| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08967473B2 |
Scanner, method and system for processing images in an imaging based optical code scanner
A scanner, method and system are provided for processing images captured by an optical code scanner. The optical code scanner includes multiple image sensors each adapted to capture an image of an optical code, and a processor that processes the captured images from the multiple image sensors to read the optical code presented to the optical code scanner. |
| US08967470B2 |
Information exchanging method using two-dimensional code
An information exchanging method using a two-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code reader. An original sheet is prepared by writing a first two-dimensional code and a second two-dimensional code. The first two-dimensional code is readable by the code reader, whereas the second two-dimensional code is unreadable by the code reader. A monochrome copy sheet is prepared by monochromatically copying the original sheet, so that the monochrome copy sheet includes a third two-dimensional code as a monochrome copy of the first two-dimensional code and a fourth two-dimensional code as a monochrome copy of the second two-dimensional code. Accordingly, the third two-dimensional code is unreadable by the code reader, whereas the fourth two-dimensional code is readable by the code reader. Information exchange is performed by using the original sheet and the monochrome copy sheet. |
| US08967463B1 |
Automated banking machine that operates responsive to data read from data bearing records
Automated banking machines operate to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. Each of the automated banking machines includes a card reader that is operative to read data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. Transactions are authorized responsive at least in part to correspondence between card data and stored data corresponding to authorized users. Entities responsible for operating the automated banking machines may receive messages that include information or update code items for software or firmware usable in the banking machines for which they have operational responsibility. |
| US08967461B2 |
Tube verifier
There is provided a tube connector for connecting between a fluid sampling tube and a fluid analyzer, the tube connector includes an end face adapted to identify the tube connector, said end face comprising a reflecting surface having one or more reflective regions adapted to reflect light at a predetermined range of wavelengths. |
| US08967459B2 |
Analyzer and method of analyzing
An analyzer which analyzes an analyte by using the analyte and consumables, the analyzer comprising: an automatic reading device which reads a first product information related to a consumable via an identifier given to the consumable or a container containing the consumable; and a controller which permits an analysis operation when the first product information is suitable information read by the automatic reading device via the identifier, and prompts an operator to manually enter a second product information comprising information specifying the manufacturer or seller of the consumable when the automatic reading device cannot read the identifier or the information read via the identifier is not suitable as the first product information and permits the analysis operation and storage of the input second product information when the operator has entered the second product information. |
| US08967457B2 |
Total history management system and method using radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and barcode
A total history management system using a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and a barcode. The system includes an RFID tag, a barcode recorder and a barcode reader. The RFID tag is attached to a box containing a plurality of individual products to store an environmental history of a distribution. The barcode recorder is configured to provide, to each of the plurality of individual products, a barcode in which identification (ID) information of the RFID tag is recorded. The barcode reader is configured to recognize the barcode attached to each of the plurality of individual products, and to output the environmental history of the distribution, corresponding to the ID information of the RFID tag that is received in response to a query with respect to the RFID tag, using the recognized barcode. |
| US08967449B2 |
Surgical instrument with curvilinear tissue-contacting surfaces
A surgical stapling instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated body portion, a shell assembly and an anvil assembly. The elongated body portion extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The shell assembly is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated body portion and includes a non-planar, tissue-contacting surface oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis. The anvil assembly includes a non-planar, tissue-contacting surface oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis. The tissue-contacting surface of the anvil assembly is configured to align with the tissue-contacting surface of the shell assembly when the anvil assembly and shell assembly are in the approximated position. |
| US08967448B2 |
Surgical stapling apparatus including buttress attachment via tabs
An apparatus for joining two hollow organ sections with an annular array of surgical staples includes a staple cartridge component, an anvil component, a buttress component and a fastening member. The staple cartridge component includes a plurality of surgical staples arranged in an annular array. The anvil component is movable relative to the staple cartridge component between spaced apart and approximated positions to adjustably clamp the organ sections between the staple cartridge and anvil components. The buttress components are configured and dimensioned to be positioned on a distal surface of the staple cartridge component and the proximal surface of the anvil component. In particular, the buttress component includes a buttress member and a plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs extending proximally from the buttress member. The fastening member is configured and dimensioned to engage the plurality of circumferentially arranged tabs to securely position the buttress component on the staple cartridge component. |
| US08967442B2 |
Film transport apparatus and film transport control method
A film transport apparatus includes: an edge sensor that detects a lateral position deviation of a film; a lateral position correction device that corrects a lateral position of the film with a guide roll; a tension sensor that detects tensions applied respectively near left and right ends of the film; and a control unit that executes feedback control such that the lateral position correction device is controlled on the basis of the lateral position deviation detected by the edge sensor so that the film is located at a target position. The control unit changes the feedback control based on a left and right tension difference, which is a difference between the tension applied near the left end of the film and the tension applied near the right end of the film, the tensions being detected by the tension sensor. |
| US08967441B2 |
Magnet splitting device and magnet splitting method
A magnet splitting device includes a one-side holder for holding a plurality of pre-split magnets on one sides of respective splitting grooves, an other-side holder for holding the magnets on the other sides, and an actuating unit for causing relative movement of the other-side holder to split the magnets all at once. The other-side holder includes a plurality of other-side independent holding parts for holding the magnets independently. The actuating unit includes a plurality of independent actuating parts for moving the other-side independent holding parts independently and a simultaneous operating part for simultaneously operating the holding parts. |
| US08967439B2 |
Shoulder pouch to secure documents
A shoulder pouch for securing documents or the like, which is fitted underneath a users arm and protects against pick pocketing and wireless identity theft while still being easily accessed. The present invention provides a pouch which is harnessed to the body and angled from horizontal such that the pouch can be easily accessed with the opposite hand. The pouch provides a secure harnessed attachment about the user's body and RFID protection. |
| US08967437B2 |
Electronic device holder
An electronic device holder having a retention member for retaining an electronic device, such as an MP3 player, preferably an Apple® IPod nano having a multi-touch color screen, and a strap or shank attached to the retention member to allow fastening to an object, such as a user's wrist or a chain, is disclosed. The device may be secured by friction fitting into a recessed area having two ridges to engage the device along two edges. The device may be inserted by sliding or snap fitting into the recessed area. An opening along the back of the recessed area allows the device to be pushed laterally or vertically from the retention member. Alternatively, the retention member may be a two-piece frame which partially encloses the device. The frame pieces affix to either a wristband strap or a carabiner clip shank as they are secured to one another. |
| US08967435B2 |
Push-button dispenser with compressed-gas capsule for beverage bottles
The push-button dispenser with compressed-gas capsule (7) for bottles (2) consists of a head which can be screwed onto the bottle (2) and have a lateral pouring channel (4), a push-button (15) on its upper side and downwardly projecting suction tube (11). The latter is intended to extend as far as the base of the bottle (2) which is to be fitted with the dispenser, and it opens out at the top into a valve device in the head. This valve device has a regulating means (39) which can be moved axially in relation to the bottle (2) and is biased in the closing direction by a spring (17), and can be opened by manual pressure being applied to the push-button (15) from above. This reduces pressure in the interior of the suction tube (11) to ambient pressure, as a result of which liquid is expelled from the bottle (2), by way of the internal pressure prevailing in the bottle (2), out of the lower mouth opening of the suction tube (11) via the pouring channel (4). As a special feature, the dispenser is configured as a single-piece housing (14) with inner housing (37), which contains all the other elements of the dispenser, or bears the same externally. |
| US08967434B2 |
Self-adjusting handle for spray bottles
A self-adjusting handle (2) for a spray bottle (1) having a head (5) extending from a handle (2) that is attached to a cap (6) via a pivot joint (4), a ball joint (15) or a universal joint (20). The cap is attached to a reservoir (7) having a threaded portion that screws into a threaded portion (13) of the cap. A trigger lever (8) located on the head activates a pump (9). The pump is attached to a supply tube (10) that draws fluid from the reservoir. The pump 9 forces liquid up through the supply tube, through a barrel (11) and out a nozzle (12). The pivot joint, a ball joint and universal joint allow a user to pivot the head forward or backward while the reservoir remains in an upright position, thereby ensuring that the bottom of the supply tube maintains constant contact with the liquid in the reservoir. |
| US08967430B2 |
Tap assembly
The present invention relates to a tap assembly for dispensing fluids from a flexible film bag such as a “bag-in-box”. Known taps associated with such flexible bags do not efficiently dispense fluid from a bag which is partially collapsed and/or can damage the opposite wall of the partially collapsed bag. The tap assembly includes a body with a bore, an actuation member to cover at least a portion of the bore and a piercer which is configured to pivot within the bore and pierce and cut a sterility membrane positioned over an open end of the bore upon movement of the actuation member by a user. The piercer comprises a curved surface which functions to position the piercer away from the plane of the adjacent bag wall after initial piercing. |
| US08967428B2 |
Gum dispenser for dispensing gum by vertical lifting
The present invention relates to a gum dispenser for automatically dispensing gum by the vertical lifting of a gum case. Particularly, the present invention provides a container that has a self-sealing means, accurately dispenses a piece of gum one by one, prevents the generation of container defects, and provides ease of operation and molding. Currently, in the above operation structure, an inner case receiving gum therein is fitted in a lifting shaft of an outer case to be lifted or lowered so that a piece of gum is pushed up to an upper end of the lifting shaft, and then the gum is exposed to a dispensing hole perforated in a lid, which is coupled with the inner case, one by one for a user to enjoy. The above structure, however, has a disadvantage in that if two pieces of gum are lifted to the upper end of the lifting shaft and the lifting shaft is exposed to the perforated hole of the lid, then the lifting shaft and the dispensing hole correspond to each other 1:1 so that the two pieces of gum pop out, which makes the gum difficult to catch. In addition, if the lifting shaft is molded integrally with the outer case, the lifting shaft is likely to be twisted or bent due to the thickness thereof in the cooling procedure during the molding thereof so that it is difficult to achieve a precisely standing structure. Furthermore, if the inner case is repetitively lifted or lowered in the outer case, an outer force may be applied in the lifting motion according to a vacuum state, so that smooth operation becomes impossible and longer molding time is required in the molding. In addition, in the state that the lid is sealingly coupled with the outer case and the inner case for the sealing of the container during storage or delivery thereof, a perforated lid for implementing the dispensing hole may be pressed by the lifting shaft and the container may burst. If the perforated lid is formed to be thick in order to prevent the bursting, a pulling portion to be pulled for cutting the perforated lid is likely to be cut, and implementation of the dispensing hole may fail. As a result, the present invention is aimed at resolving the above problems. |
| US08967419B2 |
Portable cooler device
A portable cooler device. The portable cooler device may include an exterior shell, an insulated container surrounded by the exterior shell and at least one cooling insert held by the insulated container. A liner that may have a cooling chamber may be placed within the interior housing of the at least one cooling insert. A cover may be included so that the contents of the cooling chamber may stay cool. A carrying handle may hold the cover in place and allow for transport. |
| US08967415B2 |
Vessel, in particular pressure vessel
A vessel, particularly a pressure vessel, has a tubular housing part (10) in which a cover part (12) can be secured. Support segments (18) are inserted at least in some areas in a recess (14) on the interior (16) of the housing part (10). These segments provide support to the cover part (12) when it is installed. At least one fixing device (22) ensures a releasable engagement between cover part (12) and at least one of the support segments (18). |
| US08967412B2 |
Drinking cup with lid and flow control element
A drinking cup that has a lid with a receiving portion is provided. The receiving portion may have a flow control engagement surface. A flow control element that may be configured for releasable attachment with the lid may be included and can have an attachment portion. The attachment portion may have a lid engagement surface. When the flow control element and the lid are attached, the flow control engagement surface engages the lid engagement surface. At least one of the flow control engagement surface and the lid engagement surface may have a concave shape. |
| US08967409B2 |
Can with partial interior lacquering, method and device for manufacturing the same
A can (1), in particular for conditioning foodstuff, includes a body composed of a bottom element (2) which is prolonged by a lateral wall (3), the interior surface (9) of the body being at least in part made of tin, the tin surface (9) being partially covered with a coat of protective lacquer (10) to prevent the contact between the tin surface (9) and the foodstuff, the lacquerless tin surface, the “exposed”, being intended to come into contact with the foodstuff in order to set free the tin. The exposed tin surface is constituted of a plurality of “exposed” tin zones (11), which are separated, ones from the others, by lacquered zones (12), the exposed tin zones (11) being distributed on the height of the lateral wall (3), in particular to limit the aesthetic impact due to chemical action of the foodstuff on the exposed tin zones (11). |
| US08967408B2 |
Plastic food container with securable inner vessel
A food container system for a take-out main course food item includes a plastic lid adapted for sealing arrangement with a plastic base and one or more securable inner vessels adapted to hold an accessory food item. The floor of the base includes one or more first vessel-receiving mechanisms designed to locate and receive the bottom of a securable inner vessel. The lid includes one or more second vessel-receiving mechanisms, each designed to receive and engage the top rim of a securable inner vessel when such vessel is received by a first vessel-receiving mechanism and the lid and base are in the sealed arrangement. The engagement of the top rim of a vessel by a second vessel-receiving mechanism of the lid results in a leak resistant seal between the vessel and the lid. |
| US08967407B2 |
Plastic beer keg
A plastic beer keg includes an outer container and an inner liner. A removable lid is secured over an opening to the container to enclose the liner. The liner includes a neck portion and a body portion. A head contact member transfers axial forces imparted by handling equipment away from the neck portion. |
| US08967406B1 |
Drinking attachment assembly
A drinking attachment assembly allows a user to drink a carbonated beverage more quickly by reintroducing air into a beverage bottle to remove the vacuum from the bottle. The assembly includes a tube having an open upper end and an open lower end. The lower end is configured for positioning within a beverage bottle filled with a carbonated fluid. The upper end is configured for being spaced from the fluid wherein the upper end is in fluid communication with ambient space surrounding the upper end such that air is transferred into the beverage bottle through the upper end. A coupler is attached to the tube. The coupler is configured to releasably couple the tube to a neck of the beverage bottle. |
| US08967401B2 |
Supporting base for stabilizing an angle iron post of a cabinet
A supporting base for an angle iron post includes an angle bar and a column. The angle bar has two walls arranged at right angle to each other to be attached to two respective walls of the angle iron post. The column is disposed in between the two walls of the angle bar and has an upper small-diameter section, a lower large-diameter section and a shoulder defined at the junction between the upper small-diameter section and the lower large-diameter section. As such, the two walls of the angle iron post are allowed to be rested on the shoulder of the column and held in position between the walls of the angle bar and the upper small-diameter section of the column. |
| US08967400B1 |
Cosmetic organizer and display assembly
A cosmetic organizer and display assembly holds multiple cosmetic products in an organized manner that displays the cosmetics to facilitate selection of a desired product. The assembly includes a back panel, a bottom panel, and a front panel. The front panel extends upwardly from a forward edge of the bottom panel. A pair of side panels extends between the front panel and the back panel. A top panel extends between the side panels. The top panel has a top edge coupled to a front face of the back panel. The top panel extends downwardly and away from the front face of the back panel whereby a bottom face of the top panel forms an acute angle with respect to the front face of the back panel. A plurality of support panels is coupled to and extends between the side panels and outwardly from the top panel. |
| US08967398B2 |
Locker strap system
A system for use with a locker door having an upper opening and a lower opening, the system including a strap passed through the upper opening and the lower opening of the locker door. The system further includes a component configured to be releasably coupled to the strap. |
| US08967397B1 |
Device and system for securing sports equipment
A device for securing sports equipment comprises a supporting structure, a body for housing the sports equipment coupled to the supporting structure, and a securing mechanism for securing the sports equipment in the body, wherein a portion of the sports equipment protrudes from the body when it is secured within the body. In some embodiments, the securing mechanism is integrally coupled to the body and rotates between an open position and a closed position about a hinge. In some embodiments the device further comprises a lock hole for an external lock. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a lock integrally attached to the body. In some embodiments, the securing mechanism covers a protruding portion of the sports equipment. In some embodiments, the sports equipment comprises one or more of a skateboard, a long board skateboard, a snowboard, a scooter, and skis. |
| US08967396B2 |
Fishing rod hanging system
A fishing rod hanging system is provided. More particularly, a hanger member including a hanger plate and a plurality of rails is provided. The rails generally extend in a first direction from the hanger plate, and can have different lengths. Fastener holes and/or integrated fastener members are provided on the rails. The fastener holes and/or integrated fastener members can be adapted to hold sections of a fishing rod. An accessory package can also be provided that is attached to ends of the fishing rod sections opposite ends attached to the hanger member. |
| US08967391B2 |
Method for preparing composite multilayer porous hollow membrane and device and product thereof
A method for preparing a composite multilayer porous hollow fiber membrane and the device and product thereof. The method comprises preparing uncured porous hollow fibers with larger pore diameters as the inner supporter of the membrane from thermoplastic macromolecule polymer resins by thermal induced phase separation method and then bonding a superthin coating layer with microfiltration or nanofiltration function and small pore diameter prepared on the outer surface of the hollow fibers from a solution of the thermoplastic macromolecule polymer resins by a coating process using non-solvent induced phase separation method. The composite multilayer porous hollow fiber membrane has such excellent mechanical strength and high water flux as the membranes prepared by thermal induced phase separation method, such high precision filter effect and high contamination resistance as the membranes prepared by non-solvent induced phase separation method, and high binding force of the membrane prepared by the above method. |
| US08967387B2 |
Conveyor jackshaft for variable slope vibrating screens
A compact mobile variable angle vibrating screen with an overhead feed conveyor drive system configured to accommodate nesting into the feedbox of the vibrating screen by use of a 90-degree input shaft speed reducer; a V-belt drive and a drive shaft coupling the two and a motor mounted in front of and perpendicular to the head pulley of the feed conveyor, all arranged in a configuration to nest within a feed box of the vibrating screen and to minimize the need for offset feeding with the conveyor. |
| US08967386B2 |
Modularized magnet separation unit
A modular magnetic separation apparatus set has a processing capacity increased by increasing the number of the unit modules of the magnetic separation apparatus set, being suitable for all enrichment processes of magnetic minerals. One modular unit is defined with a separation wheel and its two neighboring magnet-concentration cores and two corresponding excitation coils and a charging hopper and a discharging hopper of magnetic materials, each unit being combined of multiple identical modular units. The modular magnetic separation apparatus solves the conflicts between the transportation of apparatus after the enlargement and the height and width restrictions on general roads, including more reasonable conditions for separate transportation. |
| US08967384B2 |
Sorting mined material
A method of sorting mined material, such as mined ore, is disclosed. The method comprises exposing particles of mined material to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation and heating particles depending on the minerals present in the particles and then thermally analyzing particles exposed to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation to detect temperature differences between particles which indicate differences in the minerals in the particles. The method also comprises sorting the particles on the basis of the results of the thermal analysis. |
| US08967381B2 |
Containers and serving trays for snack foods
A snack holder includes a generally frustoconical or cone shaped upper cup section and a frustoconical or cone shaped lower support section with the upper section having a circular lower base panel in opposed relation to and adhesively attached to a circular top support panel of the lower support section and wherein the radius of the upper section lower base panel has a greater radius than the circular top support panel of the lower section. |
| US08967379B2 |
Tool storage and transport system
A tool storage and transport system including a tool bag body formed from a base, a first exterior wall perpendicular to the base, and a second exterior wall perpendicular to the base and opposite the first exterior wall; and a tool organizer slidably engagable with at least one of the first and second exterior walls. The tool organizer includes an organizer tray having a bottom wall, a plurality of sidewalls generally perpendicular to the bottom wall, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is slidably engagable with the exterior wall. |
| US08967375B1 |
Fold up luggage for elongate items
A travel case for elongate items such as skis, golf clubs, snowboards, or the like comprises an elongate bag having a pair of hard sided end sections longitudinally spaced from a hard sided center section. Between each end section and the center section is a respective soft sided intermediate section. The hard sided end and center sections provide protection for the case contents at the vulnerable locations of those contents. The soft sided intermediate sections, made of collapsible and supple material, provide the advantage of reducing the weight of the overall case, and the suppleness permits the end sections to be folded in on the center section when the case is open along its length to educe the length and the required storage space for the case when not in use. |
| US08967373B2 |
Conveyor
A conveyor, comprising; two opposite rolls (1, 2), a frame that comprises two opposite beams (3, 4) that carry the rolls (1, 2) and extend in their longitudinal direction between the rolls (1, 2), an endless metal belt (5) extending in a path around and carried by the two rolls (1, 2), and a support element (11) that extends between and is connected to each of the two beams (3, 4), wherein at least one of the rolls (1, 2) is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the beams (3, 4) in order to enable tightening or loosing of the belt (5), and wherein there is provided a jack (10) that is connected to and acts on said roll (1) for said displacement thereof. The jack (10) is displaceable between at least two operative positions in the longitudinal direction of the beams (3, 4). |
| US08967371B2 |
Stub shaft and bearing assembly and conveyor idler roller incorporating same
A stub shaft assembly (30) comprising a stub shaft or axle (14) and a bearing assembly for rotatably supporting the stub shaft or axle (14), the stub shaft or axle (14) having or being connected to a main body having a radially extending body (15) defining inner ball races (16) and a pair of outer members (12) defining outer ball races (22) with ball bearings (13) disposed between the inner and outer ball races (16, 22). In other embodiments the bearings are roller bearings. A conveyor idler roll is also disclosed which comprises a tubular shell mounted to a stub shaft assembly (30) at least at one end. |
| US08967368B2 |
Apparatus for processing electronic devices
An apparatus for processing electronic devices includes a rotary turret having first device concentric around the rotary turret, which transfer the electronic devices; a rotary wheel having second device holders concentric around the rotary wheel, which receive the electronic devices and a processing device to process the electronic devices. The rotary turret rotates the first device holders along a first circular path, and the rotary wheel rotates the second device holders along a second circular path. The first axis of the rotary turret is perpendicular to the second axis of the rotary wheel, and that a projection of the second circular path of the second device holders in a direction perpendicular to the second axis of the rotary wheel onto the first circular path of the first device holders defines a line from the inside to the outside of the first circular path of the first device holders. |
| US08967364B2 |
Self-regulating heating cable for a passenger conveyor component
The invention relates to a passenger conveyor comprising steps/pallets which are mounted to an endless drive member running between an upper conveying path and a lower return path, characterized in that at least one heating element is provided in the step/pallet, which heating element is connected to a power source. This solution prevents the building of ice surfaces on the steps/pallets of outdoor passenger conveyors. |
| US08967360B2 |
Conveying device for cylindrical members, comprising running rails inclined in the direction of travel
A conveying device for cylindrical members, such as parisons (1) for hollow objects, has running rails (8, 9) which are inclined in the direction of travel of the parisons (1). A neck (3) of the parisons (1) which is part of a head (2) lies on the running rails (8, 9). A guide rail (11) which is located at a certain distance from the head (2) of the parisons (1) is fixedly arranged above the running rails (8, 9). A movable intermediate element (12) is retained and guided within the running rail (11). A force component (16) directed against the head (2) of the parisons (1) acts on the intermediate element (12). |
| US08967358B2 |
Chute turning restriction mechanism
A chute turning restriction mechanism includes: a rotary shaft on which a chute is disposed and which is provided to be capable of rotating relative to a vehicle body of a mixer truck; a bracket that is provided on the vehicle body and includes an insertion hole into which the rotary shaft is inserted and a cutaway portion formed by cutting away a part of the insertion hole; an inner diameter adjustment shaft provided across the cutaway portion to be capable of adjusting an inner diameter of the insertion hole, and configured to restrict rotation of the rotary shaft by reducing the inner diameter of the insertion hole; a rotary body that is provided to rotate together with the rotary shaft and includes an engagement groove; and a lock lever that is provided to be capable of rotating about the inner diameter adjustment shaft, and that restricts the rotation of the rotary shaft by engaging with the engagement groove. |
| US08967355B2 |
Rotational coupling device configured for vertical orientation
A rotational coupling device is configured for vertical orientation. The device includes a hub disposed about a rotational axis. A rotor is supported on, and configured for rotation about, the hub and defines a radially extending wall. An armature is supported on the hub for rotation therewith and axially spaced from the wall. Clutch plates are disposed between the rotor wall and armature and rotatably coupled to the rotor or armature. A field shell is disposed on an opposite side of the rotor wall from the armature and houses a conductor. The armature and clutch plates move in a first axial direction towards the rotor wall when the conductor is energized and in a second axial direction when the conductor is subsequently deenergized. At least one of the hub and rotor defines means for limiting movement of a corresponding one of the clutch plates in the second axial direction. |
| US08967354B2 |
Clutch cover assembly
In a clutch cover assembly, accurate abrasion compensation is constantly enabled by stabilizing the actuation of an abrasion amount detecting mechanism. The present clutch cover assembly includes a clutch cover fixed to a flywheel, a pressure plate, a diaphragm spring, an abrasion amount detecting mechanism and an abrasion tracking mechanism. The abrasion amount detecting mechanism is a mechanism having a plurality of meshing positions and includes a mobile detecting member configured to release meshing in a first meshing position and move to a second meshing position when the abrasion amount of a friction member reaches a predetermined amount. The abrasion tracking mechanism moves the diaphragm spring to an initial posture side thereof in accordance with the displacement of the mobile detecting member. |
| US08967350B2 |
Driving force transmission apparatus
A driving force transmission apparatus includes: a first cam mechanism that converts rotational force from a housing into first cam thrust force used as clutch force of a main clutch when the first cam mechanism is actuated through clutch action of a pilot clutch; and a second cam mechanism that is actuated prior to conversion of the rotational force into the first cam thrust force by the first cam mechanism, and that generates second cam thrust force for reducing an interval between clutch plates of the main clutch. The second cam mechanism includes an input cam member that rotates upon receiving rotational force used as actuating force of the input cam member from a cam actuating driving source, and an output cam member that generates the second cam thrust force between the output cam member and the input cam member and outputs the second cam thrust force. |
| US08967346B2 |
Multi-stage telescopic shock absorber
A multi-stage shock absorber with closed ends has a plurality of tubular shock bodies telescopically interconnected together, and includes a piston arrangement slidably mounted within certain of the shock bodies to define a number of chambers variously containing damping and/or spring elements for enabling damping of shock forces applied to the shock absorber. |
| US08967337B2 |
Device for preventing overdrawing of winch hook
A device for preventing the hook, or a similar attachment element, mounted at the free extremity of a winch cable to contact the winch or associated related structures is disclosed. The device is mounted to the winch cable, typically near or adjacent to the hook and comprises a resilient member or cushion configured to resiliently absorb over-tension in the cable and/or hook when the cable is wound on the shaft of the winch. The device therefore generally prevents damaging contacts between the hook and the winch. |
| US08967335B2 |
Elevator installation modernization using an existing maintenance interface
An elevator installation has at least one elevator with at least one elevator car and at least one elevator control. A destination call terminal for input of destination calls and/or for recognition of an identification code is installed on at least one input floor. At least one destination call control is also installed. The destination call terminal is, for communication of the destination call signal, connected with the destination call control. The destination call control is connected to the elevator control through an existing serial maintenance interface of the elevator control. |
| US08967332B2 |
Safety harness strap adjuster
An adjuster adjusts a length of at least one strap of a safety harness. The at least one strap is selected from the group consisting of at least one shoulder strap, at least one chest strap, at least one waist strap, at least one seat strap, and at least one leg strap. The adjuster comprises a base, a shaft rotatably operatively connected to the shaft and defining a slot configured and arranged to receive the at least one strap, and a locking mechanism interconnecting the base and the shaft. The locking mechanism allows rotation of the shaft in a first direction and prevents rotation of the shaft in a second opposite direction. |
| US08967330B2 |
Method for repairing a sound attenuation panel
A method for repairing a sound attenuation panel is disclosed. The panel includes a structuring skin in metal material, a resistive layer in metal material and a honeycomb structure as acoustic absorption material directly added onto the structuring skin and resistive layer. The method includes a step in which one reinforcing pin is inserted into the thickness of the attenuation panel and a step in which the reinforcing pin is secured by welding in a controlled atmosphere to the structuring skin and resistive layer respectively. |
| US08967328B2 |
Sound insulation material and method for preparing the same
Two sheets of nonwoven fabric with the same shape and size each including a rectangular body 11a and a funnel-shaped projection 11b projecting from one side of the body 11a are stacked, and bonded together by heat welding at each side of the body 11a except the projection 11b and both sides of the projection 11b. Joint portions 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d projecting inward from a joint 13 are located on three sides and four corners of the body 11a except the side provided with the projection 11b, and project to depths at which the joints do not interfere insertion of a nozzle 16 into a center portion of the bag. The nozzle 16 is inserted through an opening 15 of the projection 11b, and the bag is filled with a granular elastic material 12. Then, the projection 11b is removed, and the opening is closed. |
| US08967324B2 |
Compressor housing having sound control chambers
A compressor assembly having a housing with a number of sound control chambers. A method of controlling a sound level of a compressor assembly having a step of providing a plurality of sound control chambers. A method of controlling a sound level of a compressor assembly having a step of eliminating an operator's line-of-sight view to noise producing components of the compressor assembly. Sound level of a compressor can be controlled by separating the internal volume of a housing which encases at least a portion of a pump assembly to create sound control chambers and/or eliminating an operator's line-of-sight view to noise producing components of the compressor assembly. |
| US08967320B2 |
Steering device for a motor vehicle, having a steering wheel and a superposition gearing
A steering device for a motor vehicle is provided. The steering device comprises a steering wheel, a superposition gearing and a gearing housing, wherein the superposition gearing is arranged in the gearing housing. The superposition gearing is designed to transmit a motor-driven adjusting movement to a steering shaft. The steering wheel forms a steering wheel base which serves for a connection to the steering shaft. It is provided that at least one constituent of the gearing housing, which constituent serves for mounting and/or fixing a gearing element of the superposition gearing or of a drive motor, is integrated into and formed in one piece with the steering wheel base of the steering wheel. |
| US08967318B2 |
All-terrain vehicle
An all-terrain vehicle (10) includes a vehicle body frame (11), a drive shaft (23) in the form of a constant velocity ball joint, and a lower arm (33) extending laterally of the vehicle. The drive shaft extends substantially parallel with the lower arm and includes an intermediate shaft (101) and a bearing portion (102) mounted to a vehicle-body-side end of the intermediate shaft. The bearing portion (102) is disposed to be positioned substantially on a vertical line passing over a vehicle-body-side connection portion (33a) of the lower arm. |
| US08967312B2 |
Battery pack tray
A battery pack tray includes: a tray body including: a bottom which has a concave-convex portion that includes convex and concave portions which extend in a first direction; and a wall which is upward bent from a periphery of the bottom; reinforcement frames provided along opposed wall portions of the wall in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a cross member disposed on an upper surface of the concave-convex portion, and forming a first closed cross-section with the concave-convex portion, both end portions of the cross member being secured to the reinforcement frames; an inner cross member secured to an upper surface of the cross member, both end portions of the inner cross member being secured to the reinforcement frames; and attachment brackets secured to the reinforcement frames. |
| US08967311B2 |
Directed gas systems for improving aerodynamics of a vehicle in cross wind conditions
Systems and methods are disclosed that utilize exhausted gases from an internal combustion engine (e.g., piston engine, rotary engine, turbine engine, etc.) of a vehicle for reducing the aerodynamic drag thereon. In some disclosed examples, the systems and methods utilize a generated gas flow from, for example, electric fans, engine driven or pneumatically/hydraulically driven pumps, etc., for reducing aerodynamic drag. The generated gas flows in several disclosed examples are directed in a generally opposing direction of (i.e., against) prevailing cross winds. |
| US08967310B2 |
Haulage vehicle
An opening through which air is delivered to a radiator for an engine installed in a haulage vehicle is split into separate portions via a support frame. Sound absorbing ducts are each mounted over one of the partitioned opening areas formed by splitting the opening via the support frame. |
| US08967303B2 |
Movable system
A displaceable system is provided including at least one set of at least two wheels arranged in pairs for movement in a plane, the set being disposed on at least one wheel axle parallel to the plane. A single electric drive motor, a differential having variable torque distribution, and an electric servomotor are provided on the wheel axle for both wheels of a set. The electrical servomotor acts on the differential such that the torque generated by the single electric drive motor is distributed within the wheel axle individually to the wheels. |
| US08967302B2 |
Vehicle air turbine
A vehicle air turbine has a vehicle body and an air turbine assembly includes an air turbine blade mounted on a turbine frame. The turbine frame is mounted on a rotating axle, and the rotating axle is mounted to the vehicle body. An air inlet is mounted in front of the air turbine with an air outlet behind the air turbine. A front wing is connected to a wing frame to form an airfoil for directing air through the turbine. The front wing is movable relative to the wing frame, and the airfoil is inverted to draw air into the air inlet. A turbine inlet deflector directs air flow towards a turbine inlet portion. A generator can be mounted to the rotating axle for generating electricity. |
| US08967301B2 |
Composite metallic elastomeric sealing components for roller cone drill bits
An earth boring bit has a bit body with a depending bearing pin, a cone rotatably mounted on the bearing pin, a seal gland between the cone and the bearing pin, and a seal assembly located in the seal gland. The seal assembly includes an annular metallic spring encircling the bearing pin. The spring has a geometric center line that extends in a circle around the bearing pin. The spring is elastically deformable in radial directions relative to the center line. An elastomeric layer is located on an exterior side of the spring and is biased by the spring against a surface of the seal gland. |
| US08967299B2 |
Downhole motor
A downhole motor having a motor section, a drive shaft section, and an output shaft section. The output shaft section has a rotatable output shaft with a first end and a second end. A first thrust bearing assembly is located proximal to the first end of the output shaft, and a second thrust bearing assembly is located proximal to the second end of the output shaft. A radial bearing assembly is disposed between the first and second thrust bearing assemblies. |
| US08967297B2 |
Well construction using small laterals
This invention relates to the construction of well such as oil and gas wells using techniques based on drilling small lateral wells from a main well. The problem of narrow pressure window is solved by the use of constructions techniques that are based on the use of lateral boreholes, i.e. secondary boreholes that are drilled a main borehole, wherein a method of constructing a well comprises drilling a main borehole extending from the surface through one or more underground formations, drilling a plurality of lateral boreholes extending from the main borehole into surrounding formations, wherein the lateral boreholes are substantially shorter and of smaller diameter than the main borehole; and wherein each lateral borehole is separated from its neighboring lateral boreholes by a relatively short distance. Drilling of the lateral boreholes can be for to extend 5-60 meters from the main borehole with a diameter in the range 3.8-10 cm by the lateral boreholes at an axial spacing of less than a few meters in the main borehole. Drilling of more than one lateral borehole can be done at the same depth in the main borehole with a trajectory that deviates from the main borehole by less than 10° or with trajectories that extend in a plane that does not contain the main borehole. |
| US08967295B2 |
Drill bit-mounted data acquisition systems and associated data transfer apparatus and method
A data acquisition module comprising a base sized and configured for disposition within a shank of a drill bit bore and an extension protruding therefrom having electrical contacts on an exterior surface thereof for connection to electrical contacts on an interior surface of a sub secured to the bit shank. A drill bit equipped with a data acquisition module, a bottom hole assembly including a drill bit bearing a data acquisition module operably coupled to a sub secured to the drill bit, and a method of transferring data from a data acquisition module carrying a data acquisition module to a sub secured to the drill bit. |
| US08967294B2 |
Rechargeable battery controller
A method and a system may be provided. The system may include: a drilling pipe that comprises an inner space; a telemetry system, arranged to (a) sense drilling information about an underground drilling process that is executed by the system, and (b) transmit the drilling information to an entity that is located outside the drilling pipe; a rechargeable battery arranged to provide power to at least one telemetry module of the telemetry system; and a controller, arranged to control a provision of power to the at least one telemetry module and to control a charging of the rechargeable battery. Wherein the at least one telemetry module, the rechargeable battery and the controller are shaped and sized to be positioned within the inner space of the drilling pipe. The battery and controller can also be mounted in the drilling collar. |
| US08967291B2 |
Pressure-activated switch
