| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08974066B2 |
Optical coatings with plate-shaped particles and methods for forming the same
Embodiments provided herein describe optical coatings, panels having optical coatings thereon, and methods for forming optical coatings and panels. A transparent substrate is provided. An optical coating is formed on the transparent substrate. The optical coating includes a plurality of plate-shaped silicon dioxide particles. |
| US08974064B2 |
Light source apparatus and image projection apparatus
A light source apparatus includes a light source unit that includes plural sets of a laser and a coupling lens corresponding to the laser, which are circumferentially provided to form a circle; and a reflecting unit placed within the circle and provided with plural reflecting surfaces corresponding to the lasers of the plural sets of the light source unit to be formed in a cone shape, the light irradiated from each of the lasers being injected into the corresponding reflecting surface via the corresponding coupling lens. |
| US08974059B2 |
Retinal imaging system for the mouse or rat or other small animals
A small animal imaging system comprising a base element and a camera coupled to the base element, the camera being sized to image the eye of a small animal. A light-emitting diode is also included coupled to the base element. An OCT imaging apparatus is also included coupled to the base element. An X-Y scanner is also included coupled to the base element in communication with the OCT imaging apparatus. |
| US08974053B2 |
Contact lens having peripheral high modulus zones
Soft contact lens having regions of a material forming one or more higher modulus of elasticity zones in the peripheral region of the lenses add stiffness to the contact lenses. This increased stiffness in different zones or regions enable the contact lens to be more easily handled and make it less likely to fold in on itself. |
| US08974046B2 |
Liquid circulation unit, liquid circulation apparatus and method of manufacturing coated body
A liquid circulation unit adapted to be provided in a liquid circulation apparatus to circulate a liquid, including, a first liquid storage unit to store the liquid, a sensor to detect a fluid level of the liquid stored in the first liquid storage unit, a liquid sending pump to send the liquid to an outside from the first liquid storage unit based on a detection result of the sensor, a pipe arrangement for deaeration to remove a dissolved gas in the liquid sent from the liquid sending pump, a filter to remove an impurity in the liquid sent from the liquid sending pump, a diaphragm valve which opens when the liquid is sent to the outside from the first liquid storage unit, and a cock valve which opens when the liquid is sent to the first liquid storage unit from the outside, wherein the liquid circulation unit is adapted to be provided so as to be detachable to or from the liquid circulation apparatus. |
| US08974044B2 |
Cartridge and printing material supply system
A cartridge comprises an ink supply structure, a terminal bearing structure, and a first restriction portion. The terminal bearing structure has terminals arranged in a terminal plane which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to a plane defined by a mounting direction leading edge of the ink supply structure, so that the contact portions of the terminals receive a force in a direction opposite (RD) from the mounting direction. An engagement portion of the first restriction portion is provided at a position adjacent to the terminal bearing structure. |
| US08974043B2 |
Attachment and attachment system
An attachment is mountable on a carriage in place of a liquid container that contains liquid and that is mounted on the carriage having a liquid jet head for jetting liquid, so that the attachment can supply liquid introduced from outside to the liquid jet head. The attachment has a pressure control means provided in a flow passage which is formed in an attachment body and through which the liquid introduced from the outside is supplied to the liquid jet head. |
| US08974042B2 |
Liquid supply flow path device and liquid ejecting apparatus using the same
A recording apparatus comprises a case and an ink nozzle in the interior of the case. An opening and closing member is movably affixed to an upper side of the case. The opening and closing member is configured to open and close. An external tank is located exterior to the case. A tube provides a liquid from the external tank to the ink nozzle. A portion of the tube extends into the case through a gap between the case and the opening and closing member in the closed position. |
| US08974038B2 |
Liquid holding container and liquid consuming apparatus
A liquid holding container includes an inlet port to which ink to be supplied to a printer is introduced. The liquid holding container has a first part where at least a portion is positioned to be outside the printer and a second part where at least a portion is inserted into the printer. At least a portion of the bottom section of the first part is lower than at least a portion of the bottom section of the second part. |
| US08974037B2 |
Film coating device having an inkjet head, and a method of forming a film
The film coating device forms a film of a coating liquid on the surface of a material to be coated using an inkjet printer. A print head unit moves in a first direction with respect to a surface of a material to be coated, and a plurality of print heads are continuously mounted on the print head unit over an entire coating width in a direction or orthogonal to a first direction. A fixed control unit is provided on a fixed portion of the film coating device, and a coating control unit is provided on the moving portion of the film coating device. The coating control unit is configured to control a coating state of the plurality print heads and moves together with the print head unit. The coating control unit is connected to the fixed control unit by a transmission line. |
| US08974035B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus including a recording head that discharges UV ink onto a recording material and an ultraviolet light irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet light to the discharged UV ink so as to harden the UV ink; further includes a failure diagnostic unit that diagnoses a failure condition of the ultraviolet light irradiation unit and a controller that controls operations of the recording head, the ultraviolet light irradiation unit, and the failure diagnostic unit. Further, the controller is so configured as to change the operation mode of the recording apparatus to a failure-state mode when the ultraviolet light irradiation unit has been diagnosed as a failure by the failure diagnostic unit. |
| US08974031B2 |
Inkjet printer
An inkjet printer including a body, a carriage, a recording head, a bendable connecting member, and a controller is provided. The controller executes a moving step to move the carriage in an orientation after the carriage is halted for a length, a measuring step to measure the period, and a discharging step to manipulate the recording head to discharge ink at a sheet. In the discharging step, if the measured period is within a first length, the recording head is manipulated to discharge the ink at a first discharging timing, and if the measured period is within a second length which is longer than the first length, the recording head is manipulated to discharge the ink at a second discharging timing, which is advanced to be earlier than the first discharging timing. |
| US08974025B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus
An ink jet recording apparatus includes a liquid-ejecting head including a pressure-generating chamber filled with a photocurable ink composition containing a polymerizable functional group-containing compound and water, a nozzle communicating with the pressure-generating chamber and ejecting a droplet of the photocurable ink composition, and a pressure-generating member causing a pressure change in the pressure-generating chamber; and an ejection pulse-generating unit generating an ejection pulse for driving the pressure-generating member. |
| US08974016B2 |
Surface marked articles, related methods and systems
A method of surface marking an article, especially a building product, is provided. One described method includes the steps of laser marking a first graphic design element on a surface of an article and ink-jet printing a second graphic design element in registry with the first graphic design element on the surface of the article to create a high quality overall graphic design. Also provided are articles made according to this method, and systems for carrying out the method. |
| US08974015B2 |
Method for creating a printed image on a rotating, three-dimensional body
A method for creating a printed image on a rotating, three-dimensional body or bottle eccentrically on a turntable, includes providing an inkjet printing unit having inkjet nozzles along a straight line for printing at a clock rate, rotating the body about a rotation axis parallel to the line using a motor, prescribing a fundamental frequency f0(t) for activating the motor, for example based on a constant angular velocity, activating the motor with the fundamental frequency f0(t), prescribing an average or constant body radius R0, determining a radius change ΔR(t) of the body during rotation, calculating a correction value k(t) for the printing unit clock rate, where k(t)=1+ΔR(t)/R0, and activating the printing unit with a frequency f(t) for the clock rate, where f(t)=f0(t)·k(t), for example permitting printing on eccentrically rotating bottles with a constant print resolution while avoiding image imperfections. |
| US08974014B1 |
Drawer for holding beverage cartridges
A stand for a single-cup beverage brewer incorporates a beverage cartridge storage drawer and incorporates a lever mechanism which, when actuated, simultaneously lifts a plurality of elastomeric friction pads from contacting a support surface, such as a kitchen countertop, while supporting the assembly on rollers to facilitate moving the stand and beverage brewer supported thereon. Release of the lever again brings the friction pads into contact with the countertop to function as a brake. |
| US08974013B2 |
Method for regulating a hydraulic braking system of a motor vehicle
A method for controlling a hydraulic braking system of a motor vehicle is provided. The method includes determining the vehicle speed and comparing the vehicle speed with a predefinable critical vehicle speed. If the vehicle speed lies below the critical vehicle speed, the method includes determining a required brake pressure or a brake pressure present in the braking system and comparing the brake pressure with a predefinable critical brake pressure. The method includes if the brake pressure lies below the critical brake pressure, blocking the buildup of a brake pressure in wheel brakes used for braking vehicle wheels of a vehicle rear axle. |
| US08974011B2 |
Tractor hydraulic brake circuit with ABS capability
A vehicle brake system includes a pump, a sump, brake units and left and right manually operated brake valves. The brake system also includes, for each brake unit, a solenoid operated on-off valve having a first port connected to a pilot of one of the brake valves, a second port, a third port connected to one of the brake units, a solenoid and a spring which opposes the solenoid. The brake system also includes, for each brake unit, a solenoid operated proportional valve. Each proportional valve controls communication between the pump, the sump and the second port of a corresponding one of the on-off valves. |
| US08974010B2 |
Electric brake system for vehicles
The electric brake system for vehicles includes a pressure supplier connected to a reservoir through a hydraulic passage to receive the oil, the pressure supplier outputting a brake will of a driver as an electric signal through the pedal displacement sensor, when the driver pushes the brake pedal, to operate a motor and convert a rotational force of the motor into linear motion, a hydraulic control unit including a first circuit including at least one first vehicle wheel and a second circuit including at least one second vehicle wheel to receive a hydraulic pressure with a force generated by the pressure supplier and thereby perform braking, a blocking valve to control the hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder to a wheel cylinder disposed in each vehicle wheel, a simulation device connected to the master cylinder, to provide a reaction force response to the pedal effort of the brake pedal, and an electronic control unit to control the motor and the valves, based on pressure information and pedal displacement information. |
| US08974008B2 |
Driven wheel assembly and automotive vehicle equipped with such an assembly
A wheel assembly includes a fixed axle spindle, a rotating drive shaft extending inside the axle spindle, a bearing, a hub, a brake disc, and a wheel rim. An inner ring of the bearing is mounted on the spindle, the hub is mounted on an outer ring of the bearing and the drive shaft, the brake disc and the rim are fast in rotation with the hub. The drive shaft is mounted on the hub, the brake disc is mounted on the drive shaft and the rim is mounted on the brake disc, in that order, from an interior side to an exterior side of the wheel assembly with respect to a vehicle provided with said wheel assembly. |
| US08974003B2 |
Rear seat cushion sound reduction mat
A sound blocking rear seat assembly for an automotive vehicle. The rear seat assembly includes a seat back adjacent to a seat bottom. The seat bottom also defines at least two passenger seating locations. A seat base of the seat bottom extends the width of the seat assembly and has a non-planar three dimensional contoured upper surface. A nonporous resilient sound blocking layer has a shape substantially conforming to the upper surface of the seat base and is located over the seat base such that it extends substantially continuously and uninterruptedly over the width of the seat assembly. Positioned over the sound blocking layer is a resilient seat cushion, and a trim layer is located over the seat cushion layer. |
| US08973997B2 |
Seat structure with sit-to-stand feature
A stand chair is operated by a pair of screw shaft-type linear actuators which extend upwardly and forwardly from a pair of spaced-apart frame members. One embodiment has a solid seat and another has a split seat with a drop-away front portion. One or more motors are provided to operate the screw shafts in such a way as to raise the rear seat portion without changing its angular orientation in space. Connector links interconnect the frame with the front seat portion so as to cause it to drop downwardly out from under the thighs of an occupant, while the back seat portion raises upward, thereby assisting the occupant to stand up and exit the chair. Various additional features such as armrests, wheels and a reclining backrest may also be provided. |
| US08973996B2 |
Congregational prayer chair
The congregational prayer chair is designed to provide needed support for certain worshipers participating in Muslim prayer services. The chair is constructed with a seat and seat-back supported between two connecting arms. The connecting arms are mounted on chair legs. Grooves and tracks are provided on the arms that permit the seat and the seat-back to be moved in a predetermined manner so that a worshiper can attain the required prayer positions without disturbing the alignment of the prayer rows and the other worshippers. |
| US08973994B2 |
Variable lumbar support assembly
A variable lumbar support assembly for a seatback of a vehicle seat assembly includes a support bracket and a lumbar member. The support bracket has an upper end, an opposite lower end, and a pair of side rails extending between the upper end and the lower end. The support bracket has a curved central portion positioned between the upper and the lower end. The lumbar member is slidingly attached to the pair of side rails of the support bracket. The slidingly attachment of the lumbar member along the pair of slide rails provides both a vertical displacement and a fore and aft displacement of the lumbar member. |
| US08973992B2 |
Child safety seat
A child safety seat includes a seat base and a safety-belt clamping device disposed on the seat base, and is disposed to a car seat by a safety belt. The safety-belt clamping device includes a bottom seat, a rotatable clamping arm connected pivotally to an end of the bottom seat, and a retainer mounted to an opposite end of the bottom seat and retaining releasably a free end of the rotatable clamping arm thereon. The seat base has a mounting groove. The bottom seat is disposed fixedly on the seat base. The rotatable clamping arm and the retainer are disposed within the mounting groove. When the rotatable clamping arm is retained on the retainer, the safety belt is clamped between the rotatable clamping arm and two sidewalls defining the mounting groove. |
| US08973991B2 |
Seat anchoring element for child safety seats or baby carriers
A seat anchoring element for child safety seats or baby carriers has an anchoring element which can be secured to fixation elements on the vehicle seat, or to the vehicle body, by connectors at the ends of a separate strap system. The seat anchoring element comprises at least one front and rear securing element on the upper face for fixing the child safety seat or the baby carrier thereto, and least one tensioning device for those parts at the ends of which the connectors are located. The straps of the strap system can be wound onto a ratchet spool of the tensioning device and can be unwound after a locking mechanism of the ratchet is unlocked. A lever mounted pivotably with the seat anchoring element is coupled with the ratchet, wherein the bearing axis of the lever runs transversely to the longitudinal axis of the seat anchoring element. |
| US08973989B2 |
Occupant detection sensor assembly
A sensor system and seat assembly includes a sensor assembly configured to detect a seating force exerted on a portion of a seat cushion of a seat. The sensor assembly includes a base, a force transducer configured to output a signal indicative of the seating force, and a lever pivotably coupled to the base. The lever defines a sensing end configured to be disposed proximate to the portion of the seat cushion such that the seating force operates on the sensing end. The lever also defines an actuating end configured to apply an actuation force to the force transducer. The sensor assembly may comprise a plurality of levers. Each sensing end of each lever may be disposed in a separate location within the portion of the seat cushion. The sensor assembly may be configured to detect a child exerting a seating force on a portion of the seat cushion. |
| US08973986B1 |
Bicycle saddle to reduce perineal pressure
A bicycle saddle adapted to reduce pressure on a rider's perineum zone including a shell having a support portion for the ischial tuberosities and a narrow nose portion extending forward of the support portion. A channel of sloped depth runs substantially the length of the nose portion and follows the dimensions of the human body. The channel is depressed at a shoulder of the support portion so that little or no pressure is applied by the saddle to the central point of the perineal body. An air filled elastic member may be provided in the channel. |
| US08973985B2 |
Vehicle seat
There is provided a vehicle seat including: a seatback formed with a penetrating portion that penetrates from a front face side to a back face side; a placement member that is attached to the seatback so as to be capable of moving between a housed position housed inside the penetrating portion and closing off the penetrating portion and a lowered position lowered from the housed position towards the front side; and a flexible opening and closing member that is attached to the seatback and is capable of opening the penetrating portion and closing off the penetrating portion from the seatback back face side. |
| US08973981B2 |
Acoustic wheel well liner
A wheel well liner for use in the wheel well of motor vehicles has an inner surface defining one or more acoustical sections. Each acoustical section includes a pattern of irregular or convoluted portions configured and arranged to absorb/attenuation sound. A layer of flock material is deposited on the inner surface of the wheel well liner to enhance aesthetics and provide supplemental sound attenuation. |
| US08973980B2 |
Load-bearing structural component for the body of a motor vehicle
A load-bearing structural component of a motor vehicle body is provided. The structural component is designed as a cast component, and exhibits at least one suspension strut holding fixture and a bulkhead section, which are joined together as a single piece. The cast component is designed as a cast steel component of a fabricated front structural node. |
| US08973979B2 |
Bodywork
A motor vehicle bodywork has a floor assembly with an upwardly convex and downwardly open longitudinal center tunnel and two side sills parallel thereto. Floor elements are disposed between the longitudinal center tunnel and the side sills. A driver side and a passenger side are each provided with at least one front and one rear seat crossmember, seen in the direction of travel. The seat cross-members extend in the transverse direction of the vehicle and rest on the associated floor elements. It is important that the driver side and/or passenger side seat cross-members are each connected to each other in their upper regions via a plate-like thrust element. |
| US08973978B2 |
Vehicle sound absorption structure
A vehicle sound absorption structure has: a recessed cell that has an opening on one end of the cell; a divider that is provided within the cell and that divides an acoustic wave entering the cell from the opening into two acoustic waves; reflectors that reflect one of the two acoustic waves divided at the divider and reflect the other acoustic wave respectively toward the opening, and that generate a phase difference between the one acoustic wave and the other acoustic wave; and an interfering portion that is provided within the cell and that causes the one acoustic wave and the other acoustic wave, which have been respectively reflected at the reflectors, to interfere with each other. |
| US08973974B2 |
Aerodynamic rear fairing system for a trailer
A rear fairing system for reducing drag on a trailer includes a plurality of fairings coupled to a rear, vertical door post of the trailer. Each fairing includes (i) a mounting member adjacent to and engaged with a rearward, outer surface of the vertical door post and (ii) an air deflection member coupled to the mounting member and including a vertical portion and a curved portion which curves inwardly toward a centerline of the trailer. Each fairing is mounted to the door post at a location between hinges of a rear swing door of the trailer. |
| US08973965B2 |
Folding and stowing rear-facing vehicle seat
A rear-facing seat for a vehicle comprises: a seat portion connected to the vehicle by a hinge so that the rear-facing seat assumes at least a stowed position and an unstowed position; and a back portion connected to the seat portion, wherein in the unstowed position the back portion assumes at least an up position and a down position, wherein in the up position (i) a hook on the back portion engages a first striker on a vehicle wall, and (ii) a latch on the back portion engages a second striker of a back of a forward-facing seat. |
| US08973956B2 |
Latch device
A latch device has a housing, a sliding body including a striking portion abutting against a striker and disposed relative to the housing, a spring member urging the sliding body in a direction such that the sliding body protrudes from the housing, and an engaging body rotatably supported relative to the sliding body and including a claw portion on the end of the engaging body. The engaging body moves between a locking position wherein the claw portion is protruded to a striking portion side and engages with the striker, and a locking release position wherein the claw portion is retracted from the striking portion side and is released from engagement with the striker. |
| US08973949B2 |
Label, packaging, use of an adhesive label and method of providing a test sample
It is provided a label for attaching on a packaging, particularly for cosmetical and/or pharmaceutical products, comprising a packaging label with a machine-readable identification code, particularly an EAN-barcode, and a cover label covering at least partially the identification code for rendering the identification code machine-unreadable, wherein the cover label is adapted for irreversibly damaging the identification code. Due to the cover label the identification code is machine-unreadable, so that a scanner cash register would not accept a packaging provided with this label and a resale is prevented. Since the identification code would be irreversibly damaged by the cover label, the identification code stays machine-unreadable even when the cover label is removed. The risk for an unauthorized resale of a packaging can be reduced in a facilitated manner. |
| US08973946B2 |
Multifunction ski pole
A ski pole comprises an elongate pole having a distal end and a proximal end. A grip is attached to the proximal end of the pole and is configured for grasping by a user. A basket assembly is coupled proximate to the distal end of the pole. The basket assembly comprises a generally disk shaped body and a plate defining a bottle opener embedded in the body, the bottle opener defines a plate opening configured for at least partially receiving a cap of a bottle therein and prying the cap from the bottle. |
| US08973940B2 |
Folding wagon
The present invention is a wagon that can be folded along a middle plane that bisects the wagon between a front and rear portion. The folding wagon comprises of wheels, a folding frame, a support structure, a front panel a handle connected to the frame, wheels, and a bag hanger that are detailed herein. The folding frame includes a top rail formed of a top rail front portion and a top rail rear portion, a middle rail formed of a middle rail front portion and a middle rail rear portion, a bottom rail formed of a bottom rail front portion and a bottom rail rear portion. The top rail, the middle rail, and the bottom rail are connected by a hinge means. The top rail front portion is mounted to the top rail rear portion. |
| US08973933B2 |
Suspension device
A suspension device for suspension of an axle by an intermediate portion of a single leaf spring has first restriction device which restricts, upon breakage of the leaf spring at a position behind the intermediate portion of the spring, the rear portion of the leaf spring from tilting downwardly relative to a shackle, and a second restriction device for restriction of the shackle from pivotally moving backward beyond a predetermined angle. The first restriction device is constituted by a stopper plate on the shackle for support of the rear portion of the leaf spring from below upon breakage. |
| US08973927B2 |
Auxiliary rolling system and waste bin including same
An auxiliary rolling system for a rolling bin having a container and a set of bin wheels mounted thereon. The auxiliary rolling system comprises a frame securable to the container of the rolling bin, at least one rotatable auxiliary wheel, and a handle for controlling the auxiliary rolling system. When mounted on the rolling bin, the at least one auxiliary wheel is positioned opposite to the set of bin wheels such that the auxiliary rolling system is movable between a stationary configuration, where movement of the bin is prevented, and a transport configuration where movement of the bin is allowed. |
| US08973926B1 |
Rolling chair and tool bin
The invention includes a rolling chair for mechanics and the like to use on a floor to move around a work area. The rolling chair has a rigid frame with legs extending outwardly from a central riser housing an adjustable cylinder supporting a padded seat. The frame supports a rotary platform with a large section and a smaller walled section for storing tools or parts. The rolling chair is suspended above the ground by castered wheels secured to a leg terminal end. The castered wheels rotate vertically and horizontally. The castered wheels may be large and the central riser may protrude above and below the frame. The platform has an outer perimeter above the vertical axes of the castered wheels. |
| US08973925B1 |
Folding convertible wheelchair
A folding wheelchair is easily convertible between a folding wheelchair of a first type and a folding wheelchair of a second type through the use of conversion components, some of which are mounted permanently to the wheelchair and some of which are received by the mounted conversion components. In one form, the first type is a folding beach wheelchair while the second type is a folding all-terrain or trail wheelchair. Conversion is achieved through changeable front and back wheels. For instance, the folding beach wheelchair includes right and left rear wheels having oversized, low pressure tires. Right and left front brackets are mounted to the existing frame and are configured to receive right and left wheel assemblies, having smaller, low pressure tires mounted for pivoting movement. The folding all-terrain wheels have solid, high pressure or the like tires. |
| US08973922B2 |
Air suspension height control valve with dual ride height positions
A height control valve assembly having a housing with an air supply port, first and second ports, and an exhaust port. A valve positioned in the housing has a first surface in fluid communication with the air supply port and a second surface. The valve moves between first and second positions, in which the second surface sealingly engages a portion of the housing surrounding the first and second ports, respectively, to prevent fluid from flowing between the air supply port and the first and second ports, respectively. The valve is moveable from either of the first and second positions to a fill position, in which the air supply port is in fluid communication with one of the first and second ports, and an exhaust position, in which one of the first and second ports is in fluid communication with the exhaust port. |
| US08973921B2 |
High temperature/high pressure seal
A sealing member including a body having a recess; one or more backups extending from the body and tapering over a length thereof; and a sealing element disposed in the recess, the element including one or more steps, each step being adjacent one of the one or more backups and on a surface of the sealing element intended to make contact with a target sealing surface. |
| US08973917B2 |
Deposit module
A Self-Service Terminal (SST) or deposit module for an SST and a method of use are disclosed for transporting an item of media along a transport path. The SST includes a guide surface comprising a first region in which an item of media is transported in a first orientation with respect to a respective direction of transport, and a further region in which an item of media is transported in a further orientation with respect to a respective direction of transport. The SST also includes a re-orientation module that transports an item of media between the first and further regions and rotates an item of media received at a one of the first and further regions into an orientation associated with a remainder one of the first and further regions. |
| US08973916B2 |
Medium accumulating device with accumulation table detector
A medium accumulating device has an accumulation table on which a medium is accumulated, an elastic member that supports the accumulation table, and an accumulation table detector that detects lowering of the accumulation table. The accumulation table is sensed to determine whether the accumulation table lowers below a predetermined position to thereby determine whether or not a medium is accumulated on the accumulation table. |
| US08973912B2 |
Printing control apparatus, control method thereof, and storage medium
A printing control apparatus according to one aspect of this invention controls to print images on sheets based on image data of a plurality of pages, generate a bookbinding product by executing folding processing for the image-printed sheets, and output the bookbinding product. The printing control apparatus further accepts the position of an insertion sheet to be inserted into the sheets for which the folding processing is executed, and controls to output a plurality of bookbinding products by using, as a reference, the accepted position of the insertion sheet. |
| US08973908B2 |
String-thick-plates pack for use in cooling tower and fabrication thereof
The present invention relates to a fabrication of rectangular shape string-thick-plate and square columnar string-thick-plate pack fabricated by joining a multiplicity of string-thick-plates for use as fill media in cooling towers. The string-thick-plate consists of two vertical-string-screens, on both sides of plate, fabricated by winding one long string over semicircular holes on the top and bottom frames of the string-thick-plate. Intervals between adjacent strings of the vertical-string-screens are designed to preserve a maximum optimized surface area of the strings being able to obtain a maximum cooling efficiency of the string-thick-plate pack. The string-thick-plates are designed to be assembled into upright and tilted string-thick-plate packs, which are installed uprightly and slantly in cross- and counter-current cooling towers, respectively. The string-thick-plates of the present invention tremendously reduce the fabrication cost of a large square columnar string fill pack in one structure. |
| US08973907B2 |
Buoyant force pump
A buoyant force pump is disclosed. A material which is buoyant relative to a non-solid material is used to cause a movable surface to move thereby causing the non-solid material to be pumped. The device can be used to move non-solid material in hazardous conditions or materials in biological reactors. The pumps can be used for mixing ingredients external to the pump by repeatedly moving materials into and out of the pump. The pumps can also be used to gently move materials from an inlet to an outlet. |
| US08973906B2 |
Device for conditioning an air flow
The invention relates to a device for conditioning an air flow(2) comprising a humidifying apparatus (5) having humidifying elements(6), which are arranged in the air flow (2) to be humidified in the humidifying apparatus(5), can be loaded with pressurized water, and are made of a fluid-permeable, porous, preferably hydrophilic material. In order to increase the efficiency of the humidification of the air flow(2) in the humidifying apparatus (5), the humidifying elements(6) of the humidifying apparatus(5) loaded with pressurized water are designed with regard to the cross-section thereof in such a way that the peripheral surface or outer surface of the humidifying elements exposed to the air flow(2) to be humidified can be uniformly contacted by the air flow (2) to be humidified over the entire circumference of the humidifying elements. |
| US08973897B2 |
Valve seat retention pin
Embodiments described herein relate to a retention pin for retaining a seat member in the body pocket of a gate valve. Two retention pins may be installed on the outer circumference of the seat member. The seat member is inserted into the body pocket and rotated so that the retention pins are positioned in grooves in the body pocket and the seat member is retained in the body pocket. |
| US08973896B2 |
Discharge and purging device, a connecting endpiece and connector comprising such a device
The invention relates to a discharge and purging device (10) adapted for limiting the pressure of a fluid (F) occupying the inner volume of a connecting endpiece (2). The device (10) comprises a valve or a valve actuation piston; an inner enclosure (30) opening out on a front face (22) of the valve or of the piston; and an obturator (60) moveable between a closed position (C1) where it obturates the front face (22) at a first seal area (Z92) defining a first seal section (S92) towards the front face (22) and an open position where it no longer obturates the front face (22). The device (10) also comprises a first chamber (50) defined when the obturator (60) is in a closed position, between the enclosure (30), the obturator (60), the first seal area (Z92) and a second seal area (Z94) defining a second seal section (S94) opposite to the front face (22) relatively to the first seal area (Z92); a communication passage (36) between the first chamber (50) and the inner volume of the endpiece (2); means (96) for returning the obturator into the closed position; and a second chamber (40) defined between the enclosure (30), the second seal area (Z94) and the obturator (60), and isolated from the inner volume of the endpiece (2) and from the first chamber (50). The first seal section (S92) is smaller than the second seal section (S94). |
| US08973895B2 |
Electromagnetically controlled injector having flux bridge and flux break
An injector for injecting a reagent includes an axially translatable valve member positioned within a housing. An electromagnet is positioned within the housing and includes a cylindrically-shaped coil of wire. The valve member moves between a seated position and an unseated position in response to energizing the electromagnet. A flux sleeve passes through the coil and includes two magnetic portions interconnected by a non-magnetic portion. Each of the magnetic portions is aligned with transverse planes defined by the ends of the cylindrical coil. The non-magnetic portion is axially positioned between the transverse planes. |
| US08973894B2 |
Solenoid and solenoid valve
A solenoid includes a plunger, a core, an electromagnetic coil, and a casing. A core receiving portion of the plunger is to receive a core projection while the electromagnetic coil is energized. A plunger receiving portion of the core is to receive a plunger projection while the electromagnetic coil is energized. The casing houses the plunger, the core, and the electromagnetic coil. At least one of an end portion of the plunger projection and an end portion of the core projection has an acute angle in a cross section along the axial direction. A distance between the end portion of the plunger projection and the end portion of the core projection is shortest among distances between the core and the plunger while the electromagnetic coil is not energized. |
| US08973891B2 |
Air bypass valve device
An air bypass valve device includes a case 3 and a valve assembly 5, a tenon 3l is provided to one of the case 3 and the valve assembly 5, and a tenon groove 8e is provided to the other, such that the case 3 and the valve assembly 5 are united by a tenon insertion structure. |
| US08973887B2 |
Slide structure, support structure and seismically isolated structure
In a slide structure, a support structure and a seismically isolated structure, a first sliding surface (25) of a sliding member (21) is formed of a sliding body (24) made of synthetic resin. A film (27) made of synthetic resin and having a Young's modulus more than twice as large as that of the first sliding surface (25) is formed on the second sliding surface (28) of the counter member (22). At the same time, fine irregularities having a maximum height Rz of 3 μm or higher are formed on the surface of the film (27). As a result, the lubricant is trapped in small pits of the irregularities to prevent the lubricant from flowing out, and a stable low friction state can be maintained. |
| US08973880B2 |
Clamp
A clamp is disclosed for coupling an accessory to a tube. The clamp includes a base configured to receive an accessory, and first and second arms rotatably coupled to the base by way of flexible members. Another flexible member adjoins ends of the first and second arms to define a continuous clamping surface for receiving the tube. The clamping surface has a size substantially identical to an outer diameter of the tube. A locking system is configured to restrict rotational and lateral movement of the first and second arms relative to each other. |
| US08973875B2 |
Universal heavy bag hanger
The universal heavy bag hanger is used to secure a heavy bag to an overhead horizontal support member. The bag hanger includes a flat pad that has a length along a length direction to wrap around a support member. The pad includes a slip resistant material that engages the support member when mounted thereon. A strap is secured to the outside surface and extends beyond the longitudinal ends of the flat pad. A D-shaped ring is attached to one free end of the strap suitable for attachment to a heavy bag or the like. The other end of the strap is provided with a rectangular closed ring dimensioned to allow the D-shaped ring to pass through it to form a slip joint for tightening the strap about the pad, when increased load is applied to prevent or inhibit relative sliding movements between the hanger and the support member. |
| US08973874B2 |
Wing for generating lift from an incident flow
The invention relates to a wing for generating lift and comprises a trailing edge, a leading edge, an inner end, an outer end, a top surface and a bottom surface. The wing comprises an aerofoil with a chord line and a span direction. The leading edge comprises a kink between the inner end and the outer end. The leading edge comprises a forward sweep part between the inner end and the kink extending towards the kink presenting an angle relative to the span direction. The leading edge comprises a backward sweep part between the kink and the outer end extending from the kink presenting an angle relative to the span direction. The top surface comprises a flow control means for controlling the lift at least partly located between a leading edge part between the kink and the outer end and located between the leading edge and the trailing edge. |
| US08973873B2 |
Spacecraft propellant tank mount
A spacecraft having a primary structural frame and a propellant tank, in which the spacecraft may include a tank mount adopted to engage a portion of the propellant tank, the tank mount being configured to transfer launch loads directly from the propellant tank to a lunch vehicle interface ring. |
| US08973871B2 |
Box structures for carrying loads and methods of making the same
There is provided a box structure for carrying load having upper and lower composite integrated sandwich panels. The panels have facesheets sandwiching one or more core portions and adjacent dense packs oriented in an axial direction. The box structure further has a plurality of spars. Each spar has a web and web attachments and has a spar length in the axial direction. The plurality of spars are connected to the panels with the web attachments located at the dense packs. The facesheets are configured to carry primarily torsion and pressure loads in shear and no significant axial loads. The dense packs are configured to carry all significant box bending in axial tension and compression loads. |
| US08973866B2 |
Transverse flux machine utilized as part of a combined landing gear system
A landing gear for an aircraft has a set of axially spaced wheels rotatable about a common axis drive by a transverse flux drive. In another feature, a transverse flux drive includes a first rotor and a second rotor. One of the first and second rotors is positioned radially inwardly of the other. A single stator is positioned radially intermediate the first and second rotors. In another feature, a landing gear combination for use on an aircraft has a nose wheel assembly including at least one nose wheel to be associated with a nose cone on an aircraft. A main landing gear assembly is also associated with the aircraft. A transverse flux motor provides on-ground propulsion and/or braking to the aircraft. |
| US08973865B2 |
Tri-hull dirigible airship
An airship system having a flexible envelope and at least one bladder positioned therein is described. The bladder(s) provide an impervious barrier between the gas within the bladder(s) and the air exterior to the bladder(s). The envelope includes longitudinal and hoops straps weaved together in a criss-cross manner. The envelope also includes rings positioned thereon that include truss members for receiving struts for removably coupling the airship to another airship. A tri-hull delta dirigible system is also described, comprising three airships coupled together using struts and arranged in an equilateral triangle formation. The tri-hull delta dirigible system has a similar lift capacity (volume) as a conventional large mono-hull dirigible, while minimizing the detrimental bending in the center of the conventional mono-hull dirigible. |
| US08973864B2 |
Independent blade control system with hydraulic cyclic control
According to one embodiment, a radial fluid device includes a cylinder block having a plurality of radially extending cylinders, a plurality of pistons, and a cam disposed about the plurality of radially extending cylinders. A first linear control is coupled to the cam and operable to reposition the cam along a first axis. A second linear control is coupled to the cam and operable to reposition the cam along a second axis. A third linear control is coupled to the cam and operable to resist movement of the cam along a third axis. |
| US08973863B1 |
Blade root attachment apparatus and method
The rotorcraft may include an airframe, at least one engine connected to the airframe, and a rotor connected to the airframe. The rotor may include a hub, a rotor blade, and a feathering spindle connected to the hub. The rotor blade may have a root and a tip and form a conduit extending in the radial 5 direction from the root to the tip. The root may comprise a wall forming a hollow circular cylinder. The hollow circular cylinder may form a portion of the conduit. A plurality of bolts may be distributed circumferential within the wall of the root. The plurality of bolts may extend in the radial direction from the wall of the root to secure the rotor blade to the feathering 10 spindle. |
| US08973861B2 |
Tetra-propeller aircraft
Described herein is a vertical take-off and landing aircraft comprising: an upper enclosure comprising a first upper arm and a second upper arm; a lower enclosure comprising a first lower arm and a second lower arm; wherein the first upper arm and the first lower arm comprise a first upper buckle and a first lower buckle, respectively; wherein the second upper arm and the second lower arm comprise a second upper buckle and a second lower buckle, respectively; wherein the first upper buckle engages the first lower buckle and the second upper buckle engages the second lower buckle, thereby securing the upper enclosure to the lower enclosure. |
| US08973857B2 |
Innovative ratcheting system
An innovative and advantageous ratcheting system having a housing, a corresponding ratcheting member, and a primary ratcheting member. Wherein the members provide dependent interlocking behavior between the corresponding ratcheting member and the primary ratcheting member whereby the dependent interlocking behavior takes place on the adjoining surfaces orthogonal to the axis in which the ratcheting mechanism is rotatably mounted. Such interlocking behavior is dependent upon the direction of relative torque between the corresponding ratcheting member and the primary ratcheting member thereby allowing relative rotary motion in the first predetermined direction while preventing relative rotary motion in the second predetermined rotary direction. Further, the interlocking behavior between the corresponding ratcheting member and primary ratcheting member can be disabled whereby relative rotary motion between the ratcheting members can be achieved in the second predetermined rotary direction. |
