| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08814349B2 |
One-piece lens with surplus inner optical material
A one-piece lens is made from optical material and includes an outside part and an inside part, in which the inside parts comprise a surplus amount of the same optical material as the lens, for the purpose of cutting ophthalmic lenses, said surplus material being positioned close to the central part of the lens. |
| US08814342B2 |
Fluid ejecting apparatus and fluid ejecting method
An apparatus includes: a main image nozzle group that forms a main image; a background image nozzle group which has nozzles of a number greater than the main image nozzle group for forming a background image of the main image, and has a first nozzle group situated to one side in a predetermined direction; and a second nozzle group situated to the other side in the predetermined direction, ejects fluid from the main image nozzle group to a first region on which the main image is formed on the medium to form dots, forms dots formed by ejecting fluid from the first nozzle group and dots formed by ejecting fluid from the second nozzle group, in a second region on which an image is formed using fluid forming the background image on the medium and the main image is not formed. |
| US08814337B2 |
Inkjet ink sets for high speed printing on plain papers and glossy media
An inkjet ink set including a cyan ink, a magenta ink and a yellow ink, wherein each of said cyan, magenta and yellow inks individually comprises at least 65% water, between 1% and 5% by weight of a dispersed pigment colorant, a surfactant that reduces static surface tension, a dynamic surface tension reducing agent distinct from the surfactant, and at least one humectant distinct from the surfactant and the dynamic surface tension reducing agent; and wherein each of said cyan, magenta and yellow inks is characterized by exhibiting a viscosity normalized dynamic surface tension at surface refresh ages of 0.01 s of less than 23.0 mN/(m*cP); and wherein the average viscosity normalized dynamic surface tension at a surface refresh age of 0.01 s for said cyan, magenta and yellow inks taken together is less than 22.0 mN/(m*cP). |
| US08814335B2 |
Inkjet recording method and ink set for inkjet recording
An inkjet recording method characterized by adhering a receiving solution (A) to at least areas on a recording medium (R) which are to be printed with an inkjet ink (I) or the whole surface of the medium (R) which is to be printed, said receiving solution (A) being a solution obtained by dissolving (inclusive of dispersing) one or more metal salts (S) selected from among at least divalent, calcium salts, magnesium salts, nickel salts, aluminum salts, boron salts, and zinc salts and one or more resins (B) having hydrophilic groups in an aqueous solvent in such amounts that the concentrations of the metal salts (S) and the resins (B) fall within the range of 0.005 to 2.0 mol/l and within the range of 0.5 to 20 mass % respectively, and then applying the inkjet ink (1) to areas where the metal salts are present in an adhered state to carry out printing. Said inkjet ink (I) is an ink which has a pigment (P), an anionic resin emulsion (E), and an aqueous solvent, and in which phosphorus-containing groups each having at least one P—O or P═O bond are bonded to the surface of the pigment (P) or the surface of the anionic resin emulsion (E). |
| US08814334B2 |
Liquid accommodating container and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid container (ink cartridge) is provided with a containing portion (ink pack) containing a liquid including dispersed particles and a solvent in which the dispersed particles are dispersed, and a stirring member contained in the containing portion, in which the stirring member has flexible portions covering a bottom surface of the containing portion. |
| US08814329B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, and piezoelectric element
A liquid ejecting head for discharging liquid from nozzle openings is provided. The liquid ejecting head includes a piezoelectric film and piezoelectric element with electrodes on the piezoelectric film. The piezoelectric film includes barium titanate-based composition having a perovskite structure containing barium, titanium, and copper less than or equal to 3 mol % of titanium amount. |
| US08814321B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection apparatus includes: a head having an ejection face; a humid-air supplier including a storage portion for storing humidification liquid containing water and a non-volatile component and configured to perform a humidifying operation in which humid air humidified by the humidification liquid is supplied into a space near the ejection face; and an indicator obtainer configured to obtain an indicator indicating a concentration of the non-volatile component in the humidification liquid in the storage portion. The humidifying operation is performed after the ejection space is switched to the sealed state. An amount of the humid air and/or an amount of water of the humid air to be supplied in the humidifying operation is increased with increase in the concentration indicated by the indicator. |
| US08814319B2 |
Printing system and related methods
In one embodiment, a printing system includes a printhead module that has a printhead and a regulator chamber. The regulator chamber contains ink and a regulator air bag. The regulator air bag and the printhead are in fluid communication with the ink, and the printhead includes a plurality of ejection nozzles. The printing system includes a pressure source to inflate the air bag, thereby displacing an amount of ink sufficient to agitate menisci in the ejection nozzles without pushing ink out of the nozzles. |
| US08814316B2 |
Inkjet printing apparatus with defective nozzle detection
Even if an image distortion is generated in an image acquired by reading out a test pattern by a reading device, an analysis region of a pattern for detecting an ejection state of a nozzle is accurately set to determine the ejection state of the nozzle. A control device is provided for controlling the reading device to read out the pattern, and a detecting device is provided to detect a defect of an ejection based upon a distribution state of a density in a pattern in the analysis region. The detecting device corrects a position of the analysis region on the readout image determined based upon an arrangement of each nozzle on a design, corresponding to the distribution state of the density in the pattern in the analysis region. |
| US08814313B2 |
System and method for adjusting the tension of a continuous web of recording media in a printer
A method for adjusting the tension of a continuous web of recording media in a printing system. The method includes identifying a tension in the continuous web and adjusting the tension in response to the amount of ink being deposited on the recording media. An offset tension value is determined, stored in memory, and used by a controller to adjust the velocity or tension of the continuous web moving through the printing system to improve the printing of images. |
| US08814308B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
Ink droplets are ejected from a plurality of dot forming elements arranged along an array direction to form dots of at least two sizes on a recording medium. If the dots formed along the array direction are classified into a plurality of groups depending on a plurality of times, the existing ratio of dots of a smaller one of the at least two sizes is higher for one of the groups of an earlier time of the times. |
| US08814304B2 |
Printing apparatus
This invention is made to solve a problem that the power supply cannot be used efficiently because, even when the normally operable ambient temperature of an apparatus is low, the supplied power of the power supply is restricted in consideration of a case in which the ambient temperature is high. To solve this, a temperature sensor measures the temperature of a predetermined portion of a printing apparatus or an ambient temperature. The driving count of printing elements used to print in a region by one scan is compared with a threshold determined in accordance with the measured temperature, and an appropriate printing mode is selected. When the ambient temperature of the printing apparatus is low, a large power can be supplied to the printhead, increasing the efficiency of the power supply. |
| US08814303B2 |
Printing device for controlling printing speed
A printing device characterized by comprising a speed-acquiring section that acquires a creation speed when operational data is to be created by data conversion section on the basis of print data, wherein in a case where the creation speed acquired by the speed-acquiring section is lower than a prescribed speed, the speed at which printing section deposits printing matter onto a printing medium is made lower than in a case where the creation speed is higher than the prescribed speed. |
| US08814298B2 |
Semiconductor device, method of manufacturing semiconductor device, and liquid discharge apparatus
A semiconductor device includes a first conductivity type well region formed by counter doping; a transistor having source and drain regions having a second conductivity type, at least one of the regions being arranged in the well region; a LOCOS region arranged around the at least one region in the well region; and a channel stop region having the first conductivity type arranged under the LOCOS region. The at least one region is arranged at a distance from a tip of a bird's beak of the LOCOS in a direction parallel to a channel width of the transistor. The channel stop region is arranged at a distance from the tip of the bird's beak at an opposite side to the at least one region. |
| US08814297B2 |
Printing apparatus, printing method and printed matter
Provided is a printing apparatus including a first nozzle through which to eject a clear ink, a second nozzle through which to eject a color ink, a third nozzle through which to eject a glitter ink, and a control unit that controls ejections of the inks through the first nozzle, the second nozzle and the third nozzle, wherein the control unit performs control, at the time of forming a color image on a transparent medium, in a manner that ejects the clear ink onto the transparent medium through the first nozzle, ejects the color ink to be ejected onto the clear ink through the second nozzle to form an image resulting from the color ink, and ejects the glitter ink onto the clear ink and the color ink through the third nozzle. |
| US08814296B2 |
Printing apparatus and processing method thereof
A printing apparatus comprising, a printhead including an element array in which a plurality of printing elements are arrayed, scanning unit configured to reciprocally scan the printhead, driving unit configured to time-divisionally drive the printing elements, conveyance unit configured to convey a printing medium, and setting unit configured to set a driving order, wherein the conveyance unit performs a first conveyance operation of conveying the printing medium by a conveyance amount which is an integer multiple of a width of the group of the time-divisional driving, and a second conveyance operation of conveying the printing medium by a conveyance amount which is not an integer multiple of the width of the group, and the setting unit sets the driving order in the time-divisional driving for each scan based on the conveyance amount by the conveyance unit. |
| US08814288B2 |
Variable height slide-out rack for appliance
An apparatus includes a shelf and a support structure for supporting the shelf, the support structure including rotation features that cause the shelf to rotationally pivot from a first height position to a second height position in response to a user-provided force. The rotation features include two pairs of wheels, wherein one of the pairs of wheels is attached to one side of the support structure and another one of the pairs of wheels is attached to another side of the support structure, each pair of wheels comprising a front wheel and a rear wheel. |
| US08814285B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator capable of preventing the drooping of a bin when the bin is pulled out of the storage space is provided. The refrigerator does not need to fit a guide device when users push the bin into the storage space, since the bin is completely separated from the guide device. |
| US08814283B2 |
Electronic device with detachable handle
An electronic device includes a chassis and a handle. The chassis includes a side plate. Two first protrusions protrude from the side plate. Each first protrusion includes a neck and a head. The handle includes a main body. The main body includes two opposite end walls, and two mounting portions extending from the end walls. A first hooking slot is defined in each mounting portion. Each first hooking slot includes a first slot, and a second slot communicating with a bottom of the first slot and narrower than the first slot. A resilient tab is fastened to each end wall. A stop tab extends from each resilient tab. The first protrusions are operable to extend through the first slots and move toward the second slots. The necks engage in the second slots. The stop tabs block tops of the heads. |
| US08814280B2 |
Proportionally controllable hydraulic brake system
A hydraulic brake system includes a body with cavities, a vacuum brake booster port, a first caliber port and a channel system defined therein. An accumulator is located in a first one of the cavities. A first proportional solenoid valve is located in a second one of the cavities. A traction control valve is located in a third one of the cavities. The channel system is connected to the accumulator, the first proportional solenoid valve and the traction control valve via the first, second and third cavities. The channel system is further connected to the vacuum brake booster port and the first caliber port. The vacuum brake booster port, the accumulator, the first proportional solenoid valve, the traction control valve and the channel system are used together to control brake fluid to exert a first baking force on the first caliber port. |
| US08814279B2 |
Brake system
A vehicle brake system includes: brakes provided for respective right-side wheel, left-side wheel, front wheel and rear wheel of a vehicle, and configured to restrain rotations of the respective wheels by activations of brake actuators of the brakes; and at least two energy sources independent from each other and configured to supply energy to the brake actuators. A first brake line includes (a) a first energy source as one of the at least two energy sources and (b) one of the brake actuators provided for the front wheel and activatable by the energy supplied from the first energy source. A second brake line includes (c) a second energy source as one of the at least two energy sources and (d) three of the brake actuators provided for the respective right-side, left-side and rear wheels and activatable by the energy supplied from the second energy source. |
| US08814277B2 |
Rustproof cover for automobile disk brake
A rustproof cover for an automobile disk brake which is attached to a surface portion of a disk portion of a automobile wheel so as to shield a plurality of penetration portions penetrating the disk portion in a direction from the surface portion of the disk portion to a rear-surface portion thereof, the rustproof cover comprising, a recessed portion which is recessed from the surface portion of the disk portion to the rear-surface portion thereof so as to follow the shape of each penetration portion, wherein each recessed portion includes a protrusion portion which engages with a rear surface of the disk portion at the rear-surface portion of the disk portion so as to prevent a separation of the rustproof cover, and wherein the rustproof cover is formed of a flexible resin. |
| US08814275B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing bristle areas for brushes
In a method for producing bristle areas for brushes, in particular toothbrushes, bundles of bristles (5) are divided off from a bristle supply (101), transported by a gas or air stream (Pf 1) and introduced into perforations (22) in a central plate (21). The bundles of bristles (5) are removed from the central plate (21) and transferred to a compactor plate (106) and, in the process, the density of the bundle of bristles (5) is increased. In the apparatus for producing bristle areas for brushes, in particular toothbrushes, having a bristle supply (101) and an apparatus (102) for removing individual bundles of bristles (5) from the bristle supply (101), and a transport apparatus (103) for transporting the bundles of bristles (5) into perforations (22) in a central plate (21) by a gas or air stream (Pf 1), a compactor plate (106) that has perforations (108) for receiving bundles of bristles (5) is arranged downstream of the central plate (21), with the cross-sections of the perforations being smaller than the cross-section of the bundle of bristles (5) supplied to the respective perforation (108). An apparatus is provided for forwarding the bundles of bristles (5) from the central plate (21) to the compactor plate (106). |
| US08814273B2 |
Seat structures and processes to create seat structures
A seat structure may be installed in a seat assembly. The seat structure may comprise plurality of tube members forming a substantially closed structure. Some of the tube members have a substantially uniform cross-sectional area along a substantial portion of its respective longitudinal length. At least a first set of the tube members has at least one of a different dimensional property and a different material property from a second set of the tube members such that mechanical properties of each tube member is configured for stress requirements for a respective region that the respective tube member occupies. The plurality of tube members are joined such that the plurality of tube members are in fixed positions relative to each other. |
| US08814272B2 |
Motor-vehicle headrest
A headrest assembly securable to a motor-vehicle seat back part has a movable headrest and a rod fixed in the seat back and having a plurality of vertically spaced catch formations. A spring carried on the headrest has a pair of legs flanking the rod, elastically deflectable toward and away from the rod, and biased elastically toward the rod, and a crosspiece connecting the legs and fittable with one of the catch formations. An actuator shiftable in the slide relative to the spring has respective actuating formations engageable with the spring legs. The actuator is movable between a latching position in which the actuating formations are generally disengaged from the respective legs and the crosspiece engages the rod and an unlatching position in which the actuating formations engage the respective legs and press them into the released position. |
| US08814262B2 |
Vehicle seat heater
A vehicle seat heater, which is to be fitted to a vehicle seat, includes a base sheet and a heater wire laid in the base sheet. The heater wire is laid in the base sheet so as not to orthogonally intersect its predicted wrinkle lines R. As a result, disconnections of the heater wire caused by repeated deformations of the vehicle seat heater can be suppressed. |
| US08814260B2 |
Wind deflector
A wind deflector for an overflowable opening in a wall element of a motor vehicle, which can be moved from a basic position exposed at least nearly to no flow into an operating position exposed to a flow, is provided. The wind deflector includes a movable first clamping arm that protrudes over the wall element in the operating position exposed to a flow, and a movable second clamping arm. The wind deflector includes an extensive wind deflector arranged between the first clamping arm and second clamping arm, wherein the second clamping arm and/or the wind deflector at least nearly abuts against an edge of the overflowable opening in the operating position. |
| US08814255B2 |
Vehicle floor structure
A vehicle floor structure, in which a main structure of the vehicle floor structure is a double deck structure including two sheets of panels formed from a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite material; in a region including the double deck structure, each of the panels includes at least two continuous reinforcing structures having a convex open cross-sectional shape; recesses are provided in at least two places of the reinforcing structures; and the panels are joined in such a manner that the reinforcing structures of the respective panels intersect with each other, and that the recesses provided in the reinforcing structures of the respective panels are fitted to each other. |
| US08814245B1 |
Multi-tiered rear cargo area storage system
A multi-tier vehicular storage system comprises a medial platform operable between lower and upper positions. A rear seat is configured to horizontally receive the medial platform in the upper position. A bottom bin is disposed below and behind the rear seat and at least partially covered by the medial platform in the lower position. An upper bin coupled with the rear seat and rotationally operable between stowed and accessible positions. |
| US08814243B2 |
Cord management device
A cord management device neatly stores a flexible cord in a storage console of a motor vehicle. The storage console has a storage channel recessed in the wall for receiving a length of the flexible cord. A flexible retainer is mounted on the wall and blocks ingress and egress to the storage channel. The flexible retainer flexes to permit insertion of the cord into the storage channel and also flexes to permit removal of the cord from the storage channel. |
| US08814242B1 |
Folding reach extender
A tool to grasp objects, and to expand and/or retract while holding the objects, wherein the tool can include at least one handle disposed on a first end of an expandable assembly. At least one handle can be adapted to expand the expandable assembly when actuated or when there are a pair of handles and they are moved towards one another and retract the expandable assembly when they are moved away from one another. A gear assembly can be disposed on a second end of the expandable assembly. The tool can allow users to reach, grasp, move, and release remote objects. |
| US08814233B2 |
Safety switch for generating a system enable signal depending on the position of a movable guard door
A safety switch for generating a system enable signal depending on the position of a movable guard door which is used for safeguarding a hazardous area of a machine installation. At least one part of the machine installation can only be operated when the system enable signal is present. The safety switch has a door part to be fastened to the movable guard door and a frame part to be fastened to a mating door piece. The safety switch also has a bolt which can be moved between a first position and a second position, a recess in which the bolt can engage in the second position, and a locking element designed to block the bolt in the second position. In addition, the safety switch comprises a first position sensor designed to clearly detect at least one of the positions of the bolt in order to generate the system enable signal. Moreover, the safety switch comprises a door release request unit configured to generate a door release request signal in addition to the system enable signal. |
| US08814231B2 |
Adaptive door handles
A force adjustment system that inhibits door handle actuation is provided. The force adjustment system includes a sensor configured to provide a signal in response to an input. An energy source is configured to provide an output in response to the signal. A force adjustment component is configured to be linked to a door handle assembly. The force adjustment component comprises a material having a property that is changed in response to the output provided by the energy source to change a force applied to a handle of the door handle assembly. |
| US08814230B2 |
Clip on doorstop
Disclosed is a doorstop assembly which allows a doorstop to be conveniently installed or removed from left or right swinging doors of varying thicknesses. The assembly has a portable door clip which may be easily pulled off a left swing door, turned upside down, and then pushed into place onto a right swing door. The portable door clip can firmly embrace doors of varying thickness. A dual lock leg mounted to the front of the door clip can be stowed in an upward position regardless of which way the door clip is turned, and then lowered toward the floor surface when in use to stop the door from closing. |
| US08814229B2 |
Latching mechanism for an electronic module
Latching mechanisms for electronic modules. In one example embodiment, a latching mechanism for an electronic module includes a latch, a latch return spring, and a release slide. The latch is configured to rotate between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch includes a latch arm on a first end of the latch and an engagement pin on a second end of the latch. The latch return spring is configured to bias the latch in the latched position. The release slide includes a slide ramp. The slide ramp is configured to engage the latch arm as the release slide is slid away from the engagement pin, which causes the latch to rotate from the latched position to the unlatched position. |
| US08814228B2 |
Locking part structure for vehicle
A locking part structure for a vehicle, which includes a door, locking means for locking the door to a vehicle body when the door is closed, and an auxiliary plate that connects the door to the locking means. The locking means comprises a door side locking part that is set in a lock opening formed in the door, and a vehicle body side locking part that is disposed on a vehicle body side and engages with the door side locking part when the door is closed. The auxiliary plate comprises a door fixing part to be fixed to the door, a lock fixing part to be fixed to the door side locking part, and a bending part that is disposed between the door fixing part and the lock fixing part, and formed in a bending form so as to be stretchable. |
| US08814222B2 |
Self-sealing tube for a gas turbine secondary air system
A self-sealing and self-centering tube made of metal, having a tube axis, and configured to form part of a secondary system in a gas turbine engine is disclosed herein. The self-sealing and self-centering tube includes a tube having a tube wall, an inward end, an outward end, a first seal section located towards the inward end, a second seal section towards the outward end, and an extension section located between the second seal section and the outward end. |
| US08814221B2 |
Facilitating access of pole-mounted items
Apparatus for use in a pivoting pole assembly including a first component comprising an outside face adapted for connection with a support element, and a first inside face, and defining a first central wiring passage; and a second component defining a second central wiring passage, and comprising an outside face adapted for connection with the base end of the elongate object and an inside face rotationally coupled to the first inside face. The first central passage and the second central passage are fluidly connected and share a common axis of rotation, and the first component rotates with respect to the second component about a common axis of rotation. The apparatus also includes an annular locking mechanism including arcuate channels a radial distance from the axis; and protrusions extending into the channels such that upon respective rotation of components the protrusions travel along the channels. |
| US08814220B2 |
High pressure fluid swivel comprising a multi seal pressure regulation system
A pressure regulation system for a high pressure swivel comprises an annular inner wall and an annular outer wall, mutually rotatable around an axis, defining a toroidal chamber, and a gap extending axially between the walls from the chamber to an outer part. Positioned in the gap are an isolation seal, an isolation gap section, a primary seal, a primary gap section and a secondary seal. A first pressure control unit is connected to the chamber and to a pressurization device coupled to the isolation gap section for supplying fluid to the isolation gap section from the pressurization device. |
| US08814218B2 |
Sticker with security arrangement
A sticker includes a backing layer, a sticker body including a top layer and an adhesive layer, and a security arrangement cutting through the top layer only and being stopped at an adhesive layer to ensure the sticker body being completely removed from the backing layer without tearing the top layer apart. The security arrangement includes a plurality of lead edge notches evenly provided along the outer flange of the top layer, and a cutting line structure formed at the top layer. After the sticker body is completely removed from the backing layer and is applied for sticking on an object surface, the sticker body becomes a self-destructive layer by the security arrangement to be torn apart at the time when the sticker body is removed from the object surface so as to ensure the sticker body being unable to be removed completely from the object surface. |
| US08814216B2 |
Pharmacy bottles
A pharmacy bottle for prescription medication is shown that conveys information thereon to the patient that is clear and understandable. Colored rings are attachable to the cap of the pharmacy bottle to convey general information. Increased surface area of the pharmacy bottle is provided for more specific information to be conveyed to the patient via the label adhered thereto. Further, more detailed information about the prescription is conveyed to the patient by ancillary information sheet(s) inserted through slot(s) into space formed in walls of the pharmacy bottle. One end of the ancillary information sheet(s) forms a tab extending from the slot(s) that may be pulled by the patient to remove the ancillary information sheet from the space via the slot(s) for review by the patient. |
| US08814214B2 |
Apparatus and device for providing book protection
A book protection apparatus and method are provided, that include a pair of substantially right angled sheets configured in a parallel fashion, the sheets being joined by a joining mechanism having a tension setting mechanism configured between the pair of sheets, to enable forcibly coupling the binding device to a coupled corner of a book. |
| US08814213B2 |
Fastener for shield plate
A clip for mounting to a vehicle a shield plate arranged on the inside of a fender panel. The clip can be adapted to different vehicle models by changing the shield plate used with the clip. The clip comprises a shield plate insertion slot for inserting a shield plate, and two leg portions mounted in two mounting holes in a body panel. When the leg portions are inserted into the mounting holes in the body panel, conical portions on the leg portions guide the clip to the mounting position. To mount a fender shield plate, the clip has a shield plate engagement prong for engaging an engagement hole in the shield plate, and a shield plate releasing piece for releasing the shield plate engagement prong. The clip has a multi-step engagement prong for engaging the mounting holes in the body panel, and a clip releasing piece for releasing the engagement. |
| US08814194B2 |
Folding type bicycle
A folding type bicycle is disclosed. The disclosed folding type bicycle includes a front frame provided with a front wheel and a handle, a center frame provided with pedals and a saddle, a rear frame provided with a rear wheel, a hinge device to enable the front frame, the center frame and the rear frame to pivot about one another, to be foldable with respect to one another, the hinge device comprising a front hinge member provided at the front frame, a center hinge member provided at the center frame, and a rear hinge member provided at the rear frame, a hinge shaft centrally provided at the hinge device, a front rim provided at the front hinge member, a center rim provided at the center hinge member and a rear rim provided at the rear hinge member, and rolling members to enable rolling-contact among the front, center and rear rims. |
| US08814191B2 |
Leaf spring having a rigidly connected elastic connecting body for a motor vehicle
A motor vehicle arrangement, a motor vehicle and a connecting body for a motor vehicle. A leaf spring is configured to provide suspension of the motor vehicle, and an elastic connecting body is connected to the leaf spring, the elastic connecting body including a device configured to provide a rigid connection to a frame of the motor vehicle, a first elastic connecting body section and a second elastic connecting body section which are inclined with respect to one another and at least partially spaced apart from one another. |
| US08814183B1 |
Running stroller
Aspects of the present invention involve a steerable running stroller including a lower frame assembly supporting two rear wheels and an upper frame assembly supporting a front wheel. A self centering hinge mechanism, which may define a physical pivot axis or a virtual pivot axis, is coupled between the lower frame assembly and the upper frame assembly. The pivot axis defined by the self centering hinge mechanism is positioned at an angle, which may be an obtuse angle, such that the front wheel is normally in a straight orientation with respect to the rear wheels, and when a user imparts a turning force, the front wheel both turns and tilts relative to the rear wheels. When the turning force is removed, the self centering hinge mechanism acts to return the running stroller to a straight rolling orientation. |
| US08814179B1 |
Shopping cart wheel ski attachment device
A shopping cart wheel ski device facilitates movement of a shopping cart over a surface. The device includes a plate having a bottom surface. An aperture extends through the plate. Each of a pair of spaced arms is coupled to and extends upwardly from the plate. Each arm is configured for engaging a shopping cart wheel such that an outer perimeter surface of the shopping cart wheel extends through the aperture. |
| US08814178B2 |
Vehicle suspension systems
A suspension system for a vehicle includes a damper and a jack assembly. The damper includes a first tube defining a first cavity and having a longitudinal axis, a second tube disposed within the first cavity and defining a second cavity, wherein the second tube is spaced apart from the first tube to define a reservoir chamber, and a piston translatable within the second cavity along the axis, wherein the piston abuts the second tube to define a rebound chamber and a compression chamber. The system includes a jack assembly attached to the damper and configured for raising and lowering the body with respect to the wheel. The assembly includes a jack piston abutting the first tube, and a jack cylinder also abutting the first tube and translatable with respect to the jack piston to thereby raise and lower the body. A vehicle including the suspension system is also disclosed. |
| US08814176B2 |
Device for sealing intersecting joints
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to sealing devices and, more particularly, to devices for sealing intersecting joints. In one embodiment, the invention provides a device for sealing intersecting joints, the device comprising: a compliant central body; a first compliant leg extending outward from the compliant central body; a second compliant leg extending outward from the compliant central body at a first angle relative to the first compliant leg, wherein each of the first compliant leg and the second compliant leg comprises a blind bore into which a length of o-ring, c-seal, or other geometric-type seal material may be inserted. |
| US08814175B2 |
Metal seal
A metal seal which can be fastened by low fastening force and can show sufficient sealing ability when receiving fluid pressure. The metal seal is composed a U-shaped metal thin seal and a reinforcing outer-fit member which receives side wall portions and a bottom wall portion of the thin seal from a back side. |
| US08814174B2 |
Rubber gasket and seal structure using the same
A rubber gasket of annular shape adapted to be interposed between two objective members to be sealed and fastened to each other and a seal structure for sealing between two objective members to be sealed and fastened to each other using the gasket. The rubber gasket comprises an integrally molded body made of elastomer having a cylindrical body, a flange-shaped portion, and an annular core member, the flange-shaped portion extending outward from one end of the cylindrical body in axial direction along an entire outer circumferential surface, the annular core member being embedded in the flange-shaped portion along an entire circumference. The rubber gasket is constructed such that when the two objective members to be sealed are fastened with the rubber gasket interposed therebetween, both ends of the cylindrical body in axial direction thereof are positioned respectively at seal line portions of the two objective members to be sealed, and the cylindrical body is compressed by fastening force along fastening direction. |
| US08814171B2 |
Engine sealing assembly
A system for an engine is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a cylinder head, an engine block, and a gasket assembly sealing the cylinder head to the engine block. Further, the gasket assembly may include a plurality of apertures positioned between an inner beading region and an outer beading region to concentrate a clamping load. |
| US08814169B2 |
Brush seal front plate and assembly
A front plate and brush seal assembly for providing a seal between a high pressure area and a low pressure area. An embodiment of a front plate includes a front plate body. The front plate body includes an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge. A plurality of cuts or slots are provided in the front plate body and extend from the outer peripheral edge of the front plate body toward the inner peripheral edge of the front plate body, such that the plurality of cuts or slots do not extend to the inner peripheral edge, and the plurality of cuts or slots define a plurality of fingers in the front plate body. In an embodiment of a brush seal assembly, the assembly includes a retaining plate that is connected to a front plate. |
| US08814160B2 |
De-skewing mechanism for de-skewing a printing medium and thermal sublimation printer therewith
A de-skewing mechanism for de-skewing a printing medium is disclosed. The printing medium is conveyed by a conveying mechanism in a first linear velocity. The de-skewing mechanism includes a first calibrating roller, a second calibrating roller and a first torque limiting member. The first calibration roller is utilized for conveying a first side of the printing medium in a second linear velocity greater than the first linear velocity, and the second calibrating roller is utilized for conveying a second side of the printing medium in the second linear velocity. The first torque limiting member is coupled to the first calibrating roller and is utilized for stopping driving the first calibrating roller when the first side of the printing medium reaches a predetermined tension, such that the second side of the printing medium is capable of proceeding relative to the first side, so as to be aligned with the first side. |
| US08814159B2 |
Feeding device and image forming apparatus
A feeding device includes: a sheet material housing configured to allow a plurality of sheet materials to be stacked; an upper surface suction unit that sucks a top sheet material by generating negative pressure at a position facing the upper surface of the top sheet material; a sheet material conveying unit that causes the top sheet material, which is sucked up, to be sucked onto a conveying member and conveys the top sheet material; and a lower suction unit that exerts a suction force downward onto the sheet materials that are positioned near the top sheet material, wherein a suction force exerted on the top sheet material downward by suction of the lower suction unit is smaller than a suction force exerted on the top sheet material upward by suction of the upper surface suction unit and is larger than adhesion between the sheet materials. |
| US08814158B2 |
Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus, includes: an accommodation portion configured to accommodate a sheet; a supply mechanism configured to supply the sheet from the accommodation portion; a recording portion configured to record an image on the sheet supplied by the supply mechanism; and a first discharged tray arranged above the accommodation portion, and configured to support the sheet on which the image had been recorded by the recording portion. The accommodation portion includes: a body portion configured to accommodate the sheet; and a second discharged tray provided for the body portion and configured to move to a first position and to a second position in which the second discharged tray is positioned higher than the second discharged tray in the first position. The second discharged tray supports the sheet on which the image had been recorded, together with the first discharged tray in the second position. |
| US08814157B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet stacking unit where sheets to be processed are stacked, a regulating member, a sheet waiting unit, a first moving unit, a second moving unit, and a control unit. The regulating member abuts on one edge of sheets conveyed to the sheet stacking unit. The sheet waiting unit keeps sheets waiting, stacks the waiting sheets displaced sequentially, and then conveys the sheets to the sheet stacking unit. The first moving unit sequentially moves the conveyed sheets, starting from a lowermost sheet, to be abutted against the regulating member. The second moving unit moves the conveyed sheets to the first moving unit. The control unit controls a moving speed of the second moving unit so that a next sheet does not reach the first moving unit until the sheet moved by the first moving unit is abutted against the regulating member. |
| US08814155B2 |
C frame clamping device having non-rotating anvils
A clamping device having a C shaped frame and anvils which cannot rotate while applying a clamping force is disclosed. One anvil is affixed to the C shaped frame while the second anvil is mounted to a drive tube which telescopes within a guide tube fixed to the frame. The conformal shapes of the guide and drive tubes prevent rotation as compressive force is applied to a work piece placed between the two anvils. |
| US08814154B2 |
Clamp assembly
A clamp assembly having a base and an elongated clamp arm having one end pivotally mounted to the base. An elongated lever is pivotally secured to both the base and the clamp arm and movable between a first and second position which simultaneously pivots the clamp arm along a direction of movement between a hold position and a release position. A bolt retainer is attached to the free end of the clamp arm. The bolt retainer includes an internally threaded bore having an axis which extends substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the clamp arm. A bolt includes a portion threadably engaged in the threaded bore so that the effective length of the bolt is adjustable by rotation of the bolt in the bolt retainer bore. |
| US08814150B2 |
Shock absorbers for protective body gear
Shock absorbers for integration into protective structures generally take the form of hollow, fluid-filled, compressible cells. In various embodiments, the cell enclosure includes one or more orifices, or vents, through which a fluid (such as air or water) can escape from the inner chamber formed by the enclosure. |
| US08814149B2 |
Humidity generator
A humidity generator and method for setting operating parameters of the humidity generator to controllably generate humidity levels below 100% and greater than 100%. |
| US08814144B2 |
Air register assembly
An air register assembly is adapted to be inserted into a forced air duct, and configured to streamline then mix airflow in the duct. The assembly includes a face-plate having a vent, a frame attached to the face-plate and arranged to extend into the duct. The assembly additionally includes a plurality of mounts arranged on the frame, and a first and second mesh panels configured to be selectively inserted into, and removed from the frame. When the first and second mesh panels are inserted into the frame, the panels are supported by the mounts, the first panel is disposed between the face-plate and the second panel, and each of the first and second mesh panels is positioned substantially perpendicular to the airflow. |
| US08814142B2 |
Adjustable lifting and stabilization rescue strut system with improved jack and strut engagement means
A lifting strut and stabilization system includes a lower outer tubular member in slidable engagement with an upper extendable inner tubular member, a mechanism for receiving and supporting a jack on the outer tubular member, a pin for optionally restraining the upper tubular member from further engagement into the lower tubular member, while allowing unrestrained extension of the upper tubular member from within the lower tubular member, and a removably attached jack having a bracket at its upper end incorporating a saddle or half-hole for engaging a strut lift pin located in a corresponding saddle, half-hole or flat bearing surface located on the upper end of the lower tubular member, the lift pin extending through the saddle holes in the upper tubular member, such that upon actuation of the jack, the upper jack bracket engages the lift pin and extends the upper tubular member from within the lower tubular member. |
| US08814139B2 |
Anti-extrusion packing support
A seal arrangement for providing a fluid seal of an annulus between two conforming surfaces such as a stem and a bore. The seal arrangement may include a pair of packing support rings. Preferably, two pairs of the packing support rings are used in order to provide double ended or two sided axial support for the packing. The first and second support rings support a load on the packing during normal or rated temperature use, with preferably an interference fit with the stem to resist extrusion of the packing along the stem. The support rings may be nested together and comprises different materials. For example, one support ring may comprise metal and the other support ring comprise a softer material such as a polymer or elastomer. An example of a packing material is a fire resistant material. The metal support ring may be used to maintain load on the fire resistant packing in the event that the other support ring has been destroyed by fire or other cataclysmic event. |
| US08814137B2 |
Locking mechanism for unisex ball valve coupling
A hydraulic valve coupling has an interlock mechanism that includes at least one blocking member located within an interlock passage of a body portion of the valve coupling. The interlock passage has a first end opening to the valve shaft and a second end opening to an interface groove of the valve coupling. The at least one blocking member can be retracted within the interlock passage such that the valve coupling can be rotated and disengaged from a mating coupling. When the valve is in the open position, the at least one blocking member is positioned within the interlock passage such that it contacts the mating coupling and prevents rotation of the valve coupling relative to the mating coupling. The second end of the at least one blocking member can be shaped such that it is retracted as a result of contact with the mating coupling and without the assistance of a biasing mechanism. |
| US08814133B2 |
Automatic speed searching device and method for a partial stroke test of a control valve