A first end of a conductive spring is embedded in a wall of a large chamber of a piston housing. The spring is held in tension by a second end of the spring being pinned against a bead contact by a trigger pin. The diameter of the piston and a tensile breaking strength of the trigger pin are selected so that the trigger pin is breakable and the tension in the spring is releasable upon the presence of a predetermined pressure difference between a pressure on the contact side of the piston and a pressure on the pinning side of the piston. Release of tension in the spring closes an electrical circuit. |
| US08967287B2 |
Ripper tip for a ripper shank assembly
A ripper tip includes a front end, a rear end, and a mounting cavity extending into the rear end. The ripper tip further includes an upper surface extending between the front end and the rear end, wherein a portion of the upper surface at the rear end of the ripper tip includes an upwardly projecting ridge having ridge sides and a ridge top that extend rearwardly on the ripper tip. |
| US08967283B2 |
System for reducing oil beneath the ground
A system and method for cracking, hydrogenating and extracting oil from underground deposits includes a gasifier, an injection well and a production well. The gasifier creates high pressure, high temperature syngas. The pressurized syngas flows through an injection well into a deposit of oil under the ground to crack and hydrogenate the oil to produce upgraded oil with a reduced density and viscosity. The production well of the system receives the reduced density and viscosity oil, transports it above the ground where it may be further separated into a portion that may be sold and a portion that can be gasified in the gasifier. |
| US08967280B2 |
Locking assembly for mechanically set packer
A lock assembly for a mechanically set packer for deep deployments is described. The lock housing wall has at least one bore for a rod piston that is selectively actuated when wellbore hydrostatic is allowed to reach on side of the piston. Movement of the piston, after breaking a shear pin, allows a c-ring to spring outwardly and out of a locking groove in the mandrel so that the mandrel can be string manipulated with respect to the housing to set the packer. Once unlocked the lock assembly remains defeated. The piston can be optionally exposed to hydrostatic and will unlock at a given depth without manipulation of the wellbore annulus pressure. Other mechanisms to admit wellbore hydrostatic to move the piston or to move the piston in general by other techniques are described. |
| US08967279B2 |
Reinforced shear components and methods of using same
A shear component for releasably securing a first component to a second component, the shear component comprising a body having a first end, a second end, an outer wall surface, an inner wall surface defining a cavity, a shear plane, and a core disposed within the cavity and in sliding engagement with the inner wall surface of the body. The core comprises a first position in which the core is disposed in alignment with the shear plane, and a second position in which the core is disposed out of alignment with the shear plane. The shear component can be included in a downhole tool to maintain the downhole tool in the run-in or initial position until being compromised by a stimulus. |
| US08967276B2 |
Non-ballistic tubular perforating system and method
A non-ballistic tubular perforating system includes a tubular having a wall with perforations therethrough, and plugs positioned within the perforations that are configured to dissolve in response to exposure to a first environment thereby creative of a second environment that can dissolve or increase porosity of cement. |
| US08967275B2 |
Agents for enhanced degradation of controlled electrolytic material
A method for degrading a downhole article includes exposing the downhole article comprising a controlled electrolytic material to a composition that comprises a reducing agent. The method also includes contacting the downhole article with the reducing agent to degrade the downhole article. Additionally, a composition for degrading a downhole article includes water, chelant, metal ions, and a reducing agent that includes ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, a derivative thereof, a salt thereof, or a combination thereof. |
| US08967271B2 |
Subsea overpressure relief device
Systems and methods for relieving pressure from a subsea transport line are provided. The system can include a vessel having a bottom end that can be at least partially open and in fluid communication with a subsea environment. The vessel can also include one or more relief lines each having a first end and a second end. The first end can be coupled to one or more subsea transport lines coupled to one or more subsea production units and the second end can be coupled to a top end of the vessel. The relief line can include one or more pressure relief devices at least partially disposed therein. |
| US08967269B2 |
Tubular valving system and method
A tubular valving system includes, a tubular, a seat, a sleeve movably engaged with the seat between at least a first position, a second position and a third position, a release member between the sleeve and the seat that maintains the sleeve relative to the seat in the first position until release thereof, a biasing member configured to urge the sleeve from the second position toward the third position, and a flapper sealingly engagable with the seat. A first threshold pressure against the seated flapper causes release of the release member allowing the sleeve and the seat to attain the second position. A subsequently drop in pressure against the seated flapper below a second threshold level allows the biasing member to move the sleeve relative to the seat to the third position thereby unseating the flapper from the seat and preventing the flapper from again seating with the seat. |
| US08967267B2 |
Fluid discrimination for use with a subterranean well
A fluid discrimination system can include a fluid discriminator which selects through which of multiple outlet flow paths a fluid composition flows, the selection being based on a direction of flow of the fluid composition through the discriminator, and the direction being dependent on a fluid type in the fluid composition. Another fluid discriminator can include a structure which displaces in response to a fluid composition flow, whereby an outlet flow path of the fluid composition changes in response to a change in a ratio of fluids in the fluid composition. A method of discriminating between fluids can include providing a fluid discriminator which selects through which of multiple outlet flow paths a fluid composition flows in the well, the selection being based on a direction of flow of the fluid composition through the discriminator, and the direction being dependent on a ratio of the fluids in the fluid composition. |
| US08967265B2 |
Flow control apparatus
A flow control apparatus for use in a wellbore comprises a screen, a first inflow control device and a second inflow control device, wherein a fluid inflow path is provided through the screen and from an outer portion to an inner portion of each inflow control device. A method of cleaning a flow control apparatus such as that described above comprises providing in a wellbore a flow control apparatus comprising at least one screen and at least one inflow control device wherein a fluid inflow path is provided through the at least one screen and from an outer portion to an inner portion of the at least one inflow control device, targeting the at least one inflow control device with a treatment fluid and delivering the treatment fluid such that the fluid flows in a reverse direction along the fluid inflow path. |
| US08967264B2 |
Methods of enhancing fracturing stimulation in subterranean formations using in situ foam generation and pressure pulsing
Methods of enhancing fracturing stimulation in subterranean formations using in situ foam generation and pressure pulsing. A jetting fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid is introduced into a subterranean formation to create or enhance at least one fracture therein. A fracturing fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, a gelling agent, a proppant agent, a gas generating chemical, and a gas activator is introduced into the at least one fracture. Intermittent pressure pulsing is applied to the fracturing fluid to extend the at least one fracture. |
| US08967255B2 |
Subsurface release cementing plug
A subsurface release plug release apparatus comprising a mandrel comprising a bottom plug portion, a top plug portion, a work string attachment portion, a first release portion between the bottom plug portion and the top plug portion, wherein the first release portion comprises a controlled strength segment configured to fail structurally and thereby release the bottom plug portion at a first fluid pressure, and a second release portion between the top plug portion and the work string attachment portion, wherein the second release portion is configured to release the bottom plug portion at a second fluid pressure, wherein the first fluid pressure is less than the second fluid pressure, a bottom plug body disposed about the bottom plug portion of the mandrel, and a top plug body disposed about the top plug portion of the mandrel. |
| US08967253B2 |
Pump control for formation testing
A downhole formation fluid pumping and a sampling apparatus are disclosed that may form part of a formation evaluation while drilling tool or part of a tool pipe string. The operation of the pump is optimized based upon parameters generated from formation pressure test data as well as tool system data thereby ensuring optimum performance of the pump at higher speeds and with greater dependability. New pump designs for fluid sampling apparatuses for use in MWD systems are also disclosed. |
| US08967248B2 |
Method for hydrocarbon resource recovery including actuator operated positioning of an RF sensor and related apparatus
A method of hydrocarbon resource recovery from a subterranean formation may include forming a plurality of spaced apart injector/producer well pairs in the subterranean formation. Each injector/producer well pair may include a laterally extending producer well and a laterally extending injector well spaced thereabove. The method may include forming an intermediate well adjacent a given injector/producer well pair, and operating a positioning actuator to position a radio frequency (RF) sensor coupled to the positioning actuator to at least one predetermined location within the intermediate well. The method may further include operating the RF sensor at the at least one predetermined location within the intermediate well to selectively sense at least one corresponding portion of the subterranean formation adjacent the given injector/producer well pair. The method may also include recovering hydrocarbon resources from the plurality of injector/producer well pairs including the given injector/producer well pair. |
| US08967239B2 |
Controller for work vehicle cooling package
A controller and method for operating an air mover for a cooling system of a work vehicle. In one embodiment, engine coolant, hydraulic oil and charge air temperature data is measured. The temperature data is reconciled by using the largest required fan speed as the set point speed for cooling the heat exchangers with airflow. An air mover is operated at the set point speed to generate airflow across each of the heat exchangers. |
| US08967234B2 |
Tube plug for a heat exchanger tube
A tube plug adapted to be driven into and then plug an open end of a heat exchange tube that extends transversely through and is secured in a tubesheet of a heat exchanger, where the tube plug includes an elongated shaft having a lead part adapted to be introduced into the open end of the heat exchange tube and an opposite rear part, and a fluid seal situated on the lead part, the seal including a set of lead and rear ring flanges fixed to the lead part, extending radially outward therefrom, and axially spaced apart from each other, and a compressible and resilient ring-shaped gasket adapted to encircle the lead part of the shaft when situated axially between the ring flanges. |
| US08967230B2 |
Seam protected encapsulated array
Seam protected encapsulated arrays of solid ceramic elements are disclosed. Vulnerable seams between solid ceramic elements arranged adjacent to each other in encapsulated arrays of solid ceramic elements are protected by a seam protector arranged in-line with the vulnerable seams and fixed to the encapsulated array. A stiffener may be arranged in-line with the vulnerable seams and fixed to the encapsulated array opposite to the seam protector. The solid ceramic elements may be encapsulated in a barrier material to prevent the base metal from reacting with the ceramic material units during casting, and/or provide crush/compression protection during cooling. |
| US08967229B2 |
Method of manufacturing a mold for press forming employing an evaporative pattern
An evaporative pattern casting method is taught which does not reduce accuracy of an evaporative pattern.The evaporative pattern casting method comprises a part manufacturing process (S2), an assembly process (S4), a sand mold manufacturing process (S6), a molten metal pouring process (S8) and a sand removal process (S12). In the part manufacturing process, the evaporative pattern is manufactured as a plurality of separate parts. In the assembly process, the parts are assembled on a work plane. In the sand mold manufacturing process, the evaporative pattern is covered with sand to form a sand mold without moving the assembled evaporative pattern from the work plane. In the molten metal pouring process, molten metal is poured into the sand mold. In the sand removal process, the sand is removed after the molten metal has solidified. According to this casting method, the sand mold is formed without moving the assembled evaporative pattern from the work plane, and consequently the accuracy of the dimensions at the time of assembly can be maintained. |
| US08967227B2 |
Roller curtain fixing bracket assembly
A roller curtain fixing bracket assembly includes a left support, a right support, a decoration board and two cover boards covering the left and right supports. A roller curtain device can be installed between the main bodies of the left and right supports. Each of the left and right supports has a plane board main body and several fixing boards protruding from outer edges of the plane board main body. Front edge of each of two fixing boards extending from two sides of the plane board main body is formed with a split. The decoration board has a horizontal panel and a vertical panel. A top end and a certain section of the vertical panel are formed with hook bars inserted and latched in the splits of the left and right supports and assembled therewith. The cover boards serve to conceal the seams between the supports and the decoration board. |
| US08967225B2 |
Leading end assemblies for movable partitions and related methods
A leading end assembly for a movable partition may include a frame, an exterior skin coupled to the frame for covering a leading surface and two opposing side surfaces of the frame, the exterior skin including a leading member forming at least a portion of a leading surface of the leading end assembly and at least two side members, each side member being formed separately from the leading member and forming at least a portion of a lateral side portion of the leading end assembly. Movable partitions may include leading end assemblies and leading end assemblies may be formed by related methods. |
| US08967222B2 |
Lead wire connection apparatus and connection method of semiconductor cells
Convey means for pitch-feeding the semiconductor cell to which the conductive tapes have been attached, lead wire processing means for forming-processing the lead wire, provisional pressure-bonding means which is provided at a part opposed to the semiconductor cell that is pitch-fed, holds the lead wires which are forming-processed, repeats provisional pressure-bonding of the lead wires to the conductive tapes provided on the upper surface and lower surface of the semiconductor cell that is pitch-fed, and alternately connects the upper surfaces and lower surfaces of the neighboring semiconductor cells, and main pressure-bonding means which is disposed on a downstream side of the provisional pressure-bonding means in a direction of conveyance of the semiconductor cell, and which mainly pressure-bonds, simultaneously, the paired upper and lower lead wires which have been provisionally pressure-bonded to the upper surface and lower surface of the semiconductor cell. |
| US08967221B2 |
Method and installation for applying foil material onto successive sheets
There is described a method for applying foil material (200) onto successive sheets (S), especially sheets for the production of securities, such as banknotes. In a first step, individual sheets (S) are transported in succession along a sheet transport path. In a second step, at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is applied onto the individual sheets (S) along a direction substantially parallel to a direction of displacement (A) of the individual sheets, thereby forming a continuous flow of sheets linked to one another by the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200). In a third step, the said at least one continuous band of foil material (200) is cut by means of a laser beam (L) such that the continuous flow of sheets is again separated into individual sheets (S) with portions of foil material (200*) remaining on the sheet. The cutting is performed at positions located on the sheets (S) such that said portions of foil material (200*) remaining on the sheets do not extend beyond leading and trailing edges of the sheets (S). Waste portions (205) of said at least one continuous band of foil material (200) that are not to remain on the sheets (S) are seized prior to cutting by the laser beam (L) and are held throughout the cutting process. There is also described an installation for carrying out the above method. |
| US08967220B2 |
Method and assembly for the production of a homogenous composite pipe of unspecified length
A method of forming a homogenous composite pipe of unspecified length from strips of fiber reinforced thermoplastic material is disclosed. A mandrel is arranged stationary in a process direction to extend freely from a first supported end to a second end. A slip-sheath is applied about the mandrel. The thermoplastic material strips are wound about the slip-sheath. A section of the thermoplastic material strip winding is consolidated. The slip-sheath is formed from tape material which is applied longitudinally onto the mandrel surface. The slip-sheath is connected to a puller arranged downstream of the mandrel in the process direction. Consolidated pipe sections are pulled off from the second end of the mandrel in synchronization with the winding and consolidation. An assembly for carrying out the method. |
| US08967217B2 |
Hand-held strapper
A strapping tool for tensioning and securing a strap on or around an object or load includes a motor, a tensioning assembly coupled to the motor, and a weld plate assembly coupled to the motor. The motor is actuated in a first direction to control the tensioning assembly to tension the strap during a tensioning operation and the motor is actuated in a second direction to control the weld plate assembly to weld the strap to itself during a welding operation. |
| US08967211B2 |
Pneumatic tire
In a pneumatic tire, center land portions include a circumferential narrow groove extending in the tire circumferential direction so as to partition the center land portions in a tire width direction; a plurality of lug grooves disposed in each region of each of the center land portions partitioned by the circumferential narrow groove, extending in the tire width direction, so as to partition each of the regions of the center land portions in the tire circumferential direction; and a plurality of blocks partitioned by the circumferential narrow groove and the plurality of lug grooves. Blocks of the center land portions include one open sipe extending in the tire width direction so as to partition the blocks in the tire circumferential direction, and three or more closed sipes disposed in each of the regions of each of the blocks partitioned by the open sipe. |
| US08967205B2 |
Anti-extrusion layer with non-interlocked gap controlled hoop strength layer
In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a tubular assembly with gap control. Embodiments disclosed herein relate to one or more embodiments of and methods for controlling gaps between helically wrapped layers in a pipe structure. A tubular assembly includes a fluid barrier, a first layer, and a second layer comprising a plurality of non-interlocking helical wraps and disposed on an outer surface of the first layer, in which the first layer is disposed between the fluid barrier and the second layer and configured to at least partially displace into a space created between adjacent non-interlocking helical wraps of the second layer. |
| US08967200B2 |
Fluid control valve
In order to provide a fluid control valve that can flow a large amount of fluid with a compact arrangement, ring-shaped bottom formed grooves that are in communication with an upstream side flow channel through a valve inner flow channel and ring-shaped bottom formed grooves that are in communication with a downstream side flow channel through a valve inner flow channel are arranged alternatively and plurally between a seating surface and a valve seat surface, and a communication bore, which is an opening in communication with the bottom formed groove of the valve inner flow channel, is formed at least on the side surface of the bottom formed groove. |
| US08967196B2 |
Valve assembly with valve position indicator
A valve assembly may include a valve disposed in a flow path and an actuator disposed above the valve. The actuator may be configured to actuate the valve to move between an open position and a closed position. The valve may also include a rocking member disposed above the actuator and configured to move with the valve. The valve may also include a pair of first and second position sensors disposed above and parallel to the actuator. The pair of first and second position sensors may be configured to detect a position of the rocking member. The position of the rocking member may be indicative of a position of the valve. |
| US08967191B1 |
Devices, methods, and algorithms for rapid measurement of mean surface level change of liquids in containers
A leak detection system for the rapid and accurate detection of the mean surface level change of a body of liquid is provided. The system is capable of sensing mean surface level changes under static or turbulent surface conditions. In one embodiment, the system includes a rigid walled sensor pod with at least one inner pod cavity that is so positioned to receive liquid from a body of liquid such that dynamic equilibrium is possible and maintained between the mean surface level of the body of liquid and the amount of liquid in the inner cavity. The system further includes a sensor assembly having a stiction free float operating in conjunction with a strain gauge, and microprocessors applying algorithms to process, display, and report the sensor data in accordance with the needs of the end user or to initiate actions for automated control functions. |
| US08967188B2 |
Shear valve
A shear valve (10) comprises a casing having a first part (12) for positioning on one side of a pipe and a second part (14) engageable with the first part (12) for positioning on the other side of the pipe. A blade (26) is disposed substantially within the first part and is actuable across the pipe towards the second part for cutting the pipe. The blade has a support region for supporting the periphery of the pipe as the pipe is being cut. |
| US08967184B2 |
Locking fire hydrant
A locking fire hydrant includes a fire hydrant body having an internal channel extending between a main cap recess and an auxiliary cap recess defined therein. A plunger assembly including first and second plungers is disposed within the internal channel. The first plunger is disposed such that an end thereof is capable of extending into a main cap recess and the second plunger is disposed such that an end thereof is capable of extending into an auxiliary cap recess. When the second plunger is actuated by mounting a locking cap on the fire hydrant body, one of the ratchet teeth provided on the back side of the auxiliary cap engages the second plunger to prevent the auxiliary cap from being removed from the fire hydrant body. A locking cap, an opening tool, and methods of securing an auxiliary cap to a fire hydrant also are described. |
| US08967182B2 |
Tire valve
A tire valve (1) having a valve channel (11) with a valve body (10) enclosing a valve seat (15), having at least one connecting piece (9) for connecting the valve body (10) to a valve base (2) is disclosed. The valve body (10) has a valve part (12) inserted in the valve channel (11) and displaceable in the axial direction therein, sealingly bearing against the valve seat (15) of the valve body (10) in the closed position of valve (1). The connecting piece (9) of the valve body (10) is placed in a connecting segment (8) at a distance in the axial direction from the functional valve segment of the valve body (10), and the valve body (10) is implemented as a single piece. |
| US08967180B2 |
Pilot type pressure regulator
A pilot type pressure regulator has: a primary port to which air is supplied from the outside; and a secondary port discharging air regulated by a main valve body provided to a main valve shaft. A main valve diaphragm abutting on an abutting end surface of the main valve shaft partitions an inner space into a secondary pressure chamber communicating with the secondary port and a pilot pressure chamber to which pilot pressure is supplied. This pressure regulator has an exhaust mechanism exhausting air from the secondary pressure chamber to the outside when pressure of the secondary port exceeds a set value. In the exhaust mechanism, a stopper holding a sealing material in a guide hole is inserted from the side close to a main valve hole, that is, an inner end portion. |
| US08967179B2 |
Servo-valve pilot stage and a two-stage servo-valve including such a stage
A pilot stage for a jet type servo-valve, the pilot stage including an ejector for ejecting a jet of fluid and that is movable facing a deflector suitable for generating a pressure difference that can be used for moving a spool of the servo-valve. The ejector extends radially projecting from a column to which the ejector is secured and is in fluid-flow communication with a central bore of the column through which the ejector is fed with fluid, the column having a first end that is embedded in the servo-valve and through which the fluid is introduced into the column, and the column has a second end that is subjected to drive from a torque motor for selectively twisting the column in one direction or the other about a rest position. |
| US08967178B2 |
Saturation valve assembly for electric cables
A valve assembly configured to close off the flow of fluid within a fluid injection assembly includes a fluid column having a first open end and a second open end. A fluid flow path is defined between the first and second open ends of the fluid column, and a saturation valve portion is disposed within the fluid flow path. The saturation valve portion is a first configuration when no fluid is flowing through the fluid flow path, and the saturation valve portion transitions to a second configuration when fluid is flowing through the fluid flow path. |
| US08967177B2 |
Sequenced ball valve coupling
Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a body that defines a bore that extends through the body. A ball valve assembly is engaged to the body. The ball valve assembly includes a ball valve disposed in the bore the body and an actuator that extends through the body. The ball valve defines a passage through the ball valve. The actuator is engaged to the ball valve and includes a plurality of teeth. A sleeve is disposed about the body. The sleeve is configured for at least partial rotation about the body. The sleeve includes a gear protrusion that has a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth engages the plurality of teeth of the actuator during rotation of the sleeve to actuate the ball valve between an open position and a closed position. |
| US08967172B2 |
Compactable storage cover
A cover mechanism includes a support frame with base supports and a multi-part expandable cover engaged with the base supports by grappling members or other means. The expandable cover may have a pliable exterior cover and a set of integral ribs, the expandable cover being foldable when not deployed and being expandable to form a self-supporting structure when deployed. The base supports may provide a sliding track for the grappling members to facilitate expansion of the cover. The base supports may be adapted to rest on the ground or buoyant so that the cover can be used with watercraft. The expandable cover may be deployed by pivoting it from a folded position to an upright position, sliding the cover along the base support tracks, and pivoting the cover from the front of the base supports downwards, forming an enclosure thereby. |
| US08967168B1 |
Sink insert for cleaning a medical or surgical device
A sink insert for cleaning a medical device having a lumen, such as an endoscope, includes a basin and a pump connected to the basin. The basin is shaped to fit into a sink, and has lip portions on its side walls shaped to extend outwardly to overlap side walls of the sink. The basin includes a drain formed in its floor; an additive reservoir integrally formed as a depression in its floor; additive fill lines defining pre-calibrated volume measurement areas for measurement of additives in the reservoir; a thermometer; and basin fill lines on its side walls defining pre-calibrated volume measurement areas for measurement of cleaning liquid filled into the basin. The pump includes inlet and outlet tubes for drawing cleaning liquid from the basin into the pump, and for pressurized output of the cleaning liquid from the pump to the medical device. |
| US08967167B2 |
Barrier structure and nozzle device for use in tools used to process microelectronic workpieces with one or more treatment fluids
The present invention provides a tool for treating microelectronic workpieces with one or more treatment materials, including liquids, gases, fluidized solids, dispersions, combinations of these, and the like. |
| US08967166B2 |
Rotary drum washer for street sweeping waste and contaminated soil
A horizontal rotary drum in which the materials to be treated are introduced through a feed hopper together with a water flow admitted through treatment nozzles so as to form a suspension of water and materials is described. The horizontal rotary drum has inclined paddles that move forward the heavy materials deposited on the bottom of the drum towards an exit end where an extractor conveys them towards concentric screening means, a stop ring being arranged transversally inside the drum so as to leave only a peripheral annular passage having a height lower than the level of the suspension of water and materials present on the bottom of the drum so as to stop the lighter organic contaminants that are in the upper part of the suspension. Means for slightly inclining the axis of the rotary drum within a small angular interval, as well as with clod-breaking teeth for treating clayey materials are also described. |
| US08967165B2 |
Water inlet flush for dishwasher filter
A fluid filtration assembly for a dishwasher system is described. The dishwasher system includes a tub defining a wash chamber configured to receive dishwasher contents. The fluid filtration assembly includes a filter assembly having a filter material, a filter fluid inlet, and a filter fluid outlet. The filter fluid inlet is in flow communication with the wash chamber and the filter material. The filter assembly further includes a cleaning fluid inlet that is configured to backflush the filter material. The filter fluid outlet is in flow communication with both the cleaning fluid inlet and the filter fluid inlet. The fluid filtration assembly further includes a valve assembly in flow communication with the cleaning fluid inlet through a first flow path. |
| US08967164B1 |
Orthodontic flosser
An orthodontic flosser comprising an elongated handle and an articulating head coupled to the handle at a pivot is disclosed. A mechanism holds the articulating head at a selected angle with respect to an axis of the handle. A first and second projection extend from the head for suspending floss, the first projection is sized to insert floss between a wire affixed to a tooth and the tooth. A supply of fresh floss and a take-up reel are configured to feed fresh floss incrementally into suspension between the first and second projections while taking-up used floss and applying a tension to the suspended floss. |
| US08967162B2 |
Compact, recyclable, multi-layered dental flossing device and packaging therefore
A compact, recyclable dental flossing device in the form of a multi-layered elongated filament or strip of a resin which has physical characteristics such that, when elongated or drawn to stop, possesses a substantially increased length and tensile strength and a reduced thickness suitable for flossing teeth. |
| US08967158B2 |
Artificial eyelash and method for attaching the same
An artificial eyelash 100 for increasing a length of an eyelash 50 is disclosed. The artificial eyelash 100 disclosed herein includes an artificial eyelash main body 10 and an annular member 20 for coupling the artificial eyelash main body 10 and the eyelash 50. The annular member 20 is formed of a shrinkable material. |
| US08967157B2 |
Comb for lice or other parasitic insects
A lice, flea or other parasitic insect comb has a handle that extends over top of the metal teeth of the comb and is shaped to be comfortable in the hand. The handle can comprise a U-shaped portion having a hand grip portion and a pair of spaced-apart struts that extend between the hand grip portion and the metal teeth of the comb. Preferably, the hand grip portion is spaced from a plane containing or aligned with the metal teeth and is vertically aligned with the metal teeth of the comb. Such a handle configuration can facilitate positioning of the teeth of the comb substantially flat against or parallel to the scalp, which makes removal of lice and nits more effective. In some configurations, the comb teeth can be wider than standard lice combs, so it covers more hair and therefore takes less time to remove nits and lice. |
| US08967156B1 |
Apparatus and method for selective hair coloring
A coloring comb for applying a coloring material to selected strands of hair on a head includes a number of teeth, each of which has a trough-shaped reservoir extending along its upper surface and a slot extending from its tip through the elongated reservoir. The reservoirs are filed through elongated slots in an applicator plate held on the coloring comb. |
| US08967155B2 |
Products of high denier per filament and low total denier tow bands
A method for forming a filter rod may include providing a bale of crimped tow band having about 10 denier per filament or greater and about 20,000 total denier or less, the crimped tow band comprising a plurality of cellulose acetate filaments; and placing the crimped tow band in an apparatus so as to form a filter rod. |
| US08967150B2 |
Operating drapes with a window
The invention relates to an operating drape formed by an impermeable web that has a window (3) for access to the operating site, characterized in that the web consists of two impermeable sheets (10,20) held together, one along the extension of the other, in a sealed manner by an adhesive that allows the sheets to be separated by peeling and in that the window (3) is shared between the two sheets. The invention applies in particular to operating drapes used in surgery. |
| US08967148B2 |
Respiratory device comprising a fastening system
The invention relates to a device for respiration which consists at least of one body that delimits an inner chamber from an outer chamber, a region for sealing the device against parts of the face of a patient, fastening elements for positioning the device on the patient's head and a connection for supplying respiratory gas. The device is equipped with an actuator, which when adjusted, changes the distance of at least one part of the device from at least one part of the body of the patient. |
| US08967140B2 |
Controlling drug delivery apparatus
A drug package comprising a plurality of drug vials containing drugs for delivery to a patient in a drug delivery device; and a data carrier including drug treatment information for use by the drug delivery apparatus. |
| US08967139B2 |
Respiratory connector and arrangement for connecting an inspiratory tube and an expiratory tube to a medical apparatus
A respiratory connector for connecting an inspiratory tube and an expiratory tube to a coupling point of a medical apparatus is disclosed here. The respiratory connector includes a base element and two channels inside the base element, one of the channels is for an inspiratory flow and another is for an expiratory flow. The respiratory connector also includes a first sealable zone for sealing the base element with the coupling point and a second sealable zone at a distance from the first sealable zone for sealing with the coupling point. Both channels at least partly extend inside the base element between the first sealable zone and the second sealable zone. An arrangement for connecting an inspiratory tube and an expiratory tube to a medical apparatus is also disclosed. |
| US08967138B2 |
Supporting and shaping device for mirror of heliostat
The embodiment of the invention provides a supporting and a shape-regulating device for a reflector of a heliostat, which relates to the solar field. Said device is installed on the back of said reflector of said heliostat and fixed with a support of said heliostat, said supporting and shape-regulating device comprises a shape-regulating part for adjusting the curvature of said reflector and an adjusting part for adjusting the pitch and angle of said reflector; said shape-regulating part comprises at least four shape-regulating components, wherein at least one shape-regulating component is installed on a central sleeve of connection claws in the center of said reflector, the others are installed on the edge of said reflector and connected respectively with said central sleeve of connection claws through respective supporting arms of connection claws, said shape-regulating components comprise suckers and adjustable fasteners; said adjusting part is set up correspondingly on the side part of said center sleeve of connection claw, said adjusting part comprises a transition part and an adjusting fastener, said transition part is fixed with said support, said adjusting fastener is set up between said transition part and said center sleeve of connection claw. Thus, the invention has a simple structure and good adjusting effect, it is convenient to adjust, and easy to process and manufacture. |
| US08967134B1 |
Liquid fuel fired tilting skillet system
A liquid-fuel fired tilting skillet system including a tilting skillet having a support frame and a tilting skillet pan, a liquid-fuel fired burner having a flame tube, a burner bracket on the frame for mounting the liquid-fuel fired burner, a firebox mounted beneath the pan with a burner insertion hole for receiving the burner flame tube, and a diffuser plate mounted to the bottom of the pan in the firebox targeted by the flame tube for distributing the heat across the pan bottom. |
| US08967133B1 |
Two axis micro-adjusting device with a single locking mechanism
A two axis micro-adjusting device with a single locking mechanism preferably includes a mounting base, a first axis adjustment housing and a second axis adjustment nut. The mounting base includes a second axis housing and an attachment bracket. The first axis adjustment housing is slidably retained on the second axis housing. An end of the first axis adjustment bar is secured to a first object. The attachment bracket is attached to a second object. Rotation of a first axis adjustment screw adjusts the first axis adjustment bar in the first axis adjustment housing. Rotation of a second axis adjustment screw adjusts the second axis adjustment nut in the second axis housing. A locking fastener is tightened to lock the position of the first axis and second axis adjustments. |
| US08967129B2 |
Ducted combustion chamber for direct injection engines and method
An internal combustion engine includes an engine block having a cylinder bore and a cylinder head having a flame deck surface disposed at one end of the cylinder bore. A piston connected to a rotatable crankshaft and configured to reciprocate within the cylinder bore has a piston crown portion facing the flame deck surface such that a combustion chamber is defined within the cylinder bore and between the piston crown and the flame deck surface. A fuel injector having a nozzle tip disposed in fluid communication with the combustion chamber has at least one nozzle opening configured to inject a fuel jet into the combustion chamber along a fuel jet centerline. At least one duct defined in the combustion chamber between the piston crown and the flame deck surface has a generally rectangular cross section and extends in a radial direction relative to the cylinder bore substantially along the fuel jet centerline. |
| US08967125B2 |
EGR valve
A lip seal is placed between a housing and a valve shaft and adjacent to a bearing of the shaft. A deposit-guard plug is placed between the housing and the shaft and adjacent to the lip seal. A first end of the lip seal is placed adjacent to a first end of the bearing. A first end of the plug is placed adjacent to a second end and a lip portion of the lip seal. A second end of the plug is placed to face a passage. A first distance from the first end of the bearing to the leading end of the lip portion of the lip seal and a second distance from the second end of the plug to the leading end of the lip portion of the lip seal are set to be longer than a maximum stroke of the shaft in stroke movement. |
| US08967122B2 |
Fuel evaporative emission control device
When fuel tank internal pressure is at a first predetermined pressure P1 or above over a first predetermined time length t1, a fuel tank shutoff valve is opened and a vapor solenoid valve is closed to make piping internal pressure equal to the fuel tank internal pressure. Then, a purge control valve is opened to emit fuel evaporative gas from the fuel tank into an intake passage. When the fuel tank internal pressure is continuously at a second predetermined pressure P2 or below over the first predetermined time length t1, the fuel tank shutoff valve is closed, and when accumulated volume in high-pressure purge finishing phase reaches a second predetermined volume iv2 or above, the vapor solenoid valve is opened. When the accumulated volume in high-pressure purge finishing phase reaches a first predetermined volume iv1 or above, the purge control valve is opened and the engine is stopped. |
| US08967120B2 |
Engine control system
An engine control system controls an internal combustion engine so that some of a plurality of cylinders in a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine are made to rest and reduced-cylinder operation takes place. Each cylinder comprises a piston, an intake valve and an exhaust valve. In a resting cylinder during reduced-cylinder operation, when the piston moves downwards, the engine control system opens both the intake valve and the exhaust valve, and when the piston moves upwards, the engine control system opens the intake valve and closes the exhaust valve. |
| US08967119B2 |
Infrared-emitting ceramics for fuel activation
This invention relates to a ceramic composite that comprises of a mixture of infrared-emitting metal oxides having specific spectral luminance in 3-20 μm (micrometers) wavelength range and an effective amount of pyroelectric material that helps enhance infrared emissions of said oxides in said wavelength range. Said ceramic composite can be deviced to provide an effective means of improving hydrocarbon fuel efficiency in internal combustion engines for better engine performance with increased torque and power, improved fuel economy, and reduced exhaust emissions. Such ceramic composites can also be used in other applications that utilize infrared emissions in said wavelength range. |
| US08967118B2 |
Turbocharger boost control systems and methods for gear shifts
A method includes: retarding spark timing relative to a predetermined spark timing when an engine torque output reduction is requested for a gear shift; estimating a first torque output of an engine based on N cylinders of the engine being fueled, an engine speed, an air per cylinder (APC), and the predetermined spark timing; estimating a second torque output of the engine based on M cylinders being fueled, the engine speed, the APC, and the spark timing. determining an initial pressure ratio across a turbocharger compressor; determining an adjustment based on M and the first and second torque outputs; generating a desired pressure ratio across the turbocharger compressor based on the adjustment and the initial pressure ratio; and controlling opening of a turbocharger wastegate based on the desired pressure ratio. N is a total number of cylinders of the engine and M is less than or equal to N. |
| US08967112B2 |
Four counterweight crankshaft for 90 degree V6 engine
A crankshaft includes first, second, third, and fourth main journals, each coaxially disposed along a crankshaft axis. A first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth crank pin are each parallel with the crankshaft axis, and radially offset from the crankshaft axis. A first crank arm includes a first counterweight, and connects the first main journal and the first crank pin. A third crank arm includes a second counterweight, and connects the second crank pin and the second main journal. A seventh crank arm includes a third counterweight, and connects the third main journal and the fifth crank pin. A ninth crank arm includes a fourth counterweight, and connects the sixth crank pin and the fourth main journal. The first, second, third, and fourth counterweights are the only counterweights of the crankshaft. |
| US08967109B2 |
Component catch for crash robustness
Systems are disclosed to restrain movement of engine components in the event of a collision. A system may comprise an upper intake manifold; a cam cover; a shear catch located between the upper intake manifold and the cam cover; an upper component of the shear catch is arranged on the upper intake manifold; a lower component of the shear catch is arranged on the cam cover; and the upper component and the lower component are arranged opposite each other such that they engage when the upper intake manifold is subjected to shear forces. Variations to the size, arrangement, and shape of a shear catch are disclosed herein. |
| US08967107B2 |
Camshaft adjuster for an internal combustion engine
A camshaft adjuster (1, 51) for an internal combustion engine, including a stator (5) which is connectable in a rotationally fixed manner to a crankshaft, a rotor which is mounted in the stator (5) so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis, a sealing cover (7, 53) for minimizing leakage, and a spring element (9, 59) for positioning the rotor with respect to the stator (5). The spring element (9, 59) is held on the sealing cover (7, 53) in the axial direction via a spring clip (3, 41). The use of a spring clip (3, 41) provides a cost-neutral and reduced-weight option for reliably positioning the rotor with respect to the stator (5). |
