| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09022277B2 |
Carrier with locking features
A carrier for holding a plurality of articles. The carrier comprises a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first bottom panel and a second bottom panel. At least one locking feature comprises a female locking feature in the first bottom panel and a male locking feature in the second bottom panel. The female locking feature comprises a locking flap, and the male locking feature comprises a retention feature. At least a portion of the male locking feature engages the female locking feature, and at least a portion of the locking flap at least partially engages the retention feature. |
| US09022271B2 |
Surgical instrument having a plastic surface
A surgical instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, a movable handle, a tool assembly, a drive beam and a closure apparatus is disclosed. At least one of the closure apparatus and a contact surface of the tool assembly include a plastic surface. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The movable handle is located on the handle portion and is in mechanical cooperation with a drive member. The tool assembly includes an anvil, a cartridge assembly and a contact surface. The drive beam includes a proximal engagement portion and is configured to engage a portion of the drive member. The closure apparatus is configured to engage the contact surface of the tool assembly. At least a partial actuation of the movable handle moves the closure apparatus distally into engagement with the contact surface to approximate the anvil and the cartridge assembly. |
| US09022266B1 |
Saddlebag tray
A saddlebag tray system is configured to operate in conjunction with a saddlebag having a saddlebag rear protrusion and a saddlebag forward protrusion. The saddlebag tray system includes a tray configured to entirely traverse the saddlebag and further including: a tray bottom mechanically coupled to side walls which are configured to accommodate the saddlebag rear protrusion and the saddlebag forward protrusion. A plurality of brackets are mechanically coupled to the saddlebag. The side walls are configured to accommodate the plurality of brackets. A handle is mechanically coupled to the tray bottom. Lifting the tray with the handle is configured to lift the tray from the plurality of brackets in the saddlebag. |
| US09022265B2 |
Bicycle rack installable in a pickup truck bed or trailer
An improved, simple rack for the secure transport of bicycles and small motorcycles in the bed of a pickup truck or trailer without clamping, strapping or dissasembly of the cycle, and with minimal obstruction of the load-carrying bed floor, has individual cycle wheel receptacles with both fixed and spring-loaded wheel clamping brackets, that are secured to at least one rack rail assembly that is secured to opposite sides of the truck or trailer bed. In order to secure a cycle in the rack, a front or rear wheel of the cycle is lifted up and pushed into the wheel receptacle between the fixed and spring-loaded wheel clamping brackets. In order to unload the cycle, the wheel is pushed against the spring-loaded wheel clamping bracket, thereby releasing the wheel from the fixed wheel clamping bracket, and is, then, pulled upwardly from the wheel receptacle. |
| US09022259B2 |
Garment folding apparatus
A garment folding apparatus includes a planar center panel having a length and a width, the width being less than the length. The center panel is configured to fold in a lengthwise direction. The apparatus further includes a planar left side panel joined by a hinge to the center panel. The apparatus further includes a planar right side panel joined by a hinge to the center panel on a side opposite to the left side panel. The left side panel and the right side panel each comprise raised handle portions on an outer edge thereof. When the left side panel and the right side panel are folded onto the center panel, the handle portions fit into corresponding notches formed in side edges of the second portion of the center panel and corresponding notches formed in inner side edges of the left side panel and the right side panel. |
| US09022251B2 |
Foldable air insulating sleeve
A foldable air insulating sleeve for insulating beverage and food containers is herein provided. More particularly, the foldable air insulating sleeve secures a cup in a manner that leaves a pocket of air surrounding the cup. This provides for improved temperature regulation and sufficient thermal insulation to assist the user in firmly grasping and handling the cup despite excess heat or condensation caused by the temperature of the cup's contents. Because the bases of most disposable cups are narrower than their respective rims, more air and thus greater insulation is found towards the bottom of cups secured by foldable air insulating sleeves. The wider base also gives such cups more stability. Support rings may be placed medially in on the inside of the sleeve to strengthen the sleeve and prevent it from collapsing when held by a user. The sleeve may also be short so as to insulate a medial portion of a cup. Printable material can also be affixed on the foldable air insulating sleeve's outer surface for advertising or other purposes. Some embodiments of the foldable air insulating sleeve include a lid to further improve thermal insulation. |
| US09022241B2 |
Stackable container
A container for storing welding electrodes includes a container body and a container cap constructed via thermoplastic injection molding. The container is constructed with walls that define an interior region and complementary upper and lower surfaces. When multiple containers are stacked together, the upper surface of one container engages the lower surface of an adjacent container thereby restraining lateral movement between the containers. However, the configuration of the upper and lower surfaces allows for longitudinal movement between the containers. |
| US09022239B2 |
Portable beverage container with self opening hinged lid
A portable beverage container (e.g., an insulated, double-walled bottle) is disclosed. The container includes a lid pivotably connected to it by a hinge. The lid is arranged to be automatically pivoted open by the spring assembly when a catch on the lid is released so that the lid opens in a controlled, non-jarring manner. The spring assembly comprises an elastomeric member and a contact surface (e.g., a recess in a cap of the bottle). The elastomeric member is arranged to cooperate with the contact surface whereupon the elastomeric member operates bi-modally to effect the automatic opening of the lid. |
| US09022234B2 |
Rack modules
Various aspects include a rack module comprising a side including one or more receptacles. A receptacle may include a contact surface shaped to receive a container. A rack module may include one or more engagement features operable to removably attach the rack module to another rack module having complementary engagement features. The other rack module may also have a side including one or more receptacles, and the attached rack modules may commonly orient their respective receptacles such that the containers received therein may be used. |
| US09022232B2 |
Wafer stocker
A wafer stocker is provided in present invention including a main body having an opening communicating with an inner accommodation space, a plurality of storage cells for wafer pod disposed in the main body, and an embedded storage shelf mounting in the accommodation space of the main body via the opening, the embedded storage shelf is provided with a plurality of storage cells for wafer pods which may combine with the storage cells in the main body to serve jointly as the storage cells of the entire wafer stocker, wherein the embedded storage shelf may be removed from the accommodation space to be replaced with an embedded wafer sorter. |
| US09022231B1 |
Centrifugal separator with filter rod
A centrifugal separator includes a separation barrel having a central axis, an upper end, a lower end, a bottom, and an interior wall that is an axially-extending cylindrical surface of rotation. An inlet may be provided extending through the interior wall, through which a solid/liquid mixture is injected into the upper end in a spinning motion to separate solids from the liquids by centrifugal force. A spin structure may be provided in axial adjacency to the lower end of the separation barrel. A filter may extend from the spin structure, the filter being centrally aligned within the separation barrel. |
| US09022225B2 |
Filtration filter and production method therefor
Provided is a filtration filer with which a stable opening size during filtration is obtained, and which can be easily regenerated when clogged and used repeatedly. The filtration filter (10) comprises: a substrate stack wherein substrates (11) that have a through hole that penetrates from front to back are stacked; stoppers (15) that define the spacing between the substrates (11); and pillars (16) with a larger thermal expansion coefficient than the stoppers (15). The spacing between the substrates (11) at normal temperature is defined at least by the stoppers (15), and the spacing when heated is defined by the thermally expanded pillars (16). The gaps between the substrates (11) form the filtration surface that traps contaminants contained in the liquid that is being treated A. |
| US09022223B1 |
Self-cleaning water filtration system
A compact, piston-driven water filtration system with annular cleaning device/brush. The filter apparatus operates based on a piston-driven pressure system where the piston is threadably mated to a water reservoir. Threading of the piston forces a sleeve connected thereto within the reservoir to force water through any suitable water filter (e.g. carbon-based, ceramic, micro- and/or nano-membrane materials) on the opposite side of the reservoir from the threadably-mated piston within the reservoir. The sleeve connected to the piston within the interior of the reservoir includes a cleaning device (e.g., brush, scraper, pad, etc.) on a distal end of the sleeve inside the water reservoir. The annular brush has an inner diameter smaller than that of the sleeve, such that as the piston is threaded into and out of the reservoir, the sleeve moves toward, over, and away from the filter, and the brush scrapes/scrubs/cleans the exterior of the filter for cleansing. |
| US09022221B1 |
Gold dry washer
A gold dry washer comprised of a stand assembly and a trough assembly. The trough assembly is angled from an upper end with a hopper for raw soil to a lower end where denser gold is collected. Along the declining path of the trough are a series of graduating apertures that successively isolate the denser materials in the soil and allow waste to fall overboard. The stand assembly includes a motor or other gentle agitation means to encourage the dry soil to move with the aid of gravity towards the lower end of the trough where the heavier gold may be collected. |
| US09022220B2 |
Sieving system, and methods of notifying information, driving and feeding
A sieving system includes a filter; a blade stirring a powder accumulated on the filter; a driver driving the blade; a notifier notifying predetermined information of a status of the filter, based on a load of the driver while driving the blade. |
| US09022218B2 |
Battery holder and dispensing package
A battery holding and dispensing device can hold a plurality of batteries, in an assortment of battery sizes. The battery holding and dispensing device includes a frame having a plurality of compartments sized and shaped to each receive a battery of a particular battery size and each having a detent for releasably retaining the battery in the compartment. Each compartment has at least one opening in the bottom and lower side to expose a corner of the battery to allow finger ejection of the battery from the compartment past the detent, and to allow the user to touch the batteries to ascertain battery size by feel. The assortment of batteries held in the frame is preferably pre-selected to correspond to the batteries needed by a particular profession. An arrangement for illuminating the frame is provided. |
| US09022216B2 |
Reticle pod with drain structure
A reticle pod with drain structure comprises an outer container and an inner container, wherein an upper cover of inner container is disposed with a plurality of retainers, and a plurality of supporters disposed on the outer container are used to press the retainers for fastening and stabilizing the reticle in the inner container and thus ensuring safety and stability of the reticle in the reticle pod. Collision risks of the reticle in the reticle pod due to vacillation of reticle pod during transportation can be reduced. Cost of reticles also can be greatly decreased. Further, a plurality of drain holes is disposed on a lower cover of the outer container for draining the remained water in the outer container. It will be done without disassembling the lower cover of outer container for reducing the contamination opportunity in the pod and preventing from wasting of labor and time for disassembling. |
| US09022215B2 |
Multipack transaction card holder assembly
An assembly for holding multiple transaction card holders and associated multiple transaction cards in a single packet for display. |
| US09022214B2 |
Clamp
A clamp is provided. The clamp comprises a frame and a movable structure. The movable structure is detachably connected with the frame to define a receiving space for receiving at least one substrate. After sliding along a surface of the frame to a suitable position, the movable structure is adapted to be fastened together with the frame to fix the at least one substrate in the receiving space. |
| US09022211B2 |
Knotless endostitch package
Various embodiments of suture packages are disclosed to provide a surgical needle, having an associated length of suture material, to a surgical suturing instrument. The disclosed suture packages generally include a body portion having a needle supplying loading unit mounted thereon. Various methods of affixing the loading unit to the body portion are disclosed. The body portion defines a suture tray and a cover is provided to secure a suture within the suture tray. A securing ring is provided to secure the cover to the body portion. |
| US09022210B2 |
Conveyor system lifter assembly
A lifter assembly includes first and second lifter segments movably attached to one another and defining a lifting channel having an expandable bladder contained therein. Each lifter segment has an arm extending away from a base of the lifter segment and a travel stop at a distal end of the arm. Each lifter segment further has a keyway opening. The keyway opening of the first lifter segment receives the arm of the second lifter segment and the keyway opening of the second lifter segment receives the arm the first lifter segment. |
| US09022207B2 |
Conveyor system bridge
A bridge for a conveyor system includes a bridge frame including a top support surface segment having a top support surface. The bridge frame further has first and second side walls extending downwardly away from the top support surface segment. Each side wall has a portion thereof with a radius of curvature substantially matching a corresponding conveyor roller. A portion of the first side wall extends toward and joins the second side wall, the second side wall further having a tail portion and a living hinge extending away from the tail portion. |
| US09022205B2 |
Article carrier apparatus
An article carrier includes a first supply wheel adjacent to a receiving wheel and a second supply wheel provided on the upstream side in the rotating direction of the receiving wheel from the first supply wheel. A switching device for switching a gripper of the first supply wheel between a use state so as to transfer a plastic bottle to a gripper of the receiving wheel and a retracted state so as not to interfere with the plastic bottle held by the gripper of the receiving wheel is also provided. When a first carrier path is used, the switching device brings the gripper of the first supply wheel into the use state, and when a second carrier path is used, the switching device brings the gripper of the first supply wheel into the retracted state. |
| US09022202B2 |
Apparatus for transporting food products to a loading head
An apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading station having a cooling conveyor that selectively drops food product into a distributor. The distributor separates product into at least two lanes and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor monitors and counts product in each lane and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter transfers product from a loading conveyor to a buffer conveyor. The buffer conveyor transfers product to a main conveyor which transfers product to a loading head. |
| US09022198B2 |
Service cart
A device 202 for servicing and/or inspection of a material handling system 204 is disclosed, which device provides safer, less time consuming and less difficult service and/or inspection of the material handling system 204 than other devices. The device 202 is adapted to be moved along a track 214 of the material handling system and adapted for servicing and/or inspection of the material handling system or components thereof positioned on or adjacent to the track 214. The device includes at least one section, such as a hatch and/or a sliding bearing surface 216, 602, 706, 708, 710, 902, 1002, displaceable between a first and a second position, where the section positioned in the second position is enabling a person of accessing parts of the material handling system which are moving relatively to the device during movement of the device or during operation of the material handling system. |
| US09022195B2 |
Bi-directional overrunning clutch having split roll cage and drag mechanism
A bi-directional overrunning clutch includes a housing and a pair of hubs substantially coaxially aligned within the housing. A pair of roll cages position a plurality of rollers between each hub and an inner cam surface of the housing. The rollers are positioned to wedge between the hub and the inner cam surface when one of the hub and the housing is rotated with respect to the other. End caps are attached to the housing adjacent to the hubs. A friction disk mechanism includes a friction plate rotating in combination with each the roll cage and a spring compressed between the end cap and the roll cage for biasing the friction member into frictional contact with the hub. An intermittent coupler is located between each roll cage and configured to engage the roll cages so as to permit indexing of one roll cage relative to the other. |
| US09022194B2 |
System and method for actuating a mechanical diode clutch assembly
The present disclosure provides an actuation assembly for applying a mechanical diode clutch. The clutch includes an outer member, an inner member, and a strut. The actuation assembly includes a plate having an apply portion and a plurality of legs, where each of the plurality of legs has a first end coupled to the apply portion and a second end adapted to couple to a shift sleeve. A mechanism is coupled to the apply portion of the plate. The mechanism includes at least one biasing member. The plate is moveable between an unapply position and an apply position such that a movement from the unapply position to the apply position induces contact between the mechanism and the strut. |
| US09022190B2 |
System for transferring energy to a vehicle and method of operating the system
A system for transferring energy to a vehicle, in particular a track bound vehicle, such as a light rail vehicle, wherein the system includes an electric conductor arrangement adapted to produce an electromagnetic field which can be received by the vehicle thereby transferring the energy to the vehicle the system further includes electric and/or electronic devices which are adapted to operate the electric conductor arrangement. The devices produce heat while operating the conductor arrangement and—therefore—are to be cooled. A cooling arrangement of the system includes a structure having a cavity in which at least one of the devices to be cooled is located. The structure includes a cover limiting the cavity at the top, wherein the device(s) to be cooled is/are located at a distance to the cover. The structure is integrated in the ground at the path of travel of the vehicle in such a manner that the cover forms a part of the surface of the ground. |
| US09022189B2 |
Cask cushioning body
A cask cushioning body includes an end-surface side member (2) in which a plurality of plates (21, 22) made of steel are formed at a distance between plate surfaces of the plates (21, 22) that face each other, and in which the plate surfaces of the plates (21, 22) are arranged along an end surface (100a) of a cask (100), and a circumferential-surface side member (3) that forms a cylindrical body (31) made of steel, one end of which is connected to a periphery of the end-surface side member (2), and that is arranged along an end-portion outer-circumferential surface (100b), wherein an impact absorber (4) that absorbs an impact by deforming is provided outside of the end-surface side member (2) and the circumferential-surface side member (3). |
| US09022186B2 |
Damping force generator for hydraulic shock absorber
A damping force generator for a hydraulic shock absorber featuring an increased deflection (bending) characteristic of a damping valve to widen the adjustable range of a damping force. In a damping force generator (70) for a hydraulic shock absorber, the damping valve (80) undergoes deflections with boundaries (71C) between secured portions (71A) and recessed portions (71B) of the valve seat (71) as supporting points K, and inner and outer peripheries of the damping valve (80) are disposed on an outside of line segments L each connecting two circumferentially adjacent supporting points K, K of the valve seat (71). |
| US09022184B2 |
Brake pad for vehicle disc brake
A brake pad (10) includes a backing plate (12) of plastic material, a friction lining (14) overmolded on the backing plate (12) and a metal reinforcement plate (16) embedded in the backing plate (12). The backing plate (12) has a solid peripheral structure (18) and an inner structure (20) made as a grid-like reticular structure having a plurality of cavities (22) evenly distributed on its surface and filled at least partially by the material of the friction lining (14). At least part of the cavities (22) are made as through cavities, whereby the friction lining (14) forms columns (24) which extend into the through cavities (22) and improve the adhesion between the friction lining (14) and the backing plate (12). The area of the through cavities (22) amounts at least to 4.5% of the area of the face of the friction lining (14) opposite to the one in contact with the backing plate (12). |
| US09022181B2 |
Integral braking surface wear indicator
A brake drum configured for providing an visual indication of braking surface diameter safe operating limits while the brake drum is mounted on a vehicle that includes one or more axially-oriented indentations defined in the braking surface, each of which is defined to a depth that is less than or corresponds to the maximum safe operating diameter of the braking surface. |
| US09022180B2 |
Arrangement of a bellow on a guide bar of a disc brake
A bellows arrangement on a guide bar of a disc brake, particularly of a commercial vehicle, has an end of the bellows comprising a sealing ring, particularly a quad ring, lying in a circumferential groove of the guide bar. The bellows is pressed into the groove by a retaining ring placed thereon, and is designed so that an air passage can form in the contact area of the sealing ring at the base of the groove, reducing the volume enclosed by the bellows and the guide bar. To this end, the contact shoulder formed on the retaining ring is circumferentially interrupted in segments. |
| US09022177B2 |
Pump having stepper motor and overdrive control
Apparatus and method for supplying lubricant to a plurality of lubrication sites. Embodiments include a pump with venting and non-venting piston return, a pump with stirrer and direct feed mechanism, a pump with CAN system and self-diagnostics, a pump with heated housing and reservoir and a pump with stepper motor and overdrive control. |
| US09022176B2 |
Temperature management system for transmission
An active/passive system for managing the temperature of fluid within an automatic transmission includes two heat exchangers, an active solenoid valve and a passive wax motor valve. A first heat exchanger provides transmission fluid heating and receives a flow of engine coolant. A second heat exchanger provides transmission fluid cooling and is exposed to ambient air. The solenoid valve which is preferably driven by a signal from a transmission control module (TCM) and the wax motor valve cooperate to provide three states of operation: transmission fluid heating, that is, heat added, cooling, that is, heat removed and pass-through or bypass (without heating or cooling). |
| US09022175B2 |
Machine tool, working fluid supply apparatus, and working fluid
A machine tool (1) for processing a workpiece (2) by relative movement of a tool (18) with respect to the workpiece (2), including a homogenizer (15) into which water and oil are taken to disperse oil homogeneously in water, a working fluid produced in homogenizer (15) being supplied to a work area for processing of the workpiece. |
| US09022172B2 |
Ladder accessory
A ladder accessory that is used with a ladder that extends out from the side of the ladder to provide footing for a worker. The accessory comprises an elongated rectangular open box structure defining at least one set of two parallel ladder rail channels that are placed crosswise (perpendicular) to the length of the box structure and are spaced apart a distance such that one of said channels can engage one rail of a ladder and the other channel can engage the other rail and both channels engage a rung. The rectangular elongated box defines two side walls that contain single hook key slots that can be engaged with rungs of the ladder when the accessory is placed lengthwise parallel to the rails of the ladder and, with a rung lock mechanism, can be fastened to the ladder and carried with the ladder. |
| US09022163B2 |
Gear shift control device of saddle ride type vehicle
A gear shift control device of a saddle ride type vehicle includes an operation pedal; a movable part which includes a movable member interlocking with and connected to the operation pedal and which has at least one of a click mechanism configured to give click feeling to an operation of the operation pedal, a stopper mechanism configured to restrict a turning operation range of the operation pedal, and a return mechanism configured to apply a spring force in a return direction to the operation pedal; and a detector which detects a gear shift operation performed by using the operation pedal, the gear shift control device configured to make a transmission perform a gear shift on the basis of a detection result of the detector. |
| US09022162B2 |
Vehicle anti-theft device
A vehicle anti-theft device (60) contains: a case body (132); a lid member (156) for closing the opening (167) of the case body; a substrate (67) which is inserted in a removable manner into the case body (132) from the opening thereof and on which electronic components are mounted; a sub-battery (88) for supplying power to the substrate (67); and a sealing member (157) which is fitted into the opening (167) of the case body and has a substrate pressing part (203) for preventing the substrate from being extracted and a sub-battery pressing part (204) for preventing the sub-battery (88) from being extracted. |
| US09022160B2 |
Side-by-side diesel utility vehicle
A utility vehicle comprises a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. The utility vehicle further comprises an attachment supported at the frame. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes an operator area supported by the frame and including an operator seat. The utility vehicle includes a seat switch coupled to the operator seat and a controller configured to detect a loaded and unloaded state of the operator seat based on the seat switch. |
| US09022159B2 |
Cleaning device for window glass
[OBJECT] To provide a device which is held by vacuum on a wall surface or a window surface of glass of a building, and which is moved along the surface, thereby performing the cleaning operation.[SOLVING MEANS] In three clinging units which are arranged in a row, each of the clinging units includes clinging unit putting forward/backward means for putting the clinging unit in and out in a direction intersecting with the surface. The clinging units adjacent to each other are coupled by transverse expansion and contraction means via the clinging unit putting forward/backward means, so as to constitute a row clinging unit group. In three row clinging unit groups which are arranged in the longitudinal direction, the row clinging unit groups adjacent to each other are coupled by lengthwise expansion and contraction means via the clinging unit putting forward/backward means. Each of the clinging units can be selectively set in one of three states, i.e., a clinging and movable state in which the unit clings to the surface and moves along the surface, a clinging and locked state in which the unit clings to the surface and is locked to the surface, and a non-clinging and movable state in which the unit is separated from the surface and can move along the surface. Each of the clinging units is constituted at least by a clinging unit frame member, a vacuum sealing member attached to the clinging unit, moving means, and locking means. At least the surface, the clinging unit frame member, and the vacuum sealing member define a reduced pressure space in cooperation. The reduced pressure space is coupled to vacuum generating means and vacuum breaking means. |
| US09022158B2 |
Four-wheel-drive vehicle and control unit for four-wheel-drive vehicle
A four-wheel-drive vehicle includes a dog clutch provided between a propeller shaft and an engine, a torque coupling provided between a rear differential and rear wheels, and an ECU that controls the dog clutch and the torque coupling. When a drive mode is switched from a two-wheel-drive mode where the transmissions of torque by the dog clutch and the torque coupling are both interrupted, to a four-wheel-drive mode, the ECU sets the amount of torque that is transmitted by the torque coupling to a first torque value (T1) to increase the speed of rotation of the propeller shaft, and then sets the amount of torque that is transmitted by the torque coupling to a second torque value (T2) that is lower than the first torque value (T1), and engages the dog clutch when the rotations of first and second rotary members of the dog clutch are synchronized with each other. |