An automatic speed searching device for a partial stroke test of a control valve includes a spool valve operatively connected to a pilot valve and a blocker valve. An electrical module is operatively connected to the pilot valve, a supply of control fluid, and the blocker valve. In an open position of the spool valve, a first control fluid inlet is fluidly connected to a first control fluid outlet, and in a closed position of the spool valve the first control fluid outlet is fluidly connected to a second control fluid outlet. A method of determining an optimum stroke speed includes iteratively powering a main and secondary solenoid in the electrical module and updating parameters to move a control element of the control valve until movement of the control element is within a desired range. |
| US08814125B2 |
Tie down assembly
A tie down assembly adapted to be installed within a structure includes a cup and a crossbar that is fastened removably to the cup by a plurality of fasteners. The cup includes a recess forming an interior surface, and a plurality of seats extending from the interior surface. The crossbar includes a central portion and a plurality of elongated members extending therefrom. Each of the members includes a head that engages a corresponding one of the seats of the cup and is secured to the seat by one of the fasteners. The central portion of the crossbar may include a central aperture that receives one of the fasteners for an additional attachment point to the cup. The crossbar is adapted to receive tie down hooks, connectors, and the like. When the crossbar requires repair or replacement, it may be removed from the cup by unfastening the fasteners without the need to remove the cup from the structure. |
| US08814113B1 |
Sucker with pressure early warning detection function
A sucker includes a sucker body, a pressure sensor, a control circuit board, and a warning member. The sucker body has an attachment surface. The control circuit board and the warning member are combined with the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor, the control circuit board and the warning member are mounted in a closed receiving portion. The pressure sensor is connected to the attachment surface of the sucker body. Thus, the pressure sensor, the control circuit board and the warning member construct an early warning detection mechanism which successively detects and monitors the pressure of the attachment surface of the sucker body, and produces an early warning signal automatically by detection of the pressure differential of the attachment surface of the sucker body to prevent the sucker from being detached from an object. |
| US08814110B2 |
Modular tank stand
A modular tank stand is lightweight and easily transportable, but also capable of supporting the weight of a large bulk storage container filled with flowable material. The modular tank stand includes a plurality of individual tank stand sections which are interconnectable with one another to form a larger support surface sized to receive the bulk storage container. The individual sections include integral, vertically disposed support walls that provide both vertical support for the weight of the bulk storage container and resistance to collapse under shear forces arising from movement of the container. The interconnecting individual sections may be disconnected from one another and reconfigured to fit in a smaller space, such as onto a pallet or within a shipping container, thereby facilitating storage of the disassembled modular tank stand. |
| US08814108B2 |
Product display system
A product display system includes a hanger support member and one or more product hangers. The hanger support member includes a web having opposite first and second sides. A plurality of receiving apertures extend through the web from the first side to the second side. Each product hanger includes body having an outboard side opposite an inboard side, a product support member extending from the outboard side of the body, and one or more brackets extending from the inboard side for mounting in the receiving apertures. The brackets and the receiving apertures are arranged such that one product hanger may be secured to the first side of the web and a second product hanger may be secured to the second side of the web, wherein the second product hanger is aligned directly opposite the first product hanger. |
| US08814106B2 |
Travel head support
An embodiment is a travel head support to support a traveler's head as, for example, they sleep while sitting substantially upright. By supporting the traveler's head, the travel head support of an embodiment may increase the comfort, quality, and restfulness of the traveler's sleep. In particular, by supporting the traveler's head, the travel head support of an embodiment may substantially prevent the embarrassment and/or sleep interruption of one or more hypnic jerks. |
| US08814101B2 |
Compliant structure design for varying surface contours
An edge morphing arrangement for an airfoil having upper and lower control surfaces is provided with an elongated edge portion that overlies the edge of the airfoil, the edge portion having a surface element having first and second edges that communicate with, and form extensions of, respective ones of the upper and lower control surfaces of the elongated airfoil. The surface elements are formed of deformable compliant material that extends cross-sectionally from the first surface element edge to an apex of the edge portion, and to the second surface element edge. There is additionally provided a driving link having first and second driving link ends, the first driving link end being coupled to the interior of one of the first and second rib portions. The second end is arranged to receive a morphing force, and the rib element is deformed in response to the morphing force. |
| US08814099B1 |
Deployable morphing modular solar array
A Deployable Morphing Modular Solar Array (DMMSA) for deploying Deployable Morphing Modular Solar Power Assemblies (DMMSPAs) from a spacecraft is provided. The DMMSA comprises a Root Staging and Deployment Mechanism (RSDM) mounted to a spacecraft. A plurality of petal assemblies are rotatably secured to the RSDM with each petal assembly having at least DMMSPA secured thereon and each DMMSPA having a slight V-configuration. A launch restraint assembly stacks and sandwiches the petal assemblies prior to deployment with the launch restraint assembly pre-loading each petal assembly's one or more DMMSPA into a substantially flat configuration. Upon release of the launch restraint assembly, the stacked and sandwiched petal assemblies rotate relative to the spacecraft and each petal assemblies DMMSPA elastically morphs from the substantially flat configuration into the slight V-configuration. |
| US08814095B2 |
Ceiling panel having curtain rail in a transport cabin
A ceiling panel is configured for attaching a curtain in a cabin of a transportation device with an attachment unit, a mounting unit, and a curtain attachment unit. The ceiling panel is configured to integrate the attachment unit, the attachment unit is configured to attach the mounting unit to the ceiling panel, the mounting unit is configured to attach the curtain attachment unit, and the curtain attachment unit is configured to support the curtain. |
| US08814086B2 |
On-board supply system and on-board galley having a fuel cell unit for use in an aircraft
An on-board supply system (10) for use in an aircraft comprises a fuel cell unit (20) for generating electrical energy and heat energy, and at least one consumer system (100). The fuel cell unit (20) is designed to release heat energy in the form of hot air, and the consumer system (100) is designed to absorb the electrical energy and the heat energy in the form of hot air. The fuel cell unit (20) can comprise at least one low-temperature (LT) fuel cell (30) and at least one high-temperature (HT) fuel cell (40), which can both (30, 40) be designed to be regulated to their respective operating temperature in operation by means of air cooling, and an air cooling inlet (44) of the HT fuel cell (40) can be connected in fluid communication with an air cooling outlet (36) of the LT fuel cell (30). |
| US08814084B2 |
Controllable buoyant system and method
A controllable buoyant system (10) includes a support structure having a sealed hollow enclosure (12) containing a first gas and surrounded by a second gas, either the first gas or the second gas being lighter than ambient air. The hollow enclosure is pre-filled with the first gas via a one-way valve that prevents the first gas escaping and an altitude sensor (14) generates an altitude signal indicative of a height of the support structure. A height transducer (17, 21, 61, 66, 67, 68) coupled to the hollow enclosure is responsive to the altitude signal for varying the buoyancy of the support structure. A controller (15) is coupled to the altitude sensor and to the height transducer and is responsive to the altitude signal and to at least one reference altitude signal for automatically controlling the height transducer in order to maintain the support structure buoyant at the preset altitude. |
| US08814082B2 |
Aircraft high lift system and method for determining an operating condition of an aircraft high lift system
The present disclosure relates to an aircraft high lift system with at least one load station for actuating a flap of a wing, preferably a landing flap and/or a leading-edge flap, at least one transmission with transmission portions located between branch transmissions, wherein by means of the branch transmissions actuating energy can be branched off from the transmission to the load station, and to a method for determining an operating condition of an aircraft high lift system. |
| US08814081B2 |
Aircraft and external pod for aircraft
One embodiment of the present invention is a unique aircraft. Another embodiment is a unique external pod for an aircraft. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for aircraft and external pods for aircraft. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith. |
| US08814077B2 |
Self centering core adapter and method
A core adapter is provided for adapting a larger diameter core to be mounted on a winding machine designed for a smaller diameter core. The core adapter includes a cylindrical body having a wall, a central bore, an outer surface, and a discontinuity in the form of a slit extending axially along and completely through the wall. The core adapter can be inserted in an end of a core and progressively secured by expanding the body, facilitated by a widening of the slit, until the body wedges against the inside surface of the core. Adhesive can be applied to the adapter or the core or both to secure the core adapter in place. The body can be expanded with screws progressively threaded through the core and into the body of the core adapter, or vice versa. Alternatively, the body can be expanded by urging a wedge into the slit to widen the slit and consequently expand the body of the core adapter radially. Alternatively still, the body can be expanded with an expandable tool inserted through the central bore of the body and expanded against the wall of the central bore. A system including a core adapter and expansion tool and methods of expanding the core adapter are also disclosed. |
| US08814076B2 |
Roll arrangement
A roll arrangement for determining a web tension profile of a web. The roll arrangement includes a roll having a peripheral surface for guiding the web, which peripheral surface is provided with a plurality of openings, and a plurality of sensor arrangements. Each of the plurality of openings are arranged to receive one sensor arrangement of the plurality of sensor arrangements to thereby sense forces applied by the web to the roll. The roll arrangement is adapted to suspend the sensor arrangements in the respective opening. |
| US08814074B2 |
Belt retractor including a switchable belt force limiter
A belt retractor (10) comprising a frame, a belt reel, a first force limiting means (30) coupled to the belt reel and a second force limiting means (32), wherein the second force limiting means (32) can be locked and the first force limiting means (30) is arranged functionally in series with the second force limiting means (32), is characterized in that the second force limiting means (32) includes a deformation element (52) and at least one deforming member (26, 54) fixed to the frame, the deformation element (52) being adapted to be rotated relative to the deforming member (26, 54) when the second force limiting means (32) is activated, whereby the deformation element (52) is deformed. |
| US08814068B2 |
Water separation structure of shower head structure
A water separation structure of a shower head includes a cover unit, a cover seal seat and a main body seal seat. The cover unit has three water outlets. Three water passages and a shift water passage are formed between the cover seal seat and the cover unit. The cover seal seat has five through holes. The main body seal seat has a water inlet and a blind hole which are spaced and located corresponding to the five through holes. The water inlet comprises a seal ring therein. The blind hole comprises a seal pad therein. The water inlet communicates with one of the five through holes by means of rotation to open the relative water passage. The blind hole is to block the other through holes and close the other water passages. The seal ring and the seal pad are against the cover seal seat. |
| US08814064B2 |
Nozzle
A nozzle for use with a pressurized water source as typically used in the offshore environment. The nozzle attaches to a hose or fixed work pipe installation and provides a channel through a body, on which is arranged a frusto-conical fluid deflector. Fluid flowing along the channel may impinge upon the fluid deflector and may travel along a surface of the deflector and out of the nozzle in a jet. Various embodiments are described for varying the width of the channel at the deflector to adjusting, a characteristic of the jet and for providing self-cleaning of the nozzle. Further a central channel is described which allows an additional nozzle to be included as are sensors which determine pressure, temperature and the like in the nozzle. |
| US08814061B1 |
Rotary nozzle cleaning apparatus with improved stem
A rotary nozzle cleaning apparatus is provided with an improved stem enabling an optimum flow of pressurized fluid while retaining structural strength. The stem is tubular in shape and formed with a series of triangular openings through the wall thereof. Alternating triangular openings are oriented with their apexes facing downstream of the fluid with interspersed openings oriented with their apexes facing upstream. The triangular openings are isosceles in configuration. The stem may be formed integral with an inlet cap of the cleaning apparatus or as a separate component. |
| US08814058B2 |
Plastic screw anchor for securing a rail to a railroad tie
The invention relates to a plastic screw plug (6) for attaching a rail to a sleeper, in particular concrete sleeper, having an essentially cylindrical plug body which has at the head end a stem region (7) which preferably adjoins a plug crown (8) toward the bottom, and in the continuation of which stem region (7) has an outer thread (9) with which it can be turned out of or into the sleeper, and is provided with an inner thread (10) underneath the stem region (7) in order to receive a sleeper screw. The intention is to improve such a plastic screw plug, in particular, with regard to its operating properties such as uniform application of force into the sleeper, simpler mounting and replaceability, reduction of the risk of fracturing, and additionally to permit it to be used in a variable way. For this purpose, the stem region (7) has on the inside, in the junction with the inner thread (10), a shoulder (13) which reduces the internal diameter over part of the length of the stem region (7) and extends in a spiral shape over at least part of the circumference. |
| US08814053B2 |
Mobile payment device with small inductive device powered by a host device
A memory card compatible RFID card includes a smartcard controller that receives power from a host device. The RFID card also includes a small inductive device capable of inductive coupling with an RFID reader. The small inductive device is small enough to fit in the form factor of a memory card. Commands may be sent to the RFID card to keep the RFID card powered. |
| US08814046B1 |
System and method for a baseband nearfield magnetic stripe data transmitter
A system for a baseband near field magnetic stripe data transmitter includes a mobile phone and a magnetic stripe transmission (MST) device. The mobile phone transmits a stream of pulses including magnetic stripe data of a payment card. The magnetic stripe transmission (MST) device includes a wave shaper, a driver and an induction device. The MST device receives the stream of pulses from the mobile phone, shapes and amplifies the received stream of pulses and generates and emits high energy magnetic pulses including the magnetic stripe data. The emitted high energy magnetic pulses are picked up remotely by a magnetic read head. The MST device shapes the stream of pulses to compensate for shielding, eddy current losses and limited inductance value of the magnetic read head. |
| US08814043B2 |
Determining an automated banking machine for check cashing
A banking system comprises automated banking machines which include a card reader, check imaging device, and cash dispenser. Each system machine can cash a code-correlated check in exchange for receiving both the check and the code assigned to the check, without requiring any user identifying input through the machine's user input devices as a condition for cashing the check. The system allows a potential recipient of a personal check to call in a given code to a system computer, which can verify whether the check is backed by funds reserved for the check amount and whether the check can be anonymously cashed. From the call the system computer can obtain the mobile phone's GPS location to determine the system machine nearest to the phone. When informing the phone user that a check is as good as cash, the system computer can also provide directions to that nearest system machine. |
| US08814042B2 |
Printing system with multiple paper supplies
An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records in the form of user cards. The machine includes a printer for printing paper records of transactions conducted at the machine. The printer receives paper from a shared paper path. The shared paper path can be supplied by a first paper supply and a second paper supply. A controller is operative to switch between the paper supplies in providing paper to the printer. Based on signals received from paper sensors in the machine, the controller can determine whether the first paper supply has reached a predetermined low level. In response to a low level determination, the controller acts to cause a paper drive to begin moving paper from the second paper supply to the shared paper path and then to the printer. |
| US08814037B2 |
Subcription of a user
A machine may be configured to subscribe a user to a data feed that corresponds to an activity. The machine may generate an optically scannable code that encodes an activity identifier of the activity. The machine may cause a first device to access this optically scannable code, and the first device may present the optically scannable code to a second device. The second device may scan the optically scannable code, and the machine may detect that the optically scannable code has been scanned by the second device. In response to this detection, the machine may subscribe a user of the second device to a data feed that corresponds to the activity. Hence, a first user may present the optically scannable code using one device, and a second user can scan the optically scannable code using another device and be subscribed to the data feed for the activity. |
| US08814035B2 |
Dose indicator
A dose counter is described. The dose counter may be used, for instance, in a medical inhaler device. |
| US08814029B2 |
Metal bonding method and metal bonded structure
The gap between first and second bonding portions is filled with a disperse solution obtained by dispersing copper micro-particles into a solution for copper oxide elution, so as to elute copper oxide configured as the outermost layer of the first bonding portion and copper oxide configured as the outermost layer of the second bonding portion, and copper oxide formed on the surface of each copper micro-particle. Pressure is applied to the first and second bonding portions using a press machine so as to raise the pressure of the disperse solution. At the same time, heat is applied under a relatively low temperature condition of 200° C. to 300° C., so as to remove the components contained in the disperse solution except for copper, thereby depositing copper. Thus, a first base portion and a second base portion are bonded via a copper bonded portion containing copper derived from the copper micro-particles. |
| US08814028B2 |
Method of removing bulging portions to manufacture a friction welded propeller shaft
A propeller shaft includes a first shaft having a yoke at one end, a second shaft slidably connected to the other end of the first shaft, and a surface treated member which is arranged at a connecting portion, at which the first shaft and the second shaft are connected to each other, and to which surface treatment for improving slidability of the second shaft with respect to the first shaft is applied. The surface treated member is formed by a substrate which is separate from the first shaft and the second shaft and to which the surface treatment has been applied. The surface treated member is arranged at the connecting portion, at which the first shaft and the second shaft are connected to each other, after the surface treatment is applied. |
| US08814020B2 |
System for quick release of pack
One exemplary embodiment is directed toward an apparatus for quick release of a pack from a vest of a user. The apparatus includes a pack having one or more first loops, and a retaining member configured to extend through the one or more first loops and one or more second loops on the vest, wherein the retaining member is configured to releasably attach the pack to the vest by mechanically coupling the one or more first loops and the one or more second loops to the retaining member, wherein the retaining member is configured to enable detaching of the pack from the vest by pulling of the retaining member from the one or more first loops and the one or more second loops. |
| US08814018B1 |
Quick draw bow holder
A support sling is provided having a plastic body portion, which may optionally be covered with fabric, and two orthogonally positioned straps. The body portion has an adjustably sized cup for receiving the cam or point of a compound or recurved bow, respectively, the size of the cup being adjustable to accommodate differing sized cams. Slots in the vertically extending web portion of the body receive the straps. At least some of the slots have angled extensions which permit the straps to being reoriented relative to the body portion as the hunter shifts position or moves the bow holder to an alternate location. |
| US08814013B2 |
Foldable hangers
The present disclosure provides a hanger. The hanger comprises a supporting base, a hooking member, a pair of hanging members and a locking member. The hooking member is operably linked to the supporting base. The pair of hanging members are pivotally mounted to the supporting base and rotatable relative to the supporting base between an expandable mode and a retracted mode. The locking member is operably coupled to the pair of hanging members. The locking member can be locked or unlocked, wherein the pair of hanging members are in the expanded mode when the locking member is locked, and are allowed to be in the retracted mode when the locking member is unlocked. |
| US08814011B2 |
Blender container and cover
A container (11) for a blender includes a base surface (13) and a blade (20) which is rotatable on an axis above the base surface (13). An arcuate wall (14) and two generally straight walls (15, 16) extend upwardly from the base surface (13) and terminate at the upper end of container (11). The axis of rotation of the blade (20) is closer to the arcuate wall (14) than it is to the generally straight walls (15, 16). A skirt (25) extends downwardly from the base surface (13) and has an opening. Sound baffling fingers (32) extend from the skirt (25) and into the opening. A spout (40) is formed at the intersection of two of the walls (14, 15, 16), the spout (40) having an entry point located approximately twenty to thirty percent of the height of the walls (14, 15, 16) from the upper end of the container (11). A handle (34) is positioned opposite to the spout (40) and a cover (12) includes a plug (55) to close the spout (40). |
| US08814009B2 |
Metered dose valve
An aerosol metering valve comprising: (a) a valve stem movable between a rest position and a firing position comprising: a body portion comprising a circumferential sealing surface (b) a valve body comprising: a body wall, and an internal chamber defined at least in part by the body wall; and (c) a metering gasket having an inner periphery defining an aperture, being disposed near the most interior end of the internal chamber and being configured to be able to form a transient, substantially fluid-tight face seal against the circumferential sealing surface of the valve stem, where at the rest position of the valve stem, the body portion of the valve stem is located within the internal chamber and as the valve stem is moved from its rest position towards its firing position the circumferential sealing surface of the valve stem contacts the metering gasket to form a face seal thereby closing a metering chamber and thereafter further movement of the valve stem towards its firing position causes the metering gasket to deflect while maintaining the seal with the circumferential sealing surface of the valve stem; and wherein the metering gasket in an unbiased configuration is an annular disc having a substantially planar form and where the valve is constructed and arranged such that the inner periphery of the metering gasket is urged out of said substantially planar form at the rest position of the valve stem, or wherein the metering gasket is pre-biased into a dished-shape. |
| US08814004B2 |
Tamper evident pull-out spout
A tamper evident, pull-out flexible spout for use in combination with a container lid wherein a cap can only be removed from the threaded end of the spout by lifting a pair of bail rings which are attached to the cap by way of a set of frangible connectors and thereafter pulling the spout out from the stored position at least part way toward the use position thereby to disengage lugs on an exterior surface of the cap from a pair of one-way stops on an interior surface of the spout ring. |
| US08814000B2 |
Method and apparatuses for providing a selectable beverage
Methods and apparatuses for providing a selectable beverage from a post-mix beverage dispenser are provided. In one embodiment, the method for providing a beverage having a separately selected color front a post-mix beverage dispensing system comprises: (a) providing at least two beverage bases for dispense from the post-mix beverage dispensing system; (b) separately storing at least two colorants in the post-mix beverage dispensing system; (c) receiving a request for a selected beverage base and the separately selected color with a computer processor; and (d) in response to the selection of the selected beverage base and the separately selected color, automatically dispensing through a single faucet of the post-mix beverage dispensing system, continuously in a predetermined ratio for any volume of the beverage dispensed, the selected beverage base and at least one of the colorants to provide the beverage having the separately selected color. |
| US08813994B2 |
Portion control food ware
A kit containing portion control tableware, the kit containing a portion control plate and a portion control drinking cup, whereby when used, the portion control cup limits the amount of beverage consumed to a healthy portion size, and the portion control plate provides a visual indication of the size of a healthy portion. |
| US08813984B2 |
Waterproof box
The present invention is to provide a waterproof box capable of improving waterproof performance and workability, and space-saving. When high-pressure washing is performed, washing water injected toward the waterproof box hits a peripheral wall of a box main body, and then washing water is increased along the peripheral wall. Since the increased washing water hits a lower surface of a first waterproof portion of a main body side waterproof structure, some force of the water is reduced. Furthermore, a part of the increase washing water passes through a space arranged inside of a wall upward. |
| US08813983B2 |
Fluidtight tank
A fluidtight tank including a bearing structure, a fluidtight barrier, the fluidtight barrier having a polygonal, cylindrical shape and including a vertical wall and a bottom wall, in which the said vertical wall of the fluidtight barrier has a plurality of vertical panels the bearing structure surrounding the vertical wall, and in which the bottom wall includes a plurality of rectangular components arranged in sectors that are the image of one another but rotated, the edges of the rectangular components of one of the sectors being respectively parallel and perpendicular to one of the vertical panels, wherein the number of the vertical panels is twice the number of the sectors. |
| US08813981B2 |
Anti-two block system for a crane assembly
A crane assembly includes an anti-two block system having a rigid body, a sensor configured to detect upward loading of the body, and a spring biasing the body to a pin of a sheave. The body includes a base, two extensions projecting perpendicularly upward from the base and extending outside the sheave on opposite sides thereof, and a fitting on upper ends of the extensions. The fitting couples to the pin of the sheave such that the body is configured to rotate about the pin. The crane assembly further includes a controller comprising logic configured to prevent movement of a hook in response to a signal from the sensor of the anti-two block system. The weight of the body of the anti-two block system rotates the body such that the extensions are substantially aligned with a cable between an end of a boom and a hook as the boom rotates. |
| US08813979B2 |
Product display that allows consumers to experience the feel of the product and method for displaying a product
A product display unit for providing the consumer with an opportunity to position a major part of the body against the product being displayed includes a stand that has a height, a length, a top, and a bottom. A plurality of products are coupled in the vicinity of the top of the stand. The plurality of products are spaced from one another along the length of the stand. The stand has a height that allows the consumer to position a major part of the body below the top of the stand adjacent the products such that the consumer can feel the products being displayed. A method for providing a consumer with the touch and feel of an article utilizing a display unit includes providing a display unit that includes a stand, hanging a plurality of products from the stand, and allowing the consumer to position a major portion of their body against the products in order to determine what the product would feel like in use. |
| US08813975B2 |
Screen media element having ceramic sections with apertures
A screen media element having at least one apertured section. The apertured section has a first surface intended to receive and carry material to be screened, a second surface opposite the first surface, apertures extending from the first surface to the second surface and a circumferential surface connecting the first and second surfaces. The apertured section is surrounded by an outer frame along the circumferential surface, characterized in that the apertured section is made from ceramic material and that the outer frame is made of elastomeric material. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a screen media element, and a screen comprising such screen media elements. |
| US08813973B2 |
Apparatus and method for filtering a material from a liquid medium
An apparatus for filtering a material from a medium includes a first housing having a wall with a plurality of openings formed therein, a conveyor disposed in the housing for moving the material therealong, and a conduit line communicating with the interior of the housing for supplying the medium to the apparatus. At least one of the first housing and the conveyor rotate relative to a central axis to direct the medium toward the wall so as to separate the material from the medium. A method for filtering a material from a medium includes supplying the medium to a first housing, spinning the medium within the housing, passing the medium through a wall of the housing to separate the material from the medium, moving the material along the housing, introducing a fluid into the material within the housing, and washing the material using the fluid. |
| US08813971B2 |
Modular spiral separator elements
The invention provides a spiral separator module 3.010 including at least one trough segment 4.012 having an up stream edge and a downstream edge, each trough segment 4.012 being adapted to interface with at least one other corresponding trough segment 4.012 of a second spiral separator module to form a continuous section of a spiral trough. |
| US08813968B1 |
Wood pellet screen apparatus
A wood pellet screen apparatus that is formed of a housing having a pair of legs. The housing includes a series of interconnected walls that form a collection chamber. An elongated screen is disposed in the housing over the collection chamber. The screen is constructed and arranged to receive wood pellets deposited thereon. The screen is further constructed and arranged to be tilted at an angle to the horizontal so that as wood pellets are deposited at a top of the screen the wood pellets progress along the screen under gravity control. |
| US08813966B2 |
Pneumatic vacuum separation plant for bulk materials
A system for density-based particle separation includes a loading bin, a separating feeder, a mesh conveyor belt, a compressor for the mesh conveyor belt, transporting nozzles integrated with the separation bins and located over the mesh conveyor belt, discharge nozzles positioned under the mesh conveyor belt in the same plane with transporting nozzles and adjusted for separation of the primary material into particle products of specific density and an aspiration systems (cyclones), as well as fans for generation of ascending sucking air flows in the transporting nozzles and discharge flows in the discharge nozzles. |
| US08813963B2 |
Package structure for glass containers for pharmaceutical use
The package structure for glass containers for pharmaceutical use (e.g.: bottles, carpules and phials . . . ), comprises a tray (2) accommodating, at a raised position with respect to its bottom, a support plane (4) having a plurality of holes (12) for introducing containers spaced with a preset spatial order, the support plane comprising, at each introduction hole, elastically yielding means (13) for holding the container by means of a radial holding force, the holding means extending inside the volume enclosed by the projection of the perimeter of the hole in a manner parallel to the central symmetry axis (S) of the latter. |
| US08813957B1 |
Positioning frame for socket bits
A positioning frame for socket bits has a track frame and a supporting device. The track frame has at least one baseboard, at least two positioning racks and at least two holding racks. The racks are formed on the at least one baseboard. Each one of the at least two holding racks has a holding recess and an opening. The supporting device is detachably connected to the track frame and has multiple fixing boards and at least two supporting mounts. The fixing boards are movably mounted in the holding recesses of the at least two holding racks. The at least two supporting mount are securely connected to the fixing boards to abut against the at least one baseboard, and each one of the at least two supporting mounts has at least two through holes and at least two screw bolts. |
| US08813956B2 |
Container with side opening
A container for consumer goods includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall and two side walls. One of the two side walls is pivotally attached to either the back wall or the front wall so as to be capable of being actuated in a manner such as to be moved between an open position and a closed. |
| US08813950B2 |
Automated adjustment system for star wheel
A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed. An automated adjustment mechanism for adjusting a star wheel to accommodate different articles is also disclosed. The automated adjustment mechanism may be used with any suitable star wheel. |
| US08813949B2 |
Apparatuses and method for transferring flexible flat objects
An apparatus and a method for transferring flexible flat objects, in particular printed products, between two conveyers wherein the apparatus includes a first gripper conveyor having first grippers moved along a first gripper conveying path for the substantially suspended transport of the objects in a conveyor device by seizing a first object edge, a second gripper conveyor having second grippers moved along a second gripper conveying path for receiving the objects by seizing a second object edge located opposite of the first object edge, at least one actuating apparatus for opening and closing the first and second grippers such that a transfer of the objects from the first grippers to the second grippers can take place in a transfer region. At least one auxiliary conveyor including auxiliary grippers carried along an auxiliary conveyor conveying path together with the first grippers is provided. |
| US08813948B2 |
Device for transferring articles between a machine for moving the articles intermittently and a machine for moving the articles continuously, and a corresponding packaging installation
A device for transferring articles between a first machine implementing intermittent movement of the articles at a first predetermined pitch, and a second machine implementing continuous movement of the articles at a second predetermined pitch. The device includes a flexible conveyor extending around at least two pulleys so as to have at least one rectilinear segment facing a conveyor of the first machine and a rounded segment facing a conveyor of the second machine. The flexible conveyor of the device carries laterally-projecting article-handling members arranged at regular intervals in such a manner that the handling members are at a pitch corresponding to the first pitch in the rectilinear segment. The rounded segment has a radius such that the handling members are at a pitch corresponding to the second pitch in the rounded segment. |
| US08813944B2 |
Device for sorting out incorrectly positioned cylindrical bodies in a separating and conveying unit
A separating and conveying unit in which a device for sorting out incorrectly positioned cylindrical bodies, such as for hollow bodies, is arranged. The device has a roller sorter with rollers and air nozzles arranged laterally adjacent the rollers. Incorrectly positioned cylindrical bodies are blown out of the roller sorter by the air nozzles. The air nozzles can be pivoted and at least one of the air flows escaping from the air nozzles is directed at the cylindrical body at an angle of attack. |
| US08813940B2 |
Container filling device
A device for filling containers, in particular bottles or beakers with food products, comprising: an upper main element, a lower main element which are the main elements of the device; lateral elements connecting the main elements; a plurality of support elements continuously arranged at one another without a continuous drive device and provided with receivers for the containers and moved through the device and along the elements and along operating stations; running rails on which the support elements rest while being moved through the main elements; a drive which moves the support elements at least along the operating stations; and at least one lateral element configured as an elevator through which the support elements alternate between the main elements when moving through the device, wherein the elevator includes a exclusively vertically movable lifting device for moving the support elements from one main element into another main element. |
| US08813934B2 |
Clutch assembly with formed retention ring
A clutch assembly for a vehicle transmission includes a housing defined by a wall having an annular configuration circumscribing a clutch axis. The wall extends between an open end and a floor. The floor extends inwardly from the wall toward the clutch axis. A plurality of splines formed in the wall and each is spaced from the open end of the housing. A snap ring retains clutch plates in the housing. The open end of the wall is deformed inwardly toward the clutch axis defining a retainer for retaining the snap ring within the housing. |
| US08813932B2 |
Isolator decoupler
An isolator decoupler comprising a pulley, the pulley journalled to a shaft, a torsion spring having an end engaged with the pulley, the torsion spring loadable in an unwinding direction, a one-way clutch carrier, a one-way clutch disposed between the shaft and the one-way clutch carrier, a wrap spring engagable with an inner surface of the one-way clutch carrier, the wrap spring coupled to the torsion spring, and the wrap spring loadable in the unwinding direction such that the wrap spring through friction is able to lockably engage the inner surface in a driving direction. |
| US08813929B2 |
Controllable coupling assembly
A controllable coupling assembly includes first, second and third coupling members supported for rotation relative to one another about a common rotational axis. A face of the first coupling member has pockets spaced about the axis. A face of the second coupling member has locking formations that are engaged by struts upon projecting outwardly from the pockets to prevent relative rotation of the first and second coupling members with respect to each other in at least one direction about the axis. A face of the third coupling member has pockets spaced about the axis. A different face of the second coupling member has locking formations that are engaged by struts from the third member to prevent relative rotation of the second and third coupling members with respect to each other in at least one direction about the axis. |
| US08813923B2 |
Hydraulic damper assembly
Disclosed is a hydraulic damper including a valve housing (78) having a valve housing bore (88) disposed in abutting relationship with a bypass insert (68) of a base valve assembly (56) for isolating a bypass passage (70) from a reservoir (36). The valve housing (78) defines a valve housing orifice (128) extending therethrough to define an orifice plane (P). A valve (106) is rotatably disposed within the valve housing bore (88) and defines at least one valve orifice (130) extending therethrough along the plane (P). The valve (106) is rotatable between a closed position and an open position to align the valve orifice (130) and the valve housing orifice (128). A working fluid flows serially through the bypass passage (70), the valve orifice (130), and the open valve housing orifice (128). A modulating valve (134) overlays the valve housing orifice (128) for variably and incrementally increasing the fluid flow through the aligned orifices (128, 130) in response to an increase in pressure in the valve housing orifice (128) above a predetermined pressure. |
| US08813921B2 |
Bicycle disc brake rotor
A bicycle disc brake rotor basically has an outer portion, an inner portion and an intermediate portion. The outer portion is made of a first material. The inner portion is made of the first material. The intermediate portion is disposed between the outer portion and the inner portion. The intermediate portion is made of the first material. The intermediate portion is partially laminated by a layer made of a second material. The second material is different from the first material. The layer has a contour tracing a contour of the intermediate portion. |
| US08813918B2 |
Method and device for monitoring an elevator support characterizing propery
An elevator support monitoring device in an elevator system and a method for monitoring an elevator support characterizing property, preferably an electrical resistance, of the elevator support or of a tension support of the elevator support for a sudden change in the characterizing property. A state of the elevator support is determined by evaluating several consecutive, sudden changes in the characterizing property. |
| US08813915B2 |
Energy storing device in which energy is stored through spring torsion
An energy storing device is disclosed. In the energy storing device of the present invention, energy from an energy generating unit is stored in the form of spring torsion and then is output steadily. The energy storing device of the present invention includes a plurality of cog-wheels, a plurality of torsion magnitude limiting units, a plurality of single-directional input bearings, a plurality of energy storing units and a plurality of speed enhancing cog-wheels. Each of the energy storing units includes at least two end rotational disc portions, which are connected with each other co-axially. A leaf spring unit is provided between each pair of rotational disc portions and one end of the leaf spring unit is bent in an opposite direction. In addition, the energy storing units may be connected in series or in parallel to increase the efficiencies in energy storage and energy output. |
| US08813912B2 |
Pivot block connection
A pivot block connection and assembly is disclosed. The pivot block assembly may include a pivot block connection and a gangway device having a stationary base and a pivotable access that is capable of being raised and lowered. The pivot block connection may include a first support body attached to a first side of the pivotable access, a first pivot bracket attached to the stationary base, and a first pivot rod spacer positioned between the first support body and the first pivot bracket. The pivot block connection may also include a second support body attached to a second side of the pivotable access, a second pivot bracket also attached to the stationary base, and a second pivot rod spacer positioned between the second support body and the second pivot bracket. A pivot rod may extend through the first pivot bracket, the first pivot rod spacer, the first support body. |
| US08813911B2 |
Tactical vehicle with line deployment tower
A tactical vehicle incorporates a line deployment tower adapted for use by personnel transferring between an elevated location on the vehicle and a remote target location. The line deployment tower includes a base mounted to the vehicle at the elevated location. An elongated line boom has a proximal end attached to the base, and an opposite distal end. A flexible line is secured to the distal end of the line boom, and is adapted for extending downward from the elevated location when deployed. |
| US08813901B2 |
Vehicle steering system