| US08967103B2 |
Variable valve timing arrangement
A variable valve timing arrangement for an engine system is disclosed. The variable valve timing arrangement includes a cam follower configured to follow a cam lobe. A pushrod is operably connected with the cam follower and a pushrod rotation mechanism is configured to selectively rotate the pushrod. Further, a cam follower adjustment mechanism is configured to reposition the cam follower based on the rotation of the pushrod. |
| US08967096B2 |
Condensation device
A condensation device for an engine having a water-containing lubricant. The condensation device includes a first fluid line configured to permit a flow of vaporized water to be discharged from the engine under its natural convection, a pressure-compensation device configured to permit a flow of air out of the condensation device; and a second fluid line configured to permit condensate from the flow of vaporized water in the first fluid line to flow to the engine. |
| US08967094B2 |
Internal combustion engine
A ringed coolant water passage 16 formed to surround a plurality of cylinders #1-#4 is provided. Two partitioning members having a larger thermal expansion coefficient as compared to that of a cylinder block 10, and separating the ringed coolant water passage 16 into first passage 22 and second passage 24 is provided. The first passage 22 exists mainly at one side of a longitudinal bore center plane which extends along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder block 10 while the second passage 24 exists mainly at the other side. An inlet which communicates with the first passage and an outlet which communicates with the second passage are provided. A cylinder head including a coolant water passage which opens to both of the first passage 22 and the second passage 24 is attached to the cylinder block 10. The cylinder block 10 and the partitioning members 12, 14 are formed so that stress acting between both of them in a condition where the internal combustion engine is warmed up does not reach to a breaking stress of the partitioning members 12, 14. |
| US08967092B1 |
Inline cooling fan reverser
An inline fan reverser (100) and related method for clearing away debris from a radiator (20) by programmatically reversing a vehicle's radiator fan (30). The fan reverser (100) electrically connects, inline, with the conductors that normally drive the electric motor (32) that turns the fan (31) in order to pull cooling air through the radiator (20) The fan reverser (100) includes a microcontroller that initially clears the radiator (20) of debris by pushing or blowing for a short period of time (e.g. 10 seconds) and then enters a main loop where the fan reverser repeatedly transitions between a cooling phase and a cleaning phase. In the cooling phase, the reverser pulls air through the radiator for a long period of time (e.g. 10 minutes). In the cleaning phase, the reverser periodically clears the radiator (20) of debris by pushing or blowing for a short period of time (e.g. 10 seconds). The reverser also provides for short OFF periods (e.g. 5 seconds) after each forward or reverse phase where power is removed from the fan (30) in order to allow the fan to slow down, or stop, before reversing direction. |
| US08967090B2 |
Saddle-ride type vehicle
A saddle-ride vehicle includes a radiator body having a first radiator and a second radiator each including a core composed of radiating fins and tubes, alternately laminated. The radiator body is disposed forward of an engine while sandwiching a down tube between the first and second radiators in a vehicle left-right direction with the down tube extending rearwardly and downwardly of a head pipe. The radiator bodies and an exhaust pipe connected to the engine are disposed in an overlapping manner when the vehicle is viewed in a plan view. The lower tank of the first radiator include an inlet for the coolant from a lower communicating radiator hose that allows coolant to flow from the lower tank of the second radiator and an outlet for the coolant to a lower end radiator hose that is connected from the lower tank of the first radiator to the engine. |
| US08967086B2 |
Unitary animal leash and collar
A unitary animal leash and collar comprising a strap having a grasping loop formed by affixing one end of the strap on a portion of the strap and strategically disposing hook and loop portions on the opposing surfaces of the strap where a collar can be sized and formed by mating a hook portion with a loop portion. A band keeper comprises two ends where one end is slidably secured to the strap and hook and loop portions disposed on opposing surfaces of the band keeper. Upon forming a collar around an animal's neck, the band keeper is positioned adjacent a portion of the strap where hook and loop portions of the strap have been mated and the band keeper is wrapped around the strap such that a hook portion of the band keeper is mated with a loop portion of the band keeper. |
| US08967084B2 |
Motorless reactor for marine aquariums
A motorless reactor may include a base member, a tubular container, an inlet and an outlet, a pipe, and a head member. The tubular container may define a longitudinal axis extending between an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of the tubular container being coupled to the base member. The inlet and the outlet may be disposed proximate the upper end of the tubular container. The inlet may be configured to receive a pressurized flow of water from a reservoir, and the outlet may be configured to output a mixture of water and a predetermined substance. The pipe may be coupled to the inlet and may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis from a first end proximate the upper end of the tubular container toward a second end proximate the base member. |
| US08967081B2 |
Device and process for chemical vapor phase treatment
Device for treating substrates, comprising a changer having controlled pressure and temperature, a substrate support which is provided in the chamber, the chamber comprising a gas inlet for carrying out a vapor phase deposition, and an upper wall of the chamber provided with a plurality of first channels connected to a first inlet and a plurality of second channels connected to a second inlet, the first and second channels opening into the chamber and being regularly distributed in the upper wall, a heating element provided above the upper wall and a gas discharge ring provided between the upper wall and the substrate support, the upper wall begin electrically conductive and insulated relative to the substrate support so as to be able to apply a voltage between the upper wall and the substrate support. |
| US08967079B2 |
Device and method for impregnating a porous material with powder
This impregnation device comprises at least a first dielectric insulating screen and first and second opposite-facing electrodes which are separated by a passage for the porous material to be impregnated provided with powder and are capable of producing an alternating electric field in this passage after having been connected to an alternating voltage generator. At least first electrode comprises at least two conducting strips, each of which has an internal face covered by the first dielectric screen and, overall, is turned towards the second electrode and also a longitudinal edge running along a separating slot, which strips are separated from each other by this separating slot and are electrically connected to one another. |
| US08967075B2 |
Inkjet coating device and inkjet coating method
When the coating object area is positioned on the suction table, the film is stopped and is mounted on the suction table, and is further provided with tension in the longitudinal direction to eliminate slacks or the like, but, curl is caused in the both side end regions in the coating object area. Therefore, the coating object area is mounted on the suction table, and at the same time, the curl correction bars disposed on the both sides of the suction table are moved to the curled portions of the coating object area, and then the curled portions are pressed against the suction surface of the suction table to thereby perform the curl correction. Further, in the coating process with the UV-curing coating material, the UV light from the UV light source formed integrally with the coating head is applied to cure the material. In the vacuum suction section, as the destination, the bubbles or the like in the coating head are sucked. When the suction of the coating head is not performed, the UV shutter is moved by the suction section air cylinder to block the suction port of the vacuum suction section. Thus, the inside of the vacuum suction section is shielded from the UV light. |
| US08967074B2 |
Vapor sheath for liquid dispensing nozzle
The present disclosure provides a device for preventing the fouling of a liquid dispensing nozzle. The end of the dispensing nozzle is placed In a hollow interior of a band carrying the same solvents that are dispensed by the nozzle. The solvent on the band evaporates into a gap between the ring and the dispensing nozzle, thus providing a vapor sheath or environment that helps to prevent the fouling of the dispensing nozzle. |
| US08967073B2 |
Liquid discharge apparatus with cutter and liquid discharge method
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a transportation portion which transports a medium in a transportation direction, a cutting portion which moves in an intersection direction intersecting with the transportation direction and cuts the medium, and a head portion which is provided so as to be aligned with the cutting portion in the intersection direction, has a cutout portion on which the cutting portion is arranged, moves in the intersection direction and discharges liquid onto the medium. |
| US08967072B2 |
Retractable flagpole assembly
A retractable flagpole assembly includes a retractable flagpole, a top pivot holder rotatably capped on the top rod of the retractable flagpole and provided with a hanging lug for securing an inner top end of a flag, an end block spaced below the lower pivot holder and provided with a hanging lug for securing an inner bottom end of the flag, a link coupled between the top pivot holder and the end block, and a lower pivot holder rotatably sleeved onto the retractable flagpole and axially movable along the link and lockable to the end block. |
| US08967071B2 |
Guide apparatus
Included are embodiments of a guide apparatus. In some embodiments, the guide apparatus includes a body portion, a connector housing, and a rounded connector portion. The connector housing may include a connector snap surface that is disposed on an interior surface of the connector housing. Additionally, the connector housing may define a hollow portion adjacent to the interior surface. The connector housing may be coupled to the body portion via the connector snap surface. Similarly, the rounded connector portion may be coupled to the connector housing and may removably secure to a spad that is disposed on a ceiling, such that the guide apparatus hangs substantially downward, regardless of the orientation of the spad. By hanging substantially downward, the retractable guide apparatus may more accurately identify an intended path within a mine shaft. |
| US08967069B2 |
Water wings device for a watercraft
The present invention is a water wings device used in combination with a watercraft that includes a plurality of water wings attached to the sides of the watercraft with attachment arms and directing fins that are placed into the water that the watercraft is traveling in. There is also an embodiment of the water wings device that includes a boat tail with a tapering protrusion that is placed into the water the watercraft is traveling in. Another embodiment is the water tail device that includes a plurality of water tails that attach to the rear of portion of a watercraft used in conjunction with water wings on the side of the watercraft that are all placed into the water the watercraft is traveling in. |
| US08967068B2 |
Floating offshore platform and centralized open keel plate
The disclosure reduces vertical movement of a floating offshore platform by including a centralized open keel plate coupled to the hull that allows water below and above the keel plate. As the floating platform moves vertically, the keel plate separates the water and causes drag on the platform. The water moving vertically with the plate also increases the dynamic mass. The drag results in less vertical movement of the offshore platform without the need to extend legs of the platform to gain an equivalent reduction in vertical movement. The added dynamic mass increases the natural period of the vertical motion away from the wave excitation period to minimize the wave driven motion. The keel plate generally is above or at the same level of the keel, and therefore would not reduce the clearance between the seabed and the keel of the hull at the quayside. |
| US08967060B2 |
Sewing machine
A sewing machine includes a frame portion, a lid member, and a control portion. The lid member is attached to the frame portion such that the lid member can open and close. The control portion is configured to control a movement speed of the lid member depending on an aperture of the lid member. |
| US08967057B2 |
Vertically adjustable platform system
A vertically adjustable platform system includes a lifting tower with a lifting mechanism. A first scissors mechanism is adjacent one face of the tower and a second scissors mechanism is adjacent the other face of the tower. A first platform is disposed on the upper end of the first scissors mechanism and a second platform is disposed on an upper end of the second scissors mechanism. A lifting mechanism has a first lifting element interconnected with the first scissors mechanism or the first platform for moving the first platform vertically. The lifting mechanism has a second lifting element interconnected with the second scissors mechanism or the second platform for moving the second platform vertically. |
| US08967053B2 |
Railroad hopper car and door mechanism therefor
A railroad hopper car discharge outflow is controlled by closure members, at least one of which is movable. The closure members (or doors) are hingeless, being mounted on four bar linkages, such that the distal edge of the doors sweeps predominantly horizontally while the proximal edge of the door moves predominantly upwardly. The doors move through noncircular arcs, such that the size of the vertically projected door opening is abnormally large compared to the clearance heights of the door during opening and closing. The doors are driven by a transverse drive linkage that is driven by a transversely mounted actuator. The actuator may be mounted in an accommodation in the lee of slope sheets between adjacent hoppers in a mid-span portion of the car. Drive from the actuator is carried to a pair of symmetrically mounted doors through drive train linkages. |
| US08967050B2 |
Train platform safety device
Disclosed herein is a train platform safety device. The train platform safety device is installed at a position corresponding to a safety line on a subway or railway platform and is configured such that wire ropes are moved upwards or downwards depending on conditions in which a train approaches or departs from the platform, thus preventing a passenger from intentionally or unintentionally falling onto the train track. Particularly, the distances that the wire ropes move upwards or downwards are determined by rotating a rotating unit including rotating members having different diameters, whereby the wire ropes overlap each other or spread from each other. In this way, the wire ropes allow or block access of passengers depending on conditions in which a train approaches or departs from the platform, thus fundamentally preventing a safety accident. |
| US08967048B2 |
Timing module
A timing module for use in a detonating system which includes discriminating and validating arrangements which sense and validate at least one characteristic of at least one parameter produced by at least one shock tube event and an electronic timer which executes a timing interval in response thereto. |
| US08967043B2 |
Ablation-type lithographic printing members having improved exposure sensitivity and related methods
Ablation-type printing plates having improved exposure sensitivity are produced using an imaging layer—i.e., the plate layer that absorbs and ablates in response to imaging radiation—whose composition includes a large proportion of crosslinker. |
| US08967041B2 |
Container alignment
The invention relates to a device for aligning containers (1) comprising at least one detection system (7). In order to be able to apply identically orientated and aligned labels even to containers without embossings, the invention proposes that at least one detection system (7) is configured as a cover detection system (7) and is disposed so that a closure element (4) disposed on the container (1) can be detected. |
| US08967039B2 |
Avocado skinning and pulping device
An Avocado Skinning and Pulping Device. The avocado pulper has two grip belts approximately oval in shape and further having a plurality of grip plates around the grip belts. The grip plates are knurled thereby facilitating a grasping of an avocado as it is conveyed into the grip belts and rides through to the rear opening. A pivotable and adjustable belt guide within an inner section of each grip belt is adapted to exert maximum squeezing pressure on the avocado at the approximate middle section of the grip belts at which point the grip belts are in approximate contact with one another. Pulp is thereby squeezed from the avocado. The grip belts separate at the approximate rear defining space for releasing the skin of the avocado. A de-seeder adjacent to the front end opening of the grip belts removes the seed from the avocado prior to its entry into the maximum squeezing section. |
| US08967037B2 |
Thrust lubrication strategy for roller lifters of a common rail fuel pump
A common rail fuel pump includes a cam shaft with at least one cam rotatably supported in a pump housing. A plurality of tappet assemblies are each reciprocatingly movable in the pump housing, and include an axle pin mounted in a tappet, and a roller mounted in contact for rotation about the axle pin. Each end of the roller includes a plurality of non-contiguous planar thrust surfaces separated by lubrication grooves. A lubrication pathway for the roller includes in sequence a lubrication passage that opens to a roller bearing surface, movement along the roller bearing surface into the lubrication grooves, and then between the planar thrust surface of the roller and a counterpart thrust face of the tappet responsive to rotation of the roller on the cam shaft. |
| US08967036B2 |
Valve and diaphragm for a pump
A diaphragm pump (10) having a pump body (11) providing opposing pump chambers (12, 13). Mounted in the body is a piston assembly (14) having pistons (15) joined by a piston rod (16). Each piston (15) is sealingly connected to the body (11) by a diaphragm (22) so that each of the chambers (12, 13) is divided into a first and a second sub-chamber, with the flow of fluid being pumped is governed by a pair of valves (30). Each valve (30) includes a base (31) to which there is movably attached a movable valve member (35). |
| US08967026B2 |
Microtome having an auto-rocking mode
The present invention relates to a microtome (10) including a sample holder (12) a cutting unit (16), and a drive unit (22) capable of producing a relative movement between the sample holder (12) and the cutting unit (16) for cutting the sample. In addition, the microtome (10) has a handwheel (32) and an encoder (38). A control unit (40) controls the drive unit (22) as a function of the rotational movement of the handwheel (32) detected by the encoder (38) and in such a way that, in a first operating mode, the relative movement produced between the sample holder (12) and the cutting element (16) by the drive unit (22) when the handwheel (32) is rotated through a full revolution has a maximum first stroke length and that, in a second operating mode, the relative movement has a preset second stroke length shorter than the maximum first stroke length. |
| US08967025B2 |
Scrap collector for optical fiber cutter
An optical fiber feeding mechanism of a scrap collector includes a lower roller and an upper roller for advancing an optical fiber scrap cut out by an optical fiber cutter into a scrap receptacle, and further includes a roller holding member. In a state in which the lower roller and the upper roller are not actuated, the roller holding member forms a clearance enough to keep the lower roller and the upper roller from holding an optical fiber therebetween. After the optical fiber cutter cuts the optical fiber, the roller holding member lowers the upper roller toward the lower roller in accordance with the rotation of the upper roller so that the optical fiber may be held by and between the lower roller and the upper roller. |
| US08967021B2 |
Operating device
An operating device includes a dial that has a first engagement portion, a rotational body that is formed in an annular shape, and has a second engagement portion so as to be engaged with the first engagement portion of the dial. Rotation of the dial is transmitted to the rotational body through an engagement of the first and second engagement portions. The operating device also includes gear teeth that are provided on an inner circumferential portion of the rotational body, a gear that is meshed with the gear teeth and is rotated in an inner space of the rotational body, and a rotation response member that is directly coupled to a rotation shaft of the gear and varies in accordance with a rotation angle of the dial. |
| US08967019B2 |
Knob with lock mechanism
A control knob has a body and a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism acts as a safety mechanism or safeguard by biasing the knob in a locked position, thereby preventing the knob from engaging a control stem or other structure on, for example, an appliance. This prevents the knob from inadvertent rotation which may power-on an appliance, or cause a change in a current setting of an appliance which, in certain instances, may have dangerous repercussions. |
| US08967018B2 |
Device for adjusting the tension of a pulling element
The present invention relates to a device for the automatic adjustment of the pretension of a pulling element (10, 11) in particular a cable, comprising an elasticity element (50) acting on a first mounting means (20) for a first section (10) of the pulling element for increasing the pre-tension, a second mounting means (30) for a second section (11) of the pulling element, threads (70, 70′, 71) arranged at the first mounting means which interact with a spindle (40, 40′) so that a change of the distance between the first mounting means (20) and the second mounting means (30) causes a rotation of the spindle (40) or the threads (70), and blocking elements (36, 45; 236, 245), which are arranged such that they block a rotation of the spindle or the threads (70), respectively, when the pulling element is under pulling load. |
| US08967014B2 |
Multiple-axis manual control device
A manual control device includes an actuation member which is supported on a switching rod for pivoting about at least one actuation member pivot axis which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the switching rod. Furthermore, the switching rod is movably supported relative to a base member of the manual control device about or along a plurality of switching rod movement axes, there being provided restoring means, by means of which the actuation member which has been redirected out of a rest position about the actuation member pivot axis can be restored to the rest position. The restoring means have at least two resilient elements which are active counter to redirection of the actuation member from the rest position about the actuation member pivot axis and which are arranged radially opposite each other relative to the longitudinal axis of the switching rod. |
| US08967013B2 |
Optimization of face cone element for spiral bevel and hypoid gears
A method of determining an optimized face cone element for spiral bevel and hypoid gears. The form of the root fillet of one member of a gear pair is determined and that from is transferred to the tip of the other member of the gear pair. With the inventive method, tooth root-tip clearance is optimized and the contact ratio is maximized while avoiding root-tip interference between mating gear members. |
| US08967011B2 |
Double rack gear structure for supporting pop-up monitor
A gear structure is configured to support vertical motion of an electric pop-up monitor. More specifically, a double rack gear structure is configured to support a pop-up monitor. The rack gear structure includes an outer gear and an inner gear. The outer gear is coupled at a side of the monitor frame to operate integrally with the monitor frame, and enables the vertical motion of the monitor frame with an ascending or descending motion. The inner gear is received inside the outer gear. The inner gear performs an ascending or descending motion simultaneously with the outer gear, and supports forward and rearward or right and left shaking, which occurs in the outer gear, by maximizing a portion overlapping with the outer gear when the outer gear has ascended to the maximum. |
| US08967008B2 |
Layshaft automatic transmission
A transmission includes a housing, an input member connectable to an engine output member, a sleeve member, and a launch clutch assembly connected to the input member and to the sleeve member, wherein the launch clutch is selectively engageable to transmit torque from the input member to the sleeve member. A first countershaft is rotatably supported within the transmission housing. A second countershaft is rotatably supported within the transmission housing. A plurality of co-planar gear sets are connected to the input member, sleeve member, and the countershafts. A plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms are provided for coupling various components of the co-planar gear sets to the input member, sleeve member, and countershafts. The selective engagement of the launch clutch assembly and the torque transmitting mechanisms establishes at least one of five forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio. |
| US08967007B2 |
Continuously variable transmission using oscillating torque and timing belt or timing chain constrained masses
A transmission utilizing oscillating torque to vary the mechanical power transmitted to a load was previously patented by this inventor (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,062,096, 6,044,718, and 7,481,127). The transmission has a rotatable input member and a rotatable mass. The transmission also has a member with an eccentric offset, with the rotatable mass rotatably coupled to the offset and being eccentric with respect to the offset. The present invention provides several improvements to the previous patents including belt or chain for the rotating masses to improve load carrying capacity and improvements to the control system using inertia control. FIG. 1 shows the fully assembled transmission. |
| US08967006B2 |
Linear actuator for height adjustable columns
A linear actuator (1), comprising a threaded spindle (10) with a longitudinal extension along a longitudinal axis (X), the spindle (10) having a right hand thread (11) and a left hand thread (12), both threads provided over a common longitudinal length of the spindle, the spindle (10) being adapted to be rotated by a driving device (60). The linear actuator further comprises a first nut member (20) provided with a right hand thread (21) and a second nut member (30) provided with a left hand thread (31). The first and the second nut members (20, 30) are in threaded connection with the spindle (10) in such a way that rotation of the spindle provides opposite linear movement of the nut members (20, 30) relative to each other along the longitudinal axis (X). Thereby, a linear actuator is provided with three parts that all move linearly relative to each other during rotation of the spindle. |
| US08967004B2 |
Armature with torque limiter for engine starter
An engine starter includes a gear assembly including a pinion gear. The engine starter further comprises an electric motor including an armature coupled to the gear assembly and configured to drive the gear assembly and the pinion gear. The armature includes a core member defining a central cavity extending in an axial direction within the core member. An armature shaft extends from the central cavity. A clutch arrangement is positioned in the central cavity. The clutch arrangement is configured to releasably couple the core member and the armature shaft. |
| US08967000B2 |
Planar electric board with pliable wings and system for sensing components along three coordinate axis of inner forces in a block made of a building material
A planar electric circuit board may include a planar support of a foldable material defining a base surface and wings coupled to the base surface along respective folding lines so that the wings, when folded along the folding lines, are erected with respect to the base surface and remain in that position. An auxiliary circuit is on the planar support and may include pairs of capacitive coupling plates defined on the wings and on the base surface, and electric communication lines coupled to corresponding ones of the pairs of capacitive coupling plates. |
| US08966994B2 |
Method for monitoring a body inserted in a conduit and insert for electromagnetic resonance measurements
Method for monitoring a body inserted in pipe conducting a fluid flow, the body being positioned in a distance from the pipe wall providing a gap between the body and the pipe wall, the gap constituting an electromagnetic, e.g. microwave, resonator, at least one coupling probe being positioned close to said gap, the method comprising the steps of applying an electromagnetic signal, monitoring the frequency response of the resonator through the probe, and analyzing the frequency response to provide a measure of movements, e.g. vibrations induced by a turbulent flow, of the body. The invention also relates to an insert with support structure especially shaped to avoid influence on the resonance measurement. |
| US08966993B2 |
Three dimensional piezoelectric MEMS
Method and apparatus for a piezoelectric apparatus are provided. In some embodiments, a method for fabricating a piezoelectric device may include etching a series of vertical trenches in a top substrate portion, depositing a first continuous conductive layer over the trenches and substrate, depositing a continuous piezoelectric layer over the first continuous conductive layer such that the piezoelectric material has trenches and sidewalls, depositing a second continuous conductive layer over the continuous piezoelectric layer, etching through the vertical trenches of the first continuous conductive layer, continuous piezoelectric layer, second continuous conductive layer, and top substrate portion into a bottom substrate portion, etching a series of horizontal trenches in the bottom substrate portion such that the horizontal trenches and vertical trenches occupy a continuous free space and allow movement of a piezoelectric MEMS device created by the above method in three dimensions. |
| US08966990B2 |
MEMS devices exhibiting linear characteristics
A micro electro mechanical system device has a first subassembly having sensor element including a coupler, and a second subassembly including a comb drive. The comb drive having stator plates and rotor plates and the coupler configured to displace the rotor plates relative to the stator plates providing a variable capacitance dependent on the displacement of the rotor plate. |
| US08966988B2 |
Ultra-miniature fiber-optic pressure sensor system and method of fabrication
Ultra-miniature surface-mountable optical pressure sensor is constructed on an optical fiber. The sensor design utilizes an angled fiber tip which steers the optical axis of the optic fiber by 90°. The optical cavity is formed on the sidewall of the optic fiber. The optical cavity may be covered with a polymer-metal composite diaphragm to operate as a pressure transducer, Alternatively, a polymer-filled cavity may be constructed which does not need a reflective diaphragm. The sensor exhibits a sufficient linearity over the broad pressure range with a high sensitivity. The sensitivity of the sensor may he tuned by controlling the thickness of the diaphragm. Methods of batch production of uniform device-to-device optical pressure sensors of co-axial and cross-axial configurations are presented. |
| US08966984B2 |
Method and apparatus for the manual non-destructive testing of tubular axle shafts with variable internal and external radius profiles
An apparatus testing axle shafts including i) at least one ultrasonic probe to analyze, in a selected angular sector, selected portions of a wall exhibiting known variable internal and external radius profiles of a tubular axle shaft and thus acquire analysis data, ii) a controller to determine, as a function of the profiles and possible loading and environment of the shaft, at least one first and at least one second selected site on the external or internal surface of the wall where each probe is to be placed manually, to analyze at least one first and at least one second selected portion of the wall respectively in at least one first and at least one second selected angular sector oriented in first and second opposing longitudinal or transverse directions, and thus acquiring analysis data for various relative angular positions of the shaft in relation to the probe, and iii) a processor to create from these acquired analysis data maps representing the transverse or longitudinal orientations and the positions of indications of echoes within the wall. |
| US08966981B2 |
Switched resonant ultrasonic power amplifier system
A switched resonant power amplifier system for ultrasonic transducers is disclosed. The system includes an amplifier that receives and processes a driver output signal for generating a drive signal that is provided to an ultrasonic device for controlling output of the ultrasonic device. An output control circuit receives and processes a signal related to a feedback signal generated by the ultrasonic device and a divider reference signal, and generates a compensated clock signal that is adjusted for at least one of phase and frequency differences between the received feedback signal and the divider reference signal. A compensated drive circuit receives and processes the compensated clock signal for generating the divider reference signal, and for generating the driver output signal. |
| US08966975B2 |
Method and apparatus for packaging crash sensors
A crash sensor assembly including a printed circuit board and a crash sensor mounted on the printed circuit board, At least one connector pin is mounted to the printed circuit board so as to permit external electrical communication with the crash sensor. A first insert molded soft inner layer of material partially covers the printed circuit board and covers the crash sensor, and a second overmolded hard outer layer of material covers the first soft inner layer of material and bonded thereto and rigidly contacts the printed circuit board. |
| US08966972B2 |
Flexible fuel sensor
A flexible fuel sensor for measuring the fuel level in a tank in which the sensor is installed. The flexible fuel sensor comprises a fitting arranged to be mounted to a mated fitting on a fuel tank associated with a hole in the fuel tank, a flexible down member extending from the fitting in a first direction and including a fuel level sensing mechanism, the down member configured to be mounted to extend through the hole into the fuel tank, and a sensor head extending from the fitting in a second direction and including sensor electronics coupled to the fuel level sensing mechanism. The flexible down member may comprise a coil made of steel wire. |
| US08966968B2 |
External tire pressure gauge, mounting structure associated therewith, and handling tool thereof
An external tire pressure gauge mounting structure includes a base and a cap; the base and cap are locked together to provide an internal mounting space; the mounting structure also includes a gear, a cushion ring and a locking member; the gear is fixed on the base and has teeth; a through hole is defined in the cushion ring and teeth is provided on a sidewall of the through hole; the gear is inserted into the cushion ring, and the teeth of the cushion ring and gear mesh each other; the locking member is pressed against the cushion ring and gear; the locking member, gear and base all have their threaded holes. Also disclosed is a handling tool used for above mounting structure. The invention makes improvements upon the mounting structure of the tire pressure gauge and provides a handling tool which is easy to use. As such, mounting and dismounting of the tire pressure gauge becomes convenient. |
| US08966962B2 |
Measurement device of position of center of gravity of vehicle to be measured on truck scale and truck scale
As a measurement table (10), an object provided with a flat surface (11) having an area on which all wheels of a vehicle can be mounted at the same time and a front wheel mounting table (12) which is disposed in front of the flat surface (11) and is lifted by a step of a predetermined height is used, a wheel position detector (8) which is capable of detecting a front wheel position and a rear wheel position of a vehicle to be measured is provided, a computation processing device (3) is provided with anterior-posterior displacement calculation means, an inter-axle distance calculation means (21), a vehicle inclination calculation means (22), a front wheel axle load calculation means (23A), a rear wheel axle load calculation means (23B), an anterior-posterior gravity center position calculation means (24), a storage means (32), an anterior-posterior gravity center displacement calculation means (25), and a vehicle gravity center height position calculation means (26), and from a gravity center displacement which is calculated from anterior-posterior gravity center position information calculated on the flat surface (11) and anterior-posterior gravity center position information in the state in which front wheels are mounted on the front wheel mounting table (12) and a vehicle inclination which is calculated by the vehicle inclination calculation means (22), the position of the height of the center of gravity of the vehicle to be measured is calculated. |
| US08966960B2 |
Measuring device
A measuring device is configured to measure a reaction of test objects suspended in a first liquid. The measuring device includes a base and a vibration generator. The base has a first cavity and second cavities provided therein. The first cavity is configured to store the first liquid. The vibration generator generates a standing wave in the first liquid stored in the first cavity. The base has through-holes provided therein. Each of the through-holes allows respective one of the second cavities to communicate with the first cavity. The through-holes have opening sections. The opening sections open to the first cavity and are configured to capture the test objects. This measuring device can measure a test objects with a high efficiency. |
| US08966955B2 |
Hollow cone degassing
A degassing system includes a vessel. A liquid inlet lets liquid into the vessel. A liquid outlet lets liquid out of the vessel. A liquid receiving chamber receives the liquid that enters the vessel through the liquid inlet. The liquid receiving chamber is open on one side. The degassing system further includes a motor having a shaft and a pump coupled to the shaft. The pump has the shape of a cone. The cone has an axis, a narrow end and a wide end. The pump is positioned so that its narrow end is inserted into the open side of the liquid receiving chamber and so that its wide end is close enough to a wall of the vessel so that fluid ejected from the wide end when the pump is spinning will strike the wall. The degassing system includes a gas outlet for releasing gas from the vessel. |
| US08966954B2 |
Anthropomorphic phantom for medical imaging systems
An anthropomorphic phantom for medical imaging systems is disclosed, which is configured with organ models designed to mimic the three-dimensional shape of human organs, and also by the arrangement of plate-like first connecting elements inside their corresponding organ models, lesion phantoms for simulating tumors can be fixedly secured inside the corresponding organ model using a plurality of first connection holes formed on the first connecting element. Therefore, by the distribution of those first connection holes, not only the lesion phantoms can be arranged at any position inside the corresponding organ model at will as required, but also by modularized design of the anthropomorphic phantom, organ models can first be assembled to form a module structure while the whole module structure with the organ model can be moved into and assembled easily with a torso-like humanoid housing of the anthropomorphic phantom by the use of a handle element. |
| US08966949B2 |
Locking device
The invention relates to a locking device of a motor vehicle, having a key (10) and a lock cylinder, wherein the lock cylinder comprises a cylinder core rotatably supported in a cylinder housing of the lock cylinder, a channel comprising the cylinder core and into which the key (10) can be inserted, spring-loaded tumbler elements displaceably supported radial to the cylinder axis of the lock cylinder when inserting the key (10) into the channel radial to the cylinder axis of the lock cylinder, the plurality of outer surfaces (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b) on the key (10) comprising at least two encoding strips (51a, 51b) acting on the tumbler elements when the key (10) is inserted. |
| US08966941B2 |
Process for obtaining glass and glass obtained
The object of the invention is a continuous method for obtaining glass, comprising steps consisting of: charging raw materials upstream of a furnace, along which a plurality of burners is disposed, obtaining a mass of molten glass, and then leading said mass of molten glass to a zone of the furnace situated further downstream, at least one burner disposed in the region of this zone being fed with an over-stoichiometric quantity of oxidant, and then, forming a glass sheet, said glass sheet having a chemical composition that comprises the following constituents in an amount varying within the weight limits defined below: SiO260-75% Al2O30-10% B2O30-5%, preferably 0 CaO5-15% MgO0-10% Na2O5-20% K2O0-10% BaO0-5%, preferably 0, SO30.1-0.4% Fe2O3 (total iron)0 to 0.015%, Redox0.1-0.3. |
| US08966936B2 |
Expansion valve and air conditioner for vehicles having the same
An expansion valve and an air conditioner for vehicles having the same, the expansion valve comprising a main body having an inflow channel, first and second discharge channels and first and second orifices to expand refrigerant branched from the inflow channel to the first and second discharge channels; first and second valves to control flow rates of refrigerant passing through the first and second orifices by controlling the degree of opening of the first and second orifices respectively; and a shaft slidably mounted inside the main body for varying positions of the first and second valves simultaneously so that the first and second orifices are opened or closed at the same time by the movement of the shaft. |
| US08966928B2 |
Air conditioner for vehicle with heat pump cycle
An air conditioner for a vehicle includes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle switchable between a heat pump cycle and a cooler cycle, a heat core configured to heat air to be blown into a vehicle compartment by using coolant of an engine of the vehicle as a heat source, and a controller configured to control operation of the vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The controller controls the vapor compression refrigeration cycle to be operated as the cooler cycle so as to perform a defrosting control of the outdoor heat exchanger, and outputs an operation request signal to the engine, when the controller determines that the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted. |
| US08966923B2 |
Coupling unit for connecting the refrigerant lines of a refrigerant circuit
The invention relates to a coupling unit (16) for connecting refrigerant lines (11) of a refrigerant circuit (10), in particular for cooling a vehicle drive module, said coupling unit including an expansion valve (20) accommodated in the coupling unit (16), said expansion valve (20) separating the refrigerant circuit (10) into a first and a second sub-areas (30, 32), said coupling unit (16) being connected directly to a refrigerant feed and a refrigerant return for an evaporator (26), said coupling unit (16) respectively comprising a coupling connection (36, 38) of the refrigerant feed and the refrigerant return, which are detachably connected to the expansion valve (20) via a common fastening device (44), and with the common fastening device (44) having at least one fastening element (48) that is accessible for connecting and disconnecting from a side of the expansion valve (20) that faces away from the coupling connections (36, 38). |
| US08966922B2 |
Air-side economizer facilitating liquid-based cooling of an electronics rack
A cooling apparatus and method are provided for cooling an electronic subsystem of an electronics rack. The cooling apparatus includes a local cooling station, which has a liquid-to-air heat exchanger and ducting for directing a cooling airflow across the heat exchanger. A cooling subsystem is associated with the electronic subsystem of the rack, and includes either a housing facilitating immersion cooling of electronic components of the electronic subsystem, or one or more liquid-cooled structures providing conductive cooling to the electronic components of the electronic subsystem. A coolant loop couples the cooling subsystem to the liquid-to-air heat exchanger of the local cooling station. In operation, heat is transferred via circulating coolant from the electronic subsystem and rejected in the liquid-to-air heat exchanger of the local cooling station to the cooling airflow passing across the liquid-to-air heat exchanger. In one embodiment, the cooling airflow is outdoor air. |
| US08966913B2 |
Auxiliary air conditioner for vehicle
An auxiliary air conditioning apparatus may include a blower unit, wherein a blower may be provided therein to forcibly blow intake air, a temperature control unit fluid-connected to the blower unit to receive air blown from the blower unit, wherein the temperature control unit includes an evaporator and a heater therein and may be connected to an air duct to exhaust air that may be cooled by the evaporator or heated by the heater, an auxiliary temperature control unit fluid-connected to the blower unit to receive air blown from the blower unit and fluid-connected to the air duct, wherein the auxiliary temperature control unit includes a heat exchanger core provided therein, the heat exchanger core having a thermoelectric device, an auxiliary power supply supplying electrical power to the blower and the heat exchanger core, and an auxiliary cooling/heating control unit controlling operation of the blower and the heat exchanger unit. |
| US08966910B2 |
Methods and systems for cooling a transition nozzle
A turbine assembly includes a fuel nozzle configured to mix fuel and air and a transition nozzle oriented to receive the fuel and air mixture from the fuel nozzle. The transition nozzle includes a transition portion and a nozzle portion integrally formed with the transition portion. The transition nozzle includes a plurality of openings oriented to channel air to facilitate cooling the transition portion and/or the nozzle portion. The transition portion is oriented to channel combustion gases towards the nozzle portion. |