| US09022151B2 |
Multi-legged walking apparatus
A multi-legged apparatus enables a multi-legged robot to provide a natural motion, and includes a body portion comprising a body, a front leg portion comprising a front fixing portion fixed to the body, and a front rotating portion rotatably connected to the front fixing portion, a rear leg portion connected to the body and a rear leg portion comprising a rear rotating portion rotatably connected to the rear fixing portion, and a first link rotatably connected, at both ends, to the front and rear rotating portions, respectively. The body portion additionally includes a driving portion which rotates one of the front and rear rotating portions. By employing the first link and the driving portion, the body of the multi-legged robot is moved to and fro and left and right naturally in accordance with the movement of the legs, in a similar pattern as that generally shown in actual multi-legged animals. |
| US09022149B2 |
Shaped cutting elements for earth-boring tools, earth-boring tools including such cutting elements, and related methods
A cutting element for an earth-boring tool. The cutting element comprises a substrate base, and a volume of polycrystalline diamond material on an end of the substrate base. The volume of polycrystalline diamond material comprises a generally conical surface, an apex centered about a longitudinal axis extending through a center of the substrate base, a flat cutting surface extending from a first point at least substantially proximate the apex to a second point on the cutting element more proximate a lateral side surface of the substrate base. Another cutting element is disclosed, as are a method of manufacturing and a method of using such cutting elements. |
| US09022142B2 |
Method and apparatus for opening threaded joints of drilling equipment
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for opening threaded joints of drilling equipment (6) by striking the drilling equipment (6) with the percussion device of a rock drilling rig (1) and by measuring vibration originating from the drilling equipment (6) during striking. In addition to vibration, measuring means (9) measure a parameter defining at least one additional condition, on the basis of which the decision to stop striking is made. |
| US09022141B2 |
Directional drilling attitude hold controller
An attitude hold controller method includes receiving at a navigable apparatus a demand inclination and a demand azimuth with respect to a global coordinate system and determining at the navigable apparatus a demand attitude vector according to the received demand inclination and the demand azimuth. Determining at the navigable apparatus a current navigable apparatus attitude vector. Evaluating a control law using the current navigable apparatus vector and the navigable apparatus demand attitude to derive a control law tool face, converting the control law tool face to an equivalent tool face, and applying the equivalent tool face with the navigable apparatus to control the navigable apparatus attitude. |
| US09022140B2 |
Methods and systems for improved drilling operations using real-time and historical drilling data
Methods and systems are described for improved drilling operations through the use of real-time drilling data to predict bit wear, lithology, pore pressure, a rotating friction coefficient, permeability, and cost in real-time and to adjust drilling parameters in real-time based on the predictions. The real-time lithology prediction is made by processing the real-time drilling data through a multilayer neural network. The real-time bit wear prediction is made by using the real-time drilling data to predict a bit efficiency factor and to detect changes in the bit efficiency factor over time. These predictions may be used to adjust drilling parameters in the drilling operation in real-time, subject to override by the operator. The methods and systems may also include determining various downhole hydraulics parameters and a rotary friction factor. Historical data may be used in combination with real-time data to provide expert system assistance and to identify safety concerns. |
| US09022133B2 |
Polymer mixer powered by hydrodynamic forces
Water is mixed with fire suppressant polymer in a mixer absent a power source. The mixer receives water through a water inlet with water exhibiting high velocity and associated hydrodynamic force. Such velocity is achieved by locating the water inlet connected to a float or other part of an aircraft so that when the aircraft flies over water with the float dipping into the water, water is driven through the opening and into the water inlet of the mixer. A polymer inlet passes into the mixer. A bend is located downstream of the water inlet and the polymer inlet. The bend exhibits sufficient resistance to fluid flow direction therethrough that the polymer is sheared and thoroughly mixed and activated with the water. A colorant inlet is optionally provided within the mixer and the water and polymer mixture is then discharged into a tank for later utilization at a firefighting location. |
| US09022128B2 |
Water intake riser assembly for an off-shore structure, and method of producing a liquefied hydrocarbon stream and method of producing a vaporous hydrocarbon stream
A water intake assembly (105) is suspendable from an off-shore structure (102) is proposed. It has a bundle (106) of at least a first tubular conduit (106A) and a second tubular conduit (106B) generally stretching side by side along a length direction. At least a part of the distal portion (109) of the first tubular conduit extends further in the length direction than the second tubular conduit when in fully suspended condition. Described used of such a water intake riser assembly include: a method of producing a liquefied hydrocarbon stream and a method of producing a vaporous hydrocarbon steam. |
| US09022126B2 |
Wellsite equipment replacement system and method for using same
A system and method for replacing equipment at a wellsite is provided. The wellsite has a subsea stripper installed proximate a subsea borehole. The system has a conveyance for delivering a BHA into the subsea borehole. The system has a subsea stripper having a central bore for passing the conveyance and the BHA therethrough, and at least one actuator connected to the subsea stripper for actuating a packer whereby the wellbore is sealed. The system has at least one replaceable seal assembly for installation within the stripper. The replaceable seal assembly has at least one packer extendable within the subsea stripper to form a seal thereabout and at least one locator sleeve for positioning the seal assembly in an install position within the subsea stripper. The replaceable seal assembly has a frangible member for connecting the seal assembly to the conveyance prior to deployment in the subsea stripper. |
| US09022125B2 |
Marine riser with side tension members
A marine riser includes a plurality of central pipes assembled end to end to form a main conduit. A plurality of tension members runs the length of the main conduit. The tension members are coupled to the main conduit to support and constrain an axial motion of the main conduit. |
| US09022123B2 |
Scuttle for the monitoring and inspection of a flexible riser
The present invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting and monitoring flexible collection and production lines in real time, rendering possible constant tracking of the condition of the internal structures of a flexible riser, specifically of the tensile armor thereof.The device may be provided at any point along the riser ensuring the establishment of an area of physical and visual contact directly over the surface of the tensile armor of the riser for the installation of equipment for analysis, which area permits further accesses without destroying the sealing of the chamber there formed. |
| US09022122B2 |
High-pressure cap equalization valve
A cap for protecting a sealing surface of a hub of a subsea device includes an equalization valve and a fluid conduit. The equalization valve includes a valve body having a pressure equalization conduit, a sleeve disposed about the valve body and having a port allowing fluid communication across the sleeve, and a valve spring configured to bias the sleeve to a closed position. The sleeve is configured to move to an open position in response to a force that depresses the sleeve and causes the valve spring to compress and the port is fluidly isolated from the pressure equalization conduit in the closed position and is in fluid communication with the pressure equalization conduit in the open position. In the open position, an interior environment of the subsea device is in fluid communication with the environment outside the cap through the equalization valve. |
| US09022118B2 |
Double insulated heaters for treating subsurface formations
A heater includes a conduit and three insulated electrical conductors located in the conduit. At least one of the three insulated conductors includes an electrical conductor at least partially surrounded by an insulation layer and an electrically conductive sheath at least partially surrounding the insulation layer. One or more layers of electrical insulation at least partially surround the three insulated electrical conductors in the conduit. The one or more layers of electrical insulation electrically isolate the insulated electrical conductors from the conduit. |
| US09022114B2 |
Cement shoe and method of cementing well with open hole below the shoe
A casing shoe secured to a lower end of a casing string is positioned a selected distance from a bottom of the well, defining an open hole portion in the well below the casing shoe. Cement is pumped through the casing shoe and back up an annulus surrounding the casing string, while leaving at least part of the open hole portion free of cement. The annulus and the open hole portion are isolated from an interior of the casing string while the cement is uncured. The casing shoe has a timer that opens the interior of the casing string to the open hole portion after a selected time sufficient for the cement to cure. The operator may then pump a tool down the casing string while displacing fluid in the casing string below the tool through the casing shoe and into the open hole portion of the well. |
| US09022102B2 |
Control of sub surface safety valves
A well installation includes a metallic structure having downhole metallic tubing for conveying product towards the surface, a sub surface safety valve disposed in the downhole metallic tubing for interrupting flow of product towards the surface when closed and allowing flow of product towards the surface when open. Also, valve control means are disposed downhole and arranged for detecting electrical signals in the downhole metallic tubing and for holding the valve open while receiving an electrical signal, and surface signaling means for applying an electrical signal to metallic structure of the well for transmission via the downhole metallic tubing towards the valve control means so as to hold the valve open. The system can be made more robust by ensuring that the control means will only hold the valve open while receiving a signal of given characteristics to help prevent stray currents erroneously holding the valve open. |
| US09022101B2 |
Arrangement in a liquid cooler
Arrangement for circulating liquid in a liquid cooler (11) intended particularly for power electronics appliances, inside which cooler at least two longitudinal main ducts (22, 23) are arranged and transverse ducts (21) arranged between them and connecting them, and in which cooler at least one of the longitudinal ducts is an input duct (22), into which liquid from coming from outside is led via an input joint (12) and one is an output duct (23), from where the liquid is led out via the output joint (13), inside which output duct a tubular additional part (41) having an open end at least on the side of the output joint is installed, and which additional part is arranged detached from the output duct such that a gap remains between the outer surface of the additional part and the inner surface of the output duct for enabling a liquid flow in the output duct outside the additional part, and in which arrangement a first aperture or first apertures (P, N, P2) are arranged in the part of the additional part on the output joint side and/or in the output joint and/or between them for enabling a first path of passage for a part of the nominal total flow to the output joint, and a second aperture or second apertures (T, P1) are arranged in the part of the additional part that is farther from the output joint or between the additional part and the output duct for enabling a second path of passage for the remaining part of the total flow into the additional part and via it onwards to the output joint. |
| US09022098B2 |
Multistage heat exchanging duct comprising a parallel conduit
The heat exchanger having a heat exchanging channel (11, 21, 31) comprises an inlet (9) and an outlet (33) for a medium flowing through the heat exchanging channel. The heat exchanger has at least two stages (10, 20, 30) being arranged one after the other in view to the flowing direction of the medium, each stage having a heat exchanging channel (11, 21, 31). The first stage has at least one guiding channel (12) arranged parallel to the heat exchanging channel (11). The heat exchanging channel (11, 21, 31) has at the end of the respective stage (10, 20, 30) at least one outlet (13, 23, 33) and the guiding channel (12, 22) of the respective stage is connected with the heat exchanging channel (21, 31) of the next following stage (20, 30). By this unused heat transfer medium is fed to each stage, said heat transfer medium having a higher temperature difference with respect to the respective heat exchanging channel. By this a good heat transfer efficiency is realized even with relatively long flow pathes. |
| US09022096B2 |
Tower pump casting apparatus
A casting apparatus having a main chamber connected to at least one casting tower. The main chamber may contain molten metal and the temperature within the main chamber may be maintained by a furnace. A pump may pump the molten metal up the tower and into an upper pool chamber. A feeder nozzle may feed the molten metal from the upper pool chamber and onto a chilling wheel, which may turn the molten metal into metal flakes. |
| US09022094B2 |
Casting core, method for producing same, and method for casting using said core
A casting core resulting from alkaline earth metal oxide particles having an average particle size of 0.8-4 mm being dispersed in a water-soluble alkali metal salt matrix. The casting core can be efficiently produced using a method of dispersing alkaline earth metal hydroxide particles having favorable disintegration properties and a particle size in the range of 1-5 mm in a molten water-soluble alkali metal salt, converting to alkaline earth metal oxide particles by means of dehydration, and casting in a mold, cooling, and hardening. |
| US09022090B2 |
Double roman shade curtain and double roman shade using the same
Disclosed herein is a double roman shade curtain which is configured to include a cord 10, a first curtain 20, a second curtain 30, and a connection belt 40. Further, the present invention relates to a double roman shade which is configured to include a cord 10, a first curtain 20, a second curtain 30, a connection belt 40, a rotating bar 50, a frame 60, and a tow rope 70. |
| US09022079B2 |
Container closure with overlying needle penetrable and resealable portion and underlying portion compatible with fat containing liquid product, and related method
A container and method are provided for storing fat containing liquid products. The container includes a body defining a storage chamber for receiving the product, and a container closure. A first material portion forms at least most of the surface area overlying the storage chamber that can contact any product therein. Neither the body nor the first material portion leach more than a predetermined amount of leachables into the product or undesirably alter a taste profile thereof. A needle penetrable and thermally resealable second material portion either (i) overlies the first material portion and cannot contact any product within the storage chamber, or (ii) forms a substantially lesser surface area overlying the storage chamber that can contact any product therein in comparison to the first material portion. A sealing portion is engageable with the body to form a substantially dry hermetic seal between the container closure and body. |
| US09022074B2 |
Plug for heat-conducting tube, device for attaching plug for heat-conducting tube, and method for plugging heat conducting tube
A plug for heat-conducting tubes is equipped with: a plug main body, which is formed so as to be capable of being inserted into the heat-conducting tubes; a columnar member, which is capable of being inserted into and removed from the plug main body from the cylindrical open end of the plug main body, and has at its outer circumference a tapered surface; and a wedge member, which is formed so as to be capable of being inserted into and removed from the plug main body from the cylindrical open end of the plug main body, and has at its inner circumference a tapered surface which opposes the tapered surface of the columnar member when the wedge member is inserted into the plug main body. |
| US09022073B2 |
Device and method for use in a shower system
Provided is a device for use in a shower system and a related method. The device may include an appliance for adding a medium to shower water. The appliance may be designed such that it works according to the principle of a water jet pump. Advantageously, the medium added to the shower water may contain one or more fragrance media. |
| US09022072B2 |
Valve array
A valve array includes a reservoir containing a pressurized fluid, a non-return valve and a seat valve that is actuatable so as to allow the fluid to flow out of the reservoir. The seat valve is configured as a pilot control valve connected to the reservoir such that, in an open condition of the seat valve, a smaller amount of the fluid flows out of the reservoir via the seat valve and a larger amount of the fluid flows out of the reservoir via the non-return valve. |
| US09022070B2 |
Bolted valve control element
A control element for a fluid flow control device includes a stem, a plug, and a fastener. The stem includes an elongated member with a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be operably coupled to an actuator and the second end including a fastener recess including a plurality of internal threads. The plug is disposed adjacent to the second end of the stem. The fastener fixing the plug to the stem and includes a threaded portion extending from the plug and engaging the plurality of internal threads of the fastener recess. |
| US09022069B2 |
Solenoid operated valve with constant bleed port
A pressure balanced solenoid operated valve includes a solenoid portion having a coil. A valve member portion is connected to the solenoid portion. The valve member portion has a body including: first and second valve seats; a first cavity positioned between the first valve seat and a valve outlet port. A valve member slidably disposed in the body has a resilient valve element positioned between the first and second valve seats, the resilient valve element when in direct contact with the first valve seat defining a valve closed position. A bleed port created in the body between the first valve seat and the valve outlet port and opening into the first cavity provides a flow path for a pressurized fluid present at the second valve seat in the valve closed position to continuously flow out through the valve outlet port. |
| US09022066B2 |
Effluent flow splitter
The point of the invention is to evenly distribute water or effluent over an irrigation area or a drain field. Typically the fluid comes from a reservoir or a septic tank and is fed, by gravity, into a number of discharge pipes that would be located underground.The device related to this invention is characterized by a container with an inlet at the top and a number of outlets at the bottom. Inside the container the fluid is directed to the center of a flow splitter surface underneath, via a specifically configured spout. To make the fluid spread radian and uniformly towards the surface's perimeter this surface has hydrophilic properties and is convex shaped. The fluid eventually flows uniformly over the surface's edge and is evenly distributed over the outlets at the bottom. |
| US09022063B2 |
Powder feed rate sensor
A powder feed rate sensor includes a surface or diaphragm configured to detect powder feed rate. |
| US09022062B2 |
Valve
A valve device (1) comprising; a body portion (2) having a plurality of openings, a valve seat (6) located within said body portion (2), an end stop (4,8), corresponding to an opening of said body portion (2), said end stop (4,8) comprising a port portion (38,39) through which fluid may flow, and a nozzle (33,35), in fluid communication with said port portion (38,39), said nozzle (33,35) configured for sealing against said valve seat (6) and thereby preventing flow through the valve device (1), the valve device (1) being openable by relative motion of said nozzle (33,35) with respect to said valve seat (6), and adjustment means configured to allow independent adjustment of the location of said nozzle (33,35) with respect to said valve seat (6). |
| US09022059B2 |
Flow regulator for agricultural drip emitter
An apparatus is supplied for a self adjusting regulator suited for an irrigation emitter. A curved flow channel is integrated into a concave dome shaped surface. A deformable member deforms to approach the surface to adjust the resistance to flow. The concave dome shaped surface may match a deformed shape of the membrane. Irregularities in the interface between the surface and the deformable member are configured to achieve a desired discharge under varying flow conditions. The deformable member may activate an inlet filter cleaner by pushing a ram and thereby unclogging the filter. |
| US09022056B2 |
Device for fuel return valve
A device includes a first hot fuel bleed, a second cold fuel bleed, a fuel pressure regulator including a fuel inlet line, a fuel outlet line and a fuel pressure set point line, the pressure of the outlet line being set by the regulator to a fixed divergence from the pressure of the set point line, a first connector to connect the first bleed to the inlet line of the regulator and the second bleed to the set point line of the regulator, when a first pressure of the first bleed is greater than or equal to a second pressure of the second bleed and to connect the first bleed to the set point line of the regulator and the second bleed to the inlet line of the regulator when the first pressure is lower than the second pressure, and a second connector. |
| US09022055B2 |
Assembling a check valve having a seal
An improved valve assembly having an integral single piece housing (1) having an inlet (15), an outlet and defining an inwardly extending wall forming a valve seat (3); a valve member (4) moveable within the housing (1) between a closed position and an open position and a seal (11) to form a fluid tight seal between the valve member (4) and the valve seat (3) when the valve member is in the closed position. The seal (11) also acting to retain the valve member (4) within the housing (1) and in which the housing defining end portions which extend axially away from the valve member (4) at any position of the valve member between the open and closed positions. |
| US09022054B2 |
Maintenance device and method for producing a maintenance access
The invention relates to a maintenance device for maintaining an elongated and in particular tubular hollow body (2), which is designed to conduct a fluid, having a sealing device (4) comprising a function unit (12), said sealing device being provided for sealing a working area (9) with respect to surroundings of the hollow body (2) and being movable in a direction along a surface of the hollow body (2), wherein the sealing device (4) comprising the function unit (12) can be moved at least partially in the longitudinal direction (B) of the hollow body (2), relative to the surface (7) of same, while preserving a tight seal. In addition, a method for forming a maintenance access on an elongated and in particular tubular hollow body is claimed. |
| US09022051B2 |
Valve for an inflatable device
A valve for an inflatable device includes a first region configured to seal to a fluid impermeable wall of a bladder of the inflatable device, a cap including a rim, and a seal. The base includes a second region that defines an orifice for exhausting fluid from an interior of the inflatable device, the second region configured to provide a sealing surface. Further, the rim can include a generally circular peripheral region including at least one rib located about an underside of the peripheral region and a cavity defined in part by at least one wall located radially inward of the rib. The seal can include a first end region secured to the cap within the cavity between the at least one wall and the at least one rib and a second end region configured to freely move with the at least one first end region secured to the cap. |
| US09022050B2 |
Hunting blind
The present invention is a hunting blind configured to attach to a tree. The hunting blind includes a top member with two ends and multiple arms. The top member wraps around the tree and each arm extends downward and outward away from the tree. The arms are staked into the ground in the desired position such that a hunter can sit in the opening formed by the hunting blind. |
| US09022046B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method for successively processing a plurality of substrates
One of reverse passing parts provided in a substrate passing part comprises a first holding mechanism and a second holding mechanism. The first holding mechanism and the second holding mechanism are arranged in vertically symmetry with respect to a rotary central axis and rotate 180 degrees about the rotary central axis, to replace each other in position. A transport robot on the loading side passes a substrate to a third holding mechanism or a fourth holding mechanism at a first vertical position. The substrate reversed in the reverse passing part is passed to a transport robot on the unloading side from the third holding mechanism or the fourth holding mechanism at a second vertical position. Before a reverse process on the preceding substrate is finished, the transport robot on the loading side can start the transfer of the following substrate. |
| US09022044B1 |
Portable vehicle wash system and associated method
A portable vehicle wash system for use during pre-wash and post-wash procedures preferably includes a portable and collapsible free-standing frame capable of may be positioned over an existing vehicle. Such a free-standing frame preferably includes first and second support sections. Each of the first and second support section preferably includes a fluid discharge section, and a plurality of legs integrally formed with the fluid discharge section. Notably, the fluid discharge section of the first support section is isolated from the fluid discharge section of the second support section. A hose is also provided in fluid communication with the free-standing frame. In this manner, the hose may be coupled to an existing water supply source such that water is simultaneously channeled through the free-standing frame and simultaneously dispersed out from the fluid discharge section of each of the first and second support sections. |
| US09022041B2 |
Tea based smoking product
A method of converting tea leaves into a smoking product suitable for use with a smoking device such as, but not limited to, a hookah. In one embodiment the method comprises the steps of heating a batch of sundried tea leaves in water to provide a batch of wetted tea leaves; fermenting the wetted tea leaves to provide a batch of fermented tea leaves; rinsing the fermented tea leaves with water to provide rinsed fermented tea leaves; drying the rinsed fermented tea leaves to provide dried fermented tea; and adding glycerine to the dried fermented tea leaves to provide a tea leaf based smoking product. In another embodiment a nicotine free smoking product is provided comprising of glycerin treated dried fermented tea leaves. |
| US09022040B2 |
Methods for extracting and isolating constituents of cellulosic material
A method for extracting and isolating constituents of cellulosic matter, comprising providing cellulosic matter; contacting the cellulosic matter with a supercritical fluid; separating the supercritical fluid from the cellulosic matter, thereby forming an extract and a raffinate; and separating at least one compound present in the extraction medium by distillation. |
| US09022039B2 |
System comprising a simulated cigarette device and a refill unit
A simulated smoking device (1) comprising a simulated cigarette having a substantially cylindrical cigarette-like shape and a refill device (2, 50) having a substantially cuboid housing with a cigarette pack-like shape containing refill gas (32, 59) for the simulated cigarette and having means for selectively retaining the simulated cigarette. The simulated cigarette may be retained wholly within the housing. It may be retained at a location different from the refill location. A dose counter may be provided to give a visual indication of the doses in the refill device. |
| US09022033B2 |
Adaptable oxygen regulator system and method with an electronic control device
A system and method for an adaptable oxygen regulator with an electronic control device is disclosed. In one embodiment, an oxygen regulator system includes an electronic control device which includes a non-volatile memory for storing a first reference point. The electronic control device also includes a pressure sensor configured for generating pressure data of the pressurized aircraft cabin. The electronic control device further includes a logical control unit for generating a control signal by processing the first reference point and the pressure data. Further, the electronic control unit includes a rotary actuator for generating a rotary displacement based on the control signal. Moreover, the oxygen regulator system includes a demand dilution oxygen regulator coupled to the electronic control unit and configured to control the supply of oxygen and the flow of dilution air from the pressurized aircraft cabin based on the control signal. |
