| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08777271B2 |
Linerless packing and shipping label system
A linerless duplex label system is operable to print and apply a linerless duplex label to a substrate. A plurality of linerless duplex labels are provided and each label includes a single-ply stock with top and bottom faces. The label also includes an endless adhesive border applied to the bottom face. The adhesive border is an unactivated, selectively activatable adhesive, such labels are overlaid on one another without any substantial adhesion therebetween. Each label may essentially be freely removed from the others, and the adhesive may thereafter be activated so that the label can be adhesively applied to the substrate. |
| US08777269B2 |
Self-locking belt retractor
A self-locking belt retractor with a belt shaft which is mounted rotatably in a frame having a belt-sensitive a blocking device. A disc cam (1) mounted rotatably on the belt shaft, is pretensioned by a spring in the extension direction of the seat belt and on which an inertial mass (5) is mounted pivotably about a pivot axis (S). A projection (11) limits relative movement between the inertial mass (5) and the disc cam (1) is provided on the inertial mass (5) and/or on the disc cam (1). |
| US08777263B2 |
Landscaping machine, landscaping machine cover, and method of use thereof
Disclosed herein is a landscaping machine that includes a protective rollover bar having a left bar portion extending from a left side of an operator seat, a top bar portion extending from the left bar portion above the operator seat, and a right bar portion extending from the top bar portion to a right side of the operator seat. The landscaping machine further includes an elongated rotatable member affixed to the protective rollover bar, the elongated rotatable member extending from the left bar portion to the right bar portion. The landscaping machine further includes a covering system attached to the elongated rotatable member configured to be rolled and unrolled with rotation of the elongated rotatable member. Further disclosed is a landscaping machine cover attachable to a landscaping machine, and a method of use thereof. |
| US08777262B2 |
Airbag assemblies with stabilizer straps
An airbag assembly can include a stabilizer strap attached to an airbag, and the stabilizer strap can cooperate with a housing to prevent undesired rotation or skewing of the airbag during deployment. A portion of the stabilizer strap can be positioned at an exterior of the housing and can remain at the exterior of the housing throughout deployment of the airbag. |
| US08777259B2 |
Gas generator
A gas generator includes a cylindrical ignition device chamber, a cylindrical pressurized gas chamber, a closing member having a fragile portion, a multifunctional member inside the ignition device chamber, and having a base plate portion with a first through-hole and a cylindrical wall portion with a second through-hole, an opening portion of the cylindrical wall portion abutting against the fragile portion, first and second plenum chambers, a discharge port in the ignition device chamber housing facing the second plenum chamber, and the multifunctional member movable in the axial direction to rupture the closing member. Gas passing through the first through-hole, the first plenum chamber, the second through-hole and the second plenum chamber is discharged from the gas discharge port. Gas inside the pressurized gas chamber housing entering the first plenum chamber, passes through the second through-hole and the second plenum chamber and is discharged from the gas discharge port. |
| US08777257B2 |
Side airbag device for an automobile
Lifting up of a side airbag toward a vehicle upper side when there is a side collision is suppressed or prevented. In a side airbag, a tether is provided that divides the side airbag into a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The tether is attached in an attitude that, viewed from a vehicle forward side, is inclined such that a vehicle width direction inner side thereof is higher than the vehicle width direction outer side. A gas jetting aperture is formed at a lower end portion of a diffuser of a gas jetting unit. The gas jetting aperture is disposed in the lower chamber and is oriented toward a lower face of the tether. Therefore, during a process of expansion of the side airbag, gas strikes the lower face of the tether, then strikes portions that have not yet unfolded, and flows downward. |
| US08777254B1 |
Portable elevated hunting blind
An elevated hunting blind has a hunting blind housing with a support frame. The elevated hunting blind has a substantially upright position, such that the support frame supports the housing, and a substantially level position, such that the support frame embodies a load-bearing trailer. Wheels may be attached to the support frame, such that when the elevated hunting blind is in the level position, the wheels are in contact with the ground to support the load-bearing trailer. An elongated hinging member has a first end having a trailer tongue suitable for attachment to a tow hitch and a second end rotatably connected to the support frame, so the trailer tongue can maintain constant attachment to the tow hitch on a vehicle in both the upright position and the level position. |
| US08777253B2 |
Foldable stroller
A stroller includes a front frame member assembly supporting laterally spaced apart front wheels, a middle frame member assembly supporting laterally spaced apart rear wheels; laterally spaced apart hubs interconnecting the frame member assemblies, and a seat assembly. The hubs each have a mounting structure that comprises a shaft extending from the respective hub. The shafts are axially aligned one with the other, each having two parallel flat sides and two curved sides joining the flat sides. The seat assembly comprises at least one seat frame member, and connector assemblies disposed on opposite sides of the seat frame member. Each connector assembly comprises a mounting surface having a recessed slot defined therein, each slot having a narrow portion disposed between two relatively wider portions. The narrow portion corresponds approximately to the distance between the flat sides. |
| US08777251B2 |
Wheelchair and controller
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a controller for a wheelchair. The controller includes a joystick for controlling the speed and direction of the wheelchair. A housing of the controller has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface has a weight bearing portion configured to support a user's weight when the user places at least a portion of his or her hand on the weight bearing portion to facilitate entering or exiting the wheelchair. |
| US08777250B1 |
Shock-absorbing seat stay for bicycle
A shock-absorbing seat stay for a bicycle includes a seat tube connecting mount having a first coupling portion with a first through hole, an extension member, a shock-absorbing member and a fastening unit. The extension member has a second coupling portion with two connecting lugs each having a second through hole in alignment with the first through hole. The shock-absorbing member is made of elastic material and clamped between the first and second coupling portions. The shock-absorbing member is a U-shaped member having two arms each having a third through hole. The fastening unit is inserted in the first through hole, the second though holes and the third through holes to connect the first coupling portion, the second coupling portion and the shock-absorbing member together. The seat stay is light weight and has a proper shock-absorbing function. |
| US08777248B2 |
Motor-vehicle suspension system with transverse control arms and central leaf spring connecting the arms
A motor-vehicle suspension system comprises, for each wheel, at least one transverse control arm having an outermost end articulated to a respective wheel support and an innermost end articulated to the frame of the motor vehicle. A transverse leaf spring is set centrally between the two transverse arms, and has its ends connected to the innermost ends of the transverse arms. The connection of each transverse arm to the leaf spring is such as to enable oscillations of the transverse arm in a substantially horizontal plane with respect to the leaf spring and minor relative sliding between the connected ends of the arm and the leaf spring in the longitudinal direction of the leaf spring. |
| US08777247B2 |
Wheel suspension device for a motor vehicle
A wheel suspension device for a motor vehicle is provided. The wheel suspension device includes a wheel guiding device which is provided for connection to the motor vehicle and to a wheel. The wheel suspension device has a spring device, in one example, a leaf spring device, which at a first coupling point is connected to a coupling device in an articulated manner. The coupling device is connected to the wheel guiding device at a second coupling point in an articulated manner, and a coupling device axis is defined by a straight line through the first and through the second coupling point. |
| US08777244B2 |
Single-pivot type suspension strut axle
A single-pivot suspension strut axle for a passenger car, includes a wheel carrier/pivot bearing carrying the wheel and a brake disk non-rotatably connected with the wheel relative to a rotational axis thereof. A suspension strut is fastened to the wheel carrier/pivot bearing and, at another end, is supported at the vehicle body. The wheel carrier/pivot bearing is guided by a supporting joint situated close to the wheel center plane by a lower control arm, representing an A-arm, and by a tie rod. A section of the control arm connected with the supporting joint projects through the ring-shaped brake disk. A leaf spring element oriented in the transverse direction of the vehicle provides proportional support for the vehicle body on the wheel, and is supported, on one side, at the control arm and, on another side, directly or indirectly, at the vehicle body. |
| US08777242B1 |
Linkage mechanism for double-wheel combination of vehicle
A linkage mechanism for double-wheel combination of vehicle mainly includes a main frame, connecting rod, and two sway rods. With the simple assembly, the two sway rods are pivoted to the main frame and the connecting rod respectively so as to sway identically and simultaneously for better vehicle stability and mobility. |
| US08777238B1 |
Medical emergency portable lift chair
A medical emergency portable lift chair assembly adapted to be tiltably wheeled through a doorway and to safely, slowly lift a person off of the ground. It may be powered through a supplied DC battery or through an AC power source. The unit is capable of lifting several hundred pounds up to a safe seating height. It utilizes a high torque linear actuator mounted onto a base frame that raises or lowers a ram coupled to a moveable platform by a pair of redundant pulley arrangements. The base frame sits directly on the floor when the chair assembly is not being wheeled to provide support for the load to be raised. The moveable platform descends to the floor within the framework of the base frame and has a thin graspable chair affixed thereto that resides approximately no more than ¾″ off the floor. A person who has fallen and cant get up may bring themselves in proximity to the chair either frontwards or rearwards, scoot themselves partially on the chair or grasp the chair, and then their weight can be safely raised off of the ground. |
| US08777236B2 |
Skate braking system
An improved braking system is disclosed in which a pair of conical braking members engage a pair of skate wheels through vertical movement of a pushrod that is actuated by movement of the skater's foot within a cuff. The braking members are separated by a spring disposed on an axel to maintain the braking members in optimal braking position. The braking members are serrated to promote frictional contact with the wheels, and a disk is positioned on the axel to act as a clutch to control the braking force. |
| US08777232B2 |
Self-tightening chuck with a radial lock
A drill chuck including a spindle portion with a pusher bore, a spindle bore, an annular array of teeth, and an annular groove defined by the outer surface of the first end. A body is rotatably disposed about the spindle portion and includes a central bore, an annular groove defined by the central bore, and a pawl pivotably mounted to the body for selectively engaging the annular array of teeth. A jaw pusher includes a threaded post and a head, the threaded post being disposed in the pusher bore and configured for axial motion. A jaw guide is disposed on the first end of the body and includes a plurality of jaw slots. A plurality of jaws is slidably received in the corresponding jaw slots and slidably received by the head of the jaw pusher. A plurality of bearing balls is received between the annular groove of the spindle portion and the annular groove of the body. The annular groove of the spindle portion and the annular groove of the body form a continuous pair of bearing races for the plurality of bearing balls. |
| US08777229B2 |
Liftoff carbon seal
A liftoff carbon seal assembly includes a rotating seal plate adjacent to a rotating seal backer plate and a rotating seal plate retainer. The rotating seal plate defines a rotating seal plate face which extends beyond a rotating seal plate retainer face of the rotating seal plate retainer with a static carbon seal is adjacent to the rotating seal plate. |
| US08777222B2 |
Document stacking
An apparatus and method are disclosed for stacking items of media in a media container region. The apparatus includes a rotatable roller element arranged to rotate about a longitudinal axis to locate an incoming item of media at a deposit position with the container region. The apparatus also includes at least one trailing edge engaging element that engages with a trailing edge region of an incoming item of media and urges the trailing edge region towards a stack position. The apparatus also includes at least one preceding item edge engaging element that engages with an edge region of a preceding item of media to urge that edge region away from the incoming item of media. |
| US08777217B2 |
Sheet stacking device and image forming device
A sheet stacking device for stacking conveyed sheets includes a stacking surface on which the sheets are stacked; a plurality of projections that project from the stacking surface. Wherein, the projections extend generally in a travel direction of the sheets, which is a direction in which the sheets travel when entering the sheet stacking device, the projections include outer projections and inner projections, the inner projections are located between the inner projections, and a projecting height of the inner projections from the stacking surface is greater than that of the outer projections. |
| US08777216B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a suction fan unit, a conveyor belt, a plurality of sheet-pressing rollers, and a control unit. The conveyor belt conveys a recording sheet suctioned by the suction fan unit, to a printer part. The sheet-pressing rollers are arranged at intervals in a main scanning direction orthogonal to a conveying direction of the recording sheet by the conveyor belt, and press the recording sheet onto the conveyor belt before the recording sheet is conveyed to the printer part. When a type of the recording sheet is a type meeting a predetermined condition, the control unit controls a suction strength of a suction fan unit such that a suction strength at both end portions of the suction part in the main scanning direction is higher than a suction strength at a central portion of the suction part in the main scanning direction. |
| US08777215B2 |
Sheet feeding device, image forming apparatus including the same, and method of controlling the sheet feeding device
Provided is a sheet feeding device capable of cleaning a pickup roller satisfactorily, which is downsized and reduced in the number of components. The sheet feeding device rotates the pickup roller under a state in which the pickup roller abuts against a friction body, to thereby clean the pickup roller. |
| US08777214B2 |
Sheet feeder and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeder includes a feed roller for feeding a sheet and a lifting plate for lifting the sheet to be fed to a feeding height of the feed roller. This sheet feeder further includes a wire for raising the lifting plate and a winding member formed with a winding configuration section for winding the wire. This winding configuration section is provided with a high-position winding section for a high-position side in a lifting height of the lifting plate and a low-position winding section for a low-position side. The high-position winding section is larger in winding radius than the low-position winding section. Accordingly, a sheet feeder having a simple structure capable of rapidly moving down the lifting plate and preventing impact of the lifting plate and an image forming apparatus incorporating the sheet feeder can be provided. |
| US08777203B2 |
Rotation jig device of processing machine
A rotation jig device may include both side housings that are disposed at both sides, a reverse gear that is disposed inside both side housings, a groove portion, front and rear side connection gears that are engaged with the reverse gear in both side housings, front and rear side pinion gears that are disposed at the front/rear side connection gear to be rotated, a rack gear that penetrates both side housings to be engaged with the front and rear side pinion gears, an advanced/retreat cylinder that is connected to each rack gear of both side housings to move each rack gear backward or forward, and a clamping portion that is disposed at the reverse gear and rotates with the reverse gear to clamp the workpiece. |
| US08777202B2 |
Tool for adjusting seal
A tool is disclosed for adjusting a seal. The tool includes an engagement block. The engagement block defines a slot configured to capture a portion of the seal. The tool further includes an impact surface connected to the engagement block, and a hammer head movable along a strike axis with respect to the engagement block and configured for striking the impact surface. Striking of the impact surface with the hammer head can cause movement of the seal. |
| US08777200B2 |
Clamping device
A clamping device has a toggle lever mechanism (2) with a linearly movable actuator (1) and a pivot shaft (23) with a tensioning arm (21). A mechanism to unlock an over-center position is coupled with the toggle lever mechanism. The mechanism includes a control element (3) that is arranged on the actuator (1) and a rocker (4). The rocker (4) can be brought into adjusting contact with the control element (3). The control element (3) is in the form of a control extension in a direction facing away from the pivot shaft. The actuator (1) is arranged between the pivot shaft (23) and the rocker (4). |
| US08777198B2 |
Substrate holding apparatus, substrate holding method, and substrate processing apparatus
A substrate holding apparatus can meet the request for a smaller-sized compact apparatus while ensuring a sufficient immersion depth of a substrate in a processing liquid. The substrate holding apparatus includes: a substrate holder for supporting a substrate (W) by bringing a peripheral portion of a surface of the substrate (W) into contact with a first sealing member; and a substrate pressing section for lowering relative to the substrate holder so as to press the substrate (W) held by the substrate holder downward, thereby bringing a first sealing member into pressure contact with the substrate (W). The substrate pressing section is provided with a second ring-shaped sealing member which makes pressure contact with an upper surface of a ring-shaped holding section of the substrate holder, thereby sealing the peripheral region of the substrate pressing section. |
| US08777197B2 |
Clamping apparatus
An annular piston is vertically movable and rotatable. A guide groove is provided in an outer peripheral portion of the annular piston, and an engaging ball to be fitted into the guide groove is provided on an inner peripheral wall of a cylinder hole. A transmission mechanism prevents the clamp rod and the annular piston from rotating relatively to each other and permits them to move relatively to each other in a vertical direction. When the clamp rod is moved from a released raised position to a locked lowered position, the annular piston descends while rotating via a rotational groove and the engaging ball, and the annular piston causes the clamp rod to rotate, causing the clamp rod to descend straight down. |
| US08777196B2 |
Bush bearing with a radial and/or an axial limit stop and method for producing an axial limit stop in a bush bearing
A bush bearing wherein the spring excursion of the elastomer bearing body is limited in the radial and/or axial direction by at least one limit stop. At least one radially inwardly projecting bead operating as a radial and/or axial limit stop is formed in the outer sleeve in a region of at least one of the axial ends of the bearing ends. The radially inward apex of the bead forms a radial limit stop and/or the axially outer sidewall of the bead forms a bead or shoulder with an outer surface that is covered with the elastomer and represents an axial limit stop. |
| US08777188B2 |
Plunger valve for a propane carburetor
A plunger valve. The plunger valve includes a body, where the length of the body is between 13 millimeters and 20 millimeters. The plunger valve also includes a set of flutes on the body. The set of flutes includes at least four flutes. The set of flutes are each symmetrically spaced about the axis of the needle-shaped plunger. The plunger valve further includes a conical tip. |
| US08777187B2 |
Humidifier
A domestic humidifier (10) is disclosed as including a water tank (34) for containing water, a basin (30) in a liquid communicable relationship with the tank (34), an adsorption medium (28) for breaking down water delivered to the adsorption medium (28) into water droplets floatable in air, a pump (22) for delivering water from the basin (30) to the adsorption medium (28), in which the tank (34) includes a water inlet (36) and a cover (38), and the cover (38) is movable to selectively close or open said water inlet (36). |
| US08777185B2 |
Rotary device and winch provided with rotary device
A bracket of a rotation device of the present invention has a guide mechanism that is configured to guide a first motor and a second motor so as to rotate the same about an axis of a cylindrical rotating body relative to each other. A first gear and a second gear can respectively be meshed with rotating body side gears corresponding thereto while the first motor or the second motor is deviated around the axis of the cylindrical rotating body from a normal attachment position with respect to the bracket. Further, the first motor or the second motor can be guided to the normal attachment position by the guide mechanism in the condition. |
| US08777183B2 |
Device for connecting a gas-operated appliance and a gas cartridge
A device for connecting gas equipment to a valve of a gas cartridge, having a tap body fixed to the gas equipment, an axial coupling ring fixed to the body of the tap and having at least one elastic lug which can engage radially in a groove of a valve of the cartridge, a rotary locking ring which can occupy a locking position in which the rotary ring keeps each lug engaged in the groove and a release position in which the rotary ring allows each elastic lug to be disengaged from the groove, and a cylinder having a tube which can override the shut-off device of the valve, wherein the rotary locking ring has radial coupling means which can interact with complementary radial coupling means provided on the gas cartridge valve, so that the device can be moved from a locking position to a release position by the rotation of the cartridge. |
| US08777180B2 |
Solenoid valve
A solenoid valve comprising a magnetic drive having at least two parallel coils which are arranged with their end faces lying between two spaced apart magnetic yoke plates, a stationary magnetic plug and an axially movable magnetic core each being arranged in each coil which together with the magnetic yoke plates form a ferromagnetic circuit. At least one further magnetic element which is firmly connected to a respective yoke plate on two opposite ends is arranged between the magnetic plates. |
| US08777179B2 |
Drive mechanism for the movement of an object along an axis of motion and micro-valve
A drive mechanism for the movement of an object along an axis of motion comprises two clamping elements and a drive element disposed between the two clamping elements which enables a relative movement of the two clamping elements along the axis of motion. Each clamping element comprises a base body and two clamping jaws, wherein a piezo-actuator is disposed between the base body and at least one of the two clamping jaws, which can produce a clamping force acting on the object which is directed transversely to the axis of motion. The base bodies of the two clamping elements are connected by at least two expansible elements. The drive element comprises a further piezo-actuator, which enables the relative displacement of the two clamping elements along the axis of motion. The drive mechanism is suitable for application in a micro-valve. |
| US08777178B2 |
Adjustable valve acutator system
A valve actuator apparatus and method for adjusting for valve bore drift using an adjustable downstop is disclosed. The adjustable downstop comprises a downstop and a drift adjuster. The drift adjuster can me moved in an upwards or downwards direction to increase or decrease the stroke length of the operator shaft. |
| US08777176B2 |
Device for mounting solar modules
A device for mounting solar modules/solar panels on props that are introduced into the ground of the mounting location, wherein supports that can be connected on top of or on the props are arranged by means of fastening means that allow vertical compensation and/or lateral compensation for deviations of the introduced props from the perpendicular, with a rail (3) that can be connected to the prop (2), a T-shaped or L-shaped or U-shaped connecting flange (4) with at least one connector (8) for a support (5), and a rocker bearing (6) that allows the connection between the rail (3) and the connecting flange (4) to be established. |
| US08777165B2 |
Aircraft fuel system
An aircraft fuel system has a fuel tank with first and second cells separated by one or more baffles. A venting system reduces pressure difference between the interior and exterior of the fuel tank, and an inerting system supplies oxygen-depleted gas to the fuel tank. The baffles permit the flow of fluid between the cells. The venting system has one or more vent nozzles within the fuel tank and in fluid communication with one or more vent ports. The inerting system has one or more inerting nozzles for injecting oxygen-depleted gas into the first and second cells. A control device varies the ratio between the total flow rates of the oxygen-depleted gas into the first and second cells. |
| US08777164B2 |
Air intake structure for an aircraft nacelle
An air inlet structure which is mounted upstream of a central structure of a nacelle of an aircraft engine includes an outer partition incorporating a lip, an upstream partition defining with the outer partition a deicing compartment in the lip, and a hot air supply device to supply the deicing compartment with hot air. The hot air supply device has a hot air supply tube and a peripheral seal plate surrounding the supply tube. In particular, the hot air supply tube has an elbowed free end, and an orifice of the upstream partition allows passage of the elbowed free end according to a main axis of the supply tube. The seal plate includes a contact plate surrounding the supply tube to ensure sealing at the upstream partition. |
| US08777157B2 |
Tethered hovering platform
The design and refinement of a tethered hovering platform into a feasible working system is presented. To determine a starting point for the design, a detailed historical search was conducted to find the history and the current state of such technology. Real world current needs are analyzed to produce a mission specification and to drive the preliminary vehicle design. Analysis of environmental conditions and decisions about an initial payload package are made in conjunction with motor and propeller sizing. Initial concept testing to discover feasibility and operational issues was performed; from this, instability issues were discovered. Analyzing these instability issues using known rotorcraft and momentum effects, in conjunction with flight testing, yields possible solutions to the problem. The use of constrained layer dampers as a means of passive stabilization is addressed and suggested as the preferred solution. Testing of passive constrained layer damping verifies the stability of the solution. The system components and manufacturing cost is presented in comparison to current systems using active stabilization. |
| US08777156B2 |
Heavier than air internal ballast
A vehicle suitable for use in high-altitude applications use may include a gas impermeable body and a flexible barrier separating the body into multiple sections or compartments. The compartments may include a lift compartment for holding lift gas, such as lighter than air gas, and a ballast compartment for holding a ballast, such as heavier than air gas. A valve may permit passage of the ballast from the ballast compartment to an exterior of the body. The body may have an oblong shape, with fins attached to an exterior back end thereof. The vehicle may have only internal ballast compartments, without including a hopper external to the body. |
| US08777153B2 |
Aerofoil
There is provided an aerofoil comprising an inboard section, a tip section moveable between a flying configuration and a parked configuration, a hinge shaft mounted at a compound angle in the inboard section, a fixed gear mounted concentrically on the hinge shaft and a drive gear coupled to the tip section and configured to mesh with the fixed gear, wherein a rotation of the drive gear against the fixed gear causes the tip section to rotate about the hinge shaft between the flying configuration and the parked configuration. |
| US08777152B2 |
Method and an aircraft provided with a swiveling tail rotor
A method of piloting an aircraft (1) provided with at least one rotary wing (2) and a tail rotor (10) suitable for swiveling to pass reversibly from an anti-torque mode of operation to a propulsion mode of operation, said tail rotor (10) having a plurality of second blades (12) having a second variable pitch and rotating about an axis of rotation (AX), said axis of rotation presenting a first variable salient angle (θ) relative to a first plane (P1). Thus, in the anti-torque mode of operation, said second pitch is controlled using first control means (31). Furthermore, in the propulsion mode of operation, said first salient angle (θ) is controlled using first control means (31) and said second pitch is controlled using second control means (32) for controlling thrust. |
| US08777148B2 |
Cord winder for a window-covering device
The invention relates to a cord winder (1) for a window-covering device, said cord winder including: a drum (7) for winding a cord (40), said drum being rotatable around a first rotationally symmetrical axis (A-A′); and a means (12, 13b) for guiding the cord to the winding drum, the winding drum being rotatably mounted in a holder (2). Said cord winder is characterized in that it includes a rotatable roller (14) that is mounted onto the holder along a second rotationally symmetrical axis (B-B′). Said cord winder is moreover characterized in that it includes a friction area (23) wherein at least one coil of the cord, wound onto the winding drum, is in contact with the rotatable drum. |
| US08777145B2 |
Frame front end of jaw crusher, jaw crusher and crushing plant
A front end of a frame of a jaw crusher comprises a curved front wall for receiving crushing force. The front end comprises an inner rib structure formed to the curved front wall. A jaw crusher and a crushing plant. |
| US08777142B2 |
Device for mechanical separation of material conglomerates from materials of different density and/or consistency
A device for mechanical separation of material conglomerates includes a separating chamber with a feed side and a discharge side, where the separating chamber is surrounded by a cylindrical separating chamber wall and has at least two consecutive sections, in each of which at least one rotor with impact tools, wherein the rotors have a rotor casing, the radius of which increases towards the discharge side, wherein the difference between the radius of the rotor casing and the radius of the separating chamber wall decreases from the feed side towards the discharge side, the directions of rotation of the rotor in the section facing the discharge side and the rotor of the section which lies ahead in the direction of the material flow are counter-rotating, and the rotational velocity of the rotors in the sections from the feed side towards the discharge side of the separating chamber, increases. |
| US08777136B2 |
Chopper for commingled fibers
A device for chopping fiber strand includes a form, and a strand feeding mechanism that delivers the strand to the form and conveys the strand along the form. First and second grinding wheels may be included to cut the strand into individual segments of desired length as the strand is conveyed along the form. A method of chopping a fiber strand includes the steps of delivering a continuous strand onto a base end of a form, conveying the continuous strand along the form from the base end toward a discharge end and cutting the continuous strand into individual segments of desired length, for example using first and second grinding wheels. |
| US08777135B2 |
Device and method for cooling solid particles
A cooling arrangement adapted to be used in a process of preparing a fine powder, and a method for using same are described. The cooling arrangement (100) comprises: a solid particles feed ingress means, a solid particles mixing means (140), a plurality of cooling air discharging devices (130) and a solid particles egress means. The cooling arrangement is characterized in that the averaged diameter of the solid particles fed the said solid particles ingress means is essentially less than 6 mm. Preferably, the solid particles are fed to the cooling arrangement and free fall (120) onto the bottom section thereof. |
| US08777127B2 |
Scent sampler and air freshener
A scent sampler and air freshener has a wafer of an absorbent resilient material infused with a liquid containing a scent. The wafer is encapsulated in a chamber formed between two panels of sheet material with edges sealed together to form an envelope. An opening in one of the panels enables scent from the liquid to be emitted to the ambient atmosphere. The rate of emission can be increased by squeezing the panels to compress the wafer. The interior surfaces of the panels can be coated with a barrier film to prevent leakage of the liquid from contaminating the sheet material. |
| US08777122B2 |
System for fixing a rail onto a foundation and support plate for such a system
A system for fixing a rail onto a foundation and a support plate intended for such a system. The system comprises a guide plate, a spring element which can be clamped against the foundation by means of a clamping element, sits on the guide plate and in the final mounted system with its free spring arm exerts a retaining force on a rail foot of the rail, and a support plate which is arranged to compensate for height differences between the guide plate and the foundation concerned. The system proposes dividing the support into two parts along a joint line which runs, starting from the one long side of the support plate aligned transverse to the rail to be fixed, at a distance from the one short side to the passage opening and from there intersecting the passage opening in the direction of the short side of the support plate. |
| US08777120B2 |
Hydronic radiant flooring heating system
A hydronic radiant flooring heating system includes a pipe having pipe sections, and a grid of a thermally conductive material. The pipe sections are arranged substantially parallel to one another along a first axis, where there is a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The pipe is to carry a heated liquid to radiantly heat a flooring under which the pipe is situated. The grid is situated relative to the sections. A portion of the grid is positioned substantially parallel to the second axis, and has an increased gauge to provide for lateral heat flow from the sections along the second axis. Heating of the flooring under which the pipe and the grid are situated is substantially uniform at least partially due to the increased gauge of the portion of the grid positioned substantially parallel to the second axis, while permitting wider spacing between adjacent of the pipe sections. |
| US08777117B2 |
Metal sheet and tag set
A metal sheet including: a first and second metal sections disposed at point symmetrical positions about a center point of the metal sheet, wherein each portion of the first and second metal sections is affixed to a tag so as to contact to the tag which performs non-contact communication. |
| US08777115B2 |
Card switch
There is provided a switch assembly for an electronic card. The switch assembly is mounted within a housing of the card and comprises a switch member adapted to travel axially relative to the housing between a rest position and an actuated position upon application of pressure on the switch member. An actuation member is positioned adjacent the switch member and adjacent an upper face of the housing. Upon exertion of pressure on the upper face, the pressure also applies on the actuation member, thereby displacing the latter. Displacement of the actuation member in turn transfers the pressure to the switch member to move the latter to the actuated position. |
| US08777113B2 |
Integrated circuit film for smart card and mobile communication device
An integrated circuit film for a smart card, such as a Micro SIM card or a Mini UICC card, is provided. The integrated circuit film includes a flexible print circuit board (FPC) and an integrated circuit chip, and the integrated circuit chip has an ATR (Answer to Reset) signal generating device. When a terminal issues a Reset signal, this Reset signal is sent to the smart card and the ATR signal generating device, respectively via circuits of the FPC, whereby the ATR signal generating device generates ATR signal and send back to the terminal. |
| US08777108B2 |
Cell phone reading mode using image timer
An EIR terminal containing an image capture device configured to scan an image. The EIR terminal includes a lighting and exposure mechanism. The EIR terminal also includes a camera sensor interface with a stat FIFO. The stat FIFO is configured to receive data from the image capture device. When the stat FIFO, during image scanning, receives a pre-determined amount of image data, it fires an interrupt, which times the lighting and exposure mechanism in the EIR terminal. |
| US08777104B1 |
Detecting a malfunctioning device using sensors
Various embodiments are related to apparatuses and methods for detecting a malfunctioning device using a sensor. An electronic device, such as a card reader, can be coupled to a mobile device, such as a smartphone. The smartphone has an integrated sensor, such as a motion sensor. An application can run on the smartphone and can use the sensor to determine the status of the electronic device, for example using the motion sensor to determine that the card reader has a status of malfunctioning. The application can determine that the card reader is malfunctioning by analyzing the motion sensor data to detect movements indicating multiple card swipes. If the card reader did not read any data during the card swipes, the application can deduce that the card reader is malfunctioning. The application can cause a replacement card reader to be sent to replace the malfunctioning card reader. |
| US08777101B2 |
Monitoring of stored-value-instrument usage
Methods and systems are disclosed of executing a financial transaction that enable enhanced usage monitoring. Funds are received from a buyer for purchase of a single-load stored-value instrument. The single-load stored-value instrument is associated with a predefined value amount. Buyer identification information that identifies the buyer is received. The buyer identification information is stored in association with the stored-value instrument. The stored-value instrument is validated for use in making purchase by drawing from value associated with the stored-value instrument. |
| US08777099B2 |
Bendable electronic device status information system and method
A system includes, but is not limited to: obtaining and one or more physical status sending modules configured to direct sending one or more bendable electronic device physical status related information portions to the bendable electronic device based upon the obtaining of the first information. In addition to the foregoing, other related system/system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. |
| US08777096B1 |
Cardboard desk organizer
A foldable cardboard desk organizer made of corrugated cardboard for use in standard elementary school desks. The desk organizer includes a base to which are attached a front wall, a back wall and two side walls. The walls are formed by folding the wall elements upon themselves and securing by a tab and slot system to create strong, two-layer walls. The wall elements further include wing portions that, when assembled, overlap and link separate wall elements together to provide structure and support for the desk organizer. One or more divider sections may be installed within the base by attaching them to the walls to create two or more compartments within the base and defined by the divider sections. The divider sections include three overlapping layers for increased strength. |
| US08777094B2 |
Container having interlocking top flaps and blanks for forming same
A barrel formed from a sheet of blank material includes a plurality of side wall panels for forming sides of the barrel including a front panel, a rear panel, two opposing end panels, and at least one diagonal corner panel, at least one bottom flap for forming a bottom of the barrel, and a plurality of top flaps for forming a top of the barrel including a top front flap foldably connected to the front panel, a top rear flap foldably connected to the rear panel, and two opposing top end flaps each foldably connected to one of the end panels. The top front flap and the top rear flap include at least one closure slot. Each of the two opposing top end flaps includes at least one locking finger. The locking fingers are inserted within the closure slots for securing the top of the barrel in a closed position. |
| US08777090B2 |
Methods of joining metallic protective layers
In various embodiments, protective layers are bonded to a steel layer and connected by a layer of unmelted metal powder produced by cold spray. |
| US08777087B2 |
Method and apparatus for applying solder to a work piece
The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for the application of solder onto a work piece, wherein the solder is soldered on at a soldering temperature TL and subject to the influence of ultrasound. In order to be able to solder without difficulties the solder onto work pieces that exhibit sensitivity to breakage it is proposed that the solder is heated, is applied to the work piece that is supported in particular in a spring-mounted manner, and is soldered-on subject to the influence of ultrasound. |
| US08777083B2 |
Surgical stapling device
A surgical stapling device for applying an array of surgical staples to tissue is provided. The stapling device includes an approximation mechanism for moving a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly between spaced and approximated positions and a firing mechanism for ejecting the array of staples from the cartridge assembly. A single trigger is operable to effect approximation and firing of the device. The device also includes an alignment pin assembly which can be selectively manually or automatically advanced. The anvil assembly includes a stiffener plate which allows the device to have a reduced head portion profile. |
| US08777076B1 |
Multifunctional organizer and method of making
A multipurpose organizer that can be quickly and easily converted into multiple articles such as but not limited to a carrying tote, a purse, a seat organizer and a head rest is provided. The method of making the multifunctional organizer and the methods of using the multifunctional organizer are also provided. In one embodiment the main body of consists of a single piece of material providing for low cost construction. |
| US08777075B2 |
Combination hydration, nutrition, and pack apparatus for a bicycle
The hydration pack apparatus for a bicyclist herein described includes a hydration fluid container that is removably mounted to a bicycle. Hydration fluid is transported from the container to the bicyclist via a flexible tube with one end connecting to an outlet on the container and the other end terminating at a bite actuated valve. The tube is routed on and mounted to the bicycle in a novel fashion. The cyclist, with the brief use of one hand, is able to easily access the bite valve and tube to retrieve hydration while continuing to ride the bicycle and maintaining a neutral and ergonomic posture. Retracting reel assemblies are used to automatically return and hold the tube in a stored position on the bicycle while not in use. The hydration pack can be equipped with additional features allowing for convenient storage and retrieval of nutrition supplements and for secure storage of other accessory items commonly employed by bicyclists. |
| US08777074B2 |
Hitch-mounted telescopic rack and method of use
One possible embodiment of the invention could be a hitch-mounted telescopic rack and its operation, the rack could be comprised of a vertical telescopic tube assembly having an inner tube movably received within a hollow outer tube, the hollow outer tube having a hitch attachment end while the inner tube has an attachment end that connects to a top tube assembly that movably supports one or more rollers perpendicularly to the vertical telescopic tube assembly; wherein the hitch attachment end is reversibly received by a trailer hitch of an automotive vehicle to vertically orient the vertical telescopic tube assembly and place the rollers in a horizontal position distal from the trailer hitch, the one or more rollers moving an object relative to a rear edge of a top of the automotive vehicle as well as supporting the rear overhanging portion of the object that is placed on the top. |
| US08777067B2 |
Beverage dispensing system with apparatus for controlling foaming and flow rate