| US08966908B2 |
Phase and amplitude matched fuel injector
A fuel injector for a turbine engine may include a body member disposed about a longitudinal axis, and a barrel member located radially outwardly from the body member. The fuel injector may also include an annular passageway extending between the body member and the barrel member from a first end to a second end. The first end may be configured to be fluidly coupled to a compressor of the turbine engine and the second end may be configured to be fluidly coupled to a combustor of the turbine engine. The fuel injector may also include a perforated plate positioned proximate the first end of the passageway. The perforated plate may be configured to direct compressed air into the annular passageway with a first pressure drop. The fuel injector may also include at least one fuel discharge orifice positioned downstream of the perforated plate. The at least one fuel discharge orifice may be configured to discharge a fuel into the annular passageway with a second pressure drop. The second pressure drop may have a value between about the first pressure drop and about 1.75 times the first pressure drop. |
| US08966906B2 |
System for supplying pressurized fluid to a cap assembly of a gas turbine combustor
A system for supplying pressurized fluid to a combustor of a gas turbine is disclosed. The system may include an end cover and a fuel nozzle extending from the end cover. The fuel nozzle may include a downstream end. Additionally, the system may include a cap assembly configured to receive at least a portion of the fuel nozzle. The cap assembly may include an upstream wall spaced apart from the downstream end, a downstream wall disposed proximate to the downstream end and a cap chamber defined between the upstream and downstream walls. Moreover, a conduit may extend through the end cover and the upstream wall such that a discharge end of the conduit is in flow communication with the cap chamber. |
| US08966905B2 |
Combustion device
A combustion device includes a plurality of mixing devices into which a fluid containing oxygen and a fuel are introduced and mixed to form a mixture. The combustion device also includes a combustion chamber in which the mixture formed in the mixing devices is burnt. Each mixing device has a conical body with a lance projecting into the conical body, where the fuel is injectable into the conical body. Tips of the lances of different mixing devices have different distances from corresponding open ends of the respective conical bodies. |
| US08966902B2 |
Storage and recovery of thermal energy based on counter current principle of heat transfer medium transportation
A thermal energy storage device is provided. The device has a heat exchanger arrangement for guiding a flow of a heat transfer medium between a first end and a second end of the heat exchanger arrangement, and a heat storage material surrounding the heat exchanger arrangement. The heat exchanger arrangement transports the heat transfer medium from the first end to the second end if the thermal energy storage device is in a first operational mode, in which the heat storage material is supposed to receive thermal energy from the heat transfer medium, and transports the heat transfer medium from the second end to the first end if the thermal energy storage device is in a second operational mode, in which the heat storage material is supposed to release thermal energy to the heat transfer medium. |
| US08966899B2 |
System and method for storing energy
A system includes at least one body, a link for suspending the body for movement with gravity from a first elevation position to a second elevation position, and an electrical energy generator coupled with the body through the link to drive the generator to generate electricity upon movement of the body with gravity from the first to the second elevation position. The at least one body has a mass of at least approximately 100 tonnes; the first and the second elevation positions define a distance therebetween of at least approximately 200 meters; and/or the system further includes an operator configured to operate the link to controllably move the at least one body against gravity from the second to the first elevation position to increase a gravitational potential energy of the at least one body, and to maintain the gravitational potential energy of the at least one body. |
| US08966896B2 |
Secondary air injection system and method
According to one embodiment of the invention, an internal combustion engine includes a first exhaust port in a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine, a first one way valve coupled to a secondary air system, the first one way valve configured to restrict fluid communication from the first exhaust port to the secondary air system. The engine also includes a second exhaust port in the cylinder head and a second one way valve coupled to the secondary air system, the second one way valve configured to restrict fluid communication from the second exhaust port to the secondary air system, wherein the first and second exhaust ports are in fluid communication with a turbocharger. |
| US08966894B2 |
Turbocharger cartridge and engine cylinder head assembly
An turbocharger cartridge and engine cylinder head assembly includes a turbocharger cartridge that includes some but not all of the components of a turbocharger, while the engine cylinder head provides the components of the turbocharger that are not included in the cartridge. The cartridge includes a center housing rotating assembly having a shaft that joins a turbine wheel to a compressor wheel, the shaft passing through bearings housed in the center housing. The engine cylinder head defines a receptacle that receives the cartridge. The head also defines a diffuser and volute for the compressor, and a turbine volute. The cartridge defines a turbine nozzle and turbine contour, and further includes a wastegate unit as a part of the cartridge. |
| US08966892B2 |
Meterless hydraulic system having restricted primary makeup
A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a primary pump, a hydraulic actuator, and first and second passages fluidly connecting the primary pump to the hydraulic actuator in a closed-loop manner. The hydraulic system may also have a charge circuit, a makeup valve movable to selectively allow charge fluid from the charge circuit to enter the first or second passages, and at least one restricted pilot passage configured to direct pilot fluid to the makeup valve to move the makeup valve and allow the charge fluid into the first and second passages. |
| US08966890B2 |
Method and arrangement for active make-up in an overrunning actuator
A hydraulic system having an actuator having a piston and associated rod forming head and rod chambers and being adapted to move between retracted and extended positions within a cylinder, and first and second sources of fluid. A first pump provides fluid from the first source to the head chamber at a first pressure. At least one valve provides fluid from the second source at a second pressure to supplement fluid provided to the head chamber from the first pump when the second pressure is greater than the first pressure. |
| US08966888B2 |
Self-contained modular actuator
Pneumatic actuator apparatuses with expandable chambers, and methods of using same. In some embodiments, the apparatuses are self-contained and/or self-inflating. |
| US08966887B2 |
Reconfigurable bi-metallic mixer for an exhaust aftertreatment system and method of using the same
A mixer for an exhaust aftertreatment system is disclosed. The mixer includes a body portion that is configured to be disposed in an exhaust conduit of an exhaust aftertreatment system upstream of an exhaust aftertreatment device. The mixer also includes an airfoil portion that is disposed on the body portion and reversibly movable between a deployed position and a retracted position, wherein in the deployed position the airfoil portion provides a deployed resistance to an exhaust gas flow and in the retracted position provides a retracted resistance thereto, and the deployed resistance is greater than the retracted resistance, the body portion and airfoil portion comprising a mixer. The mixer further includes a bimetallic couple that is operatively joined to the mixer and configured to reversibly move the airfoil portion from the retracted position to the deployed position. |
| US08966886B2 |
Exhaust apparatus for internal combustion engine
An exhaust apparatus for an internal combustion engine wherein an on-off gate valve and a driving source therefor are not required for each bypass pipe. The exhaust apparatus includes a plurality of exhaust pipes extending independently from each other individually from a plurality of exhaust ports. Bypass paths communicate the exhaust pipes with each other in a region wherein the exhaust pipes are independent of each other. The bypass paths are opened or closed to control an exhaust characteristic. A plurality of bypass paths are provided and a bypass joining section at which the bypass paths are joined so as to be positioned in parallel to and in the neighborhood with each other is provided. At the bypass joining section, a single on-off valve that opens and closes the bypass paths simultaneously, and a single actuator for driving the on-off valve to open and close are provided. |
| US08966879B1 |
Acoustic igniter
An acoustic resonance igniter uses gas expanding through a nozzle to form a sonic, or under-expanded supersonic, jet directed against the opening of a blind resonance cavity in a central body, setting up a high-frequency sonic resonance which heats the gas within the cavity. A pintle extends coaxially with the nozzle and injects liquid propellant into the jet. The liquid propellant ignites with the heated gas within the resonance cavity forming combustion gases. The combustion gases flow through openings in a flange which supports the resonance cavity into a combustion chamber in the same direction as the gas jet flows. The liquid propellant is injected from within the support flange in the direction of combustion gas flow to film cool the combustion chamber wall and the flange and the central body supported by the flange. The acoustic resonance igniter may form a rocket engine ignition torch or a RCS thruster. |
| US08966878B2 |
Gas turbine
A compressor compresses air to produce compressed air. A mixture of fuel and the compressed air is combusted in a combustor to produce combustion gas. The combustion gas is supplied to a turbine to obtain rotational power. High-temperature gas accumulated in a space partitioned by an exhaust-side bearing portion that rotatably supports a turbine shaft and an exhaust diffuser is discharged through an exhaust gas passage. The high-temperature gas is sucked into the exhaust gas passage by exhaust gas flowing in the exhaust diffuser. |
| US08966870B2 |
Methods of controlling a lawn mower having electric drive and blade motors
A vehicle such as a riding lawn mower may have at least one electric drive motor configured to drive at least one wheel, at least one electric blade motor configured to drive at least one cutting blade, and a battery module connected to the drive and blade motors. According to some embodiments, a method of controlling the vehicle may include: operating the blade motor according to a blade target speed; monitoring a blade current load for the blade motor; comparing the blade current load to a light load low threshold for the blade motor; and if the blade current load is less than the light load low threshold, decreasing the blade target speed. |
| US08966869B2 |
Method for filling food containers
The invention relates to a method for filling thin wall food containers, in particular beverage cans, which are eventually closed gas-tight and have an inner pressure that is above ambient pressure for stabilizing the food container. The method includes the steps of providing the food container with an open filling orifice in a filling station; filling the food container in the filling station; covering the filling orifice of the food container with a lid directly after completing the filling process; fixating the lid at the food container without closing the food container gas-tight; and transporting the food container with the filling opening covered. |
| US08966868B2 |
Methods of stabilizing molecular weight of polymer stents after sterilization
Methods of stabilizing the molecular weight of polymer stents scaffolds after E-beam sterilization are disclosed. The molecular weight of the polymer of the irradiated scaffolds is stabilized through exposure to gas containing oxygen. |
| US08966863B2 |
Medicine inspection device, and medicine packaging device
A medicine inspection device includes an inspection unit for inspecting a medicine disposed on the inspection unit; a vibrator to impart vibration to the medicine disposed on the inspection unit; and a shooting unit capable of photographing the medicine disposed on the inspection unit. The medicine inspection device further includes a medicine information detector capable of detecting at least the quantity or type of the medicine based on an image obtained by the shooting unit and a distribution detector which is configured to detect a distribution of the medicine on the inspection unit based on the image obtained by the shooting unit. The inspection unit includes a plurality of inspection areas where the vibrator independently provides vibration to each inspection area. The medicine inspection device is characterized by operating the vibrator so as to provide vibration in the inspection areas chosen based on the detection result of the distribution detector. |
| US08966861B2 |
Lining board using of multi-layer fiber sheet
A lining board includes: a plate-like support structure which is made of a multi-layered fiber sheet and has a plurality of hollows; and an upper plate which is attached to the top of the support structure and has a plurality of LED leading lightings formed on the top of the upper plate. The honeycomb-structured lining board including fiber sheets stacked with a predetermined thickness has advantages of lightness, high impact-resistance and high noise-proofing due to high sound absorptiveness. |
| US08966857B2 |
Saddle hanger for a structure
A saddle hanger for connecting at least one bracing member to a truss chord includes a base having a first end portion for receiving a bracing member and an adjacent portion for receiving a truss chord. A projecting element extends from a transverse edge of the base portion, and has a width narrower than the transverse dimension of the hanger base. A plurality of flanges extends upward from side edges of the base and defines with the base a channel for receiving one of the truss chord and bracing member. The saddle hanger can be formed from a stamped metal blank, with portions of the saddle hanger being nested in side-by-side relation to minimize the amount of material used. |
| US08966849B1 |
System for mounting wall panels to a wall structure
A system for mounting wall panels to an existing wall structure, each wall panel including a main wall panel section, bent end sections extending at an angle from edges of the main wall panel section; main fastening extrusions, each including a base, and first and second spaced apart bent end securing walls extending from the base with the spacing therebetween greater than the wall thickness of two bent end sections; a plug member inserted in the spacing between adjacent bent end securing walls and held thereat by either a tape or lower wings; and a recess at a first surface of each bent end section which faces a second surface of a respective bent end securing wall, and a projection at the second surface of each bent end securing wall which is adapted to be received in a respective recess. |
| US08966848B2 |
Sun Louvre formed by a structure supporting an interweave of metal sheets
A sun louvre formed by a structure supporting an interweave of metal sheets is provided. The sun louvre includes a plurality of structural profiles and a plurality of supporting plates. The supporting plates have two perforations which are passed through by an outer tube and an inner tube. The sheets pass by a front portion of the outer tube and by a rear portion of the inner tube immediately precedent or previous with respect to the outer tube. Adjacent sheets are interwoven in an alternate manner with respect to the outer and inner tubes. Ends of the sheets have reinforcement plates from which a hook is gripped. The hook has a stud fixed thereto that is enclosed by a spring that tensions the sheets. |
| US08966845B1 |
Insulated reinforced foam sheathing, reinforced vapor permeable air barrier foam panel and method of making and using same
The invention comprises a product. The product comprises a composite panel comprising a foam insulating panel having a first primary surface and an opposite second primary surface, and a first layer of a polymeric elastomeric material on the first primary surface such that at least a portion of a first layer of reinforcing material is at least partially embedded in the polymeric elastomeric material. The composite panel also comprises a fastener for attaching the composite panel to a framing structure, wherein the fastener comprises a washer and wherein at least a portion of the first layer of a polymeric elastomeric material and the first layer of reinforcing material are disposed between the washer and the first primary surface. A method of making and using the composite panel is also disclosed. |
| US08966843B2 |
Wall for separating the inside of a building from the outside
The wall serves for separating the inside of a building from the outside. According to a first aspect, the wall has a water vapor diffusion resistance of at most 20 meters, wherein the heat transfer coefficient amounts to at most 1.5 W/(m2·K), and the moisture storage capacity amounts to at least 2 kg/m2. According to a second aspect, the wall has a bearing layer (10) as well as an outer layer (9) and an inner layer (11), which include moisture-buffering materials. |
| US08966841B2 |
Adjustable door threshold
A door threshold may comprise a main body formed from two feet. In certain example embodiments, a male-female connection between the feet may be used to adjust the depth of the door threshold. In certain other example embodiments, a center bridge insert to be used in connection with two female feet to adjust the depth of the door threshold. In still further example embodiments, one or more center layers may be disposed between two feet, with the size of the center layer(s) determining the depth of the door threshold. Also, the door threshold may include upper and lower members for sandwiching carpet and/or carpet padding therebetween which, in certain example embodiments, may grip the carpet to reduce the ease with which it may be pulled out from between the upper and lower members. Thus, certain example embodiments may reduce and/or eliminate the need for tacks proximate to the threshold. |
| US08966838B2 |
Photovoltaic systems, methods for installing photovoltaic systems, and kits for installing photovoltaic systems
The present invention relates particularly to photovoltaic systems for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. One aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic roofing system disposed on a roof deck. The photovoltaic roofing system includes one or more photovoltaic elements contiguously disposed on the roof deck, the contiguously-disposed photovoltaic elements defining a photovoltaic area; a plurality of roofing elements disposed adjacent the contiguously-disposed photovoltaic elements, along their side edges; side flashing disposed along the side edges of the contiguously-disposed photovoltaic elements, the side flashing having a cross-sectional shape comprising a vertically-extending feature and a flange extending from each lateral side at the bottom of the vertically-extending feature, with the flange facing the photovoltaic area being at least partially disposed between a photovoltaic element and the roof deck, and the flange facing away from the photovoltaic area being at least partially disposed between a roofing element and the roof deck. |
| US08966837B2 |
Post sleeve assembly
A post sleeve provides a substantially permanent base for supporting a post for a fence or sign, and from which one post can be removed and replaced with another post. The sleeve includes a concrete body that is poured on site, using a sleeve core prepositioned in the post hole, and around which wet concrete is poured. After the concrete is cured, the core is removed, leaving a post sleeve cavity configured to receive a post. The core can be rigid, or can include a flexible shell and stiffener. A preformed post sleeve top can be attached to the sleeve core and positioned therewith in the post hole, to become a permanent part of the post sleeve, once the concrete cures. A drain is attached to the core, and remains in the sleeve when the core is removed, and can be a percolation chamber, or passage extending below the sleeve. |
| US08966830B2 |
Safety device
The present invention relates to a device for the protection of living beings and objects from being buried in bulk material, a method for assembling said device and uses employing this device. |
| US08966827B2 |
Shelter assembly
A shelter assembly includes a multi-layered, fluid filled shelter that does not require rods for assembly. The assembly includes sidewalls that form a framework for a shelter. The sidewalls comprise air filled materials having a substantially planar shape. The sidewalls form a plurality of layers. Apertures in the sidewalls enable a fluid to pass between each layer for forming an insulating effect on the assembly. The apertures also serve as a cavity for a rod to pass through and fasten the shelter to a surface. A lower floor sidewall and an upper floor sidewall rest adjacent to each other, forming a sandwich configuration that creates insulation and air circulation between layers. At least one channel, such as a chimney, enables an external fluid to circulate through the assembly. A gate portion provides access to the assembly. A roof sidewall provides an external protective upper covering. |
| US08966825B2 |
Door module with integrated sensor electrode
A door module for a door of a motor vehicle. The door module has a support for receiving a window lifter drive and fixing points at which the door module can be fixed to the corresponding door. At least one sensor electrode of a capacitive and/or inductive control device is attached to the support in order to contactlessly operate an actuator in the motor vehicle. |
| US08966824B2 |
Cold static gasket for complex geometrical sealing applications
A gasket assembly (20) and method for forming the gasket assembly (20) for sealing two mating surfaces (46,48) over a complex geometrical contact region. The gasket assembly (20) is formed by a hollow silicone rubber tube (22) having a naturally straight configuration but easily bent into complex configurations without kinking. The tube (22) is filled with a curable liquid rubber compound (30) and then the ends (24,26) of the tube (22) are joined in end-to-end fashion to form a continuous loop. The joined ends (24,26) of the tube (22) can be reinforced with a connector (34,134) and then locally cured on a preliminary operation so that the liquid rubber compound (30) does not escape. The tube (22) is then laid up in a mold (40) having a complex geometrical feature (42) which replicates the complex geometrical contact region of the two mating surfaces (46,48) to be subsequently sealed. With the tube (22) held stationary in the mold form (40), the entrapped liquid rubber compound (30) is cured using a heat source (44) or other suitable curing accelerant. Once fully cured, the core of rubber compound (30′) takes a set in the complex geometrical form, and resists straightening of the tube (22) so as to hold the gasket assembly (20) in the complex geometrical shape required to later seal the mating surfaces (46,48). The tube (22) and core of cured rubber compound (30′) may be selected of materials which possess different durometers. |
| US08966822B2 |
Air and debris dam for moving coil balance assembly
An air and/or debris dam for moving coil balance assembly for a hung window is disclosed. The air and/or debris dam is located between the carrier and a mounting location of a moving coil window balance assembly. The air and/or debris dam can travel within the jamb channel of a window frame assembly to inhibit airflow and/or the deposition of dust and/or debris in the jamb channel. |
| US08966811B2 |
Tackle box for umbrella rigs
A tackle box specifically designed to accommodate an umbrella rig, fully assembled with four hook elements at the ends of the arms, and one hook assembly in the center of the umbrella rig, is disclosed. The tackle box provides four separate compartment in the four corners of the tackle box, one for each of the four hook elements at the ends of the umbrella arms, whereby each of the four hook elements is isolated and cannot entangle each other. A fifth central compartment is designed to accommodate the fifth, central hook element of the umbrella rig. At least four compartments are interspaced between four corner compartments to store tackle. |
| US08966806B2 |
Apparatus and method for calculating aiming point information
The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges |
| US08966805B2 |
Reflex sight
An optical sight is provided and may include a housing and a wedged, doublet objective lens supported by the housing. The wedged, doublet objective lens may include a first lens having a first amount of wedge and a second lens having a second amount of wedge different than the first amount of wedge. |
| US08966804B2 |
Removable flashlight body or storage container for a firearm
Device for removable attachment to a mounting rail including a body having first and second lateral members movable along respective first and second slots between a retracted position and an extended position; the first and second lateral members in the extended position include portions extending beyond the body for attachment to the mounting rail; a first lock to lock the first and second lateral members in the extended position with third and fourth lateral members depressible into respective third and fourth slots in the body when the first and second lateral members are in the retracted position and having respective bottom portions that engage respective top edge portions of the first and second lateral members when in the extended position; first and second springs to outwardly bias the respective third and fourth lateral members; and a second lock to prevent longitudinal movement of the body on the mounting rail. |
| US08966801B1 |
Modular shotgun box magazine
A modular shotgun magazine including an upper portion and a lower portion that are interchangeable with other upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes a first interior, and upper opening, a lower opening, and a lower flange. The lower portion includes a second interior with an upper opening and an upper flange. The upper flange of the lower portion is connected to the lower flange of the upper portion so that the first and second interiors form a cavity. A fastening mechanism selectively connects the upper portion to the lower portion. The upper portion of the modular magazine may be connected to various lower portions having different shell capacities. The lower portion of the modular magazine may be connected to different upper portions that are configured to mate with a receiver of different shotguns. |
| US08966796B2 |
Image display
An image display including an image substrate and a support structure. The image substrate has an image printed on a first surface. The support structure can include a front sheet, a back sheet and a plurality of side strips secured between the front sheet and the back sheet for forming a closed support structure. An internal support can be provided in an internal cavity of the support structure for enhancing the rigidity of the support structure. The image substrate can be adhered to an external surface of the front sheet so that the front sheet forms a rigid backing for the image substrate. A variety of image substrates are provided. |
| US08966793B1 |
Date indicating device
A date indicating device attachable to food storage containers is selectably set to indicate the date that the food product inside of the container. The device can be attached to the upper rim of the lid or handle of the container. The device includes a plurality of adjustable knobs which enable the date to be set and includes the month, day, and year. |
| US08966792B2 |
Machine having dipper actuator system
An actuator system for a machine includes a linear hydraulic actuator connected to a dipper of the machine, and a hydraulic system fluidly connected to the actuator and configured to selectively direct fluid to the actuator. A component of the hydraulic system is mounted on the dipper. The system also includes an overcenter link coupled to a door of the dipper and biased to maintain the door in a closed position. A piston assembly of the actuator is configured to move the overcenter link in a first direction, via contact between the piston assembly and the overcenter link, thereby transitioning the door from the closed position to an open position. |
| US08966785B2 |
Method for controlling a laundry treatment apparatus according to target relative humidity
A control method of a laundry treatment apparatus is disclosed. The control method of a laundry treatment apparatus includes a humidity measuring step of measuring a relative humidity of an accommodating space accommodating laundry, a target humidity setting step of setting a target relative humidity based on the relative humidity measured in the humidity measuring step, to dry the laundry, and a heated air supplying step of supplying heated air to the accommodating space based on the target relative humidity. |
| US08966782B2 |
Optimization of nucleation and crystallization for lyophilization using gap freezing
This application discloses devices, articles, and methods useful for producing lyophilized cakes of solutes. The devices and articles provide for a method of freezing liquid solutions of the solute by the top and the bottom of the solution simultaneously and at approximately the same rate. The as frozen solution can then provide a lyophilized cake of the solutes with large and uniform pores. |
| US08966781B1 |
Sports equipment sanitizer system
An equipment rack system includes a plurality of holders at least including a pair of first holders, a pair of second holders, a pair of third holders, a pair of fourth holders, and a pair of fifth holders, a base; a vertical column have a first end and a second end; a valve; and a powerer. Each pair of first holders, the pair of second holders, the pair of third holders, the pair of fourth holders, and the pair of fifth holders comprise fluid apertures about their lengths. The equipment is placed on the pair of first holders, the pair of second holders, the pair of third holders, the pair of fourth holders, and the pair of fifth holders on the equipment rack during an in-use condition to sanitize and air dry equipment to neutralize odors, and eliminate bacteria, and germs. |
| US08966777B2 |
Levels and leveling systems
Embodiments of the present invention include levels, level assemblies and/or apparatus for leveling. Certain embodiments of the present invention are advantageous for the adjustment and leveling of cutting instruments, such as the blades of a mower. |
| US08966766B2 |
Reinforcement structure and method employing bulkheads
A structural reinforcement device for insertion into a cavity of a structure and method for making the same including a first reinforcement section that has at least one projection of a first expandable polymeric material secured to it; and a separate second reinforcement section mated with the first reinforcement section, the second reinforcement section being configured to include at least one cavity, into which the at least one projection penetrates upon mating, and at least one aperture defined therein through which the expandable material flows during expansion and where it will remain upon curing of the material, thereby causing the first reinforcement section to be coupled with the second reinforcement section. |
| US08966765B2 |
Medical boom with articulated arms and a base with preconfigured removable modular racks used for storing electronic and utility equipment
The present invention is directed to a medical boom with articulated arms and a base cabinet designed to accommodate modular equipment and utility racks that include video processing, computer, and electronic, and other utility equipment that can be easy inserted and removed from the base cabinet, as well as a method of manufacturing and using the same. The boom includes a stationary base that is configured to be installed into an operating room and one or more boom arms supported by the stationary base and configured to extend over an operating table in the operating room. The structural base includes one or more bays configured to receive a modular rack of electrical equipment. In various embodiments, the structural base cabinet further incorporates wiring to connect the equipment installed in the modular racks to video monitors and other equipment mounted on the articulated booms. The modular racks are preconfigured with a variety of electronic equipment such as computers, video processors and the like. The modular racks are installed in the base cabinet subsequent to the cabinet's structural installation in the operating room and may be readily removed or replaced at a later time. |
| US08966751B2 |
MMC cylinder liner and method for producing the same
An MMC cylinder liner comprises an inner tubular portion and an outer tubular portion. The inner tubular portion includes a metal matrix composite formed of a compact impregnated with an Al—Si alloy wherein the compact is made of a reinforcing material. The outer tubular portion is formed of the Al—Si alloy. The Si concentration of the Al—Si alloy impregnated into the compact of the inner tubular portion is different from the Si concentration of the Al—Si alloy of the outer tubular portion. |
| US08966748B2 |
Method for manufacturing an arrangement with a component on a carrier substrate and a method for manufacturing a semi-finished product
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an arrangement with a component on a carrier substrate, wherein the method encompasses the following steps: Manufacturing spacer elements on the rear side of a cover substrate, arranging a component on a cover surface of a carrier substrate, and arranging the spacer elements formed on the carrier substrate so as to situate the component in the at least one hollow space and close the latter. In addition, the invention relates to an arrangement, a method for manufacturing a semi-finished product for a component arrangement, as well as a semi-finished product for a component arrangement. |
| US08966743B2 |
Electrode-changing device having improved safety
A device for changing the electrode of an electrode-holder tool of a welding device, with a first part configured to house an electrode-holder tool and including means to prevent the electrode-holder tool from moving, and a second part installed around the first part and covering the part of the electrode protruding outside the first part, where the second part can be separated from the first part by sliding along the electrode, and is able to rotate relative to the fixed part when it surrounds it, and where the second part is configured to tighten or untighten the mandrel and to attach the electrode and the second part, enabling it to be removed from the mandrel when the first part and the second part are separated. |
| US08966741B2 |
Method of making and assembling a one-piece sloped ceiling baffle
A one-piece, sloped baffle includes a generally cylindrical central opening having a central axis extending between an open circular end and an open elliptical end. A plane defining the open circular end is perpendicular to the central axis. A plane defining the open elliptical end is at an oblique angle relative to the central axis. The baffle further includes an opening extending between the ends and a pair of opposing edges substantially parallel with the central axis and on opposite sides of the opening. First projections are positioned on opposite sides of the opening and aligned with the opposing edges. Second projections are positioned on opposite sides of the opening at a radial distance from the first projections. The baffle further includes a plurality of grooves that extend circumferentially around an inner surface of the baffle. |
| US08966739B2 |
Weight activated device
A device including: a load bearing structure for supporting a load on a surface; a surface engaging assembly operably connected to the load bearing structure; and, a biasing arrangement configured to be energized when the load is applied to the load bearing structure, the biasing arrangement urging the surface engaging assembly towards a disengaged condition to allow the movement of the device relative the surface. |
| US08966736B2 |
Apparatus for attaching radiopaque markers to a stent
A mandrel for supporting a stent and rollers for pressing a radiopaque marker into a stent are disclosed. The mandrel can have a forward portion for carrying the stent and a rear portion for urging the stent forward portion into a gap between the rollers. The mandrel may be pushed or pulled into the gap, which is sized to allow the rollers to press the marker into engagement with the stent. Prior to moving the mandrel into the gap, the marker may be placed on a surface of the stent or partially inside a recess in the stent. Several markers can be efficiently and uniformly pressed onto the stent by moving the mandrel into the gap in one continuous movement in an axial or lateral direction. Markers can also be pressed onto the stent by placing the stent in the gap and rotating the stent about its central axis. |
| US08966733B2 |
Secured strand end devices
A woven, self-expanding stent device has one or more strands and is configured for insertion into an anatomical structure. The device includes a coupling structure secured to two different strand end portions that are substantially aligned with each other. The two different strand end portions include nickel and titanium. The coupling structure is not a strand of the device. |
| US08966732B2 |
Method of manufacturing custom sized plastic tote having intermediate sleeve
A method of manufacturing a custom sized plastic tote lighter in weight than heretofore known custom sized plastic totes is provided. The method comprises separating an injection molded tote into upper and lower portions by cutting the injection molded tote. A sleeve or middle portion of plastic material is secured to the upper and lower portions of the injection molded tote to create a custom sized plastic tote of a desired height. Alternatively, portions of different injection molded totes may be used to create a custom sized plastic tote. The sleeve may be made from different materials and may be made of multiple pieces. |
| US08966729B2 |
Method for manufacturing piezoelectric actuator
In sputter etching to improve the adhesion between upper electrodes and lead electrodes, the sputter etching of surfaces of the upper electrodes under an Ar gas flow at a flow rate of 60 sccm or more can reduce the residence time of Ar ions on the surfaces of the upper electrodes because of the Ar gas flow. This can prevent the charging of the upper electrodes due to the buildup of ionized Ar gas on the surfaces, reduce the influence of charging on piezoelectric elements, and provide a method for manufacturing a piezoelectric actuator that includes the piezoelectric elements each including a piezoelectric layer having small variations in hysteresis characteristics and deformation characteristics. |
| US08966728B2 |
System and method for forming barbs on a suture
A station for cutting a barb suture is provided. The barb cutting station includes a suture transport assembly for supporting a first suture, a first knife assembly for forming barbs on the first suture, and a first clamp and position assembly for approximating the at least first suture towards the at least first knife assembly. The barb cutting station may further include at least a first suture cutting mechanism configured for severing the at least first suture when a defect is detected. The station may also include at least a first visual inspection assembly configured for detecting defective barbs. |
| US08966725B2 |
Funeral urn system and method of using same
A funeral urn system comprising: a funeral urn defining an urn proximal attachment and a substantially opposed urn distal attachment, the funeral urn including an urn body defining an ashes receiving cavity and an urn aperture leading into the ashes receiving cavity, the funeral urn also including an urn cap selectively securable to the urn body in register with the urn aperture to seal the ashes receiving cavity; and a spear head cap, the spear head cap defining a cap proximal attachment and a substantially opposed cap distal end section tapering in a direction leading away from the cap proximal attachment. The urn proximal and distal attachments are configured and sized to be selectively attachable respectively to the urn distal and proximal attachments of another urn similar to the funeral urn. The urn distal attachment is configured and sized to be selectively attachable to the cap proximal attachment. |
| US08966718B2 |
Coupling ring, methods and applications
A coupler for a load-bearing, non-signal-transmitting cable includes a body portion having integral first and second ends and an integral gate having a key entry region, wherein the body portion has a free space at least partially enclosed by an inner surface of the body portion and the gate. A complimentary coupling ring includes an integral perimetal body having a head section, a foot section, and two arm sections therebetween, wherein at least one of the arm sections has a key region, further wherein the key region consists of a solid, integral portion of the at least one arm section. A coupler/coupling ring assembly includes a coupler and a coupling ring that is removeably engageable with the coupler. The coupler/coupling ring assembly is particularly suited for interconnecting lengths of load-bearing, non-signal-transmitting cable, particularly suited for, but not limited to, undersea applications such as attaching a seismic data recording device to the coupler via the coupling ring. |
| US08966717B2 |
Safety cord connector for window blind
A safety cord connector for a window blind includes a first half shell and a second half shell combined with the first half shell in such a way that a positioning protrusion extending from an inner surface of the second half shell is inserted into a positioning notch formed on an inner surface of the first half shell so as hold the first and second half shells together. When an external force exceeding the engaging force between the positioning protrusion and the positioning notch exerts between the first and second half shells, the positioning protrusion will separate away from the positioning notch to enable the combined first and second half shells to be split from each other so as to enhance safety in use. |
| US08966716B1 |
Apparatus for restraining distal portion movement of neck-worn clothing accessories
Exemplary embodiments will provide an apparatus for restraining a portion of a distal portion of a neck-worn clothing accessory, such as a neck tie, scarf, or other such clothing accessory, by connecting a rear, or underneath, portion of the clothing accessory to an underlying garment. Exemplary embodiments could restrain a portion of the distal portion of such a neck-worn clothing accessory without piercing or creasing any part of the exposed front surface of the neck-worn clothing accessory. An exemplary embodiment will include an underneath-portion engaging element, a connective element, and an exemplary garment-engaging element. |
| US08966710B1 |
Skin cleaning assembly
A skin cleaning assembly includes a housing that has a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a head that has a circular shape. The second end comprises a handle. The head includes a front wall, a back wall, and a perimeter wall extending between the front and back walls. A cleaning disk is rotatably coupled to the housing and is positioned in and extends away from the front wall. The cleaning disk includes a plurality of bristles. A massage disk is rotatably coupled to the housing and is positioned in and extends away from the back wall. The massage disk includes a plurality of hemispherical massagers. A control circuit is mounted to the housing. The control circuit is actuated to rotate the cleaning disk and actuated to oscillate the massage disk. |
| US08966707B2 |
Autonomous surface cleaning robot for dry cleaning
An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface. |
| US08966704B2 |
Dust removing device and dust removing method
In a piezoelectric device, a first electrode and a second electrode are disposed to be opposed to each other on plate surfaces of the piezoelectric device, a first electrode plane of the piezoelectric device is fixedly bonded to a plate surface of a vibrating plate, a piezoelectric material forming the piezoelectric device is polarized in a direction parallel to the first electrode plane, the piezoelectric device is fixed to a base through a second electrode plane of the piezoelectric device, and the piezoelectric device generates a thickness-shear vibration with the fixed second electrode plane being a reference plane. The piezoelectric vibration generated by the piezoelectric device generates a flexural vibration in the vibrating plate, to thereby remove dust adhering to a surface of the vibrating plate. |
| US08966703B1 |
Shock absorbing tool
An improved shock absorbing tool utilizing a push and pull action to absorb the reciprocation movement of the tool. A forward blade member has a wedge head and a shaft connected to a proximal end of the head. An insert is press-fitted within a handgrip, wherein the insert receives the shaft of the forward blade member. A rear blade member has a sleeve with a wedge blade and connected to a proximal end of the sleeve and extends downwardly away from the sleeve. The sleeve surrounds a portion of the shaft of the forward blade member. The coil spring surrounds a portion of the shaft of the forward blade member and located between the proximal end of the head and rests within the sleeve for absorbing the impact force of the reciprocation movement the forward blade member and the rear blade member. The O-ring is placed between the proximal end of the head and the upper end of the coil spring to further absorbs the impact force of the forward and rear blade members. |
| US08966702B1 |
Sponge cleaning apparatus for cutlery
A sponge cleaning apparatus for cleaning sharp-edged objects, such as the blades of knives and other cutlery apparatus. The present invention is a sponge cleaning device of an essentially unitary structure having an overall parabolic U shape, and having a protective, armored layer, wherein the protective armored layer has a varying thickness which provides varying rigidity for facilitating a gripping hold on the cutlery while being cleaned. The present sponge apparatus can readily receive the sharp edge of an item of cutlery in a substantially enclosing manner due to the more flexible distal ends, while simultaneously providing safety from any sharp edges of cutlery due to increased rigidity, so as to effectively provide cleaning of said sharp edged surfaces while being frictionally slid in a generally translational motion. The present invention further provides enhanced ergonomic features providing finger guides as well as an array of gripping members for facilitating safety and frictional engagement of the sponge apparatus when in use. |
