| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08746731B2 |
Seat attachment for a stroller
The invention relates to a seat attachment for a stroller, single stroller and double strollers. Such a seat attachment may be used to reversibly convert a single stroller into a double stroller. More specifically, versions of the seat attachment relate to a seat attachment for a stroller capable of supporting a seat such as, but not limited to, a stroller seat, a baby seat, bassinet, a pram, a car seat, or a baby carrier, for example. The seat may be supported in front of a permanent seat of the stroller. |
| US08746721B2 |
Motorcycle steering with four-bar linkage
A steering mechanism may include a four-bar linkage having a ground link, a coupler link, and a pair of follower links. The ground link may be connected to a vehicle having a wheel defining a wheel centerline. The coupler link may be connected to the wheel and may be located aft of the ground link. The pair of follower links may pivotally connect the ground link to the coupler link. The follower links may extend aftwardly from the ground link at converging angles and may define a steering axis located aft of the wheel centerline. |
| US08746720B2 |
Leisure fitness bike
A leisure fitness bike has a front frame hinged to a rear frame, a handlebar and a front wheel. A pedal body is installed at upper and lower ends of the front frame. The rear frame includes a saddle, a rear wheel and a rear wheel transmission device. A driving device is between the front and rear frames and coupled to a rear wheel transmission device. After a rider sits on the saddle and puts both hands and legs onto the handlebar and the pedal body, the front frame is moved forward and backward by stretching and contracting forces, and the driving device drives the rear wheel transmission device to roll the rear wheel and move the bike body. |
| US08746706B2 |
Method for operating a leveling device of a vehicle
A method for operating a ride height control device, which includes at least one air spring, of a vehicle body of a vehicle, by providing a setpoint ride height predefined for a journey, and by setting, at the beginning, during or immediately before the end of the journey, the ride height of the vehicle body at least once to a ride height which deviates from the setpoint ride height predefined for the journey. |
| US08746704B2 |
Work-holding chuck with quick-release jaws
A system, in certain embodiments, includes a wedge-lock coupling configured to connect a jaw to an actuator arm of a chuck. The wedge-lock coupling includes a wedge portion having a path of travel between a release position and a lock position, and a locking direction along the path of travel gradually wedges the wedge portion between the actuator arm and the jaw. |
| US08746703B2 |
Screwdriver head mounting structure
A screwdriver head mounting structure includes a mounting base, a screwdriver head, a latching member and an elastic member. The mounting base defines a mounting hole and an eccentric latching hole communicating with and positioned eccentric to the mounting hole. The screwdriver head is detachably assembled to the mounting base. The screwdriver head has a latching end inserted into the mounting hole of the mounting base. The latching member is releasably and adjustably assembled to the mounting base together with the elastic member. The latching member passes through the eccentric latching hole and latches with the latching end of the screwdriver head. |
| US08746691B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section to form an image on a sheet, a reversing section to reverse the sheet between front and rear surfaces, and an apparatus main body that houses the image forming section and the reversing section. The reversing section includes a lower-side horizontal conveying path arranged horizontally and adapted to convey the sheet, an upper-side horizontal conveying path arranged vertically above the lower-side horizontal conveying path and extending parallel to the lower-side horizontal conveying path, and a connection conveying path which connects the lower-side horizontal conveying path and the upper-side horizontal conveying path and is detachably coupled to the upper-side horizontal conveying path. The reversing section is horizontally supported by the apparatus main body so as to be movable along a direction in which the sheet is sent from the lower-side horizontal conveying path or upper-side horizontal conveying path to the connection conveying path. |
| US08746688B2 |
Accumulator for a sheet handling system
An apparatus for accumulating sheet material in a sheet handling system including a first conveyance, a second conveyance, an auxiliary conveyance and a processor to control the conveyances based upon a selected operating mode. The first conveyance receives singulated sheets and conveys the sheets to an accumulator station to produce completed collations. The second conveyance is operative to dispense completed collations from the accumulator station and, receives the completed collations from the first conveyance, in one operating mode, and from the auxiliary conveyance in another operating mode when the first conveyance is inoperative. The processor is responsive to a next collation signal, to control the conveyances based upon a selected one of the operating modes. |
| US08746687B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of duplex printing
An image forming apparatus has a rockable member which is configured to rotate about an axis defined at a first end portion among: a first position at which a second end portion at a downstream side in the forward feed direction with respect to the first end portion is supported by the guide member having the first orientation; a second position at which the second end portion is located at a higher position that the second end portion when located at the first position; and a third position at which the second end portion is located at a lower position that the second end portion when located at the first position; and a signal generating unit configured to output a signal corresponding to the position of the rockable member. A photo sensor is provided to generate a signal in accordance with an orientation of the rockable member. |
| US08746685B1 |
Image forming apparatus
Disclosed is a printing apparatus that can prevent the occurrence of a transport error and prevent useless printing even when the sheet size of the actually fed sheet is different from the sheet size specified in the printing setting. The printing apparatus forms an image on one side of a recording medium first and then forms an image on another side of the recording medium. A determination section determines the medium length of the recording medium, and a control section causes the recording medium to be ejected to a sheet ejection port after the image is formed on the one side of the recording medium, when the determined medium length is outside of a preset threshold range. |
| US08746681B2 |
Sheet feeders
A sheet feeder is provided that includes a housing, a feed tray having a loading surface, and a swingable opening cover including a sliding contact portion, extending in a direction perpendicular to a width direction of a sheet. The sliding contact portion is configured to slide in contact with a feed tray in a swing motion of the feed tray from a first position where the loading surface is directed downward above the housing to a second position where the loading surface is directed upward at an upstream side relative to the housing in a feeding direction. The sliding contact portion is disposed on at least one end of the opening cover in the width direction, and exposed to an outside of the sheet feeder when the feed tray is in the first position. |
| US08746680B2 |
Paper tray for printer
A paper tray for a printer includes a bottom plate and a rear plate. A plurality of papers is placed on the bottom plate. The plurality of papers includes a first paper and a second paper. The first paper is located on a topmost portion of the plurality of papers, and the second paper is located adjacent to the first paper and below the first paper. A plurality of bent pieces is secured on the rear plate. Each bent piece includes a first piece and a second piece. The first piece is placed on the rear plate. An obtuse angle is defined between the first piece and the second piece. The second pieces of the plurality of bents pieces are configured to allow the first paper sliding there over, and block the second paper sliding there over. |
| US08746679B2 |
Sheet feed roller
A noncircular sheet feed roller includes a core and a rubber belt mounted on the core. The core includes a peripheral member having a peripheral surface which is arcuate about a center axis thereof, and a pair of support ribs which are provided opposite from the arcuate peripheral surface of the peripheral member to be spaced from the peripheral member by a space and extend parallel to the center axis symmetrically with respect to the center axis. The rubber belt is a looped belt which has a predetermined width as measured along the center axis and has an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface. The peripheral member is inserted in the rubber belt, and a portion of the rubber belt is fitted in the space between the peripheral member and the support ribs. |
| US08746675B2 |
Sheet feeder and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A sheet feeder attracts an uppermost sheet of a sheet stack of a plurality of stacked sheets, and feeds the sheet in a sheet feeding direction. The sheet feeder includes an endless belt, a charging device, and a control device. The endless belt is made of a dielectric material, passes over upstream and downstream rollers, and is disposed above the sheet stack to face the sheet stack. The charging device applies an alternating voltage to an outer circumferential surface of the endless belt to form thereon alternating charge patterns. The control device separately controls the respective rotation states of the upstream and downstream rollers to make a sheet contact surface of the endless belt go slack in sheet attraction and make the sheet contact surface of the endless belt taut with tension into a substantially flat surface in sheet conveyance. |
| US08746674B2 |
Non-integer overlap feeder for machines processing printing materials
A sheet transport apparatus in a sheet processing machine has at least one driven transport belt for the transport of sheet printing materials from a first location to a second location. It being possible for the transport belt to be driven at different transport speeds. The acceptance of the sheet printing materials at the first location is carried out at a relatively low transport speed, and the transfer of the sheet printing materials at the second location is carried out at a relatively high transport speed. |
| US08746664B2 |
Spring actuated link clamp
A clamp has a housing with a piston assembly positioned in the housing. A detent mechanism is coupled with the piston rod and is positioned in the housing. A clamping arm is coupled with the piston rod. The clamping arm is moved by a biasing mechanism from a position parallel to the piston rod, when in a retracted position, to a position substantially perpendicular to the piston rod, when in a clamping position. |
| US08746661B2 |
Hydro-pneumatic piston accumulator
The invention relates to a hydro-pneumatic piston accumulator (1), particularly for vehicle suspension systems, consisting of an accumulator housing (2) and a separating piston (6), which is disposed free-floating inside the accumulator housing in a displaceable manner in the direction of the movement axis (4). The separating piston separates an accumulator area (8) for a hydraulic medium from a pressure area (10) that is filled or is to be filled with a compressible medium, and is guided with an interior guide opening (30) on an elongated guide element (32), which is axially fixed within the accumulator housing (2). |
| US08746655B1 |
Actuator for butterfly valves
An actuator for a butterfly valve, having a gearbox, an actuator stem and a handle. The actuator stem is formed as a single piece, comprising a position indicator, seal disc, worm gear, and stem shaft with splines for fitting into the valve. The handle is also formed as a single piece, comprising the wheel or knob, shaft, and worm for operating the worm gear. By forming the gearbox as a single piece as well, the entire actuator can be made as three major pieces. Optionally, the gearbox can be formed with cylindrical fittings which press-fit over pins on the valve, replacing the conventional mounting bracket. |
| US08746653B2 |
Winding body for a magnetic assembly of a solenoid valve and method for winding a winding wire onto a winding body
A winding body for a magnetic assembly of a solenoid valve is disclosed, which comprises a base body, onto which a winding wire is wound, and two electrical connection domes, each of which has a first clamping gap with a first width, into which the winding wire wound onto the base body is inserted, wherein each of the winding wire ends rests on a contact surface of a wire support, which, in the direction of the corresponding winding wire end, is arranged behind the first clamping gap, and to a corresponding magnetic assembly, and to a corresponding solenoid valve comprising such a winding body, and to a corresponding method for winding the winding wire onto the winding body according to the disclosure. In order to receive the corresponding winding wire end, in the region of the contact surface of the wire support, a second clamping gap with a minimal second width is arranged behind the first clamping gap, the width being smaller than the first width of the first clamping gap. The minimum second width of the second clamping gap is adjusted to a diameter of the winding wire such that the corresponding winding wire end is fixed in the second clamping gap. |
| US08746651B2 |
Poppet valve
A valve has a first duct, a second duct into which the first duct opens, thereby defining an intersection that forms a seat at right angles to the first duct for a valve disk that slides in the second duct at right angles to the seat between a closed position and an open position, and an actuator for operating the valve disk between its two positions. For the open position, the actuator is controlled to bring the valve disk into close proximity to a wall of the second duct facing the seat. |
| US08746650B2 |
Universal portable device stand and holder apparatus
An apparatus that securely supports and displays for adjustable viewing of portable electronic devices where the apparatus can be frictionally engaged into any accessible material seam as well as being supportable on flat surfaces. |
| US08746644B2 |
Over-the-door hanging apparatus
An apparatus for hanging an article from a door. In one aspect, the inventive apparatus can comprise a mounting system that can be used to hang a mirror, piece of art, or other flat article that is positioned within a frame to a door without the need for a screw driver or any other tools. |
| US08746642B2 |
Mounting system for use with audio/visual devices or the like
A mounting system for attaching an audio/visual device to a surface via a surface mounting member. The mounting system includes a support attachment bracket configured to operatively connect to the surface mounting member, a display mounting bracket configured to operatively connect to the audio/visual device, an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the display mounting bracket relative to the support attachment bracket between a collapsed position and a tilted position, and a locking feature configured to selectively engage a post for retaining the mounting system in the collapsed position. The locking feature is disposed on one of the support attachment bracket, the display mounting bracket, and the adjustment mechanism. The post is disposed on another of the support attachment bracket, the display mounting bracket, and the adjustment mechanism. |
| US08746640B2 |
Hanger hook
A hook having a fastener receiver with an axis of radial symmetry and two opposing edges defining a linear axis, where a support extends from the first edge and is angled away by a first angle from a midline plane defined by the linear axis and the axis of radial symmetry and a retainer extends from the second edge and is angled away from the midline plane by a second angle, preferably equal to the first angle and oppositely directed. The hanger hook is preferably of one piece construction but a two-piece interlocking version may also be made. Direct access to the fastener receiver is provided for tools and fasteners. The hanger hook retains equipment against 9 G horizontal accelerations and 3 G vertical accelerations. |
| US08746638B2 |
Wallet-sized stand for mobile telephone
A stand for engaging support of a smart mobile telephone includes a base plate formed of planar thermoplastic polymer generally rectangular in shape having a midline axis and a first and second extreme edges in opposed relationship, parallel and spaced apart from the midline axis. A first and a second flex plate formed of the planar thermoplastic polymer and include an attachment region extending from an extreme edge and to a first root edge and is fused to base plate in a manner to bias the first flex plate toward the base plate. A generally rectangular limb extends beyond the root edge to a living hinge affixed to a generally rectangular first riser defining at least one first tab being configured to engage the registration slot when the first riser is rotated to an attitude perpendicular to the base plate. |
| US08746633B1 |
Cable positioning bracket
A cable positioning bracket is provided for mounting to a building component, e.g. a wall stud. The bracket has an anchor plate for being connected to the broad surface of the building component and a pair of side plates for being connected to the narrow surface of the building component. A pair of platforms are positioned adjacent to a slot for supporting one or more cables. A series of opposed tabs are provided in several embodiments, the tabs oriented to engage and support one or more cables. One side plate pivots away from the building component by means of a hinge plate to insert the cable or cables. The tabs may be formed with side strips surrounding a window, the strips allowing arcuate bending of the tabs to control tab flexure. A score line may be provided to enable bending to fit a building component of a different width. |
| US08746630B2 |
Switch with movable frog point
In a switch including a switch frog (1) with a movable frog point (2) and wing rails (5, 6), wherein the wing rails (5, 6) in the region of the frog point (2) each have a rail profile which is lower than that of a standard rail, the wing rails (5, 6) are designed as Vignol rails whose region configured with a lower rail profile is produced by metal-forming departing from the Vignol rail profile. |
| US08746629B2 |
Coupling and conduit for consist communication system
A coupling for a communication conduit is disclosed for use with a train consist. The coupling may include a nipple configured for insertion within a fluid conduit, a flange configured to engage an end of the fluid conduit, a retention member configured to engage an outer surface of the fluid conduit, a first fitting extending from the flange away from the nipple, and, a retaining tab configured to retain a second fitting of another coupling in engagement with the first fitting. The coupling may further include a closure mechanism configured to close off an end of the first fitting and movable during engagement with the second fitting to open the end of the first fitting. |
| US08746622B2 |
Aircraft de-icing system and method
An aircraft de-icing system and method for removing the ice from the surface of an aircraft. The aircraft de-icing system reduces power requirements by allocating power from a single power source between the parting strip elements and the shed zone elements. The aircraft de-icing system may utilize a measurement of heat transfer to schedule the time necessary to shed ice from the surface of the aircraft. The de-icing system may also utilize a method for calculating the ice accumulation on the surface of the aircraft based on the outside air temperature. |
| US08746621B2 |
Connector for stiffening frames between an aircraft fuselage and a wing box
The stiffening frames (14) of an aircraft fuselage (2) remain continuous while passing through an upper panel (5) of the wing box and extend over the ribs (3) situated in that box. The overall mechanical strength of the assembly is improved, despite the notches it is necessary to make in the panel (5). |
| US08746620B1 |
Adaptive solar airframe
Methods and apparatus for an adaptable solar airframe are provided herein. In some embodiments, an adaptable solar airframe includes a solar PV system having at least one solar tracking system and being able to follow the sun position in order to increase sunlight collection and power output; and an expandable body having an aerodynamic cross-section that minimizes parasitic air drag at any given thickness of the body, further being at least partially transparent to sunlight, further enclosing the solar PV system, and further being able to change its shape in response to changes in the positions of the solar PV system. |
| US08746619B2 |
Tail capable of improving anti-bird strike performance of aircraft
The present invention relates to a tail for improving anti-bird strike performance of an aircraft. A leading edge reinforcement having a shape of an isosceles triangle is located inside a tail leading edge. The leading edge reinforcement is spanwisely fixed in sections between respective spans formed by the wing rib inside the tail leading edge along the tail of the aircraft. An apex angle of the leading edge reinforcement is the same as an apex angle or arc transition of the tail leading edge skin. The leading edge reinforcement is fixedly connected with the small front beam by a leading edge reinforcement fixed surface. The present invention additionally installs a leading edge reinforcement in the original tail of the aircraft. |
| US08746617B2 |
Aircraft cabin module and associated aircraft cabin equipped with same
Described are aircraft cabin modules including at least two seats positioned one behind the other and at least one upper berth positioned above at least one lower berth, each of said berths being associated with one of the seats. The upper berth extends over part of the length of the lower berth, but not all of the length thereof, in order to optimize the space in the cabin. The aircraft cabin may be equipped with two- or three-berth modules. |
| US08746616B2 |
Mid-wing multi-deck airplane
An airplane comprises a twin-deck fuselage in which an upper deck support structure is utilized for carry-through of a mid-mount main wing box. The main landing gear of the airplane is mounted to the fuselage and is stowed in a non-pressurized area below the main wing box (enabled due to an optimized wing box geometry). A pressurized passageway/cargo/galley complex separates the main landing gear box and the main wing box. The upper deck is continuous, while the lower deck is separated by the wheel wells into two distinct fore and aft areas (for either cargo or passengers). The airplane further comprises an integrated vertical fin and an aft-extended pressurized deck area for reduced double-deck wetted area. More specifically, the double-deck pressurized fuselage structure is extended to form a blending structure to which a structural box of the vertical fin is attached. |
| US08746615B2 |
Landing gear
An aircraft landing gear is arranged such that in its deployed position it is configured to reduce, during the approach on landing, the noise generated by the interaction of the landing gear and the air flowing past the landing gear. Various means are described to reduce the amount of turbulent air flow generated in the region of the landing gear, including inverting and fairing the nose-gear shock-absorbing leg, providing faired twin in-line oleos and providing fairings that produce shielding air curtains. |
| US08746614B2 |
System for actuating at least one positioning flap of an aircraft and a method for monitoring the system
A method for actuating at least one positioning flap on each wing of an aircraft, which positioning flap is actuated by at least two flap coupling devices each including a flap actuator device, where at least on one flap actuator device for each positioning flap a brake mechanism is arranged by means of whose actuation an adjustment state of the respective flap actuator device can be locked, including the steps of: actuating each brake mechanism of a positioning flap individually, subsequently actuating the flap actuator device by means of the drive motor, in the case of a change in the adjustment state of the positioning flap by a predetermined extent, terminating actuation of the positioning flap concerned, and a system for implementing the method. |
| US08746611B2 |
Lightning protection arrangement for an electronic unit
Lightning protection arrangement for diverting a current, caused by a lightning strike, from an electronic unit which is fitted to an aerodynamic fairing of an aircraft. The device includes an electrically conductive mounting plate which is arranged on an outer side of a CFRP sandwich panel of the aerodynamic fairing. Furthermore, the device has an electrically conductive rear plate which is arranged on an inner side of the CFRP sandwich panel of the aerodynamic fairing and is connected electrically to the mounting plate. In this respect, a first group of attachment means provided for the electronic unit connects the electrical unit electrically to the rear plate. An electric current generated during a lightning strike is diverted with low resistance from the electrical unit via the rear plate and the mounting plate onto the fuselage of the aircraft. |
| US08746610B2 |
Roll paper setting structure
A paper roll setting structure includes a paper roll receiving section (120), a setting shaft structure (130), and a receiving frame (140). The receiving frame (140) includes a shaft position guide (150). The shaft position guide (150) includes a pair of guide pieces (151) and a loading recess (152). The setting shaft structure (130) includes shaft portions (131) so as to rotatably support a paper roll (200). Viewing the positions of the pair of guide pieces (151) enables an operator to recognize the positions of the shaft portions (131). Using the loading recess (152) enables the operator to insert his/her finger in the paper roll receiving section (120) to a deep side (Z2) in a roll loading direction. As a result, the operator can easily and reliably load the roll (200). |
| US08746607B2 |
Cable handling system
A cable handling system has a cable traction unit having a sequence of cable-driving pulleys, a cable path coiling partially around each one of the cable-driving pulleys in the sequence, the cable traction unit being mounted on a rear portion of the vehicle; a cable accumulator unit mounted on the vehicle, having an cable chamber fixed relative to the vehicle and having an annular cable receiving area between a cylindrical outer wall and a cylindrical inner wall, and a cable channel having a first end communicating with the cable traction unit, and a second end communicating with the annular cable receiving area. |
| US08746604B2 |
Fishing reel
A fishing reel for winding and releasing a fishing line includes a tubular spool being configured to wind the fishing line onto an outer periphery thereof, a spool shaft made of metal, the spool shaft being attached to an inner periphery of the spool, and a Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) layer being formed on a surface layer side of the spool shaft. |
| US08746602B2 |
Grinding media
Grinding media for fragmentation and grinding of ores, rock and earth mass and other materials mostly in drum mills, for application in ore mining, construction and other industrial branches. The grinding media have the form of spheroidal tetrahedron, obtained from the crossing of four spheres with equal radii, the centers of each one lie on the top of the surface of the others and are tips of regular tetrahedron. The radii of the spheres are equal to the regular tetrahedron's edge. At least one of the tips (1) of the spheroidal tetrahedron is flatly beveled and the rest are rounded, so one and the same mass of material is taken away from each tip (1). It is possible the edges (2) of the grinding media to be rounded, beveled or ribbed. The ribbing can be even or arch-shaped. |
| US08746597B2 |
Electrostatic spray system
An electrostatic spray system, comprising a hand held device having an inlet and an outlet. The hand held device includes a charging device for producing a high voltage charging field and a spray nozzle having an outlet, the outlet being disposed within the charging field. The system further includes an air movement system disposed within the hand held device, the air movement system configured to produce an airflow around the spray nozzle and through the high voltage charging field to create a directionally controllable electrostatic charged mist existing the hand held device at low velocities. |
| US08746595B2 |
Pump for dispensing a fluid product
A fluid dispenser pump comprising: a pump body; at least a first piston that slides in leaktight manner in said pump body on each actuation so as to expel a dose of fluid through a dispenser orifice (45) that is provided in a dispenser head (40); a closure member (38), movable between a closed position and an open position, being disposed in said dispenser head (40) upstream from said dispenser orifice (45), said closure member (38) being urged towards its closed position by a resilient element, such as a spring; said closure member (38) in the closed position co-operating in leaktight manner with said dispenser head (40) in at least three distinct sealing zones (381, 382, 383). |
| US08746593B2 |
Chemical application apparatus for sprinkler systems
A liquid chemical dispenser for an irrigation system comprises a removable supply container for the chemical which, in a first embodiment, comprises a valve for preventing spillage of the chemical during attachment of the container to the dispenser. This feature allows the container to be mounted in an inverted position on the dispenser without loss of its contents. In a second embodiment, the chemical container comprises a membrane which is pierced by a dip tube when the container is attached to the dispenser. A section of the dip tube produces an annular vent passage in the membrane around the dip tube to provide vacuum relief. The configuration of the containers substantially reduces the chance of inadvertent contact with the contents and the simple design permits the containers to be disposable. |
| US08746592B2 |
Sprinkler
An improved sprinkler has a flow altering device to change water direction and control the direction of a blade wheel. A gear set causes a sprinkler head's repetitive rotation. The sprinkler head includes a set of corresponding upper plate and lower plate to divide an interior chamber of the sprinkler head to two chambers: a control chamber and a gear chamber. A water inlet pipe connects only with the control chamber to provide water to enter the control chamber. The upper plate and the lower plate form a filtering channel interconnecting between the control chamber and the gear chamber. The water from the control chamber can flow into the gear chamber through the filtering channel. The filtering channel filters the large/coarser particle debris in the water and the water flowing into the gear chamber can lubricate and cool the gear set in the gear chamber. |
| US08746589B2 |
Boom assembly joints
A boom structure for a mobile agricultural implement. The boom structure includes a first transversely extending beam member having a first protrusion. The boom structure includes a second transversely extending beam member having a second protrusion. The second transversely extending beam member is spatially offset from the first transversely extending beam member. A plurality of first coupling members are coupled to the first protrusion and a plurality of second coupling members coupled to the second protrusion. A plurality of connecting members are coupled to the first and second coupling members to connect the first and second transversely extending beam members. |
| US08746588B2 |
Piezoelectric actuator and injector comprising a piezoelectric actuator for an internal combustion engine
A piezoelectric actuator and an injector for an internal combustion engine are proposed, the electromagnetic compatibility of which is significantly improved in comparison with conventional injectors. The actuator head and/or actuator foot is manufactured out of a ceramic material, thus reducing the capacitance of the electric capacitor that is formed between the electrical ground and the piezoelectric actuator. An advantage of the piezoelectric actuator according to the invention is that no additional components are required. The change from metallic materials to ceramic materials also increases the rigidity of the piezoelectric actuator since ceramic materials have a significantly higher modulus of elasticity than metals. |
| US08746587B2 |
Volatile material dispensers
A volatile material dispenser includes a housing, a retention mechanism coupled to the housing, and a compatible volatile material refill that includes a first set of dimensions and a wick extending therefrom. An adapter is removeably attached to a portion of the compatible volatile material refill. The retention mechanism non-removeably retains the adapter to the housing when the compatible volatile material refill and adapter combination are inserted therein. Further, when the compatible volatile material refill is removed from the adapter, the adapter prevents incompatible volatile material refills having a second set of dimensions different from the first set of dimensions from being attached to the housing. |
| US08746586B2 |
Device for spraying a cosmetic composition while blowing hot or cold air
A device for spraying a cosmetic or dermatological composition may comprise an ultrasound or electrostatic spray head, an airflow generator for entraining a spray of composition particles atomized by the spray head and a conditioning device, the conditioning device arranged to modify the temperature of the outgoing stream of air. |
| US08746585B2 |
Power trigger sprayer
A power trigger sprayer comprising an integrated nozzle and pump assembly. The pump may comprise one or more pistons. Each piston feeds an input port of a swirl chamber spray nozzle. The nozzle is pulsed at a high rate, producing a predetermined spray pattern. In a further embodiment, the sprayer may be configured for handheld application of liquids and may comprise a tank for holding the liquid, a power source and control actuator together with the spray pump and nozzle in a hand operable unit. The sprayer may comprise a drip guard for directing drip flow away from the trigger and hand grip portion of the sprayer. The sprayer may include a battery within the hand grip portion. The battery may be in a battery module with grip/latch tabs allowing easy removal and replacement of the battery. |
| US08746584B2 |
Heater interlock control for air conditioning system
An air conditioning apparatus, including an electric motor driven blower for circulating air through a cabinet, also includes one or more electric heating elements and a system controller operable to control energization of the heating elements and the blower motor at predetermined operating conditions by way of suitable relay or control elements. The system includes a heating interlock relay to prevent energization of the one or more heating elements if the blower motor is inoperable, operating at other than a predetermined range of speeds or the system controller detects a malfunctioning heating element control relay or the like. |
| US08746582B2 |
Hot and cold water mixing valve
The hot and cold water mixing valve having a cylindrical casing is provided with a control valve member which adjusts a ratio between hot and cold water inlets by balancing loads applied by a biasing member and an actuator, and cylindrical temperature adjuster which adjusts a position of the control valve member when rotated. In the temperature adjuster, an upper surface is formed at one end, a knob is provided in the center of the upper surface, and a ring-shaped recess is formed around the knob at the upper surface. The temperature adjuster is arranged inside the casing and the knob is inserted, coaxially with the casing, into the hole which opens at one end of the casing. A spacer which covers the recess is interposed and held between the upper surface of the temperature adjuster and one end of the casing. |
| US08746580B2 |
Acousto-magnetic anti-theft label with a high coercivity bias and method of manufacture
A high coercivity bias piece for making acousto-magnetic labels is made of an alloy strip with 10-14% weight percent Mn, less than 7% weight percent of one or more other transitional metals, with the balance Fe, after cold rolling to final gage, going through a final aging heat treatment at below 590 C, longer than 5 minutes. The strip thickness is 0.065-0.18 mm with coercivity measured by direct current method being 56-90 Oe. The method of making the high coercivity bias piece is to cold roll the strip to 0.07-0.15 mm with aging temperature at 450-570 C, for 0.5-20 hours to form a magnetic strip with coercivity of 60-85 Oe, followed by cutting the strip to required size. This high coercivity bias piece is manufactured without expensive Co and Ni materials, showing that a low cost Fe-(10-14% weight percent Mn) based alloy can be used to make high coercivity bias. |
| US08746575B2 |
Semi-rigid radio frequency identification (RFID) card, manufacturing method and machine for its production
The invention comprises an RFID card consisting of at least one upper layer, one lower layer, one functional layer comprising at least one electronic component, an antenna connected to the electronic component, wherein the card also comprises a compensator between the functional layer and the lower layer, the compensator being recessed at the location of the electronic component and of thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the electronic component on the functional layer and in that the layers are assembled together by adhesion. The invention also comprises the continuous manufacturing method of the RFID card and the machine according to the manufacturing method of the RFID card. |
| US08746570B2 |
Variable aperture and actuator assemblies for an imaging system
An imaging system which includes a housing for a radiation detector having a window disposed above and in axial alignment with the radiation detector, a variable aperture assembly which includes a base ring having a first opening and mounted on the radiation detector housing such that the first opening is in axial alignment with the window, a plate having a first aperture and adapted to engage the base ring such that the first aperture is disposed over the window, at least one aperture blade each operatively coupled to the base ring, and an aperture drive mechanism having a body and an actuator coupling member extending at an angle from the body. In addition, the imaging system includes an actuator assembly having an actuator and an actuator arm, the actuator arm disposed adjacent to the radiation detector housing in proximity to the actuator coupling member. |
| US08746569B2 |
Systems and methods for forming a composite image of multiple portions of an object from multiple perspectives
Various improved imager-based optical code readers and associated methods are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, an imager-based method reads an optical code (which may be, for example, a linear optical code such as a bar code) on an object in a viewing volume. The method comprises dividing an image plane into a plurality of strip-shaped sections, viewing the object in the viewing volume from a plurality of perspectives, forming a plurality of strip-shaped images corresponding to the plurality of perspectives, respectively, thereby creating a composite image containing data from a plurality of perspectives, and processing at least a portion of the composite image so as to ascertain the information encoded in the optical code on the object in the viewing volume. Certain embodiments can mimic the performance of a laser-based scanner without a laser or moving parts but instead utilizing an electronic imaging device such as an imager. |
| US08746566B2 |
Two-dimensional symbol and method for reading same
Disclosed is an identification symbol and system and method for reading in accordance with the present invention is preferably a two-dimensional, rectangular or square bar code symbol having a solid border, a tick-mark region adjacent to the solid border, a omni-directional reading and error detection and correction capability. |
| US08746565B2 |
Barcode device
Bar codes used for various applications. A bar code can be used for biometrics, or for computer data entry. A special bar code is described that has additional information, but can be read by other readers. |
| US08746563B2 |
Laser scanning module with rotatably adjustable laser scanning assembly
A laser scanning module employing a laser scanning assembly mounted within a module housing using a mechanism that allows the laser scanning assembly to be rotated to an angular position within the engine housing so that light collection, beam folding and light collection mirrors in the module housing are optically aligned. A PC board is mounted on a side of the housing and has a configuration of elongated apertures of open-ended and/or closed geometry, arranged in a non-parallel manner. An electromagnetic coil structure, associated with the laser scanning assembly, has a linear array of electrically-conductive pins that project through the configuration of elongated holes, at locations along the elongated holes that are determined by the angular rotation of the laser scanning assembly attained during optical alignment conditions during manufacture. |
| US08746562B2 |
Method and system for determining support for a memory card
Embodiments related to methods and systems for determining support for a memory card, where the memory card is accessible to a card reader and the card reader is in communication with an accessing device. One embodiment comprises transmitting a first test command to the memory card, receiving a response to the first test command, and determining that the response to the first test command indicates that a card type is not supported by a plurality of card drivers. In response to said determining, at least one additional test command specific to a card type supported by a selected card driver is automatically transmitted, and if the response is successful, the selected card driver, which was previously determined not to support the card type of the memory card, is indicated to support the card type of the memory card. |
| US08746561B1 |
Grid-based precision aim system and method for disrupting suspect objects
A system and method for disrupting at least one component of a suspect object is provided. The system has a source for passing radiation through the suspect object, a grid board positionable adjacent the suspect object (the grid board having a plurality of grid areas, the radiation from the source passing through the grid board), a screen for receiving the radiation passing through the suspect object and generating at least one image, a weapon for deploying a discharge, and a targeting unit for displaying the image of the suspect object and aiming the weapon according to a disruption point on the displayed image and deploying the discharge into the suspect object to disable the suspect object. |
| US08746560B2 |
Systems and methods for indicating the existence of accessible information pertaining to articles of commerce
A system and method are provided for indicating an existence of a link to information pertaining to an article of commerce. The present disclosure provides for downloading a look-up table from a server database to a mobile device via a communication network. The look-up table is configured to store a plurality of UPC numbers associated with a plurality of articles of commerce and a plurality of information link indicators. Each information link indicator is associated with a respective UPC number and article of commerce and indicates the existence of a link via the communication network to information pertaining to the respective article of commerce. The mobile device allows a consumer to immediately determine if product information is available for a particular article of commerce, via a visual or audible indication on the mobile device, without access to the communication network. |
| US08746558B2 |
3D glasses and related systems
3D glasses having an RFID tag (embedded in one or more temples) are rented to theater or other venue operators. The glasses are shipped to a venue for distribution to patrons and collected from patrons in the trays. Inventory and other measures are implemented by RFID scanning while the glasses are in the trays (e.g., upon delivery to a theater, on collection from the theater, upon inspection at the 3D rental company, etc). Data gathered from RFID scanning and inspections allows the rental company to properly allocate rental costs to various venues based on shrinkage which includes, for example, extraordinary wear, breakage, or theft which is attributable and traceable to the specific venues. The theater or venue may also independently scan the trays upon delivery and pick-up to maintain their own records. The invention includes 3D glasses with RFID, a washing rack, and rental systems. |
| US08746557B2 |
Secure self-checkout
Under the present invention, item verification is automated and expedited. Specifically, items to be purchased can be scanned by the shopper using a barcode reader (e.g., a scanner) attached to or positioned near the shopping receptacle. As items are scanned, they are identified based on their barcode and added to an item list. Item verification can then performed at checkout using imaging technology. For example, the shopping cart or shopping basket can be brought into the field of view of a computer-connected camera. The camera and computer can, working from the customer's item list developed when the items are scanned, observe each product in the receptacle and “ring it up”. If all products can be accounted for, the customer is free to leave; otherwise the customer is denied egress, informed of the problem, etc. A store employee can also be signaled to investigate. The total time required to make the decision is the time to take a picture and process it, which by human standards is very fast; faster than existing verification methods. |
| US08746556B2 |
Open system account remote validation for access
At each of a plurality of point of sale terminals (POS) of a transit system, for each of a plurality of riders, where each rider seeks access into a facility of the transit facility by using a payment device issued by an issuer in a payment system, data is read from the payment device. The data can include an identifier for an account issued by an issuer. For each such access, a communication including the account is addressed to a network address of a system remote from the payment processing system and remote from each of POS terminals. A response to the communication is received that includes information as to the validation of the access based upon the account being on a list keep by remote system. When the received information contains the validation of the access, the rider is permitted access to the facility of the transit system and the payment device is unchanged for the fare of the access to the facility of the transit system. |