The beverage dispensing system includes a dispensing faucet defining a flow path, a valve head in the flow path movable between a closed position in sealed contact with a valve seat, and an open position. An actuator is manually movable to operate the faucet, and a biasing element is cooperable with the actuator and valve head such that an initial movement of the actuator will automatically cause sufficient energy to be stored or loaded in the biasing element for moving the valve head to the open position but without doing so. Occurrence of a subsequent predetermined event such as a further movement of the actuator will cause the stored energy to be automatically released to rapidly or nearly instantaneously move the valve head to the open position. As a result, no instruction or skill is required to operate the faucet to uniformly dispense pressurized beverages such as draught beer. |
| US08777066B2 |
Packaging element with a hermetically sealed dosing mechanism for semi-solid products
Packaging element with a hermetically sealed dosing mechanism for semi-solid products, comprehending its body as a sole piece (10) injected in plastic material, configuring two concentric parts, one internal that configures the product containing cup-like recipient (11) and an external which configures a skirt for optional finishing (12), both with their top endings integrated between themselves by a horizontal wall (13), above which emerge vertically two concentric collars (14) and (15), which configure a hermetical coupling for a device in the shape of a spinning disc (16) that rotates in only one direction and always in the same plane in relation to the main body (10), and whose spinning disc (16) outside portion, may receive an optional over-lid (17), while from its inside portion has constructive details integrated to the assembly of an integrated protection dosing valve mechanism (18) and an actioning mechanism (19) for a piston (20) that, by its turn, initially (full package) is placed along with the bottom (21) of the cup-like recipient (11) containing the product (P). |
| US08777065B2 |
Container with dip tube holder
A container for use with a handheld fluid dispenser is provided. The container may include a container body having interconnected walls that define an inside space therebetween and in which liquid contents are held. An opening may extend through the container body and permit access to the liquid contents in the container body. A cap may engage the container body and be aligned with the opening of the container body. The cap may include a rim that defines an outer portion of the cap. A neck may be arranged concentrically within the rim, the neck including a bore that extends longitudinally through the neck and is aligned with the opening of the container body. A recess that has an annular shape may be defined between the rim and the neck of the cap. |
| US08777062B2 |
Manual skin-care product dispenser
A product dispenser includes a housing having a backplate and a cover that, together, define a reservoir recess. The cover pivots relative to the backplate and is pushed to pivot about a pivot point and actuate a pump. The pivot point is positioned such that the volume of the reservoir recess increases as the pump is actuated to dispense the product. |
| US08777058B2 |
Spout assembly for a replaceable fluid reservoir used in personal care appliances
A pouch has an upper spout portion which is heat sealed to the opening of the pouch. The upper spout portion has two curved gripping elements and a receiving assembly that projects inside the pouch. The receiving assembly is configured to connect with a bellows pump that seats into the upper spout portion and can be removed by pinching the two curved gripping elements together. This action in turn allows a user to remove the bellows pump easily as desired. |
| US08777055B2 |
Passive device for staging and dispensing objects
A passive chute assembly includes: a chute configured to receive objects to be dispensed, the chute having an outlet; and a passive dispensing unit attached to the chute outlet. The passive dispensing unit has a staging portion, wherein objects are captured prior to dispensing. The staging portion is movable between a staging position, in which objects may be captured within the staging portion, and a dispensing position, in which the objects may be fed gravimetrically into a receptacle positioned below the dispensing unit. The staging portion includes an adaptive opening that, when the staging portion moves to the dispensing position, opens adaptively corresponding to a diameter of the receptacle. |
| US08777053B2 |
Sheets dispenser
A sheets dispenser comprising a container with an opening, and a spring loaded lid adapted to close say opening, in which the opening is provided with extrusion means, and in which the lid is biased into a closed position. |
| US08777048B2 |
Drink bottles
Drink bottles, or drink containers with cap assemblies that include a drink spout. In some embodiments, the drink spout is pivotally coupled to a base of the cap assembly. In some embodiments, the drink spouts include mouthpieces, including self-sealing mouthpieces. In some embodiments, the cap assembly includes a handle, which may include at least one guard for the drink spout and/or mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the drink containers include a manual on/off valve. In some embodiments, the dispensing spout includes a mount for the mouthpiece and/or cooperates with the cap to provide a manual on/off valve to selectively restrict flow of drink fluid from the drink container regardless of the drink spout's and/or mouthpiece's configuration. In some embodiments, the drink containers include a drink tube extending from external of the drink containers and/or an air return system. |
| US08777047B2 |
Containers
A polyhedron disposable container formed from flexible weldable plastic film is provided. The container has opposite ends and an opening that accommodates a port at the center of at least one of such ends. The container also has multiple sides and an opening on at least one such side located midway between the edges of such side. |
| US08777046B2 |
Drink cup with rolled brim
A drink cup includes a body formed to include an interior fluid-storage region and a brim. The brim is coupled to the body to surround an opening into the interior fluid-storage region. |
| US08777045B2 |
Insulated container with work surface
A soft sided insulated container assembly includes a first portion having an insulated, soft sided external wall structure, and a second portion that defined a lid co-operable with the first portion. The lid includes an auxiliary access opening and closure member that are smaller than the main opening, and that can be operated one-handed. A rigid work surface is provided, typically immediately adjacent to the secondary closure member, the work surface providing a place for holding or mixing a drink or for preparing a snack. In some embodiments the work surface may be movable relative to the container, whether slidable in a co-planar or parallel planar manner in translation, or folding as in a foldable shelf. The entire container assembly may be foldable or collapsible to a storage condition, and the rigid member, whether fixed or movable, does not impede that folding or collapsing. |
| US08777044B1 |
Beverage container device
A beverage holding device comprising a container and a removably engageable lid. The container includes a partition extending between opposing sides of the sidewall of the container to define a plurality of separated cavities. The partition includes an edge surface forming an interior seal against a lower surface of the lid upon an engagement of the lid with the container for maintaining the plurality of cavities fluidly separated. A plurality of apertures in offset elevated positions above an upper surface of the lid are provided, with each communicating with a respective one of the plurality of cavities. The elevated and offset apertures provide a respective relief area to accommodate a projecting nose of a user during an engagement of the user's mouth with a respective aperture while tipping the container. |
| US08777038B2 |
Air relief valve structure of pressure cooker
In an air relief valve structure of a pressure cooker, the pressure cooker includes a cooker body and a lid. The lid has a containing trough and an air relief valve. The air relief valve includes a middle column, an airtight column, an elastic element and a gravity valve. The middle column has a containing space and air relief and through holes formed on an outer wall of the middle column and interconnected with the containing space. In the containing space, an airtight column is installed. An end column is defined at an end of the airtight column and is disposed adjacent to an inner wall of the middle column, and the end column has a diameter equal to the diameter of the containing space of the middle column. The air relief hole allows food material to be discharged easily to reduce pressure and enhance the overall safety of the pressure cooker. |
| US08777034B1 |
Containment bag system for use in a commercial disposal container
The invention consists of a non-self supporting containment bag used in conjunction with a dumpster container. The bag has a zipper or other sealable means, and a series of pick-up or attachment loops or handles that may also be attached to the outer bag material. The bag is constructed of at least two layers, a first layer constructed of woven materials and a second layer constructed of non-woven materials. |
| US08777033B2 |
Plastic container with reinforced base and closure and system and method of making same
A plastic container and closure, and system and method of making the same. Container can include a solid bottom end, an outer sidewall extending from solid bottom end, a shoulder portion extending from outer sidewall, and neck portion extending from shoulder portion, forming an open end of container. Solid bottom end includes a circumferential heel portion having a plurality of radially asymmetrical projections and recesses disposed on an outer periphery of the heel portion, the plurality being configured to increase heel portion rigidity while maintaining substantially uniform material thickness. Shoulder portion forms an angle with a plane perpendicular to the container central axis. At an angle of 50° a desirable failure mode may be achieved where the yield strength of the shoulder portion is balanced against that of the heel portion and the outer sidewall to maximize the top load strength of the container. |
| US08777030B2 |
Non-reusable closure
In various embodiments, a non-reusable closure may include a base attachable to a container. The closure base contains an engagement insert that can screw onto a container neck. The base and engagement insert together contain one or more regions of weakness which break and/or deform when the closure is removed from the container thereby preventing re-attachment of the closure to the container. |
| US08777028B2 |
Spout for drinking container
A spout for attachment to bottles, cups or other drinking vessels and containers having a dome shaped enclosure and a set of stability ribs. The stability ribs specifically ensuring that fluid flow through the fluid conduit remains as laminar as possible, and prevents the fluid conduit from collapse if a high amount of suction or mastication is provided by a user of the drinking vessel or container. |
| US08777027B2 |
Mobile crane
The present application relates to a mobile crane comprising a telescopic boom which has a hinged section and at least one telescopic section which can be telescoped out of it, or to a crawler-mounted crane. In accordance with one embodiment, as a position detection device, it has at least one transducer in the form of an inductively operating transponder, a receiver unit for the sensing of the position of the transducer, a control device for control in dependence on a signal of the receiver unit, as well as a signal transmission device in the form of a databus for the transmission of the signal data from the receiver unit to the control device. |
| US08777026B2 |
Crane jib transition structure
Provided is a crane jib transition structure, including a jib section, a transition section and a supporting structure. The jib section matches with the transition section, and they fixedly connect to each other. The upper end of the supporting structure fixedly connects to the upper end of the side of the jib section. The bottom end of the supporting structure fixedly connects to the bottom end of the corresponding side of the transition section. The middle part of the supporting structure fixedly connects to the connection point between the side of jib section and the corresponding side of transition section. Therefore, the crane jib transition structure can not only achieve the strength of a crane jib transition structure, but also achieve the strength and the overall stability of a crane jib, by using the supporting structure connecting to between the crane jib section and transition section. |
| US08777022B2 |
Universal storage and shelving system
There is disclosed a simple and versatile storage and shelving system. A plurality of specialized, sturdy, lightweight, integrally molded main panels (10) are provided, which may be hanged upon a hanger track (16) mounted upon a vertical wall (15). The main panels (10) are specially shaped to define shelf ledges (26) therein upon which shelves (18, 20) may be easily but securely placed. There are defined in the fronts of the panels (10) one or more wardrobe hooks (22) into which wardrobe rods (14) may be placed. Special hook bodies (53) for the wardrobe rods (14) and flange elements (44, 47) for the panel wardrobe hooks (22) promote secure engagement of the wardrobe rods (14) with respective pairs of panels (10) to promote the stability and security of a completely installed system. Auxiliary panels (80) may be removably connected to the bottoms of main panels (10) to increase versatility of a given system by permitting the additional of more shelves (18, 20) or drawers (20). |
| US08777018B2 |
Filter device
The present invention relates to a filtering device, facilitating the filtration of media to be cleaned, and also the cleaning of the filter material or filter elements in a filtering device. Said filtering device comprises at least one filter element arranged in a housing, with at least one filter material and at least one rebound element. The invention further relates to a cleaning device, comprising at least one nozzle, which is arranged perpendicularly and/or angularly in relation to the filter element for removing a filter cake on the filter material, wherein the cleaning medium at least partially penetrates the filter material during cleaning. The rebound element deflects the cleaning medium at least partially for renewed penetration through the filter material, while at least partially removing the filter cake at the same time. |
| US08777016B2 |
Material separator systems
Embodiments provide a vehicle for separating a mixed debris stream. The vehicle may include an elongate vehicle frame; a separating structure mounted on the vehicle frame and configured to contact the mixed debris stream with a fluid stream to separate the mixed debris stream into at least a first debris stream and a second debris stream; a feed structure for transporting the mixed debris stream to the separating structure at a delivery location; a first conveyor configured to receive the first debris stream at a receiving location; and a second conveyor configured to receive the second debris stream. At least one of the delivery location of the mixed debris stream, the receiving location of the first debris stream, and/or an ejection angle of the fluid stream may be adjustable. |
| US08777015B2 |
Magnetic separator
There are provided devices, systems and processes to treat slurries that include magnetic and nonmagnetic particles suspended in water in such a fashion as to separate certain valuable elements and/or minerals from less valuable minerals or elements. A high intensity magnetic separator includes at least one large rotatable turntable that defines at least one circular channel therethrough in which a matrix material is positioned. The turntable is configured to rotate in a generally horizontal plane about a generally vertical virtual axis, causing the at least one circular channel to rotate through a plurality of intermittent magnetic and nonmagnetic zones generated by a plurality of permanent magnet members. A treatment slurry is directed into the channel or channels in one or more of the magnetic zones as the turntable rotates. A tailings fraction passes through the channel or channels in a generally downward direction in the magnetic zones and is collected in tailings launders. Magnetic particles are attracted to the matrix material in the magnetic zones and remain in the channel until it passes into an adjacent nonmagnetic zone, where the magnetic particles are washed form the channel into concentrate launders. |
| US08777014B2 |
Contraception kit
The invention relates to a contraception kit that includes at least one regular contraception for the female cycle as well as an emergency contraception. The invention is characterized in that both types of contraception are included in a common packaging. |
| US08777010B2 |
Container blank and container with denesting feature
A blank for being formed into a container. The blank has a marginal area that includes a plurality of score lines for facilitating forming of the blank into the container. The score lines are positioned to facilitate formation of denesting features of the container. A container formed from the blank has denesting features. |
| US08777008B2 |
Package cushioning structure for liquid crystal display module
Disclosed is a package cushioning structure for liquid crystal display modules, which includes two opposite cushioning side boards, a plurality of cushioning position-limiting boards arranged between the two cushioning side boards, and a plurality of connection plates connecting the cushioning side boards and the cushioning position-limiting boards. The cushioning side boards form first retention slots corresponding to the connection plates. The cushioning position-limiting boards form second retention slots corresponding to the connection plates. The connection plates form first and second coupling sections respectively corresponding to the first and second retention slots, whereby the first and second coupling sections are respectively received in and retained by the first and second retention slots to couple the cushioning side boards and the cushioning position-limiting boards together in a releasable manner. |
| US08777003B2 |
Two-piece protective case
A two-piece carrying case for a portable electronic device is disclosed. Generally speaking, the protective case includes a first body section and a second body section, each having a back surface, upturned sides, a connecting surface and a rim tightly bonded to an edge of the upturned sides of each body section. The rim defines an open area. The first and second body sections are joined by overlapping the respective connecting surfaces. Correspondingly aligned protrusions and depressions in the connecting surfaces retain the two sections in an overlapping configuration. |
| US08777002B2 |
Protective case with substantially-rigid outer layer and cushioning inner layer
A handheld device, such as a mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), tablet computer, palmtop computer, or the like, can be protected from physical shock by being suspended within a multiple layer enclosure forming a protective case. The protective case includes an outer shell and an inner cushioning layer comprising one or more cushions. The cushions can be interlocked with opposing ends of the outer shell via an interlocking connection, so that the pieces of the cushion layer can be secured within the protective case. The cushions can cooperate to suspend the handheld device within the enclosure of the protective case and isolate the handheld device from the outer shell to protect the handheld device from physical shocks imparted to the outer shell. |
| US08776998B2 |
Conveyor belt and module with hooked connection and associated method
A modular plastic conveyor belt constructed of belt modules having hooked structure to hold belt rows together during splicing for easier hinge-rod insertion and to accommodate an elongated belt edge portion permitting hinge-rod growth and a method for splicing such a belt together. The modules include a pivot end that hooks into a mating receptacle on the module of a consecutive belt row. An aperture through the receptacle and the pivot end is aligned with the apertures of other hinge elements to form a lateral passageway for a hinge rod. |
| US08776997B2 |
Adjustable conveyor guide
This invention relates to conveyor guides comprising conveyor guide rail units, such as those used on automated handling lines where containers of different sizes are processed. One or more guide rails are employed to the sides of the conveyor guide to ensure that articles follow a desired path. This invention provides an adjustable conveyor guide rail unit that comprises a guide member operable to be set in a plurality of discrete positions, thereby allowing the width of a channel through which an article may be conveyed to be varied. Width adjustment is effected by adjusting a rotatable tab to align one of a number of holes with a pin provided on the guide rail. With the pin received in a hole, the guide rail is secured in a desired setting. |
| US08776994B2 |
Chain conveyor system
For a chain conveyor system having a main conveyor having links with an inclined or a slippery wet conveying run extending from a feed end to a discharge end capable of securely attracting and retaining metallic magnetic articles on the run by article-attracting magnet pieces in selected links for attracting and retaining the articles on the run. An auxiliary conveyor for enabling separation of the articles from the conveyor at the discharge end of the run by releasing attraction of the articles. The auxiliary conveyor has links which register with the main conveyor links at the discharge end of the main conveyor system. The registering links of the auxiliary conveyor have article-separating elements operable to reduce the magnetic force of the magnet pieces at the discharge end of the run to enable separation of the conveyed articles from the main conveyor. |
| US08776991B2 |
Apparatus for transporting food products to a loading head
An apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading station having a cooling conveyor that selectively drops food product into a distributor. The distributor separates product into at least two lanes and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor monitors and counts product in each lane and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter transfers product from a loading conveyor to a buffer conveyor. The buffer conveyor transfers product to a main conveyor which transfers product to a loading head. |
| US08776986B2 |
Singulator
A singulator for use with fruit handling equipment including spaced fruit supports driven at a particular speed, the singulator causing the fruit to assume single file for transfer to the fruit supports, the singulator including a first pair of belts arranged in a V formation travelling at different speeds, wherein the first pair of belts merges into a second pair of belts arranged in a V formation and both travelling at about the speed of the fruit supports, and wherein the second pair of belts is adapted to be operated so as to transfer the fruits substantially at the same speed as the fruit supports, whereby fruit are transferred to the fruit supports in single file whilst moving at the same speed as the fruit supports. |
| US08776984B2 |
Method for transferring articles picked up from several channels to a supply line of a packing machine
In the present method, which includes use of an operating head, groups of articles are intermittently picked up from a plurality of identical flanked channels (10, 20, 30) which bear articles (3) equidistanced from one another. The articles are ordered in groups in identical flanked lines (F1, F2, F3) and in a number that is equal to the number of channels. In the method, each group of articles is transferred above a supply line (40) provided with equidistanced compartments corresponding to the articles arranged on the channels. Each line of articles is unloaded into underlying compartments (4) of a series of compartments in the line. It is thus possible to insert into the compartments of a series of compartments an equal, smaller or greater number of articles than the number of channels. |
| US08776983B2 |
Turntable device for substrate and substrate transporting system
The present invention provides a turntable and a substrate transporting system. The turntable includes an interconnecting device and a transporting platform which is moved by the interconnecting device in a way that the transporting platform is docked to a substrate exporting apparatus or importing apparatus, alternatively. Wherein the transporting platform picks up the glass substrate from the substrate exporting apparatus when docked thereto, and then transporting the substrate horizontally to the substrate importing apparatus in which the glass substrate is delivered as the transporting device is articulated thereto. The turntable device made in accordance with the present invention is properly arranged with a transporting platform to pick up, displace, and finally deliver the substrate. Since all these operations are streamlined, as a result, no waiting area is needed so as to effectively reduce the area for establishing the production line. |
| US08776982B2 |
Article sorting equipment
Article sorting equipment of the present invention comprises: a rotation drive device; endless chains rotated on a conveyance route by the rotation drive device; a plurality of slats on which the article is placed and conveyed; and shoes attached to the slats. In the present invention, detected plates are attached to the slats, and a detection device for detecting the detected plates is provided. Based on timing of detecting the detected plates, positions of the slats are obtained. |
| US08776981B2 |
Static temporary storage device for motor vehicle body parts
A static temporary storage device for motor vehicle body parts, the device has a stationary frame; at least two stationary parallel rails that are mounted horizontally or in a slightly angled manner on the frame, each rail being capable of supporting a bearing fitted onto the rail so as to be longitudinally movable on the rail; at least one carriage having bearing fitted onto the rail, the carriage being dimensioned so as to rest on both rails by means of the support; A device or means for suspending a body part from the carriage; each carriage extending longitudinally relative to the rails over a length that is shorter than the longitudinal extent of a body part when in its suspended position. |
| US08776980B2 |
Bill processing machine
A bill processing machine according to the present invention includes a control portion that controls a pair of first and second sensor units. The control portion performs: a first process in which first and second reflected lights of one face of a bill are detected sequentially by first and second reflection sensors of the first sensor unit, respectively; a second process in which third and fourth reflected light of an other face of the bill are detected sequentially by first and second reflection sensors of the second sensor unit, respectively; and a third process in which first and second transmitted lights in one direction of the bill are detected by the first and second reflection sensors of the first sensor unit, respectively, and third and fourth transmitted lights in an other direction of the bill is detected by the first and second reflection sensor of the second sensor unit, respectively. The control portion makes timing of detecting the first reflected light by the first reflection sensor of the first sensor unit in the first process agree with timing of detecting the fourth reflected light by the second reflection sensor of the second sensor unit in the second process. |
| US08776978B2 |
Clutch with adjusting device
A friction clutch for a motor vehicle is provided. The friction clutch is disengaged when unpowered and engaged by axial movement of an actuating lever operated by an actuating device via a further lever. In the event of overtravel traversed beyond the unpowered state the friction clutch compensates for an incorrect axial gap between the friction surfaces provided in a friction clutch caused by wear. The friction clutch includes a switchable stop provided on the actuating device. The switchable stop releases an overtravel path for the further lever when a detected engagement path of the further lever exceeds a predefined length. |
| US08776976B2 |
Electromagnetic friction clutch
An electromagnetic friction clutch including a rotor, further clutch element which orbits a common axis of rotation with the rotor and is supported so that it can rotate relative to the rotor, eddy current elements for transmitting a rotational movement on the principle of an eddy current clutch, one of the eddy current elements being rotationally fixed to the further clutch element, and one or more magnetic elements rotationally fixed to the rotor so as to orbit one of the eddy current elements. |
| US08776969B2 |
Overload restriction in system for electrical vehicles
An arrangement for overload restriction associated with a system adapted for electrically driving a vehicle along a roadway. The vehicle is provided with a current collector, which is displaceable up and down and sideways in relation to the direction of transportation, in order to be brought into mechanical and electrical contact with elongated tracks positioned below the roadway and comprising a conductor adapted to be supplied with current and put under voltage. The arrangement comprises a circuit for limiting the momentary power outlet connected to said vehicle-external power source and being adapted to supply power to said conductor within the roadway section via said switch when the vehicle passes. |
| US08776967B2 |
Adjustable suspension arrangement for wind turbine towers
The present invention relates to a wind turbine tower suspension arrangement comprising magnetic attachment means adapted to magnetically secure the suspension arrangement to an inner surface portion of the wind turbine tower. The suspension arrangement further comprises guiding means adapted to guide an element suspended in a substantially longitudinal direction of the wind turbine tower, the guiding means being connected to the magnetic attachments means. Moreover, the present invention relates to the method for applying a wind turbine tower suspension arrangement. |
| US08776966B2 |
Hydraulic brake lever apparatus
A hydraulic brake lever apparatus is provided with a brake lever housing, a piston, a mounting structure, a brake lever and a fluid reservoir. The brake lever housing includes a cylinder having the piston movably disposed within the cylinder. The mounting structure mounts the brake lever housing to a bicycle handlebar. The brake lever pivotally is mounted to the brake lever housing and moves the piston within the cylinder in response to pivotal movement of the brake lever relative to the brake lever housing. The fluid reservoir fluidly communicates with the cylinder via a port that communicates hydraulic fluid therebetween. The fluid reservoir has a cylindrical shape and lies in a side by side relationship with the cylinder to prevent gas bubbles that have moves from the cylinder to the fluid reservoir via the port from flowing back to the cylinder. |
| US08776965B2 |
Shock absorber
A shock absorber that absorbs a vibration using a working fluid charged into a first chamber and a second chamber comprises a tube body, an inserted body, a tip end of which is inserted into the tube body from an end portion of the tube body, and a partition wall portion that is provided on the tip end of the inserted body to be capable of sliding within the tube body and partitions an interior of the tube body into the first chamber and the second chamber. The shock absorber comprises a connecting portion that is provided within a partition wall portion sliding region of the tube body and connects the first chamber and the second chamber when the partition wall portion passes thereby. |
| US08776958B2 |
Brake apparatus
A brake apparatus for restraining rotation of a wheel of a vehicle by application of a brake that is to be activated for causing a friction member, to be pressed against a brake rotor, through a piston that is movable in an axial direction of the piston. The brake apparatus includes: (a) a power drive device; (b) a driven member that is to be moved, by the power drive device, relative to the piston in the axial direction; and (c) an engaging portion that is provided in one of the driven member and the piston, such that the piston is held in engagement with the driven member through the engaging portion. The engaging portion is disposed such that, during release of the application of the brake, the piston is movable rearwardly while being held in engagement with the driven member through the engaging portion. |
| US08776957B2 |
Anti-blowback brake retractor assembly
A brake retractor assembly (10) for a vehicle, such as an agricultural vehicle, includes a brake housing (12) and a brake cover (14) defining a friction chamber (16). A brake piston (18) is arranged within the friction chamber (16) and coupled to the brake cover (14) by a bolt (44) including a first end (46) coupled to the brake cover (14) and a second end (48) coupled to the brake piston (18). A portion of the second end (48) passes through the brake piston (18) via a bore (64) defined in the brake piston (18) and is fixedly retained to the brake piston (18). An actuation system (24) is coupled to apply an axial force to the brake piston (18). Activation of the actuation system (24) results in axial movement of the brake piston (18) in a first direction (80). Deactivation of the actuation system (24) results in axial movement of the brake piston in a second direction (82). Axial movement of the brake piston (18) in the second direction (82) is limited by the fixed retention of the bolt to the brake piston. |
| US08776955B2 |
Liquid cooled brake with support columns
A liquid cooled brake is provided having an improved housing that provides strong yet lightweight structural support. The brake includes end plates disposed about a driven shaft and axially spaced from one another. A plurality of axially extending pins connect the end plates. A friction plate is coupled to the driven shaft for rotation therewith and is axially movable relative to the driven shaft. Another friction plate defines a fluid jacket and is coupled to the pins. The friction plate is fixed against rotation, but axially movable, relative to the pins. A pressure plate is configured for selective movement towards the friction plates. Support columns are disposed radially outwardly of each pin and fixed to the end plates The support columns prevent undue strain on the pins. Ventilated guards may also be located between each pair of columns to limit access to internal working components of the brake. |
| US08776954B2 |
Car destination floor indication device
There is provided a car destination floor indication device which can indicate all registered destination floors even when a large number of destination floors have been registered, and enables a user to easily grasp how the registration condition of destination floors has changed. For this purpose, a car destination floor indication device which is provided in a hall or car of an elevator and indicates destination floors of the elevator to users includes an indication section which indicates registered destination floors, and an indication control section which controls indication contents of the indication section and controls switching of a plurality of indication layouts for indicating the indication contents. The configuration is such that the indication control section performs switching of the indication layout presently being indicated to another indication layout belonging to the indication layouts when the number of registered destination floors has exceeded a first reference value and when the number of registered destination floors has become not more than a second reference value. |
| US08776953B2 |
Magnetic elevator door coupler
An elevator door coupler includes a vane member adapted to be supported on one of a hoistway door or an elevator car door. A magnetic coupler device (500) is adapted to be supported on the other of the hoistway door or the elevator car door to be selectively magnetically coupled with the vane member. The magnetic coupler device includes a plurality of modules (520) each having a core and at least one coil associated with the core. An insulation material (528) occupies a space between the modules for substantially insulating adjacent coils from each other and for maintaining a desired alignment of the modules relative to each other. |
| US08776951B2 |
Lubricating device and its use for lubricating a wheel flange of a railway vehicle
Device for lubricating a wheel flange of a railway vehicle based on the spraying of a pressurized jet of lubricant, comprising an electromagnetic pump with a pump body (5) in which a piston (20) is displaced, and a means (19) for guiding the piston (20) in a bore (22), the guidance means (19) including an opening (32) designed to communicate with a lubricant transfer channel (17) in the pump body (5), said opening (32) opening out into a compression chamber (23) situated in a downstream part of the bore (22), the device comprising a heating block (7) arranged so as to transfer heat energy to the lubricant before spraying. |
| US08776950B2 |
Transfer case arrangement
A transfer case arrangement may include a first output shaft, a second output shaft, a clutch, a shutdown device, a lubrication device, and a control. The clutch may distribute a torque between the output shafts. The shutdown device may shut down the second output shaft when the clutch is disengaged. The lubrication device may lubricate the clutch and/or another component of the transfer case arrangement. The lubrication device may include an oil conveying device for conveying lubrication oil. The control may activate the oil conveying device periodically when the second output shaft is shut down. |
| US08776949B2 |
Systems and methods for covering ladder rung throughbores
Provided is a plugging device for covering the open ends of the rungs of a ladder. The device includes a pair of plug members and a connection member. The plug members include a plug body to cover the open ends of the rung and sit adjacent to the ladder rail and a gasket configured for insertion into the ladder rung. The gasket is made of a flexible, compressible material to fit snugly within the open end of the ladder rung. The connection member is configured to be passed through the ladder rung and is elastically biased to pull the pair of plug members towards one another, when connected, through the ladder rung and secure them in place in the open ends. |
| US08776945B2 |
Noise barrier
In one embodiment of the invention, a noise barrier is disclosed that provides noise insulation from roadway noise, construction sites, manufacturing sites, railways or the like wherein the noise barrier includes a plurality of vertical sections, with each section having a base portion with a generally inverted T configuration. The inverted T configuration includes bottom flanges designed to be mounted substantially in the ground. At least one mounting post is attached to the base portion; and a barrier member manufactured from recycled rubber materials and a binder is mounted to the mounting post. The barrier member includes a through hole for receipt of the mounting post. The through hole extends from a bottom end of the barrier member vertically up and out a top end of the barrier member. |
| US08776940B2 |
Chassis for a road making machine
A chassis for a road making machine comprises at least one first longitudinal beam which extends at least in sections laterally along an engine compartment of the road making machine. The longitudinal beam comprises a step which divides the longitudinal beam into an external longitudinal beam section and an internal longitudinal beam section. The internal longitudinal beam section forms a receiving area by the step in which a first cover element can be received. |
| US08776935B1 |
Bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly
A drive arrangement comprising a power source driving a First shaft, a second shaft, and at least one double overrunning clutches mechanically connecting the first shaft to the second shaft.The double overrunning clutch is stacked in axial alignment around said first shaft and engage an interior surface of the second shaft such that torque from the first shaft can be selectively transmitted to the second shaft. |
| US08776933B2 |
Vehicle body frame for motorcycle, and motorcycle incorporating the same
A vehicle body frame of a motorcycle includes a head pipe, a pair of main frame sections extending rearwardly from the head pipe, a pair of pivot plates joined to end portions of the main frame sections, and a crossmember arranged between the pivot plates. In such vehicle body frame, the crossmember is arranged between upper end portions of the pivot plates such that the upper end portions of the pivot plates are sandwiched between the crossmember and rear end portions of main frame sections so that at least a portion of the crossmember overlaps a joint portion between the main frame sections and the pivot plates as viewed in a side view. Such structure of the vehicle body frame ensures the rigidity of connecting portions where the crossmember is connected to pivot plates without making the vehicle body frame heavy and thick. |
| US08776932B1 |
Foldable electric cart
The foldable electric cart has a frame supported by two rear wheels and a steerable and motor driven front wheel. A seat is mounted on the rear portion of the frame. The seat is supported by left and right rear arms and left and right front arms. The arms pivot the seat between a horizontal use position above the rear wheels and horizontal folded position on a foot support plate. A seat back rest is pivoted relative to the seat between an upright position and a horizontal position. A yoke, holding a hub motor and driven wheel, is fixed to a steering tube journaled in a housing. The housing is pivotable about a transverse horizontal axle. A steering handle base and handle is clamped to the steering tube. The housing pivots from an upright position to a storage position with steering handles to the rear of the folded horizontal seat. |
| US08776931B2 |
Track system for an all-wheel drive vehicle
The track system includes a plurality of track assemblies, each having track; a frame structure to mount the track to the vehicle; and inner wheels in contact with an inner surface of the track. The track assembly also includes two drive gears disposed externally to the track and configured to frictionally engaged an outer surface of a corresponding one of the tires. The drive gears are drivingly connected with the track for transmitting power thereto. Each one of the drive gears has a rotation axis, a plurality of elongated traction bars extending substantially parallel and circumferentially to the rotation axis, and open ends. The elongated traction bars are spaced-apart from one another and define channels therebetween allowing granular and liquid materials to flow inwardly towards the rotation axis, and outwardly of the drive gears through the apertured ends. |
| US08776926B2 |
Fastening device
A fixing device for releasable fixing an electrical energy accumulator to a carrying structure of a motor vehicle includes at least one insertion bolt and a receiver unit for the insertion bolt which are provided on the carrying structure and on the energy accumulator (or vice versa). The insertion bolt includes a retaining protrusion and the receiver unit includes a cage and a locking element mounted in the cage. The cage includes an insertion opening into which the insertion bolt can be introduced along an insertion direction, and the locking element can be moved between a release position and a locked position. In the release position, the locking element opens the insertion opening for introduction of the insertion bolt and in the locked position engages behind the retaining protrusion of the insertion bolt when the insertion bolt is introduced in the insertion opening of the cage. |
| US08776922B2 |
Method for reducing a driving power of a vehicle drive
A method for reducing a driving power of a vehicle drive includes detecting a temperature difference between a temperature of at least one component of the vehicle drive and a temperature threshold value, detecting an instantaneous driving state of the vehicle drive, establishing whether or not the instantaneous driving state allows for a reduction in the driving power of the vehicle drive, and reducing the driving power of the vehicle drive for lowering the temperature of the at least one component in order to increase the temperature difference if the instantaneous driving state allows for the reduced driving power. |
| US08776919B2 |
Clutch compressor and power steering pump arrangement, and method for controlling the same
A vehicle has a drive shaft which transmits torque onto a first drive, a clutch compressor, and a power steering pump. The power steering pump is driven by an output shaft which transmits torque from the first drive onto the power steering pump. A method is provided for controlling the power steering pump and the clutch compressor in the vehicle. An additional output shaft is provided for driving the clutch compressor. The additional output shaft is arranged on a second drive onto which torque is transmitted by the drive shaft which is driven by the engine. The additional output shaft transmits torque from the second drive onto the clutch compressor. |
| US08776917B2 |
Stair-climbing apparatus
The stair-climbing apparatus has a series of articulating wheel sets extending below the platform. All of the wheel sets are vertically adjustable to negotiate stairways and similar changes of elevation. The lead wheel set is fixed longitudinally relative to the platform, while following wheel sets are longitudinally adjustable to adjust for the pitch or slope of different stairways. The apparatus uses sensors (e.g., mechanical, infrared, ultrasonic, etc.) to detect the presence of the stair risers and their height, control of the assembly being accomplished by a control circuit on board the machine. The wheel sets are raised and lowered independently of one another by pantograph mechanisms extending between the platform and the wheel sets. The horizontally adjustable wheel sets are positioned by a longitudinally disposed rack on the platform. |
| US08776916B2 |
Drilling motors with elastically deformable lobes
In an aspect, a drilling motor is provided that in one embodiment includes a stator and a rotor configured to be disposed in the stator, wherein the rotor includes a lobe member having an elastically deformable surface configured to provide an interference seal between the stator and the rotor. |