| US08966698B2 |
Brush head for an electric toothbrush
A brush head for an electric toothbrush includes a housing and a plurality of bristle tufts extending through apertures in the housing. A gear train within the housing includes a drive gear configured to oscillate about an axis, and a plurality of first driven gears. Each first driven gear is meshed directly with the drive gear. Drive means are configured to provide motion to the gear train. The drive gear provides a first drive output including a first oscillating motion in a first direction. The driven gears each provide a second drive output including a second oscillating motion in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction. |
| US08966697B2 |
Electric toothbrush with excellent vibration efficiency
The present disclosure relates to an electric toothbrush, and more particularly, to an electric toothbrush, which has excellent vibration efficiency since vibrations of the vibration motor are directly transferred to the bristle holder, saves the battery power, reduces a size of the toothbrush, decreases the thickness of the head portion, allows the vibration motor to be stably fixed in a fixing groove formed at the upper surface of the head portion, and reduces noise. |
| US08966695B1 |
Closed mouth toothbrush
A first embodiment of the present invention is a closed mouth toothbrush which comprises a flexible brush head. A shaft is connected at a first end to the flexible brush head. An ergonomic handle is connected to a second end of the shaft, whereby a person can grip the ergonomic handle comfortably and manually move the shaft in a reciprocating manner to cause the flexible brush head to clean all surfaces within a closed mouth of the person. A second embodiment of the present invention contains a mechanism for automatically moving the shaft in a reciprocating manner from within the ergonomic handle to cause the flexible brush head to clean all surfaces within a closed mouth of the person. |
| US08966694B2 |
Electric toothbrush
There is provided an electric toothbrush with which teeth can be brushed in a relaxed pose while imperfect brushing is suppressed.In an electric toothbrush including: a body portion that is gripped by a hand during toothbrushing; and a brush component serving as an intraoral insertion portion inserted in a mouth cavity during the toothbrushing, the brush component including a brush at a leading end thereof, the brush component is inclined onto a rear surface side of the brush from the leading end toward the body portion, and a leading end portion of the brush component is located in a vicinity of an extended line (alternate long and short dash line) of a virtual line that connects centroids of sectional shapes perpendicular to a longitudinal direction in the body portion. |
| US08966690B2 |
Multi-tool apparatus
A multi-tool apparatus includes a frame having at least one opening and at least one gate element partially bounding the at least one opening. The at least one gate element is movable relative to the frame to permit access to the opening. The apparatus includes at least one cutting element partially bounding the at least one opening. The at least one gate element is movable into the opening so that the at least one gate element and at least one cutting element come into contact for wire stripping, crimping, and cutting operations. |
| US08966688B2 |
Washable mattress topper
Embodiments relate generally to a washable mattress topper. The washable mattress topper comprises a cushion element and a fabric cover enclosing and attached to the cushion element in a manner which divides the cushion element into a plurality of compartments. |
| US08966685B2 |
Flexible bariatric overlay
Apparatuses for assisting patient movement to/from a gurney to/from a patient handling system are provided. In one embodiment, a bariatric overlay is provided that includes a flexible top pallet and a rigid bottom pallet. A bladder resides between the flexible top pallet and the rigid bottom pallet. When actuated, the bladder expands and props up the flexible top pallet. The flexible top pallet, rigid bottom pallet, and bladder are made of a material translucent to an imaging modality. In various embodiments, the shape of the rigid bottom pallet is similar to the shape of a scanning bed of the patient handling system. For example, when the shape of the scanning bed is concave the rigid bottom pallet is concave in shape also. |
| US08966680B2 |
Top rail lock for playyard
A playyard includes a collapsible frame having a rail support adapted to support a playyard floor and a playyard top rail. The playyard top rail includes a left rail segment and a right rail segment. The left rail segment and the right rail segment move relative to one another from an inline use position to a folded-storage position when the playyard is collapsed for storage or transportation. |
| US08966679B2 |
Locking mechanism for a play yard frame
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a locking mechanism for a collapsible play yard frame. In various embodiments, the locking mechanism is configured to be adjusted between a locked position, in which the play yard frame is restricted from collapsing, and an unlocked position, in which the play yard frame is permitted to collapse. In particular embodiments, the locking mechanism is operatively connected to the play yard frame's lower frame members and includes a rotatable member configured for being rotated to adjust the locking mechanism between the locked position and the unlocked position. The locking mechanism's rotatable member enables the locking mechanism to be secured in the locked position when the play yard is in use and is easily adjusted by a user to the unlocked position when the play yard is to be collapsed for storage. |
| US08966677B1 |
Baby bath station
The baby bath station is a mobile bath and changing station for an infant. The station includes a wheel-supported housing having a bathtub therein. The tub has a downwardly sloping floor having a drain at the bottom. The drain empties into a wastewater holding receptacle. The receptacle is provided with converging funnel-shaped walls. The bottom of the holding receptacle is designed to be positioned over a conventional toilet for emptying. A bath water holding tank is positioned above the tub for containing warm bath water therein. A thermometer is mounted on the bath water tank to monitor the temperature of the bath water. A dispenser in the form of a shower head is attached to the bath water tank. The baby bath station is adapted for secure attachment to a kitchen sink for convenience and stability. |
| US08966676B2 |
Toilet apparatus
According to an aspect of the invention, a toilet apparatus includes a toilet, a bowl configured to receive solid waste being formed in the toilet, the bowl being hydrophilic; a spray unit configured to spray at least one selected from water and hypochlorous acid water onto a surface of the bowl; a detection unit configured to detect a state of use of the toilet; and a control unit configured to spray at least one selected from the water and the hypochlorous acid water from the spray unit before the use and to spray the hypochlorous acid water from the spray unit after the use. The cleanliness of the bowl surface of a toilet can be maintained by suppressing the affixation of solid waste and the propagation of bacteria caused by oil. |
| US08966670B2 |
Sports safety helmet
A safety helmet having an outer shell formed from a polycarbonate crown and an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene skirt, and an inner shell formed from expanded polystyrene. The inner shell is co-moulded with the outer shell. |
| US08966669B2 |
Shock wave generation, reflection and dissipation device
An outer hard-shell casing for a protection device that has airspace between the outer shell and inner shell or surface. This outer shell is designed to generate a shock wave during an impact to the casing. The generated shock wave then reflects off of the inner surface or shell. The reflected shock wave then dissipates along the air channel and out of the exit vents before it can be absorbed into the inner hard shell of the base or other protection device. |
| US08966668B2 |
Web and bladder suspension protection system
Lightweight and flexible personal protective padding systems for the protection of joints, bones and muscles, where one embodiment includes a hard outer shell structure as shielding, a gas filled compartment or bladder to stabilize the system and absorb and disperse impact energy and/or a web structure suspended across opposed peripheral edges of the outer shell and between the shell and user's body to absorb energy and to provide ventilation. Hybrid structures include both the bladder and web structure. |
| US08973161B2 |
Method and apparatus for nanomechanical measurement using an atomic force microscope
A control-based approach is provided for achieving accurate indentation quantification in broadband and in-liquid nanomechanical property measurements using atomic force microscope (AFM). Accurate indentation measurement is desirable for probe-based material property characterization because the force applied and the indentation generated are the fundamental physical variables that are measured in the characterization process. Large measurement errors, however, occur when the measurement frequency range becomes large (i.e., broadband), or the indentation is measured in liquid on soft materials. Such large measurement errors are generated due to the inability of the conventional method to account for the convolution of the instrument dynamics with the viscoelastic response of the soft sample when the measurement frequency becomes large, and the random-like thermal drift and the distributive hydrodynamic force effects when measuring the indentation in liquid. |
| US08973152B2 |
Apparatus and method for guaranteeing integrity of real-time vehicle data and vehicle black box system using the same
A vehicle black box technique guarantees the integrity of vehicle data stored in a black box in real time by forming input data streams as block data and performing a signature using a signing key and nested hashing. Each vehicle black box includes a reliable unique signing key supporting a non-repudiation function. An error correction function is provided by a unique algorithm for generating integrity verification data even when an error occurs from the vehicle data. |
| US08973150B2 |
Methods and apparatus to mitigate a denial-of-service attack in a voice over internet protocol network
Methods and apparatus to mitigate a Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack in a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving a communication session initiation message from a communication session endpoint, determining whether the communication session endpoint is associated with a probable DoS attack, and sending to the communication session endpoint a communication session initiation response message comprising a DoS header when the communication session endpoint is associated with the probable DoS attack. |
| US08973144B2 |
System and method for kernel rootkit protection in a hypervisor environment
A method includes creating a soft whitelist having an entry corresponding to a first guest kernel page in a guest operating system (OS) in a hypervisor environment including a hypervisor. The method also includes receiving an access attempt to a second guest kernel page, and generating a page fault when the access attempt is made to the second guest kernel page. In addition, the method includes determining that the second guest kernel page does not correspond to the entry in the soft whitelist, and denying an execution of the second guest kernel page if the second guest kernel page does not correspond to the entry in the soft whitelist. |
| US08973142B2 |
Compromised insider honey pots using reverse honey tokens
According to one embodiment, a method for setting a trap to detect that an intruder has compromised a client end station (CES) in an attempt to gain unauthorized access to enterprise data provided by a server is described. The method includes causing a honey token to be placed on the CES secluded within a configuration repository, wherein the honey token is metadata and/or instructions indicating how applications can seemingly access the enterprise data but that is actually invalid, and the honey token is placed on the CES and not on the server. The method also includes causing attribute values to be installed on a security gateway for a security rule causing the security gateway to monitor network traffic for attempted use of the honey token, and to generate an alert when a set of one or more packets that include the honey token are received. |
| US08973141B2 |
Universal actor correlator
Precorrelation of data applied to use cases by a module intermediate to the data and use cases provides normalized data across multiple sources for more effective analysis. For example, network sensors provide network telemetry to a precorrelation core, which extracts and normalizes the data to correlate actors to events. Universal actor correlation improves visualizations by creating a mesh of events tied to each other through a common actor. |
| US08973140B2 |
Handling information security incidents
Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for handling information security incidents are presented. In some embodiments, a computing device may receive information indicating that a network address is associated with an information security incident. Subsequently, the computing device may monitor activity associated with the network address. Based on the monitoring, the computing device may determine whether the network address represents an information security threat. In response to determining that the network address represents an information security threat, the computing device may cause one or more remediation actions to be performed. In some arrangements, the information security incident may be a denial of service attack. In additional or alternative arrangements, the network address may be located in a particular net block, and the computing device may evaluate one or more remediation criteria, which may include analyzing network activity for one or more other addresses that are located within the net block. |
| US08973138B2 |
Secure layered iterative gateway
In methods and a device for mitigating against cyber-attack on a network, a distributed intermediary device is placed into a network between computers or network nodes of the network to mitigate cyber-attacks between the computers or nodes of a network from remote systems. Threats are assessed by utilizing internal information assurance mechanisms of the device to detect such cyber-attacks without requiring external modification of the software and/or hardware of the computers or nodes of the network to be protected. The device prevents attacks at the platform level against the OS and network resources. |
| US08973137B1 |
Systems and methods for detecting illegitimate out-of-band authentication attempts
A computer-implemented method for detecting illegitimate out-of-band authentication attempts may include 1) identifying a text message that includes a confirmation code for an out-of-band authentication procedure, 2) detecting an attempt to access the text message, 3) determining that the attempt to access the text message was configured to avoid user participation, and 4) performing, in response to determining that the attempt to access the text message was configured to avoid user participation, a remediation action that addresses an illegitimate out-of-band authentication attempt that includes the attempt to access the text message. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed. |
| US08973135B2 |
Selectively scanning objects for infection by malware
Techniques are described herein that are capable of selectively scanning objects for infection by malware (i.e., to determine whether one or more of the objects are infected by malware). For instance, metadata that is associated with the objects may be reviewed to determine whether update(s) have been made with regard to the objects since a determination was made that the objects were not infected by malware. An update may involve increasing a number of the objects, modifying one of the objects, etc. Objects that have been updated (e.g., added and/or modified) since the determination may be scanned. Objects that have not been updated since the determination need not necessarily be scanned. For instance, an allowance may be made to perform operations with respect to the objects that have not been updated since the determination without first scanning the objects for infection by malware. |
| US08973134B2 |
Software vulnerability notification via icon decorations
A computer identifies computer software applications installed on a computer. The computer sends an electronic request to a program on a server computer that extracts information about the computer software applications identified having a vulnerability. The computer receives the information that is extracted. The computer generates an icon decoration for the vulnerability, wherein the icon decoration readily displays the level of risk associated to the vulnerability and information about a security update for the vulnerability. The computer adds the icon decoration onto each icon of the one of the computer software applications identified and each icon of electronic documents associated to the one of the computer software applications identified. |
| US08973132B2 |
Automated security analytics platform with pluggable data collection and analysis modules
Pluggable network security modules provide a collaborative response across plural networks by allowing modules associated with detection and neutralization of a network security threat to plug into a network security platform of other networks. Plugging the security modules in provides an automated insertion of detection and neutralization tools into the network security platform to respond to potential threats based upon proven successful responses at other networks. |
| US08973131B2 |
Refinement-based security analysis
A method, computer program product, and computer system for assigning, by a computing device, a value to a first data-flow of a first summary associated with a control flow graph and assigning the value to a second data-flow of a second summary associated with the control flow graph. The first data-flow with the value is identified to flow into a type of sink. The second data-flow with the value is identified not to flow into the type of sink. The first summary of a behavior of the first data-flow is refined in response to identifying that the first data-flow does flow into the type of sink. Refinement of the second summary of a behavior of the second data-flow is skipped in response to identifying that the second data-flow does not flow into the type of sink. |
| US08973130B2 |
Device and method for providing SOC-based anti-malware service, and interface method
A device in which a system-on-chip (SOC) providing an anti-malware service is mounted and a method of performing the anti-malware service are provided. The device includes: a storage unit which stores a function library which is a collection of operations provided for use in the SOC providing the anti-malware service; and a scanning data sender which forms SOC transmission data with data to be scanned for viruses by calling at least one of the operations, and transmits the SOC transmission data to the SOC. Accordingly, a mobile device scans files for viruses and filters packets at a high speed. |
| US08973128B2 |
Search result presentation
A data presentation system for a search engine may use classified or tagged elements in a resulting document to create a search result document that has portions redacted, modified, or changed based on the tags or classifications of elements within the document. The document may be rebuilt from the search engine database at presentation time with one or more elements changed or modified. The permission settings for a user or other factors may be used to determine which elements within the document are permitted to be accessed. |
| US08973125B2 |
Application layer authentication in packet networks
In a communication network, assume a first computing device is an end user device, a second computing device is a gateway server, and a third computing device is an application server. A method comprises the following steps. The second computing device authenticates one or more packets received from the first computing device. The second computing device marks the one or more packets with a first-layer identity before routing the one or more packets toward the third computing device such that the third computing device is able to authenticate the one or more packets from the first computing device by confirming an association between the first-layer identity and a second-layer identity. For example, the first-layer identity may comprise a link layer identity assigned to the first computing device and the second-layer identity may comprise an application layer identity assigned to the first computing device. |
| US08973123B2 |
Multifactor authentication
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to identity technology. In aspects, a user device requests access to a service provided by a relying party. In response, the relying party indicates required claims and may also indicate claims providers from which the required claims may be obtained. The user device may obtain the required claims from different claims providers, and send the claims obtained from the different claims providers in one or more messages to the relying party. The relying party may verify the claims or employ a validating service to verify that the claims are valid prior to providing access to the requested service. |
| US08973121B2 |
Method and system for visiting a third party application via a cloud platform
A system and a method for visiting a third party application through a cloud platform are disclosed. The method includes: receiving a cloud platform account and cloud platform password information inputted by a user; searching a stored binding information mapping table according to a third party application selected by the user to obtain the third party application and obtain access information not comprising cleartext password corresponding to the cloud platform account information, and transmitting the access information to the third party application server; and receiving authentication succeed information returned by the third party application server. According to the present disclosure, complexity of user's operations may be reduced when the user logs on frequently and security level of the user for visiting the third party application may be improved. |
| US08973120B2 |
System and method for receiving requests for tasks from unregistered devices
Embodiments of a system and method for receiving task requests from unregistered devices are described. Embodiments may include a communication interface service configured to receive from a communication device a message indicative of a request to perform a task. The communication interface service may determine that the communication device is not registered with an existing account that provides information for performing said task. The communication interface service may obtain identification and authentication information for an existing account via a communication channel. The existing account may be an account for that is accessible via a network-based interface. The communication channel through which the identification and authentication information is received by the communication interface service may be any communication channel that does not include the network-based interface of the existing account. Additionally, the communication interface service may use the identification and authentication information for performance of the task using the existing account. |
| US08973119B2 |
Secure method to exchange digital content between a scanning appliance and SMS-enabled device
A method and apparatus for exchanging digital content between a scanning appliance and a mobile device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: transferring digital content via a network to a remotely accessible data storage server, the digital content being generated from a document; receiving, in response to user input via a first graphical user interface, a phone number; sending a first text message to a first device after validating the phone number, the first text message including a code; receiving, in response to user input via a second graphical user interface, the code being input by a user; sending a second text message to the first device, the second text message including an address of the digital content in the network; monitoring whether the digital content has been accessed; receiving a request for the digital content from the first device, the request including the address retrieved from the second text message; and sending, in response to the request, the digital content and an indication of a type of the digital content to the first device, the type information for use by a browser in determining software on the first device capable of rendering the digital content on a display of the first device. |
| US08973116B2 |
Pattern entropy password strength estimator
A password evaluation system is provided for determining the password strength of a password. A password is provided for evaluation. The password is parsed and substrings are identified from the password. Each substring is associated with a pattern that can generate the substring. The substrings are scored to determine a substring strength measure for the substring. The substrings are combined to identify non-overlapping substring combinations, which together make up the password. The combinations are assigned a combination strength score based in part on the substring strength of the substrings contained in the substring combinations. The substring combination with the lowest combination strength measure is identified and the associated combination strength measure is used as the password strength measure for the password. |
| US08973115B2 |
System and method for assembling and analyzing a candidate application for a credential
An automated system and method for assembling and analyzing a candidate application to determine a type of credential in a professional credentialing area for the candidate is provided. The automated system may facilitate the receipt of application materials from various sources and may enable review and appraisal of the application by multiple parties. The application may be tailored to a specific type of requested credential. |
| US08973114B2 |
One time password authentication of websites
A method including generating a first and second One Time Password (OTP) token from a shared clock, receiving a third OTP token, and comparing the second and the third OTP tokens. A system including a number generator residing on a first server to generate first and second One Time Password (OTP) tokens from a shared clock, a transmitter residing on the first server to transmit the first and the second OTP tokens, a receiver residing on a second server to receive the first, the second, and a third OTP tokens, and a comparator residing on the second server to compare the second and the third OTP tokens to authenticate an identity of a party who generates the third OTP token. |
| US08973112B2 |
System and method for providing a normalized security list
A system and method for providing a normalized security list including a first module configured to generate a first normalized security list of user identifications within a network and a second module configured to generate a second normalized security list of user identifications within the network. The system and method may also include an equalizer module configured to compare the first normalized security list with the second normalized security list, equalize the first normalized security list based on the second normalized security list, and equalize the second normalized security list based on the first security list. The system and method may also include a processing module configured to perform an audit of user identifications within the network by processing the first equalized normalized security list and the second equalized normalized security list and generating audit results based on the processing. |
| US08973111B2 |
Method and system for securing electronic transactions
A method for secure electronic transaction over a computer network, comprising: at a trusted relationship profile server computer: storing a unique identity of a trusted computing unit; generating a confirmation message regarding the unique identity of the trusted computing unit in response to a request from the trusted computing unit; at a security proxy server computer: storing real credentials and local credentials of a customer in a secure vault; receiving the confirmation message and permitting a login process to be performed with the security proxy server using the local credentials, provided the confirmation message is valid; and replacing the local credentials submitted in the login process with the real credentials. A corresponding system for secure electronic transactions is also provided. |
| US08973107B2 |
Method and apparatus for securing keystrokes from being intercepted between the keyboard and a browser
The invention described herein provides a method and system for foiling a keylogger by creating a custom keyboard driver and passing the keystrokes directly to the browser in an encrypted format. The browser (which is used to access the Internet) has a component that decrypts the keystroke before it is sent to the website. Thus the present invention enables the user to go to any website and enter sensitive information (passwords, credit card numbers, etc.) without the keystrokes being intercepted by Keyloggers.In general terms, the invention described herein provides a method and system for (1) modifying the keyboard driver, (2) encrypting the keystrokes between the keyboard driver and the browser, and (3) notifying the user if the invention has been compromised. |
| US08973100B2 |
Trust-based authentication in a social networking system
A social networking system determines whether a user is a real public figure or is the correct “public persona” of an individual who is famous within a particular domain. The system selects one or more trusted agents. A trusted agent is a user who has been confirmed or is otherwise trusted within the system. The system traverses the social graph of the trusted agent to score and identify additional users who have a sufficient connection to the trusted agent to authenticate them as other confirmed public personas/figures. The system computes confidence scores of the connections of the trusted agent, considering the strength of the connections and other relevant factors. The system provides confidence scores for one or more target users in the social network based on the confidence scores of the friends or connections connecting the trusted agent and the target user. |
| US08973096B1 |
Fraud detection in adaptive authentication systems
There is disclosed some techniques for processing an authentication request which includes a user identifier and current user data. In one example, the technique comprises receiving the authentication request at an adaptive authentication system which includes a database having a set of entries with each entry of the set of entries including an identifier and previous user data in connection with previous authentication requests. The adaptive authentication system constructed and arranged to perform an adaptive authentication operation on the authentication request as well as an unsupervised machine learning operation on the authentication request. |
| US08973095B2 |
Authenticating a user of a system via an authentication image mechanism
In an embodiment, the present invention includes a method for receiving a request for user authentication of a system, displaying an authentication image on a display of the system using a set of random coordinates, receiving a plurality of gesture input values from the user, and determining whether to authenticate the user based at least in part on the plurality of gesture input values. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08973089B2 |
Secure socket policy files for establishing secure socket connections
Exemplary embodiments involve a computing system requesting and receiving a socket policy file from a policy file server via a secure socket connection, identifying that the security policy requires communicating with a content server via a secure socket connection, and communicating with the content server via a second secure socket connection. The socket policy file specifies a security policy governing socket connections to a content server over a transport protocol layer. Additional embodiments involve requesting a socket policy file via a non-secure socket connection, receiving (via the non-secure socket connection) a placeholder socket policy file requiring requests for socket policy files to be communicated via a secure socket connection, establishing a secure socket connection with the policy file server, and submitting a request for the socket policy file to the policy file server via the secure socket connection. |
| US08973086B2 |
Mobile equipment having television function, method of storing information of television program, and program of storing the same
A mobile equipment having television function, which renders a user to watch a television program, characterized in that said mobile equipment comprises: a data storing section for storing image data and voice data transmitted through digital broadcast wave; and a display control section for conducting a display with a predetermined timing for confirming whether said user hopes to watch the television continuously or said user hopes that the television program being watched is stored, in a case that start of an application program preventing said user from continuing to watch said television program is indicated by said user. |
| US08973083B2 |
Phantom gaming in broadcast media system and method
This invention provides a system and method of integrating video games into live sporting events, or the converse, in an interactive way. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a viewer watching a broadcast sporting event can elect to become a “phantom participant” in an event. At one or more designated points in the event (e.g., a golf tournament), the viewer's set-top box will switch from feeding the broadcast event to the viewer's television screen to feeding a stream from a video game unit to the same television screen. The video game unit is configured to receive information from the broadcast feed that includes information such as, but not limited to, the event location, the hole being played (in the golf example), the participants, and statistics related to the performance of the participants. This information may be used by the video game unit to present the viewer with the opportunity to “virtually” compete with the participants in the broadcast event. |
| US08973081B2 |
Content receiver and content information output method
In a receiver for downloading video content including 3D video and outputting the downloaded video content to a removable medium, information concerning 3D video is made usable also by the removable medium.A content receiver includes a download control unit for receiving, via a network, video content and reproduction control information for use in reproducing and outputting, to outside, the video content and an output control unit for exporting the received video content to an external medium. In the content receiver, when outputting the video content to an external medium, the output control unit records, based on first 3D video information delivered being included in the reproduction control information and indicating a state of 3D video existence in the video content, second 3D video information indicating whether the video content includes 3D video in management information of the external medium for recording the video content. |
| US08973079B2 |
System and method to manage a content stream
A method of managing bandwidth usage at a customer premises includes receiving a content stream at a set-top box device coupled to a display device. The method also includes receiving a signal at the set-top box device from an external power interface. The signal indicates that a low power state has been detected at a power outlet of the external power interface, the power outlet associated with the display device. Further, the method includes sending a signal to a source of the content stream in response to receiving the signal indicating the low power state. The signal indicates that the source is to cease sending the content stream to the set-top box device. |
| US08973068B2 |
Video on demand delivery optimization over combined satellite and wireless broadband networks
Video content may be delivered in a wireless network based on network load information relating to radio interfaces for the wireless network. A method may include receiving a request, from a set-top box, for video content from the set-top box to the wireless network and determining, based on the load information, whether a portion of the wireless network corresponding to the set-top box is in a first state or a second state. The network may further include transmitting the video content when the portion of the network corresponding to the set-top box is in the first state and delaying transmission of the video content when the portion of the network corresponding to the set-top box is in the second state, until the portion of the network corresponding to the set-top box enters the first state. |
| US08973066B2 |
Media content delivery
A server can receive information identifying media content to be offered to users at a discount or at a particular time of release. The offer can also include information identifying a minimum number of acceptances by users needed for the offer to be valid. During a predetermined period, if the number of acceptances has reached or exceeded the minimum number needed, the server may transmit a media stream containing the media content to the users. Furthermore, the offer may include multiple tiers of discounts and/or times of release. |
| US08973065B2 |
IPTV off-path admission control signaling in the presence of network address translation
Off-path admission control signaling in the presence of a network address translation (NAT) device may be provided. In response to a request for a content asset, a placeholder classifier may be created. The placeholder classifier may be used to allocate resources for providing the content asset to the client from a content server. The content server may communicate with the client, traversing the NAT device to identify a destination address and port for the client to which the content will be provided. The placeholder classifier may then be updated with the destination address and port. |
| US08973064B2 |
Parallel television based media recording
A control device that interacts with a television system. The control device may receive a user input identifying a video selection. At least one module of the control device may display video information corresponding to the video selection. The control device may alternately, or in addition, cause display of the video information on a television system. The control device may respond to a second user input identifying a storage selection by triggering storage of the video information in a storage unit corresponding to the storage selection. The control device may also receive a third user input identifying a replay request for other video information that may be selected from a plurality of stored videos. The control device may direct display of the other video information on the television system and/or on a display of the control device. |
| US08973062B2 |
Multimode physical layer module for supporting delivery of high-speed data services in home multimedia networks
A multimode physical (MMP) layer circuit for physical (PHY) layer handling of signals transported over a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable in a home multimedia network, wherein the signals are compliant with at least two different PHY layer modes. The MMP layer circuits comprises a plurality of PHY transceivers respectively coupled to a plurality of TP channels of the HDMI cable through a HDMI connector, wherein each PHY transceiver of the plurality of PHY transceivers handles signals transported over its respective TP channel according to a PHY layer mode of the transported signals; and a controller is coupled to the HDMI connector and to each of the plurality of PHY transceivers, the controller recognizes the PHY layer mode of signals transported over each of the plurality of TP channels and sets each of the plurality of PHY transceivers according to the recognized PHY layer mode. |
| US08973055B2 |
Differentiated PSIP table update interval technology
An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT. |
| US08973054B2 |
Differentiated PSIP table update interval technology
An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT. |
| US08973052B2 |
Differentiated PSIP table update interval technology
An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT. |
| US08973051B2 |
Navigation method and system to provide a navigation interface
A communication device includes a memory storing computer instructions and a processor coupled to the memory to execute the computer instructions to provide a graphical user interface at a display coupled to the communication device. The graphical user interface includes a visual navigation trail having a selectable category. The memory also includes instructions executable by the processor to receive a signal at the communication device indicating a selection of the selectable category. Further, the memory includes instructions executable by the processor to cause the graphical user interface to display, in response to the signal, a menu including the selectable category and a peer category related to the selectable category. The menu automatically becomes navigable via directional keys at a remote control device when the menu is displayed. |
| US08973050B2 |
Free-wheel system
A method including receiving a request to start recording a sequence of navigational inputs to be received by a user device; storing each navigational input of the sequence when each navigational input is received; receiving a request to stop recording the sequence of navigational inputs; stopping the recording of the sequence of navigational inputs; receiving an assignment of a trigger to invoke an execution of the recorded sequence of navigational inputs; storing the assignment of the trigger; identifying when the trigger is received or occurs; and executing the recorded sequence of navigational inputs on the user device based on the identifying. |
| US08973049B2 |
Content recommendations
Content recommendations may be provided. First, in response to a received input and concurrent with a shrunken programming content, a media guide may be displayed. The media guide may comprise a first card, a second card, and a third card. The first card may comprise a plurality of recommendation types. The second card may comprise a plurality of subcategories corresponding to a selected one of the plurality of recommendation types. The third card may comprise a plurality of content program names corresponding to a selected one of the plurality of subcategories. The plurality of content program names may be in an order. Next, in response to a selection of a one of the plurality of content program names, an action card maybe displayed. Then a selected one of the plurality of actions may be executed. |
| US08973046B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating dynamic webpages in a media communication system
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an Internet Protocol Television system having a controller to create a template defining a format of presentation of an webpage or HTML page using an iTV or IPTV application system, receive a request for the page from a subscriber of the iTV or IPTV system. The system can access application system subscriber data for the subscriber and a presentation of the page is dynamically adapted according to the application system subscriber data. In one alternative at, the page can be dynamically adapted by changing in content or by changing a look and feel of an HTML page or webpage. In another alternative, the webpage or HTML page can be dynamically adapted by modifying graphic user interface elements based on the application system subscriber data. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08973045B2 |
System and method for creating hierarchical multimedia programming favorites
A hierarchical indexing system, which includes a plurality of indexing servers and a search agent. The plurality of indexing servers are configured to index electronic programming guide data. The search agent is in communication with the plurality of indexing servers. The search agent is configured to receive a request to display multimedia programs associated with multimedia programs frequently being accessed by a device, to search the indexed electronic programming guide data for multimedia programs associated with the frequently accessed multimedia programs, and to output a favorites list of multimedia programs based on the indexed electronic programming guide data and the frequently accessed multimedia programs. |
| US08973044B2 |
Information descriptor and extended information descriptor data structures for digital television signals
According to an aspect, there is provided a digital television (DTV) data stream including program and system information protocol (PSIP) data associated with content of the DTV data stream, the PSIP data including a virtual channel table (VCT) and an event information table (EIT), the EIT comprising: a source identification field identifying a source of an associated event in a DTV data stream; an event identification field indicating an identification of the event; a start time field indicating a star time of the event; a title field indicating a title of the event; and a descriptor comprising: a descriptor tag identifying the descriptor as a genre descriptor, a descriptor length indicating a total length of the descriptor; and at least one category code for an associated event in a DTV data stream, each category code specifying genre, program type, or category information of the associated event, wherein the at least one category code specifies at least one of a set of basic categories. |
| US08973041B2 |
Information descriptor and extended information descriptor data structures for digital television signals
According to an aspect, there is provided a digital television (DTV) data stream including program and system information protocol (PSIP) data associated with content of the DTV data stream, the PSIP data including a virtual channel table (VCT) and an event information table (EIT), the EIT comprising: a source identification field identifying a source of an associated event in a DTV data stream; an event identification field indicating an identification of the event; a start time field indicating a star time of the event; a title field indicating a title of the event; and a descriptor comprising: a descriptor tag identifying the descriptor as a genre descriptor, a descriptor length indicating a total length of the descriptor; and at least one category code for an associated event in a DTV data stream, each category code specifying genre, program type, or category information of the associated event, wherein the at least one category code specifies at least one of a set of basic categories. |