| US08973855B2 |
Food based homogenizer
A food homogenizer is provided, including a base with a driving motor and a homogenizer assembly removably coupled to the base. The homogenizer assembly includes a homogenizing chamber, an inlet chute, and an exit spout. A shredder is disposed within the homogenizing chamber and is driven by the driving motor to homogenize food ingredients into a soft texture with a similar consistency as ice cream or sherbet. |
| US08973854B2 |
Food grater
The present invention provides a food grater comprising a body; a cutting means adapted for cutting the food removably mounted inside the body; the body comprising a cutting means aperture adapted for receiving the cutting means and allowing the cutting means to be rotated inside the cutting means aperture; a first food receptacle being defined between the inner walls of the body; a pushing means adapted for pushing the food onto the cutting means being mounted to the body; a driving means adapted for rotating the cutting means mounted to at least one end of the cutting means and the driving means comprising a driving wheel adapted for moving along a surface and a first cover adapted for covering an aperture of the driving wheel. |
| US08973848B2 |
Composite air bearing assembly
An air bearing assembly supporting a turbine driven rotatable motor shaft is provided. The assembly includes a composite cylindrical air bearing having alternating, bonded segmented porous carbon sections and nonporous carbon sections. The composite bearing has a sleeve installed circumferentially therearound. The sleeve has openings therein, therethrough and therearound such that the openings are adjacent the porous carbon sections and are oriented so as to be in longitudinal and circumferential registry with the porous carbon sections. Air passageways deliver supplied air into and through the sleeve openings, thence into and through the porous sections, thereby providing frictionless support for the rotating shaft. The assembly includes “O”-rings installed circumferentially therearound, one at each end of the assembly. A specific embodiment, namely a rotary bell cup atomizer driven by a turbine mounted on a rotatable motor shaft supported by the air bearing assembly, is disclosed and claimed. |
| US08973842B2 |
Tradeable packet for holding a portable data storage medium, and suitable portable data storage medium
A method for producing a marketable package including an outer packaging for receiving a portable data carrier, and a portable data carrier. The data carrier possesses a viewing side and an underside and bears a secret code internally as well as identification information on the outer side. The identification information is applied to the underside of the data carrier in the form of a two-dimensional bar code, and the outer packaging is configured to be transparent on the underside so that the identification information can be read out through the outer packaging after the data carrier has been inserted into the outer packaging. |
| US08973841B2 |
Wireless IC device
A wireless IC device includes a wireless IC chip arranged to process a radio signal, a power-supply circuit board that is connected to the wireless IC chip and that includes a power supply circuit including at least one coil pattern, and a radiation plate arranged to radiate a transmission signal supplied from the power-supply circuit board and/or receiving a reception signal to supply the reception signal to the power-supply circuit board. The radiation plate includes an opening provided in a portion thereof and a slit connected to the opening. When viewed in plan from the direction of the winding axis of the coil pattern, the opening in the radiation plate overlaps with an inner area of the coil pattern and the area of the inner area is approximately the same as that of opening. |
| US08973836B2 |
Method for personalizing a portable data carrier, in particular a chip card
A method for personalizing a portable data carrier having a chip provided in a body of the portable data carrier. A portable data carrier whose chip contains data for personalizing the body of the portable data carrier is provided to a personalization unit. The personalization unit receives the data for personalizing the body of the portable data carrier from the chip of the supplied portable data carrier, and personalizes the body on the basis of the received data. |
| US08973835B2 |
Systems and methods for collecting primary and secondary data associated with shipping containers
In various embodiments, methods and systems are provided for capturing primary and secondary data associated with a product in a container or placed on a pallet. For example, a method may include (a) retrieving a primary data from a first data source physically associated with the product or container; (b) gathering secondary data using a second data source physically associated with the product or container, wherein the secondary data relates to at least one condition experienced by the product or the container; (c) retrieving the secondary data from a second data source, wherein the secondary data and the primary data are retrieved at substantially the same time; and (d) determining whether the at least one condition has transcended a limit. If a condition has transcended a limit, at least one alert may be generated and transmitted. |
| US08973834B2 |
Secured identification document
A secured identification document has at least two flexible layers embedding an electronic module. The electronic module includes a flexible substrate on which are positioned an antenna and a radiofrequency microcontroller storing identification data. The radiofrequency microcontroller is electrically connected to said antenna. The secured identification document has the at least two flexible layers locally joined together by means of a chemically and mechanically tamper proof material that is applied in cavities that are distributed in each of said at least two flexible layers that surround the electronic module in order to make the electronic module interdependent with the at least two flexible layers. |
| US08973829B2 |
Systems and methods for managing access to benefits associated with products
Systems and methods for managing access to electronic products are described. In an embodiment, a system implemented method includes receiving, from a source, a first code associated with an item; receiving, from another source, another first code and a second code associated with the item; evaluating the first code with the another first code; associating the second code with the first code based on a result from the evaluating; identifying an access key, and transmitting the access key to the second source, the access key is for accessing one or more rights associated with the item. |
| US08973826B2 |
Imaging device having light field image sensor
A method of imaging a target object with an imaging reader. The method includes the following: (1) detecting light from the target object through a lens arrangement with an image sensor to generate light-field data; (2) generating a stream of image data including image data representing an expected in-focus image of the target object, and (3) processing the expected in-focus image of the target object to decode a barcode on the target object. The image sensor includes an array of photosensitive elements and an array of microlenses that overlays the array of photosensitive elements located at a focus plane of the microlens. |
| US08973822B2 |
Method and apparatus for vending a containerized liquid product utilizing an automatic self-service refill system
A method and apparatus for vending a containerized fluid includes placing a machine-readable indicia on the container identifying the base fluid. The container may be filled and then distributed or distributed prior to filling through various distribution channels to consumers. When a consumer wishes to fill or re-fill the container, the consumer places the container adjacent a reader that interprets the indicia to identify the base fluid to be dispensed. A dispenser then fills the container through a movable fill probe that elevates as the liquid within the container rises. In some embodiments, and prior to filling, the dispenser apparatus may also query the consumer about options are provided at the time of dispensing for further dispensing various optional ingredients, including scents, flavors, colors, nutritional supplements or other additives together with the base product. In further embodiments, the dispenser may also print discount tickets or coupons that may discount the purchase of the containerized fluid or other promotional merchandise. The machine-readable indicia may include affiliate codes that permit crediting or compensating various affiliates in relation to the container filling. |
| US08973820B2 |
Client customized virtual or physical card for use with selected merchants
A client selects several merchants with whom the card may be redeemed, the amount redeemable, and a design for the card, which is personalized for the card recipient. |
| US08973816B1 |
Automatic connectors
Some implementations provide a connector element that may be movable from a retracted position within a cavity to an extended position for contacting an external contact element that may be positioned proximate to an exterior end of the cavity. In some implementations, at least one of the external contact element or the connector element may include a magnet for causing the connector element to extend from the retracted position into contact with the external contact element for forming an electrical connection. In some implementations, a mechanical actuator may be provided for extending the connector element into contact with the external contact element. In some implementations, an actuator having a motive element may extend the connector element into contact with the external contact element based on a detected proximity or an identification of an accessory associated with the external contact element. Some implementations may also include an optical connection. |
| US08973814B2 |
Method for the verifiable delivery of an article
A method delivers an item to a target point. The item is a distinguishable item. A data set for the item is generated in a central data storage unit. This data set contains identification feature values for the item. The item is conveyed to a predetermined target point. At the target point, the item is provided, at least temporarily, with an optically detectable delivery marking. At least one computer-accessible image of the item is generated by a portable image recording device. The image shows the item together with the delivery marking. With the aid of the image, the data set for the item, which is stored in the central data storage unit, is determined. The data set is supplemented with a computer-accessible marking of the delivery. |
| US08973810B2 |
Corrosion resistant fluid conducting parts, methods of making corrosion resistant fluid conducting parts and equipment and parts replacement methods utilizing corrosion resistant fluid conducting parts
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a part for an article of equipment includes a fluid conducting first region including a corrosion resistant first material, and a fluid conducting second region including a second material. The first region and the second region are either directly or indirectly joined by solid state welding to form a unitary fluid conducting part. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for replacing at least one fluid conducting part of an article of equipment is disclosed wherein a replacement part is provided that includes a fluid conducting first region including a corrosion resistant first material, and a fluid conducting second region including a second material. The second material is substantially identical to the material of a region of the equipment on which the replacement part is mounted. The first and second regions are either directly or indirectly joined by solid state welding to form a unitary fluid conducting replacement part. The replacement part is secured to the article of equipment by a process comprising fusion welding the second material of the second region of the replacement part to the substantially identical material of the mounting region of the article of equipment. |
| US08973809B2 |
Bonding of roof panels
A method for attaching a roof panel to a roof rail of a vehicle bodyside frame, wherein the roof rail prohibiting access to an underside of an area at which the roof panel attaches to the roof panel, can include applying a single-component adhesive to a roof rail or to a portion of a roof panel that rests on the roof rail, placing the roof panel onto the roof rail, attaching the roof panel to the roof rail using single-sided spot welds, and heating the roof panel and vehicle bodyside frame to a temperature that cures the single-component adhesive. |
| US08973799B2 |
Hanger bracket for transforming and concealing existing gun holsters
A hanger bracket is attached to any existing gun holster with the existing holster belt clip removed from the holster and attached to a top of the bracket. The bottom of the bracket is attached to the holster at the previous attachment location of the belt clip to the holster. The belt clip is attached over the outside of a belt of a user and the bracket, holster and gun are inserted down inside the pants of the user for complete concealment. The shape, spacing, orientation, and number of holster attachment openings through the bracket make it adaptable to a variety of holsters and adjustable to various vertical heights of the holster attachment to the bracket. |
| US08973798B2 |
Backpack and protective cover for bicycle
A durable yet flexible protective bicycle cover is disclosed. The protective cover having properties of insulation from damage, wear, elements, dust and dirt, and the like. The protective cover further includes means for carrying a bicycle while within the cover, means for pushing a bicycle while within the cover, means for lifting a bicycle to and from a motor vehicle while within the cover, and means for transforming the cover into a backpack. |
| US08973797B2 |
Foldable bicycle pannier
A folding pannier suitable for carrying a for accommodating a generally rectangular recyclable paper, or re-useable, grocery bag. The pannier manipulable between an expanded configuration and a folded configuration. The pannier featuring fasteners for use in securing a cover when in the expanded configuration and in securing the pannier in the folded configuration. |
| US08973794B2 |
Baby carrier
A baby carrier has two strap loops, which are interconnected and arranged to extend around the two shoulder areas of the wearer, with each strap loop having a first part and a second part. A carrying pocket is mounted to the strap loops and has a front piece at the strap loop, and a seat part is adjustably attached to the respective strap loop by a lower connection device. A first part of the respective strap loop is connected with the lower connection device. The second part of the respective strap loop is connected with the first part on a level with an upper second connection device. Regulation of the size of the baby carrier according to the child's length is solely carried out by regulating the seat part so that the lower second connection device is always situated immediately below the child's arms. |
| US08973792B1 |
Fabric article folding machine and method
A rotating rod in combination with a retractable concave/convex tape creates pairs of folds on a fabric article on a horizontal platform. A machine and method are described. The tape extends outward and downward to hold the article at a first fold location, while the rotating rod moves from below, then over and across the tape, pulling the fabric with it to create a second fold at the farthest motion of the rod. These motions are typically repeated on the other side of the article, then at right angles, created a finished, folded article of a generally rectangular shape. |
| US08973790B2 |
Inner nozzle for transferring molten metal contained in a metallurgical vessel and device for transferring molten metal
An inner nozzle for casting molten metal from a metallurgical vessel incorporates a substantially tubular portion with an axial through bore, and an inner nozzle plate comprising a bottom flat contact surface and a second surface opposite the bottom contact surface and joining the wall of the tubular portion to the side edges of the plate. The inner nozzle incorporates a metallic casing cladding at least a portion of some or all of the side edges and second surface but not the sliding plane of the inner nozzle plate. The cladding is provided with a metallic bearing surface, facing towards and recessed with respect to the contact surface and extending from the cladded portion of the side edges beyond the perimeter of the contact surface. The bearing surface is defined by the ledges of at least two separate bearing elements distributed around the perimeter of the plate. |
| US08973769B2 |
Cargo holding device in particular for loading aircraft, and method for the production of a cargo holding device
The invention relates to a cargo holding device, in particular cargo container or pallet, for loading aircraft, comprising a bottom element and a plurality of profile elements and corner elements, wherein a bottom element edge portion is connected to the profile elements and corner elements, wherein the profile elements are connected to the corner elements via push-fit connections, wherein at least one profile element is connected to at least one corner element via a push-fit connection which comprises a push-fit connection recess and a corresponding push-fit connection pin, wherein the push-fit connection recess and the push-fit connection pin are configured such that the profile element and the corner element can be connected together by push-fit by a translational movement, wherein a translational movement direction has an angle in relation to a profile longitudinal axis of the profile element. |
| US08973768B1 |
Gantry robot system
A gantry robot system includes a bridge assembly and a carriage assembly. The bridge assembly and/or a mounting plate supported by the carriage assembly can be rotationally skewed. |
| US08973763B2 |
Dish drying rack and tray assembly
A dish drying rack and tray assembly is provided to include paper towel supports that fit onto the tray and onto which a roll of paper towels can be secured by means of a rod that passes through the paper towels with pins at either end where the pins can be placed into channels of the paper towel supports in a position either horizontal with respect to a user or in a vertical position with respect to the user to allow the user by means of sliding one of the pins into an inner channel of the paper towel supports thereby allowing a user to hand a plastic bag onto hooks of the paper towel supports and where the dish rack also includes swinging rods for the placement of dish towels or rubber gloves after use. |
| US08973762B2 |
Industrial absorbents and methods of manufacturing the same
An industrial absorbent and methods of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the industrial absorbent includes a first scrim made from at least one thermoplastic material; a second scrim made from at least one thermoplastic material; and a middle layer positioned between the first and second scrims. The middle layer includes a dry-laid web of fire-retardant treated cellulose and opened, individuated staple bicomponent fiber. At least some of the bicomponent fiber in the middle layer is thermally bonded to at least some of the cellulose in the middle layer, and the first and second scrims are thermally bonded to the middle layer. |
| US08973761B2 |
Method and mold for making a pleated filter cartridge
Disclosed in this specification is a method for making a pleated filter cartridge by placing a pleated filter on a mold and adding a polymerizable potting compound to the inner cavity of the pleated filter. The potting compound is permitted to cover the portion of the upper surface of the mold that is encompassed by the pleats. The potting compound is selected to form a polyurethane after polymerization is complete. |
| US08973760B2 |
Filter system with fuel-water separator
A canister filter system includes a base, a canister attachable to the base, and a fluid separator filter having filter media positioned inside the canister. A drain engages and forms a seal with the filter in a closed position. In an open position, the drain allows fluid to be removed from the canister. The structure of the filter is such that the filter may more efficiently separate fluids. |
| US08973754B2 |
Case for tooth-cleaning stick
The case has an inner component which is provided with tweezers for immobilizing an elongated element. The element can be a stick having exposed bristles at one end. The inner component is pivotally attached to an outer component and swings from an open position in which the bristles of the stick are exposed for use as a tooth brush. In the closed position, the stick is entirely within the outer component and is protected by it. |
| US08973753B2 |
Housing for encasing an electronic device
An apparatus and system for housing a device include a housing that is configured such that a device may be fitted within the housing and thereby be protected, such as from shocks and/or liquid. The housing may include top and bottom members that may be removably coupled together so as to form the housing. Each top and bottom member optionally includes front and back surfaces surrounded by a perimeter. The perimeter is defined by proximal and distal ends as well as opposing sides. The top and bottom members may include respective clasping mechanisms that extend along the perimeter of the top and bottom members. The clasping mechanisms are configured for coupling the top and bottom members with one another thereby sealing the housing, for instance, in a shock-proof and/or water tight seal. |
| US08973750B2 |
Cigarette pack comprising a cover that is guided about two pivot axes
The invention relates to a packet for smoking products, in particular for cigarettes, the packet having a packet body accommodating smoking products and including a withdrawal opening, and also having a packet lid for sealing the withdrawal opening. The packet lid is guided by guiding elements such that it can be pivoted about two pivoting axes with respect to the packet body during opening and closing. |
| US08973749B2 |
Reagent preparation assembly
A reagent preparation assembly includes a body and a reaction chamber adjacent the body, the reaction chamber includes a reagent therein, such as a lyophilized reagent. An access port extends into the reaction chamber, and the access port is configured to receive an instrument. A seal extends across a portion of the reaction chamber and the access port. A reconstitution assembly is movably coupled with the body. The reconstitution assembly includes a plunger, a syringe and a piston. The plunger is movably coupled with the body. The syringe is selectively engaged with the plunger. The syringe includes a solution reservoir containing a solution, and movement of the syringe pierces the seal. The piston is selectively engaged with the plunger, and the piston is movably coupled within the syringe. Movement of the piston pushes the solution into the reaction chamber. |
| US08973745B2 |
Carrier element for articles or containers
A carrier element (20) for receiving and transporting articles (10) or containers within a production facility. The carrier element (20) includes a receiving portion (22) with a receiving opening (24) for the article (10) or the container. The carrier element (20) includes a fastening portion (30), which is arranged spatially separate from the receiving portion. The fastening portion (30) includes at least one hollow inside area (34) and at least one opening (40) in a section of the outer casing (31). This opening (40) provides an open connection to the inside area (34) of the fastening portion (30). At least one functional surface (45) is arranged in the hollow inside area (34) for the purpose of creating a force-locking and/or form-locking connection to a coupling device (50) of the production facility. |
| US08973744B2 |
Curvable conveyor roller support
A curvable roller conveyor support, for supporting a longitudinally spaced apart array of transverse roller axles, the support comprising: a dentate elongate plate being laterally symmetric about a longitudinal centerline and having a plurality of lateral edge cutouts defining a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart opposing pairs of transverse arms, each arm having: a proximal end joined to an adjacent arm with a web having a plurality of central narrowed waist portions; and a distal end bent upwards defining a flange with a roller axle mount; and an elongate base secured to an underside surface of the dentate plate, whereby the central narrowed waist portions are bent and/or twisted during mounting to the base to follow a curved line in two or three dimensional space. |
| US08973740B2 |
Methods of processing rolls of fibrous materials
The present disclosure is directed, in part, to a method of transporting rolls of a fibrous material. The method comprises providing a V-shaped conveying mechanism, stacking a plurality of the rolls of the fibrous material on the V-shaped conveying mechanism, and transporting the plurality of the rolls of the fibrous material between a first position and a second position. |
| US08973737B2 |
Conveying apparatus
A conveying apparatus includes a frame, a conveying path, a curved path, an endless traction element, a plurality of conveying tables and a table guide. The conveying path is formed in the frame so as to circulate by the curved path at which the conveying direction of the conveying path is changed. The endless traction element is disposed along the conveying path in a freely traveling manner and includes a plurality of connecting pins disposed at a predetermined interval. The conveying table has a cylindrical shape and a hole formed through the conveying table at a position eccentric from the center of the conveying table in which the connecting pin is inserted. The conveying tables are rotatably connected to the endless traction element by the connecting pins. The table guide is configured to guide the conveying table traveling on the curved path to move outwardly. |
| US08973736B2 |
Magnetic damping for specimen transport system
A specimen transport system with magnetic damping and method for transporting specimens with magnetic damping are disclosed. A conveyance device transports sample carriers configured to carry specimen containers. One or more of the sample carriers include magnets. The system may also include a diverting arm having a magnet. When a first sample carrier is transported toward a second sample carrier, a first sample carrier magnet coupled to the first sample carrier repels a second sample carrier magnet coupled to the second sample carrier. When a sample carrier is transported toward a diverting arm, a diverting arm magnet of the diverting arm repels a sample carrier magnet of the sample carrier. |
| US08973732B2 |
Apparatus for positioning multiple-lane fruit, especially peaches
A multiple-lane fruit positioning apparatus, especially suitable for peaches, includes a fruit flight conveyor having fruit holding flights with a number of recesses provided with an opening through which a part of the fruit protrudes. Associated to the fruit flight conveyor is an orientation device including rotating transverse shafts carrying rigidly connected orienting elements. The transverse shafts travel on an operation plane (Pa) that is parallel to a working stroke plane (Pc) of a tape formed by the fruit holding flights in time with a tape of the fruit flight conveyor so that each orienting element, rotating jointly with each transverse shaft by which it is borne, is in the recess opening in contact with the fruit contained therein and moves the fruit until a plane containing the suture line of each fruit is positioned at right angles with the longitudinal direction, and the stalk cavity thereof faces downwardly. |
| US08973730B2 |
Bank notes handling apparatus
A paper sheet processing apparatus includes: an insertion slot through which a paper sheet is inserted; a sensor which detects insertion of the paper sheet; a traveling route through which the paper sheet is conveyed; a light emitting part which irradiates the traveling route with light; a light receiving part which receives light from the traveling route; a black calibration part which sets a reference value for the lowest brightness in a state that the emission of the light emitting part is ineffective; and an authenticity judgment processing part which judges an authenticity. The black calibration part can set the reference value before the authenticity judgment processing part judges the authenticity after the sensor detects the insertion of the paper sheet at every time when the paper sheet is inserted. |
| US08973726B2 |
Hydraulic shock absorber
A hydraulic shock absorber includes: a cylinder which demarcates a piston oil chamber and a rod oil chamber; an outer cylinder body which demarcates between the cylinder and the outer cylinder body a reflux path that connects the piston oil chamber and the rod oil chamber with each other and which demarcates between a damper case and the outer cylinder body a reservoir chamber; and a valve structure mounted to the cylinder and the outer cylinder body. The valve structure has a valve for controlling an oil flow between the piston oil chamber and the reflux path and between the piston oil chamber and the reservoir chamber. The valve structure comprises a first valve structure mounted to an open end of the cylinder and a second valve structure mounted to an open end of the outer cylinder body. A cylinder assembly and an outer cylinder assembly are independently arranged. |
| US08973723B2 |
Brake disk assembly
A dual-structure brake disk assembly includes a first disk, a second disk and a hollow area located between the first and second disks. The brake disk has high strength, high efficiency for dissipating heat and lightweight. The brake disk is manufactured quickly and has high production efficiency. |
| US08973721B2 |
Braking apparatus
The invention relates to a braking apparatus, in particular for implements of motor-driven tool units comprising an arm having at least one bearing disposed therein for rotatable mounting of an axle and comprising a flange fastened on the rotatably mounted axle, wherein the axle and/or the flange are drivable by means of a drive motor, wherein a first friction element is firmly connected on the arm and a second friction element is connected to the axle and/or to the flange, wherein the first and the second friction element come into frictional contact with one another or not depending on the action of centrifugal force on at least one flyweight. |
| US08973720B2 |
Disc brake pad mounting and retention system and method
A system and method are provided for mounting, removing and retaining brake pads in disc brakes, such as air-operated disc brakes utilized on commercial vehicles, in a manner which does not require the use of separate brake pad retaining devices while providing positive retention of the brake pad. A preferred embodiment includes a brake caliper mount having brake pad abutment surfaces having radially-oriented and lateral grooves which permit a brake pad with corresponding projections on is lateral sides to be inserted through an opening of the brake caliper into the radially-oriented grooves until the backing plate projections are aligned with the lateral groove, and advancing the brake actuator behind the brake pad to place the brake pad in an operating position in which the actuator prevents the brake pad from realigning with the radially-oriented grooves until the actuator is retracted to permit brake pad extraction. |
| US08973719B2 |
Mounting system for disk brake pad
A mounting system for a brake pad in the housings of a disk brake yoke in which the brake pad comprises at its ends two mounting ears (10), each ear being mounted in a housing of a disk brake yoke. The mounting system comprises for each pad ear, a spring (5) of linear or lamella shape, intended to bear, on the one hand, below a lower face (12) of the ear and, on the other hand, on the lower face of the housing of the yoke so as to separate the lower face (12) of the ear from the lower face of the housing. |
| US08973717B2 |
Rope braking apparatus
The present invention relates to an elevator wire rope braking apparatus, and more particularly, to a rope braking apparatus which prevents partial abrasion of the wire rope while increasing braking efficiency by preventing a deviation in the pressure applied to the wire rope by a pressure plate moving in a straight line to apply pressure to the wire rope. Since the pressure application is based not on a hydraulic method but on a purely mechanical structure using only a spring elastic force, environmental pollution caused by hydraulic oil may be prevented and product cost may be reduced. |
| US08973715B2 |
Movable body derailment detection system
An elevator installation has a guide rail of a predetermined length and a movable body configured to move along the guide rail up and down a hoistway. A proximity sensor is mounted on the movable body to be in a predetermined proximity of the guide rail. The proximity sensor is configured to detect whether or not the proximity sensor is at the predetermined distance to the guide rail. A controller coupled to the proximity sensor acts upon an indication that the proximity sensor is not at the predetermined distance to the guide rail to switch the elevator installation to a secure state. |
| US08973712B2 |
Inground superstructure and integrated third stage arm for vehicle lift
A vehicle lift includes a carrier and a pair of arms. The arms comprise a pair of segments and an adapter pilot slidably disposed in one of the arm segments. The arm segments are slidable relative to each other and define slots to accommodate sliding of the adapter, providing various positions for the adapter along the length collectively defined by the arm segments. The adapter pilot is configured to receive an adapter to engage a vehicle. The arms are pivotable relative to the carrier and present a low profile to provide clearance for low vehicles. The carrier comprises a low profile superstructure. The superstructure includes a pair of substantially horizontal plates with substantially vertical web members extending between the substantially horizontal plates. The superstructure further includes a yoke portion pivotally coupled with the arms. |
| US08973710B2 |
Adjustable ladders and related methods
The present invention relates to ladders and, more particularly, various configurations of ladders including straight and extension ladders, as well as to methods relating to the use and manufacture of such ladders. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a ladder is provided that includes a first pair of spaced apart rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. The ladder also includes a pair of lateral support members, wherein each support member is selectively displaceable in a lateral direction relative to an associated rail. Additionally, the ladder includes a pair of adjustable legs, each leg having a first end slidably coupled to an associated rail of the first pair of spaced apart rails and being slidably coupled to an associated lateral support member. |
| US08973708B1 |
Hunter's tree stand
A tree stand includes an upper support ring formed of a pair of separable, semicircular sections, each having a plurality of brackets depending therefrom. Each bracket includes a slot for receiving an adjustable strap, and a tooth on an inner surface for penetrating a tree trunk. The stand further includes a lower platform likewise formed of a pair of separable, semicircular sections that are fastened to a tree trunk, beneath the support ring. A chair includes pulleys that roll on both the upper ring and the platform to allow a hunter to move the chair a desired position. |
| US08973706B2 |
Life saving device for the home
The present invention relates to a life-saving apparatus and method for escaping from a second floor or a third floor of a burning building, wherein the life-saving apparatus includes a container, a set of wheels, an inflatable pillow, an inflatable slide, a set of canisters full of compressed gas, and a set of activators operatively connected to the canisters. |
| US08973703B2 |
High retention aural transmission device
Apparatus and associated methods may relate to a unitary body having a hardness of between 20 and 35 according to the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) and adapted to be removably inserted into the canal 10 of an ear. In an illustrative example, the body may include a central portion between an adapter portion disposed at the proximal end of the body to couple an audio signal from an audio signal source to the central lumen. The retention portion may be disposed at a distal end of the body along a distal end axis. When inserted in the ear canal, the retention portion may be adapted to engage the canal wall between a prominence and the eardrum membrane with comfort for extended periods of time, including during physical activities, without falling out of the ear. Some embodiments by be packaged as a kit containing pairs in a range of predetermined sizes. |
| US08973701B2 |
Assembly for selectively connecting a shifter to the steering wheel or steering column
An assembly includes a steering column, a steering wheel coupled to the steering column, and a shifter coupled between the steering column and the steering wheel. The shifter includes a shifter body and a shift actuator movably coupled to the shifter body. The assembly further includes a coupler movable through the shifter body between a first coupler position and a second coupler position. The coupler is configured to couple the shifter body to the steering wheel when the coupler is in the first coupler position to permit the shift actuators to rotate along with the steering wheel. The coupler is configured to couple the shifter to the steering column when the coupler is in the second coupler position to maintain the shifter body stationary relative to the steering wheel. |
| US08973697B2 |
Saddle-type electric vehicle
A saddle-type electric vehicle includes a body frame having a head pipe supporting a steering shaft and a main frame portion extending rearward from the head pipe, a battery case provided on the main frame portion behind the head pipe, a battery stored in the battery case and supplying electric power to an electric motor generating traveling power, and a traveling wind path including an inner space of the battery case, wherein a traveling wind inflow port allowing traveling wind to flow in the battery case from front is formed on an upper side of a front portion of the battery case, and a traveling wind outflow port allowing the traveling wind flowing in the battery case to flow out rearward is formed on an upper side of a rear portion of the battery case. |
| US08973694B2 |
Drive unit
The invention relates to a drive unit for a muscle-powered vehicle having a crankshaft mounted in a crankcase or in a frame. At least one crank for transferring the muscle power of a driver to a drive wheel of the vehicle is fastened to the crankshaft. A gear unit is provided, which is arranged in the power train from the crankshaft to a driven gear of the gear unit coupled to the drive wheel of the vehicle. According to the invention, a substantially stationary part of the gear unit for determining a total torque of the crankshaft is supported on the crankcase or on the frame. |
| US08973684B1 |
Drill bit having rotational cutting elements and method of drilling
A rotary drill bit is disclosed. The rotary drill bit may include a bit body, a cutting pocket defined in the bit body, and a cutting element rotatably coupled to the bit body. The cutting element may be positioned at least partially within the cutting pocket. The rotary drill bit may also include a rotation-inducing member adjacent to the cutting element for inducing rotation of the cutting element relative to the cutting pocket. The rotation-inducing member may include a resilient member or a vibrational member. The rotary drill bit may also include protrusions extending from an interior of the cutting pocket adjacent to an outer diameter of the cutting element. A method of drilling a formation is also disclosed. |
| US08973673B2 |
Fire sprinkler head shut-off tool with fusible release mechanism
The disclosed invention relates to a fire sprinkler shut-off tool for stopping water flow from an activated fire sprinkler head. Due to the lack of any automatic safety release mechanisms, such tools currently on market suffer the disadvantage of requiring constant monitoring in case fire rekindles. The shut-off tool comprising a pair of adjustable clamping arms and an actuator assembly for adjusting and fixing the clamping arms addresses the safety issue by integrating a fusible link locking tab into the actuator assembly. The presence of a nearby fire melts and separates the locking tab thereby releasing the clamping arms from an activated fire sprinkler head. The shut-off tool also addresses the safety problem of firemen or building maintenance personnel using a shut-off device that requires two hands while working from a ladder as this device can be easily used with one hand. The shut-off tool also achieves the object of universal fit on most fire sprinkler heads by use of the adjustable angled clamping arms and by locating a sealing surface on each of the clamping arms so as to permit operation with fire sprinklers mounted in an upright position. |
| US08973669B2 |
Mist type fire protection devices, systems and methods
Various mist-type fire protection systems for the protection of light and ordinary hazard occupancies of reduced water demand as compared to known mist type systems or sprinkler systems configured to protect the same occupancies. Three system configurations are defined by varying design criteria for the installation of: mist devices having an enlarged coverage area alone or in combination with known nozzles or sprinklers. The preferred mist devices provide for the protection of at least one of a light hazard occupancy only and a light and ordinary hazard occupancy having a ceiling with a maximum ceiling height of at least 8 ft. The preferred device include a body having a passageway defining a K-factor of less than 1 gpm/psi1/2. The preferred device includes means for diffusing the fluid at a flux density of less than 0.1 gpm/sq. ft. for a fluid pressure at the inlet of less than 500 psi. to define a coverage area of the device of over than 132 sq. ft., preferably to a maximum of 256 sq. ft. |
| US08973663B2 |
Pump through circulating and or safety circulating valve
According to one embodiment, a recirculation safety valve is disclosed. The valve has a tubular body with mandrel that is axially shifted in response to annulus pressure. Shifting of the mandrel can either close a safety valve or close a safety valve and open a recirculation port. The valve has an annular actuation chamber that relieves that pressure to prevent inadvertent shifting of the mandrel. |
| US08973661B2 |
Method of fracturing while drilling
A method of fracturing a formation that at the same time drills a wellbore through the formation selectively deploys a seal from a drill string and pressurizes the wellbore beneath the seal. The seal can be formed by moving sliding blades into channels between cutting blades on a drill bit. The seal can also be a packer on the drill bit that selectively expands radially outward into sealing engagement with the wellbore. At a designated depth in the wellbore, the seal is deployed and fluid is diverted into the space. A pressurizing system pressurizes the fluid so that pressure in the space overcomes the formation strength and fractures the formation adjacent the enclosed space. The packer can be released, drilling can resume, and fracturing can occur at a different depth in the wellbore. |
| US08973655B2 |
Multistage process for producing mineral oil using microorganisms
A multistage process for producing mineral oil from mineral oil deposits by injecting aqueous flooding media into a mineral oil formation through injection boreholes and withdrawing the mineral oil through production boreholes, in which the mineral oil yield is increased by the use of microorganisms in combination with measures for blocking highly permeable zones of the mineral oil formation. |
| US08973646B2 |
Slim type pressure-gradient-driven low-pressure thermosiphon plate
A slim type pressure-gradient-driven low-pressure thermosiphon plate includes a main body closed by a cover. The main body includes a central heat receiving zone, a pressure accumulating zone and a first flow passage unit separately located at two opposite sides of the heat receiving zone, a free zone communicating with the pressure accumulating zone, a first and a second condensing zone communicating with the free zone, a third and a fourth condensing zone communicating with the first flow passage unit, a second flow passage unit located between and communicating with the first and the third condensing zone, and a third flow passage unit located between and communicating with the second and the fourth condensing zone. In the thermosiphon plate, a low-pressure end is created through proper pressure-reduction design to form a pressure gradient for driving steam-water circulation, and the working fluid can transfer heat without any wick structure. |
| US08973644B2 |
Rollable screen assembly
A rollable screen comprises a rotatable winding tube for a screen mounted for rotation in a stationary mounting assembly and a spring for loading said winding tube in a direction for winding the screen onto the winding tube. A first end of said spring is connected to the winding tube and a second end is connected to a mounting part positioned within the winding tube and connected to the stationary mounting assembly. Said mounting part comprises projecting locking elements for cooperation with corresponding locking members of the mounting assembly and for a rotation relative thereto between a first rotational position in which the mounting part can be inserted in or removed from the mounting assembly, and a second rotational position in which the locking elements and locking members prevent any translational movement of the rollable screen relative to the stationary mounting assembly. |
| US08973638B2 |
Systems and methods for manufacturing composite wood products to reduce bowing