| US08776914B2 |
Drainage method for multilayer reservoirs
A main borehole is drilled into an underground reservoir comprising a plurality of layers of different fluid mobilities. The fluid mobility in each of the plurality of layers is determined. A number of lateral boreholes extending from the main borehole in each of the plurality of layers are then drilled based on the determined fluid mobility in each of the plurality of layers, such that resulting fluid production rates in each of the plurality of layers are substantially similar. |
| US08776913B2 |
Special curve braze sheet for top loading cutter to get better braze strength
A method of brazing a top loading cutter into a cutter pocket is disclosed, wherein the method includes placing at least one braze disc between an inner wall of the cutter pocket and a portion of the top loading cutter and heating the at least one braze disc to a temperature above the melting temperature of the braze disc. |
| US08776907B2 |
Apparatus for selectively removing plant parts from a bed of plants
A device for removing plant material from a plant bed. In one embodiment, the device includes a frame with an oscillating cutter attached thereto. The oscillating cutter is disposed such that a cutting portion thereof is beneath the surface of a plant bed when the device is in use. A conveyor is also attached to the frame, the nose of the conveyor being disposed beneath the surface of the plant bed. As the device moves along a plant bed, the oscillating cutter cuts plant material, which is scooped up by the nose of the conveyor and transported to a desired location. |
| US08776904B2 |
Light ultra high pressure fire vehicle system
A firefighting apparatus on a small all-terrain utility vehicle has a U-shaped water tank closely spaced from the driver's cab. A reel for a high-pressure hose is mounted in the U of the water tank. A high-pressure engine driven pump is connected to the reel and a high-pressure hose through a water management system, which directs water from the water tank to the pump, and from the pump to the hose. The pump has a pressure valve which sets the engine idle when the high-pressure water nozzle is closed. A pressure unloader valve recirculates water from the pump outlet to the pump inlet when the nozzle is closed. A check valve is used between the water tank and a point where water recirculates to the pump. A prefilter is connected between the check valve and the water tank. |
| US08776899B2 |
Flow control devices on expandable tubing run through production tubing and into open hole
Disclosed is a downhole completion assembly for sealing and supporting an open hole section of a wellbore and providing flow control through the downhole completion assembly. One downhole completion system includes a first sealing structure arranged within an open hole section of a wellbore and being movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, a second sealing structure arranged axially adjacent the first sealing structure and also being movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, and a flow control device arranged between the first and second sealing structures and configured to provide a flow path for fluids to communicate between a surrounding subterranean formation and an interior of the downhole completion system. |
| US08776895B2 |
Method for quantifying reservoir connectivity using fluid travel times
The present application describes a method and system associated with the production of hydrocarbons. In the method, fluid travel time models are constructed from a reservoir model. Then, reservoir connectivity measures are calculated from the fluid travel time models and analyzed to determine a location for at least one well. Based on the analysis, one or more wells may be drilled and hydrocarbons produced. |
| US08776881B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatuses for monitoring and recovery of petroleum from earth formations
A system for production of petroleum from an earth formation. The system includes: an injection assembly disposable within a first borehole for injecting a thermal source into the formation, the injection assembly including an injector extending from a distal end of the assembly; and a production assembly disposal within a second borehole for recovering material including the petroleum from the formation, the production assembly including a collector extending from a distal end of the assembly. At least one of the injector and the collector includes at least a first conduit and at least a second conduit concentric with the first conduit, the first conduit having a first distal end and the second conduit having a second distal end, the first and second distal ends located at different locations along a length of at least one of the first and second borehole. |
| US08776879B2 |
Method for production of high purity distillate from produced water for generation of high pressure steam
Embodiments presented herein provide an evaporation based zero liquid discharge method for generation of up to 100% quality high pressure steam from produced water in the heavy oil production industry. De-oiled water is processed in an evaporation system producing a distillate that allows steam to be generated with either drum-type boilers operating at higher pressures or once-through steam generators (OTSGs) operating at higher vaporization rates. Evaporator blowdown is treated in a forced-circulation evaporator to provide a zero liquid discharge system that could recycle >98% of the deoiled water for industrial use. Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide at least one “straight sump” evaporator and at least one hybrid external mist eliminator. Embodiments of the evaporation method operate at a higher overall efficiency than those of the prior art by producing distillate at a higher enthalpy which minimizes the high pressure boiler preheating requirement. |
| US08776874B2 |
Heat exchanger tubes and methods for enhancing thermal performance and reducing flow passage plugging
Heat exchanger tubes are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a heat exchanger tube includes a tube body having two opposed sides. A plurality of exterior flow passages is defined in the tube body adjacent one of the two opposed sides. A plurality of interior flow passages is defined in the tube body adjacent the plurality of exterior flow passages. The plurality of exterior flow passages has at least one of an average hydraulic diameter or an average width that is i) greater than at least one of an average hydraulic diameter or an average width of the interior flow passages and ii) less than twice the at least one of the average hydraulic diameter or the average width of the interior flow passages. |
| US08776870B2 |
Tunable thermal link
Disclosed is a device whereby the thermal conductance of a multiwalled nanostructure such as a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) can be controllably and reversibly tuned by sliding one or more outer shells with respect to the inner core. As one example, the thermal conductance of an MWCNT dropped to 15% of the original value after extending the length of the MWCNT by 190 nm. The thermal conductivity returned when the tube was contracted. The device may comprise numbers of multiwalled nanotubes or other graphitic layers connected to a heat source and a heat drain and various means for tuning the overall thermal conductance for applications in structure heat management, heat flow in nanoscale or microscale devices and thermal logic devices. |
| US08776867B2 |
Modular, stackable, geothermal block heat exchange system with solar assist
A modular, stackable, geothermal block system for use as a subterranean or submarine heat exchanger in a geothermal energy system which provides a heating/cooling means to an external load. The stackable blocks, which can be filled with a fluid and/or material of generally high heat retention characteristics or precast in such material, contain one or more continuous passageways that extend from the top face of each block through the opposing face, through which a rigid structural heat exchange tube, fabricated from material of high thermal conductivity, is placed. The blocks are stacked one upon another and slidably mounted on the tube(s). Each tube contains a helically wound, thermal transfer tubing comprising one leg of a U-shape configured loop. Each stackable block can contain multiple paired passageways permitting more than one U-shape loop within the system. The system can interface with a solar thermal collector system. |
| US08776866B2 |
Heat exchanger plate and a plate heat exchanger
The invention refers to a heat exchanger plate and a plate heat exchanger. The heat exchanger plates are arranged beside each other in the plate heat exchanger to define several first plate interspaces for a first medium and several second plate interspaces for a second medium. The heat exchanger plate comprises a heat transfer area, an edge area, which extends around and outside the heat transfer area, and a device, which is configured to receive or produce a signal. The heat exchanger plate also comprises a communication module comprising an electronic circuit connected to the device and communication means permitting communication of said signal with a master unit via at least a communication module of another heat exchanger plate in the plate package. |
| US08776865B2 |
Latent heat storage device
A latent heat storage device for an exhaust system of a combustion engine of a motor vehicle, with a storage body having a plurality of channels running parallel to one another, of which at least some contain a phase-changing material.The storage body is formed through a layer structure with at least two plates of which at least one is corrugated and which contact each other and are fastened to each other in such a manner that the corrugations of the at least one plate form the channels. |
| US08776862B2 |
Chamfered narrow side copper plate for mould with funnel-shaped curved surface
A chamfered narrow side copper plate for a mold with a funnel-shaped curved surface has a working face contacting molten steel that includes a middle area and two chamfered areas, which are arranged at two sides. The working face has a funnel-shaped curved surface, which is larger at a top and smaller at a bottom. The chamfered narrow side copper plate for mold with funnel-shaped curved surface can ensure the uniformity of the cooling effect of the chamfered surface and enhance the service life of the narrow side copper plate. |
| US08776860B2 |
Vane assembly of vertical window blind and the vane carrier thereof
A vane assembly of a vertical window covering includes a vane carrier and a vane hung thereon. The vane carrier has front wall and a rear wall with top ends connected to form a clip slot therebetween, and a hook on the rear wall in the clip slot. The hook has a slot and a slot bottom. The vane has a bore to engage the hook of the vane carrier. The slot bottom of the hook has a curved surface complementary to at least a portion of an edge of the bore to avoid damage of the vane. |
| US08776858B2 |
Apparatus and method for mounting and removing tyres on and from respective wheel rims
An apparatus (1) for mounting and removing a tire (2) on and from a respective rim (3) comprises: a movement element (9) for moving a bead (2a) of the tire (2) in order to insert/remove the bead (2a) into/from a respective groove in the rim (3); means (4) for supporting and moving the rim (3), designed to rotationally drive the rim about its longitudinal axis; characterized in that the means (4) for supporting and moving the rim (3) comprise a sensor (252) for measuring the mechanical strain applied to the supporting and movement means (4) as a result of the mechanical stress on the bead (2a) of the tire (2) during mounting/removal of the latter on/from the rim (3). |
| US08776857B1 |
Label application devices
Label application devices and methods of printing and applying labels are described herein. One label application device can comprise a feed component configured to deliver a sheet of label material to a position, a product identification component configured to identify a type of a product that is approaching the position, a printing component configured to print data onto the sheet of label material, the data based on the identified type of product, a stripping component configured to remove a liner portion of the sheet of label material from a label portion of the sheet, and an applicator component configured to apply the label portion to the product. |
| US08776851B2 |
Film to keep tire surface clean and simultaneously prime for better adhesion of balance pad
A method of preparing a tire inner surface includes providing an uncured tire having an inner surface, placing a strip of multi-axially stretchable blend film on a circumferential surface of the inner surface, wherein one end of the overlapped splice joined by a pressure-sensitive adhesive for easy removal of the strip from the inner surface, applying a release agent coating to the annular, circumferential film strip and the inner surface of the uncured tire, shaping and curing the uncured tire with the release coating on the annular circumferential film strip and inner surface in a suitable mold at an elevated temperature, removing the cured tire from the mold and allowing the cured tire to cool, and removing the annular circumferential film strip with its release coating by use of a film strip to provide a circumferential release coating-free tire inner surface of the cured tire for adhering balance pads, puncture sealants, and noise reduction foams. |
| US08776847B2 |
Mechanisms for ejecting objects from a tire tread
Apparatus for ejecting objects from a tire tread include, in particular embodiments, a pair of adjacent ground-engaging elements, each element including a ground-engaging contact surface; a groove separating the pair of ground-engaging elements, the groove having a base and a pair of opposing sidewalls spaced apart by a groove width; a sipe having a particular size, and located in communication with a portion of the groove extending between the pair of ground-engaging elements; and, an ejector associated with the sipe, the ejector comprising a projection that extends within the groove. |
| US08776844B1 |
Flow diverter
An apparatus diverts the flow of bulk solids into a bin from a discharge of a bulk solids conveyor. The apparatus contains a fitting that attaches to the discharge, a frame with a vertical conduit, at least two baffles that pivot on rotating shafts and are capable of variable positioning between a substantially vertical position that opens the vertical conduit of the frame and a substantially horizontal position that substantially closes the vertical conduit of the frame, and a drive motor to rotate the baffles. |
| US08776843B2 |
Suction nozzle, suction device, gas filling device, gas consuming device and gas filling system
A suction nozzle, which is configured to be interlocked with a gas filler nozzle used to supply a gas to a gas consuming device, comprises a suction port configured to suck moisture inside the gas filler nozzle when the suction nozzle is interlocked with the gas filler nozzle. |
| US08776842B2 |
Method of treating a beverage bottle filling machine in a beverage bottling plant, method of cleaning a container filling machine in a container filling plant, and arrangements therefor
A container filling arrangement and a method of operating a container filling arrangement, which container filling arrangement comprises a filling element, a closure element, a supply of cleaning and/or sterilization medium, and a control element. During a cleaning and/or sterilizing operation of the filling element, cleaning and/or sterilization medium is conducted from the supply of cleaning and/or sterilization medium to the filling element. The control element is operatively connected to the closure element and is actuatable, by fluid pressure of the cleaning and/or sterilization medium in the filling element, to increase the force of engagement of the closure element during the cleaning and/or sterilizing operation. |
| US08776840B2 |
Tubular dry powder feeders with axially applied vibration for dry powder filling systems
Tubular dry powder feed systems in communication with a hopper of dry powder are configured with an in-line actuator that applies a flow vibration signal axially. The flow vibration signal can be a harmonic or non-harmonic signal, such as a sinusoidal, saw tooth, square wave or other signal and may be frequency or amplitude modulated. |
| US08776834B2 |
Device for the deflection of the air jet pulse from the air dryer of large truck air brakes
The air deflection device prevents the development of a cloud of dirt and debris when the air dryer essential to the air brakes of large trucks or other vehicles ejects a high velocity pulse of air from the bottom of the air dryer onto the ground. The air deflection device deflects the pulse of air away from the ground harmlessly toward the engine and transmission of the truck. The air deflection device is designed and configured so as to easily fit and be fastened to the bottom of a truck's air braking system air dryer. The pulse of air from the air dryer is routed through the air deflection device in such a manner as to be harmlessly directed toward the engine and transmission of the large truck. |
| US08776830B2 |
Material transport apparatus and method
An invention for transporting material is described. The material, which may be or include a liquid or particles, be transported floats on and flows on a more dense fluid. Standing waves may be induced in the more dense fluid, and devices are provided to either force the transported fluid in a direction, or to prevent the transported fluid from flowing in a direction counter to the flow direction. The inventive apparatus and method have the ability to transport fluids long distances with much less frictional losses than convention technology. |
| US08776829B2 |
Valve apparatus and water heating apparatus
A shaft body (12) is rotatable around an axial line (C-C). A first valve element (13a) is located between a first opening (11a) and a second opening (11b) and it has a first notch (13a1). A second valve element (13b) is located between first opening (11a) and a third opening (11c) and it has a second notch (13b1). By rotating first and second valve elements (13a, 13b) around the axial line (C-C) as a center (O), an operation for opening and closing first and second notches (13a1, 13b1) can be performed. |
| US08776828B2 |
Fluid dispensing assembly
Known fluid dispensers can suffer from the disadvantage of inadvertent disconnection of a connector causing potentially hazardous spillage of fluid. The present invention relates to a fluid dispensing assembly comprising a tap and a connector body. The tap comprises a first valve, movable between an open and closed position to allow fluid flow through; and a first portion of an interlocking coupling, configured for rotational engagement with a second complementary interlocking coupling portion of the connector body by rotation about a first fluid dispensing assembly axis. The connector body also comprises a second valve, movable between an open and closed position to allow fluid flow through. By this configuration, the first and second interlocking coupling portions remain interlocked preventing disconnection of the connector body from the tap unless the first and second valves are both in the closed position. |
| US08776825B1 |
Fluid drain cart
An oil removing apparatus and system designed to drain fluids such as hot motor oil from a motor vehicle comprises a tank supported by rolling casters and having handles used to position the tank underneath a motor vehicle. An upper portion of the apparatus comprises an inflatable wall structure which provides vertically adjustable positioning around an oil pan or similar structure. The inflatable structure further includes a heat-resistant glove for accessing and removing a drain plug or similar feature. During typical use, a user removes the drain plug with the glove and drains the oil while the glove and inflatable structure protects the user from the hot motor oil. |
| US08776822B2 |
Inflow protection device for air relief valves on water-carrying pipelines
An inflow protection device for preventing liquids and other contaminants from entering a water-carrying pipeline through an air valve connected to the pipeline. The inflow protection device includes an adaptor and an elongated vent pipe. The adaptor has a first end for coupling with an outlet of the air valve and second end. The vent pipe has a first end configured for directly or indirectly coupling with the second end of the adaptor and a second end extending out of and above a vault in which the air valve is installed. The vent pipe is of a length sufficient to position its second end above a flood plain level so that the second end allows air to be exhausted from and admitted into the air valve even when the vault in which the air valve is located becomes flooded. |
| US08776818B2 |
Electronic coolant valve with flexible seal
An electronic coolant valve with a flexible sealing membrane. The membrane is expanded or contracted radially via a drive screw and an electric motor. The extension and retraction of the drive screw changes the shape of the membrane in the flow passage. The membrane can be adjusted to allow full passage of coolant through a passageway, to completely block off (close) the flow channel preventing fluid from flowing through it, or to allow a restricted or metered amount of coolant to pass through the passageway. |
| US08776815B2 |
Mounting assembly for a collapsible canopy
A collapsible shelter assembly includes legs, a truss system, a cover, cover supporting rods and mounting brackets. Each of the legs has an upper and a lower end. The truss system is configured to link each pair of legs together and define a base perimeter. The brackets are adapted for mounting to the upper ends of the legs, for attaching to the rods at a predefined distance distal to ends of the rods and for defining an outer perimeter greater than the base perimeter. The cover is adapted for attaching about the ends of the rods for covering the outer perimeter. |
| US08776811B2 |
Vehicle anchored accessory holder and associated methods
A vehicle anchored accessory holder may include a base plate, a brace connected to and extending upwardly from the base plate and an angled support connected to the at least one brace. The vehicle anchored accessory holder may also include a female fitting connected to and extending upwardly from the base plate. The female fitting may also be connected to the angled support. The female fitting may have an open top to receive at least one of an extension arm stem and an accessory. A first tube and a second tube may be connected to an upper portion of the female fitting to receive a connector adapted to move the female fitting between an opened position and a closed position. |
| US08776809B2 |
Short force arm deflection device
A short force arm deflection device is mounted to a section of a center post of an umbrella between a top cap and a runner and includes an upper deflection member and a lower deflection member pivotally connected to each other, and a barrel receiving a compression spring. The upper and lower deflection members are respectively connected to a lower end of an upper post segment and an upper end of a lower post segment. The barrel, receives the compression spring and goes over the connection portion between the lower deflection member and the lower post segment. To open, the runner is pulled upwardly by a pull cord to contact the barrel causing a relative rotation between the upper and lower deflection members for realizing deflection between the top cap and the runner for inclining a canopy. |
| US08776804B2 |
Litter disposal device
A handheld litter disposal device for temporarily storing and containing cigarette ash, butts, and other litter. The litter disposal device includes a cap, a storage system, a pivot system adapted to permit the cap to move between the closed and open positions, and an extinguishing system containable within the storage system and adapted to extinguish the lit end of a cigarette. In the open position, ashes, butts, and unused portions of cigarettes, cigars, and/or other similar products can be transported from the outside to the inside of the litter disposal device and vice versa. In the closed position, however, cigarette ash and butts cannot enter or exit the storage system of the litter disposal device. The storage system has a rounded bottom or outer surface to prevent the litter disposal device from maintaining an upright position. |
| US08776803B2 |
Filter holder used for smoking, a smoking pipe, and a smoking pipe unit
A filter holder used for smoking has a tubular body (12), which includes a socket portion (14) for receiving a cigarette (C) at one end thereof, a dilution chamber (18) located adjacently to the socket portion (14) in the inside, a chamber (22) for containing a charcoal filter (26), a chamber (24) for containing a flavor generation element (32), an annular groove (42) formed in the outer circumferential surface of the body (12), and a plurality of vent holes (44) formed in the bottom of the annular groove (42) and introduces outside air into the dilution chamber (18). |
| US08776802B2 |
Methods and systems for prolonged localization of drug delivery
An effective method for prolonging localization of therapeutics within the rat gastrointestinal tract of at least about 12 hours is provided. Attractive forces between an orally administered magnetic dose and an external magnet were monitored and internal dose motion in real time using biplanar videofluoroscopy was visualized. Tissue elasticity was quantified as a measure of tissue health by combining data streams. The methods address safety, efficacy, and monitoring capacity of magnetically localized doses and show a platform for testing the benefits of localized drug delivery. |
| US08776795B2 |
Gas delivery device and system
A gas delivery system including a gas delivery device, a control module and a gas delivery mechanism is described. An exemplary gas delivery device includes a valve assembly with a valve and circuit including a memory, a processor and a transceiver in communication with the memory. The memory may include gas data such as gas identification, gas expiration and gas concentration. The transceiver on the circuit of the valve assembly may send wireless optical line-of-sight signals to communicate the gas data to a control module. Exemplary gas delivery mechanisms include a ventilator and a breathing circuit. Methods of administering gas are also described. |
| US08776793B2 |
Methods and devices for sensing respiration and controlling ventilator functions
Improved methods and devices are described for sensing the respiration pattern of a patient and controlling ventilator functions, particularly for use in an open ventilation system. A ventilation and breath sensing apparatus may include a ventilation gas delivery circuit and a ventilation tube coupled to the ventilation gas delivery circuit. A plurality of pressure sensing elements may be separated by a distance and may produce independent signals. The signals may be used to detect pressure differentials between the plurality of pressure sensing elements. Sensing ports may be located in an airway, and connected to transducers that are valved to optimize sensitivity and overpressure protection. Airway pressure and flow can both be obtained and used to optimize ventilator synchronization and therapy. |
| US08776789B2 |
Portable athletic air cooler with face adapter
A portable, low maintenance apparatus is provided for cooling down athletes following strenuous exercise. The apparatus has a repository that holds ice, and a fan configured to blow air through the ice and out of a face adapter part. The face adapter is shaped to provide a cool, breathable stream of air to a user who presses his face up against the adapter. |
| US08776787B2 |
Adaptor and breathing assist device using the same
An adaptor includes a housing and a plurality of blades disposed inside the housing. The adaptor can be utilized with a breathing assist device such as a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. Air flowing through an air flow path defined by the two ends of the housing is delivered for use. The blades within the housing are aligned in a direction parallel to the air flow path. The blades within the housing can be parallel, zigzag or chevron shape and are designed to facilitate condensation of water from the air flowing over the blades. The adaptor will reduce rain-out effect in the breathing device. |
| US08776782B2 |
Solar collector
A solar collector comprises an evacuated glass tube (8), an absorbing section (9) comprising a radiation absorbing plate (10), an elongate tube (11, 15) for a working fluid in contact with the radiation absorbing plate (10) and a wire clip (25) for retaining the absorbing section (9) in position in the solar absorbing glass tube (8). The wire clip (25) consists of a single piece wire having a clamping portion (26) for clamping onto the outer surface of the working fluid tube (11, 15) and a pair of resilient side support sections (27) flanking the clamping portion (26). The side support sections (27) extend so that portions thereof engage against the inner surface of the solar absorbing tube (8). |
| US08776781B2 |
Variable tilt tracker for photovoltaic arrays
A solar tracking system is disclosed. The tracking system includes a tube rotatable around its end-to-end axis. A first support is coupled to the tube at a first location of the tube, and is coupled with a first base. A second support is coupled to the tube at a second location of the tube, and is coupled with a second base. A translation mechanism is coupled with the tube and provided to change the position of the first support relative to the second support. |
| US08776777B2 |
Gas heater with visible flame guider
A gas heater includes a support unit, a burner unit, a venting unit and a frame guider. The burner unit includes an ignition unit, a hollow and transparent radiant unit defining a cavity in which the flame guider is positioned, a heat reflector and a burner top cover. The radiant unit comprises a bottom unit with inlet air passages through which an air flow into the radiant unit cavity is created. Then, the frame guider, which has a preset structure such as a spiral and a cone structure and a plurality of guider through-holes, is arranged for guiding and generating a flame pattern which is visible through the radiant unit. The venting unit, which is connected to the radiant unit in an air-tight manner, then provides an air exit. Accordingly, energy utilization is increased and visible flame pattern assemble to real flame can be seen. |
| US08776773B1 |
Air impingement tunnel oven
An air impingement tunnel oven including a baking case having a plurality of walls, the case's interior having high and low pressure zones; a food conveyor spanning between food passage ports; a plenum and air impingement registers combination having pluralities of finger ducts overlying and underlying the food conveyor, each finger duct being attached to and extending from the plenum, and the plenum dividing the baking case's high and low pressure zones; a gas burner supported upon one of the baking case's walls and including a shell and a gas tube within the shell, the shell defining an annulus which opens the baking case's low pressure zone; and an optical flame sensor operatively mounted for detecting burner flame light passing outwardly through the annulus. |
| US08776771B1 |
Pneumatic gun and extension barrel
The present invention relates to an extension barrel, which comprises an outer tube and a dye coating module. The outer tube is provided at the rear end thereof with a connector portion adapted for connection to a front end of a pneumatic gun. The dye coating module is mounted within the outer tube, so that a bullet projected from the pneumatic gun is coated with dye having a desired color when passing through the dye coating module. As a result, the object hit by the bullet is stained with the color and can be easily identified. |
| US08776770B2 |
Bow with adjustable limbs
Archery bow adjustment systems that enable adjustment of both the draw weight and the brace height of the bow. The adjustment system includes a plate mounted on an end of a riser of the bow. The plate supports a limb of the bow and is adjustably positionable relative to the riser. |
| US08776761B2 |
Internal combustion engine with high efficiency
An internal combustion engine that is structurally similar to a four-stroke engine. The engine comprises at least one cylinder unit, in turn, comprising a cylinder, a piston head that reciprocates within the cylinder, a combustion chamber defined between the cylinder and the front of the piston head, a fuel injector, an oxygen injector, and an exhaust port. The IC engine further comprises a piston rod, one end of which is connected to the piston head and the other end to the crankshaft. The combustion within the combustion chamber is initiated upon the injection of the fuel and the oxygen into the combustion chamber when the piston is at the top dead center. The spent gases are expelled through the exhaust port as the piston returns to the top dead center. |
| US08776760B2 |
Combustion chamber for fuel injected engines
Passageways are provided within the combustion chamber of a fuel injected internal combustion engine to convey injected fuel to desired positions within the combustion chamber. The fuel-conveying passageways may be either open-sided or closed, and are positioned within the combustion chamber in substantial alignment with a respective spray jet of fuel, enabling optimum distribution of the fuel through the combustion chamber for enhanced mixing with air prior to combustion. |
| US08776755B2 |
Sound transmission system
A sound transmission system of a motor vehicle, having an intake sound transmission device which can be coupled via a first tubular connecting element to an air intake manifold which leads to an internal combustion engine and via a second tubular connecting element to a vehicle interior, the first tubular connecting element being assigned a first switchable shut-off device, having a resonator device which interacts with the intake sound transmission device and can be coupled via a third tubular connecting element to the air intake manifold which leads to an internal combustion engine, the third tubular connecting element being assigned a second switchable shut-off device. |
| US08776754B2 |
Method and system for adjusting port throttles
An engine system and method for improving engine starting are disclosed. In one example, two engine cylinder port throttles are adjusted differently during engine starting. The system and method may improve engine torque control during an engine start. |
| US08776748B2 |
Variable valve timing control apparatus
A variable valve timing control apparatus includes a driving side rotating member, a driven side rotating member, a fluid pressure chamber, an advanced angle chamber, a retarded angle chamber, an intermediate lock mechanism including a locking member and a locking hole engaged with the locking member when the locking member comes to protrude, the intermediate lock mechanism being configured to switch between a locked state and an unlocked state, a relative rotational phase of the driven side rotating member relative to the driving side rotating member being restrained at an intermediate phase in the locked state, a valve allowing a fluid to be discharged when electricity is supplied thereto and allowing the fluid to be supplied when supply of electricity is interrupted, and a control portion, wherein the supply of the electricity to the valve is interrupted after a pressure of the fluid starts to decrease. |
| US08776743B2 |
Variably operated valve apparatus of internal combustion engine and start control apparatus of internal combustion engine
In a variably operated valve apparatus of an internal combustion engine and a start control apparatus of the same engine, the internal combustion engine being equipped with a crank position control mechanism by means of which a stop position of a piston is controllable at a time of an engine stop and the variably operated valve apparatus being capable of variably controlling at least a closure timing of an intake valve, the closure timing of the intake valve is placed at a first position which is more advance angle side than the stop position of the piston of one of engine cylinders in a compression stroke and which is stop controlled by means of the crank position control mechanism and one of the remaining cylinders which is in a suction stroke has its the intake valve open, at the time of the engine stop. |
| US08776742B2 |
Valve timing control apparatus for internal combustion engine
In a valve timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, a torsion spring whose one end section is fixed into a front side of a housing and whose other end section is fixedly retained into a communication hole to bias a vane member to rotate in one direction, the communication hole being formed in an inner axial direction of the vane member to introduce a working oil within the back pressure into the engine. |
| US08776741B2 |
Engine assembly including cam phaser assembly aid pin
An engine assembly includes an engine structure, a camshaft supported on the engine structure, a first cam phaser coupled to a first axial end of the camshaft, and a locating pin. The camshaft includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a first cam lobe and a second cam lobe. The first shaft defines a first opening. The second shaft is supported within the first shaft and defines a second opening. The first cam lobe is located on and fixed for rotation with the first shaft. The second cam lobe may be located on the first shaft and fixed for rotation with the second shaft. During assembly, the first cam phaser is located on the camshaft and the locating pin may be inserted through the first and second openings to rotationally fix the first and second shafts. The first cam phaser is then secured to the camshaft. |
| US08776739B2 |
Internal combustion engine valve actuation and adjustable lift and timing
A cam can rotate on a camshaft of an internal combustion engine. A rocker arm that actuates a valve of the internal combustion engine can include a rocker pivot connection point located on a distal side of a valve component from a proximate end of the rocker arm that is deflected by action of the cam. The rocker arm can include a contact point located between the rocker pivot point and the proximate end. The contact point can act on the valve component to actuate the valve. The rocker pivot connection point can be translated such that it is closer to or further from the cam. This translation can be used to vary valve lift and/or valve timing. The cam can have a three-dimensional profile to provide different actuation distance of the rocker arm. Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture consistent with one or more of these features are described. |
| US08776737B2 |
Spark ignition to homogenous charge compression ignition transition control systems and methods
A system for a vehicle includes a mode control module and a valve control module. The mode control module selectively sets an ignition mode for an engine to one of a spark ignition (SI) mode and a homogenous charge compression ignition (HCCI) mode. In response to the ignition mode transitioning from the SI mode to the HCCI mode during a first engine cycle, the valve control module operates an exhaust valve in a high lift mode during a second engine cycle, operates an intake valve in a low lift mode during the second engine cycle, and operates the exhaust and intake valves in the low lift mode during a third engine cycle. The first engine cycle is before the second engine cycle, and the second engine cycle is before the third engine cycle. |
| US08776734B1 |
Remedial system: a pollution control device for utilizing and abating volatile organic compounds
A remedial pollution control system for treating volatile organic compounds that may include a vapor concentrator connected to a line that is laden with volatile organic compounds, the concentrator has an organic condensate output line and a vapor output line; a mixing chamber adapted to receive air provided from an air supply line, combustible fuel from an alternate fuel supply line, and a vapor stream from the vapor output line to produce a mixed fuel supplied to an internal combustion engine, a control mixing system with a controller for producing a proper air to fuel ratio in the mixed fuel supply, and power generated to operate other devices used to more efficiently abate volatile organic compounds and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. |
| US08776731B1 |
Canine odor recognition training system
An odor recognition training system for use in training an animal to recognize a desired odor, the system including an odor enclosure configured to receive an odor source within an odor storage area, a reward within a reward storage area, and an odor retention zone adjacent to and in fluid communication with the odor storage area; and a reward release system associated with the desired odor enclosure is remotely operable by the trainer for dispensing the reward directly to the odor retention zone. |
| US08776730B2 |
System and method for treating pets
A system and method for treating pets, the system comprising: a content provider to provide video and audio content adapted for treating a pet; a video and audio output device for playing the video and audio content; and a feedback interface for providing indications to the content provider about behavior of the pet, wherein the content provider is to adapt the provided content according to the received indications. The method comprising playing video and audio content by a video and audio out-put device, the content comprising: an image adapted for treating a pet; and a sound adapted for treating a pet; receiving indications about behavior of the pet; and adapting the played content according to the received indications. |
| US08776728B2 |
Edible pet chew
An edible pet chew for pets primarily dogs has a chewy sheet of meat based material. The “meat based” chewy sheet imitates the chewy property and chewing function of known rawhide sheet and thus substitute the “meat based” chewy sheet for the known rawhide sheet to form a pet chew. In order to achieve the “chewy” property, a necessary additive is used to form the “meat based” material. The “meat based” chewy sheet is then formed to pet chews with various shapes and structures as known rawhide sheet is. A second aspect of present invention is that, wrapping another member of “edible chewable material”, preferably chicken jerky into the “meat based” chewy sheet to further enhance attraction or nutrition to dogs. A third aspect of present invention is that, instead of chewy sheet, a three-dimensional-shape chewy mass is introduced wrapping or containing another member of “edible chewable material” preferably chicken jerky in the chewy mass member. |
| US08776727B1 |
Multiple use modular apparatus for animals
A multiple use modular apparatus for animals having a tower and a base is disclosed that is light weight, easily assembled and reconfigured, and ballast is added inside the tower and base to stabilize the apparatus. The tower is inserted into the base in a very snug interference fit, and the tower has tiers of rows of recesses around its periphery facing in different directions. Shelf pieces of different sizes and shapes and having protrusions extending from one edge are utilized. The protrusions of the shelf pieces are inserted into the recesses in the side of the tower in a snug interference fit to firmly hold the shelf pieces to the sides of the tower. The shelf pieces may be fastened to the tower in a wide variety of configurations to create steps, walkways and platforms. Pieces of carpet or other material may be fastened to the sides of the tower and to the tops of the shelves, walkways and platforms. The modular apparatus may be used by an animal for exercise, play and resting. The shelves are easily removed and reattached to different positions on the sides of the tower to create the wide variety of configurations of shelves, walkways and platforms that will keep an animal interested in exploring the apparatus. In addition, the pieces may be assembled into complex arrangements having multiple towers, interconnecting walkways and toys mounted on the shelves and platforms. |
| US08776726B2 |
Portable pet urine reservoir
A portable pet urine reservoir is provided and includes a housing that defines a reservoir with a sloped basin with a plurality of polygonally shaped protrusions upwardly emanating from the basin. The polygonally shaped protrusions are of different heights to allow a permeable pad disposed on top of the polygonally shaped protrusions to lay approximately flat. An aperture disposed in the housing is also provided through which collected urine in the reservoir can be emptied. The portable pet urine reservoir further includes an additional reservoir, an additional basin, and an additional aperture which permits fluid communication between the reservoir and the additional reservoir. The portable pet urine reservoir also includes support structure, which upwardly extends from the additional basin. |
| US08776725B1 |
Pet waiter systems
Pet Waiter Systems is an innovative and useful device for easily and efficiently feeding domesticated pets, such as cats and dogs. The systems may include a pet nourishment station assembly, a container holding member, a tray elevator assembly, and a motor assembly. In use, a nourishment tray may integrally include a stainless steel food bowl and water bowl. The nourishment tray may be easily adjusted vertically via a handy control panel for making it easier on a user to dispense a ration of pet-food and drinking-water into the bowls contained within the nourishment tray which may serve to reduce injury caused from excessive bending. |
| US08776724B1 |
Animal feeder integral with vehicle bumper
An integral animal feeder and bumper assembly for dispensing animal foodstuff from a vehicle includes an impact member to fend off blows to the vehicle, a hopper to store therein a quantity of substantially granular foodstuff such as, for example, feed corn, and a dispenser to selectively discharge from the hopper foodstuff contained in the hopper. The hopper is substantially contained with the extents of the impact member and/or the aesthetic coverings thereof. In this manner, assembly is adapted to function as a road feeder with little or no interference with other features of the vehicle configuration such as, for example, utilization of the tailgate and/or towing hitch, legal display of the license plate associated with the vehicle, access to the rear area of the vehicle and the like. |
| US08776719B2 |
Microwave plasma reactor