A vehicle steering system in which a steering member and a steered wheel are not mechanical coupled to each other includes a rotation angle restriction mechanism that restricts a rotation angle of the steering member within a restricted angular range. In a normal mode, drive control on a steered system actuator is executed on the basis of a steering angle detected by a steering angle sensor. In a failure mode for a situation in which there is a malfunction in the steering angle sensor, drive control on the steered system actuator is executed on the basis of a steering direction detected by a steering direction detection sensor. The steering direction detection sensors detect the steering direction on the basis of at which one of a pair of terminal ends of the restricted angular range, the rotation angle restriction mechanism is restricting the rotation angle of the steering member. |
| US08813900B2 |
Vehicle exhaust system
A vehicle exhaust system has a first exhaust pipe adapted to be connected to a first exhaust port of an engine, a first expansion chamber connected to the first exhaust pipe, a second exhaust pipe adapted to be connected to a second exhaust port of an engine, a second expansion chamber connected to the second exhaust pipe, a collector connected to the first and second expansion chambers, a third exhaust pipe connected to the collector, and a first muffler connected to the third exhaust pipe. A vehicle having the vehicle exhaust system is also disclosed. |
| US08813899B2 |
Damper and vehicle seat
A damper is provided which damps an applied external force in accordance with the strength of the external force (impact strength). The damper 10 comprises a vessel 20 having a cylindrical chamber 21 filled with a viscous fluid, a turn member 60 turned by the external force, a slider member 40 which is moved in the chamber 21 of the vessel 20 by turn of the turn member 60, partition member 80 engaged with the slider member 40, a coiled spring 100 for energizing the slider member 40 toward the turn member 60, and a resin cap 100 blocking an opening of the vessel 20. |
| US08813897B2 |
Impact absorbing apparatus of vehicle
An impact absorbing apparatus of a vehicle includes a back beam to secure an impact absorbing space while retreating rearward at the time of a collision accident with a pedestrian. This makes it possible to prevent direct contact between the back beam, which is a rigid body, and the pedestrian. Therefore, injury to the pedestrian may be significantly decreased. |
| US08813894B1 |
Motorcycle
A motorcycle includes a body frame including right and left main frames and right and left rear arms, a rear suspension disposed on a vehicle center line so that its axis extends substantially in a fore-and-aft direction, and a seat located above the rear suspension. The left main frame includes a left inclined portion extending obliquely rightward and rearward, and a left minimum portion. The right main frame includes a right inclined portion extending obliquely leftward and rearward, and a right minimum portion located rightward of the left minimum portion such that a distance between the right and left main frames in a vehicle width direction is at a minimum rearward of the left inclined portion and the right inclined portion. The rear suspension is at least partially located between the right and left minimum portions in a plan view of the motorcycle. |
| US08813890B2 |
Tricycle lifting suspension transporter
A self-loading tricycle transporter directed to 10-50 ton load ranges having a three-point tricycle type configuration providing superior suspension in terms of natural load contact on any type of surface condition. The tricycle transporter includes a fluid lifting suspension at each of three points. One point utilizes an on-center rotation fluid suspension axle assembly working in conjunction with solid elastomer tires at each end axle beam at the rear that attaches to the underside of the tricycle transporter platform with heavy fluid cylinder at each end. Accordingly, the three suspension points have the capability of being able to lift and lower to accommodate self-loading. |
| US08813888B2 |
Vehicle body rear structure
An IPU protection guard includes a pair of left and right upper horizontal members, which extend along a forward and rearward direction on an upper portion of an IPU on both sides in a vehicle width direction of the IPU, a pair of left and right lower horizontal members, which extend along the forward and rearward direction on a lower portion of the IPU on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the IPU, and an X-shaped member which extends in an X shape along a rear surface of the IPU. |
| US08813884B2 |
Optimization to reduce fuel consumption in charge depleting mode
A powertrain includes an internal combustion engine, a motor utilizing electrical energy from an energy storage device, and a plug-in connection. A Method for controlling the powertrain includes monitoring a fuel cut mode, ceasing a fuel flow to the engine based upon the fuel cut mode, and through a period of operation including acceleration of the powertrain, providing an entirety of propelling torque to the powertrain with the electrical energy from the energy storage device based upon the fuel cut mode. |
| US08813883B2 |
Power plant for hybrid motor vehicle
A hybrid vehicle power unit includes an engine, a generator and a traction motor. A mounting bracket includes a base portion and a plurality of junctions arranged along the outer edge of an end of the generator at a plurality of points spaced at interval to fasten the base portion to the end. Dividing the end by an imaginary vertical plane that includes a rotor axis of the generator into a front area and a rear area with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the number of some of the plurality of junctions located in the rear area is larger than the number of the remainder of the plurality of junctions located in the front area. A generator mount between an end portion of the mounting bracket and a side member is arranged in front of the imaginary vertical plane with respect to the longitudinal axis. |
| US08813882B2 |
Forage conveyor drive system
A forage transporter allowing both front and rear unloading using an apron conveyor passing along the floor of the forage transporter provides a single control lever selectively enabling a forward drive for forward unloading and a rear drive for rear unloading while providing a mechanical lockout preventing simultaneous activation of the front and rear drives. |
| US08813880B2 |
Robotic system and methods of use
A robotic system that can have a body and four flippers is described. Any or all of the flippers can be rotated. The flippers can have self-cleaning tracks. The tracks can be driven or passive. The robotic system can be controlled by and send audio and/or video to and/or from, a remote operator control module. The methods of using and making the robotic system are also described. |
| US08813879B2 |
Electric steering and driving system for a lateral wheel-steering vehicle
The invention relates to an electric steering and drive system for a vehicle having a wheel-based steering system, having drive elements for traction tracks or for wheels and having two drive shafts, the first end of which is connected to the drive element of the respective one vehicle side and the second end of which is connected to a differential gear mechanism arrangement, and at least one traction motor is connected to at least one of the two drive shafts, and having an electric steering drive which is drive-connected to the differential gear mechanism arrangement, it being possible for the traction motors and steering drives to be supplied with electric current from at least two energy sources which are independent of one another. |
| US08813875B1 |
Drilling rig with continuous microwave particulate treatment system
A drilling rig with continuous microwavable particulate treatment system for treating fluid from a wellbore on an offshore platform. The system uses a materials handling controller, a vibrating sieve device or filtering device to separate particulate from drilling fluid, a cuttings discharge collection device for continuously moving the slurry to a cuttings processing station, a treatment system controller controlling the continuous cuttings processing station that uses a microwave generator creating microwaves that heat the slurry and a plurality of non-deforming microwave heatable polishing and grinding media in a vibrating trough. The system continuously creates water vapor with oil droplets and cleaned cuttings, and a vapor recovery system is used for removing the oil droplets from the water vapor having a vapor recovery system controller in communication with the material handling controller and treatment system controller. |
| US08813874B2 |
Method for servicing subterranean wells
Methods for sealing voids and cracks in subterranean-formation rock that contains carbonate minerals, thereby minimizing or stopping fluid flow between the formation rock and the wellbore of a subterranean well, comprise pumping a solution of one or more lattices that contains at least one carboxylated monomer down a well during drilling and allowing it to enter voids (e.g., pores, fractures, vugs and caverns) in the carbonate-containing formation. The solution reacts with divalent cations liberated by the carbonates and forms a plug. |
| US08813869B2 |
Analysis refracted acoustic waves measured in a borehole
Methods and related systems are described for measuring and analyzing refracted acoustic energy. A plurality of receivers mounted are on a downhole tool, and are arranged and adapted to receive refracted acoustic energy from a downhole formation. Measurements of refracted acoustic energy is analyzed such that information relating to an azimuthal direction relative to the downhole tool of an interface within the downhole formation can be estimated. The receivers can be mounted on a drill collar as part of a LWD tool and steering of the drilling trajectory can be based in part on the estimated formation information. |
| US08813865B2 |
Coulter unit for high speed tillage applications
A tillage coulter unit (22, 122) adapted for use with a farm implement (10) permits high speed tillage operations (e.g., field fertilization using liquid fertilizer such as ammonia, or seeding) without undue soil disruption or fertilizer vaporization. The coulter unit (22, 122) includes an upright, rotatable coulter blade (26, 130) with a gauge assembly (28, 132) operable to limit the depth of the coulter blade into soil and to minimize soil disruption. The gauge assembly (28, 132) preferably includes a pair of elongated, shiftable belt or chain loops (74, 212, 214) positioned in straddling relationship and astride the blade (26, 130). The loops (74, 212, 214) present lower runs (96, 212a, 214a) which substantially contact the soil as the unit (22, 122) traverses a field. |
| US08813863B2 |
Semi-mounted monowheel plough with adjustable working width between plough bodies
A semi-mounted monowheel plough includes a hitching device intended to be connected to a tractor, a single-piece frame equipped with plough bodies, a wheel and a beam guiding the wheel, the frame having a recess at the level of the wheel. Each plough body is connected to the frame by a first respective articulation, the plough bodies are connected with each other via a control mechanism integrated in the frame, each plough body is connected to the control mechanism by a second respective articulation and the control mechanism includes at least one straight bar and a curved bar. |
| US08813861B2 |
Flap and roll positioner for a sod harvesting apparatus
A sod harvester may include a cutting head for cutting the strip of sod from a field, a transport conveyor located behind the cutting head for conveying the strip of sod from the cutting head, and a roll-up mechanism operatively connected to the transport conveyor. The roll-up mechanism may be adapted to form the strip of sod into the sod roll. An accumulator may be disposed downstream from the transport conveyor. The accumulator may include a receiving surface to receive the sod roll from the transport conveyor. A guide member may be positioned above the accumulator. The guide member may be adapted to contact an outer surface of the sod roll when the sod roll is transferred from the transport conveyor to the receiving surface, thereby inhibiting unrolling of the sod roll. |
| US08813853B1 |
Temporary abandonment cap
Temporary abandonment caps include a cap body having an opening therethrough, and an inner sleeve that provides access to the wellbore, where the inner sleeve can be accessed through the opening in the cap body when a removable cover is removed. The inner sleeve also includes an injection port and a channel through which fluids for protecting the wellhead can be injected. The temporary abandonment caps can remain in place while performing well operations and ensuring that the sealing surfaces on a wellhead remain protected from corrosion. |
| US08813850B2 |
Washpipe isolation valve and associated systems and methods
A method can include closing a valve interconnected between sections of a washpipe of a service tool string by displacing the service tool string relative to a completion string, thereby preventing flow through the washpipe. A well system can include a service tool string reciprocably received in a completion string, the service tool string including a washpipe received in a well screen, and a valve which selectively permits and prevents flow through the washpipe. The completion string can include a structure which operates the valve in response to displacement of the service tool string relative to the completion string. Another method can include closing a valve by partially withdrawing a service tool string from a completion string, thereby preventing flow through a washpipe of the service tool string. |
| US08813846B2 |
Hydrocarbon recovery process for fractured reservoirs
Steam-Over-Solvent Injection in Fractured Reservoirs (SOS-FR) is carried out by treating a fractured hydrocarbon bearing formation penetrated by a well with a first phase of injecting a formation compatible aqueous fluid into the fractured hydrocarbon bearing formation through the well, a second phase of injecting a hydrocarbon solvent into the fractured hydrocarbon bearing formation through the well and at least a third phase of repeating the first phase after the second phase. |
| US08813837B2 |
Wellhead system having resilient device to actuate a load member and enable an over-pull test of the load member
A wellbore system comprising a housing assembly and a hanger assembly. The hanger assembly comprises an actuation member that interacts with a portion of the housing assembly when the hanger assembly is positioned at a desired location in the housing assembly. The hanger assembly also comprises a load member that is adapted to extend between the hanger assembly and the housing assembly to enable the housing assembly to support the hanger assembly. The load member is carried into the wellbore in a retracted position. When the actuation member interacts with the housing assembly at the desired location, the actuation member actuates the load member to expand outward to extend between the hanger assembly and the housing assembly. The actuation member is adapted to transfer a lifting force from the surface to the load member to enable an over-pull test of the hanger assembly to be performed. |
| US08813833B2 |
Heat exchanging device for powder, and method for manufacturing the same
To provide a heat exchanging device for powder, which is capable of suppressing as much as possible the compression force applied to an object to be processed and reducing the manufacturing man-hour (time), while ensuring the piston flowability of the object to be processed. In order to achieve this object, the present invention is a heat exchanging device for powder, which is configured such that a shaft 13 is rotatably supported within a horizontally long casing 1, that a plurality of heat exchangers 30 are disposed at predetermined intervals on the shaft, and that a heat exchanging medium is supplied into the heat exchangers via the shaft, wherein the heat exchangers 30 are formed as substantially hollow disk-shaped heat exchangers each having a notched recess 31 directed to a center from a circumferential edge. |
| US08813831B2 |
Air-conditioning system for vehicle with improved sunshine correction
An air-conditioning system for a vehicle, that includes a module for controlling the air-conditioning group for adjusting the temperature inside the passenger compartment to a setpoint temperature, the control module being capable of correcting the temperature adjustment in the passenger compartment based on a received sunshine value in the passenger compartment. The system further includes a mechanism correcting the sunshine value to improve the correction of the temperature adjustment inside the passenger compartment particularly in cloudy conditions. |
| US08813828B2 |
Casting delivery nozzle
In a twin roll continuous caster, the casting nozzle in the continuous casting apparatus is arranged such that the outlet passages and/or tapered walls in the main portion within the casting nozzle provide flow of molten metal downwardly converging toward the nip between the casting rolls of a twin roll caster. The casting nozzle having a reservoir portion for directing molten metal converging toward the triple point region to inhibit the washing of shells forming on the casting surfaces of the casting rolls. |
| US08813827B2 |
In-situ homogenization of DC cast metals with additional quench
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for direct chill casting ingots with in-situ homogenization. Large particles of eutectic material may form in the solid ingot and the metal may exhibit macrosegregation of alloying components, especially when large ingots are cast in this way. This can be alleviated by applying a first liquid coolant to the ingot emerging from the mold, removing the first liquid coolant at a certain distance along the ingot by means of a wiper, and then applying a second liquid coolant to perform a quench at a greater distance along the ingot. The quench raises the level of the molten sump in the ingot, which helps to overcome the indicated problems, without affecting the desired temperature rebound of the ingot shell (usually at least 425° C. (797° F.)) for a time effective to cause in-situ homogenization. |
| US08813826B2 |
Method of and apparatus for casting metal slab
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and apparatus for continuously casting a metal slab. The method involves continuously introducing molten metal into an inlet of a casting cavity defined between advancing casting surfaces, cooling the metal in the cavity to form a metal slab, and discharging the slab from the cavity through an outlet. The casting surfaces have an ability to remove heat from the metal but this ability is reduced, thus reducing heat flux, for at least one of the casting surfaces in a region of the cavity spaced from both the inlet and the outlet and extending transversely to the casting direction. This reduced ability to remove heat is relative to such ability of the casting surface in immediately adjacent upstream and downstream regions of the cavity. The apparatus may be a twin belt caster or other form of continuous caster modified to perform the method. |
| US08813824B2 |
Systems, devices, and/or methods for producing holes
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, and/or composition of matter adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method for activities that can comprise and/or relate to, a first form comprising: a plurality of surface artifacts that substantially spatially replicate a surface geometry of a stacked foil mold; and a prong that is adapted to form a hole in a cast product. |
| US08813820B1 |
Gravity casting mold
A gravity casting mold including a first mold, a second mold and an exhaust runner mold, which are combined with each other and form a turbine housing cavity having a twin scroll part, a first riser, a sprue, a runner, a second riser, an exhaust manifold cavity, third risers and gates. A heating sleeve is provided in the first riser so as to prevent shrinkage of the molten metal in the twin scroll part. The heating sleeve is closed in an upper end, with a gas ejection hole formed through the upper end of the heating sleeve. A sprue cup is provided in the sprue so as to maintain the temperature of the molten metal in the sprue. The gravity casting mold further includes a twin scroll mold, a main gate core, an exhaust runner core, a twin scroll part core and a bypass part core, and a sub-gate core. |
| US08813819B2 |
Die change apparatus and die carrying-in device for use in flaskless molding machine
Provided are a die change apparatus for use in a flaskless molding machine capable of mounting dies for producing a casting mold on die bases even when the dies have a great thickness, and a die carrying-in device used therein. The die carrying-in device comprises a first movable plate provided so as to be slidable along a die carrying-in direction toward a first die base, and a second movable plate placed so as to face the first movable plate in a standby position. A die drive source causes dies which have been positioned in a height direction to be detached from the movable plates, move toward the die bases, and be supported by clamping elements. An intersection drive source causes at least one of the first movable plate and the second movable plate to move in a direction to intersect the die carrying-in direction independently of the other. |
| US08813818B2 |
Melt-containment plunger tip for horizontal metal die casting
Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for injection molding. In one embodiment, a constraining plunger may be configured in-line with an injection plunger to transfer a molten material from a melt zone and into a mold. The constraining and injection plungers are configured to constrain the molten material there-between while moving. The constrained molten material can be controlled to have an optimum surface area to volume ratio to provide minimized heat loss during the injection molding process. The system can be configured in a longitudinal direction (e.g., horizontally) for movement between the melt zone and mold along a longitudinal axis. A molded bulk amorphous object can be ejected from the mold. |
| US08813816B2 |
Methods of melting and introducing amorphous alloy feedstock for casting or processing
Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting and introducing alloy feedstock for molding by using a hollow branch having a constraint mechanism therein. In one embodiment, a hollow branch can extend upward from a cold chamber that is substantially horizontally configured. The hollow branch including a constraint mechanism can be capable of containing an alloy feedstock for melting into the molten alloy in the hollow branch and introducing the molten alloy to the cold chamber for molding. |
| US08813815B2 |
Vacuum die-casting system, and method for operating a vacuum die-cast system
The invention relates to a vacuum die-casting system and a method for operating a vacuum die-casting system. |
| US08813811B1 |
Forming a mold for steel casting
A method of forming a mold for use in the casting of a steel railway freight car truck component is provided. A cope mold is formed by providing a near net shape oversize impression of a cope pattern of a product to be cast in a flask. A cope pattern of the product to be cast is then placed on the flask forming a spacing between the cope pattern and the oversize impression. A resin coated sand is then blown to form a sand layer between the oversized impression in the flask and the cope pattern. The resin sand is set to form a mold of a thickness between the oversized impression in the flask and the cope pattern of the product to be cast. The drag mold is formed in a similar manner. |
| US08813810B1 |
Forming a mold for steel casting
A method of forming a mold for use in the casting of a steel railway freight car truck component is provided. A cope mold is formed by providing a near net shape oversize impression of a cope pattern of a product to be cast in a flask. A cope pattern of the product to be cast is then placed on the flask forming a spacing between the cope pattern and the oversize impression. A resin coated sand is then blown to form a sand layer between the oversized impression in the flask and the cope pattern. The resin sand is set to form a mold of a thickness between the oversized impression in the flask and the cope pattern of the product to be cast. The drag mold is formed in a similar manner. |
| US08813802B1 |
Pneumatic tire with rubber component containing thermoplastic/filler composite
The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire comprising at least one component, the at least one component comprising a rubber composition, the rubber composition comprising: at least one diene based elastomer; and from 1 to 30 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of elastomer (phr), of a particulate composite comprising ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, an inorganic filler, and a network of interconnecting pores communicating throughout the particulate composite, the pores constituting at least 35 percent by volume of the particulate composite. |
| US08813801B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire has a tread surface for simultaneously achieving both enhanced on-ice performance and enhanced durability. The pneumatic tire includes sipes extending in the width direction of the tire that are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the tire at least in shoulder blocks that are divided by longitudinal grooves extending in the circumferential direction of the tire and by lateral grooves extending in the width direction of the tire. Open sipes and closed sipes are alternately arranged, and the depth of the open sipes is less than the depth of the closed sipes. |
| US08813800B2 |
Pneumatic tire
In a pneumatic tire 1, a center land portion 5a between center main grooves 3, a middle land portion 5b between the center main groove 3 and a shoulder main groove 4, and a pair of shoulder land portions 5c extending on outer sides of the shoulder main groove 4 in a tire axial direction are divided from each other. The center main groove 3 includes arc groove pieces 6 which are continuously provided in a tire circumferential direction. The arc groove piece 6 includes an arc portion 7 which is curved to swell toward a tire equator C. The middle land portion 5b is provided with a middle inclined groove 9 which extends from an intersection portion K of the arc groove piece 6 toward the shoulder main groove 4. |
| US08813793B2 |
Paint formulation and dispensing apparatus
A paint formulation and dispensing apparatus for mixing paint from a can having an open top and to a receiving can. The apparatus includes a dispensing lid attached to the paint can so that the lid overlies the open top of the paint can. The lid includes a spout and a reservoir having a plunger slidably disposed in it such that the position of the plunger determines the volume of the reservoir. A valve is disposed in a passageway in the lid and is movable between a first position in which the valve fluidly connects the passageway to the reservoir, and a second position in which the valve fluidly connects the reservoir to the spout. A weight scale is positioned below the spout and the receiving can is positioned on the weight scale. The weight scale generates an electronic signal to a programmed processor which generates output signals to control both the position of the valve as well as the position of an actuator which engages the plunger. |
| US08813792B2 |
Tool and method for draining and refilling a cooling system
A method of refilling coolant from a fluid cooling system of an engine, where the fluid cooling system has a surge tank or pressure cap, includes the steps of sealingly connecting a storage tank of a coolant management tool to a drainage port of the cooling system, wherein the drainage port is located at the bottom of the fluid cooling system. The storage tank stores the coolant to refill the cooling system. The method includes installing a vacuum module to the surge tank or pressure cap. The method also includes the steps maintaining a vacuum while drawing at least a portion of the coolant from the storage tank up through the drainage port, up through the cooling system, and to a level just upstream of the vacuum module. |
| US08813791B2 |
High-speed safety heald shaft
Guard elements (31) are provided for the corner connectors (16 through 19) of a heald shaft (10) of a shedding unit, the guard elements covering the open space formed between the two legs (26, 27) and thus providing a grip protection. |
| US08813789B2 |
Dispenser with inline pressure regulator
A proportioning dispenser of concentrated chemical mixed in a diluent such as water includes a water valve, an in-line water pressure regulator downstream of the valve and an eductor downstream of the regulator. When the valve is open, water flows to the regulator, and a pressure regulator water flow passes to the eductor. When the valve is closed, no water flows to the regulator, which sees pressurized water only when the water valve is open during a dispensing cycle. More accurate dilution ratios are achieved over a wide range of incoming water line pressures. In an alternate embodiment, a water valve and a regulator are formed in a common housing with the regulator operationally downstream of the valve. |
| US08813787B2 |
Single acting directional control valve
A valve rod is accommodated in a valve chest which is in communication with a plurality of ports, the valve rod has a round poppet valve disposed between a supply valve seat and a discharge valve seat, an annular protruding wall is formed on a side surface of the poppet valve, the protruding wall has a circumference surface including a cylindrical surface extending in parallel with an axial line of the valve chest and an inclined surface which enables the base end of the cylindrical surface to be smoothly continuous with the side surface of the poppet valve, and the cylindrical surface has a diameter smaller than that of the poppet valve and larger than that of a narrow portion of the valve rod. |
| US08813785B2 |
Fluid selection valve
A multiple fluid selection valve including a stator and a rotor is provided. The stator includes a stator interface and a plurality of ports arranged into a plurality of port groups. Each port group has a common port and non-common ports. The non-common ports include a first non-common port and a second non-common port. The rotor includes a plurality of first channels, each first channel extending from an axial center of the rotor to at least a point on the rotor interface alignable with the common ports for fluid communication therewith. The rotor also includes a plurality of second channels, each second channel extending from at least a point on the rotor interface alignable with the common ports for fluid communication therewith to at least a point on the rotor interface alignable with the first non-common ports and/or the second non-common ports for fluid communication therewith. |
| US08813782B2 |
Hydraulic fitting for pipes
A hydraulic fast fitting for hydraulic pipes, including a first fitting element (1) in fluid communication with a first pipe (2), provided with a first valve (3) for opening and closing the fluid communication with the first pipe (2), and a second fitting element (5), provided with a second valve (6) for opening or closing a fluid communication with a second pipe (7), and further including a removable fast-coupling device (19) for connecting said first and second fitting elements (1, 5) and establishing a fluid communication between said first and second pipes (2, 7). |
| US08813781B2 |
Drop separator
A drop separator for the bleeding line of a fuel container, comprising a drop separator housing that is connected to a space surrounded by the filler tube of the fuel container, preferably directly to the refueling channel of the filler tube, and at least two bleeding line connections, wherein the housing is divided by at least one partition into at least two separate gas paths, wherein a first gas path is designed as a gas inlet channel and a second gas path as a gas outlet channel. The gas inlet channel is closed on the end face by a lid and communicates via a passage of a surrounding wall of the drop separator housing with the filler tube. |
| US08813780B2 |
Sealed, non-permeable fuel tank for spark-ignition motors
A fuel tank for a spark-ignition motor with a vapor intake port has a tank body having a tank wall enclosing a tank volume. A filler port in a first upper portion of the tank wall establishes a liquid fill-level limit for the tank volume. A vapor dome formed by a second upper portion of the tank wall subtends a vapor space above the liquid fill-level limit. A vapor vent valve is mounted in the vapor dome and is connectable to the vapor intake port. The vapor dome has a shape and size allowing the tank body to tilt from about a horizontal position to about thirty degrees in any direction from the horizontal position before a liquid filling the tank volume to the liquid fill-level limit contacts the vapor vent valve. |
| US08813774B1 |
Method for sealing a drain
A method for sealing a drain by pouring a chemical sealant comprising ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block co-polymer into the drain trap in a sufficient quantity to displace any existing fluid in the drain with the sealant and allowing the sealant to remain in the drain trap. The sealant will not evaporate (significantly if at all), and will provide a seal, for a period of at least twelve months. The sealant may be removed and the drain opened by flushing with water. |
| US08813773B2 |
Valve arrangement
A valve device having a valve body (1, 1′) releasably connected by a retaining unit (4, 4′) to a housing (3, 3′) designed for receiving electronic tire pressure measuring device, so that the retaining unit fixes the valve body in a relative position to the housing in a locked state, and the valve body can be displaced in an axial extension direction relative to the housing and released from the same in an unlocked state. The retaining unit is provided on or in the housing, so that it engages laterally in a jacket-side locking segment of the valve body for producing the locked state, and are designed so that the retaining unit is secured or locked on or in the housing in the locked state. |
| US08813772B2 |
Security device and container provided with such device
The invention relates to a security device forming a pressurized gas release valve, said device including a body that defines a gas flow channel extending between a first upstream end, to be placed in contact with a source of pressurized gas, and a second downstream end, to be placed in contact with the outer atmosphere, the device including a stopper that is located on the channel so as to prevent the flow of the gas between the upstream end and the downstream end in a normal situation, the stopper being fusible and/or frangible so as to release the gas passage in the event of a dangerous situation when a pressure and/or a temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. Said device is characterized in that said device includes a tank of an unstable, exothermically decomposable gas that is placed in communication with the pressurized gas released during the melting/breaking of the stopper. |
| US08813771B2 |
Gate valve
A gate valve for controlling the flow of pressurized fluid having a dynamically-energized seal between a seat ring and a valve body. The dynamically-energized seal may be located in an annular groove defined in a flange sealing face of the seat ring to seal against an annular shoulder sealing face of the valve body. A plurality of fasteners may bring the flange sealing face of the seat ring to a mechanical stop against the shoulder sealing face of the valve body and dynamically energize the dynamically-energized seal. An obturator may engage and disengage the seat ring to control flow through the gate valve. |
| US08813766B2 |
Height adjuster mechanism for a dishwasher dish rack
A dish rack is supported for both selective movement into and out of a washing chamber of a dishwasher tub and vertically relative to the tub, with the vertical adjustment being made by manually grasping and shifting at least one frontal cross bar extending along a front wall of the dish rack to cause pivoting of first and second lever members extending along sides of the dish rack. The side lever members cooperate with latching mechanisms to lift and retain the dish rack in a select raised position. |
| US08813755B2 |
Surgical cover having integrated fluid barrier
A surgical cover has a second absorbent region which is overlapped by a fluid absorbent and fluid permeable material section having outer edges and adjoining edge regions. The surgical cover as such extends in a longitudinal direction LR between an upper end and a lower end. The absorbent material section is undetachably fixed across the entire circumference on the upper side of the base cover material of the surgical cover and is substantially not connected to the base cover material outside of the edge regions such that a pocket is formed between the absorbent material section and the fluid impermeable base cover material. At least one of the edge regions of the absorbent material section has a fluid barrier formed by a joining element which undetachably fixes the material section to the upper side of the base cover material. |
| US08813754B2 |
Magnetic implants and methods for treating an oropharyngeal condition
Magnetic devices and implantation methods are provided for use in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The devices include a sheet-like element having ferromagnetic qualities. The device may also include a permanent magnet attached to the sheet-like element by magnetic forces. The devices are implanted in soft tissue surrounding the airway and in tissue space beneath the pharyngeal wall to exert forces on and/or change the shape of the soft tissue. The magnetic devices may also include a bladder containing a magnetorheological fluid that stiffens soft tissue when exposed to a magnetic field. |
| US08813749B2 |
Cushion for ventilation interface
In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a cushion for a ventilation interface is disclosed. A ventilation mask can include a mask body adapted to matingly engage with the cushion. The cushion can be a double-membrane cushion having an outer sealing membrane and an inner membrane, both of which can extend from a frame. The outer sealing membrane can have a face-contacting portion. The inner membrane can be outwardly oriented from the frame. |
| US08813748B2 |
Full-face mask and mask cushion therefor
A full-face cushion comprises a frame and a membrane. The membrane has an aperture into which the wearer's nose is received. The membrane is spaced away from the frame. Respective notches receive the bridge of the wearer's nose. The wearer's nose and lips are received through the aperture into the chamber within the mask body. The seal forming portion thus contacts both the surface of the wearer's nose and a portion of the wearer's face in the region between the bottom lip and the chin, and around the sides and over the bridge of the nose. |
| US08813744B2 |
Anesthetic vaporizer and temperature compensation unit
An anesthetic vaporizer and a temperature compensation unit are disclosed. The temperature compensation unit, which cooperates with a vaporizing chamber having a bottom wall, includes a first device connected to the bottom wall of the vaporizing chamber for contacting with liquid anesthetic agent in the vaporizing chamber and changing in length according to temperature change of the liquid anesthetic agent, and a second device connected to the vaporizing chamber. A gas flow gap through which a gas flow passes is formed between the first and second devices. The gas flow gap becomes larger as temperature of the liquid anesthetic agent rises and smaller as the temperature of the liquid anesthetic agent drops. Since the first device is connected with the bottom wall of the vaporizing chamber, the first device will directly contact with the liquid anesthetic agent regardless of the liquid level of the anesthetic agent, as long as there is liquid agent in the vaporizing chamber; therefore the efficiency of heat exchange is high and the effect of temperature compensation is good. |
| US08813743B2 |
Atomizer
An atomizer for the delivery, and in particular, the atomization of a formulation, particularly, a powder. A simple construction and simple intuitive operation are made possible, in particular, by the fact that the atomizer has a mouthpiece with an associated cover, so that opening and/or closing of the cover causes a delivery medium, in particular air, to be taken in and/or put under pressure by a delivery device, a spring store is put under tension and/or a preferably annular reservoir containing a plurality of doses of the formulation is further rotated. |
| US08813742B2 |
Hot water feeder
A hot water feeder in which a solar heat collector is used. The feeder has a first heat exchanger for heating a heat medium by solar heat, a second heat exchanger for heating water in a hot-water tank by the heated heat medium, and a heat exchange volume determination unit. The heat exchange volume determination unit calculates the flow rate of the heat medium circulating between the first and second heat exchangers on the basis of the detected temperature of the heat medium fed to the first heat exchanger and the rotational speed of a heat medium circulation pump, and calculates the heat exchange volume on basis of the flow rate and the temperature difference between the detected temperatures. |
| US08813741B2 |
Stationary parabolic solar power system and related methods for collecting solar energy
A solar energy collector system includes a base, and a parabolic trough collector carried by the base for reflecting sunlight to a longitudinal focal line. The parabolic trough collector includes a center section horizontally positioned with respect to ground, and opposing end sections adjacent the center section. Each end section is angled towards the ground. A conduit is positioned along the longitudinal focal line to receive the reflected sunlight. The conduit circulates a heat transfer liquid therethrough to be heated by the reflected sunlight. |
| US08813739B2 |
Burner assembly and cooking appliance
A burner assembly is provided. The burner assembly includes a burner pot, a combustion mat, a pot cover, and a burner frame. The burner pot receives gas and air. A mixed gas of the gas and air supplied into the burner pot is burned in the combustion. The pot cover is disposed between the burner pot and the combustion mat to support the combustion mat. The burner frame guides combustion gas generated due to the combustion of the mixed gas in the combustion mat. |
| US08813738B2 |
Cooking grate assembly and cooking apparatus
A grate assembly for cooking food products and a grilling apparatus which uses the grate assembly for supporting the food during cooking. The grate assembly comprises: (a) a lower grate element having a series of parallel peak structures with valleys therebetween and (b) an upper grate element having a series of parallel food support ribs which are sized and spaced such that each rib will be positioned over the top of a corresponding peak structure. The upper food contacting surfaces of the ribs will remain substantially rust-free at atmospheric and cooking conditions. |
| US08813736B2 |
Sport blow gun
A sport blow gun is a blow gun which is a tube with a bore, a loading end and a muzzle end. A projectile is inserted into the loading end and blown out the muzzle end by the user's breath. The main tube features a safety device which prevents a projectile from falling out of the tube or being inhaled. One type of projectile fired from the blow gun is a dart which is usually comprised of foam or soft material, and may also be made out of a material which causes relatively little resistance as it passes through the bore, yielding higher velocity. The projectile may also be coated with a coating which reduces resistance with the bore. Projectiles may also be modified in form for aerodynamic efficiency. |
| US08813733B2 |
Hand-held engine-powered tool
When throttle lever is pulled with the rotation lock member of the engine-powered tool in a state in which rotation of rear handle is permitted, the electrode terminal provided on the rotation lock member and the electrode terminal provided on throttle lever contact each other. As a result of this contact, the two output terminals of the engine generator are short-circuited, the supply of electric power to the ignition device from the engine generator is stopped and the supply of electric power from the ignition device to sparkplug in the engine is stopped. Through this, operation of the blade is prevented when rotating rear handle. |
| US08813731B2 |
Blow-by gas refluxing device
A blow-by gas refluxing device is provided for an engine system including an engine and an intake air passage communicating with the engine for supplying intake air into the engine. The blow-by gas refluxing device includes a plurality of blow-by gas refluxing passages each having an inlet communicating with the engine and an outlet communicating with the intake air passage. The outlets of the blow-by gas passages communicate with the intake air passage at different positions along the length of the intake air passage and each of the blow-by gas passages has a backflow preventing device disposed therein, so that blow-by gas produced in the engine can flow into the intake air passage via at least one of the blow-by gas refluxing passages throughout the entire operational range of the engine. |
| US08813724B2 |
Evaporated fuel treatment device for motorcycle
A charge pipe passage includes a second pipe passage part which is connected to a fuel tank by way of a first pipe passage part and extends toward the other side from one side in the vehicle widthwise direction, and a third pipe passage part which is communicably connected with the second pipe passage part on the other side in the vehicle widthwise direction and has a highest part arranged at a highest position of the charge pipe passage at an intermediate position thereof. A first check valve is interposed on the third pipe passage part downstream of the highest part, an atmospheric air introducing pipe passage is connected to the third pipe passage part upstream of the first check valve, and a second check valve is interposed on the atmospheric air introducing pipe passage at a position higher than the highest part. |
| US08813723B2 |
System and method for detecting a stuck fuel injector
A control system for an engine is presented. The control system can include a transition period waveform monitor module, a stuck fuel injector detection module, and a fuel injection control module. The transition period waveform monitor module measures an electrical signal of a fuel injector upon deactivation of the fuel injector. The stuck fuel injector detection module detects a stuck fuel injector when an accumulated deviation of the electrical signal from a parameterized estimated reference waveform is outside of a predetermined range. The fuel injection control module controls fuel injection in the engine based on the detection of the stuck fuel injector. |
| US08813719B2 |
Internal combustion piston engine with a compression relief engine brake
