as the exhaust system of the internal combustion engine to achieve the supercritical temperature. |
| US08720389B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling an electric motor and an internal combustion engine
Method and apparatus for controlling an electric motor employing an electrolysis subassembly connected in an electrical circuit which includes the electric motor. While controlling the throughput of electrical current through the electrolysis subassembly, a fuel gas useful for fueling an internal combustion engine is simultaneously generated. The invention includes a novel electrolyte utilizing novel electrode structure and mode of operation. |
| US08720387B2 |
Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger comprising an outer jacket (9) with an inner set of vertical pipe elements (1) fastened at their opposing ends in upper and lower sieve walls (2, 3), and having a gas combustion chamber (4) located above the upper sieve wall, as well as partitions (5, 6, 7) mounted crosswise of the pipe elements. The partitions have openings for the pipe elements. The heat exchanger is also provided with liquid, gas and exhaust fumes inlet and outlet stub pipes. The outer jacket is conically shape with its diameter increasing upwards. An upper sieve wall (2), as well as an upper partition (5) situated below the wall, are shaped as cones with their vertexes pointing down. The upper partition (5) has a central opening (8) in its central region and an outer diameter corresponding to a diameter of the outer jacket (9). |
| US08720382B2 |
Vision system for facilitating the automated application of disinfectant to the teats of dairy livestock
A system includes a controller operable to access an image signal generated by a camera. The accessed image signal corresponds to one or more features of the rear of a dairy livestock. The controller is further operable to determine positions of each of the hind legs of the dairy livestock based on the accessed image signal. The controller is further operable to determine a position of an udder of the dairy livestock based on the accessed image signal and the determined positions of the hind legs of the dairy livestock. The controller is further operable to determine, based on the image signal and the determined position of the udder of the dairy livestock, a spray position from which a spray tool may apply disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock. |
| US08720378B2 |
Manure scraper system and apparatus
Manure is scrapped from a barn floor including an elongated conduit by blades on a trolley moving in the direction of the elongated conduit. The manure passes into the conduit via a slot. The trolley has a paddle wheel and drive wheels bearing on the conduit interior lower surface. The entirety of the drive wheels and most of the paddle wheel are in the conduit. A sprocket and chain arrangement connects the wheels so that, as the drive wheels turn, the paddle wheel turns to urge manure into the conduit. |
| US08720375B2 |
Clay-based superior animal litter
The invention is directed toward a high performance clay-based animal litter that is comprised of a clay-based liquid-absorbing material, and at least one filler coated with at least one clumping agent. The particle size of the liquid-absorbing material is small and provides the litter with a “sandy” appearance. The high performance litter is found to be surprisingly effective in containing odors and reducing tracking and dusting. It does not contain foaming agents and/or acids to trigger foaming, and does not utilize foams to block odors. |
| US08720374B2 |
Liquid bird feeder
A liquid hummingbird feeder is provided with a liquid container having a sealable top opening and a bottom opening, a liquid tray adapted to immerse the bottom opening in liquid, and a valve mechanism adapted to close the bottom opening to enable the liquid container to be filled through the sealable top opening. |
| US08720372B2 |
Window mounted pet viewing system
A window-mounted pet viewing system. The system includes at least one base panel having a base and a front portion. The one or more base panels are detachably mounted on a windowsill. When the one or more base panels are mounted, a pet can remain on the windowsill when a curtain mounted on the window area is let down. |
| US08720370B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for roll-on coating
Coating rollers accepting liquid media provide liquid chemicals to substrates for depositing a thin coating layer on the flat substrates, such as semiconductors or panels. The liquid media is cooled to a life-preserving temperature while shielded from the thermal energy heating the substrates to prevent degrading the liquid media. Physical barrier or temperature barrier can be established in vicinities of the rollers to further limit exposing the liquid media to high temperature. |
| US08720368B2 |
Plating jig
A plating jig can perform the processing of plating wherein a thickness of a plating film formed on each object to be plated becomes even when a plurality of objects to be plated are plated at a time. The plating jig is horizontally disposed, immersed in plating solution, and rotated about a rotational axis. The plating jig includes a plurality of supporting rods and a pair of end plates which support both ends of the supporting rods. The supporting rods are disposed on the circumference of the end plates. A plurality of notches are formed on the supporting rod at regular intervals along the rotational axis. |
| US08720362B2 |
Boat seat mounting assembly
A seat mounting assembly is provided for quick and easy attachment to a transverse bench-style seat of a fishing or Jon-type boat. The seat mounting assembly is quickly and easily attached to the bench-style seat such that the seat mounting assembly allows a seat attached thereto to slide longitudinally to the transverse bench seat. The unique interface of a seat base and a track of the seat mounting assembly helps ensure that the seat attached to the seat mounting assembly will not tip relative to the bench-style seat, while the low profile design of the seat mounting assembly helps keep the center of gravity of a boat to which the seat mounting assembly is installed substantially unchanged. |
| US08720361B2 |
Security barrier
The invention is directed to a security barrier for preventing trespass onto a water vessel. The security barrier includes one or more modular frame members, a strand of razor wire attached to the frame member and a suspension fastener for removably suspending the security barrier from a mounting surface of a water vessel. |
| US08720354B2 |
Quadfoiler
A watercraft having a hull, a mast with sail, an aft rudder and a hydrofoil projecting below the bottom of the hull. The hydrofoil is pivotly connected to the hull enabling the hydrofoil to pitch on a pivot axis which is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hull. The hydrofoils have a vertical part which produces lateral forces to accelerate the boat in turns and resist lateral forces from the sail, and a vertical portion which curves into the horizontal portion which produces vertical lift. The angle of incidence of the hydrofoil is controlled by a sensor arm carrying a trailing sensor. |
| US08720353B2 |
Sewing machine
A sewing machine includes a detector configured to detect ultrasonic waves transmitted from a specification-enabled area, a processor, and a memory storing non-transitory computer-readable instructions that instruct the sewing machine to perform specifying a prescribed position based on a positional relationship between a transmission area and the specification-enabled area, the transmission area being an area that is at least a portion of a sewing-enabled area and being an area that includes a position of a transmission source that transmits the ultrasonic waves, the prescribed position being a position of an embroidery frame when the entire transmission area is included in the specification-enabled area, moving the embroidery frame to the specified prescribed position, specifying a transmission position based on the ultrasonic waves that are detected by the detector, and performing a sewing operation based on the specified transmission position. |
| US08720352B2 |
Apparatus for hill plot farming of cereal grain crops
This improved apparatus for planting grain crops provides improved emergence, particularly under heavy soil conditions, promotes more vigorous growth, reduces tillering and improves the yield in wheat and barley crops. The improved apparatus receives seed at a more-or-less uniform rate, captures the flow of seed until a multiplicity of seed generally in the range of 20 to 30 seeds is gathered, then releases seed in concentrated groups spaced apart from one another and with blank or non-seeded portions therebetween into a furrow prepared by an angled disk. |
| US08720350B2 |
Pallet, method of manufacturing and method of transporting or handling goods
A pallet for transportation and handling of goods includes a base and a deck above the base for supporting goods. The pallet includes at least one location element that is provided between the deck and the base arranged to substantially limit lateral motion of the deck relative to the base. At least one isolator is provided between the deck and the base arranged to provide shock and vibration isolation to the deck from the base. In another aspect, the pallet includes at least one isolator between the deck and the base arranged to provide shock and vibration isolation to the deck from the base, the isolator including a resilient hollow shell that is open to the atmosphere in at least one place. |
| US08720349B1 |
Pole shelf
A pole shelf for mounting to a pole has a two-piece bracket and a two-piece shelf. The bracket is removably secured to poles of different diameters by adjusting a sliding engagement existing between pairs of male and female mating sleeves. The bracket pieces have a lip between upper and lower hub protrusion ribs and the lip has an outer cam edge with detents. The shelf pieces have a protrusion rib, an outer wall and a shelf bottom between the protrusion rib and outer wall, a retention post on the underneath side of the shelf bottom, a connector for releasably connecting ends of the two shelf pieces to each other and one or more shelf bottom connectors for releasably connecting the shelf bottoms to each other. When the shelf is in a closed state it is secured to the bracket, which itself is secured to a pole, by engaging the retention posts of shelf pieces with the outer cam edges of the bracket pieces and rotating the shelf so that the outer cam edges become removably locked into the retention posts. |
| US08720348B2 |
Bilateral rotation apparatus and furniture including the same
A bilateral rotation apparatus including a support member, a first connecting rod hingedly connected to one side of the support member in a longitudinal direction to be rotated along a locus of an arc, a second connecting rod hingedly connected to an opposite side of the support member in the longitudinal direction to be rotated along a locus of an arc, and connecting members disposed on an upper side of the support member is provided. The bilateral rotation apparatus is provided to a panel of furniture to open a wiring cap for wiring operation independently in one direction or in an opposite direction, thereby eliminating restriction on a wiring direction. |
| US08720347B2 |
Relieved bearing adapter for railroad freight car truck
A rail road freight car truck has a truck bolster mounted transversely between a pair of side frames. The mounting interface between the wheelset axle ends and the sideframe pedestals includes a bearing adapter. It has an upper portion that seats in the sideframe pedestal. The underside, lower portion, of the bearing adapter defines sits on the wheelset bearing casing. The lower portion has an apex, and has a first land portion for engaging a first portion of the bearing casing, and a second land portion for engaging a second portion of the bearing casing. The apex lies circumferentially between the first and second lands portions. There is a relief formed at the apex over the bearing race, so that vertical load is split to enter the casing to either side of top dead center. |
| US08720341B2 |
Multiple output and effect grenade
A multiple output and effect grenade is provided, in which an exothermic delay column is utilized to initiate a series of primers via the application of heat to the strike faces thereof, thereby providing a reliable and relatively safe grenade to ship and store. In particular, a multiple output and effect grenade comprised of an exothermic delay column disposed within a central cavity, operable to initiate a series of primers disposed in primer cavities located within the main body of the grenade. The primer cavities may be arranged in a symmetrical or asymmetrical configuration, so as to produce a firing signature resembling an automatic weapon or random gunfire, respectively. In addition, effect charges, such as illuminants, sound agents, chemical irritants, etc., may be disposed within the primer cavities, as desired by the user. |
| US08720335B2 |
Offset hand proofer tool
A method of predicting the performance of a printing press for a printing job includes preparing a first printing plate and securing the printing plate to a proofing device then adjusting the proofing device to optimize ink transfer from an anilox roll to the printing plate and from the printing plate to a substrate. An operator then prepares a printing proof on the substrate and evaluates the printing proof to predict the performance of a second printing plate on the printing press. The invention may also include a plate for printing that includes a printing press portion that is dimensioned to be secured to a printing press and a proofing portion that is dimensioned to be secured to a proofing tool that are separable. |
| US08720334B2 |
Sheet-fed printing press
A sheet-fed printing press comprises: a screen printing unit for printing one surface of a sheet being transported; a drying unit, provided downstream of the screen printing unit in a transport direction, for drying the screen-printed one surface of the sheet; a gravure printing unit, provided downstream of the drying unit in the transport direction, for performing printing on the dried sheet; and a reversing unit, provided between the drying unit and the gravure printing unit, for switching between double-sided printing in which the other surface on the side opposite to the screen-printed one surface of the sheet is gravure-printed, and single-sided printing in which the screen-printed sheet is reversed, and the one surface of the reversed sheet is gravure-printed. |
| US08720329B2 |
Dust removal attachment for a baler and method for using same
A method and apparatus for removing dust and dirt before baling uses a baler having a baling chamber, a pickup for picking up material to be baled from the ground and an inlet section between the pickup and the baling chamber. The inlet section has a perforated member at the bottom thereof, the perforated member forming a part of an air chamber. A blower attached to the air chamber is used for pulling air from the inlet section, through the perforated member and from the air chamber whereby dirt will be extracted from the inlet section before such dirt enters the baling chamber. |
| US08720326B2 |
Sealing head for modular steel strapping machine
A sealing head for a strapping machine welds steel strapping material to itself in an end-to-end weld. The sealing head includes a body, a drive, an end grip at the inlet to the body, a cutter, a grip clamp and a loop grip downstream of the end grip. The loop grip is carried on a carriage that is movable in a direction along the strap path. A leading end of strap is secured by the end grip and a loop portion of the strap is gripped by the loop grip and severed by the cutter to form a loop end. The loop end is secured by the grip clamp. The loop grip carriage moves the loop end toward the leading end as current is passed though the loop end and the leading end to weld the ends to one another in an end-to-end weld. |
| US08720325B2 |
Food processor with a lockable adjustable blade assembly
A food processor includes a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a blade assembly. A rotating disk is adjustable relative to the blade assembly to vary the thickness of the food items cut by the blade assembly. A user-operated pin is positioned below the rotating disk and is moveable between a first position in which the rotating disk is prevented from moving upwardly and downwardly, and a second position in which the rotating disk is permitted to move upwardly and downwardly. |
| US08720311B2 |
Tool holder
A combination live/dead tool holder for use on an indexing tool turret of a machine tool includes a live tool holder as well as a dead tool holder mount. The dead tool holder mount is configured to interchangeably mount to a variety of different dead tool holders. The tool holder includes a y-axis adjustment mechanism that facilitates adjustment of the position of the tool holder relative to the turret along the y axis (i.e., along a circumferential direction of the turret). |
| US08720310B2 |
Socket wrench with an energy-saving function
A socket wrench includes a handle and an actuating head connected with the handle. The handle has a first end provided with a mounting portion and a second end provided with a grip. The mounting portion of the handle has an inner wall provided with a pivot hole pivotally mounted on the actuating head and has an outer wall provided with a first driving arm and a second driving arm. The actuating head has an upper end provided with an extension which has a distal end provided with an elongate guide slot. Each of the first driving arm and the second driving arm of the handle is slidably mounted in the guide slot of the actuating head. The actuating head has a lower end inserted into a socket which is mounted on one bolt of a wheel. |
| US08720308B2 |
Dual pawl ratchet mechanism and reversing method
A dual-pawl ratchet wrench mechanism is disclosed having a stop mechanism for limiting over-travel of a reversing lever for selecting drive directions. In one form, the wrench mechanism includes a ball and spring assembly that cooperate with recesses to define proper positions for the reversing lever, and one or more ramps are provided between the recesses to promote tactile feel and to promote the reversing lever being rotated to a proper position. In some forms, the stop mechanism is formed on a stationary portion, such as a spacer or the wrench body, and a portion of the reversing lever. The design simplifies manufacturing, such as by simplifying assembly and minimizing the need for securements. Additionally, the reversing lever is assembled with the mechanism in a manner to improve sealing. |
| US08720305B1 |
Bicycle pedal
A bicycle pedal includes a pedal axle, a main pedal body, a first cleat securing member and a first biasing member. The main pedal body is rotatably supported on the pedal axle. The first cleat securing member is pivotally coupled relative to the main pedal body about a first pivot axis between a clamping position and a release position. The first biasing member biases the first cleat securing member toward the clamping position. The first biasing member is supported on the main pedal body at a distance farther from a center longitudinal axis of the pedal axle than the first pivot axis. |
| US08720296B2 |
Vertical articulated robot
A vertical articulated robot includes a base, a turning base, a first upper arm, a second upper arm, a front arm, a wrist assembly, a first motor, a second motor, a third motor, a fourth motor, and a wire body. The wire body includes a first wire portion, a second wire portion, a third wire portion, a fourth wire portion, a fifth wire portion, and a sixth wire portion. The first wire portion extends from the turning base along a third rotation axis and is connected to an outer surface of the first upper arm. The second wire portion extends from the first wire portion along a plane perpendicular to the third rotation axis and is connected to an outer surface of the first upper arm. The third wire portion extends in a U-shape from the second wire portion. |
| US08720291B2 |
Automatic multi-speed gear system
An automatic multi-speed gear system including an input axle, a first arm configured to couple with the input axle allowing for independent rotational movement of the input axle along the input axle axis, a first axle configured to couple with the first arm allowing for independent rotational movement of the first axle along a first axle axis, a second arm configured to couple with the first axle allowing for independent rotational movement of the first axle along the first axle axis, a second axle configured to couple with the second arm allowing for independent rotational movement of the second axle along a second axle axis, and an output axle. The first arm and the second arm are configured to move from a high-speed misalignment position to a low-speed alignment position where the second axle orbits the first axle. |
| US08720286B2 |
Temperature insensitive devices and methods for making same
An apparatus and method for estimating a parameter of interest using a force responsive element comprising, at least in part, a balanced material. The balanced material is temperature insensitive over a specified range of temperatures such that the force responsive element may estimate the parameter of interest by responding to a desired force with relatively little interference due to temperature changes within the specified range of temperatures. |
| US08720285B2 |
Non-contact measurement signal transmission system and method thereof
A non-contact measurement signal transmission system for a wheeler device includes a detection device, a magnetic coupling device, and a pressure sensing device. The detection device is disposed on a body of the wheeler device, and is used for generating an alternating current (AC) signal. The magnetic coupling device includes a first primary side and a first secondary side. The magnetic coupling device receives the AC signal at the first secondary side and emits a magnetic coupling signal from the first primary side. The pressure sensing device disposed on a rotator receives the magnetic coupling signal, and includes a forced portion and a base. The pressure sensing device responds a feedback signal according to a relative displacement between the forced portion and the base after receiving a press of a user. The detection device outputs a forced signal according to the feedback signal. |
| US08720282B2 |
Air pressure drop detecting device for cooling fan
An air pressure drop detecting device for detecting air flow volume of a cooling fan includes a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, and a display unit. The cooling fan has an air inlet and an air outlet opposite to the air inlet. The first pressure sensor is positioned in the air inlet and detects a plurality of first pressure values. The second pressure sensor is positioned in the air outlet and detects a plurality of second pressure values. The display unit is connected to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to display the first pressure values and the second pressure values, and a position of the cooling fan in the computer case is determined by the pressure difference between the first pressure values and the second pressure values. |
| US08720281B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining a zero offset in a vibrating flow meter
A method and apparatus for operating a vibrating flow meter is provided. The method comprises the steps of receiving sensor signals from the vibrating flow meter and determining a current zero offset for the vibrating flow meter. The current zero offset can be determined based on the received sensor signals. The method also comprises the step of determining one or more current operating conditions. The one or more current operating conditions can be compared to one or more previous operating conditions of the offset correlation. The method also includes the step of generating an average zero offset if the offset correlation includes a previously determined zero offset corresponding to the current operating conditions. The average zero offset can be based on the current zero offset and the previously determined zero offset. |
| US08720270B2 |
Prosthetic component for monitoring joint health
A prosthetic component suitable for long-term implantation is provided. The prosthetic component includes electronic circuitry and sensors to measure a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The prosthetic component comprises a first structure having at least one support surface, a second structure having at least one feature configured to couple to bone, and at least one sensor. The electronic circuitry and sensors are hermetically sealed within the prosthetic component. The prosthetic component includes at least on transmissive region. The transmissive region can be located in a region that has exposure to a region outside the joint. The transmissive region can comprise glass. One or more sensors can be used to monitor synovial fluid in proximity to the joint to determine joint health. The transmissive region can be used to support communication between the electronic circuitry and remote system. |
| US08720269B2 |
Particulate material monitoring system
A particulate material monitoring system for efficiently monitoring the level of particulate material within a container. The particulate material monitoring system generally includes a flange defining a front opening, a viewing cover attached to the flange covering the front opening, a viewing wall connected to the flange and a rear opening extending through the viewing wall. |
| US08720268B2 |
Flow rate detection device having anti-undercurrent material
The flow rate detection device includes a sensor element and a support. The sensor element includes: a cavity which is formed in a rear surface of a plate-shaped semiconductor silicon substrate by removing part of the plate-shaped semiconductor silicon substrate; and a thin film portion which is disposed over the cavity and includes a detecting element. The support includes a fitting portion into which the sensor element is to be disposed. The sensor element is supported to the fitting portion by an adhesive in a floating manner. A gap formed between the sensor element and the fitting portion is filled with an anti-undercurrent material. The sensor element has a texture including protrusions and depressions formed on a surface opposed to the fitting portion, and the anti-undercurrent material is brought into contact with the texture. |
| US08720262B2 |
Testing a speed limiting system of an elevator installation
In a method or a test device for testing a speed limiting system of an elevator installation, in which speed limiting system in normal operation on occurrence of an impermissible movement state of an elevator cage a cage brake device is activated in that a limiter traction means connected with a trigger mechanism of the cage brake device is braked by a speed limiter, whereby the trigger mechanism of the cage brake device is actuated against a trigger resistance force, the limiter traction means is, when the test is performed, operatively connected with the trigger mechanism by way of a test device, wherein the test device has the effect that for overcoming the trigger resistance force of the trigger mechanism a greater traction force is required in the limiter traction means than when the limiter traction means is directly connected with the trigger mechanism. |