The present disclosure includes systems and methods for manufacturing a composite wood product. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of forming a mat from a plurality of wood elements and an adhesive, the mat having a width W measured substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the mat and an initial thickness T1. The mat is then moved in a machine direction, the machine direction being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and the temperature across the width W of the mat is adjusted. The mat is then compressed into a billet having a final thickness T2. In some embodiments, the system includes a continuous movement mechanism, a side preheat assembly, and a press assembly. |
| US08973629B2 |
Tire with air-flow restrictor
An improved tire provides an air-flow restrictor that may be installed inside a tire. The air-flow restrictor may restrict or prevent the flow of air in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the tire. Also, a method for saving fuel by inserting or retrofitting tires with air movement restricting inserts. |
| US08973626B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting the three-dimensional structure of a log
A method for detecting the three-dimensional structure of a log comprises the operating steps of: making the log (2) rotate axially, leaving it free to translate during the rotation; during said rotation repeating the step of detecting the relative surface structure of the log (2) at least at one log surface portion (13), so that the relative surface structure of substantially all of the points of at least the log (2) lateral surface is detected at least once; and combining the relative surface structures detected to reconstruct an overall surface structure for at least the log (2) lateral surface, the detection steps being carried out in such a way that each detection step result shares at least several points with at least one other detection step result, while the step of combining the relative surface structures is carried out in such a way that the shared points are made to coincide with each other. |
| US08973624B2 |
Compressed hydrogen fueling control valve
A fill control system includes a fuel storage vessel, a fuel inlet in fluid communication with the fuel storage vessel to provide fluid communication between a fuel source and the fuel storage vessel, and a fill control valve disposed between and in fluid communication with the fuel inlet and the fuel storage vessel, an actuation of the fill control valve causing a pressure level upstream thereof which emulates a full condition of the fuel storage vessel. |
| US08973622B2 |
Fluid transfer devices and methods of use
Some embodiments disclosed herein related to a device for transferring precise amounts of fluid from at least one source container to a at least one target container. In some embodiments, the fluid is first transferred from the source container (e.g., a vial) through a connector to an intermediate measuring container (e.g., a syringe). In some embodiments air can pass through an air inlet and enter the vial to compensate for the volume of fluid withdrawn from the vial. An air check valve or a bag or a filter can prevent the fluid from escaping through the air inlet. The precisely measured amount of fluid can then be transferred from the intermediate measuring container to the target container (e.g., an IV bag). In some embodiments the connector can include a source check valve and a target check valve to direct fluid first from the source container to the intermediate measuring container and then from the intermediate measuring container to the target container. Some embodiments of the device can include a motor and a controller for automatically actuating a plunger of the syringe to transfer the desired amount of fluid. |
| US08973619B2 |
Climate tube, particularly for airplanes
A climate tube, in particular for aircraft, includes an inner layer and an outer layer of fiber composite plastic material. To achieve a high stiffness combined with a low weight and to achieve good thermal insulation properties, disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer is an at least almost completely circumferential honeycomb core, which is firmly connected to the inner layer the outer layer. The radial extent of the honeycomb core is large compared to the radial extent of the inner layer and the outer layer, and the mutually opposed longitudinal ends of the honeycomb core abut one another and are surrounded by a ply of fiber composite plastic material. |
| US08973615B2 |
Fluid control device
Rails 20 corresponding to lines A, B, C are provided in parallel on a bass plate 1, and coupling members 21, 22 are slidably mounted on each of the rails 20. Each of fluid controllers 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 is mounted generally on two of these coupling members 21, 22. |
| US08973613B2 |
Electrorheological valve
An ER fluid valve includes a housing and a plurality of parallel flow passages through the housing each defined by spaced electrodes at least one of which is controllable independently of other flow passages electrodes. A controller is configured to selectively establish electrical fields for all of the independently controllable electrodes to close all of the flow passages to ER fluid flowing through the housing. By removing the fields from all of the independently controllable electrodes, all the flow passages are open to the ER fluid flowing through the housing. By establishing fields for select independently controllable electrodes to close their associated flow passages and by leaving other flow passages open, restricted flow of the ER fluid through the housing is accomplished to vary the flow rate through the housing. |
| US08973612B2 |
Capacitive sensing electronic faucet including differential measurements
A fluid delivery device including an electronic faucet having a plurality of faucet components, and a primary capacitive sensor coupled to at least one of the faucet components and providing a primary output signal. At least one secondary capacitive sensor is located on or near an item which causes unintended effects on the output signal from the primary capacitive sensor and provides a secondary output signal. A controller determines a difference signal between the primary and secondary output signals of the primary and secondary capacitive sensors to control operation of the electronic faucet. |
| US08973605B2 |
Actuating device for housed or housingless valves
The invention relates to an actuating device for housed or housingless valves; in particular for valves for pipelines for transporting liquid or gaseous medium, preferably for pipelines above a nominal diameter of DN 100 or channels, having a drive motor, having a gearing (2), and having an emergency running drive (3) by means of which the gearing (2) can be actuated independently of the drive motor, wherein as a drive motor a servo motor (4) is provided which has a measuring device which determines the respectively present position of the servo motor (4) in relation to its initial position and outputs corresponding measured values, a working memory is provided into which the measured values of the measuring device of the servo motor (4) are written, an electronic control unit (8) is provided which reads out the measured values of the measuring device of the servo motor (4); and performs position control of the servo motor (4) and therefore of the actuating device on the basis of the measured values from the measuring device of the servo motor (4). |
| US08973601B2 |
Liquid condition sensing circuit and method
A liquid condition sensor configured to monitor the condition of a liquid in an ultrasonic cleaning system tank, the liquid condition sensor including a first circuit configured to detect a signal transmitted from an ultrasonic generator to one or more ultrasonic transducers located in the tank. The liquid condition sensor further includes a second circuit coupled to the first circuit, the second circuit configured to determine if the signal is indicative of one of a suboptimal liquid level, and an unacceptably high concentration of dissolved gases in the cleaning liquid, and a third circuit coupled to the second circuit, the third circuit configured to provide a warning if one of a suboptimal liquid level, and an unacceptably high concentration of dissolved gases in the cleaning liquid is indicated by the second circuit. |
| US08973599B2 |
Wall hydrant with integral shut-off valve
An embodiment wall hydrant includes a reservoir, conduits containing an operating rod assembly and a service rod assembly, and a fluid outlet with a hose connector. The service rod assembly allows water supply to the hydrant to be shut-off from the front of the hydrant which allows servicing of the hydrant without requiring water shut-off to all or a portion of the water supply to the building. Embodiments include a vacuum relief dual check valve assembly at the fluid outlet which prevents backflow of water into the hydrant. Embodiments include a box which protects the hydrant controls. |
| US08973594B2 |
Tent peg
Described is tent peg that provides easy storage and transport to reduce the likelihood of the tent peg being lost. The tent peg comprises a shaft having and a head comprising a body having an arm extending therefrom. The arm comprises a first aperture adjacent to the body and a second aperture located between the first aperture and a distal end of the arm. The first aperture is formed to receive a shaft of a first further tent peg in an opposite orientation. Additionally, the second aperture is formed to receive a shaft of a second further tent peg in the same orientation as the tent beg. Further, the shaft of the second further tent peg is receivable in a first aperture of the first further tent peg. Therefore, multiple tent pegs can be interconnected with each tent peg in the opposite orientation to the adjacent tent pegs. |
| US08973593B1 |
Vegetation-containing hunting blind
Vegetation-containing hunting blind includes a vegetation-shielding/offering member. Inside the member vegetation can be grown. |
| US08973582B2 |
Tongue suspension device and method
An implantable tissue suspension device and its method for use. The device includes first and second filamentary elements bonded together only at a central connection region such that first and second leading and trailing legs of the respective first and second filamentary elements extend outwardly from the central connection region. The method includes implanting the device such that the central connection region extends laterally across a patient's tongue and the first and second leading and trailing legs of the first and second filamentary elements extend through the tongue such that ends thereof are positioned external to the genioglossus muscle. |
| US08973580B1 |
Portable manual ventilation device
A portable, compact closed circuit ventilation device for manual ventilation of a patient undergoing a surgical or medical procedure that requires sedation as well as emergency management of respiratory failure. One example embodiment includes a closed breathing circuit having a manually squeezable bag, a carbon dioxide absorption canister, a plurality of valves, a gas port and a plurality of sensors for measuring Tidal Volume (TV), Peak Airway Pressure (PAP) and End Tidal CO2 (ETCO2). Another example embodiment includes an open breathing circuit having a bag, valves and sensors. A monitor displays the sensor measurements during the respiratory phases. In a spontaneously breathing patient the device may be used to assess the adequacy of patient's respiratory efforts. During manual or assisted ventilation, the monitor assures safe and efficacious ventilation by the closed breathing circuit. |
| US08973577B2 |
Leak-compensated pressure regulated volume control ventilation
This disclosure describes systems and methods for compensating for leakage when during delivery of gas to a patient from a medical ventilator in a pressure regulated volume control (PRVC) ventilation mode. The technology described herein includes systems and methods that compensate the delivery of PRVC ventilation for leakage in the patient circuit by using leak-compensated lung flows as well as respiratory mechanics (lung compliance and lung resistance) estimated in a manner that compensates for elastic and inelastic leaks from the ventilation system. |
| US08973573B2 |
Bite block with airway mount
A bite block 20 for use during transoral medical procedures has a main lumen 42 and a side mount 110 for receiving a separately inserted airway 160. The airway 110 may be a commercially available nasopharangeal airway which is inserted in mount 110 and extends into the oral cavity so as to effectively function as oral pharangeal airway. |
| US08973566B2 |
Workpiece for frame gang saw, method for cutting the workpiece, and product cut by the method
There is provided a method of cutting or drilling workpiece including stone such as marble and granite, brick, concrete and asphalt, using a frame gang saw. There are provided a workpiece cut by a frame gang saw that includes one or a plurality of blades having multiple cutting tips or that includes a blade without including a cutting tip; a method of cutting the workpiece by using a frame gang saw; and a product provided by the cutting method. The workpiece is provided to include one or more grooves into which at least a portion of at least one cutting tip among the multiple cutting tips or at least a portion of the blade without a cutting tip is inserted and which is formed in a surface thereof. Here, an initial cutting time on a workpiece may be shortened to greatly improve productivity and the quality of a product and a lifespan of a frame gang saw blade may be improved by significantly decreasing deflection in the blade. |
| US08973562B2 |
Ignition device and ignition method for internal combustion engine
The ignition device for the internal combustion engine includes: an ignition plug including a first electrode and a second electrode opposed to each other via a predetermined gap, for generating in the predetermined gap a spark discharge for igniting a combustible mixture in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine; an ignition coil including a primary coil and a secondary coil, for generating a high voltage in the secondary coil by supplying or stopping a primary current flowing through the primary coil, and then applying the generated high voltage to the first electrode; and a control unit for driving the ignition coil for a plurality of times within a single ignition process, and changing a primary voltage for driving the ignition coil within the single ignition process. |
| US08973561B2 |
Method for energizing an HF resonant circuit which has an igniter as a component for igniting a fuel-air mixture in a combustion chamber
The invention relates to a method for energizing an HF resonant circuit which contains an igniter as a component for igniting a fuel-air mixture in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine by means of a corona discharge, wherein the igniter comprises an ignition electrode and an insulator surrounding the ignition electrode, by means of a DC-AC inverter which is excited by successive current pulses which each last while a switch controlled by a control circuit is in its conducting switching state. It is provided according to the invention that the switch is actuated when an instantaneous value of an alternating current or an alternating current voltage excited in the HF resonant circuit falls below a first switching threshold (A−, B−, C−) and the switch s actuated when the instantaneous value of the alternating current or the alternating current voltage excited in the HF resonant circuit exceeds a second switching threshold (A+, B+, C+). |
| US08973559B2 |
Gear subassembly and exhaust gas recirculation system
A gear subassembly is for an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system including an EGR valve and a rotatable shaft provided for the EGR valve. The gear subassembly includes a gear and a cam. The gear is a part of reduction gears and is fastened to the rotatable shaft to rotate therearound. The cam is fastened to the gear and is a part of a link mechanism. The gear includes a metal shaft-fastening part used for fastening the gear to the rotatable shaft, and a metal cam-fastening part used for fastening the gear to the cam. The gear is formed by resin-molding with the shaft-fastening part and the cam-fastening part serving as insert parts. |
| US08973556B2 |
Fuel system for an internal combustion engine
In a fuel system of an internal combustion engine, a low-pressure delivery unit for the fuel, at least indirectly delivers fuel to at least one low-pressure injection device. The fuel system further provides a high-pressure delivery unit, which has a drive region and a delivery region and at least indirectly delivers fuel to at least one high-pressure injection device. According to the invention, the fuel is first delivered by the low-pressure delivery unit to the drive region of the high-pressure delivery unit and from there onward to the low-pressure injection device and/or to the delivery region of the high-pressure delivery unit. |
| US08973555B2 |
Air-intake control apparatus of internal combustion engine
An air-intake control apparatus of an internal combustion engine formed by attaching a flange portion provided to an end portion of a drive motor to a cylindrical hole portion. A throttle body has at least one positioning projection (or recess) provided to an inner wall of the cylindrical hole portion. The drive motor complementarily has at least one positioning recess (or projection) provided to the flange portion at a position corresponding to the positioning projection (or recess). The drive motor is attached to the cylindrical hole portion while the positioning recess (or projection) abuts on the positioning projection (or recess) in such a manner that a center distance between a motor shaft and a throttle shaft takes a predetermined value. Hence, not only attachment workability but also attachment accuracy of the drive motor can be enhanced. The air-intake control device therefore has higher product reliability. |
| US08973551B2 |
Connecting rod lubrication apparatus
An apparatus includes a connecting rod having a surface that defines an opening to receive a pin for coupling the connecting rod to a piston at a first end of the connecting rod. The surface includes a groove arrangement to collect, retain and distribute lubrication fluid in the space between the pin and the inner surface. The surface can be formed by the connecting rod or a bushing in an opening of the connecting rod. |
| US08973540B2 |
Variable valve system
A variable valve system, may include a variable valve apparatus that controls opening/closing timing of an exhaust valve and an intake valve of an engine, and an oil supply device that supplies the variable valve apparatus with a pressured oil, wherein the exhaust valve and the intake valve may be opened/closed by rotation of a camshaft, and the oil supply device engaged with the camshaft may be operated by the rotation of the camshaft. |
| US08973536B2 |
Engine compensation for fan power
A method for controlling the power of an engine is provided. The method includes determining a baseline fuel amount, determining an engine cooling fan operating condition based on an engine operating parameter, determining an engine cooling fan command based on the engine cooling fan operating condition, determining an engine cooling fan power level based on the engine speed and the engine cooling fan command, determining an additional fuel amount based on the engine cooling fan power level, adding the additional fuel amount to the baseline fuel amount to create a compensated fuel amount, and providing the compensated fuel amount to the engine. An engine system, including an engine controller coupled to an engine, a fuel system and a hydraulic pump, is also provided. The engine controller includes a processor adapted to perform a set of instructions that controls the power of the engine. |
| US08973531B2 |
Automated continuous zooplankton culture system
A system and method for determining the concentration of zooplankton in a continuous zooplankton culture system. The system may include a transmissiometer, a sample tube, a first sample containing water and microalgae, and a second sample containing water, microalgae, and zooplankton. The concentration of zooplankton in the system may be calculated by comparing the transmissiometer output from the first sample and the second sample, wherein each of the outputs are obtained by moving each sample into the sample tube such that the transmissionmeter is positioned to take a reading across the tube. |
| US08973520B2 |
Coating machine for coating fiber yarns
A coating machine for coating fiber yarns includes: a yarn supply device; a coating device including a tank, a drum rotatably disposed in the tank, and at least one annular groove formed circumferentially in an outer surface of the drum; a thickness adjuster disposed downstream of the coating device and including an adjuster support and at least one adjusting die mounted movably to the adjuster support, the adjusting die having a through hole, the through hole having an upstream inlet end and a downstream outlet end and being tapered from the upstream inlet end to the downstream outlet end; a shape-setting device disposed downstream of the thickness adjuster and having a heating unit controllable to operate at a predetermined temperature; a cooling device disposed downstream of the shape-setting device; and a yarn pick-up device disposed downstream of the cooling device. |
| US08973519B2 |
Recloser position indicator
A status indicator includes a display disc with a pin located within a central portion if the display disc, a first colored section, and a second colored section. The status indicator also includes a lens unit with an opaque section and a non-opaque section to alternately reveal the first colored section or the second colored section such that either the first or the second colored section is visible from any angle within a hemisphere below the status indicator. The status indicator also includes an indicator cam configured to receive a linear force initiated by an actuator component and to translate the linear force to a rotational force on the pin. The rotational force causes the display disc to rotate from a first position to a second position that aligns the second colored section with the non-opaque section. |
| US08973517B1 |
Solar powered flagpole
A hollow metal flagpole has apertures spaced along the length thereof. Light fixtures and reflectors are inserted inside the pole to direct light outward through the apertures. The pole is intended to be supported horizontally, or nearly horizontally, with the apertures directed downwardly to thereby illuminate a suspended flag. |
| US08973514B2 |
Floating support
A support of deep caisson type having a longitudinal axis, for floating installation in a body of water and provided with mooring lines for anchoring to a seabed, has a lower portion in the body of water having a weight element, an upper portion that supports a platform above a water surface, and an extended portion in an area between the upper portion and the lower portion. The extended portion has one or more internal storage chambers and one or more ballast chambers. The storage chambers are arranged closer to the longitudinal axis than the ballast chambers. |
| US08973513B2 |
Recovering capsized watercraft incorporating rapid filling and emptying ballast systems
A craft including a body having a front end, a rear end, two sides miming between said ends, and an axis running generally from the rear end to the front end; and a water displacement system operable to displace water to propel the craft across water and to displace water to cause the craft to rotate about said axis. The craft includes a ballast tank capable of being at least partially filled with ballast to change a position of a center of gravity of the craft to assist in rotation of the craft when capsized. The craft also includes a rapid filling and emptying system for a ballast system of a craft in addition to a water displacement system, wherein the rapid filling and emptying system includes at least one ballasting intake through which water is passed from the water displacement system into said ballast system; and at least one ballasting outlet through which the water displacement system draws water from the ballast system. |
| US08973512B2 |
Wind gust dampening system for sailing vessel
A wind gust dampening system for a sailing vessel for absorbing the forces generated by a wind gust upon a sail is disclosed. The wind gust dampening system may be adjustable such that the system may be used on a variety of different size and types of sailing vessels to absorb forces from wind gusts to prevent sailing vessels from capsizing or from damage occurring to equipment, or both. The configuration of the wind gust dampening system provides for a plurality of adjustments enabling the system to be uniquely adapted to each sailing vessel for increased efficiency. The wind gust dampening system may include one or more shock cords for absorbing the forces generated by wind gusts and may extend between a deck of a vessel and a sail. |
| US08973511B2 |
Autonomous sailboat for oceanographic monitoring
A fleet of autonomous sailing vessels that are equipped with monitoring and communication equipment for reporting environmental and other conditions. For optimal stability, the autonomous sailing vessels are multi-hulled vessels (catamarans) with self-righting capabilities. Each sailing vessel sends and receives information via one or more satellite links, using solar power to power the communications equipment as well as the monitoring equipment. Each sailing vessel includes an auto-sailtrim system to maintain a desired attack angle with the wind, and electric propulsion for use as required to maintain a desired heading. A modular design is used to support mission-specific payloads. |
| US08973510B2 |
Vessel
A vessel includes a body including a hull and a deck, a float disposed on both right and left sides of the hull and extending in the front/rear direction along the hull, a propulsion unit that propels the vessel, a steering handle disposed above the deck, and a seat disposed at the rear of the steering handle on the deck. The deck includes a flat portion extending from the lateral side of the seat to the rear end edge of the deck. |
| US08973509B2 |
Method for manufacturing a strap ring for climbing activities, from a tubular fabric axially cut up
A method for manufacturing a strap ring (1), made from a material woven with warp threads (3) and at least one weft thread (4) extending between the warp threads (3). The woven material is a tubular fabric (11) whose warp threads (3) extend parallel to the axis of extension of the tubular fabric (11), the strap ring (1) being made from an axial section (16) of the tubular fabric (11) which is axially cut up by cutting the warp threads (3). |
| US08973508B2 |
Freight car with lifting location and method
A railroad freight car has lifting apparatus at the body bolsters of the car. In addition it has lifting interface members mounted to underlie the side sills near the wheel-well cut-outs of the side beams. The lifting interface members stand downwardly proud of adjacent structure and fasteners heads, such that when lifting apparatus, such as a hydraulic lift, is brought to bear it contacts the lifting interface member first, rather than damaging adjacent structure, be it the side sills themselves, lateral cross-members such as cross-bearers and cross-ties, or diagonal struts. It may also tend to prevent consequent damage to the end bulkheads. The lifting interface members may permit the replacement of wheelsets in the field. The lifting members may be sacrificial, such that they may be replaced when worn or damaged. |
| US08973497B2 |
Flexographic proofing tools and methods
A hand holdable ink proofing tool including an anilox roll and an ink transfer roll, supporting a resilient printing plate. A metering roll adjacent the anilox roll is shiftable to be in contact with the anilox roll and to force ink into cells of the anilox roll; and a leading edge doctor blade is positioned to shear excess ink from a surface of the anilox roll. |
| US08973496B2 |
Screen printing machine
A screen printing machine including: a screen mask 1 detachably mounted to a mask mounting area set in advance; a squeegee, which is arranged above the screen mask mounted to the mask mounting area, and the squeegee reciprocates relative to the screen mask in a squeegee-movement direction; and a receptacle which is installed at a location so that the screen mask is allowed to be attached and detached and which catches applying material adhered to the squeegee. |
| US08973495B2 |
Imprint apparatus, imprint method, and article manufacturing method
There is provided an imprint apparatus configured to perform an imprint in which a resin on a substrate is molded using a mold and a pattern is formed on the substrate. The apparatus includes a press unit configured to press the resin on the substrate and the mold to each other, a cure unit configured to irradiate light to the resin molded by the mold to cure the resin, and a movement unit configured to move the mold and the substrate, from a position at which the press is performed by the press unit to a position at which the light is irradiated by the cure unit, and from the position at which the light is irradiated by the cure unit to a position at which the mold is released. |
| US08973494B2 |
Imprint method and imprint apparatus
According to one embodiment, an imprint method is disclosed. The method can include forming a liquid droplet of a transfer material with a volume greater than a predetermined reference volume by dropping the transfer material onto a major surface of a processing substrate. The method can include reducing the volume of the liquid droplet to be less than the reference volume by volatilizing the liquid droplet. In addition, the method can include filling the transfer material into a recess provided in a transfer surface of a template by bringing the liquid droplet having the volume reduced to be less than the reference volume into contact with the transfer surface of the template. |
| US08973493B2 |
Square baler having flywheel planetary drive
A powered square baler is operable to be powered by a prime mover to form a bale by compressing loose material. The powered square baler broadly includes a chassis, a plunger assembly, a flywheel, and a planetary gear train. The chassis includes a baler frame that presents a baling chamber to receive the loose material. The plunger assembly includes a reciprocating plunger head slidably mounted relative to the baler frame and operable to reciprocate into and out of the chamber and apply a compressive force to the loose material. The flywheel is rotatably mounted on the chassis and is operable to be driven by the prime mover. The planetary gear train is drivingly attached to the flywheel and is drivingly attached relative to the plunger assembly to transmit power between the flywheel and the plunger assembly and thereby drive the plunger head. |
| US08973492B1 |
Method and apparatus for pasteurizing shell eggs using radio frequency heating
Radio frequency (RF) energy is used to quickly heat the yolk portion of a shell egg. An anode and corresponding cathode are applied to each individual egg. As the egg is selectively and systematically rotated, RF energy and a stream of cooling fluid (preferably water) are simultaneously applied to the egg. This initiates pasteurization of the egg yolk while maintaining a low temperature in the heat-sensitive albumen (egg white) thus preventing denaturation of the albumen. Immediately after the RF yolk heating process, the egg is placed in a hot water bath designed to rapidly pasteurize the albumen as well as to minimize heat loss from the yolk and pasteurize any portion of the yolk that is not already pasteurized through the RF yolk heating process. |
| US08973491B1 |
System for processing primary food product waste into secondary food product
A system for producing secondary food product from primary food product waste is disclosed that comprises several modular subsections: a staging subsystem, a processing subsystem, a drying subsystem, and a pelletization subsystem. Each subsystem, and the connections between subsystems, are sealed such that the food product being processed is isolated from the general environment. Product is dried by the dryer in such a way that it emerges from the dryer at a desired moisture content level and at ambient temperature. A moisture sensor may provide control data to a controller that in turn controls product throughput to obtain a desired moisture content level. High nutritional content and long lifespan of the processed product can be maintained, while reducing the weight of the final product. One or more of the subsystems may be portable and configured for convenient connection and disconnection to mating subsystems, and to facilitate permitting for portable operation. |
| US08973486B2 |
Brewing unit for preparing beverages from single service packages and machines comprising said unit
The brewing unit comprises: a support (5); a drawer (7), presenting at least a seat for a single serving package (C), slidable with respect to the support and movable between a loading position of the single serving package and a brewing position; a dispensing member (23) to dispense pressurized water to the single serving package. A control lever (9) is provided to control the movement of the drawer (7). A mechanical connection is also provided between the lever and the drawer and between the lever and the dispensing member, so that operation of the lever causes the drawer to move from the loading position to the brewing position and the dispensing member to rest against the single serving package. |
| US08973484B2 |
Piston with cooling gallery
An exemplary piston assembly and method of making the same are disclosed. An exemplary piston assembly may include a piston crown and skirt. The crown may include radially inner and outer crown mating surfaces, and the crown may define at least in part a cooling gallery extending about a periphery of the crown. The skirt may further include an inner collar wall disposed radially inwardly of a radially inner interface region and extending upwards to a free end. The collar wall may generally enclose the radially inner interface region from the central region. |
| US08973482B2 |
Suspended floor device
A blast dissipation device for an armored vehicle includes a first absorption system and a second absorption system that are usable to dissipate initial blast forces exerted upon an underbelly of the vehicle caused by, for example, detonation of an IED below the vehicle. The second absorption system has a delayed reaction to forces exerted upon the underbelly of the vehicle. The first absorption system reacts more quickly and serves to dissipate initial forces until the second absorption system is activated to dissipate the remaining forces. |
| US08973479B2 |
Apparatus for cutting food
This invention relates to an apparatus for cutting food comprising a rack and a knife rest set on the rack and further comprising: a nipper for gripping food. A slideway is designed on the rack, provided with a slide rail and a guide rail that match each other between the slideway and the bottom of the nipper. The nipper for gripping food of the food cutter avoids sliding along the slideway with hands directly holding food to effectively prevent hands from being scratched by the knife rest and provide safer and more labor-saving use. Moreover, the slide rail and the guide rail that match each other between the slideway and the bottom of the nipper prevent the nipper from deviating when sliding along the slideway for more labor-saving use. This invention further discloses that it is a food cutter that can cut food into more shapes. |
| US08973477B2 |
Paper cutting machine
A paper cutting machine contains a base, a holder, a connecting member, a driving member, a cutting member, and a protective cover covered on the holder. The base includes four first holes, a second hole, a first slot, and a second slot. The holder includes two first orifices, two second orifices, and a covering seat. The connecting member connects with a first bolt of the holder and includes a press bar, a reinforcement bar, and a handle. The driving member includes a first aperture, a seat, a recess, and a second aperture. The cutting member includes an inserting piece and a cutout and is placed into the recess and is fixed by screwing the positioning rod into the cutout. The first bolt has two torsion springs, one end of each torsion spring abuts against the press bar, another end of the each torsion spring pushes against the second bolt. |
| US08973475B2 |
Torsion adjusting structure of a screwdriver
A torsion adjusting structure of a screwdriver includes an inner tube, a front micro-adjusting rod, a spring, an upper toothed block, a lower toothed block, a stop member, a compressive member, a regulating knob and an interacting member combined together, and the torsion adjusting structure is assembled in the handle of a screwdriver. To adjust the torsion of the screwdriver, an auxiliary tool is inserted in the polygonal recessed groove of the regulating knob to rotate the regulating knob having the graduation and number of a torsion value to be set by the regulating knob aligned to the position of an indication mark on the handle. Thus, the value of the torsion of a screwdriver can conveniently be regulated via the graduations and numbers on the regulating knob. Furthermore, the front micro-adjusting rod can carry out micro-adjustment of torsion. |
| US08973473B2 |
Insert bit
An insert bit includes a connecting component and a driving component. The connecting component includes a connecting end and a receiving end. The receiving end includes first and second receiving sections. The driving component is adapted to be inserted into the connecting component. The driving component includes first and second engaging sections. The first engaging section is tightly fit in the first receiving section such that the first engaging section includes an outer periphery including a flange that is formed after the first engaging section is forced into the first receiving section, and is extended radially outwards to abut against the first receiving section. The second engaging section is fit in the second receiving section. The second engaging section has a shape corresponding to the second receiving section. |
| US08973472B2 |
Tool extension bar
A tool extension bar includes a rod including first and second ends. The second end is adapted to connect to and be driven by a power tool. A sleeve assembly is slidably mounted around the rod and includes an end adapted for connecting to a tool member. A radial hole extends in a radial direction at an end of the sleeve assembly. An elastic member is mounted around the second end of the rod and is biased against the rod and the sleeve assembly. An engaging member is movably received in the radial hole and is moveably engaged in the recess of the rod. The engaging member releasably engages the sleeve with the rod. |
| US08973468B2 |
Tool for the mounting/removal of a motor vehicle battery
A tool for mounting or removing a container of energy that powers an engine or motor that propels a motor vehicle, fixed to the motor vehicle using a lock on which there acts a piston that loads the lock. The tool includes at least one tool attachment device, a device for releasing the load on the lock by acting on the piston, and a device for locking and/or unlocking the battery. |
| US08973467B2 |
Framing and forming hammer
A forming and framing hammer comprises an elongate handle and a head fixed to the top end of the handle. The head has three striking surfaces: two on a striking body and one on the side of the head. The third striking surface is cushioned by a neoprene bushing to reduce vibration in the handle of the hammer. The head has two pulling tools for pulling nails. The bottom of the handle accepts interchangeable tools. |
| US08973466B2 |
Methods of forming earth-boring tools and components thereof including attaching a shank to a body of an earth-boring tool
Earth-boring drill bits include a bit body, an element having an attachment feature bonded to the bit body, and a shank assembly. Methods for assembling an earth-boring rotary drill bit include bonding a threaded element to the bit body of a drill bit and engaging the shank assembly to the threaded element. A nozzle assembly for an earth-boring rotary drill bit may include a cylindrical sleeve having a threaded surface and a threaded nozzle disposed at least partially in the cylindrical sleeve and engaged therewith. Methods of forming an earth-boring drill bit include providing a nozzle assembly including a tubular sleeve and nozzle at least partially within a nozzle port of a bit body. |
| US08973465B2 |
Gearbox for gas turbine engine
A gearbox for a gas turbine engine includes a housing that includes first and second housing portions interconnected by an intermediate housing portion to provide a generally U-shaped structure. Each of the first and second housing portions includes opposing first and second faces. The second faces of the first and second housing portions are adjacent to one another. First and second gear sets are respectively arranged in the first and second housing portions. A third gear set is arranged in the intermediate portion and is coupled to the first and second gear sets. Accessory drive component mounts are provided on at least three of the first and second faces of the first and second housing portions. The mounts are each configured to support an accessory drive component coupled to one of the first and second gear sets. |
| US08973464B2 |
Housing with a direct flow path for hardware lubrication
The present invention provides a housing that encloses a bearing. The housing includes a side wall upon which a lubricant is dispersed. The side wall has a sloped portion and a collection area is fluidly associated with the side wall. A fluid circuit is integral with the side wall such that the fluid circuit is configured to direct the lubricant into the collection area. |
| US08973463B2 |
Recessed belt damper
A torsional vibration damper includes an inertia mass and a rotating shaft or hub with an elastomeric ring between the inertia mass and the rotating shaft or hub. A large portion of said elastomeric member is located in a channel located either in the inertia mass or in the hub. This allows one to achieve high contact pressure without creating a significant fatigue on the elastomeric member. This can be used with either a crankshaft damper or an internal or external drive shaft damper. |
| US08973453B2 |
Feed screw mechanism
A feed screw mechanism includes a feed screw shaft connected to a drive source and formed with first screw threads on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and a displacement nut, which is screw-engaged with respect to the feed screw shaft through a plurality of balls. The displacement nut is supported with respect to a slider that makes up an electric actuator by a pair of pins. The pins are inserted and fixed in first pin holes formed in the slider, and distal end portions of the pins are inserted respectively into second pin holes formed in the displacement nut. |
| US08973446B2 |
Pressure sensor and microphone
According to one embodiment, a pressure sensor includes a base, and a first sensor unit. The first sensor unit includes a first transducer thin film, a first strain sensing device and a second strain sensing device. The first strain sensing device includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a first intermediate layer provided between the first and the second magnetic layers. The second strain sensing device is provided apart from the first strain sensing device on the first membrane surface and provided at a location different from a location of the barycenter, the second strain sensing device including a third magnetic layer, a fourth magnetic layer, and a second intermediate layer provided between the third and the fourth magnetic layers, the first and the second intermediate layers being nonmagnetic. The first and the second strain sensing devices, and the barycenter are in a straight line. |
| US08973444B2 |
Tracking objects in conduits
Methods and apparatus for tracking objects in conduits, especially for tracking the movement of a pig in a pipeline, are disclosed. Distributed acoustic sensing is used to obtain signal returns from a plurality of discrete longitudinal sensing portions of a fibre optic cable which is laid along the length of the conduit. The method involves detecting an acoustic signature corresponding to the object moving in the conduit. The acoustic signature may comprise a series of pressure pulses caused by the object traversing joints etc. in the conduit. Preferably the method involves detecting pressure waves caused by the object as it moves through the conduit. Detecting the characteristic pressure wave signal provides discrimination of the object from other acoustic disturbances. In pipeline applications a pig can be tracked in real time, if the pig stops moving an alert can be generated and the location of the pig will be known. |
| US08973439B1 |
MEMS accelerometer with proof masses moving in anti-phase direction normal to the plane of the substrate
A sensor is disclosed. The sensor includes a substrate and at least two proof masses. The sensor also includes a flexible coupling between the at least two proof masses and the substrate. The at least two coupling proof masses move in an anti-phase direction normal to a plane of the substrate in response to acceleration. |
| US08973432B2 |
Gear shift shock evaluation apparatus and evaluation method of the same
An evaluation unit includes a front-rear acceleration sensor and an up-down acceleration sensor. The evaluation unit calculates a length of a track obtained by plotting detected front-rear and up-down accelerations on a three-dimensional space along a time axis within a period from gear shift start of an automatic transmission to gear shift end, calculate a track length per unit time by dividing the length of the track by a time interval from the gear shift start to the gear shift end, and evaluates that a gear shift shock is larger as the track length per unit time is longer. |
| US08973425B2 |
Seal integrity evaluation device and method of use thereof
Apparatuses for evaluating the integrity of a container seal and methods of using same are provided. The apparatuses include a sealed container having a conductive fluid and a first probe therein, a conductive solution bath having a second probe therein, a conductivity meter and a pressurized fluid supply. A pressurized fluid is supplied from fluid supply to an interior of the sealed container through the first probe until the seal on sealed container ruptures, first and second probes create an electrical circuit, and the conductivity meter detects a flow of electrons between the two probes. In this manner, apparatuses of the present disclosure are able to quantify the amount of internal pressure in the container at the time the container seal ruptures. |
| US08973424B2 |
Method for detecting leaks, system and medical treating device