An internal combustion piston engine based on a four-stroke process, including a crankcase in which at least one cylinder/piston assembly is arranged, the piston being guided by a connecting rod connected to a crankshaft. At least one cylinder head closes the cylinder, each of whose intake and exhaust channels are controlled by at least one intake valve and one exhaust valve (13, 13a). The intake and exhaust valves (13, 13a) are actuable by a rocker arm (5) or a finger lever driven by a camshaft (1) through intake and exhaust cams (2). The rocker arms or finger levers are guided on at least one axle (6). A brake control device is provided which includes, in the region of the base circle of the exhaust cam (2), at least one additional cam (1) for an additional opening of at least one of the exhaust valves (13, 13a). A control element (12, 12a) is installed between the rocker arm (5) or finger lever and the exhaust valve or valves (13, 13a), which control element (12, 12a) can be connected to the pressurized oil circulation system of the internal combustion piston engine and whose length can be varied, so that the additional cam (3) is active during a braking operation and inactive during a pure engine operation. The control element (12) is arranged in a bridge (11) that is associated with a plurality of exhaust valves (13, 13a). |
| US08813713B2 |
Piston with cylindrical wall
The piston has a crown forming a piston bowl. The piston bowl has a center portion with a convex spherical shape, a floor having a convex frusto-conical shape adjacent the center portion, and a base having a concave toroidal shape surrounding the floor. The piston bowl also has a cylindrical wall extending tangentially from the base that surrounds the center portion. The piston has a top surface perpendicular to the cylindrical wall along a rim of the piston bowl. A ratio between the piston bowl depth and the cylindrical wall length is less than 4, and a ratio between the piston bowl diameter and the piston bowl depth is 4.7. |
| US08813699B2 |
Actuator for lobe switching camshaft system
Systems and methods for actuating lobe switching in a camshaft system in an engine are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises deploying a first pin into a groove of a camshaft outer sleeve while a second pin remains in place due to an absence of a groove in which to deploy, and maintaining the second pin in place with a ball locking mechanism even after the second pin is exposed to a vacated groove in the camshaft outer sleeve. |
| US08813696B2 |
Electro-hydraulic valve train
An electro-hydraulic valve train is configured to change valve lift and valve opening/closing timing according to operation state of an engine. The electro-hydraulic valve train includes a valve stem having a valve head formed at a lower end thereof and a big-diameter stem formed at a middle portion thereof, the big-diameter stem having a larger diameter than the other portion, a swing arm having a roller contacting with a cam of a camshaft and an end connected to the valve stem, the one end being adapted to pivot with respect to the other end according to a rotation of the cam so as to move the valve stem upwardly or downwardly, a first brake unit enclosing the valve stem and adapted to perform brake operation in a case that the valve stem moves upwardly, and a second brake unit mounted at the other end of the swing arm and adapted to selectively move the other end of the swing arm upwardly or downwardly and to perform brake operation in a case that the other end of the swing arm moves downwardly. |
| US08813689B2 |
Radial fan and a high-pressure cleaning device having a radial fan
A centrifugal fan with a pot-like impeller and with a housing, having a first circumferential wall region with an arc-like curvature which extends directly along the impeller. The housing includes in a direction of rotation of the impeller a second circumferential region with a radial distance from the impeller increasing spirally up to an outlet region. The housing includes in an opposite direction a third circumferential wall region extending to the outlet region, having an S-curvature and including a sub-region curved in the same direction as the first circumferential wall region forming a flow baffle element. Two side walls cover the axial end faces of the impeller wherein one of the side walls extends into the pot-like impeller and divides its interior into a first suction chamber having an intake and a second suction chamber. The outlet region expands in cross-section in the outlet flow direction. |
| US08813674B2 |
Flag protection device
This invention is related to a device for protecting a flag located in a storage space, the storage space having an aperture disposed forwardly of the storage space, such that when the aperture is uncovered, the flag is able to be displayed, the device includes a retractable shutter for substantially covering the aperture, the retractable shutter includes a shutter actuator for deploying and retracting the shutter. |
| US08813673B2 |
Vehicle expansion retainer
A method and apparatus for retaining accessories to a vehicle. |
| US08813655B2 |
Railroad car constant contact side bearing assembly
A railroad car constant contact side bearing assembly including a housing, a top cap arranged for vertical reciprocatory movements relative to the housing, and a spring accommodated in a spring cavity defined by the housing and cap for resiliently urging the top cap into frictional sliding engagement with an underside of a railcar body. At least one of the side bearing housing and cap is formed from a high performance plastic material whereby enhancing the vertical reciprocity of the cap relative to the housing. |
| US08813650B2 |
Ammunition casing
An ammunition article is provided which comprises a casing and a cap wherein the casing is formed from a polymeric material that has a room temperature notched Izod impact value greater than about 10 ft lbs/in and then has a ratio of notched Izod impact value at room temperature to notch Izod impact value at about −40° C. of less than about 4. |
| US08813645B2 |
Printing press with cylinder adjustment and control devices
A printing press includes a printing form cylinder, a blanket cylinder, an impression cylinder, an adjusting device for setting a printing pressure between the blanket cylinder and the impression cylinder, a control device for throwing the pressure of the blanket cylinder on and off relative to the impression cylinder and springs for producing bearer ring pressure between bearer rings of the printing form cylinder and bearer rings of the blanket cylinder. The springs are integrated into coupling links and are connected to at least one of the two devices in such a way that, as a result of the actuation of that device, the springs are also adjusted, in order to keep the bearer ring pressure at least substantially constant. |
| US08813644B2 |
Cylinder body for orienting magnetic flakes contained in an ink or varnish vehicle applied on a sheet-like or web-like substrate
There is described a cylinder body (10) for orienting magnetic flakes contained in an ink or varnish vehicle applied on a sheet-like or web-like substrate, which cylinder body (10) has a plurality of magnetic-field-generating devices (50, 60) disposed on an outer circumference of the cylinder body (10). The cylinder body (10) comprises a plurality of distinct annular supporting rings (40) distributed axially along a common shaft member (20), each annular supporting ring (40) carrying a set of magnetic-field-generating devices (50, 60) which are distributed circumferentially on an outer circumference of the annular supporting rings (40). |
| US08813641B2 |
Spray dispensing device
One exemplary aspect comprises a device for spraying liquid, comprising: a liquid extractor having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion of the liquid extractor adapted to be inserted into a liquid source, the liquid extractor comprising a portion defining a cavity for collecting liquid from the liquid source; and a spray dispenser comprising a top portion and bottom portion, and comprising a spray pump partially disposed within and extending from the top portion of the spray dispenser, the bottom portion of the spray dispenser configured to be coupled with the top portion of the liquid extractor, the spray pump comprising a tube having a lower end disposed within the cavity for collecting liquid from the liquid source. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the bottom portion of the liquid extractor comprises a lower end having a concave surface defining a plurality of openings. |
| US08813640B2 |
Vegetable and fruit cutting device
A vegetable and fruit cutting device having a rack; a slide-rail adapted for moving vertically mounted on the rack; a platform mounted on the slide-rail; a serrated-blade assembly; a flat-blade assembly; and an escalating device adapted for adjusting vertical movement of the platform. The escalating device having an eccentric cam assembly mounted below the platform and a knob adapted for driving the eccentric cam assembly mounted to the side of the body. The eccentric cam assembly having a shaft mounted between the top of the rack and the bottom of the platform, the shaft having an eccentric cam which is fixed to the shaft. The serrated-blade assembly is mounted to the bottom of the platform. And the platform has a second aperture for receiving a serrated-blade of the serrated-blade assembly. |
| US08813639B2 |
Machine for processing food products
A machine for processing food products, includes a processing tool oscillatingly driven by a motor and a drive train, and a trigger system which, in each cycle of oscillating movement of the processing tool, triggers a predetermined action of the machine at a predetermined timing, the trigger system including a signal generator arranged in the drive train to deliver a reference time signal in each cycle, a timer measuring a time passed since the last occurrence of the reference time signal, and an electronic control device storing a displacement/time curve of the processing tool for at least one processing speed of the machine and in which a position of the processing tool is programmable at which the action shall be triggered, the control device determining on the basis of the displacement/time curve, the trigger timing corresponding to that position and triggering the action when the timer reaches this timing. |
| US08813638B2 |
Shaping and cooling device
The invention relates to a method for cooling a flowable melted food material including:(a) providing a device comprising a first cooling belt and a second cooling belt parallel to the first cooling belt, wherein each cooling belt is continuous and has an outer surface and an inner surface, the first and second cooling belts are aligned at an angle between 45° and 90° relative to horizontal, and the outer surface of the first cooling belt and the outer surface of the second cooling belt are spaced apart to form a gap having a top end and a bottom end;(b) introducing a free-flowing molten food product capable of forming a food product having a pasty consistency is cooling at the top end of the gap;(c) counter-rotating the first and second cooling belts toward each other at the top end of the gap to draw the molten food product between the downward moving outer surfaces of the first and second cooling belts to form a strip of molten food product between the downward-moving outer surfaces of the first and second cooling belts: and(d) applying a cooling liquid to the inner surfaces of the first and second cooling belts to cool the free-flowing molten food product to form a strip of food product having a pasty consistency, whereby the strip of food is cooled simultaneously on both sides. |
| US08813637B2 |
Heating rack
A heating rack includes a plurality of elongate collector units (26), each elongate collector unit including an elongate support section (126) which defines a contact surface for supporting an object (16) to be heated and an elongate collector section (226) shaped to define a channel (35) for receiving exudate flowing via the support sections from a supported object and, in use, to direct the exudate to a collection zone at an end of the channel, wherein the support section and collector section are spaced apart over at least a part of the length of the elongate collector unit. |
| US08813636B2 |
Food cooker
A food cooker is provided that is configured to cook and infuse skewered food, the food cooker having perforated spines adjustably positionable on a sealable chamber that support the skewered food.The food cooker includes a bottom container, a cover, and a spine. The cover includes a vent positioned along an outer major surface thereof. The cover is also combinable with the bottom container such that the bottom container and cover coalesce to form a sealed inner chamber. The spine includes a hollow interior and perforations along an exterior surface. The spine is fittable with the vent. |
| US08813635B2 |
Steam-heat-only, food-preparation bowl structure and related methodology
Steam-heat-only, food-preparation bowl structure and related methodology. The bowl structure includes (a) an outer bowl unit having a water well disposed adjacent its base, (b) an inner bowl unit nestable in the outer unit in a condition having its base spaced above the water well whereby water in the well does not contact the inner bowl's base, and with a generally closed, bowl-shaped void space then existing between the two units, the inner unit being constructed to receive a mixable mass of food, and (c) a controllable heater disposed within the well, operable to heat water contained therein to produce steam within the void space. The related methodology includes the steps of (a) applying mixing action to such a mass within the inner bowl unit, and while so applying, vapor-heating the mass indirectly and solely by an adjacent body of steam disposed in the void space between the units. |
| US08813633B2 |
System for delivering infusion beverages and infusion capsule
A system is described for delivering infusion beverages including at least one infusion capsule having an essence to be infused, at least one delivering manifold equipped with at least one housing seat of the capsule and at least one manifold for perforating and supplying water. The housing seat includes at least two different delivering ducts each one of which has a perforating end oriented towards an inside portion of the housing seat and a base of the capsule including at least one recess and one perforation portion. The recess and the perforation portion selectively correspond to the perforating end depending on a type of essence to be infused. An infusion capsule is also described. |
| US08813631B1 |
Vehicle and structure film/hard point shield
A shield includes a film with members intersecting at spaced nodes, a hard point fixed at least at select nodes, and a frame at least partially about the film for spacing the film from a vehicle or structure to be protected. |
| US08813629B1 |
Positional lock for carrier assembly of breech-loaded weapon
A breech assembly for a weapon may include a breech ring and a carrier fixed to a shaft. The shaft may be rotatably mounted to the breech ring. A breech block may be fixed to the carrier and insertable into and out of an opening in the breech ring by rotating the shaft. A notch may be formed in an end of the shaft. A lock may be translatably disposed in the breech ring and translatable into and out of the notch in the end of the shaft. Translation of the lock into the notch may rotatably lock the shaft with respect to the breech ring. |
| US08813628B2 |
Weapon clearance device for clearing weapons under water, such as underwater mines, combined weapon clearance device comprising unmanned underwater vehicle and such a weapon clearance device as well as a method therefor
The disclosure provides a weapon clearance device for clearing weapons by detonating the weapon, a combined weapon clearance device comprising the weapon clearance device and an unmanned underwater vehicle, and a method associated therewith for clearing weapons. The weapon clearance device comprises a retaining device for fixing the weapon clearance device to the weapon or in the surrounding area of the weapon. The weapon clearance device is a driveless attachment for the unmanned underwater vehicle comprising a means for the releasable connection to the unmanned underwater vehicle. The mass of the weapon clearance device under water is invariably less or greater than the mass of the water displaced by the weapon clearance device under water. The weapon clearance device is thus not neutral in terms of buoyancy, which provides advantages when clearing sunk ground mines as well as floating mines by approaching the mine from above and/or from below. |
| US08813621B2 |
Apparatus for cutting food product
An apparatus for cutting food products. The apparatus includes a cutting device and housing thereabove that defines a passage with an opening in proximity to the cutting device for delivering the food product to the cutting device. The apparatus is preferably adapted to cut food products in a substantially horizontal plane, and as such the cutting device is preferably oriented to make a substantially horizontal cut through a food product. A lower portion of the housing has a lower extremity that defines the opening of the passage. The apparatus is equipped with various features that improve the operation of the apparatus and the consistency of the sliced product, particularly if the delivered food product varies in shape and size and may contain embedded stones. |
| US08813619B2 |
Cutting assembly with ejector posts
A cutting assembly for a printer that includes a cutting frame that has opposing side walls is provided. The cutting assembly further includes a blade housing slidably mounted in the cutting frame for slidable movement along the side walls and a blade fixed in the blade housing that includes a cutting edge. The cutting assembly further includes a plurality of ejector posts that extends from the blade housing in a direction of blade housing slidable movement and past the cutting edge to engage media being cut by the cuffing edge. |
| US08813616B2 |
Electric-drive steady rest
A steady rest has a body juxtposable with a workpiece rotatable about a workpiece axis. Two arm elements are pivoted on the body and carry outer rollers radially engageable with the workpiece. A center element shiftable on the body in a straight line generally radially of the axis carries a center roller engageable radially with the workpiece. The rollers are angularly spaced about the workpiece. An electric actuator mounted on the body is connected by a transmission to the elements for displacing the respective roller radially relative to the workpiece. |
| US08813613B2 |
Screwdriver with changeable head units
An exemplary screwdriver includes a handle unit, head units for operating different kinds of fasteners, a head reception unit fixed on the handle unit and receiving the head units therein, and a pole unit fixed on the handle unit. Each of the head units is removably attachable on the pole unit so that the screwdriver can operate the different kinds of fasteners as required. |
| US08813610B2 |
Automatic screw tightening apparatus
An automatic screw tightening apparatus is to fasten at least one screw into a screw hole of a workpiece and comprises a work platform, a movable carrying deck, an image observation module, a screw fastening module and a fastening inspection module. The movable carrying deck has a carrying portion to carry and hold the workpiece and a movement portion to control the workpiece moved sequentially to a first position, a second position and a third position that are respectively corresponding to the image observation module, screw fastening module and fastening inspection module to confirm the position of the screw hole, fasten the screw and inspect fastening correctness of the screw. Thus the workpiece can be assembled quickly and fastening can be done correctly to achieve mass production and reduce cost. |
| US08813609B1 |
System for de-aerating fluid in a transmission
A system for de-aerating fluid in a motor vehicle transmission includes a first rib in a first compartment of the transmission, a second rib spaced apart from the first rib, and a third rib spaced apart from the second rib. The first rib and the second rib define a first channel with an inlet region, and the second rib and the third rib define a second channel with an outlet hole. The second rib is positioned between the first rib and the second rib and has a vertical height that is less than the vertical heights of the first rib and the third rib. As the temperature of the fluid rises, the fluid flows into the inlet region, rises up the first channel, flows over the second rib into the second channel, and out of the second channel through the outlet hole. |
| US08813607B2 |
Fail-safe manual rotator cover
A gearbox includes an outer housing including manual rotation access passage and a manual rotation shaft coupled to a spool of an engine to rotate the engine spool. The gearbox also includes coupled to the outer housing that includes a flapper valve that, in a closed position, prevents a lubricant from escaping from the outer housing via the manual rotation access passage. |
| US08813604B2 |
Pendulum vibration absorber on a crankshaft
An apparatus for damping vibrations in an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a crankshaft with a lobe. The lobe has a flange with an opening that is coupled to the body of the lobe. A pendulum is pivotally coupled to the flange in a manner to allow the pendulum to follow an epicycloidal path of movement. |
| US08813602B2 |
Active balancing system powered by light
An active balancing system for rotating machinery is provided which is light weight, solid state and powered by radiant energy. One or more balance rings coupled to the rotating machinery each have balancing elements which are moved to a selected position by actuators whose operation is controlled according to measured vibration resulting from imbalance of the machinery. The actuators are powered by an electrical energy generating device, such as a photo cell or a photovoltaic element, which is coupled to the machinery and located across an air gap from a source of radiant energy such as an array of light emitting diodes. |
| US08813601B2 |
Break-away retainer for installation of park brake
Provided is a retainer for assisting in installation of a parking brake actuator for use in a vehicle by limiting relative movement of an input lever and a mounting bracket. The retainer has a first part and a second part connected via frangible connection(s). The first part of the retainer is fixed relative to a mounting bracket and the second part is fixed relative to the input lever (via a pivot member). After installation, the lever is moved from its first, installation position to a second, in-use position. The application of force and movement of the lever rotates the pivot member, which rotates the second part of the retainer relative to the first part thereby breaking the frangible connection(s). The input lever of the brake actuator is then ready for use to apply or release brakes of the vehicle. |
| US08813600B2 |
Apparatus for moving a platform
An apparatus for moving a platform in horizontal and vertical directions relative to a base. The apparatus comprises a parallelogram structure comprising first and second parallelogram linkages each parallelogram linkage comprises first and second link arms and a hydraulic actuator to vary the geometry of the respective parallelogram linkage. A connecting member is connected between the parallelogram linkages to which a first end of each link arm and a first end of each hydraulic actuator are pivotally connected. The first ends of the hydraulic actuators and the first ends of the first link arms are connected to the connecting member along a first pivot axis. |
| US08813595B2 |
Method for adjusting meshing position of hypoid gear
A method for adjusting the meshing position of a hypoid gear having a first gear, and a second gear meshing with the first gear and transmitting the rotary motion thereof in the direction different from the extending direction of the axis of rotation of the first gear. The method for adjusting the meshing position comprises; a) a step for displacing the second gear a plurality of times along the axial direction of rotation while meshing with the first gear, b) a step for measuring the transmission error at each displacement position and plotting the relation of the displacement distance of the second gear and the measured transmission error, c) a step for evaluating the virtual transmission error between the measured transmission errors from the measured transmission error, d) a step for subtracting the measured transmission error and the virtual transmission error from a maximum allowable transmission error to determine the difference, e) a step for determining the area of a part surrounded by the difference and the maximum allowable transmission error by integrating the difference with the displacement distance of the second gear, and f) a step for dividing the part at a predetermined area ratio and setting a point where the division line intersects the displacement distance of the second gear at the meshing position of the second gear. |
| US08813593B2 |
Adapter for connecting a countershaft transmission with a hydraulic launch assist system
This invention provides a common means of coupling an alternative power source to a vehicle's drive wheels which is particularly well suited for use with a countershaft-type transmission. This invention also addresses clutch wear by eliminating the need to engage the frictional clutch to launch the vehicle. This invention also improves the acceleration of the vehicle compared to a typical dry friction clutch launch by relying on the HLA system to transfer more power to the drive wheels more quickly than would be transferred by a typical launch engagement of a dry friction clutch in a commercial vehicle. |
| US08813592B2 |
Two-gear transmissions for electric machines with systems for controlling angular play
Two-gear transmissions for electric machines are provided, which include a primary shaft; a secondary shaft; a first gear set which includes a first driving gearwheel and a first driven gearwheel, one of these gearwheels including a first hub and a ring gear; a second gear set which includes a second driving gearwheel and a second driven gearwheel; an overrunning clutch interposed between the ring gear and the first hub; a first coupling device arranged to connect the ring gear for rotation directly with the respective shaft and comprises a second hub and a sliding sleeve; a second coupling device arranged to connect either the second driving gearwheel or the second driven gearwheel for rotation with the respective shaft; connection elements connecting the first hub for rotation with the second hub; and elastic elements applying on the first and second hubs a biasing torque to urge them towards an end-of-travel position. |
| US08813591B2 |
Magnetic gear arrangement
A magnetic gear arrangement comprises: a first gear system having a plurality of first gear members, each first gear member generating a respective first magnetic field for that gear member; a second gear system having a second gear member generating a second magnetic field; and a coupling device which provides arrangements of interpoles between the first gear system and the second gear system. The first gear members are changeably selectable by the coupling device such that the interpoles couple the first magnetic field of a selected first gear member to the second magnetic field to produce a gear ratio between the first gear system and the second gear system, the gear ratio being changeable by changing the selected first gear member. |
| US08813585B2 |
Automated method for quality control and quality assurance of sized bridging material
A method for quality control and quality assurance of sized bridging materials rotates a control sample having a fluid portion and a solids portion of sized bridging materials in a tubular container for a predetermined period of time. The control sample is then analyzed in a laser particle size analyzer to determine a particle size distribution for the control sample. A wet grinding sample having a fluid portion and a solids portion of the sized bridging materials is then rotated in the tubular container with a loose cylinder rod for a predetermined time to simulate borehole conditions. The wet grinding sample is then analyzed in the laser particle size analyzer to determine a particle size distribution for the wet grinding sample. The two particle size distributions are used to define a shift factor that represents the relative strength of the sized bridging materials. |
| US08813572B2 |
Ferrofluid modified fill fluid for pressure transmitters
A pressure transmitter for measuring a pressure of a process fluid comprises a transmitter housing, a pressure sensor, a hydraulic relay system, a ferrofluid and transmitter electronics. The capacitance-based pressure sensor senses the pressure of the process fluid and is disposed within the housing. The hydraulic relay system comprises an isolation diaphragm positioned on an exterior of the transmitter housing, and an isolation tube extending from the pressure sensor to the isolation diaphragm. The ferrofluid is located in the isolation tube to transmit a change in the pressure of the process fluid at the isolation diaphragm to the sensor. The transmitter electronics are positioned within the housing and are configured to receive and condition a pressure signal from the pressure sensor. |
| US08813570B2 |
Ultrasonic measuring method and ultrasonic measuring system
An ultrasonic measuring method and an ultrasonic measuring system use or include at least one actual-measurement ultrasonic sensor set each consisting of a first ultrasonic sensor and a second ultrasonic sensor, for measuring the basis weight of an electrode paste, and a calibration ultrasonic sensor set consisting of a pair of first calibration ultrasonic sensor and second calibration ultrasonic sensor. The calibration ultrasonic sensor set performs calibration during measurement of the thickness of the electrode paste, and the actual-measurement ultrasonic sensor set calculates the basis weight of the electrode paste, using a measurement condition value obtained by the calibration ultrasonic sensor set. |
| US08813568B2 |
Operation-position detector and application thereof
An operation-position detector having a tube that allows an ultrasonic signal to propagate therethrough. The tube has a plurality of holes capable of being selectively closed or opened by an operation and is provided with an ultrasonic transmitter-receiver arranged at a first end thereof. A signal processor drives the ultrasonic transmitter-receiver and causes an ultrasonic signal to propagate through the inside of the tube, receives a reflection signal corresponding to a closed or open state of each of the holes, and detects the state of each hole on the basis of the reflection signal, thereby detecting the operation position of an operation conducted by an operator. |
| US08813565B2 |
Reading circuit for MEMS gyroscope having inclined detection directions
A multi-axis gyroscope includes a microelectromechanical structure configured to rotate with respective angular velocities about respective reference axes, and including detection elements, which are sensitive in respective detection directions and generate respective detection quantities as a function of projections of the angular velocities in the detection directions. The gyroscope including a reading circuit that generates electrical output signals, each correlated to a respective one of the angular velocities, as a function of the detection quantities. The reading circuit includes a combination stage that combines electrically with respect to one another electrical quantities correlated to detection quantities generated by detection elements sensitive to detection directions different from one another, so as to take into account a non-zero angle of inclination of the detection directions with respect to the reference axes. |
| US08813561B2 |
Liquid level detecting device and fuel tank structure
A liquid level detecting device and a fuel tank structure are obtained that do not require provision of plural, independent detection electrodes.A liquid level detecting device 40 has a pair of electrode plates (42, 44), and has a first detection electrode (70A) that detects electrostatic capacitance between the pair of electrode plates, and a variable structure (60) that can vary a surface area of an overlapping region of the pair of electrode plates (42, 44) and can switch to a second detection electrode (70B) by changing the surface area by a predetermined amount with respect to the first detection electrode (70A). |
| US08813559B2 |
Determination of media characteristics in fill-level measuring
For calculating the fill level in a container two echo curves are acquired that image the reflection conditions along two different measuring paths. On their way to the filling material surface or the separating layer surface the corresponding measuring signals cover different electrical distances. From the two echo curves a characteristic value can be calculated that reflects a physical characteristic of the covering medium. From this, the fill level can then be determined with increased accuracy. |
| US08813556B2 |
Intake temperature sensor
An intake temperature sensor capable of precisely detecting the temperature of intake at high speed even in a low air mass flow zone is provided. In an intake temperature sensor having a temperature detecting element 6 inserted in an opening provided in an intake pipe 3 to be disposed in the intake pipe, a temperature detecting element is mechanically joined with a heat sink 4 directly exposed to the flow of the intake flowing in the intake pipe, and the temperature of the intake is output based on an output obtained from the temperature detecting element. Thus, the thermal resistance of the temperature detecting element with respect to the intake flow can be reduced; therefore, the intake temperature sensor capable of precisely detecting the temperature of the intake at high speed even in the low air mass flow zone can be provided. |
| US08813554B2 |
Methods and apparatus to estimate fluid component volumes
Methods of and apparatus to estimate one or more volumes of one or more components of a fluid in a sample chamber of a downhole tool are described. An example method includes obtaining a sample chamber volume measurement, a flowline volume measurement and a supplemental volume measurement. The example method includes drawing the fluid into the sample chamber until the sample chamber is substantially full and measuring a characteristic of the fluid in the sample chamber at a first time to obtain a first characteristic measurement. The example method also includes adding a supplemental volume corresponding to the supplemental volume measurement to over-pressurize the sample chamber after measuring the characteristic at the first time and measuring the characteristic of the fluid in the sample chamber at a second time to obtain a second characteristic measurement. The second time is after the sample chamber is over-pressurized. In addition, the example method includes calculating a first volume of a first component of the one or more components of the fluid based on the first characteristic measurement, the second characteristic measurement, the sample chamber volume measurement, the flowline volume measurement and the supplemental volume measurement. |
| US08813552B2 |
Detecting apparatus
The objective of the present invention is to provide an unexpected detecting apparatus enabled to evaluate an evenness of a compound coated on an electrode of a battery. The detecting apparatus (1) detects an evenness of a compound (12) coated on an electrode (10) of a battery, and includes a first sensor (20) for measuring a mass per unit area of the compound (12) in any points thereof, a second sensor (30, 50) for measuring a thickness of the compound (12) in the any points, and a holder (40, 60) for holding the first and second sensors (20, 30, 50), in which the first and second sensors (20, 30, 50) measure the mass and thickness at the same time, and the evenness is evaluated on the basis of the measured mass and thickness. |
| US08813550B2 |
Shearographic imaging machine and method
A tire inspection machine includes an incoming conveyor adapted to transport tires to the machine and also align the tires in a transverse direction. An inspection table of the machine includes a table conveyor system that is responsive to a controller. The table and table conveyor are together arranged to permit scanning of both sidewall portions of a tire disposed thereon. A sensor detects a longitudinal position of the tire and stops the table conveyor when the tire is longitudinally aligned. A controller operates the table conveyor based on the longitudinal position of the tire. |
| US08813549B1 |
Testing apparatus for off-load and on-load unhooking simulation of the release device of a closed lifeboat
A testing apparatus for off-load and on-load unhooking simulation of the release device of a closed lifeboat includes two main mechanisms, two hydraulic jacks, two suspension ring bases, a pressure distribution module, a manual hydraulic pump and an air pressure buffer combined together. The testing apparatus of this invention can carry out drill of simulating off-load and on-load unhooking state of the release device of a lifeboat under circumstances of no risk, able to ensure safety of the operators during drill. |
| US08813547B2 |
Method for predetermining a motion state of a drive shaft of an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a method for predetermining a motion state (BZn+1) of a drive shaft (222) of an internal combustion engine (210) on the basis of previous motion states (BZn, BZn−2) of the drive shaft (222), wherein properties (tn−2, ωn−2) allocated to a first previous motion state (BZn−2) and properties (tn, ωn) allocated to a second previous motion state (BZn) are used and the drive shaft (222) assumes periodically recurring angular positions (φn−2, φn, φn+2; φn−1, φn+1). The invention is characterized in that a future motion state (BZn+1) and the properties (tn−1, φn+1) allocated thereto of the drive shaft (222) are determined in an angular position on the basis of the first evaluated previous motion state (BZn−2) and the second evaluated previous motion state (BZn), wherein the angular position (φn+1) of the determined future motion state (BZn+1)of the drive shaft (222) is not equal to an angular position (φn−2, φn) of the first and second previous motion state (BZn, BZn−2). |
| US08813546B2 |
NOx sensor diagnosis device and selective catalytic reduction system
A NOx sensor diagnosis device which can diagnose validity of a NOx sensor by considering an environmental condition and can prevent erroneous diagnosis, and a selective catalytic reduction system are provided. The device provided in an exhaust pipe of an engine E and diagnosing a NOx sensor that detects NOx concentration in an exhaust gas, a diagnosis prohibition determination unit is provided that prohibits diagnosis of the NOx sensor during diesel particulate filter regeneration, during power take-off operation or during exhaust brake operation. |
| US08813545B2 |
Method for diagnosing component failure in a saddle-type fuel tank assembly
A method for diagnosing a component failure in a saddle-type fuel tank assembly is provided. The method includes a) updating a maximum amount to a subsequent amount of fuel if the subsequent amount of fuel is greater than the maximum amount, b) updating a minimum amount to the subsequent amount of fuel if the subsequent amount of fuel is less than the minimum amount, c) determining a fuel consumption amount, and d) determining that one or more of a first fuel level sender and a second fuel level sender have failed if the difference between the maximum amount and minimum amount is less than a first threshold, and the fuel consumption amount is greater than a second threshold. |
| US08813541B1 |
Methods and systems for measuring atmospheric water content
Methods and systems for measuring atmospheric water content, are provided. The method includes measuring a first air temperature and a first air pressure at a first location in a compressor, measuring a second air temperature and a second air pressure at a second location in the compressor, computing a ratio of specific heats from the first and second air temperatures and the first and second air pressures, and determining an atmospheric water content from the ratio of specific heats. |
| US08813540B2 |
Analysis methods and devices for fluids
The invention relates to novel methods and to devices for a measuring and analysis apparatus that measures impurities and/or particles in a gas or air. In a particle separation step, target particles having predetermined particle properties are separated from remaining particles from a gas or gas mixture such as air or a liquid, in short a fluid, that contains a particle mixture, and the occurrence and/or frequency of said target particles is determined in a measuring chamber. The likewise novel cooling of the radiation sources required for measurement permits the use of such having high power, as is required for measuring few particles or the smallest impurities. A further novel expansion of the electrical measurement range allows small but also abundant particles and impurities to be measured. In addition, a novel interface simplifies the start-up of the apparatus. |
| US08813535B2 |
Stamping-bending method
The instant invention relates to a multi-stage stamping-bending method for introducing a primary and at least one secondary structure into a band-shaped metal foil, wherein, after passing through the multi-stage stamping-bending method, the metal foil encompasses at least two 180° bends between primary and at least one secondary structure along the wave train of the primary structure within one wave of the primary structure, in the case of which the primary structure is introduced into the metal foil during a first bending method step so as not to be formed completely in all of its areas, in the case of which the primary structure is embodied completely in its remaining areas during a subsequent second bending method steps and in the case of which the at least one secondary structure is introduced into the metal foil in a completely formed manner during a subsequent third bending method step, wherein the metal band passes through the method steps back-to-back. |
| US08813534B2 |
Method for removal of dents from wind turbine masts
A method for removal of dents from wind turbine masts uses a dent pushing tool. The dent pushing tool includes a self aligning ram assembly with a central ram cylinder and removable adjustable length arms. At the end of one arm is a curved base. At the end of the other arm is a dent pusher plate. Removal of the dent is caused by extension of the central ram cylinder. |
| US08813532B2 |
Adjustable solar panel cap and method of manufacturing same
A solar panel cap and light cap secured to a wall or parapet through the use of a fixed coping having two vertical supports on either side of a locking channel. The vertical supports are biased or resilient to secure the coping to the top of the parapet or wall. The locking channel is configured to slidably receive a locking insert from a solar panel cap or light cap, each configured to connect to an adjacent cap such that they are electrically coupled. The solar panel caps include a horizontal base and an angled solar panel pivotally attached on one edge to the horizontal base. Support plates are pivotally attached to opposite edges of both the horizontal base and the angled solar panel such that when they overlap and are secured to one another the angled solar panel is adjustably positionable relative to the horizontal base. |
| US08813530B2 |
Push-button type cylinder lock assembly
In a cylinder lock assembly, a latch operating tube has an enlarged end portion extending into an outer drive tube disposed in an outer handle. A locking spindle is disposed in the latch operating tube and has a locking tongue extending radially and outwardly through the outer drive tube to interlock with an outer rose when the locking spindle is pressed by a push button to move to a locked state. A locking plate is sleeved around the locking spindle and has a radial locking part to engage a protrusion that projects radially and inwardly from an inner surface of the enlarged end portion so that the locking spindle is locked against movements to an unlocked state when the locking spindle is in its locked state. |
| US08813527B2 |
Pneumatic variable damping device for washing machines
A pneumatic variable damping device for attenuating the motion of a wash tub in a washing machine is disclosed. The pneumatic variable damping device includes a pneumatic cylinder defining a first chamber and a second chamber. The pneumatic cylinder includes a piston slidably mounted to the cylinder. The piston separates the first chamber from the second chamber. The pneumatic variable damping device includes a first valve coupled to the first chamber and a second valve coupled to the second chamber. The first valve and the second valve are configured to restrict the flow of pneumatic fluid from the respective chambers of the pneumatic cylinder. The first valve and the second valve can also be configured to allow the free flow of pneumatic fluid from the respective chambers of the pneumatic cylinder. |
| US08813524B2 |
Adjustable stitch holder
The adjustable stitch holder is a versatile and easy method for securely holding live stitches when knitting. The stitch holder allows for using smaller materials, a locking fastener and string, that are portable and take little storage room. Adjusting the locking fastener to a specific measurement allows an item to be tried on, to be measured properly, or to determine if the shape is correct. Because the string has little to no memory, the ends, regardless of length, will hang not pulling or distorting the knit material. In addition, the flexible string allows an item to be laid flat for measuring making the measurement more accurate. Further, stitches or knitted items have little chance of being damaged by the stitch holder and the stitch holder will conform to the knit item instead of being forced into a shape. |
| US08813520B2 |
Glass substrate and method for manufacturing the same
A glass substrate chemically strengthened, includes a primary surface that has a compressive stress layer formed in an uppermost surface layer thereof. The compressive stress layer is configured to enhance strength of the glass substrate due to a compressive stress generated in the compressive stress layer. The compressive layer consists of a layer of a potassium ion concentration equal to or less than 5000 parts per million (ppm). |
| US08813516B2 |
Refrigerator with visible light radiation
A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a main body which has a cooling chamber and a freezing chamber, a storage chamber which is provided in the cooling chamber to store foodstuffs, an irradiation device which irradiates light within a visible light region correspondingly to color of the foodstuffs stored in the storage chamber, an optical deodorization module which includes an ultraviolet light irradiation device which is mounted to the storage chamber to irradiate ultraviolet light and a photocatalyst filter which receives the ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light irradiation device and is coated with a photocatalyst agent, and a control unit which controls the irradiation device and the ultraviolet light irradiation device. |
| US08813513B2 |
Liquid galley refrigeration system for aircraft
The liquid galley refrigeration system for cooling food carts for aircraft employs an intermediate working fluid to transfer heat from one or more food carts to one or more remote chillers, allowing the carts and chillers to be advantageously distributed in the aircraft. While the chiller working fluid undergoes a phase change in order to transfer heat from the intermediate working fluid to the cooling air, the intermediate working fluid remains in its liquid phase throughout its circulation. A recirculation pump circulates the intermediate working fluid through a distribution system that may link a plurality of chillers to a plurality of food carts, and the temperature of the food carts is regulated by a combination of controls. |