| US08746552B1 |
Card reader activity systems and methods
Methods, systems, and machines for monitoring card reader activity involve, for example, receiving data regarding a level of activity of a card reader of an access door of a self-service financial transaction terminal vestibule and also receiving data regarding a level of activity of a card reader of at least one self-service financial transaction terminal located within the vestibule. Periodically, the level of activity of the card reader of the access door may be compared with the level of activity of the card reader of the at least one self-service financial transaction terminal, and an alert may be generated when a ratio of the level of activity of the card reader of the access door to the level of activity of the card reader of the at least one self-service financial transaction terminal falls below a predetermined value. |
| US08746551B2 |
Predictive fault resolution
A method for predicting failure in an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is provided. The method may include using a database to store information relating to the performance of a component function by an ATM component. The information may include normal performance information and fault information. The method may further include using a computational module to calculate a fault rate for the ATM component. The method may also include using a processor to compare the calculated fault rate to a threshold value associated with the component function. In the event that the fault rate exceeds the threshold value, the processor may initiate a request for service of the ATM component. |
| US08746548B2 |
Dynamic multidimensional barcodes for information handling system service information
Multi-dimensional barcodes at a product include service identifiers for the product so that an end user with a portable information handling system captures an image of the multi-dimensional barcode and extracts the service identifiers to obtain service information from a service network location. For example, a service identifier embeds a URL that links to a video demonstrating how to assemble the product. As another example, a service identifier links to a service network location and includes a unique identifier so that an end user retrieves warranty or purchase information for the product. In one embodiment, a chassis supports plural information handling system modules and present information for the modules with QR codes displayed at a chassis-wide dynamic fault code display. |
| US08746546B2 |
Food container
A fully erected one-piece, four wall container made of a foldable material having a tray with a bottom wall panel, a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls. Each of the front wall, the two side walls and the rear wall are configured to be folded to a position that is perpendicular to the bottom wall panel. Locations on the front wall and the rear wall that are mutually adjacent the first and second side walls each have a triangular piece hingedly joined thereto and to a respective one of the first and second side walls. Each triangular piece is configured to be oriented perpendicular to respective first and second side walls and parallel to respective front and rear walls, all in response to each of the front, rear and first and second side walls becoming oriented perpendicular to the bottom wall panel. |
| US08746542B2 |
Cartons, to methods of constructing the same and to carton blanks therefor
A carton comprising an inner layer (100) and an outer layer (2), the inner layer comprises at least one side wall, which inner side wall comprises at least two layers (116, 118) of carton material in a face to face relationship with one another and the outer layer comprises a base portion (4) and at least one side wall (14, 22) about the inner layer side wall. |
| US08746539B2 |
Visually enhanced tab file system
A tab system for a folder (10a), and a method of making same is disclosed. The tab is enlarged to carry more information/indicia. The visual indicia space (16a), i.e. the viewable space on the front (32a, 36a) of the folder which allows viewing of the enlarged tab is achieve without violating the overall size restrictions (40a) of the file folder. Instead, the front of the folder adjacent to the tab on the back panel, is cut away (32a, 34a) to expose a greater portion of the back panel (14a) and allow an increase in visual indicia space. The remaining portion of the front panel, not adjacent to the tab may also be cut away (34a) to allow other enlarged tab files, with offset tabs, (22d, 21a) to be viewable behind the present file. |
| US08746537B2 |
Ultrasonic bonding systems and methods of using the same
An ultrasonic bonding system is provided. The ultrasonic bonding system includes a bond head assembly and a bonding tool for bonding a conductive bonding material to a workpiece. The ultrasonic bonding system also includes a pressing member adapted to press against the workpiece, the pressing member being supported by the bond head assembly and being moveable with respect to the bond head assembly independent of the bonding tool. The pressing member includes a body portion and a plurality of pressing elements extending below the body portion, the pressing elements being configured to contact the workpiece. |
| US08746527B2 |
High efficiency pneumatic nailer
A pneumatic nailer for use with a fluid source includes a housing, a cylinder, a first valve assembly, a piston, and a port assembly. The housing defines a storage chamber configured for fluid communication with the fluid source. The cylinder is configured for movement with respect to the housing between a first cylinder position and a second cylinder position. An inner side of the cylinder defines a sleeve chamber and an outer side of the cylinder and the housing defines an actuating chamber therebetween. The first valve assembly is connected to the cylinder and is configured to (i) to allow fluid flow from the sleeve chamber to the actuating chamber and (ii) to prevent fluid flow from the actuating chamber to the sleeve chamber. The piston has a piston head and a driver member extending from the piston head. |
| US08746524B2 |
Vest pack
A vest pack includes right and left pocket regions. Each pocket region is adapted for being positioned just below the respective right and left breast of a wearer. The vest pack further includes a zipper that connects the right and left pocket regions from approximately the sternum of the wearer to approximately a belt line of the wearer, and a pair of suspenders having a strap connected proximate each second pocket and adapted to be worn over the shoulders of the wearer. The vest pack further includes a back region comprising at least one elastic strap connecting opposing back sides of the right and left pocket regions, and to the straps of the pair of suspenders. |
| US08746521B2 |
Activity equipment carrying apparatus
A carrying apparatus for transporting sports or activity equipment, such as a skateboard, in-line skates, a surfboard and/or the like, which attaches to a bicycle is disclosed. The carrying apparatus has a generally Y-shaped holding member and an adapter. The holding member holds a skateboard, in-line skates and/or a surfboard, while the adapter secures the carrying apparatus to a bicycle. The holding member preferably has a first extension member which extends into a first prong and a second extension member which extends into a second prong. The prongs connect at an adjoining central point. The adapter preferably has a first side portion and a second side portion, each of which may have a generally C-shaped portion. An inner wall of the first side portion and the second side portion fit around a seat support bar of a bicycle. The adapter may be secured to the seat support bar by any suitable means. |
| US08746517B2 |
Glove arrangement
A glove arrangement includes at least a glove and a retaining arrangement, wherein the retaining arrangement detachably retain the glove on an environment surface so that the glove is adapted to move between an in-use position and a storing position, wherein when the glove is at the in-use position, the glove is departed from the environment surface for operation by a user, wherein at the storing position, the glove is retained on the environment surface. |
| US08746516B2 |
Tundish impact pad
An impact pad, for use in a T-shaped tundish, comprises a base having an impact surface and an outer side wall extending upwardly therefrom and defining an interior space having an upper opening for receiving a stream of molten metal, the interior space being divided into two regions by a separating wall provided with at least one passageway for the molten metal stream. The separating wall is at least three times higher than the outer side wall and is inclined with respect to the vertical. This impact pad increases the homogeneity of the molten steel cast from the different outlets of the T-shaped tundish and provides equal or relatively similar residence times of the molten steel discharged through the different outlets of the tundish. This impact pad also permits a fast transition of the steel quality at ladle change while retaining the advantages of conventional impact pads. |
| US08746513B2 |
Shaker can
A shaker dispenser for containing and dispensing product includes a body, a handle, and a dispensing mechanism. The handle includes a base portion and a handle gripping portion that a user may grip to transport and use the dispenser. The handle is inserted within the body such that the entire handle, including the handle gripping portion, is within the body, thereby allowing the shaker dispenser to sit, if desired, on the end having the handle. The body includes indentations, or cut-aways, that allow the handle to be visible from at least one of: a front view, a side view, and a back view. A method of manufacture and use of a shaker dispenser is also described. |
| US08746508B2 |
Multi-component cartridge
A dispensing apparatus for mixing and dispensing multi-component masses including a multi-component cartridge or syringe having a plurality of chambers, a mixer element having a longitudinal axis and a mixer housing placed over the mixer element. The outer surface of the mixer element and the inner wall of the mixer housing have a cooperating guide element which only allows a displacement of the mixer housing at the mixer element along the longitudinal axis of the mixer element. The mixer housing is axially displaceably connected to the multi-component cartridge. The mixer housing and the mixer element are displaceable against one another in an axial direction in the closed and dispensing positions. A rotary element, the mixer housing and the multi-component cartridge have a cooperating interaction element in which the rotary element rotates such that an axial relative movement results between the mixer housing and the multi-component cartridge. |
| US08746507B2 |
System and method for dispensing a beverage
A method and system for managing the dispensing of beverages from an automatic beverage dispensing unit. The beverages may be comprised of a single or multiple ingredients, including a first plurality of liquids, a second plurality of liquids, and/or a combination of one or more first and second plurality of liquids. In addition, garnishes and sides may be included in the beverage. The beverages are dispensed according to a pouring schema. The pouring schema may be a beverage recipe and may be preprogrammed by a system manager, or alternatively, be chosen by a consumer during operation of the system. The first plurality of liquids may include liquors and the second plurality of beverages may include mixers which are mixed with the liquors to create the beverage. |
| US08746501B2 |
Pneumatically actuated liquid dispensing valve and method
A liquid dispensing valve includes a liquid dispensing portion with a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and a liquid passage communicating between the liquid inlet and liquid outlet. A valve member is mounted for movement relative to the liquid outlet between open and closed positions. An actuation portion is coupled with the liquid dispensing portion and includes an inflatable bladder structure. The inflatable bladder structure includes an interior adapted to be coupled in fluid communication with a source of positively pressurized air. The bladder structure may be expanded by the positively pressurized air to move the valve member to at least one of the open or closed positions from the other of the open or closed positions. Methods of dispensing liquid, such as hot melt adhesive, from the valve are also disclosed. |
| US08746499B2 |
Container
In a container for solid, paste-like or flowable products, particularly food products, comprising a lower container part for containing the products and a container top part for closing the container, wherein the container bottom part has a rim which extends around the container bottom part opening, the container top part has a collar element which extends around the rim of the container bottom part and an essentially flat areal cover element connected to the collar element and releasably connected to the rim of the container bottom part when, after filling of the container bottom part with a product, the container is closed by the container top part. |
| US08746496B2 |
Beverage container closure
A beverage container closure or lid that is adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container. The lid is selectively couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user by the user pressing a button disposed on a side of the beverage container closure. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, a user may open and close the beverage container closure using a single hand without the need to remove the beverage container closure from the beverage container. |
| US08746491B2 |
Apparatus for storing articles
An apparatus for storing articles comprises one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags and a container. The one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags are configured for storing the articles therein. The container configured for storing the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags therein. The container has soft sides made of soft materials. In operation, when air within the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags is evacuated, the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags, and any articles stored therein, collapses into the container. |
| US08746490B2 |
Resealable package film
A package film is provided for attaching to a base member to define a package. The package film construction includes a top layer having a top surface and a bottom surface. A removable adhesive is provided having a defined pattern applied below the bottom surface. A polyethylene (PE) emulsion layer is provide that covers at least a portion of the adhesive pattern, with the PE emulsion layer being heat sealable to the base member. |
| US08746487B1 |
Food container
A food container includes a glass container, a lid and a protective sleeve. The sleeve covers at least a portion of the side walls and bottom surface of the glass container. The lid has a perimeter that is absent of securing features for the container. The lid has a receiving feature which is engaged by a latch on the protective sleeve when the latch is moved from an open position to a locked position. |
| US08746485B1 |
Snap-on fuel cap cover
A fuel tank closure assembly includes an inner cap and an outer cover. The inner cap has a cylindrical side wall and multiple protrusions extending outward from the cylindrical side wall. The protrusions have a height less than a height of the cylindrical side wall. The outer cover has a cylindrical side wall with an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the inner cap. The cylindrical side wall has multiple openings and multiple hollows. The openings and the hollows in the outer cover each receive one of the protrusions to secure the cover to the cap and rotatably lock the cover and the cap together. |
| US08746484B2 |
Sealing member with removable portion for exposing and forming a dispensing feature
A sealing member or inner seal for a sealing to a rim of a container is described herein that is capable of initially providing sealing for the container and subsequently for providing a dispenser or dispensing feature having a cleanly formed opening or other passage therethrough for dispensing container contents. The sealing members or inner seals herein are constructed from flexible sheets or laminates defining one or more integrated or preformed dispensing feature(s) or element(s) for dispensing contents from the container. The one or more integrated dispensing feature(s) or element(s) are initially covered on both sides to be exposed for use upon removal of a portion of the sealing member. |
| US08746473B2 |
Railway coupler body improvements to improve knuckle rotation
An improved coupler body having an area of increased material in the upper lock chamber. |
| US08746469B1 |
Fishing rod caddy for pickup trucks
An improved fishing rod caddy that is removably mountable to the bed of a pickup truck is presented. The improved rod caddy securely holds fishing rods in a horizontal position in a pickup truck bed such that the rods are free from bending loads created by wind resistance and are protected from undue jostling, abrasion or marring during transport. |
| US08746466B2 |
Frame with cable management
A cable management frame assembly comprising a collapsible frame chassis and a plurality of positionally configurable cable management fixtures that can be affixed to the frame chassis without the use of tools or additional hardware such screws, nuts or bolts. A panel mount allows patch panels and equipment to be mounted to the frame chassis without the use of tools or additional hardware. |
| US08746458B2 |
Axial sorting method and device with permanent-magnet drum eccentric inner surface
The present invention discloses a method for axial separation by an eccentric inner surface of a permanent magnetic drum, comprising: adsorbing materials to be selected that flow through the inner surface field strength and the gradient area of a rotating eccentric drum (2) by using the energy on the inner surface of a rotating permanent magnetic drum (1), wherein materials with lower specific susceptibility pass through a selected material channel (14) consisted of the eccentric drum (2) and the outer surface of the arched drum of a field strength gradient regulating mechanism (5), and flow out of a low magnetic material outlet (9); materials with higher specific susceptibility are absorbed on the rotating eccentric drum (2), and in an area with higher eccentricity, materials with higher specific susceptibility are stripped off, fall into a high magnetic material groove (7), flow to a high magnetic material outlet (8), and then are collected. There also provides a device for axial separation by an eccentric inner surface of a permanent magnetic drum. |
| US08746457B2 |
Method and device for axial separation by the inner surface of a permanent magnetic arched groove
The present invention discloses a method and a device for axial separation by the inner surface of a permanent magnetic arched groove, comprising: adsorbing materials to be selected that axially flow through the inner surface field strength and the gradient area of a rotating separation drum (2) by using the energy on the inner surface of a permanent magnetic arched groove (1); wherein materials with lower specific susceptibility pass through a selected material channel (13) and flow out of a low magnetic material outlet (9); materials with higher specific susceptibility are adsorbed on the rotating separation drum (2) and fall into a high magnetic material groove (7) under the action of its gravity; and materials with higher specific susceptibility flow through a high magnetic material outlet (8) and then are collected; thereby various materials with different specific susceptibilities can be separated. |
| US08746452B2 |
Catheter tray, packaging system, and associated methods
A tray (100) for accommodating a coiled medical device, such as a catheter assembly (700), includes a first compartment (101), a second compartment (102), and a third compartment (103). The catheter assembly (700) and devices associated with a catheterization procedure, such as syringes (701,702) containing sterile water and lubricating jelly and a specimen container (703) can be disposed within the tray. A first barrier (105) and second barrier (106) separate the compartments. The barriers can have openings (121,122) therein to accommodate large syringes or to enable the first compartment (101) to be used as a lubricant applicator for the catheter. The first compartment (101) can include a stair-stepped contour (115) such that the syringes are held at different depths to facilitate ease of use. The various devices can be disposed within the tray (100) in accordance with their order of use in the catheterization procedure. |
| US08746445B2 |
Suture packaging
A package for surgical suture material includes a base member and a cover member, wherein the cover member is configured to be placed adjacent to the base member to form the package for the surgical suture material. The base member includes an outer wall extending from an outer circumference thereof. The outer wall has a predetermined height such that it engages the cover member when the cover member is placed adjacent the base member. Partition structure extends from a bottom surface of the cover member and defines at least one suture retaining area. An information label is attached to an upper surface of the cover. A plurality of protrusions are positioned adjacent the outer wall for maintaining surgical suture material a predetermined distance toward a center portion of the package. |
| US08746444B2 |
Package and insert adapted to form part of a package
The disclosure relates to a package comprising a sleeve and an insert, the insert being adapted to be movably received in the sleeve, the insert is adapted to carry and receive a product, the insert is adapted to be reinserted into the sleeve after receipt of said product, the sleeve is adapted to enclose the reinserted insert such that access to said product is limited or denied and reextraction of the insert is limited or denied once the insert has been reinserted into the sleeve. The disclosure further relates to an insert adapted to form a part of a package of the above kind. |
| US08746442B2 |
Conveyor belt rollers with two surface materials
A conveyor belt and a belt module having multiple roller sets, each roller set including a bottom roller in contact with an axially elongated two-material top roller. The periphery of the top roller has a high-friction peripheral surface separated by a central durable, low-friction peripheral surface in contact with the bottom roller. Driving the bottom roller in a first direction causes rotation of the top roller in an opposite angular direction. |
| US08746437B2 |
Gapping system for sortation rate maximization
The invention provides a method which minimizes the gaps between packages to the minimum required by the sorter. The gapping required to allow scanning the identification label(s) will be done first, then another gap adjustment (to reduce gaps) is done immediately after scanning. The induction control system requires inputs from additional sensors which are necessary to obtain certain package dimensions. This information (dimensions of the packages) is used by the control algorithm to calculate or select from a table based on package geometry, the minimum (or optimum) gaps required for scanning and by the sorter. |
| US08746436B2 |
Apparatus and method for separating articles susceptible to cohesive grouping
An apparatus for separating articles susceptible to cohesive grouping includes a first collection area having an end. A first conveying device collects and conveys an array of articles in a plurality of rows toward a second collection area receiving at least one row of articles from the end of the first collection area. A barrier positioned in close proximity to the end of the first collection area controls movement of the article rows between the end of the first collection area and the second collection area. A separator is positionable between the end of the first collection area and at least a portion of the second collection area. Upon the second collection area receiving the at least one row of articles from the end of the first collection area, the separator maintains a spacing between the row of articles controllably positioned along the end of the first collection area by the barrier. |
| US08746435B2 |
Transport device for transporting a product, and sorting device and method therefor
A transport device for transporting products and a sorting device provided therewith are disclosed. A transporting method making use of these systems is also disclosed. The transport device according to the exemplary embodiment comprises, a frame engaging means connected to the frame for operatively connecting the transport device to a drive system; and rotatable carrier means connected to the frame for operatively connecting the transport device to a drive system; and a rotatable carrier means connected to the frame for carrying a product, wherein the carrier means is rotatable about a shaft substantially perpendicular to the direction of transport of the product. |
| US08746429B1 |
Pneumatic lock-up clutch
The present device is an improved clutch system that conveys rotational energy from a power source to the gearbox input shaft of a motorcycle. A clutch basket is mechanically coupled to the power source and slidably engaged to pronged clutch drive plates, which are frictionally engaged to splined steel driven plates. A clutch hub engages the splined steel driven plates when pressurized air moves a piston against a pressure plate, causing the clutch hub and splined steel driven plates to engage. The rotating splined steel driven plates will then rotate the clutch hub to convey rotational energy to the gearbox input shaft of the motorcycle. |
| US08746427B2 |
Friction lamella
The invention relates to a friction lamella (1) comprising a disk-shaped carrier element (2) having a first surface (3) and a second surface (4) opposite thereto, a first friction lining (5) being situated on the first surface (3) and a second friction lining (6) being situated on the second surface (4), which are formed from a composite material, comprising a resin and a fibrous material, and grooves (9, 10) being situated in the first and in the second friction linings (5, 6), which divide the friction linings (5, 6) into segments (7, 8) at least in surface-proximal areas. The segments (7) of the first friction lining (5) are implemented offset by a defined offset angle (11) to the segments (8) of the second friction lining (6). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method and a device for producing the friction lamella and the use of the friction lamella. |
| US08746426B2 |
Through-connection clutch and method for the actuation thereof
A through-connection clutch, for transferring torque between a motor and transmission of a vehicle, which has a friction clutch and a form-locking clutch. The form-locking clutch is disposed radially within the friction clutch, and the clutches can be actuated independently of each other. To minimize the required installation space, the through-connection clutch can be activated flexibly, but is still inexpensive to produce and ensures low-wear yet safe and comfortable torque transfer in a drive train of a vehicle. A pressure plate of the friction clutch and a form-locking element of the form-locking clutch are concentric, rotationally fixed together, and movable toward one another, and can be actuated via an actuation unit, which is rotationally decoupled from the pressure plate and the form-locking element. Depending on the operating situation, the friction clutch and/or the form-locking clutch is selectively activated one or more times. |
| US08746425B2 |
Torque converter lock-up device
A lock-up device includes a piston, a drive plate, a plurality of radial outer side torsion springs, a float member, a driven plate, a plurality of radial inner side torsion springs and an intermediate member. The float member is configured to rotate relative to the drive plate, to cause the first and second radial outer side elastic members to act in series. The intermediate member is configured to rotate relative to the drive plate and the driven plate, and to transmit the torque from the first and second radial outer side elastic members to the first and second radial inner side elastic members. |
| US08746424B2 |
Coil spring tilger damper fixed to turbine
A torque converter, including: a turbine with a turbine shell; and a damper assembly including: an output flange; a first cover plate; a first drive plate fixedly secured to the turbine shell; a first plurality of springs engaged with the first cover plate; a second plurality of springs engaged with the first cover plate and the output flange; a third plurality of springs engaged with the first cover plate and the first drive plate; and a single torque path from the turbine shell to the damper assembly, the single torque path formed by the first drive plate. |
| US08746422B2 |
Combined deceleration and acceleration device
In a combined deceleration and acceleration device for the controlled closing and opening of, for example, furniture parts, a base part consisting of a cylinder and a guide structure is provided wherein a drag element is movably supported by the guide structure, and a piston with a piston rod is connected to the drag element which has a park position remote from the cylinder and is biased by an energy storage structure toward the cylinder for moving the piston into the cylinder in a controlled decelerating manner while carrying along the drag element and a movable part engaged with the drag element. |
| US08746420B2 |
Cut-in-cut-out valves for hydraulic circuits
Cut-in-cut-out valves for hydraulic circuits. The hydraulic circuits include a hydraulic pump outputting a variable pressure controlled by a slaving line, an accumulation circuit, a return line to the reservoir, a cut in-cut-out valve. The hydraulic circuits also include a cut-in-cut-out valve having four orifices, a first orifice connected to the supply line, a second orifice connected to the slaving line, a third orifice connected to the return line leading to the reservoir, and a fourth orifice connected to the accumulation circuit. The cut-in-cut-out valve alternates between two positions as a function of the pressure in the accumulation circuit, a cut-in position in which the first, second and fourth orifices are connected to each other, and a cut-out position in which the first and fourth orifices are closed. |
| US08746418B2 |
Disc brake
Disclosed is a disc brake. The disc brake includes clip parts provided at inner portions of both side ends of a pair of pad plates and engaged with protrusions formed in the carrier and torsion pins fitted into the clip parts such that the clip parts are rotated between the pad plates upon a braking operation of the disc brake. Upon the braking operation, the pad plates push the carrier so that the clip parts are rotated about the torsion pins by the pad plates. Thus, strain energy of the carrier is absorbed through warpage deformation of the torsion pins, so that the carrier has sufficient strength even if an outer beam is removed. |
| US08746417B2 |
Cone roller lock device
A roller lock device has a shaft and a housing configured over the shaft for selective relative movement thereto. A plurality of rollers is configured between the housing and the shaft, at least some of which are substantially conically shaped. A cage is configured between the housing and the shaft and adjacent the rollers such that the rollers are at least partially constrained from movement by the cage. A control is configured to move the rollers axially thereby engaging and disengaging the roller lock. The housing has ramps configured to receive the rollers, the ramps having a curved contour. |
| US08746416B2 |
Linear guiding device with braking apparatus
A linear guide with a guide carriage longitudinally movably arranged on a guide rail, which is preferably U-shaped and a braking device effectively arranged between the guide rail and the guide carriage. An actuator for actuating the braking device is provided and the actuator has an electro-active polymer effectively arranged in the longitudinal axis of the linear guide which engages around the guide rail for actuating the braking device. |
| US08746415B2 |
Magnetic lock for a control unit in an elevator installation
A control unit for an elevator installation comprises a cover and a base. The control unit further comprises a lock which can lock the cover to the base or release it from the base. The lock comprises a locking bar with a magnet, wherein this locking bar is movable back and forth between a closed position and an open position by movement of a magnetic lock on a surface of the cover. The locking bar with the magnet is stabilized in the closed position by a first magnetic element and the cover is locked. The locking bar with the magnet is stabilized in the open position by a second magnetic element and the cover is released. |
| US08746413B2 |
Single brakeshoe test (electrical) for elevators
A control arrangement (100) for an elevator brake, comprises a control circuit (110) adapted to generate, according to a demand for releasing a first braking member of the elevator brake, a first actuating signal and to generate, according to a demand for releasing a second braking member of the elevator brake, a second actuating signal; a first terminal (112) for outputting the first actuating signal to a first electromagnetic actuating means (26) of the elevator brake, a second terminal for outputting the second actuating signal to a second electromagnetic actuating means (30) of the elevator brake; the control arrangement (100) being adapted to allow at least the following modes of operation: A) a normal operation mode in which the first and the second actuating signals are supplied synchronously to the first and second electromagnetic actuation means (26, 30), respectively, and B) a single braking member test operation mode, in which one of the first and second actuating signals is supplied to the respective one of the first and second electromagnetic actuating means (26, 30), and an actuating signal for permanently releasing the respective of the first and second braking members (14, 16) is supplied to the other one of the first and second electromagnetic actuating means (26, 30). |
| US08746412B2 |
Elevator door frame with electronics housing
An exemplary enclosure for housing electronics useful with an elevator system includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall adjacent the first sidewall. A third sidewall is at an oblique angle relative to the first sidewall. The third sidewall provides a support surface for supporting electronics inside the enclosure. The first and second sidewalls are moveable relative to the third sidewall to provide a single opening facing the support surface. |
| US08746409B2 |
Linear transmission assembly having lubricant recovery module
A linear transmission assembly having a lubricant recovery module is composed of a movable member having a chamber; a first oil wick inserted into the movable member and the chamber and having a first oil-absorbable portion and a first oil-dischargeable portion; an oil tank mounted to the movable member and having an oil room for storage of lubricating oil; a second oil wick mounted to the oil tank and having a second oil-absorbable portion and a second oil-dischargeable portion, the former of which extends into the oil room for contact with the lubricating oil and the latter of which reaches the chamber; and a third oil wick having a third oil-absorbable portion and a third oil-dischargeable portion, the former of which reaches the chamber and the latter of which does not contact the lubricating oil. Thus, the lubricating can be prevented from overspill and staining the linear transmission device. |
| US08746408B2 |
Engine oil change detection systems and methods
An engine oil change detection control system is provided. The system includes an armature position module that monitors a solenoid armature position based on a position signal. A solenoid control module selectively generates a solenoid control signal and estimates a delay time based on the solenoid control signal and the armature position. An engine oil change detection module detects an engine oil change event based on the delay time. |
| US08746401B2 |
Frequency-modifying muffler
A muffler for raising the audible pitch of an internal combustion engine's exhaust note that includes an enclosed case having an inlet and an outlet, and a plurality of flow-directing components which are adapted to subdivide an inlet flow into a plurality of discrete interior flows, including a first interior flow providing the shortest flow length through the muffler between the inlet and the outlet, a second interior flow having a flow length at least about twice the length of the first interior flow, and one or more intermediate flows following by-pass passages to split off from the second interior flow between the inlet and the outlet and having flow lengths between the flow lengths of the first and second flows. |
| US08746399B2 |
Acoustic waveguide assemblies
Acoustic waveguides are disclosed for mounting to a conduit. The acoustic waveguides provide a mounting area that minimizes the effect of the mount on the acoustic wave traveling through the waveguide while providing an effective seal, even under high pressure conditions. |
| US08746392B2 |
Hybrid saddle-type vehicle
A hybrid saddle-type vehicle is provided with a power transmission mechanism for transmitting a power of an internal combustion engine to a drive shaft of a rear wheel from one side of a swing arm in a widthwise direction of a vehicle, and an electric motor disposed in the other side in the widthwise direction and for transmit a driving force from the other side in the widthwise direction. A motor housing of the electric motor is supported on an extension portion extending in the other side in the widthwise direction from a portion of the drive shaft to which the rear wheel is mounted, via a pair of bearing sections disposed on both sides of the motor housing in the widthwise direction. The rotor is rotatably supported by the drive shaft between the pair of the bearing sections. |
| US08746387B2 |
Exhaust system outrigger assembly for a crop sprayer
A crop sprayer comprises a cab having i) a left lateral wall structure including a first door, and ii) a right lateral wall structure including a second door. A first platform having a first foot support is positioned adjacent to the first door. A second platform having a second foot support is positioned adjacent to the second door. The second platform defines a routing space located beneath the second foot support. An exhaust assembly includes i) a muffler having a muffler inlet and a muffler outlet, ii) an inlet conduit in fluid communication with the muffler inlet, and iii) an outlet conduit in fluid communication with the muffler outlet. The second platform defines a forward platform portion and a trailing platform portion. The muffler is located within the routing space with the inlet conduit extending into the routing space at the leading platform portion and the outlet conduit extending from the routing space at the trailing platform portion. |
| US08746384B2 |
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle capable of protecting a coupling portion between a wheel and an axle from disturbance. An electric vehicle includes an axle that is a hollow cylindrical shaft passing substantially coaxially through a wheel in a manner extending from both sides of the wheel. A motor shaft is inserted into a hollow portion of the axle substantially coaxially with the axle in a manner extending from both ends of the axle. In this case, a motor is connected to a base end of the motor shaft extending from one end of the axle. Between the wheel and the motor, there are provided a coupling portion for coupling between the one end of the axle and the wheel, and a labyrinth structure for sealing between the wheel and the motor in a manner surrounding the coupling portion. |
| US08746383B2 |
Vehicle suspension and drive system
An in-the-wheel hub-less suspension system for use on a vehicle is disclosed. The suspension mechanism has at least two vertical guides; at least two mounting brackets to be affixed to diametrically opposing positions on the rim of the wheel to which the suspension system is to be attached; at least one shock absorber unit; and one spring for each vertical guide. Each of the vertical guides extends through one of the at least one shock absorber units, wherein the spring for each vertical guide is located underneath the at least one shock absorber unit and encloses the vertical guide; and wherein each end of each of the at least two vertical guides engages with the corresponding mounting bracket. |
| US08746378B2 |
High efficiency vehicle
Here invented are efficient road vehicles having special aerodynamic shapes, with stabilizing provisions that enable aerodynamic efficiency. It is a vehicle that is configured to include a carriage part that encloses a driver and passenger riding in tandem. This car width is for persons seated in single file, enabling a narrow width that makes a body shaped like an airship practical, where that shape is characterized by a very low drag coefficient in free flow conditions. This body is elevated on struts above a wheel system to enable such free flow aerodynamic conditions, thus, the drag coefficient of the airship is made applicable to this road vehicle. The wheel system includes wheels on each side of the vehicle that are arranged in horizontal columns, to which the struts are attached. The horizontal columns act as individual aerodynamic entities that function independently of the carriage aerodynamic operation. Because this car has both low frontal area and low drag coefficient it will require minimal energy for high speed operation. |
| US08746372B2 |
Shearable drill pipe and method
The method of shearing drill collars used in the drilling of oil and gas wells, comprising providing an outer sleeve of a first material for carrying structural loads, providing a second material within the outer sleeve which is lower in shear strength and is greater in unit weight than the first material, and providing a hole in the second material for the circulation of fluids. |
| US08746370B2 |
Horizontal drilling system
A horizontal direction drilling system comprises a power pack coupled to a source of compressed air and a water reservoir and forms a mixture of compressed air, water, and oil. The horizontal direction drilling system further comprises a steerable horizontal drill. The steerable horizontal drill includes an air powered reciprocating hammer, and a drill head. The steerable horizontal drill receives the mixture to power the reciprocating hammer. The drill head includes a drill face and the mixture exits the steerable horizontal drill through the drill face. |
| US08746369B2 |
Umbilical technique for robotic mineral mole
Exemplary methods, systems and components disclosed herein provide propagation of light signals from an external source to a borehole mining mole which includes an optical/electric transducer configured to provide propulsive power for the borehole mining mole and its associated mineral prospecting tools. Some embodiments include one or more umbilicals connected from a remote source location to an onboard reel incorporated with the borehole mining mole. The umbilicals are spooled outwardly or inwardly from the onboard reel during traverse of the borehole mining mole along a path in an earthen environment. |
| US08746368B2 |
Compliantly coupled gauge pad system
A drill bit system for a drilling assembly is disclosed. The drill bit system may include a chassis, a head, and one or more compliantly coupled gauge pads. The head may include a first plurality of cutters coupled with an end of the head, and the head may be coupled with chassis. The one or more gauge pads may include a second plurality of cutters, and the one or more gauge pads may be movably coupled with the chassis. |
| US08746367B2 |
Apparatus and methods for detecting performance data in an earth-boring drilling tool
Methods and associated tools and components related to generating and obtaining performance data during drilling operations of a subterranean formation is disclosed. Performance data may include thermal and mechanical information related to earth-boring drilling tool during a drilling operation are disclosed. For example, a cutting element of an earth-boring drilling tool may include a substrate with a cutting surface thereon. The cutting element may further include at least one thermistor sensor coupled with the cutting surface, and a conductive pathway operably coupled with the at least one thermistor sensor. The at least one thermistor sensor may be configured to vary a resistance in response to a change in temperature. The conductive pathway may be configured to provide a current path through the at least one thermistor sensor in response to a voltage. Other methods, tools and components are provided. |
| US08746364B2 |
Electric power tool
An electric power tool includes a motor; a speed reducer for transferring a rotational power of the motor at a reduced speed; and a reduction ratio changing unit for changing a reduction ratio of the speed reducer. The speed reduction mechanism includes an axially slidable changeover member and a gear member, the changeover member being engaged with or disengaged from the gear member depending on an axial slide position thereof. The reduction ratio changing unit includes a shift actuator for axially sliding the changeover member, a driving state detector for detecting a driving state of the motor, a slide position detector for detecting a slide position of the changeover member and a controller for driving the shift actuator and for changing a drive control of the shift actuator depending on detection results of the slide position detector unit and the driving state detector unit, respectively. |
| US08746362B2 |
Multi-worm circle drive gearbox
A work vehicle comprises a frame, a circle gear mounted to the frame to rotate relative thereto, a moldboard coupled to the circle gear to rotate therewith, and a circle drive gearbox comprising gearing, a first worm, and a second worm, the gearing meshing with the circle gear, the first and second worms meshing with the gearing. |
| US08746359B2 |
Explosion suppressor
The invention relates to an element (7) intended to decrease the risk of explosion when handling fuel inside a container (1). The element is adapted to be positioned inside the container and is arranged to suppress a possible combustion of the fuel inside the container. The invention also relates to a use of such an element inside a container to decrease the risk for explosion when handling fuel. |
| US08746349B2 |
Drilling riser adapter connection with subsea functionality