A microwave plasma reactor (10) comprises a reactor chamber, a microwave resonant cavity (14) located within the reactor chamber, a waveguide (16) for conveying microwave radiation to the resonant cavity, the waveguide having a convergent tapered portion, means for forming an electromagnetic standing wave within the resonant cavity from the microwave radiation for initiating and sustaining a plasma within the resonant cavity, the resonant cavity having a gas inlet and a gas outlet, and conduit means extending from the gas outlet for containing a plasma conveyed from the resonant cavity with a gas flowing from the gas inlet to the gas outlet. |
| US08776713B2 |
Whistle
A whistle includes: an air supply opening; a first resonance chamber, a second resonance chamber and a third resonance chamber; a first air supply passage, a second air supply passage and a third air supply passage that branch from a common air supply passage; and a first sound emitting opening, a second sound emitting opening and a third sound emitting opening that emit sounds generated in the first resonance chamber, the second resonance chamber and the third resonance chamber, respectively. The first resonance chamber and the second resonance chamber are arranged side by side in a planar view. The third resonance chamber is disposed between the first resonance chamber and the second resonance chamber, as well as upside the first resonance chamber and the second resonance chamber. The first sound emitting opening, the second sound emitting opening and the third sound emitting opening are open upward. |
| US08776709B2 |
Apparatus and method for watercraft stabilization
A transportable watercraft stabilization apparatus includes a stability device configured to impart a stabilizing torque to a watercraft when mounted on the watercraft and a transportable containment device containing the stability device therein. The transportable containment device includes a first attachment apparatus for releasably attaching to a transporting means and a second attachment apparatus for releasably attaching to a coupling device onboard a watercraft. Furthermore, the transportable watercraft stabilization apparatus includes a power source configured to provide power to the stability device for generating the stabilizing torque. The watercraft stabilization apparatus is transportable between a first watercraft and a second watercraft for providing on-demand stabilization to the second watercraft. |
| US08776708B2 |
Mechanised device for rigging a sail
There is provided a mechanized device for rigging a sail of a ship that includes: a mast, a boom and a gaff secured to the mast by the respective front ends thereof, a guiding element linking the two rear ends of the boom and the gaff, and delimiting a frame together with the mast, a rectangular sail, secured to the boom by the edge thereof, and equipped on the hoist and leech thereof with a means for guiding respectively along the mast and along the guiding element, a mechanized means for hoisting and lowering the sail in the frame, while keeping the hoist and the leech thereof respectively guided along the mast and along the guiding element. |
| US08776706B2 |
Buoyancy device and a method for stabilizing and controlling the lowering or raising of a structure between the surface and the bed of the sea
A method of using a buoyancy fluid presenting density that is less than that of sea water, and that is confined in a rigid or flexible leaktight casing, so as to constitute an immersed buoyancy element, wherein the buoyancy fluid is a compound that is naturally in a gaseous state at ambient atmospheric temperature and pressure, and in a liquid state at the underwater depth to which the buoyancy element is immersed. A method is also disclosed for placing a buoyancy element in place between the surface and the bed of the sea, wherein fluid is stored in a tank on a surface ship as a liquid in the cooled or compressed liquid state, and is injected in the liquid state into a pipe from the surface where it is stored to an immersed casing at an underwater depth at which the underwater pressure is not greater than the vapor pressure of the gas corresponding to the compound at the temperature at the depth. |
| US08776701B2 |
Row crop fertilizer applying apparatus
Embodiments are directed to an apparatus for use in applying fertilizer in the ground adjacent to a row line of seeds being planted by a planter the apparatus comprising a frame mounted to the planter, and having at least one mount structure extending from a forward end of the frame, a disk structure mounted to each of the mount structures and configured to be horizontally pivotable about a selected one of multiple forwardly located pivot points on the mount structure, the disk structure being horizontally pivotably attached to the mount structure at one of the pivot points, the disks forming a V shaped opening in the ground during forward movement, a fertilizer applying structure mounted to the apparatus for delivering a fertilizer into the V shaped opening, wherein each of the multiple pivot points delivers fertilizer into the V shaped opening at predetermined lateral distances from the row line of seeds being planted by the planter. |
| US08776700B2 |
System and process for the pyrolysation and gasification of organic substances
A system is described for the pyrolysation and gasification of organic substances, in particular biomasses, comprising in cascade at least one evaporation module, at least one pyrolysis reactor and at least one gassing device, such evaporation module being supplied with the organic substance, to be dried and then be transferred through first supplying means in such pyrolysis reactor to be subjected to a pyrolysis process for producing at least one pyrolysis fuel syngas and remaining organic products, the remaining organic products being then transferred through second supplying means to such gassing device to produce at least one gasification fuel syngas, further comprising first channelling means for such pyrolysis fuel syngas and such gasification fuel syngas from such pyrolysis reactor to at least one energy user, second channelling means of burnt exhaust gases produced by such energy user towards such evaporation module, and third channelling means of such gasification fuel syngas from such gassing device to such pyrolysis module. A process is further described for the pyrolysation and gasification of organic substances through such system. |
| US08776699B2 |
Interconnectable furniture
An interconnectable furniture having a planar surface. The planar surface includes at least two pairs of curved sides, each of the pairs includes a convex side, convex with respect to points within the planar surface, and a concave side, concave with respect to points within the planar surface. The pairs of curved sides are defined by arc lengths having a same radius R, and wherein the respective sides of the planar surface meet to form rounded corners of the planar surface. Additionally, a plurality of attachment points attached to a bottom of the planar surface and located substantially near rounded corners of the planar surface formed by the at least two pairs of curved sides, and configured for attaching a corresponding plurality of legs. |
| US08776697B1 |
Pallet with tine support elements
An improved pallet comprising: a support deck with an upper load contacting surface and a lower ground facing surface; a first and second sidewall, each with ground contacting legs and each connected to two elongate sides of the support deck; a pallet cavity formed below said lower ground facing surface of the support deck and between said first and second sidewalls; and a support element with a tine contacting surface protruding vertically down from the lower ground facing surface of the support deck partially into the pallet cavity but not below the ground contacting legs of the first and second sidewalls. |
| US08776696B2 |
Low floor vehicle
A low floor vehicle can reduce, during curved track traveling of a vehicle, the lateral pressure of the vehicle, can prevent occurrence of vibration and creaking sounds of the vehicle, can improve riding comfort for passengers, and can reduce wear of wheel flanges, is provided.The low floor vehicle includes: a journal member which couples a pair of wheels and is attached to a truck frame; and a truck frame lateral beam arranged along a vehicle width direction closer to the center of the truck frame than the journal member. The journal member can turn with respect to the truck frame. A coupling member which couples the journal member and the truck frame lateral beam is provided. The coupling member is attached to the center in the vehicle width direction of the truck frame lateral beam so as to be pivotable around an axis extending in a vehicle height direction. |
| US08776695B2 |
Support sleeve for a track riser
The present invention is for a support sleeve for a riser supporting an elevated toy vehicle trackway above a surface, the sleeve comprising a first end, a second end having an open end, one or more walls extending between the first end and second end, wherein the one or more walls define a hollow interior for supporting the riser, and one or more supports extending outwardly from the perimeter of the first end. The one or more supports form a shoulder extending outwardly from the first end, wherein the shoulder encircles the perimeter of the first end. The present invention further provides a method of stabilizing one or more toy vehicle tracks mounted on one or more track risers, comprising inserting a first track riser within a hollow support sleeve having a top end and a base end, the base end having one or more outwardly projecting supports. |
| US08776694B2 |
Monorail sortation system
A sortation system where control and operation is facilitated by a contact-free, wireless communication configuration. Wireless communication is accomplished in a line-of-sight (LOS) manner while the cars of the sortation system are continuously moving along the track at operational speed. Each car is configured to operate independently with respect to how a car is instructed to accept and deliver packages. The sortation system provides for the cars to act as messengers between the bin stations and the system controller with respect to the status and health of the bin stations. |
| US08776693B2 |
Apparatus and method for dispensing incendiary projectiles
An apparatus and method for dispensing incendiary projectiles is provided. The apparatus includes an injector for injecting the projectiles with a reactant at a dispensing rate, and a controller operable to control the dispensing rate. The controller is operable to control solenoids of a dispenser gate and a shuttle motor, and to prevent jam conditions of the apparatus. The apparatus can detect and automatically correct jam conditions that do occur. The apparatus can count the number of incendiary projectiles dispensed during a current operation and during the lifetime of the apparatus. The apparatus is dimensioned to minimize the number of incendiary projectiles purged from the apparatus after an operator has indicated to stop dispensing. |
| US08776692B1 |
Flameless smoke pot
A flameless smoke pot and a method of generating smoke using the smoke pot. The smoke pot includes a casing having a side wall with air inlet openings and containing a plurality of perforated tubes containing red phosphorous pellets. A heat generating pyrotechnic composition is disposed at a first end of the casing to generate heat which flows through the perforated tubes containing red phosphorous pellets to produce white phosphoric acid clouds of smoke. The white phosphoric acid clouds of smoke are combined with atmospheric air containing water to generate the white phosphoric acid clouds of aerosol smoke. The white phosphoric acid clouds of aerosol smoke are directed through a perforated flame arrester whereby visible flame is prevented from being created. |
| US08776690B2 |
Sleeve for accommodating propellant charge powder
The invention relates to a combustible sleeve for accommodating propellant charge powder, to munitions designed using such a sleeve, and to a production method for such sleeves. The sleeve according to the invention is designed for accommodating propellant charge powder and has a jacket wall made of combustible felted fibrous material and an inlay of intersecting threads in the jacket wall. The threads are disposed therein at a distance from one another such that felted fibrous material reaches through the regions between the threads. The method comprises the following steps: preparing a jacket wall made of combustible felted fibrous material and inserting an inlay made of intersecting threads into the jacket wall. The threads are disposed therein at a distance from one another such that the felted fibrous material extends through the regions between the threads. |
| US08776688B2 |
Electrically initiated inertial igniters for thermal batteries and the like
A method for electrically initiating an inertial igniter for a munition. The method including: providing an electrical energy generating device to generate a voltage over a duration responsive to an acceleration of the munition; providing a first electrical storage device connected to the electrical energy generating device through a voltage divide circuit to receive a portion of the voltage over the duration; providing a second electrical storage device connected to the electrical energy generating device to accumulate the voltage; and providing a circuit powered by a connection to the electrical energy generating device, the circuit determining an all-fire condition based on both a connection to the first electrical storage device that receives the portion of the voltage and the duration of voltage generation and a predetermined accumulated voltage of the second electrical storage device. |
| US08776687B2 |
Device and method for forming thin film pattern
The present invention provides device and method for forming a thin film pattern which can maintain an extent of wetting of a printing liquid at a proper state without time dependence. The device for forming a thin film includes a printing liquid supply unit for supplying printing liquid, a cliché having a depressed pattern and a relieved pattern for patterning the printing liquid, a printing roller for having the printing liquid supplied from the printing liquid supply unit thereto coated thereon and being rolled on the cliché and the substrate, and a solvent supply unit for supplying a solvent to the printing liquid before the printing liquid coated on the printing roller is brought into contact with the cliché. |
| US08776686B2 |
Automated cutting system for customized field stencils
The Automated Cutting System for Customized Field Stencils (“ACSCFS”) is a device designed to implement an automated field stencil creation process. The ACSCFS is comprised of a computer system and an automated cutting table, wherein said automated cutting table is further comprised of a cutting surface, an automated means for placing sheet material onto said cutting surface, and an automated cutting implement. The computer analyzes a color logo image and translates it into a line drawing. The drawing is then scaled, and guideline aperture locations are placed along each line. The computer then transmits instructions to the automated cutting table, directing the creation of a field stencil with a dotted guideline hole pattern. Such field stencils allow for the reproduction of multi-color logos using a single stencil. |
| US08776685B2 |
Screen printing apparatus
A screen printing apparatus including two screen printers, each including a substrate introduction portion by which a substrate is introduced from an upstream side of a component mounting line, a printing portion which performs a screen printing to the introduced substrate, a substrate discharge portion by which the substrate is discharged to a downstream side, and a substrate moving stage which receives the substrate to position the substrate with respect to the printing portion and to move the substrate to the substrate discharge portion. The two substrate introduction portions, the two printing portions, and the two substrate discharge portions are arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to a perpendicular symmetrical plane extending in a transportation direction of the substrate in the component mounting line, respectively. Each printing portion is provided at a position further from the perpendicular symmetrical plane than the substrate discharge portion. |
| US08776683B2 |
Process for manufacturing absorbent products having customized graphics
The present disclosure involves absorbent articles having customized graphics disposed inside packages labeled as containing customized articles. During the manufacturing process, customized absorbent articles are constructed with article identity graphics, and the packages to contain the customized articles are labeled with package identity graphics. A controller uses article and package identity graphics to track the manufacture of the customized articles and synchronize placement of the customized articles in the appropriately labeled packages. The methods disclosed herein provides for the manufacture of customized absorbent articles in series with the manufacture of absorbent articles having non-custom graphics. The substrates and/or components having the custom graphics in the manufacturing process are detected by a sensor that provides a feedback signal to a controller. The controller, in turn, commands a packing system to place the customized absorbent articles in packages; label the packages with a package identity graphic; and thereby create customized absorbent products. |
| US08776681B2 |
Apparatus and method for densifying a fibrous mat
An apparatus and method for densifying a fibrous mat, such as scrim, to achieve a uniform mat density, comprising a set of parallel bars each having a row of pins extending downward therefrom which can engage the mat fibers, a plurality of shafts along which the bars slide so as to maintain the bars parallel, a plurality of extendable accordion linkages connecting the set of bars, and a linear positioning assembly having a reciprocating drive mechanism coupled to one of the bars which can move the bars in response to an actuation signal. As the drive mechanism retracts the bar to which it is coupled the spacing between the rows of bars is decreased uniformly and the rows of pins draw the fibers together and compress them uniformly across the width of the mat. |
| US08776679B1 |
Semi-automatic bale ejection sequence
A bale ejection sequence for ejecting a bale from a baler is initiated from an operator command based upon monitored bale ejection factors. A controller implements a timing sequence that is based on a calibration of a cycle timing of a tailgate of the baler. The timing sequence relates to movement of the tractor, a position of the tailgate, and a hydraulic flow rate of fluid to a hydraulic system connected to the tailgate to move the tailgate between a closed position and an open position. |
| US08776677B1 |
Nut shelling machine and method
A nut shelling apparatus and method for the shelling of nuts such as chinquapins and chestnuts without substantially damaging the meat of the nuts. The nut shelling machine utilizes a combination of the inertia of the nut and a planar rotating cutting disc, such as one with a layer of aluminum oxide abrasive material, to cut the shell of the nut in a series of small cuts. The rotating abrasive disc utilizes the resistive inertia of the nuts to launch the nut in an upward direction and causing the nuts to fall onto the abrasive surface to repeatedly cut the shells. The repeated cutting action results in removal of a substantial amount of the shell in a short period of time while at the same time minimizing damage to the meat of the nut. |
| US08776670B2 |
Piston assembly
A piston assembly and a method of making the same. Exemplary piston assemblies may include a piston crown having a ring belt portion defining a cooling gallery, and a strut extending away from the ring belt portion to define a wrist pin bore. The piston may further include a piston skirt assembly secured to the strut. The piston skirt assembly may include two separate portions that each have a closure plate formed integrally with the portion, with the closure plate generally enclosing the cooling gallery. Exemplary methods of assembling a piston may include providing a piston crown having a ring belt portion defining a cooling gallery and a strut extending away from the ring belt portion to define a wrist pin bore. The methods may further include forming a piston skirt assembly having two portions having a closure plate integrally formed therewith, and securing the skirt to the crown. |
| US08776668B2 |
Machine housing of a hydraulic machine
A machine housing of a piston machine is disclosed. The machine housing is formed in two parts. The machine housing has a main housing which is closed off by a connection plate. Here, the connection plate is screwed to the main housing by means of a plurality of screws, and is positioned with low tolerances with respect to said main housing by means of two centering pins. Here, the centering pins are arranged with twofold rotational symmetry with respect to a shaft axis of a drive shaft of the piston machine. In contrast, screw positions do not have rotational symmetry with respect to said shaft axis. This prevents incorrect mounting of the connection plate. |
| US08776667B2 |
System for determining the position of a piston along its path of travel for a fluid-dynamic actuator
A fluid-dynamic actuator having a detection system for determining the position of a piston along its path of travel within a cylinder. The piston includes a head and rod extending therefrom. First grooves are machined on respective sections of the rod. Projections of the first grooves onto a first plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod define segments arranged obliquely with respect to the axis. Second grooves extend along the axis for predetermined lengths such that a respective number of second grooves run across each section. Optical sensors detect the presence of second grooves through a second plane transverse to the axis and a displacement of segments along a line coplanar with the second plane due to movement of the piston. A processor counts detected second grooves to determine the position of the piston as a function of the count of second grooves and the displacement of segments. |
| US08776663B1 |
Cabin for a humvee vehicle
The present invention is directed to new and improved armor protection that can replace the existing crew cabin with a field replaceable armored crew compartment to be attached to the existing body of an HMMWV military vehicle to protect the military personnel within from explosive blasts, roll-over or collisions. In accordance with the concepts of the present invention, in order to provide additional protection to personnel in the HMMWV crew compartment, a sacrificial V shaped hull is designed to be attached onto the underside of the crew compartment over the HMMWV frame rails. In the event of an explosion underneath the HMMWV, the V shaped hull will shield the personnel inside the cabin. |
| US08776658B2 |
Band saw
A band saw comprises a band saw blade that is moved along a running direction against which a sawing material is guided in a feed direction. The band saw further includes a guide mechanism for the band saw blade comprising a plurality of magnet guide elements that are adjustable in their force for exerting a force on the band saw blade to influence its position in space. The magnet guide elements are positioned upstream and downstream of the sawing material and have at least two magnets one beside the other, as viewed along the running direction. |
| US08776653B1 |
Meat cutting assembly
An assembly for cutting a meat or food product passing along a path of travel comprising a cutting roller having a plurality of cutting blades radially mounted thereon. A mating assembly interacts with the cutting blades to accomplish a multipoint cutting procedure facilitated by the concurrent rotation of the cutting roller and cutting blades as well as a linear reciprocal travel thereof transverse to the path of travel. A stabilizing assembly restricts the dimensional variance of the spacing between the cutting roller and mating assembly, through which the meat product travels and an ejecting assembly removes cut portions from the cutting blades, back onto the path of travel. The assembly includes a modular construction disposal within and removal from a processing line associated with the path of travel. |
| US08776652B2 |
Device and method for cutting through the adhesive bead of panes
A device and a method for cutting through the adhesive bead of panes that have been fixed by bonding is specified, said device having a motor-drivable winding device, a coil for winding-on a separating means for cutting through the adhesive bead, a suction plate for fixing the winding device by means of negative pressure on a pane to be removed, wherein the winding device is mounted so as to be rotatable on the suction plate and wherein at least one guide roller for guiding the separating means is provided, which is preferably placed in a corner region of the pane in order to hold the cutting angle between separating means and adhesive bead extensively ≦90° during the removal operation. |
| US08776644B2 |
Electronic identifier attachment for inventory items
Disclosed are various embodiments and a corresponding method for an adapter configured to attach an electronic identification device to an inventory item having a universal attachment fitting. A first end of the adapter body is configured to permanently attach to the universal attachment fitting. A second end of the adapter body is configured to attach to a tool configured to attach to the universal attachment fitting. An electronic identification device is attached to the adapter body. |
| US08776643B2 |
Indexable tool
A tool may be configured, in various embodiments, with a handle capable of housing house a gear in an aperture. The gear can have at least a predetermined number of facets and an orbital ring. A securing feature can have a first notch that is adapted to engage the orbital ring to allow rotational movement while securing the gear within the aperture. |
| US08776640B2 |
Ratchet wrench preventing jam of pawls
A ratchet wrench includes a head having a first compartment rotatably receiving a drive member. A second compartment is defined in an inner periphery of the first compartment and receives first and second pawls. A switch is pivotably mounted in a control groove of the head and controls engagement relations between the first and second pawls and the drive member. A limiting member is connected between the first and second pawls and maintains two closest teeth respectively of first and second toothed sections of the first and second pawls to be in a restraining spacing that is smaller than a jam spacing, preventing the first and second pawls from jamming between the drive member and a wall of the second compartment. |
| US08776635B2 |
Composite flywheel
A flywheel includes a wheel having a composite rim structure with multiple radial layers of steel material. Epoxy type adhesive can bond the multiple layers of stainless steel together. |
| US08776628B2 |
Transmission of motorcycle
A motorcycle having a transmission which includes a counter shaft to which a rotation of a crankshaft disposed in an engine is transmitted and a drive shaft to which a rotation of the counter shaft is transmitted. A pair of drive gears mounted on the counter shaft so as to be rotated integrally with the counter shaft, and a pair of driven gears mounted on the drive shaft so as to be meshed with the pair of drive gears, respectively, to be rotatable therewith, and a friction ring is interposed between the pair of driven gears. |
| US08776622B2 |
Apparatus for mobile collection of atmospheric sample for chemical analysis
Portable devices and related methods for collecting and storing atmospheric samples for subsequent chemical analysis are provided. A sample cartridge according to one implementation includes self-sealing inlet and outlet ports configured to close automatically when not in use, and a sample retention portion between the inlet and outlet ports that is adapted to trap an atmospheric sample. The sample cartridge may also include a memory device for recording data regarding the sample. Another embodiment provides a portable sampler configured to removably secure a self-sealing sample cartridge. A portable sampling device may also be used with an analytical instrument. The analytical instrument may analyze the sample and read the data recorded on the sample cartridge's memory. |
| US08776619B2 |
Small angle sensor for measuring steering shaft torque
A small angle sensor for measuring steering shaft torque. The sensor includes a multi-pole magnet and one or more stators. Each of the one or more stators encompasses the outer circumference of the multi-pole magnet. Each of the one or more stators has a horizontal ring section having an inner circumference and an outer circumference; and a plurality of teeth. Each tooth extends in a vertical direction from the inner circumference of the horizontal ring section; and a lip extends in a vertical direction from the outer circumference of the horizontal ring section. The sensor also includes one or more collectors. Each of the one or more collectors encompasses only a portion of the lip of the one or more stators. The sensor includes one or more magnetic sensing elements. Each of the one or more magnetic sensing elements located proximate to the one or more collectors. |
| US08776618B2 |
Torque sensor rotor
Disclosed is a rotor for a torque sensor configured to improve a mechanical coupling force with respect to a jig in a process of adjusting a torque center, thus enabling a fine adjustment, the rotor including a rotor body having a sleeve coupled to a rotating shaft and a yoke protruding from an outer circumference of the sleeve, a ring-shaped magnet coupled to an outer circumference of the yoke, and an anti-slip structure formed on the rotor body and partially coming into contact with a jig during a rotating process for adjusting a torque center, thus inhibiting slipping between the rotor body and the jig when a rotating force is transmitted, so that slipping between the jig and the rotor body is inhibited to enable precise transmission of the rotating force whereby accuracy is improved during fine adjustment of the torque center. |
| US08776617B2 |
Method and system of submersible pump and motor performance testing
Submersible pump and motor performance testing. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: coupling a torque meter between an electric motor and a pump; and submersing the torque meter, electric motor, and pump in water. During periods of time when the torque meter, electric motor and pump are submerged in the water, the method comprises: operating the pump and the electric motor; measuring pump performance; and simultaneously measuring electric motor performance. |
| US08776608B2 |
Coplanar process fluid pressure sensor module
A coplanar process fluid pressure sensor module is provided. The module includes a coplanar base and a housing body. The coplanar base has a pair of process fluid pressure inlets, each having an isolator diaphragm. The housing body is coupled to the coplanar base at an interface between the coplanar base and the housing body. A differential pressure sensor is operably coupled to the pair of process fluid pressure inlets, and is disposed proximate the coplanar base within the housing body. |
| US08776603B2 |
Method and system for non-destructive testing
Provided herein is a non-destructive testing method capable of diagnosing a condition of an object to be tested using a single-pulse ultrasonic wave signal. An attenuation waveform of the single-pulse ultrasonic wave signal received by a receiving section 3 is wavelet transformed by a wavelet transform section 6 to obtain an envelope line A(t) and a phase φ(t) of the attenuation waveform. A temporal change computing section 7 approximates the attenuation waveform by an approximation equation available for computation, using the envelope line A(t) and the phase φ(t) of the attenuation waveform inputted from the wavelet transform section 6, and obtains the temporal change of instantaneous frequency of the attenuation waveform. A diagnosing section 8 diagnoses a condition of the object to be tested, based on the temporal change of the instantaneous frequency computed by the temporal change computing section 7. |
| US08776596B2 |
Apparatus for the monitoring of floating roof position for storage tank roofs
A floating storage tank roof having a roof cover level monitor apparatus uses a flexible rod having a first end in contact with the storage tank cover bottom surface and a second end in contact with a base mounted to the top of the storage tank roof. As the rod flexes the second end of the rod is pushed into a slot within the base and against a resilient member within the slot. Within the slot are disposed proximity switches. As the rod second end sinks into the slot the proximity switches are actuated by mechanical or magnetic means. The spacing of the switches within the slot is calibrated to represent the level of the storage tank roof. A force transducer may also be used in lieu of the switches. |
| US08776591B2 |
Downhole, single trip, multi-zone testing system and downhole testing method using such
A multizone testing system (100), for the testing of subterranean layers, comprises an upper subsystem (109) comprising a control station (151), a main isolation packer (113) for isolating the upper subsystem (109) from the lower subsystem (111), a lower subsystem (111) comprising an array of individual apparatuses (116) connected in series, each apparatus (116) being adapted for the testing of one layer and comprising a series of remotely activated tools for hydraulically isolating and testing the corresponding layer and a communication system comprises communication means between the control station (151) and the surface and between the control station (151) and each of the individual apparatuses (116) in order to control the remotely activated tools of the individual apparatuses for sequential testing of the layers. A multizone testing method for the testing of a plurality of subterranean layers intersected by a well, using a multizone testing system (100) comprises the steps of running and positioning said system (100) into the well such that each individual apparatus (116) is adjacent to a layer to be tested and controlling the remotely activated tools of the individual apparatuses for a sequential test of the layers. |
| US08776588B2 |
Transmission device for transmitting information about tire condition and tire condition monitoring system
A tire condition monitoring system includes a transmission device, a receiving device, and a monitoring section. The transmission device includes a sensor, a transmitter, a housing, and a engaged member. The sensor detects, as the tire information, a condition of gas filled in the tire cavity area surrounded with the tire and a rim. The transmitter wirelessly transmits the detected tire information. The housing houses the sensor and the transmitter, including an inner space and a through hole. The inner space is surrounded with a wall of the housing and is separated from the tire cavity area. The through hole passes through the wall. The engaged member is engaged with the through hole to be provided to the housing. The engaged member includes one of an air vent and a communication groove for communicating between the tire cavity area and the inner space. |
| US08776587B2 |
Tire tester
Disclosed is a tire tester (1) provided with: a device frame (3); a slide base (10) provided on the device frame (3) so as to be able to move up and down; a large spindle (11) that is attached to the slide base (10) and can rotatably support a large-diameter tire (T1); and a small spindle (12) that is attached to the slide base (10) and can rotatably support a small-diameter tire (T2) that is smaller than the large-diameter tire (T1). The disclosed tire tester (1) can push one of the tires (T1 or T2) against a simulated road surface (5), by means of the up/down movement of the slide base (10), and perform a tire test. |
| US08776585B2 |
Fuel vapor purging diagnostics
Systems and methods are provided for monitoring reverse flow of fuel vapors and/or air through a vehicle fuel vapor recovery system, the fuel vapor recovery system coupled to an engine intake of a boosted internal combustion engine. One example method comprises, intermittently adjusting a restriction in the fuel vapor recovery system during boosted conditions, and indicating degradation based on one or more of a change in a pressure value, or based on a change in flow in the fuel vapor recovery system. |
| US08776580B2 |
System and process for detecting leakage in umbilicals
A system and process for detecting the place of leakage from umbilical hoses. This system includes an internal device (PIG) which is inserted in the hose of the umbilical cable which is leaking and external detecting equipment which is intended to identify the position of the PIG device which is already inside the umbilical. The device which is inserted in the umbilical and which is known as a PIG, is made of metal and the external detecting equipment comprises two parts: one formed by a ring which surrounds the umbilical, having a sensor system and another part which has the electronics, capable of identifying the presence of the PIG and, with this, modifying the signal, so that it can be identified. The system is presented as a process for detecting the exact place of leakage from umbilical hoses and the technology tested is easy to operate and the inspection is carried out at a good speed and continuously, without creating waste. |
| US08776578B2 |
Gas sensor
A gas sensor having high detection sensitivity and a low output signal noise includes a laminate of thermistor ceramic, a catalytic electrode, an internal electrode, and external electrodes. When coming into contact with a detection target gas, the catalytic electrode generates heat, and the resistance of a thermistor layer of a sensing portion is decreased. Since the heat generated by the catalytic electrode is directly transferred to the thermistor layer without passing through an insulating layer or the like, high detection sensitivity is obtained. In addition, the structure can be formed in which heat of the sensing portion is insulated by a hollow portion and heat diffusion is prevented, so that the heat capacity of the sensing portion is further decreased. |
| US08776577B2 |
Generated gas collecting method and measuring method
According to one embodiment, a generated gas collecting method collects a generated gas after exposing the interior of a chamber to an organic gas having a boiling point higher than that of the generated gas. |
| US08776572B2 |
Necking machine
A necking machine (1) having a plurality of processing stations on a rotating tool carrier (7). The motion of the tool carrier (7) with respect to the work pieces is carried out by a crankshaft (25). This is carried out by a non-constant gear. The gear includes two non-round gearwheels (21, 23) that improve a rotational-speed profile of the crankshaft (25) and thus a velocity profile, in particular, in an area of the dead center. |
| US08776569B2 |
Forging mold
A forging mold includes a female mold and a male mold coupling with the female mold. The female mold includes an external mold defining an accommodating groove for receiving an internal mold and a pressing block therein, and a first fixing hole penetrating through the external mold and connected with the accommodating groove. The pressing block has a gap opened at a bottom portion thereof and adjacent to the internal mold. The internal mold has a base body and a blocking protrusion protruded from a bottom portion of the base body to be pressed in the gap. A first fixing element is screwed into the first fixing hole of the external mold with a distal end thereof resisting against the pressing block to further press the pressing block towards the internal mold so as to secure the internal mold and the pressing block in the accommodating groove. |
| US08776567B2 |
Arm material and a method for its manufacture
An arm material for an upper arm or a lower arm is provided which constitutes a double wishbone suspension or the like of an automobile and which has a flat, hollow, closed cross-sectional shape and enables further decreases in size, decreases in weight, and increases in strength.An arm material for an automobile suspension has a body made from a parts material made by metal. The parts material made by metal has a flat, hollow, closed cross-sectional shape having a pair of opposing long sides and is formed from a single member in its lengthwise direction. The body has at least a first bent portion which is bent in a plane roughly parallel to the pair of long sides. |
| US08776564B2 |
Impact treatment method for improving fatigue characteristics of welded joint, impact treatment device for improving fatigue characteristics for same, and welded structure superior in fatigue resistance characteristics
An impact treatment method for improving fatigue characteristics of a welded joint comprising pressing an impact pin against the surface of a base metal material near a toe of a weld bead and making it move relatively to the weld line direction to apply hammer peening treatment or ultrasonic impact treatment, characterized by using as the impact pin an impact pin having a tip curvature radius of ½ or less of a thickness of the metal material and between 2 to 10 mm and, on a surface of a base metal material up to a range where a distance from the toe of the weld bead to the center of the impact treatment position is within 2.5 times the tip curvature radius of the impact pin and where the impact pin does not contact the weld metal during impact treatment, applying hammer peening or ultrasonic impact treatment so as to cause by the impact pin residual plastic deformation where an impact dent has a groove depth of 0.1 to 2 mm, the tip curvature radius of the impact pin or less, and 1/10th or less of the thickness of the metal material and where the impact dent has a width of 1.5 to 15 mm and five times or more the groove depth. |
| US08776561B1 |
Door knob unlocking tool kit
A tool kit for unlocking a door knob lock set which bypasses the cylinder and pin pairs which normally must be aligned properly with the proper key. The tool kit includes a pin lifting tool which is used to move the pins so that a forked tool is inserted into the key way, through the cylinder, through an aperture in the end of the cylinder and on to the shaft which must be turned to unlock the lock. The forked tool straddles the shaft and then the forked tool is turned, thereby turning the shaft and unlocking the lock. |
| US08776560B2 |
Bike link for securing a bike
A bicycle link having one or more openings that can be π-shaped and having a slider that closes a portion of the one or more openings is disclosed. The slider can be secured in place in relation to the bicycle link with a padlock or the like being placed in aligned holes in the slide and it the portion of the bicycle link containing the slider. Cables, chains and the like are placed in the openings and secured to immovable objects. When the slider is locked in place to close a portion of the openings, this arrangement secures the bicycle. |
| US08776559B2 |
Security device for a power tool accessory
A security assembly is configured for attachment to a hole saw having a cap defining a central mounting aperture. The security assembly includes a substantially cylindrical base portion having a central axis. A handle portion is coupled to the cylindrical base portion and defines a tag cavity for housing a security tag. An extension member extends opposite the handle portion from the base portion along the central axis. The extension member engages the central mounting aperture of the hole saw. |
| US08776555B1 |
Safety locking handcuffs
A handcuff assembly comprising a pair of handcuff bodies retained to one another by one or more linkages. Each body extends between a pivot end and a body latching end. A locking arm is pivotally assembled to the handcuff body pivot end. A series of ratcheted teeth extend along a portion of each locking arm proximate an arm latching end. A first locking pawl is integrated into each handcuff body, wherein the first locking pawl is operated by a key to engage the pawl with the ratcheted teeth, retaining the handcuff assembly in a locked configuration. A second locking mechanism is provided at the pivot assembly, wherein the second locking mechanism resists pivotal motion of the locking arm when oriented into a locked configuration by way of rotating a key. The handcuff assembly requires rotation of two separate locking mechanisms by two separate key motions to unlock each locking arm. |
| US08776553B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining load size in a washing machine
A method and apparatus according to one embodiment for determining laundry load size in an automatic clothes washer includes supplying water to predetermined water levels higher than a saturate water level and determining the amount of water supplied to reach each predetermined water level from a prior water level, and determining a load size based on the determined amount of water supplied between the current predetermined water level and the prior water level. |
| US08776551B2 |
Transverse row bushings having ceramic supports
A bushing system includes a bushing having a bottom plate with a plurality of holes from which filaments are drawn. At least one elongated support extends through the bushing generally along a longitudinal axis to hold and stabilize the bushing. To handle the harsh conditions under which the bushing is subjected, the support comprises an alumina-based ceramic that generally resists sagging or excessive expansion and contraction during heating and cooling. |
| US08776549B2 |
Device and method for severing a continuous glass strip
The invention relates to a method and a device for severing a marked region of a glass strip (1) produced continuously on a conveyor belt (11), having the following characteristics: a) a line (12) highlighting the severing of the marked region is scored on the continuous glass strip (1), b) once the scored line (12) reaches the crusher roll (6), the two lock rolls (7, 8) following the crusher roll (6) are folded away downward, c) once the scored line (12) is located in the region of the highest area of the crusher roll (6), means for shearing off (5) push onto the glass strip (1) and break it off, d) after the broken-off glass piece (10) has dropped, the lock rolls (7, 8, 9) are folded back in the conveyor belt (11), and to a computer program and a machine-readable carrier with the program code thereof. |
| US08776547B2 |
Local strengthening of glass by ion exchange
This disclosure describes a process for strengthening, by ion-exchange, the edges of an article separated from a large glass sheet after the sheet has been ion-exchanged to strengthen by exposing only the one or a plurality of the edges of the separated article to an ion-exchange medium (for example without limitation, a salt, paste, frit, glass) while the glass surface is maintained at temperatures less than 200° C. |