| US08813506B2 |
Method for quickly connecting a steam generator
A method is provided for connecting at least one further steam generator to a first steam generator in a power plant. The power plant includes at least two steam generators and a steam turbine, in which a fluid used to drive the steam turbine is conveyed in a fluid circuit having a plurality of steam systems. The steam systems are assigned individual steam generators and are able to be separated from one another by shut-off valves. The fluid of at least the first steam generator is connected to the steam turbine. The method involves opening the shut-off valve of at least one first steam system of the at least one further steam generator before the steam of the at least one further steam generator has reached approximately the same steam parameters as the steam of the first steam generator, so that steam can flow into the further steam generator. |
| US08813504B2 |
Assembly procedure for the adjustable pin-valve, fuel shut-off
A protocol for assembling a fuel shut off pin valve assembly for a gas turbine engine. The protocol outlines a specific sequence of events in order to ensure failsafe incorporation of a fuel shut off valve assembly within the low pressure turbine area and specifically within the engine casing of the gas turbine. |
| US08813501B2 |
Combustor assemblies for use in turbine engines and methods of assembling same
A method of assembling a combustor assembly for use in a turbine engine is provided. A combustor liner that defines a combustion chamber therein is provided. The liner includes a forward end and an aft end, wherein the aft end includes at least one channel extending therethrough. The channel is aligned obliquely with respect to a centerline extending through the aft end. A plurality of fuel nozzles are coupled to the forward end such that the fuel nozzles extend through the forward end. An annular sleeve that includes at least one opening extending radially therethrough is coupled to the aft end, wherein the sleeve substantially circumscribes the aft end such that a cavity is defined therebetween and such that a fluid channeled through the at least one opening impinges against a surface of the aft end prior to the fluid being channeled into the combustion chamber. |
| US08813500B2 |
Combined heat exchanger expander mounting system
A heat engine system is disclosed and includes first and second condensers fluidly and structurally coupled to first and second recuperators. An expansion device is coupled to the condensers at a drive end and suspended from the recuperators at a non-drive end. The recuperators can be printed circuit heat exchangers which provide superior heat transfer capabilities but are also robust enough to support the expansion device, and thereby form an integral part of a structural baseplate for mounting and aligning various components of the heat engine system. Exhaust conduits extending between the expansion device and the recuperators also provide added structural support for the expansion device. |
| US08813498B2 |
Turbine inlet condition controlled organic rankine cycle
A pressure sensor measures an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) working fluid pressure in front of a radial inflow turbine, while a temperature sensor measures an ORC working fluid temperature in front of the radial inflow turbine. A controller responsive to algorithmic software determines a superheated temperature of the working fluid in front of the radial inflow turbine based on the measured working fluid pressure and the measured working fluid temperature. The controller then manipulates the speed of a working fluid pump, the pitch of turbine variable inlet guide vanes when present, and combinations thereof, in response to the determined superheated temperature to maintain the superheated temperature of the ORC working fluid in front of the radial inflow turbine close to a predefined set point. The superheated temperature can thus be maintained in the absence of sensors other than pressure and temperature sensors. |
| US08813495B2 |
Triggered-travel jack for a safety system
A triggered-stroke actuator with its piston being held stationary in an initial position prior to triggering. The piston (13) is installed in the body (12) facing propulsion means (15) and a locking arrangement (19) that includes a latch (30) and at least one flexible tongue (23) attached to the periphery of the piston and having a hook (25) engaged with an internal abutment, the latch being moved at the beginning of triggering. |
| US08813489B2 |
Internal combustion engine charge air cooler precooler
A work machine having an air-breathing, fuel-consuming, liquid-cooled internal combustion (IC) engine and a turbocharger receiving combustion products from the IC engine and a compressor for pressurizing air to the IC engine. A primary heat exchanger is in fluid flow connection between the compressor and the IC engine and a secondary heat exchanger is in fluid flow connection between the compressor and the IC engine and is upstream of the primary heat exchanger. The secondary heat exchanger is an air-to-liquid heat exchanger and receives liquid coolant from the IC engine. |
| US08813487B1 |
Hydraulic wheel drive system with selectively actuated motor
A hydraulic circuit for a vehicle includes a first loop that includes, in serial order, a first hydraulic pump, a first hydraulic line, a hydraulic motor and a second hydraulic line. A second hydraulic pump and a third valve control low pressure fluid from the second pump to the hydraulic motor casing. The low pressure fluid through the third valve maintains the motor pistons retracted when the motor is not being used. For actuating the motor, the third valve is actuated for disconnecting the second pump and relieving pressure from the motor casing. Low pressure is then provided to the first and second lines for extending the motor pistons. The first and second valves are then actuated for isolating the first and second lines from one another, and the first pump is used to power the motor. The first, second and third valves are advantageously solenoid cartridge valves. |
| US08813486B2 |
Hydraulic control system having cylinder stall strategy
A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a hydraulic circuit, and a pump configured to supply pressurized fluid to the hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic control system may also have a first fluid actuator fluidly connected to receive pressurized fluid from the hydraulic circuit, a first valve arrangement movable to control a flow of fluid to the first fluid actuator, a second fluid actuator fluidly connected to receive pressurized fluid from the hydraulic circuit, and a second valve arrangement movable to control a flow of fluid to the second fluid actuator. The hydraulic control system may additionally have a controller in communication with the first and second valve arrangements. the controller may be configured to make a determination of a stall condition of the first fluid actuator, and to selectively change a flow command directed to the second valve arrangement based on the determination. |
| US08813485B2 |
Automatic transmission hydraulic accumulator
A hydraulic accumulator system for providing pressurized oil to a transmission in a vehicle. The system includes a transmission oil storage chamber to store oil at a predetermined level; and a hydraulic accumulator mounted in the oil storage chamber and including an accumulator piston mounted below the level of oil, separating an accumulator oil area from a remainder of the oil storage area and movable to increase and decrease the oil in the accumulator oil area, and a spring biasing the piston toward the accumulator oil area. The system also has a hydraulic assembly including a first oil passage for removing the oil from the remainder of the oil storage area, a second oil passage for directing oil into and out of the accumulator oil area below the predetermined oil level and a hydraulic circuit directing the oil from the first oil passage into the second oil passage. |
| US08813483B2 |
Hydrodynamic torque converter with torsion vibration damper
The invention relates to a hydrodynamic torque converter, comprising: a torsion vibration damper and an axial bearing disposed between a damper component of the torsion vibration damper or a turbine shell of the hydrodynamic torque converter, the turbine shell connected with the damper component, and an adjacent connecting component; and devices for centering the axial bearing in a radial direction. The invention is characterized in that the axial bearing is disposed between two disc shaped components and the centering devices are disposed at least at one of the two disc shaped components. |
| US08813479B2 |
Emissions control diagnostic method and system
Various methods for and embodiments of an aftertreatment system which includes a catalyst disposed upstream of a particulate filter are provided. In one example, the method includes, conducting soot regeneration of the particulate filter under a selected operating condition, and determining whether a soot regeneration frequency of the particulate filter is greater than a threshold frequency. The method further includes initiating a sulfur regeneration of the aftertreatment system based on the soot regeneration frequency of the particulate filter being greater than the threshold frequency, determining whether the soot regeneration frequency of the particulate filter is less than the threshold frequency after the sulfur regeneration, and conducting non-regeneration operation of the aftertreatment system based on the soot regeneration frequency of the particulate filter being less than the threshold frequency after the sulfur regeneration of the aftertreatment system. |
| US08813478B2 |
Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for NOx storage
An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine is provided, including an exhaust gas conduit, a flow-through container of absorbent particles, an electrically heated catalyst (“EHC”) device, a selective catalytic reduction (“SCR”) device, and a control module. The exhaust gas conduit is in fluid communication with, and is configured to receive an exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas contains oxides of nitrogen (“NOx”) and water. The flow-through container of absorbent particles is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and configured to receive the exhaust gas. The flow-through container substantially adsorbs the water from the exhaust gas below a threshold temperature. The EHC device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and is configured to receive the exhaust gas. The EHC device is located downstream of the flow through container, and is selectively activated to produce heat. |
| US08813476B2 |
Diagnosis apparatus for reducing agent supply apparatus
An apparatus determines whether or not there is a malfunction in a reducing agent supply apparatus having a reducing agent addition valve provided in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The reducing agent addition valve injects liquid reducing agent into the exhaust gas. A temperature sensing unit that senses the temperature of the exhaust gas is provided at a position in the exhaust system of the internal combustion engine through which the reducing agent injected through the reducing agent addition valve passes. As the reducing agent is injected through the reducing agent addition valve, the temperature decrease of the exhaust gas at the position through which the reducing agent passes is calculated by a temperature decrease calculation unit. Whether or not there is a malfunction in the reducing agent supply apparatus is determined by a diagnosis unit, based on the temperature decrease of the exhaust gas. |
| US08813475B2 |
Method for preventing choking of urea injection nozzle on SCR system
A method for preventing choking of a urea injection nozzle in after run operation on a SCR system which supplies urea stored in a urea tank through a supply module, a urea injection nozzle and a urea line connecting the supply module and the urea injection nozzle, the method for preventing choking of a urea injection nozzle includes comparing pressure within the supply module with a first predetermined pressure (Pa), open controlling the urea injection nozzle when the pressure in the supply module is higher than the first predetermined pressure (Pa) or repeating open/close controlling the urea injection nozzle when the pressure in the supply module is lower than the first predetermined pressure (Pa), pressure equilibrium which recovers pressure in the supply module and stopping the after run operation when the balancing pressure is completed. |
| US08813472B2 |
System and method for controlling a semi-closed power cycle system
A system includes a controller configured to control a semi-closed power cycle system. The controller is configured to receive at least one of a first signal indicative of an oxygen concentration within a first gas flow through a primary compressor, a second signal indicative of power output by the semi-closed power cycle system, a third signal indicative of a temperature of a second gas flow through a turbine, and a fourth signal indicative of a mass flow balance within the semi-closed power cycle system. The controller is also configured to adjust at least one of the first gas flow through the primary compressor, a fuel flow into a combustor, a fraction of the first gas flow extracted from the primary compressor, and an air flow through a feed compressor based on the at least one of the first signal, the second signal, the third signal, and the fourth signal. |
| US08813470B2 |
Method for operating a fuel supply for a heat engine
In a method for operating a fuel supply for a heat engine, in a first step the block valve (4) and the control valve (5) are closed, with the vent valve (7) closed. In a second step, the vent valve (7) is opened so that fuel volume (V1) which is present in the fuel line section (1′) and vent line (6′) can drain. In a third step, the vent valve (7) is closed. In a fourth step, the control valve (5) is opened. In a fifth step, the fuel volume (V1) is replenished by a pressure-driven backflow of fuel from the combustion process (3). In a sixth step, the control valve (5) is closed and then the vent valve (7) is opened, for draining of the replenished fuel volume (V1) which has been formed there on account of the action taken according to the fifth step. |
| US08813464B2 |
Apparatus and method for aligning packages
An apparatus and a method for aligning a package are proposed, wherein the apparatus comprises the following: a vacuum chamber (32) in which a vacuum is created such that a package (10), which is located inside the vacuum chamber (32), unfolds, and at least one fixing means (22) which fixes the aligned package (10). |
| US08813463B2 |
Recyclable containers and manufacturing method for controlling the container value to maximize container recycling
A recycle container of metal or plastic includes sufficient material of a value that will provide a monetary incentive to the user to recycle the container. Supplemental material may be added to the exterior of the container such as the bottom and/or side wall. The supplemental material may also be placed in the container. |
| US08813461B2 |
Methods of producing a synthetic material part of which at least sections are lacquered, synthetic material part and base body for the production thereof
Methods of producing a synthetic material part are provided, of which at least sections are lacquered and which include a base body which contains a synthetic material, in particular for a motor vehicle. A first method includes the steps of extruding the synthetic material to produce the base body; lacquering at least sections of the base body; and packaging the base body. The sections that are lacquered can be transported or shipped without being damaged. |
| US08813458B2 |
Changeable panel assembly and method of assembling a changeable panel
A panel attachment arrangement for attaching a panel to a support having a pair of opposite sides each opposite side having an engagement lip which, in use, are on the opposite face of the support to the panel, the panel attachment arrangement including: a pair of first projections adapted to receive a pair of opposite sides of a support; each projection including an inward transverse second projection adapted to seat behind or in a corresponding one of the recesses in the support, wherein one or more of (a) the panel, (b) the first projections, or (c) the second projections are flexible or resilient, whereby the second projections can be resiliently splayed or flexed beyond the opposite sides of the support to engage the corresponding lip when the flexing force is removed. |
| US08813455B2 |
Deployable truss with orthogonally-hinged primary chords
A deployable truss with modified primary orthogonal joints. The construction of these joints causes the center-hinged primary chords on opposite sides of a truss bay to fold inward in a plane orthogonal to the folding planes of the side diagonals while the two secondary chords fold in planes orthogonal to the plane of the in-folding primary chords. This provides for stiffness and stability during deploy and retract. The unique joint configuration permits the truss to deploy one bay at a time in a stable manner while having lateral bending stiffness, and the truss thus can extend and retract in a sequential manner. It can deploy integral flat panels nested between the secondary folding chords, or use cross bracing in lieu of panels. The truss can be triangular, square or rectangular in cross-section. A powered support frame may be used in conjunction with the truss. |
| US08813450B1 |
Fire and water resistant expansion and seismic joint system
A fire and water resistant expansion and seismic joint system has a cover plate; a spline attached to the cover plate along a first edge of the spline; and a core comprising a first core portion and a second core portion, each portion being located on an opposing face of the spline. The first core portion and the second core portion have a fire-retardant material infused therein. The spline depends from the cover plate in a one piece construction and extends into the core to a depth within the core, and is positioned in a gap between substantially coplanar substrates such that the cover plate overlies the gap. Each portion of the core is compressed between a respective face of the spline and a face of one of the coplanar substrates. |
| US08813445B2 |
Support beam structure capable of extending span and reducing height of ceiling structure and installing method thereof
Disclosed are a support beam structure capable of extending a span and reducing a height of a ceiling structure and an installing method thereof. The support beam structure includes an H-beam extending in a longitudinal direction, an inclined extension part fastened to a lower surface or a side surface of the H-beam and inclined in such a way as to flare at an upper end thereof, a reinforcing part for reinforcing the inclined extension part, a deck placed on an upper end of the inclined extension part, and a concrete layer for filling a top of the inclined extension part, a top of the H-beam, and a top of the deck. |
| US08813444B2 |
Construction technique for attaching finishing elements and building structure resulting therefrom
A system for attaching finishing elements to building structures without conventional structural sheathing is provided. The system includes attaching at least one thin, flat strip of nailable reinforcement member such as a metal strapping directly to the framing of a building structure. The finishing elements are then attached to the reinforcement members via a plurality of fastening tabs. The reinforcement members are in direct contact with the framing and configured to provide structural support and increase wind load resistance of the finishing element attached thereto. |
| US08813439B2 |
Method and apparatus for making insulating translucent panel assemblies
A method of making an insulating translucent panel assembly such as a window or door lite is provided. In the method, a spacer between two translucent panels of glass or plastic includes a thermo-responsive sealing material. When heat and compression are applied to the spacer, the thermo-responsive sealing material softens and fully seals the spacer to the two translucent panels. A spacer designed to be used in this method is also provided. |
| US08813432B2 |
Construction apparatus
A construction apparatus for use within an elevator hoistway is provided. The construction apparatus includes span members, each span member having a first end, a second end and a length. Sill attachments are connected to the first end of the span members. The sill attachments are configured to rotate about and seat against a building sill. A support member connected to the second end of the span members. The support members are configured to seat against a second side of the elevator hoistway. The length of the span members is longer than a horizontal distance from the building sill to the second side of the elevator hoistway such that the span members rest in an inclined orientation with respect to a substantially horizontal axis. One or more platforms is supported by one or more forms, the platforms arranged such as to provide a working platform within the elevator hoistway. |
| US08813430B2 |
Platform with adjustable support members
A method and apparatus for forming a platform. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a set of support members associated with the structure, and a set of adjustment members. An adjustment member in the set of adjustment members is associated with a corresponding support member in the set of support members. The adjustment member is configured to adjust an angle between the corresponding support member and the structure. |
| US08813422B1 |
Tomato plant support structure
A plant support structure is provided which is ideally suited for use with tomato plants. The structure includes a vertically disposed post with the lower end thereof being driven into the ground. A plurality of vertically spaced-apart support ring assemblies are secured to the post and which may be vertically adjusted with respect thereto. Each of the support ring assemblies includes a first ring member, a second ring member and a third ring member with elongated rods interconnecting the same. |
| US08813421B2 |
Trellising cross arm
A trellis support system comprises a vertical post comprising a front portion and first and second opposing side wall portions, the front portion comprising an aperture, the aperture comprising a first portion and a second portion adjacent the first portion, and a horizontal cross arm perpendicular to the vertical post comprising a front portion and first and second opposing side wall portions dimensioned to match the front and side wall portions of the post, the front portion comprising a tab member dimensioned to engage the first portion of the aperture and a lock member positioned adjacent the tab member and dimensioned to engage the second portion of the aperture. |
| US08813419B2 |
Stink bug trap
A trap (100, 100′) for pestiferous insects, such as stink bugs and the like, that takes advantages of innate behavioral characteristics of the target insect. The trap includes a lid (140) defining an entry aperture (170), an entry cone (110, 110′) on one side of the entry aperture, a vane assembly (160) on an opposite side of the vane assembly, and an entrapment chamber (102) that releasably engages the lid. A collar (120, 120′) on the entry cone facilitates insects dropping into the trap and prevents insects from exiting the trap after dropping in. |
| US08813416B2 |
Fishing accessory capture apparatus
A fishing accessory for capturing a fishing bait anchored to a fishing line. The fishing accessory comprises a bottom end having a curved surface configured to seat against a fishing rod, and a top end coupled to the bottom end defining a cavity, the cavity having a first open end proximal the back end configured to receive an anchored bait and a second open end proximal the front end configured to support and capture the anchored bait while allowing the anchored portion to extend therethrough. A channel, extending from at least one surface external of the cavity to at least one surface defined by the cavity, extends from the first open end to the second open end and allows for the anchored portion to pass therethrough when mounting and uncoupling the anchored wire bait at the second open end of the cavity. |
| US08813414B2 |
Safety gaff
An elongated handle has a pointed fish hook rotatably affixed to one end of the handle, the hook having two operating dispositions, a first disposition wherein the hook is open for gaffing purposes and a second disposition wherein the hook folded back against the handle to block the hook point for safety. A mechanism releasably secures the hook at either disposition. A button actuated mechanism releases the hook from either disposition so that the hook can be moved from one operating disposition to the other. Preferably the gaff further includes a bias for urging the hook toward its open, gaffing disposition. |
| US08813413B2 |
Weapon sight light emission member locking system
An aiming sight having a sight body having a bore communicating between first and second body ends adapted to receive within in unflexed retained engagement a light conductive member configured to receive light along the length and conduct the light to at least one light conductive member end to provide a viewable aiming indicia. |
| US08813412B2 |
Quick detachable firearm accessory mount
Improvements in a quick detachable firearm accessory mount. That uses a dovetail lock that is wedged with a spring to increase the locking force on the dovetail. The quick detachable firearm accessory mount is quickly installed and removed by pressing onto a button, tilting and lifting the quick detachable firearm accessory mount with the accessory such as a scope, flashlight or laser. |
| US08813410B2 |
Dot-sighting device
A dot-sighting device includes a light source, a beam splitter and a reflective element. The light source emits light. The beam splitter includes a surface that reflects at least a portion of a first light component of the light and transmits at least a portion of a second light component. The reflective element reflects at least a portion of the first light component reflected by the surface of the beam splitter toward the beam splitter. The light reflected by the reflective element includes the second light component. |
| US08813407B1 |
Adjustable firearm rest
A firearm rest includes a connection portion and a handle portion. The connection portion is configured to connect the firearm rest to an elongate support member when in a connected position, and permit axial movement of the firearm rest along the elongate support member when in a released position. The connection portion includes an aperture and first and second contact portions. The aperture is sized to receive the elongate support member. The first contact portion is positioned at one side of the aperture and arranged to contact the elongate support member. The second contact portion is positioned at an opposite side of the aperture and arranged to contact the elongate support member. The handle portion extends from the connection portion and includes a support surface configured to support a firearm. |
| US08813404B2 |
Window unit for display, protection and preventive conservation of an object of limited thickness
The invention concerns a window unit for display, protection and preventive conservation of an object of limited thickness, in particular a work of art such as a painting, a bas-relief, a tapestry or similar. It comprises a case with a back (32) and a front door (31) coupled together so as to be able to have the case (30) take up an open state, in which the object (D) is not protected and can be inserted into or removed from the case (30), and a closed state, in which the object (D) is protected and can neither be inserted into nor removed from the case (30), in which the front door (31) is provided with a transparent front panel (48) through which the object (D) is visibilé from the front in the state with the case (30) closed. The window unit is characterized in that the back (32) is provided with a transparent rear panel (50) through which the object (D) is visibile from the rear in the state with the ease (30) closed. |
| US08813395B2 |
Article of footwear incorporating illuminable strands
An article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes at least one illuminable strand located to be visible from an exterior of the article of footwear. In some configurations, the upper includes a power source at least partially embedded within the upper and electrically-coupled to the illuminable strand. In another configuration, the upper includes a foundation layer and a cover layer that are secured to each other, and the illuminable strand is located between the foundation layer and the cover layer. |
| US08813394B2 |
Bowling shoe outsole with interchangeable pads
An elongated perimeter outlining a substantially planar foresole region, a substantially planar heel region, and an arch region recessed from the foresole and heel regions, each of the regions having medial and lateral sides; a heel pad attached to the heel region; a plurality of pockets formed in the foresole region, each pocket having a base and a rigid rim rising from the base above the plane of the foresole region; and a slide pad element in each pocket, having a bottom surface interchangeably secured to the base of the pocket and an outer slide surface, and a peripheral edge which closely conforms to the rim, wherein the conforming edge has a bottom edge portion substantially abutting the rim, and an upper edge portion that protrudes above the rim, whereby the rim is recessed relative to the slide surface. |
| US08813393B2 |
Skate
A skate having a skate boot with a non-lasted boot shell, the shell having a first non-lasted three-dimensional sub-shell and a second non-lasted three-dimensional sub-shell, the second sub-shell being interior to and adjoining the first sub-shell, the first sub-shell comprising a first material having a first density and the second sub-shell comprising a second material having a second density, the second density being less than the first density, the shell being shaped so as to have a heel portion, an ankle portion, a lateral portion, a medial portion, and a sole portion; and a ground-engaging assembly disposed on an underside of the skate. Additional sub-shells are possible. Methods of manufacturing the skate boot shell, including molding and build-up, are also disclosed. |
| US08813385B2 |
Collapsible chamber using an external heat source to dry wigs
A wig-drying apparatus is provided, comprising: a heat resistant fabric having six sections attached to each other at common edges to form a six sided chamber with interior and exterior panels joined with vertical stitching forming air ducts with holes in the interior panels, the chamber configured to hold a wig for drying; a wire frame within sleeves around the common edges of four of the sides of the chamber, the wire frame and chamber having a box-like configuration and a collapsed configuration; and a collapsible air intake tube secured at one end to an opening in one side of the fabric and having a second end configured to removably receive and retain an air outlet end of a blow dryer to provide hot air to circulate within the chamber and bake dry the wig when the wire frame and chamber are in the box-like configuration. |
| US08813384B2 |
Hair dryer with dual axis rotatable handle
A hair dryer is provided having a handle that may both be pivoted toward the dryer housing, and rotated with respect to the dryer housing so that the dryer may easily be operated in either a handle-held or nozzle-held mode. The hair dryer includes a dual axis joint assembly connecting the handle to the dryer housing that allows the handle to be rotated around its longitudinal axis before or during the time it is pivoted toward the dryer housing so that the control switch remains exposed and operable by a user when the handle is pivotally folded against the dryer body in preparation for nozzle-held operation. The dual axis joint assembly may include an eccentric mechanism that converts pivoting movement of the handle toward and away from said housing into rotational movement of said handle so that the handle turns 90° when pivotally folded against the dryer housing. Additionally, the electrical cord connection for supplying power to the blower assembly within the dryer housing is mounted on the blower assembly portion of the housing opposite the nozzle instead of on the handle so that the electrical cord does not interfere with the nozzle held operation of the dryer. |
| US08813382B1 |
Shim measurement system and method of operating the same
A shim measurement system and a method of measuring shims are provided. One system includes a shim measuring device configured to be positioned between a first part and a second part, the shim measuring device including a template and a plurality of gap measurement sensors coupled to the template, each of the gap measurement sensors configured to measure a distance between the first and second parts, the shim measuring device configured to output a matrix of values that represent the plurality of measured distances, and a computer configured to receive the matrix of values and generate a shim model based on the matrix of values. |
| US08813380B2 |
Trammel assembly for rotor pitch links and method of using same
Described is a trammel set tool designed to measure the center-to-center location of the bearings mounted on a pitch change link. Because pitch change links have two replaceable “lollypop” rod ends, it may be necessary at some point to replace an entire rod end, not just the bearing. The trammel set tool provides the operator the capability to remove an unserviceable rod end, and reinstall a new rod end to the same settings while taking into consideration. |
| US08813372B2 |
Blade clamp mechanism
A cutting tool clamp mechanism for a power tool includes a housing supported by a spindle, the spindle being configured to receive and drive a cutting tool. A clamping system is supported by the housing and a portion of the clamping system is movable relative to the spindle. The clamping system includes an actuator portion and an engaging portion coupled to the actuator portion. The clamping system has an engaged condition, in which the engaging portion is configured to secure the cutting tool to the spindle, and a released condition, in which the engaging portion is configured to disengage the cutting tool from the spindle. A biasing member positioned between the spindle and the clamping system biases the clamping system to the engaged condition. When the cutting tool is removed from the housing, the clamping system is configured to be held in the released condition, and upon insertion of the cutting tool into the housing, the clamping system moves from the released condition to the engaged condition. |
| US08813371B2 |
Blade protector for cutting tools
A cutting tool comprising a body, an aperture defined through the body, a blade coupled to the body, and at least one protrusion extending from the body into the aperture. The blade has a cutting edge extending into the aperture. The protrusion(s) has(have) an end portion proximate the cutting edge and configured to impede access to the cutting edge. The protrusion(s) may be flexible, such that limited access to the cutting edge is permitted in a flexed state. |
| US08813369B2 |
Hand-held hedge shears
The invention relates to hand-held hedge shears with an in particular electric driving motor. The hedge shears comprises a gripping housing with a rear handle, wherein a gripping part of the rear handle is rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereof and is lockable in the rotational position thereof by means of a locking element. An operating switch lever for the driving motor is arranged on the rotatable gripping part, wherein the operating switch lever acts by means of a sliding element and a transmission element on a switch unit for the rotational speed position of the driving motor. The sliding element is guided on the locking element in a manner sliding in the direction of the longitudinal axis. |
| US08813367B1 |
Bolster lock tool
A folding tool includes a bolster that acts as a safety and lock release. The tool may be designed for one-hand opening. An implement is held in a stored closed position by a safety formed by the bolster and a button style lock. The implement can be opened to the ready-for-use position by rotating the bolster to release the safety, and then rotating the implement. Once the implement is open, the bolster is rotated back to its original position setting the lock for the tool. |
| US08813366B2 |
Folding knife handle with assisted opening function
The present invention relates to a folding knife handle, which includes a first housing pivotally connected to a blade and formed with an arcuate guide groove through which a stud of the blade passes, a pushing element movably located on the first housing and having one end exposed from the handle, a pressing element connected to the pushing element and having one end provided with a pressing plate, and a second housing assembled to the first housing to cover the pressing element. When the stud is located at a first end of the arcuate guide groove and the pressing plate doesn't press against the stud, the blade is fully received in the handle and, when the pressing plate presses against and moves the stud toward a second end of the arcuate guide groove, the stud is driven by a resilient member to move the blade fully out of the handle. |
| US08813357B2 |
Piston with bi-metallic dome
A piston with a cast bi-metallic dome feature and a method of making the piston. In one form, the piston is for use in a diesel engine, while in another, the piston is for use in a gasoline engine. The dome feature may include a laminate of a relatively high-temperature material (such as stainless steel) and a relatively low temperature material (such as aluminum or aluminum alloys) such that the portion of the dome made from the relatively high-temperature material is directly exposed to combustion within a cylinder into which the piston is placed. In another form, an aluminum coated stainless steel layer is used to form the dome. In one form, an ablation casting process may be used to manufacture the dome. |
| US08813354B2 |
Method of manufacturing an electromagnetic shielding structure
An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding structure, which includes: a substrate, at least one chip unit, a packing layer, and an EMI shielding unit. The chip unit is disposed on the surface of the substrate and electrically coupled thereto. The packing layer is formed on the substrate and covers the chip unit. The EMI shielding unit includes: a first, second, and third shielding layer. The first shielding layer covers the outer surface of the packing layer and the lateral surface of the substrate. The second and third shielding layer respectively covers the outer surface of the first and second shielding layer. Based on the instant disclosure, the EMI shielding unit uses the methods of sputtering and electroless plating, to increase the adhesion strength of the EMI shielding unit and make the thickness of the shielding layer uniform. The instant disclosure raises the EMI shielding efficiency and lowers the manufacturing cost. |
| US08813353B2 |
Method of manufacturing a dielectric structure
A dielectric structure including a metal foil, a dielectric layer and a conductor layer provided in this order, wherein the metal foil has a thickness of from 10 to 40 μm, the dielectric layer has a thickness of from 0.3 to 5 μm, and the conductor layer has a thickness of from 0.3 to 10 μm. The dielectric structure has plural vias which are separated from each other, and which penetrate through both of the dielectric layer and the conductor layer. The vias of the dielectric layer have different diameters which are in a range of from 100 to 300 μm, a diameter of each of the vias of the conductor layer is larger than a diameter of a corresponding via of the dielectric layer by 5 to 50 μm, and a minimum via pitch is from 100 to 350 μm. |
| US08813350B2 |
Solder ball pattern forming
A ball grid array presentment apparatus and associated method are provided. The apparatus has a stationary guard defining a first passage. A core is mounted adjacent to the stationary guard, the core being operably moveable between an unload position and a second position. The core defines a second passage and supports a workpiece fixture operably retaining the ball grid array. The unload position of the core operably aligns the second passage to the first passage, the aligned passages being sized to permit access to unload the ball grid array from the workpiece fixture. The second position of the core operably misaligns the second passage from the first passage whereat the core and the stationary guard cooperatively form an enclosure around the workpiece fixture containing a supply of balls that are not retained in the ball grid array. |
| US08813343B2 |
Oxygen cylinder support for use in aircraft
An oxygen storage cylinder is stored in an interior cabin of an aircraft by providing a generally cylindrical envelope of flexible material receiving the cylinder therein and securing the envelope to a fixed seat frame. Circumferential straps are secured to a cylindrical wall portion of the envelope at spaced apart positions along the length thereof for securing the envelope and cylinder therein to an elongate frame member of the seat frame. End straps secured to intersecting frame members prevent longitudinal sliding of the envelope and cylinder therein relative to the elongate frame member of the fixed seat frame. The envelope protects the cylinder from direct contact with the frame to prevent friction or vibration damage to the cylinder while fixing the position of the cylinder in the interior cabin for the safety of surrounding passengers in the event of turbulence. |
| US08813342B2 |
Clad alloy substrates and method for making same
A method for producing a single-clad or multiple-clad product includes providing a welded assembly comprising a cladding material disposed on a substrate material. Both the substrate material and the cladding material are individually selected alloys. At least a first edge of the cladding material of the welded assembly does not extend to a first edge of the substrate material and thereby provides a margin between the first edges. A material that is an alloy having hot strength greater than the cladding material is within the margin and adjacent the first edge of the cladding material. The welded assembly is hot rolled to provide a hot rolled band, and the material within the margin inhibits the cladding material from spreading beyond the edge of the substrate material during the hot rolling. In certain embodiments of the methods, the substrate material is stainless steel and the cladding material is nickel or a nickel alloy. |
| US08813340B2 |
Arrangement for mounting the front technical surface of a vehicle
An arrangement for mounting a substantially vertical mechanical element, as a technical front surface, on a structural transverse element of bodywork of a vehicle such as an upper crossbar, the mechanical element including at least one substantially horizontal portion or structural nozzle bearing on an upper surface of the crossbar. The arrangement includes at least one carrier plate for the mechanical element which is slid under the bodywork of the vehicle and then mounted vertically. The plate includes a yoke for receiving the vertical mechanical element and which is capable of holding the element between at least one vertical position inclined towards the front and a vertical position. |
| US08813338B2 |
Workpiece alignment device
An alignment device has a carriage, two rails on the carriage that are configured for a workpiece to pass therebetween, and a finger that protrudes a distance from the carriage. The finger is configured to be disposed on a carrier for the workpieces. The workpieces may be solar cells and may pass through the rails on a conveyor belt. The alignment device may move in order to align the workpieces as the workpieces are loaded into a carrier. |
| US08813334B2 |
Double clutch
A torque transmitting device in a drive train of a vehicle, which has an assembly on the engine side and an assembly on the transmission side. A geometrically defined installation position of the torque transmitting device between the assemblies can be set by inserting a compensating element, such as an adjustment disk. A thickness of the compensating element depends on the air gap of the torque transmitting device to be set. |
| US08813333B2 |
Method of servicing a stator frame that uses spring assemblies to support a stator core
A method for servicing a stator frame of a power generator includes removing a first stator core from a main housing of the frame. A support assembly including a plurality of rails and a trolley is used to insert second laminations of a second stator core into the main housing. The rails extend axially within a bottom portion of the main housing and provide support for the trolley and for the second laminations as they are being inserted into the main housing. The trolley is provided for axial movement on the rails for inserting the second laminations into the main housing. |
| US08813328B2 |
Method and apparatus for installing a built-in oven into a cabinet cut-out
A method of installing a replacement built-in oven into a cut-out defined in a kitchen includes identifying a used built-in oven positioned in the cut-out of the kitchen, positioning a height adjuster of the replacement built-in oven into one of a number of predetermined positions based on the identity of the used built-in oven, and installing the replacement built-in oven in the cut-out of the kitchen. |
| US08813324B2 |
Method for providing a piezoelectric multilayer
A method for fabricating a piezoelectric multilayer are described. The method includes providing conductive layers. Alternating conductive layers are electrically connected. A first plurality of alternating conductive layers is electrically isolated from a second plurality of alternating conductive layers. Piezoelectric layers are interleaved with the conductive layers. Apertures are provided in the piezoelectric layers. A first conductive plug electrically connects the first plurality of alternating conductive layers, includes a first plurality of segments, and is in apertures in the piezoelectric layers. Each of the first plurality of segments extends through one of the piezoelectric layers. A second conductive plug electrically connects the second plurality of alternating conductive layers, includes a second plurality of segments, and is in a second portion of the plurality of apertures. Each of the second plurality of segments extends through one of the plurality of piezoelectric layers. |
| US08813323B2 |
Shockproof quick-release fastener for an end fitting of a safety belt
A quick release fastener for an end fitting of a safety belt having spaced apart first and second frame, a lockable insert tongue insertable between the frame plates, and a locking element moveable between a locking position in which the insert tongue is locked between the frame plates, and a release position. A locking element has at least two anchor surfaces facing one another, which at least form the stop at one outer face of the frame plates or of the insert tongue. In this way, a shockproof quick release fastener is provided which can be released without a special tool. |