| US09022029B2 |
Carbon-dioxide sampling system for accurately monitoring carbon dioxide in exhaled breath
A carbon-dioxide sampling system for accurately monitoring carbon dioxide in exhaled breath. The system includes a ventilator. The ventilator is configured to ventilate a patient with respiratory gases. The ventilator includes a carbon-dioxide sampling control unit and a carbon-dioxide analyzer. The carbon-dioxide sampling control unit is configured to control the timing of sampling of carbon dioxide in the exhaled breath of a patient, and to control the timing of the analysis of exhaled gases by the carbon-dioxide analyzer. |
| US09022024B2 |
System and method for airway manipulation
Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the airway, such as to treat obstructive sleep apnea. An implant is positioned within the body with respect to the airway. The spatial orientation of the airway is manipulated, directly or indirectly, to affect the configuration of the airway. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace the trachea in an inferior direction, resist superior displacement of the trachea and/or to alter the tracheal wall tension. The implant restrains the trachea in the manipulated configuration. |
| US09022019B2 |
Modular multifunctional solar structure
The Modular Multifunctional Solar Structure is an innovative design in the field of Renewable Energy. This system, the schematic diagram of which is shown in FIG. 2, will collect the energy from the sunlight by using lightweight rotary thermal or bivalent photovoltaic solar receivers (A), sandwiched between Support Columns (B) which house the technical services. Because of its modular concept, this structure allows: an easy and progressive assembly in places exposed to the sun, with negative angles of down to 90°; and a microprocessor controlled solar tracking device, with alternative fixed or manually adjustable settings. These features solve the traditional problems associated with solar energy collectors, which include: a fixed position which is confined to specific angles, or a vertical layout, both of which are inefficient in terms of energy recovery; large dimensions and heavyweight collectors, which may need ungainly support structures; and wasted space. |
| US09022018B2 |
Countertop oven and accessories
A combination oven and cutting board has a front opening door and a metal upper surface with features that cooperate with the cutting board. The oven may have an internal heating cavity and a front opening door that incorporates a magnet that is used to pull a rack out of the oven. |
| US09022017B2 |
Oven
An oven having enhanced cooling efficiency. The oven includes a cooking chamber, a door to open or close a front side of the cooking chamber, a cooling fan located above the cooking chamber to suction and blow outside air, a discharge duct to discharge the air, blown by the cooling fan, forward of the door, a plurality of flow-paths defined in the door to allow outside air to be introduced into and moved in the flow-path in association with discharge of the air through the discharge duct, and a suction pipe to connect at least one of the flow-paths and the cooling fan to each other. Suction force of the cooling fan is applied to the flow-paths of the door through the suction pipe as well as the interior of an electric machine room, allowing the air in the flow-path to be discharged to the outside through the suction pipe and the discharge duct. This assures more active air movement in the door and maximizes the cooling effect of the door. |
| US09022016B1 |
Football throwing machine
A football passing machine is configured to eject a prolate-spheroid-shaped football. The football passing machine includes a frame member, an adjustable launch surface mounted to the frame member, a ball magazine positioned above the adjustable launch surface that is configured to contain a plurality of footballs, a moveable escapement arm that is configured to successively dispense footballs that are contained within the ball magazine onto the launch surface, a moveable ball carriage configured to move a football between a first point on the launch surface that is located directly beneath the ball magazine and a second point on the launch surface that is adjacent a football launch mechanism that is configured to eject a football from the football passing machine. An orientation of the adjustable launch surface is configured to be adjusted to change a launch angle of a football while the frame member and the ball magazine remain stationary. |
| US09022013B2 |
Bullpup crossbow
In some embodiments, a crossbow comprises a stock and a bow portion comprising at least one limb and a string. A riser attaches said bow portion to the stock. A latch is located in proximity to a butt of the stock. The latch is configured to retain the string in a drawn condition. A trigger is arranged to release the latch. An extension member extends from the butt of the stock to the latch. The extension member and the stock define a cavity, and the latch assembly is oriented within the cavity. |
| US09022012B2 |
Launchable projectiles and launchers for the same
A projectile for launching through the air comprises a body and one or more projecting members integral therewith extending outwardly a distance from the body, which can be hollow or solid. The projectile is formed from an elastomeric material capable of being stretched to energize the projectile for launching. The projecting members are positioned a distance apart from one another and include openings disposed therethrough at distal ends for engaging sections of a launching device. The launching device includes a handle with the sections extending outwardly therefrom to accommodate placement of the projectile openings thereagainst for retaining the projectile before and during launch. The projectile is launched from the device by pulling the body away from the launching device to energize the projectile, and then releasing the energized projectile, causing it to be propelled from the launching device into the air and towards a desired target. |
| US09022011B2 |
Engine fuel delivery systems, apparatus and methods
A method of operating an engine is disclosed, which includes determining a peak power condition for the engine, measuring a temperature associated with the engine at said peak power condition, comparing the temperature measured with a previously determined temperature associated with a known peak power condition of the engine, determining an offset value based on the comparison made in step, controlling at least one of an air-fuel mixture delivered to the engine or ignition spark timing based on said offset value. Various engine fuel delivery systems, carburetors, fuel injection and control systems also are disclosed. |
| US09022010B2 |
Ignition system
An ignition system is provided, which can restrict decreasing of constant-voltage duration of a spark plug and effectively prevents the occurrence of an accidental fire in an engine. A typical ignition system includes a secondary coil having one end connected to a positive side of a battery via a low-voltage side path and the other end connected to a center electrode via a connecting path which connects the secondary coil and the spark plug. A constant-voltage path having a grounded end is connected to the connecting path. A block diode is arranged between the secondary coil and a point where the constant-voltage path is connected with the connecting path. A Zener diode is disposed within the constant-voltage path. Each anode of the block diode and the Zener diode is mutually connected. |
| US09022000B2 |
Valve timing control device for internal combustion engine
A valve timing control device includes: a vane rotor having a plurality of vanes; a housing having the vane rotor inside so that an advance chamber is formed on one side of each vane and a retard chamber is formed on the other side; a lock pin inserted in a cylinder provided in the vane and moves to a lock position and to an unlock position; and a feeding passage for feeding oil into the cylinder from the retard chamber adjacent to the vane provided with the cylinder to make the lock pin move to the unlock position, and controls an oil supplying unit to supply oil to each retard chamber, wherein a flow passage cross sectional area of the branch passage connected with the retard chamber linking with the cylinder is larger than a flow passage cross sectional area of the branch passage connected with the other retard chamber. |
| US09021999B2 |
Valve timing control apparatus of internal combustion engine
In a valve timing control apparatus employing two lock pins located in a vane rotor and two lock holes located in a sprocket so as to permit movement of the lock pins into and out of engagement with the respective holes, a guide mechanism is provided for guiding movement of the vane rotor relative to the sprocket toward a prescribed lock position. The guide mechanism includes a guide pin and a guide hole configured to permit movement of the guide pin into and out of engagement with the guide hole. Hydraulic pressure, used for retreating-movement of the lock pins out of engagement, is supplied through a first branch passage branching from an unlock passage configured to communicate with a pump discharge passage. Hydraulic pressure, used for retreating-movement of the guide pin out of engagement, is supplied through a second branch passage branching from the same unlock passage. |
| US09021996B2 |
Nested locking mechanism for switchable roller finger follower
A finger lever is provided for a valve train of an internal combustion engine. The finger lever comprises an inner lever, at least one arm pivotally coupled to the inner lever, and a coupling device operatively displaceable to control movement of the at least one arm relative to the inner lever. The coupling device includes a slide and a piston disposed in a longitudinal bore of the inner lever, the piston having an entraining slot in which at least part of the slide is received, and at least one biasing member arranged to bias the piston relative to the inner lever. The slide is constructed to be displaced in a coupled position or an uncoupled position. In the coupled position the slide is entrained by the at least one arm, and in the uncoupled position the slide is not entrained by the at least one arm. |
| US09021994B2 |
Variable compression ratio apparatus
A variable compression ratio apparatus includes: a piston defining a combustion chamber, a connecting rod connected to the piston; an eccentric link eccentrically connected to the piston, a swing link connected to the eccentric link so as to rotate the eccentric link, a crankpin to which the connecting rod is connected, and a crank web disposed at both sides of the crankpin and provided with a guide portion for guiding downward motions of the eccentric link and the swing link when the eccentric link and the swing link move downward. Thereby, the downward motions of the eccentric link and the swing link are stabilized. |
| US09021985B2 |
Process gas management for an inductively-coupled plasma deposition reactor
Embodiments related to hardware and methods for processing a semiconductor substrate are disclosed. One example film deposition reactor includes a process gas distributor including a plasma gas-feed inlet located to supply plasma gas to a plasma generation region within the film deposition reactor and a precursor gas-feed inlet located to supply film precursor gas downstream of the plasma generation region; an insulating confinement vessel configured to maintain a plasma generation region at a reduced pressure within the film deposition reactor and an inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) coil arranged around a portion of a sidewall of the insulating confinement vessel and positioned so that the sidewall separates the plasma generation region from the ICP coil; and a susceptor configured to support the semiconductor substrate so that a film deposition surface of the semiconductor substrate is exposed to a reaction region formed downstream of the process gas distributor. |
| US09021984B2 |
Plasma processing apparatus and semiconductor device manufacturing method
A plasma processing apparatus includes a processing chamber; a lower electrode provided in the processing chamber and having a base made of a conductive metal to which a high frequency power is applied, the lower electrode also serving as a mounting table for mounting thereon a target substrate; an upper electrode provided in the processing chamber to face the lower electrode; and a focus ring disposed above the lower electrode to surround the target substrate. An electrical connection mechanism is provided between the base of the lower electrode and the focus ring to electrically connect the base of the lower electrode to the focus ring through a current control element, and generates a DC current in accordance with a potential difference. |
| US09021981B2 |
Pill reminder wheel
A device to be mounted or adhere to a bottle cap, a box or other surface that easy and economically tracks when the last day and dose of a medicine or vitamin was taken or when the next is due The present invention comprises two disk and a dial. The base disk has indicia representing the days of the week, recessed teeth on the edge means to inhibit counterclockwise rotation of the cover disk and a central pin protruding from the center that clasp the three elements together at the same times that allows rotation of the cover disk over the base. The cover disk has indicia for the dose with a protruding wedge tooth means to inhibit counterclockwise rotation of the cover in relation to the base and a window to see the indicia of the base disk. The dial points to the dose indicia and holds the three parts together once the pin from the base disk clasp inside its aperture. |
| US09021977B2 |
Lifeboat suspension system
A suspension system for a lifeboat comprises a pair of hook assemblies adapted for connection at spaced locations to a lifeboat and for coupling respectively to a pair of suspension cables, each hook assembly comprising a hook member pivoted for movement about a pivotal axis between a closed setting where the line of action of a load on the hook member when in use passes substantially through the pivotal axis thereof and an open setting where an associated suspension cable is released from the hook member, each hook assembly further comprising an internal safety system that prevents the hook member from opening inadvertently; and a control mechanism for the pair of hook assemblies. |
| US09021974B1 |
Cleat deck
A cleat deck includes a body for attachment to a tubular body and a platform attached to the body and having a face for supporting a cleat. A fairlead extends upward and rearward from the face such that the fairlead extends rearward of an adjacent portion of the body to extend into an interior of the tubular body, through a slot in the tubular body. The fairlead has a surface configured for guiding a line between an interior and an exterior of the tubular body. |
| US09021970B2 |
Propulsion device and ship using the same
A propulsion device of the ship includes a port side screw propeller; and a starboard side screw propeller provided in a forward or backward direction in a longitudinal direction of the ship from the port side screw propeller, such that a part of propeller wings of the starboard side screw propeller overlaps with propeller wings of the port side screw propeller. One of the port side screw propeller and the starboard side screw propeller, which is on a forward side in a longitudinal direction of the ship, is the forward screw propeller, and the other is the backward screw propeller. The forward screw propeller has a wing shape by which tip vortex cavitation is more difficult to be generated by the forward screw propeller than the backward screw propeller. |
| US09021960B1 |
Isolated coaxial high-pressure feed-through fitting
An isolated, coaxial, high pressure feed-through fitting provides two electrical paths through a barrier. The fitting includes an outer dielectric disposed in an opening in the barrier. A conductive housing with a central through bore is disposed in the outer dielectric. An inner dielectric is disposed in the through bore in the conductive housing. A central conductor is disposed in the inner dielectric. One electrical path includes the central conductor and another electrical path includes the conductive housing. Flanged portions on the conductive housing and the central conductor bear on flanged portions of the outer dielectric and the inner dielectric, respectively, to create a high pressure seal. |
| US09021959B2 |
Less than lethal cartridge
A less than lethal cartridge for a projectile which when fired has a velocity which will not kill an individual struck by the projectile. The less than lethal cartridge has a rim which is deeper or thicker than a rim on a conventional lethal cartridge. The caliber of the cartridge is also selected so that regular lethal ammunition is not available in this caliber. The preferred caliber of the less than lethal cartridge is .490. The less than lethal cartridge contains a polymeric projectile or alternatively, a sealed filled polymeric pouch containing shot therein. |
| US09021958B1 |
Broadhead-bullet with sabot
The Broadhead-Bullet and Sabot is a new type of sub-sonic hunting projectile combining capabilities of an expandable broad head arrowhead with that of a firearm-fired projectile. The Broadhead-Bullet and Sabot is for use in shorter ranges akin to shotgun slug ranges but is able to utilize the cost effectiveness, utility, and ease of use of existing firearms. |
| US09021957B1 |
Gun-launched non-lethal projectile with solid propellant rocket motor
A gun-launched, non-lethal, anti-personnel projectile includes a variable thrust, solid propellant rocket motor. The rocket motor has a variable thrust profile that maintains a substantially constant kinetic energy of the projectile below a lethal threshold from a range of about 5 meters to about 400 meters. |
| US09021955B2 |
Inertially operated electrical initiation devices
An all-fire detection circuit for an electrically initiated inertial igniter munition. The all-fire detection circuitry including: an input configured for receiving an input voltage over a duration responsive to an acceleration of the munition; an electrical storage device configured to receive a portion of the input voltage over the duration and to thereby accumulate a charge, an output coupled to the electrical storage device to deliver an all-fire indication when at least a portion of the charge exceeds a first predetermined voltage; a first diode having a first anode coupled to the input, and a first cathode; a resistor coupled in series between the first cathode and the electrical storage device; a second diode having a second anode coupled to the electrical storage device, and a second cathode; and a third diode having a third anode coupled to the first cathode, and a third cathode coupled to the second cathode. |
| US09021954B2 |
Reactive conductors for increased efficiency of exploding foil initiators and other detonators
Provided among other things are reactive energetic material systems used for conductors in detonators for increased efficiencies. According to an embodiment, a detonator may include: a conductor including at least two constituents including (i) an electrically conductive constituent, and (ii) an electrically non-conductive constituent, that when subjected to sufficient electrical energy, result in an exothermic reaction; and a flyer plate having a non-conductive surface in contact with said conductor. When the sufficient electrical energy is supplied to said conductor, rapid heating and vaporization of at least a portion of the conductor occurs so as to explosively drive at least a portion of the flyer plate away from said conductor. In an embodiment, a multilayer conductor may be formed of alternating layers of at least one electrically conductive layer, and at least one electrically non-conductive layer, that when subjected to sufficient electrical energy, result in an exothermic reaction. |
| US09021953B2 |
Security device and its production method
A security device comprises two or more regions (1, 2). Each region (1, 2) contains a material or combination of materials wherein the two or more regions exhibit substantially the same visible appearance under first viewing conditions and different visible appearances under second viewing conditions, the second viewing conditions. The second viewing conditions comprise a combination of a) visible light and b) substantially any UV wavelength. |
| US09021951B2 |
Forming an image on a flexographic media
A method for forming an image on a flexographic media includes providing a screened image; locating transition points from data regions to non-data regions in said screened image; determining a distance between pixels in adjacent data regions for each transition point; if the distance is greater than a predetermined distance, modify said screened image to remove a shoulder of pixels in contact with the transition point; and forming the modified screened image on the flexographic media. |
| US09021950B2 |
Printer cylinder assembly for a printing machine
A printing cylinder assembly for a printing machine having a sleeve cylinder which can be simply coupled to and decoupled from a rotating shaft and which can be exchanged easily. The sleeve cylinder is mounted to fit on the rotating shaft so that it can be fitted on, and be extracted from, the rotating shaft, constituting a printing cylinder. The rotating shaft is provided with a cam shaft and a coupling member that constitutes a coupling mechanism. In a coupling and a decoupling state which the coupling mechanism comes into, rotations of the cam shaft cause the coupling member to couple and decouple the sleeve cylinder to and from the rotating shaft when the coupling member is diametrically urged against, and parted from, the inner diametric surface of the sleeve cylinder, respectively. |
| US09021949B2 |
Dampening fluid recovery in a variable data lithography system
In a variable data lithography system that employs a patterned dampening fluid layer for image formation, dampening fluid may be removed prior to image transfer to a substrate. Removed dampening fluid may be recovered and recycled to reduce operating expenses and environmental waste. A replacement fluid may be applied after inking and after removal of the dampening fluid. The replacement fluid preferentially occupies the regions previously occupied by dampening fluid, and may lubricate the transfer nip. Any replacement fluid and ink not transferred to the substrate upon printing may then be cleaned from the print image carrier prior to forming a new dampening fluid layer and subsequent pattern formation. |
| US09021947B2 |
Method and an apparatus for processing a lenticular printing substrate
A method for preparing a lenticular guide roll for use in a lenticular printing run. The method comprises providing a printing roll of a printing press and a first piece of lenticular media. The first piece of lenticular printing substrate has a pitch which is substantially identical to a second lenticular printing substrate to be used in the lenticular printing run. The, method further comprises attaching the first piece of lenticular printing substrate to the printing roll to allow the maneuvering of the second lenticular printing substrate by the printing roll in the printing press. |
| US09021945B2 |
Shell cracking and retaining device
A shell cracking and retaining device for cracking shelled food products, wherein the device entirely or substantially retains food, shell portions and other debris during the cracking process, and therefore prevents said food, shell portions and other debris from being sent airborne from the device. |
| US09021943B2 |
Device and method to simulate cooking stuffing in a bird
The present invention provides a device and method for simulating cooking stuffing in a bird, such as a turkey. Stuffing prepared with the device and method of the invention has both the appearance and taste of cooked-in-the-bird stuffing. In addition, the device and method of the invention allows the user to prepare simulated cooked-in-the-bird stuffing at any time, in any quantity and in less time compared to the several hours usually needed to cook stuffing in a bird. The invention, therefore, provides all the benefits of cooked-in-the-bird stuffing without the safety concerns of bacterial contamination when cooked in a bird. |
| US09021939B2 |
Tea maker
A tea maker provides a simple structural configuration, stable and rigid structure, and low manufacturing cost, and is adapted to effectively separate the tea leaves from the brewed tea for adjustably controlling the concentration of the brewed tea. The tea maker includes a supporting frame, a tea infusing container with a container lid, a tea basket disposed in the tea infusing container, and a control circuit. A sliding arrangement includes a vertical support, a sliding frame slidably coupled at the vertical support, and a resilient element. The sliding frame includes a hanger, an actuator, and a first permanent magnet. The hanger is supported above and aligned with an electromagnet. A second permanent magnet is provided at the outer side of the surrounding wall of the tea basket and is magnetically attracted with the first permanent magnet. |
| US09021934B1 |
Remote weapon mounted viewing and sighting system
A system is provided for deployment of sensors for surveillance and operational security which allows transmission of real time video (as well as high data rate sensor data) in a secure manner from remote locations. The system provides data linkage in a manner that resists interception and blockade without revealing either the origin or the destination of the data. Ultra wideband transmissions are used to transmit video data in a difficult to detect or intercept manner. A preferred use of the system is to wirelessly transmit images from a weapon site video camera to a wearable unit which displays the image directly to an operator. The system provides low latency video manipulation that enables a computer implemented sighting reticle that can be zeroed in a manner analogous to a traditional optical weapon sight. |
| US09021933B2 |
Vehicle capable of dissipating explosion force and energy
A vehicle capable of dissipating explosion force and energy caused due to explosion of an explosive including but not limiting to mine and/or grenade under the vehicle, below the wheels, and/or on side of the vehicle with minimal effect on the personnel and material inside the vehicle, and thereby, capable of providing safety and stability to the personnel and material inside the vehicle even if vehicle is made from armor of low thickness is provided, wherein blast air force and energy is directed through one or more passages (7, 8, 9) running from one side of the vehicle to opposite side of the vehicle in a manner that blast air force and energy generated on explosion dissipates from side of the explosion through said passages to another side of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle further comprises a periscope like structure (21) and corrugated sheet (31, 32, 33). |
| US09021929B2 |
Pizza cutter
A pizza cutter includes at least one blade, a handle attached to the blade, and extenders for positioning the cutter in a pizza box to cut uniform slices of pizza. The blade may be a single blade or two blades forming a 90 degree “X”. The handle is attached across the top of the blade and may include slots to better grasp the handle. The extenders are attached to opposite ends of the cutter and may be fixed or rotating, and intersect opposite corners of the pizza box to align the blade to cut uniform slices. |
| US09021922B2 |
Insulating ratchet wrench
An insulating ratchet wrench includes a wrench body, a ratchet assembly, a main insulator and a knob. The wrench body is covered with the main insulator. The main insulator has a first insulating ring and a second insulating ring. The first insulating ring has a main annular wall and a sub annular wall. The knob has a main annular groove and a sub annular groove. Under this arrangement, the knob is assembled with the main insulator by the main annular groove and the sub annular groove sleeving onto the main annular wall and the sub annular wall respectively so as to form an overlapping structure between the ratchet assembly and the knob. When a user rotates the knob or holds the wrench body near the ratchet assembly, the main insulator avoids an electric shock in a saltatory conduction manner from a charged object via the ratchet assembly. |
| US09021920B2 |
Geared clickless socket wrench
A geared socket wrench hand tool is disclosed. The socket wrench is a clickless wrench allowing for more precise movement of the socket. The socket wrench, through a series of gears, can rotate in infinitesimally small rotations. |
| US09021913B2 |
Shift device for a transmission of a motor vehicle
In a shift by wire transmission, a control unit limits the shift position (P, R, N, D, L) to be changed beyond a prescribed shift position depending on an initial shift position and an amount of the movement of the shift member in a single shifting operation. Thereby, even when the shift member is excessively advanced or otherwise improperly advanced, the actually selected shift position can be suitably selected so that an undesired change of the shift position can be avoided. The control unit may also limit the selected shift position to be changed beyond a prescribed shift position depending on a traveling speed of the vehicle so that an improper change in the shift position due to vehicle speed constraints can be avoided by using a simple structure. |
| US09021912B2 |
Shifting apparatus
A haptic device for an actuator of a gear selector for a vehicle. The haptic device includes a first element and a second element coupled to one another and movable from a rest position, when the actuator is in a disengaged position, to a triggered position, when the actuator is moved to an engaged position. The elements define a space for accepting a slide between the first and second elements. A biasing member continuously biases the first and second elements toward one another. The slide defines a contoured surface. A cam follower selectively engages the contoured surface and urges the first and second elements toward the triggered position to create the tactile feedback to the actuator. |