The present invention relates to a method for detecting leakages in a system for conducting a medical fluid upstream a shut-off device of the system as well as systems related thereto. More specifically, the method is used with systems having a section conducting the medical fluid, the section being arranged upstream the shut-off device, which is configured to interrupt or reduce an escaping or outflow of the fluid out of the section into an area downstream the shut-off device. The system for use with the present method further has at least one conveying device for conveying the fluid through the section. The present invention further relates to a digital storage medium, a computer program product and a computer program for performing the method for detecting leakages. |
| US08973417B2 |
Electronically-controlled removable core lock
An electronic small format interchangeable core (“SFIC”) lock is configured so that core locking features are electronically controlled, and keys can be electronically programmed to operate either as a normal user key able to open the lock or as a control key able to open the lock and to remove the SFIC cores. The same key will operate as a normal access key or as a control key, depending on how the key is programmed. |
| US08973413B2 |
Laundry refresher unit and laundry treating apparatus having the same
The present invention relates to a laundry refresher unit that can selectively supply various types of dry air as well as steam to laundry, and a laundry treating apparatus having the laundry refresher unit. A laundry refresher unit includes a cabinet that defines an exterior thereof, wherein an air path is formed in the cabinet; a steam generator provided in the cabinet to selectively supply steam outside the cabinet through a steam outlet; and a heated air supply device provided in the cabinet to heat air drawn through an air inlet, such that the air having at least three temperature ranges is supplied outside the cabinet through the air outlet. A laundry treating apparatus includes a laundry refresher unit that includes a cabinet, a steam generator and a heated air supply device. |
| US08973407B2 |
Method for producing synthetic quartz glass
A method for producing synthetic quartz glass comprises providing a liquid SiO2 feedstock material containing mainly octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane D4, vaporizing the SiO2 feedstock material into a feedstock vapor, converting the feedstock vapor into SiO2 particles, depositing the SiO2 particles on a deposition surface while forming a porous SiO2 soot body, and vitrifying the SiO2 soot body while forming the synthetic quartz glass. To produce large-volume cylindrical soot bodies with outer diameters of more than 300 mm of improved material homogeneity, the liquid feedstock material contains additional components comprising hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane D3 and its linear homolog with a weight fraction mD3, dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane D6 and its linear homolog with a weight fraction mD6, and tetradecamethylcycloheptasiloxane D7 and/or hexadecamethylcyclooctasiloxane D8 and its linear homologs with a weight fraction mD7+. The weight ratio mD3/mD6 is in a range between 0.5 and 500 and the weight fraction mD7+ is at least 20 wt. ppm. |
| US08973406B2 |
Melters for glass forming apparatuses
Melters for glass forming apparatuses and glass forming apparatuses comprising the same are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a melter for melting glass batch materials includes a base portion and a rigid exoskeleton rigidly attached to the base portion and comprising a plurality of upright members interconnected with a plurality of cross members defining an exoskeleton interior volume. Connection nodes formed at intersections of the plurality of cross members with upper ends of the plurality of upright members are constrained from movement relative to the base portion in a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction, and a vertical direction. A tank assembly is positioned on the base portion in the exoskeleton interior volume and coupled to the rigid exoskeleton. In some embodiments, the melter has a dynamic resistance greater than 0.3. |
| US08973403B2 |
Process for producing glass substrate provided with aluminum oxide-containing silicon oxide film
A process for producing a glass substrate provided with an aluminum oxide-containing silicon oxide film, which comprises applying a coating liquid containing an organopolysiloxane and an organic aluminum complex to a glass substrate within a temperature range of from 400 to 650° C. to form an aluminum oxide-containing silicon oxide film on the glass substrate, and a process for producing a glass substrate comprising forming molten glass into a glass ribbon, annealing the glass ribbon and cutting it to produce a glass substrate, wherein a coating liquid containing an organopolysiloxane and an organic aluminum complex is applied to the glass ribbon at a position where the glass ribbon is within a temperature range of from 400 to 650° C. to form an aluminum oxide-containing silicon oxide film on the glass ribbon. |
| US08973402B2 |
Overflow down-draw with improved glass melt velocity and thickness distribution
An apparatus for making a glass sheet using overflow fusion down-draw process comprising an inlet assembly having an elliptic cylindrical section coupled to a transition section which is, in turn, coupled to an open end of an open channel of an isopipe, and an overflow fusion down-draw process for making glass sheet. The glass melt flow has a high surface velocity profile conducive to the formation of a glass ribbon over the surface of the weirs and the wedge side surfaces with the desired mass distribution. |
| US08973400B2 |
Methods of using a submerged combustion melter to produce glass products
A method comprises flowing an oxidant and a fuel into a submerged combustion burner in a glass tank furnace, the glass tank furnace receiving a feed of glass forming material and producing molten glass, the burner and furnace comprising a melting system. The melting system has a variable system vibration and/or oscillation due to the nature of submerged combustion. One method includes predicting a value of at least one property, such as viscosity, of the molten glass using the variable system vibration and/or oscillation. |
| US08973398B2 |
Apparatus and method for regasification of liquefied natural gas
A method for vaporizing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream and recovering heavier hydrocarbons from the LNG utilizing a heat transfer fluid is disclosed. |
| US08973396B2 |
Cold-storage heat exchanger
A cold storage heat exchanger includes multiple refrigerant tubes having therein refrigerant passages. The refrigerant tubes are arranged to provide a clearance therebetween. The cold storage heat exchanger further includes a cold storage container that is brazed with the refrigerant tube and defines a compartment receiving a cold storage material. The cold storage container has an open-hole portion at a brazed part with the refrigerant tube. Accordingly, efficiency of heat exchange by the cold storage heat exchanger can be improved. |
| US08973391B2 |
Refrigerator
A structure of an auger motor assembly capable of easily installing an auger motor to drive an auger at an inside an ice making compartment, a solenoid valve to select whether to crush ice, an ice making compartment fan to flow the air at an inside the ice making compartment, and a drain hose to discharge the defrost water of the ice making tray to an outside the ice making compartment, so that the auger motor assembly is installed easily at an inside the ice making compartment by being inserted into the inside the ice making compartment through an open front surface of the ice making compartment in a sliding manner. |
| US08973385B2 |
Refrigeration system
A temperature controlled case is provided that includes an enclosure defining an airspace for receiving products therein, a refrigeration system configured to circulate a refrigerant through an expansion device and at least one cooling element to cool the airspace and a control module having a first predetermined setpoint corresponding to a first cooling mode and a second predetermined setpoint corresponding to a second cooling mode. The control module is configured to determine which one of the first cooling mode and the second cooling mode the refrigeration system is to operate within and to apply the corresponding predetermined setpoint for reference in modulating a position of the expansion device. |
| US08973384B2 |
Heat pump apparatus
To provide a heat pump apparatus, such as a heat pump water heating apparatus, capable of efficiently supplying high-temperature water by increasing a condensation capacity to a maximum if the outside air temperature is low. The heat pump water heating apparatus is configured to include a first refrigeration cycle and a second refrigeration cycle. The first refrigeration cycle is configured to connect in series a main compressor, a first water-refrigerant heat exchanger, an internal heat exchanger, a first pressure reducing device, and an air heat exchanger. The second refrigeration cycle diverges from the first refrigeration cycle between the first water-refrigerant heat exchanger and the first pressure reducing device, and joins the first refrigeration cycle between the main compressor and the first water-refrigerant heat exchanger. The second refrigeration cycle is configured to connect in series a second pressure reducing device, an internal heat exchanger, a sub compressor, and a third pressure reducing device. |
| US08973379B2 |
Refrigeration control systems and methods for modular compact chiller units
A controller for a modular compact chiller unit configured for integration into a refrigeration system utilizing a plurality of modular compact chiller units is shown and described. The controller includes a processing circuit configured to provide startup control, operational control, and shutdown control for the modular compact chiller unit. |
| US08973378B2 |
System and method for removing heat generated by a heat sink of magnetic resonance imaging system
Systems and methods from removing heat generated by a heat sink of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system are provided. One system includes a coldhead sleeve cooling arrangement for a coldhead of the MRI system. The coldhead sleeve cooling arrangement includes a coldhead sleeve configured to receive therein a coldhead of an MRI system and a cooling system surrounding an outer surface of the coldhead sleeve. The cooling system uses helium gas to remove heat from the coldhead sleeve. |
| US08973377B2 |
Thermoelectric power generation using aircraft fuselage temperature differential
An electric power generation system employs a thermoelectric generator placed between an aircraft inner skin and an aircraft outer skin. The thermoelectric generator is configured to utilize a thermal differential between the inner and outer skin to generate electricity. An electrical interface is provided for access to the electricity generated by said thermoelectric generator. |
| US08973375B2 |
Shielding for a gas turbine engine component
One embodiment of the present application includes a hot section component of a gas turbine engine having a covering. The covering includes a protrusion and is attached to the hot section component though a flexible retainer. In one form the covering is made from ceramic matrix composite. The flexible retainer has a closed position and an open position. The retainer secures the protrusion to the hot section component when it engages part of the protrusion when in the closed position. |
| US08973374B2 |
Blades in a turbine section of a gas turbine engine
An exemplary gas turbine engine includes a turbine section operative to impart rotational energy to a compressor section. The turbine section includes at least a low-pressure turbine and a high-pressure turbine, and a number of stages in the low pressure turbine is from three to five. |
| US08973369B2 |
Gas-turbine burner having inflow guide means
A gas-turbine burner having a plurality of main swirl generators which each have an inlet flow opening formed by the main swirl generator edge is provided. In order to achieve a uniform flow of combustion air through the main swirl generator, the gas-turbine burner has an inlet-flow guide means with a flow guide surface which runs from one of the inlet-flow openings to an adjacent inlet-flow opening, to which the main swirl generator edges which form the inlet-flow openings are connected, and the flow guide surface widens from there radially upwards. The main swirl generators are central-symmetrically arranged around a pilot burner and the flow guide surface runs radially outside the main swirl generators. |
| US08973365B2 |
Gas turbine combustor with mounting for Helmholtz resonators
A combustor liner may include an annular inner liner and an annular outer liner with a plurality of air holes thereon. The outer liner may be positioned circumferentially around the inner liner such that an annular cooling space is defined between the inner and the outer liner. The combustor liner may also include at least one resonator coupled to the outer liner such that a base of the resonator is separated from the outer liner to form a gap with an external surface of the outer liner. The combustor liner may also include a throat extending from the base of the resonator penetrating the inner liner and the outer liner. The combustor liner may further include a grommet assembly that allows for relative thermal expansion between the inner liner and the outer liner proximate the throat. |
| US08973363B2 |
Electrical machine comprising cooling channels
The invention relates to an electric motor, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (9), a shaft (8) having an axle (30), a stator and a rotor, at least one channel (11) for conducting a coolant for cooling the electric motor (5), wherein the geometry of the alignment of at least one section (12) of the at least one channel (11) is designed such that the coolant flows in the direction of the axle (30) of the shaft (8) through the at least one channel (11), having a deviation of less than 40°. |
| US08973362B2 |
Method and device for producing explosions
An apparatus and method for producing explosions, including a pressure-resistance container having a main explosion chamber introduced therein, further including a supply line for supplying a flowable explosible material, and a drain opening for the directed drainage of gas pressure caused by the ignition of the explosible material. The drain opening is closed directly by a closure means, preferably a plunger, which is pressed against the drain opening using a gas spring and held closed substantially up to the time of ignition. Before the actual main explosion, the closure means is moved by the igniting and the pressure force of an auxiliary explosion, thereby exposing the drain opening. |
| US08973361B2 |
Seal air supply system and exhaust gas turbine turbocharger using seal air supply system
Provided is a seal air supply system including: a seal air compressor 73 provided separately from an exhaust gas turbine turbocharger 27 to generate compressed air; a seal air supply passage 77 through which the compressed air is supplied to a seal air supply part 79 as seal air of the exhaust gas turbine turbocharger 27; and a surplus air inlet passage 81 bifurcating from the seal air supply passage 77 and guiding surplus air of the seal air to an outlet side of an intake gas compressor 27a of the exhaust gas turbine turbocharger. |
| US08973358B2 |
Closed-loop hydraulic system having force modulation
A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a unidirectional variable displacement first pump, a first actuator connected to the first pump via a closed-loop first circuit, and a first switching valve disposed between the first actuator and the first pump. The first switching valve may be configured to control a fluid flow direction through the first actuator. The hydraulic system may also have a second actuator connected to the first pump in parallel with the first actuator via the first circuit, and a second switching valve disposed between the second actuator and the first pump. The second switching valve may be configured to control a fluid flow direction through the second actuator. The hydraulic system may further have a modulation valve associated with the first circuit and configured to selectively modulate a pressure of the first circuit during actuation of the first or second switching valves. |
| US08973357B2 |
Hub seal
A hub seal assembly includes a hub having a groove with a first radial wall, a first floating seal including a second radial wall, and a resilient element. The first floating seal is axially displaced by the resilient element so that the second radial wall contacts the first radial wall. In an example embodiment, the first floating seal includes polytetrafluoroethylene. In some example embodiments, the resilient element is an o-ring. In an example embodiment, the first floating seal includes a circumferential groove or a notch and the o-ring is at least partially disposed in the groove or the notch. |
| US08973356B2 |
Modular exhaust manifold with independent sealing of exhaust tube and coolant passage
An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block defining at least one cylinder, and a cylinder head coupled to the cylinder block. A modular exhaust manifold is coupled to the cylinder head and is configured to receive exhaust gas from the cylinder head. The modular exhaust manifold includes a plurality of exhaust manifold segments coupled together along a common axis. Each of the exhaust manifold segments includes a segment of a water jacket tube defining a plurality of liquid coolant passages and a segment of an exhaust tube received within the water jacket tube segment. A joint between adjacent exhaust manifold segments includes a first sealing member configured to seal the exhaust tube at the joint and a second sealing member configured to seal at least one of the liquid coolant passages at the joint. The first and second sealing members are supported on and movable with different components. |
| US08973354B2 |
Exhaust system for variable cylinder engine
An exhaust system for a variable cylinder engine for assuring purification of exhaust gas without increasing the number of catalysts and an intake system for purifying blow-by gas. The exhaust system includes an activation side exhaust pipe connected to an activation cylinder group that operates normally. A deactivation side exhaust pipe is connected to a deactivation cylinder group wherein fuel supply is stopped under a particular condition. A gathering section is connected to downstream ends of the activation side exhaust pipe and the deactivation side exhaust pipe with a sub-catalyst disposed in the activation side exhaust pipe and a main catalyst disposed at the gathering section. The main catalyst is formed wherein gas passing therethrough is partitioned into flows independent of each other in a flow path direction. The activation side exhaust pipe and the deactivation side exhaust pipe are connected in a mutually independent state to the main catalyst. |
| US08973351B2 |
Work machine
A work machine includes a diesel engine; a gas emission cleaning device having a filter for trapping particulate matter included in gas emissions emitted from the diesel engine; and a filter regenerating device for performing automatic regeneration to automatically combust and eliminate particulate manner that has accumulated in the gas emission cleaning device, when the accumulated amount of the particulate matter has exceeded a predetermined value. The filter regenerating device has an automatic-regeneration-allowing device for allowing the automatic regeneration to be carried out by an external command; and, at startup, the automatic-regeneration-allowing device disallows carrying out automatic regeneration. |
| US08973349B2 |
Electronically heated hydrocarbon (HC) adsorber
An exhaust gas treatment system is provided, having an internal combustion engine, an exhaust gas conduit, an electrically heated catalyst (“EHC”) device, an oxidization catalyst (“OC”) device, an OC temperature sensor, a hydrocarbon (“HC”) adsorber, and a control module. The hydrocarbon supply is selectively activated for delivery of a hydrocarbon and formation of an exhaust gas and hydrocarbon mixture therein. The EHC device is selectively activated to produce heat and induce oxidization. The OC device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and located downstream of the EHC device. The OC temperature sensor is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and located downstream of the OC device. The HC adsorber is located downstream of the EHC device. The control module is in communication with the hydrocarbon supply, the EHC device, the OC device, the OC temperature sensor, and the HC adsorber. |
| US08973348B2 |
Exhaust gas purification device
The exhaust gas purification device includes an exhaust gas post-processing device 30 provided in an exhaust passage 11 of an engine 10, an exhaust injection valve 22, a first catalyst 35, a second catalyst 36 for thermally decomposing fuel injected by the exhaust injection valve 22, an exhaust temperature estimation unit 41 for estimating an exhaust temperature, an engine injection control unit 42 for controlling fuel injection in the engine 10, and regeneration control units 43, 44 for controlling regeneration of the exhaust gas post-processing device 30. When an output value output by the exhaust gas temperature estimation unit 41 is equal to or lower than a threshold during regeneration by the regeneration control units 43, 44, the engine injection control unit 42 controls fuel injection in the engine by performing a multistage injection, which includes a post injection for supplying fuel to the first catalyst 35. |
| US08973346B2 |
Exhaust gas treatment of gas turbine engines
A gas turbine engine, especially a turbojet or turbofan for an aircraft, includes a combustion section and an exhaust section produces an exhaust gas. The emission products can be reduced by using a gas treatment device with a reactor and an injection device. The reactor produces a nitrogeneous substance such as ammonia. This reducing agent is injected in the gas phase in the exhaust section of the gas turbine engine. By selective non catalytic reaction the Nitrogen oxides of the exhaust gas can be reduced. Furthermore the injection device is arranged such that the temperature window of this reduction process is ranging from 850° C. to 1100° C. The reactor for producing gaseous ammonia can either be a thermal reactor or a high pressure plasma device. |
| US08973345B2 |
Drive assembly for an agricultural harvesting platform
A drive arrangement for driving a first sickle bar section (42) and a second sickle bar section (36) of a harvesting platform (20) comprises a first gearbox (54) and the second gearbox (74) having an output drivingly connected to a respective first end of a respective sickle bar section (36, 42). Drive trains connect the first gearbox (54) and the second gearbox (74) to an input drive shaft (24). At least one of the drive trains comprises a belt drive. A synchronization transmission (82) is coupled to the second ends of the sickle bar sections (36, 42) and couples them in opposite movement directions. |
| US08973340B2 |
Apparatus and method of product wrapping
An aim assembly includes a hub movable about a central axis and at least one support operably connected to the hub. At least one arm is operably connected to the at least one support and thereby movable about the central axis in a predetermined path. At least one adjustment mechanism is located at the central axis and is capable of altering the predetermined path during movement of the at least one support about the central axis. A method of operating an arm assembly includes locating at least one hub at a central axis and moving at least one arm about the central axis in a predetermined path. The at least one arm is operably connected to the at least one hub via at least one support. An adjustment mechanism is engaged thereby altering the predetermined path during movement of the at least one arm about the central axis. |
| US08973338B2 |
Pneumatic container transport system
A pneumatic container transport system conveys specialized, cylindrical containers between stations within an automated container filling system. Low-pressure, high-velocity air moving through plastic tubing propels the containers through switching gates, air impellers and deceleration devices from one station to another. Annular ridges around the circumference of the containers minimize contact with the inside tube walls and deter scuffing of paper labels which carry machine readable indicia upon which the container filling system relies for directing the containers. The air impellers include at least one aperture for adjusting the air pressure and velocity. Actuator-operated gates in the tubing system respond to control signals from management software to direct each container to its next station. At selected stations, decelerators slow the containers upon arrival to cushion their impact upon arrival and to protect the contents from damage due to jarring. |
| US08973333B2 |
Connecting fitting, frame provided with same, and building using frame
The connecting fitting comprises a band-like section 14 and a back plate 11 that can be inserted between the flanges 7b, 7c by passing between lips 7d, 7e, in an insertion attitude, and a joining section 15 that can join a beam 5E in a state where the band-like section 14 and the back plate 11 are inserted between the flanges 7b, 7c. The band-like section 14 has a pair of abutting sections 14b, 14c that can abut respective inner surfaces of both flanges 7b, 7c of a C-section steel 7, in an attachment attitude resulting from rotation from the insertion attitude by a predetermined angle. |
| US08973329B2 |
Building system with multi-function insulation barrier
The invention relates to a building section including a sub-structure and a cladding member connected in fixed relation relative to the sub-structure. A multi-function elongate, flexible insulating element is disposed between the sub-structure and the cladding member for damping energy transfer between the cladding member and the sub-structure, facilitating alignment of the cladding, and creating a rainscreen configured to drive out moisture from the wall cavities. The flexible insulating element includes a bond breaker disposed on the external surface of the insulating element. The bond breaker prevents externally applied joint sealant compound from adhering to the insulating element. The bond breaker can act as a safeguard to prevent joint sealant deterioration or adhesion to undesired surfaces. |
| US08973327B2 |
Masonry wall panel for retaining bricks
The present invention concerns a masonry wall panel assembly comprising a panel and a plurality of bricks. The panel is provided with a plurality of horizontally extending contiguous channels bounded by upper and lower protruding ribs, for fitting a row of bricks. Each channel is also fitted with a plurality of compressible retaining tabs positioned along the upper rib of each channel for retaining bricks inserted therein. The bricks are provided with at least one cavity and at least one compression area so that when a brick is inserted into a channel of the panel, the brick is positioned between the ribs such that the cavity of the brick faces one or more of the tabs located on the channel so that the tabs protrude into the cavity of the brick while at the same time compressing the compression area, thereby retaining the brick within the channel. |
| US08973325B1 |
Method for roof drainage
A method for roof drainage for reducing urban waterlogging, the method including: arranging a drainage device on a roof, the drainage device including a drainage exit and a drainage pipe including a wall; increasing the height of the drainage exit to allow the drainage exit to be between 5 and 10 cm higher than the roof; arranging a water outlet hole having a drainage capacity on the wall of the drainage pipe at a position that has the same height as the roof or is lower than the roof; disposing a siphon including an inlet and an outlet on an upper part of the drainage pipe, allowing the inlet to face the roof, and allowing the outlet to extend into the drainage pipe; and disposing a ball cock mechanism on the wall of the drainage wall to control the water outlet hole to open or close. |
| US08973321B2 |
Two-part molding system
A two-part molding system for use in connection with a floor and wall. The two-part molding system comprises a mounting portion having a back surface, a front surface, a top side and a bottom side. A projection or abutment is provided on the front surface of the mounting portion which has an underside for defining a receiving area. A molding portion is provided which has a back surface, a front surface, a top side, a bottom side and a toe. The top side defines a surface for engaging with and corresponding with the receiving area of said underside of the projection or abutment. The molding portion engages with the mounting portion to create a compression engagement between the molding portion and the floor. |
| US08973317B2 |
Thermal break for concrete slab edges and balconies
A relatively thin flat panel of thermal insulating material is provided with an array of holes or apertures, each coaxially aligned or coextensive with a reinforcement bar emanating from a concrete slab forming an interior floor within a structure consistent with the design of a structural engineer of record. Rebar couplers (nipples) are arranged within each of the holes or apertures of the insulating panel having axial lengths greater than the thickness of the panel to extend beyond the panel on both sides thereof. The couplers are threaded both internally and externally. Nuts or threaded washers are threaded and tightened on both sides of each coupler to secure the coupler in place in relation to the panel. Alternatively, fiberglass rebars can be used extending through the insulating panel. |
| US08973316B2 |
Sectional construction assemblies
The disclosed system, method and device for construction generally includes a mullion having a guide track disposed therein and a custom fitting suitably adapted to support a construction section via substantially adjustable attachment to the guide track. Disclosed features and specifications may be optionally controlled, adapted or otherwise modified to improve the retention and/or support of construction sections in a variety of operating environments. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide improved aesthetic presentation and mechanical retention of construction panels in point-supported glass wall systems. |
| US08973315B2 |
Window trim system
A trim assembly comprising a clip having a body including a first portion configured to be receivably removed within a slot of an architectural member and a second portion configured to removably secure a trim element. The second portion includes a spring biased member biasing the trim element. |
| US08973314B1 |
Staircase newel system and method of installation
A three-sided newel system and method of installation thereof simulates a four-sided newel post attached to a half wall. Newel system can include a three-sided newel, a base, molding, and a cap. The newel defines a back opening extending from adjacent the top to the bottom of the newel. Back opening is in communication with a cavity defined by the three-sided newel. When the newel system is attached to the half wall, a terminal end of the half wall is disposed within the cavity. Newel system is vertically and longitudinally adjustable relative to the half wall. |
| US08973310B1 |
Ventilated roof system and method
An energy-efficient ventilated roofing system and method provides a deck protected from the weather by shingles and a sub-deck in a spaced apart relationship below the deck. The sub-deck is covered by a barrier fabric that is permeable to water vapor but that is substantially impermeable to liquid water. The deck and sub-deck define ventilation channels. The barrier fabric allows water vapor to escape from the building while acting as a secondary barrier to liquid water that may penetrate the shingles and deck. The ventilation channels allows the flow of ventilation air under the deck, avoiding damage to the deck and preventing blinding of roof ventilation due to building insulation or structural members or building debris. |
| US08973304B2 |
Jig for holding thin cylindrical work
A holding jig (1, 2, 3) for a thin cylindrical work (W) includes a holding member (10, 10A, 10B) which holds the work (W) from an inner peripheral side and a diameter changing unit (25, 27) which changes a diameter of the holding member (10, 10A, 10B). The holding member (10, 10A, 10B) is made of metal and has a cylindrical shape and an elastically expandable or contractible diameter. The holding member (10, 10A, 10B) is configured with an outside diameter of the holding member (10, 10A, 10B) being held smaller than an inside diameter of the work (W) at the time of insertion into an inner periphery of the work (W) and being expanded after inserted into the inner periphery of the work (W) to hold the work (W) from an inner peripheral side of the work (W) with an outer peripheral surface in close contact with an entire inner peripheral surface of the work (W). The diameter changing unit (25, 27) applies at least one of an axial external force in a compressing direction or an axial external force in a tensile direction to both ends of the holding member (10. 10A, 10B) to change the diameter of the holding member (10, 10A, 10B). |
| US08973302B2 |
Garden tool
The invention claim is a garden tool to assist in the removal of planting medium and plant from a planting container. The garden tool comprises a handle having a first end and a second end, a base, and a planting container. The handle and the base are connected forming a L-shape body. The base is placed inside the planting container, and the handle extends above the top of the planting container. The connection between the handle and base may be reinforced by an angle brace. The connection between the handle and base may be hinged. If the connection is hinged, the angle brace prevents the hinge movement. Located on one end of the angle brace is a hook, that connects to the base. In addition, the base has weeping holes to allow the drainage of water. The base also has raised ridges to contain the growing medium when removed. |
| US08973300B1 |
Trap for crawling insects
An insect trap for use in trapping and exterminating crawling insects including bed bugs. The trap includes a pit fall trap assembly with sidewalls defining a pit or well and a heat source positioned within the pit. The trap includes a controller assembly with a controller selectively operating the heat source, which includes a base plate provided at a bottom of the pit. In this way, the base plate provides the floor or lower surfaces of the pit upon which insects fall and also to which the insects are attracted by the thermal lure of the heat source. The inner surfaces preferably include a layer of anti-traction material (such as UHMW tape or the like) such that the insects cannot climb back out of the pit. The controller operates to alternate the heat source between a lure temperature mimicking a blood host and a higher temperature to exterminate trapped insects. |
| US08973299B2 |
Flying insect trapping device and flying insect trapping system
A device for trapping flying insects and a system of such devices are disclosed. The device includes a supporting frame with an associated combustible fuel supply connected to a combustion device with a fan which is operated to generate an exhaust gas having carbon dioxide to attract flying insects. The insects are drawn into a trap chamber on the frame by suction where they are collected and/or killed. The device may further include various sensors to regulate fuel flow and fan speed in accordance with insect activity as influenced by environmental and other factors. |
| US08973297B2 |
Multipurpose firearm butt securing device and methodology
Consistent with various embodiments, a firearm securing apparatus comprises a first surface configured and arranged to secure the apparatus to a support structure. Sidewalls extend away from the support structure and are configured and arranged to surround and support the butt of a firearm. A securing component is configured and arranged to prevent removal of the butt of the firearm from between the sidewalls. |
| US08973293B2 |
Specimen container label for automated clinical laboratory processing systems
A label and labeling system for identifying the volume of a specimen within a specimen collection container are disclosed. The system includes providing a specimen collection container having an open top end, a closed bottom end, and a sidewall extending therebetween forming an interior adapted for receiving a specimen therein. The specimen collection container also includes a label having a label body disposed over at least a portion of the sidewall, in visual alignment with a colored background. At least one of the sidewall of the specimen collection container and the label body have printing disposed thereon having a color that is substantially identical to the colored background against which the specimen collection container will be viewed. At least one of the sidewall of the specimen collection container and the label body may have colorless indicia having a surface enhancement feature for providing visual distinction. |
| US08973290B2 |
Reinforcing shank arrangement for footwear sole structure
An article of footwear may include an upper configured to receive a foot and a sole component fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the upper. The sole component may include a baseplate having a bottom surface. The sole component may also include an arrangement of ground engaging members extending downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate. The baseplate may further include a reinforcing shank arrangement including a plurality of reinforcing strips formed of a different material than portions of the baseplate adjacent the reinforcing strips, wherein at least one of the reinforcing strips forms at least a portion of a base platform from which at least one of the ground engaging members extends. |
| US08973289B2 |
Lacing closure system for an object
An object includes a body with a first portion having first eyelets and a second portion having second eyelets. The body includes a first surface and a second surface that face in opposite directions. The first surface includes an opening into a void that is defined between the first surface and the second surface. A first lace extends continuously through the plurality of first eyelets and continuously through the plurality of second eyelets. The first lace has a first bridge portion defined between a first pair of the first eyelets and a second bridge portion defined between a second pair of the second eyelets. The first lace includes an end that passes through the opening to be disposed within the void. A second lace engages both the first bridge portion and the second bridge portion. |
| US08973283B2 |
System and method for solvent recovery in a batch fluidized bed process
A system and method for solvent recovery in a batch fluidized bed process is provided. The disclosed embodiment of the fluidized bed system includes a fluidized bed vessel adapted to contain a batch of solvent-containing product; an influent or intake circuit adapted to supply an inert fluidizing gas to the fluidized bed vessel; an effluent circuit adapted to remove the solvent containing inert fluidizing gas from the fluidized bed vessel; a first recycle circuit coupling the effluent circuit to a solvent recovery means; a second recycle circuit directly coupling the effluent circuit to the intake circuit and a flow control valve operatively disposed to divide the effluent between the first recycle circuit and the second recycle circuit based on the operating regime of the fluidized bed process. The disclosed embodiments further include a source of liquid nitrogen coupled to the second recycle circuit to provide the make-up inert gas as well as provide enhanced cooling of the effluent based on the operating regime of the fluidized bed process. |
| US08973282B2 |
Secondary lint trap for residential laundry dryer
A secondary lint trap couplable between a laundry dryer and a building-embedded vent duct. The trap has an elongate housing. Aligned inlet and outlet apertures are formed in bottom and top sides of the housing's rearward ends. A tray is removably insertable within the housing. A screened aperture in the tray is aligned between the inlet and outlet apertures when the tray is inserted within the housing. The housing is mountable above the dryer such that the inlet and outlet apertures extend rearwardly of the dryer. This facilitates coupling of the dryer's exhaust outlet to the inlet aperture through one 90° elbow via a first short, substantially straight, elbowless conduit; and facilitates coupling of the vent duct to the outlet aperture through one other 90° elbow collar via a second short, substantially straight, elbowless conduit. |
| US08973281B1 |
Edge distance gauge
A method and apparatus for identifying locations for holes for a stackup of parts. In one illustrative example, a required edge distance for a hole for the stackup of the parts is identified. A measurement tool is selected based on the required edge distance identified for the hole. The measurement tool comprises a circular section having an edge and an indicator centrally located with respect to the edge of the circular section. The edge of the circular section of the measurement tool is associated with a part in the stackup of the parts. A location on the part for a center of the hole for the stackup of the parts is identified using the indicator. |
| US08973271B2 |
Method for manufacturing an integral duplex bearing
In certain embodiments, a method for manufacturing an integral duplex bearing having an outer ring, a first inner ring, and a second inner ring includes forming a first outer raceway and a second outer raceway in an inner surface of the outer ring. The method further includes forming a first inner raceway in an outer surface of the first inner ring and a second inner raceway in an outer surface of the second inner ring while the first inner ring and the second inner ring are joined together. The first and second inner rings each have an outer surface diameter less than an inner surface diameter of the outer ring such that the first and second inner rings may be positioned inside the outer ring with the first inner raceway located adjacent to the first outer raceway and the second inner raceway located adjacent to the second outer raceway. The method further includes separating the first inner ring from the second inner ring. |
| US08973269B2 |
Methods of making biomimetic dental appliances
A method of making a biometric dental appliance. A first article can be formed of a first material based on a first digital surface representation having a desired outer shape of the dental appliance. A portion of the first article can then be removed to form an outer layer of the dental appliance comprising a cavity dimensioned to accommodate an inner layer. A second article can be formed by filling the cavity of the first article with a second material. The second material can have at least one different structural and/or optical property than the first material. The second article can be further processed, as desired. For example, a desired inner shape can be formed in the second article. Such a desired inner shape can be based on a second digital surface representation of a dental object configured to receive the dental appliance. |
| US08973268B2 |
Methods of making multi-chromatic dental appliances
A method of making a multi-chromatic dental appliance. A first article can be formed of a first material based on a first digital surface representation having a desired outer shape of the dental appliance. A portion of the first article can then be removed to form an outer layer of the dental appliance comprising a cavity dimensioned to accommodate an inner layer. A second article can be formed by filling the cavity of the first article with a second material. The second material can have at least one different optical property than the first material. The second article can be further processed, as desired. For example, a desired inner shape of the dental appliance can be formed in the second article. Such a desired inner shape can be based on a second digital surface representation of a dental object configured to receive the dental appliance. |
| US08973262B2 |
Method for producing a piston ring
Method for producing a piston ring having an axial height <2 mm, said piston ring having a radially outer running surface provided with at least one rail, a radially inner circumferential surface, and upper and lower flank surfaces extending therebetween, wherein said rail is provided with a contour that is tapered radially outwardly, thereafter the running surface, together with the flanks of the tapered rail, is provided with at least one wear-resistant layer, and then only the flank of the rail that is to form a scraping edge is subjected to at least partial material removal to form the scraping edge. |
| US08973260B2 |
Method of making self-aligned nanotube contact structures
A method of forming nanotube contact structures may include forming an interconnect layer over a portion of a layer of a microelectronics device and forming a nanotube layer over a portion of the interconnect layer. The nanotube layer may define openings through the nanotube layer. The method also may include forming self-aligned electrodes in the openings of the nanotube layer such that the self-aligned electrodes are formed only in openings in the nanotube layer that substantially reside over metal filled vias of the microelectronics device. In some examples, the self-aligned electrodes may be formed on the metal in the vias, and the self-aligned electrodes may not be formed in openings that do not reside over the metal filled vias. |
| US08973257B2 |
Method of making a neutron detector
Methods for building a neutron detector are disclosed, in which the neutron detector comprises at least two conductive cathode sheets lying parallel to one another and coated with neutron reactive material on at least one side thereof; dielectric material separating the cathode sheets and covering less than about 80% of their surface area; and a plurality of anode wires lying generally parallel to the cathode sheets and separated from them by the dielectric, with the distance between adjacent anode wires being no more than twenty times the distance between said cathode sheets. The cathode sheets may be flat or curved; they may be separate plates or they may be successive folds or windings of a single folded or spiral-shaped metal sheet. |
| US08973247B2 |
Method and device for supply of connecting elements to a processing apparatus