A drilling riser adapter variably connects and releases a riser from a subsea wellhead assembly. The drilling riser adapter has a hydraulically actuated engagement assembly for selectively engaging and disengaging a lower end of the marine riser. The drilling riser adapter also includes a control panel communicatively coupled to the engagement assembly for actuating the engagement assembly to engage and disengage the lower end of the marine riser. The drilling riser adapter also includes a hydraulic fluid pressure receptacle on the control panel for engagement by a remotely operated vehicle to supply hydraulic fluid pressure to the engagement assembly. The drilling riser adapter may be actuated subsea to release a first riser from the wellhead assembly, and connect to a second riser. |
| US08746346B2 |
Subsea tree workover control system
An electrical and hydraulic configuration on a subsea tree that facilitates the use of an ROV control system to operate the tree during well installations, interventions, and workovers. An SCM at the tree is in communication with a fixed junction plate that receives a production umbilical during normal operation. The ROV can be deployed to disconnect and park the production umbilical during well installations, interventions, and workovers to prevent accidental operation of the SCM or tree. The junction plate is configured to connect with the ROV and thereby establish communication with the hydraulic lines of the SCM. The ROV may carry an umbilical from a vessel to provide electrical and hydraulic service to the SCM during well operations. In addition, the ROV has facilities to repressurize spent control fluid to thereby allow reuse of the control fluid by the SCM. |
| US08746339B2 |
Triggerable lost circulation material and method of use
Methods for preventing or alleviating the loss of drilling fluids and other well treatment fluids into a subterranean formation during drilling or construction of boreholes therein include a drilling fluid including a lost circulation material. The lost circulation material includes a suspension of swelled particles of a pH sensitive polymeric material, the swelled particles capable of reversibly attaching to other swelled particles of the polymeric material. The pH of the aqueous solution is such that each particle of the swelled pH sensitive polymeric material is not attached to other swelled particles, and wherein upon lowering the pH of the suspension, the swelled particles attach to each other. |
| US08746338B2 |
Well treatment methods and systems
A well treatment method includes drawing a solvent to a first pump, drawing a wetting liquid to a second pump, pumping the wetting liquid through a polymer mixer using the second pump, combining polymer with the wetting liquid to produce a slurry containing undissolved polymer, and combining the slurry with the solvent upstream from the first pump. Another well treatment method includes increasing dissolution time of the polymer by providing a buffering agent in the wetting liquid before combining the wetting liquid and the polymer. A well treatment system includes a polymer mixing subsystem with a mix loop having a mix loop inlet line from a first pump feed line and a mix loop outlet line back to the first pump feed line, the mix loop outlet line containing a polymer mixer. |
| US08746337B2 |
Single trip multi-zone completion systems and methods
Disclosed are systems and methods of producing from multiple production zones with a single trip multi-zone completion system. One single trip multi-zone completion system includes an outer completion string having at least one sand screen arranged thereabout and being deployable in an open hole section of a wellbore that penetrates at least one formation zone, a production tubing arranged within the outer completion string and having at least one interval control valve disposed thereon, a control line extending external to the production tubing and being communicably coupled to the at least one interval control valve, and a surveillance line extending external to the outer completion string and interposing the at least one formation zone and the at least one sand screen. |
| US08746335B2 |
Method for removing contaminants from wastewater in hydraulic fracturing process
A borehole is drilled from the surface to an underground shale matrix. A pipe is inserted into the borehole. Openings are created in the pipe in fluid communication with fractures in the shale matrix. The interior surface of at least one section of pipe is coated with a contaminant-capturing substance. Fracturing fluid including water, proppants and chemicals is pumped through the pipe and into the fractures in the shale matrix. The fluid re-enters the pipe from the shale matrix and moves toward the surface through the coated pipe section where contaminants are sequestered by the coating. Natural gas or oil from the fractured shale then enters the pipe and moves to the surface to be collected. The coated pipe section remains in the ground permanently such that the necessity of disposing of the captured contaminants is eliminated. |
| US08746332B2 |
Apparatus and method for recovering fluids from a well and/or injecting fluids into a well
Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replace the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described. |
| US08746331B2 |
Rust resistant well perforating gun with gripping surfaces
A rust resistant well perforating gun to fractionate a formation adjacent a well can include a gun carrier with recesses, threaded sections, seal bores, and a first coating to prevent rust. The rust resistant well perforating gun can have a charge loading tube for slidably engaging with the gun carrier. The charge loading tube can have charge holes, rear charge holes, end caps, and a second coating to prevent rust. |
| US08746325B2 |
Non-base block heat sink
A non-bottom block heat sink includes a radiation module formed of a rack of radiation fins, each radiation fin having a plurality of locating notches located on one peripheral edge thereof and a supporting rib disposed between each two adjacent locating notches, and a plurality of heat pipes each having heat receiving end press-fitted into the locating notches of the radiation fins and engaged with the supporting ribs and peripherally abutted against one another in flush the associating peripheral edge of each radiation fin and a heat discharging end extended from the heat receiving end and fastenable to the radiation fins or an external radiation fin module. |
| US08746320B2 |
Window covering with improved controls
A window covering with improved controls enhances several aspects of window covering operation. A control mechanism provides a clutch module for selective locking and unlocking of a drive shaft used to retract and extend the shade element between storage and extended positions. The clutch module includes a reciprocator element that engages a key extending from an outer surrounding housing. A locking member between the reciprocator element and a coupling element carried by the drive shaft selectively locks and unlocks rotational coupling between the reciprocator element and the coupling element, thus selectively locking and unlocking the drive shaft. In a cushioning mechanism, a unidirectional dampening or frictional deceleration is provided for the drive shaft. The cushioning mechanism includes an impeller or rotor immersed in a cushion medium that impedes rotation of the rotor, and hence the drive shaft to which the rotor is coupled. A combination of the clutch module and cushioning mechanism is also disclosed as are window coverings containing one or more of the control mechanisms. |
| US08746313B2 |
Correction tape re-tensioning mechanism and correction tape dispenser comprising same
A correction tape dispenser includes a body having a plurality of body teeth disposed on an inner surface thereof, an applicator tip mounted in the body, and a supply and take-up assembly mounted in the body, the supply and take-up assembly being biased away from the body teeth with a biasing element. The supply and take-up assembly includes a supply reel and a take-up reel. The supply reel and the take-up reel have a common axis of rotation. One of the supply reel and the take-up reel include a plurality of teeth that engage the plurality of body teeth during correction tape re-tensioning when the biasing force from the biasing element is overcome. |
| US08746312B2 |
Bearing arrangement and labeling machine with such a bearing arrangement
The invention relates to a bearing arrangement between a carrier (15) for pressing and/or brushing elements (14) and a rotor (4) of a labeling machine (1), said rotor driven about a vertical machine axis (MA), with at least one first bearing element (19) provided on the rotor and a second bearing element (28) provided on the carrier (15), wherein the bearing elements abut one another across bearing surfaces forming a sliding bearing. |
| US08746309B2 |
Position controller for flexible substrate
Provided is a position controller for a flexible substrate (100) provided in a processing apparatus conveying a band-shaped flexible substrate (1) in a longitudinal position, in the lateral direction and processing the substrate in a processing unit (20) installed on a conveying path of the substrate. The position controller for the flexible substrate includes a pair of sandwiching rollers (131 and 132) that sandwiches an upper edge of the substrate; a supporting mechanism (140) that supports the pair of sandwiching rollers so as to be rotatable and movable close to or away from each other; an urging device (150) that applies a pressing force to the pair of sandwiching rollers through the supporting mechanism; and a pressing force adjusting device (160) adjusting the pressing force from the urging device, wherein each roller constituting the pair of sandwiching rollers is a conical roller having a circumferential surface inclined with respect to the axial direction, and is supported to the supporting mechanism so that a small diameter side of each conical roller is located at a center side of the substrate in the lateral direction and the rotation direction of a sandwiching surface of the substrate is the same as the conveying direction of the substrate. |
| US08746305B2 |
Rotating seal assembly for tire inflation system
A connector for a tire inflation system includes a body with an air inlet receiving pressurized air from an air supply and an air outlet to communicate the pressurized air to at least one tire. The body is to be connected to a rotating wheel component and includes an internal cavity connecting the air inlet to the air outlet. A seal assembly is positioned within the internal cavity. A tube has a first end supported by the seal assembly and a second end that is to be coupled to a non-rotating axle component. The seal assembly and tube are rotatable relative to each other and seal assembly is rotatable relative to the body. The tube communicates pressurized air from the non-rotating axle component to the air inlet to inflate the tire as needed. |
| US08746301B2 |
Protective cover retention assembly
A disclosed protective cover assembly includes features that maintain a suction cup in a desired orientation such that a release tab remains accessible and includes features that aid in positioning and that prevent errant premature release. The disclosed protective panel assembly includes an improved suction cup that provides for limited contact during positioning of the panel. Further, the assembly includes the clip that holds the suction cup in place while also protecting the release tab. The protective cover includes pad and cushion that pulls on the button of the suction cup to generate a vacuum within a desired range that does not affect the surface finish while generating a sufficient holding force. |
| US08746300B2 |
System for integrating electronic monitors into a room decor
A monitor system having: a) a monitor for an electronic device with a frame and a substantially flat front wall, at which an image is projected; and b) a cover assembly with a front wall that is configured to block the flat front wall of the monitor with the cover assembly operatively engaged with the monitor. The cover assembly further has a mounting assembly that allows the cover assembly to be changed between: i) a first state wherein the cover assembly is fully separated from the monitor; and ii) a second state wherein the cover assembly is operatively engaged with the monitor. The mounting assembly has a pocket that opens in a first direction. The pocket is movable in the first direction relative to the monitor from a separated, pre-assembly position to cause a first part of the monitor to be seated in the pocket with the cover assembly in the second state. |
| US08746295B2 |
Filling apparatus
A filling apparatus for serially filling multiple lanes of containers includes a plurality of piston pumps which receive flowable product from an associated source. Each pump includes a reciprocably movable pump piston, which can “float” upwardly during a filling stroke, as each pump is filled with product delivered thereto under pressure. The pump pistons can move upwardly independently, until each reaches a predetermined position, corresponding to the quantity of product with which each container is to be filled. After all of the pistons reach their respective predetermined positions, valves of the pumps are simultaneously operated, and the pistons simultaneously stroked so that respective containers are filled with the flowable product. The multiple lanes of containers are thereafter indexed, and the filling cycle repeated. |
| US08746292B2 |
Sealing fluid container assembly, and kit for repairing and inflating inflatable articles and equipped with such a container
A sealing fluid container assembly (3), connectable to a compressor assembly and to a control circuit of the compressor assembly, has a connecting unit (25) defining a releasable connection to the compressor assembly; and a connecting device (12) for injecting sealing fluid into an inflatable article, and which cooperates releasably with a valve (V) of the inflatable article. More specifically, the container assembly (3) has a sensor carried by the connecting device (12); and at least one electric contact (33) connected to the sensor (12) and cooperating with an electric terminal (24) to transmit a signal from the sensor (12) to the control device when the connecting device (12) is connected to the valve (V); the sensor (12) having a first and a second terminal (40, 39) designed to be short-circuited directly by the valve (V). |
| US08746290B2 |
Surgical console
A surgical console having bottles containing retinal tamponading gases and an automatic gas filling module disposed therein for filling an automatic gas filling consumable is disclosed. The automatic gas filling module includes a pair of gas shutoff valves and a regulator connected in series with a port for connection to the automatic gas filling consumable. |
| US08746288B2 |
Hybrid hose reinforcements
A crush resistant hose comprises a plurality of layers (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) comprising a reinforcing carcass formed from a mixture of multifilament fibers (30) including at least one of polyester, aramide, nylon and rayon. |
| US08746285B2 |
Programmable fluidic droplet generation
A programmable fluidic device for generating droplets with resolutions of micrometer in size and milliseconds in generation timing is provided. The programmable fluidic device has a valve forming a droplet cutter, which contains a fluid deflectable membrane capable of controlling the flow of a dispensing fluid from a fluidic dispensing channel. The programmable fluidic device is able to perform temporal control over the droplet generation independent from the size control. |
| US08746284B2 |
Apparatus and method for multiple symmetrical divisional gas distribution
An apparatus and method for multiple symmetrical divisional gas distribution providing a mounting plate, a plurality of manifolds coupled to the mounting plate, a center purge block coupled to the mounting plate and the plurality of manifolds, a plurality of reactant distribution blocks, wherein each reactant distribution block is stacked atop each other to form a reactant distribution block stack, wherein the reactant distribution block stack sits atop the center purge block, a coupling mechanism to secure the plurality of reactant distribution blocks of the reactant distribution block stack together; and a top cap coupled to the reactant distribution block stack and the coupling mechanism. |
| US08746282B2 |
Check valve assembly for endoscope
A check valve assembly includes a valve housing upstream of an endoscope. A tubular discharge nozzle unit is mounted in the valve housing, and supplied with fluid by a fluid supply source. The discharge nozzle unit includes a large diameter portion, a small diameter portion, formed on the large diameter portion on a distal side, and having a closed distal end nearer to the endoscope, and a fluid opening formed through a wall of the small diameter portion. An elastic tubular portion (sleeve) is contained in the valve housing, disposed around the small and large diameter portions, shaped tubularly with a substantially regular thickness, having an inner diameter which is smaller than an outer diameter of the small diameter portion in a normal state, for preventing the fluid from backflow into the fluid opening through the outer surface on a side downstream of the discharge nozzle unit. |
| US08746277B2 |
Fuel feed apparatus
A fuel pump has a pump chamber accommodating a rotor member. The rotor member is rotatable to supply fuel to from a tank to an exterior of the tank. A case is supported in the tank. The case accommodates a part of the fuel pump. A pump bracket is located in the tank. The pump bracket is in a tubular bottomed shape having a sidewall portion in which a remaining portion of the fuel pump is inserted such that the sidewall portion surrounds a radially outside of the pump chamber of the remaining portion. The pump bracket is joined with the case to define a gap therebetween in a radial direction of the rotor member such that the pump bracket is movable relative to the case. |
| US08746276B2 |
Proportional throttle valve
A proportional throttle valve includes a valve piston (2) displaceably guided in the longitudinal direction in a valve housing (3) having a fluid inlet (4) and a fluid outlet (5) and pretensioned by an energy accumulator, in particular in the form a pressure spring, against a stroke stop (6) defining the closure position. A pressure limiting valve (7) is integrated in the proportional throttle valve (1). The side (8) of the valve piston (2) to allow the piston to move away from the stroke stop (6) in opposition to the pretensioning force when a predefinable pressure is exceeded at the fluid inlet (4). |
| US08746275B2 |
Gas valve and method of control
A stepper-motor gas valve control is disclosed that includes a main diaphragm in a chamber that controllably displaces a valve relative to an opening in response to changes in pressure, to adjust fuel flow through the valve. A servo-regulator diaphragm is provided to regulate flow to the main diaphragm, to thereby control the rate of fuel flow. A stepper motor is configured to move in a stepwise manner to displace the servo-regulator diaphragm, to control fluid flow to the main diaphragm. A controller mounted on the stepper-motor regulated gas valve control receives and converts an input control signal from a heating system to a reference value between 0 and 5 volts, and selects a corresponding motor step value. The control responsively moves the stepper-motor in a step wise manner to displace the servo-regulator diaphragm and thereby regulates the rate of fuel flow through the valve. |
| US08746270B2 |
Precision low flow rate fluid delivery system and methods for controlling same
A method is provided for controllably delivering an additive fluid into a host fluid in a target system at a desired volumetric flow rate. The method comprises: providing a binary supply injector connected in an additive fluid delivery system between a pressurized supply of the additive fluid and the target system. The binary supply injector is controllable between an ON state which permits flow of the additive fluid therethrough and an OFF state which prevents flow of the additive fluid therethrough. The method involves iteratively repeating: estimating a volumetric flow rate of the additive fluid between the pressurized supply and the target system; and if the estimated volumetric flow rate of the additive fluid is greater than the desired volumetric flow rate, controlling the supply injector to its OFF state; or if the estimated volumetric flow rate of the additive fluid is less than the desired volumetric flow rate, controlling the supply injector to its ON state. Additive fluid delivery systems are also provided. |
| US08746267B2 |
Height-adjustable canopy leg
In some embodiments, a canopy structure includes a plurality of support members, each including a first leg and a second leg telescopically slideable within the first leg to infinitely adjust a height of the canopy structure. The canopy structure can include a plurality of eaves including scissor-jack members moveable between an extended position and a collapsed position. The canopy structure can include a plurality of locking members. The locking members can be coupled to the first legs. The locking members can be adjustable between a locked and an unlocked position. The locking members can be configured to apply a radial inward force received by an area of the second legs when the locking members are in the locked position. |
| US08746264B2 |
Illuminated apparatus for assisting movement
An illuminated apparatus for assisting movement is provided that is able to illuminate surface areas upon which one walks, hikes, skis, skates, runs, reads from, signals, examines or studies. The illuminated apparatus for assisting movement may provide both broad and focused illumination. The device may ensure safe footing, solid purchase, and stable load bearing by providing illuminated assistance for foot, ski and skate placement, as well as the placement of singular and multi-pole fixtures used for activities such as hiking, climbing, skiing, skating, running, and walking. The illuminated apparatus for assisting movement may be compact and lightweight. |
| US08746262B2 |
Conveyor dishwasher and method for operating a conveyor dishwasher
The invention relates to a conveyor dishwasher (2) comprising a conveyor apparatus (4) for conveying washware (6) through a final rinse zone (18), with the conveyor apparatus (4) having a large number of compartments (38) for accommodating washware (6). A washware sensor apparatus (42) is provided in order to detect empty compartments (38). In order to be able to reduce the consumption of fresh water, chemicals and energy during operation of the conveyor dishwasher (2), the invention provides a control apparatus (44) which is designed to automatically set the quantity of final rinse liquid supplied to the spray nozzles (20, 22, 24) of the final rinse zone (18) per unit time as a function of the detection of empty compartments (38). The invention also relates to a method for operating a conveyor dishwasher (2) of this type. |
| US08746253B2 |
Device for UV photo-therapy
Skin disorders such as, for example, atopic dermatitis, dyshidrosis, eczema, lichen planus, psoriasis, and vitiligo, are treated by applying high doses of ultraviolet light to diseased regions of a patient's skin. The dosage exceeds 1 MED as determined for the particular patient and may range from about 1 MED to about 20 MED or higher. The ultraviolet light has a wavelength within the range of about 295 nanometers to about 320 nanometers. High doses of ultraviolet light are preferably restricted to diseased tissue areas. A specialized handpiece provides a beam profile especially suitable for application of controlled doses. A specialized delivery device is useful for UV treatment of tissue within the mouth. |
| US08746249B2 |
Patient interface device having cam wheel adjustment mechanism
A patient interface device includes a support structure, a pivot arm pivotably coupled to the support structure and structured to pivot about an axis, a patient coupling member, such as a mask or a forehead support, coupled to the pivot arm, and a cam wheel rotateably coupled to the support structure and engaging the pivot arm, wherein rotation of the cam wheel relative to the support structure and the pivot arm causes the pivot arm to pivot about the axis and the patient coupling member to move either forward or backward along a path of movement. Also, an alternative patient interface device includes a cam wheel rotatable about a cushion member that changes a position of a main body portion of the cushion member relative to a headgear frame member of the patient interface device. |
| US08746247B2 |
System and method for treating lung disease using positive pressure airway support
A method of treating lung disease, such as asthma or COPD, is provided that includes delivering positive pressure support to an airway of a patient during a plurality of respiratory cycles, and automatically varying a pressure level of the positive pressure support during at least a portion of the inspiratory phase of the patient in a number of the respiratory cycles. |
| US08746245B2 |
Respirator with a circuit for breathing gas
A gas mask and breathing equipment is provided with a circuit for breathing gas and with a heat exchanger (7) cooled by an evaporating agent. The evaporating agent is introduced from an evaporating agent container (8) into the heat exchanger (7) via at least one group of spraying elements (9) and a gas delivery means (11) allows a gas volume flow to flow through the heat exchanger (7). |
| US08746241B2 |
Combination MDI and nebulizer adapter for a ventilator system
An improved medication introducing device for airtight connection in a ventilation circuit or similar emergency respiratory device, including an endo-tracheal tube, the device comprising a tubular manifold including an upstream opening, a downstream opening, a top opening for an MDI (metered dose inhaler) device connection and a bottom opening for a mini-nebulizer device connection. This system provides quick and easy to use ports in a one piece component for introduction of medications and drugs to patients for which an intravenous line cannot be established. The two ports include attached closures or caps to prevent contamination and are sized for friction fit connection of commonly used medication devices. The MDI port includes a toothed lug which operates a mechanical counter in the applicator head of an MDI device. |
| US08746240B2 |
Activation trigger for a personal vaporizing inhaler
A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled. |
| US08746234B2 |
Assembly and method for solar heating tube(s)
A tube structure, and a method for assembling the tube structure, is provided, that is particularly useful in a solar heating system. The tube structure comprises, (a) a tube formed into a predetermined (e.g. coiled) configuration, (b) at least one rafter which engages the tube in a manner designed to hold the tube in the predetermined configuration, and (c) a plurality of snippets connected at predetermined locations to the rafter, the snippets extending away from a bottom surface of the rafter, and configured to (i) hold the rafter away from the substrate to allow flow of water and debris along the substrate without interference from the rafter, and (ii) allow relative movement of the rafter and tube relative to the snippets during expansion and contraction of the tube structure. |
| US08746233B2 |
Solar tracker with parabolic concentrator
The invention relates to a solar tracker with parabolic concentrator, comprising a parabolic concentrator (1) formed by a composition of mirrors (4) focused towards a Stirling engine (3), the mirrors (4) being located on a bearing structure (5), with securing by means of anchors (6) which allow a regulation in a vertical direction, in a lateral direction and in a depth direction, whereas the Stirling engine (3) is secured on the same bearing structure (5) by means of ties (10) which are attached to said Stirling engine (3) by means of two securing elements which can be adjusted in length, the bearing structure (5) being formed by parallel vertical lattices (14) comprising in their formation sheet metal boxes attached to one another by means of other intermediate sheet metal boxes. |
| US08746224B2 |
Rotating archery arrow rest
An arrow rest for a bow, according to various embodiments, comprises (1) an arrow rest mount, (2) an arrow rest base that is disposed adjacent the arrow rest mount, (3) a first arrow support that is disposed adjacent a top surface of said arrow rest base and that is defined by a first base potion with a first ramped face and a first angled top portion, and (4) a second arrow support that is disposed adjacent a top surface of said arrow rest base and that is defined by a second base potion with a second ramped face and a second angled top portion. The first and second arrow supports are adapted to rotate to exert opposing lateral forces on an arrow at substantially the same time that facilitate the movement of the arrow up the first and second ramped faces and into a ready to fire position. |
| US08746223B2 |
Archery release
An archery release including a release body, a wrist strap and a hybrid adjuster including both a rigid length adjuster and a flexible length adjuster which enable multiple levels of adjustment to the distance between the wrist strap and the release body. An archery release also is provided including a release body, a wrist strap and a retainer element configured to engage and secure the release body in a stowed position proximate the wrist strap when the archery release is not in use. A method also is provided for operating an archery release including the retainer element to stow the release body. |
| US08746212B2 |
Method and device for operating an internal combustion engine having a mass flow line
A method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine having a mass-flow line are provided, which allow the actual charge to be adapted to the setpoint charge of the internal combustion engine at a desired dynamic. A mass flow is supplied to the internal combustion engine via the mass-flow line. A setpoint value is specified for a characteristic quantity of the mass flow to the internal combustion engine. The setpoint value of the characteristic quantity of the mass flow is formed starting from a balance of the mass flow flowing into the mass flow line and the mass flow discharged from the mass flow line according to a predefined time characteristic. |
| US08746210B2 |
Throttle return spring with eccentric locator coils
A helical torsion return spring and a throttle body assembly for urging a throttle plate of a throttle body assembly to a default position when a throttle motor of the throttle body assembly is disabled. The return spring includes a middle portion, a first end portion, a second end portion, a first spring leg, and a second spring leg. The throttle body assembly includes a throttle shaft, a first bushing, a second bushing, and the spring defined above. A first end portion center axis defined by the first end portion and a second end portion center axis defined by the second end portion are offset from a middle portion center axis defined by the middle portion. |
| US08746208B2 |
Internal combustion engine having at least one combustion chamber
An internal combustion engine has a combustion chamber, from which exhaust gas can be discharged by way of at least one exhaust valve. An engine braking device includes an hydraulic additional valve control unit is integrated into a connecting mechanism connecting the exhaust valve to a camshaft and holding the exhaust valve in a partially opened position when the engine brake is actuated. The connecting mechanism includes a rocker lever and an intermediate element between the rocker lever and the exhaust valve. The hydraulic additional valve control unit of the engine braking device has a first piston-cylinder unit for the temporary partial opening of one exhaust valve, and an hydraulic valve lash compensating mechanism has a second piston-cylinder unit for counteracting valve lash. The first piston-cylinder unit is arranged in or on the intermediate element. The second piston-cylinder unit is arranged in or on the rocker lever. |
| US08746206B2 |
Double-Acting Scotch Yoke assembly for X-engines
A Double-Acting Scotch Yoke (DASY) assembly includes a first yoke; a second yoke attached to the first yoke at a first flat-to-flat interface; a first piston attached to the first yoke at a second flat-to-flat interface; and a second, opposing piston attached to the second yoke at a third flat-to-flat interface. The planes of all of the flat-to-flat interfaces are perpendicular to a common, center axis of the first and second pistons. An X-engine crank train includes a plurality of DASY assemblies. |
| US08746205B2 |
Device for transmission of force from the pistons of a piston engine
Device for transmission of force from the pistons of a piston engine, where the pistons of two opposite combustion cylinders cooperate with alternating power strokes, the common piston rods of the cylinders being supported on a balance arm at a distance from the bearing of the balance arm to perform a rocking movement around the bearing, where the piston rods of two further opposite and cooperating combustion cylinders being supported on the balance arm opposite and at a distance from the bearing, and the balance arm being connected with a flywheel, where the bearings on the balance arm between the bearings of the balance arm and the bearings of the piston rods on the balance arm being directly connected with a shaft for energy transforming means. |
| US08746203B2 |
Lubrication apparatus for four-stroke engine
A lubrication apparatus for a four-stroke engine includes a piston, a cylinder, a crank chamber and a valve operating chamber. The lubrication apparatus configured to lubricate driving parts while circulating oil mist through an oil circulation pathway, using pressure fluctuation in the crank chamber, the pressure fluctuation being caused by reciprocating motion of the piston. The lubrication apparatus further includes a direct passageway configured to allow communication between the valve operating chamber and the crank chamber when a negative pressure is created in the crank chamber. The direct passageway includes a flexible tube part that is formed out of the cylinder. |
| US08746202B2 |
Lubrication system of an internal combustion engine
A technique which is capable of suppressing a deterioration of lubricating oil used in an internal combustion engine in a more suitable manner. The present invention is provided with an oil pump, oil pressure control means to control the oil pressure of the oil pump, and a determination means to determine whether the degree of deterioration of the lubricating oil is higher than a predetermined level. When it is determined that the degree of deterioration of the lubricating oil is higher than the predetermined level, the oil pressure of the oil pump is made lower, by means of the oil pressure control means, than that at the time when the degree of deterioration of the lubricating oil is equal to or lower than the predetermined level. |
| US08746200B2 |
Reciprocating-piston internal combustion engine with mass balancing device
The invention relates to a reciprocating-piston internal combustion engine (1) having at least one engine cylinder (2, 3) and at least one piston oscillating therein, and having at least one balancing mass (14) which is driven in an oscillating manner by a crankshaft (11) via a crank throw (15) and a compensating connecting rod (16), and which is guided in a translatory fashion by means of a linear guide (17) assigned in each case to the respective balancing mass (14). The linear guide (17) is formed by at least two guide elements (18, 19), which are spaced apart from one another, for the balancing mass (14). A bearing (23) for articulatedly connecting to the compensating connecting rod (16) is formed on the balancing mass (14) in a central portion between the two mutually spaced apart guide elements (18, 19). A mass balancing system is thereby created, which ensures as high a degree of running smoothness as possible, in particular as low a level of vibration as possible, and which at the same time can be realized in as cheap and practicable manner as possible. |
| US08746197B2 |
Fuel injection systems with enhanced corona burst
Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for injecting and igniting a fuel using corona discharge for combustion. In one aspect, a method to ignite a fuel in an engine includes injecting ionized fuel particles into a combustion chamber of an engine, and generating one or more corona discharges at a particular location within the combustion chamber to ignite the ionized fuel particles, in which the generating includes applying an electric field at electrodes configured at a port of the combustion chamber, the electric field applied at a frequency that does not produce an ion current or spark on or between the electrodes. |
| US08746196B2 |
Laser spark plug for an internal combustion engine
A laser spark plug is described for an internal combustion engine. According to the system, at least one volume Bragg grating element is situated in a beam path of the laser spark plug. |
| US08746194B2 |
Valve train for internal combustion engines for actuating gas exchange valves
A valve train for actuating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine includes a camshaft configured to be driven by a crankshaft of an engine and including a camshaft tube. At least one cam support including a plurality of cam profiles is disposed on the camshaft so as to be rotationally engaged and axially displaceable with respect to the camshaft. A switching shaft is disposed in the camshaft tube and is configured to rotate together with the camshaft tube. A dog operatively connects the at least one cam support to the switching shaft. A displacement piece is connected to the switching shaft and is configured to be rotationally engaged with and axially displaceable on the camshaft tube. The displacement piece is actuatable so as to rotate the switching shaft relative to the camshaft tube and displace the cam support relative to the camshaft tube using the dog. |
| US08746192B2 |
Two-stroke internal combustion engine and its scavenging method
In a two-stroke internal combustion engine using air for scavenging its combustion chamber (4), a scavenging passage (6) communicating with a crankcase (2) and a combustion chamber (4) is charged first with rich air-fuel mixture generated by a carburetor, next with lean air-fuel mixture, and next with air through an in-piston passage (36). The lean air-fuel mixture is generated in the in-piston passage 36 by diluting the air-fuel mixture with the air. In each scavenging stroke to scavenge the combustion chamber (4), the combustion chamber (4) is supplied first with the air (40) and next with the lean air-fuel mixture (42) from the scavenging passage (6). The use of the lean-air-fuel mixture (42) next to the air (40) contributes to reduce acceleration failure or engine stop caused by sudden acceleration. |
| US08746185B2 |
Engine control device and engine control method
A control device is provided for an engine equipped with an electric oil pump for circulating coolant, and having a flow rate of the coolant restricted, when a temperature of the coolant is lower than a threshold value, as compared to a case where the temperature of the coolant is equal to or higher than the threshold value, and the engine control device includes a coolant temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the coolant, and a control unit stopping the engine in accordance with the temperature to be detected by the coolant temperature sensor after the pump is driven so as to increase the flow rate of the coolant, in a case where the flow rate of the coolant is restricted. |
| US08746170B2 |
Substrate process apparatus, substrate process method, and computer readable storage medium
A vacuum chamber is evacuated through a first evacuation passage provided with a first valve and a second evacuation passage provided with a second valve. An opening degree of the first valve is adjusted so that a pressure in the vacuum chamber becomes substantially equal to a process pressure P; an opening degree of a butterfly valve further provided in the second evacuation passage is adjusted to substantially equal to a set value determined by a table in order to set flow rates of gases to be evacuated through the first evacuation passage and the second evacuation passage to be substantially equal to corresponding set values determined by the recipe; and an opening degree of the second valve is adjusted so that a measurement value of a differential pressure gauge further provided in the second evacuation passage becomes substantially equal to a differential pressure written in the table. |
| US08746168B2 |
System and method for coating medical devices
A system and method for photo-grafting a coating polymer onto the surface of a medical device are provided. The system comprises a plurality of stations including a novel grafting station. The system and method of the invention are both time- and resource-efficient. The system includes several stations, each station including a dipping tank. The system allows for the automated, semi-automated, or manual dipping of medical devices into the dipping tanks in a specified order, as desired, wherein at least one of the stations is a grafting station for photo-grafting the coating polymer onto the surface of the medical device. The system is modular, which allows for modification of the process as required, depending on the needs of the user. The system may comprise stations for incorporating an antimicrobial agent into the coating, and/or for rendering the coating lubricious. |
| US08746161B2 |
Sewing machine and computer-readable medium storing sewing machine control program
A sewing machine includes a transfer device that is adapted to move a work cloth, a sewing device that moves a needle bar up and down, a first operation device that outputs a first output signal in accordance with an operation state of the first operation device, a second operation device that outputs a second output signal in accordance with an operation state of the second operation device, a sewing data generation device that generates sewing data in accordance with the first output signal and the second output signal, a transfer control device that causes the work cloth to be moved by driving the transfer device in accordance with the sewing data, and a sewing control device that causes the unit stitch to be sewn on the work cloth by driving the sewing device in accordance with the sewing data. |
| US08746160B2 |
Punching device as well as throat plate for punching
A punching device (1) is fastened at the pressure shaft of a sewing machine, vertically displaceable via a carrier (3). The vertical position of the press pad (35) at the body (33) can be adjusted by an adjustment screw (16) to the thickness of the textiles/work pieces to be processed. |
| US08746159B2 |
Metering member for a seed meter
A metering member for a seed meter having a with a sidewall formed with an radially outward and axially flared rim portion is provided. A plurality of apertures extend though the rim portion to which seed is adhered. The metering member is oriented at an angle to the vertical such that an upper portion of the metering member extends beyond a lower portion of the metering member. This orientation allows a seed delivery system to extend into the interior of the metering member and cooperate with the overhanging metering member to remove seed therefrom. |
| US08746158B2 |
System and method for measuring product flow to an agricultural implement
An agricultural implement system is provided including a fluid conduit configured to provide product to a ground engaging tool. The ground engaging tool is configured to deposit the product into soil. The agricultural implement system also includes an air source fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit, and configured to provide an air flow through the fluid conduit in a downstream direction toward the ground engaging tool. The agricultural implement system further includes a product delivery system fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit, and configured to transfer the product into the air flow. In addition, the agricultural implement system includes a product flow measurement system configured to determine a mass flow rate of the product based on a pressure drop between an upstream portion of the fluid conduit and a downstream portion of the fluid conduit, a flow rate of the air flow, and a velocity of the air flow. |
| US08746154B2 |
Concealed 180° hinge
A concealed 180° hinge for the movable connection of two parts between a collapsed state and a fully opened-out state of the parts has at least two U-shaped pivoting brackets. The hinge, which has the highest possible strength and also allows the two parts to be moved in relation to one another without any risk of collision, includes rotary pins of the two pivoting brackets on the one hinge part that are arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the part, which can be connected to this one hinge part. The rotary pins of the two pivoting brackets on the second hinge part are disposed in a plane located substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the part, which can be connected to this second hinge part. |
| US08746153B2 |
Go-between container transfer and system
This loader is for transferring cargo containers between vehicles having an exposed center sill and end platforms to receive the loader between them. The loader has top and bottom frames for respectively extending over and under the center sill of the vehicle. The bottom frame is supported on wheels that fit under the sill. The top frame extends over the vehicle's sill and over the bottom frame of the loader and fits between platforms on the vehicle which supports the ends of the container to align. Air-lift bags on the top frame lift the container off or set it in place on the vehicle. The top and bottom frames are connected along one side to support the loader on its wheels to straddle the sill of the vehicle. The wheels are lifted to carry the loader on the vehicle for transport under the container. |
| US08746151B2 |
Rail road car truck and fitting therefor
A rail road freight car truck has a truck bolster and a pair of side frames, the truck bolster being mounted transversely relative to the side frames. The mounting interface between the ends of the axles and the sideframe pedestals allows lateral rocking motion of the sideframes in the manner of a swing motion truck. The lateral swinging motion is combined with a longitudinal self steering capability. The self steering capability may be obtained by use of a longitudinally oriented rocker that may tend to permit resistance to deflection that is proportional to the weight carried across the interface. The truck may have auxiliary centering elements mounted in the pedestal seats, and those auxiliary centering elements may be made of resilient elastomeric material. The truck may also have friction dampers that have a disinclination to stick-slip behavior. The friction dampers may be provided with brake linings, or similar features, on the face engaging the sideframe columns, on the slope face, or both. The friction dampers may operate to yield upward and downward friction forces that are not overly unequal. The friction dampers may be mounted in a four-cornered arrangement at each end of the truck bolster. The spring groups may include sub-groups of springs of different heights. |