| US08813320B2 |
Buckle for child restraint harness and its operating method
A buckle suitable for use with a child restrain harness comprises a first strap fastener having at least one resilient latching arm, a second strap fastener having a base provided with an opening, and a socket movably assembled through the opening, the socket being operable to rotate relative to the base, and the latching arm being operable to engage with the socket to securely hold the first strap fastener with the socket. |
| US08813319B2 |
Slide fastener with separable bottom end stop
A slide fastener with a separable bottom end stop according to the invention, includes: an insert member fixed to an end of one element row, and a pivot support member fixed to an end of the other element row. The insert member includes an insert plate portion fixed to the fastener tape, and a pivot shaft portion disposed on the insert plate portion. The pivot support member includes a box pin portion that extends from an end of the element row, a box portion of a nearly J shape, a protrusion that extends from the box pin portion, and a flat plate-like support portion that extends from the box portion. As a result, even if a separable bottom end stop receives lateral pulling force or pushing-up force in the coupling state of the element rows, it is possible to prevent the element rows from being decoupled. |
| US08813318B2 |
Slide fastener
There is provided a slide fastener that includes a pair of fastener stringers provided with fastener element rows having a plurality of fastener elements along opposing tape-side edges of a pair of fastener tapes, and a slider slidably attached to the fastener element rows to engage and disengage the fastener elements. One of the fastener stringers is separated from the slider when a lateral pulling force directed outward in a width direction of the fastener tapes is applied to the pair of fastener stringers. A pull tab attachment portion provided on an upper surface of an upper blade of the slider is disposed at one side with respect to a centerline of a guide post in the width direction. |
| US08813312B2 |
Hinge for display device
The present invention provides a hinge for a display device. A hinge for a display device according to the present invention, which connects and folds/unfolds first and second plates in a display device, includes: a soft plate member that is bendable while connecting first and second plates; a plurality of ribs formed at regular intervals at both sides of the soft plate member; a link means connecting the ribs and composed of first and second link and individually rotating with the bending of the soft plate member; and a fixing mechanism generating a fixing force by spring elasticity to control the rotation angle of the first and second links of the link means. |
| US08813309B2 |
Roller hinge constructions
A roller hinge assembly for connecting articulating door panels and simultaneously supporting a laterally extending panel support roller assembly includes one or more hinge units each having a male hinge strap and a female hinge strap. The structural integrity of one or more of the hinge units is supplemented by a reinforcing, slotted tubular member fitted over the roller axle support bushing which extends between and simultaneously engages opposed, spaced hinge strap arms. Two or more such hinge units may be arrayed laterally or side by side co-joined by a single hinge pin. Further, to insure appropriate alignment, a single tubular roller bushing may co-join the male or the female hinge units. |
| US08813307B2 |
Vacuum cleaner
A vacuum cleaner having a housing (12), including a filter element (31) for separating out particles (13) that have been picked up and transported in an air stream (L) as well as a holding device for holding the filter element (31) in the housing (12). The filter element (31) has at least one projecting holding section (34). The holding device (41) has a contact surface and a holding surface between which the holding section (34) of the filter element (31) comes to rest when the filter element is in the installed state. The contact surface and the holding surface are each provided with a defined irregularity. |
| US08813303B1 |
Descent control and energy recovery system for solar panel cleaning system
System and method for cleaning solar panel rows, with electronic descent control and potential energy recovery system, operating by modulated switching signals to an electronic switching device that converts DC output of a DC motor/generator to alternating current that is transferred through a transformer and rectifier to charge the system's battery. An impedance load on the DC motor/generator is generated during downward movement of the system's cleaning apparatus in order to control the descent rate of the cleaning apparatus. |
| US08813298B2 |
Cleaning tool and stick-like tool
In a cleaning tool 1, a lock piece 50 provided to the other of a handle 10 and a main body 20 can be switched between a lock position and a lock release position, the lock piece 50 positioned in the lock position butts against a stopper face 41D of an engagement member 41 to retain the engagement member 41 in a position of engagement with the recessed face 36, and the lock piece 50 positioned in the lock release position separates from the stopper face 41D of the engagement member 41 to allow the engagement member 41 to resiliently move forward and backward. |
| US08813295B1 |
Ticket scratching device
A ticket scratching device quickly and easily removes scratch-off material from game tickets to reveal game data concealed underneath the material. The device includes an elongated tubular member having a first end and a second end. Each of the first and second ends is open. A plurality of wires is coupled to the elongated member wherein the wires are configured for removing an opaque scratch-off covering from a game ticket. The wires comprise a first set of wires and a second set of wires. The first set of wires extends outwardly from the first end. The second set of wires extends outwardly from the second end. |
| US08813292B2 |
Electric toothbrush and brush head for an electric toothbrush
A brush head for an electric toothbrush is disclosed. The brush head includes a bristle support having mounting means for the movable mounting of the bristle support and a plurality of bristle tufts arranged on the bristle support in at least one outer ring and one middle ring, the middle ring being nested within the outer ring and having a central area. The outer ring includes outer bristle tufts having an elongated tuft cross-section, which outer bristle tufts are mounted on opposing sides of the outer ring. The middle ring includes at least two middle bristle tufts that each have a cross-section that is smaller than the cross-section of the outer bristle tufts and a central area including at least one bristled section that consists of two center bristle tufts having a cross-section larger than the cross-section of the middle bristle tufts. The center bristle tufts each having an elongated, substantially kidney-shaped form that complement each other so that the bristled section of the central area has an approximately circular, oval or elliptical structure. |
| US08813289B1 |
Modular wheelchair ramp including double-channeled stringer
An easy-to-construct modular wheelchair ramp with reliable dimensional stability in excess of all current regulatory requirements is provided. Such a modular device allows for a variety of ramp materials to be incorporated therein on demand as well as the utilization of any desired ramp pitch without any need to adjust (let alone actually use) connecting brackets and/or under-section supports. The double-channel stringer configuration thus allows for support legs to easily connect and move along such a component for facilitated set-up. Additionally, the double-channeled structure allows for any handrail materials to be properly and easily secured thereto. The stringer alone, as well as the overall modular ramp structure, are encompassed within this invention. The method of constructing such a wheelchair ramp is also envisioned within the invention. |
| US08813287B2 |
Automated laundry system
An embodiment of the present invention is directed to an automated laundry system. The system includes a number of perforated clothes drums, each of which holds a single load of laundry, and a washer/dryer unit. The washer/dryer unit includes a loading rack for queuing the drums for subsequent washing, a clothes washing component adapted to sequentially receive the drums from the loading rack and wash the respective loads of laundry therein, a clothes drying component adapted to sequentially receive the drums from the clothes washing component and dry the loads of laundry therein, and a holding rack for sequentially receiving the drums from the clothes drying component and holding the drums for a period of time. |
| US08813286B2 |
Tunable spring mattress and method of making same
A mattress includes a spring extending between first and second points to provide a first spring rate in a first direction. A polymer fiber structure is provided between the first and second points and adjoins the spring. The polymer fiber structure includes fibers interlinked with one another to provide the second spring rate in the first direction. An example method of manufacturing a mattress is provided that includes arranging springs to provide a mattress innerspring. A polymer fiber structure is introduced in a first state to the innerspring to provide an assembly. The assembly is further processed and the polymer fiber structure is simultaneously altered from the first state to a second state. |
| US08813285B2 |
Apparatuses and methods providing variable support and variable comfort control of a sleep system and automatic adjustment thereof
An apparatus and method providing variable support and variable comfort control of a sleep system, the apparatus including a sleep support member including: a comfort layer including: a plurality of comfort layer inflatable members; and a comfort layer sensor configured to provide data relating to respective pressures of the comfort layer inflatable members; a data analysis unit configured to analyze data provided by the comfort layer sensor and to generate analyzed comfort layer data; and a control unit configured to control a pressure within each of the respective comfort layer inflatable members using the analyzed comfort layer data. |
| US08813282B2 |
Therapeutic pillow with hand rest
The disclosed embodiments relate generally to a therapeutic pillow, and more particularly the disclosed embodiments relate to a pillow designed to support the head and neck of a sleeper and provide facial protection against definition lines and wrinkles in any position during sleep. The neck and head support also is designed to aid in better respirations and breathing while sleeping on the pillow, and allow positioning and support of aroma therapy or any other type of therapy on the pillow while sleeping. The hand rest portion allows better positioning of the shoulder region and neck region for sleep and also provide support to the arm region to promote healing if the arm is injured. |
| US08813280B1 |
Article of bedding
An article of bedding for disposition over the top, side and end surfaces of a mattress comprises a substantially inelastic web of textile material which includes a top panel, side and end panels, and corner seams. The article further comprises a stretchable corner member overlying each corner seam, an additional seam aligned axially with each corner seam, and a stretchable border member secured to the peripheral edges of the side panels. This construction allows the article to accommodate the contours of mattresses of varying thicknesses within each given peripheral mattress size classification. Methods of making such articles are also disclosed. |
| US08813278B2 |
Handrail structure adapted to crib
A handrail structure adapted to a crib comprises a handrail member, a locking mechanism and a first pivoting member. A first pivoting portion of the handrail member is pivotally connected to the locking mechanism by the first pivoting member. A second pivoting portion of the handrail member is pivotally connected to a support member by a second pivoting member. The locking mechanism is capable of selectively locking or releasing the first pivoting portion. The second pivoting portion has an opening formed thereon and the second pivoting member is movably disposed in the opening. The second pivoting member abuts against a first edge of the opening when the locking mechanism locks the first pivoting portion. The handrail member is capable of being rotated with respect to at least one of the locking mechanism and the support member when the second pivoting member abuts against a second edge of the opening. |
| US08813277B2 |
Patient single surface system
This invention is directed towards a patient single surface system, PS3, which is a next generation system solution for patient accommodation, diagnosis, treatment, transfer and transport. PS3 provides a single surface for the patient to remain on from the trauma site through diagnosis, treatment and convalescence. Needs addressed by the PS3 system include improved patient treatment through reduction in time to treatment, reduced or eliminated unnecessary patient movement and injury, as well as improved comfort throughout treatment and convalescence. In addition, the PS3 system solves significant economic considerations. |
| US08813275B2 |
Spa cover
A spa cover is described and which includes first and second rigid portions joined together by a continuous hinge and which each define a multiplicity of spaced, uniformly elongated internal channels extending between opposite peripheral edges thereof; individual lightweight unitary insulative inserts are dimensioned for telescoping receipt within each of the internal channels which are defined by the respective first and second portions, a pair of brackets are mounted on the spa, and which define, at least in part, a course of travel for the spa cover so as to expose the spa for use; and a generally U-shaped carrier is rotatively affixed to the pair of brackets and which cooperates with the second portion of the spa cover. |
| US08813274B2 |
Mist flushing system for toilets
A toilet multi flushing device consisting of an enclosed tank (3) filled with compressible plastic sheets (6). The tank (3) has a direct connection (1) to water supply at the bottom, an outlet at the bottom of the tank (3) with an external ball valve used as a flushing valve (10). When the valve (10) is opened the water is ejected at high speed to clear the bowl. It could be mixed with fresh air to form a mist flow. The mist streams clear the bowl. Fresh air could be substituted by the air from the trap (25) to create vacuum after the trap (25) to facilitate the clearing of the bowl. |
| US08813273B2 |
Waste water outlet unit
A waste outlet unit cover for a waste water outlet unit for a shower tray, the cover comprising a non-screw threaded attachment arrangement by which the cover can be securely and releasably attached to the waste water outlet unit. A waste water outlet unit having such a cover is also provided. |
| US08813266B1 |
Anchored garment assembly
An anchored garment assembly is provided for holding an outer garment in a suspended position relative to an inner garment. The assembly includes an inner garment having a waistband and a pair of leg openings. A support loop is coupled to the inner garment. An outer garment has a top edge and a pair of leg portions extending downwardly from the top edge. A first strap has a first end, a second end, and a medial portion extending between the first end and the second end. The first end of the first strap is coupled to the outer garment. The medial portion of the first strap extends through the support loop. The second end is coupled to the outer garment whereby the top edge of the outer garment is supported by the first strap in spaced relationship to the waistband of the inner garment. |
| US08813265B2 |
Headband with slots
A headband with two slots adapted to accommodate the arms of a pair of glasses where the arms are fully contained within pockets leading into the headband. |
| US08813263B2 |
Quick release connection assembly
A vest incorporating a pull element operatively connected to a plurality of tether lines extending along pathways to panel connection points at which front and rear panels of the vest are adjoined. When the pull element is extended away from the vest, the tether lines are placed into tension thereby causing the connection assemblies to be disengaged and the front and rear panels of the vest can fall away from one another. Locking elements within the connection assemblies return to their locking position upon release of the tension. |
| US08819861B2 |
Nanometer-scale sharpening of conductor tips
The invention provides methods for sharpening the tip of an electrical conductor. The methods of the invention are capable of producing tips with an apex radius of curvature less than 2 nm. The methods of the invention are based on simultaneous direction of ionized atoms towards the apex of a previously sharpened conducting tip and application of an electric potential difference to the tip. The sign of the charge on the ions is the same as the sign of the electric potential. The methods of the invention can be used to sharpen metal wires, metal wires tipped with conductive coatings, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, semiconducting nanowires and semiconductors in other forms. |
| US08819858B2 |
Hardware access and monitoring control
Various embodiments described and illustrated here include one or more of systems, methods, software, and data structures that may be used to implement policies for hardware access and monitoring control in concert with a premises security system that controls ingress and egress of a facility. One embodiment includes identifying when certain devices are removed or decoupled from a computer and preventing one or more users of that computer from leaving a facility within which the computer is located. |
| US08819857B2 |
Apparatus and method to harden computer system
In some embodiments, a processor-based system may include a processor, the processor having a processor identification, one or more electronic components coupled to the processor, at least one of the electronic components having a component identification, and a hardware security component coupled to the processor and the electronic component. The hardware security component may include a secure non-volatile memory and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive the processor identification from the processor, receive the at least one component identification from the one or more electronic components, and determine if a boot of the processor-based system is a provisioning boot of the processor-based system. If the boot is determined to be the provisioning boot, the controller may be configured to store a security code in the secure non-volatile memory, wherein the security code is based on the processor identification and the at least one component identification. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed. |
| US08819847B2 |
Associating a unique identifier and a hierarchy code with a record
A method and system for creating a record and associating a unique identifier and a hierarchy code with the record where the record is created in response to identifying that a transmission violates an institution's policy. The record may also be passed to a reporting module which may generate a report based on the unique identifier and/or a hierarchy code. Additionally, the record may be passed to a remediation agent for handling. The remediation agent may also update the record based on actions taken by the remediation agent or updates identified by the remediation agent. |
| US08819843B2 |
Methods and apparatus for conditional access of non real-time content in a distribution system
Methods and apparatus for conditional access of non real-time (NRT) content in a distribution system. A method includes encrypting NRT content with a control word (CW) to generate encrypted NRT content, providing the CW to entitlement control message (ECM) generators, receiving ECMs from the ECM generators, wherein each ECM comprises a unique encryption of the CW to provide conditional access to the CW, and providing the encrypted NRT content and the ECMs for transmission over a distribution network. An apparatus includes a synchronizer configured to provide a CW to ECM generators and receive ECMs from the ECM generators, wherein each ECM comprises a unique encryption of the CW to provide conditional access to the CW, and a management module configured to encrypt the NRT content with the CW to generate encrypted NRT content and provide the encrypted NRT content and the ECMs for transmission over the distribution network. |
| US08819839B2 |
Microprocessor having a secure execution mode with provisions for monitoring, indicating, and managing security levels
An apparatus including a microprocessor and a secure non-volatile memory. The microprocessor executes non-secure application programs and a secure application program. The non-secure application programs are accessed from a system memory via a system bus, and the secure application program is executed in a secure execution mode. The microprocessor has a watchdog manager that monitors environments of the microprocessor by noting and evaluating data communicated by a plurality of monitors, and that classifies the data to indicate a security level associated with execution of the secure application program, and that directs secure execution mode logic to perform responsive actions in accordance with the security level. The secure non-volatile memory is coupled to the microprocessor via a private bus, and stores the secure application program. The secure application program is encrypted. Transactions over the private bus are isolated from the system bus and corresponding system bus resources within the microprocessor. |
| US08819838B2 |
Piracy prevention in digital rights management systems
A method in a multimedia device (130) including obtaining protected content having a limited exercisable right associated therewith, obtaining an extension of the limited exercisable right when a condition is satisfied, for example, when the device enters a DRM system different than the DRM system from which the protected content originated, wherein the extension of the limited exercisable right is obtained from an entity other than the multimedia device, for example, from an anomaly detector. |
| US08819837B2 |
Medical and personal data retrieval system
A system for confidentially retrieving data from a person, such as by authorized personnel. One embodiment provides a data carrier item such as jewelry, having encrypted data imparted upon the item in manner that is only intelligible after being unencrypted. Such data can be encrypted and/or invisibly disposed such that the data is not identifiable by the public, but can be quickly and accurately retrieved by authorized personnel. |
| US08819836B2 |
System and method for limiting exploitable of potentially exploitable sub-components in software components
Approaches for limiting exploitable or potentially exploitable sub-components in software components are disclosed. In certain implementations, a first software component in the component creation environment may be identified. The first software component may include a first sub-component that provides a function that is exploitable or potentially exploitable to compromise the first software component. The first sub-component may be disabled such that the function provided by the first sub-component is not available via the first software component when the first software component is executed. The first software component may be placed in the component repository after the first sub-component is disabled such that the first software component is placed in the component repository without availability of the function provided by the first sub-component. In some implementations, disabling the first sub-component may comprise removing the first sub-component from the first software component. |
| US08819835B2 |
Silent-mode signature testing in anti-malware processing
Method and computer program product for signature testing used in anti-malware processing. Silent signatures, after being tested, are not updated into a white list and are sent directly to users instead. If the silent signature coincides with malware signature, a user is not informed. A checksum (e.g., hash value) of a suspected file is sent to a server, where statistics are kept and analyzed. Based on collected false positive statistics of the silent-signature, the silent-signature is either valid or invalid. Use of the silent signatures provides for effective signature testing and reduces response time to new malware-related threats. The silent signature method is used for turning off a signature upon first false positive occurrence. Use of silent signatures allows improving heuristic algorithms for detection of unknown malware. |
| US08819834B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for automatically generating a fuzzer that implements functional and fuzz testing and testing a network device using the fuzzer
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for automatically generating a fuzzer for testing a network device using the fuzzer are disclosed. According to one method, a functional description of a network communications protocol finite state machine is received as input. Operation of the protocol is simulated using the functional description of the network communications protocol finite state machine to generate a set of valid conversations in the protocol. A fuzzer is generated from the set of valid conversations. The fuzzer is used to send messages to test a device under test. Responses to the device under test to the messages generated by the fuzzer are analyzed. |
| US08819833B2 |
Assured pipeline threat detection
Devices, methods, and systems for assured pipeline threat detection are described herein. One method for assured pipeline threat detection includes receiving a first set of data at a firewall from an unsecured network, moving the first set of data from the firewall to a number of virtual machines, performing a number of threat detection analyses on the first set of data in the number of virtual machines that are organized in a first assured pipeline, and sending the first set of data to a secured target network if no threat was detected. |
| US08819832B2 |
Systems and methods for performing vulnerability scans on virtual machines
Embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods for performing vulnerability scans on virtual machines. The systems and methods comprise a virtual asset tool that can instantiate a vulnerability scanner on a physical machine hosting a set of virtual machines. The vulnerability scanner can scan the virtual machines to identify any vulnerabilities, security flaws, or other risks, and can provide a result of the scan to the virtual asset tool. In embodiments, the virtual asset tool can examine the result of the scan to identify any vulnerabilities resulting from the scan. |
| US08819830B2 |
Virus co-processor instructions and methods for using such
Circuits and methods for detecting, identifying and/or removing undesired content are provided. According to one embodiment, a method for virus processing is provided. A data segment is received by a general purpose processor coupled to a virus co-processor and a memory via an interconnect bus. The memory includes a first signature and a second signature. The first includes a primitive instruction and a Content Pattern Recognition (CPR) instruction stored at contiguous locations in the memory and compiled for hardware execution on the co-processor. The second is compiled for software execution. The data segment is scanned by the general purpose processor by applying the second signature against the data segment. The co-processor is directed by the general purpose processor to scan the data segment by applying the first signature against the data segment by storing the data segment to the memory and indicating a request for a scan to the co-processor. |
| US08819829B1 |
Controlling network access based on application detection
This specification generally relates to controlling access of a device to a network based on the detection of a network application running on the device. One example method includes maintaining one or more application profiles, each application profile associated with one or more network activities in a network; detecting one or more network activities associated with a device connected to the network; determining that the one or more detected network activities associated with the device substantially match network activities associated with a predetermined application profile; and denying network access by the device to the network based upon the determination. |
| US08819827B1 |
Method and apparatus of performing data executable integrity verification
Disclosed are an apparatus and method of verifying an application installation procedure. One example method of operation may include receiving an application at a computer device and initiating the installation of the application on the computer device. The method may also provide executing the application during the installation procedure and creating a hash value corresponding to the executed application data. The method may further provide storing the hash value in memory and comparing the hash value to a pre-stored hash value to determine whether to continue the installation of the application. |
| US08819826B2 |
Method and system for detection of malware that connect to network destinations through cloud scanning and web reputation
A method for detecting malware includes the steps of identifying a one or more open network connections of an electronic device, associating one or more executable objects on the electronic device with the one or more open network connections of the electronic device, determining the address of a first network destination that is connected to the open network connections of the electronic device, receiving an evaluation of the first network destination, and identifying one or more of the executable objects as malware executable objects. The evaluation includes an indication that the first network destination is associated with malware. The malware executable objects includes the executable objects that are associated with the open network connections that are connected to the first network destination. |
| US08819820B2 |
Security capability reference model for goal-based gap analysis
Gap analysis is performed on security capabilities of a computer system compared to a desired or targeted security model according to one or more security requirement by providing a data structure of security capabilities of a computer system under analysis, wherein each capability is classified in a formal security capability reference model with a mean having a set of attributes and a goal; determining the security capabilities of the deployed system-under-analysis; matching the security capabilities of the deployed system-under-analysis with the security capabilities defined in the data structure; determining one or more gaps in security capabilities between the deployed system and a security reference model goal; and displaying the gaps to a user in a report. |
| US08819819B1 |
Method and system for automatically obtaining webpage content in the presence of javascript
JavaScript on webpages linked to by URLs in messages is identified and the JavaScript is extracted. The JavaScript is then subjected to a JavaScript execution and analysis process whereby the JavaScript is executed in the context of a simulated web browser. The behavior of the JavaScript is then analyzed to identify one or more of: any URLs to be redirected to; any further executable JavaScript; and any content dynamically written to the webpage. The results are then either recursed into or are recorded and used to aid in the identification of spam messages. |
| US08819806B2 |
Integrated data access
An application portal selectively provides a user selective access to data. A data access layer is included in the portal and includes a map associating the user with a permission and further associating a combination of the user and the permission with a data entity, whereby it may be determined whether the user is permitted to access data identified with the data entity. A data stage included in the portal selectively undergoes a synchronization with a remote data store, the synchronization providing data access information that is used to update the map. |
| US08819804B1 |
Distributed enforcement of browser rules
Various systems and methods distribute enforcement of browser rules. For example, one method can involve receiving, from a browser control client, information indicating that a user is accessing the Internet via a browser. The information received from the client can include a login name submitted by the user via the browser. The browser is installed on a computing device, and the browser control client is also installed on the computing device. The method can then send, to the browser control client, a set of one or more browser rules associated with the login name for enforcement on the computing device, in response to receipt of the information. |
| US08819803B1 |
Validating association of client devices with authenticated clients
A method is used in validating association of client devices with authenticated clients. An authentication request for authenticating a client is received from a client device used by a client for establishing a session with a server. The client is authenticated by an authentication device. A token is created and provided to the client device. Identification information of the client device is gathered. The identification information identifies the client device. The identification information gathered from the client device is evaluated. Based on the evaluation, it is validated that the identification information corresponds to a client device associated with the authenticated client. |
| US08819801B2 |
Secure machine enrollment in multi-tenant subscription environment
In a multi-tenant environment, machines across the Internet, belonging to a particular subscription are securely enrolled with the tenant's subscription. Authentication of the machines is delegated to each of the tenant's own on-premise authentication mechanism The trust relationship with the tenant's authentication service is used to validate the security token presented by the machine being authenticated. Once authenticated, the machine has authorization (e.g. SSL machine cert for identity, security token, etc.,) to access the subscription. Each tenant within the multi-tenant environment can provide its own level of authentication. The machine presents the security token to the multi-tenant environment for requests for resources (e.g. services/content) from a user. When a request is received from a machine to access a resource, the multi-tenant environment determines from the issued token whether or not the machine is authorized to access the requested resources. |
| US08819800B2 |
Protecting user information
A method and apparatus for protecting user information. The method includes receiving a request for accessing the user information from an application. When the request does not include an authorized token, the user is requested to temporally confirm the request for access. In response to the confirmation, a token is generated and the user on a mobile service platform is associated with the request for access by the token. The application is then allowed to access the user information based on the token associating the user with the request for accessing the user information from the application. |
| US08819796B2 |
Authentication system and method
Security is improved as compared to the security of conventional authentication systems, only by requesting a user to perform operations involving the same number of operations as that of the conventional authentication systems. When login information is registered, an authentication system (1, 1A) accepts registration of a type of a login image that composes an authentication button for initiating user authentication. When displaying an authentication page that is used for user authentication, the authentication system (1, 1A) displays buttons including the authentication button composed of the login image and dummy buttons composed of other images. The authentication system (1, 1A) performs user authentication in a case in which an operation button selected by the user is the authentication button. |
| US08819790B2 |
Cooperation method and system between send mechanism and IPSec protocol in IPV6 environment
The present invention relates to a method of embodying a cooperation system between SEND and IPSec in an IPv6 environment. The cooperation system between SEND and IPSec in accordance with the present invention includes: receiving an authentication completion report message including a first IP address of a host whose authentication is completed by the SEND; generating new authentication information corresponding to the host and storing the new authentication information in a temporary storage area, if authentication information for the host is not present in the temporary storage area, wherein the authentication information includes the first IP address; and if an authentication check request message including a second IP address is received from the IPSec, checking whether the second IP address is present in the temporary storage area, and sending the result of checking to the IPSec. The present invention allows the authentication information shared between SEND and IPSec in a mobile environment, where the network is frequently accessed, enabling IPSec secure communication at a lower cost. |
| US08819789B2 |
Method and system for using social networks to verify entity affiliations and identities
Login credentials for at least one website, such as a social networking website, are received from a user purporting to act on behalf of an entity, for example, in the context of registering the entity with a system for electronic bill payment. Social data relating to the entity is retrieved from the websites using the login credentials. The social data comprises a plurality of social connections, each reflecting a respective relationship between the entity and a respective third party. A plurality of relevant social connections comprising at least a subset of the plurality of social connections is determined, each social connection of the plurality of relevant social connections reflecting a relationship to a respective third party that is deemed to be reliable. A reliability rating of the entity is then determined based on the plurality of relevant social connections. |
| US08819784B2 |
Method for managing access to protected resources and delegating authority in a computer network
In a method, a consumer (100), being a software application or web site accessing a service provider (200) on behalf of a user, transmits (s10) to a service provider (200), being a software application or web site providing access to protected resources, a request for authorization to access by the consumer (100) on behalf of a delegatee (410) the protected resources of a delegator (420). The service provider (200) transmits (s20) to a controller (300) the request for authorization. A request token is also transmitted, which is a value used by the service provider (200) to register a requested authorization. The controller (300) determines (s30) whether the requested authorization meets policy settings governing the access to the delegator's protected resources. If so, the service provider (200) grants the authorization registered by the request token, and a third message including the request token is transmitted (s50) to the consumer (100). |
| US08819777B2 |
Method and apparatus for preventing and analyzing network intrusion
Aspects of the disclosure provide a method for preventing and analyzing network intrusion. The method includes receiving by a network device an initial communication from an entity, determining the entity is not trusted based on the initial communication, and transmitting signals to the entity that are indicative of first disinformation of the network device to hide real information of the network device. |
| US08819767B2 |
Method for securing data and/or applications in a cloud computing architecture
A method for securing data and/or applications within a cloud computing architecture is provided. According to the invention, a security module is provided, the security module being administered by the user of said virtual server(s) which is/are dedicated to said user; said security module is provided with one or more security policies to be applied to the data managed by the virtual servers dedicated to said user; said security module is provided with identifiers as well as keys to access the user's dedicated virtual servers; the security module accesses the user's dedicated virtual server; the security module exports the security policies, which have been provided to it, to the dedicated virtual servers; and the dedicated virtual servers apply the security policies, which have been provided to them by the security module, to the data they manage. |
| US08819765B2 |
Security policy distribution to communication terminals
A method and arrangement for distributing a security policy to a communication terminal having an association with a home communication network, but being present in a visited communication network. The home communication network generates its own preferred security policy Ph and the visited communication network generates its own preferred security policy Pv. A communication network entity in the visited communication network combines the security policies and selects security algorithms and/or functions to apply from the combined security policy. By generating security policy vectors of both networks and combining them before the security algorithms are selected, both networks are able to influence the selection without requiring the use of signaling messages. |
| US08819764B2 |
Network security monitor apparatus and network security monitor system
A network security monitoring apparatus and a network security monitoring system manages “permitted” or “not permitted” communication between nodes based on an access policy. A network security monitoring system includes nodes 31,32,33, application server 20, router 40, and network security monitoring apparatus 10 deployed in the network. The network security monitoring apparatus 10 judges whether the nodes are permitted to communicate with other nodes in the network or not based on the access policy, and repeatedly transmits data to block the communication between nodes judged as “not permitted” at fixed time intervals until the access policy is changed from “not permitted” to “permitted”. This invention enables to block communication between nodes defined as “not permitted” for communicating with other nodes in the access policy, and to allow communication between nodes defined as “permitted” for communicating with other nodes in the access policy. |
| US08819762B2 |
System and method for auditing a security policy
Provided a computerized system and method of automated auditing a range of rules associated with an enforced security policy. The method comprises automated obtaining log records assigned to a first rule within the range of rules and logged during a counted period, each said log record comprising a unique rule identifier and recorded values of respective arguments comprised in the rule; counting a number of records matching certain recorded values and logged within certain time intervals within the counted period (counted values); and automated generating a counted log record assigned to said rule, said record comprising the unique rule identifier, the counted period, recorded values of the rule arguments and respective counted values. The method further comprises obtaining a plurality of objects engaged in said first rule; resolving a first object among said plurality of objects to a set of resolved values; matching said resolved values to the recorded values of the respective arguments, said recorded values comprised in the counted log record assigned to said rule; counting each match in accordance with respective counted value, thus giving rise to a plurality of matching values of the resolved values; and using the plurality of matching values for analysis related to usage of the first object. |
| US08819760B2 |
Methods and systems for improving low-resolution video
Systems and methods are provided for improving the visual quality of low-resolution video displayed on large-screen displays. A video format converter may be used to process a low-resolution video signal from a media providing device before the video is displayed. The video format converter may detect the true resolution of the video and deinterlace the video signal accordingly. For low-resolution videos that are also low in quality, the video format converter may reduce compression artifacts and apply techniques to enhance the appearance of the video. |
| US08819758B2 |
System and method for providing television services
A system and method are described for providing interactive television services and for switching between television programs, such as to an interactive program session from another program. An interactive server, capable of providing requested interactive video services to a set of subscribers in a given geographic area, is coupled to a network to which subscriber set top boxes are also coupled. Television programming, which may be furnished by any number of sources, is accompanied by a signal that indicates the availability of other programming, such as interactive television service related to the program being viewed, as well as information to be used in requesting such service. The user, when notified by this signal, may input to the set top box a request for a second program, such as an interactive program or application. The identity of the original program channel is stored, and a session with the video service provider is established over the network. When the session is terminated, the set top box re-tunes the television signal to the original program channel. |
| US08819757B2 |
Advanced wireless IPTV set top box
An advanced wireless IP STB is provided with multiple built-in antennas capable of capturing plural downstream transmissions simultaneously on dedicated receivers using different modem technologies without the use of wires to the home. The proposed solution facilitates the advanced wireless IP STB being able to receive multiply sourced data traffic, including, for example, IPTV, digital TV, web TV, radio web, internet chat: written, voice and video, GPS tracking locator signals, media player web support, web based video gaming, You Tube and the like video streaming, TV surveillance, video intercom surveillance, and much more. The advanced wireless IP STB is configured to be able to establish a broadband (internet) session through previously assigned or negotiated channel assignments between one or more modems and plural remote wireless infrastructures widely deployed in a municipality, such as WIMAX, LTE, WCDMA, CDMA 1×, TDSCMA, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, 5G or the like. |
| US08819756B2 |
Open API digital video recorder and method of making and using same