In a method of supplying connecting elements to a processing unit, in which the connecting elements are placed in readiness by a supply unit and conveyed individually by a passage to a loading device arranged on the processing unit, the conveyance of the connecting elements takes place in two separate steps, a first step in which the connecting elements are individually conveyed by the supply unit into a intermediate reservoir arranged near the loading device, and a second step in which a single connecting element at a time is conveyed from the intermediate reservoir into the loading device of the processing unit. Specifically, at least two different connecting elements are picked up by the intermediate reservoir, and of the several connecting elements accommodated in the intermediate reservoir an arbitrary one determined by the processing operation is selected for the second step and conveyed to the loading device. |
| US08973243B2 |
Manufacturing method of an integrally forged golf club head
A manufacturing method of an integrally forged golf club head has acts of: forging a crude rod to form a blank of a main body of a golf club head, mounting a weight in a mounting recess of the blank of the main body of the golf club head, covering the mounting recess with an outer cover, and then welding and forging the blank of the main body of the golf club head and the outer cover to form a golf club head. Thus, the at least one weight is securely held in the golf club head and does not come off the golf club head, and also no noise occurs when the golf club head strikes a golf ball. Furthermore, the at least one weight is not exposed so that the golf club head has a good appearance and improved quality. |
| US08973235B2 |
Pulling head work station
A pulling head work station for attaching the lugs of pulling heads to cables, so that the cables may be pulled simultaneously through a conduit. The pulling head work station includes staggered cable receiving jigs, each jig having two clamps to hold a corresponding cable in place during attachment of a pulling lug. A chop saw to cut the cables and a crimper to secure a pulling lug to each stripped end portion of a cable may be slidably mounted to a work surface of the work station. A wire stripper may be removably attached to the work station. |
| US08973234B2 |
Assembly and method for loading a self-expanding collapsible heart valve
An assembly for collapsing a prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member and a pusher member. The compression member has a first open end with a first diameter, a second open end with a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a tapered wall between the first open end and the second open end. The pusher member has a base adapted to engage an end of the valve. The pusher member and the compression member are movable relative to one another between an initial position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively far from the first open end of the compression member and an operative position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively close to the first open end of the compression member. Movement of the pusher and compression members from the initial position to the operative position radially compresses the valve. |
| US08973232B2 |
Automatic processing machine for header
An automatic processing machine for header includes a frame (1), a pipe clamp (21), a punch assembly (22) and a translation mechanism (23) which can drive the pipe clamp (21) and the punch assembly (22) to slide. The pipe clamp (21), the punch assembly (22), and the translation mechanism (23) are all positioned on the working table (101) of the frame (1). The translation mechanism (23) includes a first slide seat (231) sliding along X axis. One of the pipe clamp (21) and the punch assembly (22) is positioned on the first slide seat (231) and the other is positioned on the frame (1). A separator transferring device (3) is also positioned on the working table (101) for transferring the separator into the pipe. The separator transferring device (3) and the pipe clamp (21) are separately positioned on either side of the punch assembly (22). The automatic processing machine for header combines a hole punching device with a separator transferring device, thereby improving the processing efficiency. |
| US08973229B2 |
Method for manufacturing composite piezoelectric substrate
A method for manufacturing a composite piezoelectric substrate in which a piezoelectric substrate and a supporting substrate are prepared, ions are implanted in the piezoelectric substrate to form a defective layer at a predetermined depth in the piezoelectric substrate, impurities that are adhered to a surface of the piezoelectric substrate or a surface of the supporting substrate are removed to expose the constituent atoms thereof and to activate the surfaces, the supporting substrate is bonded to the piezoelectric substrate to form a bonded substrate body, the bonded substrate body is separated at the defective layer so that a separation layer between the surface of the piezoelectric substrate and the defective layer is separated from the piezoelectric substrate and bonded to the supporting substrate to form a composite piezoelectric substrate, and the surface of the separation layer of the composite piezoelectric substrate is smoothed. |
| US08973227B2 |
Process of fitting a collapsible clip to a sleeve of a piezoelectric actuator
A tubular clip for securing a sleeve to the body of a piezoelectric actuator in an actuator assembly. In use, the wall of the clip has a plurality of corrugations. The pitch of the corrugations is variable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the clip. The clip is configurable into an unfitted configuration and into a fitted configuration and in the fitted configuration the minimum transverse internal separation of the clip walls is less than in the unfitted configuration. |
| US08973226B2 |
Burial vault system and method
A concrete burial vault system having a layered construction of castable material encased in an inner liner and an outer casing of a thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene utilizes the liner and casing as a mold for the concrete and enables monolithic molds with self-supporting securing tabs. This system allows the liner and casing to be manufactured at a central location and then transported to a plurality of use locations to be filled with concrete. The manufacturing method supports the system and provides an assembly advantage. |
| US08973224B2 |
Slide fastener
There is provided a slide fastener in which one of the fastener stringers is separated from a tape insertion path at one side of a body in the width direction when a lateral pulling force directed outward in the width direction of the fastener tapes is applied to a pair of fastener stringers. At least one opposing surfaces of an upper and lower flange at one side of the body in the width direction has a protrusion on the rear end portion thereof, and the opposing surfaces of the upper and lower flanges at one side of the body in the width direction respectively have straight portions which are parallel with each other except for the position at which the protrusion is formed. |
| US08973221B2 |
Gift bag band
A gift bag band includes an elongated body portion including a first end and a second end, a first fastener on the first end, and a complementary second fastener on the second end for releasably engaging the first fastener. The band further includes a flap cut out from the elongated body portion, wherein the flap has an aperture dimensioned to receive a display hook. The band includes at least one upper fold and at least one lower fold. The upper and lower folds segment the elongated body portion into a front segment, an upper back segment, and a lower back segment. The front segment lies in a first plane, and the upper and lower back segments lie on a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. The flap is cut from the second plane and lies on the first plane. |
| US08973220B2 |
Floating cable tie
A cable tie device has a float portion with a peripheral wall that defines and encloses an internal hollow region with a pre-defined volume. The device also has a head with a passageway therethrough and a resilient catch mechanism disposed in the passageway. A strap connects to the head and has a plurality of cavities in a top surface for engaging the resilient catch mechanism. The float portion is connected to at least one of the head and the strap where the float portion head, resilient catch mechanism, and strap form a cable tie. A method of making is also disclosed. |
| US08973219B2 |
Detaching roller apparatus in a combing machine
A detaching roller apparatus in a combing machine includes a detaching roller and a plurality of electric motors. The detaching roller has a first end and a second end. The electric motors are connected to the detaching roller at positions adjacent to at least one of the first and second ends of the detaching roller for driving the detaching roller reversibly. The electric motors are synchronized. |
| US08973218B2 |
Original cover closer and office equipment having the same
To provide an original cover closer which prevents inner components from exposure to the outside, when the original cover is opened, and from smears of grease on the end of the original lying on the contact glass, the original cover closer comprises the attaching member, the supporting member assembled by rotatably coupling its own both side plates to the both side plates of the attaching member, the lifting member assembled by rotatably coupling its own both side plates to the both side plates of the supporting member, the pressure bearing member provided between the both side plates of the attaching member, a second slider in contact with the pressure bearing member, and slidably housed between the both side plates of the supporting member; an actuating member attached to the side on which the both side plates of the attaching member rotate via said second hinge pin; a first slider in contact with the actuating member, held by the holding pieces and slidably housed between the both side plates of said supporting member, and a compression coil spring resiliently provided between the first slider and the second slider, wherein a cover member is fixed to the supporting member, for covering at least in part areas of components such as the actuating member, the first slider and the second slider which are exposed to the outside. |
| US08973216B1 |
Grommet
A grommet has a faceplate with a width that is greater than an aperture width in a metal stud, as well as a front surface and a rear surface that extend downwardly to form a first clip portion. The grommet also includes a flange extending from a perimeter of an opening through the faceplate, to form a duct shaped to receive the flex tubing therethrough. A second clip portion extends downwardly from the flange, adjacent the first clip portion, so that the first and second clip portions frictionally engage the metal stud to hold the duct within the aperture of the metal stud. |
| US08973215B2 |
Cyclonic vacuum cleaner and dirt separator
A vacuum cleaner operable to separate debris from an air stream. The vacuum cleaner includes a first cyclonic separator and a second cyclonic separator having an inlet configured to receive the air stream from the first cyclonic separator. The inlet of the second cyclonic separator directs the air steam in an inlet flow direction from an upper end of the first housing toward a lower end of the first housing and along a longitudinal axis into the second cyclonic separator. The inlet of the second cyclonic separator has an inlet cross-sectional area for flow of the air stream measured normal to the longitudinal axis that decreases in the inlet flow direction. |
| US08973213B2 |
Dust collection unit and vacuum cleaner with the same
Disclosed herein are a dust collection unit and a vacuum cleaner with the same. The dust collection unit includes: a container formed in an empty cylindrical shape and filled with water to a predetermined height above a lower wall, the container having an inlet and an outlet formed in an upper wall; and a water flow pipe whose top is joined to the inlet and whose bottom is submerged in water in such a manner that the bottom of the water flow pipe is spaced apart from the lower wall. The water flow pipe includes: a first pipe, a second pipe having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter and extending downwardly from the bottom of the first pipe; and a water channel formed in a body of the second pipe defining the second inner diameter in such a way as to fluidably communicate with the inside of the second pipe. |
| US08973212B2 |
Filter housing construction for a surface cleaning apparatus
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment member and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a main body comprising a front end, a rear end and a filter compartment. A pair of spaced apart wheels may be mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus. One of the wheels overlies the filter compartment and at least a portion of the filter is visible through the wheel. |
| US08973208B2 |
Rear wiper system
A system for a vehicle may include a motor assembly, a wiper and a switch. The motor assembly may be mounted to a spare tire carrier on a tailgate of the vehicle and may include an output shaft that is rotatable relative to the spare tire carrier. The wiper may be attached to the output shaft for rotation with the output shaft relative to a rear window pane of the vehicle. The switch may be electrically connected to the motor assembly and may be operable to allow electrical current to reach the motor assembly when the wiper is in contact with the rear window pane. The switch may be operable to prevent electrical current from reaching the motor assembly in response to the wiper and the rear window pane being spaced apart from each other. |
| US08973207B2 |
Wiper blade having an adapter unit for hinging to a wiper arm
In a wiper blade (100) for a windscreen wiper, having a wiper strip (112) and an adapter unit (105) for hinging the wiper blade (112) to a wiper arm, wherein the adapter unit (150) is attached at a base connection device (160) provided on the wiper strip (112) and is configured for connection to a connection member associated with the wiper arm. The adapter unit (150) comprises a guide adapter (250) permanently connected to the base connection device (160) and having guide elements (352, 354, 356, 358) that are spherically curved at least in sections. The guide adapter is detachably connected to a function adapter (280) configured for connection to the connection member and comprising slide elements (382, 386) that are slidably displaceable on the guide elements (352, 354, 356, 358) such that the function adapter (280) is movable at least from a released position into a holding position by a combined translatory and rotary movement relative to the guide adapter (250). |
| US08973205B2 |
Brush assembly
A brush assembly for an automotive car wash having a drum adapted to be rotatably driven about an axis. The drum includes a plurality of elongated and circumferentially spaced cylindrical channels around the outer periphery of the drum and each channel includes an elongated slot open radially outwardly from the drum. An annular and cylindrical bearing sleeve is positioned within each cylindrical chamber while a brush has a retainer with a cylindrical boss along one edge which is then slidably inserted within the retainer thus securing the brush to the drum. |
| US08973204B2 |
Cleaning element and cleaning tool
A cleaning tool comprises a cleaning body in which non-woven fabrics and fiber bundles are laminated onto each other. In the cleaning body, the fiber bundles disposed on the outer surface of a cylindrical part in which the holding part of a holder is stored include fiber extending areas in which a plurality of fibers extend parallel with each other in a predetermined direction. These fiber extending areas form a second cleaning portion. |
| US08973201B1 |
Broom assembly
A broom assembly is provided. The broom assembly includes a broom head which comprises an elongated back plate and a plurality of bristles extending from the back plate. The broom assembly also includes an elongated mounting plate which is attached to the back plate and extends over a longitudinal end of the back plate. A handle receiving bracket is attached to the mounting plate, projecting the same direction from the mounting plate as the broom head. The handle receiving bracket comprises at least two receiving cavities for attaching a handle. The broom assembly further comprises an elongated handle for insertion in the handle receiving bracket. |
| US08973200B2 |
Ergonomic sweeping device
An ergonomic sweeping device that can be used with one hand while providing a user with proper biomechanical alignment and support, which can reduce muscular strain, fatigue, and the potential for injury. |
| US08973199B2 |
Photomask cleaning device
A photomask cleaning device includes a stage, a fluid dispenser, a scrubbing unit, a cover and a fixing unit. The fluid dispenser includes a direct dispensing unit disposed correspondingly to the scrubbing unit, and an oblique dispensing unit obliquely spraying water onto a photomask. Majority of the particles can be removed with the combined application of the oblique dispensing unit and the scrubbing unit. |
| US08973198B2 |
Vehicle for cleaning mirrors in installations for collecting solar thermal energy
A vehicle for cleaning collector mirrors in solar thermal energy installations, includes an operating cab (2), a body (3) for housing and holding the different items, a rolling system for moving the vehicle, a clean water tank, an assembly for discharging the clean water, at least one structure for spraying clean water (100)) onto the surfaces of the mirrors (22) and a tray (46) for collecting the water used in cleaning the mirrors; a set of lifting columns (5, 6); and supports (53, 63) for the cleaning and/or drying assemblies able to slide along the lifting columns, and in which the cleaning assembly includes a structure fitted with a rigid bar (91), which assumes the profile of the mirror to be cleaned, the bar being provided with an external rotation assembly for a brush. |
| US08973196B2 |
Slide-out drum with filter for a wet/dry vacuum appliance
A wet and dry vacuum cleaner system is disclosed, wherein the system includes a debris container having an inlet and outlet, a filter support having a filter and being adapted to situate at least a portion of the filter within the container and intermediate between the inlet and outlet, a vacuum unit adapted to be coupled to the container, and a housing. A wet/dry vacuum appliance system is also disclosed, which includes means for housing a vacuum unit, means for slidably receiving a debris container, and means for releasably holding the container in sealed engagement with the vacuum unit. In addition, methods of removing debris from such a vacuum cleaner and vacuum appliance systems are described. |
| US08973192B2 |
Collapsible mobility assistance device
A collapsible mobility assistance device which may be configured in an operable configuration and a storage configuration. The device may be configured such that each individual component is planar, which may allow the device to be packaged, stored, and/or shipped in minimally sized containers. |
| US08973188B1 |
Pelvic positioning system
A pelvic positioning system for positioning a patient's pelvic area for a pelvic or rectal exam featuring a base with an indentation disposed in the front end for providing the physician access to the patient's pelvic region. Two peaks for the patient's thighs are disposed at the front end of the base and are separated by the indentation. An inward curvature is disposed in the top surface of the base between the indentation and the back end of the base. The system functions to position a patient's pelvic region comfortably and effectively. |
| US08973184B2 |
Skirt for a crib or mattress
A bedding skirt is configured to be rapidly inserted upon a mattress frame. The bedding skirt includes a front panel sufficiently long to hang from the mattress frame to ground. A back panel is attached to the front panel and sufficiently long to hang from the mattress frame to the ground. A plurality of magnets are attached to the back panel and configured to connect the bedding skirt to the mattress frame. The bedding skirt can be rapidly connected to the mattress frame for use and rapidly removed from the mattress frame for cleaning. |
| US08973181B2 |
Wheel assembly for a foldable child enclosure
A foldable structure includes: an upper assembly forming an upper portion of the structure; a base assembly forming a lower portion of the structure; a centrally-located hub assembly operatively connected to the base assembly; and a post extending from each corner of the upper assembly to a corner of the base assembly. At least one rotatable wheel assembly is provided at each corner of the lower portion of the structure extending from the structure to engage a surface. Each wheel assembly includes at least one support surface adapted for supporting and guiding the wheel on a surface and at least one groove provided on opposing sides of the support surface. |
| US08973177B2 |
Drop-in bath with integral handgrips
A drop-in mounted bath tub has a peripheral rim that is uniquely shaped to both support the tub on a mounting platform and provide integral handgrips used to assist the bather in entering and exiting the tub. The rim curves out from the top of the basin downward toward the mounting platform. The rim extends down further at the end walls of the basin than at the side walls so that it contacts the mounting platform only at the end walls while being spaced up from the mounting platform at the sides. The contoured rim provides a stable, comfortable surface for the bather to grasp. One or more partition walls extending from the rim between the basin side walls and the outer edge of the rim provides for sealing the basin to the mounting platform as well as keeping items from falling between the tub and the mounting platform and preventing the bather from touching or viewing the rough unfinished outer shell of the basin. |
| US08973173B2 |
Environmental system for motorsports helmets
The environmental system for motorsports helmets includes a helmet and backpack containing various components of the system. The helmet includes an inlet and air passages for forced air ventilation, a tube conducting drinking water from a helmet inlet to the mouth of the helmet wearer, and a radio communications headset. The helmet is a full-face helmet having an openable transparent face shield and visor formed with the face shield as a unit. A backpack is provided with the helmet, the backpack containing a motor driven fan to supply air to the helmet. The air is filtered through an external filter on the pack, before entering the fan and ventilation system. A water tank is also included in the backpack, allowing the helmet wearer to draw water from the supply. A conventional communications transceiver is also provided with the backpack, the transceiver connecting to the headset within the helmet. |
| US08973171B2 |
Form-fitting protective headwear
Protective headwear includes a body, band, cuff, and plurality of inserts. The body has an opening and a crown, and is configured to fit a head of a person. The band extends about the opening to an interior of the body and partially toward the crown. The band is free floating with respect to the body and configured to fit the head of the person. The band includes a plurality of pockets disposed about a base stitching that secures the band to the body. The cuff extends about the body and away from the crown, and incorporates a cuff element. The inserts are configured to be received into the pockets to provide a protective function to the head of the person. The inserts are disposed adjacently to one another about the band and extend from the base stitching of the band to the crown of the body. |
| US08973170B2 |
Transport hood including skirt
A transport hood for conveying a detainee protects conveying personnel from exposure to blood and body fluids of the detainee, while avoiding discomfort and potential breathing difficulty to the detainee caused by blood and body fluids retained within the transport hood. The transport hood includes a top portion positioned over the head of the detainee to below the eyes and above the nose of the detainee. A bottom portion is joined to the top portion by a first circumferential length of elastic and extends downwardly to below the chin of the detainee. A second length of elastic gathers the bottom portion around the neck of the detainee. The transport hood further includes a skirt attached at the first length of elastic that hangs loosely and extends downwardly to at least the neck of the detainee. |
| US08978159B1 |
Methods and apparatus for mediating access to derivatives of sensitive data
Access control systems are provided that mediate access to derivatives of sensitive data. A method is provided for processing a data request from a client, the data request comprising a client identifier and an indication of the intended use of the data, by receiving the data request from the client; providing the client identifier and indicated use to an access manager, wherein the access manager assesses a risk of providing access to the data for the indicated use; if the access manager grants access for the indicated use, receiving one or more keys with corresponding computing restrictions from the access manager; computing a result; and providing the result to the client, wherein the provided result comprises the derivative of sensitive data. The access manager grants the access for the indicated use, for example, based on a risk score. |
| US08978157B2 |
Managing access to data based on device attribute information
A technique involves receiving a request for certain data to be processed by a device and determining, based on an attribute of the device, whether to allow an operation to be performed on the data; after allowing the operation to be performed on the data: sending, to the device, a request for one or more characteristics of the device; in response to the request, receiving the one or more characteristics from the device; storing, based on the one or more characteristics, a second attribute that is associated with the device; after storing the second attribute: receiving a second request for second data to be processed by the device; determining, based on the second attribute of the device, whether to allow an operation to be performed on the second data; determining to not allow the second operation to be performed, wherein the device is capable of processing the second data. |
| US08978156B2 |
Information terminal and information leakage prevention method
An information terminal includes: a nonvolatile storage unit which stores a flag that indicates whether or not the information terminal is in a state in which information leakage should be prevented; a start control unit which starts the information terminal and manages a power source of the information terminal; a device group which operate upon starting of the information terminal; and a device operation control unit which controls operation of at least one of the device group. The device operation control unit controls the at least one device so as to suppress operation that appeals to at least one of the five senses of human being when the flag indicates the state in which information leakage should be prevented. |
| US08978153B1 |
Apparatus and method for data matching and anonymization
A method includes receiving a plurality of data sets. Each data set includes a customer identifier field specifying a unique customer identifier associated with each entry in each data set. The plurality of data sets includes a first group of data sets and a second group of data sets. The method further includes storing the plurality of data sets, and generating a key map including the customer identifier field including unique customer identifiers of the first group of data sets of the plurality of data sets, and an anonymous identifier field including unique anonymous identifiers. Each anonymous identifier corresponds to a customer identifier of the key map. The method further includes replacing each unique customer identifier in the second group of data sets with the corresponding anonymous identifier. |
| US08978148B2 |
Communication apparatus that communicate in different security levels and computer-readable media for controlling such apparatus
A communication apparatus may include a reception portion, a decision portion, and a transmission portion. The reception portion may receive a first data request transmitted through a first security level communication, and a second data request transmitted through a second security level communication, the second security level being more secure than the first security level. The decision portion may decide whether a specific data request is the first data request or the second data request. The transmission portion may transmit a specific data to an apparatus that is a transmission source of the specific data request if the specific data request is the second data request, and may transmit different data to the apparatus if the specific data request is the first data request. The different data contains display information for causing the apparatus to retransmit the specific data request through the second security level communication. |
| US08978147B2 |
Online personal library
Registered users with a server computer system designate their preferences with respect to specified products and/or services by making a selection via a user-selectable area on a client computer. These preferences are then stored in an online repository coupled to the Internet. The online repository permits users to update their preferences. Marketing entities that wish to market products and/or services to the users are designated by the online repository as recipients of updates to user preferences. Based on these updated user preferences, marketing entities are enabled to provide marketing information to the registered users. |
| US08978140B2 |
System and method of analyzing web content
A system and method are provided for identifying inappropriate content in websites on a network. Unrecognized uniform resource locators (URLs) or other web content are accessed by workstations and are identified as possibly having malicious content. The URLs or web content may be preprocessed within a gateway server module or some other software module to collect additional information related to the URLs. The URLs may be scanned for known attack signatures, and if any are found, they may be tagged as candidate URLs in need of further analysis by a classification module. |
| US08978138B2 |
TCP validation via systematic transmission regulation and regeneration
The present invention provides a technique for validating TCP communication between a client requesting resources and a server providing requested resources to protect the specified server from a denial of service attack wherein a plurality of clients initiate communication with a server, but do not complete the communication for the purpose of denying service to the server from other legitimate clients. Through systematic transmission regulation of TCP packets, an intermediary apparatus or set of apparatuses, can, to a high degree of certainty, validate client connections to protect the server from this saturated condition. The communication is then reproduced by the apparatus or apparatuses. |
| US08978137B2 |
Method and apparatus for retroactively detecting malicious or otherwise undesirable software
A system for retroactively detecting malicious software on an end user system without performing expensive cross-referencing directly on the endpoint device. A client provides a server with information about files that are on it together with what it knows about these files. The server tracks this information and cross-references it against new intelligence it gathers on clean or malicious files. If a discrepancy is found (i.e., a file that had been called malicious, but that is actually benign or vice versa), the server informs the client, which in turn takes an appropriate action based on this information. |
| US08978135B2 |
Methods and apparatus to protect memory regions during low-power states
A disclosed example method involves when transitioning a processor system to a low-power mode, generating at least a first signature based on a data structure storing memory addresses of memory regions to be protected during the low-power mode. During a resume process of the processor system from the low-power mode, at least a second signature is generated based on the data structure storing the memory addresses of the memory regions to be protected during the low-power mode. When the first signature matches the second signature, the processor system resumes from the low-power mode. When the first signature does not match the second signature, an error is generated. |
| US08978133B2 |
Categorizing social networking system users based on user connections to objects
When a social networking system receives a report of malicious activity, the social networking system calculates disabled connectivity score for a user reporting the activity or identified by the report. The disabled connectivity score indicates how strongly the user is associated with other objects that have been disabled by the social networking system. Hence, the disabled connectivity score provides a measure of the user's trustworthiness that is used to determine a type of action to be taken in response to the report. Examples of actions that may be taken when a report is received include ignoring the report, further reviewing the report, or taking remedial action by disabling or deleting an object maintained by the social networking system that is the subject of the report. |
| US08978130B2 |
Method and system for child authentication
Methods and systems for child authentication are described. In one embodiment, a communication enablement request may be received to enable electronic communications between a first child and a second child. A confirmation acceptance code may be electronically generated. The confirmation acceptance code may be associated with the first child and the second child. The confirmation acceptance code may be received from a parental representative of the second child. The electronic communication may be enabled between the first child and the second child based on the receiving of the confirmation acceptance code from the parental representative of the second child. Additional methods and systems are disclosed. |
| US08978128B2 |
Method and apparatus for authenticating password of user terminal by using password icon
Provided are method and apparatus for authenticating a password of a user terminal by using a password icon. The method includes: method of authenticating a password of a user terminal, the method including: pre-setting, by a user, a password icon corresponding to a password and a moving direction of the password icon; sequentially moving the icon according to actions of the user at a screen of the user terminal; when the icon is sequentially moved, determining whether the pre-set password icon and the pre-set moving direction of the password icon are matched; and authenticating the password when the password icon and the moving direction of the password icon is sequentially matched. |
| US08978127B2 |
Virtual appliance pre-boot authentication
A system for pre-boot authentication of a virtual appliance includes one or more subsystems to receive a command to power-on an information handling system (IHS). After receiving the command to power-on the IHS, the system initializes a power-on self test (POST), passes control of the IHS to a hypervisor, loads a concurrent service environment (CSE), requests user credentials, receives user credentials, authenticates user credentials using the CSE and authorizes a specific operating system image from a plurality of images to run on the IHS via the virtual appliance after the user credentials are authenticated. |
| US08978122B1 |
Secure cross-tenancy federation in software-as-a-service system
In a software-as-a-service system, a federated relationship is established between a first tenant subsystem (host) and a user account on a second tenant subsystem (guest), the federated relationship including visibility controls in the host specifying resources made accessible to an authorized user of the user account. When a guest user accesses the host, an authentication is performed that includes requesting and receiving from the guest a security assertion that the user has been authenticated by the guest as the authorized user. Each tenant subsystem includes mechanisms for authenticating its own users for access control; the cross-tenancy authentication extends this operation to make and accept authentication assertions from other tenants. A second risk-based authentication may be performed for additional confidence, typically based on comparing circumstances for the present access to circumstances for past accesses. |
| US08978119B2 |
Automatic transfer of credentials between wireless access points
A system and method for transferring configuration information between wireless access points is provided. Configuration information may include SSID and password, but also certain settings such as network and subnetwork settings. A first wireless access point may be a mobile hotspot, and a second wireless access point may be a docking station. The first wireless access point is initially active and operating using certain configuration information. Upon a trigger event such as a docking or undocking event, the configuration information is transferred to the second wireless access point. The first wireless access point ceases using the transferred configuration information, for example by switching off or adjusting its configuration, and the second wireless access point begins using the transferred configuration information. The configuration information may be transferred back upon a second trigger event. |
| US08978117B2 |
Authentication frequency and challenge type based on environmental and physiological properties
An apparatus and method are disclosed for determining authentication frequency (i.e., the length of time between authenticating and re-authenticating a user) and challenge type (e.g., username/password, fingerprint recognition, voice recognition, etc.) based on one or more environmental properties (e.g., ambient noise level, ambient luminosity, temperature, etc.), or one or more physiological properties of a user (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, etc.), or both. Advantageously, the illustrative embodiment enables authentication frequency and challenge type to be adjusted based on the likelihood of malicious activity, as inferred from these properties. In addition, the illustrative embodiment enables the authentication challenge type to be tailored to particular environmental conditions (e.g., noisy environments, dark environments, etc.). |
| US08978109B2 |
Electronic control device for a vehicle
An electronic control device for a vehicle configured to be able to rewrite a program related to vehicle control by connecting an external device with the vehicle and by accessing an in-vehicle LAN includes a portable authentication terminal separated from the external device; an in-vehicle authentication system connected with the in-vehicle LAN, configured to authenticate the portable authentication terminal and to be able to transmit a authentication result to the in-vehicle LAN; a repeater configured to relay communications between the external device and the in-vehicle LAN; and a communication authorization unit connected to the in-vehicle LAN and configured to authorize the communications between the external device and the in-vehicle LAN through the repeater if receiving the authentication result of a successful authentication of the portable authentication terminal by the in-vehicle authentication system. |
| US08978108B2 |
Method, device, and system for service presentation
A method, device and system for service presentation, which includes: receiving a presentation request message; acquiring presentation information from the presentation request message; storing the presentation information; when the presentee accesses the presented content, receiving an authentication and rating request message transmitted from the service enabling component; performing authenticating and rating according to the authentication and rating request message and the stored presentation information. The present invention is applicable to presenting content type services and so on. |
| US08978107B2 |
Method and system for enabling non-intrusive multi tenancy enablement
A system for enabling non-intrusive multi tenancy enablement in an application may include a processing unit configured to, among other things, identify a data isolation mechanism available in said application, create a centralized multi-tenant database, generate a controlled provisioning layer to manage relationships between a set of consumers and a corresponding entity uniquely developed for said consumers, and generate a multi-tenant wrapper interface for managing relationship(s) between said consumers and instances of the application. The system may further include a memory unit configured to host said centralized customer database to manage users and associated access privileges in said application. |
| US08978104B1 |
Access control center workflow and approval
Methods and systems are disclosed for providing indirect and temporary access to a company's IT infrastructure and business applications. The methods/systems involve establishing an access control center (ACC) to control the access that technical support personnel may have to the company's IT infrastructure and business applications. Thin client terminals with limited functionality may then be set up in the ACC for use by the technical support personnel. The thin client terminals connect the technical support personnel to workstations outside the ACC that operate as virtual desktops. The virtual desktops in turn connect the technical support personnel to the IT infrastructure and business applications. An ACC application may be used to control the connection between the thin client terminals and the virtual desktops and the virtual desktops and the IT infrastructure and business applications. |
| US08978103B2 |
Method and apparatus for interworking authorization of dual stack operation
A method of allowing interworking authorization of dual stack operation is provided. The method allows for simultaneous operation in both IPv4 and IPv6 if a terminal is authorized and authenticated to use both versions. The method utilizes the following steps: requesting authentication from an authorization entity in a wireless communication system; and receiving an authentication message from the authorization entity if the authentication is successful, wherein the authentication message contains an authorization to use at least one internet protocol version to establish at least one secure tunnel for communication. |
| US08978093B1 |
Policy based trust of proxies
A proxy connect component establishes a connection with a proxy, and provides the proxy with a name of a host with which to establish a connection. A negotiation component negotiates a tunnel directly with the host, and a security component classifies the tunnel as at least one of a private-tunnel or a public-tunnel based at least in part on a set of privacy policies. If the tunnel is classified as a public-tunnel, then the proxy is provided a set of security credentials to inspect and/or modify data passing through the tunnel, or a NULL cipher is employed. If the tunnel is classified as a private-tunnel, then the proxy is not provided the security credentials to inspect and/or modify data passing through the tunnel. |
| US08978092B2 |
Data leak prevention from a device with an operating system
A data leak from a computer can be prevented by intercepting one or more system calls from an unknown application and applying different policies to the intercepted action associated with the system call(s) depending on the data itself and the metadata of a document associated with the system call. |
| US08978089B2 |
Incremental transmission of data
In one form, the present teachings provide a method and apparatus for broadcasting an event. The method includes receiving data related to an event via an uplink. Another aspect of the method includes determining whether the data is broadcast on a recurring basis. The method also includes determining whether a transponder channel associated with multiplexed program channels has any unused data or bandwidth to broadcast a portion of the data along with the multiplexed program channels. Additionally, the method includes broadcasting the portion of the data in a data stream. |
| US08978087B2 |
Hybrid audio/video entertainment system
A television entertainment system that combines the visual imagery of television entertainment and transmission with the audio of radio entertainment and transmission to create a new synthesis system for therapeutic benefit designated as Hybrid Radio Television. Each segment (video/audio) of the system can be viewed or heard/listened to on its own, however, it is designed to be viewed and heard/listened to as an integrated whole, as selected by a viewer. |
| US08978083B2 |
Method for transmitting a broadcast service, method for receiving a broadcast service, and apparatus for receiving a broadcast service
According to the invention, a broadcast receiver receives a packetized stream. The broadcast receiver extracts display time information from a header of the packetized stream, and extracts trigger information including a target object identifier from a payload of the packetized stream. The broadcast receiver recognizes the type of the trigger information. If the trigger information is of the preparation trigger type, the broadcast receiver acquires information on the location of the file which belongs to the target object identifier. The broadcast receiver downloads the file which belongs to the target object identifier from the time corresponding to the extracted display time information via said acquired information on the location of the file. |
| US08978080B2 |
Display device, transmitting terminal, receiving terminal and wireless communication system
A display device may include: an acquisition unit acquiring transmitting terminal identification information that is identification information of a transmitting terminal transmitting image data by wireless communication, and receiving terminal identification information that is identification information of a receiving terminal receiving the image data by wireless communication; and an information display unit displaying the transmitting terminal identification information and the receiving terminal identification information. |
| US08978073B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing mobile IPTV service in mobile communication system and broadcasting system
In a mobile communication system and a broadcasting system, an Advanced Base Station (ABS) periodically broadcasts a buffering data packet of broadcast buffering content in providing a Mobile Internet Protocol TeleVision (Mobile IPTV) service. The broadcast buffering content represents content in which a buffering data packet corresponding to a predetermined buffering capacity is periodically broadcasted, and the buffering data packet represents a data packet that is transmitted to be buffered in advance before the broadcast buffering content is actually provided to Advanced Mobile Stations (AMSs). |