| US08776542B2 |
Cooling system
A cooling system that cools a wafer in a vacuum chamber of a sputtering apparatus, includes a wafer cooling stage for cooling the wafer, a cooling mechanism for cooling the wafer cooling stage, cooling gas supply units which introduces a cooling gas to the wafer cooling stage, a wafer rotating mechanism which holds the wafer in a state separated from the wafer cooling stage by a predetermined gap, and is rotated while holding the wafer, and a driving mechanism which rotates the wafer rotating mechanism at a predetermined rotational speed. |
| US08776539B2 |
Ejector-type refrigeration cycle and refrigeration device using the same
A system has first and second compressors (22, 180), a heat rejection heat exchanger (30), an ejector (38), a heat absorption heat exchanger (64), and a separator (48). The heat rejection heat exchanger (30) is coupled to the compressor to receive refrigerant compressed by the compressor. The ejector (38) has a primary inlet (40) coupled to the heat rejection exchanger (30) to receive refrigerant, a secondary inlet (42), and an outlet (44). The separator (48) has an inlet coupled to the outlet of the ejector to receive refrigerant from the ejector. The separator has a gas outlet (54) coupled to the compressor (22) to return refrigerant to the first compressor. The separator has a liquid outlet (52) coupled to the secondary inlet of the ejector to deliver refrigerant to the ejector (38). The heat absorption heat exchanger (64) is coupled to the liquid outlet of the separator to receive refrigerant. The second compressor (180) is between the separator and the ejector secondary inlet. |
| US08776534B2 |
Gas balanced cryogenic expansion engine
An expansion engine operating on a Brayton cycle which is part of a system for producing refrigeration at cryogenic temperatures that includes a compressor, a counter-flow heat exchanger, and a load that may be remote, which is cooled by gas circulating from the engine. The engine has a piston in a cylinder which has nearly the same pressure above and below the piston while it is moving. Low pressure on a piston drive stem provides a force imbalance to move the piston towards the warm end. |
| US08776533B2 |
Strain tolerant bound structure for a gas turbine engine
A gas turbine engine includes bound assemblies with an inner diameter ring, struts, and an outer diameter ring. The strut is connected to the inner diameter ring and extends radially outward therefrom to connect to the outer diameter ring. A strain relief feature is disposed adjacent to or at the connection between the strut and the inner diameter ring and/or the outer diameter ring. The strain relief feature lengthens the arc segment of fillet curvature. For a constant thermal punch load, the lengthened arc segment of fillet curvature results in a decreased maximum strain in the bound assembly. |
| US08776531B2 |
Gas engine drives for gasification plants
The present application provides an integrated gasification combined cycle system. The integrated gasification combined cycle system may include a gas turbine engine, a syngas system for producing a syngas for the gas turbine engine and having a compressor therein, and a second gas engine in communication with the syngas system. The second gas engine dives the compressor via the syngas. |
| US08776528B2 |
Method for operating a gas turbine plant with a compressor station for gaseous fuel
The disclosure relates to a method for operating a gas turbine plant which is supplied with a fuel gas via a compressor station. The compressor station includes a compressor which compresses the fuel gas which is fed via a gas feed line and delivers it via at least one control valve to a combustion chamber of the gas turbine plant. A bypass system is arranged in parallel to the compressor via which fuel gas can be directed in a switchable manner past the compressor to the at least one control valve. An energy-saving operation can be achieved in a simple manner by continuously measuring the fuel gas pressure at the outlet of the at least one control valve. A minimum fuel gas pressure, which is desired (e.g., necessary) for operation of the gas turbine, at the inlet of the at least one control valve is determined from the measured pressure values in each case. The compressor station can be switched over to bypass operation when the fuel gas pressure which reaches the inlet of the at least one control valve via the bypass system is greater than or equal to the minimum fuel gas pressure. |
| US08776527B1 |
Techniques to reduce infrared detection of a gas turbine engine
A discharge nozzle is provided having a centerbody and a conduit enclosing the centerbody and is operable to receive exhaust flow from a turbine discharge of a gas turbine engine. In one form the centerbody is symmetric and extends along the flow direction, rising away from a reference axis to a maximum position before falling and converging on the reference axis. A set of rings is disposed between the centerbody and the conduit and are positioned between the centerbody and the conduit. |
| US08776523B2 |
Steam-driven power plant
A steam-driven power plant includes a steam source providing steam at a desired pressure and a steam turbine operably connected to the steam source. The steam turbine includes a low pressure section and an intermediate pressure section. A low pressure admission conduit is configured to convey steam from the steam source to an entrance of the low pressure section and an intermediate pressure admission conduit is configured to convey steam from the steam source to a mid-steampath point of the intermediate pressure section. One or more valves are located between the steam source and the steam turbine to control a flow of steam from the steam source through the low pressure admission conduit and/or the intermediate pressure admission conduit. |
| US08776521B2 |
Systems and methods for prewarming heat recovery steam generator piping
The present application describes a heat recovery steam generator. The heat recovery steam generator may include a superheater, a first turbine section, a first main steam line in communication with the superheater and the first turbine section, and a first prewarming line positioned downstream of the first main steam line such that a flow of steam from the superheater preheats the first main steam line without entry into the first turbine section. |
| US08776517B2 |
Emissions-critical charge cooling using an organic rankine cycle
The disclosure provides a system including a Rankine power cycle cooling subsystem providing emissions-critical charge cooling of an input charge flow. The system includes a boiler fluidly coupled to the input charge flow, an energy conversion device fluidly coupled to the boiler, a condenser fluidly coupled to the energy conversion device, a pump fluidly coupled to the condenser and the boiler, an adjuster that adjusts at least one parameter of the Rankine power cycle subsystem to change a temperature of the input charge exiting the boiler, and a sensor adapted to sense a temperature characteristic of the vaporized input charge. The system includes a controller that can determine a target temperature of the input charge sufficient to meet or exceed predetermined target emissions and cause the adjuster to adjust at least one parameter of the Rankine power cycle to achieve the predetermined target emissions. |
| US08776515B2 |
Pumping assembly using active materials
A pumping assembly is provided. The assembly includes a first movable element selectively movable within a first pump housing and an actuator including an active material. The active material is configured to undergo a change in attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material is operatively connected to the first movable element such that the change in attribute causes the first movable element to move within the first pump housing. In one example, the active material is a shape memory alloy material having a crystallographic phase that is changeable between Austenite and Martensite in response to the activation signal. |
| US08776514B2 |
Electrothermal microactuator for large vertical displacement without tilt or lateral shift
A microactuator for displacing a platform vertically with respect to a substrate includes a first rigid frame, a first flexible bimorph beam connecting the first frame to the substrate, a second rigid frame, a second flexible bimorph beam connecting the second frame to the first frame, and a third flexible bimorph beam connecting a platform to the second frame. Activation of the first, second, and third flexible bimorph beams allows vertical displacement of the platform with respect to the substrate, with negligible lateral shift. A microactuator assembly includes a substrate, a plurality of first rigid frames, a plurality of first flexible bimorph beams, a plurality of second rigid frames, a plurality of second flexible bimorph beams, a platform, and a plurality of third flexible bimorph beams. Activation of the first, second, and third bimorph beams allows vertical displacement of the platform with respect to the substrate, with negligible lateral shift. A further embodiment with four identical such microactuators oriented at four sides of the platform, can achieve 1D or 2D angular scanning of the mirror plate by the activation of 1 or 2 adjacent microactuators. |
| US08776512B2 |
Swing system and construction machinery or vehicle comprising a swing system
A swing system for construction machinery or a vehicle, particularly an excavator or a crane, includes a swing brake for blocking or unblocking a rotational movement of a first portion of the vehicle relative to a chassis portion of the vehicle, and a swing pump and a swing motor are provided for performing the rotational movement. The swing pump can be positioned in a neutral position where no rotational movement of the first portion takes place. At least one brake control actuator is provided for automatically engaging the brake when the swing pump is in its neutral position. The swing system can provide an improved control of the swing movement on a slope and an improved comfort during operation of the swing movement. |
| US08776508B2 |
Passive valve assembly with negative start angle
A passive valve assembly for a vehicle exhaust system includes an exhaust component that defines an exhaust gas flow path and a vane that is positioned within the exhaust gas flow path. The vane is positioned at an initial start position and is movable between a closed position to provide a minimum exhaust gas flow and an open position to provide a maximum exhaust gas flow. The start position is orientated at a negative angle relative to the closed position. |
| US08776506B2 |
Method for predicting NOx amount and exhaust system using the same
A method for predicting a NOx amount may include detecting an O2 amount in an intake air, calculating a reference O2 amount in the intake air according to a driving condition of an engine, calculating a reference NOx amount contained in an exhaust gas according to the driving condition of the engine, and primarily correcting the reference NOx amount based on the detected O2 amount in the intake air and the reference O2 amount in the intake air according to the driving condition of the engine. |
| US08776505B2 |
Method for predicting NOx amount and exhaust system using the same
A method for predicting a NOx amount, may include determining a reference NOx amount according to a driving condition of an engine, primarily correcting the reference NOx amount according to an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) ratio, and secondarily correcting the primarily corrected NOx amount according to an environmental factor and the driving condition. |
| US08776503B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring a reductant injection system in an exhaust aftertreatment system
A reductant injector is configured to dispense a reductant into an exhaust gas feedstream of an internal combustion engine upstream of a selective catalytic reduction device. The reductant injector of a reductant injection system is monitored by generating injector pulsewidth commands corresponding to a prescribed reductant flowrate, monitoring the injector pulsewidth commands, verifying the prescribed reductant flowrate corresponds to the injector pulsewidth commands, monitoring a fluidic pressure in the reductant injection system, estimating a first injected quantity of the reductant corresponding to the injector pulsewidth commands, estimating a second injected quantity of the reductant corresponding to the fluidic pressure in the reductant injection system, and comparing the first and second injected quantities of reductant. |
| US08776499B2 |
Emission treatment systems and methods using passivated surfaces
Provided are exhaust systems, components, and catalytic articles that have been passivated for use in conjunction with diesel engines that includes a NOx abatement system that uses a reductant. These items are passivated in order to minimize degradation of a reductant in their presence when, for example, they have been subjected to temperatures in excess of 650° C. |
| US08776496B2 |
Hydrocarbon retaining system configuration for combustion engine
Systems, methods, and computer readable storage media are described in which exhaust gas is routed to a hydrocarbon retaining device during starting, and purged to the engine intake manifold. Various alternative approaches are described for controlling operation and diagnosing degradation. Further, various interrelated configurations are described. |
| US08776492B2 |
Adjustable link
An adjustable link for a bracelet, including first and second half links longitudinally moveable via cooperation of a guide and a complementary guide, and captived by cooperation of a stopping mechanism and a complementary stopping mechanism. The first half link includes a longitudinal finger with a locking mechanism including a radial elastic return moveable between folded and unfolded positions, and the second half link includes a longitudinal channel allowing the finger to pass in only one of the folded or unfolded positions, and, in proximity to the channel, a complementary locking mechanism cooperating, in at least one locking position, with the locking mechanism in the other of the folded or unfolded positions, the locking mechanism and complementary locking mechanism together defining at least two of the longitudinally separate locking positions. |
| US08776489B2 |
Mowing cutter disc having a mowing blade and a holder
A quick-change mowing blade arrangement is provided. The mowing blade has a shaped feature and a hole which maintain a certain spacing X from one another. For installation, the mowing blade is held, by means of the hole, pivotally on a head of a peg. If the head) undergoes an impermissible amount of wear, the shaped feature is no longer hidden by a cover of the mowing cutter disc, but becomes visible. |
| US08776488B1 |
Mower apparatus with cutting mechanism adaptation
An apparatus for cutting vegetation is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first and second cutting mechanism for cutting vegetation. The first cutting mechanism is configured to cut vegetation from an original height to a first height. The original height is a height greater than a height reachable by the second cutting mechanism. The second cutting mechanism is configured to cut the same vegetation from the first height to a second height, after the first cutting mechanism has cut the vegetation to the first height. |
| US08776487B2 |
Integrated draper belt support and skid shoe in an agricultural harvesting machine
A cutting platform for use with an agricultural harvesting machine includes at least one platform section. Each platform section has a cutterbar assembly movable in a localized manner in upwards and downwards directions, an endless belt with a leading edge, and a plurality of skid shoes. Each skid shoe extends rearwardly from the cutterbar assembly and has an upper surface defining a belt support for the leading edge of the endless belt. |
| US08776485B2 |
Form-fill-seal machine
A form-fill-seal machine is capable of reducing poor sealing caused by a packaged article catching in lateral seal portions. The form-fill-seal machine is provided with an upper tube, a lower tube disposed therebelow, a former, a lateral sealing mechanism below the lower tube, and opening and closing sliding members. A packaged article is dropped through the interiors of the upper tube and the lower tube. The former winds a sheet of a film F around the circumference of the lower tube to convert same into a tubular film. The lateral sealing mechanism laterally seals the tubular film. The opening and closing sliding members, which are disposed between the upper tube and the lower tube, shut off an upwardly oriented flow of gas from the interior of the lower tube when in a closed state. |
| US08776483B2 |
System for making pneumatically filled packing cushions
System, method and material for making pneumatically filled packing cushions in which a plastic film material having two superposed layers joined together along first and second longitudinal edges is prefabricated at a first location by forming longitudinally spaced, transversely extending rows of perforations across it and sealing it together along seal lines which extend from the first edge of the material in a direction generally parallel to the rows of perforations other and terminate a short distance from the second edge to form chambers with open mouths facing the second edge between the rows of perforations. The material is then fan-folded or formed into rolls for storage and shipment. At a second location, gas is introduced into the chambers by passing the material along a tube positioned between the ends of the seals and the second edge of the material and injecting the gas into the open mouths of the chambers through openings in a side wall of the tube. The two layers are then sealed together across the open mouths to close the chambers and retain the gas in them. |
| US08776482B2 |
Container treatment machine with a passage for passing
A passage for the sealed and/or sterile passage of a functional element (15), for example a rod and/or wave-like functional element through at least one wall (6) separating a sterile chamber (5) from an non-sterile chamber, comprising at least one hydraulic seal (20) enabling a relative movement of the functional element (15) in relation to the at least one wall (6). |
| US08776481B2 |
Packing-packaging apparatus
A packing-packaging machine includes: sheet feeding means; a horizontal bonding unit for forming a bag body by forming horizontal bonding on a tubular body at predetermined intervals; and an object dispensing unit for dispensing an object to be packaged to the bag body during a repetition of the formation of the horizontal bonding. The object dispensing unit includes a shutter for opening and closing a falling path of a predetermined amount of the object into the bag body. The shutter is opened and closed such that the predetermined amount of the object and another predetermined amount of the object fall with a spacing therebetween, and that before the horizontal bonding is formed on the bag body packed with the predetermined amount of the object which has been dropped during opening-closing operation of the shutter, the other predetermined amount of the object for a next bag body starts falling. |
| US08776480B2 |
Vented nail base roof assembly and associated method
A roof assembly for covering a building includes a first structural layer coupled to the framework of the building, a second structural layer positioned above the first structural layer, and an insulating layer including a roof insulation panel positioned between the first and second structural layers. A ventilating purlin extends between and contacts the first and second structural layers along at least one edge of the roof insulation panel. The ventilating purlin transfers loads from the second structural layer to the first structural layer without using the insulating layer for structural support. The ventilating purlin also includes at least one ventilation opening positioned to enable air flow through the ventilating purlin into a ventilating layer of air space formed between the insulating layer and the second structural layer. Thus, the ventilating purlin permits full ventilation of the roof assembly. |
| US08776479B2 |
Anchoring in a construction model
An anchoring device including an anchoring element suitable for being anchored an object of construction material with the aid of mechanical vibrations. The anchoring element includes a thermoplastic material and a tool. The thermoplastic material forms at least a part of a radially outer surface of the anchoring element, and the tool has a proximal portion and a broadening portion distally of the proximal portion. The broadening portion has an outer second cross-section, the second cross section being larger than the first cross section but being adapted to the first cross section so that the tool can be moved with respect to the anchoring element while the broadening portion is in the axially-extending opening and locally expands the anchoring element while thermoplastic material of the anchoring element that surrounds the broadening portion is in a solid state. |
| US08776475B2 |
DLO molding with dutch bend feature and clip retention feature
A window surround molding is secured on a vehicle door flange with a retainer clip. The molding extends in a longitudinal direction and has a cross-section including first and second channels separated by a Dutch bend. The flange is disposed in the second channel on one side of the Dutch bend. The clip is disposed in the first channel on an opposite side of the Dutch bend. An arm extends in the longitudinal direction away from first and second ends of the clip and engages the molding to secure the clip within the first channel. The clip also includes a lower edge that engages the Dutch bend. A flex tab protrudes from a front face of the clip and engages the flange to secure the molding on the flange and to prevent rotation of the molding relative to the flange. |
| US08776474B2 |
Anchoring method for external bonding and reinforcing technique with prestressed fiber cloth
An anchoring method for external bonding and reinforcing technique with prestressed fiber cloth mainly involves the following steps: stretching fiber cloth (1) on the surface of a reinforced member (2) firstly, and then bonding the prestressed fiber cloth (1) and the reinforced member (2) as a whole with resin. In addition, certain measures of installing a steel plate (5) for anchoring and using an anchor device (7) are applied to the anchorage end of the prestressed fiber cloth (1) on the end of the reinforced member (2). The prestress on the anchorage end of the prestressed fiber cloth (1) is partly or all released after thermosetting of the resin so as to eliminate or reduce the stress concentration on the end. |
| US08776469B2 |
Adjustable hanger assembly for use with metal bar joists and beams
An adjustable hanger assembly for hanging support rods or ceiling fixtures includes two adjacent spanning angles or channels having at least one clamp assembly at each end thereof and at least one fixture hanging assembly disposed between the ends of the spanning angles or channels. The clamp for use with joists utilizing angles includes legged and washer clamp plates, fastener, and fastening device. The clamp for use with beams utilizing angles includes alternate legged clamp plate, fastener hook, and fastening device. The fixture hanging assembly includes legged and washer fixture plate, hanger rod with threaded end, and fastening. Each legged clamp plates, alternate legged clamp plates, and legged fixture plates is adapted to ride horizontally along top of spanning angles or channels. The load bearing capacity of the angles or channels is increased by bracing these members against each other at clamp assembly and fixture hanging assembly locations. |
| US08776466B2 |
Lath furring strips
The present invention provides a lath furring strip having a height not exceeding 0.365 inches which has improved waterproofing capabilities by incorporating the lath furring strip into other architectural structures such as reveals, expansion joints and window flange coverings. By integrating these structures with a lath furring strip having water proofing features, there is increased water proofing of the entire architectural structure. One or more moisture barriers can easily be applied to the wall or furring strips that prevents seepage of moisture from the stucco on the lath to a wall or framing. |
| US08776464B2 |
Protective cover for reinforcing bar
A protective cover for covering an end of a reinforcing bar is provided. In some aspects, the protective cover includes a collar having a first end, a second end, and an impact absorbing portion disposed therebetween. The first end of the collar is configured to receive the end of the reinforcing bar. The impact absorbing portion of the collar is configured to withstand an impact without penetration of the reinforcement bar through the protective cover and is further configured to absorb at least a portion of the impact. The impact absorbing portion resides solely within the collar. The protective cover further includes a cap disposed at the second end of the collar. The cap has a surface area of about sixteen square inches. |
| US08776461B2 |
Plastic window frame trim for corrugated building walls and installation method
A plastic window frame trim is for installation of a window in a corrugated metal building wall having a cut opening with a top edge, bottom edge, and side edges, each of the edges being backed by framing members. The window frame trim includes: a frame header J-channel with a flange; a frame footer J-channel with a flange; a pair of nailing fins; and fasteners. The trim header J-channel, footer J-channel, and nailing fins are attached to the window frame. The window frame is lifted so frame header J-channel flange slides between the top edge of the metal building wall and a framing member at the top of the cut opening. The window is lowered so footer J-channel flange slides between the bottom edge of the metal building wall and a framing member at the bottom of the cut opening so that window frame rest on the window sill. Fasteners attach the window frame to the framing members through the metal building wall. Trim caps snap over the nailing fins to finish the trimmed window. |
| US08776460B2 |
Plastic window frame trim for corrugated building walls and installation method
A plastic window frame trim is for installation of a window in a corrugated metal building wall having a cut opening with a top edge, bottom edge, and side edges, each of the edges being backed by framing members, the window having an accessory groove. The window frame trim includes: a frame header J-channel with a flange; a frame footer J-channel with a flange; a pair of nailing fins; and fasteners. The trim header J-channel, footer J-channel, and nailing fins are attached to the window at the accessory groove on the window frame. The window frame is lifted so frame header J-channel flange slides between the top edge of the metal building wall and a framing member at the top of the cut opening. The window is lowered so footer J-channel flange slides between the bottom edge of the metal building wall and a framing member at the bottom of the cut opening so that window frame rest on the window sill. Fasteners attach the window frame to the framing members through the metal building wall. Trim caps snap over the nailing fins to finish the trimmed window. |
| US08776456B1 |
Solar panel tile roof mounting device
Disclosed is a device for mounting solar panels and other equipment to tile roofs, or similar roof structures, that does not require removal of roofing tile for installation. A stanchion is inserted into a hole drilled into a roofing tile. Two or more wood securing fasteners are inserted into diagonal and crossing through-holes in the sides of the stanchion above the tile and exit on opposing sides of the stanchion, with respect to their insertion point, below the tile. The ends of the wood securing fasteners engage the surface of the roof sheeting beneath the tile at a distance outwardly away from the stanchion. With this arrangement, the tile roof equipment-mounting device engages the roof surface over a wider area than the diameter of the hole drilled into the roof tile without the need for removing the roof tile. |
| US08776455B2 |
Photovoltaic tile for a roof
A photovoltaic tile for a roof includes a plurality of tiles, at least two adjacent tiles of which at least partially overlap each other, including a body (12) having overlapping edges constituting a top edge (20) and a bottom edge (22), the top edge (20) being formed so as to cover the bottom edge (22) of at least one of the adjacent tiles, a photovoltaic layer (40), and electrical connectors (52) which are connected to the photovoltaic layer (40) through electrical conductors (54). The electrical connectors (52) are provided in assembly elements (57, 58) by nesting, the assembly elements being provided on the overlapping edges (20, 22) to enable the overlapping edges to be mutually positioned during the placement of two of the adjacent tiles (10) and the electrical contact of the electrical connectors (52) with each other. The invention also relates a method for manufacturing such tile. |
| US08776452B1 |
Universal quick corner for raised floor system
A floor panel assembly (used as replacement floor panel or in a new installation) includes universal quick-attach corners that mates with support stands and stringers of an existing raised floor system to provide leveling. The panel assembly includes a top plate (apertured or not) with corner structures including a post retainer and interconnected down flanges that support the top plate inboard of its perimeter. In one form, the universal quick corners each includes an arrow-shaped extension plate attached to the post retainer and extending toward the top plate's perimeter, and includes a body with multiple thickness pads selectable to support the extension plate at selected height. Thus, the quick corner holds an upper surface of the top plate level with an upper surface of adjacent existing floor panels of the existing raised floor system. In another aspect, only the body is used at each corner (without the extension plate). |
| US08776451B2 |
Extendible structure
An extendible structure which includes an elongated extendible member having elasticity, and a storage part that serves to store the extendible member by winding it up, wherein a tip end of the extendible member can be extended from the storage part in a one-dimensional manner, so that an extendible part thus extended becomes a hollow tubular structure. The extendible member is composed of three divided extendible members so that the extendible part of the hollow tubular structure is divided into three parts, and the individual divided extendible members are constructed such that their tip end portions are joined with one another, and at the same time, their base end portions are wound around individual storage parts, respectively, independently from each other. Surface fasteners are each provided on a side of each of the divided extendible members. |
| US08776446B1 |
Pharmacist workstation
A pharmacist workstation that has a desk that is accessible to customers at a customer position in front of the desk; pharmacist seating directly behind the desk, from which a pharmacist can directly interact with a customer in front of the desk; a pass-through window to a secure preparation area; and a private consulting area that has an entrance that is located to a side of the pharmacist seating. |
| US08776441B1 |
Window vent latch sheath and method
A sheath for a window vent latch having a housing defining a slot sized to allow a vent latch to fit therein, and a spring attached to the housing for engaging the inside of a conventional window jamb. A method of seating a window vent latch in a window frame including the steps of providing a vent latch in a vent latch sheath having a housing and a spring, a window with a window frame having a window jamb, placing the vent latch sheath in the window jamb while allowing the spring to engage the window jamb, and adjusting the vent latch housing along the window jamb. |
| US08776440B2 |
Sash limiter apparatus and method
A limiter system includes a base including a pin. A rocker is rotatably and translationally coupled with the pin. The rocker includes a first end including an abutment feature, a second end including a reset feature, and a slot including first and second slot ends and a slot track therebetween. The pin is translationally and rotatably received in the slot, and the pin is translational between the first and second slot ends. The rocker is configured for positioning between a first abutting position and a second resetting position. In the first abutting position, the abutment feature extends away from the base. In the second resetting position, the reset feature extends away from the base, and the abutment feature is nearer to the base than the reset feature. |
| US08776437B2 |
Casement window operator with folding handle
An operator for a casement window is disclosed which includes a hub that frictionally receives a spindle. The hub is pivotally connected to a proximal end of a pivoting handle. The hub is disposed within a cavity that extends through the proximal end of the handle and terminates at a back wall. The cavity partially accommodates a biasing element, an actuator and the hub. The biasing element is disposed between the actuator and the back wall and biases the actuator towards the hub. The hub includes at least one open position recess and open position protrusion and the actuator includes a complementary protrusion and a recess wherein the protrusion is received in the at least one open position recess of the hub and the recess of the actuator receives the at least one open position protrusion of the hub when the handle is pivoted to the open position. |
| US08776432B2 |
Integrated trellis machine
An integrated trellis machine for growing systems. The trellis machine comprises a framework which supports a shroud such that the shroud defines a growing area within the interior of the trellis machine. A nutrient delivery system supplies nutrients to vegetation as it grows within the growing area. A lighting system supplies light to the vegetation and includes a source of light which is housed within a casing. The casing is supported within the growing area and forms a conduit having ends which are open to the exterior of the growing area. A trellis is supported by the framework and located within the growing area between the nutrient delivery system and the source of light The trellis forms a barrier between the vegetation and the source of light and the trellis is shaped so as to redirect the growth of the vegetation as the vegetation grows. |
| US08776427B1 |
Fish attraction device
An apparatus for attracting fish is disclosed. The apparatus has a motor with rotating driveshaft that defines a rotational axis substantially parallel to a surface of a body of water. A housing encloses the motor, and the driveshaft extends therefrom. There is an impeller with a hub axially aligned with and coupled to the driveshaft. The impeller has one or more flat planar blades, each defined by a trailing edge and a leading edge and extending radially from the hub in an orthogonal relationship to the rotational axis of the driveshaft without pitch. A proximate end of the blades is fixed to the hub an opposed distal end includes a cupped paddle projecting therefrom with a paddle leading surface and a paddle trailing surface. Turbulence and cavitation is generated by the impeller, and the visual and audible side effects thereof are simulative of fish feeding activity. |
| US08776426B1 |
Magazine release assist tool
A magazine release assist tool is described comprising of a generally U-shaped clip having an integrated arm extension. The tool is used to assist in the release of a magazine from a firearm that is equipped with a magazine release blocking mechanism. The clip is removably secured to the lower receiver of a firearm and the arm extension is provided to form a resilient flat spring having a pivot at its proximate end and a push pin at its distal end. When attached to the firearm, a user can depress the flat spring such that the push pin will engage the magazine release button of the firearm allowing quick removal of the magazine. |
| US08776422B2 |
Communication and control of accessories mounted on the powered rail of a weapon
A firearm used in military applications may have a plurality of accessories that can be attached to the weapon, with each accessory having a need for electric power. In order to reduce the weight of these power-consuming accessories, as well as the proliferation of batteries used to power these power-consuming accessories, a Powered Rail provides a point of mechanical and electrical interconnection for the power-consuming accessories with a common power source. The Weapon Accessory Control System is provided to enable the user to control the activation of a power-consuming accessory as well as enable communications between the user and the power-consuming accessory and among power-consuming accessories. |
| US08776421B1 |
Shoulder stock adapter for a handgun
An adapter is described for use in attaching a shoulder stock to a handgun with a bottom opening handgrip recess. The adapter includes an upright member having upper and lower ends and a longitudinal slot to attach a stock. A lower arm extends forward from the upright member lower end, and a brace arm extends forward from the upright member upper end. A recess insert extends upwardly from the distal end of the lower arm. A latching member releasably secures the insert in the handgrip recess. Also described is a grip plate module to replace the grip plates on a handgun handgrip that does not include a recess. The module includes first and second replacement grip plates for attachment in place of the original grip plates, and a replacement grip plate connector extending between the replacement grip plates. The connector includes a bottom opening recess to receive an adapter insert. |
| US08776420B2 |
Firearm having a removable hand guard
A method of making a hand guard for a semi-automatic or automatic rifle is provided. The method including the steps of: forming a first portion of the hand guard from a first material; inserting the formed first portion into a mold; and molding a second portion of the hand guard about the first portion, the second portion being a second material, the second material being different from the first material, wherein a first section of the first portion is completely encased by the second portion and a second section of the first portion is not encased by the second portion. |
| US08776419B2 |
Double stack magazine
Double stack magazines have a tubular body defining an elongated passage and a lower and upper end, a floor plate element connected to the lower end, an elongated separator element within the passage, a follower defining an aperture receiving the separator element and movable within the elongated passage, a spring within the passage having a first end contacting the floor plate, and having an opposed second end contacting and biasing the follower toward the upper end of the body. The separator may be a rod spaced apart from the body surfaces. The spring may be spaced apart from the separator element. The spring may be a coil spring having multiple winds, each encompassing the separator element. The separator element may be medially located in the body. The separator element may be positioned to define first and second stack passages between the left and right side walls and the separator element. |
| US08776406B2 |
Reversible wing plow and method of rotation
A reversible wing plow including a hitch, a moldboard and a moldboard shifting mechanism. The hitch is coupleable to the rear of a prime mover. The moldboard is operably coupled to the hitch proximate an inboard end and rotatable about a first horizontal axis that extends outwardly from the hitch generally parallel to a direction of forward movement of the prime mover. The moldboard shifting mechanism includes first and second linear actuators, both of which are coupled to the hitch at one end and coupled to opposing sides of a rotation crank plate on the other end. The crank plate is further operably coupled to the moldboard, whereby the moldboard is rotatably shiftable to the driver or passenger side of the prime mover, or to a vertically oriented transport position. |
| US08776402B2 |
Ankle inversion and eversion prevention shoe
An ankle inversion and eversion prevention athletic shoe has an upper foot support portion and a shoe bottom. The ankle inversion and eversion athletic shoe device is designed for preventing an athlete from spraining or turning or rolling an ankle during normal athletic competition or play or activities. The shoe includes a brace. The brace is located either behind the ankle on a heel of the shoe or on a side of said shoe in the general vicinity of the ankle. The brace includes an elongated arm and a floor contact surface designed to limit or control sliding of the foot to enable wearer time to regain composure, footing and balance. The brace provides the wearer time to regain his or her balance onto the shoe bottom, thus significantly limiting or precluding the typical and usually unavoidable ankle injury. |
| US08776395B2 |
Washer/dryer
A washer or dryer including a body with a loading port covered by a door having a convex transparent face that extends from the loading port inwards towards the interior of the body; and a detachable convex carrier having a depth and diameter greater than the convex transparent face that is stored on the convex transparent face that extends from the loading port inwards towards the interior of the body. |
| US08776392B2 |
Resin drying method and apparatus
A low pressure dryer for granular or powdery material includes a plurality of canisters rotatable about a common vertical axis serially among material heating, vacuum drying and material inventory discharge positions; pneumatic piston-cylinder means for rotating the canisters about said axis among said heating, vacuum drying and inventory discharge positions; means for heating contents of a canister at said heating position; means for sealing and drawing vacuum within a canister at said vacuum drying position and means for selectably permitting downward flow of dried granular or powdery material out of a canister at said discharge position where said canisters move collectively and unitarily one with another. |
| US08776389B2 |
Tape-measure device having an L-shaped pivotable end piece having a slot for guiding a tool
A tape-measure device having elements for measuring and/or marking/cutting an object, includes a tape, a shell (3) with a reel, an opening (5) enabling the tape (2) to pass through the shell wall, an end piece (6) attached to the distal end of the tape, a stop button (7) for the reel for blocking the tape or for enabling the rolling/unrolling of the tape. The elements include a guide shoulder (8) formed on the shell, a guide opening (9) at the end piece for the removable insertion of the end of a marking/cutting tool, and a sliding surface (60) for the end piece for translatably engaging the surface of the object to mark/cut the object using one of the surfaces thereof when the guide shoulder is simultaneously slid along an edge of the object and the end piece of the tape against the surface of the object to be marked/cut. |
| US08776383B2 |
Clamp for reciprocating saw
A reciprocating saw can include a housing and a motor disposed in the housing. A blade retaining mechanism can receive a saw blade. A drive mechanism can translate rotational motion of the motor into reciprocating motion of the blade retaining mechanism. A clamp assembly can include first and second shoes that are coupled to the housing. The first shoe can have a first shoe body that includes a first material facing surface. The second shoe can include a second material facing surface that opposes the first material facing surface and that defines a clamping distance therebetween. At least one of the first and second shoes is selectively adjustable relative to the housing, such that the clamping distance can be altered. One of the first or second shoe bodies can have a third material facing surface that comprises an arcuate section defining a radius. |
| US08776381B2 |
Double-pivot folding knife
A folding knife having a handle, a blade pivotably coupled to the handle, and a liner includes a liner lock and a first pivot member that is a post, pin, rod, or other structure having a shape adapted to be slidably received in the second arcuate opening of the blade. The liner further includes a first arcuate opening that has an enlarged end portion and an axis approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle adapted for slidably receiving the second pivot member of the blade. A tang of the blade includes the second pivot member, and the second arcuate opening that has an enlarged end portion and an axis approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blade. An extended tang portion, or flipper, extends downward from the tang. The handle also includes an opposing liner arranged alongside the liner in the handle with the blade positioned therebetween. |
| US08776379B2 |
Removable strip for packaging cutlery and related methods
An elongated apparatus for releasably retaining a plurality of utensils in a grouping includes an elongated base and at least one protrusion. The apparatus includes an elongated base having a longitudinal axis and at least one protrusion extending from the elongated base. The at least one protrusion is configured to be removably coupled to a handle end of a utensil such that coupling of the handle end occurs via movement of the handle end along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongated base. Upon coupling of the handle end of the utensil to the at least one protrusion, the utensil is restricted from rotating about the longitudinal axis so long as the handle end of the utensil is coupled to the at least one protrusion. |
| US08776372B2 |
Cast magnesium alloy wheels
A method of imparting superior fatigue performance to a vehicle wheel cast from a magnesium alloy by selective application of friction stir processing to regions of the casting known to be subject to high in-service stresses is described. The method may be particularly applicable to open wheel designs in which a plurality of spokes is used to connect the hub and rim portions of the wheel. |
| US08776360B2 |
Workshop for preparing aircraft engines for shipping
A workshop for preparing aeroengines for shipping, the workshop including a station for fitting test and measurement mechanism on an engine, a mechanism for transporting the engine to test premises and for returning the engine to the workshop, a station for removing the test and measurement mechanism, a station for endoscopic inspection, a finishing station, and a shipping station. The engines are transported from one station to another by spreaders fastened on the engines and attached to hoists that are movable in translation along an overhead structure arranged in the workshop, each station being fitted with computer terminals for displaying and tracking the tasks to be performed on the engine in the corresponding station. |