| US08720253B2 |
Reconfigurable leak testing system
A reconfigurable leak testing system includes a leak testing station, an off-shuttle disposed adjacent to the leak testing station, and a fixture cartridge that is translatable between the off-shuttle and the leak testing station. The fixture cartridge is configured to selectively couple with the leak testing station and includes an upper fixture, a lower fixture, and a plurality of actuatable testing features. The fixture cartridge is configured to receive a part between the upper fixture and lower fixture, and the plurality of actuatable testing features are configured to contact the received part to create a closed volume adjacent the part, wherein the closed volume may be pressurized via a pressurized fluid, and examined for leaks. |
| US08720245B2 |
System for bending a metallic strip
A device and a process are described for bending a metallic strip (W) by means of bending tools (3, 4) which can rotate around a common axis (M) near a guide aperture (1) through which the metallic strip to be bent is fed. Controllable blocking means (5-8) are provided to lock the bending tools in positions mutually alongside the guide aperture when they are in the rest condition, and to release at least one of the bending tools in the operating condition in which the bending is performed. |
| US08720236B2 |
Padlock
A multiple function lock, which has dual, independently operated, locking mechanisms. In one embodiment, the multiple function lock is further comprised of a combination locking mechanism and a keyed locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the multiple function lock is further comprised of a gate mechanism for selectively securing and releasing a shackle of the lock. |
| US08720235B2 |
Laundry drum for a laundry treating machine
A laundry drum for a laundry treating machine, wherein the laundry drum includes a drum cover that has a cylindrical shape and structures that are distributed in a circumferential direction of the drum cover. The structures project from the cylindrical shape of the drum cover that is mounted in the laundry drum. Further, the structures are formed from inwardly bulging linear elevations that extend along a circumferential line. |
| US08720224B2 |
Gravity flooded evaporator and system for use therewith
Disclosed is a gravity flooded evaporator for use with commercial or industrial heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems, and which does not require integration or use of a conventional, separately field-piped, surge vessel and associated subsystem. |
| US08720223B2 |
Food storage system
A food storage system including a secondary bowl that is adapted to be positioned at least partially on and/or in a main lid. The secondary bowl is adapted to be detachable from the main lid. |
| US08720217B2 |
Galley cooling heat sink through water system
There is provided systems and methods for transporting heat away from galley refrigeration equipment or other heat-generating systems such as avionics, power electronics, or in-flight entertainment units, via a potable water system. The potable water system transports heat more effectively and more efficiently than other systems used to date. |
| US08720216B1 |
Hybrid aqua-ammonia and lithium bromide-water absorption chiller
The hybrid aqua-ammonia and lithium bromide-water absorption chiller is an aqua-ammonia absorption refrigeration system integrated with a lithium bromide-water absorption refrigeration system. By integrating a solar-powered lithium bromide-water absorption refrigeration system into the aqua-ammonia absorption refrigeration system, evaporator temperatures below the freezing point of water may be generated at lower operating pressures and lower generator temperatures than in conventional aqua-ammonia absorption refrigeration systems. |
| US08720215B2 |
Air-conditioning system for trucks
An auxiliary air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle, in particular a truck comprising a tractor provided with a driving cab and possibly a sleeper compartment, and a primary air-conditioning system connected to the main engine and to the battery of the truck. The auxiliary air-conditioning system is totally independent of the primary air-conditioning system of the truck and is formed by an external unit designed to be set on the outside of the driving cab and/or of the sleeper compartment, and by at least one heat-exchange unit, which is hydraulically and electrically connected to the external unit and is designed to be set inside the driving cab and/or inside the sleeper compartment. |
| US08720213B2 |
Variable displacement compressor with a compensated suction shufoff valve
A variable displacement compressor with a compensated suction shutoff valve (SSV). The SSV prevents noise generated by a suction reed valve at low refrigerant flow rates in an internal suction region from propagating to an air conditioner evaporator by moving a piston to obstruct an opening and restrict fluid communication. The degree of restriction is decreased by an opening force generated by refrigerant at an external suction pressure acting over a first area, and increased by refrigerant at a crankcase pressure acting over a second area. The second area is smaller than the first area so that at high refrigerant flow rates, the effect of crankcase pressure is reduced so that the restriction is reduced and the compressor operates at greater efficiency. The piston position is also influenced by refrigerant at a pressure intermediate the external suction pressure and the internal suction pressure acting over a third area. |
| US08720212B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus
When a compressor is in a stopped state and an outside air temperature change rate Tah exceeds zero, a first heating operation is started, and a heating capacity of a compressor heating portion is set in a range not more than a heating capacity upper limit Pmax based on the outside air temperature change rate Tah. A remaining refrigerant liquid amount Ms condensed in the compressor that had not been evaporated is acquired based on the outside air temperature change rate Tah and the heating capacity. If the outside air temperature change rate Tah is zero or below and the remaining refrigerant liquid amount Ms exceeds zero while the compressor is in a stopped state, a second heating operation is started, the compressor heating portion 10 is controlled based on the remaining refrigerant liquid amount Ms, and the refrigerant condensed in the compressor 1 is evaporated. |
| US08720209B1 |
Solid state rapid thermocycling
The rapid thermal cycling of a material is targeted. A solid state heat exchanger with a first well and second well is coupled to a power module. A thermoelectric element is coupled to the first well, the second well, and the power module, is configured to transfer thermal energy from the first well to the second well when current from the power module flows through the thermoelectric element in a first direction, and is configured to transfer thermal energy from the second well to the first well when current from the power module flows through the thermoelectric element in a second direction. A controller may be coupled to the thermoelectric elements, and may switch the direction of current flowing through the thermoelectric element in response to a determination by sensors coupled to the wells that the amount of thermal energy in the wells falls below or exceeds a pre-determined threshold. |
| US08720203B2 |
Carbon dioxide recovery method and carbon-dioxide-recovery-type steam power generation system
According to one embodiment, a carbon-dioxide-recovery-type steam power generation system comprises a boiler that generates steam and an exhaust gas, an absorption tower that allows carbon dioxide contained in the exhaust gas to be absorbed in an absorption liquid, a regeneration tower that regenerates discharges a carbon dioxide gas from the absorption liquid, a reboiler that heats the absorption liquid of the regeneration tower, a turbine that is rotationally driven by the steam, a condenser that generates condensate by cooling steam exhausted from the turbine, a compressor that compresses the carbon dioxide gas, and a cooler that cools the carbon dioxide gas, which has been compressed by the compressor, while using a part of the condensate as cooling water. The reboiler is supplied with steam from the turbine and steam generated by the cooling of the carbon dioxide gas at the cooler. |
| US08720202B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas recirculation device for recirculating exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine to a fresh-air side of the internal combustion engine. For this purpose, it is provided that the exhaust gas recirculation device has at least one compressor for compressing the exhaust gas supplied to the fresh-air side of the internal combustion engine. |
| US08720186B2 |
Control apparatus for gas sensor
A control apparatus (100) for a gas sensor (10) which includes a cell (2) composed of a solid electrolyte body and a pair of electrodes provided thereon. The control apparatus includes voltage application means (70) for applying a single pulse voltage to the cell over a constant energization time T; first-output-value obtaining means 70 for obtaining a first output value Vri1 from the cell when a first time t1 shorter than the constant energization time has elapsed; second-output-value obtaining means (70) for obtaining a second output value Vri2 from the cell when a second time t2 shorter than the constant energization time but longer than the first time has elapsed; and deterioration-degree detection means 70 for detecting the degree of deterioration of the cell on the basis of a difference ΔVri between the second output value and the first output value. |
| US08720184B2 |
Method and device for supplying a space propulsion engine with liquid cryogenic propellants
Disclosed are a method and device for supplying a combustion chamber of a space propulsion engine with cryogenic liquid fuel and oxidizer propellants. The propellants are mixed at constant pressure to produce a propellant mixture, with the propellants being mixed at a location upstream of an orifice of a propellant injector. The propellant mixture is fed to an enclosure of the propellant injector, and from the propellant injector enclosure, the propellant mixture is injected into the combustion chamber. The flow rate of the propellant mixture from the propellant injector enclosure into the combustion chamber is varied by adjustment of the propellant injector, with the injection of the propellant mixture from the propellant injector enclosure into the combustion chamber being at constant pressure. |
| US08720174B2 |
Yarn, especially a thread or an embroidery thread as well as a method to produce such a yarn
A yarn, especially a sewing thread or an embroidery thread, is described, which has the structure of a core yarn with at least one core consisting of multifilament yarns and a spin over of staple fiber yarns. At least one portion of the fibers, which build the staple fiber yarn of the spin over, is bound between the filaments of the at least one multifilament yarn of the core over its total axial fiber length or over a section of its axial fiber length. Furthermore a method to produce this yarn is described. |
| US08720171B2 |
Helical acting 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 a plurality of 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. In one embodiment, at least a pair of straight portions acting as flutes are partially parallel aligned with one another along the length and one side of each snap roll. |
| US08720166B2 |
Method for packaging a liquid food product
The invention relates to a method of, and a device for delivering a predetermined (1) volume of beverage into a thermoplastic container formed from a heated preform, the preform being positioned in a mold, characterized in that the method includes a step of injecting at least some beverage into a recess in the preform so as to promote expansion of the preform inside the mold, the mold defining the shape of the container, a longitudinal displacement of a stretch rod (10) carried out during a given period ensuring longitudinal elongation of the heated preform, the stretch rod being immobile at the end of the given period, and a volume of beverage greater than a predefined fraction of the predetermined volume, preferably equal to 50%, being present in the recess at said end of the given period. |
| US08720165B2 |
Method for reducing leachables and extractables in syringes
The present invention relates to a method of producing syringes. Said method comprises fixing a needle to a syringe body by use of an adhesive followed by subjecting the syringes thus obtained to heat treatment. The invention further relates to a method of reducing leachables and/or extractables in prefilled syringes, said method comprising heat treating pre-fabricated syringes at a temperature of at least 40° C. before filling. |
| US08720164B2 |
Closing apparatus for containers
An apparatus for closing containers includes a movable closing head for applying closures to the containers and is arranged in the interior of a sterile chamber of the apparatus and arranged to move in a longitudinal direction (L) of the containers to be closed. At least one wall is provided which delimits the sterile chamber, wherein the closing device is arranged on a carrier which is arranged partially inside the sterile chamber and partially outside the sterile chamber, and extends through the wall and moves in the longitudinal direction (L) relative to the wall. Arranged in the interior of the sterile chamber is a first sealing element which is elastic in the longitudinal direction (L) and which seals off from the sterile chamber a region of the outer periphery of the carrier. |
| US08720157B1 |
Rail gauge leveling tie
An assembly for a levelable rail gauge leveling tie and associated methods of preparing a railway bed for the laying of a railway track and laying railroad track employing the assembly. The assembly includes a longitudinally elongated U-shaped rail gauge leveling tie, and first and second leveling studs. The leveling tie has first and second transversely extending orifices proximate the longitudinal ends. The leveling studs are operable for threaded engagement within a corresponding orifice through the leveling tie whereby rotation of a leveling stud within the corresponding orifice effects a change in the transverse distance between the distal end of the rotated leveling stud and the central portion of the leveling tie. |
| US08720155B1 |
Method and system of framing components and hangers used in a structural interface
A system and method used in residential and commercial construction of floors, ceilings and roofs, where a beam and hanger together support a joist/rafter to which sheathing is applied. Hanger design features include bendable stiffeners that provide pinching structural support for opposing sides of an engineered wood I-joist web after the joist/rafter is seated into the bridge of the hanger, providing a superior structural interface connection, less material cost, and no contact between the hanger and sheathing which reduces unwanted noise in finished construction. Additional strengthening of the structural/load-bearing interface between the joist/rafter and beam may include selected horizontally-extending dato, groove, cut, or other detail formed in the support beams during their manufacture/milling and rearwardly-extending protections on the hanger configured to engage the detail. |
| US08720149B2 |
Floor panel
A rectangular floor panel is described with mutually parallel, substantially planar upper and lower sides and with two pairs of respective mutually opposite side edges connecting the upper and lower sides, wherein the opposite side edges of a pair are provided with complementary profiles for interconnecting adjacent floor panels. Of at least one pair of opposite side edges the profile of a first side edge is provided with a frontal face and a counter face, whereas the profile of the corresponding second side edge of the respective pair of opposite side edges is provided with a frontal face and counter face, respectively, cooperating therewith. The frontal faces and the counter faces are provided with locking tabs cooperating in the interconnected position of adjacent floor panels. The floor panel further is provided with two reinforcement layers extending substantially in parallel to the upper and lower sides of the floor panel, wherein the locking tabs substantially are positioned at the level of said reinforcement layers. |
| US08720148B2 |
Set of panels
The invention relates to a set of panels, in particular floor panels, comprising a first panel and at least a second panel. The panels are respectively provided with a first edge and with a second edge, wherein the first edge and the second edge are configured to establish a connection between the first and the second panel The first edge has a lower lip with a step, the second edge can have a downwardly open locking groove. A separate clip can be provided which can be attached to the first edge or the second edge and has a moveable clip head, which in the connected state of the panels can cooperate with a locking surface on the second edge or the first edge, respectively, in order to lock the panels vertically relative to the plane of laying. |
| US08720140B2 |
Synthetic deck panel
An extruded synthetic deck panel includes an elongate plank portion having a plank portion top surface and a plank portion bottom surface, and a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side, the first and second sides extending lengthwise of the plank portion. A first engagement member extends laterally outwardly from the first side of the plank portion and lengthwise along the plank portion, the first engagement member including a plurality of first holes therethrough for drainage through the first engagement member, the first holes spaced apart lengthwise along the first engagement member. A second engagement member for inter-engaging with the first engagement member of an adjacent like deck panel extends laterally outwardly from the second side of the plank portion and lengthwise along the plank portion, the second engagement member comprising a fastening strip extending laterally away from the plank portion. |
| US08720136B2 |
Internal glass holder
A glass element including at least two glass slabs arranged in facing relationship with a peripheral spacer frame arranged between each pair of glass slabs, and holders for anchorage at selective points to a supporting structure. The holders, each one of which includes two clamping plates which are joined together via connectors, are mounted exclusively in apertures formed in the glass element slab that faces the supporting structure. One of the clamping plates of each holder fitting is formed with anchorage attachment points that are accessible from the outside, and the inner clamping plates are placed in abutment against the inner face of the inner glass slab prior to the assembly of the inner glass slab and the next glass slab, in such a manner that their connecting parts extend at most up to the outer mouth of the apertures. |
| US08720135B2 |
Window comprising a bordered pane module
The pane module is composed by a border element (2) molded around the pane element (1) encasing it on the edge and interior faces. The frame may be of a rectangular configuration, but it is to be understood that more complex configurations may be necessary for achieving a water proof connection to the structure in which the window is mounted or to a surrounding window frame. A fitting (42) is embedded in the border element (2) during its manufacture and is subsequently or simultaneously connected to the frame (3). When using a wooden or extruded frame the fitting may be driven into the finished frame member and when using a molded frame the fitting may be embedded therein during molding. |
| US08720134B2 |
Method of installing a window arrangement comprising a number of neighboring windows, and such a window arrangement
In the method of installing a window arrangement comprising a number of neighboring windows, a support structure including an upstand is first provided. Each window is provided with a plurality of predefined connection points, and windows are placed next to each other. One window is connected with the other and neighboring window at said predefined connection points. |
| US08720133B1 |
Autoclaved aerated concrete structure components
Processes, machines, articles of manufacture and compositions of matter required to construct a habitable structure comprised of a cementitious product, preferably autoclaved aerated concrete (“AAC”), formed in unique blocks, panels and beams. This results in an extremely environmentally friendly habitable dwelling, residential or commercial, which, due to the resultant synergy of embodiments, when compared to a similar structure employing prior art and/or current industry's standard materials and methods of construction, is structurally superior and simultaneously yields substantial savings in labor, time and costs. |
| US08720130B2 |
Leveling block for a wall construction system
A leveling block for a wall construction system includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and a wall extending at least partially between the upper and lower surfaces and defining a leveling block void. A leveling plate engages the lower surface wherein the leveling plate includes a bore for receiving a threaded bolt having a contact surface and the threaded bolt extends into the leveling block void. The threaded bolt is adapted to be threaded to a desired position relative to the leveling plate to permit the contact surface to be positioned at a desired vertical position relative to the lower surface of the block such that the upper surface of the block is disposed substantially in a particular orientation when the block is placed on a surface. |
| US08720129B2 |
Component hoist clip
A connection between a hoist and a wall is provided wherein a clip connects a sling of the hoist to the wall, and the clip includes a plate portion having an eye opening receiving the sling. The clip also includes a tongue portion extending from the plate portion, the plate portion lying in registration with the outer side surface of the wall, and the clip also includes an extension flange, extending from and connected to the plate portion at an angle thereto and at an angle to the tongue portion. The extension flange is disposed in registration with the top surface of the wall. Fasteners connect the tongue portion of the clip to the outer side surface of the wall and connect the extension flange to the top surface of the wall. |
| US08720114B2 |
Window regulator
A window regulator prevents a carrier plate from derailing from a guide rail by preventing the generation of a force which is applied when the carrier plate and a stopper member collide with each other and which lifts up the carrier plate. In the window regulator, an impact absorption body is installed in a press fitting recess of the carrier plate. The impact absorption body is made of an elastic material for absorbing an impact caused by a collision between the carrier plate and the stopper member that regulates a slide position of the carrier plate. A collision surface formed on the stopper member is tilted toward the carrier plate with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to an axis of the guide rail such that the collision surface pushes the carrier plate down toward the guide rail when it collides with the impact absorbing body. |
| US08720112B2 |
Door leveling apparatuses and associated methods of manufacture and use
Door leveling apparatuses are disclosed herein. A door leveling apparatus configured in accordance with one embodiment includes a bracket mounted to a door, such as a vertically-opening sectional door. The apparatus further includes a cable assembly having a first end portion coupled to the bracket and a second end portion coupled to a door lifting system, such as a counterbalance assembly. The first end portion includes an adjuster that enables an operator to adjust the operational length of the cable assembly extending between the lifting system and the bracket, thereby enabling the operator to individually adjust the lengths of two such cable assemblies on opposite sides of the door to align the door with a corresponding opening. |
| US08720111B2 |
Jalousie window
A jalousie window in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a jalousie window insert having parallel side rails and a plurality of window louvers extending between the side rails for simultaneous rotation around parallel horizontal axes, a window frame including a frame head, a frame sill, and a pair of spaced frame jambs interconnected with the frame head and the frame sill in a rectangular frame geometry. The window also includes a head adapter having an outer portion secured to the frame head, a sill adapter having an outer portion secured to the frame sill, and a pair of opposed jamb adapters including outer portions respectively secured to the frame jambs and inner portions having legs that receive outer edges of the side rails so that the side rails conceal the jamb adapters and to secure the jalousie window insert within the window frame. |
| US08720110B2 |
Hydroponics equipment cleaning method
A business method comprising a step by step procedure for quick, clean and efficient cleaning of hydroponics growing (“Flood”) trays. The method essentially comprises the use of a custom-fitted tray insert of a lightweight material designed to fit inside the much heavier-duty hydroponics growing tray. After the plants are grown, the lightweight insert tray is removed and discarded, thus saving the manual labor of cleaning and sanitizing the heavy-duty growing tray before the next use. |
| US08720109B2 |
Portable heating system for pest control
In certain embodiments, a system for killing pests in an affected area includes a heat exchanger unit and an electric heater. The heat exchanger unit is placed within the affected area and is coupled to a faucet. The heat exchanger unit is configured to receive a flow of water from the faucet and to emit heated air by transferring heat from the flow of water to air flowing through the heat exchanger unit. The electric heater further heats the air emitted by the heat exchanger unit to a target temperature greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| US08720107B1 |
Tamper-resistant fly control station and methods for using the same
A station for holding an insect control product includes a body portion having sidewalls and a rear wall defining a receptacle having an opening. A door portion is rotatably coupled to the body portion for covering the opening defined by the body portion in a closed configuration of the station. A tamper resistant latching mechanism is disposed within the receptacle in the closed configuration of the station, and is accessible by a key through an aperture through the door portion. |
| US08720105B2 |
Fishing float or strike indicator and attachment methods