A digital video recorder is disclosed. The digital video recorder includes at least one memory device, a plurality of communication access points for receiving at least one program play, an open application programming interface associated with the at least one memory device, and at least one correlation engine in communication with the open application programming interface. The plurality of applications correspondent to the open application programming interface allow a user to manipulate metadata associated with ones of the programs plays and the metadata relates to interframe interactivity with detailed aspects of the ones of the program plays. The at least one correlation engine provides for correlation among at least for the interframes of the program play to ones of the interframes of other ones of the program plays, and among the interframe interactivity to the interframes of the program play to interframe interactivity with the other ones of the interframes of the other ones of the program plays. |
| US08819754B2 |
Media streaming with enhanced seek operation
The present disclosure relates to playback of video/audio streaming media data. The media stream is available from the network at multiple bit rates. When a seek operation is performed, a playback device requests a lower bit rate media stream in order to quickly fill a playback buffer so that playback can commence more readily. After a seek start-up period is complete, the playback device can return to downloading the media stream associated with higher bit rates in order to increase the quality of the playback. |
| US08819749B2 |
Synchronization of media stream components
A method for synchronizing a plurality of components of a broadcast media stream, includes buffering streams of data samples for a plurality of components of a broadcast media stream and buffering a plurality of information packets. The stream of data samples for each of the plurality of components includes relative timing information, each information packet including timing information indicating a relationship between the relative timing information in the components and an absolute time. The method further includes performing a look-ahead action on the buffered information packets to extract timing information for each of the plurality of components; and using the extracted timing information and relative timing information to synchronize the plurality of components. |
| US08819743B2 |
Transfer of data related to broadcast programming over a communication network
A broadcast programming receiver is provided which includes a broadcast programming interface, a memory, a communication network interface, and output circuitry. The broadcast programming interface is configured to receive broadcast programming, while the output circuitry is configured to transfer the broadcast programming to an output device. The memory is configured to store data related to the broadcast programming. In one embodiment, the communication network interface is configured to receive the data related to the broadcast programming over a communication network from a second broadcast programming receiver and transfer the data to the memory. In another implementation, the communication network interface is configured to receive the data from the memory and send the data over the communication network to a second broadcast programming receiver. |
| US08819735B2 |
Presenting content
A method of presenting content to a viewer is described. The method includes: receiving a schedule of content at a client operable by the viewer, the schedule of content including a directed graph, the directed graph including a plurality of nodes, wherein each node in the plurality of nodes is connected to one or more other nodes in the plurality of nodes by one or more paths, wherein each path represents content presentable to the viewer; traversing the directed graph by following a route between nodes and along paths of the directed graph, wherein at each node the client determines a path to follow according to state information accessible by the client; and presenting content to the viewer as each path is followed. |
| US08819727B2 |
System and method for content delivery with multiple embedded messages
A digital video program is obtained. The program includes: (i) at least one broadcast segmentation message specifying at least one location for at least one broadcast advertisement, and (ii) at least one time-shifted segmentation message specifying at least one location for at least one time-shifted advertisement. The program is broadcast with at least one broadcast advertisement in accordance with the at least one broadcast segmentation message, and is made available to a subscriber at a time after the broadcasting, with at least one time-shifted advertisement in accordance with the at least one time-shifted segmentation message. |
| US08819725B2 |
Message presentation apparatus, systems, and methods
An embodiment of a dynamic messaging system receives a message presentation request from a program distributor, the message presentation request having a first identifier that identifies the receiving device and a second identifier corresponding to one of a fixed message indicator and a dynamic message indicator. In response to receiving the message presentation request identifying the receiving device and the fixed message indicator, the dynamic messaging system retrieves a fixed message from a memory of the receiving device based upon the fixed message indicator. In response to receiving the message presentation request identifying the receiving device and the dynamic message indicator, the dynamic messaging system receives a dynamic message from an information stream communicated from the program distributor. |
| US08819718B2 |
Methods and apparatus for monitoring and/or collecting viewership statistics
Methods and apparatus for collecting program viewership information are described. A viewership monitoring module is provided access to decrypted program content allowing program information to be recovered without having to capture output program content using a microphone or camera. The monitoring module is loaded onto a secure device, e.g., a home network device, such as a router used to deliver content to a secure playback device. Alternatively the secure device which performs the monitoring maybe the secure playback device. Since a user of the secure device or a company implementing the viewership monitoring process loads the monitoring module onto the secure device, the network used to deliver the secure content need not be informed of which network customers are contributing to the viewership information which is being collected. |
| US08819717B2 |
Audio based methods and apparatus for detecting a channel change event
Methods and apparatus for detecting a channel change event are disclosed. An example method identifying at least one of a first muted audio condition or a first transient audio condition in a second portion of a media signal having first, second, and third portions, the first portion occurring earlier in time than the second portion and the second portion occurring earlier in time than the third portion, and identifying, using a processor, a channel change event in response to: 1) identifying the at least one of the first muted audio condition or the first transient audio condition; 2) failing to identify a second muted audio condition or a second transient audio condition in the first and third portions of the media signal; and 3) determining that a time domain length of the second portion of the media signal is greater than a first threshold and less than a second threshold. |
| US08819716B2 |
Apparatus, system, method and computer readable recording medium storing the program for related recommendation of TV program contents and web contents
Disclosure relates to an apparatus, system, and method for related recommendation of TV program contents and web contents that enable plentiful information acquisition and effective TV watching by discovering and recommending Internet web contents having a high association with the TV program contents when a TV is watched using a TV terminal connected to the Internet, and to a computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon for executing the method. The apparatus includes: an user profile unit that produces and updates an user profile of a smart TV; a first information collection unit that collects first information that is TV program contents metadata from a smart TV network; a second information collection unit that collects second information that is web contents information from a web; and an integrated content database that stores third integrated information structured with correlation discovered between the first information and the second information. |
| US08819712B2 |
System and method for displaying a customized multimedia content
A system and method for displaying a multimedia content over a network is provided. The multimedia content comprises a standard-content part and a customized-content part. The customized-content part comprises one or more multimedia components. The method comprises the steps of selecting one or more of the multimedia components based on a predetermined set of preferences to obtain a multimedia component set comprising one or more multimedia components. The method further comprises customizing dynamically one or more of the multimedia components belonging to the multimedia component set based on the predetermined set of preferences. Thereafter, the method integrates the multimedia components to obtain the customized-content part. Further, the customized-content part is associated with the multimedia content and the multimedia content is displayed with the customized-content part. |
| US08819710B2 |
Optical pickup device
An optical pickup device is provided, a cover of which covering a housing is prevented from deforming. A principal surface of an optical pickup device of the present invention is covered with a cover 13. The cover 13 includes: a cover portion 13G; a hole portion 13 provided at an end in the longitudinal direction and is screwed; an engagement portion 13A provided at the other end in the longitudinal direction and is engaged with the housing; and an engagement portion 13D engaged with the opening portion of the housing in the middle part. The engagement portion 13D placed in the middle part of the cover portion 13G is engaged with the housing to prevent the cover portion 13G from bulging outward. |
| US08819706B2 |
Audio feedback for command line interface commands
A method for providing audio feedback for command line interface (CLI) commands in a computing environment. Auditory notifications are generated for indicating a completion of CLI commands. The auditory notifications are configurable by user preferences. |
| US08819704B1 |
Personalized availability characterization of online application services
The subject matter of this disclosure can be implemented in, among other things, a method. In these examples, the method includes receiving electronic records that each correspond to an event associated with an application service of a group of application services provided by a server, wherein the application service comprises an online or web-based software application, and wherein each electronic record includes at least a time of its corresponding event, user identification information of a user of the application service, and a indicator of a status of the corresponding event. The method may also include generating application service status information for the user identified by the user identification information based on the one or more electronic records, wherein the application service status information includes status information for at least the application service, and wherein the application service status information reflects a number of errors experienced by the application service. |
| US08819701B2 |
Cloud computing monitoring and management system
A cloud computing monitoring system has an alert capturing system and a message transfer system that provides performance tracking and alert management to a local monitoring system. The alert capturing system may operate as part of a managed code framework and may capture and route alerts that may be transmitted to an operating system, as well as application exceptions and debugging information. A message queuing system may transmit the alerts to a local monitoring system, which may have a connector that subscribes to the cloud system's message queuing system. |
| US08819700B2 |
System and method for synchronous inter-thread communication
A method and apparatus configured to allow independent threads to communicate synchronously through a block of memory accessible to at least two independent threads for bi-directional communication. The method and apparatus simplify the conversion of computer code to a multi-threaded architecture by allowing threads to effectively interact through function calls and data returns. |
| US08819697B2 |
Managing actions that have no end events
A computer-implemented method for managing events that have no end events includes: determining that a first event has been generated that corresponds to a continuous action having no defined end event, the first event having an event type and being initiated by a user; determining whether at least a second event of the event type is initiated by the user within a specified time from initiation of the first event; and performing a functionality of the continuous action only if the second event is not initiated within the specified time, wherein the functionality is not performed until the specified time passes after a last initiated event of the event type. |
| US08819695B2 |
Controlling application landscapes
Various embodiments are directed to computer networks, computer systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer program products for controlling application landscapes. The computer network may comprise an application landscape comprising a plurality of components and at least one sequence of processes which can run in the application landscape and a central control unit comprising a central control mechanism and a repository, wherein the central control unit is operable to control the application landscape and wherein the central control mechanism comprises an activation mechanism operable to check in the sequence of processes for activation in the application landscape. |
| US08819684B2 |
Synchronizing multiple threads efficiently
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of assigning a location within a shared variable for each of multiple threads and writing a value to a corresponding location to indicate that the corresponding thread has reached a barrier. In such manner, when all the threads have reached the barrier, synchronization is established. In some embodiments, the shared variable may be stored in a cache accessible by the multiple threads. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08819682B2 |
Application switching in a single threaded architecture for devices
A method and system for launching multiple applications simultaneously on a device under the control of application switching framework so that the operating system is only running one task for all the applications is provided. A single task is run under the control of an operating system. An application manager is run within the task. One or more applications are launched within the task under the control of the application manager. One of the applications is made the current application by switching, under user control, among the launched applications. A list of application descriptors is maintained for all the launched applications, and when switching, the application descriptor of one of the applications is used for displaying the application to a user on a screen. Each application descriptor contains forms of the launched applications. Each of the application descriptors contains a tree of forms with one root or parent form. A form represents an image to be displayed to the user. The image consists of text, pictures, bitmaps, or menus. |
| US08819680B2 |
Computer system for controlling the execution of virtual machines
A computer system enables two virtual machines with use of two virtual CPUs. The computer system includes a CPU that is allocated to the virtual CPU when the virtual CPU performs computer processing of the virtual machine other than timer processing; a tick CPU that is dedicated to timer processing and is allocated to the virtual CPU upon receiving an interrupt request (tick interrupt) for causing the virtual CPU to perform timer processing of the virtual machine; and interrupt controller that issues the tick interrupt to the tick CPU. |
| US08819678B2 |
Live migration of a guest from a source hypervisor to a target hypervisor
A method and system for sending early notification when a guest migrates in a virtual machine system. A guest hosted by a computer system is migrating from a source hypervisor to a target hypervisor. During the migration, the source hypervisor stops transmission of outbound packets from the guest. A signal is sent to the target hypervisor after stopping the transmission and before completing migration of the guest. The signal requests that a notification containing network addresses of the guest be sent to network devices associated with the target hypervisor. |
| US08819676B2 |
Transparent memory-mapped emulation of I/O calls
A virtual-machine-based system provides a mechanism to implement application file I/O operations of protected data by implementing the I/O operations semantics in a shim layer with memory-mapped regions. The semantics of these I/O operations are emulated in a shim layer with memory-mapped regions by using a mapping between a process' address space and a file or shared memory object. Data that is protected from viewing by a guest OS running in a virtual machine may nonetheless be accessed by the process. |
| US08819671B2 |
Facilitating software acquisition
In certain embodiments, facilitating software acquisition includes accessing a memory storing software programs. A selected software program is identified. One or more product requirements of the selected software program and one or more target parameters of a target environment for the selected software program are determined. One or more commands to install the selected software program at the target environment according to the product requirements and the target parameters are determined. |
| US08819668B2 |
Accessible limited distribution release software change catalog
A catalog for maintaining a store of public and private limited distribution release software changes in a single location. A method for distributing limited distribution release software changes to clients via a network comprises receiving a search request, authenticating the client, querying a database of limited distribution release software changes, filtering the returned data according to a screening criteria, and providing the returned data to the client. A further method receives a request from a client to develop a limited distribution release software change, develops the limited distribution release software change, adds the developed limited distribution release software change to a catalog, notifies the client, and provides an interface to the client for accessing. A system further links knowledge base entries with related limited distribution release software changes. |
| US08819667B2 |
Apparatus and method for managing subscribed data plan of communication device
A method for managing subscribed data plan of a communication device, the data plan includes a predetermined amount of Internet traffic for connecting the Internet. An end date of the subscribed data plan is set, and a time for querying residual data of the subscribed data plan is determined according to the end date. The residual data of the subscribed data plan is queried when the determined time is reached. Applications, of the communication device, which are to be updated are detected, and one or more of the detected applications are updated using the residual data of the subscribed data plan of the communication device. |
| US08819663B2 |
Acceleration of software modifications in networked devices
A method of modifying software associated with network devices includes transmitting a modification message by a first network device in response to software associated with the first network device being modified; transmitting second software identification information by a second network device in response to receiving the modification message from the first network device; providing a database comprising the first product identifier, the second product identifier, first software identification information, and the second software identification information; and modifying software associated with the second network device using the database. The first network device is associated with a first product identifier, and the second network device is associated with a second product identifier. The second software identification information identifies software associated with the second network device, and the first software identification information identifies software associated with the first network device. A corresponding computer-readable medium and system are also disclosed. |
| US08819661B2 |
Systems and methods for determining times to perform software updates on receiving devices
A monitoring system determines when a receiving device is in stand-by mode by monitoring usage of the receiving device on a daily basis. Periodic status checks are performed (e.g., every minute) and based on these status checks, it is determined what mode the receiving device was in for each half hour (or other selected interval) of the day. The middle of the longest period of the day the receiving device was determined to be in stand-by mode is determined as a desired time of day for software updates or other automated actions to occur. This process repeats every day and these determined times of day for software updates are averaged over the number of days the usage data was collected to use as the time of day going forward (based on a moving average) for software updates or other automated actions to be performed on the receiving device. |
| US08819660B2 |
Virtual machine block substitution
Techniques are described to allow substation of blocks into a virtual machine image of an executing virtual machine. A patch may be applied to a first virtual machine image. One or more blocks modified by the patch are identified and copied to a host having a virtual machine executing from a virtual machine image that is based on the first virtual machine image (prior to the patch). While the virtual machine is executing, the substitution blocks are applied (supersede) corresponding original blocks in the virtual machine image. A guest operating system in the virtual machine may either begin using an executable file in a substitution block. In addition, the guest operating system may be forced to flush from memory and cache executable code replaced by the substitution block. |
| US08819653B2 |
Automated improvement of executable applications based on evaluating independent execution heuristics
In one embodiment, a method comprises generating a first executable program optimized for an executable system based on compiling a program relative to an initial set of independent optimization metrics; determining first performance metrics based on the executable system executing the first executable program; adjusting the initial set of independent optimization metrics based on the first performance metrics to generate a second set of independent optimization metrics; and generating a second executable program, based on compiling the program relative to the second set of independent optimization metrics, for improved execution of the program in the executable system. |
| US08819650B2 |
Instantiating an interface or abstract class in application code
Mechanisms for instantiating an interface or abstract class in application code are provided. An object-oriented programming language is extended such that interfaces and abstract classes can be instantiated in application code without a concrete class specified. Metadata is defined which maps each interface or abstract class instantiation in the application code to a concrete class to be used either by the compiler at build time, or the virtual machine at runtime. Once the appropriate concrete class is determined from the metadata, the class is instantiated with a conventional class loader. The metadata may be provided, for example, as a separate file, such as a markup language file, defined with a virtual machine switch, as annotations in the application code, or the like. |
| US08819649B2 |
Profile guided just-in-time (JIT) compiler and byte code generation
Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for profiling source code to enable improved source code execution. A runtime engine includes a parser, a bytecode generator, an execution controller, an interpreter, a just-in-time (JIT) compiler, and a profile generator. The parser receives source code coded in a dynamic language and parses the source code to generate parsed source code. The bytecode generator converts the parsed source code to bytecode. The interpreter is configured to interpret the bytecode when enabled by the execution controller. The JIT compiler is configured to compile the bytecode when enabled by the execution controller. The profile generator generates profile information from the bytecode and stores the profile information. The execution controller enables the interpreter or the JIT compiler to perform their respective functions based on the profile information. |
| US08819648B2 |
Control flow management for execution of dynamically translated non-native code in a virtual hosting environment
Execution of non-native operating system images within a virtualized computer system is improved by providing a mechanism for retrieving translated code physical addresses corresponding to un-translated code branch target addresses using a host code map. Hardware acceleration mechanisms, such as content-accessible look-up tables, directory hardware, or processor instructions that operate on tables in memory can be provided to accelerate the performance of the translation mechanism. The virtual address of the branch instruction target is used as a key to look up a corresponding record that contains a physical address of the translated code page containing the translated branch instruction target, and execution is directed to the physical address obtained from the record, once the physical page containing the translated code corresponding the target address is loaded in memory. |
| US08819647B2 |
Performance improvements for nested virtual machines
Nested virtual machines cooperate with one another to improve system performance. In particular, an outer virtual machine performs tasks on behalf of an inner virtual machine to improve system performance. One such task includes translation of instructions for the inner virtual machine. |
| US08819637B2 |
Fixing security vulnerability in a source code
A computer implemented method for automatically fixing a security vulnerability in a source code. The method includes obtaining identification of a code block that includes a code that sends tainted data to a corresponding sink code in the source code and automatically fixing the vulnerability by automatically performing code modification which is selected from the group of code modifications consisting of: code motion and code duplication. |
| US08819635B2 |
Confidence-based static analysis
Systems, methods and program products are provided for confidence-based static analysis, including initiating a static analysis of computer software, associating a confidence value with a first element of the static analysis, determining a current state of the static analysis, calculating an adjusted confidence value in accordance with a confidence adjustment function as applied to the current state and the confidence value associated with the first element, associating the adjusted confidence value with a second element of the static analysis resulting from a transition from the first element, and eliminating the second element from the static analysis if the adjusted confidence value meets elimination criteria. |
| US08819631B2 |
System and method for self dependent web automation
A method for web automation includes providing a self dependent automation script. The self dependent automation script includes a script model that includes instructions to be executed by a processor, and an incorporated runtime engine configured to execute the script model on the processor. The method further includes applying a runtime engine selected from a set of at least one runtime engine, the set including at least the incorporated runtime engine, so as to execute the script model. A computer program product and data processing system are also disclosed. |
| US08819629B2 |
Automatically generating documentation on application programming interfaces
Some embodiments of a system and a method to automatically generate documentation on application programming interfaces (APIs) have been presented. For instance, while a processor is building a software system from programming code including APIs, the processor may extract objects related to the APIs from comments embedded in the programming code and automatically generate documentation on the APIs using the objects extracted and templates associated with the objects extracted. |
| US08819628B2 |
Product localization device and method
A system and method for localization facilitates checking resource files in a first format out of a source code management system. Prior stored translated strings are leveraged to produce a partially translated translation memory corresponding to the resource files. Translations of strings are obtained to complete translation of the partially translated translation memory. Translated strings are stored in a database, and the translated resource files in the first format are checked back into the source code management system. |
| US08819626B2 |
Sharable development environment bookmarks for functional/data flow
An embodiment of the invention provides relative bookmarks that are sharable between developers engaged in product development utilizing integrated design environment applications. The relative bookmarks are sharable in that they can be exported, imported, activated and deactivated. The relative bookmarks are relative in that they do not rely on the original code line and contain at least function and/or data flow information, facilitating quick identification of relevant lines of code that have been previously bookmarked. The relative bookmarks can also be utilized to insert breakpoints. |
| US08819619B2 |
Method and system for capturing user interface structure in a model based software system
Method and system for capturing device-independent user interface structure in a model based software system are disclosed. In one embodiment, at least one entry point is received from a user by a business system. Further, a user interface corresponding to the at least one entry point is provided. Furthermore, user interface meta-data associated with the user interface is captured. Also, at least one event associated with user interface elements is identified as a response to user actions based on the captured user interface meta-data. In addition, a pattern signature is identified in the model based software system for reuse in one or more model based software systems based on an expected behavior of the user interface when the identified at least one event occurs. Then, the identified at least one event is mapped to the identified pattern signature. |
| US08819613B2 |
Power supply circuit design system and power supply circuit design method
A power supply circuit design system according to an exemplary aspect of the invention includes: a power supply voltage fluctuation deriving means for deriving a power supply voltage fluctuation characteristic as a voltage fluctuation characteristic in a semiconductor integrated circuit on the basis of design information about a power supply circuit for connecting the semiconductor integrated circuit and other components mounted on a substrate; a determination reference database including a power supply voltage fluctuation condition as a condition for which the power supply voltage fluctuation characteristic is allowed in the power supply circuit, and a change indicator for at least one of a circuit structure and operation of the semiconductor integrated circuit; a power supply voltage fluctuation determination means for comparing the power supply voltage fluctuation characteristic and the power supply voltage fluctuation condition, and determining whether the power supply voltage fluctuation characteristic satisfies the power supply voltage fluctuation condition; and a circuit structure changing means for changing at least one of the structure and the operation of the semiconductor integrated circuit in accordance with the change indicator if the power supply voltage fluctuation characteristic does not satisfy the power supply voltage fluctuation condition, and outputting design information about the changed semiconductor integrated circuit to the power supply voltage fluctuation deriving means; wherein the change indicator does not entail a change in size of the semiconductor integrated circuit. |
| US08819612B1 |
Analyzing timing requirements of a hierarchical integrated circuit design
Logic gates in a child unit of a hierarchical integrated circuit design that are visible in an abstract model of the child unit of the hierarchical integrated circuit design are marked. A hide bit is set for the marked logic gates and a modification on the child unit is performed. The marked logic gates in the child unit are preserved during modification of the child unit. The hide bit is cleared from each marked logic gate and the logic gates are unmarked when modification of the child unit is complete. |
| US08819611B2 |
Asymmetric mesh NoC topologies
Example implementations described herein are directed to a floor plan for a Network on Chip (NoC) topology that can include a plurality of on chip blocks of substantially non-uniform shapes and dimensions. An interconnection network is synthesized along with a plan for a physical layout of the interconnection network based on physical dimensions of the plurality of on chip blocks, the physical dimensions of the floorplan and relative placement information for placing the plurality of on chip blocks on the floorplan. Porosity information for the plurality of on chip blocks on the floorplan and required chip functionality may also be taken into consideration. |
| US08819608B2 |
Architectural physical synthesis
The present invention discloses methods and apparatuses to design an integrated circuit. According to one aspect, the present invention circuit design discloses an iterative process of synthesis and placement where each iteration provides incremental changes on the design of the integrated circuit. The synthesis transform is then made with accurate timing information from the placement, and the process is incrementally iterative toward the final timing enclosure of the design. The incrementally iterative approach of the present invention provides a continuous advancement from synthesis to placement and vice versa, with the incremental improvements on synthesis made with knowledge of current instance placement, and the incremental improvements on placement made with knowledge of current circuit logic. |
| US08819607B1 |
Method and apparatus to minimize clock tree skew in ICs
A method and circuit with minimized clock skews in an IC. One embodiment includes placing an application specific IP block at a predetermined location in an integrated circuit (IC), the IC having a clock network that distributes a clock signal, the clock network having one or more clock buses, each clock bus providing the clock signal to a row of logic blocks of the IC, each clock bus having one or more clock nets; determining the electrical load on a first clock driver driving a first clock net of a first clock bus providing the clock signal to a first row of logic blocks; identifying at least one other target clock driver to be coupled to the first clock net, the at least one other target clock driver driving a clock net of a clock bus providing the clock signal to a row of logic blocks other than the first row of logic blocks; selecting the at least one other target clock driver to couple to the first clock net; coupling the at least one other target clock driver to the first clock net; and verifying by one or more types of simulation the desired functional and timing performance of the affected logic blocks after connection of the compatible clock nets. |
| US08819606B1 |
Designing integrated circuits for high thermal reliability
Devices, systems and methods of this disclosure can provide integrated circuit devices operating above their specified operating temperate. The integrated circuit device can include functional blocks with power down circuitry and functional test blocks with built in self-test capabilities (BIST). The functional blocks can be implemented with timing constraint values to provide a timing margin for the device above a specified operation temperature. The functional test blocks can be implemented with timing constraint values that result in BIST failure when the device is operated above the specified operation temperature. As the temperature of the device rises above the operating temperature the functional test blocks can fail BIST prior to loss of functionality of the functional blocks. Upon BIST failure of the functional test blocks, circuitry in the functional blocks can be powered down to facilitate continued operation of the device with reduced functionality. |
| US08819605B1 |
Deriving effective corners for complex correlations
Systems and methods are described for simultaneously deriving an effective x-sigma corner for multiple, different circuit and/or process metrics for a semiconductor device. The result is an effective sigma that is representative of design intent. Some implementations account for covariance, and use joint probability as the criteria for the effective x-sigma corner (e.g., as opposed to a unique sigma level of each individual metric). Analysis results for each metric can be transformed to metric distributions in a common distribution framework, and a correlation matrix can be calculated. The transformed metric distributions can be input to a joint probability distribution set to achieve a target joint sigma level. The joint probability distribution and correlation matrix values can be used to back-calculate scaled x-sigma corners for each metric distribution. Simulation of the device can be performed at one or more of the scaled x-sigma corners. |
| US08819601B2 |
Integration of lithography apparatus and mask optimization process with multiple patterning process
The present invention relates to lithographic apparatuses and processes, and more particularly to multiple patterning lithography for printing target patterns beyond the limits of resolution of the lithographic apparatus. A method of splitting a pattern to be imaged onto a substrate via a lithographic process into a plurality of sub-patterns is disclosed, wherein the method comprises a splitting step being configured to be aware of requirements of a co-optimization between at least one of the sub-patterns and an optical setting of the lithography apparatus used for the lithographic process. Device characteristic optimization techniques, including intelligent pattern selection based on diffraction signature analysis, may be integrated into the multiple patterning process flow. |
| US08819599B2 |
Hierarchical verification of clock domain crossings
The invention provides for the hierarchical verification of clock domain crossings. In various implementations of the invention, a device design is partitioned into blocks. Subsequently, a block level clock domain crossing verification process is performed on selected ones of the blocks. Verification interface files are generated by the block level clock domain crossing process. After which, a top level clock domain crossing verification process is performed over the entire design. In various implementations, the top level clock domain crossing verification process utilizes the verification interface files to verify clock domain crossing signals between blocks. Additionally, in some implementations, blocks not verified during block level verification are verified during top level verification. With some implementations of the invention, the device design is partitioned based input from a user of the implementation. Furthermore, in various implementations, the specific clock domain crossing verification checks employed during block level verification and top level verification are specified by a user of the implementation. |
| US08819594B2 |
Handling user-interface gestures in non-rectangular regions
A technique for handling user-interface gestures in non-rectangular regions of a graphical user interface includes creating a class comprising an event handler for an onmouseover event and an event handler for an onmouseout event. The technique further includes adding each of a group of graphical elements to the class. Adding a graphical element to the class includes adding a reference to the graphical element to the class and attaching the event handlers to the graphical element. The technique then identifies a specific graphical element in the group that triggered an invocation of one of the event handlers. The technique then determines the closest border of the specific graphical element to the mouse pointer. In the event another graphical element in the group shares the closest border, the technique stops either the onmouseover or onmouseout event from propagating. |
| US08819587B1 |
Methods of managing items in a shared workspace
A method includes transmitting, from a storage system to a user system, information that, when processed by the user system, causes the user system to display a current view representing the one or more items. The method also includes selecting, at the storage system in response to a first user input signal that identifies at least one item from one or more items that are stored at the storage system, a removal operation based on one or more predetermined criteria, wherein the one or more predetermined criteria include a view type of the current view. The method also includes performing, at the storage system, the removal operation with respect to the at least one item. |
| US08819586B2 |
File access with different file hosts
A file access request is received from an application. One or more file types for the file access request are identified, and one or more file hosts supporting files of the identified one or more file types are also identified. A user interface is displayed, the user interface including a hosted area. Within the hosted area, at least one of the one or more file hosts displays a portion of the user interface identifying one or more files of at least one file host that can be selected for retrieval, or one or more locations that can be selected to which the one or more files are saved. |
| US08819584B2 |
Information processing apparatus and image display method
In one embodiment, there is provided an information processing apparatus. The apparatus includes: a display on which a window is displayed; a touch screen on the display; a display controller configured to display an operation screen on the display such that the operation screen is superposed on the window, wherein the operation screen generates an operation command for operating the window, based on an input operation through the touch screen; and an operation execution module configured to execute the operation command for operating the window. |
| US08819581B2 |
Information processing device and image processing device
An information processing device capable of processing navigation information is provided. A touch panel can display images and can receive a user's touch operation. An image generation section generates a navigation image including a map image and a plurality of operation button images for receiving the touch operation, the images being displayed on the touch panel. A plurality of operation button images include a first operation button image related to a navigation function and a second operation button image related to a plurality of functions other than the navigation function. The image generation section generates a first image which is obtained by combining the navigation image and the first operation button image and a second image which includes the second operation button. The first image and the second image are respectively displayed in a first display region and a second display region. The first display region and the second display region are separated by a movable boundary. |
| US08819580B2 |
Terminal apparatus and processing program thereof
In the terminal apparatus, a CPU 100 reads out a simultaneous/switch display condition that is currently employed from display control table information stored in a simultaneous/switch display condition memory section 102c, and identifies whether a screen display instruction operation instructs a switch display or a simultaneous display in accordance with the simultaneous/switch display condition that has been read out and the circumstance when the screen display instruction operation is performed. When the screen display instruction operation is identified as instructing the simultaneous display, the CPU 100 reads out the display layout condition that is currently employed from display layout table information stored in a display layout condition memory section 102d, and controls a display layout for the simultaneous display in accordance with the display layout condition that has been read out and the circumstance when the screen display instruction operation is performed. |
| US08819577B2 |
Emotional ratings of digital assets and related processing
Improved techniques are disclosed to associate emotions (or feelings) with digital assets, such as digital media assets. In one embodiment, a graphical user interface can be presented to assist a user in associating emotions or feelings with a digital asset (e.g., digital media asset). The emotions of a user can be graphically represented by images, such as icons. For example, by selecting one or more of the images or manipulating a user control in relation to the images, a user can associate (e.g., tag) emotions to a digital asset. Once digital assets are associated (e.g., tagged) with one or more emotions, operations (e.g., playlist creation, search, shuffle, etc.) can be performed based on emotions. |
| US08819575B2 |
Method and apparatus that display items according to a user gesture
An item display method and apparatus that provides an easier and faster way to locate a desired item on a display. The method and apparatus receive a user gesture on display screen, and display one or both of items of a first category and items of a second category according to the user gesture. Items of the first category and items of the second category are displayed in various ways according to associated user gestures. |
| US08819566B2 |
Integrated multi-modal chat
Solutions for providing context-driven communications mode determinations. Some such solutions use a communications hub located in a home (e.g., a user supersystem) to facilitate context-driven, multi-modal communications. For example, a tablet system may be used as a graphical communications hub in a family's home, used by the family to communicate to and from the home via multiple communications modes (e.g., family chat, family activities, user-based messaging, etc.) over one or more communications channels. Determination of an appropriate mode for communications may be driven by contextual (rather that channel-based) factors relating to the communications. |
| US08819564B1 |
Distributed discussion collaboration