| US08776355B2 |
Method and device for fixing a faucet to a mounting
The invention relates to a method and device for fixing a faucet to a mounting (1), such as a worktop or a sinktop. A fixing collar (2) is fastened to the top surface of a mounting by turning from above one or more set screws (3) extending from the fixing collar (2) over a distance below a bottom surface of the worktop. Turning of the screw is used for raising a clamping claw (4), which is in engagement with the threading of said set screw and which is steered by means of a guide (5) extending downward from the fixing collar and used for disallowing a rotation of the clamping claw (4) along with the set screw (3). The bottom end of a faucet body (10) or its extension is fastened around the fixing collar (2) by expanding the fixing collar (2) by an actuation means, such as a screw (8). |
| US08776352B2 |
Tissue prosthesis processing technology
A heart valve prostheses crimping apparatus and method for deducing the diameter of stents containing heart valve prosthesis. A medical prosthesis catheter loading apparatus, including a crimping assembly for reducing the diameter of a prosthesis; and a catheter clamp for holding a catheter adjacent to the prosthesis. Also disclosed is an apparatus for reducing the diameter of a medical prosthesis, including a base, a crimp head connectable to the base, and an actuation mechanism connected to the base and connectable to the crimp head to actuate the crimp head. Also disclosed is a method of loading a medical prosthesis into a catheter, including the steps of reducing the diameter of a prosthesis from its normal deployed state to a diameter less than that of the lumen of the catheter; holding a catheter adjacent to the reduced diameter prosthesis; and moving the prosthesis into the catheter lumen. |
| US08776351B2 |
Split-ring gland pipe coupling with corrugated armor
A pipe coupling for coupling adjacent ends of a pair of pipes includes a sleeve, a split-ring gland positioned around one of the ends of the sleeve, and at least one annular gasket positioned within the split-ring gland and configured to be compressed by the split-ring gland for sealing one pipe end to the sleeve. The split-ring gland includes two partially circular gland members with spaced ends defining a gap. The pipe coupling includes an armor positioned to span the gap between the spaced ends to provide a generally closed annular periphery about the gasket. The armor includes a corrugated portion having a plurality of corrugations engaging the split-ring gland and the gasket during compression of the gasket. The armor is cold formed to improve structural strength and durability. |
| US08776349B2 |
Method for assembling synchronizer and jig for assembling synchronizer
A method for assembling a synchronizer by using a jig, the synchronizer including a synchronizer hub, at least one of recesses formed radially at an external circumference of the synchronizer hub, a synchronizer key disposed in the recess, a synchronizer sleeve enclosing the exterior circumference of the synchronizer hub and axially movably engaged to the synchronizer hub, and a spring disposed between the synchronizer hub and the synchronizer key, may include locating the synchronizer key and the spring in the recess of the synchronizer hub, engaging the jig to the synchronizer hub by inserting a rear portion of the jig in the recess axially, engaging the synchronizer sleeve to the synchronizer hub, and removing the jig from the synchronizer hub. |
| US08776345B2 |
Tire mounting apparatus
A tire mounting apparatus is constructed from a first working mechanism and a second working mechanism that are separate from each other. The first working mechanism is provided with a tire holding device for holding a tire and with a temporary tightening device for temporarily tightening nuts onto hub bolts to which the tire is mounted. The second working mechanism is provided with a final tightening device means for finally tightening the temporarily tightened nuts. The final tightening device includes two nut runners and an interval adjuster for adjusting an interval between the two nut runners. |
| US08776344B2 |
Steam reformer tube assembly and method of assembling or retrofitting same
A steam reformer tube assembly includes a reformer tube including a wall defining an interior space for receiving fluid delivered into the reformer tube, a plug at least partially positioned in an opening in the interior space such that a gap is defined between the plug and the wall of the reformer tube, and a sealing member positioned in the gap to either limit or prevent the passage of fluid toward the opening in the interior space of the reformer tube and along the gap that is defined between the exterior surface of the plug and the interior wall of the reformer tube. A method of assembling a steam reformer tube assembly is also provided. |
| US08776341B2 |
Method of repairing diamond rock bit
Hardfacing is applied on gage surfaces of bit blades, the leading and trailing edges of bit blades, and on carbide inserts. The gage surfaces contains natural diamonds, synthetic diamonds, thermally stable polycrystalline (TSP) diamonds and carbide inserts, and the hardfacing is applied over at least a portion of them. As primary cutters on the bit blades are worn down during drilling, the gage surfaces of the bit blades are also worn down. A hardfacing is applied to the worn gage surfaces of the bit blades, thereby allowing the drill bit to drill deeper and longer without requiring replacement. |
| US08776331B2 |
Mechanical closure part
A mechanical closure part includes a support part and a plurality of closure elements extending away from the support part via stems and provided with head parts (2) on their free ends. The closure elements are subdivided on the support part into groups (4) which form a fictitious annular arrangement in the form of a multi-cornered element having corners equipped with a closure element. A group of closure elements (6) is formed within the respective groups (4) with their head parts (2), in the non-actuated state of the closure, adjoining each other in an adjacent manner. |
| US08776328B2 |
Rebar clip for joining different size bars
A rebar clip is provided for joining a larger diameter rebar to a smaller diameter rebar transverse to the larger diameter rebar. In a first embodiment the clip includes diameter reducing tabs extending into upper arches of the clip for engagement with smaller diameter bars crossed on top of larger diameter bars. In a second embodiment the clip includes diameter reducing tabs extending into lower arches of the clip so that the clip may hold larger diameter bars on top of smaller diameter bars. A guide track for a clip applying gun is provided which allows for use with either version of clips and with clips of the same nominal diameter for joining equal size bars. |
| US08776326B2 |
Panel connection snap assembly
A connection assembly incorporating a striker of elongated configuration including a base platform and an elongated pin segment projecting away from one side of the base platform. A housing holding the striker includes a plurality of internal snap arms normally extending in inwardly angled relation. The elongated pin segment extends along an axial passageway such that the distal ball head and at least a portion of the striker shaft project outwardly away from the housing with the internal snap arms behind the base platform. A striker catch engages the distal ball head upon insertion into the striker catch. |
| US08776324B2 |
Attaching structure for an attachable arrangement
An attaching structure for use in an attachable arrangement including at least one elongate strap and configured to be removably attached to at least a portion of a body of a user. The attaching structure includes: a frame having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured for attachment of at least one strap of the attachable arrangement; and an adjustment mechanism is operational engagement with the frame, wherein at least a portion of the adjustment mechanism is configured to contact at least one strap of the attachable arrangement and permit adjustable movement thereof; and wherein the second end of the frame is elongated and configured to permit the user to grasp the second end of the frame and move it relative to the body of the user. |
| US08776322B2 |
Tie wrap for bundling objects
A twist tie device having an elongated piece of shape-retaining deformable material. A cover covers the shape-retaining deformable material along the length of the elongated piece. The cover has a bond between the elongated piece and the cover. The bond between the cover and the elongated piece is along the entire interior surface of the cover. An outer cover may be bonded to the cover. The outer cover may have a gripping surface and a non-gripping surface. The gripping surface will provide more grip for the twist tie device when it is wrapped around itself and the gripping surface will provide more grip when it is wrapped around objects. A nongripping surface being generally smoother than the gripping surface is suitable for containing indicia. |
| US08776320B2 |
Handle assembly for a domestic appliance
A handle assembly for mounting to a door of an appliance includes a main body member having first and second end portions separated by an intermediate portion. Each of the first and second end portions includes a cavity adapted to receive an end insert formed of soft material. Each of the end inserts includes an attachment member. The handle is mounted to a front face of the door through interengagment of the attachment members and base members provided on the door without scratching the surface of the door. |
| US08776318B2 |
Slide-tilt mechanism
A slide/tilt mechanism is provided to include a base plate; a slide plate which is slid between a closed position and an open position with respect to the base plate; a guide plate which supports the slide plate to make the slide plate movable; a tilt mechanism which tilts the slide plate with respect to the base plate by inclining the guide plate with respect to the base plate; an elastic member which actuates the slide plate in a slide direction and a tilt direction; and a tilt restriction member which engages the tilt mechanism to restrict the inclination of the guide plate when the slide plate is slid from the closed position to the open position, and disengages the tilt mechanism to permit the inclination of the guide plate when the slide plate reaches the open position. |
| US08776315B2 |
Door damping mechanism
A damping device that includes an arm having a longitudinally extending slot and a cylinder cut-out defined therein, and a damping assembly secured in the cylinder cut-out. The damping assembly includes a cylinder housing with a chamber having a piston and fluid disposed therein. The piston includes a rod with a head on a distal end thereof that extends outside the cylinder housing and into the slot. The damping assembly includes a biasing member extending between the cylinder housing and the head. |
| US08776314B2 |
Roller
The invention relates to a roller (1), preferably comprising two wheels (2) and a locking device, an activating part (10) being able to act on the locking device for releasing or locking in a position that corresponds to a directional lock and/or in a position that corresponds to a total lock, and the activating part (10) being movable by a drive, a linear movement of a transmission part (7) that is generated by the drive being transmitted via spring force to the activating part (10) in order to move the activating part, and the activating part (10), in any case in a position corresponding to the total lock or in any case in a position corresponding to the direction lock, being in addition movable relative to the stationary transmission part, against a spring supported on the transmission part, into a release position by means of an actuating handle (11) that is movable independently of the drive and preferably by hand so as to override the total lock or the directional lock. In order to provide a roller that is formed in an advantageous manner with regard to an emergency release, it is proposed that a geometric axis of rotation (d) of the actuating handle (11) is disposed on the same side as the activating part (10) with respect to the axis of rotation (D) of the wheel (2), the activating part being disposed offset, in a vertical section, with respect to an axis of rotation (D) of the wheel (2). |
| US08776310B2 |
Cleaner-head for a vacuum cleaner
A cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner has a dirty-air inlet provided in a main suction chamber of the cleaner head, an outlet duct extending from the main suction chamber for connection to a suction source, and a rotating brush bar housed inside the main suction chamber for agitating a floor surface contacted through the dirty-air inlet. The brush bar is driven by an air-cooled motor housed inside a hollow section of the brush bar, the motor having an air intake and an air exhaust fluidly connected to one another to form an air cooling path through the inside of the motor. The air intake is connected to a clean air inlet on the cleaner head and the air exhaust is fluidly connected to the outlet duct by an exhaust duct which bypasses the main suction chamber. |
| US08776303B2 |
Articulating vacuum hose
A debris collection system is disclosed comprising a vehicle and an articulating vacuum hose. The articulating vacuum hose includes a vacuum hose assembly and an articulating arm. The articulating arm is configured to support the vacuum hose assembly which is comprised of a vacuum hose, support bands and support cables. The articulating arm includes a first arm extension and a second arm extension. The first arm extension is mounted to the vehicle and rotatable with respect to the vehicle about two perpendicular pivot axes. The second arm extension is pivotally connected to the first arm extension and is rotatable with respect to the first arm extension about a third pivot axis. The first and second arm extensions can be moved to a folded position wherein both extensions are parallel to each other and to an exterior surface of the vehicle. |
| US08776301B2 |
Lint and fuzz balls remover
A lint and fuzz ball removing device is disclosed comprising at least one blade attached to an easily grasped and maneuvered body allowing for the quick removal and or detangling of lint, hair and pill balls. The blade surface is entirely covered with particle removing hooks or finger-like projections, including a plurality of flat surfaces, and edges of the blade, allowing for the quick and easy removal of lint, hair, fuzz and pill balls of any shape and size, across broad surfaces or hard to reach areas of clothing and fabric. |
| US08776300B2 |
Cleaning cloth
A cleaning cloth constructed of an upper sheet and lower sheet that are joined together for form an interior cavity into which additional cleaning cloths, cleaning materials, abrasive materials, scented materials, etc. can be placed. The cleaning cloth includes strips that can be used to connect the cleaning cloth to a mop head or other surface. |
| US08776299B2 |
Toothbrush head
A toothbrush head that includes a main body portion and a generally cylindrical connection member extending downwardly and defining an axis. The connection member includes bottom, outer and inner surfaces and a central opening. The connection member also includes a first lower protrusion that includes first and second inclined surfaces extending inwardly from the inner surface, a first slot defined in the bottom surface and the inner surface, a first lower notch defined in the inner surface, and a first opening defined in the inner surface above the first lower protrusion. |
| US08776298B2 |
Cleaning section of an electric oral hygiene device
A cleaning section of an oral hygiene device is disclosed. The cleaning section includes a cleaning element carrier mounted for oscillatory rotation around a carrier rotation axis; a gear unit arranged for being coupled to a drive shaft of a handle of the oral hygiene device, which drive shaft defines a drive shaft rotation axis in an attached state, and the gear unit further having an actuation element for transferring motion from the drive shaft to the cleaning element carrier during operation. The carrier rotation axis is parallel to the drive shaft rotation axis and is disposed at a distance to the drive shaft rotation axis. |
| US08776297B2 |
Laundry treating apparatus and method
A laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet, a tub provided in the cabinet, a drum rotatably provided in the tub for receiving laundry, a gasket provided between the cabinet and the tub, a plurality of spray nozzles provided at a lower part of the gasket for spraying wash water upward into the drum, and a pump for pumping wash water to the spray nozzles. |
| US08776295B2 |
Multi-needle quilting tape guide apparatus and method
A multi-needle quilting machine (20) is provided with a tape or ribbon guide (30) that is operated by a method by which a narrow strip (32) is fed against a facing layer (11a) of a wide multi-layered material (24) as it is fed into the quilting machine. In the quilting machine (20), series of chain stitches are sewn, at least one of which joins the tape (32) and layers of the multi-layered material (24) together with the same thread in a quilting process, thereby applying the tape (32) to the quilted product in a single quilting operation without the need for a post-quilting tape application step. The tape may form a decorative strip or have unsewn sections that serve as handles for a mattress when the quilted product is formed into a mattress cover. |
| US08776287B1 |
Bottom bed sheet with cell phone pockets
A bottom bed sheet for a mattress is provided wherein the sheet has cell phone pockets formed therein. The bottom bed sheet may be positioned with respect to the mattress whereby a cell phone pocket is positioned at the upper right side of the sheet or positioned at the upper left side of the sheet. |
| US08776275B2 |
Protective shoulder pads with release mechanism
This invention concerns protective shoulder pads (2) having a release mechanism (7). The shoulder pads (2) protect an individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2) against impact to the superior, anterior, posterior and/or lateral regions of the shoulder and upper arm. Release mechanism (7) allows the protective shoulder pads (2) to be more safely and easily removed from the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2) while the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2) is maintained in the supine position, thus decreasing the risk of further injuring the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2). |
| US08776266B1 |
Hunting garment and saftey harness system
A hunting garment system including a safety harness which restrains a hunter while perched on a tree stand, an outer member, and an inner member. Both the inner member and the outer member include detachable sleeves and a detachable hood allowing the hunter to select a particular weather-conforming configuration. The safety harness is designed to be safely anchored onto a tree and is worn alone, beneath the outer member, beneath the inner member, beneath an outer vest, beneath an inner vest, or in combination with an assembly of the outer member over the inner member. |
| US08776265B2 |
Infant swaddling system and method
A swaddling system and method for use when swaddling the upper and lower torso of an infant separately. The system is equipped with fasteners that allow the upper and lower torso portions to be secured separately, and to allow for the changing of diapers without unwrapping the upper torso. In addition, the system allows for the partial swaddling of an infant while in a car or stroller seat. |
| US08776263B1 |
Welding mask system
A face plate has a major chamber positionable in front of a face of a welder. A visor housing has a forward opening. A minor chamber is provided within the visor housing. A forward assembly is fixedly positioned within the minor chamber adjacent to the forward opening. The forward assembly has a glass ultraviolet filter centrally. The forward assembly has a heat resistant transparent plate outwardly. The forward assembly has a fixed polarized filter lens inwardly. A rearward assembly is fixedly positioned within the major chamber adjacent to the visor housing. The rearward assembly includes a rotatable polarized filter lens. A drive assembly is adapted to rotate the rotatable polarized filter lens with respect to the fixed polarized filter lens. |
| US08782804B2 |
Storage device, storage system, and authentication method
According to one embodiment, a storage device that has a nonvolatile semiconductor memory includes an authentication information storage unit that previously stores first apparatus authentication information to authenticate an authorized host device and first user authentication information to authenticate an authorized user. The storage device executes apparatus authentication on the basis of second apparatus authentication information received from a newly connected host device and the first apparatus authentication information in the authentication information storage unit and executes an invalidation process of user data stored in the nonvolatile semiconductor memory, when the apparatus authentication is failed. |
| US08782803B2 |
System and method of encrypting a derivative work using a cipher created from its source
A derivative work is encrypted using a cipher created from digital sources used to create the derivative work. A software application made available for download permits a mix artist to generate a derivative-encrypted work from a derivative work that the mix artist has created using one or more of the digital sources. The derivative-encrypted work is streamed to a worldwide web server, where it is made available for download by consumers for a fee. The software application is also available for download by the consumers and permits the consumers to purchase and download any available derivative-encrypted work. However, the derivative-encrypted works can only be decrypted if the consumer has possession of a digital source for each of the source art works associated with the digital sources used to create the derivative work. |
| US08782800B2 |
Parametric content control in a network security system
A security system provides a defense from known and unknown viruses, worms, spyware, hackers, and social engineering attacks. The system can implement centralized policies that allow an administrator to approve, block, quarantine, or log file activities. The system can provide and update a security value that causes host computers to change security levels for a number of different policies. The policies are grouped into a master set of policies and options which are propagated to the hosts from a centralized server. The security value is stored on the hosts and the server, and changes of the value on the server are propagated to the hosts. |
| US08782799B2 |
Triggering a private browsing function of a web browser application program
A private browsing function of a web browser application program may be triggered for a browser by a browser or by a URL provider. Upon receipt of the URI by a web browser, the URI is inspected for the presence of a private browsing indicator. When the URI is found to contain a private browsing indicator, operation of the private browsing function for the web browser application program is triggered. |
| US08782798B2 |
Method and apparatus for protecting data using a virtual environment
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for protecting data using a virtual environment, which creates a safe virtual environment that supports the execution of application programs being operated on a computer and which enables important data to be inputted or outputted only within the virtual environment, such that access to the important data is prevented in a general local environment. According to the present invention, data leakage is initially prevented to protect data, and convenience is provided in that a user may use the computer in a general manner while performing desired work. |
| US08782797B2 |
Lockbox for mitigating same origin policy failures
Systems and methods to manage same-origin-policy (SOP) failures that occur in a computing environment are provided. In an illustrative implementation, an exemplary computing environment comprises a lockbox module, and an instruction set comprising at least one instruction directing the lockbox module to process data and/or computing application execution commands representative of and a request for a selected operation/feature according to a selected SOP management paradigm. In the illustrative implementation, the SOP management paradigm comprises one or more instructions to deploy a “lockbox” computing application element allowing for the management, monitoring, and control of computing application features/operations operable under a same origin policy. |
| US08782793B2 |
System and method for detection and treatment of malware on data storage devices
Disclosed are systems and methods for detection and repair of malware on data storage devices. The system includes a controller, a communication interface for connecting an external data storage device, and a memory for storing antivirus software. The antivirus software is configured to scan the data contained in the data storage device, perform repair or removal of malicious files or programs found on the data storage device, identify suspicious files or programs on the data storage device and malicious files or programs that cannot be repaired or removed from the data storage device, send information about these files or programs to the antivirus software provider, receive updates for the antivirus software from the antivirus software provider, and rescan the suspicious files or programs and malicious files or programs that cannot be repaired or removed using updated antivirus software. |
| US08782786B2 |
Remedial action against malicious code at a client facility
Aspects of this invention may relate to a malicious application remedial action request application where a network site interaction may be requested from a client computing facility; the network site interaction from the client computing facility may be determined to be unacceptable based on an acceptance policy at a gateway facility; access to the network site from the client computing facility may be denied; information relating to the attempted interaction with the network site may be sent from the gateway facility to the client computing facility, wherein the information may indicate that the attempted interaction occurred; and the client computing facility may interpret the information relating to the attempted interaction, determine whether the attempted interaction was the result of an automatically generated request, and take remedial action in the event that the attempted interaction was the result of the automatically generated request. |
| US08782779B2 |
System and method for achieving protected region within computer system
A system and method for achieving one or more protected regions within a computer system having multiple partitions are disclosed. In at least some embodiments, the system includes an intermediary device for use within the computer system having the multiple partitions. The intermediary device includes a fabric device, and a first firewall device capable of limiting communication of a signal based upon at least one of a source of the signal and an intended destination of the signal, the first firewall device being at least indirectly coupled to the fabric device. The intermediary device further includes a first conversion device that is one of integrated with the first firewall device and distinct from the first firewall device, and that is capable of converting between a processor address and a fabric address for use by the fabric device. In some embodiments, the various devices each include Control and Status Registers (CSRs). |
| US08782778B2 |
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. |
| US08782775B2 |
Embedded authentication systems in an electronic device
This invention is directed to an electronic device with an embedded authentication system for restricting access to device resources. The authentication system may include one or more sensors operative to detect biometric information of a user. The sensors may be positioned in the device such that the sensors may detect appropriate biometric information as the user operates the device, without requiring the user to perform a step for providing the biometric information (e.g., embedding a fingerprint sensor in an input mechanism instead of providing a fingerprint sensor in a separate part of the device housing). In some embodiments, the authentication system may be operative to detect a visual or temporal pattern of inputs to authenticate a user. In response to authenticating, a user may access restricted files, applications (e.g., applications purchased by the user), or settings (e.g., application settings such as contacts or saved game profile). |
| US08782773B2 |
Framework for communicating across a firewall
A system for enabling communication between a first domain and a second domain is disclosed. At least the first domain is protected by a firewall. A first data-processing system is provided in the first domain and a second data-processing system provided in second domain. The second domain hosts an application that the first domain desires to access. To enable the communication between the two domains a tunnel is established through the firewall. The tunnel runs from the first data-processing system to the second data-processing system. The second data-processing system provides a web-proxy interface to interface to the application and also acts as a tunnel gateway. |
| US08782768B2 |
Systems and methods for accessing a virtual desktop
Methods, computer-readable storage medium, and systems described herein facilitate enabling access to a virtual desktop of a host computing device. An authentication system receives one of an authentication token and a reference to the authentication token, wherein the authentication token is indicative of whether a user successfully logged in to an authentication portal using a client computing device. The authentication system generates a private key, a digital certificate, and a personal identification number (PIN) for the user in response to receiving the one of the authentication token and the reference to the authentication token. The private key, the digital certificate, and the PIN are stored in a virtual smartcard, and the client computing device is authorized to log into a virtual desktop using the virtual smartcard. |
| US08782766B1 |
Method and apparatus for single sign-on collaboration among mobile devices
A system for, and method of, single sign-on collaboration among a plurality of mobile devices, includes a server for issuing a first identity token to subsequently authenticate a user of a first of the mobile devices to a service provider, and for generating and sending a collaboration credential to the first device based on the first identity token or user authentication. The first device sends the collaboration credential generated by the server to a second device paired with the first device. The server also issues a second identity token to subsequently authenticate to the service provider the user of the second device based on the collaboration credential received from the first device, to support single sign-on collaboration for the user across the plurality of mobile devices. |
| US08782758B2 |
Biometric authentication system, biometric authentication server, method and program thereof
An authentication system in which a authentication server and a plurality of clients are coupled through a network and configured to process an authentication from a user of a client, is configured to determine as a cache target user another user who is different from the user who requested the authentication; is configured to generate an identifier that indicates the cache target user; and is configured to transmit biometric data of the cache target user and the identifier to the client from which the authentication of the user was requested. A cache availability determiner can determine whether biometric data of any cache target user are available on a client. |
| US08782757B2 |
Session sharing in secure web service conversations
Techniques are disclosed for sharing communication session information sharing in web service applications. The techniques include management of concurrent sessions by dynamically determining the session association of web service requests at runtime. These sessions can be shared by a group of web services on the server side, and across multiple web services clients with many users, independently of where these applications reside. Session identifiers are determined for these concurrent web service invocations based on an algorithm that uses information from configuration and runtime data. Different information is used in the session identifier depending on configuration parameters to provide different types of sharing that correspond to different use cases. This mechanism can be used with SOAP-based web services, REST-based web services, and the like. |
| US08782753B2 |
Authorization and authentication based on an individual's social network
In particular embodiments, a method includes receiving a request to transmit content related to a first user to a second user, determining whether transmission of the content is authorized based on a list of unauthorized users, and transmitting the content to the second user if the transmission is authorized based on the list. |
| US08782752B1 |
Apparatus and method for multi-plane threshold security
Servers are configured to operate in two or more threshold security planes with each such threshold security plane implementing at least a portion of a corresponding threshold security protocol involving at least a subset of the servers. The servers are implemented on at least one processing device comprising a processor coupled to a memory. Multiple ones of the servers may be implemented on a single processing device, or each of the servers may be implemented on a separate processing device. At least one of the servers may be part of at least two of the threshold security planes. A given request for a protected resource is processed through each of the planes in order for a corresponding user to obtain access to the protected resource. By way of example, the security planes may comprise two or more of an authentication plane, an access control plane and a resource plane. |
| US08782751B2 |
Systems and methods for user access authentication based on network access point
Systems and methods of authenticating user access based on an access point to a secure data network include a secure data network having a plurality of a network access points serving as entry points for a user to access the secure data network using a user device. The user is associated with a user identity, each network access point with a network access point identity. The user uses a user device to send an access request, requesting access to the secure data network, to the network access point, which then sends an authentication request to an identity server. The identity server processes the authentication request, by validating the combination of the user identity and the network access point identity, and responds with an authentication response, granting or denying access, as communicated to the user device via an access response. |
| US08782743B2 |
Methods and apparatus for use in a generic bootstrapping architecture
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of obtaining authentication information for use in a Generic Bootstrapping Architecture, GBA, employed in a network with one or more GBA-capable subscriber registers and one or more GBA-incapable subscriber registers. The method involves a selection function for determining whether the authentication information of a subscriber is stored at a GBA-capable subscriber register or at a GBA-incapable subscriber register, and an inter working function for translating between the Diameter messages of the Zh interface and the MAP messages of the Zh′ interface. |
| US08782740B1 |
Systems and methods for detection of unauthorized or unsecured access points
A method for detecting unauthorized or unsecured access points is disclosed. At least one node of a computer network having a wireless network interface is identified. At least one of the identified nodes is requested to scan for detectable wireless access points. A listing of identified wireless access points is utilizing information gathered through at least one of the scans. An inventory of authorized wireless access points is formulated. The listing is compared to the inventory to identify unauthorized wireless access points. Also, security information may be gathered and analyzed for identified wireless access points. |
| US08782739B2 |
Access list key compression
Methods and apparatus for implementing an access list key for accessing information associated with a packet from an access list are disclosed. The packet includes an IP source address field and an IP destination address field, the IP source address field including an IP source address and the IP destination address field including an IP destination address, the IP source address and the IP destination address each having a number of bits (e.g., 128 bits in the case of IPv6). An IP source address is obtained from the IP source address field of the packet and an IP destination address is obtained from the IP destination address field of the packet. A modified IP source address is generated from the obtained IP source address such that the number of bits in the modified IP source address is less than the number of bits in the obtained IP source address. In addition, a modified IP destination address is generated from the obtained IP destination address such that the number of bits in the modified IP destination address is less than the number of bits in the obtained IP destination address. The access list key is then composed from the modified IP source address and the modified IP destination address. |
| US08782738B2 |
Aircraft communications system using whitelists to control access and associated methods
A communications system for an aircraft carrying at least one person having a personal electronic device (PED) includes an aircraft server in the aircraft for determining airborne validation of a ground server address entered via a corresponding PED, and a transceiver in the aircraft cooperating with the aircraft server for communicating using the airborne validated ground server address. A ground server on the ground is for determining ground validation of the airborne validated ground server address, and provides ground access for the corresponding PED for which the entered ground server address has both airborne and ground validation. |
| US08782736B1 |
Method and apparatus for policy criteria generation
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are described herein that are configured to generate criteria that defines instances in which a policy is to be applied or otherwise activated. In some example embodiments, a method is provided that comprises receiving an indication of a selected field of one or more fields that are applicable to a criteria for a policy. The method of this embodiment may also include receiving an indication of an operation selection and a specified value related to the selected field. The method of this embodiment may also include generating a criterion that modifies the criteria for the policy. |
| US08782731B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for providing digital video recorder services on a portable wireless device
Methods and apparatus for providing digital video recorder services with a portable wireless device (PWD). The PWD includes at least a transceiver, a processing unit and a memory unit. The transceiver receives a video content signal transmitted from a broadcaster of mobile broadcast digital TV, and an electronic program guide (EPG). The processing unit is in communication with the transceiver and the memory unit and the processing unit: stores the TV programming information on the memory unit; displays, responsive to a first user input, the TV programming information; records on the memory unit, responsive to a second user input, a selected video content signal received by the transceiver; and plays back the selected video content signal, responsive to a third user input, from the memory unit. |
| US08782730B2 |
User assistance via customer premises equipment media files
A particular customer premises equipment (CPE) device includes a display interface, a processor, and a memory accessible to the processor. The memory includes a plurality of media files that include user assistance information. The memory also includes instructions executable by the processor to access a media file of the plurality of media files and, in response to a user request for assistance, send content of the media file to a display device via a display interface. |
| US08782728B2 |
Stream conditioning for seamless switching of addressable content across transport multiplex, using local stored content as pre-roll and post-roll buffers; in digital television receivers
A system, method and apparatus to enable addressable advertising content delivery in which multiple addressable content streams are sent in a transport multiplex, Addressable Content Channel Multiplex, different from the Primary Channel Multiplex on which the Primary Channel is delivered. The Primary Channel is network stream onto which the addressable content is to be inserted. Seamless switch between the Primary Channel and the addressable content streams on the Addressable Content Channel Multiplex is accomplished by using Receiver stored content as interim buffers to which the switching happens prior to switching to a different transport multiplex. These buffers feed the audio and video decoders with content, during the time it takes for the tuner to switch to a different transport multiplex. Pre-roll and Post-roll content buffers are used during switching, one from Primary Channel Multiplex to Addressable Content Channel Multiplex and from Addressable Content Channel Multiplex to Primary Channel Multiplex. |
| US08782724B2 |
User editable metadata for interactive television programs
Television programming may be annotated with metadata and the metadata may be shared among subscribers. A set-top box may receive, from a server, metadata relating to a television program, the metadata having been created by users of other set-top boxes and at least some elements of the metadata including information describing portions of the television program to which the metadata is relevant. The set-top box may present the metadata during portions of the television program at which the metadata is relevant. |
| US08782722B1 |
Decoding of closed captions at a media server
Systems and methods of processing closed captions are disclosed. For example, a media server may receive a first video stream and first closed caption data associated with the first video stream. The media server may interpret at least one command included in the first closed caption data to generate interpreted closed caption data. The media server may transmit, to a destination device, a second video stream including second closed caption data that is generated based on the interpreted closed caption data. |
| US08782720B2 |
Method and system for synchronizing content between terminals
A synchronization apparatus and method for synchronizing playback time of a media provided to multiple devices during service transfer and replication process are provided. The content synchronization system for providing a receiving terminal with content of a sending terminal, the content synchronization system includes the sending terminal; the receiving terminal; and a server configured to provide content to the sending terminal and the receiving terminal and to comprise a communication unit configured to communicate the sending terminal and the receiving terminal and to transmit a message and information about time point at which the message is sent, and a content playback time point calculating unit configured to calculate a first content playback start time point of the receiving terminal in an effort to provide the content of the sending terminal that is synchronized with the receiving terminal. |
| US08782716B2 |
Systems and methods for rendering user interface objects in accordance with a variable scaling factor
A method for rendering one or more user interface objects on a television screen is disclosed. The method is performed at a computer system coupled with the television screen. The method includes receiving a request for rendering a user interface object, and identifying a variable scaling factor. The variable scaling factor is determined in accordance with a distance parameter corresponding to a distance between a respective user and the television screen. The method also includes rendering the user interface object on the television screen in accordance with the variable scaling factor while maintaining a display of a television program on the television screen based on a fixed scaling factor. |
| US08782715B2 |
Communication apparatus
A communication apparatus comprises a connecting unit for connecting with a power line, a circuit for receiving a power supply through the connecting unit, and a communicating unit for communicating with an external apparatus through the connecting unit, a controlling unit for determining whether or not to permit a power supply stop, in accordance with the communicating unit receiving information on a request for the power supply stop, and controlling the communicating unit to transmit response data corresponding to the determination. |
| US08782707B2 |
Differentiated PSIP table update interval technology
An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT. |
| US08782703B2 |
System and method for picture-in-picture assisted time-adaptive surfing for a content presentation system
Systems and/or methods are disclosed herein to identify a user interacting with a content presentation system, adaptively learn, in a passive manner, a user's pattern of accessing content over time, and globally store the user's identifying and use information. Specifically, disclosed are systems and/or methods for switching from a first signal provided to a second signal, including identifying a user of a first content presentation system, creating a first preferred channel list which includes channel information for each of select ones of plural signals, where the preferred channel list is created based on the identity of the user and based on channel use information for the user during a recurring first time period, presenting substantially simultaneously to the user a first signal of the select ones of plural signals in a first frame and a second signal of the select ones of plural signals in a second frame. |