| US08746149B2 |
Turn wheel and method for supporting a curved portion of a load-transporting cable
A turn wheel for supporting a tensioned stationary cable through a curved path in a horizontal plane, and for allowing a load advancing along the cable to engage the turn wheel for driving the wheel in rotation relative to the cable, while at the same time the turn wheel continues to support both the cable and the load. |
| US08746148B1 |
Portable various pitch rope tow system
A portable ski rope tow system, which is capable of ascending various pitched slopes. The system only needs to be anchored into snow for operation. The system consists of a main drive mechanism, a continuous loop tow rope, rope support posts that include adjustable rope guide sheave wheels, an end post that includes a rope return pulley utilizing a cable puller/come-a-long for tow rope tensioning. The system is equipped with a pull cord safety device, which runs the length of the system. A towrope clamp attached to a climbing harness is needed by the skier/snowboarder to eliminate hand fatigue and mainly to be able to pass through rope guide sheave wheels. Most of the structural components of the system are lightweight, made of aluminum to provide easier mobility, set up and take down. |
| US08746143B2 |
Method and apparatus for compensating for inking differences in printing presses with an anilox short inking unit and printing press having the apparatus
A method and an apparatus for compensating for inking differences between setpoint color values and actual color values in offset printing presses having at least one inking unit and a control computer. The control computer controls the printing speed of the offset printing press and the temperature control of rollers in the inking unit of the offset printing press. The control computer is set up in such a way that, if an inking difference is detected between the setpoint color values and the actual color values, a combined control operation including a change in the printing speed and the temperature in the inking unit is performed in order to compensate for the inking difference. A printing press having the apparatus is also provided. |
| US08746142B2 |
Stencil wiper spot cleaner assembly and related method
A stencil printer includes a stencil having a top surface and a bottom surface, a material applicator to apply material on the top surface of the stencil, and a stencil wiper assembly to clean the bottom surface of the stencil in a y-axis direction. The stencil wiper assembly has a wiper blade assembly configured to engage the bottom surface of the stencil and wipe the bottom surface of the stencil when moving the stencil wiper blade assembly along a stencil wiper gantry. The stencil wiper assembly further includes a spot cleaner assembly movably secured to the stencil wiper assembly. The spot cleaner assembly is configured to move in an x-axis direction and to spot clean the bottom of the stencil. A method for spot cleaning a stencil is further disclosed. |
| US08746141B2 |
Printing machine and printing group for variable format offset
The printing machine for variable format offset includes a printing roller or drum, and at least one printing group including a guide system fixed in relation with the printing roller or drum, a first carriage displaceable along the guide system and configured for supporting a rubber-wrapped blanket roller or sleeve of variable size, a second carriage displaceable along the guide system and configured for supporting a plate roller or sleeve of variable size, and a third carriage displaceable along the guide system carrying an offset inking head. The head has devices for approximating the third carriage to the plate roller, identifying and fixing its working position in relation with the plate sleeve and fitting ink-supplying roller or rollers to the plate roller. |
| US08746132B2 |
Heated discharge platen for dough processing system
A dough forming apparatus for flatbread products, the apparatus having: a loading station; a pressing station; a discharge station; and a conveyor belt passing through the loading station, the pressing station and the discharge station; wherein the discharge station further comprises a heated discharge platen. |
| US08746129B2 |
Rodless cylinder
In a rodless cylinder 1, a band accommodating depression 60 having a transverse inner surface 62 extending along the width of a slit 12 of an inner hole 10 of a tube 2 and a wall surface 64 inclined with respect to the transverse inner surface 62 is formed on each side of the inner opening of the slit 12. In the case where one of the edges of the inner seal band 42 comes into contact with one of the wall surfaces 64, the other edge of the inner seal band 42 comes into contact with the other one of the transverse inner surfaces 62, while at the same time securing a distance I between the inner seal band 42 and an inner opening 58 of the slit 12. Once a fluid is introduced into the tube 2, the inner seal band 42 can be bent toward the slit 12 due to the distance I even in the case where one of the edges of the inner seal band 42 comes into contact with the transverse inner surface 62 and the other edge comes into contact with the wall surface 64. As a result, a rodless cylinder is provided in which by forming transverse walls and preventing the seal band from being displaced by more than a predetermined amount, the slit is accurately sealed and the moving unit can be positively moved. |
| US08746128B2 |
Variable displacement piston-in-piston hydraulic unit
A piston-in-piston hydraulic unit is disclosed that utilises an elastic volume to store and release energy with each stroke by varying the hydraulic fluid volumes in and out of the hydraulic unit. |
| US08746127B2 |
Valve return spring with filter support for a pneumatic brake booster assembly
A brake system includes a vacuum booster, a valve positioned within the vacuum booster, the valve including a valve member connected to a rod, the rod configured to move in a linear direction, an air filter positioned within the vacuum booster, and a return spring positioned within the vacuum booster. The return spring includes a first end and a second end with a plurality of coils extending between the first end and the second end. The first end includes a first coil and a second coil positioned radially outward from the first coil, and the first coil is configured to contact the rod and the second coil is configured to support the filter. |
| US08746125B2 |
Automatic rifle bolt carrier with fluted boss
An automatic rifle bolt carrier with a fluted boss for the AR15/M16 family of firearms has been provided. The rear of the bolt carrier has been provided with a boss having bearing surfaces which are in operational contact with the interior of the host firearm's upper receiver to prevent the carrier from tilting while it is reciprocating during normal operation. The boss and rearward end of the bolt carrier are provided with flutes which allow water to flow between the buffer tube and upper receiver while the bolt carrier is reciprocating during normal operation, enabling a properly equipped firearm to be used during over the beach operations. The bolt carrier also includes a scallop cut located about the top of its backmost end which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bolt carrier. |
| US08746117B2 |
Printer
Provided is a printer in which a cut-off paper is pushed into a paper stacking portion without an additional power source while reducing the maximum load applied to driving means for driving a movable blade. A printer includes a movable blade for cutting a paper disposed between a fixed blade and a movable blade as it moves in a forward direction and separating a printed part as a cut-off paper; driving means for moving the movable blade in a reciprocating manner; a pushing member which is driven to push a cut-off paper in a thickness direction of the cut-off paper; a paper stacking portion for stacking the cut-off paper pushed by the pushing member; and a driving force transferring mechanism for transferring a driving force of the driving means to the pushing member to drive the pushing member. |
| US08746116B2 |
Method and apparatus for making wide cuts
A kerf making machine includes a table. A slide assembly comprises first, second, and third slides. The first slide has a first stop and a first abutment on the end thereof. The second slide has a second stop oppositely positioned to the first stop. The third slide has a third abutment on the end thereof and is positioned relative to the first abutment a distance that is the exact distance of the desired distance. The slide assembly is reversed from its one side to its other side wherein the first slide, the second slide, and the third slide are positioned on the table. |
| US08746113B2 |
Universal joint coupling mechanism for detachably engaging tool attachments
A universal joint includes first and second parts interconnected by a coupling element, and a coupling mechanism for detachably engaging tool attachments such as sockets. The disclosed coupling mechanisms include an engaging element and an actuating element. The engaging element can include a pin, and the pin can be oriented either obliquely or longitudinally in the drive stud of the universal joint. The actuating element can include a collar and a central portion that crosses the central longitudinal axis of the drive stud. The central portion can be offset along the longitudinal axis toward the coupling element, and the actuating element can be configured to extend into an aperture formed by the coupling element and the second part of the universal joint. |
| US08746112B2 |
Tool for operating oxygen tanks
This invention relates to tool for use in turning a valve stem of a gas cylinder. The tool includes a body having a first end and a second end. The body defines a longitudinal axis. The first end includes a slot formed therein defining a pair of opposed walls. The second end includes a bore formed therein which extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. |
| US08746105B2 |
Bicycle operating device
A bicycle operating device includes a housing, a control member, a linearly moving member, a transmission, a user operating member and an intermediate element. The control member rotates on the housing for controlling a control cable. The linearly moving member moves on the housing for linear displacement between first and second positions. The transmission operatively couples the linearly moving member to the control member. The transmission converts the linear displacement of the linearly moving member from the first position to the second position into a rotation of the control member toward a first rotational direction. The user operating member is movably mounted to the housing. The intermediate element moves relative to the linearly moving member and the user operating member to transmit a movement of the user operating member to the linearly moving member for moving the linearly moving member from the first position to the second position. |
| US08746104B2 |
Gear absolute position sensor for manual transmissions
The present invention provides a gear absolute position sensor assembly (GAPS) that senses the current absolute, position of the shift lever of a manual transmission. The sensor assembly provides data to an associated electronic controller such as an engine control module (ECM) regarding the current position of the shift lever, such as an engaged gear. The sensor assembly preferably comprises at least one Hall effect or other type of magnetic field (proximity) sensors in combination with an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which is supplied with data from the sensors, decodes the output of the sensors and provides an output identifying a specific engaged gear or neutral for use by vehicle or engine management electronics. The sensors are mounted proximate the shift linkage at a location where they can sense both rotation and translation. |
| US08746089B2 |
Apparatus for automated positioning of eddy current test probe
An apparatus for automated inspection and repair of a tube sheet. The apparatus has a rotating gripper pod, comprising at least one tube gripper, a sliding body portion containing the gripper pod; a housing portion comprising at least one tube gripper and a tool head coupling. The tool head coupling swapably attaches to a eddy current test probe and at least one kind of tube repair tool. Novel, auto-locking tube grippers are also disclosed. A serial bus connects electronic modules within the apparatus and also connects the apparatus to an external controller. |
| US08746087B2 |
Bale sampler
A system for sampling a bale of fibrous material is provided including a transportation mechanism for moving the bale from a first point to a second point and a first gripper for obtaining a sample from the bale when the bale is at a position between the first point and the second point. The gripper includes a movable finger for gripping the sample from the bale. An actuator comprising an actuating rod is provided for pushing the sample away from the movable finger. |
| US08746086B1 |
Extremely low power pressure sensing system using power strobed sensor
A sensing system has a sensor suitable for producing a signal relative to the sensing of a physical parameter, a power supply connected to the sensor, and a strobe interconnected to the sensor or to the power supply so as to pass power to the sensor so as to activate the sensor so as to cause the sensor to sense the physical parameter. The strobe intermitantly passes power at rapid rate to the sensor. A human interface device is cooperative with the sensor such that the sensor senses an operation of the human interface device. The sensor is a piezoresistive sensor. A processor is connected to the sensor so as to receive a signal from the sensor corresponding to the activation of the sensor by the strobe. |
| US08746083B2 |
Torque sensor having a ring-shaped stator
The present disclosure relates to a torque sensor configured to axially magnetize a magnet and simplify a stator structure facing the magnet, whereby dimensions and shapes of members capable of collecting magnetism can be easily controlled to provide a torque sensor excellent in operational reliability, the torque sensor including a ring-shaped and axially-magnetized magnet connected to one of an input shaft of a steering wheel and an output shaft; and a stator including a ring-shaped body axially discrete from the magnet and a plurality of holes vertically penetrating the body, whereby structure of the torque sensor is simplified to enhance a concentrated efficiency of magnetic change. |
| US08746081B2 |
Bicycle force sensing assembly
A bicycle force sensing assembly is basically provided with a first attachment member, a second attachment member, a first translation sensing device and a second translation sensing device. The first attachment member is configured to be mounted to a first side of a bicycle bottom bracket hanger and configured to receive and rotatably support a crank axle. The second attachment member is configured to be mounted to a second side of the bicycle bottom bracket hanger and configured to receive and rotatably support the crank axle. The first translation sensing device is coupled to the first attachment member such that the first translation sensing device senses strain on the first attachment member. The second translation sensing device is coupled to the second attachment member such that the second translation sensor senses strain on the second attachment member. |
| US08746072B2 |
Pressure switch having a transducer or pin extending into the fluid flow path
A pressure switch comprises a housing having a cavity for conveying a pressurized fluid. The cavity extends from an inlet to an outlet and defines a flow path for the fluid. A pressure-transducing element is provided for measuring the fluid pressure. The pressure-transducing element is in fluid communication with the cavity and is at least partially disposed in the flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The pressure-transducing element has a cylindrical shape with a constant diameter and is partially disposed in a bore in the housing. The bore has a constant bore diameter. One end of the pressure-transducing element extends into the flow path. |
| US08746070B2 |
Phased array ultrasonic examination system and method
A method and apparatus for phased array ultrasound testing of piping that complies with present-day codes but allows more thorough flaw detection capability. A tapered wedge with a concave face is calibrated by submerging the wedge under sonic coupling fluid, thereby allowing sonic coupling of the concave wedge face to a flat reference plate with minimal error. The flaw detector is configured to display A-scan and S-scan data concurrently and to sweep between 30-70 degrees. A-scan data corresponding with conventional preferred inspection incidence angle is selected, and reject levels are set to 0% to meet current inspection standards. S-scan data allows for detection of flaws that might otherwise be undetectable using only A-scan data. A palette adjustment feature remaps the colors assigned to lower intensity return values so that they are not displayed on the S-scan, thereby de-cluttering sectorial data without filtering A-scan data. |
| US08746067B2 |
MEMS tunneling accelerometer
A tunneling accelerometer includes a proof mass that moves laterally with respect to a cap wafer. Either the proof mass or the cap wafer includes a plurality of tunneling tips such that the remaining one of proof mass and the cap wafer includes a corresponding plurality of counter electrodes. The tunneling current flowing between the tunneling tips and the counter electrodes will thus vary as the proof mass laterally displaces in response to an applied acceleration. |
| US08746066B2 |
Acceleration sensor having a damping device
A micromechanical acceleration sensor is described which includes a substrate and a seismic mass which is movably situated with respect to the substrate in a detection direction. The micromechanical sensor includes at least one damping device for damping motions of the seismic mass perpendicular to the detection direction. |
| US08746064B2 |
Micromechanical sensor having a bandpass characteristic
The invention relates to a micromechanical sensor having at least two spring-mass damper oscillators. The micromechanical sensor has a first spring-mass-damper oscillating system with a first resonant frequency and a second spring-mass-damper oscillating system with a second resonant frequency which is lower than the first resonant frequency. The invention also relates to a method for detection and/or measurement of oscillations by means of a sensor such as this, and to a method for production of a micromechanical sensor such as this. The first and the second spring-mass-damper oscillating systems have electrodes which oscillate in a measurement direction about electrode rest positions with electrode deflections which are equal to or proportional to deflections of the spring-mass-damper oscillators. The systems are coupled to one another by means of at least one electrostatic field, which acts on the electrodes, forming at least one capacitance with the capacitance being governed by at least one electrode area and by at least one electrode separation and/or an electrode coverage. |
| US08746059B2 |
Apparatus for determining and/or monitoring a process variable
An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium. The apparatus includes: at least one probe unit; and at least one electronics unit, which supplies the probe unit with an operating signal and which receives from the probe unit a received signal. The probe unit includes at least one probe electrode and at least one guard electrode; and the probe electrode and the guard electrode are surrounded, at least partially, by at least one insulating unit. The the insulating unit has, in the region of the guard electrode, a smaller thickness than in the region of the probe electrode. |
| US08746054B2 |
Peel tester, method for evaluating impact peel characteristics, adhesive tape and mobile device
An object is to provide a peel tester that continuously detects the characteristics of an adhesive tape from the moment an impact is applied to an adherend until the adherend is peeled, and a new method for evaluating the impact peel characteristics of an adhesive tape, which enables quantitative evaluation for the impact peel characteristics by using the test result obtained by the peel tester. Provided is a peel tester 1 with a main body 2, to which an adherend I is to be adhered via an adhesive tape III, for performing a peel test by an impact applied to the adherend I, which includes: a load detection device 6 that detects change in load applied to the adhesive tape I until the adherend I is peeled off from the main body 2; and a displacement detection device 7 that detects change in moving distance of the adherend I until the adherend I is peeled off from the main body 2. |
| US08746053B2 |
Method for determining optimum vortex generator placement for maximum efficiency on a retrofitted wind turbine generator of unknown aerodynamic design
A method of optimizing performance of a wind turbine electric generator (WTG) comprises the steps of measuring the performance of a wind turbine electric generator, defining an area on a blade of the WTG, placing stall flags within said defined area, monitoring the behavior of the stall flags when the WTG is operating, determining a stall line based upon the stall flags during operation, installing vortex generators on the blade adjacent to and upwind of said stall line, monitoring the behavior of said stall flags during operation with vortex generators installed on all blades, and measuring the performance of the WTG to detect improved performance. If there is little or no improvement, repeating the steps on a second WTG using different placement within the defined area for the vortex generators. |
| US08746047B2 |
Dispersion analysis method and device
Provided is a method for analyzing a dispersion made by dispersing a liquid or solid dispersoid into a liquid dispersion medium. The method includes the steps of: preparing a sample liquid from the dispersion by forming an agglomerate of the dispersoid in the dispersion medium; redispersing the dispersoid that forms the agglomerate in the sample liquid into the dispersion medium of the sample liquid; and measuring the amount of the dispersoid that has been redispersed from the agglomerate in the sample liquid. |
| US08746045B2 |
System and method for identifying fluids and monitoring fluid quality in a vessel
Methods and systems are disclosed for using time domain reflectometry to determine the identity of a fluid in a vessel, and to determine whether the quality of a fluid in a vessel is within acceptable parameters. Methods include identifying a fluid by comparing a derived characteristic of a fluid to a reference characteristic, determining the quality of a fluid by determining if a derived characteristic is within an acceptable quality range, monitoring a fluid for a dynamic change in quality or state, and identifying a fluid by comparing a transition reflection waveform to a reference signature transition. The methods are implemented in systems for identifying a fluid layer in a vessel, such as fuel, free liquid water or ice, detecting misfueling or fuel contamination, and detecting fluid state changes, such as the formation of ice. |
| US08746044B2 |
Methods using formate gels to condition a pipeline or portion thereof
A gelled composition for pipeline, flowline, pipeline jumper or flowline jumper dewatering or preventing ingress of seawater into open pipeline systems or components during tie-in operations of jumpers or additional pipe, valving, manifolds, subsea pipeline architecture or flow conduits operations is disclosed, where the composition includes a concentrated metal formate solution and a hydratable polymer. The gelled formate compositions have improved dewatering properties with 100% or 360 pipe coverage. The gelled formate compositions have can also be reused by breaking and reformulation. |
| US08746043B2 |
Method for permanently monitoring pressurized pipelines and line systems which carry fluid media
A method for permanently monitoring pressurized pipelines and line systems, including connected loads, which carry fluid media, includes carrying out pressure measurements in different modes downstream of the transfer point between the supply device and the load connection in order to determine consumption values over predeterminable periods of time and to infer the system state. An electronically controllable shut-off valve is arranged downstream of the transfer point and a pressure sensor is arranged downstream of the valve in the direction of flow. All of the removal locations are closed and pressure is built up in the system. The shut-off valve is closed and an outlet pressure drop, which may be present, is determined over a first period of time and the initial and final pressure values are stored. The valve is opened and the consumption of water with the longest equal flow rate is set and stored as the end of commissioning. A transition is made to the drawing-off mode by opening the valve over a second period of time. |
| US08746037B2 |
Ultrasonic apparatus and method for measuring the concentration of gas
In an ultrasonic apparatus for measuring the concentration of gas provided with two ultrasonic oscillators for transmitting/receiving an ultrasonic wave, arranged opposite to each other in piping through which a sample gas flows, a temperature sensor, and a pressure sensor, an ultrasonic method and apparatus that can accurately measure gas concentration regardless of pressure of the sample gas are provided as an ultrasonic apparatus for measuring the concentration of gas comprising concentration calculating means for calculating sample gas concentration based on a propagation speed correction coefficient by pressure. |
| US08746033B2 |
Angular velocity sensor
Failures can be detected with high accuracy even the ambient temperature changes or background vibration is applied. An angular velocity sensor is composed of a vibrator which is elastically and displaceably supported on a substrate; a driving means which vibrates the vibrator in the drive axis direction horizontal to the substrate surface; a displacement detecting means in the detection axis direction, which detects a displacement of the vibrator in the detection axis direction horizontal to the substrate surface and perpendicular to the drive axis direction; an angular velocity detecting means which detects an angular velocity based on the displacement of the vibrator in the detection axis direction; a self-vibration detecting means that detects self-vibration of the vibrator, which is generated due to leakage in the detection axis direction of the vibration of the vibrator in the drive axis direction; a self-vibration feedback circuit which completely cancels the self-vibration of the vibrator; and an abnormality determining means which determines abnormality using an output from the self-vibration detecting means. |
| US08746032B1 |
Flow metering system
A flow measurement in a conduit is combined with a thermal flow measurement made in a bypass channel to provide an increased range of flows over which an accurate measurement can be made. The thermal flow sensor in this combination is responsive only to a modulated component of the flow and thus provides a means of calibrating the zero of the composite instrument. |
| US08746031B2 |
Glucose sensor calibration
A method of calibrating a glucose sensor, which method comprises: (a) preparing a first glucose-containing calibration solution by combining water or an aqueous solution with alpha and beta glucose, the alpha and beta glucose being provided in solid form; (b) exposing a glucose sensor to said first glucose-containing calibration solution and determining the sensor output; (c) exposing the glucose sensor to one or more further calibration solutions having different glucose concentrations from each other and from said first glucose-containing calibration solution and determining the sensor output for the or each calibration solution; and (d) determining a calibration curve from the sensor output data collected in steps (b) and (c). |
| US08746025B2 |
Key, lock and locking mechanism
A key blank comprises a shaft and a head connected to the shaft, the shaft including first and second surface that are oppositely facing, wherein the surfaces are configured to include combination elements to operate a lock and a pair of coaxial operating elements, wherein one element of the pair is operative from the first surface of the shaft and the other element of the pair is operative from the second surface of the shaft, and wherein at least one of the operative elements is a resilient element mounted inside a bore provided in the shaft, wherein the resilient element is operative to exert a compressive force on a pin mechanism of the lock in response to the operative engagement and thereby release the pin mechanism from a lock position, without requiring any pressure on the coaxial element on the other side. |
| US08746012B2 |
Composition and method of making a glass product with reduced greenhouse gas emission
A process for making a glass product with reduced greenhouse gas emission, comprising: providing a raw material composition comprising at least one silicon dioxide or silicon dioxide-containing compound and at least one pre-reacted compound, wherein the pre-reacted compound comprises an atom of an alkaline earth metal chemically bonded to an oxygen atom, and a silicon atom chemically bonded to the oxygen atom; melting the raw material composition to produce a molten material; and forming the molten material into a glass product. |
| US08746010B2 |
Methods for reducing zirconia defects in glass sheets
Methods are disclosed for treating zircon-containing forming structures, e.g., zircon isopipes, with one or more treatment glass compositions in which defect-causing reactions between the zircon of the forming structure and molten glass are suppressed at the delivery temperature of the treatment glass. The treatment compositions can be used during start-up of a forming structure, between runs of the same production glass on a given forming structure, and/or when transitioning between runs of two production glasses on a given forming structure. The treatment compositions can be used with production glasses that are ion-exchangeable. |
| US08746007B2 |
Heat converter for condensation and refrigeration system using the same
To provide a heat converter for condensation that can be miniaturized and reduced in weight and can promote miniaturization, cost reduction and energy saving of a refrigeration system using the heat converter to thereby contribute to global environment conservation, and a refrigeration system using the heat converter.A heat converter 30 for condensation which changes high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged from a compressor 1 of a refrigeration system to low-temperature refrigerant liquid is constructed by a isobaric cooling unit 3 for cooling the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas under isobaric change, a pressure-reducing liquefying unit 6 for liquefying gas refrigerant partially-liquefied in the isobaric cooling unit by a refrigerant acceleration phenomenon while the pressure and enthalpy are reduced, and a pressure-reducing and cooling unit 8 for cooling the refrigerant passed through the pressure-reducing and liquefying unit by the refrigerant acceleration phenomenon while the pressure and enthalpy are reduced. |
| US08746003B2 |
Water filter assembly and refrigerator and water purifier having the same
A water filter assembly, and a refrigerator and a water purifier having the same, including: a manifold having a inflow path through which raw water flows in and an outflow path through which filtered water flows out; a case supporting the manifold; and a filter cartridge coupled to a lower side of the case such that it is separable and connected with the outflow port of the manifold, wherein a fluid flow control unit is installed between the manifold and the filter cartridge and rotates according to a rotation of the filter cartridge, the center of the rotation is the same as the center of an outlet of the filter cartridge, and the fluid flow control unit includes a disk having a connection hole allowing the raw water inflow path and an inlet of the filter cartridge to communicate only at a certain position. |
| US08746001B2 |
Heat exchanger, climate chamber provided with a heat exchanger and use of a climate chamber
Heat exchanger, in particular for use in a climate chamber, as well as to a climate chamber provided with such a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger essentially comprises a panel-shaped body (21) of heat-conducting material, which body is provided with fluid lines (22, 23, 24) for the passage of a fluid. The panel-shaped body (21) is provided with perforations (25, 26) for the passage of a gas stream (A) directed transversely to the plane of the panel-shaped body. The heat exchanger is furthermore provided with a medium, supply duct. (27) for supplying a gaseous medium to a plurality of gassing ducts (28). The gassing ducts (28) run parallel to one another along the panel-shaped body (21) and the interior of each gassing duct in each case touches a part of the panel-shaped body (21). Each gassing duct (28) is furthermore provided with a number of outflow openings (31) which are provided along’ the length thereof in a distributed manner in order to make it possible for the medium to flow into the gas stream (A). |
| US08746000B2 |
Information technology equipment cooling system
According to one embodiment, a system for removing heat from a rack of information technology equipment may include a sidecar indoor air to liquid heat exchanger that cools warm air generated by the rack of information technology equipment. The system may also include a liquid to liquid heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger. The system may further include configurable pathways to connect and control fluid flow through the sidecar heat exchanger, the liquid to liquid heat exchanger, the rack of information technology equipment, and the outdoor heat exchanger based upon ambient temperature and/or ambient humidity to remove heat from the rack of information technology equipment. |
| US08745998B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling vehicle defrost units
Methods and systems are provided for controlling a defrost unit for a vehicle. A prediction is performed as to whether condensation has formed against a surface of the vehicle. The defrost unit is automatically activated when it is predicted that the condensation has formed against the surface. Another prediction is made as to whether condensation has dissipated from the surface while the defrost unit is operating. The defrost unit is automatically deactivated when it is predicted that the condensation has dissipated. |
| US08745996B2 |
High-side pressure control for transcritical refrigeration system
To accommodate a transcritical vapor compression system with an operating envelope which covers a large range of heat source temperatures, a high side pressure is maintained at a level determined not only by operating conditions at the condenser but also at the evaporator. A control is provided to vary the expansion device in response to various combinations of refrigerant conditions sensed at both the condenser and the evaporator in order to maintain a desired high side pressure. |
| US08745995B2 |
Process for heat integration by means of a refrigeration system
A process for heat integration in engineering processes is provided in which, in a heat carrier circuit, a heat carrier medium takes up heat from a first process stream in a first heat exchanger and releases it to a refrigeration system. In a refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant is cooled in the refrigeration system and the refrigerant takes up heat from a second process stream in a second heat exchanger or a second process stream is cooled in the refrigeration system. The first process stream is a vapor stream from a thermal separation apparatus, and the temperature of the heat carrier medium is increased by heat supply between egress from the first heat exchanger and ingress into the refrigeration system. |
| US08745993B2 |
Refrigerating apparatus and method of controlling the same
Disclosed herein are a refrigerating apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The method includes lowering a temperature in a storage chamber to a freezing point temperature zone by adjusting cold air supplied to the storage chamber, and lowering the temperature in the storage chamber to a temperature below a freezing point by increasing an amount of the cold air supplied to the storage chamber, when it is determined that a temperature of articles stored in the storage chamber is stabilized in the freezing point temperature zone by the cold air. When the surface temperature and the center temperature of the stored articles are cooled close to the freezing point and are then cooled again to the freezing temperature below the freezing point, super-cooling of the stored articles is carried out for a short time, the surfaces and the centers of the stored articles start to freeze simultaneously. |
| US08745991B2 |
Turbine system
A turbine system includes a compressor unit which compresses a fluid; a combustor unit which burns fuel with the compressed fluid; a turbine unit which is driven due to a combustion gas that is generated when the combustor unit burns the fuel; and a first device which receives power that is generated when the turbine unit is driven. The at least one compressor unit operates using at least the generated power, and is separately disposed from at least one of the turbine unit and the first device. |
| US08745990B2 |
Gas turbine engine with integrated electric starter/generator
An electrical machine is embedded into the compressor assembly of a gas turbine engine. An electrical system interface module distributes electrical current to and from the embedded electrical machine for starting the gas turbine engine and for operating accessory components. Accordingly, the gas turbine engine and accessory components can be started and operated without a power-takeoff shaftline and without an external accessory gearbox. |
| US08745986B2 |
System and method of supplying fuel to a gas turbine
A fuel supply system for a gas turbine includes a combustion section, a transition duct downstream from the combustion section, a turbine section downstream from the transition duct, and a first stage of stationary vanes circumferentially arranged inside the turbine section. A hot gas path is between the transition duct and the stationary vanes, and a fuel injector provides fluid communication into the hot gas path. A method of supplying fuel to a gas turbine includes combusting a first fuel in a combustion chamber to produce combustion gases, flowing the combustion gases through a transition duct to a hot gas path, and flowing the combustion gases through the hot gas path to a first stage of stationary vanes in a turbine section. The method further includes injecting a second fuel into the hot gas path downstream from the transition duct and upstream from the first stage of stationary vanes. |
| US08745983B2 |
Hydraulic fluid cooling system for pair of integrated hydrostatic transmissions with auxiliary hydraulic circuit
A hydraulic fluid cooling system for a pair of integrated hydrostatic transmissions includes a common reservoir holding hydraulic fluid and having hydraulic lines connecting the common reservoir to each integrated hydrostatic transmission, a hydraulic fluid reservoir inside each integrated hydrostatic transmission, and a pump for pumping fluid from each transmission's hydraulic fluid reservoir to the other transmission. An auxiliary hydraulic circuit is between the pair of integrated hydrostatic transmissions. The system pumps hydraulic fluid from one of the integrated hydrostatic transmission to the auxiliary hydraulic circuit, and the return line from the auxiliary hydraulic circuit may be connected to the other integrated hydrostatic transmission. |
| US08745978B2 |
Mixing device in an exhaust gas pipe
In an exhaust gas pipe, a first fluid flows in a flow direction in the pipe, and a second fluid is injected inside the pipe by a nozzle, from an injection inlet arranged in the pipe wall, according to an injection direction. A mixing device fastened inside the pipe upstream from the injection inlet creates turbulence that helps the mixing of the fluids. The mixing device has a first portion located on the injection inlet side of the pipe and a second portion located opposite the injection inlet side of the pipe, the portions being designed so that the fluid velocity is higher downstream from the mixing device second portion than downstream from the mixing device first portion. An aqueous solution of urea can be injected inside an exhaust pipe of a diesel engine. |
| US08745976B2 |
Device for cooling an exhaust gas stream
A device for cooling an exhaust gas stream, having an exhaust gas pipe receiving the exhaust gas stream, the exhaust gas pipe being surrounded at least in places by a heat shield arranged spaced therefrom, which together with the outside of the exhaust gas pipe forms a convection region for air supplied from the surrounding environment. A mouth region of the exhaust gas pipe extended relative to the heat shield projects in such a way into an open end of an adjoining outlet port that a reduced pressure relative to the surrounding environment may be produced in a suction region between the mouth region of the exhaust gas pipe and the outlet port as the air heated in the convection region due to the exhaust gas stream rises. |
| US08745974B2 |
Exhaust system
An exhaust system includes an exhaust passage configured to receive exhaust from a combustion engine, a heat exchanger disposed within the exhaust passage, and a reductant supply fluidly connected to the heat exchanger, the reductant supply including methane. The exhaust system also includes a first catalyst fluidly connected to the heat exchanger and configured to receive methane from the reductant supply via the heat exchanger. The exhaust system further includes a second catalyst disposed within the exhaust passage and configured to receive the exhaust from the combustion engine via the heat exchanger. The exhaust system also includes a clean-up catalyst disposed within the exhaust passage and configured to receive a combined flow. The combined flow includes the exhaust and the methane exiting the first catalyst. |
| US08745973B2 |
System and method for controlling reducing agent injection in a selective catalytic reduction system
An engine control system includes a dosing control module and an offset determination module. The dosing control module actuates an injector to inject a first amount of reducing agent into exhaust gas produced by an engine during a period when a temperature of the exhaust gas is greater than a predetermined temperature threshold. The offset determination module determines an efficiency of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) material based on measured amounts of nitrogen oxide (NOx) during the period and expected NOx amounts, wherein the measured amounts of NOx are measured at locations upstream and downstream from the SCR material, and wherein the expected NOx amounts are based on the temperature of the exhaust gas and the first amount of reducing agent. |
| US08745969B2 |
Methods for engine exhaust NOx control using no oxidation in the engine
A powertrain includes an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber and an aftertreatment system. A method for reducing NOx emissions in the powertrain includes monitoring an actual exhaust gas feedstream ratio of NO2 to NO, monitoring a desired exhaust gas feedstream ratio of NO2 to NO, comparing the actual and the desired exhaust gas feedstream ratios of NO2 to NO, and selectively initiating a NO2 generation cycle based upon the comparison of the actual and the desired exhaust gas feedstream ratios of NO2 to NO comprising injecting fuel mass into the combustion chamber after a primary combustion event. |
| US08745962B2 |
Cigarette packing machine for producing a rigid, hinged-lid packet
A cigarette packing machine for producing a rigid packet a hinged lid has a first packing unit which folds a first blank about a group of cigarettes to form an outer container with a hinged lid; and a second packing unit which folds a second blank about the outer container to form a tubular slide surrounding the outer container to slide axially with respect to the outer container; the tubular slide has a transmission member, in turn having a first end integral with the lid, a second end opposite the first end and integral with the slide, and a deformable intermediate portion having a U-shaped fold between the outer container and the slide. |
| US08745958B2 |
3-dimensional lattice truss structure composed of helical wires and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed are three-dimensional porous light-weight structures composed of helical wires and the manufacturing method of the same. Continuous helical wire groups in three or six directions having a designated angle (for example, 60 degrees or 90 degrees) with respect to one another in a space cross and are then assembled, and thus new truss-shaped three-dimensional lattice truss structures having high strength and stiffness to weight ratio and a large surface area and method of mass-producing the structures at low costs are provided. The three-dimensional porous light-weight structures are manufactured by a method in which helical wires are three-dimensionally assembled through a continuous process rather than a method in which net-shaped wires are simply woven and stacked, and thus have a configuration similar to the ideal hexahedron truss, Octet truss, or truss in which regular octahedrons and cuboctahedrons are combined, thereby having excellent mechanical properties or thermal or aerodynamic properties. |
| US08745957B2 |
Induced macro-cell corrosion prevention method
The induced macro-cell corrosion prevention method includes the step of replacing a corroded or chloride-contaminated section of a steel reinforcement or rebar in steel-reinforced concrete with a new rebar section free of chloride. A non-conductive insulating buffer is placed between the end sections of the new rebar and the corresponding end sections of adjacent chloride-contaminated rebar sections in order to form a non-conductive layer between the new steel and the old steel. This prevents or substantially reduces formation of a macro-cell that would cause a galvanic reaction to occur and increase corrosion potential. |
| US08745956B2 |
Asymmetric integral lifting construction method
A method for lifting an asymmetric integral construction is provided, including the steps of determining proper lifting points on a construction to be lifted according to the position relationship between the construction and a base supporter, setting a dragging point on the bottom of the construction, the dragging point being located on the extension line of the connection between the gravity center of construction and the centroid of the lifting points, determining a projection point of the dragging point on the ground, arranging a dragging device between the dragging point and the projection point, installing a lifting system at a proper position, conducting lifting operation by means of the lifting system cooperated with the dragging device, and rectifying and fixing the construction after it is in place. |