| US09021909B2 |
Dampers at the main shift rod
A compound transmission shift mechanism is disclosed. The shift mechanism includes a plurality of gears configured on at least one transmission shaft with at least one synchronizer configured to engage at least two of the plurality of gears. The shift mechanism includes a control system configured to engage and position the synchronizer into alignment with the at least two of the plurality of gears. Additionally, the shift mechanism includes at least one damping assembly configured on the control system and operatively connected to the synchronizer. |
| US09021907B2 |
Range sensing apparatus
A housing slidably guides a slider, which is driven in response to selection of a shift range of an automatic transmission. Upper and lateral sides of a movable range of the slider are covered with the housing. Thereby, application of hydraulic fluid and foreign objects to guide rails is limited to limit malfunction of the slider. Furthermore, even when the hydraulic fluid and foreign objects adhere to the guide rails, the hydraulic fluid and foreign objects can be collected at ends of the movable range of the slider and can be expelled to an outside of the housing through open ends of the housing. |
| US09021906B2 |
Double clutch transmission having a layshaft design
A double clutch transmission of countershaft design having a central shaft and a concentric hollow transmission shaft, one countershaft, and two power-shift elements. Two hollow shafts are disposed on the countershaft coaxially to the countershaft, each of which can be fixed, via one shift device, to the countershaft, and to which at least two gearwheels are fixed. A further hollow shaft is coaxially provided on either the central or hollow transmission shafts and can be connected, via a shift device, to the central or hollow transmission shaft, and to which at least two further gearwheels of the gear stages are fixed. At least three transmission ratios are possible by engaging three of the gear stages on the shift-element side into the power flow, thereby enabling one transmission ratio to be at least partially implemented by a respective sole engagement on the shift-element side into the power flow. |
| US09021903B2 |
Linear actuator
A linear actuator has a housing, a piston slideable within the housing along a slide axis, a first shaft rotatable about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the slide axis, a second shaft rotatable about a second axis parallel to the slide axis, in which the second shaft and the piston are engaged to convert rotational motion of the second shaft into linear motion of the piston, and in which the first shaft and the second shaft are engaged by a ball-worm gear. |
| US09021902B2 |
Central transmission device for a four-wheel steering system
A four-wheel steering central transmission device includes an input shaft extending through a front wall of a housing and having an input rotary disc formed with a first slide groove. A turning output unit includes an output shaft extending through a rear wall of the housing and having an output rotary disc formed with a second slide groove. A transmission unit disposed between the input and output shafts includes a hollow adjustment block disposed adjustably within the housing and movable leftward or rightward, and a transmission member movable within the adjustment block and having slide pieces inserted respectively and slidably into the first and second slide grooves. |
| US09021901B2 |
Shoe
A hemispherical shoe 4 is equipped with a sliding surface 4A which slides with a swash plate 3, and a hemispherical convex 4B. Hardening is performed by radiating a laser so that minute circles 6 may be drawn on the sliding surface 4A. Then, lapping is given to the sliding surface 4A and, finally, buffing is given thereto. Thereby, the annular swelling portions 7′ and concavities 8′ are formed in positions of the circles 6 and, further, lubricating oil passages 10′ which include net-like concavities are formed in the sliding surface 4A. A hardening part is formed of the above-mentioned annular swelling portions 7′. The above-mentioned annular swelling portions 7′ are formed so that a ratio of an area of a total of all the above-described annular swelling portions 7′ occupying an area of the sliding surface 4A which is a hardening object domain may become 0.3 to 0.8. It is possible to provide a shoe 4 which is good in seizure resistance in comparison with the past. |
| US09021900B2 |
In-pipe inspection robot
Provided is an in-pipe inspection robot which moves along a path in a pipe to inspect suspected areas such as cracks in the pipe. An in-pipe inspection robot in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention has a configuration in which two or more operating units having a plurality of arms, which move forward and backward in a radial direction of a pipe, are connected to each other to move in a straight direction or to be bent relative to each other by means of a flexible link mechanism. |
| US09021897B2 |
Versatile, flexible, and robust MEMS/NEMS sensor for decoupled measuring of three-dimensional forces in air or liquids
A force measuring device. The device comprises an x-axis sensor beam for measuring x-direction forces, a y-axis sensor beam for measuring y-direction forces, a z-axis sensor beam for measuring z-direction forces, and wherein the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis sensor beams are decoupled such that forces exerted by a specimen in one direction do not exert substantial forces on the other two sensor beams. |
| US09021896B2 |
Method for determining the quality of a screw joint tightening process performed by an impulse wrench
A method for determining the quality of a screw joint tightening process performed by means of a torque impulse wrench, comprising clamp load determination via calculation of the time of flight for ultra sonic waves induced into the screw joint, and comparing of a total rotation movement of the screw joint with predetermined angle limit values as a target axial load level has been indicated by the time of flight of ultra sonic waves induced in the screw joint. Occurring discrepancies between the obtained total rotation movement of the screw joint and the angle limit values would indicate a faulty screw joint and/or a malfunctioning ultra sonic wave flight time measurement, which means an unacceptable tightening process quality. |
| US09021893B2 |
High survivability fluid flow sensor having a load cell for detecting loading on the sensor probe
A high survivability fluid flow sensor includes a sensor housing defining an interior space. A sensor probe has a first end disposed within the interior space. The sensor probe also includes a second end opposite the first end outside the interior space. At least one load cell is disposed within the interior space and is operatively engaged with the first end of the sensor probe. The load cell is configured to detect loading on the sensor probe as a result of fluid flow impinging on the sensor probe adjacent to the second end. The sensor is operable to capture fluid flow data history through an over pressure event via the sensor probe, which exerts pressure upon the piezoelectric load cell(s), thereby enabling analysis of the wave fluid dynamics. |
| US09021890B2 |
Magnetic flowmeter with multiple coils
A magnetic flowmeter for measuring a flow of a process fluid includes a flowtube arranged to receive the flow of the process fluid. First, second and third coils are arranged adjacent the flowtube. First and second electrodes are arranged to sense an electrical potential of the process fluid related to an applied magnetic field and a flow rate of the process fluid. The sensed electrical potential is used to calculate the flow rate of the process fluid through the flow tube. |
| US09021888B2 |
Load detection device for vehicle seat
A load detection device for a vehicle seat includes a strain generating body including a first end hole, a second end hole and a strain gauge, a first fixing member including a first middle shaft portion and a first end shaft portion, a second fixing member including a second middle shaft portion and a second end shaft portion, a bracket member including first and second fixing portions connected to each other with a connecting portion, first and second fixing holes, the first end shaft portion is press-fitted into the first fixing hole, the second fixing hole is fitted onto the second end shaft portion in a manner that the second fixing hole includes a degree of freedom of a movement thereof in a lengthwise direction and a movement thereof in a direction intersecting with the lengthwise direction is restricted, and a connecting member. |
| US09021884B2 |
Sensor for high pressure processing of articles
A pressure sensor device and its use for confirming achievement of a selected pressure in a high pressure process (HPP) for sanitizing food is disclosed. The device includes at least a base and a sheet, each of which is substantially impermeable to the working fluid of the HPP and is deformable at the selected pressure. Microcapsules interposed between flat overlapping portions of the base and sheet contain a color former and burst upon pressurization of the environment surrounding the device. Release of the color former is detected to confirm that the pressurization occurred. The device can be associated with one or more foodstuffs (e.g., a packaged food product or a group of such packages) and remain associated therewith to continuously indicate that the foodstuff(s) have been subjected to the selected pressure and are therefore sanitized. |
| US09021883B2 |
Pressure gauge
A pressure gauge includes a base including an annular flange and a pipe for gas flow; a ring on the flange; an uneven pressure measuring member on the ring; a moveable assembly including a seat, a hollow insert, and a shaft wherein the seat is secured to the pressure measuring member, the insert includes two opposite, internal, upper projections, the insert is fastened in the seat, the shaft includes external threads secured to the projections, an upper annular groove, a top protrusion, and an axis projects upward from the protrusion; a pointer secured to the axis; a covering member includes a ring member on the pressure measuring member, and a bridge crossing the ring member and allowing the axis to pass through, and a bent member; a balance spring in the groove and fastened in the bent member; a scale on the bridge; a housing; and a transparent cover. |
| US09021882B2 |
Ultrasound-based measuring device and method
An ultrasound-based measuring device includes a measurement body, at least one ultrasonic transmitter for coupling ultrasonic measurement signals into the measurement body, and at least one ultrasonic receiver for detecting the ultrasonic measurement signals reflected at an end face of the measurement body. The at least one ultrasonic transmitter emits both a longitudinal and a transverse measurement signal. The influence of a physical disturbance variable on the measurement section traversed by the measurement signals during a determination of a measurement pressure prevailing at the end face and/or of a measurement temperature prevailing at the end face can be taken into account on the basis of the propagation times and a difference between the propagation times of the longitudinal and transverse measurement signals reflected at the end face. |
| US09021873B2 |
Brake abnormality diagnosis method and brake abnormality diagnosis device
A brake abnormality diagnosis device which diagnoses an abnormality in a brake of a brake-equipped motor provided in a robot or a machine tool, includes: an abnormality diagnosis unit which performs a diagnosis as to whether or not there is an abnormality in the brake, while the motor is excited and the brake is activated; and an output unit which, if it is diagnosed that there is an abnormality in the brake, notifies the abnormality in the brake without interrupting the excitation of the motor and without releasing the brake. |
| US09021871B2 |
Fuel amount detection device for vehicle
Provided is a fuel amount detection device for a vehicle positioned in a fuel tank of the vehicle to detect a remaining fuel amount. In the fuel amount detection device for a vehicle, a resistor pattern and a conductive pattern formed on a resistor substrate and spaced apart from each other are electrically connected to each other by a conductive material coated on a conductive film pressed by a contactor to prevent abrasion of the resistor pattern formed on the resistor substrate, thereby making it possible to improve durability. In addition, since the resistor pattern is sealed by the conductive film, it does not contact fuel, such that corrosion of the resistor pattern is prevented, thereby making it possible to accurately detect a fuel amount. |
| US09021868B2 |
Sensor controller and exhaust gas treatment system using the same
A sensor controller is for a particulate matter detection sensor that includes a pair of opposed electrodes spaced from each other and disposed on an attachment portion. The sensor controller includes a calculation portion configured to calculate an amount of particulate matter attached to the particulate matter detection sensor based on a detection value from the particulate matter detection sensor, and a determination portion configured to determine whether water exists in the exhaust passage based on the detection value. Thus, it is possible to accurately determine whether water exists in the exhaust passage. |
| US09021867B2 |
Sensor-enabled gate valve
Methods, systems, and apparatus for a gate valve including a body and a sensing bore. A subassembly includes a body with a sensing bore; a bonnet contacting the body; and at least one of a vein and a plug in the sensing bore. |
| US09021866B2 |
Gas leak detector
A gas-leak detector includes a suction pump that sucks sample gas and reference gas, two gas detection sensors, and a cell block having a cell therein. The cell receives the gasses and has two suction-gas introduction channels and a single gas discharge channel opening thereinto. The gas-leak detector detects a gas leak on the basis of outputs from the sensors. The introduction channels and the discharge channel open into the cell at a first one of opposing surfaces of the cell, the opening of the discharge channel being arranged between the openings of the two introduction channels. The sensors are on the same plane as a second one of the opposing surfaces and are arranged between the opening of the discharge channel and the openings of the introduction channels. The suction pump is arranged on the cell block and communicates with the opening of the discharge channel. |
| US09021865B1 |
Apparatus and method for measuring permeation of contaminants through protective materials
A testing apparatus and method includes a PTFE layer; placing a sorbent pad on the PTFE layer; applying contaminants to a protective material; placing the protective material adjacent to the sorbent pad with the side having contaminants opposite the sorbent pad; applying a weight to the protective material causing the protective material to contact the sorbent pad, and determining any permeation of contaminants through said protective material causing exposure on the sorbent pad to the contaminants; and measuring a level of contamination of the sorbent pad upon exposure to any contaminants which permeated the protective material. A second PTFE layer may be placed in between the weight and the protective material. Additionally, another PTFE layer may be placed in between the protective material and the sorbent pad. The protective material may include any of air impermeable materials, air permeable materials, and semi-permeable materials. |
| US09021863B1 |
System for measuring back pressure in open ended chemical reactor tubes
A system for measuring back pressure in open ended chemical reactor tubes is provided. The system can include automatic test heads or manual test head connected to a continuous real-time monitor and display device, a controller, a multiport manifold, and a plurality of umbilicals. Each umbilical can carry compressed air, sensor signals, and power to the test heads. |
| US09021858B2 |
Apparatus for testing water hammer strength of glass bottle
An object is to prevent a bottle from being inclined when a weight is dropped, and to prevent cushion members from moving due to the impact applied when the bottle is inclined, thereby enabling efficient and correct measurement of the water hammer strength. An apparatus for testing the water hammer strength includes holding element that holds bottle filled with content and sealed with a cap at a position above the center of gravity thereof so as to suspend the bottle in the air, and the holding element is placed on cushion members placed on a fixing stage. A weight is then dropped onto the cap to measure the water hammer strength. The cushion members are compressed and deformed in advance using a compression element for forcing the holding element downward to solve the above-described problems. |
| US09021857B1 |
Covers with a multiplicity of sensors for training mannequins, punching bags or kicking bags
A training mannequin has a multiplicity of sensors mounted in a removable covering to measure the efficacy of a specific attack in a localized region, and informs the user of the effects of that attack in terms of the physiological damage it would cause if the attack were inflicted on a typical human. |
| US09021856B2 |
Device for checking a flow pressure measurement probe, and probe comprising the device
A device is provided for checking a flow pressure measurement probe as well as a probe comprising the device. The probe includes an internal volume and at least one orifice for communication with the outside of the volume. The device includes: an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver that are intended to be connected to the internal volume so that the transmitter transmits an acoustic signal that propagates in the internal volume and so that the receiver picks up an observed acoustic signal; and, means for comparing the observed signal with a reference signal. The device may be a stand-alone device or may be integrated into the probe. |
| US09021854B2 |
Method and a device for real time monitoring of a system for measuring a fuel flow rate
A device and method of monitoring the measurement of a fuel flow rate fed to an airplane engine includes delivering the measurement from a mass flowmeter. The monitoring also includes evaluating whether at least the following conditions are satisfied: a signal delivered by the flowmeter is less than a given value; and the engine is running on its own. The measurement is invalidated if these conditions are satisfied simultaneously. |
| US09021849B2 |
Shrinker stretcher machine
The present invention is a shrinker stretcher machine that uses four distinct and separate tool cartridges to perform both shrinking and stretching operations by simply removing, rotating each tool cartridge 180 degrees, and reattaching it in its designated position. Each tool cartridge removably carries a jaw that can be removed and securely replaced with either a shrinker or stretcher jaw to accommodate the operation being performed. Each tool cartridges and jaw is firmly held in place by magnets and interlocking keyed surfaces to properly align and hold the tool cartridges and jaws. |
| US09021848B2 |
Method for forming a sector for a nacelle lip skin
Forming a sector for a nacelle lip skin from a sheet metal blank via punch by placing the blank against an outer surface of the punch and clamping a trailing edge of the blank in a clamping member that grips a trailing edge of the blank without slippage; gripping a leading edge of the blank, opposite the trailing edge, in a gripping device at a location axially spaced from the punch with sufficient force to permit the blank to flow therethrough in a controlled manner; displacing the gripping device in a first direction, radially with respect to the punch while drawing the blank through the gripper; displacing the gripping device in a second direction, axially with respect to the punch, to draw the blank over the leading edge of the punch and through the gripping device. |
| US09021846B2 |
Method for making metal body and metal box by using hydroforming
A hydroforming method for metal produces hardware having a throat in only one side and having approximately right-angled corners without causing thinning and breakage. The method includes using a working fluid to exert a liquid pressure on a metal embryo and cooperating with a push rod of a hydroforming mold to supply material from the lower edge, forcing the side sheet metals to bulge. Furthermore, by using the hydroforming mold to provide a downwardly pressing active force on the metal embryo, under feeding of the downwardly pressing active force cooperating with continuous liquid pressure, the metal embryo deforms and bulges such that each corner of the metal embryo and the wall corners of the die cavity of the hydroforming mold have approximately the same angles. Hardware, every angle of which approximates a right angle, can be obtained after removing the hydroforming mold. This method can also be used to obtain a metal box. |
| US09021844B2 |
Methods and apparatus to monitor material conditioning machines
Methods and apparatus to monitor conditioning machines are disclosed herein. An example system includes a plurality of work rolls to process a strip material. A first sensor detects a first distance between an upper surface of the strip material and a first reference location and a second sensor detects a second distance between an upper surface of the strip material and a second reference location. A controller determines a difference value between the first distance and the second distance to detect material curvature of the strip material. |
| US09021842B2 |
Lockable utility box lid
A lockable utility box lid includes at least one aperture therethrough for receiving a fastener. The locking mechanism preferably includes a utility box engagement member coupled to the underside of the utility box lid. The locking mechanism is movable between a locked and unlocked position. A fastener extends through the opening in the utility box lid and engages the locking mechanism. Rotating the fastener in a first direction causes the locking mechanism to assume a first, locked position. Rotating the fastener in a second direction causes the locking mechanism to assume a second, unlocked position. In the locked position the utility box engagement member is engaged with an interior surface of the utility box lid. |
| US09021841B2 |
Vessel locking system
A vessel locking system which provides a locking cap which secures in locked engagement with a vessel releasable by mated engagement of a cap key with the locking cap. |
| US09021839B2 |
Motor for washing machine and washing machine having the same
A motor for washing machines having a first insulator of the motor which surrounds a lower portion of a stator core of a stator of the motor and includes a ring-shaped mounting unit including a plurality of connection bosses so as to mount the stator on a tub of a washing machine, and at least one heat dissipation hole is provided on the mounting unit, thereby improving a cooling effect of the stator core. |
| US09021836B2 |
Glass welding method and glass layer fixing method
When melting a glass layer 3 by irradiation with laser light L1 along a region to be fused R, the glass layer 3 is irradiated with the laser light L1 having a first heat input along the region to be fused R, so as to gasify a binder and melt a glass frit 2, and the heat input is switched when the melting ratio of the glass layer 3 in a direction intersecting an advancing direction of the laser light L1 exceeds a predetermined value, so as to irradiate the glass layer 3 with the laser light L1 having a second heat input smaller than the first heat input along the region to be fused R, thereby gasifying the binder and melting the glass fit 2, thus fixing the glass layer 3 to a glass member 4. |
| US09021835B2 |
Removable jewelry setting
The present invention provides an improvement in an article of jewelry of the type in which the ornamental portion of the article is secured or released selectively from the support portion of the article. The removable jewelry setting provides a simplified construction which is used readily by the wearer of jewelry to assemble a particular combination of ornament and support selected from a wide variety of such combinations made available by the improvement. The construction also enhances the ability to tailor a jewelry article to a particular style of dress without unduly multiplying the number of expensive ornaments required to provide a wide range of ornamented articles. The construction enables ease of interchange of the ornamental portion of an article of jewelry. |
| US09021834B2 |
Collapsible retaining structure for body piercing jewelry
Flexible retaining structures for body jewelry and method for their use. |
| US09021833B2 |
Jewelry assembly with a replaceable decorative insert
A jewelry assembly includes a housing with a head having a well and an insert with a decorative surface and sized and shaped to fit into the well. Magnetic elements are provided to hold the insert and the head together so that insert can be replaced at will by a user with another insert that fits in the well but has a different decorative surface. Optionally, a tool is further provided to separate the insert from the head. |
| US09021831B2 |
Hydrocarbon gas processing
A process and an apparatus are disclosed for the recovery of ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream in a compact processing assembly. The gas stream is cooled and divided into first and second streams. The first stream is further cooled to condense substantially all of it and is thereafter expanded to lower pressure and supplied as the top feed to an absorbing means inside the processing assembly. The second stream is also expanded to lower pressure and supplied as the bottom feed to the absorbing means. A distillation vapor stream is collected from the upper region of the absorbing means and directed into one or more heat exchange means inside the processing assembly to heat it while cooling the gas stream and the first stream. A distillation liquid stream is collected from the lower region of the absorbing means and directed into a heat and mass transfer means inside the processing assembly to heat it and strip out its volatile components while cooling the gas stream. The quantities and temperatures of the feeds to the absorbing means are effective to maintain the temperature of the upper region of the absorbing means at a temperature whereby the major portions of the desired components are recovered in the stripped distillation liquid stream. |
| US09021827B2 |
Ice maker and refrigerator including the same
An ice maker including a heating type ice-making tray capable of securing ice ejecting and a refrigerator including the ice maker are disclosed. According to a refrigerator including the ice maker, the ice may be securely ejected from the ice-making tray. As a result, reliability of ice ejecting may be improved. The water generated when the ice is ejected in the ice maker may be prevented from falling to an ice container efficiently. |
| US09021817B2 |
Monolithic construction compressed air/gas dryer system with filtration
A monolithic compressed-gas dryer including in series: an inlet chamber, a precooler/reheater chamber, an evaporator chamber, and a sump chamber. The chambers are welded together to form columns where at least one column has a filtration chamber. Further provided is a gas outlet. The system creates a first and second set of heat transfer passages where refrigerant passes through the second set in a heat exchange relationship in a direction perpendicular to incoming gas passing in the first set. The filtration chamber conducts chilled gas from the first set to a third set of heat transfer passages. The third set extends through the precooler/reheater in heat exchange relationship with the first set. Chilled gas passes in heat exchange relationship in a direction perpendicular to the incoming gas so that the incoming gas chilled in the evaporator exchanges heat with the incoming gas in the precooler/reheater. |
| US09021816B2 |
Gas turbine engine turbine vane platform core
A turbine vane for a gas turbine engine includes inner and outer platforms joined by a radially extending airfoil. The airfoil includes leading and trailing edges joined by spaced apart pressure and suction sides to provide an exterior airfoil surface. The airfoil includes an airfoil cooling passage. A platform cooling passage is arranged within at least one of the inner and outer platforms. The platform cooling passage includes multiple cooling regions with one of the cooling regions arranged beneath the airfoil cooling passage. |
| US09021814B2 |
Process for co-producing synthesis gas and power
A process for co-producing synthesis gas and power includes producing a synthesis gas comprising at least CO and H2 by reacting a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock with oxygen, the synthesis gas being at a first temperature, separating air from a compressed air stream by means of at least one ion transport membrane unit thereby producing a permeate stream consisting predominantly of oxygen and a reject stream of oxygen-depleted air at a second temperature which is lower than the first temperature, indirectly heating the reject stream of oxygen-depleted air with the synthesis gas and at least partially expanding, the heated reject stream of oxygen-depleted air through at least one turbine to generate power, producing an at least partially expanded reject stream of oxygen-depleted air, and feeding at least a portion of the permeate stream consisting predominantly of oxygen to the synthesis gas generation stage to provide oxygen for production of synthesis gas. |
| US09021813B2 |
Cable-actuated variable area fan nozzle with elastomeric seals