| US08782701B2 |
Method for watching missed television programs and user terminal
A method for watching a missed television (TV) program and a user terminal are provided. The method includes the following steps. Electronic program guide (EPG) information distributed by a headend is received, and a local table of missed programs and current time are obtained. It is determined that a missed program exits when the user terminal is in a non-working status according to the local table of missed programs and the current time. Information of the missed program in the local table of missed programs is updated according to the EPG information. It is detected whether the missed program is played currently, and if yes, a service of watching a missed program is implemented. By using the method for making up for watching the missed TV program and the user terminal, when the missed program of the user is played in a system, the user is reminded in time of watching the missed program, and a trouble that the user searches the missed program through the EPG is avoided. |
| US08782700B2 |
Controlling one or more attributes of a secondary video stream for display in combination with a primary video stream
A method controls one or more attributes of a secondary video stream for display in combination with a primary video stream. The method comprises: identifying a primary video stream; identifying a secondary video stream; assigning one or more settings for one or more attributes of said secondary video stream to a predetermined set of one or more user identifiers; identifying the user identifier associated with a given video processing module; determining the one or more attribute settings assigned to the user identifier; and processing the secondary video stream for display in combination with the primary video stream in accordance with the one or more attribute settings for the user identifier. |
| US08782695B2 |
Virtual channel table for a broadcast protocol and method of broadcasting and receiving broadcast signals using the same
A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel. |
| US08782689B2 |
Method of broadcasting content and at least one complementary element, utilizing a server and a terminal
A method and apparatus are provided for broadcasting at least one complementary element corresponding to a content broadcast to a terminal. The method includes: applying, to at least one portion of the content, at least one index detection function, stored in a database, the detection function delivering an information cue regarding the presence or absence of the index, providing at least one complementary element associated with the index, if a presence cue is emitted; and combining the content and the at least one complementary element, thereby delivering a complete content. |
| US08782686B2 |
Dynamic item highlighting system
A method and apparatus for highlighting a program listing in a set of program listings based on selection criteria. The selection criteria may indicate that the a broadcaster has agreed to pay a service provider in return for the service provider ensuring that a program listing, corresponding to the program of the broadcaster, is highlighted in a program page that displays a set of program listings, such as television program listings. If there are multiple program listings, listed in a program page, that are to be highlighted, then details of the respective contracts may be used to determine which program listing to highlight. Such details may include the total contract value, a ratio of contract value-to-page view, and/or the time of contract formation. |
| US08782678B2 |
Disk clamping mechanism and disk rotating motor provided with same
There is provided a disk clamping mechanism that supports a disk on a turntable unit under pressure by an attractive force produced between a clamping magnet and a damper constituted in a rotor unit, wherein the clamping magnet is directly fixed at the upper surface of a rotor frame including the turntable unit, and further, the upper surface of the clamping magnet is covered with a centering member for centering the disk. |
| US08782673B2 |
Sharing of first class objects across multiple interpreted programming languages
Systems and methods are disclosed for enabling users to write scripting code in a first scripting language, and then use a second scripting language to call language constructs written in that first scripting language. Functions, Class Definitions, Class Instances, Modules and other language constructs are treated as first-class objects that can be shared across the different scripting languages. The techniques disclosed herein are also applicable to domain-specific languages. As part of the methodology, a respective underlying representation of each of these object types is designed as an interface and then that interface is implemented in each scripting language. In addition, code is written in each scripting language implementation to allow the latter to use the interface to represent a Function, Class, or other language construct. |
| US08782670B2 |
System and method for application isolation
A system, method, and computer readable medium for providing application isolation to one or more applications. The system may include an isolated environment including application files and executables, and an interception layer intercepting access to system resources and interfaces. The system may further include an interception database maintaining mapping between the system resources inside the isolated environment and outside, and a host operating system, wherein the isolated environments are saved on at least one of a local and remote storage. |
| US08782669B2 |
Non-transitory storage medium encoded with computer readable information processing program capable of enhancing zest of application program performing event processing, information processing apparatus, method of controlling information processing apparatus, and information processing system
An exemplary embodiment provides a non-transitory storage medium encoded with a computer readable information processing program and executable by a computer of an information processing apparatus. The information processing program causes the computer to function as a data storage unit for storing for each user, data for application that can be made use of in a prescribed application program executable by a plurality of users, a data communication unit for transmitting and receiving the data for application stored in the data storage unit to and from another unspecified information processing apparatus present within a prescribed range, and an event processing unit for performing event processing based on at least one of the data for application received by the data communication unit and the data for application of another user stored in the data storage unit when one of the plurality of users executes the prescribed application program. |
| US08782665B1 |
Program execution optimization for multi-stage manycore processors
An architecture for a multi-stage manycore processor shared dynamically among a set of software applications, with capabilities for destination task defined intra-application prioritization of inter-task communications (ITC), for architecture-based ITC performance isolation between the applications, as well as for prioritizing application task instances for execution on cores of manycore processors based at least in part on which of the task instances have available for them the input data, such as ITC data, that they need for executing. |
| US08782664B2 |
Autonomic hardware assist for patching code
Hardware assist to autonomically patch code. The present invention provides hardware microcode to a new type of metadata to selectively identify instructions to be patched for specific performance optimization functions. The present invention also provides a new flag in the machine status register (MSR) to enable or disable a performance monitoring application or process to perform code-patching functions. If the code patching function is enabled, the application or process may patch code at run time by associating the metadata with the selected instructions. The metadata includes pointers pointing to the patch code block code. The program code may be patched autonomically without modifying original code. |
| US08782661B2 |
Systems and methods for load balancing drives and servers
A file system that balances the loading of filers and the capacity of drives that are associated with the filers is described. The file system includes a first disk drive that includes a first unused capacity and a second disk drive that includes a second unused capacity, wherein the second unused capacity is smaller than the first unused capacity. The file system further includes a first filer that is configured to fill requests from clients through access to at least the first disk drive. The file system further includes a second filer that is configured to fill requests from clients through access to at least the second disk drive. The second filer is configured to select an infrequently accessed file from the second disk drive and to push the infrequently accessed files to the first disk drive, thereby improving a balance of unused capacity between the first and second disk drives without substantially affecting a loading for each of the first and second filers. |
| US08782659B2 |
Allocation of processing tasks between processing resources
Processing tasks are allocated between a plurality of processing resources. Each of the processing resources has associated therewith one or more queues for holding tasks awaiting processing. Each of the tasks has a task-type indication identifying the task as belonging to one of a plurality of predetermined task-types. At least one of the plurality of processing resources selects one of the plurality of task-types and transfers one or more tasks of that task-type to another of the processing resources. |
| US08782654B2 |
Co-allocating a reservation spanning different compute resources types
A system and method of reserving resources in a compute environment are disclosed. The method embodiment comprises receiving a request for resources within a computer environment, determining at least one completion time associated with at least one resource type required by the request, and reserving resources within the computer environment based on the determine of at least the completion time. A scaled wall clock time on a per resource basis may also be used to determine what resources to reserve. The system may determine whether to perform a start time analysis or a completion time analysis or a hybrid analysis in the process of generating a co-allocation map between a first type of resource and a second type of resource in preparation for reserving resources according to the generated co-allocation map. |
| US08782652B2 |
Control server, virtual server distribution method
When plural virtual servers are distributed to plural physical servers, efficient distribution is performed in terms of the processing capacity of the physical servers and their power consumption. Firstly a second load of each virtual server in future is predicted based on a first load in a prescribed time period up to the present of each of the plural virtual servers. Next, the schedule is determined to distribute the plural virtual servers to the plural physical servers based on the second load of each virtual server so that a total of the second loads of one or a plurality of the virtual servers distributed to a physical server is within a prescribed range of proportion with respect to processing capacity of the physical server. Furthermore, the distribution is instructed (execution of redistribution) in accordance with the schedule. |
| US08782651B2 |
Dynamically redirecting a file descriptor of an executing process by another process by optionally suspending the executing process
The method includes identifying a first executing process using a second executing process. The first executing process may include a file descriptor and the first executing process may be independent of the second executing process. The method includes disassociating the file descriptor from a first data stream using the second executing process without involvement of the first executing process. The method includes associating the file descriptor with a second data stream using the second executing process without involvement of the first executing process in response to disassociating the file descriptor from the first data stream. |
| US08782647B2 |
Intelligent retry method using remote shell
Method for issuing and monitoring a remote batch job, method for processing a batch job, and system for processing a remote batch job. The method for issuing and monitoring a remote batch job includes formatting a command to be sent to a remote server to include a sequence identification composed of an issuing server identification and a time stamp, forwarding the command from the issuing server to the remote server for processing, and determining success or failure of the processing of the command at the remote server. When the failure of the processing of the command at the remote server is determined, the method further includes instructing the remote server to retry the command processing. |
| US08782639B2 |
Computer scheduling product and apparatus therefor
A computer-readable recording medium stores therein a scheduling program that causes a computer to execute a process. The process includes executing multiple virtual computing machines that operate an OS; receiving a change in the number of activations of completely activated software from the OS; updating when the change in the number of activations has been received, a first table that stores software completely activated in the OS; selecting from a second table that stores combinations of a completely activated software group, a combination according to a software group stored in the first table; extracting from the second table and according to the selected combination, priorities of software stored for each of the combinations; and updating the priorities of the software stored in the first table to the extracted priorities. |
| US08782637B2 |
Mini-cloud system for enabling user subscription to cloud service in residential environment
A mini-cloud system has been described to enable subscription or service model for computing infrastructure, software, and digital content. The mini-cloud system works as a pipeline for information delivery connecting end user, infrastructure provider, content provider, and retailer offering automatic provisioning of infrastructure, content life cycle management, automatic upgrade, servicing, and license managements based on subscription model. Mini-cloud system uses a subscription management component and virtualization host to back computing environment, then adds routing component to connect to back-end cloud infrastructure along with a digital content delivery framework. The system allows a user to subscribe in a computing environment, preferred software applications, and digital content like move and pay a monthly utility bill. |
| US08782634B2 |
Installation method and apparatus
Upon installing an application, one of a plurality of frameworks determines a framework in which the application is to be installed, and installs the application in the determined framework. |
| US08782632B1 |
Methods and apparatus for performing in-service software upgrade for a network device using system virtualization
A method and/or network system is able to perform an in-service software upgrade (“ISSU”) using virtualization technology while ongoing network service is maintained. After receipt of an upgrade signal such as a command of software upgrade, a new or second virtual machine (“VM”) is created in response to the upgrade signal. After downloading the new version of program to the second VM while maintaining the first version of program running on the first VM, the process for providing network management begins to migrate from the first version of program to the new version of program. The process simultaneously facilitates ISSU for a data-path module such as a line card to convert from the previous version of software to the new version of the software. |
| US08782627B2 |
Path specializations for runtime code with phase behavior
Mechanism that employs code cloning and specialized code execution for barriers to minimize runtime overhead. This is facilitated by duplicating code and inserting specializations of the barriers in the code copies. The mechanism is effective for garbage collection when the garbage collection executes through different phases, and the barrier behavior and overheads depend on these phases. The duplicated and specialized code enables the program to run efficiently by reducing the dynamic count of a phase check when the phase is well-known and phase checks can be avoided. |
| US08782622B2 |
Optimistic selection of best performing generated code of multiple ISA systems
A system and method are disclosed for improving the performance of compiled Java code. A native code management module determines the available processor resources associated with a target information processing system, their respective instruction set architecture (ISA), and possible native code compilation optimization processes. The native code management module then generates compiler parameter permutations, which are iteratively provided to a just-in-time (JIT) compiler. Each compiler parameter permutation is used by JIT compiler to generate a native code compilation iteration. Each of the resulting native code compilation iterations are executed by the JVM and their respective performance is measured to determine the best performing native code compilation iteration. |
| US08782619B2 |
Extending programming language semantics while maintaining standard syntax through aliasing
A method is provided for allowing programmers to specify program execution control semantics using standard programming language syntax even when the standard language does not provide a language construct for specifying execution control. In a similar manner, the approach provides programmers the ability to extend the expressiveness of a language by introducing statements expressed in the syntax of a target programming language. A program written in a first programming language may be translated into statements of a second programming language, where the target programming language is more expressive than the first. This language-based approach preserves the standard syntax of the first programming language, allowing a program written with semantic extensions to be compiled and run according to the standard on any standards-compliant system. |
| US08782616B2 |
Templates for configuring digital sending devices to achieve an automated business process
A content management method is described. The method includes identifying digital sending devices. The method includes authoring an automated business process design. And the method includes translating the automated business process design into information technology templates for configuring each of the identified digital sending devices to achieve the automated business process. |
| US08782614B2 |
Visualization of JVM and cross-JVM call stacks
A method for diagnosing problems in a computer system by visualizing flows through applications and other subsystems in a directed graph on a user interface. The user interface represents multiple instances of each application or other subsystem by a respective node, and edges indicate which nodes depend on one another. Aggregate metrics which are based on the multiple instances, and associated alerts, can be provided for the nodes and edges. An aging process can indicate which nodes have not been recently invoked. The user interface can also indicate which nodes and edges are associated with a given business transaction. In a summary view, a node hides the identity of invoked components such as servlets of the application, while in a detailed view these details are provided. |
| US08782610B2 |
Method of tracing object allocation site in program, as well as computer system and computer program therefor
A data structure of a run-time object having a hash value field. The data structure allows an object allocation site to be traced from the run-time object, the object allocation site being a site in a program allocating the run-time object. A method for allowing an object allocation site to be traced from a run-time object includes embedding a value corresponding to the object allocation site in the program. A hash-value field includes the embedded value and the object identifier, and the tracing is performed by identifying the object allocation site that corresponds to the embedded value. A computer system for tracing an object allocation site includes a memory that stores the run-time object; an acquirer that acquires the value from a hash value field; and an identification unit that identifies the object allocation site that corresponds to the acquired value. |
| US08782602B2 |
Updating a workflow when a user reaches an impasse in the workflow
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for updating a workflow when a user reaches an impasse in the workflow. A workflow program processes user input at a current node in a workflow and provides user input to traverse through at least one workflow path to reach the current node. The workflow program processes user input at the current node to determine whether there is a next node in the workflow for the processed user input. The workflow program transmits information on the current node to an analyzer in response to determining that there is no next node in the workflow. If there are modifications to the current node, then the analyzer transmits to the workflow program an update including the determined modifications to the current node in response to determining the modification. |
| US08782601B2 |
Systems and methods for applying dynamic relational typing to a strongly-typed object-oriented API
A computer-implemented method includes executing instructions stored on a computer-readable medium. The computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a server hosting a strongly-typed object-oriented application programming interface (API), a single API call to request data from the strongly-typed object-oriented API, where the single API call includes a tuple having multiple object types, obtaining the requested data and returning the requested data. |
| US08782598B2 |
Supporting a work packet request with a specifically tailored IDE
A computer-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product supports a user who is servicing a work packet request within a software factory. A tooling environment that is necessary to service a work packet request in a software factory is established. The software factory includes an assembly line that executes work packets to create the deliverable software, and a published set of services that describes what assembly services for assembling the work packets are offered by the assembly line. A full work packet-aware Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that is specific for a work packet identified by the work packet request is created. The full work packet-aware IDE and an associated Graphical User Interface (GUI) are transmitted to a user who has been assigned to service the work packet request, thus allowing resources depicted in the GUI to be interactively supplied to that user. |
| US08782597B2 |
Ontology updating apparatus, method and system
According to one embodiment, an ontology updating apparatus includes a generation unit, an updating unit, a detection unit and a notification unit. The generation unit generates updating reference relationship. The updating unit updates a first class and a first package. The detection unit detects, using the updating reference relationship, whether at least one of target packages are comprised in the updating reference packages of the updated first package, the target packages each indicating a package to be updated and associated with the updated first class. The notification unit generates, if there is the target package, an update notice that the target package needs to be updated. |
| US08782596B2 |
Automatically generating a graphical data flow program based on a circuit diagram
A method and system configured to: (a) display a first diagram including a first icon in response to input selecting the first icon; (b) associate the first icon with a first hardware device in response to input selecting the first hardware device from a set of hardware devices; (c) associate the first icon with a set of physical channels of the first hardware device in response to user input selecting the physical channels; and (d) perform the following operations one or more times: receive user input selecting a resource from a set of available resources including resources on the first hardware device; update the first diagram to include a graphical representation of the selected resource; receive user input to the first diagram specifying configuration information for the selected resource; and store the configuration information; (e) display a dataflow node indicating a transfer operation to be performed. |
| US08782592B2 |
System and method for designing digital circuitry with an activity sensor
A system for designing digital circuitry comprising: a digital circuit simulator based on a file containing a functional description of this digital circuit; means for estimating an output variable from the digital circuit when executing a test bench supplied to the simulator; event counters, the events being detected using control signals provided by the simulator when executing the test bench. Said system further comprises means for selecting a portion of the event counters by iteratively optimizing a model for calculating the output variable of the digital circuit using output data from the event counters and means for registering the selected portion of event counters and the optimized calculation model. |
| US08782590B2 |
Power managers for an integrated circuit
A system for an integrated circuit comprising a plurality of power islands includes a first power manager and a second power manager. The first power manager manages a first power consumption for the integrated circuit based on needs and operation of the integrated circuit. The second power manager communicates with the first power manager and manages a second power consumption for one of the power islands. |
| US08782581B2 |
Test bench hierarchy and connectivity in a debugging environment
This application discloses a design verification tool to collect messages generated by a test bench during elaboration of the test bench. The messages can identify connectivity corresponding to library components in the test bench. A debug tool can generate a schematic representation of the test bench having circuit symbols corresponding to at least portions of the library components, which are interconnected with trace lines based, at least in part, on the messages. The debug tool can prompt display of the schematic representation of the test bench. |
| US08782571B2 |
Multiple patterning process for forming trenches or holes using stitched assist features
One illustrative method disclosed herein involves identifying an overall target pattern comprised of at least one hole-type feature, decomposing the overall target pattern into at least a first sub-target pattern and a second sub-target pattern, wherein the first sub-target pattern and the second sub-target pattern each comprise at least one common hole-type feature, generating a first set of mask data information corresponding to the first sub-target pattern, and generating a second set of mask data information corresponding to the second sub-target pattern. |
| US08782564B2 |
Method for collaborative display of geographic data
Embodiments of the present invention recite a method for collaborative display of geographic data. In one embodiment, a configuration file is created which defines how geographic data collected by a geographic data collection device is to be displayed by an office application. The configuration file is used to create a geographic data file in which collected geographic data is formatted to visually convey information about a geographic feature. The office application then accesses the geographic data file and automatically displays the geographic feature in a manner which is consistent with the configuration file. |
| US08782562B2 |
Identifying content via items of a navigation system
A navigation system which provides: a navigation front end which provides tiles that are easily identifiable and content-driven vs. context-driven; a navigation system that includes an expanded view/tile paradigm; and a navigation system that allows users to interact with the native operating system environment of the information handling system. |
| US08782561B2 |
Onscreen function execution method and mobile terminal for the same
An onscreen function execution apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus and method allow for intuitively executing various functions by manipulating function widgets arranged on an idle mode screen. The onscreen function execution method of the present invention includes displaying an idle mode screen having a widget box containing at least one widget icon, arranging at least one widget by moving the at least one widget icon representing the at least one widget out of the widget box and positioning the at least one widget icon at a position on the idle mode screen and enabling, if a widget selection command is detected on the at least one widget, the at least one widget. The execution method enables a user to customize an idle mode screen with functional objects. |
| US08782560B2 |
Relative item of interest explorer interface
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for representing a reference item and a number of items of interest. In one embodiment, each item of interest is assigned to one of a number of concentric regions in a two-dimensional space based on one or more attributes of the item of interest. The concentric regions in the two-dimensional space are centered at a location in the two-dimensional space that corresponds to the reference item. A GUI is then generated such that the GUI includes concentric display regions that correspond to the concentric regions in the two-dimensional space, where a select concentric display region provides an expanded view of the items of interest located within the corresponding region in the two-dimensional space and the remaining concentric display region(s) provide collapsed view(s) of the items of interest in the corresponding region(s) of the two-dimensional space. |
| US08782559B2 |
Apparatus and method for displaying a three dimensional GUI menu of thumbnails navigable via linked metadata
A display control apparatus includes a search unit for searching for a second content linked to a first content and a display control unit for controlling display of a search history of content search performed in accordance with one of a first image and a first character, each indicating the first content, one of a second image and a second character, each indicating the second content and link information linking the first content to the second content. |
| US08782556B2 |
User-centric soft keyboard predictive technologies
An apparatus and method are disclosed for providing feedback and guidance to touch screen device users to improve text entry user experience and performance by generating input history data including character probabilities, word probabilities, and touch models. According to one embodiment, a method comprises receiving first input data, automatically learning user tendencies based on the first input data to generate input history data, receiving second input data, and generating auto-corrections or suggestion candidates for one or more words of the second input data based on the input history data. The user can then select one of the suggestion candidates to replace a selected word with the selected suggestion candidate. |
| US08782555B2 |
Nested user interfaces for multiple displays
Nested user interfaces for multiple displays is described. In embodiment(s), user interface panels can be generated for individual display on a small screen device as well as for display together to form a nested user interface on a larger display device. Each user interface panel can be individually displayed to encompass a small display screen on the small screen device. Additionally, a television client device can render a nested user interface that includes a plurality of the user interface panels displayed together to form the nested user interface on a larger display device. |
| US08782550B1 |
Character string replacement
In one example, a method includes outputting, for display at a presence-sensitive display, a graphical user interface including a text display region and a graphical keyboard. The method further includes receiving an indication of a first gesture detected at a location within the text display region, and selecting, based at least in part on the location within the text display region, at least a portion of a character string included in the text display region. The method further includes receiving, while the first gesture is detected at the presence-sensitive display, an indication of at least a portion of a second gesture to select at least one key of the graphical keyboard, and outputting, responsive to receiving an indication of a termination of at least the second gesture, a replacement character string for display within the text display region to replace the portion of the character string. |
| US08782540B2 |
Content, traffic and advertising engine, system and method
An engine, platform, system and method of interconnecting content generation, advertisement relevance, and traffic stimulation. The present invention may include the generation of one or more content items into a primary content window, the presentation of one or more content items in a secondary content window, a repeated crawl of the one or more content items in the primary content window, the presentation of a first plurality of advertisements relevant to the repeated crawl, the maintenance of a viewer of the primary content window at least partially based upon the one or more content items in the secondary content window, at least until the presentation of a second plurality of advertisements relevant to the repeated crawl, a targeting of at least one subset of traffic in accordance with the generation of the content in the primary content window, and a tracker that increases proportionally with the relevance of the first plurality of advertisements. |
| US08782534B2 |
Independent viewing of web conference content by participants
A method for allowing independent viewing of web conference content may include enumerating a plurality of windows of content of a web conference to allow caching of visible and non-visible portions of each enumerated window by a client computer device of a participant to provide independent viewing of each enumerated window by the participant in the web conference. The method may also include forming a bitmap of visible and non-visible portions of each enumerated window. The method may further include transmitting the bitmap of each enumerated window to the client computer device of the participant in the web conference. |
| US08782530B2 |
Method and system for providing a user interface in a computer
Presenting a user interface in a computing system, where device-specific information is added to data defined generically with respect to a particular device or presentation technology. The generic definition can be provided via template representing data and functionality of a user interaction, which is presented to a user in a specific way on a specific user interface. A class can be derived in the user interface from the template and instantiated with data in accordance with particulars of a data type. Data can be presented via instructions representing basic presentation patterns defining how data is to be presented on a user interface. Identifications of the instructions are matched to instructions to generate instructions specific to a presentation environment. |
| US08782527B2 |
Collaborative phone-based file exchange
A collaborative phone-based file exchange technique that wirelessly synchronizes a user's work context with his or her mobile phone and makes this context readily available and sharable in collaborative situations. When the user is away from their desk, collaboration with others is possible by sharing/downloading between the mobile phone and a paired PC, which may be a colleague's computer or a meeting room workstation/computer. When the user returns to their office, any recently downloaded files are automatically synchronized back to their office PC. |
| US08782525B2 |
Displaying physical signal routing in a diagram of a system
Displaying physical signal routing of a system. A diagram of the system may be displayed. The system may include physical components connected via physical connections and logical components implemented on various ones of the physical components. The diagram may include a plurality of icons connected by wires. At least a first subset of the icons may represent logical elements of the system and wires between the first subset of icons may represent logical connections between corresponding logical elements. User input requesting signal routing information of the system may be received. In response, a signal route corresponding to a first logical connection between a first logical element and a second logical element may be visually indicated. |
| US08782524B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling presentation slides
A presentation control system and method are provided, in which a first terminal is connected to a second terminal to control displaying of a presentation file stored in the second terminal. The first terminal controls execution of the presentation file in the second terminal, controls execution of switching between slide pages included in the presentation file in the second terminal, and controls closing of the presentation file in the second terminal. |
| US08782521B2 |
Graphical user interface with improved media presentation
Improved graphical user interfaces and techniques for providing remote media content to users are disclosed. According to one aspect, an application window display on a display device can expose a user not only to local media content but also to remote media content that is associated with the local media content. The local media content is stored locally, while the remote media content is stored remotely and available from a remote media server. According to another aspect, the remote media content to be displayed can be determined in a manner that is dependent on a user interaction with the local media content. According to still a further aspect, the manner by which the remote media content is displayed can be dependent on the availability of remote media content at the remote media server. |
| US08782513B2 |
Device, method, and graphical user interface for navigating through an electronic document
An electronic device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface stores a document having primary content, supplementary content, and user-generated content. The device displays a representation of the document in a segmented user interface on the display. Primary content of the document is displayed in a first segment of the segmented user interface and supplementary content of the document is concurrently displayed in a second segment of the segmented user interface distinct from the first segment. The device receives a request to view user-generated content of the document. In response to the request, the device maintains display of the previously displayed primary content, ceases to display at least a portion of the previously displayed supplementary content, and displays user-generated content of the document in a third segment of the segmented user interface distinct from the first segment and the second segment. |
| US08782512B2 |
Controller, method, and program product for controlling job information display, and recording medium
A controller for controlling a display of list information of one or more jobs executed in one or more apparatuses on a display unit is disclosed, wherein with respect to a specified one of display items of the list information of the jobs, the display items each having one or more classifications and having one or more attribute items determined independently for each of the classifications, a selection field for selecting one of the classifications is displayed; and the area of the specified one of the display items is expanded in accordance with the one of the classifications selected in the selection field, and the attribute items corresponding to the selected one of the classifications are displayed in the expanded area with respect to one or more of the jobs related to the selected one of the classifications. |
| US08782510B2 |
Cell content scrolling
Disclosed are methods and systems for cell content alignment. The methods and systems involve retrieving one or more table parameters, the one or more table parameters including size of currently invisible cells in a display window, size of merged cells, the display window size and text size in the merged cells, calculating a position of a text in a visible portion of merged cells based on the table parameters and displaying the text in the merged cells based on the calculated position of the text. |
| US08782509B2 |
Table graphics management method and apparatus
Embodiments of the present invention provide a table graphics management method and apparatus. The table graphics management method includes: displaying a table on a display apparatus; detecting a control track for the table input by an input device; determining a moving direction of the control track according to the detected control track; and along the moving direction of the control track, transposing original information in the frames of the row that are sequentially arranged along the first dimension into the frames of the column that are sequentially arranged along the second dimension, and transposing original information in the frames of the column that are sequentially arranged along the second dimension into the frames of the row that are sequentially arranged along the first dimension, so as to acquire a transposed table; and displaying a transposed table on the display apparatus. |
| US08782508B2 |
Manipulating labelled data for data entry in management applications
A method is disclosed for data entry into the content of cells belonging to an output field, said data being expressed as a mathematical expression of the cell contents of at least one input field in a data multidimensional table used by a data management application. The comprises the steps of entering labels corresponding to the at least one input field and a label corresponding to the output field, said later label being expressed as the mathematical expression of said labels of said at least one input field; parsing the label of the output field into a mathematical expression by identifying the numeric operands, the operators and the at least one existing input field label; translating in the mathematical expression, the at least one existing input field label into the address of the cell containing the at least one input field label; and, for each cell of the output field, pasting in the cell content the translated mathematical expression and replacing in said pasted mathematical expression each cell address of the at least one input field label by the cell address of the at least input field belonging to the same record. |
| US08782501B2 |
Error correction encoding method, decoding method and associated devices
An error correction encoding method is provided for encoding in parallel source digital data, having the form of a frame, wherein said data can be classified into N classes, where N is an integer at least equal to 2.The encoding method includes: a first recursive systematic convolutional encoding step of data to be encoded, formed by the data of the class 1; and an implementation of the following steps, for each n ranging from 1 to M, where M is a positive integer equal to or lower than N−1: nth mixing of a set formed by the data of the class n+1 and the systematic data of the preceding encoding; and (n+1)th recursive systematic convolutional encoding of data to be encoded, formed by the result of the nth mixing. Also disclosed is a related decoding method, as well as an associated encoding and decoding devices. |
| US08782499B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving data in communication/broadcasting system
An apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving data in a wireless communication is provided. The method includes determining a number of zero-padding bits, determining a number (Npad) of bit groups in which all bits are padded with zeros, padding the all bits within 0th to (Npad−1)th bit groups indicated by a shortening pattern with zeros, mapping information bits to bit positions which are not padded in Bose Chaudhuri Hocquenghem (BCH) information bits, BCH encoding the BCH information bits to generate Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) information bits, and LDPC encoding the LDPC information bits to generate a zero-padded codeword, wherein the shortening pattern is defined as an order of bit groups defined as 6, 5, 4, 9, 3, 2, 1, 8, 0, 7, 10 and 11. |
| US08782496B2 |
Memory controller, semiconductor memory apparatus and decoding method
A memory controller including a buffer configured to perform decoding frame-unit data decoded by an LDPC decoder through partial parallel processing based on a check matrix made up of a block of a unit matrix and a plurality of blocks in which each row of the unit matrix is sequentially shifted and store threshold decision information of the data read from a memory section, an LLR conversion section configured to convert the threshold decision information to an LLR, an LMEM configured to store probability information β calculated during iteration processing that repeatedly performs column processing and row processing based on the LLR in an iteration unit equal to or smaller than a size of the block, and a CPU core configured to transfer the probability information β stored in the LMEM to the buffer every time the iteration processing in the iteration unit is completed. |
| US08782491B2 |
Detecting intentional corruption of data in a dispersed storage network
A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module of a DS unit selecting a data slice for corruption analysis and requesting integrity information for the data slice from one or more other DS units of a dispersed storage network. When the one or more requested integrity information is received, the method continues with the DS processing module analyzing the one or more received integrity information and local integrity information of the data slice stored in the DS unit. When the analysis of the one or more received integrity information and the local integrity information of the data slice is unfavorable, the method continues with the DS processing module identifying the data slice as being corrupted. |