| US08745955B2 |
Methods for forming a jump pit
A form is provided for constructing a jump pit with a sand area. The form is constructed in sections. Each section has an inside wall and an outside wall. A support member is located between the outside wall and the inside wall. The sections are secured together onsite. Caps are mounted on the support members. The caps include an inclined surface which slops upwardly and away from the sand area forming the inclined surface. A cover over the sand area is supported by the inclined surface. Optionally, a chamber is located adjacent the outside wall. A grate covers the chamber and the grate is supported by a brace. A mat covers the grate. Openings in the grate and in the mat permit sand through them, thrown from the sand area to drop into the chamber. |
| US08745954B2 |
Quick-set, full-moment-lock, assemblable and nondestructively disassemblable, column and beam frame system
A floating, nondestructably disconnectable, discontinuous, full-moment nodal connection between the end of a beam and the side of a column including (a) a column having a side, (b) a column-mount node structure joined to that column side, (c) an elongate beam having an end, and (d) a beam-mount node structure joined to that beam end. The column-mount and beam-mount structures are floatingly, nondestructably disconnectably, and discontinuity-gravity-seated relative to one another, and as so seated, form an operative full-moment connection, via the node structures, between the column and beam, this connection being characterized by the fact that there is no uninterrupted material-occupying path or structure which flows structurally from the beam to the column through the node structures. |
| US08745947B2 |
Accessible concealed suspended ceiling system
A suspended ceiling system is provided comprising at least first and second parallel inverted tee-runners. Each tee-runner comprises a horizontal flange and a vertical web, with the vertical web having at least two spaced openings therein. At least one ceiling panel is associated with the parallel tee-runners. The ceiling panel has opposed side walls and opposed end walls, with a pair of first tabs formed at one end of the ceiling panel and a pair of second tabs formed at the opposite end of the panel. At least one of the first tabs is relatively longer than at least one of the second tabs, and has a length sufficient so that it extends through one of the spaced openings in the web of the first inverted tee-runner and rests on the flange of the first tee-runner, with the second tabs being supported by the flange of the second tee-runner. |
| US08745943B2 |
Composite insulated precast and tilt-up concrete structures
The invention comprises a method of forming a concrete structure. The method comprises placing plastic concrete in a form of a desired shape, encasing the concrete in insulating material having insulating properties equivalent to at least 1 inch of expanded polystyrene and allowing the plastic concrete to at least partially cure inside the insulating material. An insulated concrete form and a method of using the insulated concrete form are also disclosed. |
| US08745942B2 |
Tower foundation system and method for providing such system
The present invention relates to a tower foundation system (30) comprising a foundation (32) for a bottom section (36) of a tower, which bottom section (36) is to be connected to the upper part of the foundation (32), wherein the bottom section (36) is cast into the foundation (32) with an ultra high performance grout (42). |
| US08745935B2 |
Photovoltaic panel fastening system
A fastening system is provided. In another aspect, a hook fastens a photovoltaic panel assembly to a building roof. Another aspect employs catches that removeably attach an auxiliary component, such as a solar panel frame, to a building in hinge and slide motions for engagement of the catches. A method of installing a fastening system is additionally provided. |
| US08745931B2 |
Method of assembling emergency shelter panels including a bed platform
An emergency shelter structure is disclosed for use where people are displaced from their homes as the result of some catastrophe. The inventive shelter can be erected entirely without hand tools or power tools in less than 20 minutes. It is comprised of plastic panels which are joined together using push anchors, fasteners which permit rapid and permanent engagement of adjoining panels. Bed platforms are included as part of the assembly. In advanced embodiments, solar arrays are provided for harvesting solar energy for use as electricity and uni-directional heating apparatus is molded into the floor panel. |
| US08745927B2 |
Weatherstrip attachable to edge of opening portion in vehicle body
A weatherstrip includes: a trim portion and a seal portion. The trim portion includes: a main body portion including a first and second side wall portions provided on a vehicle outer side and a vehicle inner side, respectively; a first and second holding lips extending from the first and second side wall portions, respectively; and a first extended wall portion extending from a distal end portion of the first side wall portion. In a trim portion attaching direction, a distal end portion of the first side wall portion is positioned at, or on the weatherstrip inner circumferential side of, a boundary portion between the trim portion and an inner circumferential surface of the seal portion, and a distal end portion of the second side wall portion is positioned on the weatherstrip inner circumferential side of a distal end portion of the first extended wall portion. |
| US08745919B2 |
Photovoltaic greenhouse structure
The disclosure describes a photovoltaic greenhouse that has a frame structure including a plurality of upstanding walls and a roof structure supported by the frame structure. The greenhouse also includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells installed in the roof structure or walls. The photovoltaic cells convert solar energy into electricity by absorbing a predefined wavelength band of electromagnetic energy in the solar energy. The photovoltaic cells have different predefined infrared transmissivity properties to transmit infrared energy through each photovoltaic cell from outside the greenhouse to inside the greenhouse based on the respective photovoltaic cell's predefined infrared transmissivity property. The photovoltaic cells are distributed in the roof structure or walls in a pattern to heat ground locations within the frame structure to different temperatures in response to the infrared energy transmitted through the photovoltaic cells. |
| US08745908B2 |
Index tab holder
Index tab holders are movably mounted on top portions of file folders or data separation sheets to locate the tab holders in selected lateral locations without removing the tab holders from the file folders. Linear rails associated with the top portions of the file folders cooperate with ribs on the tab holders to mount and laterally guide the tab holders on the file folders. |
| US08745904B2 |
Heating appliance covered with a self-cleaning coating and production method thereof
A heating appliance including a metal substrate, at least a part of which is covered with a self-cleaning coating including at least one oxidation catalyst selected from the platinoid oxides, and at least one dopant of said oxidation catalyst selected from the rare-earth oxides. The self-cleaning coating is a bilayer coating including: an inner layer at least partially covering the metal substrate and including the dopant; and an outer layer in contact with the ambient air and including the oxidation catalyst. Also provided is a method for producing such a heating appliance. |
| US08745902B2 |
Device and method for trimming the ice in a curling rink
A device for trimming the high points off of the ice of a curling rink includes an elongated blade mounted to an elongated mounting block, and a plurality of setscrews threaded into threaded openings in the mounting block for adjusting the flatness of the blade, enabling a long blade to be used that is both accurate and relatively inexpensive. |
| US08745900B2 |
Aerodynamic bicycle shoe cover and pedal cover
A new aerodynamic cover for a bicycle shoe and clipless bicycle pedal for improving speed when cycling. The aerodynamic cover has a main body including an ankle portion having a rear side, a heel portion connected to the ankle portion, and a sole portion connected to the heel portion and having an underside. An opening is formed in the sole portion for allowing a bicycle pedal to be engaged to the bicycle cleat. An outwardly extending fin stretches from the rear side of the ankle portion, around the heel portion, to the underside of the sole portion. The aerodynamic cover may further have a pedal layer, a cleat layer, and a base plate layer. A gap is defined between the pedal layer and the cleat layer. The gap inhibits excessive friction between the pedal layer and the cleat layer as the cleat is pivoted with respect to the pedal. |
| US08745899B2 |
Article of footwear including a sizing system
An article of footwear with a size-adjustable system capable of adjusting the size of the artifice of footwear is provided. The size-adjustable system comprises three sets of removable inserts. The inserts engage the article of footwear in the heel region of the upper to provide both space-filling in the heel region as well as stabilization of the foot. When each set of sizing inserts are disposed within the article of footwear, the size of the foot the article of footwear is capable of receiving is different. By providing a size-adjustable system, the article of footwear is capable of receiving multiple foot sizes, such as that of a growing child. |
| US08745898B2 |
Skate boot with improved flexibility
A method of making a skate boot including manufacturing a rear element including a tendon guard for covering at least a rear portion of the ankle received within the boot, and forming a direct connection at a fixed position between contacting portions of the rear element and of a remainder of the skate boot separately from the quarters, the direct connection being formed such that the rear element is an external element of the boot and such that an upper portion of the rear element is displaceable relative to the quarters in a forward and rearward direction, the upper portion of the rear element being displaceable through flexing of the rear element about the connection. |
| US08745897B2 |
Traction enhancing devices for footwear assemblies
Traction enhancing devices for footwear assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a footwear assembly includes a footwear product with an outsole that has one or more embedded traction enhancing devices. Each traction enhancing device can be a stud that is at least partially embedded in the carrier portion of the outsole and that partially projects from the carrier portion. Each stud can be configured to reduce or eliminate relative movement between the stud and the carrier portion to prevent the stud from loosening or falling out. For example, each stud can include a shaft having an engaging surface, such as a threaded, ribbed, or textured surface, that engages the carrier portion. Each stud can also include a portion having an enlarged surface area, such as an anchor or head, embedded in the carrier portion to improve retention of the stud in the carrier portion. |
| US08745889B2 |
Measurement stand and method of its electrical control
The invention relates to a measurement stand for holding a measuring probe intended in particular for measuring the thickness of thin layers, and to a method for controlling the measurement stand. |
| US08745884B2 |
Three dimensional layout and point transfer system
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with three-dimensional laser position systems are described. In one embodiment, a system includes first and second vertical laser plane transmitters and a horizontal laser plane transmitter. The first and second vertical laser plane transmitters are configured to emit first and second vertical laser planes, respectively, that are each rotatable about rotational axes. The horizontal laser plane transmitter has a fixed position relative to the rotational axis of the second vertical laser plane transmitter and emits a horizontal laser plane that is rotatable to position the horizontal laser plane at a pitch angle. The system is configured to translate between a three dimensional coordinate and positions of the first and second vertical laser transmitters and the horizontal laser transmitter, respectively, that will cause the first and second vertical laser planes and the horizontal laser plane to intersect at a the three dimensional coordinate. |
| US08745880B2 |
Rotary cutter for mower
Provided is a rotary cutter for a mower that achieves easy and rapid cord insertion and improved work efficiency. A rotary cutter for a mower includes: a cord cutting grass or the like; a reel housing the cord, a case and a cover housing the reel therein; a pressing body rotating the reel; and a resilient element elastically supporting the case and the cover, and the rotary cutter is configured such that the reel axially moved by rotation of the pressing body so as to come into contact with the pressing body, and the cord is wound around the reel while being clamped in a clearance created between the reel due to the axial movement of the reel. |
| US08745876B2 |
Safety razor
A safety razor includes a handle assembly elongated along a longitudinal axis, a blade head assembly pivotably connected to the handle assembly and having a first blade set thereon, the first blade set extending generally in parallel with the longitudinal axis. The blade head assembly can be releasably connected to the handle assembly to facilitate replacement. The blade head assembly can include a second blade set, the second blade set extending generally in parallel with the longitudinal axis, the first and second blade sets arranged facing away from each other such that the shaving direction of the blade head assembly can be altered by rotating the safety razor about the longitudinal axis. The safety razor can further include a biasing element for resisting pivotal motion of the blade assembly about the longitudinal axis and a control mechanism operable to selectively limit the pivotal motion of the blade head assembly. |
| US08745874B2 |
Method of manufacturing wheel support bearing assembly
A method of manufacturing a wheel support bearing assembly having a plastically deformed portion engageable with an inclined surface portion of an annular stepped area in the inner race segment. The method includes that the plastically deformed portion, which is of a cylindrical configuration before it is deformed, is formed by pressing a crimping punch, of which front end portion outer peripheral surface is a tapered shape, axially into an inner peripheral surface of the inboard end portion of the hub axle to allow the cylindrical plastically deformed portion to be crimped in the diameter expanded condition. |
| US08745872B2 |
Method for attaching a supporting bearing in a steering rack housing for a power steering system
A steering rack housing (20, 100, 100′, 100″) for a power steering system that surrounds a steering rack in a tubular manner and includes a hydraulic region (32), a mechanical region (34), and as an inner supporting bearing (38), wherein the supporting bearing is held in the steering rack housing (20, 100, 100′, 100″) by at least two cross-sectional contractions (46) of the housing. |
| US08745871B2 |
Platform trailer with extruded floor panel cross members
A platform trailer includes first and second aluminum beams. The first and second beams are defined with an arch. A platform is supported on the first and second beams. The platform includes a plurality of extruded aluminum panels that each extend from a left lateral end abutted with the left side rail to a right lateral end abutted with the right side rail. The extruded aluminum panels are abutted in series with the first end wall of one panel abutted with the second end wall of an adjacent abutted panel such that the respective upper walls of adjacent abutted panels of the platform together define an upper, cargo supporting surface of the platform. The platform is arched to correspond with the arch of the first and second beams. A method for constructing the platform trailer is also disclosed. |
| US08745867B1 |
Modular viscous fan clutch system
A viscous clutch head may be replaced by selecting a viscous clutch head and a mount adapter. The viscous clutch head and the mount adapter may be selected from a group of universal modular fan drives and from a group of mount adapters. The mount adapter of a threaded type or a flange and bolt type may be selected. Depending on the viscous clutch head to be replaced, a fan adapter and/or a pilot adapter may also be selected from a group of fan adapters and from a group of pilot adapters. Accordingly, a range of models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced by using a limited number of parts. These parts may be stored on a tool cart. As different models of viscous fan clutch systems may be replaced using a limited number of parts, the in-stock inventory of replacement parts may be reduced. |
| US08745850B2 |
Method of manufacturing superconducting low pass filter for quantum computing
An apparatus and method for manufacturing a superconducting low-pass filter for quantum computing devices. The apparatus includes a plurality of containers and input and output ports connected to opposite ends of the apparatus. A plurality of coils of superconducting wire are wound using a mandrel. An adhesive is applied to the coils for maintaining a wound state. Each of the coils are positioned in each of the containers and electrically connected to each other with at least one coil being connected to the input port and at least one coil being connected to the output port. The coils are released or expanded from their wound state using an adhesive solvent. The containers are then filled with a conductive polymer and the containers are closed with one or more covers. |
| US08745849B2 |
Template for a superconducting coil
A method is disclosed for making a template for a superconducting coil on a former (25) from a sheet (23) of flexible biaxially-textured material having at least two joining edges, the surface texture of the sheet being defined by a plurality of grains, and the former having a substantially curved surface. The method comprises the steps of shaping the sheet so that each joining edge lies adjacent to another joining edge on application of the sheet to the former, each joining edge and its adjacent edge being a pair of edges, and so that the sheet is dimensioned to cover a part of the surface of the former and substantially to fit that part of the former; positioning the sheet on the former so that regions of the sheet either side of the pair of edges have substantially aligned grains; and forming a join between the pair of edges, the template thereby having a substantially continuous textured surface across the join. |
| US08745846B2 |
Method of manufacturing handheld medical devices including microwave amplifier unit
A method of manufacturing a medical device includes the initial steps of providing a handle assembly and providing a microwave-signal-amplifying module. The handle assembly includes a handle body defining a chamber therein. The handle body is configured to support an energy applicator at the distal end thereof. The microwave-signal-amplifying module includes a microwave amplifier unit adapted to amplify a high-frequency input signal to generate a high-frequency output signal. The microwave-signal-amplifying module includes one or more connector portions including one or more electrical connectors adapted to be removeably coupleable to one or more electrical conductors associated with the handle body. The method also includes the step of positioning the microwave-signal-amplifying module into the chamber to bring the one or more electrical connectors of the one or more connector portions into electrical engagement with one or more electrical connectors associated with the handle body. |
| US08745841B2 |
Aluminum bonding member and method for producing same
There is provided an aluminum bonding member capable of being simply and inexpensively produced and capable of being used as a cooling member having a high cooling power. The aluminum bonding member 10 has an aluminum member 12 of aluminum or an aluminum alloy exposed to the outside, and a tubular member 14 of a material which does not melt at a temperature close to the melting point of aluminum or the aluminum alloy. Both of the opening end portions of the tubular member 14 are open to the outside of the aluminum member 12. A portion of the tubular member 14 between the opening end portions extends in the aluminum member 12, and the outer peripheral surface of the portion of the tubular member 14 extending in the aluminum member 12 is bonded directly to the aluminum member 12. |
| US08745836B2 |
Pouch with a tube spout fitment
A process for placing a tube spout fitment within a flexible pouch container is provided. The process can include providing a front panel and a back panel, each panel having a top edge, a side edge, and a bottom edge. In addition, the front panel can also have an aperture. A fitment having a fitment base and a spout extending from the fitment base is provided and placed through the aperture using a plate with a channel and a channel stop. |
| US08745835B2 |
Lock striker alignment check fixture
A door lock striker alignment check fixture includes a check fixture body having a tapered region engageable with a striker receiving slot of a door latch mechanism. The check fixture body defines an elongated slot for receiving a door striker. The door lock striker alignment check fixture further includes a flange fixedly attached to the check fixture body, and which is engageable with an exterior surface of a vehicle door coupled to the door latch mechanism. The flange includes a contact surface that contacts the exterior surface of the vehicle door and which faces an insertion direction of the tapered region with respect to the striker receiving slot. |
| US08745834B2 |
Stator coil removal method
A method of removing a stator coil (10) from a stator core (12) of an electrical generator, including vibrating an unbonded portion (50) of the coil (10) until a resin bond material (32) between a bonded portion of the coil (46) and a surface (34) of the core (12) fails due to high cycle fatigue to free the coil (10) from the core (12). |
| US08745829B2 |
Closure for connecting straps of a garment
In the case of a closure for connecting two straps of an item of clothing, in particular the wing end portions of the back band of a bra, on one of which is arranged an overall female closure part, there is provided a plurality of female closure elements that form at least one row, and on the other of which is arranged an overall male closure part, which includes at least two male closure elements that can be moved into force-fitting/form-fitting engagement with female closure elements from one row of the female closure part. The closure elements are arranged in each case on a preferably textile base strip, which is rectangular in basic form, acts as a carrier and serves for fastening the respective closure parts on their associated band wing ends, which overlap in their end regions in the closed configuration. |
| US08745801B2 |
Gangway construction having a guiding assembly with pulley wheels and guiding cables
A gangway construction 1 for providing access between a vessel 3 and an offshore object 33 comprises a support frame 2 and a movably guided gangway 10. A guiding assembly comprises an upper and lower rotatable pulley wheel 5, 6. A first cable 8 is connected to the frame or the gangway at a forward and backward connecting position 16, 17 and extends in a longitudinal direction between this forward and backward connecting position. With this the first cable 8 extends from its forward connecting position 16 towards the lower pulley wheel 6, is guided in for example a counter clockwise direction along at least part of the circumference of the lower pulley wheel 6 and in for example a clockwise direction over at least part of the circumference of the upper pulley wheel 5, and from the upper pulley wheel 5 extends towards its backward connecting position 17. |
| US08745795B2 |
Bedding component with fire-resistant laminate
Components, such as bedding components including mattresses are disclosed herein. The components include a first layer, a fire-resistant layer affixed to the first layer or an optional additional layer, and a fire-resistant sock. The first layer, the optional additional layer, and fire-resistant layer are disposed within the fire-resistant sock. |
| US08745794B1 |
Swaddling article
A method of swaddling a baby includes providing a blanket having a pair of spaced-apart sleeves attached to the blanket and a pair of leg openings that extend fully through the blanket. Each leg opening is located generally beneath a respective one of the sleeves. The method includes: positioning the baby generally between the spaced-apart sleeves; guiding a first arm of the baby into a first one of the spaced-apart sleeves; wrapping a first end flap of the blanket, adjacent to the first one of the spaced-apart sleeves, across the baby's chest; guiding a first leg of the baby, the first leg being on a side of the baby opposite to the first arm, through a first one of the leg openings, the first one of the leg openings being located generally beneath the first one of the spaced-apart sleeves; guiding a second arm of the baby into a second one of the spaced-apart sleeves; wrapping a second end flap of the blanket, adjacent to the second one of the spaced-apart sleeves, across the baby's chest; and guiding a second leg of the baby, the second leg being on a side of the baby opposite to the second arm, through a second one of the leg openings, the second one of the leg openings being located generally beneath the second one of the spaced-apart sleeves. |
| US08745791B1 |
Patient lifter
A patient lifter is provided which includes a pair of side members with a patient support extending therebetween. Arcuate front supports extend from a first end of each side member and the inside bend of each arcuate front support generally faces the patient support. A handle at a second end of the side members facilitates a lift. As the lift begins, a first mechanical advantage is effected by the patient being relatively close to a fulcrum of the lifter. Large vertical travel by the lifting force results in relatively little vertical travel by the patient. As the lift progresses, and the one doing the lift is in a better position to exert additional lifting force, the fulcrum shifts to provide a second, lower, mechanical advantage, but the patient moves further in the vertical direction relative to the vertical travel of the handle. |
| US08745785B2 |
Siderail mechanism
A person-support apparatus comprises a frame, a person support assembly, and a siderail. The person-support assembly is coupled to the frame and is configured to rotate about a first rotational axis with respect to the frame between a first position and a second position. The siderail is movably coupled to the person support assembly and configured to move therewith. The siderail is in a first angular orientation with respect to the frame when the person support assembly is in the first position and in a second angular orientation with respect to the frame when the person support assembly is in the second position. The first angular orientation is substantially the same as the second angular orientation. |
| US08745784B2 |
Mattress system
There is described a mattress system (20) comprising a mattress, an airflow driving device (14) and a heat adjustment unit (28). The mattress has a mattress cover (24) enclosing an internal mattress (10) such that a mattress air chamber is formed between the internal mattress and the mattress cover. The airflow driving device is in fluid communication with the mattress air chamber via an air chamber inlet and an air chamber outlet. The airflow driving device is operable to drive an airflow through the mattress air chamber from the air chamber inlet to the air chamber outlet. The heat adjustment unit is for heating or cooling the airflow so as to control a temperature of the airflow within the mattress air chamber. There is also described a mattress. In addition, there is described an apparatus for providing a temperature-controlled airflow through a mattress air chamber connected to the apparatus. |
| US08745782B2 |
Portable hammock
A portable, reversibly-extensible hammock has a foldable structure for supporting a substantially planar support surface. The hammock can be folded for transportation or storage, and can be shifted to an extended configuration to create a rectangular structure similar to a cot or hammock frame. A dual-purpose tensioning strap joins the support surface to the foldable structure and increases the structural integrity of the structure by urging top portions of leg members toward a center point of the rectangular structure. |
| US08745780B2 |
Baby crib
A baby crib includes a support frame having a lower portion and an upper portion, and a bassinet connected with the upper portion of the support frame. The bassinet includes an enclosure substantially surrounding an inner space of the bassinet adapted to receive a baby, the enclosure being upwardly opened and having a sidewall provided with a side opening communicating with the inner space, and a movable board disposed at a bottom of the bassinet and adapted to support the weight of the baby placed thereon. The board is operable to slide through the side opening between a first position where the board and the baby placed thereon lie inside the inner space, and a second position where the board extends outward through the side opening so that the board and the baby placed thereon lie substantially outside the inner space. |
| US08745779B2 |
R bed roll in-bed patient-positioning and manipulation systems
An in-bed patient-positioning and manipulation system for moving patients within their bed. The in-bed patient-positioning and manipulation system comprises: a conveyor sheet; at least one housing unit having, a roller located therein comprising a shaft; at least one gearing cluster; a power source; and a remote. The conveyor sheet is connected to the roller(s) with the roller(s) being housed within inner volume(s) of the housing unit. The two housing units are mounted under each end of a hospital (or other) bed. There is one long sheet, which is rolled and sequentially stored in the housing units and along the upper surface of the bed. The sheet will retract back once the control on the included remote is pressed. Further, the conveyor sheet is able to be rolled and unrolled to manipulate a relative position of a patient residing in the bed. |
| US08745778B2 |
Fully articulable curtain rod
Adjustable shower curtain rod designs for providing a shower curtain rod that allows the wet, inner-stall facing side of a shower curtain to be quickly and easily rotated up to 360 degrees. This rotation allows the wet, inner-stall facing side of the shower curtain to be positioned so that it faces out into the room rather than facing the shower stall. This facilitates faster and easier drying of the wet, inner-stall facing side of the shower curtain due to improved airflow and the lower humidity of the room. These features facilitate ease of cleaning and/or inspecting of the shower curtain, while also reducing the opportunity for mold, mildew and bacteria to grow on the curtain as the shower curtain has an improved drying time. |
| US08745774B2 |
Drop-in chlorinator for portable spas
An oxidizer generating apparatus comprising a cylindrical housing and an electrode assembly attached at one end of the housing comprising at least three vertically disposed electrodes, the electrodes being spaced apart so as to define a water flow path between them, the electrodes comprising titanium outer electrodes and at least one inner diamond electrode. |
| US08745772B2 |
Discharge valve apparatus and rinse water tank apparatus fitted therewith
A discharge valve apparatus has control cylinder members for controlling the flow of rinse water flowing out from a reservoir tank discharge port, on which opening portions are formed, and flow-adjusting members attached to these control cylinder members are capable of adjusting the opening surface area of opening portions in the control cylinder member. Female engaging portions in the control cylinder member are arrayed approximately vertically, and are furnished with registration indentations for registering the attachment positions of adjusting members relative to the control cylinder members. Intervals within the registration indentations are set to be smaller than a width of an installer's finger to prevent release of engagement by an installer when the adjusting member male engaging portions are in a state of engagement with the female engaging portions of the control cylinder members. |
| US08745770B2 |
Head suspension having transition arms and rear support
A head suspension includes a headband portion having a length and two transition arms. Each transition arm is coupled to the headband portion and extends away from the headband portion length at an angle greater than zero degrees. Each transition arm has a distal end and a pivot at the distal end. The pivot characterized by a pivot point and a rear support portion is pivotally connected to each pivot. |
| US08745768B1 |
Concealed smartphone pocket
A concealed safety pocket in a garment for securely carrying a smart phone and a method for making same. The safety pocket provides a separate storage place for carrying a smart phone where it can be found quickly, a user knowing exactly the place where the smart phone is. The smart phone is stored on a user's person and can be easily heard and answered, the safety pocket providing quick access to the smart phone. The separate safety pocket protects the smart phone from scratches from coins and keys. The safety pocket has a closure that prevents the smart phone from sliding out or falling out of a pocket, but providing quick access through the easily opened closure. The safety pocket attaches to a waistband and an open side seam, the closure of the pocket completing the side seam. |
| US08745765B1 |
Chainsaw protective chaps
Protective chaps to provide protection against chainsaw cuts and, optionally, poisonous snake bites has a woven cloth-like shell lined by a layer of polyester/aramid fiber and, optionally, a partial layer of a woven material, all enclosed by an inside thin polyester fabric. The combination of zippers and hook-and-loop fasteners provides a dual fastener system that protects against freeze up and clogging of exposed zippers and may include alternate connections to provide two different tubular leg sizes. |
| US08745763B2 |
Helmet
There is provided a helmet including a shield having inner coupling holes at both ends thereof and fitted and coupled to an assembly coupling hole of a shield coupling assembly provided at a helmet main body and a front opening configured to be opened and closed by the shield. The helmet includes: a lock supporting member fixed to the helmet main body; and a locker including a shield mounting portion fixed to the shield, a coupling shaft coupled to be rotated with the shield mounting portion at an end of the locker, and a locker hooking part coupled to or decoupled from the lock supporting member at the other end of the locker. |
| US08752209B2 |
Information processing apparatus
An information processing apparatus (100) is provided with a memory unit (130) for storing digital broadcast content for which a number of copies that can be made is set, a writing unit (160, 162) for writing the content on external recording medium, an IC medium reader/writer (150) for reading an IC medium (300) and recording the number of copies that can be made of the content on the IC medium (300) in association with an identifier of the content, and a control unit (170) for determining whether an identifier of the content is recorded on the IC medium (300) when the content is copied to the external recording medium and, when it is determined that the identifier is recorded, controlling the writing unit (160, 162) to write the content on external recording medium (210, 220) as well as controlling the IC medium reader/writer (150) to update the number of copies that can be made of the content. |
| US08752204B2 |
Identifying and redacting privileged information
Systems and methods for identifying and redacting privileged information automatically in electronic discovery documents such as emails are disclosed. In reviewing documents for discovery review, some documents have both privileged and non-privileged information. Significant cost savings are achieved in conducting electronic discovery by automatically identifying and redacting privileged content while preserving non-privileged information for production. |
| US08752203B2 |
System for managing computer data security through portable data access security tokens
A secure data storage system for controlling access having a data user facility, a data owner facility and a data storage facility, wherein a third party data holder managing the data storage facility grants the data user access to the data without knowing the identities of the data user or data owner. |
| US08752201B2 |
Apparatus and method for managing digital rights through hooking a kernel native API
Provided are an apparatus and method for managing digital rights. An agent unit manages application programs to which DRM is to be applied and rights to contents processed by the application programs to which DRM is to be applied, and encrypt and decrypt the contents processed by the application programs. A rights management unit authenticates a user and manages a user right to the contents processed by the application programs. A kernel API hooking unit monitors input/output of a file through hooking kernel native APIs, requests the rights management unit to verify the user right to the contents to be processed, and requests the agent unit to encrypt or decrypt the contents when the user right to the contents to be processed is verified. |
| US08752198B2 |
Virtual write protection system
An optical medium containing virtual write protect information can be recorded in drives and systems without first changing the write protection from on to off by receiving valid user input The virtual write protection may also be enabled or disabled by additional information on the disc. |
| US08752192B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and computer program product
Whether a combination method defined in an output rule satisfies a combination condition of each content specified in a play list is judged in order of priority defined in a priority list. Based on the judgment result, the output rule is edited in such a manner that the combination condition of each content specified in the play list is satisfied. The resources of the combination target contents specified in the play list are combined in accordance with the combination method of the edited output rule. |
| US08752189B2 |
Resource management system and corresponding method
The invention provides a secure and efficient resource management system and a corresponding method for managing resources of a product that is put on the market by a licensor via a distribution chain. In particular, the number of keys needed for managing said resources can be reduced. At the time that the product is released to the market the exact licensing conditions of the product need not be known yet. The licensing conditions and the associated configuration of resources of the product are managed via a second key which is provided to a licensee. The licensee, however, has no knowledge of the first key and the derivation function which generates said second key based on the first key. Therefore, it is ensured that the licensee cannot claim more resources of the product than the licensor allows. |
| US08752188B2 |
Apparatus and method for forensic marking of digital content
Provided are an apparatus and method for forensic marking of digital content. The apparatus includes a forensic marker configured to generate first content by inserting a first binary forensic mark in original content and second content by inserting a second binary forensic mark in the original content, and when a content service request is generated, combine the first content and the second content on the basis of information about a user who has requested the content service and thereby generate third content in which a forensic mark corresponding to the user information is inserted, a content database configured to store the first and second content, and a transceiver configured to transmit the third content. |
| US08752184B1 |
Spam detection for user-generated multimedia items based on keyword stuffing
A system, a method, and various software tools enable a video hosting website to automatically identify posted video items that contain spam in the metadata associated with a respective video item. A spam detection tool for user-generated video items based on keyword stuffing is provided that facilitates the detection of spam in the metadata associated with a video item. |
| US08752179B2 |
System and method for removal of malicious software from computer systems and management of treatment side-effects
Removing malware from a computer system. An inspection module obtains an inspection log representing operational history of the operating system and the application programs of the computer system. The inspection log is analyzed to detect a presence of any malware on the computer system. A treatment scenario is generated that defines a plurality of actions to be executed for removing any malware present on the computer system, as detected in the analyzing. The treatment scenario is generated based on the information contained in the inspection log and on a knowledge base of malware removal rules. The generated treatment scenario is evaluated to assess the actions defined in the generated treatment scenario that are associated with a risk of damaging the operating system or the application programs of the computer system. A modified treatment scenario can be created to reduce the risk in response to an assessment of the risk. |
| US08752178B2 |
Blacklisting and whitelisting of security-related events
A disclosed computer-implemented method includes receiving and indexing the raw data. Indexing includes dividing the raw data into time stamped searchable events that include information relating to computer or network security. Store the indexed data in an indexed data store and extract values from a field in the indexed data using a schema. Search the extracted field values for the security information. Determine a group of security events using the security information. Each security event includes a field value specified by a criteria. Present a graphical interface (GI) including a summary of the group of security events, other summaries of security events, and a remove element (associated with the summary). Receive input corresponding to an interaction of the remove element. Interacting with the remove element causes the summary to be removed from the GI. Update the GI to remove the summary from the GI. |
| US08752176B2 |
System and method for server-coupled application re-analysis to obtain trust, distribution and ratings assessment
A system and method for preventing malware, spyware and other undesirable applications from affecting mobile communication devices uses a server to assist in identifying and removing undesirable applications. When scanning an application, a device transmits information about the application to a server for analysis. The server receives the information, produces a characterization assessment and can also provide a characterization re-assessment for the application, or data object, and transmits the assessment to the device. By performing analysis on a server, the invention allows a device to reduce the battery and performance cost of protecting against undesirable applications. The server transmits notifications to devices that have installed applications that are discovered to be undesirable. The server can accumulate this data and then perform a characterization re-assessment of a data object it has previously assessed to provide an assessment based upon one of trust, distribution and ratings information. |
| US08752171B2 |
Behavioral tracking system, method, and computer program product for undoing events based on user input
A behavioral tracking system, method, and computer program product are provided for undoing events based on user input. In use, a plurality of unclassified events is identified on a system utilizing behavioral tracking. Additionally, input associated with at least one of the unclassified events is received from a user of the system for classifying the at least one of the unclassified events as an unwanted event. Further, the at least one unwanted event is undone in response to the receipt of the input. |
| US08752165B2 |
Provisioning secrets in an unsecured environment
A method and apparatus for generating provisioning data to provision a device are described. A provisioning bundle is validated according to a relationship between a configuration and a bundle sequence number identifying the provisioning bundle. A provisioning request includes a device hardware identifier identifying the device. An authorization for the provisioning request is determined for generating provisioning data including the provisioning bundle personalized by the device hardware identifier for the device. |
| US08752164B2 |
Language independent login
The present invention prevents illegitimate access to a user computing machine. A method in accordance with an embodiment includes: setting an authentication routine in the user computing machine; generating a virtual keyboard on the user computing machine; entering a user identification through the virtual keyboard, the user identification being entered according to a virtual keyboard form factor; comparing the entered user identification with a secure user identification previously stored in the user computing machine; and validating the user access to the user computing machine if a match occurs, otherwise denying access. |
| US08752163B2 |
Method for authorizing a program sequence
A method for authorizing a program sequence provides, despite centralization and the associated high latency and optionally faulty communication, an undisturbed program sequence accompanied by protection of base functionalities. Data of the program sequence may be maintained in various provided states, and at least one instruction of the program sequence which accesses the data is maintained in different, functionally equivalent implementations. The set of the state indices of the provided states and the multiset form a directed acyclic (multi)graph, wherein the provided states form the nodes, and the implementations of the instruction form the edges and/or multiple edges, of the graph. |
| US08752162B2 |
Secure sharing of transport layer security session keys with trusted enforcement points