| US08973039B2 |
System and method for providing fast channel surfing
A system and method for enabling television watchers to “channel surf” faster and reduce the amount of bandwidth used over a network to communicate television channels to end-users. Electronic programming guide information and images associated therewith may be communicated to an end-user. An image associated with a video program may be displayed on an electronic display (e.g., television) in response to an end-user selecting a channel prior to video programming being displayed. By displaying an image prior to the video programming, the end-user may determine whether he or she wants to watch the video program prior to the video programming being displayed, which improves the speed of “channel surfing.” Because end-users can view the image when selecting a channel, a network can be configured to distribute the channels that are currently being watched rather than distributing many on a continuous basis, thereby preserving bandwidth. |
| US08973036B2 |
Mapping mobile device electronic program guide to content
A user computing device, such as mobile device, is provided with an electronic program guide (EPG). The EPG lists video content that is available or being broadcast on one or more websites. The video content may be considered to be premium content or user content. Premium content may be video content that is available from the website of a commercial broadcaster. Premium content may be generated by the commercial broadcaster. User content may be video content that has been generated and provided to websites for viewing and sharing by users such as members of the websites. An EPG may display listings of both user content and premium content. |
| US08973033B2 |
Broadcasting system and method of providing a personalized broadcasting service in the same
A broadcasting system where user's participation is allowed, additional information personalized for each of users/local areas/time is inserted into an AV and the AV including the additional information provides a user and a method of providing a personalized broadcasting service in the same are disclosed. The method of providing a personalized broadcasting service in a broadcasting system includes inserting additional information registered by a first user into an AV, and displaying the AV into which the additional information is inserted for a second user. |
| US08973030B2 |
Process for providing targeted user content blended with a media stream
In accordance with one implementation, a computer-implemented method is provided for inserting spot content into a media stream. The method includes receiving, at a client system, a media stream that includes one or more media content units and at least one spot marker. The at least one spot marker designates a spot location for inserting one or more spot content units and includes a category of a media content unit. The method further includes detecting the at least one spot marker in the received stream, and selecting at least one spot content unit based on the category of the media content unit. In response to the detection, the selected at least one spot content unit is inserted into the stream at the spot location, thereby generating a stream including the one or more media content units and the selected spot content unit. |
| US08973029B2 |
Backpropagating a virtual camera to prevent delayed virtual insertion
A method for video insertion using backpropagation may include determining a first camera model from a first frame of the sequence. The method may also include determining a transition location. The method may further include generating a transform model based on an analysis of the first frame and a second frame that occurs earlier in the video sequence and applying the transform model to the first camera model to generate a second camera model for the second frame. The method then includes inserting an insertion into one or more frames earlier in the sequence between the second frame and the transition location based on the second camera model, wherein the inserting is performed before displaying the frames. A system for video insertion using backpropagation includes search, transition, track and insertion subsystems. |
| US08973028B2 |
Information storage medium storing metadata and method of providing additional contents, and digital broadcast reception apparatus
Disclosed are an information storage medium storing metadata for providing additional content during a broadcast program, the metadata including information indicating whether to insert second additional content instead of first additional content, which is underlying additional content of the broadcast program, and a locator of the second additional content, a method of providing additional content by using the same, and a digital broadcast reception apparatus. |
| US08973027B2 |
Secure distribution of video on-demand
An interactive information distribution system for providing secure distribution of video-on-demand content. The interactive information distribution system includes at least one programming source for storing at least one partially encrypted video program, and a distribution center including a remote server. The remote server stores the at least one partially encrypted video program received from the at least one programming source. The remote server also processes the partially encrypted video program corresponding to a subscriber requested video program to produce a fully encrypted video program. A subscriber-side distribution network, coupled to the distribution center, causes transmission of the fully encrypted video program to the requesting subscriber. |
| US08973025B2 |
Method and system for providing security within multiple set-top boxes assigned for a single customer
Two or more set-top boxes are installed in a household. A communications link, preferably a physical link, is provided between or among the set-top boxes. One of the boxes is designated as a “master” box while the other box or boxes are “slaves.” The slave box will use the communications link to communicate in a secured and encrypted manner with the master box. If that communication is severed, e.g., if an attempt is made to move the slave box to another household to provide unauthorized service in that household, the slave box will stop working when it can no longer communicate with the master box. |
| US08973024B2 |
Video control apparatus and control method for video control apparatus
Whether or not HDCP authentication is necessary is determined and managed for each device connected to an HDMI port. In selector control, when switching to an HDMI port to which is connected a video signal output apparatus that requires HDCP authentication, DDC access is turned off by setting an HPD signal to Low. Communication is then resumed after a predetermined amount of time has passed by setting the HPD signal to High and thereby turning the DDC access back on. When switching to an HDMI port to which is connected a video signal output apparatus that does not require HDCP authentication, the HPD signal is kept at High, and video and audio data is output without resuming the DDC access. |
| US08973018B2 |
Configuring and relaying events from a storage controller to a host server
A mechanism is provided for relaying events from a storage controller to a host server. Responsive to identifying an event occurring within a storage device, a notification is sent to a device server in the host server with which the event is associated. A server virtual disk is identified using a unique identification of the server virtual disk. Responsive to identifying the server virtual disk, at least one device executing an application on the host server is notified of an impending degradation in a mode of operation. |
| US08973013B2 |
Composing analytic solutions
An approach for composing an analytic solution is provided. After associating descriptive schemas with web services and web-based applets, a set of input data sources is enumerated for selection. A desired output type is received. Based on the descriptive schemas that specify required inputs and outputs of the web services and web-based applets, combinations of web services and web-based applets are generated. The generated combinations achieve a result of the desired output type from one of the enumerated input data sources. Each combination is derived from available web services and web-based applets. The combinations include one or more workflows that provide an analytic solution. A workflow whose result satisfies the business objective may be saved. Steps in a workflow may be iteratively refined to generate a workflow whose result satisfies the business objective. |
| US08973011B2 |
Multi-core resource utilization planning
Techniques for multi-core resource utilization planning are provided. An agent is deployed on each core of a multi-core machine. The agents cooperate to perform one or more tests. The tests result in measurements for performance and thermal characteristics of each core and each communication fabric between the cores. The measurements are organized in a resource utilization map and the map is used to make decisions regarding core assignments for resources. |
| US08973006B2 |
Circuit arrangement for execution planning in a data processing system
A circuit arrangement and method for a data processing system for executing a plurality of tasks with a central processing unit having a processing capacity allocated to the processing unit; the circuit arrangement being configured to allocate the processing unit to the specific tasks in a time-staggered manner for processing, so that the tasks are processed in an order to be selected and tasks not having a current processing request are skipped over in the order during the processing; the circuit arrangement including a prioritization order control unit to determine the order in which the tasks are executed; and in response to each selection of a task for processing, the order of the tasks being redetermined and the selection being controlled so that for a number N of tasks, a maximum of N time units elapse until an active task is once more allocated processing capacity by the processing unit. |
| US08973003B2 |
Workflow management server and method
Even when an error has occurred in a device that is executing an activity, the workflow is continued as much as possible. When an error has occurred in an activity that is in progress in a device X, a server notifies the device X of an alternative device. The name of the alternative device (device Y) is displayed on the device X. The operator can send a job catalog request from the device Y to the server and select an aborted job from the provided job catalog. The server is notified of the selected job. When password authentication has succeeded, the device Y is permitted to continue the activity. |
| US08973002B1 |
Business rules batch processor
A business rules batch processor is provided that includes a business rules manager that sends a plurality of pending requests to a rules database for processing. A business rules orchestrator receives statuses of the pending requests from the business rules manager. The business rules orchestrator manages the batch processing of the pending requests by assessing the rules database usage and job requirements of the pending requests. |
| US08973000B2 |
Determining multiprogramming levels
A method of managing the execution of a workload of transactions of different transaction types on a computer system. Each transaction type may have a different resource requirement. The method may include intermittently, during execution of the workload, determining the performance of each transaction type. A determination may be made of whether if there is an overloaded transaction type in which performance is degraded with an increase in the number of transactions of the transaction type. If there is an overloaded transaction type, the number of transactions of at least one transaction type may be changed. |
| US08972999B2 |
Method and system for detecting program deadlock
The present invention relates to a technology for deadlock detection in a program, and more particularly relates to a technology for detecting deadlock in a program through lock graph analysis. The present invention provides a method for detecting deadlock, comprising: obtaining lock information related to locking operation in a program; generating a first lock graph based on the obtained lock information, wherein each node in the first lock graph comprises a set of locks comprising at least one lock and a set of program locations comprising at least one lock location; extracting a strongly connected sub graph in the first lock graph; unfolding the strongly connected sub graph in the first lock graph to generate a second lock graph, wherein each node in the second lock graph comprises a single lock; and extracting a strongly connected sub graph in the second lock graph, the strongly connected sub graph in the second lock graph indicating a deadlock in the program. |
| US08972997B2 |
Work item processing in distributed applications
A system for organizing messages related to tasks in a distributed application is disclosed. The system includes a work-list creator to create a work list of the top-level work items to be accomplished in performing a task. Work-item processors are distributed in the system. The work-item processors process the top-level work item included in a task and also append additional work items to the work list. A work-list scheduler invokes the work-item processors so local work-item processors are invoked prior to remote work-item processors. |
| US08972993B2 |
Method and system for scheduling computer processes using a common scheduling interface
According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for use in scheduling execution of a computer process includes registering a plurality of scheduling engines available to schedule execution of the computer process. The method also includes receiving a request to schedule execution of a particular computer process, and, in response, selecting one of the plurality of scheduling engines to schedule execution of the particular computer process. |
| US08972992B2 |
Proactive monitoring tree with state distribution ring
A system that displays performance data for a computing environment. During operation, the system determines performance states for a plurality of entities that comprise the computing environment based on values of a performance metric for the entities. Next, the system displays the computing environment as a tree comprising nodes representing the plurality of entities and edges representing parent-child relationships between the plurality of entities. Then, for each parent node in the tree, the system determines counts of one or more performance states for descendants of the parent node in the tree. Finally, the system displays a graphical representation of the determined counts while displaying the parent node. In some embodiments, displaying the graphical representation of the determined counts includes displaying a circular ring comprising visually distinct sections associated with different performance states, wherein the visually distinct sections are sized proportionately with the determined counts for the associated performance states. |
| US08972991B2 |
Systems and methods for exposing processor topology for virtual machines
The present invention is directed to making a guest operating system aware of the topology of the subset of host resources currently assigned to it. At virtual machine boot time a Static Resource Affinity Table (SRAT) will be used by the virtualizer to group guest physical memory and guest virtual processors into virtual nodes. Thereafter, in one embodiment, the host physical memory behind a virtual node can be changed by the virtualizer as necessary, and the virtualizer will provide physical processors appropriate for the virtual processors in that node. |
| US08972987B2 |
Managing software content in virtual desktop environments
Software is managed in a virtual desktop environment by discovering virtual appliances contained in the virtual desktop environment, and for each virtual appliance discovering the virtual machines belonging to the virtual appliance. Software is further managed by discovering the standalone virtual machines comprised in the virtual desktop environment, and for each discovered virtual machine, introspecting each virtual machine to detect non-virtual applications and virtualized applications running in the virtual machine. For each detected application, identification is made of the operating system on which the application is running. |
| US08972985B2 |
Hypervisor-based stack pre-fetch cache
A hypervisor, associated with a device, receives guest operating system code that includes an instruction to switch to a new stack provided in hardware associated with the device. The hypervisor provides, to a guest page table associated with the hypervisor, a query for writable pages provided in proximity to the new stack, and receives, from the guest page table and based on the query, the writable pages provided in proximity to the new stack. The hypervisor provides test instructions to the new stack in order to determine whether one or more faults occur, and switches from a current stack to the new stack when no faults occur based on the test instructions. |
| US08972983B2 |
Efficient execution of jobs in a shared pool of resources
Embodiments of the invention relate to a shared group of resource and efficient processing of one or more jobs in the share group of resources. Tools are provided in the shared group of resource to assess and organize a topology of the shared resources, including physical and virtual machines, as well as storage devices. The topology is stored in a known location and utilized for efficient assignment of one or more jobs responsive to the hierarchy. |
| US08972981B2 |
Implementing network traffic management for virtual and physical machines
A virtualization framework provides security between multiple virtual machines with respect to network communications between the virtual machines and between the virtual machines and a physical network coupled to the underlying physical computer platform. The virtualization framework includes a network interface controller driver that provides an interface to the platform network interface controller and supports execution of a plurality of virtual machines. Each virtual machine includes a virtual network interface controller that provides a network communications path between the virtual machines and to the network interface controller driver. Each virtual network interface controller further contains a programmable network packet filter that controls the selective transfer of network packets with respect to a corresponding virtual machine. |
| US08972978B2 |
Multitenant hosted virtual machine infrastructure
A multi-tenant virtual machine infrastructure (MTVMI) allows multiple tenants to independently access and use a plurality of virtual computing resources via the Internet. Within the MTVMI, different tenants may define unique configurations of virtual computing resources and unique rules to govern the use of the virtual computing resources. The MTVMI may be configured to provide valuable services for tenants and users associated with the tenants. |
| US08972974B2 |
Multiple invocation points in software build task sequence
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for handling multiple invocation points in a software build task sequence are described. A computer may receive a task sequence. The task sequence may include instructions for combining a first image and a second image to form a third image, installing a first software stack on the computer from a fourth image, and installing a software component to a second software stack already installed on the computer. The computer may receive an indication of a start point to begin executing the task sequence, and may execute the task sequence beginning at the start point. |
| US08972971B2 |
Image instance mapping
A method and system for image instance mapping is provided. The method includes receiving from change agents on virtual machine instances periodic monitoring data indicating changes for each virtual machine instance. The periodic monitoring data is analyzed and unique updates are applied to the virtual machine instances. High level semantic updates to the virtual machine instances are identified and updates associated with a golden master image are tracked. High level semantic updates to the golden master image are identified and in response, a version tree configured to track drift of each virtual machine instance with respect to golden master image is maintained. |
| US08972969B2 |
Out of band services updates
Out of band component updating may include receiving a data structure that includes information regarding a component of an application. It may further include determining, from the data structure, that an updated version of the component is available. Out of band component updating may also include storing the updated component in a local data store. It may additionally include, during execution of the application and without shutting down the application, updating the component with the stored updated version of the component. Updating the component may include loading the updated version of the component in a time that is substantially similar to that of a time to load a previous version of the component. |
| US08972968B1 |
Alternate service for applications
Disclosed are various embodiments to accommodate incompatibilities between differing versions of client and server applications. The client application establishes, via a network of a client computing device, data communication with a interface of a primary server application in a server computing device, the interface including a server version identifier. The client application obtains, via the interface, the server version identifier. Based upon the server version identifier, the client application establishes, via the network of the client computing device, data communication with an alternate server application. |
| US08972963B2 |
End-to-end patch automation and integration
A method of automating patching of a computer system includes determining whether a computer patch is available for a computer system of a customer, determining a patch management policy of the customer, determining a patch window of the customer based on the determined patch management policy, and directing application of the computer patch to the computer system at the determined patch window. |
| US08972956B2 |
Application deployment in heterogeneous environments
Techniques are disclosed for evaluating an application to determine a processing environment suited for executing the application. A request may be received to execute the application. If execution data identified for the application do not satisfy a first set of criteria, the application is deployed for execution on a first processing environment. If the execution data satisfy the first set of criteria, the application is deployed for execution partially in time on a second processing environment, based on the execution data. The second processing environment provides a higher capability than the first processing environment in terms of at least one resource type. |
| US08972955B2 |
Reducing network trips for remote expression evaluation
An expression can be evaluated in a remote debugging environment with one single round trip across the network. An expression evaluator on a local machine can compile the expression into a language-independent intermediate language (IL) that encodes all the information needed to evaluate the expression in the absence of a symbol table. The IL can include instructions that manipulate state inside the debuggee process, as well as logical operations needed to process the information. The IL language can be turing complete so that any computation needed to determine the state to read and write and how the information gathered is to be combined can be performed. The IL can be sent to the remote computer and can be interpreted on the remote computer. The IL can be interpreted on the remote computer using a stack based mechanism, without the need to access symbolic information on the local computer. |
| US08972953B2 |
Methods and systems for internally debugging code in an on-demand service environment
A remote debug session for a server group is provided. A server group including multiple servers that perform workload sharing receives a request to debug code executed at the server group. The code is executed on behalf of a client of a database associated with the server group. One of the servers of the group initiates a debugging session and establishes a communication connection with the client. The one server maintains the connection open with the client for the duration of the debugging session. Subsequent requests related to the debug session can be handled in a number of ways by the server group, and all communication to the client about processing the requests is through the connection by the one server. |
| US08972952B2 |
Tracer based runtime optimization for dynamic programming languages
A method and an apparatus that generate tracer data randomly and infrequently for origins and destinations of values created during runtime of a compiled code of a source code is described. A tracer graph may be updated to record the origins and destinations of the values during the runtime. The compiled code may be optimized to reduce processing resources between the origins and the destinations of the values according to the tracer graph. The optimized compiled code may be executed for at least a portion of the source code. |
| US08972951B2 |
Embedding performance monitoring into mashup application development
Computer systems, methods and program products can facilitate embedding performance monitoring into a mashup application that is being created in a mashup application development environment. A mashup application analyzer identifies mashup application performance monitors that are applicable to a mashup application that is being created in a mashup application development environment. An instructor is provided to instruct the mashup application development environment to embed selected ones up of the performance monitors into the mashup application that is being created in the mashup application development environment, responsive to a selection from the performance monitors. A provisioner instructs the mashup application development environment how to provision the selected ones of the mashup application performance monitors in the mashup application that is being created in the mashup application development environment, responsive to a selection of provisioning options for the selected ones of the mashup application performance monitors. |
| US08972948B2 |
System and method for generating application requirements
A method for execution by a processing module begins by receiving inputted requirements and parameters. The method continues by generating application requirements based on the inputted requirements, the parameters, and verification feedback. For one or more application requirements, the method continues by determining whether the generating of the one or more application requirements is consistent with valid system states and correctness criteria to produce one or more verification results. For the one or more application requirements, the method continues by comparing the one or more verification results with one or more verification thresholds to produce the verification feedback. |
| US08972947B2 |
Data presentation in integrated development environments
Methods and apparatus are provided to access and present data from a process executing on a separate device, with the data being presented in a form suitable for the type of data, such as a graphical structure that represents the data. The methods include receiving a request to display a first data object stored in a memory of a second computing device, wherein the first object is of a first data type in a process configured to execute on the second computing device, generating an expression configured to convert the first data object to a defined data format, sending the expression to the process, executing the expression in the process to produce intermediate data that represents the first object in the defined format, receiving the intermediate data, creating a second object of a second data type based upon the intermediate data, and displaying a graphical structure of the second object. |
| US08972943B2 |
Systems and methods for generating reference results using parallel-processing computer system
A method for debugging an application includes obtaining first and second fusible operation requests; if there is a break point between the first and the second operation request, generating a first set of compute kernels including programs corresponding to the first operation request, but not to the second operation request; and generating a second set of compute kernels including programs corresponding the second operation request, but not to the first operation request; if there is no break point between the first and the second operation request, generating a third set of compute kernels which include programs corresponding to a merge of the first and second operation requests; and arranging for execution of either the first and second, or the third set of compute kernels, further including debugging the first or second set of compute kernels when there is a break point set between the first and second operation requests. |
| US08972937B2 |
Distributed parallel build system
Systems, articles of manufacture, and methods for managing distributed parallel builds comprising identifying one or more software components in a software project; determining a build configuration for each software component, wherein the build configuration includes a mapping from each software component to a set of build servers, the set selected on an optimizing factor including capability; and building each software component using the mapped set of build servers in the corresponding build configuration, wherein the building includes compiling one or more source files associated with each software component to one or more object files, by distributing the one or more source files to one or more compilation machines. |
| US08972935B2 |
Application server and method for managing a service
An application server (102) along with various other devices and method are described herein for managing a service (e.g., communication service) which is provided to a user. As described herein, the application server with the help of aspect oriented programming is capable of automatically adding functionality to an original service without directly modifying the target application code of the original service. In particular, the application server when automatically adding functionality to a certain application can automatically detect which features are still missing within the certain application, and which are already supported. |
| US08972933B2 |
Non-literal representation of programming language code
Exemplary embodiments may provide methods, systems and devices for providing non-literal representations of programming language code. The non-literal representation of a portion of code may provide a representation of the semantics of the portion of code that is different from the source code representation. The non-literal representation may change the way the code is output to a user in order to improve readability of the source code, and may not modify the underlying structure or semantics of the code. While improving readability of the code, the non-literal representation may also retain important information about the underlying code associated with the non-literal representation. |
| US08972932B2 |
Method, framework, and program product for formatting and serving web content
The present invention provides an approach and corresponding framework that separates data from its formatting/view by generating the dynamic JavaScript (data) as a set (e.g., at least one) of JavaScript (data) objects, without any HTML formatting. Then, a set of JavaScript functions can be created that takes the set of JavaScript objects as a parameter, and outputs all or a subset of this data object in a format determined by this JavaScript function. In general, these formatting functions can be static, rather than dynamic, JavaScript. This approach has the advantage of providing a much greater degree of formatting flexibility, without the need for each new format to establish a connection with the back-end system providing the data. |
| US08972925B2 |
Tracking application development and distribution
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for tracking development and distribution of software applications. In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of: identifying a software application available from a software application distribution system; retrieving at least image data from an image file, which is associated with the software application, from the software application distribution system without retrieving the software application; detecting a watermark in the image data; and storing information associating the detected watermark with the software application distribution system from which the identified software application is available. |
| US08972923B2 |
Method and apparatus and software code for generating a hardware stream processor design
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of automatically generating a hardware stream processor design including plural processes and interconnect between the plural processes to provide data paths between the plural processes, the method comprising: providing an input designating processes to be performed by the stream processor; automatically optimizing parameters associated with the interconnect between processes within the design so as to minimise hardware requirements whilst providing the required functionality; and generating an optimized design in accordance with the optimization. |
| US08972922B2 |
Method for forming an electrical connection between metal layers
A method includes forming a connection between a first metal layer and a second metal layer. The second metal layer is over the first metal layer. A via location for a first via between the first metal layer and the second metal layer is identified. Additional locations for first additional vias are determined. The first additional vias are determined to be necessary for stress migration issues. Additional locations necessary for second additional vias are determined. The second additional vias are determined to be necessary for electromigration issues. The first via and the one of the group consisting of (i) the first additional vias and second additional vias (ii) the first additional vias plus a number of vias sufficient for electromigration issues taking into account that the first additional vias, after taking into account the stress migration issues, still have an effective via number greater than zero. |
| US08972921B2 |
Symmetric placement of components on a chip to reduce crosstalk induced by chip modes
A method and system to control crosstalk among qubits on a chip are described. The method includes placing two or more components symmetrically on the chip, the chip including the qubits, and driving two or more ports symmetrically to control the crosstalk based on controlling coupling of chip mode frequencies and qubit frequencies. |
| US08972919B2 |
Static timing analysis method and system considering capacitive coupling and double patterning mask misalignment
A method for analyzing an IC design, comprises: using a computer implemented electronic design automation tool to perform a parasitic RC extraction for a layout of the IC design, the parasitic RC extraction outputting for each of a plurality of routing paths, a nominal capacitive coupling, a minimum capacitive coupling and a maximum capacitive coupling, where the minimum and maximum capacitive couplings correspond to circuit patterning in the presence of double patterning mask misalignments; and performing one of a setup time analysis or a hold time analysis of the IC design using a computer implemented static timing analysis tool. For a given flip-flop having a launch path and a capture path, the setup or hold time analyses is performed using the minimum capacitive coupling for one of the launch and capture paths and the maximum capacitive coupling for the other of the launch and capture paths. |
| US08972918B2 |
System and method for functional verification of multi-die 3D ICs
A system and method is disclosed for functional verification of multi-die 3D ICs. The system and method include a reusable verification environment for testing each die in a stack of dies individually without having to simultaneously operate all of the dies in the stack. The system and method includes converting an input/output (“IO”) trace from a die verification test from a first format to a second format to improve performance. |
| US08972915B2 |
Static timing analysis of template-based asynchronous circuits
Effective timing and power characterization flows are described for asynchronous circuits. Verification can be provided for both relative-timing constraints as well as performance (e.g., throughput) targets using commercially-standard STA tools. Fully-automated scripts are developed that verify all relative timing assumptions (e.g., isochronic forks) as well as the gate-level performance of any circuit designed with these templates. Library characterization can be utilized and asynchronous logic cells not found in standard-cell libraries, such as dual-rail domino logic and dynamic C-elements with staticizers, can be characterized in terms of both their timing and power. These values are a function of both input slew and output load and are preferably captured in an industry standard format, such as the Liberty™ file format, before being compatible with commercial STA tools. Using a characterized library, timing correctness and performance of an asynchronous circuit can be analyzed either through back-annotated simulations or preferably static analysis. |
| US08972913B1 |
Concurrent multiparameter simulation system
A system and a method are disclosed for concurrently simulating multiple parameters of a design of an electrical circuit. A first simulation time and a first set of environmental parameters is determined and the design is simulated for the determined first simulation time. Multiple simulation engines, each analyzing on simulation parameter, simulate the design based on the first set of environmental parameters and the first set of environmental parameters are updated based on the results of each of the simulation engines. A determination is made whether the simulation results have converged. If the simulation results have not converged, each of the analysis engines simulated the design using the updated set of environmental parameters. If the simulation results are determined to be convergent, the simulation system determines a second simulation time and repeats the simulation process for the second simulation time. |
| US08972912B1 |
Structure for chip extension
One embodiment relates to a method of achieving an circuit dimension which is greater than a size of an exposure field of an illumination tool. A first area of a first reticle field and a second area of a second reticle field are defined. An extension zone is created as a region outside the first area, and includes a first layout shape formed on a first design level. A corresponding forbidden zone is created for the second reticle field as a region inside the second area where no layout shape on the first design level is permitted. A second layout shape is formed on a second design level within the forbidden zone. The first and second areas are then abutted. Upon abutment of the first and second areas, the second layout shape overlaps the first layout shape to form a connection between circuitry of the first and second reticle fields. |
| US08972911B2 |
Image processing device and computer program for performing image processing
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing device for allowing an actual-image-closer pattern to be formed based on the design data, or its simulation image. In order to accomplish the above-described object, the proposal is made concerning an image processing device which includes an image processing unit which sets the operation condition of a charged-particle beam device on the basis of the design data on a semiconductor element. Here, the image processing device accesses a library for storing device-condition information on the charged-particle beam device, pattern types, and a plurality of combinations of pattern information on each pattern-region basis. Moreover, the image processing device forms a composite image of each pattern region, using the pattern information on each pattern-region basis, and based on the device-condition information and the selection of a pattern type from the pattern types. |
| US08972910B1 |
Routing method
A method includes generating one or more routes usable for implementing a conductive path of an integrated circuit. A corresponding cost function value for the one or more routes is calculated according to a first cost function, including adjusting the corresponding cost function value based on whether the corresponding route is at least partially assigned to be formed in a conductive layer by a first patterning process or a second patterning process. The integrated circuit has electrical devices and the conductive layer, and the conductive layer has a first set of conductive lines formed by the first patterning process and a second set of conductive lines formed by the second patterning process. The first set of conductive lines has a unit resistance less than that of the second set of conductive lines. The conductive path electrically connects two of the electrical devices of the integrated circuit. |
| US08972901B2 |
Fast cursor location
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for fast mouse pointer location. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for fast mouse pointer location includes determining a contemporaneous location of a mouse pointer in a GUI of a host computer, dimensioning in memory of the host computer different shapes and arranging the shapes to proximately meet at a point of intersection, overlaying the shapes in the GUI at a position proximate to the contemporaneous location of the mouse pointer, displaying the shapes in the GUI for a brief period of time before hiding the shapes from view in the GUI and repeating the determining, dimensioning, overlaying and displaying for different movements of the mouse pointer in the GUI. |
| US08972893B2 |
Notification area that persistently rearranges elements
Embodiments described herein are directed to managing elements within a notification area of a graphical operating system. The elements may include any graphic, logo, or image associated with running software. A user indicates which elements can be displayed in the notification area, consequently creating a list of potentially displayable elements. For each listed element, an order of display, file location, and display status is designated. The user may freely change the order in which elements are displayed in the notification area by repositioning the displayed elements. Elements may be permanently removed from the notification area, resulting in their deletion from the list. Only elements entered into the order list, at the discretion of the user, are displayable within the notification area. |
| US08972891B2 |
Method for handling objects representing annotations on an interactive input system and interactive input system executing the method
An interactive input system, method and computer readable medium for handling objects representing annotations on an interactive input system are disclosed. The method includes creating an annotation on the interactive input system, associating the annotation with a temporary grouping region, and in the event that a threshold amount of time passes before a further annotation is created within a threshold distance of the temporary grouping region, disabling the temporary grouping region to thereafter prevent automatic grouping with the annotation of any further annotation. |
| US08972890B2 |
Aminated menu bar
The present invention provides a transition between two or more menu bars. The transition provided is both useful and aesthetic in that is enhances the aesthetic transition between the menu bars and serves to notify a user of such a transition. The transition is animated with one of a number of different animation techniques, such as rotation, scrolling, shading, virtual lighting, and the like. Three-dimensional graphics mapping may be provided to enhance the animation of the menu bar. |
| US08972888B2 |
Graphical user interface for filtering a population of items
Graphical user interface for filtering a population of items. The graphical user interface may be implemented as a method on a system comprising a computer server or other computing device. The system defines a library of available criteria to be used in filtering a population of items to identify items of interest. Each criterion has a graphical representation. The system receives an indication of at least one of the criterion to be applied to the population as a filter and also accepts an indication of a tier of the filter to which the selected criterion is to be associated. The system identifies a list of items of interest satisfying a current set of criteria defining the filter. A graphical representation of the filter is displayed by the system while it is being constructed by the user. In one embodiment, the items are securities such as stocks. |
| US08972884B2 |
Presenting information pertaining to a plurality of tabs in an instant messaging application
Presenting information in an instant messaging (IM) application includes loading a tab configuration file comprising attribute information pertaining to a plurality of tabs in a main interface in the IM application, the attribute information comprising presented content information associated with the plurality of tabs; receiving a selection of one of a plurality of tabs in the main interface; retrieving attribute information that corresponds to the selected one of the plurality of tabs based at least on the tab configuration file information; and dynamically creating an extended window for the tab; and displaying the presented content information of the selected tab in the extended window. |
| US08972883B2 |
Method and device for display time and timescale reset
A portable electronic device including a calendar application operable to display a calendar application at a first time and first timescale as well as a second time and second timescale different from the first time and first timescale, a memory operable to store a sequence of user inputs associated with a first time and first timescale, and an input unit operable to detect the sequence of user inputs, wherein the calendar application returns from the second time and second timescale to the first time and first timescale upon detection of the sequence of user inputs. |
| US08972878B2 |
Screen icon manipulation by context and frequency of Use
Dynamic device management is provided based on a change in context. The management can be for one or more of icons, application, operating system(s), preferences, display characteristics, and the like. Detection and/or monitoring of one or more of presence information, environmental information, user information, recent activity information, inbound/outbound communication information, external stimuli information, geopositional information, temporal information, calendar information, user information, biometric information, and security information can be used as inputs to determining a change in this context. |