A float and/or strike indicator for fly fishing may be attached by friction/interference fit onto a line or leader, by sliding the float up the leader to a thicker-diameter portion of the leader for a tight fit between the leader and an axial bore in the float. The bore may be tapered in diameter, may have a constant diameter, may have a significantly reduced or tapered diameter or another restriction in a portion(s) of the bore, and/or may have an enlarged end opening, for example. The floats may include one or more protrusions into which a small diameter end of the axial bore extends, and, during installation on the line/leader, the protrusion may be removed but snapping or cutting to reveal the bore so that that line/leader may be inserted all the way through the float and accessed at the small diameter end of the bore. |
| US08720101B2 |
Shooting bench
A shooting bench includes a frame having at least two legs. The at least two legs are connected at a pivot. A table is connected to the frame at a first bracket. The first bracket is configured to slide along a length of a first one of the at least two legs to transition the shooting bench between a deployed configuration and a collapsed configuration. The table may include a cross bar. A gun mount may be adjustably coupled to the crossbar of the table. A first locking device can be mounted to the crossbar and configured to selectively permit movement of the gun mount in a first direction with respect to the table. A second locking device can be mounted to the cross bar and configured to selectively permit movement of the gun mount in a second direction with respect to the table. |
| US08720097B2 |
Trigger lock
A trigger lock is provided with a shield member having a U-shaped channel forming a first plate and a second plate spaced apart from the first flange, with a web connecting the first and second plates. The shield member has a peripheral contour that is complementarily shaped to closely match the transition contour of a firearm, in the region of the firearm frame transitioning between the thick frame and the thin trigger guard. The shield member is fitted over the trigger guard, with the trigger guard situated within the U-shaped channel. A plug is inserted through an aperture in the first plate, through the trigger guard, and through a second aperture in the second plate. The plug is secured within the shield member by a lock attached to the end of the plug protruding from the second aperture, thus preventing access to the trigger and preventing removal or substantial movement. |
| US08720095B2 |
Firearm magazine
A firearm magazine that is designed to make the loading of cartridges easier and faster, while being constructed of fewer parts for higher reliability and with no protruding elements that preclude its use in pre-existing firearms. In one embodiment, a box-type magazine is provided with an internal spring and a follower. The body of the magazine and the follower are specially constructed to facilitate manual loading. The body of the magazine incorporates a slot extending along the path of the follower. The follower is fabricated with a concave opening on a lateral surface that can be manually accessed through the slot in the magazine body, thereby allowing a user to depress the follower against the pressure of the internal spring using a finger or thumb while the cartridges are easily loaded at the top of the magazine body. |
| US08720090B1 |
Sign display system which accommodates interchangeable panels in a tamper resistant manner
This disclosure is concerned with a readily changeable sign display system which facilitates easy alteration of the sign indicia displayed but is also resistant to unauthorized tampering so that it can be deployed where it is not under continuous surveillance when exposed to the general public. It comprises vertical frame members which provide tracks for the insertion of horizontal frame members. In some embodiments the vertical frame members are joined to each other with a backing member while in other embodiments intermediate channel members are placed between the vertical frame members and adjacent members are joined by a backing member. The horizontal frame members carry grooves for the insertion of sign panels which carry indicia. The tracks for the horizontal frame members carry removable obstructions which hold these members in the tracks. The obstructions at the upper end of the tracks are readily removable. |
| US08720088B2 |
Excavator tooth retention device
A tooth retention device for attachment to an excavator bucket, which has a tooth mounting portion, a fork shaped body fitting over the edge of the bucket, a clamp passing through the body and the bucket, and a wedge holding the clamp in position, in which the wedge has a threaded rod and a threaded block on the rod. The rod is rotatable to move the block between locked and released positions. |
| US08720087B2 |
Coupling assemblies with enhanced take up
Coupling assemblies for releasably holding separable parts together, and in particular for releasably securing a wear member to a support structure in excavating equipment are formed so as to provide increased take up to ensure a tight fit of the wear member on the support structure even if considerable deviation between the parts exists due to wearing, manufacturing variations or the like. The coupling assemblies are suitable for securing points, adapters, shrouds, or other replaceable component to various excavating equipment. The components of the coupling assembly include a wedge and a spool that pivots about a fulcrum when the wedge is driven into assembly for increased take up capabilities. The spool is rotatably engaged around a fulcrum of the support structure and has a bearing portion that bears against and moves the wear member to be secured to thereby take up any gaps between the engaging surfaces of these members. A movable insert may be provided to improve the cooperation between the wedge and the spool to further increase the available take up. |
| US08720086B2 |
Cleat member for article of footwear
A cleat member is provided for use with an article of footwear. The cleat member includes an outer layer formed from a first material and an inner layer formed from a second material. The inner layer is at least partially encapsulated by the outer layer. The first material is distinct from the second material. A hole extends completely through the cleat member. |
| US08720084B2 |
Impact attenuating and spring elements and products containing such elements
Impact attenuating/spring systems may include first and second body portions and at least one spring member at least partially included between the body portions. The spring member(s) may substantially enclose and/or be pivotally engaged with the body portion(s). The components of the impact attenuating and spring element may be arranged such that when a force is applied to the body portion(s), the spring member(s) will exert a counter force to urge the impact attenuating and spring element back toward its original orientation. The spring members may include one or more polymeric element that stretches under a tensile force. The impact attenuating and spring elements may be included in a piece of footwear or other device in a manner such that a user or a retailer (or others) can select an appropriate spring member (or portion thereof), e.g., depending on characteristics of the user or the intended use. |
| US08720082B2 |
Desolventizer toaster with vapor recycle
An improved desolventizer toaster and methods are provided wherein a solvent vapor recycle system may be employed to recycle solvent vapor throughout a portion of the desolventizer portion of the apparatus housing. In other embodiments of the invention, a water vapor recycle system may be employed to recycle water vapor throughout a portion of the toaster portion of the apparatus housing. The solvent vapor recycle system may comprise an appropriate meal dust separator, blower and superheater. The water vapor recycle system may comprise an appropriate ejector or blower and superheater. Water vapor recovered in the solvent extraction process may be used as a water vapor feed to the heated water vapor recycling system. |
| US08720080B2 |
Method and apparatus for drying rooms within a building
A method and apparatus for drying a room within a building by sealing the room from outside ambient air ingress, heating the room internally, sensing humidity levels within the room, exhausting the air from within the room and drawing in outside ambient air, sensing water content within the room, and repeating the sequence until a dry status indication is received that the water content within the room has been reduced a predetermined level. |
| US08720078B1 |
Automatic hair dryer with fluid dispenser
The automatic hair dryer with fluid dispenser is used for smoothing and drying hair. The fluid dispenser is in the form of a tank, which is built into the handle of the hair dryer. When filled with water, the dispenser is capable of discharging a water spray during the drying process and smoothing the hair as it dries, enabling the user to style the hair into any desired hairstyle. A comb is attached to the upper portion of the hair dryer housing, and a moisture sensor is positioned on the teeth of the comb for determining the wetness of the hair, adjusting the heat and intensity of the air being produced by the fan over the heating elements, which is then blown onto the hair. The wetter the hair, the faster and hotter the air will blow. |
| US08720068B2 |
Hand cutter with blade guard
A hand cutter with a blade guard providing the highest possible protection from accidental cutting. The blade guard can be effortlessly activated from the locked position by a trigger, which is achieved by closing the hand around the cutter handle. The released blade guard remains in the released state until the blade has been put to use by cutting the object, when the blade guard release is removed so that the blade guard is automatically relocked as soon as the blade guard returns to the initial protected position. |
| US08720066B2 |
Hose
The invention relates to a bellows hose, which is capable of being used without leakage, and which has a longer length and/or diameter than has been previously achievable. A bellows hose comprises an inner tubular bellows and an outer tubular bellows. An insulation layer is provided between the bellows. An armoured layer is provided around the outer bellows, to improve the insulation further. The hose can have length above 30 m and a diameter above 400 mm. A method of, and apparatus for, making the hose are also described, which involves the use of a non-metallic mandrel. |
| US08720064B2 |
Cooling fan and method for producing a cooling fan
The invention relates to a cooling fan for a cooling system of the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the cooling fan comprising at least one frame (10) for retaining a fan motor and a fan motor (24) for driving a fan wheel (26). The invention is characterized in that at least one motor casing component of the fan motor (24) is injection-molded into the frame material and/or is coated by said material by injection molding when the frame (10) is formed. The invention also relates to a method for producing said cooling fan. The method according to the invention is characterized in that at least one motor casing of the fan motor (24) is injection-molded into the frame material and/or is coated by said material by injection molding when the frame (10) is formed. |
| US08720056B2 |
Turbine rotor blade repair method
A turbine rotor blade repair method which reduces the occurrence of cracks due to welding is provided. A turbine rotor blade repair method for repairing damage of a fin at a tip of a turbine rotor blade includes overlaying a damaged portion of the fin with metal by welding (step S2); peening on a boundary region between the fin and the overlaying metal (step S4); and after the peening, performing solution treatment to repair the damage of the fin of the turbine rotor blade (step S6). |
| US08720055B2 |
Method of assembling a cam shaft that includes a thermal interference fit between the cam shaft and a bearing
The instant invention relates to a cam shaft for internal combustion engines of motor vehicles, which is supported on a cylinder head housing via at least one roller bearing, wherein provision is made for at least one thrust bearing, which supports the cam shaft in axial direction and which is embodied as ball or also as roller bearing. |
| US08720054B2 |
Method of setting performance characteristic of pump and method of manufacturing diffuser vane
To provide a method of setting a performance characteristic of a pump for setting a performance characteristic of a pump, the pump including an impeller that takes in fluid from a suction port and that sends out the fluid toward a discharge port, and a diffuser provided in a flow passage between the impeller and the discharge port, where the diffuser includes a hub arranged in a central portion of the flow passage, a shroud arranged around a periphery of the hub, and a plurality of diffuser vanes radially arranged from an outer peripheral surface of the hub toward an inner peripheral surface of the shroud, and the method includes a mounting-position setting step of setting a mounting position of each of the diffuser vanes to be mounted on the hub according to the performance characteristic of the pump in a direction perpendicular to a radial direction extending from the hub toward the shroud. |
| US08720051B2 |
Conformal shielding process using process gases
In one embodiment, a meta-module having circuitry for two or more modules is formed on a substrate, which is preferably a laminated substrate. The circuitry for the different modules is initially formed on the single meta-module. Each module will have one or more component areas in which the circuitry is formed. A metallic structure is formed on or in the substrate for each component area to be shielded. A single body, such as an overmold body, is then formed over all of the modules on the meta-module. At least a portion of the metallic structure for each component area to be shielded is then exposed through the body by a cutting, drilling, or like operation. Next, an electromagnetic shield material is applied to the exterior surface of the body of each of the component areas to be shielded and in contact with the exposed portion of the metallic structures. |
| US08720050B2 |
Method for manufacturing multilayer substrate with built-in chip-type electronic component
A multilayer substrate having a built-in chip-type electronic component includes a ceramic laminate having a plurality of ceramic layers, a chip-type electronic component disposed in the ceramic laminate and having an external terminal electrode, and a via conductor disposed in the ceramic layers in the lamination direction. The external terminal electrode of the chip-type electronic component is connected to the via conductor, and a connection step is provided in at least one of the upper and lower end surfaces of the via conductor. |
| US08720040B2 |
Method of manufacturing a hollow waveguide
A method of manufacturing a hollow waveguide including a metal pipe and a hollow region formed inside of the metal pipe includes pressure-bonding metal pipes each of which includes a metal material different from each other to form a metal-clad pipe including an inside metal layer and an outside metal layer, and polishing a surface of the inside metal layer. |
| US08720037B2 |
Method for making a dental guide channel
A method for making a guide channel includes providing an auxiliary jig comprising a coupling structure and a corresponding coupling structure of a drilling jig so that the auxiliary jig and the drilling jig are arranged in a defined spatial position. An auxiliary bore is drilled into the auxiliary jig. An auxiliary bore sleeve comprising a reference ring plane is inserted into the auxiliary bore predefined by a target depth. The auxiliary jig is placed on the drilling jig in the defined spatial position. A guide bore is drilled into the drilling jig. A guide sleeve is inserted into the guide bore using a positioning tool so as to form the guide channel. The guide sleeve comprises a depth stop for the drill stop. The guide sleeve is inserted to an insertion depth defined by the reference ring plane and the reference device. The auxiliary jig is removed. |
| US08720036B2 |
Unitary biochip providing sample-in to results-out processing and methods of manufacture
A biochip for the integration of all steps in a complex process from the insertion of a sample to the generation of a result, performed without operator intervention includes microfluidic and macrofluidic features that are acted on by instrument subsystems in a series of scripted processing steps. Methods for fabricating these complex biochips of high feature density by injection molding are also provided. |
| US08720032B2 |
Method for installing the hoisting roping of an elevator
The object of the invention is a method for installing the hoisting roping of an elevator, in which method the hoisting roping of the elevator is lifted upwards into the elevator hoistway by means of a hoisting device. The hoisting roping is lifted upwards into the elevator hoistway in steps such that at least one rope of the roping is lifted by pulling it to the height and the aforementioned at least one rope is fixed to the elevator hoistway or to another fixed structure of the building, at least one of the ropes of the roping that is at the height and was lifted in phase is detached, at least one rope detached in phase is lifted by pulling it to the next height and the aforementioned at least one rope is fixed to the elevator hoistway or to another fixed structure of the building. |
| US08720031B2 |
Assembly system for connecting furniture elements
The present invention relates to a system for assembling a piece of furniture. The system comprises an elongated track element including a recessed bottom wall having a plurality of equidistantly spaced apart indentations and opposite front flanges defining there between a channel. The system further includes a fitting element having a main portion defining a front surface and opposite rear surface, an arresting pin extending from the rear surface, and a transversal bar extending parallel with the front and rear surfaces. The fitting element is arrested relative to the elongated track element in a three-step operation. The first step involving positioning the fitting element in front of the channel and introducing the transversal bar into the channel. The second step involves rotating the fitting element while maintaining the transversal bar within the channel. The third step involves receiving the arresting pin within a single indentation of the bottom wall. |
| US08720028B2 |
Replaceable filter media and holding mechanism
A replaceable filter media and holding mechanism apparatus is provided and includes a shell defining a pathway and an insertion bay and a body having filter media disposed therein, first and second air permeable faces on opposite sides of the filter media and first and second edge faces extending between corresponding ends of the first and second air permeable faces, the body being insertible into the insertion bay to position the filter media for filtering air flowing along the pathway with the first edge face leading the second edge face and being removable from the insertion bay with the second edge face leading the first edge face. |
| US08720027B2 |
Multifunctional tactical device
A multifunctional tactical device for fire, police, military and other tactical invasive and protective actions includes a main elongated housing having a proximal end and a distal end, and having a central axis in its elongated direction; at least one back handle connected to the main housing approximate the proximal end; at least one forward handle connected to the main housing at a location away from the proximal end and away from the distal end; a flat ram area located at the distal end of the main housing, the flat ram area being at an angle of about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees from the central axis; a plurality of claws located at the distal end of the main housing, the plurality of claws extending outwardly therefrom at an angle of about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees from the central axis, at least one of the claws being a flat pry bar claw and at least one of the claws being a tapered shackle busting spike claw. |
| US08720026B2 |
Window component scrap reduction
A method of making elongated spacer frame members prevents a first spacer frame member in a series of spacer frame members from being scrapped. A supply of thin relatively narrow sheet metal stock is provided. The stock is fed endwise to a stamping station. The stock is passed through the stamping station that stamps the stock to define a scrap length of stock followed by a connected first spacer frame defining length of stock. The scrap length of stock and the connected first spacer frame defining length of stock are fed to a roll forming station. The scrap length of stock and the connected first spacer frame defining length of stock are formed into a rigid linearly extending scrap element having opposite side walls and a base wall and a connected rigid linearly extending first spacer frame element having opposite side walls and a base wall. A connection between the scrap element and the first spacer frame element is then severed. |
| US08720019B2 |
Buckle assemblies for personal restraint systems and associated methods of use and manufacture
Personal restraint systems with buckle assemblies for use in vehicles are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a personal restraint system includes a connector configured to be coupled to a web. The restraint system also includes a buckle assembly configured to releasably retain the connector. In this embodiment, the buckle assembly includes a frame having a locking feature configured to engage a tongue of the connector. The buckle assembly also includes a locking member movably positioned adjacent to the frame that retains the tongue in a locked position. The buckle assembly further includes an actuator that can be actuated by a user to move the tongue out of the locked position. |
| US08720018B2 |
Side release buckle and lock member for same
The lock member includes: a plate-like base portion positioned on a top side of the socket; a holder retaining the base portion to the socket; an operating portion connected to the base portion and movable in a direction intersecting the base portion by an external operation; and a lock portion restricting disengagement of the engaged portions and the engaging portions. The lock portion is positioned in the socket and connected to the operating portion via a joint inserted in the cutout. Without the external operation, the lock portion is present in movement paths where the engaging portions move to be disengaged from the engaged portions. When the operating portion is moved by the external operation, the lock portion is moved away from the movement paths. |
| US08720003B2 |
Upright type vacuum cleaner
An upright type vacuum cleaner is disclosed. And The upright type vacuum cleaner includes a main body comprising an arrangement angle that is changeable with respect to a surface to clean; a suction nozzle coupled to the main body, the suction nozzle movable along the surface to clean; a supporting unit provided in the main body to support the main body with respect to the main body; a connection member provided between the main body and the supporting unit, to rotatably connect the supporting unit with the main body; and a fixing member fixedly provided between the supporting unit and the connection member to limit the rotation of the supporting unit, to maintain the main body supporting of the supporting unit. |
| US08720001B2 |
Tool for a surface treating appliance
A tool for a surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, includes a housing having a suction opening. An agitator, such as a brush bar, is rotatably located in the suction opening of the housing. The interior of such a tool can get blocked due to large objects being drawn in through the suction opening, or else by threads and fibers becoming tangled in the brush bar. The brush bar may be removed through the suction opening for replacement or repair. A portion of the housing may also be removable to clear the way for the user to access a narrow opening in the neck of the tool which may be prone to blockage. |
| US08719997B1 |
Pass-through vacuum
A pass-through vacuum includes a mixing tube and separate and removable housing extending along a mutual central longitudinal axis. The housing contains at least one location for retaining a nozzle which extends along a nozzle axis and has an inlet configured to be in fluid communication with a compressed gas source and an outlet in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the mixing tube via an aperture. The nozzle axis of the nozzle extends at an acute angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the mixing tube. The at least one nozzle accelerates gas from the compressed gas source to create an improved performance to entrain gas and material to flowing through the mixing tube from the entrance end to the exit end. The mixing tube and the housing can each be independently configured to optimize their function and performance. |
| US08719995B2 |
Windscreen wiper device
A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes opposing longitudinal grooves on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, wherein neighboring ends of the longitudinal strips are interconnected by a respective connecting piece, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating wiper arm, with the special feature that an end wall of at least one connecting piece comprises an opening, wherein a part of the wiper blade permanently extends through the opening and beyond the connecting piece, and wherein the part of the wiper blade is reinforced. |
| US08719993B2 |
Semiconductor equipment
Semiconductor equipment is provided to include a reaction chamber, a movable frame, and at least one cleaning brush head. The cleaning brush head is configured to operate on at least one dirty portion to be cleaned within the reaction chamber. The movable frame is disposed within the reaction chamber. The movable frame is capable of carrying a susceptor. The cleaning brush head is capable of touching the dirty portion. The cleaning brush head is capable of moving relative to the dirty portion for removing the residue which is attached to the portion to be cleaned. |
| US08719989B1 |
Chemical pigging apparatus for pipelines
The chemical pigging apparatus for pipelines includes a forward component and a rearward component. The forward component has front and rear seals, with a chemical chamber between. A flexible elongate dispensing tube is in communication with the front of the chamber, with the tube having a perforated dispensing tip at its forward end. The chamber is open to the rear, with a piston sealing the rear portion of the chamber. The rearward component has a rearward component seal, with a rod extending forward of the seal. The rod has a protrusion that seats within a mating socket at the rear of the piston. The apparatus is propelled through a pipeline by pressure behind the rearward component seal, with the rearward component pushing the forward component through the pipeline and pushing the piston into the chemical chamber to expel chemicals through the forward dispensing tube and its dispensing tip. |