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to security enforcement point operability in a TLS secured communications path and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and computer program product for the secure sharing of TLS session keys with trusted enforcement points. In one embodiment of the invention, a method for securely sharing TLS session keys with trusted enforcement points can be provided. The method can include conducting a TLS handshake with a TLS client to extract and decrypt a session key for a TLS session with the TLS client traversing at least one security enforcement point. The method further can include providing the session key to a communicatively coupled key server for distribution to the at least one security enforcement point. Finally, the method can include engaging in secure communications with the TLS client over the TLS session. |
| US08752159B2 |
Information processing apparatus, verification system, control method of verification system, program of control method of verification system, and storage medium
An information processing apparatus employing user access authorization management verifies user access authorization using a portable storage medium storing identification (ID) information for the portable storage medium and user verification information registered in the information processing apparatus while including the portable storage medium ID as verified ID information for the portable storage medium. The information processing apparatus includes a processor to conduct generating ticket information including read portable storage medium ID; transmitting the generated ticket information to a designated issuee; receiving a request to update the ID information for the portable storage medium; obtaining the generated ticket information and the ID information for a new portable storage medium; verifying authenticity of the obtained ticket information; and updating the portable storage medium ID, included in the user verification information registered, with the ID information for the new portable storage medium when the authenticity of the obtained ticket information is verified. |
| US08752158B2 |
Identity management with high privacy features
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to identity technology. In aspects, a user device sends a request for access to a service. In response, the service directs the user device to a user agent that may be downloaded or that may already exist on the user device. The user agent includes code that executes on the user device to create a security boundary. The security boundary controls transmission of identity information that may be used to identify a user of the device. |
| US08752150B2 |
System and method for information handling system multi-level authentication for backup services
Access to backup information, such as at network attached storage compliant with NDMP, is managed by interfacing a backup authentication mechanism with a primary authentication system and responding to requests for backup information according to permissions defined by the primary authentication system. A data management application requests access to backup information with an NDMP MD5 hash and includes a domain name and password for an LDAP or AD authentication through a pluggable authentication module. Access to backup information is provided based upon the permissions associated with the domain of the primary authentication mechanism. |
| US08752149B2 |
Device for sharing anonymized information, and method for sharing anonymized information
A device (300s) has an authentication ID generator (320) for applying a first one-way function to a combination of a process password and information to be shared, and generating an authentication ID; an anonymizer (330) for generating anonymized information from the authentication ID and the information to be shared; an information sharing section (340) for causing the anonymized information to be held on another device; and an anonymized information process requesting section (350) for sending a process request containing the process password, and requesting the other device to subject the held anonymized information to a predetermined process, the request being sent on the basis of a match between the authentication ID of the anonymized information and the result of the first one-way function being applied to the combination of the process password and the anonymized information held on the other device. |
| US08752143B2 |
Method and apparatus for token-based reassignment of privileges
According to one embodiment, an apparatus may monitor a session that facilitates a user's access to a resource. The user may be granted a privilege associated with accessing the resource. The apparatus may detect a change associated with the privilege granted to the user in at least one token of a plurality of tokens. The apparatus may then communicate a token that represents the change, and receive a risk token associated with the token. The apparatus may then determine to revoke the privilege based on the risk token, and generate a second token that represents the determination to revoke the privilege. The apparatus may then communicate the second token to facilitate the revoking of the privilege. |
| US08752142B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer program products for adapting the security measures of a communication network based on feedback
An adaptable network security system includes trust mediator agents that are coupled to each network component. Trust mediator agents continuously detect changes in the security characteristics of the network and communicate the detected security characteristics to a trust mediator. Based on the security characteristics received from the trust mediator agents, the trust mediator adjusts security safeguards to maintain an acceptable level of security. Trust mediator also uses predetermined rules in determining whether to adjust security safeguards. Despite inevitable changes in security characteristics, an acceptable level of security and efficient network operation are achieved without subjecting users of the network to over burdensome security safeguards. |
| US08752135B2 |
Notifications in a credential production system
A credential production system includes a credential production device and a computing device in communication with the credential production device. The computing device receives a credential production event from the credential production device. The computing device applies a pre-defined set of rules to the credential production event to determine if the credential production event violates any of the pre-defined set of rules. The computing device performs an action if the credential production event violates at least one of the pre-defined set of rules. |
| US08752133B2 |
Security control system and method for personal communication terminals
A security control system for personal communication terminals includes: a terminal registration agent for registering information on a personal communication terminal of a worker or visitor present within a security area into a terminal security control server and a zone notification node for providing the information of the personal communication terminal that has entered a control zone covered by the zone notification node in the security area when the personal communication terminal moves to the control zone. The system further includes the terminal security control server for installing a security control software module in the personal communication terminal, configuring computing resources and components permitted within the control zone based on a security control policy and zone information, and providing the configured computing resources and components to the personal communication terminal. |
| US08752128B2 |
Rule-based application access management
A container that manages access to protected resources using rules to intelligently manage them includes an environment having a set of software and configurations that are to be managed. A rule engine, which executes the rules, may be called reactively when software accesses protected resources. The engine uses a combination of embedded and configurable rules. It may be desirable to assign and manage rules per process, per resource (e.g. file, registry, etc.), and per user. Access rules may be altitude-specific access rules. |
| US08752125B2 |
Authentication method
There is disclosed an authentication method comprising requesting a user of a personal mobile terminal to enter a personal code into a personal mobile terminal in response to receipt of an authentication request transmitted to the personal mobile terminal, the authentication request being related to an action that requires user authentication, and processing an entered personal code together with challenge data corresponding to the authentication request to determine whether one or more predetermined conditions are met and, if one or more predetermined conditions are met, producing a valid and signed authentication code that the user can provide in order to authenticate the action. |
| US08752123B2 |
Apparatus and method for performing data tokenization
According to one embodiment, an apparatus may receive a first data token indicating a request for data associated with the resource, a subject token indicating that at least one form of authentication has been completed, and a network token indicating that at least one form of encryption has been performed. The apparatus may determine at least one token-based rule based at least in part upon the first data token, the subject token, and the network token. The apparatus may determine, based at least in part upon the at least one token-based rule, that a second data token representing the data should be generated. The apparatus may generate a message indicating the determination that the second data token should be generated and then transmit the message. |
| US08752120B2 |
Digital broadcasting receiving apparatus and method for controlling the same
A choice specifying unit 500 specifies, as displayable subtitles, standard subtitles which a subtitle processing unit 300 can decode using a standard function, and expanded subtitles which the subtitle processing unit 300 can decode by an application processing unit 900 executing character expansion applications that can be obtained from data broadcasting. A user interface unit 200 displays a subtitle switching screen on a monitor 30 as a user interface which can present the specified displayable subtitles as choices of switchable subtitles when a user presses a “Subtitle” button, and in the subtitle switching screen the user can select one subtitle out of the presented choices as a subtitle to be superimposed on an image. |
| US08752115B2 |
System and method for aggregating commercial navigation information
The present invention provides for gathering and aggregating data related to the functionality of digital video recorders (DVRs) and transmitting updated instructions to the DVRs. During its operation, a DVR gathers data that is relevant to the detection of commercials such as luminance values, commercial patterns, and user input and stores this information in its internal storage. A central server receives updated instructions from administrators and generates new instructions in response to data aggregated from individual DVRs. The central server transmits the updated instructions to remote DVRs. |
| US08752109B2 |
Method for receiving a broadcast signal and broadcast receiver
A method of receiving a broadcast signal including a Non-Real-Time (NRT) service and a broadcast receiver are disclosed herein. A method of receiving a broadcast signal including an NRT service, method comprises receiving a broadcast signal including first signaling information and second signaling information, identifying the NRT service based on the first signaling information, identifying an Internet Protocol (IP) address of an NRT service signaling data based on the first signaling information and the second signaling information, receiving the NRT service signaling data by accessing the IP address, and downloading a desired NRT service based on the NRT service signaling data. |
| US08752103B2 |
Personal television channel and system and method thereof
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to transmit to a media source a request to access media content of a personal television (TV) channel composed by a subscriber of a media communication system, transmit to the media source a communication identifier, and receive from the media source media content in the personal TV channel adapted according to the communication identifier. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08752099B2 |
Method and apparatus for network content download and recording
Methods and apparatus for providing content to users of a network that can be selectively recorded via the user's equipment. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network, and on-demand (OD) sessions are used to provide high-speed download of the requested content to the users. The user's equipment (e.g., set-top box) is equipped with a high-density recording device which can both record the content onto a selected medium (e.g., DVD) and optionally provide copyright protection via one or more means such as limiting the number of copies that can be made, and/or digital watermarking. The network operator can also restrict the establishment of the on-demand sessions and/or release of the content to subscribers based on parameters including prior purchase of the content by the user, and the timing of the release of the same content via other distribution channels such as rental and retail. |
| US08752097B2 |
Method and apparatus for distributing media
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media distribution device having a support structure adapted for removably receiving a server module, a plurality of encoders, and an Internet Protocol (IP) router module; and a bus adapted for placing the server module, the plurality of video encoders, and the IP router module in communication with each other, where the server module is adapted to receive media content, where the plurality of video encoders is adapted to generate a plurality of encoded media contents from the media content and the video encoders generate the encoded media contents in temporal proximity to each other, where the IP router module is adapted to distribute the plurality of encoded media contents over an IP network. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08752094B2 |
Systems and methods for video-rich navigation
Methods and systems are disclosed that provide a user with efficient video-rich navigation (VRN) of media assets in an interactive media guidance application, such as an interactive program guide. A user can select a displayed video asset and perform an action on the selectable video asset, for example, using a remote control. The manner in which the video assets are displayed and the actions enabled for the particular video assets are defined by screen data transmitted to the user equipment in a VRN data feed. |
| US08752093B2 |
System and method of providing recommendations related to a service system
A method of providing recommendations related to a service is disclosed and includes receiving data from a device associated with a service subscriber, the data identifying an individual. The method also includes creating a personalization profile associated with the service subscriber. The personalization profile is populated with information included in a profile of the identified individual. The method further includes providing at least one recommendation based on the personalization profile of the service subscriber. |
| US08752084B1 |
Television advertisement monitoring system
The present invention discloses systems for monitoring advertisements. A system for monitoring advertisements in a broadcast television channel in accordance with the present invention comprises a sound level monitor for monitoring an audio level of a first broadcast television channel, a data tagger, coupled to the sound level monitor, for tagging a start and an end of an advertisement segment within the first broadcast television channel, and a receiver, wherein when the receiver is first tuned to the first broadcast channel and then tuned to a second broadcast channel, an on-screen display is displayed on a monitor displaying the second broadcast channel, the OSD being displayed when the end of the advertisement segment within the first broadcast channel occurs. |
| US08752083B2 |
Integration of an interactive advertising unit containing a fully functional virtual object and digital media content
Described are methods and apparatuses for dynamic integration and presentation of advertising content and media content. A server computing device receives a request for media content from a remote computing device. The server computing device provides, in response to the request, an interactive advertising unit which includes a first content layer with the requested media content and a media player, a second content layer with the advertising content, wherein the advertising content includes a virtual representation of an advertised product, and an integration module which displays the requested media content in the media player, displays the advertising content in the second content layer, wherein the virtual representation provides at least a portion of the functionality provided by the advertised product on which the virtual representation is based, and receives input associated with the functionality provided by the virtual representation from the remote computing device. |
| US08752081B2 |
Methods, systems and apparatus for multi-purpose metering
Methods and apparatus for multi-purpose metering are disclosed. An example method includes acquiring a rate of data transfer to/from the monitored location and comparing the acquired rate of data transfer to a threshold. The example method also includes setting at least one media monitoring device in a first bandwidth mode when the acquired rate of data transfer exceeds the threshold, and setting the at least one media monitoring device in a second bandwidth mode when the acquired rate of data transfer is below the threshold. |
| US08752079B2 |
Optical disc drive including spindle motor assembly
Provided is an optical disc drive including a tray on which a spindle motor assembly is mounted. The spindle motor assembly may include a turntable, a conductive plate to which a motor is fixed, a frame to which the conductive plate is fixed, a flat cable that is connected to the spindle motor and includes a ground line, and a first coupling member that passes through the flat cable and the conductive plate and is coupled to the frame. |
| US08752078B1 |
Objective lens driving unit, and optical pickup device and optical disc drive including the objective lens driving unit
Provided is an objective lens driving unit that includes a moving structure including an objective lens and a driving coil, a yoke and a fixed portion extending from the yoke, and a wire holder that has a first surface and a second surface that is adjacent to the first surface. The fixed portion of the yoke is integrally bonded to the first surface, and a terminal unit comprising a plurality of interconnection layers is embedded on the second surface. The objective lens driving unit also includes a plurality of suspension wires that connect the driving coil to the terminal unit of the wire holder. |
| US08752076B2 |
Disk device
A lift frame supports a turntable unit, and moves between a lower-most position and a read/write position in conjunction with slide movement of a follower slider. The follower slider has a pressing member and a cam groove. Pressed to a bottom plate of a device chassis by a coil spring, the pressing member stabilizes the movement of the follower slider. The cam groove fits onto a lifting pin of the lift frame. At the read/write position, the cam bottom wall is constituted of a pin pushing portion. The pin pushing portion is pushed upward by the coil spring to press the lifting pin to a cam groove upper wall when the lift frame is in the read/write position. |
| US08752075B1 |
Method for data transport
A method is provided for communicating data between a first process and a second process. A set of inter-process functions of the first and second processes is determined. The set includes one or more functions of the first and second processes that are accessible by the other one of the first and second processes. An API definition file is generated. The API definition file includes a plurality of objects that each define a request to execute one or more inter-process functions of the set of inter-process functions. In response to input to the first process indicating a plurality of the inter-process functions, the plurality of inter-process functions are serialized according to the API definition file. The serialized set of functions is provided to the second process, using an FFI process, and deserialized according to the API definition file. |
| US08752074B2 |
Scripting of soap commands
A computer-implemented method processes a simple object access protocol (SOAP) command. The method includes interpreting an XML script to perform a function contained in the XML script, the XML script containing the SOAP command, parsing the SOAP command from the XML script, and passing the SOAP command to a SOAP interpreter for execution. |
| US08752073B2 |
Generating event definitions based on spatial and relational relationships
Data from one or more sensors are used to detect an event corresponding to an activity by a person. The detection of the event is then used to loosely model the event to produce an initial event definition. The initial event definition is used in searching historical sensor data to detect other prospective occurrences of the event. Based on the detection of these additional occurrences, the event definition is refined to produce a more accurate event definition. The resulting refined event definition can then be used with current sensor data to accurately detect when the activity is being carried out. For example, the activity may be the use of a video imaging device for cheating, and a casino can use the refined event definition with video imaging to detect when people are using the video imaging device for such purposes. |
| US08752063B2 |
Programming interface for data communications
In embodiments of a programming interface for data communications, a request queue and a completion queue can be allocated from a user-mode virtual memory buffer that corresponds to an application. The request queue and the completion queue can be pinned to physical memory and then mapped to kernel-mode system addresses so that the request queue and the completion queue can be accessed by a kernel-mode execution thread. A request can be received from an application for the kernel to handle data in the request queue, and a system issued to the kernel for the kernel-mode execution thread to handle the request. The kernel-mode execution thread can then handle additional requests from the application without additional system calls being issued. |
| US08752061B2 |
Resource allocation within multiple resource providers based on the incoming resource request and the expected state transition of the resource requesting application, and selecting a resource provider based on the sum of the percentage of the resource provider currently used, the requesting load as a percentage of the resource provider's total resource, and the additional load imposed by the expected state of the requesting application as a percentage of the resource provider's total resource
A device receives a request for an amount of a resource. It determines for each resource provider in a set of resource providers a current load, a requested load corresponding to the requested amount of the resource, and an additional load corresponding to an expected state of an application. It determines for each of the resource providers an expected total load on the basis of the current load, the requested load, and the additional load. It subsequently selects from the set of resource providers a preferred resource provider on the basis of the expected total loads. The resource may be one of the following: memory, processing time, data throughput, power, and usage of a device. |
| US08752059B2 |
Computer data processing capacity planning using dependency relationships from a configuration management database
The invention discloses a computer data processing capacity planning system that utilizes known workload planning information along with hardware and/or software configuration information from the actual operating environment to accurately estimate the production system capacity available for use in carrying out one or more processing task(s). |
| US08752049B1 |
Method and computer readable medium for providing checkpointing to windows application groups
A computer readable medium and method providing checkpointing to Windows application groups, the computer readable medium having computer-executable instructions for execution by a processing system. The computer-executable instructions may be for launching an application and creating one or more application threads, receiving a checkpoint signal by an application thread, and entering a checkpoint Asynchronous Procedure Call (APC) handler at IRQL APC_LEVEL, the APC handler disposed in a kernel module, acquiring an ETHREAD block and user-mode context for the application thread, and examining an execution state of the one or more application threads at a time of the checkpoint signal. |
| US08752047B2 |
Automated management of virtual machines to process untrusted data based on client policy information
Approaches for transferring data to a client by safely receiving the data in or more virtual machines. In response to the client determining that digital content, originating from an external source, is to be received or processed by the client, the client identifies, without human intervention, one or more virtual machines, executing or to be executed on the client, into which the digital content is to be stored. In doing so, the client may consult policy data to determine a placement policy, a containment policy, and a persistence policy for any virtual machine to receive the digital content. In this way, digital content, such as executable code or interpreted data, of unknown trustworthiness may be safely received by the client without the possibility of any malicious code therein from affecting any undesirable consequence upon the client. |
| US08752046B2 |
Virtual calculating machine system, virtual calculating machine control apparatus and virtual calculating machine control method
A first device that implements one or more first virtual machines and a second device that implements one or more second virtual machines are communicatively connected. The first device notifies the second device being a communication-connection-destination of the first appliance that the first appliance has been connected to the first device. The first device transmits first data received from the second device to the first appliance, and transmits second data received from the first appliance to the second device. The second device notifies the second virtual machine that the first appliance has been connected when the connection is permitted. The second device transmits data received from the first device to the second virtual machine and transmits data received from the second virtual machine to the first device. |
| US08752045B2 |
Methods and apparatus for using tags to control and manage assets
By implementing various types of tags, easy management and control of assets in a business system is enabled. These assets may be virtual machines, hardware assets, personnel assets, etc. System tags are determined and associated with an asset automatically. Virtual tags and dynamic tags are tags that do not contain the information sought—rather, these tags contain instructions about how to determine the tag value associated with an asset. Management tags are user-entered tags indicating information about an asset based on the knowledge of an individual. These tags can be combined using Boolean algebraic operators, resulting in a tag-based algebra system, which enables a Tag-Based Query Language for searching a universe of assets based on the associated tags. Additionally, tag-based algebra enables access control based on tags associated with a user, assets in a universe of assets, and enables policies to be enforced in a universe of assets. |
| US08752044B2 |
User experience and dependency management in a mobile device
A method, system, and device supporting installation of updates to software and/or firmware in memory of an electronic device. The updates may be accompanied by advertising, promotional and information content that is dynamically displayed to a user during processing of the update in the electronic device. The update information may be automatically generated based upon a list of all software components or packages already present on the electronic device, and may comprise software components for all dependencies of an application being installed by the update that are not already present on the electronic device. |
| US08752041B2 |
Image forming apparatus and methods used in the image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus in which applications can be installed is provided, in which the image forming apparatus includes an application information obtaining part for obtaining application information that is used for determining whether an application is installable in the image forming apparatus. |
| US08752038B1 |
Reducing boot time by providing quantitative performance cost data within a boot management user interface
The performance of a boot sequence is improved by presenting the user with easy to read information concerning the performance cost of each boot time application, and allowing the user to remove processes from the boot sequence or uninstall them altogether. Processes associated with the boot sequence are identified, and their corresponding performance cost is determined as percentage of the performance cost of the entire boot sequence, or according to the time they take to execute. The identified processes and their associated performance costs are presented to the user, along with a user interface component for selecting processes to remove from the boot sequence and/or uninstall. Responsive to input from the user, selected processes are removed from the boot sequence and/or uninstalled as directed. |
| US08752037B2 |
System and method for promoting intellectual property
A method and system for the online promotion of intellectual property includes providing an Internet host station with at least one database that is connectable via the Internet to consumer stations and industry stations. The database includes a plurality of intellectual property items and a description of each intellectual property item. At least one of the intellectual property items is selected by a consumer station and the description associated with the selected intellectual property item is viewed at the consumer station. Portions of the description may be confidential and therefore not normally viewed at the consumer station. Feedback data is sent from the consumer station to the host station. The feedback data includes consumer opinion information of the selected intellectual property item based at least in part on the description of the selected intellectual property item. The feedback data is then accessed from an industry station to thereby determine the interest in the selected intellectual property item based on the consumer opinion. |
| US08752034B2 |
Memoization configuration file consumed at runtime
Memoization may be deployed using a configuration file or database that identifies functions to memorize, and in some cases, includes input and result values for those functions. As an application is executed, functions defined in the configuration file may be captured and memoized. During the first execution of the function, the return value may be captured and stored in the configuration file. For subsequent executions of the function, the return value may be stored in the configuration file. In some cases, the configuration file may be distributed with the return values to client computers. The configuration file may be created by one device and deployed to other devices in some deployments. |
| US08752032B2 |
System and method of interlocking to protect software-mediated program and device behaviours
Methods and devices for thwarting code and control flow based attacks on software. The source code of a subject piece of software is automatically divided into basic blocks of logic. Selected basic blocks are amended so that their outputs are extended. Similarly, other basic blocks are amended such that their inputs are correspondingly extended. The amendments increase or create dependencies between basic blocks such that tampering with one basic block's code causes other basic blocks to malfunction when executed. |
| US08752031B2 |
Compiling method and processor using the same
A compiling method and a processor using the same are provided. The compiling method includes simulating a first program code which includes at least one first operation command to generate a first operation result, compiling the first program code to generate a second program code which includes at least one second operation command, simulating the second program code to generate a second operation result, and comparing the first operation result with the second operation result to verify whether the second program code is valid. |
| US08752030B1 |
Process abstraction and tracking, systems and methods
The present invention is an abstraction layer that “hides” the complexity of underlying workflow engine and provides a unified application programming interface (API) to access underlying workflow functions. The abstraction layer of the present invention serves as a gateway between application flow logic and one or more workflow engines and allows an application to build flow implementation logic once and then be able to run on various workflow engines without significant code changes. The present invention also enables different workflow engines to run concurrently to support one application and without the need for applications to migrate or consolidate to one workflow engine. |
| US08752025B2 |
Protecting breakpoints in a software debugger
A debugger that includes a breakpoint protection mechanism that detects when the program being debugged has been modified to overwrite one or more instructions corresponding to existing breakpoints. When the debugger halts execution of a program being debugged, all of the set breakpoints are checked by determining whether the instruction corresponding to each breakpoint has changed. If any of the instructions corresponding to the breakpoints has changed, the corresponding breakpoint is removed. An optional warning may be provided to the user to inform the user of any removed breakpoints. |
| US08752017B2 |
Method and system for remote debug protocol proxying for production debugging; selective session and user routing for debugging in multi-tenant cloud computing infrastructure
A proxy server receives requests, and determines which application server of a cluster of servers to send the request. The determination may be based on a load balancing algorithm. The proxy server determines whether each request is a debug request. The proxy server send the debug request to a debug server, but blocks unsafe debug statements from reaching the debug server. |
| US08752015B2 |
Metadata merging in agent configuration files
A technique for updating agent software which controls an agent, including how the agent adds instrumentation to an application and how the agent process data from the instrumentation. A current configuration file and an updated configuration file are evaluated in view of rules, to create a merged configuration file. The files include metadata entries. The rules can include: delete a current configuration file, not merge a current configuration file with an updated configuration file, overwrite a current configuration file with an updated configuration file, delete a metadata entry, prefer an entry in the configuration file over a corresponding entry in the updated configuration file, and prefer an entry in the updated configuration file over the corresponding entry in the configuration file. Customized entries in the current configuration file can be maintained if appropriate. Entries which are not maintained are kept in the merged configuration file as inline comments for documentation. |
| US08752010B1 |
Dynamic interface synthesizer
A user interaction synthesizer is described in the context of an application program running on a computer system having diverse user interaction devices attached to it. The user interface for the application is dynamically designed and synthesized based on the states of individual application objects that are used by an interaction facilitator to traverse a framework of interaction elements and match situation variables to appropriate elements by a specialization process. Interaction elements are selected by the interaction facilitator to create an interaction space designed to satisfy the information needs of the current active objects in the application. Finally, a number of modules are used to convert the elements in the interaction space to generate a user interface as a function of the resources and devices available for the user. |
| US08752008B2 |
Lightweight service based dynamic binary rewriter framework
A sampling based DBR framework which leverages a separate core for program analysis. The framework includes a hardware performance monitor, a DBR service that executes as a separate process and a lightweight DBR agent that executes within a client process. The DBR service aggregates samples from the hardware performance monitor, performs region selection by deducing the program structure around hot samples, performs transformations on the selected regions (e.g. optimization), and generates replacement code. The DBR agent then patches the client process to use the replacement code. |
| US08752006B1 |
System and method and apparatus for automatically generating computer code for remote procedure calls
A system and method accepts source code for one or more procedures and, for those procedures flagged as being remotely callable, generates communication code and a description that allows the code to be remotely callable via a server using a variety of formats, such as conventional web services formats. |
| US08752005B2 |
Concept-oriented software engineering system and method for identifying, extracting, organizing, inferring and querying software system facts
Software system facts comprising concepts, concept instances and relationships within the software system are identified and stored in a repository. The software system facts are extracted from artifacts comprising the software system or are provided through explicit definition. Architectures of the software system are recovered from the stored software system facts. Layered views of the recovered architectures are generated. The stored software system facts are checked against architectural rules to ensure architectural compliance of the software system. The impact of proposed changes to the software system is assessed by querying the identified software system facts. |
| US08752001B2 |
System and method for developing a rule-based named entity extraction
A system and method for developing a rule-based named entity extraction system is provided. The method includes analyzing requirements of business users. The method further includes designing the rule-based named entity extraction system based on the requirement analysis. Further, the method includes implementing the design of rule-based named entity extraction system using one or more GUI-based tools. Thereafter, regression testing of the rule-based named entity extraction system is conducted. Finally, rule-based named entity extraction system is deployed. |
| US08752000B2 |
Portal for automated software installation and configuration
A portal is established between a software installer and a client to allow on-line management of a software implementation project. The installer of customizable software and the client may communicate through the portal to establish specifications for the software product. The software may be implemented by incorporating preconfigured software components into the software product. A portion of the preconfigured components may be modified based on the specifications of the client. The specifications may be identified by providing the client with a set-up wizard through the portal. The set-up wizard prompts the client for information and the software system may be configured based on logic generated in response to client input. |
| US08751999B2 |
Component placement tool for printed circuit board
In one embodiment, creating a layout for a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) by creating n boundary lines at n locations, respectively, on the PCB and placing n sets of electronic components on the n boundary lines, respectively; and iteratively adjusting and evaluating the layout of the PCB until a set of layout requirements for the PCB has been satisfied. |
| US08751997B1 |
Processing a fast speed grade circuit design for use on a slower speed grade integrated circuit
Up-binning a circuit design includes receiving a first bitstream specifying the circuit design. The circuit design meets a timing requirement for a first speed grade of a programmable integrated circuit. Using a processor, a first parameter of the first bitstream is determined. The first parameter is applied to a hardware netlist of the programmable integrated circuit resulting in a parameterized hardware netlist specifying the circuit design. A timing analysis is performed upon the parameterized hardware netlist. The process further includes determining, from the timing analysis, whether at least a portion of the parameterized hardware netlist meets the timing requirement when using timing data for a second speed grade of the programmable integrated circuit. The second speed grade is slower than the first speed grade. |
| US08751993B1 |
Element removal design in microwave filters
A method of designing a microwave filter using a computerized filter optimizer, comprises generating a filter circuit design in process (DIP) comprising a plurality of circuit elements having a plurality of resonant elements and one or more non-resonant elements, optimizing the DIP by inputting the DIP into the computerized filter optimizer, determining that one of the plurality of circuit elements in the DIP is insignificant, removing the one insignificant circuit element from the DIP, deriving a final filter circuit design from the DIP, and manufacturing the microwave filter based on the final filter circuit design. |
| US08751990B2 |
System for determining median values of video data
A system for determining the median of a plurality of data values comprises a plurality of field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), a plurality of inter FPGA links, an input router, a plurality of median modules, and a plurality of output transfer modules. Each FPGA includes a plurality of configurable logic elements and configurable storage elements from which the other components are formed. The inter FPGA link allows communication from one FPGA to another. The input router receives the plurality of data values and creates a plurality of data streams. The median module receives at least one data stream, increments a plurality of counters corresponding to a single data value within the range of data values, and determines the median by accumulating the contents of each counter. The output transfer module transfers the median to an external destination along with performance statistics of the determination of the median. |
| US08751987B2 |
Method of resistor matching in analog integrated circuit layout
A method of resistor matching in analog integrated circuit layout is disclosed. Shapes of mismatching resistor blocks are analyzed to obtain geometrical information for deforming the mismatching resistor blocks. The mismatching resistor blocks are deformed into centrosymmetrical blocks according to the obtained geometrical information, each mismatching resistor block being decomposed to a plurality of unit-resistors. The unit-resistors are placed into matching resistor blocks to return a resulting layout with improved matching quality by reducing centroid offset between a centroid of the unit-resistors and a centroid of the matching resistor block. |
| US08751985B1 |
Hierarchical layout versus schematic (LVS) comparison with extraneous device elimination
Hierarchical layout versus schematic comparison with extraneous device elimination is provided. This includes obtaining a hierarchical layout netlist for a circuit design, the hierarchical layout netlist grouping arrayed devices of the circuit design into blocks repeated at a top level of a hierarchy of the hierarchical layout netlist. A modified hierarchical layout netlist defining active devices and connections thereof to top level pads of the circuit design is generated, in which extraneous devices are selectively removed from the obtained hierarchical layout netlist. The modified hierarchical layout netlist is verified against an input schematic netlist defining active devices of the circuit design and connections thereof to pads of the circuit design. |
| US08751984B2 |
Method, system and computer program for hardware design debugging
A plurality of diagnosis methods are provided for enabling hardware debugging. A first diagnosis method enables hardware debugging by means of time abstraction. A second diagnosis method enables hardware debugging by means of abstraction and refinement. A third diagnosis method enables hardware debugging by means of QBF-formulation for replicated functions. A fourth diagnosis method enables hardware debugging by means of a max-sat debugging formulation. A system and computer program for implementing the diagnosis methods is also provide. |
| US08751983B1 |
Method for design partitioning at the behavioral circuit design level
A design partitioning method and apparatus includes an RTL reader module configured to receive, process, and parse hardware descriptive language of a circuit design; an expression graph module configured to trace identified signal dependencies to determine dependent elements along selected paths within the circuit design; a hierarchy flattener module configured to remove existing circuit design hierarchies based on the identified signal dependencies and determined dependent elements; a partition specification reader module that defines selected paths within the circuit design into a partition specification; a design partitioner module configured to separate the flattened circuit design hierarchy according to the partition specification; a re-partitioner module configured to create a second hierarchical circuit design structure based on the separated, flattened circuit design hierarchy that is behaviorally identical to the circuit design; and an RTL design write-out module configured to output the second hierarchical circuit design structure for analysis. |
| US08751979B1 |
Determining the gradient and Hessian of the image log slope for design rule optimization for accelerating source mask optimization (SMO)
The Hessian (second derivative) of the image log slope (ILS) can be quickly and accurately calculated without the need to use approximate methods from the gradient of the ILS with respect to mask transmission and source intensity. The Hessian has been traditionally calculated using a finite-difference approach. Calculating the Hessian through a finite-difference approach is slow and is an approximate method. The gradient of the ILS improves the speed of calculation of the Hessian, and thus accelerated SMO operation is realized. The results of ILS evaluation can be used in design for manufacturing (DFM) to suggest changes in the design rules to improve imaging. For a fixed illumination, this information can help remove forbidden pitches and help select design rules for 1-D and 2-D patterns on a mask design layout. |