| US08978070B2 |
Content output system, information display apparatus, content output apparatus, and content information display method
A content output system includes a content output apparatus; and an information display apparatus, the content output apparatus and the information display apparatus being capable of communicating with each other. The content output apparatus includes a selection section configured to select, in response to a selection instruction, one piece of content from among a plurality of pieces of content that can be output, as content composed of a video signal and/or an audio signal; and an output section configured to output the content selected by the selection section. The information display apparatus includes a display section; and a control section configured to allow the display section to display, as content information display, information on the plurality of pieces of content that can be output from the content output apparatus in a state in which content that is output from the output section of the content output apparatus is displayed so as to be distinguished from remaining pieces of content that can be output. |
| US08978069B2 |
E-commerce system using content platform independent product broadcasting
The following description relates to an e-commerce system using content platform independent product broadcasting which combines a channel map for pay TV broadcasts provided over a broadcasting network with a channel map for product broadcasts provided over the Internet to thereby generate an integrated channel map. Using the integrated channel map, a user is able to easily connect to or change a product broadcast provided over the Internet with simple manipulation so as to perform an e-commerce transaction using content platform independent product broadcasting. |
| US08978064B2 |
Interactive television program guide with passive content
A hybrid passive-interactive program guide is generated by combining the features of an interactive program guide with the passive video portion of a passive program guide. The interactive guide may replace passive listings with interactive listings, replace passive features with interactive features, provide supplemental advertisements, or replace passive tagging information with interactive tagging information. Users may be provided with an opportunity to purchase a program or product being advertised, to view listings for segments aired in the video portion of the passive guide, to schedule reminders for listings or video segments that are displayed by the passive guide, or to schedule video segments and related information for recording. |
| US08978063B2 |
Virtual channel table for a broadcast protocol and method of broadcasting and receiving broadcast signals using the same
A virtual channel table for broadcasting protocol and a method for broadcasting by using the virtual channel table includes identification information identifying and permitting discrimination of active and inactive channels contained in the virtual channel table. At a receiver, the virtual channel table transmitted from the transmitting side is parsed, thereby determining whether the current received channel is an active or inactive channel. |
| US08978061B2 |
Image content and advertisement data providing method, system, and apparatus
To provide an image content providing method capable of promoting advertisement effect by dynamically inserting an advertisement image to a distributed image content, an image content reproducing apparatus requests an image content providing apparatus to distribute the image content. Then, the image content is distributed to the image content reproducing apparatus and a viewer can utilize the image content. At this occasion, the image content providing apparatus distributes the image content, detects an advertisement inserting position and requests an advertisement image providing apparatus to distribute an advertisement image. Then, the advertisement image providing apparatus selects the advertisement image to be inserted to the image content and transmits thereof to the image content providing apparatus. Thereafter, the image content providing apparatus inserts the advertisement image to a position of the image content for inserting the advertisement and distributes thereof to the image content reproducing apparatus. |
| US08978060B2 |
Systems, methods, and media for presenting advertisements
Systems, methods, and media for presenting advertisements are provided. In some implementations, systems for presenting advertisements are provided, the systems comprising: at least one hardware processor that: receives media content containing a video portion and/or an audio portion; determines whether a watermark is embedded in at least one of the video portion and/or the audio portion of the media content; and if it is determined that the watermark is embedded in the at least one of the video portion and/or the audio portion of the media content: identifies a payload in the watermark; receives an advertisement selected at least in part based on the payload; and causes the advertisement to be presented instead of the media content. |
| US08978059B2 |
Connecting message media with shared digital media
A digital media sharing system (“DMSS”) for creating, transmitting and receiving digital media data (“DMD”) with message media (MM) files attached thereto. Said message Media may reside locally or on a server prior to being connected to said digital media data. |
| US08978055B1 |
Electronic apparatus and method
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a receiver, a generator and a transmitter. The receiver receives operation data indicative of an operating period from each of one or more electronic apparatuses used by a first user, and receives viewing data from a first electronic apparatus of the one or more electronic apparatuses, the viewing data indicative of a program viewed by the first user. The generator generates living pattern data indicative of a living pattern of the first user using the operation data and the viewing data. The transmitter transmits the living pattern data to an electronic apparatus used by a second user. |
| US08978053B2 |
Enhanced hook function for use with different versions of a dynamically loaded library
A hooking system for hooking predetermined references to predetermined dynamically loaded library (DLL) functions includes a DLL version identifier provided by a hook entry code to an enhanced hook. The hook entry code is dynamically generated during runtime of an affected software application. The version identifier enables unambiguous communication of a single enhanced hook with functions of multiple versions of identically named DLLs loaded into the same isolated process memory area. |
| US08978051B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying application image
A method and a device for displaying an application image are provided, and the method includes the following steps: receiving a display request from a second operating system, and reading the application image stored in a storage area; judging whether it is required to process the application image through a window manager according to the configuration of the local image display system, and if required, sending the application image to the window manager, and sending the application image processed by the window manager to a display graphics library for processing; if not, directly sending the application image to the display graphics library for processing; and acquiring the location of the display memory through a display driver, sending the application image processed by the display graphics library to the display memory, and displaying the application image through the display memory. Using the solution, the application image of the installable operating system can be displayed in the local operating system. |
| US08978049B2 |
System and method for realtime detection of process disruptions in event-driven architectures
Certain example embodiments relate to a system for realtime detection of process execution disruptions in an event-driven architecture. A plurality of event-driven applications each execute at least one process step to participate in the execution of a process. The system includes an event bus usable by the plurality of event-driven applications to communicate events among each other. The event bus comprises a control channel, the control channel being configured to receive at least one start event and at least one stop event from the plurality of event-driven applications. The start and stop events indicate the execution of a corresponding process step. The system further includes a Complex Event Processing (CEP) engine configured to analyze the start and stop events on the control channel to detect a disruption of the process. |
| US08978048B2 |
Information processing system, control method, and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program
An information processing system 5 according to the present invention includes a plurality of nodes each of which includes a key information generation unit 51 that generates first key information by converting an attribute name and an attribute value included in a received event information into a format that enables a magnitude comparison of the attribute name and the attribute value, a process target information storing unit 53 that stores key information of a predetermined attribute name and an attribute value within the predetermined range in advance, a target determination unit 52 that determines whether the event information should be handled as information to be processed or not by comparing the first key information with the second key information, and an information transfer unit 54 that transmits the event information that should not be handled as information to be processed and the first key information to another node. |
| US08978037B1 |
System and method for managing workload performance on billed computer systems
In a system and method for managing mainframe computer usage, preferred values for service class defined performance goals are determined to optimize workload performance in service classes across a logical partition. A method for managing mainframe computer system usage can include receiving a performance optimization goal for workload performance in a service class, the service class having a defined performance goal. Achievement of the performance optimization goal is assessed, and a preferred value for the defined performance goal is determined based on assessing achievement of the performance optimization goal. Workload criticality can be taken into account, and automatic changes to the performance goal authorized. |
| US08978036B2 |
Dynamic scheduling of tasks for collecting and processing data from external sources
A scheduler manages execution of a plurality of data-collection jobs, assigns individual jobs to specific forwarders in a set of forwarders, and generates and transmits tokens (e.g., pairs of data-collection tasks and target sources) to assigned forwarders. The forwarder uses the tokens, along with stored information applicable across jobs, to collect data from the target source and forward it onto an indexer for processing. For example, the indexer can then break a data stream into discrete events, extract a timestamp from each event and index (e.g., store) the event based on the timestamp. The scheduler can monitor forwarders' job performance, such that it can use the performance to influence subsequent job assignments. Thus, data-collection jobs can be efficiently assigned to and executed by a group of forwarders, where the group can potentially be diverse and dynamic in size. |
| US08978031B2 |
Processing of overlay networks using an accelerated network interface card
According to one embodiment, a server includes an accelerated network interface card (NIC), the accelerated NIC including a plurality of network ports including multiple Peripheral Component Interconnect express (PCIe) ports, an Overlay Network Offload System (ONOS), the ONOS including logic adapted for providing overlay functionality to network traffic received by the accelerated NIC, a first receiving/transmitting (RX/TX) packet buffer adapted for caching network traffic sent to or received from a network, a second RX/TX packet buffer adapted for caching the network traffic received from or sent to the server, and an Ethernet controller adapted for interfacing with the network. The server also includes a hypervisor coupled to one or more virtual machines (VMs) and a NIC driver adapted for interfacing with and supporting the accelerated NIC, wherein the NIC driver includes logic adapted for managing operations of the accelerated NIC. |
| US08978030B2 |
Elastic provisioning of resources via distributed virtualization
A multi-layer architecture is provided for elastic provisioning of virtualized computing resources. The multi-layer architecture comprises a physical hardware layer comprising a plurality of physical computing machines, a distributed operating system layer that aggregates and virtualizes the computing resources, and a virtual machine layer that comprises virtual machines provisioned, by the distributed operating system layer, with virtualized computing resources. Elastic provisioning of virtualized computing resources comprising receiving computing resource information of a plurality of physical computing machines, producing virtualized computing resources by aggregating the received computing resource information of the plurality of physical computing machines, and provisioning the virtualized computing resources among a plurality of virtual machines. |
| US08978028B2 |
Transactional multi-package installation
Described is installing multiple software packages to a computing device in a single transaction, whereby the multiple package installation commits if successful, or the device is rolled back to a determined state if unsuccessful. A client process provides a system service (installer) with a package, and the service partitions package installation actions into execution, commit and rollback phases, with the execution phase run for each package. If successful, the transaction is committed by performing the multiple commit phases. If unsuccessful, the installation is rolled back via the rollback phases. The phases may be interleaved, with execution and commit phases performed in FIFO order, and rollback phases performed in LIFO order. A client process may dynamically determine which packages to install, a client process may be embedded in a package and join the transaction, and/or one client process may delegate control to another client to add package actions to the transaction. |
| US08978026B2 |
Architecture for field upgrade of a health monitoring system
An architecture allows individual system components to be developed and tested individually, i.e., as distinct modules, and to be subsequently combined through standardized electrical and communication interfaces. Any combination of these modules can be implemented to form different products that provide any number of functions, such as an integrated system for monitoring a health condition and/or delivering a medication. The architecture also provides an approach for dynamically updating the product and offering its users the latest generation of technology even after the users have already purchased the product. In particular, the embodiments employ the communication interfaces to also provide connection to a remote network that can update or upgrade the product's software when the product is out in the field. |
| US08978023B2 |
Canonical mechanism for securely assembling features into a mobile application
A native application built for a mobile device can embed non-native JAVA code that may be executed by a JAVA virtual machine also embedded as a library within the native application. Enterprise applications may be extended for use by mobile devices. Business logic for an application may be constructed just once and then used in both enterprise applications and mobile device applications. |
| US08978020B2 |
Generating reusable test components out of remote application programming interface
In an aspect, the present application relates to a computer-implemented method, computer system, and computer program product for (automatically) generating reusable test components to test software applications. The computer-implemented method for generating reusable test components to test software applications may comprise: accessing an object model relating to at least part of a software application; and generating at least one test component applicable to test the software application, comprising: analyzing the object model, generating a meta-description from the object model and store the meta information in at least one descriptor according to a meta model, and generating the test component and a corresponding component implementation based on the descriptor. |
| US08978019B2 |
Instrumentation of software applications for configuration thereof
A solution is proposed for instrumenting a software application for configuration thereof. A corresponding method includes scanning a source code of the software application for detecting an indication of a set of configuration parameters each one being identified by a pre-defined non-executable statement, creating a set of instances of a pre-defined configuration object each one mapping a corresponding one of the configuration parameters, the configuration object being designed to manage the corresponding configuration parameter, and creating a set of configuration interfaces for editing the configuration parameters, the configuration interfaces being operable to interact with each instance of the configuration object to get and set the corresponding configuration parameter. |
| US08978018B2 |
Reversibly instrumenting a computer software application
A method, system, and computer program product for reversibly instrumenting a computer software application is described. The method may comprise creating a map indicating a plurality of locations of application instruction sections within instructions of a computer software application. The method may further comprise inserting a plurality of instrumentation sections into the computer software application instructions. The method may also comprise updating the map to indicate the locations of the instrumentation sections within the computer software application instructions, where the indications in the map of the locations of the instrumentation sections are distinguishable from the indications in the map of the locations of the application instruction sections. The method may additionally comprise updating the map to indicate a change in any of the locations of any of the application instruction sections within the computer software application instructions subsequent to inserting the instrumentation sections. |
| US08978015B2 |
Self validating applications
An application server operating in a production environment receives an application for deployment. A test deployer in the application server determines whether the application includes a validation test. If the application includes a validation test, the test deployer performs an auxiliary deployment of the application and runs the validation test. If the validation test succeeds, the test deployer performs a full deployment of the application on the application server. |
| US08978011B2 |
Managing test results in a data center
There is provided in an embodiment of the present invention a method wherein a processor may receive a test configuration deployment plan (TCDP) template. A user may select the test configuration deployment plan template and provide time schedule, and specific software application names and version numbers as settings for variables within the test configuration deployment plan template, in effect making a subscription request, wherein the processor receives or otherwise prompts to receive such information. Provided such resources are available at the requested time, the processor may wait until that time and provision the test configuration deployment plan to a data center resource. Test cases are run and results are collected until time or test cases are exhausted. The processor may then release resources that had been allocated to the subscription, which may include a step of undeploying or unprovisioning. |
| US08978010B1 |
Pruning compilation dependency graphs
Technologies are disclosed for pruning a dependency graph representing source artifacts compilable by a plurality of compilers. The dependency graph can include strongly connected components represented as a directed acyclic graph. During compilation of the source artifacts, it can be discovered that some source artifacts did not need to be compiled, and associated nodes in the dependency graph can be pruned. Pruning can result in removal of nodes for source artifacts that are yet to be compiled, and compilation for source artifacts associated with such nodes in the dependency graph can be avoided. |
| US08978009B2 |
Discovering whether new code is covered by tests
A computing device obtains a delta between a first version of a target program and a second version of the target program that has been tested by one or more test routines. The computing device identifies a first portion of the second version of the target program that has not been tested in the first version of the target program and a second portion of the second version of the target program that has been tested in the first version of the target program based on the delta. The computing device executes the one or more test routines on at least the first portion of the second version of the target program without executing the one or more test routines on the second portion of the second version of the target program. |
| US08978008B2 |
Software configuration control wherein containers are associated with physical storage of software application versions in a software production landscape
According to some embodiments, a source version of a software product may be established in connection with a software production landscape. A first container, representing a first uniquely addressable physical location in the software production landscape, may then be associated with the source version. An executable derivative version of the software product may be built from the source version, and a second container, representing a second uniquely addressable physical location in the software production landscape, may be associated with the executable derivative version. Software configuration information may then be automatically provided to a user based at least in part on a relationship between the first and second containers at a given point in time. |
| US08978007B2 |
Static metadata in dynamic programs
A dynamic programming environment includes a dynamic runtime infrastructure configured to receive static metadata as source text in a source code written in a dynamic programming language. The dynamic runtime infrastructure determines an object representation based on the static metadata from the source text in the source code. |
| US08978004B2 |
Cell routability prioritization
A layout of a standard cell is created by prioritizing routability characteristics of the standard cell layout. The routability characteristics are prioritized so that the characteristics that are more likely to enhance routing efficiency are emphasized in the cell layout. The prioritization of the routability characteristics can be indicated by a set of weights, with each weight in the set indicating the priority of a corresponding routability characteristic of the standard cell layout. The weights can be used to calculate a weighted sum of the routability characteristics of the standard cell, thereby providing a way to efficiently compare the routability of different standard cell layouts. |
| US08978000B2 |
Performance-driven and gradient-aware dummy insertion for gradient-sensitive array
The present disclosure relates to an arrangement and a method of performance-aware buffer zone placement for a high-density array of unit cells. A first feature density of the array is measured and maximum variation for a parameter within a unit cell is determined. A look-up table of silicon data is consulted to predict a buffer zone width and gradient value that achieves a variation that is less than the maximum variation for the unit cell. The look-up table contains a suite of silicon test cases of various array and buffer zone geometries, wherein variation of the parameter within a respective test structure is measured and cataloged for the various buffer zone geometries, and is also extrapolated from the suite of silicon test cases. A buffer zone is placed at the border of the array with a width that is less than or equal to the buffer zone width. |
| US08977999B2 |
Numerical delay model for a technology library cell type
Methods and systems for determining a numerical delay model based on one or more discretized delay models are described. A discretized delay model is a delay model in which the delay behavior is represented using a set of discrete data points of delay behavior. A numerical delay model is a delay model that can be used by a numerical solver to optimize a cost function. In general, computing delay using a numerical delay model is significantly faster than computing delay using discretized delay models. This performance improvement is important when optimizing a design for various metrics like timing, area and leakage power, because repeated delay computations are required in circuit optimization approaches. |
| US08977997B2 |
Hardware simulation controller, system and method for functional verification
Systems and methods of using hardware to simulate software, specifically the semantic operations defined in HDL simulation languages. Traditional software HDL simulation kernel operations of advancing time, activating threads in response to notified events, and scheduling those threads of execution are handled via a simulation controller. The simulation controller is comprised of a timing wheel, an event-processor, a thread/process dispatch engine, a token processor, and a resource-allocator. These components work together with a control logic component to perform the semantic operations of an HDL software kernel. |
| US08977994B1 |
Circuit design system and method of generating hierarchical block-level timing constraints from chip-level timing constraints
A system and method of designing an integrated circuit capable of deriving timing constraints for individual block-level circuits of an integrated circuit that are derived from the chip-level timing constraints and analysis. The block-level timing constraints are in the form of one or more logical timing constraint points at the input and output ports of block-level circuits. Each logical timing constraint points specifies a clock source used to clock data through the port, a delay parameter specifying data propagation delay backward from an input port and forward from an output port, and any timing exception associated with the data path. Using the logical timing constraint point, the circuit design system performs independent timing analysis and optimization of each block-level circuit. The system then reassembles the block-level circuits into a modified chip-level circuit for which timing closure can be achieved. |
| US08977993B2 |
Modeling of cell delay change for electronic design automation
An integrated circuit design optimization procedure to modify a cell feature, such as gate length, models changes in delay as a result of the modification. In the delay change calculation, a characteristic of an event in cell switching behavior, such as the output short-circuit voltage VSC, is determined for the modified cell, where changes in the determined characteristic correlate with changes in delay of the cell due to the modification. Next, a value for delay of the modified cell is determined as a function of the determined characteristic of the event. The procedure can be applied after placement and routing. A timing-constrained, leakage power reduction is described using the delay change model. |
| US08977992B2 |
Highly compact non-volatile memory and method thereof
A non-volatile memory device capable of reading and writing a large number of memory cells with multiple read/write circuits in parallel has an architecture that reduces redundancy in the multiple read/write circuits to a minimum. The multiple read/write circuits are organized into a bank of similar stacks of components. In one aspect, each stack of components has individual components factorizing out their common subcomponents that do not require parallel usage and sharing them as a common component serially. Other aspects, include serial bus communication between the different components, compact I/O enabled data latches associated with the multiple read/write circuits, and an architecture that allows reading and programming of a contiguous row of memory cells or a segment thereof. The various aspects combined to achieve high performance, high accuracy and high compactness. |
| US08977991B2 |
Method and system for replacing a pattern in a layout
A received layout identifies a plurality of circuit components to be included in an integrated circuit (IC) layer for double patterning the layer using two photomasks, the layout including a plurality of first patterns to be included in the first photomask and at least one second pattern to be included in the second photomask. A selected one of the first patterns has first and second endpoints, to be replaced by a replacement pattern connecting the first endpoint to a third endpoint. At least one respective keep-out region is provided adjacent to each respective remaining first pattern except for the selected first pattern. Data are generated representing the replacement pattern, such that no part of the replacement pattern is formed in any of the keep-out regions. Data representing the remaining first patterns and the replacement pattern are output. |
| US08977989B2 |
Handling of flat data for phase processing including growing shapes within bins to identify clusters
Definition of a phase shifting layout from an original layout can be time consuming. If the original layout is divided into useful groups, i.e. clusters that can be independently processed, then the phase shifting process can be performed more rapidly. If the shapes on the layout are enlarged, then the overlapping shapes can be grouped together to identify shapes that should be processed together. For large layouts, growing and grouping the shapes can be time consuming. Therefore, an approach that uses bins can speed up the clustering process, thereby allowing the phase shifting to be performed in parallel on multiple computers. Additional efficiencies result if identical clusters are identified and processing time saved so that repeated clusters of shapes only undergo the computationally expensive phase shifter placement and assignment process a single time. |
| US08977988B2 |
Method of optical proximity correction for modifying line patterns and integrated circuits with line patterns modified by the same
A method of optical proximity correction executed by a computer system and integrated circuit layout formed by the same, the step of optical proximity correction comprises: providing an integrated circuit layout with a plurality of parallel line patterns, wherein one side of at least one line pattern is provided with a convex portion; and modifying the integrated circuit layout by forming a concave portion corresponding to the convex portion at the other side of the line pattern. |
| US08977980B2 |
Display scrolling method, display apparatus, and recording medium having display program recorded thereon
A display scrolling method includes the steps of displaying first and second windows on a display screen of a display; displaying first information in a predetermined order in the first window; displaying second information in a predetermined order in the second window; and scrolling the first and second information in synchronization with each other, wherein the resolution of the scrolling of at least one of the first and second information is set at a magnitude corresponding to the unit of the classification of the information. |
| US08977976B2 |
Systems and methods for automated availability and/or outage management
Systems and methods are provided for instantly and electronically reporting generation outages and/or availability to the grid operator. More specifically, the invention relates to systems for creating outage requests on a mobile device or web interface, accepting outage requests, processing the outage request, submitting the outage request to the grid operator electronically, receiving and communicating acknowledgement of receipt, acceptance or rejection of the outage request and starting the outage when an outage request is approved. In some embodiments, workflow design for processing the outage request may occur on a mobile device or web interface. |
| US08977975B2 |
Method and system for creating temporary visual indicia
The present invention relates to new and improved embodiments of systems and methods for using a “pen” input as a temporary pointer to highlight a portion of a document and having the “ink” disappear. In embodiments, a method and system for temporarily marking a portion of a document comprises sending a marking directive that produces a visual indicia on a document being viewed on two or more display devices connected over a network, waiting a period of time, and automatically erasing the visual indicia on the document being viewed on the two or more display devices. |
| US08977974B2 |
Ambient noise based augmentation of media playback
Ambient noise sampled by a mobile device from a local environment is used to automatically trigger actions associated with content currently playing on the mobile device. In some implementations, subtitles or closed captions associated with the currently playing content are automatically invoked and displayed on a user interface based on a level of ambient noise. In some implementations, audio associated with the currently playing content is adjusted or muted. Actions can be automatically triggered based on a comparison of the sampled ambient noise, or an audio fingerprint of the sampled ambient noise, with reference data, such as a reference volume level or a reference audio fingerprint. In some implementations, a reference volume level can be learned on the mobile device based on ambient noise samples. |
| US08977971B2 |
Metadata generation systems and methods
Metadata generation systems and methods are described. An example computer-implemented method of automatically generating metadata used to develop graphical user interfaces includes scanning an image of a user interface to detect a candidate region on the image, the candidate region being potentially associated with a user interface component. The example method includes analyzing the candidate region to identify a user interface component contained therein by comparing a potential user interface component to user interface definitions stored in a database to identify one of the user interface definitions associated therewith. The example method includes extracting one or more properties of the identified user interface component and generating metadata based on the user interface definition associated with the identified user interface component and the extracted properties. |
| US08977969B2 |
Dynamic web portal page
A system for providing a dynamic web portal page in a web portal environment by modifying the web portal page, where the system includes: a server configured to provide a content with at least one portlet of the web portal page to a user. The server enters code into the provided content of the web portal page for identifying user-interface elements in the content of the web portal page. The server enters code into the provided content of the web portal page for monitoring user actions related to the identified user-interface elements in the content of the web portal page. The server re-configures automatically the content of the web portal page according to a user-specific preference extracted from the monitored user actions for the user at a later stage. |
| US08977967B2 |
Rules for navigating to next content in a browser
In one or more embodiments, a flip ahead input, such as a gesture, provides touch users with an ability to easily navigate various websites. The flip ahead input can be utilized to advance to the next portion of relevant content. In at least some embodiments, the flip ahead input resides in the form of a forward swipe. In one or more embodiments, the flip ahead input is configured to be utilized in association with an aggregated browsing history from multiple users. The aggregated browsing history is analyzed to generate rules that are then downloaded to a client device and used by a suitably-configured web browser to ascertain the next portion of content when a flip ahead input is received. |
| US08977961B2 |
Gesture based context-sensitive functionality
Gesture based, context sensitive help and search functionalities are provided for application programs on a mobile device. In response to detecting movement at a mobile device in the form of a gesture, it is determined whether the movement corresponds to a predetermined gesture for invoking a help or search functionality. When the movement corresponds to a predetermined gesture, a current context of mobile device is identified and help content associated with the identified current context is retrieved for the help functionality, or a search query associated with the context is invoked and search results are obtained for a search functionality, for presentation to the user of the mobile device. |
| US08977960B2 |
System and a method in a computer-enabled environment for establishing and managing separate reputations for a user and his avatar
A system and a method in a computer-enabled environment are provided. The method includes the following steps: determining a user reputation of a user designator in response to a user rank of the user designator and an avatar rank of each of at least one avatar designator which is associated with the user designator; and determining an avatar reputation of that avatar designator in response to the avatar rank of that avatar designator and the user rank of the user designator, wherein the user designator corresponds to a real world user, the avatar designator corresponds to a user function in a visualized world of the computer-enabled environment, and each of the at least one avatar designator is manipulatable by the real world user. |
| US08977958B2 |
Community-based software application help system
A framework for enabling a community of users to share help information about an application program. The framework includes a mechanism for users to generate and share help information and a mechanism for users to access help information created by other users. To generate help information, tools may be incorporated into an application to enable users to capture information about the application as they are performing functions. Those tools capture as a video clip a representation of screen displays created by the application as the user interacts with the application to perform a function about which help information is to be generated. Along with the scenes captured in the video clip, application context information and explanatory material, such as an audio narration, can be captured. The mechanism to access help information includes a server to which video clips can be posted and cataloged, allowing identification of clips in response to user input describing a required help topic. |
| US08977956B2 |
Document aesthetics evaluation
In one implementation, a document aesthetics evaluation system accesses a plurality of content layout descriptors associated with a document template and a plurality of aesthetics measures. Each aesthetics measure from the plurality of aesthetics measures being assigned by a designer to a content layout descriptor from the plurality of content layout descriptors. The document aesthetics evaluation system also defines a content layout model for the document template based on the plurality of content layout descriptors and the plurality of aesthetics measures. |
| US08977954B2 |
Method and system for providing HTML-based application capable of controlling web action and client
The present disclosure relates to a method and system for providing an HTML-based application capable of controlling web actions and clients. The system includes an HTML skin-generating module to generate an HTML skin that includes instructions corresponding to business logic, and a script to control a skin according to the business logic. The system also includes an application drive file-generating module to generate an application drive file to interoperate with the HTML skin to execute the business logic. |
| US08977951B2 |
Methods and apparatus for automated wizard generation
A system receives an identification of an electronic form that contains a set of objects. At least one object allows a user, via a graphical user interface, to provide input to the object. The system identifies a set of objects from the electronic form to be included within a panel used by a wizard to complete the electronic form. The system generates the panel for presentation by the wizard. The panel allows the user to provide input to those objects on that panel. |
| US08977947B2 |
Method for presenting documents using a reading list panel
A reading list panel is displayed as a sidebar window with respect to a main window of a content viewing application. In response to a first input, a first article representation of a first article associated with a presentation page displayed in the main window is listed in the reading list panel, where the first article representation includes information identifying the first article. In response to a selection of a second article representation from the reading list panel, content of a second article represented by the second article representation is presented in a reader mode within the main window. |
| US08977944B2 |
DRAM address protection
In one embodiment, a system includes a memory, and a memory controller coupled to the memory via an address bus, a data bus, and an error code bus. The memory stores data at an address and stores an error code at the address. The error code is generated based on a function of the corresponding data and address. |
| US08977943B2 |
Implementation of CRC32 using carryless multiplier
Methods, apparatus, and fabrication processes relating to implementing cyclic redundancy checks (CRCs) in processors, such as CRC32 instructions in x86 computer architectures. A method may comprise extracting a first CRC value from a data packet, performing a carryless operation upon the data packet to determine a second CRC value, and determining that a data error is present in the data packet when the first and second CRC values do not match. |
| US08977942B2 |
Data error-detection system and data error-detection method thereof
The present invention discloses a data error-detection system and the method thereof. The system includes an initializing module, an encoding module, a decoding module and a restoring module. The initializing module arranges the transmitting data in a 3D matrix to produce information data. The encoding module encodes the information data to produce checking data, and outputs encoding data which includes information data and checking data. The decoding module receives encoding data and detects information data according to the checking data to correct the information data and then produces 3D matrix receiving data. The restoring module produces receiving data according to the 3D matrix receiving data. Herewith, the effect of error-detection and correction of the data can be achieved. |
| US08977936B2 |
Strong single and multiple error correcting WOM codes, coding methods and devices
The invention provides WOM coding methods and electronic devices with error correcting codes that provide single, double and triple error correction. In one coding, if the code corrects two/three errors, it has two/three parts of redundancy bits. For double error correction, if only one part of the redundancy bit has no errors then it is possible to correct one error. For triple error correction, if only one/two parts of the redundancy bits have no errors then it is possible to correct one/two errors. Codes that correct/detect a single, two and three cell-erasures are provided. A code that has three roots, α1, α2, α3, each of which is a primitive element and where every pair of roots generates a double error correcting code, is provided. Codes and coding utilizing a triple error correcting WOM code that can correct an arbitrary number of errors are provided. |
| US08977932B2 |
Dynamic buffer partitioning
At least one implementation herein enables interleaver and deinterleaver buffer modification during Showtime. That is, at least one implementation herein enables a multicarrier controller apparatus to reallocate interleaver and deinterleaver buffer memory to accommodate data rate changes in the upstream and downstream communication channels. |
| US08977928B2 |
Apparatus and method for receiving a secure telegram
An apparatus includes a communication device and an evaluation unit, wherein the communication device can be linked to a communication bus and can receive secure telegrams by way of the communication bus, and wherein a secure telegram includes user data and CRC data in each instance. In at least one embodiment, in order to improve the communication within the secure bus system, the evaluation unit can determine an error rate from received secure telegrams by way of a CRC check and if a threshold value of the error rate stored in the evaluation unit is exceeded, can effect a secure state of the apparatus. |
| US08977926B2 |
Modified targeted symbol flipping for non-binary LDPC codes
A LDPC decoder includes a processor for targeted symbol flipping of suspicious bits in a LDPC codeword with unsatisfied checks. All combinations of check indices and variable indices are compiled and correlated into a pool of targeted symbol flipping candidates and returned along with symbol indices to a process that uses such symbol indices to identify symbols to flip in order to break a trapping set. |
| US08977922B2 |
ACK-NACK signaling enhancements
An Acknowledgement-Negative Acknowledgement (ACK-NACK) feedback message transmitted from a receiving device to a source device indicates which code words within a transport block transmitted from the source device to the receiving device were received in error by the receiving device. The ACK-NACK message has a variable format based on the number of code words in the transport block and the number of code words received in error. |
| US08977921B1 |
System and method for providing a test result from an integrated to an analyzer
A system for providing a test result from an integrated circuit to a status analyzer. A deserializer is configured to deserialize, into data frames, messages received from the integrated circuit. The messages include the test result and are received from the integrated circuit in a serial data format. A frame sync module is configured to synchronize the data frames, output the synchronized data frames, and generate a clock signal. A gateway module is configured to receive the synchronized data frames from the frame sync module in accordance with the clock signal, convert signal levels and signal timings associated with the synchronized data frames from a first format used by the frame sync module to a second format used by the status analyzer, and provide the synchronized data frames to the status analyzer in accordance with the signal levels and the signal timings in the second format used by the status analyzer. |