The present invention relates to systems and methods for distributed discussion collaboration and making an agenda for an event over a network. In an embodiment, a system may include an aggregator configured to aggregate discussion items submitted by collaborators, and a view controller associated with the collaborators and configured to provide for display the aggregated items. A system may also include a voting module configured to receiving voting information submitted by the collaborators for the discussion items, and an ordering module configured to analyze the voting information and order the aggregated items based on the analyzed voting information. In another embodiment, a method includes aggregating discussion items submitted by collaborators and receiving voting information for the aggregated items. The method further includes ordering the aggregated items based upon an analysis of the voting information, and providing for display on a user interface the aggregated items with respective voting information. |
| US08819561B2 |
Tool for visualizing configuration and status of a network appliance
The present invention is directed towards systems and methods of providing management of network services provided by an intermediary device managing traffic between a plurality of clients and servers. The intermediary device may include one or more virtual servers managing a plurality of services. A user can invoke a visualizer tool of the intermediary device to identify a configuration and an operational status of the virtual servers and services managed by the virtual servers. The visualizer tool may also determine from the configuration two or more services having a common set of configuration properties and managed by a first virtual server. The visualizer tool may establish a service container comprising these services. The visualizer tool may display via an interface a graphical representation of the configuration and the operational status of the first virtual server and the service container identifying the common set of configuration properties of these services. |
| US08819560B2 |
Dispatching events to multiple browser windows/tabs using a single connection
An initial browser window establishes itself as a “master” window for an associated server. A master window “cookie” data structure is created by the master window to share state among the windows for the server. Through the initially created master window cookie, all subsequently created browser windows detect that a master window is currently active, determine the master window's window name, and then establish themselves as slave windows through the master window. Slave windows call into the master window to request server updates/events, and provide the master window with their respective window names for future reference, e.g. when the master window distributes updates/events received from the server to the slave windows. The master window uses only a single HTTP GET command to fetch and dispatch updates/events associated with itself and all slave windows for the server. |
| US08819559B2 |
Systems and methods for sharing multimedia editing projects
Various embodiments for sharing multimedia editing projects are described. One embodiment is a method performed at a server for sharing video editing techniques by a user. The method comprises receiving a project description file at the server, wherein the project description file is generated during editing of multimedia content by a first editing system, the project description file comprising information relating to special effect objects applied to the edited multimedia content by the first editing system. The method further comprises providing all or a portion of a timeline-based template according to the project description file, wherein the timeline-based template comprises a timeline and object type designators corresponding to the special effect objects specified by the first editing system, wherein representations of the object type designators are displayed along the timeline. The method further comprises transmitting the timeline-based template from the server to a second editing system. |
| US08819558B2 |
Edited information provision device, edited information provision method, program, and recording medium
An edited section information acquisition unit generates edited section information and edited section association information based on edit history information. Pre-edit content/post-edit content correspondence relationship acquisition unit groups consecutive edited groups based on the edited section information of the edited section information acquisition unit and generates group information. An edited section information display screen generation unit generates screen information based on the edited section information and the edited section association information of the edited section information acquisition unit, the group information, inter-group association information, section/group association information of the pre-edit content/post-edit content correspondence relationship acquisition unit, and input information of an input unit. A provision unit displays the screen information obtained by the edited section information display screen generation unit. |
| US08819556B1 |
Methods and systems for displaying format properties of crop areas
A method for cropping portions of a document comprises displaying an interactive document workspace with a cropping tool on a sub-area thereof, and rendering one or more formatting indicators spatially associated with the sub-area, the indicators indicating formatting properties of the sub-area. |
| US08819555B2 |
User interface for audio video display device such as TV
A graphical user interface (GUI) for an audio video display device (AVDD) such as a TV includes content panels which can be selected for searching for additional information related to the content underlying the content panels. A history of previous searches is maintained in memory “stacked” notionally to the left or right of the current display so that a viewer can easily review previous search results using a simple scroll command. |
| US08819554B2 |
System and method for playing media
A system, computer-implemented method, and tangible computer-readable media for media playback. The method includes receiving a request from a user to play a media asset, detecting capabilities of the playback device, detecting playback environment acoustic characteristics, optimizing media playback settings for the playback device and the playback environment characteristics, preparing the media asset for playback on the playback device, and transferring the prepared media asset to the playback device for playback. The method can further transfer optimized playback settings to the playback device. Media asset preparation can be based at least in part on the optimized playback settings. A playback profile can store environment characteristics and playback device capabilities. The method continuously detects changes in the playback environment characteristics, and optimizes media playback settings when detected changes exceed a threshold. |
| US08819546B2 |
Method and apparatus for customizing separation of customer concerns within model architectures
A method for mapping viewpoints and model levels of a first framework to a second framework includes receiving data related to viewpoints and model levels in a first format related to the first framework, mapping the received data in the first format to data related to viewpoints and model levels in a second format related to the second framework. The mapping is performed by organizing the viewpoints and the models in both the first and second formats across at least two orthogonal dimensions. |
| US08819545B2 |
Digital comic editor, method and non-transitory computer-readable medium
A digital comic editor, comprising: a data acquisition device acquiring a piece of master data of a digital comic, the master data including: an image file corresponding to each page of the comic, the image file having a high resolution image of the entire page; and an information file corresponding to each page or all pages of the comic, the information file having a piece of frame information including a piece of frame region information of each frame within the page; a display control device controlling display device to display an image thereon based on the image file in the master data acquired and to display a frame boundary while superimposing the same on the image based on the frame region information included in the information file in the master data; an indication device indicating a position on the image displayed on the display device; a frame addition device adding a new frame boundary to a position indicated; a frame deletion device that deletes the frame boundary from the position indicated; and an editing device updating the frame region information included in the information file based on the frame boundary added or the frame boundary deleted. |
| US08819544B2 |
Assigning a hot spot in an electronic artwork
Apparatus and methods implementing a technique for creating an electronic artwork with a hot area. For a selected layer of the artwork, a non-transparent region is identified and an action is assigned to an area corresponding to the non-transparent region, the action defining a function that will be activated when the area is selected. The technique is advantageous in computer application programs that composite images from layers and for producing HTML (HyperText Markup Language) output that refers to a corresponding composited image, where the action is a URL and the area is defined by an image map. |
| US08819543B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium
An object including at least one element is moved on a document in which the object is arranged in response to an instruction from a user.In addition, if the object is moved to a boundary between two pages, at least one element that is included in the object and that corresponds to a break position of the two pages is detected.Then, a position where the at least one detected element is arranged in the document is determined so that the element is arranged in either of the documents of the two pages and an image corresponding to the document is output.In the above manner, it is possible to appropriately arranging elements in a document to output an image corresponding to the document having the elements appropriately arranged therein. |
| US08819541B2 |
System and method for converting the digital typesetting documents used in publishing to a device-specfic format for electronic publishing
A system and method that converts the digital typesetting documents used in publishing to a device-specific format for electronic publishing. A “smart file and device-specific application” approach maintains the “look and feel” (design) of the source document used for print publication while typesetting for a specific device. Although this approach requires considerably more resources to create a smart file for each device-specific format, the smart file retains the unique typesetting characteristics of the printed book, is more aesthetically pleasing, and is easier to read. Furthermore, the device-specific application can render the smart file more quickly thereby eliminating any latency. |
| US08819540B2 |
Systems and methods that utilize scalable vector graphics to provide web-based visualization of a device
The present invention relates to systems and methods that employ scalable vector graphics (SVG) to view and effectuate an industrial device from a remote Web interface. The systems and methods can be utilized to retrieve an SVG XML markup language-based file associated with the device and execute the SVG file via basic ASCII drawing commands. Thus, a faceplate of an industrial device and/or other device-related information can be represented via SVG syntax and stored with the device. A user can employ a Web browser from a remote location (e.g., via a Web client) to retrieve the SVG file, wherein the file can be loaded within the Web browser and/or an open source software package. The SVG file can be executed to render an interactive graphical faceplate that can depict LEDs, alphanumeric displays, inputs/output, etc., trending mechanisms (e.g., graphs, charts, etc.), and capabilities to load parameters. |
| US08819538B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating a link to a presented web page
A technique for generating links to a web page by: presenting a web page; defining one or more other web pages to include a link to the presented web page; and placing a link on at least one of the other web pages linking to the presented web page. A prompt for an acceptance of the link may be presented to the other web pages whereby a link is not added until the corresponding acceptance of the link is received. |
| US08819530B1 |
Iterative decoder memory arrangement
The present disclosure includes apparatus, systems and techniques relating to iterative decoder memory arrangement. A described apparatus includes R banks; Q banks; circuitry configured to store R data for a current codeword in a first R bank of the R banks and store R data for a previous codeword in a second R bank of the R banks; circuitry configured to alternate among the R banks for storing current codeword R data; circuitry configured to store Q data for the current codeword in a first Q bank of the Q banks and store Q data for the previous codeword in a second Q bank of the Q banks; and circuitry configured to alternate among the Q banks for storing current codeword Q data. The apparatus can include circuitry configured to interleave read accesses among the R banks. |
| US08819528B2 |
Encoder, decoder, and encoding method
An encoder and decoder using LDPC-CC are provided, which avoid lowering the transmission efficiency of information while not deteriorating error correction performance, even at termination; and an associated encoding method is provided. A termination sequence length determining unit determines the sequence length of a transmitted termination sequence added to the end of an information sequence, according to the information length (information size) and encoding rate of the information sequence. A parity calculation unit carries out LDPC-CC coding on the information sequence and the known-information sequence necessary for generating a termination sequence of the determined termination sequence length, and calculates a parity sequence. |
| US08819527B2 |
Systems and methods for mitigating stubborn errors in a data processing system
Various embodiments of the present invention provide data processing circuits that include: a data detector circuit, a data decoder circuit, and a modification circuit. The data detector circuit is operable to apply a data detection algorithm to a data input to yield a detected output. The data decoder circuit is operable to apply a data decode algorithm to a decode input to yield a decoded output. The decode input is selected between at least the detected output, and a modified version of the detected output. The modification circuit is operable to receive the detected output and to provide the modified version of the detected output. |
| US08819525B1 |
Error concealment guided robustness
Error concealment guided robustness may include identifying a current portion of a current video stream. Identifying the current portion may include identifying a feature, or a vector of features, for the current portion. An estimated vulnerability metric may be identified based on the feature and an associated learned feature weight. An error correction code for the current portion may be generated based on the estimated vulnerability metric. Error concealment guided robustness may include generating learned feature weights based on one or more training videos by generating vulnerability metrics for the training videos and identifying relationships between features of the training videos and the vulnerability metrics generated for the training videos. |
| US08819523B2 |
Adaptive controller for a configurable audio coding system
An adaptive controller for a configurable audio coding system comprising a fuzzy logic controller modified to use reinforcement learning to create an intelligent control system. With no knowledge of the external system into which it is placed the audio coding system, under the control of the adaptive controller, is capable of adapting its coding configuration to achieve user set performance goals. |
| US08819520B1 |
Method and system for forward error correction in packetized networks
An improved method for forward error correction (FEC) in packetized networks. The proposed FEC method improves upon the conventional methods by reordering packets in advance to a certain depth. This allows for dispersing losses of groups of packets. Additionally, the method provides for a dynamic change of a current FEC scheme. In order to defend packet sequences from group losses, the FEC packets are dispersed within the packet stream in such a manner that the packets of the same sequence are located as far as possible from each other. The packets are mixed for minimization of losses and effective recovery. |
| US08819517B1 |
Systems and methods for a turbo decoder in a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS)
According to some embodiments of the invention, a turbo decoder in a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) is provided, the turbo decoder comprising: a plurality of maximum a posteriori (MAP) engines; a first plurality of extrinsic memory banks and a second plurality of extrinsic memory banks; and wherein each of the first and second pluralities of extrinsic memory banks is accessible by at least one of the plurality of MAP engines, and wherein each of the first and second pluralities of extrinsic memory banks is configured to organize data according to a R×C matrix having a format similar to that of an interleaver table. During decoding, the first and second pluralities of extrinsic memory banks may be accessed for data by a MAP engine such that the first and second pluralities of extrinsic memory banks function as an interleaver or a de-interleaver of extrinsic information within the turbo decoder. |
| US08819516B2 |
Method and apparatus for storage integrity processing based on error types in a dispersed storage network
A storage integrity system in a dispersed storage network scans an address range of data slices to identify errors in one of a plurality of encoded data slices, wherein the plurality of encoded data slices are generated from a data segment using an error encoding dispersal function. When the storage integrity system detects an error, it identifies one of the encoded data slices for rebuilding. The identified data slice is rebuilt in response to the type of error. For example, when the type of the error includes a temporary error, the storage integrity system waits a predetermined time period to determine whether the error still exists prior to rebuilding the identified data slice. |
| US08819509B2 |
Integrated circuit, test circuit, and method of testing
An integrated circuit includes a storing unit; and a tester that executes a write and read test on the storing unit based on received test information including a pair of address and data, the tester including: a first retain unit that retains, when a write is made based on the test information, the first write address and the first write data used in the write; a first generator that generates, based on the first write address retained in the first retain unit, a first read address used for reading first read data from the first read address in the storing unit simultaneously with writing second write data to a second write address based on the test information; and a second generator that generates, based on the first write data retained in the first retain unit, an expected value of the first read data. |
| US08819507B2 |
Field programmable gate arrays with built-in self test mechanisms
A system and method for designing a field programmable gate array (FPGA) with built-in test mechanism includes several enhancements to traditional circular self-test path (CSTP) BIST architecture. The FPGA BIST scheme isolates primary inputs and primary outputs to improve test coverage. Multiple signature output taps are inserted at CSTP registers throughout the test path to help improve signature aliasing probability. Enhanced CSTP register selection algorithms help prevent register adjacency problems and optimize overall resource utilization for implementation. Multiple clock domains are also handled by the FPGA BIST to allow full chip implementation of the FPGA BIST. |
| US08819505B2 |
Data processor having disabled cores
A data processor having a plurality of data processing cores configured to disable cores found defective by a self-test. |
| US08819504B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device and method for operating the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes a first storage unit configured to store a plurality of first fault address information provided in a first test operation, a second storage unit configured to store a plurality of second fault address information provided in a second test operation which is performed later than the first test operation; a redundancy operation unit configured to, in performing a redundancy operation, determine the number of operation circuits corresponding to the first fault address information and the number of operation circuits corresponding to the second fault address information among a plurality of redundancy operation circuits based on address number information; and an address providing unit configured to read the plurality of first fault address information and the plurality of second fault address information, and sequentially provide the read information to the redundancy operation unit, wherein the address providing unit is further configured to detect the number of the first fault address information and generate the address number information. |
| US08819503B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining an operating condition of a memory cell based on cycle information
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for adjusting a memory parameter in a non-volatile memory circuit. On a trigger event, a parameter is determined in accordance with a circuit characteristic associated with the memory block. The parameter may be a new read level voltage to apply to a page of a memory block, or a program verify level voltage used to program a page of a memory block. On determining the parameter a command is sent to the memory circuit to apply the parameter to the page of the memory block. The method can be triggered by an event such as P/E cycle times and the condition is dynamically adjusted to extend the life of the memory circuit. |
| US08819501B2 |
Effective method and device for transmitting control information for supporting uplink multi-antenna transmission
Disclosed is a method for transmitting control information on uplink multi-antenna transmission from a base station and the method includes: transmitting DCI that schedules uplink transmission of a first data block and a second data block through a PDCCH; receiving the first and second data blocks scheduled by the DCI; transmitting information indicating ACK or NACK for the received first and second data blocks, respectively, by using a first PHICH for the first data block and a second PHICH resource for the second data block; receiving a retransmission for a negative-acknowledged data block; and transmitting information indicating ACK or NACK of the retransmission of the negative-acknowledged data block by using the first PHICH resource when the number of negative-acknowledged data blocks is not identical to the number of data blocks that the PDCCH indicates. |
| US08819497B1 |
Storage of mass data for monitoring
Disclosed are various in various embodiments are systems and methods providing for storage of mass data such as metrics. A plurality of data models are generated in the server from a stream of metrics describing a state of a system. Each of the metrics is associated with one of a plurality of consecutive periods of time, and each data model represents the metrics associated with a corresponding one of the consecutive periods of time. The data models are stored in a data store and each of the metrics is discarded after use in generating at least one of the data models. |
| US08819490B2 |
Test execution spanning cloud and local devices
A test system for a managed cloud computing environment may have a management system that may recruit devices in the cloud and outside the cloud to perform a test on a cloud based application. Each device may execute an agent that connects the device to several cloud services for messaging, data collection, and executable code storage. The management system may identify and gather the devices, then cause the devices to execute a test by sending commands through the messaging service. The devices may access executable code for the specific tasks of a test through the code storage service, and as the devices complete tasks for the test, the devices may publish results in the data collection service. The test system enables any type of scenario to be implemented, including operations that can only be performed inside and outside the managed cloud environment. |
| US08819488B1 |
Architecture for end-to-end testing of long-running, multi-stage asynchronous data processing services
One or more computers is configured to run an end-to-end test including at least a plurality of independent tests of multiple stages of an asynchronous multi-stage data processing system. One of the set of independent tests is configured to send a request for test input data from a test data repository service for a particular stage. A converted version of the test input data is obtained. A comparison of the converted version to the output of the particular stage to verify operation of the particular stage is obtained. The output of the particular stage is transmitted to the test data repository service. One or more computers is configured to provide the test data repository service. The test data repository service is configured to store in the test data storage the output of the particular stage as test input data for a next stage of the asynchronous multi-stage data processing system. |
| US08819486B2 |
Fault tolerant routing in a non-hot-standby configuration of a network routing system
Methods and systems for facilitating fault tolerance in a non-hot-standby configuration of a network muting system are provided. According to one embodiment, a failover method is provided. One or more processing engines of a network routing system are configured to function as active processing engines, each of which having one or more software contexts. A control blade is contoured to monitor the active processing engines. One or more of the processing engines are identified to function as non-hot-standby processing engines, each of which having no pre-created software contexts corresponding, to the software contexts of the active processing engines. The control blade monitors the active processing engines. Responsive to detecting a fault associated with an active processing engine the active processing engine is dynamically replaced with a non-hot-standby processing engine by creating one or more replacement software contexts within the non-hot-standby processing engine corresponding to those of the active processing engine. |
| US08819485B2 |
Method and system for fault containment
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for error containment in a system comprising detecting an error by processing an input signal by multiple processing units, and delaying at least one output signal of a processing unit to enable, in case an error has been detected, modifying at least one output signal of the processing unit that would cause propagation of the error through the system. |
| US08819484B2 |
Dynamically reconfiguring a primary processor identity within a multi-processor socket server
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for dynamically reconfiguring a primary processor identity within a multi-processor socket server are provided. Embodiments include detecting, by the service processor, a processor socket reconfiguration event corresponding to a first processor socket; disabling, by the service processor, the first processor socket of the server in response to detecting the processor socket reconfiguration event; and reassigning, by the service processor, the primary processor identity to a second processor socket of the server. |
| US08819482B2 |
Method and apparatus for distributed storage integrity processing
A distributed storage integrity system in a dispersed storage network includes a scanning agent and a control unit. The scanning agent identifies an encoded data slice that requires rebuilding, wherein the encoded data slice is one of a plurality of encoded data slices generated from a data segment using an error encoding dispersal function. The control unit retrieves at least a number T of encoded data slices needed to reconstruct the data segment based on the error encoding dispersal function. The control unit is operable to reconstruct the data segment from at least the number T of the encoded data slices and generate a rebuilt encoded data slice from the reconstructed data segment. The scanning agent is located in a storage unit and the control unit is located in the storage unit or in a storage integrity processing unit, a dispersed storage processing unit or a dispersed storage managing unit. |
| US08819477B1 |
Error handling in a network page generation environment
Disclosed are various embodiments that facilitate error handling in a network page generation environment. A request for a network page is obtained from a client. The network page is associated with a network site hosted by a hosting provider on behalf of a customer. Page generation code supplied by the customer is executed by a framework in response to the request. The page generation code is configured to generate at least a portion of the network page. A customized error network page is sent to the client in response to determining that an error has occurred in the framework that executes the page generation code. |
| US08819470B2 |
Switching device, a switching device control method and a switching device control program
A switching device is comprising connectors and switching part, which is connected via the connectors to a working power supply unit, a redundant power supply unit, a battery unit and a power supply output terminal, and, in an initial state, connects the power supply output terminal and the working power supply unit, and connects the battery unit and the redundant power supply unit is connected, and in a spare state, cuts a connection between the battery unit and the redundant power supply unit, and connects the power supply output terminal and the redundant power supply unit. |
| US08819463B2 |
Electronic device, a method of controlling an electronic device, and system on-chip
An electronic device is provided, which comprises at least one processing unit (CPU) for processing at least one application, an operating system (OS) for controlling the at least one application performed by the at least one processing unit (CPU), at least one workload build-up detector (WBD) for detecting a build-up of the workload of the at least one processing unit (CPU), at least one workload decrease detector (WDD) for detecting a decrease of the workload of the at least one processing unit (CPU), and at least one power management unit (SPM) for controlling an operating frequency and/or an operating voltage of the at least one processing unit in dependence on the detected workload build-up or the detected workload decrease. |
| US08819462B2 |
Serial advanced technology attachment interfaces and methods for power management thereof
At least one example embodiment discloses a method of managing a power between a host serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) interface and a device SATA interface. The method includes first requesting to enter one of power saving states, defined by a SATA protocol, and second requesting to enter a deep power saving state if one of the host SATA interface and the device SATA interface operates at the first requested power saving state. The first requesting to enter one of power saving states and the second requesting to enter a deep power saving state are performed by one of the host SATA interface and the device SATA interface. |
| US08819461B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for energy efficiency and energy conservation including improved processor core deep power down exit latency by using register secondary uninterrupted power supply
Embodiments of the invention relate to improving exit latency from computing device processor core deep power down. Processor state data may be maintained during deep power down mode by providing a secondary uninterrupted voltage supply to always on keeper circuits that reside within critical state registers of the processor. When these registers receive a control signal indicating that the processor power state is going to be reduced from an active processor power state to a zero processor power state, they write critical state data from the critical state register latches to the keeper circuits that are supplied with the uninterrupted power. Then, when a register receives a control signal indicating that a processor power state of the processor is going to be increased back to an active processor power state, the critical state data stored in the keeper circuits is written back to the critical state register latches. |
| US08819460B2 |
Dynamic energy management
A method of dynamic energy management that includes loading an energy budget configuration stream for an instruction of a thread, loading characterization data for the thread, computing energy management settings for the instruction based on the characterization data and the budget configuration stream, and driving control signals indicative of the computed energy management settings. |
| US08819458B2 |
Information processing apparatus, program execution method, and computer program
An information processing apparatus includes: a program executing unit which interprets and executes codes of a computer program created in a procedural language in an environment with a tamper resistant performance, wherein a security attribute and an authentication key are provided in units of functions in the computer program executed by the program executing unit, and wherein the program executing unit executes authentication processing with the authentication key for executing the function, which makes it possible to execute the function based on the security attribute. |
| US08819456B2 |
Content receiving terminal, content exporting and reproducing method, and recording medium
A content exporting and reproducing method includes i) a content export step of encrypting a decryption key for content, that is used for decrypting the encrypted content, by using an encryption key for decryption key, recording the encrypted decryption key for content in the portable recording medium, and exporting the encrypted content sequentially to the portable recording medium, and ii) a content reproduction step of reading out the encrypted decryption key for content from the portable recording medium, decrypting the encrypted decryption key for content by using a decryption key for decryption key, reading out the encrypted content that has been exported to the portable recording medium, and decrypting the encrypted content that is read out from the portable recording medium, by using the decrypted decryption key for content to reproduce the content, while the encrypted content is exported to the portable recording medium sequentially. |
| US08819454B2 |
Systems and methods for transformation of logical data objects for storage
Systems and methods for encrypting a plaintext logical data object for storage in a storage device operable with at least one storage protocol, creating, reading, writing, optimization and restoring thereof. Encrypting the plaintext logical data object comprises creating in the storage device an encrypted logical data object comprising a header and one or more allocated encrypted sections with predefined size; encrypting one or more sequentially obtained chunks of plaintext data corresponding to the plaintext logical data object thus giving rise to the encrypted data chunks; and sequentially accommodating the processed data chunks into said encrypted sections in accordance with an order said chunks received, wherein said encrypted sections serve as atomic elements of encryption/decryption operations during input/output transactions on the logical data object. |
| US08819450B2 |
System and method for providing data integrity
Systems and methods for providing data integrity for stored data are disclosed. A method may include, in connection with the receipt of a read command at a storage resource, reading a data block from the storage resource, the data block including a data field, a data integrity field indicating the integrity the data field, and an encryption indicator field indicating whether the data block is encrypted with a current cryptographic key for the storage resource. The method may further include determining whether the data field is encrypted with the current cryptographic key based at least on the encryption indicator field. The method may additionally include returning at least a portion of the data block in reply to the read command in response to determining that the data field is encrypted with a cryptographic key other than the current cryptographic key. |
| US08819444B2 |
Methods for single signon (SSO) using decentralized password and credential management
A method for single sign-on (SSO) that provides decentralized credential management using end-to-end security. Credential (and other personal user information) management is decentralized in that encryption is performed locally on the user's computer. The user's encrypted credentials may be stored by the login server and/or a plurality of distributed servers/databases (such as a cloud). The login server never has access to the user's credentials or other personal information. When the user wants to use single sign-on, he enters his password into his browser and the browser submits the encrypted/hashed password to the login server for validation. Upon validation, the browser receives the user's encrypted credentials. The credentials are decrypted by the browser and provided to relevant websites to automatically log the user in. |
| US08819440B2 |
Directed signature workflow
Techniques relating to directed signature workflow of a document are described. In one instance, a process enables a publishing user to populate a body portion of a document with content. The process also allows the publishing user to populate an associated digital signature definitions portion of the document with at least one requested consuming user's name and at least one condition associated with a digital signature of the requested consuming user. |
| US08819438B2 |
Method and device for issuing a digital residence certificate
A method for issuing a digital residence certificate using a module associated with a counter. Data from the counter are continuously monitored, whereby the data are read and a consistency test is performed on the basis of a predetermined criterion. In addition, after receiving a residence certificate request, a decision is made as to whether or not the request should be fulfilled, based on the results of the continuous data monitoring. |
| US08819437B2 |
Cryptographic device that binds an additional authentication factor to multiple identities
Binding a security artifact to a service provider. A method includes generating a pseudonym for a security artifact. The pseudonym is an identifier of the security artifact to the service provider that is unique to the service provider in that the pseudonym is not used to identify the security artifact to other service providers. Further, the pseudonym uniquely identifies the particular security artifact to the service provider even when a user has available a number of different security artifacts to authenticate to the same service provider to access a user account for the user. The method further includes providing the pseudonym for the security artifact to the service provider. The pseudonym for the security artifact is bound with a user account at the service provider for a user associated with the security artifact. |
| US08819433B2 |
Message storage and retrieval
A method of obfuscating messages stored in a message store or messages received by a computing device by comparing portions of the messages to user-specified criteria and encrypting or hiding portions of the message if the criteria are matched. The obfuscated messages are stored and access thereto is controlled by only permitting authorized users or applications to decrypt or access the message. |
| US08819427B2 |
Device specific secure licensing
Device-specific secure software licensing techniques are disclosed. In various embodiments, a key/token pair associated with a client requesting license validation is received. It is determined whether the key/token pair matches an entry in a store of currently valid key/token pairs. An affirmative response is sent in the event the key/token pair matches a corresponding entry in the store of currently valid key/token pairs. |
| US08819423B2 |
Optical transceiver with vendor authentication
An optical receiver comprising at least one processor and a memory including at least one of an encryption key or a decryption key and at least one of encryption microcode or decryption microcode that includes processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the optical transceiver to perform the following: an act of performing an encryption or decryption operation on data received from a host computing system to thereby authenticate the optical transceiver. |
| US08819418B2 |
Communication system, vehicle-mounted terminal, roadside device
A communication system includes a certificate authority for performing authentication, a roadside device, a vehicle-mounted terminal, a first server, and a second server. The vehicle-mounted terminal transmits position information to the first server. The certificate authority acquires information about a vehicle-mounted terminal likely to appear according to place and time from the first server. The certificate authority allows the second server to verify validity of a certificate for a vehicle-mounted terminal acquired from the first server. The certificate authority generates a first list of vehicle-mounted terminals having valid certificates and a second list of vehicle-mounted terminals having invalid certificates according to place and time based on a verification result. The certificate authority transmits the first and second lists to the roadside device and the vehicle-mounted terminal. The roadside device and the vehicle-mounted terminal verify a certificate using the received first and second lists thereby reducing the certificate verification time. |
| US08819413B1 |
Method and apparatus for collaborative claim verification
A method and apparatus for providing collaborative claim verification using an identification management (IDM) system. The IDM system collaborates with at least one trusted authority that provides information to a validity database within the IDM system. The database information collected from the at least one trusted authority is used to verify a user's entered identification information i.e., a user's identity claim. Such validation through a plurality of trusted authorities can provide a statistical truth to the identity claims provided by a user. |
| US08819411B2 |
Information processing apparatus, communication system, method of controlling them, and storage medium
An information processing apparatus connected to a network via a network interface device and capable of performing encrypted communication with an external apparatus on the network. When the information processing apparatus is operating in a normal power mode, a sleep control module thereof detects whether a condition under which the apparatus shifts to an energy saving mode in which power consumption is smaller than in the normal power mode is satisfied. When the condition is detected to be satisfied, a proxy response registration module of the apparatus instructs an IPSec module of the same to request the external apparatus not to perform encrypted communication. |
| US08819410B2 |
Private electronic information exchange
Methods and apparatuses for private electronic information exchange are described herein. In one embodiment, when electronic information is received to be delivered to a recipient, the electronic information is transmitted over an electronic network with a private routing address. The private routing address is routable within a private domain, which is a subset of the electronic network. Other methods and apparatuses are also described. |
| US08819408B2 |
Document processing method and system
A document processing method and system divides a document into document pages, and encrypts the document pages by first key to obtain a plurality of encrypted pages; picks a part of words from the document pages and encrypts them by second key to obtain a Significant Word Set (SWS); picks a part of words from the picked part of words and encrypts them by third key to obtain a Most Relevant Word Set (MRWS). The encrypted pages, the SWS and the MRWS are transmits to a remote server for storage. When user search a keyword in the document, the keyword is encrypted by the second and third keys for performing two query. The first query result is decrypted to obtain the search result. The second query result is decrypted and then checked whether it is a subset of the first decrypted query result for detecting unfaithful execution. |
| US08819402B2 |
System for displaying image from mobile device on a display in a computer by booting the computer with limited operating system and relinquishing bus control to the mobile device
A mobile device such as a smart phone can be connected to the USB port of a computer such as a laptop to charge the battery of the mobile device and to synchronize data. Also, when a special button is pressed the computer enters a mobile device support mode in which the computer processor does not boot the full service O.S. but only a small O.S., with the mobile device sending demanded images and sounds to the larger display and speakers of the computer and receiving input from the more capable keyboard of the computer so that a user can use the resources of the computer in operating the typically more limited mobile device. |
| US08819400B2 |
Computer apparatus with switchable input output system
A computer apparatus is disclosed. The computer apparatus mentioned above includes a main board and an external sub-board. The main board includes a connector, a management chip, a first basic input output system and a selector. The external sub-board includes an external input output system. The management chip detects a coupling state of the main board and the external sub-board, and generates a detecting signal. The selector enables one of the first basic input output system and the external input output system and disables the other one. |
| US08819399B1 |
Predicated control flow and store instructions for native code module security
Some embodiments provide a system that executes a native code module. During operation, the system obtains the native code module. Next, the system loads the native code module into a secure runtime environment. Finally, the system safely executes the native code module in the secure runtime environment by using a set of software fault isolation (SFI) mechanisms that use predicated store instructions and predicated control flow instructions, wherein each predicated instruction from the predicated store instructions and the predicated control flow instructions is executed if a mask condition associated with the predicated instruction is met. |