| US08782490B2 |
Data storage device and program method that modifies arrangement of program data to eliminate interfering data patterns
A data storage device includes a non-volatile memory device including a plurality of memory cells and a memory controller. The memory controller is configured to modify an arrangement of program data and to program the modified program data into the plurality of memory cells. The memory controller modifies the program data to eliminate a given data pattern causing physical interference between adjacent memory cells from the modified program data. |
| US08782487B2 |
Systems and methods for locating and correcting decoder mis-corrections
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. For example, data processing systems are disclosed that include a data decoding circuit having a data decoder circuit, an element modification circuit, an element modification log, and a mis-correction detection circuit. |
| US08782485B2 |
Hierarchical channel marking in a memory system
Channel marking is provided in a memory system that includes a first memory channel, a second memory channel, and error correction code (ECC) logic. The memory system is configured to perform a method that includes receiving a request to apply a first channel mark to the first memory channel and determining a priority level of the first channel mark. A request is received to apply a second channel mark to the second memory channel, and a priority level of the second mark is determined. It is determined that the priority level of the first channel mark is higher than the priority level of the second channel mark. The first channel mark is supplied to the ECC logic while blocking the second channel mark from the ECC logic. |
| US08782482B2 |
Method and system to improve link budget of a wireless system
A method and system to improve the link budget of a wireless system using fast Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) protocol. In one embodiment of the invention, the Medium Access Control (MAC) logic in a base station determines whether the quality of the communication link with a mobile station is bad. When the MAC logic in the base station determines that the quality is bad, the base station uses a fast Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) protocol to indicate to the mobile station to send identical information to the base station in each of a plurality of successive or consecutive communication intervals before processing any received identical information from the mobile station. The fast HARQ protocol reduces the latency of receiving the identical information correctly, as compared with the current HARQ protocol. |
| US08782481B2 |
Receiving terminal and receiving method
A receiving terminal is provided that prevents a load on a network near a receiving terminal from increasing when a retransmission request is made to a plurality of other terminals, and enables the probability of being able to compensate for a lost packet by means of a retransmission packet to be increased. In a receiving terminal that transmits a retransmission request for compensating for a lost packet lost in a network, a measurement section measures a time period corresponding to a distance in the network between the receiving terminal and a plurality of receiving terminals, a calculation section calculates for each of the receiving terminals a float (spare time period) found by subtracting the current time and a time period measured by the measurement section from a playback time at which a retransmitted packet is played back, and a decision section decides retransmission request transmission timing and a retransmission request transmission destination for each of the receiving terminals based on the calculated floats. |
| US08782477B2 |
High-speed serial interface bridge adapter for signal integrity verification
A loopback card includes a connector configured to connect to an IO interface and emulate a storage device interface. The connector includes a port configured to receive a set of signals from the IO interface and transmit them to a redriver. The connector is configured to receive the set of signals from the redriver and transmit them from the redriver to the IO interface. The connector includes control signal inputs configured to receive control signals from the IO interface. The connector further includes one or more logic gates configured to receive the control signals. The one or more logic gates apply a logic operation on the control signals to generate an output and route the output to the IO interface through the connector. The redriver is operably connected to the port and configured to receive the set of signals from the port and transmit them back to the port. |
| US08782475B2 |
PRBS test memory interface considering DDR burst operation
A method of testing an interconnect between an electronic component and an external memory comprises receiving a data word having data bits and translating the data word into multiple cycles. The multiple cycles are transmitted through the interconnect to the external memory one after another such that a value of the data bit being transmitted is switched for each cycle. In another embodiment, an electronic component comprises an interface, a translation unit, and a test module. The translation module is configured to receive a burst from the external memory through the interface and is configured to translate the burst into a data word. The test module is configured to receive the data word from the translation module and is configured to compare the data word to a test pattern to detect an interconnect defect. |
| US08782473B2 |
Sending failure information from a solid state drive (SSD) to a host device
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for sending failure information from a solid state drive (SSD) to a host device. In operation, an error is detected during an operation associated with a solid state drive. Additionally, a command is received for failure information from a host device. Further, the failure information is sent from the solid state drive to the host device, the failure information including failure information associated with the solid state drive. |
| US08782468B2 |
Methods and tools to debug complex multi-core, multi-socket QPI based system
Methods and apparatus relating to debugging complex multi-core and/or multi-socket systems are described. In one embodiment, a debug controller detects an event corresponding to a failure in a computing system and transmits data corresponding to the event to one of the other debug controllers in the system. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed. |
| US08782466B2 |
Multiple processing elements
A first processing element can run within a first operating range. A second processing element can run within a second operating range. A third processing element can be activated if the second processing element fails or can be refrained from being run unless the first or second processing element fails. |
| US08782459B2 |
Apparatus and method for advanced synchronous strobe transmission
An apparatus is provided that compensates for misalignment on a synchronous data bus. The apparatus includes a resistor network, a core clocks generator, and a synchronous strobe driver. The resistor network is configured to provide a ratio signal that indicates an amount to advance a synchronous data strobe associated with a data group. The core clocks generator is coupled to the ratio signal, and is configured to advance a data strobe clock by the amount. The synchronous strobe driver is configured to receive the data strobe clock, and is configured to employ the data strobe clock to generate the synchronous data strobe, where the synchronous data strobe, when enabled, is advanced also by the amount. |
| US08782457B2 |
Information processing apparatus and control method thereof
One embodiment provides an information processing apparatus, including: a main controller; a sub controller configured to supply power to the main controller; a first operation input module configured to issue an operation signal to cause the sub controller to start power supply to the main controller, in a power-off state; and a second operation input module configured to accept an operation input, wherein the sub controller is switchable into a forcibly locked state where the power supply to the main controller is not started in response to the operation signal, the sub controller being switchable into the forcibly locked state, according to the operation input from the second operation input module. |
| US08782454B2 |
System and method for managing clock speed based on task urgency
A system and method are described for utilizing task urgency information when making power management decisions. For example, one embodiment of a method for managing power states of a processor comprises: executing a first power management state machine based on a first urgency level associated with a first task; detecting the execution of a second task having a second urgency level associated therewith; if the second urgency level is greater than the first urgency level, then executing a second power management state machine associated with the second urgency level. |
| US08782453B2 |
Network power management apparatus and method
A network power management apparatus and method. The network power management apparatus includes a protocol management unit configured to be connected to a local communication apparatus and establish and manage a path between the local communication apparatus and neighboring communication apparatuses in the same network. The protocol management unit includes a delivery unit to deliver link information and power information of the local communication apparatus to the neighboring communication apparatuses, a first database to store the link information and the power information of the local communication apparatus and link information and power information of each of the neighboring communication apparatuses, a path management unit to calculate and establish a path using the information stored in the first database, and a packet generating unit to generate a power message using the power information of the local communication apparatus and deliver the generated power message to the neighboring communication apparatuses. |
| US08782447B1 |
System and method for determining power consumption
A system and method is provided to measure the power consumption of circuits whereby, in one aspect, a processor's temperature is maintained so that its power consumption is measured at the point the processor throttles. |
| US08782446B2 |
Security of cryptographic devices against differential power analysis
An embodiment of the invention provides a cryptographic device that draws a substantially constant current from an accessible electrical node that supplies power to the cryptographic device. Keeping the current drawn from the accessible electrical node substantially constant reduces the probability that secure information may be taken by unwanted third parties from the cryptographic device. The cryptographic device includes an active shunt current regulator, a low-pass filter, a linear voltage regulator and an AES (advanced encryption standard) circuit. |
| US08782442B2 |
Apparatus and method for multi-point detection in power-over-Ethernet detection mode
An apparatus and method for multi-point detection in a power source equipment (PSE) device is provided. During multi-point detection, a series of at least four currents is sequentially applied to a link port of the PSE device. Each current is applied during a different measurement interval. A voltage measurement sample is obtained for each of the measurement intervals. A difference in voltage between alternating voltage samples is determined and used by a detection module to determine whether a valid power device is coupled to the link port of the PSE. |
| US08782435B1 |
System and method for validating program execution at run-time using control flow signatures
A processor comprising: an instruction processing pipeline, configured to receive a sequence of instructions for execution, said sequence comprising at least one instruction including a flow control instruction which terminates the sequence; a hash generator, configured to generate a hash associated with execution of the sequence of instructions; a memory configured to securely receive a reference signature corresponding to a hash of a verified corresponding sequence of instructions; verification logic configured to determine a correspondence between the hash and the reference signature; and authorization logic configured to selectively produce a signal, in dependence on a degree of correspondence of the hash with the reference signature. |
| US08782431B2 |
Digital data authentication and security system
The present invention includes a system and process for generating secured, marked digital files. A cryptographic token is inertly embedded in markup language tags of digital files. |
| US08782429B2 |
Securing execution of computational resources
Controlling access to computational features includes: preparing a computational resource for execution by an execution system that has been provided a primary descriptor containing an identity value and that has associated a feature indicator with the primary descriptor; accessing a secondary descriptor containing the identity value and cryptographically assigned to the computational resource; and granting the computational resource access to a computational feature of the execution system based on the feature indicator. |
| US08782428B2 |
Encryption device and encryption method
Even if failure, or the like, occurs during the encryption process, the encryption process is surely resumed. A flag changing unit changes an encryption flag of one disk to being encrypted after an encryption request is received and before the encryption of the data stored on the one disk is started. The flag changing unit changes the encryption flag of the one disk to having been encrypted and changes the encryption flag of the other disk to being encrypted before copying the encrypted data from the one disk to the other disk is started. The flag changing unit changes the encryption flag of the other disk to having been encrypted after copying to the other disk is completed. |
| US08782427B2 |
System and method for sequentially processing a biometric sample
This invention provides for progressive processing of biometric samples to facilitate user verification. A security token performs initial processing. Due to storage and processing limitations, false rejections may occur. To overcome this, the biometric sample is routed to a stateless server with greater processing power and data enhancement capabilities. The stateless server processes and returns an enhanced biometric sample to the security token for another attempt at verification. In another embodiment, the security token may have a second failure when verifying the enhanced biometric sample. It can then send the enhanced or raw biometric sample to a stateful server. The stateful server processes the biometric sample and performs a one to many search of a biometric database having a master set of enrolled authorized user biometric templates. The security token uses signals from the stateful server to grant or deny access. In both embodiments, heuristics remain with the security token. |
| US08782425B2 |
Client-side CAPTCHA ceremony for user verification
A facility for performing a local human verification ceremony to obtain user verification is provided. Upon determining that user verification is needed to perform an action on a computer system, the facility presents a CAPTCHA challenge requesting verification that the user wants the action performed on the computer system. Upon receiving a response, the facility compares the received response to an expected correct response. If the received response is the correct response, the facility authorizes the action to be performed. |
| US08782421B2 |
System and method for verification of personal identity
A system and method for storing identifying information and telephone numbers associated with individuals, and cross-referencing said information so as to link a first individual to other referee individuals capable of identifying the first individual as a result of a telephone conversation. When a relying party wishes to confirm the identity of a contracting party, the system is contacted and, using identifying information pertaining to said contracting party, identifies the set of referee individuals capable of identifying said contracting party, contacts a referee selected at random from the set, and places the contracting party in telephonic communication with the referee. At the conclusion of said telephonic communication, said system invites the referee to state the name of the first individual; by comparing the voice sample with a stored voice sample, the apparatus then provides identity confirmation to said relying party. |
| US08782415B2 |
System for, and method of, providing the transmission, receipt and content of an E-mail message to a recipient
A server transmits a message and attachments from a sender to a recipient. A hash is provided of (a) the message, (b) an identification of the sender and (c) a hash of the attachments to form a data string. Instructions may be included for the recipient to send a hashed encryption of the string to a website at the server by registered electronic mail which provides options to obtain other electronic advantages. To authenticate the message, the recipient transmits the message, the attachments and the hashed encryption of the string to the server website. The server decrypts and detaches the hashed encryption of the string to provide a first string and hashes the message, the sender identification and the hashed attachments in the first string to form a second string. The server also detaches and hashes the attachments from the message received at the server website to form first hashed attachments and detaches the hashed attachments from the string to form second hashed attachments. When the first and second hashed attachments match and the first and second strings match, the server authenticates the message to the recipient. |
| US08782413B2 |
Unattended code update of storage facility
Various embodiments for providing an update to at least one storage facility in a computing storage environment are provided. In one embodiment, media is received in one or more updatable elements of one or more components of the at least one storage facility, each of the one or more updatable elements including one or more unique update images and one or more unique update commands, a security verification is performed on the update via a certificate authentication mechanism to confirm a validity of the update, a safety verification is performed on the update to confirm a suitability of the update to the at least one storage facility, the update is installed in the at least one storage facility, and the update in the at least one storage facility is processed by traversing a fixed state machine for each updatable element. |
| US08782412B2 |
Secured privileged access to an embedded client on a mobile device
Disclosed is an apparatus and method to access privileges of Virtual Mobile Management (VMM) client in mobile device. A disclosed example method contains an assigning embedded stub to raise the access privilege of the tool on a mobile device, the embedded stub is integrated by an operating system of the mobile device with “root” privilege, determining via a secured key exchange algorithm that the VMM client and tools is authorized to be installed on the mobile device then, the VMM client and tools of a mobile device are authorized to access a network interface of the Communication Endpoint Gateway (CEG) server, configuring the embedded stub to install the key exchange procedure for the shared certification between the embedded stub, VMM client and the session mediation server, enabling the embedded stub to communicate through a secure link via VMM client. |
| US08782410B2 |
Avoiding padding oracle attacks
Information leakage prevention in a cryptographic protocol is implemented in a network device. The technique implements an error message processing strategy to mask information otherwise useful to an attacker and that has been generated (by decryption processes) as a consequence of an attacker's exploit. The technique avoids information leakage associated with a padding oracle attack. In one aspect each error message (irrespective of its content) is replaced with a generic error message so that the attacker does not obtain the specific error message content(s) that might otherwise provide useful information. In addition to masking the error message content, the technique preferably implements a “delay” policy that delays the transmission of particular error messages (or message types) to hide (from the attacker's point-of-view) whether a particular error message is relevant to (or a consequence of) the attacker's exploit. |
| US08782409B2 |
Confidential message exchange using benign, context-aware cover message generation
Systems and methods are disclosed permitting a sender to send a secret and secure message to a recipient. An application on a sender device interfaces with known message generating tools to permit a user to generate a message. The local application encrypts the message (and optional attachments) based on public/private key pairing negotiated with the server given the recipient device id. The sender device transmits the cipher text to the server. The server generates a benign, text-based, context-appropriate message and delivers same to a recipient device by way of a known messaging service. The benign message provides a secret clue to the recipient that an encrypted message is available. Recipient may then access and decrypt the encrypted message, such as from the server in response to a successful challenge (e.g., password request). |
| US08782408B2 |
Method and system for securing communication
A method for securing communication among members of a group. The method includes a first member obtaining a first secret. An n-bit generator executing on the first member generates a first message digest using the first secret. The first member extracts a first encryption solution and a second encryption solution, at least in part, from the first message digest, encrypts a first communication using the first encryption solution to obtain a first encrypted communication, and sends, to a second member of the group, the first encrypted communication. The first member further receives, from the second member, a second encrypted communication, and decrypts the second encrypted communication using the second encryption solution to obtain a second communication. |
| US08782404B2 |
System and method of providing trusted, secure, and verifiable operating environment
A method and system of synergizing hardware, firmware, software, and useful feature(s) into a trusted, secure, and verifiable operating environment (TSVOE) that is critical for businesses and consumers that rely on information technology products and/or services. Such products provide various capabilities such as protecting the corporate infrastructure from attack, protecting the client from attack, designing a customizable operating schema, advanced validation of client authentication, establishing a clean environment within a dirty environment, etcetera. Moreover, by ensuring that operating environment security is achieved, a product can provide guarantees that modern state-of-the-art systems cannot. Finally, diversification of hardware, software, firmware, and features creates robust products. |
| US08782402B2 |
System and method for secure communications
Encryption of electronic messages may be automatically processed by a messaging system based on keywords or other attributes of the messages. In one example, if the message includes a predefined keyword, the messaging system may automatically encrypt the message for all recipients outside of a private network. In another example, the messaging system may automatically encrypt messages based on recipient address. Thus, if a recipient is on a list of addresses to which encryption applies, the message being sent to that particular recipient may be encrypted while a copy of the message being sent to other recipients not on the list might remain unencrypted. |
| US08782397B2 |
Compact attribute for cryptographically protected messages
A system and associated method for verifying a signature of a signed message having a compact attribute. Components of the compact attribute of the signed message appear in a predefined order within the compact attribute, and are identified by an object identifier associated with the compact attribute. A processing flag and a security assertion are among the components of the compact message. The processing flag directs rules to process the security assertion. The security assertion is made by an authority trusted by both a sender and a recipient of the signed message. The recipient validates the signature of the signed message based on the processing flag and the security assertion recovered from the compact attribute. |
| US08782396B2 |
Authentication with physical unclonable functions
Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) for authentication can be implemented in a variety of electronic devices including FPGAs, RFIDs, and ASICs. In some implementations, challenge-response pairs corresponding to individual PUFs can be enrolled and used to determine authentication data, which may be managed in a database. Later when a target object with a PUF is intended to be authenticated a set (or subset) of challenges are applied to each PUF device to authenticate it and thus distinguish it from others. In some examples, authentication is achieved without requiring complex cryptography circuitry implemented on the device. Furthermore, an authentication station does not necessarily have to be in communication with an authority holding the authentication data when a particular device is to be authenticated. |
| US08782395B1 |
Monitoring usage of WAN optimization devices integrated with content delivery networks
Content delivery networks may associate each WAN optimized network connection with a specific client-to-cloud-service connection using connection identifiers. When an edge node of a content delivery network receives or intercepts a network connection request from a client device including an auto-discovery indicator from an upstream WAN optimization module, the edge node stores a connection identifier for this network connection. The edge node sends a connection response back to the client device including an auto-discovery response indicator. In response, the WAN optimization module sends one or more inner connection setup messages including the connection identifier to a second WAN optimization module in the content delivery network to establish a direct connection, referred to as an inner connection. The connection identifier is matched with the previously stored connection identifier to associate an inner connection with the network connection between the client and the cloud service. |
| US08782394B2 |
Centralized authentication system
Centralized authentication systems are provided. A representative system, among others, includes an authentication registration system, a content provider and an internet server. The mobile authentication registration system resides on a content provider, and is operable to receive a single identification number and password from a user independent of a platform the user is associated with, and determine that the identification number and password combination provided by the user is associated with a registered user. The content provider provides personalized content to any of a plurality of registered users on a plurality of platforms. The server receives a connection request from a wireless device, sends an authentication request to the authentication registration system, and provides a personalized content from the content provider to said at least one device. Methods and other systems for multiple access portals are also provided. |
| US08782393B1 |
Accessing SSL connection data by a third-party
A method, system, and apparatus are directed towards enabling access to payload by a third-party sent over an SSL session. The third-party may be a proxy situated between a client and a server. SSL handshake messages are sent between the client and the server to establish the SSL connection. As the SSL handshake messages are routed through the proxy, the proxy may extract data. In addition, one of the client or the server may send another message within, or out-of-band to, the series of SSL handshake message directly to the proxy. The other SSL message may include secret data that the proxy may use to generate a session key for the SSL connection. With the session key, the proxy may receive SSL messages over the SSL connection, modify and/or transpose the payload within the received SSL messages, and/or terminate the SSL connection at the proxy. |
| US08782392B1 |
Privacy-protective data transfer and storage
A method is performed at a computer system having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs executed by the one or more processors. The method includes receiving a first data transmission from a first client system, where the first data transmission including a first document, the first document having one or more portions that are marked as private; encrypting the marked portions of the first document using a key; and sending a second data transmission to a destination system, where the second data transmission includes a second document, the second document including the encrypted marked portions of the first document and a remainder of the first document that is not marked as private. The key is unavailable to the destination system. The second document is stored at the destination system. |
| US08782391B2 |
Service activation using algorithmically defined key
Systems and methods for service activation using algorithmically defined keys are disclosed. A consumer who has a relationship with a first party may wish to enroll in a service provided by a third party. The first party can maintain control of such enrollments through the use of algorithmically defined keys. The algorithmically defined keys also allow the third party service provider to verify data provided by the consumer as matching data stored by the first party. The verification provides for data synchronization without requiring the third party to have access to the first parties data systems. |
| US08782383B2 |
System and method for selectively managing a branch target address cache of a multiple-stage predictor
A multiple stage branch prediction system includes a branch target address cache (BTAC) and a branch predictor circuit. The BTAC is configured to store a BTAC entry. The branch predictor circuit is configured to store state information. The branch predictor circuit utilizes the state information to predict the direction of a branch instruction and to manage the BTAC entry based on modified state information prior to resolution of the branch instruction. |
| US08782382B2 |
Last branch record indicators for transactional memory
In one embodiment, a processor includes an execution unit and at least one last branch record (LBR) register to store address information of a branch taken during program execution. This register may further store a transaction indicator to indicate whether the branch was taken during a transactional memory (TM) transaction. This register may further store an abort indicator to indicate whether the branch was caused by a transaction abort. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08782381B2 |
Dynamically rewriting branch instructions in response to cache line eviction
Mechanisms are provided for evicting cache lines from an instruction cache of the data processing system. The mechanisms store, for a portion of code in a current cache line, a linked list of call sites that directly or indirectly target the portion of code in the current cache line. A determination is made as to whether the current cache line is to be evicted from the instruction cache. The linked list of call sites is processed to identify one or more rewritten branch instructions having associated branch stubs, that either directly or indirectly target the portion of code in the current cache line. In addition, the one or more rewritten branch instructions are rewritten to restore the one or more rewritten branch instructions to an original state based on information in the associated branch stubs. |
| US08782375B2 |
Hash-based managing of storage identifiers
Managing storage identifiers in a pool is facilitated by providing a hashing-based management protocol in association with a stack which accommodates storage identifiers of the pool. The hashing-based management protocol includes: based on a request, popping a storage identifier from the stack without evaluating for update of a hash link associated with the stack, potentially allowing the hash link to become inconsistent with storage identifiers remaining in the stack; and based on return of a freed storage identifier to the stack, hashing the freed storage identifier and identifying whether there is an inconsistency in the hash link related to return of the freed storage identifier, and based on identifying the inconsistency, one of updating the hash link to remove the inconsistency, or indicating, where ascertained, that the freed storage identifier is a duplicate storage identifier. |
| US08782373B2 |
Seamless application access to hybrid main memory
A command from an application is received to access a data structure associated with one or more virtual addresses mapped to main memory. A first subset of the virtual addresses for the data structure having constituent addresses that are mapped to the symmetric memory components and a second subset of the virtual addresses for the data structure having constituent addresses that are mapped to the asymmetric memory components are identified. Data associated with the virtual address from the first physical addresses and data associated with the virtual addresses from the second physical addresses are accessed. The data associated with the symmetric and asymmetric memory components is accessed by the application without providing the application with an indication of whether the data is accessed within the symmetric memory component or the asymmetric memory component. |
| US08782370B2 |
Selective data storage in LSB and MSB pages
A method for data storage includes providing a memory, which includes multiple groups of memory cells and is configured to concurrently store first data using a first storage configuration having a first access time, and second data using a second storage configuration having a second access time, longer than the first access time, such that each memory cell in each of the groups stores at least one bit of the first data and one or more bits of the second data. Data items are accepted for storage in the memory. The accepted data items are classified into a fast-access class and a normal-access class. The data items in the fast-access class are stored in the memory using the first storage configuration, and the data items in the normal-access class are stored in the memory using the second storage configuration. |
| US08782367B2 |
Memory area protection circuit
A circuit for controlling the access to at least one area of a memory accessible by a program execution unit, including a first instruction address input; at least one second data address input, the addresses coming from the execution unit; at least one function of correlation of these addresses; and at least one output of a bit for validating the fulfilling of conditions set by the correlation function. |
| US08782364B2 |
Determining availability of data elements in a storage system
Data elements are stored at a plurality of nodes. Each data element is a member data element of one of a plurality of layouts. Each layout indicates a unique subset of nodes. All member data elements of the layout are stored on each node in the unique subset of nodes. A stored dependency list includes every layout that has member data elements. The dependency list is used to determine availability of data elements based on ability to access data from nodes from the plurality of nodes. |
| US08782359B2 |
Data recovery systems and methods
Nearline disaster recovery (“nearline DR”) storage systems and methods that permit the use of previously restored stored data from a near time period by virtual applications operating off a backup storage location during the period of disaster recovery at a primary site. This is generally referred to as a “nearline DR storage process.” |
| US08782358B2 |
Transparent input / output switching between synchronously mirrored storage volumes
A method for configuring transparent synchronous mirroring volume switching for a first volume and a second volume that are coupled, via a storage area network, to a host computer, with the first volume mapped to the host computer. The method includes initiating synchronization of status data between the first volume and the second volume, and setting the first volume to an active state. The second volume is set to an inactive state, and an identifier associated with the active first volume is copied to a memory coupled to the inactive second volume. The copied identifier is retrieved from the memory by the host computer, and the inactive second volume is then mapped to the host computer. |
| US08782357B2 |
Reversing a communication path between storage devices
Reversing a communication path between a first volume on a first storage device and a second volume on a second storage device includes suspending communication between the first and second volumes while maintaining operations for other volumes of the storage devices, causing the first volume to change from a source volume to a destination volume without destroying the first volume, causing the second volume to change from a destination volume to a source volume without destroying the second volume, and resuming communication between the first and second volumes. Causing the first volume to change from a source volume to a destination volume may include modifying a table of the first storage device. Causing the second volume to change from a source volume to a destination volume may include modifying a table of the second storage device. |
| US08782353B2 |
Information processing device having data field and operation methods of the same
An information processing device includes a memory array and a controller. The memory array includes a data field that stores file data and a management information field that stores information regarding the data field. The controller controls a writing operation to the memory array. The controller stores a portion of the file data, corresponding to a product of a positive-integer and a predetermined unit block size, in the data field by block units, with reference to the data field information of the management information field. |
| US08782352B2 |
System and method for supporting a self-tuning locking mechanism in a transactional middleware machine environment
A lock mechanism can be supported in a transactional middleware system to protect transaction data in a shared memory when there are concurrent transactions. The transactional middleware machine environment comprises a semaphore provided by an operating system running on a plurality of processors. The plurality of processors operates to access data in the shared memory. The transactional middleware machine environment also comprises a test-and-set (TAS) assembly component that is associated with one or more processes. Each said process operates to use the TAS assembly component to perform one or more TAS operations in order to obtain a lock for data in the shared memory. Additionally, a process operates to be blocked on the semaphore and waits for a release of a lock on data in the shared memory, after the TAS component has performed a number of TAS operations and failed to obtain the lock. |
| US08782351B2 |
Protecting memory of a virtual guest
The method for protecting memory of a virtual guest includes initializing a virtual guest on a host computing system. The host computing system includes a virtual machine manager that manages operation of the virtual guest. The virtual guest includes a distinct operating environment executing in a virtual operation platform provided by the virtual machine manager. The method includes receiving an allocation of run-time memory for the virtual guest, the allocation of run-time memory comprising a portion of run-time memory of the host computing system. The method includes setting, by the virtual guest, at least a portion of the allocation of run-time memory to be inaccessible by the virtual machine manager. |
| US08782350B2 |
Circuit providing load isolation and noise reduction
Certain embodiments described herein include a memory module having a printed circuit board including at least one connector configured to be operatively coupled to a memory controller of a computer system. The memory module further includes a plurality of memory devices on the printed circuit board and a circuit including a first set of ports operatively coupled to at least one memory device. The circuit further includes a second set of ports operatively coupled to the at least one connector. The circuit includes a switching circuit configured to selectively operatively couple one or more ports of the second set of ports to one or more ports of the first set of ports. Each port of the first set and the second set comprises a correction circuit which reduces noise in one or more signals transmitted between the first set of ports and the second set of ports. |
| US08782348B2 |
Microprocessor cache line evict array
An apparatus for ensuring data coherency within a cache memory hierarchy of a microprocessor during an eviction of a cache line from a lower-level memory to a higher-level memory in the hierarchy includes an eviction engine and an array of storage elements. The eviction engine is configured to move the cache line from the lower-level memory to the higher-level memory. The array of storage elements are coupled to the eviction engine. Each storage element is configured to store an indication for a corresponding cache line stored in the lower-level memory. The indication indicates whether or not the eviction engine is currently moving the cache line from the lower-level memory to the higher-level memory. |
| US08782342B2 |
Systems and methods for automatically generating a mirrored storage configuration for a storage array
An information handling system includes a plurality of storage enclosures, a plurality of logical storage units located in each storage enclosure, a controller connected to each of the plurality of logical storage units. The controller is configured to receive data regarding the plurality of logical storage units, and automatically execute an algorithm based on the received logical storage unit data to generate a mirrored storage configuration to be implemented, the mirrored storage configuration defining mirrored pairs of the plurality of logical storage units. |
| US08782339B2 |
Storage system having cross node data redundancy and method and computer readable medium for same
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide for multi-dimensional disk arrays and methods for managing same and can be used in video surveillance systems for the management of real-time video data, image data, or combinations thereof. |
| US08782338B2 |
Method for wear leveling in a nonvolatile memory
A method for writing and reading data memory cells, comprising: defining in a first memory zone erasable data pages and programmable data blocks; and, in response to write commands of data, writing data in erased blocks of the first memory zone, and writing, in a second memory zone, metadata structures associated with data pages and comprising, for each data page, a wear counter containing a value representative of the number of times that the page has been erased. |
| US08782337B2 |
Storage system and data transfer method of storage system
A storage system is described and includes a storage apparatus for storing data used by an external apparatus, first and second temporary data storage units, a host interface, a disk interface, and first and second controllers. The first controller is configured to select as a data transfer process, when the host interface receives a command from the external apparatus, one of a first data transfer process and a second data transfer process based on the command. The first data transfer process is a data transfer from the first temporary data storage unit to the external apparatus by the host interface. The second data transfer process is a data transfer from the first temporary data storage unit to the second temporary data storage unit by the second controller, and a data transfer from the second temporary data storage unit to the external apparatus by the host interface. |
| US08782336B2 |
Hybrid storage system with control module embedded solid-state memory
A hybrid control module includes a host interface control module configured to transfer data to and from a host interface. A first embedded multi-media card (eMMC) interface is configured to (i) connect to a second eMMC interface of a control module embedded solid-state memory (SSM) and (ii) transfer the data between the hybrid control module and the control module embedded SSM. A buffer management module is (i) in communication with the host interface control module, the first eMMC interface and a disk access control module and (ii) configured to buffer the data in volatile memory. The data is received by the buffer management module and from at least one of the host interface control module, the first eMMC interface, or the disk access control module. |
| US08782334B1 |
Hybrid drive copying disk cache to non-volatile semiconductor memory
A hybrid drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk comprising a plurality of data sectors. The hybrid drive further comprises a non-volatile semiconductor memory (NVSM) comprising a plurality of memory segments. A disk cache is defined comprising a first plurality of the data sectors, and a non-cache area of the disk is defined comprising a second plurality of the data sectors. When a write command is received from a host, data is written to the disk cache, and under certain conditions, the data is copied from the disk cache to the NVSM. |
| US08782332B2 |
Control method and controller for DRAM
A DRAM controller including a judging module, a determination module, and a transmission module is provided. The judging module judges an address content difference between a first command and a third command. The determination module determines a plurality of buffering address contents, associated with at least one second command, according to the address content difference. The transmission module then sequentially transmits the first command, the at least one second command, and the third command to the DRAM. |