An apparatus installed on an aircraft, comprising: a sleeve or duct having a trailing lip area; a plurality of petals arranged side by side with gaps therebetween, one end of each petal being attached or pivotably coupled to the lip area; and a plurality of elastomeric seals configured and disposed to close the gaps between adjacent petals. Each elastomeric seal comprises a first portion that moves with a portion of a first petal that is in contact therewith, a second portion that moves with a portion of a second petal that is in contact there, and a third portion which is stretched as the first and second petals move further apart from each other. Petal deflection is actuated by a system comprising a flexible member, a motor, a shaft driven by the motor, and an arm projecting from the shaft. One end of the flexible member is attached to the arm, the flexible member being movable to deflect the petals inward in response to a shaft rotation. |
| US09021812B2 |
Combustor dome and heat-shield assembly
A combustor dome and heat-shield assembly comprises a heat-shield having a first opening therethrough. A swirler extends through the first opening and captures the heat-shield. A dome having a second opening therethrough and has an upstream side and a downstream side. The swirler extends through the second opening from the downstream side to the upstream side to capture the heat-shield on the downstream side, and a retaining clip engages the swirler to secure the swirler and the heat-shield on the dome. |
| US09021811B2 |
Gas turbine swirler including a vortex generator device and fuel injection openings arranged between adjacent vanes
A swirler for mixing fuel and air is provided. The swirler includes a plurality of vanes positioned radially around a central axis of the swirler and a plurality of mixing channels for mixing the fuel and the air. At least one mixing channel of the plurality of mixing channels is defined by opposite walls of two adjacent vanes of the plurality of vanes and is comprising at least one fuel injection opening and is further comprising at least one dimple for generating a vortex of the air. Further, a combustion chamber incorporating such a swirler and a gas turbine incorporating such a combustion chamber are provided. |
| US09021810B2 |
Fossil-fuel-fired power plant
A power plant includes a boiler, a stream turbine generator, a post combustion processing system, a feed water regeneration processing system and a heat exchanger. Heat from the heat exchanger is used to regenerate (a) a reagent that absorbs carbon dioxide from flue gas and (b) a water-lean desiccant used to increase plant operating efficiency. |
| US09021808B2 |
Rankine cycle waste heat recovery system
A Rankine cycle waste heat recovery system associated with an internal combustion engine is in a configuration that enables handling of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) gas by using the energy recovered from a Rankine cycle waste heat recovery system. The system includes a control module for regulating various function of the internal combustion engine and its associated systems along with the Rankine cycle waste heat recovery system. |
| US09021807B2 |
Waste heat utilization device and operating method
In a waste heat utilization arrangement for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle including a waste heat utilization circuit in which a working medium is circulated, a pumping device for pressurizing the working medium, an evaporator for vaporizing the working medium by waste heat of the internal combustion engine, an expansion machine for expanding the working medium while extracting mechanical energy therefrom and a condenser for condensing the working medium in a resting state, the waste heat utilization circuit is in communication with a pressure store capable of maintaining a pressure for setting and ensuring a predetermined adjustable minimum pressure of the working medium in the waste heat utilization circuit. |
| US09021801B2 |
Compensating for incomplete reversal in mechanisms incorporating shape memory alloy wire
Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuating elements are commonly simpler and of lower mass than alternative actuator designs and may find particular application in the transportation industry. Such SMA-powered devices are usually reliable and long-lived but the phase transformations which occur in the SMA alloy and are responsible for its utility are not totally reversible. This irreversibility, a consequence of irrecoverable strain, may progressively degrade the long-term actuator performance as the irrecoverable strain accumulates over many operating cycles. Methods and devices for compensating for these effects and extending the useful cycle life of SMA actuators are described. |
| US09021798B2 |
Digital hydraulic system
A method and a pressurized medium system, including: at least one actuator to generate sum forces effective on a load; a working chamber operating by displacement and located in the actuator; a charging circuit of a higher pressure, which is a source of hydraulic power; a charging circuit of a lower pressure, which is a source of hydraulic power; a control circuit, that couples the charging circuit of higher pressure and the charging circuit of lower pressure, in turn, to the working chamber; wherein the working chamber is capable of generating force components that correspond to the pressure of the charging circuit to be coupled to the working chamber, and each force component produces at least one of the sum forces either alone or in combination with the force components produced by the other working chambers of the actuator. |
| US09021797B2 |
Energy-efficient hydraulic drive for the linear movement of a mass
Hydraulically driven arrangement for the linear movement of a mass body consisting of two double acting cylinders coupled in parallel, whereby one operating cylinder is a control cylinder for controlling the movement of the mass body, which is split into an acceleration phase, a movement phase and a brake phase. The other operating cylinder is connected as a drive cylinder to the hydraulic power pack as an energy storage, in a manner that the power pack during the acceleration phase of the mass body generates the drive energy for the drive cylinder, and the drive cylinder in the brake phase of the mass body, which serves as a pump for charging the hydraulic power pack. The control cylinder and drive cylinder each have a piston with a one-sided piston rod coupled to the mass body. The control cylinder and the drive cylinder are controlled by hydraulically separated, independent control circuits. |
| US09021794B2 |
Decomposition chamber
According to one embodiment, described herein is an apparatus for decomposing diesel exhaust fluid into ammonia for an internal combustion engine (ICE) system having a selective catalytic reduction system. The apparatus includes an outlet cover, an inlet cover coupled to the outlet cover, and a support plate disposed between the outlet cover and the inlet cover. The support plate forms an outlet channel with the outlet cover and an inlet channel with the inlet cover. The inlet channel is fluidly coupled to the outlet channel. Additionally, the inlet channel may be adjacent to the outlet channel. |
| US09021791B2 |
Method for diagnosing a metering valve and device for carrying out the method
A method for diagnosing a metering valve for metering a reagent into the exhaust gas region of an internal combustion engine. The metering valve is actuated by a pulse-width-modulated metering valve actuation signal with a certain duty factor for setting the metering rate. A reagent pump places the reagent at a reagent pressure, and the reagent pump is operated with a pulse-width-modulated pump actuation signal with a certain duty factor. Diagnosis of the metering valve is carried out on the basis of an evaluation of the increase in the metering valve actuation signal pulse duty factor after a predefined increase in the metering rate. The reagent filling level of an SCR catalytic converter arranged in the exhaust gas region is taken into account. At the start of the diagnosis, the reagent storage capacity of the SCR catalytic converter is checked. |
| US09021788B2 |
Exhaust purification system of internal combustion engine
In an internal combustion engine, inside of an engine exhaust passage, a hydrocarbon feed valve (15) and an exhaust purification catalyst (13) are arranged. At the time of engine operation, the amplitude of change of the concentration of hydrocarbons which flow into the exhaust purification catalyst (13) is made to become within a predetermined range of amplitude by control of the injection amount of hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon feed valve (15), the concentration of hydrocarbons flowing into the exhaust purification catalyst (13) is made to vibrate by a predetermined range of period by control of the injection period of hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon feed valve (15), and thereby the NOx contained in the exhaust gas and the NOx stored in the exhaust purification catalyst (13) are reduced. |
| US09021786B2 |
Method for initiating and maintaining a substoichiometric operating mode of an internal combustion engine and internal combustion engine for carrying out a method of this kind
The present disclosure describes systems and methods for recharging a storage catalyst of an internal combustion engine. A method is described, comprising: while operating an engine in a substoichiometric operating mode when the engine is under medium load and responsive to an LNT condition, assisting the engine with an electric machine connected to an engine crankshaft. The electric machine provides an auxiliary drive to assist the engine in maintaining the substantially steady state substoichiometric operating mode which may be used to reduce NOx or SOx build up in a storage catalytic convertor or to assay the condition of a storage catalytic convertor. |
| US09021785B2 |
Engine system for increasing available turbocharger energy
An engine system for a machine is disclosed. The engine system may have an intake manifold configured to direct air into a donor cylinder and a non-donor cylinder of an engine. The engine system may also have a first exhaust manifold configured to direct exhaust from the non-donor cylinder to the atmosphere. The engine system may also have a second exhaust manifold configured to receive exhaust from the donor cylinder. The engine system may further have a control valve configured to selectively direct a first amount of exhaust from the second exhaust manifold to the intake manifold. In addition, the engine system may have an orifice configured to allow a second amount of exhaust to flow from the second exhaust manifold to the first exhaust manifold. |
| US09021783B2 |
Pulse detonation engine having a scroll ejector attenuator
The engine (10) includes at least one firing tube (12) wherein an exhaust stream (32) from the firing tube (12) drives a turbine (30). A scroll ejector attenuator (40) is secured between and in fluid communication with an outlet end (28) of the firing tube (12) and an inlet (76) of the turbine (30). The attenuator (40) defines a turning, narrowing passageway (72) that extends a distance the exhaust stream (32) travels before entering the turbine (30) to attenuate shockwaves and mix the pulsed exhaust stream (32) into an even stream with minimal temperature differences to thereby enhance efficient operation of the turbine (30) without any significant pressure decline of exhaust stream (32) pressure and without any backpressure from the attenuator (40) on the firing tube (12). |
| US09021781B2 |
Fuel injector having an ignitor for igniting a combustor of a gas turbine
A fuel injector for a combustor of a gas turbine includes an annular main body. A fluid circuit extends at least partially through the main body. An axially extending inner body extends within the main body. The inner body at least partially defines an inner chamber that extends at least partially through the inner body. The inner chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid circuit. A retractable igniter extends linearly outward from the inner chamber when the fluid circuit is charged. |
| US09021776B2 |
Height of cut system for lawn mower
A deck lifting and height of cut assembly for a lawn mower, in which the deck lifting assembly includes at least one movable component and the height of cut assembly includes a height adjustment mechanism having a plurality of stop surfaces. A prop extends between the movable component of the deck lifting assembly and a first stop surface of the height adjustment mechanism to prevent the cutting deck assembly from lowering below a first height. The height adjustment mechanism is adjustable to place a second stop surface in engagement with the prop so that the cutting deck assembly is prevented from lowering below a second height different from the first height. The prop may also be used to maintain the cutting deck assembly in the full-up position during travel of the lawn mower between work areas. |
| US09021772B2 |
Machine and method for filling and weighing capsules
A machine for dosing a product in capsules, includes a rotating turret which has seats suitable for receiving empty capsules and a dosing device for dosing the product in the capsules. The machine further includes a feeding unit having a first weighing device for weighing empty capsules, a transfer arrangement for transferring empty capsules, when weighed, to predetermined seats of the turret for being filled with the product, a second weighing device for weighing capsules filled with the product, and a processing device connected to the first and second weighing device for receiving data relative to weights measured by the first and second weighing devices and for calculating for each capsule a difference between the weight measured before and the weight measured after filling. In this manner, a respective quantity of dosed product is calculated. |
| US09021771B2 |
Heat sealer with algorithm for regulating sealing temperature
A vacuum and sealing appliance comprises a heat sealing element for sealing a container during a sealing cycle. A controller controls the temperature of the heat sealing element during the sealing cycle based on a signal from a temperature sensor that senses the real-time temperature of the heat sealing element. A seal indicator light is provided which is lighted during the sealing cycle and extinguished at its completion. The signal from the controller energizes the heating element for a time to heat the sealing element to a pre-determined temperature for sealing the container and initiates a dwell time corresponding to cooling the heating element after sealing the container. Values of the real-time temperatures of the heat sealing element and values of the sealing times and the dwell times that correspond to the values of the real-time temperatures of the heat sealing element are stored in a look-up table. |
| US09021767B1 |
Apparatus and kit for stone veneer panel installation
A kit for securing stone veneer panels to a structure, the kit comprising a plurality of stone veneer panels with upper and lower flanges, a plurality of brackets for securing the panels to the structure and a filler panel for placement between adjacent vertically disposed stone veneer panels to fill the gap between the panels. The brackets are secured to the structure through a bracket center mount and also utilize upper and lower wing walls to form a channel for receipt of the flange of the panels. |
| US09021764B2 |
Apparatus for fixing the rear glass of an operator cab on construction machinery
An apparatus for fixing the rear glass of a cab on construction machinery is provided. The apparatus includes a window frame forming a cab window frame; a weather strip coupled to the window frame to seal a gap between the window frame and the rear glass of the cab; a glass interior fixing portion including an engagement portion inserted and engaged between the window frame and the weather strip, a body portion extending from the engagement portion at right angles and having a groove and a glass support portion supporting the rear glass of the cab; a glass exterior fixing portion engaged with the glass support portion of the glass interior fixing portion to support the rear glass of the cab; and a stopper having one side fixed to the window frame to support the rear glass of the cab. |
| US09021762B1 |
Interlocking concrete blocks with trapezoidal shape
The present invention relates to concrete blocks or cement blocks that are shaped along the front surface like a wood shingle. In this way, when a user builds an outside wall out of these cement blocks, water will run down the side of the wall and not get into any of the joints where one block connects with the other. The blocks are all pre-made, sent to an end-user, and the end-user stacks them to create a wall. |
| US09021760B2 |
Laminated roofing shingle system and shingles for use therein
A roofing system comprising laminated roofing shingles having a reduced-width headlap portion and a buttlap portion, wherein the roofing system comprises a plurality of courses, and wherein a trailing edge of a subsequently installed shingle in a course overlaps the leading edge of an adjacent previously installed shingle in the same course. The reduced-width headlap portion of the roofing shingles has a width that is less than the width of the buttlap portion. The roofing shingle comprises a first and a second shingle sheet and the lateral edges of the first shingle sheet are aligned with the lateral edges of the second sheet. |
| US09021757B2 |
Tower construction and a method for erecting the tower construction
A concrete tower construction has a foundation and a plurality of prefabricated concrete tower elements, each having an outside, an inside, a material thickness provided there between, and top and bottom surfaces. The tower elements have hollow centers and are arranged one tower element on top of another, forming a column on top of the foundation. Plural tendons arranged in the hollow center apply tension force to the column. An upper force distribution element is arranged on top of the column, and a lower force distribution element is arranged in the foundation. Each tendon is connected to the upper force distribution element and the lower force distribution element by cooperating attachments. Methods of erecting the tower construction, tower elements and a foundation are described. |
| US09021756B2 |
Facilities for hybrid tissue banks
A system, workflow and facilities for hybrid tissue banks are provided with a central access way having spaces on both sides for public and private diagnostic areas, public and private clean room areas for processing, culturing and other manufacturing steps, public and private storage areas, wherein air flow is into said clean rooms and out of said diagnostic areas and said storage areas, and wherein all public facilities are on one side of the central access-way and private facilities are on the other side, and wherein there are sample pass-throughs between each area, and at least the sample pass-through into and out of the clean room processing areas comprise small enclosed chambers having two access panels (one leading to each space), wherein only one panel can open at a time. Preferably, these areas are preceded by receiving spaces and terminated by shipping spaces, which also have pass-through chambers. The rooms may be vertically separated on different floors with vertical sample transportation mechanism. |
| US09021751B2 |
Frictional non rocking damped base isolation system to mitigate earthquake effects on structures
The system described herein consists of an isolator and a damping device. The isolator and damping device are used to isolate structures and thus to mitigate earthquake effects on structures. These devices extremely reduce transmitted energy to an isolated superstructure, so that protected structures by means of the devices described herein, may have small or no damages. The isolator has a spherical base fixed to ground via a footing, middle part that responds to the moving base by rotating around the center of a small concave or convex, causing the superstructure to move upwards and downwards vertically, and a top part connected to a superstructure.The damping device consists of a base receives vertical displacement from the superstructure, dampers and springs to dissipate more energy, restrict maximum horizontal displacements and might help returning the superstructure to its stationary position in smooth way. The combination of high reduction in seismic induced forces, extreme reduction or elimination of superstructure rocking and somewhat high independency from ground motions characteristics, structure responses and isolators frequencies, become achievable with these devices described herein. Consequently, structures designed for wind loads and isolated with the devices herein may be protected to adequate amounts that allow minimal or no damages to the superstructures. That means continuous serviceability during and aftermath becomes achievable for the very most of the earthquakes and site characteristics combinations. |
| US09021744B2 |
Heat recovery steam generator access door kit
A heat recovery steam generator access door kit comprising a door assembly comprising an insulation box; a door face attached to the insulation box that is larger in width and length than the insulation box and projects around the perimeter of the insulation box; at least one cross beam; a frame assembly comprising a frame and at least one swing bolt assembly attached to the frame. |
| US09021734B2 |
Folding firearm
Folding firearms have a first portion including a shoulder stock having a free end butt surface and a trigger assembly including a trigger lever, a second portion including a frame defining a bolt passage, a bolt received in the bolt passage, and a barrel connected to the frame, and the first portion and second portion being pivotally connected to each other to pivot about a pivot axis between an operating position in which the barrel extends in a first direction and the shoulder stock extends in an opposite direction, and a folded position in which the barrel and shoulder stock extend in a common direction. The pivot axis may be perpendicular to a bore axis defined by the barrel, and oriented parallel to a medial plane defined by the firearm, the medial plane being vertical during normal firearm operation. |
| US09021731B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing ammunition dispensing from a magazine using a flexible projectile control bar
A double-magazine (“Dmag”) able to house projectile ammunition for a projectile launcher having a first ammunition channel, a second ammunition channel, and a flexible projectile control bar (“FPCB”) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the first ammunition channel contains a first set or column of projectiles and the second ammunition channel which is situated in parallel to the first ammunition channel is configured to house a second set of projectiles. Dmag also includes a follower with a follower lock capable of moving along the first ammunition channel. The follower is configured to push the first set of projectiles toward a first ammunition supply port of the first ammunition channel. The FPCB has a first flexible flap which keeps the first set of projectiles from reaching the loading port of the launcher until the follower lock is released. |
| US09021730B2 |
Firearm comprising a slide-stock locking bolt
A firearm (1) comprising a stock (2) and a slide (3) and a bolt (50) suitable to reciprocally lock them.Firearm wherein the slide (3) comprises a barrel (31), a spring and a spring-holder (35) suitable to act on the bolt (50).The bolt (50) comprises a spring-holder seat (500) which acts in conjunction with an engagement end (350) of the spring-holder (35).The spring-holder seat (500) comprises a support surface (501), a translation surface (502) which permits the translation of the bolt (50) acting in conjunction with said engagement end (350). |
| US09021723B2 |
Waterproof breathable boot
A waterproof breathable boot is disclosed. The boot includes an outsole, a three-piece bootie, a toe cap, a heel cap, a center front panel, an instep panel and a rear panel. |
| US09021722B2 |
Sole for a golf shoe
An outer sole for a golf shoe includes a plurality of cleats distributed along a forefoot area and a heel area. The cleats are integrated with the outer sole and extend from a surface of the outer sole that faces away from the shoe. The plurality of cleats includes at least a larger sized set of cleats and a smaller sized set of cleats. Such outer sole for a golf shoe gives good traction on the golf course but is also useable as a casual shoe off the golf course. |
| US09021718B2 |
Boot assembly
A boot assembly for use with a dry suit includes an external puncture resistant boot and a dual-layered insert. The dual-layered insert comprises a thermal sock worn over the foot of a diver and a water-proof, non-stretch over-sized outer sock worn over the thermal sock. The outer sock is over-sized so that it accommodates a wide spectrum of diver foot sizes but fits comfortably within the volume of the external boot. |
| US09021714B2 |
Concentricity test device
A test device for testing concentricity between first and second holes in parallel plates includes a positioning pole and a test pole. The positioning pole includes a head segment having a tapered positioning portion. The positioning pole axially defines a through hole. The test pole is telescopically received in the through hole of the positioning pole. The test pole includes a test head with a diameter slightly less than a diameter of the second hole. The positioning portion of the positioning pole extends into the first hole with the conic section of the positioning portion abutting against an inner wall bounding the first hole. The test head of the test pole faces the second plate and approaches and confirms the concentricity of the hole in the second plate by sliding the test pole relative to the positioning pole. |
| US09021713B1 |
Pipe fitter square
A measuring tool for determining angles at two points of interest, including an elongate arm and two protractors, one protractor rotatably mounted at each end of the arm. Each protractor includes a flat for positioning the protractor against one of the two points of interest. The angle at each point of interest is the angular measurement between the arm and the two flats, respectively. The arm may include two attachment sections, one each of the two attachment sections rotatably connected to one each of the two protractors, respectively, and an L-shaped guide having three connection points for selectively receiving and retaining the two attachment sections in various configurations as desired. |
| US09021708B2 |
Systems and methods for sailboat mast alignment
Systems and methods for sailboat mast alignment are provided. In some embodiments, a system for alignment of a sailboat mast comprises a mounting bracket configured for attachment to the mast, and one or more lasers pivotally connected to the mounting bracket to enable the one or more lasers to be positioned at an index angle relative to the mast on both sides of the mast. |
| US09021707B2 |
Hoist alignment tool and method
A hoist alignment apparatus and a method for aligning a hoist lift arm with a particular area on a frame are provided. The apparatus comprises a base defining a plane and a light operable to emit a light beam along an axis substantially orthogonal to the plane of the base, the light being held by a light holder attached to the base. The light may be replaced by an extendable rod. The hoist lift arm may be aligned by placing the apparatus on the arm and moving the arm until the light beam shines on the particular area or the tip of the extended rod points directly to the particular area. |
| US09021705B2 |
Method of making a sandwich panel
A fully or partly edged panel (10; 200) of wood or wood fiber. The panel (10; 200) includes a sandwich blank (10*; 200*) having outer layers (11) of solid consistency, and at least one supple inner layer (12) with a lightweight, possibly “honeycomb” or supple foam material, structure. The panel (10; 200) is characterized by having at least one spacer (13; 213) inserted between the two outer layers (11) of the blank (10*; 200*) at at least one corner thereof. The peripheral outer faces (15) of the blank (10*; 200*) may be edged with an adhesive edging strip (16). Also described are methods (100; 1000) for manufacturing the panel (10; 200). |
| US09021701B1 |
Ferrule, hose coupling, and methods of making same
A lower cost method of manufacturing a ferrule. The method includes cold heading a transition sleeve that includes an annular indented seat therein, providing a penetration sleeve comprising a plurality of inwardly directed and axially spaced apart attachment means for penetrating into a hose when said ferrule is radially inwardly deformed; and brazing the penetration sleeve to the annular indented seat in the transition sleeve. The resulting assembly is visually and functionally blended to become one-piece. |
| US09021695B2 |
Method for the production of a piston for an internal combustion engine
A method for producing a piston from an upper piston part and a lower piston part. A strip- or plate-shaped semifinished product made of a metal material is provided, from which an annular upper piston part or an annular blank is stamped out, which blank is finished to form an upper piston part, wherein the upper piston part is connected to a lower piston part to form a piston. |
| US09021692B2 |
Method for manufacturing a printed wiring board
A printed wiring board includes a resin insulation layer having a first surface and a second surface on an opposite side of the first surface, the resin insulation layer having an opening for a first via conductor, a pad formed on the first surface of the resin insulation layer and provided to mount an electronic component, a first conductive circuit formed on the second surface of the resin insulation layer, and a first via conductor formed in the opening and connecting the pad and the first conductive circuit. The pad has an embedded portion embedded in the resin insulation layer and a protruding portion protruding from the resin insulation layer, and the embedded portion has an external shape which is greater than an external shape the protruding portion. |
| US09021681B2 |
Mountable cable tie with fine adjustment and method of use thereof
A mountable cable tie with fine adjustment with an elongated strap having a first strap end and a second strap end, the elongated strap having one or more rows of teeth or cross-bars formed crosswise on the elongated strap, and a plurality of holes positioned linear along the median between the one or more rows of teeth, at least one locking buckle positioned proximate the second strap end, the at least one locking buckle having at least one channel and at least one locking tang or pawl positioned within the locking buckle, wherein increased insertion of the first strap end into the locking head decreases the size of the loop of the elongated strap to secure the bundle. |