| US08751973B2 |
Display method and system for portable device using external display device
A display system and method of a portable phone using an external display device are provided, in which application data is displayed, a user input information presentation mode is activated while the application data is displayed, and a user input information corresponding to a signal is presented on the application data, if the signal is input in the user input information presentation mode. |
| US08751972B2 |
Collaborative gesture-based input language
In one example, a method includes receiving, by a server, data representative of a group of gestures detected by the plurality of computing devices and data representative of one or more shortcuts associated with the group of gestures from a plurality of computing devices, wherein each shortcut corresponds to an action performed by at least one of the computing devices. The method may further include aggregating, by the server, the data representative of the gestures and the data representative of the associated shortcuts received from the plurality of computing devices based at least in part on detected similarities between at least one of 1) the group of gestures and 2) the associated shortcuts, and defining, by the server, a gesture-shortcut language based at least in part on the aggregated data. |
| US08751968B2 |
Method and system for providing a user interface for accessing multimedia items on an electronic device
A system and method for accessing multimedia items using an electronic device determines a set of first level categories based on multimedia items associated with the electronic device. The system determines second level category graphics and first level category graphics corresponding to the set of first level categories. The first level category graphics are generated based on one or more second level category graphics associated with the first level category. The system displays a first view that comprises some or all of the first level category graphics. In response to a user input selecting a particular first level category graphic, the system shows a second view that simultaneously displays first level category graphics and second level category graphics associated with the selected first level category. In response to a user input selecting a second level category, the system displays accesses a multimedia item associated with the selected second level category. |
| US08751961B2 |
Selection of presets for the visualization of image data sets
A computer-automated image visualization method for displaying images from an image data set comprising a plurality of image elements, each image element having an associated image value, including providing a visualization application with a library of presets, each preset defining a mapping between image values and their representation in a graphical user interface; loading an image data set from a data file containing the image data set; displaying an initial representation of the loaded image data set on a graphical user interface; receiving user input from a location in the representation to indicate a region of interest in the image data set; determining properties of image elements in the region of interest; making a list of potentially suitable presets from the library of presets based on the determined properties of the region of interest; and presenting the potentially suitable presets to the user for selection. |
| US08751958B2 |
System and method of integrating web-based graphical user interfaces with data from exterior sources
Commercially available applications which display information via a graphical user's interface can be supplemented with additional related information. The related information can be automatically extracted and overlaid on the information with the assistance of a pre-established ontology. |
| US08751955B2 |
Scrollbar user interface for multitouch devices
Two sliding user interactions along a display surface of a multitouch input display device are detected in approximately opposite directions proximate to a display location of a scroll element displayed on a graphical user interface (GUI) of the device. Available content displayed within the GUI is automatically zoomed based upon the detected two sliding user interactions along the display surface. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08751950B2 |
Capturing a user's intent in design software
A software program for use in designing interior and exterior spaces receives user input that is associated with one or more attributes. Subsequent user input, having other attributes, is resolved in light of the first input attributes to create a real-world depiction of design choices in real-time. For example, design choices that conflict with prior design choices are resolved (or modified as necessary) to ensure that each of the prior and present user input choices are represented in an appropriate way. The resolution by the design software is also used to create an accurate parts (and/or price) list so that when the user has completed the design of an exterior or interior space, the design can be submitted directly as an order to be fulfilled. Generally, continual resolution ensures that the user's design intent is captured in an accurate and efficient way in a user interface. |
| US08751949B2 |
Selectable variable speed controlled object movement
A technique for selectable variable speed for controlled object movement receives a selection of a point on an object being moved, using a selector, to form a selected point, calculates a displacement of the selected point from a center of the object being moved to form a displacement value, calculates a sensitivity value using the displacement value, calculates a movement speed using the sensitivity value, wherein a ratio of movement speed to displacement is configurable as a ratio that is inversely proportional to the distance from the center of the object being moved and provides movement speed information for object movement. |
| US08751946B2 |
Enhanced display of properties for a program object
A solution for managing a program object that generates an enhanced user interface for displaying properties of the program object is provided. A set of properties for the program object are obtained from the program object and/or deployment data for the program object. A property object that corresponds to the program object is also obtained. The property object defines a set of user interface attributes for the program object. The user interface then is generated based on the set of properties and the property object. As a result, a user interface that includes one or more features that makes it more user-friendly for a user can be generated. |
| US08751944B2 |
Communication system, communication apparatus, communication program, and computer-readable storage medium stored with the communication program
The client apparatus 1 is connected to a network and includes a communication packet reception unit 13 and a texture processing unit 18. The communication packet reception unit 13 receives image data, audio data, and image type information designating type of the image data, which are transmitted from another client apparatus connected to the network. The texture processing unit 18 renders an image for the received image data. Moreover, the texture processing unit 18 subjects the image for the image data to a predetermined processing when the image type information received by the communication packet reception unit 13 is information of a predetermined image. |
| US08751940B2 |
Content visualization
Displaying a preference by a user of a content contribution is disclosed. A preference event by the user is detected. A plurality of detected events is stored. In response to a query from a client, at least a portion of the stored detected events is stored. At least a portion of the received events is displayed in an interface. |
| US08751938B2 |
Method of and system for dynamically controlling during run time a multifunction peripheral (MFP) touch panel user interface (UI) from an external remote network-connected computer
In a system for dynamically and remotely providing user interface (UI) display and processing information to a touch panel embedded within a multifunction peripheral (MFP) such as a digital copier having an internal computer for controlling the touch panel, a method that comprises linking the internal computer to an external data communication network having an external remote computer on the network; and upon the inputting of desired selections by a user at the UI and communicating the same over the network to the external computer, providing information from the external computer via the network back to the internal computer that enables dynamically changing or updating the UI display and behavior during run time of the MFP. |
| US08751936B2 |
Finding and consuming web subscriptions in a web browser
A content syndication platform, such as a web content syndication platform, manages, organizes and makes available for consumption content that is acquired from the Internet. In at least some embodiments, the platform can acquire and organize web content, and make such content available for consumption by many different types of applications. These applications may or may not necessarily understand the particular syndication format. An application program interface (API) exposes an object model which allows applications and users to easily accomplish many different tasks such as creating, reading, updating, deleting feeds and the like. Further, in at least some embodiments, a user can subscribe to a particular web feed, be provided with a user interface that contains distinct indicia to identify new feeds, and can efficiently consume or read RSS feeds using both an RSS reader and a web browser. |
| US08751933B2 |
Video and audio waveform user interface
Among other things, methods, systems and computer program products are disclosed for presenting a user interface for manipulation of audio waveforms associated with video content. In one aspect, a method can be performed by one or more processes executing on a computer system. Images representing video frames in a first region of a user interface can be displayed. An audio waveform representing audio associated with at least a portion of a video frame can be displayed. At least three audio waveform portions including (i) a first portion of the audio waveform that exceeds a first predetermined threshold, (ii) a second portion of the audio waveform below the first predetermined threshold and above a second predetermined threshold, and (iii) a third portion of the audio waveform below the second predetermined threshold can be graphically distinguished. |
| US08751927B2 |
System and method for dynamic multi-content cards
A method and system is provided for creation and distribution of dynamic multi-content cards in a virtual universe. More specifically, the method creates a card containing contact information for viewing in a virtual universe (VU) and distribute the card in the VU. Additionally, the system includes a card selection tool configured to create a card containing contact information for viewing in a virtual universe (VU) and distribute the card to another resident in the VU. |
| US08751924B2 |
Rule-based grid independent of content
Presentation of accessible content is in accordance with a grid established by rules independent of the content. Different rules establish different grids utilizable with the same content, thereby enabling proper formatting across a wide range of devices and displays. The rules provide for fixed size and auto sized column widths and row heights. Additionally, the rules provide for column widths and row heights size based on fractional weighting of the remaining space after the fixed size and auto sized grid members are accounted for. The grid establishes a coordinate system onto which content is “hung” by aligning an aspect of the content with a coordinate point. Content is hung by reference to its beginning, its end, its center point, or, alternatively, content can be specified to be stretched to fit the width of the column and the height of the row with which it is associated. |
| US08751923B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium
An image processing apparatus acquires information indicating a region to be output designated by a user in a web page displayed on a display apparatus by a browser, and extracts data indicating an image corresponding to at least a part of the region to be output indicated by the acquired information. The image processing apparatus updates a portion from which data is extracted in the region to be output based on the acquired information, when a portion corresponding to the extracted data of the region to be output indicated by the acquired information in the web page is a part of the region to be output. |
| US08751914B2 |
Encoding method of TLDPC codes utilizing treillis representations of the parity check equations and associated encoding device
Encoding method (1) and device associating p redundancy data bits with k information data bits to determine code words with a block length of n=p+k data bits. The code words are of tail-biting trellis low density parity check type. The method and the device implement a degree distribution profile of the n data bits defining a base code word including multiple replicas of the n data bits with respect to the degree distribution. This base code is represented by a two-states trellis formed of sections with positions accommodating data bits of the base code whereby the number of positions of a section is denoted as the degree of the section. The method and the device makes (2) a partition of the base code trellis into p intersecting regular parts of triple sections representing p parity check equations. |
| US08751900B2 |
Storage device having a non-volatile memory device and copy-back method thereof
A storage device includes a non-volatile memory device outputting read data from a source area and a memory controller configured to execute an ECC operation on a plurality of vectors in the read data and to write the error-corrected read data into target area of the non-volatile memory device. The memory controller declares that a vector corresponding to a clean area is decoding pass without using a flag bit among the plurality of vectors during the error correction operation. |
| US08751899B2 |
Handling burst error events with interleaved Reed-Solomon (RS) codes
Handling burst error events with interleaved Reed-Solomon (RS) codes. A received signal, that has undergone convolutional interleaving sometime before, is received from a burst noise affected communication channel. The signal undergoes convolutional deinterleaving and the codewords generated there from undergo appropriate successive cyclic shifting to arrange burst noise affected symbols of various codewords into at least some common symbol locations. For example, at least two codewords have burst noise affected symbols in common symbol locations. An ensemble decoder jointly decodes multiple codewords during a same time period (i.e., processes multiple codewords simultaneously). By processing multiple codewords simultaneously, the ensemble decoder has greater error correction capability than a decoder that processes a single codeword at a time. |
| US08751897B2 |
Distributed system for fault-tolerant data storage
Fault-tolerant storage is provided using a distributed data storage system that receives input data from clients and divides that data into data blocks for storage. The data blocks are processed using a coding scheme that generates redundant level one error correction blocks (L1EC Blocks). The L1EC blocks enable the reconstruction of one or more damaged or inaccessible data blocks, and the L1EC blocks and the data blocks are divided into distribution sets and stored at a plurality of data storage locations. At each data storage location additional level two error correction blocks (L2EC blocks) are generated that provide local data redundancy. Upon detecting a data disruption event, an inaccessible data storage location is identified and the elements that were stored at the inaccessible data storage location are reconstructed. |
| US08751894B2 |
Concurrent decoding of data streams
A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module receiving one or more pairs of coded values. The method continues with the DS processing module creating a received coded matrix from the one or more pairs of coded values. When the received coded matrix includes a decode threshold number of pairs of coded values, the method continues with the DS processing module generating a data matrix from the received coded matrix and an encoding matrix, reproducing a one of a first plurality of data segments from a first plurality of data blocks of the data matrix, and reproducing a one of a second plurality of data segments from a second plurality of data blocks of the data matrix, wherein the one of the first plurality of data segments and the one of the second plurality of data segments maintain the time alignment of a first and second data streams. |
| US08751890B2 |
Dynamic HARQ buffer management
A communication device (100) for communicating in accordance with a hybrid automatic repeat request protocol, the communication device (100) comprising a receiving unit (102) adapted for receiving a communication message including soft-bit values, the soft-bit values representing reliability information for received verification data verifying proper transmission of the communication message, a storage unit (104) adapted for storing the soft-bit values, and a storage management unit (106) adapted for dynamically managing storage of the soft-bit values in the storage unit (104) so that soft-bit values failing to fulfill at least one relevance criteria are not maintained in the storage unit (104). |
| US08751888B2 |
Non-volatile semiconductor memory device
A control circuit performs a write operation to 1-page memory cells along the selected word line, by applying a write pulse voltage to a selected word line, and then performs a verify read operation of confirming whether the data write is completed. When the data write is not completed, a step-up operation is performed of raising the write pulse voltage by a certain step-up voltage. A bit scan circuit determines whether the number of memory cells determined to reach a certain threshold voltage is equal to or more than a certain number among the memory cells read at the same time, according to read data held in the sense amplifier circuit as a result of the verify read operation. The control circuit changes the amount of the step-up voltage according to the determination of the bit scan circuit. |
| US08751886B2 |
Enable gating select signal to P1500 IR and DR gating
A test architecture accesses IP core test wrappers within an IC using a Link Instruction Register (LIR). An IEEE P1500 standard is in development for providing test access to these individual cores via a test structure called a wrapper. The wrapper resides at the boundary of the core and provides a way to test the core and the interconnections between cores. The test architecture enables each of the plural wrappers in the IC, including wrappers in cores embedded within other cores, with separate enable signals. |
| US08751885B2 |
Repair control circuit and semiconductor integrated circuit using the same
A repair control circuit and a semiconductor integrated circuit using the same, which can reduce test time, are provided. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes a plurality of memory blocks in which a plurality of word lines are arranged, a plurality of word line drivers driving one or more of the plurality of word lines in response to a plurality of memory block selection signals, and a repair control circuit determining whether to perform a repair through comparison of repair addresses generated in response to surplus addresses and the plurality of memory block selection signals with external addresses. |
| US08751882B2 |
TAP/WRAPPER circuit blocks having two data register control gating circuits
In a first embodiment a Test Access Port (TAP) of IEEE standard 1149.1 is allowed to commandeer control from a Wrapper Serial Port (WSP) of IEEE standard P1500 such that the P1500 architecture, normally controlled by the WSP, is rendered controllable by the TAP. In a second embodiment (1) the TAP and WSP based architectures are merged together such that the sharing of the previously described architectural elements are possible, and (2) the TAP and WSP test interfaces are merged into a single optimized test interface that is operable to perform all operations of each separate test interface. One approach provides for the TAP to maintain access and control of the TAP instruction register, but provides for a selected data register to be accessed and controlled by either the TAP+ATC (Auxiliary Test Control bus) or by the discrete CaptureDR, UpdateDR, TransferDR, ShiftDR, and ClockDR WSP data register control signals. |
| US08751877B2 |
Representation and manipulation of errors in numeric arrays
In an embodiment, a computer system accesses various different data entries in dense data array, where at least one of those data entries in the dense data array is invalid. The computer system creates an associated sparse data array that includes multiple data entries with zero values as well as data entries with non-zero values. The non-zero data entries are configured to store location information and data values for each of the invalid data entries in the dense array. The zero-value data entries are inferred from the location information of the non-zero data entries. The computer system stores the location information and data values of the non-zero data entries in the sparse data array. Those data values stored in the sparse array are proportional to the number of invalid values in the dense array. |
| US08751876B2 |
Framework for managing failures in outbound messages
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node including one or more of the following: receiving, at a policy and charging rules node (PCRN), a request from a requesting node for an establishment of a first service data flow (SDF); generating a first rule set for implementing the first SDF in response to the request; transmitting a first rule of the rule set to a first node for installation of the first rule; waiting for a period of time for a response from the first node; determining from the response whether installation of the first rule at the first node failed or succeeded; and if installation of the first rule succeeded, transmitting a second rule of the first rule set to a second node for installation of the second rule. |
| US08751875B2 |
Method for checking suitability of a data processing device for performing failsafe automation processes
A method for checking a data processing device to determine its suitability for performing failsafe automation processes, wherein the data processing device includes a first and a second time base. The method comprises determining a first time value of the first time base after expiration of a time period of length T, determining a second time value of the second time base after the expiration of the time period of length T, determining a deviation between the first and the second time value, and initiating a troubleshooting measure if the deviation undershoots, i.e., undershoots or reaches, a predefined or pre-definable limit value. |
| US08751874B2 |
Managing apparatus, managing method
A managing apparatus includes: a storing unit configured to store fault co-occurrence information storing the number of detection times that a first message pattern indicating a message group including messages received from an information processing system in a predetermined duration is deleted; a determining unit configured to detect the first message pattern, to read the number of detection times from the fault co-occurrence information, to calculate a co-occurrence probability of the fault and the first message pattern based on the number of detection times, and to determine that the fault has occurred if the co-occurrence probability is equal to or higher than a threshold value; and an updating unit configured to create a second message pattern indicating a message group obtained by excluding a message output by a changed component from the first message pattern, and to update the first message pattern to the second message pattern. |
| US08751871B2 |
Method for modifying a user interface
A method for modifying a user interface (UI), comprising the steps of: listening for a UI event; determining whether the UI event is erroneous; in response to determining that the UI event is erroneous, initiating a recording comprising a user fix of the error and a state associated with the UI; storing the user fix as an alternative UI event; and in response to subsequently detecting the UI event and a matching state associated with the UI, providing the alternative UI event such that the UI is modified. |
| US08751866B2 |
Autonomic fault isolation in a highly interconnected system
A method and apparatus provides fault isolation in a in a highly interconnected system. A fault isolator uses a virtual topology of the system to autonomically isolate the fault. Failing nodes interconnects are identified and then used to traverse a virtual topology to determine the most suspect components as the cause of the reported failures. A failure indication is propagated to each component connected to a failing node in the virtual topology until the next node in the virtual topology is encountered. In preferred embodiments, the failure indications for each component are tallied together as the topology is traversed for each failing node and/or component. A total count of the number of nodes connected to each component is determined for a denominator. A weighting of the likelihood of fault is then determined by dividing the failure indications by the total count. |
| US08751862B2 |
System and method to support background initialization for controller that supports fast rebuild using in block data
A fast rebuild mechanism that includes a background initialization mechanism. The fast rebuild mechanism allows a RAID controller to be made aware of what blocks are actually in use so that only those blocks are rebuilt after a disk drive failure. The fast rebuild mechanism also includes functionality for an IO controller (such as storage controller) to detect whether a block has stored data to indicate that the block has valid data when the block is accessed. |
| US08751859B2 |
Monitoring lost data in a storage system
A data validation method comprises associating a validation chunk with one or more data chunks stored on one or more storage mediums. The validation chunk comprises validation information for verifying whether data recorded in a subdivision of the one or more data chunks is lost. A request is received for an operation to be performed on first data stored in a first subdivision of a first data chunk from among said one or more data chunks. One or more portions of the validation information are examined to determine whether the data recorded in said first subdivision is deemed to be lost. |
| US08751848B2 |
System and method for handling a power outage
A method for reporting a power outage to a communications controller includes detecting the power outage, and selecting a transmission slot from a plurality of transmission slots in order to report the power outage to the communications controller, the transmission slot selected according to a non-uniform probability distribution function, the non-uniform probability distribution function is monotonic with time after the power outage. The method also includes transmitting a first power outage indicator to the communications controller in the transmission slot selected. |
| US08751846B2 |
Power supply selector and power supply selection method
In the field of electronic technologies, a power supply selector and a power supply selection method are provided. The power supply selector includes: a first selection module, configured to select a power supply from multiple candidate power supplies; a control module, coupled to the first selection module, and configured to use the power supply selected by the first selection module as a power supply, and compare voltages of the multiple candidate power supplies to generate a control signal of each candidate power supply; and a second selection module, coupled to the control module, and configured to select a power supply for output in the multiple candidate power supplies under the control of the control signal of each candidate power supply. The technical solution is used to select a power supply from multiple candidate power supplies. |
| US08751844B2 |
Systems and methods for attributing an amount of power consumption to a workload
A method for attributing a portion of a level of electrical power consumption by a server to a virtual machine executing on the server, includes determining a level of electrical power consumption of a server. The method includes identifying a level of load placed on the server by a workload executing on the server. The method includes attributing, by a power apportionment module in communication with the server, a portion of the level of electrical power consumption of the server to the workload, based on the identified level of load. The method includes providing, by the power apportionment module, to a user, an identification of the attributed portion of the level of electrical power consumption. |
| US08751841B2 |
Data processing system, method for processing data and computer program product
A data processing system includes one or more processing unit arranged to execute sets of instructions stored in the data processing system. The sets may include two or more application sets, each forming an application sets and including instructions for scheduling for the application an event at a future point in time. The event may require the processing unit to be in an active mode. The sets may further include rescheduling instructions for receiving from the applications information about the scheduled events and determining whether or not one or more of the events can be rescheduled and rescheduling a reschedulable event to a new point in time. The sets may further include mode control instructions for controlling the processing unit to be in the active mode during a time interval which includes the new point in time and to be in a low power mode in which the processing unit consumes less energy than in the active mode during a period of time adjacent to the time interval. |
| US08751839B2 |
Method and device for activation of components
A method and electronic device for activating components based on predicted device activity. The method and device include maintaining a set of device activity information storing data collected from components in the device. The device activity information may be maintained over a predetermined time period and may include times associated with the collected component data. The device activity information may include data regarding scheduled events. Device activity and the appropriate activation state of a component on the device may be predicted based on the current time, current data collected from components in the device and data in the device activity information. |
| US08751837B2 |
Low-power subsystem for portable computers
A low power subsystem for a portable computer is described. In one example, the portable computer includes a computer system and low power multimedia center. The computer system includes a central processing unit, a system memory, a mass storage device, and a user interface, the computer system having a low-power mode in which the CPU, system memory, and user interface are inactive. The low-power multimedia center includes a low power processor coupled to the mass storage device, a low power memory coupled to the low power processor, a miniature display to display multimedia from the mass storage device, and an external user interface coupled to the processor, independent of the computer system to control the displaying of multimedia. |
| US08751834B2 |
Method of controlling a broadcasting receiver and broadcasting receiver enabling the method
The present invention relates to a control method of a broadcasting receiver and a broadcasting receiver adapting the control method. More specifically, the present invention relates to a control method of a broadcasting receiver capable of switching off a power key in a state of display means standing by and switching on the power key in case that a power-key-on is inputted, to improve user convenience. |
| US08751832B2 |
Secure system and method for audio processing
A method and system for playing movies with object-based sound complying with industry security standards using less processing power than the prior art, comprises an integrated media block in which, in non-real-time, encrypted audio files are decrypted. The object-based and channel-based audio data is then rendered to theater specific channels in non-real time. After the audio objects are rendered, the rendered audio is re-encrypted and stored for use at a later time. When the rendered movie is to be played in real time, the encrypted video and rendered encrypted audio files are streamed from the server, decrypted, forensically marked and played. Using the present invention, movies also can be downloaded and pre-processed while another movie is playing. |
| US08751828B1 |
Sharing encryption-related metadata between multiple layers in a storage I/O stack
A host in an encrypted data storage system sends encryption metadata associated with an encrypted logical volume (LV) from a key controller module to an encryption endpoint via a storage I/O stack. The encryption metadata identifies an encryption key and encrypted regions of the LV, and the sending results in establishment of one or more shared associations between the key controller module and the encryption endpoint which associates the encrypted LV with the encryption metadata for the encrypted LV. A data storage operation is performed on the encrypted LV by sending a data storage command from the key controller module to an encrypted region of the encryption endpoint via the storage I/O stack. The encryption endpoint uses the encryption metadata associated with the encrypted LV to cryptographically process data of the data storage operation. |
| US08751827B1 |
Apparatus for controlling embedded security on a storage platform
A method of securely operating a computerized system includes forming a connection to a user-removable physical security device (PSD) which is uniquely paired with the computerized system and which stories cryptographically secured data required for performing a protected function on the computerized system. The PSD may be realized as a USB or similar peripheral device containing security-related data and potentially security processing capability as well. The protected function could be decrypting of encrypted data encryption keys used to encrypt/decrypt user data for example. A user who has an established association with the PSD (e.g. by some preceding registration process) is authenticated, resulting in activation of the PSD on the computerized system. Upon such activation of the PSD, the computerized system engages in a security operation using the cryptographically secured data from the PSD to enable the protected function to be performed under control of the user on the computerized system. |
| US08751822B2 |
Cryptography using quasigroups
A method and apparatus 20 for securing executable code embodying a cipher 12 using a metamorphic algorithm 24. The metamorphic algorithm 24 dynamically executes polymorphic primitives 43, each of which implements a functional component 41 of the cryptographic algorithm 12. When a halting condition is met, the output of the cryptographic algorithm 12 occurs. |
| US08751816B2 |
Method and system for providing recording device privileges through biometric assessment
A method and system for providing recording device privileges through biometric assessment are disclosed herein. An embodiment of the method includes monitoring information associated with a recording device. The information includes a recording device location, dynamic biometric data, knowledge data, and recording device identification data. From the monitored information, an identity of a then-current user of the recording device is determined. An authorization level for the then-current user is determined, and recording device access privileges are dynamically adjusted based on the determined authorization level. |
| US08751802B2 |
Storage device and method and for storage device state recovery
A storage device and method for storage device state recovery are provided. In one embodiment, a storage device commences an authentication process to authenticate a host device. The authentication process comprises a plurality of phases, and the storage device stores the state of the authentication process, wherein the state indicates the phase(s) of the authentication process that have been successfully completed. After a power loss, the storage device retrieves the state of the authentication process and resumes an operation with the host device without re-performing the phase(s) of the authentication process that have been completed. |
| US08751801B2 |
System and method for authenticating users using two or more factors
A method for authenticating a user based on a plurality of authentication factors includes a step of receiving a first authentication factor from a first communication device of the user. The first authentication factor includes a password. The method includes a step of receiving a second authentication factor. The second authentication factor comprises at least one of at least one device identifier of the first communication device of the user and data transmitted to or received from a second communication device of the user. The method also includes a step of authenticating the user based on at least the received plurality of authentication factors. |
| US08751800B1 |
DRM provider interoperability
Embodiments are directed towards providing interoperability by establishing a trust relationship between a provider of a media player usable by a consumer and a content provider. A trust relationship is verified through using a public-private key certification authority. When a request for content is received from a consumer, the request might indicate what content protection mechanisms are available in the consumer's device. When a trust relationship is determined to exist between the content provider and the media player providers, the content provider encrypts a license separately for each of a plurality of different content protection mechanisms available at the consumer's device. The encrypted licenses are provided to the consumer's device, where the media player may be selected to play the content based on a self integrity check the media player may perform, and its ability to use a private key associated with a corresponding public key to decrypt the license. |
| US08751799B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing content
Methods and systems for enabling content to be securely and conveniently distributed to authorized users are provided. More particularly, content is maintained in encrypted form on sending and receiving devices, and during transport. In addition, policies related to the use of, access to, and distribution of content can be enforced. Features are also provided for controlling the release of information related to users. The distribution and control of contents can be performed in association with a client application that presents content and that manages keys. |
| US08751796B2 |
Method and apparatus for use in a communications network
A method and apparatus for use in a Proxy Mobile IP communications network. An anchor point function serves at least one mobile host. The anchor point function generates an IP address for use by the mobile host, the address being generated using cryptographic materials owned by the anchor point function. The anchor point function can then perform signalling on behalf of the mobile host, using the IP address generated for the mobile host and at least part of the cryptographic materials used to generate the IP address. |
| US08751793B2 |
Trusted infrastructure support systems, methods and techniques for secure electronic commerce transaction and rights management
The present inventions provide an integrated, modular array of administrative and support services for electronic commerce and electronic rights and transaction management. These administrative and support services supply a secure foundation for conducting financial management, rights management, certificate authority, rules clearing, usage clearing, secure directory services, and other transaction related capabilities functioning over a vast electronic network such as the Internet and/or over organization internal Intranets.These administrative and support services can be adapted to the specific needs of electronic commerce value chains. Electronic commerce participants can use these administrative and support services to support their interests, and can shape and reuse these services in response to competitive business realities.A Distributed Commerce Utility having a secure, programmable, distributed architecture provides administrative and support services. The Distributed Commerce Utility makes optimally efficient use of commerce administration resources, and can scale in a practical fashion to accommodate the demands of electronic commerce growth.The Distributed Commerce Utility may comprise a number of Commerce Utility Systems. These Commerce Utility Systems provide a web of infrastructure support available to, and reusable by, the entire electronic community and/or many or all of its participants.Different support functions can be collected together in hierarchical and/or in networked relationships to suit various business models and/or other objectives. Modular support functions can combined in different arrays to form different Commerce Utility Systems for different design implementations and purposes. These Commerce Utility Systems can be distributed across a large number of electronic appliances with varying degrees of distribution. |
| US08751790B2 |
Secure data exchange based on request destination
A data transfer method performed at a proxy server includes intercepting a data request from a client computer that is directed to a target server, encrypting profile information, augmenting the data request by adding the encrypted profile information to the data request, and sending the augmented data request to the target server. A data transfer method that is performed at an information server includes receiving a data request from a proxy server, extracting profile information added to the data request by the proxy server, using the extracted profile information to generate a response, and sending the response to the proxy server. |
| US08751788B2 |
Payment encryption accelerator
Embodiments of the invention provide a system for encrypting web session data which may include a session management module adapted to receive data from a web application module and provide a token that represents the data in encrypted form to the web application, wherein the web application is adapted to use the token to represent the data. The system may also include a tokenizer module communicably coupled to the session management module, wherein the tokenizer module is adapted to receive the data and generate the token. Further, the system may include a database communicably coupled to the session management module, wherein the database is adapted to receive the token and the data, associate the token with the data, and store the token and the data. |
| US08751787B2 |
Method and device for integrating multiple threat security services
A method and device for integrating multiple threat security services are disclosed. The method may comprise parsing an incoming packet at a current layer and analyzing the packet with respect to multiple threat security services and so that one or more threat security services needed by the packet may be determined. According to an exemplary embodiment, the current layer may be a layer in a protocol stack constructed based on the multiple threat security services. With this method, integrated multiple threat security services may filter application data and parse network packet data via a single integrated entity, and thus the efficacy of filtering application data may be improved while computation overhead may be reduced. |
| US08751785B2 |
Memory tagging and preservation during a hot upgrade
A method includes tagging, by a processor executing a first operating system kernel, a region of a volatile memory coupled to the processor, and initiating a boot of a second operating system kernel while preserving in the volatile memory contents stored therein. Following the boot of the second operating system kernel, a set of parameters referencing the tagged region is retrieved from the volatile memory, and the tagged region is then used, based on the retrieved set of parameters. |
| US08751783B2 |
Booting computing devices with EFI aware operating systems
Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to finding a boot loader on storage. A boot process for a computing device including storage including an extensible firmware interface aware operating system is started. The storage is searched for a boot loader associated with the extensible firmware interface aware operating system. |
| US08751781B2 |
System and method for supporting secure subsystems in a client hosted virtualization system
An client hosted virtualization system includes an authentication device, a processor and non-volatile memory with BIOS code and virtualization manager code. The virtualization manager initializes the client hosted virtualization system authenticates a virtual machine image, launches a portion of the virtual machine that initiates an authentication session with the authentication device, receives an authentication object from the authentication device, sends the authentication object to the portion of the virtual machine, and launches another portion of the virtual machine. The client hosted virtualization system is configurable to execute the BIOS or the virtualization manager. |
| US08751775B2 |
Non-quiescing key setting facility
A non-quiescing key setting facility is provided that enables manipulation of storage keys to be performed without quiescing operations of other processors of a multiprocessor system. With this facility, a storage key, which is accessible by a plurality of processors of the multiprocessor system, is updated absent a quiesce of operations of the plurality of processors. Since the storage key is updated absent quiescing of other operations, the storage key may be observed by a processor as having one value at the start of an operation performed by the processor and a second value at the end of the operation. A mechanism is provided to enable the operation to continue, avoiding a fatal exception. |
| US08751766B2 |
Storage system having volatile memory and non-volatile memory