| US08972873B2 |
Multi-environment widget assembly, generation, and operation
Widget creation, editing, augmentation, tracking and deployment is provided. Embodiments may include a Widget Assembly Application (“WAA”). The WAA may employ generalized widget templates selected by a user for customizing or assembling widgets. A generator may render previously assembled widgets when requested. The generator may use a skeleton specific to the target server type and widget, and code supporting the generator and the WAA may employ recursive eye-catcher syntax. Widgets may be deployed from any discovered instance to additional remote widget containers of the same or different type. |
| US08972871B2 |
Supporting user interactions with rendered graphical objects
A graphical object is rendered to a pixel buffer, such that a software application executing on a computing device displays the contents of the pixel buffer via a user interface. An invisible element is created and positioned under the cursor in response to detecting that the cursor is positioned over the feature being displayed via the user interface. The software application automatically repositions the invisible element in accordance with a movement of the cursor. A change in the position of the invisible element is determined, and the graphical object is repositioned within the pixel buffer in accordance with the change in the position of the invisible element. |
| US08972870B2 |
Providing alternative representations of virtual content in a virtual universe
An invention for automatically reducing a load on a server functioning with a virtual universe is provided. In one embodiment, there is an alternative representation tool, including a detection component configured to detect a load on a server, and a determination component configured to determine whether the load on the server exceeds a predefined threshold. The alternative representation tool further comprises a rendering component configured to provide an alternative representation of a virtual content renderable in the virtual universe to reduce the load on the server in the case that the load on the server exceeds the predefined threshold. |
| US08972869B1 |
Method and system for managing a virtual meeting
A computer-implemented method, computer-readable medium and system for managing a virtual meeting are disclosed. Invitees for a virtual meeting may be automatically determined based upon a selection of one or more groups made using a graphical user interface. Each invitee may be notified of the virtual meeting. Users may conveniently attend the virtual meeting. A recording of the virtual meeting may then be made accessible to members of one or more groups selected using the graphical user interface. In this manner, the setup of a virtual meeting and the distribution of a recording of the virtual meeting can be improved. |
| US08972868B2 |
Task decomposition with data availability
The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for task decomposition of a task of a workflow. In one aspect there is provided a method. The method may include selecting, for decomposition, a task from a workflow including a plurality of tasks; indicating whether one or more portions of information associated with the decomposed task are restricted; and providing, to another user interface, the decomposed task including the one or more restricted portions. The received command is executed at the database. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described. |
| US08972867B1 |
Method and apparatus for editing heterogeneous media objects in a digital imaging device
A method for editing media objects in a capture device having a display is provided. The method displays a representation of each media object, where each media object has a plurality of media types associated therewith. The plurality of media types includes at least two of a still image, a sequential image, and a video clip. The method enables selection of a media object to edit and invokes a plurality of edit screens for editing the plurality of media types. In each one of the plurality of edit screens, a representation of the media object's content and items to be applied to the media object are displayed. Each one of the plurality of the edit screens invokes soft keys to ease use and operation of the capture device and facilitate creation of multimedia presentations on the capture device. |
| US08972860B2 |
Player instance management
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for media player instance management. In one aspect, a method includes receiving one or more requests from an application to load a plurality of media players referenced in a document to be presented by the application, in which each media player is configured to present respective content in a respective presentation area of the document presentation and determining an order for loading the media players based on a visibility and dimensions of each respective presentation area. |
| US08972854B2 |
Graphical creation of a document conversion template
The template creation system enables a graphical selection of one or more fields from within a database system. The template creation system identifies a source format of the received fields that can be exported from the database system. The template creation system identifies a target format readable by a document editing system. For example, the document editing system may be a word processing application that stores files in an application-specific format. The template creation system creates one or more template rules based on the identified source and target formats for converting the data from the source format to the target format. The template rules may then be stored in an XSLT style sheet. |
| US08972852B2 |
Two-stage rendering of web page containing scripts
Provided is an information processing apparatus including a structure analysis unit that analyses display control data including multiple structural units, in each of which information relating to display control is written, and extracts the structural units included in the display control data, a first structuring unit that generates first structured data for display control by linking, except for a structural unit in which information involving script processing is written, the structural units including at least a structural unit in which information relating to a layout of a display screen is written, among the extracted structural units, a second structuring unit that generates second structured data for display control by linking all of the extracted structural units, and a display control unit that displays a display screen using the first structured data, and, at a stage the second structured data is generated, redisplays the display screen using the second structured data. |
| US08972844B2 |
Dynamic digital document fields behavior
A field attraction module attracts/detracts interaction to/from particular fields of a digital document. The module detects interaction in the digital document corresponding to a plurality of fields of the digital document is detected. The module determines field attraction weights associated with the plurality of fields. The field attraction weights represent a degree to which presentation of the digital document is modified for selectively attracting interaction to at least one of the plurality of fields. The module determines that a first of the plurality of fields is associated with a greatest of the field attraction weights. The module modifies presentation of the digital document to attract interaction to the first field in the digital document in accordance with the greatest of the field attraction weights. |
| US08972842B2 |
Method of processing data for an information processing apparatus
According to one embodiment, a method of processing data for an information processing apparatus includes extracting, displaying, transmitting and updating. The extracting extracts keywords from a Web page being displayed by a browser. The displaying displays the extracted keywords. The transmitting transmits a keyword and attribute data associate with the keyword to a retrieval site, if the keyword is selected from the displayed keywords. The updating updates the displayed keywords if the browser acquires the Web page. |
| US08972841B2 |
Method, system, apparatus and content model for the creation, management, storage, and presentation of dynamic objects
The invention includes structures and schema for organizing and inter-relating objects, data, or files, including relational, network, hierarchical, and entity-relationship models, among others, that are dynamic, that is changing with time. This includes manipulating structures by conversion, compression, compaction, and compilation, for various purposes. Also included is generating structures for storing, organizing, and managing dynamic objects for retrieval and presentation. A discussion group for collaborative participants is also provided. A time-based dynamic object within a plurality of stored dynamic objects is stored. Each dynamic objects comprises a plurality of predefined attribute fields. Requested dynamic objects are assembled in real time so that the requested dynamic objects are displayed on the basis of the start-time attribute field of each requested dynamic object. A different threaded discussion associated with the each displayed requested dynamic object is provided with each displayed requested dynamic object based on the displayed requested dynamic object's start time. |
| US08972840B2 |
Time ordered indexing of an information stream
Methods and apparatuses in which two or more types of attributes from an information stream are identified. Each of the identified attributes from the information stream is encoded. A time ordered indication is assigned with each of the identified attributes. Each of the identified attributes shares a common time reference measurement. A time ordered index of the identified attributes is generated. |
| US08972839B2 |
Media presentations including related content
Media presentations including related content are described, including presenting a workspace and a content shelf, presenting a media presentation in the workspace, designating a portion of the media presentation based on parsing the media presentation according to a predetermined criterion, and displaying a content related to the portion of the media presentation in the content shelf. |
| US08972838B2 |
Data transmission detecting device, data transmission detecting method and electronic device thereof
A data transmission detecting device including a detecting module and a detection value calculating module is provided. The detecting module has a plurality of receiving terminals and receives a first data and a second data during a first period. The detecting module calculates a total detection value according to the first data and the second data, and performs an error check comparison by comparing the total detection value with an error check code. When the detecting module again receives the first data during a second period, the detection value calculating module transmits an auxiliary detection value to the detecting module, so that the detecting module calculates a corresponding total detection value according to the auxiliary detection value, and performs the error check comparison by comparing the total detection value with the error check code. The first period and the second period are two successive periods adjacent to each other. |
| US08972837B2 |
Read/write operations in solid-state storage devices
Methods and apparatus are provided for reading and writing data in q-level cells of solid-state memory, where q>2. Input data is encoded into codewords having N qary symbols, wherein the symbols of each codeword satisfy a single-parity-check condition. Each symbol is written in a respective cell of the solid state memory by setting the cell to a level dependent on the qary value of the symbol. Memory cells are read to obtain read signals corresponding to respective codewords. The codewords corresponding to respective read signals are detected by relating the read signals to a predetermined set of N-symbol vectors of one of which each possible codeword is a permutation. |
| US08972836B2 |
Method and system for forward error correction decoding with parity check for use in low complexity highly-spectrally efficient communications
A receiver receives an inter-symbol correlated (ISC) signal with information symbols and a corresponding parity symbol. Values of information symbols are estimated utilizing parity samples that are generated from the parity symbols. One or more maximum likelihood (ML) decoding metrics are generated for the information symbols. One or more estimations are generated for the information symbols based on the one or more ML decoding metrics. A parity metric is generated for each of the one or more generated estimations of the information symbols. The parity metric is generated by summing a plurality of values of one of the generated estimations to generate a sum, and wrapping the sum to obtain a parity check value that is within the boundaries of a symbol constellation utilized in generating the information symbols. |
| US08972832B2 |
Optimized scheme and architecture of hard drive queue design
Computer-implemented methods and systems may perform one or more operations including, but not limited to: receiving input data from a source; applying an interleaving protocol to the input data to generate at least one component codeword; decoding the at least one component codeword; determining a first convergence value of at least one decoded component codeword; computing extrinsic data associated with the at least one component codeword according to the bit error count and the first convergence of at least one component codeword; determining a second convergence value associated with the at least one component codeword according to the extrinsic data associated with the at least one component codeword. |
| US08972829B2 |
Method and apparatus for umbrella coding
A communication system and a method are provided. The communication system includes an encoder configured to encode source data and output an encoded frame including a mother code or a plurality of concatenated daughter codes based on an encoding option. The mother code and the plurality of concatenated daughter codes have a same number of coded data symbols. The mother code includes a first source number of source symbols and a first parity number of parity symbols. The daughter code includes fewer source symbols and fewer parity symbols than the mother code. |
| US08972825B2 |
Channel estimation in adaptive modulation systems
A device (20) for an adaptive modulation communication system is provided. The device (20) comprises an input device (21) adapted to receive, from a communication channel, data encoded through a FEC code. A FEC decoder (23) connected downstream of the input device (21) is also provided for FEC decoding the received encoded data and providing error information determined by the FEC decoding. The device according to the invention further comprises means for measuring first error information of the encoded data before FEC decoding the received encoded data, and means for measuring second error information determined by the FEC decoder (23). Means (25) for estimating a condition of the communication channel based on both the first error information and the second error information are also provided. |
| US08972822B2 |
Memory module and semiconductor storage device
A memory module includes a plurality of memory chips stacked on top of one another, each of the plurality of memory chips including a memory cell unit that is divided into a plurality of blocks, and an address scrambling circuit that processes an input address signal and that selects a block to be operated. |
| US08972819B2 |
Memory circuit incorporating radiation-hardened memory scrub engine
An example integrated circuit includes a first memory array including a first plurality of data groups, each such data group including a respective plurality of data bits. The integrated circuit also includes a first error detection and correction (EDAC) circuit configured to detect and correct an error in a data group read from the first memory array. The integrated circuit also includes a first scrub circuit configured to access in a sequence each of the first plurality of data groups to correct any detected errors therein. Both the first EDAC circuit and the first scrub circuit include spatially redundant circuitry. The first EDAC circuit and the first scrub circuit may include buried guard ring (BGR) structures, and may include parasitic isolation device (PID) structures. The spatially redundant circuitry may include dual interlocked storage cell (DICE) circuits, and may include temporal filtering circuitry. |
| US08972801B2 |
Motivating lazy RCU callbacks under out-of-memory conditions
A technique for motivating lazy RCU callbacks under out-of-memory conditions. In response to detecting an actual or potential OOM condition, non-lazy callback processing is performed for all processors whose RCU callback lists are non-empty due to at least one callback permitting lazy callback processing being present. |
| US08972798B2 |
Performance and fault management system
A network device is configured to receive information from a plurality of device. The network device is configured to further analyze the information and determine that a performance or fault issue exists relating to operation of a device. The network device is configured to further send first information to a user device. The user device is to receive an instruction on eliminating the performance or fault issue. The network device is configured to further receive second information to resolve the performance of fault issue relating to the operation of the device; and send a notification to resolve the performance or fault issue relating to the operation of the device. |
| US08972790B2 |
Memory controller and memory access system with error detection using data comparison of loop-backed signals
A controller section outputs a first signal and a second signal holding a phase relationship with the first signal. The second signal is received by a memory I/F section via a FIFO memory of an error detecting section. The memory I/F section performs timing adjustment for the first and second signals, outputs the first and second signals after the timing adjustment to a memory, and loops back the second signal. A data comparator compares the looped-back second signal with the original second signal outputted from the FIFO memory and corresponding to the looped-back signal. |
| US08972785B2 |
Classifying processor testcases
Embodiments of a testcase checker system are disclosed herein. Embodiments of a testcase checker system may include an instruction set simulator configured to simulate execution of instructions of a testcase on a microprocessor using a reference model associated with an architecture of the microprocessor. The instruction set simulator may generate logging data associated with the each instruction based on the simulated execution of that instruction. The testcase checker system may also include checker module comprising a set of rules. Each of these rules may be associated with a boundedly undefined condition. The checker module is configured to receive the logging data associated with an instruction from the instruction set simulator and process the logging data based on the rules to determine if any of the rules are violated. |
| US08972784B2 |
Method and device for testing a system comprising at least a plurality of software units that can be executed simultaneously
A programmable operating time period of at least one software unit is changed to a settable operating time period. Furthermore, a testing system for validating the system and for setting the at least one settable operating time period is provided. Furthermore, the system is tested using the testing system, wherein the testing includes varying the at least one settable operating time period for detecting synchronization errors of the system. Thus, a test of a system including software units for synchronization errors is enabled by the targeted change of operating time period. |
| US08972773B2 |
Cache data processing using cache cluster with configurable modes
Processing cache data includes sending a cache processing request to a master cache service node in a cache cluster that includes a plurality of cache service nodes, the cache cluster being configurable in an active cluster configuration mode wherein the plurality of cache service nodes are all in working state and a master cache service node is selected among the plurality of cache service nodes, or in a standby cluster configuration mode, wherein the master cache service node is the only node among the plurality of cache service nodes that is in working state. It further includes waiting for a response from the master cache service node, determining whether the master cache service node has failed; and in the event that the master cache service node has failed, selecting a backup cache service node. |
| US08972772B2 |
System and method for duplexed replicated computing
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a replicated duplex computer system. The system includes a triplet of network elements, which each maintain a clock signal, and a monitor at each network element for monitoring incoming clock signals. Each network element interfaces with a fault containment region (FCR). The system provides the ability to transition to a duplex system if one of the fault containment regions fails. The three network elements are able to send their clock signals to the other network elements and receive their own clock signal and clock signals from the other elements. The monitors are configured to detect discrepancies in the clock signals of the network elements. If a monitor determines that an FCR has failed, each network element is reconfigured so that the FTPP system operates in a duplex mode without the faulty FCR by replacing the clock signal from the faulty element with its own clock signal. |
| US08972771B2 |
Connection control apparatus, storage system, and control method of connection control apparatus
A connection control apparatus includes an active control unit that performs routing of data to a first device connected to a port of the connection control apparatus by using an address of the first device, and a standby control unit that, when the active control unit causes a failure, performs routing of data to the first device by using the address of the first device and by using route information indicating a connection route to a second device connected to a port of an adjacent connection control apparatus connected to the connection control apparatus, the standby control unit performing routing of data to the second device by using the route information upon the adjacent connection control apparatus being unable to perform routing. |
| US08972770B1 |
Systems and methods for conducting experiments on applications
Systems and methods for conducting a set of experiments on an application having a plurality of users are provided. Each experiment is identified by a respective experiment identification (ID) and is associated with a respective group of experimental variations of the application. A system includes an entropy source module that assigns a user group number to a designated user. The user group number is less than or equal to an entropy cap, which is less than an expected entropy, which represents a total number of different states of the experiments. The system includes an experiment module that determines a designated one of the experiments to be conducted on the application. The designated experiment is identified by a designated experiment ID and is associated with a designated group of experimental variations of the application. The experiment module assigns a designated variation to the designated user based on the user group number. |
| US08972767B2 |
Method and apparatus for synchronizing the time reference of a dynamically activated processor to the system time reference
Implementations of the present disclosure involve an apparatus and/or method for synchronizing at least one newly activated processor with at least one previously running processor. Each processor is configured to generate a heartbeat and operate according to a STICK. When a previously deactivated processor is added, the heartbeat of each active processor is reset and the current STICK is transmitted to the newly activated processor on the next heartbeat. The newly activated processor may then add the heartbeat period to the acquired STICK and begin incrementing the STICK and normal operation after the next heartbeat. |
| US08972763B2 |
Method, apparatus, and system for energy efficiency and energy conservation including determining an optimal power state of the apparatus based on residency time of non-core domains in a power saving state
A processor may determine the actual residency time of a non-core domain residing in a power saving state and based on the actual residency time the processor may determine an optimal power saving state (P-state) for the processor. In response to the non-core domain entering a power saving state, an interrupt generator (IG) may generate a first interrupt and the device drivers or an operating system may use the first interrupt to start a timer (first value). In response to the non-core domain exiting the power saving state, the IG may generate a second interrupt and the device drivers or an operating system may use the second interrupt to stop the timer (final value). The power management unit may use the final and the first value to determine the actual residency time. |
| US08972762B2 |
Computing devices and methods for resetting inactivity timers on computing devices
Computing devices and methods for resetting an inactivity timer of each of a first and second computing device are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises establishing a communication channel between the first computing device and the second computing device, receiving activity input responsive to a user interaction at the first computing device, resetting the inactivity timer of the first computing device, and transmitting a notification via the communication channel to the second computing device that the activity input was received at the first computing device, the inactivity timer of the second computing device being reset in response to receipt of the notification. |
| US08972758B2 |
Charge recycling between power domains of integrated circuits
A mechanism is provided for efficiently recycling a charge from a power domain that is discharging. A side of a discharging power domain normally coupled to a voltage supply is disconnected from the voltage supply. The side of the precharging power domain normally coupled to the voltage supply is currently disconnected from the voltage supply. The side of the discharging power domain normally coupled to the voltage supply is connected to a side of the precharging power domain normally coupled to the voltage supply. A side of the discharging power domain normally coupled to the ground is disconnected from ground. The side of the discharging power domain normally coupled to ground is connected to the voltage supply, thereby precharging the precharging power domain with the charge from the discharging power domain that would normally he lost due to leakage. |
| US08972757B2 |
Powered device classification in a wired data telecommunications network
In a wired data telecommunication network power sourcing equipment (PSE) coupled to a powered device (PD) carries out an inline power discovery process to verify that the PD is adapted to receive inline power, then a plurality of classification cycles are carried out to convey a series of inline power classes back to the PSE. The series of inline power classes may all be the same, in which case the PD is legacy equipment and is adapted to receive the power level corresponding to that class. If they are not all the same, information is thus conveyed to the PSE which may, for example, correspond to a specific power level to be applied or to other information. |
| US08972752B2 |
System and method for providing modular and scalable power infrastructure outside of usable it space
In accordance with the present disclosure, a system and method for providing scalable and modular power infrastructure outside of usable rack space is described. The system may include a chassis configured to mount on the side of a rack. A power cable interface box (PCIB) may be disposed within the chassis, and the PCIB may receive alternating current (AC) power. The system may further include at least one power supply unit disposed within a slot of the chassis, with the at least one power supply unit receiving AC power from the PCIB and outputting direct current (DC) power to a busbar. The system may also include a battery back-up unit (BBU) element disposed within the chassis. The BBU element may charge from and discharge to the busbar. |
| US08972744B1 |
Preventing data imprinting in memory
A method and system of preventing data imprinting. The data includes a payload and a token that may be stored in a memory. The token provides information about the payload format and determines how that payload may be interpreted. The data field may be corrected and read into a device or may be converted and then written back to the memory. |
| US08972741B2 |
Method of modification of authorization details for a biometrics authentication device, biometrics authentication method, and biometrics authentication device
A biometrics authentication device utilizes biometrics information and performs individual authentication enables secure modification of authorization details for an authorized agent other than the principal. A verification device verifies biometrics information registered on an IC card against biometrics information detected by a detection unit. When results in satisfactory biometrics authentication, modification of authorization details of an authorized agent, registered on the IC card, is permitted. Authorization details for an authorized agent can be securely modified on a card on which biometrics information for the principal and the authorized agent is registered. |
| US08972738B2 |
Incorporating data into an ECDSA signature component
During generation of a signature on a message to create a signed message, a signer determines one of the signature components such that particular information can be extracted from the signature component. The particular information may be related to one or more of the signer and the message to be signed. After receiving a signed message purported to be signed by the signer, a verifier can extract the particular information from the signature component. |
| US08972733B1 |
Techniques to prime a stateful request-and-response communication channel
Techniques for handshake-free encrypted communication are described. An apparatus may comprise a reception component and a precomputation component. The reception component may be operative to receive a priming message from a client using a stateless network protocol, to establish a communication channel to the client, and to transmit a response to the priming message over the communication channel to the client. The precomputation component may be operative to determine the response in response to the reception of the priming message from the client. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08972731B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods for securely transmitting a security parameter to a computing device
Embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods described herein generally facilitate the secure transmittal of security parameters. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a representation of first data comprising a password is generated at the first computing device as an image or audio signal. The image or audio signal is transmitted from the first computing device to the second computing device. The password is determined from the image or audio signal at the second computing device. A key exchange is performed between the first computing device and the second computing device wherein a key is derived at each of the first and second computing devices. In at least one embodiment, one or more security parameters (e.g. one or more public keys) are exchanged between the first and second computing devices, and techniques for securing the exchange of security parameters or authenticating exchanged security parameters are generally disclosed herein. |
| US08972730B2 |
System and method of using a signed GUID
A method and apparatus wherein the method includes the steps of generating a globally unique identifier (GUID) for a security system appliance, saving a public key and private key of the security system appliance in a memory of the security system appliance, a manufacturer of the security system appliance generating a signed version of the GUID and the public key, saving the signed version of the GUID and public key in the memory of the security system appliance, the security system appliance sending a registration message including the signed version of the GUID and public key to a security system server and the security system server authenticating the security system appliance using the signed version of the GUID and public key of the security system appliance and a public key of the manufacturer. |
| US08972717B2 |
Automatic delivery selection for electronic content
Computer program products and methods for the secure delivery of a message in a communication system. The method includes identifying a best method for delivery of a message including considering preferences of a sender and a recipient and sending the message from the sender to the recipient using the identified method. |
| US08972712B2 |
Device for reprogramming an embedded system to allow the system to return to an initial embedded system information or a reprogrammed embedded system information
A reprogramming device is used for reprogramming embedded systems. The reprogramming device comprises a microprocessor, a memory programmed with software to accomplish the reprogramming of distinctly different embedded systems architectures, and one or more hardware devices that facilitate communication over multiple protocols contained in a portable package designed for both one-time and multi-occurrence use scenarios. In some embodiments, the reprogramming device is able to be used to enhance one or more attributes of performance of existing embedded systems through the reconfiguration of internally stored parameters. In some embodiments, the reprogramming device is also to be used to extract and receive information and instruction from existing embedded systems and enable useful presentation of this information. As a result, the reprogramming device is able to be used to adjust and/or monitor the parameters of the on-board diagnostics computer of a vehicle to ensure peak performance and detect errors. |
| US08972711B2 |
CPU core unlocking device applied to computer system
A CPU core unlocking device applied to a computer system is provided. The core unlocking device includes a CPU having a plurality of signal terminals and a core unlocking executing unit having a plurality of GPIO ports connected with the corresponding signal terminals of the CPU. The GPIO ports of the core unlocking executing unit generate and transmit and transmit a combination of core unlocking signal to the signal terminals of the CPU to unlock the CPU core. |
| US08972702B2 |
Systems and methods for power management in a high performance computing (HPC) cluster
Embodiments of the invention broadly contemplate systems, methods, apparatuses and program products providing a power management technique for an HPC cluster with performance improvements for parallel applications. According to various embodiments of the invention, power usage of an HPC cluster is reduced by boosting the performance of one or more select nodes within the cluster so that the one or more nodes take less time to complete. Embodiments of the invention accomplish this by selectively identifying the appropriate node(s) (or core(s) within the appropriate node(s)) in the cluster and increasing the computing capacity of the selected node(s) (or core(s) within the appropriate node(s)). |
| US08972696B2 |
Pagefile reservations
A system and method for maintaining a pagefile of a computer system using a technique of reserving portions of the pagefile for related memory pages. Pages near one another in a virtual memory space often store related information and it is therefore beneficial to ensure that they are stored near each other in the pagefile. This increases the speed of reading data out of the pagefile because total seek time of a disk drive that stores the pagefile may decrease when adjacent pages in a virtual memory address space are read back from the disk drive. By implementing a reservation system that allows related pages to be stored adjacent to one another, the efficiency of memory management of the computer system is increased. |
| US08972692B2 |
Dispersed storage network virtual address space
A dispersed storage network utilizes a virtual address space to store data. The dispersed storage network includes a dispersed storage device for receiving a request relating to a data object stored in the dispersed storage network and determining a virtual memory address assigned to the data object. The virtual memory address is within a virtual memory address range of the virtual address space that is allocated to a vault associated with a user of the data object. The virtual memory address is further assigned to a data slice of a plurality of data slices of the data object. The dispersed storage device uses the virtual memory address to determine an identifier of a storage unit within the dispersed storage network that has the data slice stored therein. |
| US08972691B2 |
Addressing cross-allocated blocks in a file system
A mechanism is provided for cross-allocated block repair in a mounted file system. A set of cross-allocated blocks are identified from a plurality of blocks within an inode of the mounted file system, based on a corresponding bit associated with each cross-allocated block in a duplicated block information bitmap being in a first identified state. The set of cross-allocated blocks are repaired using a user-defined repair process. Then one or more of the set of cross-allocated blocks are deallocated based on results of the user-defined repair process. |
| US08972687B2 |
Memory system having a plurality of types of memory chips and a memory controller for controlling the memory chips
A memory controller converts controller output signals output from a controller into memory input signals according to the operation specifications of memory chips to operate, and outputs the resultant to the memory chips through a common bus. The memory controller also receives memory output signals output from the memory chips through the common bus, and converts the received signals into controller input signals receivable to the controller. This allows the single memory controller to access the plurality of types of memory chips. As a result, the memory controller can be reduced in chip size, lowering the cost of the memory system. |
| US08972685B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for exchanging communications via a command/address bus
Techniques and mechanisms for exchanging information from a memory controller to a memory device via a command/address bus. In an embodiment, the memory device samples a first portion of a command during a first sample period and samples a second portion of the command during a second sample period, the first portion and second portion exchanged via the command/address bus. The first sample period and the second sample period are concurrent with, respectively, a first transition of a clock signal and a second transition of the clock signal. In another embodiment, a mode of the memory device determines a relationship between the first transition and the second transition. |
| US08972679B2 |
Storage device in a locked state
A method for managing a storage device including identifying a lock timing for the storage device when coupling to a device, transitioning the storage device into a locked state in response to detecting the storage device decoupling from the device, and configuring the storage device to remain in the locked state if the storage device is re-coupled to the device after the lock timing has elapsed. |
| US08972678B2 |
Efficient backup replication
A system for backup replication comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to determine data present in a most recent backup not present in a previous backup; transmit an extent specification; and transmit data segment fingerprints of the one or more data segments. The memory is coupled to the processor and is configured to provide the processor with instructions. |
| US08972676B2 |
Assigning device adaptors and background tasks to use to copy source extents to target extents in a copy relationship
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for assigning device adaptors and background tasks to use to copy source extents to target extents in a copy relationship. A relation is provided of a plurality of source extents in source ranks to copy to a plurality of target extents in target ranks in the storage system. One target rank in the relation is used to determine an order in which the target ranks in the relation are selected to register for copying. For each selected target rank in the relation selected according to the determined order, an iteration of a registration operation is performed to register the selected target rank and a selected source rank copied to the selected target rank in the relation. The registration operation comprises indicating in a device adaptor assignment data structure a source device adaptor and target device adaptor to use to copy the selected rank to the selected target rank and adding an entry to a priority queue for the relation for the selected target rank. The selected source rank is copied to the selected target rank using as the source and target device adaptors indicated in the device adaptor assignment data structure for the selected target rank in response to processing the entry in the priority queue added to the priority queue for the selected target rank. |
| US08972674B2 |
Compensation for solid state storage
A method and system for storing and retrieving data using flash memory devices. One example system includes an apparatus within a flash memory configuration. The flash memory configuration includes a plurality of memory cells, where each memory cell has a charge storage capacity for use in implementing digital storage. The apparatus includes a processing arrangement configured to access each of the memory cells in a write operation and a read operation. The apparatus also includes an instruction set for instructing the processor to impose target charge levels for defining a plurality of data values for each of the memory cells. The target charge levels are programmably movable with respect to the charge storage capacity. |
| US08972668B2 |
Transactional memory that performs an ALUT 32-bit lookup operation
A transactional memory (TM) receives a lookup command across a bus from a processor. The command includes a memory address, a starting bit position, and a mask size. In response to the command, the TM pulls an input value (IV). The memory address is used to read a word containing multiple result values (RVs) and multiple key values from memory. Each key value indicates a single RV to be output by the TM. A selecting circuit within the TM uses the starting bit position and mask size to select a portion of the IV. The portion of the IV is a key selector value. A key value is selected based upon the key selector value. A RV is selected based upon the key value. The key value is selected by a key selection circuit. The RV is selected by a result value selection circuit. |
| US08972660B2 |
Disk subsystem and data restoration method
A disk subsystem and a data restoration method with which the rise time when the disk subsystem is restored can be shortened.A disk subsystem and data restoration method whereby, when the power of the disk subsystem is shut off, the shared memory management table is saved to non-volatile memory together with the cache data and, when the power of the disk subsystem is restored, the shared memory management table is referenced and the duplex data is assigned by two non-volatile memories and restored to each of two shared memories. |
| US08972657B1 |
Managing active—active mapped logical volumes
A method is used in managing active-active mapped logical volumes. A mapped logical volume is created. The mapped logical volume includes first and second mapped logical volumes. Ownership of the first mapped logical volume resides with a first storage processor of a storage system and ownership of the second mapped logical volume resides with a second storage processor of the storage system. The mapped logical volume is managed. An access to the mapped logical volume is provided to the first and second storage processors. |
| US08972653B2 |
Memory management method, and memory controller and memory storage apparatus using the same
A memory management method and a memory controller and a memory storage apparatus using the same are provided. The method includes applying different detection biases to read data stored in physical pages of a rewritable non-volatile memory module and calculating the number of error bits according the read data. The method further includes estimating a value of a wearing degree of each physical page according to the calculated number of error bits and operating the rewritable non-volatile memory module according to the value of the wearing degree of each physical page. Accordingly, the method can effectively identify the wearing degree of the rewritable non-volatile memory module and operate the rewritable non-volatile memory module by applying a corresponding management mechanism, so as to prevent data errors. |
| US08972652B2 |
Data refresh in non-volatile memory
A method of reducing read errors in a non-volatile memory device that result from bit-line or word-line disturb conditions generated by erase operations includes selecting a subset of a memory array for refresh after each erase operation. A pointer to the refresh target section is updated as part of the method to direct the refresh operation to the appropriate subset of the memory array. Refresh may be performed subsequent to an erase operation or concurrently therewith. By distributing the time consumed by refresh operations over many erase operations so the relative refresh time for any one erase becomes small. |
| US08972650B2 |
Methods and systems for performing efficient page reads in a non-volatile memory
Systems and methods are disclosed for increasing efficiency of read operations by selectively adding pages from a pagelist to a batch, such that when the batch is executed as a read operation, each page in the batch can be concurrently accessed. The pagelist can include all the pages associated a read command received, for example, from a file system. Although the pages associated with the read command may have an original read order sequence, embodiments according to this invention re-order this original read order sequence by selectively adding pages to a batch. A page is added to the batch if it does not collide with any other page already added to the batch. A page collides with another page if neither page can be accessed simultaneously. One or more batches can be constructed in this manner until the pagelist is empty. |
| US08972647B2 |
Kernel memory locking for systems that allow over-commitment memory