| US08719987B2 |
Thin-type automatic cleaning device
A thin-type automatic cleaning device includes a main body, a fan module and a dust collecting box. The main body includes a placing chamber for receiving the fan module. The dust collecting box has an outer surface with a shape corresponding to that of the placing chamber, and the dust collecting box is received within the placing chamber. The lower casing is provided with a receiving cavity from the bottom surface toward the interior of the dust collecting box to cover the fan module. The dust collecting box forms a nested structure with the fan module thereby to reduce the thickness of the device. |
| US08719986B2 |
Control method of washing machine
Disclosed herein is a control method of a washing machine which minimizes damage to laundry to be washed. The control method includes executing a washing cycle to wash laundry to be washed by supplying wash water, dissolving detergent in wash water and washing the laundry, executing a rinsing cycle to rinse the laundry by draining wash water, spin-drying the laundry, and rinsing the laundry, and executing a spin-drying cycle to spin-dry the laundry by draining wash water and spin-drying the laundry, wherein the dissolving of the detergent is carried out at a water level lower than a predetermined reference water level. |
| US08719982B2 |
Infant feeding pillow
This invention is a pillow placed on the lap for supporting a baby while feeding. The pillow raises the baby on an inclined plane, with ridges on the lower and upper outer edges for added safety and stability, and has a curved, yet light and compact body to fit comfortably in front of the caregiver's torso. If breast feeding, the mother lifts the baby and turns the pillow over vertically to feed on the other breast. For the lengthy and repetitive task of feeding an infant, the pillow securely supports and elevates the baby; this benefits both the baby, by reducing acid reflux, and the caregiver, by decreasing stress on the arms and back as well as presenting the option to be hands-free. |
| US08719975B2 |
Shower system and apparatus
A shower system comprising: an enclosure, the enclosure comprising: at least one interior wall; at least one exterior wall; an opening; a floor; a top; an exterior power button located on an exterior wall and configured to turn the shower system on or off; a control panel located on an interior wall; a thermostatic valve located on an interior wall, a mirror located on an interior wall; an overhead light attached to the top, and configured to stay on about one minute after powering off, the overhead light in communication with the exterior power button and the control panel; audio speakers located at the top, and in communication with the control panel and exterior power button, and configured with the control panel to provide audible alerts including indicating when the shower system has achieved the proper preselected water temperature; and a phone system in communication with the control panel. |
| US08719970B2 |
Odor ventilation system
An odor ventilation system for a bathroom comprising: a venting assembly, where said venting assembly is installed under a toilet seat; an air hose assembly, where said hose assembly connects to the venting assembly at a first end; a fan motor, where said fan motor connects to the hose assembly at a second end; and a vent opening, where said hose assembly continues from the fan motor to the vent opening and said hose assembly transfers odors from the toilet seat to the vent opening. |
| US08719966B2 |
Garment with compartments
A garment having compartments for holding objects. Some compartments are operable to permit waste to pass out of the compartments. Others are attached to the garment on the thigh or other location to permit access where a standard hip pocket would be blocked by a toolbelt. Others have apertures in addition to the normal hip pocket opening which may permit access to the pocket where the opening to the hip pocket would be blocked by a toolbelt. The garment may be used by a worker, such as a carpenter, with knee pads in compartments in a knee area of the garment, the compartments having apertures operable to permit sawdust and other waste to empty from the compartment. Additionally, a thigh pocket may have a cover preventing waste from entering the pocket, and can provide storage where a hip pocket would be blocked by a toolbelt or rendered inaccessible by kneeling. |
| US08719962B1 |
Method of creating a three-dimensional image on a garment
Creating a garment which has a three-dimensional image on the garment created by removing a portion of the garment to create an image on an outer garment, the process being chemical etching, and thereafter a second garment has an image printed on the exact same location as on the first garment to match the see-through image and the second garment is affixed behind the first garment to create a three-dimensional image for the see-through image portion of the first garment, whether it matches up or complements the outer layer to give a three-dimensional look and feel. |
| US08726411B1 |
Charged probe and electric fields measurement method thereof
A charged probe and an electric field measuring method are provided. The probe can be charged with single electricity on single nano particle attached on the top of the probe tip being a charged probe and the probe is applicable for measuring the electric fields of object in the nano scale. The probe comprises an insulating tip base, a cantilever and a single nano-particle. The cantilever is arranged for supporting the insulating tip base and the single nano-particle is configured on the erosion plane. After conducting contact electrification method to charge the electric nano particle, the single nano-particle will be charged with fixed number of single electrical charge. Then, the amount of the fixed number of single electrical charge is calculated by the virtual image charge calculation method. The charged probe can be used to measure the electric fields distribution by tapping mode or f-d curve measurement. |
| US08726409B2 |
Method for driving a scanning probe microscope at elevated scan frequencies
A method for operating a scanning probe microscope at elevated scan frequencies has a characterization stage of sweeping a plurality of excitation frequencies of the vertical displacement of the scanning element; measuring the value attained by the reading parameter at the excitation frequencies; and identifying plateau regions of the response spectrum of the reading parameter. The reading parameter variation is limited within a predetermined range over a predefined frequency interval, thereby defining corresponding fast scanning frequency windows in which the microscope assembly is sufficiently stable to yield a lateral resolution comparable to the one obtained during slow measurements. The measurement stage includes driving the scanning element along at least a scanning trajectory over the surface of the specimen at a frequency selected among the frequencies included in a fast scanning frequency window. |
| US08726407B2 |
Authentication of computing and communications hardware
A method for authenticating a computing device or hardware component includes computer-implemented process steps for assigning a unique identifier to the hardware component, generating a baseline fingerprint for the hardware component using algorithm-processing characteristic configuration data determined from the hardware component as input, wherein the baseline fingerprint is capable of being regenerated from the hardware component so long as configuration of the hardware component is not changed, transmitting the identifier in association with the baseline fingerprint for storage in a computer-readable data structure, and generating a data signal, in response to a query comprising the assigned identifier, indicating whether the stored baseline fingerprint for the assigned identifier matches a second fingerprint regenerated from the hardware component at a time after the baseline fingerprint is generated. |
| US08726406B2 |
Controlling a usage of digital data between terminals of a telecommunications network
A method and control of using a content data object associated to a content controlling terminal of a communications network, and receiving a request from a content receiving terminal to get a digital rights data object associated to the content data object, that is required to use the content data object, and initiating a transmission of the digital rights data object from the content controlling terminal to the content receiving terminal, and a control supporting server thereto. Also generating the digital rights data object, receiving a notification to send the digital rights data object to the content receiving terminal, and sending the digital rights data object to the content receiving terminal, and a content, controlling terminal thereto. |
| US08726402B2 |
Media processing system supporting different media formats via server-based transcoding
Systems and methods that reformat media are described. In one embodiment, a system may include, for example, a server, a first communications device and a second communications device. The server, the first communications device and the second communications device may be operatively coupled to a network. The second communications device may receive, from the first communications device, a device profile relating to the first communications device and may send the device profile and media content to the server. The server may reformat the media content based on the device. |
| US08726400B1 |
Ex post facto review of claims made against proprietary content in a live data stream
Systems and methods for detection and dispute management of claims made against proprietary content in a live data stream are provided in this disclosure. The system includes a reference stream generation component that updates a set of reference data streams based on an identification of data that is associated with non-live content (e.g., advertisements, flashbacks, etc.). Moreover, user generated content is compared with the set of reference data streams to facilitate identify the claims and a partner-defined policy is applied to the user generated content to facilitate dispute management and/or resolution. |
| US08726399B1 |
Method and apparatus for thwarting spyware
A trusted apparatus including an input filter, security mode indicator working with a proxy node thwart the possibility of spyware being able to observe user input when a security mode signal indicates security mode asserted. The trusted apparatus may further include any combination of the user input device, the proxy node, and a router. A personal computing device may include the trusted apparatus. The proxy node may include the router. The proxy node operates to create an authentic response based upon the authentic input from the input filter, and may be operated to create revenue, which is also a product of these processes. |
| US08726390B1 |
Controlling network access based on application detection
This specification generally relates to controlling access of a device to a network based on detection of a network application running on the device. One example method includes maintaining one or more application profiles, each application profile associated with one or more network activities in a network; detecting one or more network activities associated with a device connected to the network; determining that the one or more detected network activities associated with the device substantially match network activities associated with a first application profile; and associating the device with a restricted network profile upon determining that the one or more detected network activities substantially match network activities associated with the first application profile, the restricted network profile configured to deny access by the device to one or more first resources on the network, and configured to allow access by the device to one or more second resources on the network. |
| US08726387B2 |
Detecting a trojan horse
A method and apparatus for detecting a Trojan horse in a suspicious version of a software application in the form of at least one electronic file. A computer device determines a source from which the suspicious version of the software application was obtained. A comparison is then made between the source from which the suspicious version of the software application was obtained and a source from which an original, clean version of the software application was obtained. If the sources differ, then it is determined that the suspicious version of the software application is more likely to contain a Trojan horse than if the sources were the same. |
| US08726386B1 |
Systems and methods for detecting malware
A computer-implemented method for detecting malware may include 1) identifying an application configured to use a permission on a mobile computing platform, the permission enabling the application to access a feature of the mobile computing platform, 2) determining that the application is configured to use the permission while executing as a background application on the mobile computing platform, 3) determining that the use of the permission is suspect based on the application being configured to use the permission while executing as the background application, and 4) performing a remediation action in response to determining that the use of the permission is suspect. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08726385B2 |
Distributed system and method for tracking and blocking malicious internet hosts
Disclosed are systems and methods to perform coordinated blocking of source addresses, such as an Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, across a plurality of network appliances (e.g., gateways). In one disclosed embodiment the method and system temporarily alter a configuration of one or more network appliances (based on user defined configuration parameters) to allow communication from a “blocked” IP address for a period of time. A network appliance can then “receive” an email and perform analysis and provide results of the analysis to a reputation service. Thereby, the temporarily allowed communication can be used to learn information about a threat which would not have been available if all communication from that IP address had actually been blocked at the network appliance. |
| US08726382B2 |
Methods and systems for automated detection and tracking of network attacks
Methods for tracking attacking nodes are described and include extracting, from a database, an instance of each unique packet header associated with IP-to-IP packets transmitted over a time period. The method includes determining from extracted headers, which nodes have attempted to establish a connection with an excessive number of other nodes over a period, identifying these as potential attacking nodes, determining from the headers, which other nodes responded with a TCP SYN/ACK packet indicating a willingness to establish connections, and a potential for compromise. Nodes scanned by potential attacking nodes are disqualified from the identified nodes based on at least one of: data in the headers relating to at least one of an amount of data transferred, and scanning activities conducted by the nodes that responded to a potential attacking node with a TCP SYN/ACK packet. Any remaining potential attacking nodes and scanned nodes are presented to a user. |
| US08726380B2 |
Methods, devices, systems, and computer program products for edge driven communications network security monitoring
An edge monitoring approach can be utilized to detect an attack which includes a plurality of relatively low bandwidth attacks, which are aggregated at a victim sub-network. The aggregated low bandwidth attacks can generate a relatively high bandwidth attack including un-solicited data traffic directed to the victim' so that the aggregated attack becomes more detectable at an edge monitor circuit located proximate to the victim. Related systems, devices, and computer program products are also disclosed. |
| US08726375B2 |
Method and device for preventing domain name system spoofing
A method for preventing Domain Name System (DNS) spoofing includes: performing uppercase/lowercase conversion for letters of a DNS question field in a DNS request packet according to a preset rule; sending the DNS request packet; receiving a DNS response packet; obtaining uppercase/lowercase distribution of the letters of the DNS question field in the DNS response packet; and forwarding the DNS response packet to a target DNS client if the uppercase/lowercase distribution of the letters of the DNS question field in the DNS response packet complies with the preset rule. Corresponding to the method, a device for preventing DNS spoofing is disclosed. The method and device reduce occupation of storage resources of the device. |
| US08726374B2 |
Tampering monitoring system, control device, and tampering control method
A management device detects whether any normal monitoring module that has not been tampered with exists by referring to monitoring results received from an information security device and selects, when existence is detected, one of the monitoring modules and assumes that the selected monitoring module has been tampered with. The monitoring device then successively applies a procedure to monitoring modules other than the selected monitoring module by referring to the monitoring results, starting from the selected monitoring module, the procedure being to assume that any monitoring module determining that a monitoring module assumed to have been tampered with is normal has also been tampered with. As a result of the procedure, when all of the monitoring modules are assumed to have been tampered with the management device determines the selected monitoring module to be a normal monitoring module that has not been tampered with. |
| US08726370B2 |
Controlling image forming function
An apparatus, method, system, computer program and product each capable of controlling addition of a printing function or controlling use of the printing function are disclosed. |
| US08726369B1 |
Trusted path, authentication and data security
In some embodiments, techniques for computer security comprise presenting a data field in a spoof-resistant manner, receiving field data, and securing field data. In some embodiments, the integrity of an input device may be verified.In some embodiments, techniques for computer security comprise hashing a credential and a characteristic associated with a data recipient, and performing password-authenticated key agreement using the hashed value.In some embodiments, techniques for computer security comprise monitoring an input, determining that the input is associated with confidential information, and enabling secure data entry. |
| US08726365B2 |
Multi mode operation using user interface lock
A system and a method are disclosed for a computer implemented method to unlock a mobile computing device and access applications (including services) on a mobile computing device through a launcher. The configuration includes mapping one or more applications with a guest access code. The configuration receives, through a display screen of a mobile computing device, an access code, and determines whether the received access code corresponds with the guest access code. The configuration identifies the mapped applications corresponding to the guest access code and provides for display, on a screen of the mobile computing device, the identified applications. |
| US08726360B2 |
Telecommunication method, computer program product and computer system
The invention relates to a telecommunication method having the following steps: establishing a first connection (101) between a first ID token (106) and a first computer system (136) via a second computer system (100) for reading at least one first attribute from the first ID token, generating a first soft token, wherein the first soft token comprises the at least one first attribute and a time specification, and wherein the first soft token is signed by the first computer system, sending the first soft token from the first computer system to a third computer system (150), wherein the first connection is a connection with end-to-end encryption. |
| US08726359B2 |
Method and system for content distribution management
A method of managing content related to a plurality of social networking websites. The method comprises accessing a first account that stores user's authentication information of the plurality of the networking websites and connecting to the plurality of social networking websites. Content associated with a second account is obtained from each of the plurality of social networking websites and service capabilities of each of the plurality of social networking websites are tracked. The obtained content from all the social networking websites is displayed on a single page and service information applicable to content is provided. |
| US08726352B2 |
Administration of access control keys in a virtual world
A system and method for access control key administration in a virtual world that includes identifying an action to be performed on a key provided to a user controlling an avatar in a virtual world. The key provides the avatar access to a virtual space, a service, or an item in the virtual world. The action is applied to the key. The action is applied to the key to modify one or more access parameters on the key. The action applied to the key may be, for example, an update action, a revalidate action, or a remove action. |
| US08726344B1 |
Methods, systems, and products for measuring trust scores of devices
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for measuring trust. A device is encountered. A trust score for the device is calculated and compared to a threshold. The threshold may be a minimum trust score associated with the function. If the calculated trust score equals or exceeds the threshold, then the function is executed. If the calculated trust score is less than the threshold, then the function is denied. |
| US08726340B2 |
Apparatus and method for expert decisioning
According to one embodiment, an apparatus may store at least one subject token associated with a user and a device, at least one resource token associated with the resource, and at least one network token associated with a network. The apparatus may determine various access values associated with these stored tokens. The apparatus may then determine the value of a first access value based on the values of these various access values. The apparatus may determine that the value of the first access value is insufficient to grant access to the resource and determine that access by at least one of the user and the device to the resource over the network should be denied. |
| US08726339B2 |
Method and apparatus for emergency session validation
According to one embodiment, an apparatus may store a plurality of token-based rules. A token-based rule facilitates access to a resource. The apparatus may further store a plurality of tokens. The plurality of tokens may include a session token. The session token may be associated with access to the resource by a user. The apparatus may receive a first token indicating that an emergency has been declared. The emergency may be associated with the user. The apparatus may determine, based at least in part upon at least one token-based rule from the plurality of token-based rules, that access to the resource should be terminated in response to receiving the first token and terminate the session token in response to the determination that access to the resource should be terminated. |
| US08726331B2 |
System and method for the broadcast dissemination of time-ordered data
A stream of time-ordered data, such as a movie, is divided into multiple fragments of equal length, which are repetitively transmitted at different respective repetition rates. The fragments are reordered for transmission so that those which occur near the beginning of the original data stream are transmitted more frequently than those which occur later in the data stream. When a user enters a request to utilize the data, the individual fragments are stored upon receipt at the user's premises, and reassembled into a contiguous stream. The ordering of the fragments is such that the wait time required before utilization of the data can begin is limited to a predetermined maximum, and at least one copy of every fragment becomes available by the time it is needed. |
| US08726330B2 |
Intelligent digital audiovisual playback system
Payment-based audiovisual playback system characterized by comprising a microprocessor device associated with a payment device primarily including means for storing, inter alia, in digital format the visual and sound information to be used. The system is associated through interfaces with display means and sound playback means for providing a multimedia environment. The system is controlled by a multitask operating system including a tool and service library integrated into the storage means. The system, which is also associated through an interface with a telecommunications modem, is optionally connected to an audiovisual data distribution network by a telecommunications modem and telecommunications links, said telecommunications function also being controlled by said multitask operating system. |
| US08726324B2 |
Method for identifying image capture opportunities using a selected expert photo agent
An apparatus and method for identifying image capture opportunities. Expert photo agents (526) that process metadata extracted from a captured image are obtained (706) at a user-device (102). Metadata (214) characterizing visual content of a captured image is produced (310) by processing the visual content of the captured image. Image capture opportunities are selected (410) based upon processing of the metadata with the at least one expert photo agent. The image capture opportunity selection specifies content to capture in a subsequent image. |
| US08726323B2 |
System and method for presenting support services
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, system having a controller to receive from a set-top box (STB) a request for assistance, identify a subscriber account associated with the STB, identify from the subscriber account a subscription grade, select one of a plurality of subscriber support services according to the subscriber grade, and establish communications between the STB and the selected subscriber support service. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08726321B2 |
Method and apparatus for video on demand asset management
A master scheduler system and method automatically operate and/or coordinate operation of a plurality of relatively independent systems, including manual systems, to function as an NVOD system to provide automating diverse operations for supporting and maintaining an NVOD system. The master scheduler system and method may also be applied to automate manual processes of analog-based and digital broadcast based service. The master scheduler receives, processes, and disseminates NVOD schedule-related information for end-to-end NVOD service; that is, sending video from a back-end which stores video data to a head-end for viewing by a user. The master scheduler also provides operations support for the NVOD system, such as maintaining the head-end configuration, allocating channels, performing asset management, performing content management, etc. The master scheduler provides validation of scheduling information by comparing information such as programmed schedules, asset metadata, and data obtained by measuring asset parameters, for example duration. |