| US09021680B2 |
Apparatus for the variable setting of the control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine
An apparatus for variable setting of control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine which has a drive element, an output element and a side cover. The drive element is brought into drive connection with a crankshaft, the output element is brought into drive connection with a camshaft, and the output element is arranged such that it can be pivoted with respect to the drive element. The side cover, which has a sealing cover with an opening and a mating element, axially delimits the output element and/or the drive element, and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the drive or output element by means of a fastening element. The fastening element reaches at least partially through the opening and interacts with the fastening element producing a rotationally fixed connection between the side cover and output element or drive element. |
| US09021679B2 |
Material reducing machine convertible between a grinding configuration and a chipping configuration
The present disclosure relates to a material reducing machine convertible between a grinding configuration and a chipping configuration. The material reducing machine includes a rotary component that is rotatable about an axis of rotation, the rotary component defining a grinding configuration boundary that extends at least partially around the axis of rotation. The material reducing machine also includes a plurality of hammers secured to the rotary component, the hammers including end portions that project outwardly beyond the grinding configuration boundary of the rotary component. Furthermore, the material reducing machine includes a boundary enlarging structure that mounts over the rotary component, the boundary enlarging structure defining a chipping configuration boundary that extends at least partially around the axis of rotation when the boundary enlarging structure is mounted over the rotary component, the chipping configuration boundary being positioned outside the grinding configuration boundary. The boundary enlarging structure is not mounted over the rotary component when the material reducing machine is in the grinding configuration and the boundary enlarging structure is mounted over the rotary component when the material reducing machine is in the chipping configuration. |
| US09021675B2 |
Method for repairing fuel nozzle guides for gas turbine engine combustors using cold metal transfer weld technology
A fuel nozzle guide for a combustor of a turbine engine includes an annular base with a hub section, the hub section at least partially formed of a Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) weld and a method and system therefor. |
| US09021673B2 |
Snake glove
A bayonet-connection-undoing device includes a projection configured for attachment to a hand so as to extend therefrom for depressing a pin to undo a bayonet connection. The device may have a finger ring to which the projection is attached, in which case the attachment to the hand can be made by wearing the ring on the hand, optionally the ring being disposed inside a hand glove, with the projection emerging from the glove. Alternatively or in addition, the device may further include sections of a pipe cleaner, the connection, and the pin which is configured for mutually fixing one of the sections to another. In this case, the depressing is down into a position at which the pin is retracted out of the connection and maintained, without need for the depressing, in a contracted state by relative movement of the sections. |
| US09021672B2 |
Fastener and material remover
An apparatus for removal of fasteners. The apparatus comprises a motor, a rotary drive shaft, a striker mechanism operable to convert rotary motion into reciprocating linear motion and a reciprocating shear blade shaped and sized to shear off fasteners or split materials. |
| US09021668B2 |
Paper coffin
A paper coffin is an architecture made of corrugated cardboards, including a main body, a lid and two flat-panels. The structure of main body and lid are both identical, formed by folding a large cardboard and placing with two each long and short paperboards. Without the use of a nail or screw, a paper coffin can be erected. Moreover, laying two flat-panels of different direction honeycomb arrangement inside the main body increases the capability of the main body to carry. Because when shipped from the factory, the paper coffin is in a flattened condition and vacuum packaging, it can save a lots stocking space. The users do not need to use any glue or tape to assemble, so the assembly is not only simple, fast, and also has a cost-saving and environmental protection concept. |
| US09021660B2 |
Handle, eye, or clothes hook having a mounting plate and pivot bearing
A handle has at least one fastening plate or holding part which can be fastened in a through-hole in a thin wall such as a sheet-metal wall by means of snap devices. According to the invention, the fastening plate forms or carries a pivot bearing for the at least one end of a handle, or the like, which is bent, for example, from a round material such as thick wire, this end having a round cross section. |
| US09021657B2 |
Portable electronic device
A portable electronic device includes first and second device units and at least one hinge assembly configured to pivotably connect the second device unit to the first device unit. The hinge assembly includes a first fixing unit configured to be fixed to the first device unit, a second fixing unit configured to be fixed to the second device unit, a plurality of shaft members configured to be arranged in parallel with one another and to include first and second outer shaft members respectively mounted on the first and second fixing units and a plurality of inner shaft members arranged between the first and second outer shaft members, and a gear unit mounted on the shaft members to connect the plurality of shaft members with one another through a gear mesh. |
| US09021646B2 |
Hidden user interface panel for personal care appliances and method of making same
A power toothbrush appliance (10) which includes a user interface assembly (24) having a hidden interface panel (26) and a method of making same, the appliance including a handle (12, 40) and a brushhead assembly (18) with a brush member (24) for cleaning teeth. The user interface assembly is structured so that when the appliance is in the off condition, the user interface panel is blank, and when the appliance is in an on condition, the indicia associated with the selected operating mode of the toothbrush is illuminated and visible to the user. The interface panel includes a first paint layer of gray or black paint (42) on a translucent handle (40). The mode indicia are etched (44) to the handle in the first paint layer. A second paint layer of white paint (46) is applied over the first layer and is light-transmitting so that when the toothbrush is on, the selected indicia are visible to the user. |
| US09021644B2 |
Method for replacing sloped cables, and temporary hanger for replacing sloped cables
A plurality of movable temporary hangers 7 are placed on a stay cable 4B hung in tension above a target stay cable 4C, and then the target stay cable 4C is held on a lower portion of the temporary hangers 7. Then, the target stay cable 4C held with the temporary hanger 7 is detached from a bridge deck 3 and a main tower 2. Then, the target stay cable 4C and the temporary hangers 7 holding the target stay cable 4C are moved toward the bridge deck 3 and removed. |
| US09021643B2 |
Curb ramp
A curb ramp can be positioned next to a curb or a raised walkway to allow a cart to be wheeled up or down the curb ramp to or from the curb. The curb ramp allows people and equipment to move safely up or down a curb or walkway. The curb ramp can have a length at least as long as the wheel base of a cart used on the curb ramp to prevent tail drag of the cart. The curb ramp can include side rails to prevent sideways fall off therefrom. The curb ramp includes a curb-stop piece that is disposed against the curb during use and a plurality of cross braces to support and carry the load. A strong, effective and safe curb ramp can accommodate all wheeled devices that people can push or pull thereover, while being light enough to be easily transported and moved as needed. |
| US09021638B2 |
Mattress
A mattress including a plurality of cells aligned and disposed on a body pressure working surface of a substrate that supports a human body; and a pressure control member that changes a height of each cell by adjusting a pressure in a fluid chamber formed within the cell. The cells are configured such that as the each cell is inflated by fluid supplied to the fluid chamber within the cell, the height of the each cell increases and a width dimension of the each cell in a direction of alignment decreases, and that peripheral portions of adjacent cells in the direction of alignment are overlapped with each other prior to cell inflation. |
| US09021637B1 |
Wheelchair cushion with adjustable/multi-stiffness fluid
A wheelchair cushion comprises a dual stiffness fluid. A cushion also comprises an ability to adjust fluid volume. |
| US09021636B2 |
Sleepy heads neck pillow
The embodiments disclosed herein are related to a supportive head and neck pillow with a supportive bone structure inside the pillow. The pillow is used for head and neck support, and comfort while sleeping sitting up during transportation. It can also be used for head and neck support for people who have neck injuries, or to prevent neck injuries during transportation. The sleepy heads neck pillow disclosed comprises a pillow with a bone structure support inside it. |
| US09021635B1 |
Body pillow with multiple configurations
A reconfigurable support pillow comprising an elongate center section with a short, curved arm on each end. Between each of the arms and the center section is a substantially flat connecting section with inwardly curved side edges. This shape allows the pillow to be placed into several configurations. In a first configuration, the center section is bent and the connecting sections overlap each other without creating a thickened area at the point where the connecting sections cross. Additionally, the curved ends of the pillow arms can be overlapped providing an oval configuration with a double thickness at one side. Still further, the pillow can be used with the center section straight and curved arms turned inward towards each other. Each configuration provides different advantages and use. The pillow may comprise a washable cover with removable inserts. |
| US09021634B2 |
Six-wheeled stretcher
A stretcher including an upper frame for mounting a lifter thereon, a front leg pivotably attached to the upper frame, a rear leg pivotably attached to the upper frame, a fixed caster attached to one end of the front leg, a swivel caster attached to one end of the rear leg, and an auxiliary swivel caster attached to the front leg, wherein the upper frame is vertically adjustable by folding the front and rear legs relative to the upper frame, and wherein the auxiliary swivel caster is positioned relative to the fixed caster such that the auxiliary swivel caster is in contact with the ground when the upper frame is fully lowered and the front leg is folded away from the rear leg, and the auxiliary swivel caster is out of contact with the ground when the upper frame is fully lowered and the front leg is folded toward the rear leg. |
| US09021633B2 |
Movable lift device having rotatable bed
A movable lift device including a rotatable bed which can be lifted or rotated by a user, with laying a user thereon. The movable lift device having a rotatable bed includes a base frame comprising a plurality of wheels installed therein; a post rotatably coupled to the base frame, the post upwardly extended from the base frame a predetermined length in an “L” shape; and a bed comprising a bed part that is able to ascend along the post, the bed part allowing a user to lie thereon. The post rotatably supporting the bed has an “L” shape and the supporting point of the post rotatably supporting the bed is formed in the center of the base frame, such that the structure may be stably maintained even when the bed having the patient lying thereon is rotated, only to prevent an accident of overturning the movable lift device. |
| US09021625B1 |
Domed swimming pool cover
A pool cover for above ground swimming pools includes a cover with an elevated central area, a plurality of rods to support the cover, and a plurality of clip assemblies to couple the rods to the swimming pool. The cover is a waterproof textile having a plurality of sleeve members allowing for insertion of the support rods to secure and support the cover. Each clip assembly includes hook which removably attaches to an upper perimeter edge of the pool and a pocket to receive an end of the support rod. When assembled, the support rods form a dome-like structure circularly arranged about the edge of the pool. |
| US09021623B2 |
Device for preparing shower water for a water closet having an under-shower and method for operating such a device
The device has a line arrangement (2), which possesses an inlet (3) connectable to a supply line and an outlet (4) connectable to a shower arm (5). A heating element (6) serves for the provision of warm water. An energy store (7, 8) is provided, with which the power range for the provision of shower water can be extended. The heating element (6) for the provision of warm water is, in particular, a continuous-flow heater. The energy store (7, 8) is, in particular, a thermal, electrical, electrochemical or chemical energy store. During the shower process, the energy store is available as an additional energy source for the preparation of shower water. |
| US09021622B2 |
Flush toilet device
There is provided a flush toilet device capable of being configured in a compact size and supplying a sufficient flow amount of water to a toilet to reliably flush and discharge waste. According to the flush toilet device, a straight pipe portion of a throat which is arranged inside a tank is arranged in a state where a center axis thereof inclines with respect to a front-back direction of the tank when viewed from an upper side. |
| US09021621B2 |
Drain strainer and filter
The drain strainer and filter is removably placed within a sink, tub, or other drain to prevent solid particles from passing through the drain and building up to block the drain at some inaccessible location. The device includes a perforated basket having a removable perforated lid. The basket and lid enclose a removable and disposable filter element therein. The drain strainer may have a retractable stopper extending therebelow, the stopper being actuated by a lift rod that extends through the basket, filter, and lid. The handle of the lift rod may be removed to allow the lid and the filter to be removed from the basket. Alternatively, the drain strainer does not include the stopper. The drain strainer includes a folding handle. The lid includes a recess to allow the handle to fold flush with the top of the lid to avoid interference with articles in the sink during use. |
| US09021619B2 |
Manhole odor eliminator
A sewer gas odor absorption apparatus for a manhole having a perforate manhole cover disposed in the manhole which includes an imperforate housing having a seal dimensioned and configured for sealing engagement with the manhole, the housing has a first extremity and a second extremity and a passageway in fluid communication with ambient air above the manhole cover at the first extremity and in fluid communication with sewer gases at the second extremity thereof. A sub-assembly including a porous absorption media and a variable volume device disposed in mutual fluid communication in a subassembly having first and second axial extremities, the first and second extremities of the subassembly being disposed in fluid communication respectively with the first and second extremities of the imperforate housing. |
| US09021617B2 |
Protection device, system and/or method
A protection device, system and/or method including a protection body portion adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on the lower edge of a wearer's headgear. In some implementations, the protection body portion may be triangular and the connecting of the device to headgear may include a removable connective component is located at the apex of a second edge and a third edge of the protection body portion at the farthest point from the headgear. |
| US09021616B2 |
Protective gear
Protective gear is provided, such as, for example, protective headgear that includes a rigid helmet structure, an engagement system configured to engage a user's head, and a plurality of tethering devices coupled between the engagement system and the rigid helmet structure to suspend the rigid helmet structure from the user's head when the protective headgear is worn. The protective headgear further includes at least one damper coupled to one or more of the plurality of tethering devices to resist motion of the rigid helmet structure relative to the engagement system when the rigid structure is impacted during an impact event. |
| US09021615B2 |
Activewear with waistband pocket
Provided is activewear with hidden pockets. More particularly, athletic garments such as pants comprising one or more waistband pocket, preferably concealable, are included. In embodiments, athletic garments with an interior concealed pocket in the fold-over portion of a fold down waistband are provided. The waistband pocket enables the wearer to store items such as car keys, hotel room keys and/or smart phones relatively inconspicuously and securely in the waistband of the garment. A purpose of the concealment includes minimizing attention from the items stored within the pocket and allowing the wearer to participate in a variety of athletic sports or events while carrying personal items in a secure manner. Preferred embodiments include athletic pants comprising (i) a fold down waistband, (ii) an annular storage pocket capable of retaining items without any additional material added to the pant, and (iii) one or more slits for the opening for the pocket. |
| US09027161B2 |
System, method, and computer-readable recording medium for supporting license acquirement
A system including a computer and having a part that stores identification data and status data in association with the identification data, a part that receives a request to acquire a license corresponding to a designated identification data, a part that receives a designation of an electronic device, a part that designates the identification data, obtains license data corresponding to the designated identification data, and updates the status data associated with the designated identification data, the updated status data indicating that the license is being used, a part that transmits the license data to the electronic device via a network and instructs the electronic device to acquire the license, and a part that provides a part that receives an instruction for re-executing obtaining of the license data depending on whether the status data is updated and instructs to re-execute the obtaining of the license data. |
| US09027160B2 |
Access management system and access management method
A secure element (SE) unit 102 holding service data used by an application is provided in a UIM card 100. Thus, when the user identify module (UIM) card 100 is transferred between portable terminals, service data and accompanying information of the application can be moved together with the UIM card 100 to another portable terminal. In addition, an access management unit 400 included in a portable terminal 200 compares UIM information of a UIM information storage unit 103 with UIM information, held by an authority information holding unit 205, of a UIM card of which use authority is possessed by an application. If they do not agree, access to service data stored in the SE unit 102 is restricted. |
| US09027156B2 |
Transmission apparatus, transmission method, and recording medium
A transmission apparatus capable of transmitting a first content stored in a first storage area to a receiving apparatus includes a determination unit configured to determine whether the receiving apparatus has authority to access a second storage area storing a second content associated with the first content, a storage unit configured to store the second content in a third storage area different from the second storage area in a case where the receiving apparatus does not have authority to access the second storage area, and a transmission unit configured to transmit to the receiving apparatus access information for accessing the third storage area storing the second content by the storage unit. |
| US09027155B2 |
System for governing the disclosure of restricted data
Described is a system, whereby a creator of an asset at an asset management system selects an identifier corresponding to information related to the asset. The information is stored at a target repository. The asset creator is authenticated with the target repository. An authorization token is output to the asset management system for authorizing one or more users to access the information related to the asset. |
| US09027151B2 |
Inhibiting denial-of-service attacks using group controls
A sandbox tool can cooperate with components of a secure operating system (OS) to create an isolated execution environment for accessing content without exposing other processes and resources of the computing system to the untrusted content. The sandbox tool can utilize task control groups (cgroups) of the secure OS with the isolated execution environment. A cgroup defines the hardware resources that can be accessed and utilized by the isolated execution environment. The cgroups can define accessible hardware resources by particular hardware resources, amount of hardware resources, and/or components of the hardware resources. Once a cgroup is applied to the isolated execution environment, any processes running in the isolated execution environment will be confined to the hardware resources defined by the applied cgroup. If a process running in the isolated execution environment attempts to utilize hardware resources outside the definition of the cgroup, the secure OS can block the usage. |
| US09027146B2 |
Systems and methods for data protection
A data protection method includes identifying data indicative of a software element parameter of a software element to be protected, which may be a hash of the software element image or carrier medium image area. The method includes identifying data indicative of a medium parameter of a medium authorized to carry the software element, which may be a unique identifier embedded in a non-image area of the medium. A validation token is defined based on a predefined protocol and written to a non-image area of the medium, which token is a function of the software element parameter and medium parameter. A device for executing the software element uses the same predefined protocol to verify the token prior to allowing execution of the software element. If the software element is copied to another medium, the token is not verifiable for the copied software, thereby restricting execution of the copied software element. |
| US09027145B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting leak of information resource of device
A method and apparatus for detecting a leak of an information resource of a device. Source code is obtained from an application and is analyzed to determine whether at least one information resource from among information resources of a device is transmittable to outside the device by tracking a task performed on the at least one information resource, thereby detecting whether the application is externally leaking an information resource from the device. |
| US09027143B1 |
System and method for multipronged authentication
Various embodiments of a system and method for multipronged authentication are described. Embodiments may include a client system that implements a runtime component configured to consume content. The client system may be configured to implement a digital rights management component configured to perform one or more cryptographic operations and also authenticate the runtime component. The client system may receive encrypted content from a remote computer system and receive a given authentication component from a remote computer system; that authentication component may be configured to authenticate the runtime component. The client system may, based on authentication of the runtime component by both the digital rights management component and the given authentication component, decrypt at least a portion of the encrypted content. In this way, the client system may ensure that decryption of the encrypted content may occur only if multiple components authenticate the runtime component, according to some embodiments. |
| US09027139B2 |
Method for malicious attacks monitoring
A method monitors data affected by malware in a communication network. The malware detecting entity acts as a data retention source. The method includes receiving at a data retention system a query request specifying data affected by malware to be accessed. Retained data which matches the query request and received from the malware detecting entity is identified in the data retention system. The identified data is forwarded from the data retention system to an authorized organization. |
| US09027138B2 |
Identification of infected devices in broadband environments
Novel solutions for detecting and/or treating malware on a subscriber's premise network. Such solutions can include, but are not limited to, tools and techniques that can detect, and/or enable the detection of, malware infections on individual subscriber devices within the subscriber's network. In a particular embodiment, for example, a premise gateway, or other device on the subscriber's premise network, is configured to analyze packets traveling through the premise gateway and, based on that analysis, identify one or more subscriber devices that are infected with malware. |
| US09027135B1 |
Prospective client identification using malware attack detection
Systems and methods for prospective client identification using malware attack detection are provided. A malware device is identified. The entity with the responsibility for the malware device or a potentially compromised device in communication with the malware device is determined. A message is communicated to the entity based on the determination. In various embodiments, the message comprises an offer for security related products and/or services. |
| US09027131B2 |
Refinement-based security analysis
A method, computer program product, and computer system for assigning, by a computing device, a value to a first data-flow of a first summary associated with a control flow graph and assigning the value to a second data-flow of a second summary associated with the control flow graph. The first data-flow with the value is identified to flow into a type of sink. The second data-flow with the value is identified not to flow into the type of sink. The first summary of a behavior of the first data-flow is refined in response to identifying that the first data-flow does flow into the type of sink. Refinement of the second summary of a behavior of the second data-flow is skipped in response to identifying that the second data-flow does not flow into the type of sink. |
| US09027127B1 |
Methods for detecting machine-generated attacks based on the IP address size
A system and method is disclosed for affecting action associated with machine-generated traffic. First historical information associated with Internet traffic to an Internet service at a first time is accessed and a first Internet Protocol Address (“IPA”) size representing a first number of devices sharing at least one IP address that accessed the Internet service at the first time is determined. Second historical information associated with Internet traffic to the Internet service that occurred at a second time is accessed and a second IPA size is determined. An algorithm is applied that uses the first IPA size to estimate a third IPA size, representing a third number of devices sharing at least one IP address at the second time. A difference between the third and the second IPA sizes is computed, and evaluated to a threshold. An action is taken at a resource-provider system when the difference exceeds the threshold. |
| US09027123B2 |
Data dependence analyzer, information processor, data dependence analysis method and program
A data dependence analyzer includes: inter-process communication detection means which, on the basis of a processing content of inter-process communication performed for transferring data to be copied between resources, detects the inter-process communication; access detection means which successively detects an access event to the data in the resource due to the process; recording means which, for each of the access events detected by the access detection means, records the access target data in the access event; and analysis means which, among the access target data recorded by the recording means, searches data respectively corresponding to the copy source and the copy destination of the data transferred through the inter-process communication detected by the inter-process communication detection means and imparts a dependence relationship between the searched data. |
| US09027120B1 |
Hierarchical architecture in a network security system
A network security system having a hierarchical configuration is provided. In one embodiment the present invention includes a plurality of subsystems, where each subsystem includes a plurality of distributed software agents configured to collect base security events from monitor devices, and a local manager module coupled to the plurality of distributed software agents to generate correlated events by correlating the base security events. Each subsystem can also include a filter coupled to the manager module to select which base security events are to be processed further. The selected base security events are passed to a global manager module coupled to the plurality of subsystems that generates global correlated events by correlating the base security events selected for further processing by each filter of each subsystem. |