| US08977913B2 |
Method, device and baseband chip for receiving service data in a communication system
The present disclosure provides a method, a device and a baseband chip for receiving service data in a communication system. The method includes: receiving service data including a plurality of data blocks, where each of the plurality of data blocks comprises an information code and a check code; performing a first check and a second check on the service data; and outputting a predetermined number of information codes which pass the first check and are performed with a second check computation of the second check. The present disclosure saves memory space of the baseband chip. |
| US08977912B2 |
Method and apparatus for repairing memory
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed in which a repair instruction, such as from a tester, causes an integrated circuit undergoing testing to substitute defective locations of a first set of memory cells in the integrated circuit with a second set of memory cells in the integrated circuit, despite the repair instruction omitting the defective locations of the first set of memory cells of the integrated circuit. |
| US08977911B1 |
Watchdog timer with mode dependent time out
A method and apparatus to operate a watchdog timer having a first time out period in a processing system. The watchdog timer receives an indication of a change in a mode of operation in the processing system. In response to the change in the mode of operation of the processing system, the watchdog timer changes the time out period to a second time out period corresponding to the new mode of operation. |
| US08977904B2 |
Generating a replayable testing script for iterative use in automated testing utility
A method for generating a replayable testing script for iterative use by an automated testing utility may include recording a plurality of scripts, each script relating to a separate iteration of a transaction between a user and a tested application performed by an operator. The method may also include comparing the recorded scripts to identify a location of a data item by finding different values in a pair of corresponding locations in the recorded scripts, indicative of a dynamic data item. The method may further include generating the replayable testing script comprising one of the recorded scripts and having a variable parameter at the identified location of the dynamic data item. |
| US08977901B1 |
Generating service call patterns for systems under test
Disclosed are various embodiments for generating a service call pattern for a system. A monitor is installed on a first and a second service call channel. Each service call channel is used by a first and second system under test, respectively. Through the monitor, service calls are received from the respective system under test. The service calls are issued to at least one service. A first service call pattern is generated based at least in part on the plurality of service calls issued by the first system under test. A second service call pattern is generated based at least in part on the plurality of service calls issued by the second under test. The first service call pattern report and the second service call pattern report are compared. An error condition if the comparison indicates a difference greater than a predefined threshold. |
| US08977900B2 |
Remediating events using behaviors
Remediating events of components using behaviors via an administrator system and an administrator client. The administrator system receives an event from a component of an information technology (IT) environment. A behavior is determined at least partly from the event. The behavior is determined to be an anomalous behavior at least partly from a group of previously received events. A coefficient is calculated, via a calculation, for the anomalous behavior at least partly from a weight. The administrator system sends a description of the anomalous behavior and a group of options to the administrator client. The description is at least partly based on the calculation. The administrator system receives a severity indication from the administrator client. The weight, the calculation, and the description are updated based on the severity indication. |
| US08977898B1 |
Concurrent access to data during replay of a transaction log
A dataset is concurrently recovered after a server crash while the dataset is actively used for servicing client requests. In response to a reboot, records of not-yet-completed transactions in a transaction log are parsed to create a graph of dependencies between the transactions. Once this graph has been created, clients may access a specified block of the dataset after on-demand recovery of the specified block. The on-demand recovery is concurrent with a background recovery task that replays the not-yet-completed transactions in time order. The on-demand recovery uses the dependency graph to replay any and all transactions that support recovery of the specified block, so that recovery of the specified block includes update of other blocks to be consistent with the recovered block in accordance with the not-yet-completed transactions. |
| US08977895B2 |
Multi-core diagnostics and repair using firmware and spare cores
Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to an apparatus that comprises a first core susceptible to an error condition, and a second core configured to perform a diagnostic on the first core to identify a cause of the error condition and an action to remedy the error condition in order to recover the first core. |
| US08977894B2 |
Operating a data storage system
A data storage system including at least one memory device array including memory devices for storing data; and a storage subsystem controller for performing a method for operating the memory devices within the memory device array by relocating parity entities from a first memory device to a spare memory device replacing a failed memory device, and by storing one or more of reconstructed data entities on the first memory device. |
| US08977893B2 |
Accelerated rebuild and zero time rebuild in raid systems
A RAID data storage system incorporates permanently empty blocks into each stripe, distributed among all the data storage devices, to accelerate rebuild time by reducing the number of blocks that need to be rebuilt in the event of a failure. |
| US08977889B2 |
Method for increasing reliability in monitoring systems
A method for decreasing the risk of monitoring data failing to be stored includes periodically sending a test message from the monitoring device to a Networked Storage Device, NSD, generating an NSD fail signal in the monitoring device if events following the sending of the test message indicates that the NSD is not operating properly, and sending, in response to the NSD fail signal, a fail message from the monitoring device for detection outside housing of monitoring device. |
| US08977887B2 |
Disaster recovery appliance
A disaster recovery appliance is described herein. The disaster recovery appliance is coupled to one or more servers. The disaster recovery appliance continuously receives backup data for each of the one or more servers. When a server fails, the disaster recovery appliance, replaces the failed server. While the failed server is inaccessible, the disaster recovery appliance is able to mimic the functionality of the failed server. In some embodiments, the disaster recovery appliance is able to act as a server in addition to a backup device for the other servers. |
| US08977885B1 |
Programmable logic device data rate booster for digital signal processing
A programmable logic device is provided that includes: a programmable interconnect adapted to route input signals through the device at a system clock rate; and a digital signal processor (DSP) block coupled to the interconnect, the DSP block including: a plurality of input ports; an input register coupled to the multiple input ports and adapted to sequentially register samples of the input signals from the interconnect received at the input ports at a multiple of the system clock rate; and a multiplier adapted to multiply the registered samples at the multiple of the system clock rate to produce an output signal. |
| US08977883B2 |
Time synchronization improvements for interoperable medical devices
A computer-implemented method is presented for synchronizing time between two handheld medical devices that interoperate with each other. The method includes: determining a first time as measured by a first clock residing in the first medical device; determining a second time as measured by a second clock residing in a second medical device; evaluating whether the first clock is synchronized with the second clock; determining whether at least one of the first clock and the second clock was set manually by a user; and setting time of the first clock in accordance with the second time when the second clock was set manually by the user. |
| US08977878B2 |
Reducing current leakage in L1 program memory
An embodiment of the invention provides a method for decreasing power in an L1 program memory of a multi-level memory system. The power is decreased by enabling a sleep mode in the L1 program memory. The sleep mode determines when the L1 program memory will not be accessed for a period of time. When it is determined that the L1 program memory will not be accessed for a period of time, the voltage applied to the memory array is reduced. When it is determined that the L1 program memory will be accessed, the voltage applied to the memory array is increased. |
| US08977876B2 |
Method and apparatus for implementing low power consumption for data switching device, and data switching device thereof
An apparatus for implementing low power consumption for data switching device includes a dormancy management module that controls an upper layer logic component in a device to enter a low power consumption state when a current state parameter of the device satisfies a preset dormancy configurationcondition; detects whether an energy consumption state of a transmission medium is active; and wakes up the upper layer logic component in the device to enter a normal working state if the energy consumption state of the transmission medium is active. When a preset condition is satisfied, upper layer logic components such as a CPU, a network processor and an optical module in the device, properly stop full-time operation to save energy. |
| US08977875B2 |
Power supplying control apparatus, management control apparatus, image processing apparatus, and computer readable storage medium
A power supplying control apparatus includes a transition unit that causes a control apparatus to transition to one of a power supplied state that causes power to be supplied and a power shutoff state that shuts off the supplying of power, and a determining unit that determines a transition target of the transition unit in accordance with a first time period and a second time period, the first time period having a length of time beyond which no further memory space is available from a second memory, and thus being determined by a transmission and reception speed of information to a communication line network and a storage capacity of the second memory, the second time period being so long as to enable information stored on the second memory to be stored on a first memory in the power shutoff state. |
| US08977873B2 |
Information processing apparatus and control method for selecting operation mode based on a processing load and significance level of received data to operate a transmitter with a proper performance margin
In an information processing apparatus, a transmitter forwards received data. A significance determination unit determines significance of the received data. Based on the significance of the received data, an operation mode selection unit selects which operation mode to apply. Power management information stored in a memory describes what power management is to be performed in each different operation mode. A control unit performs power management of the transmitter, with reference to the stored power management information corresponding to the selected operation mode. |
| US08977864B2 |
Programmable logic device with resistance to external monitoring attacks
Techniques usable by devices to encrypt and decrypt sensitive data to in a manner that provides security from external monitoring attacks. The encrypting device has access to a base secret cryptographic value (key) that is also known to the decrypting device. The sensitive data are decomposed into segments, and each segment is encrypted with a separate encryption key derived from the base key and a message identifier to create a set of encrypted segments. The encrypting device uses the base secret cryptographic value to create validators that prove that the encrypted segments for this message identifier were created by a device with access to the base key. The decrypting device, upon receiving an encrypted segments and validator(s), uses the validator to verify the message identifier and that the encrypted segment are unmodified, then uses a cryptographic key derived from the base key and message identifier to decrypt the segments. |
| US08977860B2 |
Method and apparatus for tamper proof camera logs
A method and apparatus for maintaining a tamper proof device log are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises maintaining an embedded log in the device, the embedded log being a chain of log entries. In one embodiment, the method may also comprise publishing at least one log entry to a location external to the device. |
| US08977855B2 |
Secure function evaluation between semi-honest parties
Methods and apparatus are provided for secure function evaluation between a semi-honest client and a semi-honest server using an information-theoretic version of garbled circuits (GC). An information-theoretic version of a garbled circuit C is sliced into a sequence of shallow circuits C1, . . . Cn, that are evaluated. Consider any wire wj of C that is an output wire of Ci, and is an input wire of Ci+1. When a slice Ci is evaluated, Ci's 1-bit wire key for wj is computed by the evaluator, and then used, via oblivious transfer (OT), to obtain the wire key for the corresponding input wire of Ci+1. This process repeats until C's output wire keys are computed by the evaluator. The 1-bit wire keys of the output wires of the slice are randomly assigned to wire values. |
| US08977854B2 |
Automatic user authentication and identification for mobile instant messaging application
Automatic identification and authentication of a user of a mobile application entails receiving from the wireless communications device a unique device identifier and an e-mail address corresponding to the wireless communications device, associating a registration identifier with the unique device identifier and the e-mail address, generating an authentication token, and communicating the authentication token and the registration identifier to the wireless communications device. |
| US08977853B2 |
System and method establishing trusted relationships to enable secure exchange of private information
The invention disclosed here is aimed at enabling a trusted third party to manage user opt-ins which would enable growth of personalized information services, that is, enabling trusted business relationships between three types of entities—an end-user, an information source/provider, and an application service provider/developer—so that they can have a controlled, secure and private exchange of sensitive and/or confidential information. The inventive system has modes of operation recommended based on various conditions, enabling a secure exchange of private information between personal information repository owners and application services providers to enable deliver of personalized services. One mode is Durable Subscription Management, which is used when per transaction approval is not needed, that is, when an end-user has given permission to access data for a given or predefined period of time. A second mode is Per-Transaction Subscription Management Without Logs and a third mode is Per-Transaction Subscription Management With Logs. |
| US08977844B2 |
Smartcard formation with authentication keys
An embodiment generally relates to a method of managing tokens. The method includes detecting a presence of a token at a client and determining a status of the token. The method also includes formatting the token at the client in response to the status of the token being unformatted. |
| US08977843B2 |
Geolocating network nodes in attenuated environments for cyber and network security applications
A system and method for verifying and/or geolocating network nodes in attenuated environments for cyber and network security applications are disclosed. The system involves an origination network node, a destination network node, and at least one router network node. The origination network node is configured for transmitting a data packet to the destination network node through at least one router network node. The data packet contains a security signature portion, a routing data portion, and a payload data portion. The security signature portion comprises a listing of at least one network node that the data packet travelled through from the origination network node to the destination network node. In addition, the security signature portion comprises geolocation information, identifier information, and timing information for at least one network node in the listing. |
| US08977842B1 |
Hypervisor enabled secure inter-container communications
A secure component communication management system provides secure, trusted communication between components in a hypervisor based virtual computing environment. A hypervisor security extension generates a container level private key/public key pair. The hypervisor security extension container injects the container level public key into one or more VM(s) that are to securely receive trustworthy data. The hypervisor security extension container encrypts data to transmit to VMs with the container level private key, and injects the encrypted data into one or more target VM(s), such that the injected data is trusted by the VM(s). The one or more VM(s) receive the container level public key and data encrypted with the container level private key, injected by the hypervisor security extension container. These VM(s) use the public key to decrypt injected data encrypted with the private key, such that the decrypted data is trusted. |
| US08977841B2 |
Sending messages by oblivious transfer
A system includes a server connectable to a client, the server configured to allow the client to acquire a message of an index designated by the client among N messages held by the server where N is an integer of two or more. The server includes a classification unit configured to classify the N messages into M classified messages by contents of the messages; a message encryption unit configured to encrypt each of the M classified messages; a message provision unit configured to provide the M encrypted classified messages to the client; and a key sending unit configured to send the client, by oblivious transfer, a message key for decrypting the classified message corresponding to the message of the index designated by the client. |
| US08977839B2 |
Method and apparatus for self configuration of LTE E-Node Bs
The present invention is a procedure for a self configuring eNB/E-UTRAN. The eNB/E-UTRAN interacts with the Enhanced Packet Core (EPC) of the LTE network in order to complete the mutual authentication task between the eNB and the EPC and other operating procedures in the eNB self configuration phase. |
| US08977836B2 |
Thread optimized multiprocessor architecture
In one aspect, the invention comprises a system comprising: (a) a plurality of parallel processors on a single chip; and (b) computer memory located on the chip and accessible by each of the processors; wherein each of the processors is operable to process a de minimis instruction set, and wherein each of the processors comprises local caches dedicated to each of at least three specific registers in the processor. In another aspect, the invention comprises a system comprising: (a) a plurality of parallel processors on a single chip; and (b) computer memory located on the chip and accessible by each of the processors, wherein each of the processors is operable to process an instruction set optimized for thread-level parallel processing. |
| US08977834B2 |
Dynamic storage regions
A method or system for determining storage location of an isolation region based on a data region sizing specified by a host device. In one implementation, the isolation region comprises a set of storage locations required for isolation of or more data region of the storage device. |
| US08977831B2 |
Flash backed DRAM module storing parameter information of the DRAM module in the flash
A device includes volatile memory; one or more non-volatile memory chips, each of which is for storing data moved from the volatile-memory; an interface for connecting to a backup power source arranged to temporarily power the volatile memory upon a loss of power from a primary power source; a controller in communication with the volatile memory and the non-volatile memory, wherein: the controller is programmed to move data from the volatile memory to the non-volatile memory chips upon a loss of power of the primary power source of the volatile memory; and parameters describing the volatile memory are stored in at least one of the non-volatile memory chips that store the data moved from the volatile memory. In some aspects the parameters include serial presence detect information. |
| US08977830B1 |
Crash consistency
A method, system, and computer program product comprising using a tracking structure to map a first portion and a second portion of a non-volatile storage medium to a logical representation of the non-volatile storage medium; wherein the first portion is presented by the logical representation as writable storage and using the tracking structure to enable the logical representation to present the data written to the second portion as the data corresponding to the write in the first portion. |
| US08977828B2 |
Data recovery using conversion of backup to virtual disk
A system includes a proxy processor configured to simulate a virtual disk, and a daemon processor in communication with the proxy processor and a backup repository. The proxy processor is configured to receive from an application a read request or a write request and to direct the read request or the write request to the daemon processor. The daemon processor is configured to receive the read request from the proxy processor and to access the backup repository or the simulated virtual disk, and to receive the write request from the proxy processor and to write data in the write request to the simulated virtual disk. |
| US08977822B2 |
Memory device and method having on-board processing logic for facilitating interface with multiple processors, and computer system using same
A memory device includes an on-board processing system that facilitates the ability of the memory device to interface with a plurality of processors operating in a parallel processing manner. The processing system includes circuitry that performs processing functions on data stored in the memory device in an indivisible manner. More particularly, the system reads data from a bank of memory cells or cache memory, performs a logic function on the data to produce results data, and writes the results data back to the bank or the cache memory. The logic function may be a Boolean logic function or some other logic function. |
| US08977821B2 |
Parallel processing of multiple block coherence operations
A method to eliminate the delay of multiple overlapping block invalidate operations in a multi CPU environment by overlapping the block invalidate operation with normal CPU accesses, thus making the delay transparent. The cache controller performing the block invalidate operation merges multiple overlapping requests into a parallel stream to eliminate execution delays. Cache operations other that block invalidate, such as block write back or block write back invalidate may also be merged into the execution stream. |
| US08977816B2 |
Cache and disk management method, and a controller using the method
A cache and disk management method is provided. In the cache and disk management method, a command to delete all valid data stored in a cache, or specific data corresponding to a part of the valid data may be transmitted to a plurality of member disks. That is, all of the valid data or the specific data may exist in the cache only, and may be deleted from the plurality of member disks. Accordingly, the plurality of member disks may secure more space, an internal copy overhead may be reduced, and more particularly, solid state disks may achieve better performance. |
| US08977815B2 |
Control of entry of program instructions to a fetch stage within a processing pipepline
A processing pipeline 6, 8, 10, 12 is provided with a main query stage 20 and a fetch stage 22. A buffer 24 stores program instructions which have missed within a cache memory 14. Query generation circuitry within the main query stage 20 and within a buffer query stage 26 serve to concurrently generate a main query request and a buffer query request sent to the cache memory 14. The cache memory returns a main query response and a buffer query response. Arbitration circuitry 28 controls multiplexers 30, 32 and 34 to direct the program instruction at the main query stage 20, and the program instruction stored within the buffer 24 and the buffer query stage 26 to pass either to the fetch stage 22 or to the buffer 24. The multiplexer 30 can also select a new instruction to be passed to the main query stage 20. |
| US08977814B1 |
Information lifecycle management for binding content
Some embodiments are directed to an object addressable storage (OAS) system that stores a plurality of objects, a method for use in an OAS system and at least one non-transitory computer readable storage medium encoded with instruction that, when performed by a computer perform a method for use in an OAS system. Each object may include a plurality of portions. A tiered storage environment comprising a plurality of storage tiers may be used. In response to a command a storage tier may be selected for each portion of the object. The OAS system may store at least one of the plurality of portions in a respective selected storage tier such that the object is stored in the OAS system with each of the portions being stored in its respective selected storage tier. |
| US08977809B2 |
Sharing resources in multi-dice stacks
Apparatus, systems, and methods for configuring a plurality of stacked semiconductor dice with unique identifiers and identifying a die in the stack using the unique identifier are provided. Additional apparatus and methods are disclosed. |
| US08977807B2 |
Secure memory system with fast wipe feature
A Flash-based storage system, card, and/or module comprises a Flash controller configured to encrypt the data pages of a page stripe by shuffling the data pages, including loading each data page into a data shuffling buffer in a sequential order relative to other data pages in the page stripe, and thereafter unloading each data page in a non-sequential order relative to other data pages in the page stripe. The Flash controller is also configured to scramble the data pages of the page stripe by performing a bitwise logical operation on the data pages that are unloaded from the data shuffling buffer. A user key and one or more system keys are used to perform the shuffling and scrambling. The Flash controller is further configured to flush the user key by bypassing the system's backup power supply and performing an emergency system shutdown without backing up system data. |
| US08977806B1 |
Hybrid memory module
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a hybrid memory module that combines memory devices of different types while presenting a single technology interface. The hybrid memory module includes a number of super-stacks and a first interface configured to transmit data between the super-stacks and a memory controller. Each super-stack includes a number of sub-stacks, a super-controller configured to control the sub-stacks, and a second interface configured to transmit data between the sub-stacks and the first interface. Combining memory devices of different types allows utilizing the favorable properties of each type of the memory devices, while hiding their unfavorable properties from the memory controller. |
| US08977802B2 |
Access device, information recording device, controller, real time information recording system, access method, and program
Provided is a method for stabilizing and increasing the speed of processing for writing a plurality of different-sized files such as a video file and a management file in parallel in the case where the area in a non-volatile memory of an information recording module is managed by a file system. An access module (1) includes a means for retaining sequential areas in logical block units as areas for writing file data, and a means for realizing file data addition and overwriting by writing data to logical blocks and changing links in a FAT regardless of whether file data addition or overwriting is performed. Writing to the information recording module is performed by writing to sequential addresses in the logical blocks. This realizes the stabilization of and an increase in the file data recording speed by suppressing needless copy processing performed in the information recording module 2 in the case of recording a plurality of files such as a video file and a management file in parallel. |
| US08977801B2 |
Computing system utilizing dispersed storage
A computing system comprises at least a processing module, a main memory, a memory controller, and a plurality of memory components. A method begins by the memory controller receiving a memory access request regarding a data segment. The method continues with the memory controller interpreting the memory access request to determine whether an error encoding dispersal function of the data segment is applicable. The method continues with the memory controller identifying at least a threshold number of memories based on the memory access request, wherein the threshold number of memories includes at least one of the main memory and/or one or more of the plurality of memory components, when the error encoding dispersal function is applicable. The method continues with the memory controller addressing the at least a threshold number of memories to facilitate the memory access request. |
| US08977800B2 |
Multi-port cache memory apparatus and method
Provided is a multi-port cache memory apparatus and a method of the multi-port cache memory apparatus. The multi-port memory apparatus may divide an address space into address regions and allocate the divided memory regions to cache banks, thereby preventing the concentration of access to a particular cache. |
| US08977796B2 |
Combination electronic device dock and dissinfector
Disclosed is a disinfecting docking station for at least one portable electronic device, such as a medical technician's tablet computer, that has at least one recharging connector. An enclosure is adapted to receive the at least one portable electronic device therein through an openable side that includes a selectively closable door. Each electronic device is exposed to a disinfecting wavelength of light, such as UV light, to disinfect the surface of the device. The enclosure includes supports that minimally contact each device so that the device will be substantially exposed to the UV light. A control circuit monitors the exposure time and level, and is programmable to activate the UV light based on pre-set criteria. The enclosures may be stacked and provide power and network connectivity to each device while docked therein. |
| US08977789B2 |
Device connect detection
Systems and methods for detecting Input/Output (I/O) device connection are described herein. The method includes physically coupling an I/O device to a host port through a first signal line and a second signal line. The method also includes driving the first signal line or the second signal line high via an active buffer of the I/O device. The method also includes providing an acknowledgement signal from the host to the device through the other signal line that is not being driven high by the active buffer of the I/O device. |
| US08977783B2 |
High-speed secure content transfer to SD card from kiosk
A system and a method are disclosed for quickly and securely transferring media files to an SD card from a kiosk. The kiosk includes a customer interface module for receiving a selection of a media file to transfer, a transaction module for accepting payment, a media file processing module for preparing the media file to be written to the SD card, and a high-speed secure SD card writer that can write to both an unsecure area and a secure area of the SD card. All data is written to the unsecure area before data is written to the secure area to improve speed. Optionally, the kiosk includes a firmware update module for distributing firmware updates through the SD cards, and the ability to play previews to attract customers and entertain them while transferring media files to the SD card. |
| US08977777B2 |
All hazards information distribution method and system, and method of maintaining privacy of distributed all-hazards information
An information distribution method includes: gathering all-hazards information into an information exchange from a first information source; gathering all-hazards information into the information exchange from a second information source; distributing the all-hazards information from the information exchange to a first independently-controlled alert network; distributing the all-hazards information from the information exchange to a second independently-controlled alert network. |
| US08977774B2 |
Method for reducing buffer capacity in a pipeline processor
A packet processor implemented in hardware. The packet processor includes a processing pipeline including a plurality of processing elements. The plurality of processing elements are configured to process a first data packet transferred sequentially through the plurality of processing elements. The first data packet includes information indicating a period of time that at least a first processing element of the plurality of processing elements uses to process the first data packet. The first processing element is prevented from processing other data packets due to performing processing on the first data packet during the period of time. A packet rate shaper is configured to, prior to the first data packet entering the processing pipeline, read the information in the first data packet, selectively increment and decrement a token value, and selectively grant the first data packet access to the processing pipeline based on the information and based on the token value. |
| US08977771B2 |
Managing a plurality of media files for distribution using an archive
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for distributing media content. A plurality of media files are identified for distribution. A determination is made whether any of the plurality of media files is unavailable remotely. In response to a determination that a portion of the plurality of media files is unavailable remotely, a portion of the plurality of media files is placed in an archive. A playlist identifying the plurality of media files is placed in the archive. A set of links to each of the plurality of media files that are available remotely are placed in the archive, wherein the archive is used to distribute the media content. |
| US08977759B2 |
System for managing audio/video streams using non-avb application layer structures in listener devices of an avb network
A system that includes a talker, a listener, and a controller may communicate over an Ethernet Audio/Video Bridging network. The controller may communicate control messages to manage data streams between the talker and the listener through one or more application layer interfaces of the talker and the listener. Based on the control messages, the talker and the listener may communicate using a Stream Reservation Protocol to reserve connection for, or remove connection from, the data streams. The talker and listener may communicate the success of reserving or removing the connections to the controller through the application layer interfaces. |
| US08977756B2 |
SWAN: achieving high utilization in networks
Greater network utilization is implemented through dynamic network reconfiguration and allocation of network services and resources based on the data to be transferred and the consumer transferring it. A hierarchical system is utilized whereby requests from lower layers are aggregated before being provided to upper layers, and allocations received from upper layers are distributed to lower layers. To maximize network utilization, paths through the network are reconfigured by identifying specific types of packets that are to be flagged in a specific manner, and then by further identifying specific routing rules to be applied in the transmission of such packets. Network reconfiguration is performed on an incremental basis to avoid overloading a path, and capacity can be reserved along one or more paths to prevent such overloading. Background data is agnostic as to specific transmission times and is utilized to prevent overloading due to reconfiguration. |
| US08977752B2 |
Event-based dynamic resource provisioning
Disclosed are a method, a system and a computer program product for automatically allocating and de-allocating resources for jobs executed or processed by one or more supercomputer systems. In one or more embodiments, a supercomputing system can process multiple jobs with respective supercomputing resources. A global resource manager can automatically allocate additional resources to a first job and de-allocate resources from a second job. In one or more embodiments, the global resource manager can provide the de-allocated resources to the first job as additional supercomputing resources. In one or more embodiments, the first job can use the additional supercomputing resources to perform data analysis at a higher resolution, and the additional resources can compensate for an amount of time the higher resolution analysis would take using originally allocated supercomputing resources. |
| US08977747B2 |
System and method for detection of aberrant network behavior by clients of a network access gateway
A first network interface coupled to one or more clients. The first network interface analyzes received network communications to determine if a first rule of any of one or more rules corresponds to the received network communications associated with a first client. The network interface updates a first set of statistical information accumulated over a time period associated with the first client responsive to a determination that the first rule corresponds to the network communications. The network interface analyzes the first set of statistical information to determine if aberrant network behavior is occurring with respect to the first client by applying a set of conditions to the first set of statistical information. Each of the set of conditions corresponds to aberrant network behavior and comprises a threshold to be applied to at least a portion of the statistical information. |
| US08977746B2 |
Systems and methods for scalable network monitoring
A network security device may gather a large amount of metadata pertaining to the connections being managed thereby. A refinement module may filter and/or aggregate the connection metadata. The metadata may be refined on the network security device. The refined metadata may be provided for display on a terminal. The refined metadata may include a subset of the larger connection metadata, which may reduce the overhead required to display and/or transmit monitoring information to the terminal device. The refined metadata may comprise connection groups, which may be formed based on aggregation criteria, such as connection source, destination, application, security policy, protocol, port, and/or the like. The connection groups may be ranked in accordance with ranking criteria. |
| US08977744B2 |
Real-time network monitoring and security
A hardware device for monitoring and intercepting data packetized data traffic at full line rate, is proved. In high bandwidth embodiments, full line rate corresponds to rates that exceed 100 Mbytes/s and in some cases 1000 Mbytes/s. Monitoring and intercepting software, alone, is not able to operate on such volumes of data in real-time. An exemplary embodiment comprises: a data delay buffer with multiple delay outputs; a search engine logic for implementing a set of basic search tools that operate in real-time on the data traffic; a programmable gate array; an interface for passing data quickly to software sub-systems; and control means for implementing software control of the operation of the search tools. The programmable gate array inserts the data packets into the delay buffer, extracts them for searching at the delay outputs and formats and schedules the operation of the search engine logic. |
| US08977742B1 |
Remote validation of user interactions for client-side scripting
A system for remote validation of user interactions for client-side scripting may include one or more processors and memory. The processors may receive a transcript of user interactions recorded during an execution of a client-side script and a corresponding score. The transcript may include an indication of a relative time when each user interaction was recorded. The processors may execute the client-side script and recreate the user interactions during the execution at the relative times indicated by the transcript, may calculate a second score for the user interactions based at least in part on at least some of the user interactions and the relative times when the user interactions are recreated during the execution of the client-side script, and may provide the second score when it is equivalent to the received score, otherwise may provide an indication that the user interactions are invalid and/or that the received score is invalid. |
| US08977739B2 |
Configurable frame work for testing and analysis of client-side web browser page performance
The present invention features methods, computer program products and apparatuses for measuring client-side computer system performance that features identifying one of a plurality of uniform resource locator addresses contained on a server computing system, with each of the uniform resource locator addresses being associated with computing resources. The computing the computing resources associated with any one of the plurality of uniform resource locator addresses being different from the computer resource corresponding to the remaining uniform resource locator addresses. The computing resources are accessible through a web-browser that accesses the same the computing resources associated with the one of the plurality of uniform resource locator addresses. Measured are metrics of the interactions between the web-browser and the computing resources associated with the one of the plurality of uniform resource locator addresses. It is determined whether the metrics satisfy pre-determined operational requirements. |
| US08977735B2 |
Providing a database as a service in a multi-tenant environment
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a system with multiple computing hosts each having a hypervisor to provide a virtual environment for the host and one or more containers each including a database instance and at least one database. These databases, and the database instance can be provided as a service to a user of a multi-tenant environment. |
| US08977730B2 |
Method and system for reducing message passing for contention detection in distributed SIP server environments
A method, a system, and a computer program product are provided for reducing message passing for contention detection in distributed SIP server environments. The method is implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions operable to determine that a first site is waiting for a first object locked by a second site. The programming instructions are further operable to determine that a third site is waiting for a second object locked by the first site, and to send a first probe to the second site to determine whether the second site is waiting. A second probe is received and indicates that a site is waiting for an object locked by the first site. The second probe further indicates a deadlock in a distributed server environment to be resolved. |
| US08977725B2 |
Method and apparatus for a unified virtual network interface
An apparatus for sharing network capabilities of a host system by one or more virtual machines. A unified virtual network interface instance is included within an operating system of a virtual machine operating within a virtual environment. The interface instance provides device specific network capability for the virtual machine. A host system supports the virtual machine and includes a network capability provider instance that interfaces with the unified virtual network interface to provide the device specific network capability for the virtual machine. A network capability provider enforces sharing of host-wide network capability as implemented through the one or more unified virtual network interfaces supported by the host system. |
| US08977714B2 |
Communication mediating apparatus for mediating communication over network
A pressure-sensitive adhesive composition attached to a metal surface. The composition includes an acrylic copolymer obtained by polymerizing a monomer mixture, the monomer mixture including: at least one monomer (monomer m1) selected from alkyl(meth)acrylates represented by the formula (I): CH2═C(R1)COOR2 in which R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R2 is an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, in an amount of 50 to 99.9% by weight based on a total amount of the monomer mixture, and at least one monomer (monomer m2) selected from N-hydroxyalkyl(meth)acrylamides represented by the formula (II): CH2═C(R3)CONHR4 in which R3 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R4 is a hydroxyalkyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, in an amount of 0.1 to 25% by weight based on the total amount of the monomer mixture. The monomer mixture includes substantially no carboxyl group-containing monomer. |
| US08977713B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for locating network files