| US08726317B2 |
Optical-to-millimeter wave conversion
A method of converting a modulated optical signal to an encoded electrical signal is provided. The method utilizes a device comprising an electrooptic sideband generator, an optical filter, and an optical/electrical converter. Initially, the modulated optical signal, which carries encoded optical data, is directed to an optical input of the electrooptic sideband generator. The electrooptic sideband generator is driven to generate frequency sidebands about a carrier frequency of the input optical signal. The optical filter is utilized to discriminate between the frequency sidebands and the carrier frequency and combine sidebands-of-interest to yield at least one frequency-converted optical signal comprising a millimeter wave modulation frequency. The frequency converted optical signal carries the encoded optical data and the modulation frequency is a function of the spacing of the sidebands-of-interest. The frequency-converted optical signal is directed to the optical/electrical converter where it is converted to an encoded electrical signal. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed. |
| US08726315B2 |
Method and server side and terminal for finding interactive electric service guide
A method and a service side and a terminal for finding an interactive electronic service guide. Said method comprises: the server side down-issuing the information corresponding to the finding interactive ESG service to the terminal through the broadcast channel, and the terminal acquires the information for finding the interactive ESG service in the broadcast channel. Said server side comprises a sending module of the related information for finding interactive ESG service and a down-issue module for the ESG supplier list. The terminal comprises a receiving module of the related information for finding the interactive ESG service and a receiving module for the ESG supplier list. |
| US08726314B2 |
System and method for extending recording time for a digital video record (DVR)
A system and method for extending recording time over an allocated time slot for a A/V recording device including receiving, at a programming content server, a request for one or more programs and transmitting, via the programming content server, the request for one or more programs to at least one of a linear content system and a digital content system. Also, the system and method may include receiving, at the programming content server, the one or more requested programs from at least one of the linear content system and the digital content system; and transmitting, via the programming content server, one or more programming content identification messages to a set-top box in the event that the one or more requested programs extend over an allocated time slot. |
| US08726309B2 |
Methods and apparatus for presenting substitute content in an audio/video stream using text data
Various embodiments of apparatus and/or methods are described for skipping, filtering and/or replacing content from an audio/video stream using text data associated with the audio/video stream. The text data is processed using location information that references a segment of the text data of the first audio/video stream to identify a location within the first audio/video stream. The location within the first audio/video stream is utilized to identify portions of the audio/video stream that are to be skipped during presentation. The portions of the audio/video stream that are to be skipped are filtered from the audio/video stream, and some of the skipped portions of the audio/video stream are replaced with substitute content. The filtered video stream, including the substitute content, is outputted for presentation to a user. |
| US08726306B2 |
Device-specific pre-provisoining access-limiting for a modem and a consumer premise equipment device
A method of initializing, provisioning, and managing a cable modem and a customer premise equipment device includes, prior to receiving the configuration file for the cable modem, providing an equipment identification message containing a description of the customer premise equipment device connected to the cable modem. In the case where the cable modem has yet to be provisioned, the configuration file received from the network server is a particular access-limiting configuration file that is selected from a group of access-limiting configuration files. The selection of the particular access-limiting configuration file is based on the description of the customer premise equipment device in the equipment identification message. This allows different devices to have different network restrictions or different walled gardens. |
| US08726303B2 |
Microchips with an internal hardware firewall that by its location leaves unprotected microprocessors or processing units which performs processing with a network
A microchip comprising an internal hardware firewall located between a protected portion of the microchip that is protected by the internal hardware firewall and a network portion that is configured to connect to a network of computers. The internal hardware firewall is configured to deny access to the protected portion from the network. The microchip may also include one or more of a network communications, graphics, video, sound, hard drive, optical disk drive and flash memory component in the network portion and one or many microprocessors that are not network communications components and are in the network portion and are separate from the internal hardware firewall. The location of the internal hardware firewall permits unrestricted access by the network to the network portion so that processing operations other than network communications and firewall operations conducted by the microchip with the network are executed by the microprocessors in the network portion. |
| US08726302B2 |
Spindle motor
A spindle motor is disclosed, characterized by: a rotation shaft rotated by a stator and a rotor; a turn table rotated by the rotation shaft and accommodated by an optical disk; and a center cone moved along an axial direction of the rotation shaft for being brought into contact with an inner periphery of the optical disk to align a rotation center of the optical disk with a rotation center of the rotation shaft, wherein the center cone contacting the inner periphery of the optical disk is formed with a rise prevention unit configured to reduce a contact area with the inner periphery of the optical disk and to tightly contact the optical disk to the turn table. |
| US08726299B1 |
Image-oriented, plugin-based API to storage server appliances
A system and method for managing data storage. A computer system comprises a data storage application and an API. The API presents a logical storage model to the data storage application for storing data on one or more storage appliances and accepts first and second plugins coupling first and second storage appliances, respectively, to the API. The first and second storage appliances store data according to different physical storage models. The API receives an access request from the data storage application targeting a portion of the logical storage model. In response to the access request, the API identifies a plugin and a corresponding storage appliance associated with the portion of the logical storage model and utilizes the identified plugin to map the portion of the logical storage model to a corresponding portion of the selected storage appliance's physical storage model. |
| US08726295B2 |
Network on chip with an I/O accelerator
Data processing on a network on chip (‘NOC’) that includes IP blocks, routers, memory communications controllers, and network interface controllers; each IP block adapted to a router through a memory communications controller and a network interface controller; each memory communications controller controlling communication between an IP block and memory; each network interface controller controlling inter-IP block communications through routers; each IP block adapted to the network by a low latency, high bandwidth application messaging interconnect comprising an inbox and an outbox; a computer software application segmented into stages, each stage comprising a flexibly configurable module of computer program instructions identified by a stage ID with each stage executing on a thread of execution on an IP block; and at least one of the IP blocks comprising an input/output (‘I/O’) accelerator that administers at least some data communications traffic to and from the at least one IP block. |
| US08726294B2 |
Cross-environment communication using application space API
A mobile computing device with a mobile operating system and desktop operating system running concurrently and independently on a shared kernel without virtualization. The mobile operating system provides a mobile user experience while the desktop operating system provides a full desktop user experience when the mobile computing device is docked to a secondary terminal environment. Applications of the desktop operating system communicate with applications and services of the mobile operating system through a cross-environment communication framework. The cross-environment communication framework may include application programming interfaces through which categories of applications can communicate across a multiple operating system computing environment through category-specific remote communication calls. The mobile computing device may be a smartphone running the Android mobile operating system and a full desktop Linux distribution on a modified Android kernel. |
| US08726285B2 |
Method and apparatus for triggering workflow deployment and/or execution
A system and method for triggering deployment of a workflow are provided. The method includes issuing, to a first device (e.g., a server) from application software executing on a second device (e.g., a client computer), an instruction to execute a workflow previously deployed at the first device. The workflow is formed as a function of information associated with a graphical representation of the workflow. The application software may be, for example, software for one or more word-processing, spreadsheet, database, email, instant messenger, presentation, browser, calendar, organizer, media, image-display applications; file management programs and/or operating system shells. Alternatively, the application software may be or include a module associated with such application software. This module may include or be formed as or from one or more plug-ins, add-ons, applets, shared libraries, and/or extensions. |
| US08726284B2 |
Managing requests based on request groups
A request management component receives requests to perform an operation. Each of the requests is assigned, based on one or more criteria, to one of multiple different request groups. Based at least in part on execution policies associated with the request groups, determinations are made as to when to submit the requests to one or more recipient. Each of the multiple requests is submitted to one of the recipients when it is determined that the request is to be submitted. |
| US08726283B1 |
Deadlock avoidance skid buffer
Under some conditions, requests transmitted between different devices in a computing system may be blocked in a way that prevents the request from being processed, resulting in a deadlock condition. A skid buffer is used to allow additional requests to be queued in order to remove the blockage and end the deadlock condition. Once the deadlock condition is removed, the requests are processed and the additional buffer entries in the skid buffer are disabled. |
| US08726280B2 |
Method and system for autonomic application program spawning in a computing environment
A method and system for self-managing an application program in a computing environment, is provided. One implementation involves spawning a primary application for execution in the computing environment; the primary application monitoring status of the primary application and the computing environment resources while executing; and upon detecting a first status threshold, the primary application spawning a secondary application in the computing environment, wherein the secondary application comprises a lower functionality version of the primary application, and the primary application terminating. |
| US08726279B2 |
System for multi threaded multi processor sharing of asynchronous hardware units
Methods and system for sharing a hardware resource in a computer system running at least one software process having multiple threads. A lock_indicator is provided in data structures within the computer system. A request is received to use the hardware resource by one of the threads that is defined to be a requesting tread. Based on the lock_indicator, it is determined whether the hardware resource is available for use by the requesting thread. If this indicates that the hardware resource is available, the lock_indicator is set under control of the hardware resource to instead indicate that the hardware resource is unavailable, and a go_indicator signals to indicate that use of the hardware resource for the request can now proceed. |
| US08726278B1 |
Methods and system for registering callbacks and distributing tasks to technical computing works
A method and system is disclosed for providing a distributed technical computing environment for distributing technical computing tasks from a technical computing client to technical computing workers for execution of the tasks on one or more computers systems. Tasks can be defined on a technical computing client, and the tasks organized into jobs. The technical computing client can directly distribute tasks to one or more technical computing workers. Furthermore, the technical computing client can submit tasks, or jobs comprising tasks, to an automatic task distribution mechanism that distributes the tasks automatically to one or more technical computing workers providing technical computing services. The technical computing worker performs technical computing of tasks and the results of the execution of tasks may be provided to the technical computing client. |
| US08726272B2 |
Extensibility for business accelerator authoring tools
Embodiments of the present invention provide for updating an application such as an authoring tool for defining one or more customized configurations of a software package. According to one embodiment, a base package including the application and information defining a base configuration for the application can be received and installed. Instructions to create a custom configuration of the application can be received and information defining the custom configuration can be saved separate from the application and the base configuration. An update package including an update to the authoring tool can be received and installed. The information defining the custom configuration can be read and compared to the update to the authoring tool to determine whether the update affects the custom configuration. If the update to the authoring tool affects the custom configuration, elements of the custom configuration that are found to be affected can be reported. |
| US08726268B2 |
Computer-readable medium, information processing apparatus, display control method
A computer-readable medium causes an information processing apparatus capable of performing a plurality of setting processing for making a setting in accordance with a predetermined sequence to perform processing including a first display control process including displaying a corresponding setting image for each of the plurality of setting processing, an information acceptance process including accepting information required to perform the setting processing through the displayed setting image, a shift command acceptance process including accepting a shift command for making a shift toward another setting processing from setting processing corresponding to the setting image displayed in the first display control process, and a second display control process including displaying an input completion image showing information accepted in the information acceptance process in addition to the setting image corresponding to the setting processing to be shifted by the shift command when the shift command is accepted in the shift command acceptance process. |
| US08726262B2 |
Firmware update system and information apparatus, and program
The present invention provides a firmware update process capable of realizing both recovery from an interruption of update and saving of a capacity of nonvolatile memory used for backup and storing difference data. Thus, intermediate data is included for always holding a status of firmware in rewriting in addition to the new and old firmware. In a case of updating all blocks configuring the firmware in an arbitrary order, the process successively compares blocks of the intermediate data and new firmware with each other; calculates an address of data for recovery from an interruption of update and a backup capacity required therefor; extracts difference data to be distributed, calculates a capacity thereof and creates an update procedure; and derives a processing order whose total of the backup capacity and the difference data capacity is the minimum (see FIG. 2). |
| US08726261B2 |
Zero downtime hard disk firmware update
An embodiment includes determining which disks need an update, then copying user data from a disk to be updated to a spare disk. New data is written to both the disk to be updated and the spare disk, and a zone map is maintained for all volumes of the disk to be updated. The firmware on the disk is updated, and changed data is copied from the spare disk to the newly updated disk based on the zone map. New data is written to both the newly updated disk and the spare disk. Once the changed data has been copied to the newly updated disk, data is written to the newly updated disk. |
| US08726260B2 |
Techniques for providing software patches to a computer system
A technique for providing a software patch to an associated computer system includes receiving, at a wireless communication device, a communication. Next, it is determined, at the wireless communication device, whether the communication is associated with a software patch available for the associated computer system. When the communication is associated with the software patch, a notification is sent from the wireless communication device to the associated computer system that the software patch is available. |
| US08726256B2 |
Unrolling quantifications to control in-degree and/or out-degree of automaton
Apparatus, systems, and methods for a compiler are disclosed. One such compiler parses a human readable expression into a syntax tree and converts the syntax tree into an automaton having in-transitions and out-transitions. Converting can include unrolling the quantification as a function of in-degree limitations wherein in-degree limitations includes a limit on the number of transitions into a state of the automaton. The compiler can also convert the automaton into an image for programming a parallel machine, and publishes the image. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08726254B2 |
Embedded annotation and program analysis
Program source code is annotated to support dataflow analysis or other program analysis, without requiring changes to compilers. Annotation statements are embedded inside comments or other non-code-generative portions of the source code. The annotations can be used to express contracts at routine boundaries, allowing an analyzer to check the global correctness of the source code through modular (local) analysis, with performance that is linear in the number of routines. In particular, annotated SQL source code may be analyzed to identify SQL injection vulnerabilities. |
| US08726248B2 |
Method and apparatus for enregistering memory locations
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that improves program performance by enregistering memory locations. During operation, the system receives program object code which has been generated to use a specified number of registers that are available for a given target hardware implementation. Next, the system translates this object code to execute on a second hardware implementation which includes more registers than the first hardware implementation. The system uses these additional registers to improve the performance of the translated object code for the second hardware implementation. More specifically, the system identifies a memory access in the object code, and then rewrites an instruction associated with this memory access to access an available register instead of the original target memory location. To preserve program semantics, the system subsequently moderates accesses to the memory location to ensure that no threads access a stale value in the enregistered memory location. |
| US08726245B2 |
Static analysis of computer software applications having a model-view-controller architecture
Preparing a computer software application for static analysis by identifying a control flow within a model portion of a computer software application having a model-view-controller architecture, where the control flow passes a value to a controller portion of the computer software application, analyzing a declarative specification of the controller portion of the computer software application to identify a view to which the controller portion passes control based on the value, and synthesizing a method within the computer software application, where the method calls the view. |
| US08726243B2 |
Method and system for automatically testing performance of applications run in a distributed processing structure and corresponding computer program product
Performance of applications run on a distributed processing structure including a grid of processing units is automatically tested by: running at least one application on the distributed processing structure; loading the application with processing workload to thereby produce processing workload on the distributed processing structure; sensing the operating status of the processing units in the distributed processing structure under the processing workload and producing information signals indicative of such operating status; collecting these information signals; providing a rule engine and selectively modifying, as a function of the rules in the rule engine and the information signals collected, at least one of: the processing workload on the application, and the operating status of the processing units in the grid. |
| US08726238B2 |
Interactive iterative program parallelization based on dynamic feedback
Interactive iterative program parallelization based on dynamic feedback program parallelization, in one aspect, may identify a ranked list of one or more candidate pieces of code each with one or more source refactorings that can be applied to parallelize the code, apply at least one of the one or more refactorings to create a revised code, and determine performance data associated with the revised code. The performance data may be used to make decisions on identifying next possible ranked list of refactorings. |
| US08726236B2 |
Determining context specific content
In one illustrative embodiment, a computer-implemented method for identifying program components, generates, by a processor unit, associations between the program components stored in a computer usable storage medium to create a first set of relationships, and assigns, by the processor unit, a probability to each relationship in the first set of relationships to create a second set of relationships, wherein the probability indicates a strength of the associations between the program components. |
| US08726230B1 |
Generating a user interface for sending data among resources
A method performed by one or more processing devices includes receiving a request to generate a computer program; generating, in response to receiving the request, a first user interface that when rendered on a display device renders: one or more first visual representations of one or more first fields of the first resource; and one or more second visual representations of one or more second fields of the second resource; receiving, through the first user interface, a selection of: at least one of the one or more first visual representations; and at least one of the one or more second visual representations; receiving, through a second user interface, data specifying the one or more operations; and updating, based on the received data, the computer program with one or more third instructions to perform the one or more operations. |
| US08726226B2 |
Integrated work lists for engineering project change management
A tool supports management of engineering project changes using a current design diagram with links to implementation components, a proposed design diagram, and a work list of tasks for transforming the current design into the proposed design. Tasks recite intended changes such as add, remove, or refactor, with reference to implementation components to be changed, and tracking information. Work list tasks may be automatically generated based on design model differences correlated with project code, automatically generated based on tracked user design actions correlated with project code, and/or manually generated by users. Work lists may be exported. Users can mark a relationship for removal and view a corresponding updated work list. Users can trace impact of a work list on project context such as testing coverage, database structures, and user scenarios. |
| US08726222B1 |
Method and system for routing optimally between terminals through intermediate vias in a circuit design
A system and method are provided for establishing an automated routing environment in an electronic design automation (EDA) work flow for the routing of a circuit design. A user may merely specify a flow via pattern, a flow via location, and a start and end terminal and thereby, the auto router or path finder will automatically find the least-cost paths between each of the start terminals through at least one intermediate via of the flow via and ending at an end terminal. Upon successful routing of all needed terminals, an at least partially routed circuit design may be output. |
| US08726219B2 |
Analysis of digital circuits with time division multiplexing
Methods and apparatuses to design and analyze digital circuits with time division multiplexing. In one embodiment, the method for designing a digital circuit comprises determining signal timing for a portion of the digital circuit, and automatically replacing nets for a plurality of connections in the digital circuit with a Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) channel in response to a determining of routing congestion. |
| US08726217B2 |
Methods for analyzing cells of a cell library