| US09027118B2 |
Image processing apparatus, control method, and computer-readable storage medium for computer program
An image processing apparatus performs specific processing on images read out of a document having pages as follows. Each of the pages is a member assigned to at least any one of groups. The apparatus determines a second security level of each group based on a first security level of each page of the corresponding group; before the specific processing on the N-th group, determines whether or not password entry is necessary based on the second security level of the N-th group and any of the second security levels of the first group through the (N−1)-th group; and performs the specific processing on the N-th group if it is determined that password entry is unnecessary for the N-th group, or, alternatively, if it is determined that password entry is necessary for the N-th group and if a password is appropriately entered. |
| US09027117B2 |
Multiple-access-level lock screen
A multiple-access-level lock screen system allows different levels of functionality to be accessed on a computing device. For example, when a device is in a locked state, a user can select (e.g., by making one or more gestures on a touchscreen) a full-access lock screen pane and provide input that causes the device to be fully unlocked, or a user can select a partial-access lock screen pane and provide input that causes only certain resources (e.g., particular applications, attached devices, documents, etc.) to be accessible. Lock screen panes also can be selected (e.g., automatically) in response to events. For example, when a device is in a locked state, a messaging access lock screen pane can be selected automatically in response to an incoming message, and a user can provide input at the messaging access lock screen pane that causes only a messaging application to be accessible. |
| US09027112B2 |
Mobile device management
Methods and apparatuses that enroll a wireless device into an enterprise service with a management server addressed in a management profile are described. The enrollment may grant a control of configurations of the wireless device to the management server via the management profile. In response to receiving a notification from the management server, a trust of the notification may be verified against the management profile. If the trust is verified, a network session may be established with the management server. The network session may be secured via a certificate in the management profile. Management operations may be performed for management commands received over the secure network session to manage the configurations transparently to a user of the wireless device according to the control. |
| US09027111B2 |
Relay node authentication method, apparatus, and system
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a relay node authentication method, apparatus, and system. The method provided in an embodiment of the present invention includes: sending, by a relay node, an authentication request message to a peer node, where the authentication request message includes a certificate of the relay node, so that the peer node authenticates the relay node according to the certificate of the relay node, where the peer node is a network side node or a security gateway in a security domain where the network side node is located; and receiving, by the relay node, an authentication response message sent by the peer node, where the authentication response message includes a certificate of the peer node, and authenticating the peer node according to the certificate of the peer node. |
| US09027107B2 |
Information processing system, control method thereof, and storage medium thereof
A method for realizing Single Sign-On (SSO) includes verifying, using prior information, whether authorization information issued by a first information processing system in response to successfully authenticating a user satisfies security requirements, providing, in a case where the authorization information is verified as satisfying the security requirements, a service without performing the user authentication, and performing, if an instruction to register a first information processing system that performs user authentication is received from the user, the registration by a method different from a method according to a management method of the prior information in the first information processing system. |
| US09027105B1 |
Social network interaction using validated representations of user credentials
A representation for a credential is received by a first client device. The credential is rendered on a second client device where the credential is associated with a user identity within a social networking platform. The first client device validates the representation for the credential associated with the user identity a score associated with the user identity where the score is based on data associated with a plurality of other user identifies who are members of the user identity's social network within the social networking platform. The data associated with the plurality of other user identities is based on interaction with the electronic social networking platform by the plurality of other user identities within the electronic social networking platform. The accessed score is outputted for display based on the representation for the credential associated with the user identity being validated and the score associated with the user identity being accessed. |
| US09027102B2 |
Web server bypass of backend process on near field communications and secure element chips
A mobile access terminal providing access to data in a secure element of the mobile access terminal is provided. The mobile access terminal comprises the secure element; a web browser; a near field communications system; an over-the-air proxy; an application programming interface layer; and a web server residing on a secure storage area of the mobile access terminal, wherein the web browser is provided with exclusive access to the web server. |
| US09027086B2 |
Securing organizational computing assets over a network using virtual domains
A method for connecting to a trust broker system is disclosed. The electronic device stores encrypted identifying information for a plurality of client systems authorized to interact with the server system, wherein the encrypted identifying information is changed per client system per session. The electronic device creates a plurality of virtual domains; each virtual domain representing a set of services and information distinct from the other virtual domains. The electronic device stores permissions associated with each respective client system in the plurality of client system. The electronic device receives a request from a first client system, including encrypted identifying information associated with the first client system, for information associated with a first virtual domain and then retrieves stored permissions of the first client system based on the encrypted identifying information. The electronic device determines whether the first client system is permitted to access the requested first virtual domain. |
| US09027085B2 |
Method, system and program product for secure authentication
A method, system and program product comprises establishing a communication with a computing system using a first device for communicating with the computing system over a first communication channel. The computing system is in communication with a second device configured for communicating with the computing system over a second communication channel separate from the first communication channel. The first device is paired with the computer system in which the first device and the computer system are mutually authenticated. A code presented by the second device is captured using the first device. The code is communicated to the computing system over the first communication channel in which the computer system uses the code in authorizing the second device to perform a function. The computer system communicates an authorization to the second device using the second communication channel. |
| US09027083B2 |
Management of access identifiers
Access to an on-line account management system is facilitated. A request is received to perform a first action using an on-line account management system. The request comprises a first access identifier. A global party identifier associated with the first access identifier is determined. Restriction information associated with the first access identifier and the global party identifier is accessed from a global party profile operable to store at least one of a time-based, a location-based, and a device-based restriction associated with actions capable of being performed using the on-line account management system. A processor determines whether the first action is permissible based on the restriction information associated with the first access identifier and the global party identifier. |
| US09027077B1 |
Deploying policy configuration across multiple security devices through hierarchical configuration templates
Deploying policy configuration across multiple security devices through hierarchical configuration templates is disclosed. In some embodiments, deploying policy configuration across multiple security devices through hierarchical configuration templates for configuring a plurality of security devices includes receiving at a first security device a hierarchy of templates from a central management server, in which the hierarchy of templates includes configuration information for a group of security devices, and in which the first security device is included in the group of security devices; and reconciling on the first security device's configuration information included in the hierarchy of templates and device specific configuration based on local configuration information, in which the first security device performs an object level reconciliation to maintain device configuration consistency. |
| US09027075B2 |
Enforcing security rules at runtime
Various arrangements for implementing a security policy at runtime are presented. A plurality of calls in a syntax tree may be identified. Each call of the plurality of calls may be substituted with a corresponding security-modified call to create a plurality of security-modified methods calls. Each security-modified call may be linked with a security class. Following modification of each call of the plurality of calls, the plurality of security-modified calls may be compiled into bytecode. |
| US09027073B2 |
Transmission of pre-set channel allocation information
The present application provides transferring channel allocation tables for receiving radio frequency services. Automatic updating channel allocation tables is provided by storing within at least one central database at least one channel allocation table, storing within each of a plurality of distributed consumer electronic devices at channel allocation table for receiving the radio frequency services, and transferring the channel allocation tables between the central database, and the distributed consumer electronic device via a bidirectional communication link. |
| US09027072B2 |
Dynamic application loader for set top box
Set top boxes (STBs) in a cable system are configured on a box-by-box basis to facilitate beta and trial testing of new or updated services. STBs are assigned to deployment groups identified by a deployment group identifier. Features configurations including hierarchies of features can be defined individually for different deployment groups. Configuration files for provisioning the STBs are provided by a cable system head end according to the deployment group the STB is assigned to. STBs can be configured at the time they boot and register with the system or in a “hot” manner to avoid rebooting. |
| US09027070B2 |
Topographic fraud detection
Methods and systems to detect topographic fraud are provided herein. The system includes a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) to periodically poll active cable modems and generate polling data. The system also includes a processor and a memory coupled to the CMTS. The processor is configured to, based on instructions in the memory, periodically determine a current geographic location for each polled cable modem based on the polling data from the CMTS, determine a geographic radius within which each polled cable modem is to be operated in and determine cable modems whose current geographic location is outside of their geographic radius. |
| US09027069B2 |
Content playback device, method for playing back content and content delivery system
A content playback device reduces user discomfort, relative to conventional devices, when playback is interrupted and resumed after switching viewing modes, pieces of content representing different viewing modes for a common product, and differing in video length or having other differences. The content playback device receives and plays back streaming content from a content server delivering two pieces of content having different viewing modes for the common product, and comprises: a selection unit selecting a viewing mode; a determination unit determining whether playback of a first piece of content not having the selected viewing mode was interrupted; a conversion unit converting, when the determination unit has determined affirmatively, a playback interrupt position into a corresponding position in a second piece of content having the selected viewing mode; and a request unit making a request to the content server for transmission of the second piece of content from the corresponding position. |
| US09027065B2 |
Method and system for creating video channels for delivery of content from multiple platforms
A system for managing delivery of content from multiple platforms maintains data for various video channels. Some of the video channels are television channels, while others are over-the-top (OTT) video content sources such as video streaming websites. The system includes a package generation module by which a service provider may define a package of both traditional and OTT channels to offer to subscribers in a unified programming interface. When a user uses the interface to select a set of video channels, the system compiles the set of the video channels in a subscriber package of both television and OTT channels. The system assigns a name to the subscriber package, and it stores the defined package and name, along with other information about the package, in a data storage facility for offering to a subscriber of content from the service provider. |
| US09027062B2 |
Gateway apparatus and methods for digital content delivery in a network
Methods and apparatus for the delivery of digital content in a network. In one embodiment, the digital content comprises internet content received from an Internet host server in a first container format, and converted to a second container format at a headend entity of a cable television or satellite network. The headend entity transmits the re-containerized content to one or more consumer devices, and acts as a gateway device between the consumer devices and various internet content sources. Delivery of internet content from the gateway device can be via broadcast, nPVR, DVR and/or VOD delivery mechanisms. The internet content gateway device is adapted to request, receive and process the internet content. Requests for internet content may be made from either a CPE or the gateway device itself according to one or more rules. The content may also be selectively transcoded before re-encapsulation based on the consumer device capabilities. |
| US09027061B2 |
System and method for promoting marketable items
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to receive from a media communication system metadata describing one or more marketable items depicted in a media program supplied by the media communication system, present images of the media program at a media presentation device without highlighting the one or more marketable items, present an icon at least at one of a remote controller managing operations of the media processor or the media presentation device to indicate a presence of the one or more marketable items in one or more of the images presented at the media presentation device, detect a selection of the icon, and highlight the one or more marketable items. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09027059B2 |
Multi directional movement
A system for preparing data and video sequences to enable a viewer to scroll content in a plurality of directions including a first and second direction, the content including at least one element in motion, the system including a video sequence preparation module to prepare the video sequences including a first and second video sequence, each video sequence including still images, each still image including at least part of the content, at least some of the still images including the at least one element, the video sequences being prepared such that playing the first and second video sequence effects scrolling the content in the first and second direction, respectively, and a switchover determination module to prepare the data including corresponding switchover points in the video sequences for switching between the video sequences and therefore for switching the direction of scrolling by the viewer. Related apparatus and methods are also described. |
| US09027058B2 |
Information system
A system and method for displaying an electronic program schedule guide is provided. The system has areas for displaying program schedule information. In addition, the system also has areas that may be used for advertising programs, products or services. In another embodiment, the system has areas for displaying messages to the user. |
| US09027051B2 |
Determining whether an advertisement aired in accordance with predefined airing specifications
A method and computing devices are provided for determining whether an advertisement aired in accordance with predefined airing specifications. A plurality of advertisement identification markers may be inserted into an advertisement by a first computing device. The plurality of advertisement identification markers may be inserted between the start and end of the advertisement. A second computing device may receive a broadcast stream including the advertisement having the plurality of advertisement identification markers. Airing parameters of the advertisement may be determined by the second computing device based on the advertisement identification markers. The airing parameters of the advertisement may be compared with predefined airing specifications corresponding to the advertisement. Auditing data may be generated that describes whether or not the advertisement aired in accordance with the predefined airing specifications. |
| US09027044B2 |
Adaptive media content presentation methods and systems
An exemplary method includes an adaptive media content presentation system detecting an interaction of a user with a media content program, generating a playing pattern associated with the media content program based on the detected interaction of the user with the media content program, and applying the playing pattern to at least one of a presentation of the media content program and a presentation of an additional media content program. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed. |
| US09027043B2 |
Methods and apparatus to detect an operating state of a display
Methods and apparatus to detect an operating state of a display are disclosed. An example device to detect an operating state of a display includes an optical fiber, an optical-to-electrical converter, and a logic circuit. The optical fiber is optically coupled to a light source of the display. The light energy source is configured to emit light. The optical-to-electrical converter is coupled to the light source via the optical fiber and configured to convert light from the light source into an electrical signal. The logic circuit is coupled to the optical-to-electrical converter and configured to generate an output signal indicative of the operating state of the display based on the electrical signal. |
| US09027039B2 |
Methods for analyzing, limiting, and enhancing access to an internet API, web service, and data
The invention includes an API gateway server that monitors and controls the distribution of API elements from API sources to application developers based on a distribution rule set. |
| US09027037B2 |
Information output device, method, and recording medium for outputting notification information corresponding to a state of a computer
An information output device includes a first processor configured to execute a process to determine a type of notification information which is outputted from a computer and which notifies a state of the computer; and a second processor configured to execute a process to create a chart, in which a first coordinate axis represents time when the notification information is outputted from the computer, a second coordinate axis represents the type of the notification information, and the notification information is drawn at a corresponding position, and output the chart. |
| US09027035B2 |
Non real-time metrology data management
The techniques described herein implement an operating system that can reliably process time sensitive information in non real-time manner. Thus, the operating system described herein is capable of processing an instance of time sensitive input during a time period after the instance of time sensitive input is received (e.g., at a future point in time). To accomplish this, the techniques timestamp each instance of time sensitive input when it is received at a device. The techniques then store the timestamped instance of time sensitive input in a temporary queue, and make the timestamped instance available to the operating system at a time period after the time period when it is received, as indicated by the timestamp. Additional techniques described herein prioritize the activation of a driver configured to receive the time sensitive information during a boot sequence or a reboot sequence. |
| US09027032B2 |
System and method for providing additional functionality to existing software in an integrated manner
An improved system and method are disclosed for improving functionality in software applications. In one example, the method includes a mobile device having a network interface, a processor, and a memory configured to store a plurality of instructions. The instructions include instructions for a superblock application having instructions for a function block included therein. The function block is configured to provide functions that are accessible to the superblock application via an application programming interface (API). The functions are provided within the superblock application itself and are accessible within the superblock application without switching context to another application on the mobile device. |
| US09027030B2 |
Commit-one-phase distributed transactions with multiple starting participants
A commit query is sent from a coordinator of a two-phase commit distributed transaction to each participant of the distributed transaction, wherein each participant can respond with one of a commit message, an abort message, or a read-only message. A read-only message is received from all but one participant of the distributed transaction. A one-phase commit distributed transaction is initiated for the one participant that did not respond with a read-only message. |
| US09027029B2 |
Method for activating processor cores within a computer system
A technique for activating processor cores within a computer system is disclosed. Initially, a value representing a number of processor cores to be enabled within the computer system is received. The computer system includes multiple processors, and each of the processors includes multiple processor cores. Next, a scale variable value representing a specific type of tasks to be optimized during an execution of the tasks within the computer system is received. From a pool of available processor cores within the computer system, a subset of processor cores can be selected for activation. The subset of processor cores is activated in order to achieve system optimization during an execution of the tasks. |
| US09027028B2 |
Controlling the use of computing resources in a database as a service
A method and apparatus controls use of a computing resource by multiple tenants in DBaaS service. The method includes intercepting a task that is to access a computer resource, the task being an operating system process or thread; identifying a tenant that is in association with the task from the multiple tenants; determining other tasks of the tenant that access the computing resource; and controlling the use of the computing resource by the task, so that the total amount of usage of the computing resource by the task and the other tasks does not exceed the limit of usage of the computing resource for the tenant. |
| US09027026B2 |
Managing transactions within an application server
A system and method for managing transactions in an application server is described. In some example embodiments, the system registers to receive notifications from a timeout manager associated with a transaction (e.g., a database query). If the transaction becomes locked or runs longer than anticipated, the system receives a notification indicating a timeout event. The system, upon receiving the event notification, may then cancel the transaction or perform other actions to notify an application that initiated the transaction, such as via a newly created thread. |
| US09027022B2 |
Software virtual machine for acceleration of transactional data processing
In general, this disclosure is directed to a software virtual machine that provides high-performance transactional data acceleration optimized for multi-core computing platforms. The virtual machine utilizes an underlying parallelization engine that seeks to maximize the efficiencies of multi-core computing platforms to provide a highly scalable, high performance (lowest latency), virtual machine. In some embodiments, the virtual machine may be viewed as an in-memory virtual machine with an ability in its operational state to self organize and self seek, in real time, available memory work boundaries to automatically optimize maximum available throughput for data processing acceleration and content delivery of massive amounts of data. |
| US09027021B2 |
Controlling depth and latency of exit of a virtual processor's idle state in a power management environment
A mechanism is provided in a logically partitioned data processing system for controlling depth and latency of exit of a virtual processor's idle state. A virtualization layer generates a cede latency setting information (CLSI) data. Responsive to booting a logical partition, the virtualization layer communicates the CLSI data to an operating system (OS) of the logical partition. The OS determines, based on the CLSI data, a particular idle state of a virtual processor under a control of the OS. Responsive to the OS calling the virtualization layer, the OS communicates the particular idle state of the virtual processor to the virtualization layer for assigning the particular idle state and wake-up characteristics to the virtual processor. |
| US09027018B2 |
Display terminal, displaying method, and recording medium
A master selecting unit selects master software from pieces of software that perform a computing process. A screen control unit displays an operation screen for the master software that is selected by the master selecting unit on a screen. A software search unit searches, when an instruction operation is detected on the operation screen for the master software, for any piece of software that displays an operation screen that receives the same instruction operation that the operation screen for the master software receives. An operation-content instructing unit instructs the master software and each piece of software that is found by the software search unit about operation content corresponding to the instruction operation that has been detected on the operation screen for the master software. |
| US09027012B2 |
Manufacturing system and firmware burning method
A firmware burning method applied in a target device, which includes a storage unit, a target circuit, and a peripheral controller, connected to the storage circuit via a first communication link, is provided. The method include steps of: providing a test fixture having a first node, a second node, and a switch circuit connected across the first and second nodes, the first and second nodes being respectively coupled to the storage circuit and the target circuit; determining whether firmware of the target circuit satisfies a condition; if not, providing a second communication link between the target circuit and the storage circuit via the first and second nodes by turning on the switch circuit, and switching the peripheral controller to a disabled state; and updating the firmware of the target circuit according to to-be-burned firmware stored in the storage circuit via the second communication link. |
| US09027006B2 |
Value profiling for code optimization
A method and an apparatus to execute a code with value profiling are described. The code may include an access to an untyped variable. During the execution, runtime values of the untyped variable may be randomly inspected. A value profile may be established to predict one or more expected types of future runtime values for the untyped variable. The code may be recompiled according to the value profile to optimize the access of the untyped variable for the future runtime values. |
| US09027005B2 |
Single code set applications executing in a multiple platform system
Embodiments of the claimed subject matter are directed to methods and a system that allows an application comprising a single code set under the COBOL Programming Language to execute in multiple platforms on the same multi-platform system (such as a mainframe). In one embodiment, a single code set is pre-compiled to determine specific portions of the code set compatible with the host (or prospective) platform. Once the code set has been pre-compiled to determine compatible portions, those portions may be compiled and executed in the host platform. According to these embodiments, an application may be executed from a single code set that is compatible with multiple platforms, thereby potentially reducing the complexity of developing the application for multiple platforms. |