A system, method, and computer program product for accessing web pages on a network are provided. In use, different users are provided access to a plurality of sections of a file selected by the different users based on a community value for at least one community dimension assigned to each section of the file selected by the different users. In particular, a user is conditionally provided access to a section of a the selected by the user, based on a comparison of a user value indicating a community with which the user is associated to the community value for the at least one community dimension assigned to the section of the file selected by the user. |
| US08977712B2 |
System and method for implementing application functionality within a network infrastructure including a wireless communication link
A system and method for implementing functionality within a network on behalf of first and second devices communicating with each other through the network. A front-end device is provided within the network that communicates data traffic with the first device. A back-end device is also implemented within the network and communicates data traffic with the second device. A communication channel couples the front-end device and the back-end device. Data traffic may be encoded into a different type or protocol for transport through the communication channel by the front-end device and back-end device. The front-end device and back-end device exchange quality of service information and may alter characteristics of the data traffic through the communication channel according to the quality of service information. |
| US08977708B2 |
Mobile wireless communications device providing enhanced file transfer management features and related methods
A mobile wireless communications device may include a portable housing, at least one wireless transceiver carried by the portable housing, and a controller carried by the portable housing and coupled to the at least one wireless transceiver. The controller may be configured to operate a plurality of different mobile device applications for processing different electronic file types and generating download electronic file transfer requests and upload electronic file transfer requests, download requested electronic files for the plurality of different device applications via the at least one wireless transceiver using a common file transfer application responsive to the download electronic file transfer requests, and upload requested electronic files for the plurality of different device applications via the at least one wireless transceiver using the common file transfer application responsive to the upload electronic file transfer requests. |
| US08977706B2 |
System and method for playing back contents based on smart card, and smart card applied to the same
Disclosed are a system and a method for playing back contents based on a smart card, and a smart card applied to the same. A browser of a user terminal using a smart card queries a multimedia source of a user existing within the smart card and the multimedia source is played back in real time through the user terminal. A streaming or downloading playback service is provided to provide the user terminal with the multimedia source in real time. |
| US08977704B2 |
Method and apparatus for flexible caching of delivered media
Various methods are described for selecting an access method for flexible caching in DASH. One example method may include causing a request for at least one of a primary representation for a segment or an alternative representation for the segment to be transmitted to a caching proxy. The method may further include causing the caching proxy to respond with at least one of the primary representation or the alternate representation based on the caching status at a caching proxy. The caching proxy may be configured to determine whether the request enables an alternative representation to be included in a response. Furthermore, the method may include receiving at least one of the primary representation and the alternative representation for the segment from the caching proxy. Similar and related example methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are also provided. |
| US08977699B2 |
Method and device for securing email address
A method for securing an email address includes: establishing a secure group constituted by associates in response to an establishment request from a sender, wherein the associates comprise the sender and a recipient; obtaining a secure-group address in response to a sending operation of an email; and replacing an email address of the sender of the email with the secure-group address and transmitting the email to an email address of the recipient of the email. A device for securing an email address is also provided. |
| US08977691B2 |
Implementation of an extranet server from within an intranet
A request for information or services available on an intranet may be made by users on an extranet outside the intranet. An email is generated in an external server on the extranet in response to the request for information or services, and then sent from the external server to an internal server inside the intranet. The email comprises one or more approved forms based on the request, wherein specifics of the request are embedded into the body of the email. The email is processed at the internal server, in order to generate a response to the request, wherein the response is returned by the internal server to the external server in a reply email. The reply email includes an attachment containing the results of the processing performed by the internal server. The external server allows the user to access these results via an external graphical user interface. |
| US08977687B2 |
Techniques for enhancing a member profile with a document reading history
Disclosed in some examples is a method of providing a bookmarking service on a social networking service, the method including receiving, over a network, an indication that a member of the social networking service interacted with an item of content; associating the item of content with a skill using a computer processor; and storing an indication in a storage device that the member interacted with the item of content and the skill associated with the item of content. |
| US08977686B2 |
Distributed routing table interface
Application programming interface (API) for starting and accessing distributed routing table (DRT) functionality. The API facilitates bootstrapping into the DRT by one or more devices of a group of devices (a mesh) seeking to collaborate over a serverless connection, establishing a node of the DRT, where each node is an instance of an application that is participating in the mesh, and node participation by allowing the application to search for keys published by other nodes in the mesh, or by becoming part of the mesh by publishing a key. The API facilitates optimization of the routing table for quickly finding a root of a specific key in the mesh by finding the key directly in a cache or by asking a root node of the key that is in the local routing table that is closest numerically to the key being searched. |
| US08977684B2 |
Systems and methods for computer and voice conference audio transmission during conference call via VoIP device
A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to support canceling audio streams leaked from a speaker to a microphone so that a clean audio stream of a presenter or viewer speaking at a conference call is transmitted. Here, the audio streams being canceled includes the computer audio stream of an application being run or a material being presented online during a web conference and/or the audio stream received from the rest of the group of participants at the conference call. The computer audio stream is then transmitted in addition to the presenter or viewer audio stream, and separate from any other audio stream captured by the hosting device during the conference call. |
| US08977683B2 |
Speakerphone transmitting password information to a remote device
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for improved audio, video, and data conferencing. The present invention provides a conferencing system comprising a plurality of endpoints communicating data including audio data and control data according to a communication protocol. A local conference endpoint may control or be controlled by a remote conference endpoint. Data comprising control signals may be exchanged between the local endpoint and remote endpoint via various communication protocols. In other embodiments, the present invention provides for improved bridge architecture for controlling functions of conference endpoints including controlling functions of the bridge. |
| US08977678B2 |
System and method for conducting surveys on devices without requiring persistent network connectivity
Systems and methods are disclosed for conducting surveys of panelists via mobile devices without requiring persistent network connectivity with the mobile devices. A survey application is downloaded to a user's processor-based device, and executes locally on the device. A survey definition file is generated that specifies various information defining a given survey, such as specific questions to be asked, etc. The survey definition file is downloaded to the user's device. Once downloaded to the user's processor-based device, the survey definition file is interpreted by the survey application executing on the user's processor-based device in order to present a user interface on the user's processor-based device with which a user can interact to take the survey, as defined by the downloaded survey definition file. The survey definition file may be generated by a tool as a result of processing a predefined survey definition file. |
| US08977675B2 |
Methods and systems for providing time and date specific software user interfaces
Computer systems, methods and software for responding to remote clients with content selected based on when the request is made. The method may include selecting one or more interface components based on the time of day and/or date of the request, and returning a response including the selected interface components. The method may include adjusting the time for a time zone for the remote client and/or user. Interface components may be fully embedded in the response, or may be references to external components. Interface components may include data relating to a user task associated with the date and/or time of day, formatting information for displaying the task data to the user of the remote client, instructions for user interaction with the task data, etc. |
| US08977671B2 |
Divider circuit and division method
A divider circuit includes: a register which is configured of an even number of bits and in which a dividend data is stored. A shift operation section is configured to acquire a data stored in an upper bit portion of the register when the even number of bits of the register is equally divided to the upper bit portion and a lower bit portion, as a quotient data when the dividend data is divided by a maximum of a divisor data which can be expressed by a half of the even number of bits of the register. |
| US08977669B2 |
Multi-input and binary reproducible, high bandwidth floating point adder in a collective network
To add floating point numbers in a parallel computing system, a collective logic device receives the floating point numbers from computing nodes. The collective logic devices converts the floating point numbers to integer numbers. The collective logic device adds the integer numbers and generating a summation of the integer numbers. The collective logic device converts the summation to a floating point number. The collective logic device performs the receiving, the converting the floating point numbers, the adding, the generating and the converting the summation in one pass. One pass indicates that the computing nodes send inputs only once to the collective logic device and receive outputs only once from the collective logic device. |
| US08977668B2 |
Calculating unit for reducing an input number with respect to a modulus
A calculating unit for reducing an input number with respect to a modulus, wherein the input number has input number portions of different significances, wherein the input number portions represent the input number with respect to a division number, wherein the modulus has modulus portions of different significances, and wherein the modulus portions represent the modulus with respect to the division number, includes a unit for estimating a result of an integer division of the input number by the modulus using a stored most significant portion of the number, a stored most significant portion of the modulus and the number, and for storing the estimated result in a memory of the calculating unit, and a unit for calculating a reduction result based on a subtraction of a product of the modulus and a value derived from the estimated result from the number. |
| US08977667B2 |
Communication apparatus and communication method
A series generator divides a data series having an autocorrelation property equally into a certain number to generate subdata series. A modulator multiplies a predetermined amplitude coefficient and a unique number by each element of the subdata series, respectively, and rearranges the subdata series and synthesizes the rearranged subdata series to generate the modulation data. An IFFT unit performs an IFFT on the modulation data. The calculator divides the calculation result equally into the certain number to generate the sub calculation results, and multiplies an equalization coefficient by each element of the sub calculation results. A synthesizer generates a baseband signal by arranging the sub calculation results, so that an arranged position corresponds to a position at the time of being divided equally, and synthesizing the arranged result. A transmitter generates the transmission signal and transmits it to another apparatus via an antenna. |
| US08977666B2 |
Adaptive filter with reduced computational complexity
An adaptive filter is disclosed, having a plurality of computation groups, a plurality of computation circuits, a summation circuit, a slicer circuit, an updating circuit, and a control circuit. Each computation group corresponds to an equalization parameter and has a plurality of memory cells. When the corresponding equalization parameter of a computation group is greater than a predetermined value, the control circuit configures the computation group and the computation circuit to collaboratively generate an output of the computation group. The summation circuit sums up the outputs of the computation groups to produce a filter output. The slicer circuit generates a slicer output according to the filter output. The updating circuit updates the equalization parameters according to the filter output and the slicer output. |
| US08977665B2 |
Fault-aware matched filter and optical flow
In one embodiment, a fault-aware matched filter augments the output of a component matched filter to provide both fault-aware matched filter output and a measure of confidence in the accuracy of the fault-aware matched filter output. In another embodiment, an optical flow engine derives, from a plurality of images, both optical flow output and a measure of confidence in the optical flow output. The measure of confidence may be derived using a fault-aware matched filter. |
| US08977659B2 |
Distributing files across multiple, permissibly heterogeneous, storage devices
A file system (i) permits storage capacity to be added easily, (ii) can be expanded beyond a given unit, (iii) is easy to administer and manage, (iv) permits data sharing, and (v) is able to perform effectively with very large storage capacity and client loads. State information from a newly added unit is communicated (e.g., automatically and transparently) to central administration and management operations. Configuration and control information from such operations is communicated (e.g., automatically) back down to the newly added units, as well as existing units. In this way, a file system can span both local storage devices (like disk drives) and networked computational devices transparently to clients. Such state and configuration and control information can include globally managed segments as the building blocks of the file system, and a fixed mapping of globally unique file identifiers (e.g., Inode numbers) and/or ranges thereof, to such segments. |
| US08977658B2 |
Smartcard file system and file selection method thereof
The invention provides a Smartcard file system and its method for selecting file. Said file system, including MF as well as a variety of DFs and Efs in the MF, wherein application root directory (ADF) is added in the MF; the tile attributes of said ADF, DF and EF of the tile system include the Application Identifier (AID); when visiting with HTTP protocol, the AID is understood as a long file name. External entities accessing said file system with the HTTP protocol, namely locating the application and file managed with CWS via URL; in URL, AID of directory or file identities its long file name, so that Smartcard file system also can support long file system and the way of selecting file of URL, which makes Smartcard to support the WEB services easier and more accepted by the user. |
| US08977657B2 |
Finding lost objects in a file system having a namespace
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for finding lost objects in a file system having a namespace that includes creating a list of all objects in the file system; identifying a portion of the namespace to compare with the list; comparing the portion of the namespace to the list; and deleting from the list entries for objects represented in the portion of the namespace. Some embodiments also include determining whether another portion of the namespace is available to compare with the list of all objects in the file system. Identifying a portion of the namespace to compare with the list according to embodiments for finding lost objects in a file system having a namespace may be carried out by identifying objects renamed during execution of the method. |
| US08977655B2 |
Automating evolution of schemas and mappings
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to automating evolution of schemas and mappings. In aspects, mappings between a conceptual model and a store model are updated automatically in response to a change that occurs to the conceptual model. For example, when a change occurs to the conceptual model, a local scope of the change is determined. The local scope indicates mappings that are most similar to the type(s) affected by the change. Based on the local scope, a pattern of mappings between the conceptual model and the store model is determined. Using this pattern and the nature of the change, the mappings are updated according to the pattern. In addition, the store model and data thereon may be updated in a manner to preserve existing data that is not to be deleted in response to the change. |
| US08977653B1 |
Modifying web pages to reduce retrieval latency
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for generating modified web documents. In one aspect, a method includes retrieving a web document including markup language code and having references to resources external to the web document and parsing the retrieved web document to interpret the markup language code and identify references to resources external to the retrieved web document. Data relating to at least a portion of the resources external to the retrieved web document are retrieved, and a modified web document including the retrieved data is generated and stored for use in responding to a request for retrieval of content of the web document. |
| US08977651B2 |
Method and apparatus for multi-process access to a linked-list
Data is retrieved from a linked-list by locking the linked-list, retrieving data from an element in the linked-list, advancing to a subsequent element in the linked-list while a breakpoint is not encountered and marking the subsequent element as “in-use” when a breakpoint is encountered. A reference to the subsequent element is then created before the linked-list is unlocked. |
| US08977647B2 |
On-demand database service system, method and computer program product for conditionally allowing an application of an entity access to data of another entity
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for conditionally allowing an application of an entity access to data of another entity in an on-demand database service. These mechanisms and methods for conditionally allowing an application of an entity access to data of another entity in an on-demand database service can enable embodiments to limit such access to the data, as desired. Furthermore, embodiments of such mechanisms and methods may provide additional security when sharing data among different subscribers to an on-demand database service. |
| US08977646B2 |
Leveraging graph databases in a federated database system
A method includes receiving a database query for a first database and determining whether a second database contains data responsive to the database query, wherein the second database comprises a graph database. The method also includes retrieving responsive data from a memory device associated with the second database if it is determined that the second database contains data responsive to the database query. The method further includes responding to the database query by providing the responsive data. |
| US08977641B1 |
Suggesting participation in an online social group
Techniques include: receiving a first search query from a user; determining a topic associated with the first search query; sending a second search query to the user, where the second search query is associated with the topic and is different from the first search query; receiving a selection of the second search query from the user; and, when the second search query has been received from other users more than a specified number of times within a time window, sending an invitation to the user. The invitation may be for inviting participation in an online social group that includes others who have sent the second query to the server system within the time window. The invitation can be for inviting participation in an online social group including other users (e.g., members of a social network) who have sent the second query to the server system within the time window. |
| US08977639B2 |
Actionable search results for visual queries
A server system receives a visual query and identifies an entity in the visual query. The server system further identifies a client-side action corresponding to the identified entity and creates an actionable search result element configured to launch the client-side action. Examples of actionable search result elements are buttons to initiate a telephone call, to initiate email message, to map an address, to make a restaurant reservation, and to provide an option to purchase a product. The entity identified in the visual query may be indirectly associated with a client-side action whose contact address or appropriate link is found in a search result associated with the identified entity. The client system receives and displays the actionable search result element, and upon a user selection of the actionable search result element, launches the client-side action in an application distinct from the visual query client application. |
| US08977638B2 |
File identification management and tracking
Embodiments are directed towards managing and tracking item identification of a plurality of items to determine if an item is a new or existing item, where an existing item has been previously processed. In some embodiments, two or more item identifiers may be generated. In one embodiment, generating the two or more item identifiers may include analyzing the item using a small item size characteristic, a compressed item, or for an identifier collision. The two or more item identifiers may be employed to determine if the item is a new or existing item. In one embodiment, the two or more item identifiers may be compared to a record about an existing item to determine if the item is a new or existing item. If the item is an existing item, then the item may be further processed to determine if the existing item has actually changed. |
| US08977632B2 |
Travelogue locating mining for travel suggestion
A location extraction component analyzes a set of travelogues to identify all of the locations mentioned therein. A co-occurrence extraction component computes co-occurrence values for the identified locations. When the identity of a specified location is received, suggested locations for the specified location are identified through the use of the co-occurrence values. A map is displayed that encompasses an area including the specified location and the suggested locations. The map might include indicators for the specified location and for each of the suggested locations. Attributes of the indicators, such as their size or color, can be modified based upon the co-occurrence value associated with the corresponding suggested location. |
| US08977631B2 |
Visualization of reputation ratings
In one embodiment, a system and method is illustrated including receiving a feedback request identifying a particular user, retrieving a feedback entry in response to the feedback request, the feedback entry containing a first term, building a scoring model based, in part, upon a term frequency count denoting a frequency with which the first term appears in a searchable data structure, mapping the first term to a graphical illustration based upon a second term associated with the graphical illustration such that the graphical illustration may be used to represent the second term, and generating a feedback page containing the first term and the graphical illustration. The method may include assigning a value to the first term so as to identify the first term, assigning the first term to the searchable data structure, and extracting the first term from the searchable data structure based, in part, upon an extraction rule. |
| US08977630B1 |
Personalizing search results
A system receives a search query from a user and performs a search of a corpus of documents, based on the search query, to form a ranked set of search results. The system re-ranks the set of search results based on preferences of the user, or a group of users, and provides the re-ranked search results to the user. |
| US08977617B1 |
Computing social influence scores for users
The disclosure includes a system and method for determining an influence score for a user. The system includes a classification module, a controller, a determination module, a ratio module and a score module. The classification module creates an influence profile for a first user. The controller determines activity data associated with a set of active users. The determination module determines how frequently the activity data associated with the active users describes the first user and a second user that has a second influence score. The determination module determines a first user activity score and a second user activity score. The ratio module compares the first user activity score to the second user activity score to determine an influence ratio. The score module determines a first influence score for the first user based at least in part on the influence ratio and the second influence score for the second user. |
| US08977616B2 |
Methods, apparatuses and computer program products for generating indexes using a journal in a key value memory device
An apparatus for generating indexes of data may include a processor and memory storing executable computer code causing the apparatus to at least perform operations including obtaining an order number responsive to receipt of a request from a device to index an item(s) of data. The computer program code may further cause the apparatus to map the order number to a key value and link the key value to the data and provide one or more index entries to a memory device to enable storage of the index entries. The index entries may include information corresponding to the key value and the data. The computer program code may further cause the apparatus to assign a new index row(s) including the data for inclusion in a set of index rows of a designated partition(s) to obtain a built index(es) of the data. Corresponding methods and computer program products are also provided. |
| US08977615B2 |
Zoom interface component for integrated rating system
A zoom in/out interface to a ratings system provides navigation to users for inspection and interaction with prescribed indicators underlying an integrated rating of a company's performance. The interface presents at various different depths in a hierarchy of the prescribed indicators the multivariate relationships that exist among the indicators, expressed as variable values, as well as the basis for the underlying values of each indicator down to the source of the data. |
| US08977606B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating extended page snippet of search result
A method and apparatus for generating an extended page snippet in a search engine. The method includes: retrieving and returning an associated table webpage having a table related to an inquired keyword; obtaining a parsed result of the table in the associated table webpage, and extracting column names and respective row instances on the basis of the parsed result; determining the row instances related to the inquired keyword; and generating a page snippet in a table style in accordance with the column names and the relative row instances. The page snippet in the table style can be generated by using a solution of the present invention. |
| US08977604B1 |
Generation and usage of search resource locators
A unique (or nearly unique) set of search terms (called a “Search Resource Locator,” or SRL) is used to locate information on a web page. An SRL can be used like a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) as a navigational element that finds and brings up a corresponding web site. Unlike a URL, however, an SRL is not a static address for the web site, but is instead a representation of a collection of search terms that can be used to find the site or a substantially similar site. A provided tool generates SRLs for web pages. |
| US08977603B2 |
System and method for managing shared collections
This document describes, among other things, systems and methods for managing shared collections. A method comprises receiving, by a network-based commerce system, an indication from a client device to create a collection; receiving, by the network-based commerce system, a textual description of the collection from the client computer; automatically classifying the textual description into one or more elements; and storing the collection as one or more classified elements in the network-based commerce system. |
| US08977602B2 |
Offline verification of replicated file system
Embodiments of the invention include systems and methods for providing block-level verification of replicated file systems. Embodiments operate in context of data storage environments, which may typically have multiple file systems, snapshots of file systems, and replicas of file systems. In one illustrative scenario, a replica is created of a file system having multiple associated snapshots, and a user desires to verify the accuracy of the replica. A signature is created for each of the source active file system and the target replica file system, so that each signature includes records of both block-level signatures and block-level allocations. The signatures are compared to discover any differences. The differences may then be reconciled, where possible, to determine whether the differences indicate a corrupt or otherwise invalid replica. |
| US08977599B2 |
Method and system for testing client-server applications
A database-driven testing method and system for testing client-server applications are described. The system first receives a command to test a module on a server and identifies in a database a message list corresponding to the module. The message list indicates at least a request message and an expected response message supported by the module to be tested. The system then retrieves from the database a plurality of parameters for the messages in the message list and constructs the request message based on the parameters. The system then transmits the request message to the module on the server, receives a server response message from the server in response to the request message, and compares the server response message with the expected response message. |
| US08977597B2 |
Generating and applying redo records
Techniques for maintaining a cascading index are provided. In one approach, one or more branch node compression techniques are applied to the main index of a cascading index. In an approach, a Bloom filter is generated and associated with, e.g., a branch node in the main index. The Bloom filter is used to determine whether, without accessing any leaf blocks, a particular key value exists, e.g., in leaf blocks associated with the branch node. In an approach, a new redo record is generated in response to a merge operation between two levels of the cascading index. The new redo record comprises (a) one or more addresses of blocks that are affected by the merge operation, (b) data is that being “pushed down” to a lower level of the cascading index, and (c) one or more addresses of blocks that are written to storage as a result of the merge operation. |
| US08977594B2 |
Systems and methods for state consistent replication
Systems and methods are disclosed for state consistent replication of client data set on a client computer by generating a snapshot of the client data set on a local volume; synchronizing with a remote server volume corresponding to the local volume to create a copy of the client data set on the remote server; performing a master to slave replication of the data set; and taking a snapshot of the server data set to create a mirror of the snapshot of the client data set on the server. |
| US08977593B1 |
Virtualized CG
A method, system, and program product for use in a data replication environment, the data replication environment comprising a plurality of data protection appliances, each data protection appliance of the plurality of data protection appliances comprising a journal, the method comprising creating a virtual consistency group comprising a virtual journal; wherein the virtual consistency group is configured to replicate a production volume, dividing the virtual consistency group into segments; wherein each segment corresponds to a portion of the production volume and a portion of the virtual journal, and assigning each data protection appliance of the plurality of data protection appliances a segment of the virtual consistency group. |
| US08977592B2 |
Synchronization framework that restores a node from backup
Architecture for restoring nodes. After restoring a node, fix-up occurs to make the node appear as a different node than before the restore operation. The node appears as a new node, which new node knows the data up to a certain point from when the new node had the prior identity. This enables new changes generated by the new node to flow to the other nodes in the topology, as well as have the changes that the prior identity sent to other nodes flow back to the new node. In other words, the architecture maintains information to create the new node in the topology while maintaining prior data knowledge. Additionally, item level metadata of associated data items is updated to correlate with the updated data items so that changes can be correctly enumerated and applied. This metadata update occurs across scopes of which the data items are included. |
| US08977591B1 |
Transitive database replication
A database is replicated to other systems using multisite table(s) and associated replication trigger logic. Each system includes a main table, multisite table(s) and replication trigger logic. A multisite table corresponds to a main table of another system. When a main table of a system is changed, in response to an input, the system generates and sends replication transactions to the other systems for changing main tables in the other systems. In accordance with the change specified in the replication transaction, the multisite tables are modified. In each system, the replication trigger logic determines whether or not to replicate the change specified in the replication transaction to the main table of the each system, upon application of the replication trigger logic to the replication transaction. The change specified in the replication transaction may relate to inserting, deleting, or updating a record in the main table. |
| US08977590B2 |
Front end intelligence for monitoring back end state
Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with providing front end intelligence for monitoring back end state are described. One example method includes controlling a first entity to request that a second entity perform a multi-state stateful operation (e.g., file create). The method includes receiving notice from the second entity that the stateful operation has attained a first state (e.g., partial file create complete) and, upon receiving the notice, maintaining, at the first entity, information (e.g., sequence number, metadata) associated with the stateful operation. The method also includes, upon receiving notice that the second entity lost state before the stateful operation attained a second state, selectively providing to the second entity a portion of the information maintained at the first entity, and upon receiving notice from the second entity that the stateful operation has attained the second state, terminating maintaining the information associated with the stateful operation. |
| US08977588B1 |
Detection of physiological changes
Systems and methods for detecting changes in a physiological system are provided. A method comprises embedding time series data relating to the physiological system within a reconstructed phase space and partitioning the reconstructed phase space into a plurality of regions. The method further comprises generating a first matrix having a plurality of cells. A value stored in each cell is based on a probability that the system will transition from a first region associated with the cell to a second region associated with the cell and a rate of separation of trajectories of the embedded data within at least one of the first region and the second region. The first matrix is associated with a normal operating condition of the physiological system. The method further comprises comparing the first matrix and a second matrix based on different data to detect an anomalous condition of the physiological system. |
| US08977583B2 |
Synaptic, dendritic, somatic, and axonal plasticity in a network of neural cores using a plastic multi-stage crossbar switching
Embodiments of the invention provide a neural network comprising multiple functional neural core circuits, and a dynamically reconfigurable switch interconnect between the functional neural core circuits. The interconnect comprises multiple connectivity neural core circuits. Each functional neural core circuit comprises a first and a second core module. Each core module comprises a plurality of electronic neurons, a plurality of incoming electronic axons, and multiple electronic synapses interconnecting the incoming axons to the neurons. Each neuron has a corresponding outgoing electronic axon. In one embodiment, zero or more sets of connectivity neural core circuits interconnect outgoing axons in a functional neural core circuit to incoming axons in the same functional neural core circuit. In another embodiment, zero or more sets of connectivity neural core circuits interconnect outgoing and incoming axons in a functional neural core circuit to incoming and outgoing axons in a different functional neural core circuit, respectively. |
| US08977582B2 |
Spiking neuron network sensory processing apparatus and methods
Apparatus and methods for detecting salient features. In one implementation, an image processing apparatus utilizes latency coding and a spiking neuron network to encode image brightness into spike latency. The spike latency is compared to a saliency window in order to detect early responding neurons. Salient features of the image are associated with the early responding neurons. A dedicated inhibitory neuron receives salient feature indication and provides inhibitory signal to the remaining neurons within the network. The inhibition signal reduces probability of responses by the remaining neurons thereby facilitating salient feature detection within the image by the network. Salient feature detection can be used for example for image compression, background removal and content distribution. |
| US08977581B1 |
Data mining technique with diversity promotion
Roughly described, a computer-implemented evolutionary data mining system includes a memory storing a candidate gene database in which each candidate individual has a respective fitness estimate; a gene pool processor which tests individuals from the candidate gene pool on training data and updates the fitness estimate associated with the individuals in dependence upon the tests; and a gene harvesting module for deploying selected individuals from the gene pool, wherein the gene pool processor includes a competition module which selects individuals for discarding in dependence upon both their testing experience level and a diversity measure of individuals in the gene pool. |
| US08977580B2 |
Defect classification apparatus
The present invention has its objective to provide a defect classification apparatus which suppresses over-fitting and accurately classify the defect type of a defect. A defect classification apparatus is provided in which a data point indicating feature information of a defect to be classified having an unknown defect type is mapped to a point in a mapping space having a dimensional number higher than the number of features constituting the feature information, and the defect type of the defect to be classified is classified based on in which of two regions of defect type, which are formed by separating the mapping space by a decision boundary, the mapped point is located, wherein a discriminant function indicating the decision boundary is determined by adopting a weight which minimizes the sum of the classification error, which corresponds to the accuracy in classifying a training defect dataset, and a regularization term, which has a positive correlation with the dimensional number of the decision boundary, as the weight for each feature constituting the discriminant function. |
| US08977576B2 |
Methods for solving computational problems using a quantum processor
Methods for solving a computational problem including minimizing an objective including a set of weights and a dictionary by casting the weights as Boolean variables and alternately using a quantum processor and a non-quantum processor to successively optimize the weights and the dictionary, respectively. A first set of values for the dictionary is guessed and the objective is mapped to a QUBO. A quantum processor is used to optimize the objective for the Boolean weights based on the first set of values for the dictionary by minimizing the resulting QUBO. A non-quantum processor is used to optimize the objective for the dictionary based on the Boolean weights by updating at least some of the columns of the dictionary. These processes are successively repeated until a solution criterion is met. Minimization of the objective may be used to generate features in a learning problem and/or in data compression. |
| US08977571B1 |
Systems and methods for image monitoring of check during mobile deposit
An image of a check that is in the field of view of a camera is monitored prior to the image of the check being captured. The camera is associated with a mobile device. When the image of the check in the field of view passes monitoring criteria, an image may be taken by the camera and provided from the mobile device to a financial institution. The image capture may be performed automatically as soon as the image of the check is determined to pass the monitoring criteria. The check may be deposited in a user's bank account based on the image. Any technique for sending the image to the financial institution may be used. Feedback may be provided to the user of the camera regarding the image of the check in the field of view. |
| US08977568B1 |
Anonymous mobile payments
Anonymous mobile payments enable a user to make and/or receive payments without disclosing personal or private information to another party. In some aspects, a provider of a payment may request an anonymous payment for a specified value from a host. In response, the host may transmit to the provider a code that is available for redemption. The provider may then relay the code to a recipient, who may redeem the code from the host. In other aspects, a recipient may request a temporary identifier (special code) from a host. The recipient may relay the temporary identifier to a provider, who may in turn transmit a payment, via the host, using the temporary identifier. The recipient may then claim the payment from the host. In additional aspects, the codes of the anonymous payments may include expiration times and/or restrictions on a number of uses of the code. |
| US08977567B2 |
Recordation of electronic payment transaction information
A system, apparatus, and method for processing payment transactions that are conducted using a mobile device that includes a contactless element, such as an integrated circuit chip. An account holder is enabled to generate transaction related data and append that data to a transaction record or transaction identifier. The appended data and transaction record or identifier may be stored in the mobile payment device and/or provided to an Issuer. If provided to an Issuer, the transaction related data generated by the account holder may be used to supplement an account statement. The additional information generated by the account holder may be used to assist the account holder in determining if a transaction is valid by providing information that helps the account holder to recall the location or other aspect of the transaction. |
| US08977563B2 |
System and method for electronic time reconciliation
The invention relates to systems, methods, and devices for automatically reconciling information among multiple records. Systems and methods of the invention are operable to automatically reconcile differences among a gatelog, a shift ticket, and an activity report by applying rules. Since the invention is able to automate and standardize the reconciliation, the results are rapid and predictable and conform to expectations. |
| US08977557B2 |
Method, medium, and apparatus encoding and/or decoding multichannel audio signals
A method, medium, and apparatus encoding and/or decoding a multichannel audio signal. The method includes detecting the type of spatial extension data included in an encoding result of an audio signal, if the spatial extension data is data indicating a core audio object type related to a technique of encoding core audio data, detecting the core audio object type; decoding core audio data by using a decoding technique according to the detected core audio object type, if the spatial extension data is residual coding data, decoding the residual coding data by using the decoding technique according to the core audio object type, and up-mixing the decoded core audio data by using the decoded residual coding data. According to the method, the core audio data and residual coding data may be decoded by using an identical decoding technique, thereby reducing complexity at the decoding end. |