Methods and systems are provided for analyzing cells of a cell library used to generate a layout. One exemplary method involves determining a routed connection location utilized in the layout for a pin of the cell for each instance of the cell in the layout. The method continues by determining a utilization metric for the pin of the cell based on the plurality of routed connection locations and a plurality of possible connection locations for the pin, and displaying the utilization metric on a display device. |
| US08726213B2 |
Method and apparatus for decomposing functions in a configurable IC
Some embodiments of the invention provide a configurable integrated circuit (“IC”). The configurable IC includes a set of multiplexers that each has a set of input terminals, a set of output terminals, and a set of select terminals. The set of multiplexers includes a group of multiplexers, where at least one input terminal of each multiplexer in the group is a permanently inverting input terminal. During at least a set of cycles during the operation of the configurable IC, several multiplexers in the group of multiplexers are used to implement a particular function. |
| US08726210B2 |
Optimizing timing critical paths by modulating systemic process variation
Systems and methods are provided to optimize critical paths by modulating systemic process variations, such as regional timing variations in IC designs. A method includes determining a physical location of an element in the semiconductor chip design within the critical path. The method further includes modulating a systemic process variation of the semiconductor chip design to speed up the critical path based on a polysilicon conductor perimeter density associated with the element. |
| US08726209B1 |
Method and system for automatically establishing a component description format (CDF) debugging environment
A system and method are provided for establishing a debugging environment in an Electronic Design Automation work-flow. A user-interface is provided for interfacing with users by displaying a list of debuggable parameters, accepting a selection thereof, and automatically locating both the callback function which sets the selected parameter, and the source code file which contains the callback function. Additionally, it is determined whether the callback function sets solely the selected parameter, or several different parameters, and an automatic breakpoint is set accordingly to break only responsive to the selected parameter. On execution of the modified callback function, execution will be arrested by the automatically-set intelligent breakpoint and a debugging user-interface will be generated for the user to display the relevant source code, callback function, parameter names and values, system state, and the like. Upon completion of the debugging process, the automatically-set breakpoint will be removed. |
| US08726207B2 |
On-the-fly device characterization from layouts of circuits
A design system includes a layout module and a user interface. The layout module includes a computing unit, which is configured to extract layout parameters of an integrated circuit device in a circuit during a layout stage of the circuit, and calculate circuit parameters of the device using the layout parameters. The user interface is configured to display the circuit parameters of the device in response to a user selection of the device. |
| US08726202B2 |
Mitigation of mask defects by pattern shifting
An image of a mask pattern is overlaid on an image of a mask blank annotated with the center location and dimensions of each measured mask defect. Design clips centered at the measured defects are generated with lateral dimensions less than allowable movement of the mask pattern over the mask blank. Each design clip is converted into a binary image including pixels corresponding to defect-activating regions and pixels corresponding to defect-hiding regions. Each pixel region representing the defect-activating region is expanded by laterally biasing peripheries by one half of the lateral extent of the defect located within the corresponding design clip. Biased design clips are logically compiled pixel by pixel to determine an optimal pattern shift vector representing the amount of pattern shift. |
| US08726192B2 |
Computer-readable storage medium having activation control program stored therein and activation control apparatus
A system is disclosed including: a first display control section 218 for selectively displaying, in a first display area, a second predetermined number of first objects among first objects, corresponding to a first predetermined number of game programs, for which an order is set; a second display control section 219 for displaying a position designation image at a position corresponding to a position, of subject software, in an order set for the first predetermined number of pieces of software; a display change section 217 for designating a first object to be displayed in the first display area, based on an operation input received by using the position designation image; and an activation execution section 220 for activating software corresponding to one first object which is selected from among the second predetermined number of first objects displayed in the first display area, based on the operation input. |
| US08726191B2 |
Ephemeral object selections and fast-path gesturing for device control
A device may be controlled by: detecting a first user input associated with an element of a graphical user interface associated with at least one controllable device; detecting at least one second user input; and transmitting at least one device control signal to the at least one controllable device associated with the element of the graphical user interface when the first user input and the second user input are at least partially contemporaneous. |
| US08726190B2 |
Automatically transformed graphical user interface
Automatically transformed graphical user interface techniques and implementations are described, including displaying a graphical user interface in a first position, the graphical user interface having a composition having an interface element, detecting an input to change the composition, and transforming the graphical user interface in response to the input comprising adjusting at least one edge of the graphical user interface and orienting the graphical user interface to a second position relative to a point in a display. |
| US08726187B2 |
Building macro elements for production automation control
A macro element template is replicated to build a macro element library. A macro element is associated with executable instructions for controlling a plurality of production devices to produce a special effect or segment of a media production. One or more automation control objects are positioned onto a control interface to build a macro element template. Build information is associated with each automation control object to assign a variable name, device type, property page field(s), and variable naming table. A replicator control interface allows a range of sources to be assigned to the macro element template, and is associated with executable instructions for building the macro element library. The macro element library includes user-defined filenames that enables a director to quickly search and select a desired macro element. Changes in production values ripple throughout the macro element library to dynamically update the macro elements. |
| US08726184B2 |
Systems, apparatus and methods for a messaging system
An embodiment relates generally to a method of messaging. The method includes providing a message activation widget on a lock dialog box of a screen saver application and activating the message activation widget. The method also includes displaying a message user interface configured to accept a message and displaying a screen saver image in response to saving an entered message in the message user interface. |
| US08726179B2 |
Method and system for providing in-line scheduling in an on-demand service
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for providing in-line scheduling in an on-demand service in a database system. These mechanisms and methods for providing in-line scheduling can enable embodiments to provide a multi-tenant database that stores client scheduling information, client customer contact information, and enables drag and drop event scheduling. In a multi-tenant database, a system for managing client customer contact information and event scheduling is established, which may be useful for a tenant that is a salesperson or that employs salespersons. The multi-tenant database may include a combined view application that provides for the simultaneous display of a calendar view and list view of contact information. The multi-tenant database may further include drag and drop functionality, allowing list view information to be dragged and dropped onto the calendar view for event scheduling. The ability of embodiments to provide drag and drop inline event scheduling can enable efficient calendaring of events by rapidly transferring relevant information onto a calendar. |
| US08726176B2 |
Active business client
Methods and apparatuses enable generation of and consumption of business context data. A server generates business context data that describes a resource, a view, and actionable context data related to a business scenario. The business context data is not specific to any particular UI capability of the client device, and may include tittle or no UI information. The server transmits the business context data to a client device that has an active client. The active client identifies one or more UI capabilities of the client device and generates a UI component based on the business scenario and the UI capabilities. The UI component enables functionality in the client device related to execution of the actionable context data. In one embodiment, the active client enables predictive deployment of services on the client device based on an understanding of the business scenario. |
| US08726175B2 |
User interface generation apparatus
A user interface generation apparatus is provided with a user interface generation unit for generating a user interface, a display unit for displaying the user interface generated by the user interface generation unit, and a memory unit for storing a definition file including object definition information which defines an object, which is a component of the user interface. If being instructed to generate a plurality of user interfaces, the user interface generation unit makes a selection from object definition information included in the definition file stored in the memory unit and executes processing to generate a compound user interface based on the object definition information selected. |
| US08726170B2 |
Delivery of contextual information
A communication is initiated between a first user and a second user via a collaboration channel. Thereafter, an identification of the second user relating to the collaboration channel is associated with a business entity (also referred to sometimes as a business partner). A service is automatically initiated that retrieves contextual information associated with the business entity in response to the initiation of the communication. A scope of the retrieved contextual information is based on a business partner type for the business entity. Subsequently, the first user is presented with at least a portion of the retrieved contextual information concurrently with the communication between the first user and the second user via the collaboration channel. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described. |
| US08726166B2 |
System and method for a remote console preview of a server
A device and a method for a remote console preview of a remote server are disclosed. A preview image corresponding to a remote console image of the remote server is displayed. The preview image is updated at a predetermined time interval. A first selection of the preview image is received, and a remote console session of the remote server is initiated in response to receiving the first selection of the preview image. |
| US08726165B1 |
Methods for auto-completing contact entry on mobile devices
Methods for implementing an auto-complete feature for contact entry on mobile devices are described. In some embodiments, a mobile device downloads from a server a number of contacts associated with a user, wherein the number of contacts is a subset of contacts in a contact list of the user. Upon receiving a partial contact entry from the user that includes a string of one or more characters, the mobile device identifies contacts from the downloaded contacts matching the partial entry. The mobile device displays no more than a preset number of matching contacts on the display of the mobile device at any one time, in a particular order, with an option for the user to display and fetch for more matching contacts. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08726158B2 |
User interface generation apparatus
A user interface generation apparatus is provided, the apparatus being capable of switching over between a compound user interface and a stand-alone user interface by simple operations. When an input unit receives a second input while a control unit controls to display a compound user interface object group, the control unit controls to display a stand-alone user interface object group of a user interface displayed correspondingly to a reception position of the second input in the compound user interface object group. |
| US08726157B2 |
Digital living network alliance (DLNA) client device with thumbnail creation
An item of audio and video (A/V) content is identified stored in association with a DLNA server that does not have a thumbnail image associated with it. The item of A/V content is streamed at a DLNA client device. Intra-coded frames (I-Frames) are selected from the streamed A/V content. The selected I-Frames are presented to a user of the DLNA client device. A selection is received from the user identifying one of the selected I-Frames. The identified I-Frame is stored in association with the item of A/V content. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08726151B2 |
Comparing encrypted documents having structured data
The present disclosure is directed to comparing a first structured data document to a second structured data document, including receiving the first and second structured data documents as first and second encrypted documents, respectively, comparing nodes of the first encrypted document to nodes of the second encrypted document, a content and a location of each of the nodes remaining confidential during the comparing, generating matched pairs of nodes based on the comparing, and storing the matched pairs in computer memory, each matched pair comprising a node of the first encrypted document and a corresponding node of the second encrypted document, determining one or more edit operations based on the matched pairs, and generating an edit script comprising the one or more edit operations, the edit script being executable to transform the first encrypted document to provide a transformed encrypted document that is isomorphic to the second encrypted document. |
| US08726150B2 |
Web page distribution system
Provided is a web page distribution system capable of distributing web pages that satisfy the output condition of a distribution target. The web page distribution system comprises a plurality of mobile phones and a web page distribution server. The mobile phones can communicate with Internet and have individually set output conditions for outputting all web pages including text data and image data referred to from the text data. The web page distribution server specifies, based on the reception of the distribution request for the web pages, the output conditions of the mobile phones and determines whether the web pages satisfy the specified output conditions or not. When it is determined that the output conditions are not satisfied, the web page distribution server converts the web pages that do not satisfy the output conditions into the ones that satisfy the output conditions and performs a process for distributing the web pages. |
| US08726144B2 |
Interactive learning-based document annotation
A document annotation system includes a graphical user interface used by an annotator to annotate documents. An active learning component trains an annotation model and proposes annotations to documents based on the annotation model. A request handler conveys annotation requests from the graphical user interface to the active learning component, conveys proposed annotations from the active learning component to the graphical user interface, and selectably conveys evaluation requests from the graphical user interface to a domain expert. During annotation, at least some low probability proposed annotations are presented to the annotator by the graphical user interface. The presented low probability proposed annotations enhance training of the annotation model by the active learning component. |
| US08726142B2 |
Selecting social networking system user information for display via a timeline interface
The invention provides a display interface in a social networking system that enables the presentation of information related to a user in a timeline or map view. The system accesses information about a user of a social networking system, including both data about the user and social network activities related to the user. The system then selects one or more of these pieces of data and/or activities from a certain time period and gathers them into timeline units based on their relatedness and their relevance to users. These timeline units are ranked by relevance to the user, and are used to generate a timeline or map view for the user containing visual representations of the timeline units organized by location or time. The timeline or map view is then provided to other users of the social networking system that wish to view information about the user. |
| US08726138B2 |
Methods and systems for modified maximum-likelihood based TBCC decoding
A method and apparatus for decoding of tailbiting convolutional codes (TBCC) are disclosed. The proposed modified maximum-likelihood TBCC decoding technique preserves error correction performance of optimal maximum-likelihood based TBCC decoding, while the computational complexity is substantially decreased since a reduced number of decoding states has been evaluated. Compare to other sub-optimal TBCC decoding algorithms, modified maximum-likelihood TBCC decoding achieves improved packet error rate performance with similar computational complexity. |
| US08726136B2 |
Systems, methods, apparatus and computer program products for highly reliable file delivery using compound and braided FEC encoding and decoding
Systems, methods, apparatus and computer program products provide highly reliable file delivery using a combination of packet-level FEC on source data packets which are arranged in matrices, where encoding is performed on both rows and columns or on rows, columns and diagonals. |
| US08726123B2 |
Bit error correction for removing age related errors in a bit pattern
A bit error corrector includes an aging bit pattern memory operable to store at least one aging bit pattern which conveys aging-related effects within a succession of uncorrected bit patterns, a bit pattern modifier operable to modify a current, uncorrected bit pattern using the at least one aging bit pattern and generate a modified bit pattern, and a bit pattern comparator operable to compare the current uncorrected bit pattern with a corrected bit pattern which is based on the modified bit pattern and determine a corresponding comparative bit pattern. An aging bit pattern determiner is operable to recursively determine a new aging bit pattern based on the at least one aging bit pattern and the comparative bit pattern, and store the new aging bit pattern in the aging bit pattern memory for use during modification of a subsequent uncorrected bit pattern by the bit pattern modifier. |
| US08726120B2 |
Storing encoded data slices in a dispersed storage unit
A method begins with a processing module receiving an access request for the data object. The method continues by ascertaining that the data object is divided into a plurality of data segments and that plurality of data segments are dispersed storage error encoded to produce a plurality of sets of encoded data slices. The method continues by ascertaining batching of the plurality of sets of encoded data slices, wherein the plurality of sets of encoded data slices are arranged into a set of batched encoded data slices. The method continues by outputting a set of access requests for the set of batched encoded data slices to storage units of the DSN. |
| US08726119B2 |
Fast stochastic decode method for low density parity check code
Provided is a fast stochastic decoding method for a low density parity check (LDPC) code. The decoding method may include decoding the LDPC code based on an LDPC decoding scheme, using a message expressed by a log-likelihood ratio (LLR) value. |
| US08726115B2 |
Uplink H-ARQ signalling mechanism in a wireless communication system
A method in a wireless communication system that includes a user equipment, an anchor network station and at least one assisting network station, where the user equipment transmits the same data to the network stations and the network stations each transmit an acknowledgement of the data to the user equipment in response. The at least one assisting network station also forwards the data to the anchor network station. |
| US08726112B2 |
Scan test application through high-speed serial input/outputs
Methods and devices for using high-speed serial links for scan testing are disclosed. The methods can work with any scheme of scan data compression or with uncompressed scan testing. The protocol and hardware to support high speed data transfer reside on both the tester and the device under test. Control data may be transferred along with scan data or be partially generated on chip. Clock signals for testing may be generated on chip as well. In various implementations, the SerDes (Serializer/Deserializer) may be shared with other applications. The Aurora Protocol may be used to transport industry standard protocols. To compensate for effects of asynchronous operation of a conventional high-speed serial link, buffers may be used. The high-speed serial interface may use a data conversion block to drive test cores. |
| US08726098B2 |
Diagnostic method, diagnostic code generation system, and program for the same
The operator terminal 150 receives input in relation to a setting status check item being a setting item desired to be checked in the diagnostic code generation terminal, and generates a status check code, so that the status check code indicates the setting status check item received in the input. Then, the diagnostic code generation terminal 10 acquires the setting status of the diagnostic code generation terminal 10 in response to receiving the input of the status check code, the setting status corresponding to the setting status check item, and generates a diagnostic code indicating the setting status based on the acquired setting status. Then, the setting status of the diagnostic code generation terminal 10 is reproduced by inputting the diagnostic code to an operator terminal 150. |
| US08726096B2 |
Controller and control method for a controller
A controller and a control method for a controller can simplify application development and can improve the performance of device control processes. When a request is received from an application 1 and the received process request is an initialization request, whether or not the received request is the first initialization request received after the application 1 started running is determined. If the received initialization request is the first initialization request, the request is passed to the device driver 3 and initialization settings information describing the configuration of the device driver 3 after the initialization process ends is stored. If an error has occurred in the device driver 3 when the device driver 3 status is detected, an error handling process is executed according to the device driver 3 state. When the device driver 3 has recovered, a request for setting the device driver 3 state to the state based on the initialization settings information is asserted. |
| US08726094B2 |
Communication monitoring apparatus, communication monitoring method, and storage medium storing communication monitoring program
A communication monitoring apparatus that is capable of preventing determination of communication error due to communication shutdown accompanying the communication speed change so as not to inspire a user with unnecessary uneasiness. The communication monitoring apparatus monitors a connecting condition of communication between a terminal that can change a communication speed and a host apparatus through a network. A check unit periodically checks whether the connecting condition of communication between the terminal and the host apparatus through the network is normal or abnormal at first set time, and determines that a communication error occurs when the checked result shows abnormal connecting condition. A control unit detects a communication speed change in the terminal, and stops the check by the check unit before the communication speed change concerned. |
| US08726092B1 |
Identifying causes of application crashes
The subject matter of this specification can be implemented in, among other things, a computer-implemented method for identifying causes of application crashes. The method includes receiving crash reports from multiple computing devices resulting from a problem that occurs in an application in operation at the computing devices. The crash reports include sets of properties that describe system states of the computing devices where the problem occurred. The method further includes identifying similarities between one or more properties in the sets of properties from the crash reports. The method further includes identifying differences between one or more properties in the sets of properties from the crash reports. The method further includes identifying one or more candidates for a cause of the problem in the application based on a clustering of the similarities and the differences. The method further includes generating a report that includes the one or more candidates. |
| US08726088B2 |
Method for processing booting errors
A method for processing booting errors for a computer having multiple voltage regulator downs (VRDs) includes reading a boot sequence including multiple power-on stages, and each power-on stage corresponds to a boot voltage and one of the VRDs; performing the power-on stages according to the boot sequence, and determining whether an output voltage of the VRD corresponding to each power-on stage is equal to the corresponding boot voltage; and when the output voltage of any one of the VRDs is not equal to the corresponding boot voltage, performing a debugging procedure. |
| US08726087B2 |
System and method for curing a read inability state in a memory device
A system and method for correcting a boot error is disclosed. The system comprises a solid-state nonvolatile memory device, the solid-state nonvolatile memory device storing a boot loader at a predetermined block having a first address on the solid-state nonvolatile memory device. The system further comprises a main controller that retrieves the boot loader from the predetermined block upon powering up. The system also includes a monitoring module configured to monitor an initial boot sequence of the main controller and to determine when the predetermined block has a read inability error. The main controller obtains a backup boot loader from a backup block when the monitoring module determines that the predetermined block is corrupted. |