Provided are techniques for allocating logical memory corresponding to a logical partition in a computing system; generating a S/W PFT data structure corresponding to a first page of the logical memory, wherein the S/W PFT data structure comprises a field indicating that the corresponding first page of logical memory is a klock page; transmitting a request for a page of physical memory and the corresponding S/W PFT data structure to a hypervisor; allocating physical memory corresponding to the request; and, in response to a pageout request, paging out available logical memory corresponding to the logical partition that does not indicate that the corresponding page is a klock page prior to paging out the first page. |
| US08972644B2 |
Data forwarding circuit, data forwarding method, display device, host-side device, and electronic apparatus
The timing controller determines the number of data lanes (11, 12, 13), which are used to transfer data, based on information in relation to an amount of data to be transferred during a predetermined time period. Out of the plurality of data lanes (11, 12, 13), the determined number of data lane(s) (11, 12, 13) are used to transfer data. Further, a data lane(s) (11, 12, 13) which is not used in the data transfer is deactivated. |
| US08972643B2 |
Field bus network adapter and field bus network subscriber with field bus connections
A field bus network adapter includes a first field bus connection configured to connect a first field bus cable, a second field bus connection configured to connect a second field bus cable, and N number of third field bus connections configured to connect a third cable each. The first field bus connection and the second field bus connection are connected to the N number of third field bus connections such that (i) data received at the first field bus connection are output at a first of the N number of third field bus connections, (ii) data received at an nth of the N number of third field bus connections are output at an (n+1)th of the N number of third field bus connections, and (iii) data received at an Nth of the N number of third field bus connections are output at the second field bus connection. |
| US08972642B2 |
Low latency two-level interrupt controller interface to multi-threaded processor
Systems and method for reducing interrupt latency time in a multi-threaded processor. A first interrupt controller is coupled to the multi-threaded processor. A second interrupt controller is configured to communicate a first interrupt and a first vector identifier to the first interrupt controller, wherein the first interrupt controller is configured to process the first interrupt and the first vector identifier and send the processed interrupt to a thread in the multi-threaded processor. Logic is configured to determine when the multi-threaded processor is ready to receive a second interrupt. A dedicated line is used to communicate an indication to the second interrupt controller that the multi-threaded processor is ready to receive the second interrupt. |
| US08972638B2 |
Serial data communication system and serial data communication method
When transmitting serial data from a master device to a slave device, it is possible to promptly detect a communication error if any occurs. Serial data transmitted from the master device to the slave device has two or more continuous bytes of dummy data having an identical structure. When the slave device recognizes the dummy data, communication error processing is executed. Assume that the serial data is shifted by an affect of a noise. In this case, “a text end control code (ETX)” is also shifted and the serial data cannot be recognized and no data reception end process is executed. However, during a period after this, a part of the first dummy data and a part of the second dummy data are received and one dummy data is recognized. Thus, the slave device can promptly execute the communication error processing. |
| US08972637B1 |
Governance of storage
A computer program product, system, and computer implemented method comprising intercepting, by an interceptor, IO send on an IO path to a storage array; sending a copy of the IO and metadata to a message bus, and enabling a consumer to register with the message bus to consume events sent to the message bus. |
| US08972633B2 |
Apparatus with a memory controller configured to control access to randomly accessible non-volatile memory
An apparatus includes a printed circuit board with a plurality of printed circuit board traces, a memory controller mounted on the printed circuit board coupled to one or more of the plurality of printed circuit board traces, a plurality of non-volatile type of memory integrated circuits coupled to the printed circuit board, and a plurality of support integrated circuits coupled between the memory controller and the plurality of non-volatile type of memory integrated circuits. |
| US08972630B1 |
Transactional memory that supports a put with low priority ring command
A transactional memory (TM) includes a control circuit pipeline and an associated memory unit. The memory unit stores a plurality of rings. The pipeline maintains, for each ring, a head pointer and a tail pointer. A ring operation stage of the pipeline maintains the pointers as values are put onto and are taken off the rings. A put command causes the TM to put a value into a ring, provided the ring is not full. A get command causes the TM to take a value off a ring, provided the ring is not empty. A put with low priority command causes the TM to put a value into a ring, provided the ring has at least a predetermined amount of free buffer space. A get from a set of rings command causes the TM to get a value from the highest priority non-empty ring (of a specified set of rings). |
| US08972626B2 |
Content reproducing device and content reproduction control method
A content reproducing device includes: an input unit connected to a source side via a content transmission channel for transmitting a content and a control signal transmission channel for transmitting an address representing a physical connection relation of a device; an output unit connected to a sink side via a content transmission channel for transmitting a content and a control signal transmission channel for transmitting an address representing a physical connection relation of a device; and a switch provided between the input and output units and assuming one of a first connection state of connecting between the input and output units and a second connection state of connecting the input unit and a content reproducing unit, the device acquiring the address at the sink side in the first connection state, and setting the acquired address as the address provided to the source side in the second connection state. |
| US08972616B2 |
System and method for prioritizing iSCSI data transmission using data center bridging enabled switches
A method of prioritizing data transmissions between a SCSI initiator and a SCSI target in a network system with DCB enabled switches. The method includes a switch controller detecting a SCSI set priority response transmitted via a first pair of switch ports from a SCSI target to a SCSI initiator, which communicate SCSI messaging and transmit I/O data via the first pair of switch ports. In response to detecting the SCSI set priority response, the priority data established by the SCSI target is retrieved and, based on the retrieved priority data, the switch controller autonomously sets the DCB priority for the first pair of switch ports to a first DCB priority value correlated to the retrieved priority data. Transmission of the I/O data between the SCSI initiator and the SCSI target is supported with a priority of the first pair of switch ports set to the first DCB priority value. |
| US08972615B2 |
Communication with input/output system devices
A computer program product is provided for performing: obtaining, by a channel subsystem, a transport command word (TCW) specified by an operating system, the TCW comprising an address of a transport services request block (TSRQB) and an address of a transport services response block (TSRSB); obtaining the TSRQB; building at least one command request based on the TSRQB, and sending the at least one command request from the channel subsystem to at least one network entity, the at least one command request including at least one of a fiber-channel generic services (FC-GS) request, a fiber-channel link services (FC-LS) request, and a fiber-channel link-level function (FC-SB) request; receiving a response to the at least one command request from the at least one network entity; and storing the response to the TSRSB based on the address of the TSRSB obtained from the TCW. |
| US08972614B2 |
Half-duplex SATA link with controlled idle gap insertion
A method includes receiving in a storage device multiple commands from a host, and sending responses to the commands from the storage device to the host, over a half-duplex link that does not enable simultaneous transmission by the host and by the storage device. An idle gap is inserted between two of the responses, during which the host has priority to send one or more subsequent commands on the half-duplex link. |
| US08972612B2 |
Collecting asymmetric data and proxy data on a communication network
A system, method, and apparatus for collecting data streams, such as data packets, on a network, such as the Internet, are disclosed. A metadata portion of at least one of the data streams is analyzed on the network and evaluated using a metadata processing engine to identify a relationship between at least two of the plurality of data streams, e.g., a relationship between multiple users of interest, a new user of interest, etc. Evaluation of the metadata and the relationships can be performed algorithmically, as predetermined by an analyst or as provided as preset options by the network monitoring system (NMS). An interface manager can receive the new user of interest, evaluate the new user of interest for redundancy against existing users of interest of the NMS; then communicate the new user of interest to at least one access device to collect data streams associated with the new user of interest. |
| US08972611B2 |
Multi-server consolidated input/output (IO) device
An input/output (IO) device for connecting multiple servers to one or more network interfaces. The device includes a network connection module comprising one or more network interfaces, and a virtual host interface configured to enable communication with a plurality of host servers. The device includes IO controller configured to connect each of the host servers to one or more of the network interfaces such that the connections between each host server and corresponding one or more network interfaces are operationally isolated and independent from one another. |
| US08972606B2 |
Channel subsystem server time protocol commands
A protocol for communicating with the timing facility used in a data processing network to provide synchronization is provided via the execution of a machine instruction that accepts a plurality of commands. The interaction is provided through the use of message request blocks and their associated message response blocks. In this way timing parameters may be determined, modified and communicated. This makes it much easier for multiple servers or nodes in a data processing network to exist as a coordinated timing network and to thus more cooperatively operate on the larger yet identical data files. |
| US08972605B2 |
Secure location identification service
A first server may: receive, from a second server, a request for location information associated with a first user device having a first identifier and a second identifier, or a request for information to identify one or more second user devices located in a particular geographic area; determine the second identifier based on information stored by the first server mapping the second identifier to the first identifier; provide, to the third server, the second identifier to request the location information associated with the second identifier; receive the location information associated with the second identifier; and provide, to the second server, the location information associated with the user device based on receiving the location information. The first server may provide information regarding the geographic area to the third server to receive the information identifying the one or more user devices in the geographic area. |
| US08972603B1 |
Managing encoded multi-part communications
Techniques are described for providing managed computer networks. In some situations, the techniques include managing communications for computing nodes of a managed computer network by automatically determining to separate a particular outgoing packet or other outgoing communication from a source computing node into multiple parts (e.g., multiple packets) to be independently sent using two or more alternative network paths between the sending computing node and the destination for the communication. For example, a manager module associated with the source computing node may automatically determine to encode the outgoing communication into a dynamically determined quantity of multiple parts (e.g., by using a configurable erasure code), such as based on current information about available alternative paths, and another manager module associated with the destination may receive at least some of the multiple parts and decode them into the original outgoing communication, which is then provided to the destination. |
| US08972600B2 |
Method and apparatus for a fault resilient collaborative media serving array
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for a fault resilient collaborative media serving array comprising a plurality of nodes. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for creating a fault resilient collaborative media serving array where the array nodes do not share memory, the serving of a content file is accomplished by the collaborative efforts of many nodes in the array, and where there is no fixed allocation of sessions to nodes. |
| US08972597B2 |
Method and system for enabling generation of a summary of a data stream
A summary of a data stream, comprising a plurality of segments, is generated. A data stream, comprising a plurality of segments, is transmitted to a plurality of users (step 300). Ratings in respect of at least one of the plurality of segments of the data stream are collected from a plurality of users (step 306). This enables a summary of the data stream to be generated on the basis of the collected ratings (step 308). |
| US08972596B2 |
System and method for effecting communications among devices in different domains employing different operating protocols
A system for effecting communications among a plurality of devices situated in a plurality of domains employing differing operating protocols; the system including: (a) at least one topology agent situated in a source domain of the domains and configured for effecting operation of the system among the domains; (b) at least one negotiator agent situated between the source domain and a respective other domain and configured for selective coupling with a respective topology agent; the at least one negotiator agent implementing quality of service parameters provided by the respective topology agent to convey communications from the source domain to the other domain; and (c) a plurality of proxy agents; at least one proxy agent being situated in each respective other domain and configured for implementing quality of service policies received from the respective negotiator agent to effect the communications within the respective other domain. |
| US08972593B2 |
Load sharing method, load sharing system and access server
A load sharing method, system, and access server has been disclosed. The load sharing method includes: sending request information to at least two authentication authorization accounting servers, receiving respective state information sent by the at least two authentication authorization accounting servers according to the request information, determining a load sharing ratio among the at least two authentication authorization accounting servers according to the respective state information, and sharing loads among the at least two authentication authorization accounting servers according to the load sharing ratio. The access server can adjust the load sharing ratio among the authentication authorization accounting servers dynamically, which improves user access performance. |
| US08972589B2 |
Location-based access control in a data network
A request for network access is received from a client device at a network entry device of a network infrastructure. The network infrastructure determines a physical location of the client device and determines authorization of the client device based on the physical location. The approach can include providing the physical location along with other user credentials to an authorizing device. The method can also include determining a level of service based on the physical location. Communication for the approach can make use of the IEEE 802.1X protocol. |
| US08972588B2 |
System and method for automatic discovery of topology in an LTE/SAE network
A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for monitoring a telecommunications network that comprises a plurality of Mobility Management Entity (MME) nodes and a plurality of evolved UTRAN NodeB (eNodeB) nodes coupled by S1-MME interfaces. A Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) association identifier is assigned to an SCTP association between interconnected MME and eNodeB nodes. Specific S1-MME messages allow discovering the MME nodes and the eNodeB nodes with their network identifiers, identifying the connections between them and populating proper tables for this topology information. |
| US08972585B2 |
Method for splitting a load of monitoring a peer to peer network
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for splitting a load of monitoring a peer to peer network. The method has a first node in the peer to peer network receiving information reported by a second node in the peer to peer network, including information concerning which nodes are connected to the second node. The method further has the first node connecting to nodes different from the nodes that are connected to the second node using the received information. The method still further has the first node reporting information, including information concerning which nodes are connected to the first node, such that the second node also has access to the reported information, thereby splitting the load of monitoring the peer to peer network among the first and second nodes. |
| US08972584B2 |
Remote card reader access
Computing devices for providing a web service interface to a communication layer of the smartcard reader. |
| US08972582B2 |
Method and apparatus enabling reauthentication in a cellular communication system
A method (and corresponding equipment) for use in reauthentication—after a first, full authentication by a first authentication server (23a)—of a communication session involving the exchange of information between a terminal (21) and a server (24), the method including: a step (11) in which the first authentication server (23a) and other authentication servers (23b) are each assigned a respective unique realm name; and a step (13) in which during authentication between the terminal and the first authentication server (23a), the first authentication server (23a) transmits to the terminal (21) a reauthentication identity including the unique realm name assigned to the first authentication server. Then, later, during reauthentication, to make possible that the reauthentication is performed by the same authentication server (23a) as performed the full authentication—i.e. by the first authentication server (23a)—the reauthentication identity is included in a request for reauthentication. |
| US08972581B2 |
Server clustering in a computing-on-demand system
A device may provision two or more servers, each of the servers including a network interface. In addition, the device may enable the network interface in each of the provisioned servers, create a shared volume, assign the shared volume to each of the provisioned servers, and enable a clustering application on each of the provisioned servers to form a cluster comprising the provisioned servers, the cluster having a heartbeat via the network interfaces. |
| US08972575B2 |
Server-side web analytics system and method
There is provided a server-side web analytics computer implemented system and method. In an embodiment the system has at least one computer server for receiving an electronic request from a web enabled source. The computer server has a web application for creating a log message from the electronic request. The computer server further has an automated server-side web analytics system for processing the log message into an action message and for processing the action message into a reporting message. The server-side web analytics computer implemented system generates asynchronously and in near real-time web analytics data from the reporting message. |
| US08972573B2 |
Triggering actions based on changes in a network connection
The described embodiments provide a system for performing an action based on a change in a status of a wired or wireless network connection for the system. During operation, the system detects the change in the status of the network connection. In response to detecting the change, the system determines a state of the system. The system then performs one or more actions using the determined state. |
| US08972571B2 |
System and method for correlating network identities and addresses
The system and method for correlating network identities and addresses described herein may include a log correlation engine distributed on a network that identifies relationships between certain network identities and Internet Protocol (IP) and Ethernet addresses in the network. In particular, the log correlation engine may analyze various event logs that describe activity in a network to learn relationships between network identities and network addresses and generate alerts in response to discovering changes in the learned relationships. For example, the log correlation engine may identify authentication events described in the logs to map network identities to IP addresses, and may further analyze the logs to map the IP addresses to Ethernet addresses. Thus, the log correlation engine may discover new and changed relationships between the network identities, the IP addresses, and the Ethernet addresses. |
| US08972566B1 |
Distributed statistical detection of network problems and causes
In a network, a set of machines communicate pairwise, each conditionally adjusting messages in response to its own local state, and each in response to statistical methods conditionally propagating those messages, with the effect that problems with that network, or with a subset of its machines, are reported to a receiver/server. Only a substantially constant number of reports are made to the receiver/server, even when there are a substantial number of such machines able to detect that problem. When a problem is reported, a similar technique causes the machines to collectively evaluate and report suggested causes for that problem. Messages are propagated from each machine to another using locally random global locality. The machines in the network, in response to statistical techniques, organize hierarchically in O(log n) time, where n is the number of machines in the network, substantially without any requirement for nonlocal message exchange. |
| US08972565B1 |
Detecting content and user response to content
A first set of data including a first tracking identifier for a first webpage component and a destination address for the first webpage component is accessed. A second set of data that includes an address for retrieving a second webpage component, is accessed. The address includes a second tracking identifier. Whether the second tracking identifier is the same as the first tracking identifier is determined. The second webpage component is associated with the destination address when the second tracking identifier is the same as the first tracking identifier. |
| US08972556B2 |
Method and apparatus for management of network communications
A method and apparatus for maintaining a communication link through a NAT or other boundary device. Keep-alive messages (keep-alives) are transmitted and received by the boundary device to maintain the link therethrough. Address information of a keep-alive purports that keep-alive has traversed or is to traverse a predetermined portion of the communication link, such as a wireless “over the air” portion. However, the keep-alive is inhibited from traversing the predetermined portion. This may be accomplished by one or more of: spoofing the origin of the keep-alive such that it only appears to have traversed the predetermined portion; and causing the keep-alive to be discarded before traversal of the predetermined portion. Discard may be facilitated by configuration of the TTL field of the keep-alive or by use of a filtering device. |
| US08972555B2 |
IPsec connection to private networks
A server hosting system and method of connecting to managed servers using IPsec are disclosed. The server hosting system includes a plurality of managed servers, and first and second secure communication appliances. The first secure communication appliance is configured to connect to a tenant appliance at a first tenant using an IPsec tunnel, and further configured to route data between a first managed server of the plurality of managed servers and the tenant appliance at the first tenant. The second secure communication appliance is configured to connect to a tenant appliance at a second tenant using an IPsec tunnel, and further configured to route data between a second managed server of the plurality of managed servers and the tenant appliance at the second tenant. |
| US08972554B2 |
Methods and apparatus to measure mobile broadband market share
Methods and apparatus are disclosed to measure mobile broadband market share. A disclosed example method involves receiving first information indicative of a first network interface device used at a first time, receiving second information indicative of a first Internet protocol (IP) address used at the first time, and identifying an instance of mobile broadband data card Internet access when the first network interface device is a broadband data card and the first IP address is associated with a first broadband Internet service provider (ISP). |
| US08972551B1 |
Prioritizing service requests
Disclosed are various embodiments for prioritizing service requests. A service request destined for processing by a service provider is obtained in at least one computing device. The service provider is configured to provide a service. The service request includes at least one client-specified parameter indicating a priority of the service request. A load associated with the service is determined. The service request is prioritized for an initial processing stage of the service provider when the load meets at least one threshold. The prioritizing for the initial processing stage is based at least in part on the at least one client-specified parameter. The service request is prioritized for an additional processing stage of the service provider when the load meets the at least one threshold. The prioritizing for the additional processing stage is based at least in part on the at least one client-specified parameter and a result of the initial processing stage. |
| US08972547B2 |
Method and apparatus for dynamically configuring virtual internet protocol addresses
A host node connected to a network using an Internet Protocol automatically identifies multiple adapters connected to the same network, preferably by broadcasting a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) request for assignment of an IP address on a first adapter, and listening to the request on a second adapter, thereby determining that both adapters are on the same network. The host preferably causes an IP address to be generated for one of the adapters, and automatically configures the adapters to share the IP address thus generated as a virtual IP address, assigning one of the adapters as a primary adapter. Preferably, the host automatically detects deactivation of the primary adapter and switches the virtual address assignment to a different adapter. |
| US08972546B2 |
Apparatus system and method for booting a server from a storage system
An apparatus, system, and computer readable medium are disclosed for booting a server from a shared storage system. The present invention teaches at least one server having at least one processor, a storage system having a plurality of storage drives and at least one boot volume corresponding to the at least one server, and a switch fabric having at least one switch; the switch fabric isolates boot traffic form storage traffic and enables communication between the server and the boot volume of the storage system. In some embodiments the switch fabric includes one or more partitionable switches that isolate boot traffic from storage traffic. The boot volumes may be a redundant array of storage devices. In certain embodiments, the present invention also includes devices external to the server, switch fabric, and storage system. |
| US08972541B2 |
Method and apparatus providing access network aware presence to applications
A method and system for detecting and communicating access network capability information to an application server such that the application server may adapt its service offerings in response to changes in the access network associated with one or more user terminals. The service adaptations may comprise increases or decreases in service level, depending upon whether the access network capability has increased or decreased. |
| US08972531B2 |
Methods and systems of retrieving seismic data by a data server
Retrieving seismic data by a data server. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: retrieving a seismic data slice from a seismic data volume, the datums logically organized in parallel layers, the retrieving by: sending a request for the seismic data slice from a client computer to a data sever over a network connection, the request spans at least a quarter of the layers in the seismic data volume, and the data server is remote from the client computer; extracting data values associated with the seismic data slice from the seismic data volume by the data server; sending, by the data server, datums residing within the seismic data slice, the sending such that at least some cache lines of a processor of the client computer filled responsive to the request comprise datums that span more than one layer; and then rendering the seismic data slice on a display device. |
| US08972528B2 |
Presenting an image of assembled components
A ring design machine receives one or more selections of gemstones and one or more selections of settings and allows a user to “mix and match” gemstones and settings and view a selected gemstone in a compatible setting for that gemstone. To present the gemstone in the setting, the ring design machine presents a combination image that depicts the gemstone in the setting. The ring design machine, which may be implemented using a computer programmed by software, may present the combination image to the user in response to receiving a selection of the gemstone and a selection of the setting from the user via a network. |
| US08972521B2 |
Method and device for operating wind farm power grids with improved data transmission protocol
A method and apparatus for the operation of a wind farm grid system. Methods and apparatus are provided for networking between the farm management system (farm master) and individual wind turbines (WKA) of a wind farm via a central network for the purpose of data transmission in both directions. The central network may be configured as a ring, star, line, or tree having a physical layer which communicates with a data link layer which is in communication with a wind farm protocol (WPP) application layer through a WPP real-time driver. |
| US08972516B2 |
Network based storage and accounts
Managing information related to an entity. The method includes storing a cache of data particular to an entity. The cache of data is related to the entity and controlled by the entity. The data in the cache of data is organized into a number of distinct subject matters. Access is provided to a portion of the data to a third party. Access is provided based on the third party being a service provider providing services related to the one of the distinct subject matters. Access is provided while restricting access to other portions of the data to the third party. Additional data is received from the third party. The additional data is added from the third party to the cache of data and the additional data is organized into the one of the distinct subject matters such that the additional data is also related to and controlled by the entity. |
| US08972515B2 |
Computer architectures using shared storage
Shared storage architectures are provided. A particular shared storage architecture includes an Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) system. The ESB system includes shared storage including data and file system metadata separated from the data. The file system metadata includes location data specifying storage location information related to the data. An infrastructure function of the ESB system is provided to enable messaging between providers and consumers through the shared storage. |
| US08972514B2 |
Data transmitting and receiving method, data transmitting and receiving system, master device, and slave device
In a data transmitting and receiving method of a demand assignment type, a master device schedules an occupancy band of a fixed size for requesting a band to the master device by slave devices, with respect to a specific number of slave devices for each cycle, and the slave device waits for assignment of the occupancy band of the fixed size based on the schedule and performs message transmission of requesting a band for data transmission to the master device, thereby suppressing an influence of pressure on the data transmission band and preventing line utilization efficiency from decreasing while avoiding signal collision on a Random Channel. |
| US08972512B2 |
Message delivery systems and methods
Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for handling large numbers of messages of one or more message types. In embodiments, the scalable messaging system reads from lists of recipient addresses and template messages, mergers them into messages, removes known blacklisted addresses, facilitates the rapid delivery of these messages via a dynamic queuing and dynamic message server deployment, and stores errors and other statistics. In embodiments, the scalable messaging system may include messaging system instances at different locations. |
| US08972511B2 |
Methods and apparatus for analyzing social media for enterprise compliance issues
In some embodiments, a non-transitory processor-readable medium includes code that causes a processor to receive, at a compliance device, a message from a source communication device addressed to a destination communication device. The code causes the processor to analyze at a context engine, the content of the message to determine a first risk level associated with a preference of an organization. The code further causes the processor to analyze at a regulatory engine, the content of the message to determine a second risk level associated with a regulatory standard of a specific industry and to define a composite risk level based on the first risk level and the second risk level. The code further causes the processor to send a notification to an administrator if the composite risk level satisfies a criterion, and to send the message to the destination communication device irrespective of the composite risk level. |
| US08972509B2 |
Automated rich-content messaging
Various embodiments include systems, methods, and software for automated rich-content messaging. Some such embodiments generating messages to be sent via email, MMS, social media, or other electronic mechanisms from a business application based on message templates authored within a content management program. Messages may be generated and sent based on event occurrences, monitored data conditions, and the like. |
| US08972506B2 |
Conversation mapping
A method may include receiving communications associated with a communication session. The communication session may correspond to a telephone conversation, text-based conversation or a multimedia conversation. The method may also include identifying portions of the communication session and storing the identified portions. The method may further include receiving a request to retrieve information associated with the communication session and providing to a display, information associated with the identified portions. |
| US08972505B2 |
Method and system for maintaining contact information
Techniques for synchronizing personal contact information with or from different sources are disclosed. Through a website (i.e., a server or system), all fractional personal contact information is consolidated, synchronized, processed or updated. In return, any of the resources may be synchronized to get a copy of the latest version of the contact information. When contacts in a list by a registered user are also registered with the server, any of the contacts may update their respective contact information that can be timely reflected in the list. As a result, the registered user always has a latest version of the contact information for some or all of his/her contacts without even knowing some has already been changed or updated. Based on the contact information, other features including proof delivery of emails, recycling of deleted contacts, a “black” list, contact relationship levels and anonymous email, short messaging and calls are provided. |
| US08972500B2 |
Data share system, data process apparatus, and computer-readable recording medium
A data process apparatus for sharing shared data among plural data process apparatuses participating in an event. The data process apparatus includes a participation notification reception unit configured to receive a participation notification from each of the plural data process apparatus including first and second data process apparatuses in the event, a notifying unit configured to notify the second data process apparatus to the first data process apparatus as a data obtain target from which the shared data is to be obtained. The second data process apparatus is a data process apparatus from which the participation notification has already been received by the participation notification reception unit. |
| US08972499B2 |
Automated web conference presentation quality improvement
A slide presentation file created by a web conference client device at an initial presentation quality using one version of an application is uploaded to a web conference server device that implements a state sharing mechanism for web conference slide presentation quality improvement during a web conference among a group of web conference client devices. The web conference server device is requested to begin rendering and distribution of presentation slides as part of the web conference among the group of web conference client devices using the state sharing mechanism. A rendered web conference presentation slide of the slide presentation file is received from the web conference server device. A determination is made that the rendered web conference presentation slide of the slide presentation file is rendered at a presentation quality different from the initial presentation quality of the uploaded slide presentation file. |
| US08972497B2 |
Automated encoding of field operators for absent fields
In one example a method includes: selecting, by a computing device, a message description that indicates a pre-defined operator is associated with a message data field; receiving, by the computing device, information associated with the message data field; responsive to determining that the information indicates the message data field does not include data, determining, by the computing device, whether to include, in a second message that is associated with the message description, a data value for the message data field of the second message based on the pre-defined operator that is associated with the message data field, wherein the data value is stored by the computing device and is associated with the message data field. |
| US08972492B2 |
Image processing apparatus, control method for image processing apparatus, and program
An image processing apparatus connected to a Web server and including a Web browser for displaying an operation screen provided by the Web server and a processing unit that, when requested to execute image processing by the Web server based on access from the Web browser, executes the requested image processing, where it is determined, depending on a destination of access by the Web browser, whether or not to supply information about the image processing apparatus to the destination of access, and if it is determined that the information about the image processing apparatus should be supplied, the information about the image processing apparatus is supplied to the destination of access made by the Web browser. |
| US08972491B2 |
Consistency-based service-level agreements in cloud storage environments
An application programming interface is provided that allows applications to assign multiple service-level agreements to their data transactions. The service-level agreements include latency bounds and consistency guarantees. The applications may assign utility values to each of the service-level agreements. A monitor component monitors the various replica nodes in a cloud storage system for latency and consistency, and when a transaction is received from an application, the monitor determines which of the replica nodes can likely fulfill the transaction in satisfaction of any of the service-level agreements. Where multiple service-level agreements can be satisfied, the replica node that can fulfill the transaction according to the service-level agreement with the greatest utility is selected. The application may be charged for the transaction based on the utility of the service-level agreement that was satisfied. |
| US08972490B1 |
User discovery in socially-aware data storage systems
Information processing techniques for managing user discovery requests in a computing system such as a socially-aware data storage system. In one example, a method comprises the following steps. A user discovery request is sent from a first client to a socially-aware data storage system. The user discovery request comprises a social score computed for the first client. A list of other clients associated with the socially-aware data storage system is received at the first client from the socially-aware data storage system. The list of other clients is based on the social score computed for the first client. |
| US08972489B2 |
Providing a client interface for a server-based web application programming interface
Disclosed methods, systems, and articles of manufacture, including processor-readable mediums, relate to providing a client interface for a server-based web application programming interface (API). In a disclosed method, a client device receives a first discovery document that is represented in a first machine-readable language and that includes information describing a plurality of resources of a first API of a server device. Based at least in part on the first discovery document, the client device executes a first set of instructions represented in a second machine-readable language that is different from the first machine-readable language, to generate a first library that includes instructions represented in the second machine-readable language and that enables the client device to interface with at least one of the plurality of resources of the first API. |
| US08972488B2 |
System, methods, and media for providing in-memory non-relational databases
Providing a first control process that executes in a hardware processor, providing a first server process that executes in a hardware processor, that responds to write requests by storing objects in in-memory, non-relational data store, and that responds to read requests by providing objects from in-memory, non-relational data store, wherein the objects each have an object size; forming a plurality of persistent connections between the first control process and the first server process; using the first control process, pipelining, using a pipeline having a pipeline size, requests that include the read requests and the write requests over at least one of the plurality of persistent connections; using the first control process, adjusting the number of plurality of persistent connections and the pipeline size based on an average of the object sizes; and using the first control process, prioritizing requests by request type based on anticipated load from the requests. |
| US08972484B2 |
Method and apparatus for efficient and accurate analytics with cross-domain correlation
A method of generating analytics to provide an analysis of data from distinct data domains includes collecting sensor data from at least two distinct data domains, deriving parameters from the collected data, wherein at least one of the parameters is a first domain parameter derived from one of the data domains and at least another one of the parameters is a second domain parameter derived from the other data domain, providing a data model that enables a user to specify at least one of the first parameters and at least one of the second domain parameters and generate at least one rule based on the selected parameters, and generating analytics that analyze the collected data against the rules to determinate whether the rules have been satisfied and provide results of the analysis to a user of the analytics. |
| US08972482B2 |
Automated remote site downloading on a geographic drive
A remote site downloading system is disclosed in which a local computer establishes a session with a content server, and a content file and geographic destination drive are selected. The local computer is typically on a first access network and the user wishes to have the file downloaded to a geographic drive, i.e., a remote site computer whose location and other properties are mapped in a mapping file on the local computer. The geographic drive is usually on a different access network in a dynamic location such as a hotspot or a fixed location such as broadband cable or DSL. The local computer is specially programmed to allow selection of the geographic target drive, pack information comprising cookies and a URL, and sends it to the remote geographic drive computer, where it may act as a proxy to cause downloading from the content server to the geographic drive on the remote site computer. |
| US08972480B2 |
Enhanced barrier operator within a streaming environment
Techniques are described for processing data. Embodiments receive streaming data to be processed by a plurality of processing elements. An operator graph of the plurality of processing elements that defines at least one execution path is established. Additionally, a first processing element in the operator graph includes a barrier operator that joins the output of one or more upstream operators included in one or more of the plurality of processing elements. Embodiments initiate one or more timeout conditions at the barrier operator. Embodiments also determine, at the first processing element, that one or more timeout conditions have been satisfied before data has been received from each of the one or more upstream operators. Upon determining that the one or more timeout conditions have been satisfied, embodiments generate output data at the barrier operator without the data from at least one of the one or more upstream operators. |