A storage system including: a plurality of storage devices; a volatile memory which temporarily stores data; a nonvolatile memory; a battery saving power; a cache control unit which sets, according to battery charging rate of the battery, a part of the data stored in the volatile memory as save target data which are to be saved to the nonvolatile memory when power interruption occurs, and saves the part of the data, which is set as the save target data, to the nonvolatile memory by using power of the battery when power interruption occurs. |
| US08751764B2 |
Multifunction peripheral and storage medium
The storage section of the multifunction peripheral stores location information containing a storage location of software which transmits a control command whose execution is permissible. The execution permission judging section of the multifunction peripheral includes (I) a storage location detecting section which detects a storage location of software which has participated in a transmission of a received control command and (II) a command permitting/prohibiting section which (i) prohibits execution of the received control command when a storage location indicated by the location information is not detected by the storage location detecting section but (ii) permits execution of the received control command when the storage location is detected by the storage location detecting section. |
| US08751762B2 |
Prevention of overlay of production data by point in time copy operations in a host based asynchronous mirroring environment
A primary storage controller is configured to communicate with a secondary storage controller via a system data mover. In response to receiving a command to perform a point in time copy of a source volume of the primary storage controller to a target volume of the primary storage controller, a determination is made as to whether the target volume of the primary storage controller is a source for an asynchronous data replication operation, initiated by the system data mover, between the primary storage controller and the secondary storage controller. In response to determining that the target volume of the primary storage controller is the source for the asynchronous data replication operation, initiated by the system data mover, the point in time copy of the source volume of the primary storage controller to the target volume of the primary storage controller is performed. |
| US08751760B2 |
Systems and methods for power state transitioning in an information handling system
Systems and methods for power state transitioning in an information handling system having a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory are disclosed. Dirty data in the volatile memory may be identified. The dirty data may include data that has not been stored in the nonvolatile memory. Dirty data may be written from the volatile memory to the nonvolatile memory. Transitioning to a reduced power state may be in response to a trigger event. Transitioning from the reduced power state may be in response to a wake signal. Data may be copied from the nonvolatile memory to the volatile memory. An operating system may be waked to a restored state. |
| US08751759B2 |
Tape library emulation with automatic configuration and data retention
Disk based emulation of tape libraries is provided with features that allow easier management and administration of a backup system and also allow increased flexibility to both archive data on tape at a remote location and also have fast restore access to archived data files. Features include automatic emulation of physical libraries, and the retention and write protection of virtual tapes that correspond to exported physical tapes. |
| US08751756B2 |
Method and apparatus for writing data in memory system
A method of writing data in a memory system comprises determining a characteristic of write data and generating characteristic information according to the determined characteristic, generating a write command corresponding to the write data, and sending the write command, the characteristic information, and the write data to the memory system. |
| US08751754B2 |
Memory systems and methods for controlling the timing of receiving read data
Embodiments of the present invention provide memory systems having a plurality of memory devices sharing an interface for the transmission of read data. A controller can identify consecutive read requests sent to different memory devices. To avoid data contention on the interface, for example, the controller can be configured to delay the time until read data corresponding to the second read request is placed on the interface. |
| US08751752B2 |
Invalidating translation lookaside buffer entries in a virtual machine system
One embodiment of the present invention is a technique to invalidate entries in a translation lookaside buffer (TLB). A TLB in a processor has a plurality of TLB entries. Each TLB entry is associated with a virtual machine extension (VMX) tag word indicating if the associated TLB entry is invalidated according to a processor mode when an invalidation operation is performed. The processor mode is one of execution in a virtual machine (VM) and execution not in a virtual machine. The invalidation operation belongs to a non-empty set of invalidation operations composed of a union of (1) a possibly empty set of operations that invalidate a variable number of TLB entries, (2) a possibly empty set of operations that invalidate exactly one TLB entry, (3) a possibly empty set of operations that invalidate the plurality of TLB entries, (4) a possibly empty set of operations that enable and disable use of virtual memory, and (5) a possibly empty set of operations that configure physical address size, page size or other virtual memory system behavior in a manner that changes the manner in which a physical machine interprets the TLB entries. |
| US08751751B2 |
Method and apparatus for minimizing cache conflict misses
A method for minimizing cache conflict misses is disclosed. A translation table capable of facilitating the translation of a virtual address to a real address during a cache access is provided. The translation table includes multiple entries, and each entry of the translation table includes a page number field and a hash value field. A hash value is generated from a first group of bits within a virtual address, and the hash value is stored in the hash value field of an entry within the translation table. In response to a match on the entry within the translation table during a cache access, the hash value of the matched entry is retrieved from the translation table, and the hash value is concatenated with a second group of bits within the virtual address to form a set of indexing bits to index into a cache set. |
| US08751747B2 |
Management of cache replacement status in cache memory
A method for managing cache memory including receiving an instruction fetch for an instruction stream in a cache memory, wherein the instruction fetch includes an instruction fetch reference tag for the instruction stream and the instruction stream is at least partially included within a cache line, comparing the instruction fetch reference tag to a previous instruction fetch reference tag, maintaining a cache replacement status of the cache line if the instruction fetch reference tag is the same as the previous instruction fetch reference tag, and upgrading the cache replacement status of the cache line if the instruction fetch reference tag is different from the previous instruction fetch reference tag, whereby the cache replacement status of the cache line is upgraded if the instruction stream is independently fetched more than once. A corresponding system and computer program product. |
| US08751744B2 |
Integrated circuit comprising trace logic and method for providing trace information
An integrated circuit comprises trace logic for operably coupling to at least one memory element and for providing trace information for a signal processing system. The trace logic comprises trigger detection logic for detecting at least one trace trigger, memory access logic arranged to perform, upon detection of the at least one trace trigger, at least one read operation for at least one memory location of the at least one memory element associated with the at least one detected trigger, memory content message generation logic arranged to generate at least one memory content message comprising information relating to a result of the at least one read operation performed by the memory access logic, and output logic for outputting the at least one memory content message. |
| US08751737B2 |
Method and apparatus for using a shared ring buffer to provide thread synchronization in a multi-core processor system
An apparatus and method for improving synchronization between threads in a multi-core processor system are provided. An apparatus includes a memory, a first processor core, and a second processor core. The memory includes a shared ring buffer for storing data units, and stores a plurality of shared variables associated with accessing the shared ring buffer. The first processor core runs a first thread and has a first cache associated therewith. The first cache stores a first set of local variables associated with the first processor core. The first thread controls insertion of data items into the shared ring buffer using at least one of the shared variables and the first set of local variables. The second processor core runs a second thread and has a second cache associated therewith. The second cache stores a second set of local variables associated with the second processor core. The second thread controls extraction of data items from the shared ring buffer using at least one of the shared variables and the second set of local variables. |
| US08751734B2 |
Semiconductor memory card access apparatus, a computer-readable recording medium, an initialization method, and a semiconductor memory card
A predetermined number of erasable blocks positioned at a start of a volume area in a semiconductor memory card are provided so as to include volume management information. A user area following the volume management information includes a plurality of clusters. A size of a partition control area from a master boot record & partition table sector to a partition boot sector is determined so that the plurality of clusters in the user area are not arranged so as to straddle erasable block boundaries. Since cluster boundaries and erasable block boundaries in the user area are aligned, there is no need to perform wasteful processing in which two erasable blocks are erased to rewrite one cluster. |
| US08751732B2 |
System and method for increasing capacity, performance, and flexibility of flash storage
In one embodiment, an interface circuit is configured to couple to one or more flash memory devices and is further configured to couple to a host system. The interface circuit is configured to present at least one virtual flash memory device to the host system, wherein the interface circuit is configured to implement the virtual flash memory device using the one or more flash memory devices to which the interface circuit is coupled. |
| US08751727B2 |
Storage apparatus and storage system
A storage apparatus includes: a memory allowing an operation to be carried out in order to additionally write new write data into a storage area already used for storing previous write data so as to store the new data in the storage area along with the previous write data; an input/output section configured to receive write data in a write access; and a control section configured to write the write data into the memory on the basis of the write access, wherein, in internal processing based on the write access, the control section carries out an additional-write operation for a storage area already used for storing the previous write data in the internal processing. |
| US08751718B2 |
Apparatus and methods for a simplified, multi-client SAS port for management of other devices in an enhanced SAS device
Apparatus and associated methods for a simplified multi-client initiator/target within a SAS device. Features and aspects hereof provide a simplified initiator/target component to enable cost reduction and simplification of SAS devices requiring only limited initiator/target functionality. In one embodiment, a SAS expander may incorporate simplified SSP/STP/SMP initiator/target features and aspects hereof to permit simple management of devices coupled to the expander or coupled downstream through other expanders. The simplified multi-client initiator/target suffices for simple management functions while reducing cost and complexity of the SAS expander. Features and aspects hereof may be implemented with shared circuits for each of multiple client protocols coupled with firmware operable in a general or special purpose processor embedded in the SAS device. |
| US08751714B2 |
Implementing quickpath interconnect protocol over a PCIe interface
Methods and apparatus for implementing the Intel QuickPath Interconnect® (QPI) protocol over a PCIe interface. The upper layers of the QPI protocol are implemented over a physical layer of the PCIe interface via use of QPI data bit mappings onto corresponding PCIe x16, x8, and x4 lane configurations. A QPI link layer to PCIe physical layer interface is employed to abstract the QPI link, routing, and protocol layers from the underlying PCIe physical layer (and corresponding PCIe interface circuitry), enabling QPI protocol messages to be employed over PCIe hardware. Thus, QPI functionality, such as support for coherent memory transactions, may be implemented over PCIe interface circuitry. |
| US08751712B2 |
Method and apparatus for a priority based processing system
A method for processing messages sent between multiple software applications in a vehicle comprises generating an outgoing message based on a received message. The received message includes an application generated message, a user generated message, or a sensor generated message in the vehicle. The method associates communication managers with software applications in the vehicle, and the communication managers include priority managers that assign a high priority value to messages that relate to vehicle safety, crash mitigation, collision threat, collision avoidance, or crash indication. The priority managers compare priority values of the outgoing messages and rank the importance of the outgoing messages. The method uses the communication managers to attach a message label to high priority messages labeling them as “new”. The new messages are immediately transmitted before the lower priority messages through the communication managers. |
| US08751710B2 |
Reconfigurable modular computing device
A configurable computing device comprising a housing, a printed circuit board disposed within the housing, a first microcontroller and a second microcontroller each coupled to the PCB, wherein the first microcontroller and the second microcontroller are in electrical signal communication with each other, a computer-on-module (COM) coupled to the PCB, wherein the COM is in electrical signal communication with the first microcontroller and the second microcontroller, and one or more peripheral modules coupled to the PCB, wherein, the peripheral modules are each in electrical signal communication with the first microcontroller and wherein, the peripheral modules are each in electrical signal communication with the COM via the second microcontroller. |
| US08751709B2 |
Hybrid interface for serial and parallel communication
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to a hybrid interface for serial and parallel communication. An embodiment of a method includes initializing a first apparatus for transmission of data to or reception of data from a second apparatus, switching an interface for the first apparatus to a first mode for a parallel interface, the parallel interface including a first plurality of pins, and transmitting or receiving parallel data in the first mode via the first plurality of pins. The method further includes switching the interface of the first apparatus to a second mode for a serial interface, the serial interface including a second plurality of pins, the first plurality of pins and the second plurality of pins both including an overlapping set of pins, and transmitting or receiving serial data in the second mode via the second plurality of pins. |
| US08751707B2 |
Connecting module for connecting at least one sensor, actuator, or effector to a service-oriented-architecture network
The invention relates to a connecting module (3) for connecting at least one sensor (2), effector, or actuator to a service-oriented-architecture, called SOA, network (4), wherein a functionality of the at least one sensor (2) is mapped as a service in the SOA network (4). In order to enable the integration of sensors (2) that are not SOA-capable in themselves into an SOA environment, the connecting module (3) has at least one first interface (3.2) for connecting the at least one sensor (2), effector, or actuator, at least one second interface (3.4) for connecting the SOA network (4), and a computing device (7) for executing a computer program, wherein a part (8.1) of the computer program to be executed is specified by default and another part (8.2) of the computer program is freely programmable by a manufacturer of the at least one sensor (2) in order to adapt firmware on the at least one sensor (2) to the SOA environment. The invention further relates to a module unit (22) of the connecting module (3) that prepares the service mapped in the SOA environment for transmission over a military radio network (35) having low bandwidth while maintaining the SOA functionality. |
| US08751705B2 |
Electronic device and audio output method
According to one embodiment, an electronic device including, a display, an audio output module, a transmission module, a first detection module, a second detection module, a third detection module, and a controller configured to control at least one of the timing of the transmission of the audio signal by the transmission module and the timing of the output of the first reproduction output by the audio output module in accordance with the time difference detected by the third detection module, and to switch whether or not to control the timing in accordance with the positional relationship between the electronic device and the partner device. |
| US08751702B2 |
Communication processing device that stores communication data in buffers, image forming apparatus, and method of communication processing
A communication processing device includes a communication data processing circuit that (i) issues an access request for a buffer specified by a descriptor, among a plurality of buffers in a first memory, and (ii) outputs a predetermined switching permission signal at a time when a data access for one of the plurality of buffers is completed. The communication processing device also includes a second memory and a transmission destination switching circuit. The second memory includes a plurality of alternative buffers corresponding to the plurality of buffers. The transmission destination switching circuit switches a transmission destination of the access request from one of the plurality of buffers in the first memory to one of the plurality of alternative buffers in the second memory, based on the switching permission signal. |
| US08751691B1 |
Methods and apparatus for remapping public network addresses on a network to an external network via an intermediate network
Methods and apparatus for remapping IP addresses of a network to endpoints within a different network. A provider network may allocate IP addresses and resources to a customer. The provider network may allow the customer to map an IP address to remap an IP address to an endpoint on the customer's network. When a packet is received from a client addressed to the IP address, the provider network may determine that the IP address has been remapped to the endpoint. The provider network may translate the source and destination addresses of the packet and modify the source address of the packet to indicate the endpoint as the destination, and send the modified packet to the endpoint via the Internetan intermediate network. Response traffic may be routed to the client through the provider network, or may be directly routed to the client by the customer network. |
| US08751690B2 |
Tracking time-based selection of search results
Where multiple client devices are synchronized to multiple, asynchronous instances of a time-based media presentation such as live and time-shifted views of a television broadcast, interactive content can be delivered to each one of the various devices at a particular time (or “time offset”) within the presentation independent of when each instance of the time-based media presentation is viewed. |
| US08751687B2 |
Efficient encoding of structured data
This document describes various techniques for efficiently sequencing structured data in a particular order to provide a sequence of data elements suitable for storage or communication. The sequence may contain values representing a number of default-value structured data elements omitted from the sequence and/or a byte length of the sequence. |
| US08751684B2 |
Image forming method, image forming apparatus, and host
An image forming method, an image forming apparatus, and a host include determining if a disorder is generated in a network set to perform an operation among networks between an image forming apparatus including at least two network interfaces and a host, and if a disorder is generated in the set network, networking the image forming apparatus with the host via a non-disordered network interface. |
| US08751683B2 |
Failure protection in a provider backbone bridge network using selective redirection
A technique for operating a network involves controlling the black-holing of traffic by selectively redirecting unicast traffic destined for a dual-homed customer equipment (CE) device from a first provider backbone bridge (PBB) provider edge (PE) device to a second PBB PE device in response to a service failure. Unicast traffic is selectively redirected from the first PBB PE device to the second PBB PE device for a time interval that is long enough to enable the customer source MAC address (CMAC)-to-backbone MAC address (BMAC) association of the second PBB PE device to be learned by other PBB PE devices. |
| US08751677B2 |
System and method to support different ingest and delivery schemes for a content delivery network
In accordance with an embodiment, a method of operating a computer server includes receiving streaming media data. The streaming media data includes content fragments and a media description file, and the media description file includes metadata describing the content fragments. The method also includes storing the content fragments in a cache. |
| US08751675B2 |
Rack server management
Techniques presented herein provide approaches for managing rack servers. In one embodiment, a message is received from a management controller of a rack server and via a switch port, where the message requests a lease for a network address under a first protocol. Upon determining that the management controller is a supported device, the switch port is configured to allow network traffic under at least a second protocol. |
| US08751674B2 |
System and method for enabling channel promotions in an IP marketplace
A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards. |
| US08751672B2 |
Personal video channels
Systems and methods provide personal channels from a network-capable user terminal. A first user terminal may receive a request from a second user terminal for access to a personal channel created by a user and stored on the first user terminal in association with media content. In response to the request, the first user terminal may access the media content associated with the requested personal channel and provide the media content to the first user terminal over the network. A data center accessible by both the first and second user terminals may facilitate the access to the personal channel by storing information associated with the personal channel, including terminal identifiers and metadata, and providing a searchable catalog interface to identify personal channels to view. |
| US08751671B2 |
Hierarchical bitmasks for indicating the presence or absence of serialized data fields
Disclosed are systems and methods for communicating with a sender machine and a receiver machine, and analyzing a bitmask associated with a message to be sent from the sender machine to the receiver machine, such that the bitmask comprises one or more presence bits and one or more absence bits, such that the presence bits indicate that an associated field of the message are included in the message and the absence bits indicate that an associated field of the message are omitted in the message. The systems and methods also dynamically determine compression instructions to compress the bitmask, and provide the compression instructions to the sender machine, wherein the compression instructions reduce size of the bitmask associated with the message to be sent to the receiver machine. |
| US08751670B2 |
Methods and devices for providing internet access through a restricted device
According to an aspect of the disclosure, novel solutions are disclosed for providing Internet access to a client device (e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer or portable electronic device) using non-privileged portions of an application programming interface (“API”) of a gateway device (e.g., smartphone or cellular phone). According to another aspect of the disclosure, novel solutions are provided for building a Wireless Internet gateway system through a Wi-Fi capable gateway device that also has Internet access provisioned by a cell phone carrier. A Wi-Fi Internet gateway system can be implemented on a device where it was originally impossible to do so, due to various access restrictions to core functionalities, such as root access restrictions. |
| US08751667B2 |
Supporting hands-free services via a hands-free device for IP video calls
Hands-free services for Internet Protocol (IP) video calls through a peered hands-free device can begin when an IP video call invitation request that requests the client computing device participate in a P2P (peer-to-peer) IP video call is received. A generic incoming call object is generated based on the IP video call invitation request in a format that can be common for both incoming audio only cellular calls and IP video call invitation requests. The hands-free device is alerted of the incoming call based on the incoming call object. Responsive to receiving an indication from the hands-free device that a user has indicated to answer the incoming call, an IP video call accept message is transmitted and a P2P connection is established for the P2P IP video call, and the hands-free device can act as an auditory relay during the P2P IP video call. |
| US08751665B2 |
Method and apparatus for reporting uniform resource locator, method and apparatus for setting up connection, and communication system
A method and apparatus for reporting a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), a method and apparatus for setting up a connection, and a communication system are disclosed. The URL reporting method includes obtaining an Internet Protocol (IP) address and static information; registering the IP address and the static information with a Dynamic Domain Name System (DDNS) server; constructing a first connection request URL that carries the static information; and reporting the first connection request URL to an Auto Configuration Server (ACS). |
| US08751664B2 |
Custodian-based routing in content-centric networks
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for facilitating custodian-based routing. During operation, the system receives, at a computing device, a request for a piece of content from a user, and determines whether the content is available locally. In response to the content not being available locally, the system identifies a remote custodian device that stores the content. The custodian device is not identified by its physical address. The system then identifies a communication endpoint associated with the identified custodian device, and maps a physical address corresponding to the identified communication endpoint. The system establishes a connection to the communication endpoint using the mapped physical address to obtain the requested content. |
| US08751659B2 |
Data center batch job quality of service control
A data center management system can include a data center customer profile corresponding to a data center customer, where the data center customer profile includes a service level agreement (SLA) and a data center resource usage model. A batch job quality of service (QoS) control module can determine an immediate QoS specification for a batch job of the data center customer, and a data center resource optimization module can determine a data center resource allocation for the data center customer based on the data center customer profile and the immediate QoS specification. |
| US08751657B2 |
Multi-client storage system and storage system management method
An aspect of the invention is a multi-client storage system comprising a management computer including a processor and a memory, for allocating resources of a plurality of storage apparatus to a plurality of clients, the management computer comprising: a receiving unit for receiving conditions for a client to which a new resource is to be allocated; a determining unit for determining whether the new resource is securable under the received conditions without changing resources allocated to existing clients and conditions for the volumes for each of the existing clients; and an allocation unit for securing, when it is determined that the new resource is securable under the received conditions, the new resource under the received conditions for the client in the plurality of storage apparatus and allocating the new resource to the client. |
| US08751655B2 |
Collective acceleration unit tree structure
A mechanism is provided in a collective acceleration unit for performing a collective operation to distribute or collect data among a plurality of participant nodes. The mechanism receives an input collective packet for a collective operation from a neighbor node within a collective tree. The input collective packet comprises a tree identifier and an input data field and wherein the collective tree comprises a plurality of sub trees. The mechanism maps the tree identifier to an index within the collective acceleration unit. The index identifies a portion of resources within the collective acceleration unit and is associated with a set of neighbor nodes in a given sub tree within the collective tree. For each neighbor node the collective acceleration unit stores destination information. The collective acceleration unit performs an operation on the input data field using the portion of resources to effect the collective operation. |
| US08751654B2 |
Determining the graphic load of a virtual desktop
The graphics load of a virtual desktop is estimated to determine the capacity of a virtual desktop system. In one embodiment, the graphics load of a physical desktop is measured by a remoting agent installed on the physical desktop. The graphics load can be used as an estimate of the load that would be created by a deployed virtual desktop. The remoting agent on the physical desktop mimics host operations that are necessary to direct graphics data to a remote site. The remoting agent also measures the graphics load incurred by the host operations to determine a capacity of a virtual desktop system prior to deployment of the virtual desktop system. |
| US08751651B2 |
System and method for improved notifications
Systems and methods for sending/receiving improved in-browser notification messages are provided. The notification messages are overlaid on HTTP traffic on port 80 for IP addresses provisioned to receive the notification messages from various sources, including weather, emergency broadcast, and police stations. A load balancer within the end-to-end system allows HTTP traffic on port 80 to be forked from non HTTP traffic on port 80 to selectively insert notification messages. The notifications are inserted by an internet content adoption protocol (ICAP) server in communication with other devices within the system. |
| US08751643B2 |
Correlating event streams from independent processes in a complex business system using metadata associated with the transport interconnections
A system and computer program product for correlating business events in a complex business system. A flow diagram containing a collection of nodes (representing processes) and links (representing the transport connections) between these nodes is generated. An instance of an event stream from a node that is to be connected to an instance of an event stream from a neighboring node is identified when a node transports a transaction across a link. The metadata associated with the utilized link that was used to transport the transaction between the nodes is obtained. The instances of the event streams are then correlated using the obtained metadata. Further, each instance of the event streams is assigned an identification. In this manner, business events are correlated without the requirement of users providing a common key as well as without the requirement of monitoring each user of the system throughout the entire transaction. |
| US08751639B2 |
Event queuing and distribution system
A REST-based event distribution system is described, with particular applicability to the distribution of distributed filesystem notifications over a high-latency best-effort network such as the Internet. In one embodiment, event channels are mapped to URL spaces and created and distributed through the use of HTTP POST and GET requests. The system is optimized for short polling by clients; an event history is maintained to buffer messages and maintain the idempotence of requests. In another embodiment, the events are registered as a SIP event pack allowing for the distribution of filesystem events. |
| US08751638B2 |
System and method to implement joint server selection and path selection
An apparatus comprising a content router configured to couple to a customer node and implement joint server selection (SS) and path selection (PS) to meet a user request for content and achieve load balancing for transporting the requested content in a provider network. Also disclosed is a network component comprising a receiver unit in a content router or switch configured to receive a user request for content, a content routing engine configured to implement a joint SS and PS algorithm to select a plurality of servers that comprise the content and a plurality of paths that achieve load balancing for transporting the content, and a transmitter unit configured to indicate the selected servers and paths to a provider network. |
| US08751637B2 |
Network monitoring server and network monitoring system
A failure factor can be promptly carved up by effectively prioritizing the ports to which MEPs are assigned in a condition where the maximum number of MEPs is limited. A network monitoring server monitors a network having plural switch devices. The plural switch devices each have a communication confirmation function using transmission and reception of a monitoring frame between ports. An upper limit is set to the number of ports to which maintenance end points (MEPs) are assignable among the respective ports of the plural switch devices. The network monitoring server calculates, for each of the plural switch devices, a monitoring priority corresponding to the probability of failures of a device connected to a network path including the port or the port, and generates data for displaying the calculated monitoring priority of each port in association with each port. |
| US08751634B2 |
System and method for delivering content to users on a network
Targeted content may be provided to a designated set of one or more interconnected resources. Programmatic operations are executed using resources that are private to the one or more interconnected devices. The operations, when executed, cause or result in (i) monitoring activities of one or more users of the designated set; (ii) developing profile information of the one or more users, where the profile information is based at least partially on information determined from monitoring activities of the one or more users; (iii) generating, from the profile information, a set of coded data that represent selection criteria; and (iv) communicating the set of coded data to a programmatic source external to the system, where the represented selection criteria enables programmatic selection of content resources from a content library for the system. |
| US08751633B2 |
Recording internet visitor threat information through an internet-based proxy service
An Internet-based proxy service server accesses a set of visitor characteristics for multiple visitors to a set of one or more domains operated by a customer. The set of visitor characteristics are reported from a set of one or more proxy servers that are situated between client devices and a set of one or more origin servers for the set of domains. The service server causes the set of visitor characteristics to be displayed through a threat reporting interface that allows the customer to report visitors as posing an Internet security threat. The service server receives input from the customer through the threat reporting interface that at least one of the visitors poses an Internet security threat, and records that visitor as an Internet security threat in one or more threat databases that are used by the proxy servers when determining whether to allow visitors to access network resources hosted at a set of one or more origin servers. |
| US08751628B2 |
System and method for processing user interface events
A system and method to detect and prevent non-human interaction between a client and a web server invokes an effect to change the event generation behavior at the client. Subsequent event streams from the client to the server are analyzed to determine whether the event streams contain events corresponding to expected reactions of a human operator at the client to the effect. Indications of non-human behavior may invoke more direct human testing, for example using a dynamic CAPTCHA application, or may cause a termination of the client/URL interaction. |
| US08751627B2 |
Method and system for application migration in a cloud
A method and system for managing an application in a cloud data center by monitoring the bandwidth of a subnet of which the primary operating instance of an application is a member. If a severe deterioration in the bandwidth caused by an over consumption of the subnet resources from other subnet constituents is detected, a suitable secondary instance in an alternate, uncompromised subnet is located and primary operation of the application is transferred from the former primary operating instance to the secondary instance. The secondary instance can be pre-launched or dynamically requisitioned in the cloud data center. |
| US08751623B2 |
Reduction of alerts in information technology systems
Aspects of the present invention dynamically reduce a frequency at which IT infrastructure automatically generates alerts. Historical data across a plurality of data sources in the IT infrastructure is analyzed. An opportunity to reduce the frequency at which the IT infrastructure automatically generates the alerts is identified. A new alert policy addressing the opportunity to reduce alert frequency is generated. An impact of the new alert policy on a set of predefined service level objectives (SLOs) and service level agreements (SLAs) is evaluated. The new alert policy is deployed in the IT infrastructure. |
| US08751622B1 |
Techniques for automated application discovery
Described are techniques for performing automated discovery processing in a network. A data storage system monitors transmissions sent over the network. The data storage system extracts one or more data elements from one or more messages included in the transmissions and determines at least one application executing on a component in the network in accordance with the one or more data elements. |
| US08751621B2 |
Building a social graph based on links received and selected by receiving users of the open web
A social graph is built which includes interactions, sharing activity, and connections between the users of the open Web and can be used to improve ad targeting and content personalization. Sharing activity between two users will affect ads or content that both users will be presented while surfing the Web. This sharing activity includes sending of links, sending of videos, sending of files, cutting and pasting of content, sending text messages, and sending of e-mails. |
| US08751619B2 |
Autonomous performance probing
A method, device, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for automatically activating a probe configured to generate test network traffic in response to evaluating a policy that accounts for aggregated information that describes traffic that was processed by a network device. The method includes storing a policy, and evaluating the policy based at least in part on an item of received aggregated information that describes a set of packets that were processed by the network device and sent or received on a network. The probe is activated at least partially in response to evaluating the policy. The probe generates test packets to emulate one or more applications, services, or devices communicating on the network. |
| US08751617B2 |
Method and device for identifying and selecting an interface to access a network
The present invention concerns a networking device comprising interfacing means for accessing a first network or a second network, and comprising identifying means for detecting an access to the first network, and selecting means for picking an access among a plurality of accesses to the first network for accessing a third network. |
| US08751616B2 |
System for accessing and browsing a PLC provided within a network
Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a method, comprising: recognizing, by a PLC, that a memory device has been connected to the PLC; and configuring the PLC via a PLC executable software program resident on the memory device. Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a method, comprising: via a PLC network interface: presenting a PLC network as a namespace shell extension of an operating system of a non-PLC information device; and rendering, to a user of the non-PLC information device, the PLC network as a node of a network. Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a method, comprising: via a PLC network interface: presenting a PLC network as a namespace shell extension of an operating system of a non-PLC information device; and searching the PLC network for at least one item corresponding to one or more search parameters. |
| US08751615B2 |
Systems and methods of discovering and controlling devices without explicit addressing
A method of discovering a device in a communication network having multiple interconnected nodes includes continuously monitoring, by a device to be discovered, any IP packets sent by a discoverer. The method further includes transmitting, by the discoverer, an IP packet destined for a downstream device and receiving, by the device to be discovered, the IP packet. The method further includes determining, by the device to be discovered, whether the IP packet is intended for the device to be discovered. If the IP packet is not intended for the device to be discovered, retransmitting, by the device to be discovered, the IP packet to the downstream device via an egress port of the device to be discovered. |
| US08751614B2 |
Providing virtualized visibility through routers
A method implemented by a network element to track IPv6 addresses of devices in a home network, wherein the network element provides DHCPv6 service to the home network and a home network router on the home network assigns IPv6 address to the devices using a prefix provided by the DHCPv6 service, the method including receiving a DHCPv6 request for a prefix delegation from a home network router, sending a DHCPv6 message including an assigned prefix to the home network router, the DHCPv6 message including a request for notification of configured IPv6 addresses, receiving a first ICMP message from the home network router, including a MAC address and corresponding IPv6 address for a configured device, and sending the home network router a second ICMP message to acknowledge recording the IPv6 address for the configured device, enabling the network element to provide services and forward traffic directly to the configured device. |
| US08751601B2 |
User interface that provides relevant alternative links
There is disclosed an improved user interface for a network, for example the Internet. If a user clicks on an incorrect hyperlink then the system, instead of merely informing the user that an error (e.g. “404 Not Found” error—meaning that the requested web page is not available) has occurred, provides the user with a list (503) of hyperlinks to alternative web pages. The alternative web pages are related to the context of the web page that was originally requested by the user (but was not available, due to the incorrect hyperlink, to the user). In a preferred embodiment (300), the system analyzes a web page (201) (i.e. the web page that contained the incorrect hyperlink) for context information and uses the context information to improve the relevance to the user of the list (503). The system may also analyze other web pages for context information. |
| US08751600B2 |
Administering globally accessible memory space in a distributed computing system
In a distributed computing system that includes compute nodes that include computer memory, globally accessible memory space is administered by: for each compute node: mapping a memory region of a predefined size beginning at a predefined address; executing one or more memory management operations within the memory region, including, for each memory management operation executed within the memory region: executing the operation collectively by all compute nodes, where the operation includes a specification of one or more parameters and the parameters are the same across all compute nodes; receiving, by each compute node from a deterministic memory management module in response to the memory management operation, a return value, where the return value is the same across all compute nodes; entering, by each compute node after local completion of the memory management operation, a barrier; and when all compute nodes have entered the barrier, resuming execution. |
| US08751599B2 |
Electronic information caching
Electronic information is made more readily available to one or more access requesters based on an anticipated demand for the electronic information using a process, system or computer software. For instance, electronic information stored on a first storage medium is identified for transport (e.g., in response to a request of at least one of the access requesters), and the electronic information is transported accordingly. Afterwards, a determination is made to store the electronic information on a second storage medium that is more accessible to the access requesters than the first storage medium. The determination is based on an anticipated demand of the access requestors for the electronic information. The anticipated demand is determined based at least on information that is not particular to any single access requestor. The electronic information then is stored on the second storage medium and the access requesters are provided access to the electronic information from the second storage medium. |