| US08726085B2 |
Anomaly detection to implement security protection of a control system
An anomaly detection mechanism is provided that detects an anomaly in a control network, and includes an identifying unit to receive event information on an event that occurs, and to identify a group including a resource related to the event information by referring to a configuration management database for retaining dependence relationships between processes and resources including a control system; a policy storing unit to store one or more policies each of which associates one or more actions with a condition defining a situation suspected to have an anomaly; an adding unit to acquire group-related information needed for application to the one or more policies, and to add the acquired information to the event information; and a determining unit to apply the event information to the one or more policies and to determine the one or more actions associated with the matched condition as one or more actions to be taken. |
| US08726084B2 |
Methods and systems for distributed diagnostic reasoning
A method for distributed diagnostic reasoning is provided. The method includes establishing a computing node monitoring the operation of a component of a complex system and populating at least one of a processor and the memory of the computing node with one or more standardized executable application modules (SEAMs) and a workflow service. The method further includes creating a configuration file in combination with several SEAMS to create a distributed diagnostic reasoner (DDR) associated with the component. The method also comprises installing the configuration file in the computing node for execution by the processor; and initializing the one or more SEAMS, the configuration file and the workflow service, wherein the workflow service facilitates data flow between the one or more SEAMS and the static data associated with a fault condition resident in the configuration file. |
| US08726077B2 |
Method and system for partitioning data files for efficient processing
An approach is provided for fast processing of data files. A plurality of records are received from a source system. The records are validated against a predetermined data source. An error notification is generated based on the validation. The validated records are partitioned based on a unique parameter. The partitioned records are transformed according to a format specified by a target system. The transformed records are selectively corrected. |
| US08726076B2 |
Operator state checkpoint markers and rehydration
A checkpoint marker can be received at a first operator. The first operator can process the checkpoint marker by sending the checkpoint marker to a second operator and sending state checkpoint information representing a state of the first operator to a checkpoint writer. The checkpoint information can be used to rehydrate the state of one or more operators. For example, after a system failure, system shutdown, etc., checkpoint information can be received from a reader unit at a checkpoint information input queue of the first operator. A state of the first operator can be rehydrated using the checkpoint information. Processing of information in a data input queue of the first operator can be suspended while the checkpoint information is used to rehydrate the state of the first operator. Other operators in a system with the first operator (e.g., the second operator) may be checkpointed and rehydrated in the same manner as the first operator. |
| US08726074B2 |
Handling device and method for voltage faults
A handling device and method for voltage faults applicable for using in a computer system. The handling method includes acquiring a signal of voltage fault. According to the signal of voltage fault and by looking up at tables, an operating status of the computer system corresponding to the signal of voltage fault is acquired, and generating a control signal according to the operating status. Then, the computer system according to the control signal is restarted. |
| US08726073B2 |
Control apparatus and control method
A control apparatus controls a first and a second power supply units having a redundant configuration and converters connected to respective outputs of the power supply units. The power supply units generate a plurality of voltages and supply a storage device with the generated voltages through the respective converters. The control apparatus includes a determination unit for determining whether an abnormality occurs in a first voltage that the first power supply unit generates, upon the second power supply unit failing, and an instruction unit for instructing the converter connected to the first power supply unit to generate the first voltage on the basis of a second voltage that the first power supply unit generates, upon the abnormality occurring in the first voltage of the first power supply unit. |
| US08726067B1 |
Utilizing both application and storage networks for distributed storage over asynchronous distances
A system for responding to a failure in an active/active system is provided. It may be determined that a failure has occurred in connection with a first site and a second site. A winning site and a losing site may be determined from among the first site and the second site. It may be determined whether to perform at least one of: a push operation, a pull operation or both to obtain or identify data from the losing site in order to maintain I/O operations on the data at the winning site. A message may be sent to the losing site concerning the data. The message may depend on whether to perform the push operation, the pull operation or both. A response to the message may be received. |
| US08726066B1 |
Journal based replication with enhance failover
A method, system, and computer product for data replication comprising enabling a second site to receive I/O from a first site; wherein the second site stores the I/O in a journal until transferring the I/O to an image, regulating, at the first site, an application by delaying acknowledgements of I/O requests from the application, and controlling the size of a do stream in the journal by slowing a response of a splitter. |
| US08726065B2 |
Managing failover operations on a cluster of computers
Managing failover operations on a cluster of computers, including: identifying, by a failover hold module, a failure to access data storage in the cluster of computers; preventing the execution of all read operations directed to the data storage that were received after the failure to access data storage was identified; executing all write operations directed to the data storage that were received after the failure to access data storage was identified, including writing data to a cache; identifying that a failover to alternative data storage is complete; executing the held read operations, including reading data from the alternative data storage; and copying, from cache to the alternative data storage, the data written to the cache as part of the write operations. |
| US08726062B2 |
Data recovery architecture (CDR) for low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) video transceiver applications
The present invention discloses data recovery architecture (CDR) to improve a multi-link system's tolerance to delay mismatches (or skewing effect) in its different links. The architecture is entirely digital and usable in any multi-link transceiver implementation that makes use of a separate clock link and requires timing synchronization between the different data links. |
| US08726056B2 |
Clock control device, clock control method, clock control program and integrated circuit
An instruction detecting section (235) detects whether or not there is any succeeding instruction executable regardless of an order based on a data dependency relationship between a presently executed instruction and a succeeding instruction following the presently executed instruction. A clock switch judging section (236) receives notification of the start and end of a memory stall, determines whether or not a memory stall is occurring, and judges whether to switch a clock signal to be supplied to a CPU (200) to a low clock signal (239) or to stop the clock signal based on a detection result of the instruction detecting section (235) if it is judged that the memory stall is occurring. A clock switching section (237) switches the clock signal based on judgment by the clock switch judging section (236). By this construction, power consumption can be reduced without reducing performance. |
| US08726055B2 |
Multi-core power management
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that operates a processor in a multi-core processor system. During operation, the system detects the creation of an asynchronous wakeup event for the processor. In response to detecting the creation of the asynchronous wakeup event, when the processor is subsequently placed into an idle state, the system configures the processor to resume operation at a reduced frequency that is a fraction of an operating frequency for the multi-core processor system, wherein the reduced frequency allows more power to be allocated to other processors in the multi-core processor system. |
| US08726054B2 |
Cloud-based energy-saving service system and method
A cloud-based energy-saving service system and method are disclosed. The service system and method of this invention use the strong computation capabilities of the cloud computing technology and systems to determine the power consumption policies of the mobile devices and provide the policies to the mobile devices, whereby the mobile devices implement the power consumption policies to save its power consumptions. In one aspect, the invented system and method calculate and determine the backlight level polices for a particular video stream, then provide the policies information to the mobile devices for implementation. The policies information may be provided to the mobile devices independently or along with the video stream. The calculation of the backlight illumination levels may be done in advance or on remand. |
| US08726053B2 |
Method for processing a request by selecting an appropriate computer node in a plurality of computer nodes in a storage cluster based on a calculated bid value in each computer node
Each node and volume in a fixed-content storage cluster makes an independent decision whether to reduce power consumption based on lack of requests from client applications and nodes over a configurable time period. Node configuration parameters sleepAfter and wakeAfter respectively determine how long to wait until idling a node or volume, and how long to wait while idle before again performing integrity checks. A bid value is calculated by each node and reflects how much it will cost for that node to write a file, read a file, or keep a copy of the file. A node with the lowest bid wins, and nodes that are idle have a premium added to each bid to help ensure that idle nodes are kept idle. Normally, nodes with more capacity will submit a lower bid to write a file. In an archive mode, writes bids are reversed meaning that nodes with less capacity submit lower bids, meaning that fuller nodes fill up faster and are then idled, while empty or near empty nodes may remain idle for some time before winning a write bid. |
| US08726052B2 |
Battery life extending power supply system
A power supply system includes a battery and a power management system. The power management system is coupled to the battery and to an external power source that is operable to charge the battery using a first charge level. The power management system is operable to determine that a battery power level of the battery is greater than a first predetermined level that depends on a battery storage option and, in response, disable power from being supplied from the external power source such that power is supplied from the battery until the battery power level is below the first predetermined level. The power management system is also operable to determine that the battery power level of the battery is less than the first predetermined level and, in response, charge the battery with a second charge level that is less than the first charge level until the battery power level is above a second predetermined level that depends on the battery storage option. |
| US08726048B2 |
Power management coordination in multi-core processors
Systems and methods of managing power provide for issuing a first operating requirement from a first processor core and issuing a second operating requirement from a second processor core. In one embodiment, the operating requirements can reflect either a power policy or a performance policy, depending upon the factor that is currently most important to software. Hardware coordination logic is used to coordinate a shared resource setting with the operating requirements. The hardware coordination logic is also able to coordinate the shared resource setting with independent resource settings of the first and second processor cores based on the operating requirements. |
| US08726037B2 |
Encrypted memory access
Various systems and methods for encrypting data are disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes receiving a memory address and a value to be written in the memory address. The method also includes encrypting the value using the memory address as an initial value for an encryption process. The method also includes storing the encrypted value in the memory address. |
| US08726036B2 |
Identifying peers by their interpersonal relationships
According to this disclosure, a user is identified (and selectively granted access to protected resources) by using information that describes the user's interpersonal relationships. This information typically is stored in a datastore, such as a digital address book, an online profile page, or the like. The user's digital address book carries an “acquaintance pattern” that changes dynamically in time. This pattern comprises the information in the user's contact list entries. In this approach, the entropy inherent in this information is distilled into a unique acquaintance digest (or “fingerprint”) by normalizing the contact list data, and then applying a cryptographic function to the result. |
| US08726034B2 |
Cryptographic accumulators for authenticated hash tables
In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a memory storing data and a processor performing operations. The apparatus generates or maintains an accumulation tree for the stored data—an ordered tree structure with a root node, leaf nodes and internal nodes. Each leaf node corresponds to a portion of the data. A depth of the tree remains constant. A bound on a degree of each internal node is a function of a number of leaf nodes of a subtree rooted at the internal node. Each node of the tree has an accumulation value. Accumulation values of the root and internal nodes are determined by hierarchically employing an accumulator over the accumulation values of the nodes lying one level below the node in question. The accumulation value of the root node is a digest for the tree. |
| US08726032B2 |
System and method for protecting secrets file
A method for protecting a first secrets file. The method includes an n-bit generator generating a secrets file name for the secrets file and generating a decoy file names for decoy files. The secrets file includes a secret. Each of the decoy files includes decoy file contents, are a same size as the secrets file, and is associated with a modification time within a range of modification times. The modification time of the secrets file is within the range of modification times. The secrets file and decoy files are stored in a secrets directory. |
| US08726030B2 |
Terminal device, server device, content recording control system, recording method, and recording permission control method
A terminal device recording content onto a recording medium device, a permission to record the content onto the recording medium device being granted by a server device, the terminal device comprising: a generation unit generating a value calculated so as to represent subject content for which permission to record is requested; an information transmission unit requesting the permission from the server device by transmitting information indicating the value generated by the generation unit to the server device; a signature reception unit receiving subject content signature data from the server device, the subject content signature data being transmitted by the server device upon granting the permission; and a recording unit recording the subject content onto the recording medium device as one of plain-text data and encrypted data, as well as the subject content signature data received by the signature reception unit. |
| US08726026B2 |
End-to-end encryption method and system for emails
An end-to-end encryption method for emails sent from a sender (1) to a recipient (6) is disclosed. According to the method, the sender requests from an encryption system (16) a certificate corresponding to the recipient (6), and the encryption system (16) returns to the sender (11) a first, proforma certificate corresponding to the recipient (6). The sender (1) sends with his email client (11) an outgoing email to the recipient encrypted with the proforma certificate, and the email is forwarded through the encryption system (16). The encryption system (16) decrypts the email using a private key corresponding to the certificate and also makes the content of the email available to the recipient (6). |
| US08726019B2 |
Context limited shared secret
In a communication system in which two communication entities seek to have a private or confidential communication session, a trust relationship needs first be established. The trust relationship is based on the determination of a shared secret which in turn is generated from contextual information. The contextual information can be derived from the circumstances surrounding the communication session. For example, the contextual information can include topological information, time-based information, and transactional information. The shared secret may be self-generated or received from a third party. In either event, the shared secret may be used as key material for any cryptographic protocol used between the communication entities. |
| US08726013B2 |
Anti-keylogger computer network system
An anti-keylogger computer network system includes a servo-side host computer, with a servo software which requires the user to enter confidential data. An application-side host computer is provided and a keyboard is connected to the application-side host computer. The keys on the keyboard are divided into a data key and control key. An application software is installed in the application-side host computer to receive the instructions from the servo software, and to determine when the anti-keylogger function of the keyboard module shall be started and closed. A connection network is provided for connecting the servo-side host computer to the application-side host computer. A Translate Table program is installed in the application-side host computer and a Translate Table translation program is installed in the servo software of servo-side host computer. |
| US08726012B2 |
Method and apparatus for external organization path length validation within a public key infrastructure (PKI)
A method for external organization path length (EOPL) validation is provided. A relying party node of an organization receives an authentication request from a subject node of an external organization. The relying party node then obtains and evaluates certificates from a chain of certificates that link the subject node to a trust anchor of the relying party node wherein, at least one certificate from the chain of certificates comprises an enabled external organization flag (EOF) and/or an external organization path length constraint (EOPLC). The relying party node invalidates authentication of the subject node when the relying party node determines that a total number of enabled EOFs from certificates in the chain of certificates exceeds the lowest EOPLC value from certificates in the chain of certificates. |
| US08726009B1 |
Secure messaging using a trusted third party
A system and method to send a secure message from a sender to a recipient using strong encryption protocols without the need for the recipient to create a public/private key pair and by using a third party to appropriately identify the recipient without revealing actual identification information to the third party. Upon successful identification, the third party is able to provide a recipient with information that enables recipient to create and use the actual decryption key without revealing the actual decryption key to the third party. |
| US08726007B2 |
Techniques for packet processing with removal of IP layer routing dependencies
Techniques for packet processing with removal of Internet Protocol (IP) layer routing dependencies are presented. Encrypted packets associated with network communications occurring via a VPN and IP tunnel are grabbed off the network stack before being processed by an IP layer of the network stack. Next, an IP header is generated for the encrypted packets and the encrypted packets are sent to a socket application. The socket application provides the encrypted packets back to the network stack at the data link layer for delivery to the VPN over the IP tunnel. |
| US08726005B2 |
Website matching based on network traffic
A website fingerprint is generated that characterizes network traffic associated with a website as a website traffic fingerprint that includes size description(s), order description(s), and timing description(s) of packet traffic for the website. A website monitor generates website trace(s) of packet statistics. A correlation processor correlates a sequence of packet statistics from the website trace(s) with the size description, the order description, and timing description found in the website traffic fingerprint(s). |
| US08726003B2 |
Reconfigurable operation apparatus, data compression apparatus, reconfigurable operation method and computer-readable medium
A reconfigurable operation apparatus includes a reconfigurable circuit, a storage unit and a control unit. The reconfigurable circuit has a plurality of small circuits and reconfigures a circuit using the small circuit selected from the plurality of small circuits based on recorded circuit information. The storage unit stores first and second circuit information which corresponds to first and second compression circuits, respectively. The control unit reconfigures the reconfigurable circuit into the first or second compression circuit by recording the first or second circuit information in the reconfigurable circuit in accordance with an input data string. |
| US08726001B2 |
Option-based reverse configuration system by selecting an individual component
A configurator is provided with the ability to enable a customer to configure a system based upon selection of components to reside within the system. Based upon selected components, the customer is presented with systems in which the selected components can reside. |
| US08725999B2 |
Booting an integrated circuit
An integrated circuit is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the integrated circuit includes: a processor; a plurality of external pins operatively coupled to the processor; and a permanently written memory operatively coupled to the processor, the memory having a plurality of regions each storing one or more respective boot properties for booting the processor. The processor is programmed to select one of the regions in dependence on an indication received via one or more of the external pins, to retrieve the one or more respective boot properties from the selected region, and to boot using the one or more retrieved boot properties. |
| US08725996B2 |
Boot mode
A method for launching a boot mode of a device including detecting an input in response to a user accessing a power button of the device, identifying at least one characteristic of the input and a corresponding boot mode which can be launched in response to at least one of the characteristic of the input, and configuring the device to launch the corresponding boot mode. |
| US08725995B1 |
Systems and methods for updating system-level services within read-only system images
A computer-implemented method for updating system-level services within read-only system images may include (1) executing, during initialization of a mobile computing device, an update service stored within a read-only system image located on the mobile computing device, (2) identifying, via the update service, a writable partition located on the mobile computing device, (3) identifying, via the update service, a digitally signed update within the writable partition for at least one system-level service stored within the read-only system image, and (4) executing, via the update service, the digitally signed update within the writable partition instead of the system-level service stored within the read-only system image. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08725993B2 |
Thread transition management
Various systems, processes, products, and techniques may be used to manage thread transitions. In particular implementations, a system and process for managing thread transitions may include the ability to determine that a transition is to be made regarding the relative use of two data register sets and determine, based on the transition determination, whether to move thread data in at least one of the data register sets to second-level registers. The system and process may also include the ability to move the thread data from at least one data register set to second-level registers based on the move determination. |
| US08725992B2 |
Programming language exposing idiom calls to a programming idiom accelerator
A programming language may include hint instructions that may notify a programming idiom accelerator that a programming idiom is coming. An idiom begin hint exposes the programming idiom to the programming idiom accelerator. Thus, the programming idiom accelerator need not perform pattern matching or other forms of analysis to recognize a sequence of instructions. Rather, the programmer may insert idiom hint instructions, such as an idiom begin hint, to expose the idiom to the programming idiom accelerator. Similarly, an idiom end hint may mark the end of the programming idiom. |
| US08725991B2 |
Register file system and method for pipelined processing
The present disclosure includes a multi-threaded processor that includes a first register file associated with a first thread and a second register file associated with a second thread. At least one hardware resource is shared by the first and second register files. In addition, the first thread may have a pipeline access position that is non-sequential to the second thread. A method of accessing a plurality of register files is also disclosed. The method includes reading data from a first register file while concurrently reading data from a second register file. The first register file is associated with a first instruction stream and the second register file is associated with a second instruction stream. The first instruction stream is sequential to the second instruction stream in an execution pipeline of a processor, and the first register file is in a non-adjacent location with respect to the second register file. |
| US08725988B2 |
Pre-fetching data into a memory
Systems and methods for pre-fetching of data in a memory are provided. By pre-fetching stored data from a slower memory into a faster memory, the amount of time required for data retrieval and/or processing may be reduced. First, data is received and pre-scanned to generate a sample fingerprint. Fingerprints stored in a faster memory that are similar to the sample fingerprint are identified. Data stored in the slower memory associated with the identified stored fingerprints is copied into the faster memory. The copied data may be compared to the received data. Various embodiments may be included in a network memory architecture to allow for faster data matching and instruction generation in a central appliance. |
| US08725986B1 |
System and method for volume block number to disk block number mapping
The present invention provides a system and method for virtual block numbers (VBNs) to disk block number (DBN) mapping that may be utilized for both single and/or multiple parity based redundancy systems. Following parity redistribution, new VBNs are assigned to disk blocks in the newly added disk and disk blocks previously occupied by parity may be moved to the new disk. |
| US08725981B2 |
Storage system and method implementing online volume and snapshot with performance/failure independence and high capacity efficiency
A storage system for storage of data written from a computer, and when a write request of data to a first logical volume is received, the data on request is stored into the first logical volume. When a first-generation snapshot creation request is received, the data stored in the first logical volume at the time of receiving the first-generation snapshot creation request is written into a pool region as data corresponding to a first-generation snapshot, and when a second-generation snapshot creation request is received, any portion of the data updated after the first-generation snapshot creation request is received but before the second-generation snapshot creation request is issued is read from the first logical volume for writing into the pool region. Such a storage system favorably implements snapshot backup with no dependency with a positive volume in terms of performance and failure, and with high capacity efficiency. |
| US08725978B2 |
Using symbol information for categorization of dynamic memory allocations
A programming and debugging system identifies one or more statically-allocated symbols in a symbol table for an inferior process. The statically-allocated symbols pertain to one or more structures for the inferior process. The inferior process has dynamic memory allocations in an inferior process memory space. The symbol table comprises data used to categorize the statically-allocated area of memory. The system locates the structures in the inferior process memory space and determines whether an address of the structures in the inferior process memory space matches an address of a block of the dynamically allocated area of memory. The system categorizes the block of dynamically allocated memory based on the determination of whether an address of the structures matches an address of a block of the dynamically allocated area of memory. |
| US08725975B2 |
Progressive memory initialization with waitpoints
A method includes initializing a counter value of a hardware counter. The method further includes iteratively adjusting the counter value and storing an initialization value to a memory location using a memory address based on the counter value. The method also includes generating an interrupt request based on a comparison of the counter value to a waitpoint value concurrent with iteratively adjusting and storing. A memory device includes a memory array and an initialization module. The initialization module includes a counter, a register to store a waitpoint value, write logic configured to write an initialization value to a memory location of the memory array associated with a memory address that is based on a counter value of the counter, and interrupt logic configured to generate an interrupt request based on a comparison of the counter value of the counter to the waitpoint value. |
| US08725974B2 |
Page-protection based memory access barrier traps
A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing page-protection based memory access barrier traps is presented. A value for a user-mode bit (u-bit) is computed for each extant virtual page in an address space, the u-bit indicative that an object on the virtual page is being moved by a Garbage Collector process. An instruction is executed which causes an access protection fault. The state of the u-bit for the virtual page associated with the access protection fault is consulted when the access protection fault is encountered. Additionally, the access protection fault is translated into a user-trap (utrap) and the utrap is serviced when the u-bit is set. |
| US08725973B2 |
Systems and methods for management of virtualization data
Described in detail herein is a method of copying data of one or more virtual machines being hosted by one or more non-virtual machines. The method includes receiving an indication that specifies how to perform a copy of data of one or more virtual machines hosted by one or more virtual machine hosts. The method may include determining whether the one or more virtual machines are managed by a virtual machine manager that manages or facilitates management of the virtual machines. If so, the virtual machine manager is dynamically queried to automatically determine the virtual machines that it manages or that it facilitates management of. If not, a virtual machine host is dynamically queried to automatically determine the virtual machines that it hosts. The data of each virtual machine is then copied according to the specifications of the received indication. |
| US08725972B2 |
Incremental backup of source to target storage volume
Various method, system, and computer program product embodiments for performing a backup of a source storage volume to a target storage volume are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a flashcopy of the source storage volume to the target storage volume is initiated. The content of the source storage volume is stored on the target storage volume in a space efficient manner. The space requirement of the stored content on the target storage volume is monitored. The flashcopy is terminated when the space requirement reaches a predetermined level. The stored content on the target storage volume is copied to a backup storage medium. A new flashcopy of the source storage volume is initiated. |
| US08725965B2 |
System setup for electronic backup
Systems and methods are provided for storing and restoring digital data. In some implementations, a method is provided. The method includes detecting a remote storage device, prompting the user to use the detected remote storage device for backup operations, receiving a user input to use the detected remote storage device for backup operations, and automatically configuring backup operations using the remote storage device. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, computer program products, and computer readable media. |
| US08725964B2 |
Interface systems and methods for accessing stored data
A modular data and storage management system. The system includes a time variance interface that provides for storage into a storage media of data that is received over time. The time variance interface of the modular data and storage management system provides for retrieval, from the storage media, of an indication of the data corresponding to a user specified date. The retrieved indication of the data provides a user with an option to access specific information relative to the data, such as content of files that are included in the data. |
| US08725963B1 |
System and method for managing a virtual swap file for virtual environments
A computer system has a random access memory (RAM) that stores currently used memory pages and SWAP storage for storing memory page that is not in use. If the process requires memory page stored on the SWAP storage, a corresponding page is loaded to RAM. If the page in RAM is not currently in use, it is moved to the SWAP storage. The computer system has a number of Virtual Environments (i.e., Containers) that run their own processes, a VE/Container RAM and a virtual SWAP storage. The Container processes have access to a VE/Container RAM. When the Container process request OS for memory, the memory manager allocates memory pages in the RAM and also allocates memory pages for the Container process in the VE/Container RAM. If no free virtual RAM is available, the process data is moved to the virtual SWAP storage. |
| US08725960B2 |
Techniques for providing data redundancy after reducing memory writes
A storage subsystem receives writes from a computer via a storage subsystem interface. The storage subsystem reduces a number of the writes. A single drive of the storage subsystem has primary and redundant storage devices with storage device interfaces. A disk controller of the single drive implements a data redundancy scheme by storing data associated with the reduced number of writes in the primary storage devices and by storing computed redundancy information in the redundant storage devices. The disk controller is operable without a loss of data in the presence of at least a single failure of any of the storage devices. Optionally the storage devices are flash memory devices. Optionally the disk controller is operable without a loss of data in the presence of at least two failures of any of the storage devices when a number of the redundant storage devices is at least two. |
| US08725957B2 |
Reducing access contention in flash-based memory systems
Exemplary embodiments include a method for reducing access contention in a flash-based memory system, the method including selecting a chip stripe in a free state, from a memory device having a plurality of channels and a plurality of memory blocks, wherein the chip stripe includes a plurality of pages, setting the ship stripe to a write state, setting a write queue head in each of the plurality of channels, for each of the plurality of channels in the flash stripe, setting a write queue head to a first free page in a chip belonging to the channel from the chip stripe, allocating write requests according to a write allocation scheduler among the channels, generating a page write and in response to the page write, incrementing the write queue head, and setting the chip stripe into an on-line state when it is full. |
| US08725949B2 |
Asynchronous data binding
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for asynchronously binding data from a data source to a data target. A user interface thread and a separate thread are used to enable the user interface thread to continue execution rather than blocking to obtain updated data, to which elements of a user interface that the user interface thread is managing, are bound. The separate thread obtains updated data from a data source, stores the updated data in a local cache, and notifies the user interface thread of the updated data's presence in the local cache. The user interface thread, upon detecting the notification, accesses the updated data in the local cache and populates the updated data into the user interface. |
| US08725948B2 |
Opcode length caching
A computer system caches variable-length instructions in a data structure. The computer system locates a first copy of an instruction in the cached data structure using a current value of the instruction pointer as a key. The computer system determines a predictive length of the instruction, and reads a portion of the instruction from an instruction memory as a second copy. The second copy has the predictive length. Based on the comparison of the first copy with the second copy, the computer system determines whether or not to read the rest of the instruction from the instruction memory, and then interprets the instruction for use by the computer system. |
| US08725943B2 |
Method and system for secure data storage
A method and system for secure data storage and retrieval is provided. A sequence of data units is divided into multiple subsets of data units corresponding to multiple data channels. The multiple data channels are assigned to multiple data writers based on a key code. Then, each subset of data units is transferred to a writer via an assigned channel for writing to storage media. Thereafter, to securely retrieve the stored data, each subset of data units is read from the storage media using a data reader. The original sequence of data units can only be reassembled using the key code for properly reassembling the subsets of data units into their original sequence. |
| US08725937B2 |
Fault-tolerant non-volatile integrated circuit memory
Apparatus and methods are disclosed, such as those that store data in a plurality of non-volatile integrated circuit memory devices, such as NAND flash, with convolutional encoding. A relatively high code rate for the convolutional code consumes relatively little extra memory space. In one embodiment, the convolutional code is spread over portions of a plurality of memory devices, rather than being concentrated within a page of a particular memory device. In one embodiment, a code rate of m/n is used, and the convolutional code is stored across n memory devices. |
| US08725936B2 |
Storage system with flash memory, and storage control method
A storage system has: one or more flash memory chips, each of which has a storage region configured by a plurality of blocks; and a device controller that controls access to data corresponding to the storage regions of the flash memory chips. The device controller manages for each of the blocks the number of determination readings for determining read disturb on the basis of a read request with respect to data of each block from a higher-level device, and, when there is a block for which the number of determination readings becomes equal to or larger than a threshold represented as a standard indicating a predetermined state related to read disturb, transmits, to the higher-level device, notification information that includes information indicating that read disturb of the block enters the predetermined state. |
| US08725935B2 |
Balanced performance for on-chip folding of non-volatile memories
A non-volatile memory system receives and stores host data. As the memory system receives host data, it initially writes the data in a binary format and then subsequently performs an on-chip folding operation on the data, storing the data in a multi-state format. The memory system interleaves the phases of the folding operations, where the host stores data according to allocation units. The memory system also can perform the binary and subsequent on-chip folding operations on multiple memory planes in parallel, where the controller also balances the operations. When the memory system needs a memory block for the writing of data, it selects blocks from a free block list, where the free block list includes a reserve portion that is only accessible for a specified set of commands. |
| US08725934B2 |
Methods and appratuses for atomic storage operations
A method and apparatus for storing data packets in two different logical erase blocks pursuant to an atomic storage request is disclosed. Each data packet stored in response to the atomic storage request comprises persistent metadata indicating that the data packet pertains to an atomic storage request. In addition, a method and apparatus for restart recovery is disclosed. A data packet preceding an append point is identified as satisfying a failed atomic write criteria, indicating that the data packet pertains to a failed atomic storage request. One or more data packets associated with the failed atomic storage request are identified and excluded from an index of a non-volatile storage media. |
| US08725933B2 |
Method to detect uncompressible data in mass storage device
Described are embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for detecting incompressible data and selectively compressing compressible data without compressing the incompressible data. A method may include determining a first compressibility value of first data of a plurality of input data and a second compressibility value of second data of the plurality of input data, determining that the first data is incompressible based at least in part on the first compressibility value relative to a compressibility threshold, and compressing the second data of the plurality of input data. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08725931B1 |
System and method for managing the execution of memory commands in a solid-state memory
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a storage subsystem comprising a non-volatile solid-state memory array and a controller. In one embodiment, the controller includes a system operation module configured to manage system memory operations and a queue configured to receive memory commands from a host system and the system operation module. The controller is configured to execute, in the memory array, memory commands from the queue in a sequence that is based at least in part on a throttling ratio provided by the system operation module. |
| US08725929B1 |
Adaptive read and write systems and methods for memory cells
Adaptive memory read and write systems and methods are provided that may compute estimated means and variances of multi-level memory cells to facilitate writing and reading of data to and from the multi-level memory cells are described herein. The systems may include an apparatus comprising multi-level memory cells, and an estimation block configured to compute estimated means and variances of level distributions of the multi-level memory cells by processing signal samples provided by at least a subset of the multi-level memory cells, the estimated means and variances to be used to facilitate writing and/or reading of data to and/or from at least selected ones of the multi-level memory cells, the multi-level memory cells having M-levels where M is an integer greater than 1, and each of the level distributions is associated with a corresponding level of the M-levels. |
| US08725922B2 |
Data processor and control system
Provided are a data processor, and a control system, in which an interrupt controller and an event link controller are adopted. The event link controller responds to a generated event signal to output a start control signal for controlling start of an operation of a circuit module. The circuit module is able to generate an event signal. The event link controller generates the start control signal according to the correspondences between event signals and start control signals which are defined by event control information. The links between the event signals and start control signals can be prescribed by the event control information. Therefore, operations of circuit modules prescribed by such links can be controlled sequentially. The control neither involves save and return processes by CPU as in the interrupt processing, nor needs priority level control as executed on competing interrupt requests. |
| US08725916B2 |
Host side implementation for HID I2C data bus
In embodiments of host side implementation for HID I2C data bus, a computing system includes a human interface device (HID) software stack that implements device software, such as for embedded devices, that interfaces the computing system to a peripheral device via HID over I2C. An HID I2C driver interfaces the HID software stack with the peripheral devices that each include an HID I2C interface to a device that communicates data in the computing system via an I2C data bus. The HID I2C driver is compatible and interfaces with I2C controller drivers and GPIO controller drivers of the devices, where the I2C controller drivers and the GPIO controller drivers may each have a different implementation configuration. |
| US08725914B2 |
Message signaled interrupt management for a computer input/output fabric incorporating platform independent interrupt manager
An apparatus, program product and method dynamically bind Message Signaled Interrupt (MSI) resources shared by a plurality of clients to an interrupt facility in an MSI-capable computer. In addition, management of such bindings may be implemented using a platform independent interrupt manager capable of managing multiple MSI bindings between MSI resources to an interrupt facility, and interfaced with an underlying hardware platform of a computer through platform-specific encapsulation program code. |
| US08725913B2 |
Numa I/O framework
A method for binding input/output (I/O) objects to nodes includes an subsystem receiving a request to use an I/O device from a process, determining a first resource to service the request, generating a first I/O object corresponding to the first resource, wherein the first I/O object is unbound, and sending the first I/O object to a Non-Uniform Memory Access (NUMA) I/O Framework. The method further includes the NUMA I/O Framework selecting a first NUMA node of a plurality of NUMA nodes, to which to bind the first I/O object and binding the first I/O object to the first NUMA node. The method further includes servicing the request by processing, on the first NUMA node, the first resource corresponding to the first I/O object. |
| US08725912B2 |
Dynamic balancing of IO resources on NUMA platforms
A method for binding input/output (I/O) objects to nodes. The method includes receiving, by an I/O Subsystem, a request to use an I/O device from a process, determining a first resource to service the request, and generating a first I/O object corresponding to the first resource. The method includes sending the first I/O object to a NUMA I/O Framework, obtaining a first I/O object effective load from the first I/O object, and obtaining a first I/O load capacity of a first NUMA node of a plurality of NUMA nodes. The method includes comparing the first I/O load capacity and the first I/O object effective load, selecting the first NUMA node based on a determination that the first I/O load capacity is greater than the first I/O object effective load, binding the first I/O object to the first NUMA node, and processing the first resource corresponding to the first I/O object. |
| US08725911B2 |
Automatic access and control of media peripherals on a media exchange network
Methods are disclosed for automatically monitoring and controlling at least one media peripheral device in a media exchange network. A communication link is established between a media management system (MMS) and a media peripheral (MP) device in the media exchange network and an operation of the MP device is automatically selected via the MMS over the communication link. Finally, the operation of the MP device is automatically carried out (i.e., performed). Also, after establishing a communication link between a media management system (MMS) and a media peripheral (MP) device in the media exchange network, at least one status parameter of the MP device may be automatically monitored via the MMS over the communication link. The status parameter may be automatically stored and/or displayed via the MMS. |
| US08725909B2 |
Method for identifying host operating system by universal serial bus (USB) device
A method for identifying a host operating system by a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device is disclosed, which pertains to the field of information security. The method includes: A) the USB device is powered on and initiated; B) it is determined whether the first setup packet is a first preset command, if yes, C is performed, if not, D is performed; C) it is determined whether the seventh byte of the first preset command is a second preset value, if yes, an operating system identification is set as a first preset identification, and F is performed, otherwise, E is performed; D) it is determined whether the first setup packet is a second preset command, if yes, the operating system identification is set as a second preset identification, and F is performed, otherwise, E is performed; E) information interaction with the host is performed according to a default operating system identification until the last setup packet is received, and it is determined whether the last setup packet is a third preset command, if yes, the operating system identification is set as a third preset identification, if not, the operating system identification is set as a fourth preset identification; F) information interaction with the host is performed according to the present operating system identification, and then it waits to receive the instructions issued by the host. |
| US08725901B2 |
Analysis tool for intra-node application messaging
A method and apparatus for transforming message events between applications running on a computing device into a form that appears as network events between multiple virtual network access devices. These “network events” may then be processed by known network software protocol analyzers. |
| US08725900B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing data in a pipeline, in which processing the length of information contained in the data packet and/or the position of the information in the data packet is altered
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for pipelined processing of data. When a data packet containing information is received by a processor operating according to pipelined processing, bits are added to the data packet and an intermediate packet, comprising more bits than the received data packet, is generated. To the intermediate packet is associated information reference, the information reference comprising information regarding the length and position of the information in the intermediate packet. As the intermediate packet is processed, changes to the intermediate packet resulting in changes of the length or the position of the information in the intermediate packet will trigger changes of the information reference. When the intermediate packet exits the processor, superfluous bits are removed. |
| US08725893B2 |
Method and system for configuring a plurality of network interfaces that share a physical interface
Certain aspects of a method and system for configuring a plurality of network interfaces that share a physical interface (PHY) may include a system comprising one or more physical network interface controllers (NICs) and two or more virtual NICs. One or more drivers associated with each of the virtual NICs that share one or more Ethernet ports associated with the physical NICs may be synchronized based on controlling one or more parameters associated with one or more Ethernet ports. One or more wake on LAN (WoL) patterns associated with each of the drivers may be detected at one or more Ethernet ports. A wake up signal may be communicated to one or more drivers associated with the detected WoL patterns. One of the drivers may be appointed to be a port master driver. If a failure of the appointed port master driver is detected, another driver may be appointed to be the port master driver. |
| US08725888B2 |
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. |