| US09027001B2 |
Systems and methods for verifying expression folding
A system for verifying that a comparison model having folded expressions matches a reference model includes at least one memory device that stores a reference model and a comparison model, wherein the comparison model was previously generated based on the reference model. The reference model adheres to a first set of syntax and semantics, wherein the reference model includes a plurality of first expressions, each of the first expressions including a first operator and a first operand. The comparison model adheres to a second set of syntax and semantics, wherein the comparison model includes a second expression, the second expression including a second operator and a second operand. The system further includes a processing unit configured to match the second expression with the plurality of first expressions. |
| US09026998B2 |
Selecting relevant tests to quickly assess code stability
A data processing system obtains a delta between a first version of a target program and a second version of the target program, wherein the target program has been tested by a plurality of test routines. The data processing system obtains test coverage data that has been generated for the plurality of test routines, the test coverage data for a test routine identifying lines of code of the target program that have been previously tested by said test routine. The data processing system ranks the plurality of test routines based on the test coverage data and based on the delta. The data processing system selects one of the plurality of test routines based on the ranking and executes the selected test routine on the second version of the target program to determine code stability of the second version of the target program. |
| US09026996B2 |
Providing assistance in making change decisions in a configurable managed environment
In a configurable managed system having an associated configuration management database (CMDB), a Change Manager makes changes affecting configuration items (CIs), wherein different types of changes require different levels of confidence in the integrity of data in the CMDB. In response to a proposed change, weights assigned to system CIs affected by the change are used to compute a confidence level regarding accuracy of CMDB data pertinent to the change. The weight for a given CI is derived from the most recent synchronization thereof, and the numbers of reads, writes, and relationships the given CI has with other CIs. The confidence level is then used by the Change Manager in deciding whether or not to make the change. The proposed change is then allowed if the confidence level is no less than a pre-specified minimum value. |
| US09026990B2 |
Dynamic filtering of a navigation path to a set of minimums
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to filtering technical documentation and provide a method, system and computer program product for rapid filtering technical documentation. In one embodiment, a data processing system for dynamically filtering technical documentation can include a rapid filter coupled to a viewer configured for rendering technical documentation in a window. The rapid filter can include program code enabled to concurrently render a summarized form of the technical documentation in a separate window. |
| US09026989B2 |
Object extensions using attributes to decouple base classes from derived classes
An object oriented application framework is provided in which base classes are decoupled from derived classes by using attributes. Relationships between derived classes and attributes can be generated, and derive classes can be statically or dynamically instantiated at run time. By decoupling the base class from derived classes using instances of such attributes, a developer does not modify computer program code defining the base class when adding customized extensions to that base class. The framework includes a class factory that uses instances of attributes associated with elements to derive, at run time, extension classes. The attributes can be specified at run time to specify or to alter the run time behavior of the application. This framework also allows the application to conditionally instantiate an element based on its attributes. |
| US09026988B2 |
Code conversion method, apparatus, storage medium and request remaining time response method
To which method on each method call order pattern included in a series of application codes executed in response to a request a method included in an application code executed in response to a request corresponds is detected; a code is generated based on identification information corresponding to the detected method on the call order pattern; and the generated code is inserted to the application code. |
| US09026985B2 |
Dynamically configurable model-to-model transformation engine
A method, system and apparatus for processing a model-to-model transformation. The method can include dynamically accepting a transformation to apply to a source model in order to produce a target model. More specifically, the method can include traversing a hierarchy for the source model and applying rules in the transformation to objects in the hierarchy to produce the target model. For instance, the traversing step can include sequentially processing a list of transform elements in the transformation. In one aspect of the invention, the processing step can include loading content extractors among the transform elements. Subsequently, other transform elements can be identified through the loaded content extractors in order to traverse the hierarchy. |
| US09026979B2 |
Analysis support apparatus, analysis support method, and computer product
An analysis support apparatus includes a processor that is configured to acquire circuit data that indicates plural elements within a circuit and a node to which at least two elements are connected among the elements, and determine, based on the acquired circuit data and by referring to a memory unit that correlates and stores for each of the elements, the type of the element and information that indicates whether the phase of a signal is reversed when the signal passes through the element, whether the phase of the signal is reversed when the signal that passed through a given node among a plurality of nodes within the circuit returns to the given node; and an output unit that outputs information that indicates the given node when the processor determines that the phase of the signal is not reversed. |
| US09026978B1 |
Reverse interface logic model for optimizing physical hierarchy under full chip constraint
A system, method, and computer program product for automatically optimizing circuit designs. A graphical user interface based environment allows arbitrary selection of a circuit design region to be optimized based on physical layout, without regard for logical hierarchy. Embodiments analyze circuit paths crossing optimization region boundaries and replace externally connected circuitry with an interface logic model describing such circuitry from the optimization region boundary to a first register occurrence. A reduced netlist spans the regional circuitry and the modeled external circuitry. Embodiments optimize the reduced netlist under design constraints applicable to the full circuit design. Changes to the original circuit design made by the optimization are tangibly saved as engineering change orders. The optimization process may be applied to other regions, including via parallel execution by multiple processors. Conventional design bottlenecks may be bypassed for greatly improved quality of results and reduced turnaround time. |
| US09026976B2 |
Congestion aware routing using random points
In congestion aware point-to-point routing using a random point in an integrated circuit (IC) design, the random point is selected in a bounding area defined in a layout of the IC design. A set of pattern routes is constructed between a source pin and a sink pin in the bounding area, a pattern route in the set of pattern routes passing through the random point. A set of congestion cost corresponding to the set of pattern routes is computed. A congestion cost in the set of congestion costs corresponds to a pattern route in the set of pattern routes. A preferred pattern route is selected from the set of pattern routes, the preferred pattern route having the smallest congestion cost in the set of congestion costs. The preferred pattern route is output as a point-to-point route between the source pin and the sink pin. |
| US09026974B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit partitioning and timing
Methods and apparatuses are described for facilitating a user to explore and evaluate different options during floorplanning. Some embodiments display a graphical representation of a circuit design floorplan, wherein the graphical representation includes a set of blocks and a set of flylines between blocks, wherein each block corresponds to a portion of the circuit design, and wherein each flyline corresponds to one or more relationships between two blocks. Additionally, a set of metrics associated with one or more blocks or one or more flylines can be displayed. Next, in response to receiving a modification to one or more blocks in the graphical representation, the embodiments can update the set of metrics without performing expensive netlist modification, placement, routing, and/or propagation of timing information through multiple levels of logic, and then display the updated set of metrics. |
| US09026963B1 |
System and method for fault sensitivity analysis of mixed-signal integrated circuit designs
An apparatus and method for conducting fault sensitivity analysis of the analog portions of a mixed signal circuit design includes simulating the fault free circuit design, inserting a fault into the analog portion of the circuit design, simulating the circuit design with the fault during a fault interval time period, and determining whether the fault is detectable. |
| US09026961B2 |
Race logic synthesis for ESL-based large-scale integrated circuit design
Techniques for performing race logic synthesis on an integrated circuit (IC) are described herein. According to one aspect of the invention, ESL (electronic system level) and any HDL (hardware description language) design source files of an IC design are compiled into a design database. Race logic analysis is performed on the IC design to detect race logic, including race logic for IPC (inter-process communication) and IPS (inter-process synchronization) objects in the IC design, by a third-party tool and/or by the same host EDA (electronic design automation) tool that will be performing race logic synthesis on the IC design, if the latter has built-in race logic audit functions. Based on the race logic audit results, race logic synthesis is performed on the design database, and getting rid of all identified race logic in the IC design, including IPC- and IPS-related race logic. This renders the EDA tool can perform concurrent analysis of the IC design, via the race-free IC design database, using multi-CPU/core computers and the results will be the same as if the EDA tool had performed serial analysis of the IC design using a single-CPU/core computer. Another aspect of the invention is outputting the re-synthesized logic in the design database to new ESL/HDL source files. User may use these revised source files to analyze the IC design using any other third-party EDA tools. |
| US09026958B1 |
Method and system for double patterning technology (DPT) odd loop visualization for an integrated circuit layout
Computer-implemented method, system and computer program product for double patterning technology (DPT) odd loops visualization within an integrated circuit design layout are disclosed. The method, system and computer program product comprise mapping all violations of the integrated circuit design layout to a graph. The method, system and computer programming product also includes partitioning the graph into a plurality of sub-graphs. Each of the plurality of sub-graphs includes multiple edges and multiple nodes. The method, system and computer product further include detecting all possible odd loops in each of the plurality of sub-graphs; and visualizing all of the odd loops in at least one of the plurality of sub-graphs. |
| US09026945B2 |
Method of grouping waveforms for a single channel on a single display
A method of grouping multiple waveforms for a single channel of acquired data on a display area uses a graphic icon with the display area. The graphic icon has a first portion with a symbol indicating the single channel and with an indicator defining a baseline for the display area. The graphic icon also has a second portion with symbols indicating which of the multiple waveforms currently are being displayed. The symbol for the single channel and the symbol for a selected one of the multiple waveforms currently being displayed are highlighted. The highlighting may be via color, where the highlight color corresponds to the color of the waveforms currently being displayed. |
| US09026944B2 |
Managing content through actions on context based menus
Context based menus are employed for content management through touch or gesture actions, keyboard entries, mouse or pen actions, and similar input. Context based menus may be deployed using a variety of shapes, forms, and content. Different actions and combinations of actions enable users to activate submenus, execute commands, or collapse context based menus. By enabling viewing of menus and execution of commands through context based menus positioned in relation to displayed content user experience is enhanced when interacting with user interfaces with limited display area. |
| US09026941B1 |
Suggesting activities
A method includes receiving inputs indicative of a user state of a user. The inputs include sensor inputs from one or more sensors and/or user inputs received from a graphical user interface displayed. The method includes determining a collective user state based on the received inputs and determining one or more possible activities for the user and one or more predicted outcomes for each activity based on the collective user state. The method includes executing one or more behaviors that evaluate the one or more possible activities and/or the corresponding one or more predicted outcomes. Each behavior models a human behavior and/or a goal oriented task. The method further includes selecting one or more activities based on the evaluations of the one or more possible activities and/or the corresponding one or more predicted outcomes and sending results including the selected one or more activities to a screen. |
| US09026938B2 |
Dynamic detail-in-context user interface for application access and content access on electronic displays
A method for presenting applications on a display screen, comprising: displaying a first presentation on the display screen, the first presentation including two or more icons; receiving a signal indicative of an icon, the icon being one of the two or more icons, the icon having an application associated therewith; initiating the application, the application having information associated therewith; generating a second presentation, the second presentation having a first area for presenting the information at least partially surrounded by a second area for presenting reduced-size versions of the two or more icons other than the icon; and, displaying the second presentation on the display screen to replace display of the first presentation. |
| US09026936B2 |
System and method of facilitating project management with user interface
A project management system and method includes a user interface with “pie slices” and “layers” to provide a matrix view that integrates multiple best practices content. The slices of the pie represent project stages and the matrix view represents layers of best practice content, such as project management, quality assurance, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, and other processes. Each cell of the matrix represents best practice information in process, people, and deliverables views. The user loads a project and uses the best practice steps to help with their project implementation. The user interface allows the users to select a best practice layer, then select a project stage cell, and then drill down to view process step details, view people roles information, or work with files that define the project deliverables. |
| US09026934B1 |
Dynamic character biographies
A dynamic biography module in a user device receives a request for supplemental information corresponding to an electronic media item being consumed by a user. The dynamic biography module determines the user's reading location in the electronic media item and determines a version of the supplemental information corresponding to the reading location. In response, the dynamic biography module provides the corresponding version of the supplemental information to the user. |
| US09026932B1 |
Edge navigation user interface
A user interface for a touch-screen display of a computing device is described. The user interface has an edge navigation feature designed to facilitate navigation through digital content items, such as electronic books, in response to user input received via the touch-screen display. This navigation may be to an arbitrary point within the content, or to previously defined bookmarks. The user interface provides a representation of a virtual edge of the content object, such as a book or album. Presentation of this virtual edge, overlaid with bookmark indicators, allows the user to spatially visualize the position of content within the book, and select a desired location or bookmark. |
| US09026920B2 |
Workflow-based session management
Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods that provide a workflow-based session manager or workflow engine for a content delivery system, such as for delivering video-on-demand, streaming audio, streaming video, etc. Such techniques increase velocity and flexibility of deploying new features and services in a video delivery system. Techniques include a session management model provides a service-oriented and workflow-based approach. As a service-oriented approach, each functional session management step can be represented as a business service. As a workflow-based solution, a sequence of steps to be performed can be defined as data, rather than being hard-coded inside an application. Defined as data, steps (nodes, tasks) can then be created and changed using a graphical editor. New services can be added by defining actions for the new service, and adding a node to a given session management workflow sequence. Techniques include a workflow engine that initiates session management in realtime. |
| US09026918B2 |
Enabling a user device to access enterprise data
A method, system and graphical user interface for enabling a user to access enterprise data and interact with enterprise applications generating the enterprise data using a portable electronic device is disclosed. A native application for a portable electronic device enables a user of the portable electronic device to initiate or interact with one or more enterprise applications. Each of the enterprise applications is executed remotely on a system in communication with the portable electronic device, where the portable electronic device may communicate data to the remote system and display data received from the remote system. Processing resources and storage resources of the remote system may be utilized to execute the enterprise application, thereby enabling a user to initiate or interact with a computationally-intensive enterprise application using a portable electronic device. |
| US09026917B2 |
System and method for context enhanced mapping within a user interface
A system and method for Context Enhanced Mapping. A request is received from a user over a network for a map comprising an identification of a physical location, and at least one criteria. The physical location is mapped. Spatial, temporal, topical, and social data available to the network relating to the physical location and criteria is retrieved using a global index of data available to the network and prioritized for inclusion based upon the user and context of the request. The map of the physical location and at least some of the retrieved spatial, temporal, topical, and social data is displayed on a user interface. |
| US09026914B1 |
Multi-sound audio interface system
A computing device includes at least one processor; and at least one module, operable by the at least one processor to associate, for an audio interface, a first sound with first information, and associate, for the audio interface, a second sound with second information, wherein the second sound shares at least one perceptual property with a first plurality of perceptual properties based at least in part on a relationship between the first information and the second information. The at least one module may be operable to output in parallel, using an audio output device, the first and second sounds in the audio interface; receive an indication of user input that selects at least one of the first or second information; and perform, based at least in part on the indication of user input, at least one operation corresponding to the at least one of the first or second information. |
| US09026912B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling a multi-media presentation
A method for controlling a multi-media presentation is provided. The method includes displaying an event structure related to an event on a graphical user interface, getting a plurality of event items associated with the event, and displaying the plurality of event items associated with the event structure on the graphical user interface. Responsive to an event trigger, the event is started. The method further includes receiving a selection of a first event item from the plurality of event items, performing a first action related to the first event item, and sending an output of the first action to a display device. |
| US09026908B2 |
Systems and methods for providing simultaneous access to documents
A system and method for representing immutable versions of a document that can be simultaneously accessed by a plurality of processes. |
| US09026898B2 |
System and method for managing web-based forms and dynamic content of website
Managing dynamic content of a website, including creating static content assigned to dynamic content of the website, with unmodifiable scripts; creating an active content for processing dynamic content, with hidden elements and elements with only visual marks representation; transmitting the static content to a user; selecting references to the active content within the static content; requesting description of the active content from a server; transmitting the active content to the user; displaying the active content; editing dynamic content and visual representations of data requested by user; representing a first document form generated from an HTML representation of server data and unmodifiable scripts, and which includes the elements; generating a request for data needed for a current visualization of the form; generating a second related data representation of another form; delivering second related data representation for display in browser; storing content of the website on server and making it publicly available. |
| US09026887B2 |
Physical page, logical page, and codeword correspondence
The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods for physical page, logical page, and codeword correspondence. A number of methods include error coding a number of logical pages of data as a number of codewords and writing the number of codewords to a number of physical pages of memory. The number of logical pages of data can be different than the number of physical pages of memory. |
| US09026886B1 |
Methods and systems for reconfigurable LDPC decoders
The present disclosure includes systems and methods for acquiring a first set of information for a plurality of low density parity check (LDPC)-encoded data symbols, acquiring a second set of information for the plurality of LDPC-encoded data symbols, and selecting a window including a subset of the plurality of LDPC-encoded data symbols. The present disclosure includes acquiring a decoder schedule having information for controlling the decoder, wherein the information in the decoder schedule includes decoding instructions based on a configuration of at least one of the first set of information and the second set of information. The present disclosure further includes determining a likelihood of an error in the window using the decoding instructions in the decoder schedule, and updating the second set of information for selected data symbols of the subset based on the likelihood of an error in the window. |
| US09026885B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing a downlink shared channel
Embodiments include a method and apparatus for processing a downlink shared channel. In one embodiment, a Node-B includes circuitry configured to process control information for a user equipment (UE) and to produce an N bit cyclic redundancy check (CRC) associated with the control information. The Node-B includes circuitry configured to modulo 2 add the N bit CRC with an N bit UE identity to produce an N bit field, wherein the UE identity is any one of a plurality of UE identities associated with the UE. The Node-B includes circuitry configured to transmit a wireless signal of a control channel, wherein the wireless signal comprises the N bit field and the control information. |
| US09026884B2 |
Data processing device and data processing method
The present technique relates to data processing devices and data processing methods that can increase tolerance for data errors.In a case where a predetermined LDPC code having a code length of 16200 bits and a code rate of 8/15 is mapped on 256 signal points, and the (#i+1)th bit counted from the uppermost bit among 8×1 sign bits and the (#i+1)th bit counted from the uppermost bit among 8×1 symbol bits of one symbol are expressed as a bit b#i and a bit y#i, respectively, a demultiplexer performs shuffling to assign a bit b0 to a bit y2, a bit b1 to a bit y6, a bit b2 to a bit y1, a bit b3 to a bit y0, a bit y4 to a bit y7, a bit b5 to a bit y5, a bit b6 to a bit y3, and a bit b7 to a bit y4. The present technique can be applied to transmission systems that transmit LDPC codes, for example. |
| US09026882B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of writing data to semiconductor device
A semiconductor device has: a unique code generating unit generating an initial unique code which is a value unique to a device and includes an error in a random bit; a first error correcting unit correcting an error in the initial unique code to generate an intermediate unique code; a second error correcting unit correcting an error in the intermediate unique code to generate a first determinate unique code; and a decrypting unit decrypting, with the first determinate unique code, transmission data obtained by encrypting confidential information with key information generated on the basis of the intermediate unique code by an external device to generate confidential information. |
| US09026880B2 |
Decoding apparatus and decoding method for decoding LDPC-encoded data
A check node processing unit updates an extrinsic value ratio based on a prior value ratio for each row of a parity check matrix with respect to input data. An identifying unit identifies, based on an element of the parity check matrix that can be identified by a row and column associated with the updated extrinsic value ratio, a next-target element in the same column and in a different row. The identifying unit identifies an element to be updated in the next step by the check node processing unit, from among multiple elements included in the same column. A variable node processing unit updates, based on the extrinsic value ratio, a prior value ratio associated with the identified next-target element after the check node processing unit completes the updating of each row. The check node processing unit and the variable node processing unit alternately and iteratively execute their operations. |
| US09026878B2 |
Apparatus and method for fast retransmission in a power line communication network
A fast retransmission method by introducing the internal node under better channel condition to join the work of retransmission after the destination node sends out the packet loss indication for unicast services. Extended to serve multicast services, a system comprising a plurality of nodes utilizes the farthest node in each branch from the source to transmit an acknowledge signal when packet loss occurs. The system then enables the closest node to the acknowledging node to retransmit the requested packet, thereby improving the target packet hit rate and data integrity with less retransmission steps. |
| US09026870B2 |
Memory module and a memory test system for testing the same
A memory module includes a first rank, a second rank and a test control unit. The first rank includes a plurality of semiconductor memory devices configured to operate in response to a first chip selection signal. The second rank includes a plurality of semiconductor memory devices configured to operate in response to a second chip selection signal. The test control unit is configured to simultaneously enable the first and second chip selection signals to test the first and second ranks in a test mode. |
| US09026863B2 |
Replacement of storage responsive to remaining life parameter
A method of operating a storage system. The method includes a storage controller receiving a first life parameter of a first storage device and determining if the first life parameter indicates that the first storage device has a remaining life that is less than a pre-determined life parameter threshold. The method further includes, in response to the remaining life being less than the pre-determined life parameter threshold, designating the first storage device for replacement. |
| US09026862B2 |
Performance monitoring for applications without explicit instrumentation
Systems and methods for monitoring operational performance of at least one application containing no explicit instrumentation are described. Data relating to the operational performance of the application can be obtained and provided to a telemetry server for analysis without the use of diagnostic instrumentation within the application. Generic and targeted performance data can be obtained using responsiveness components within a computing operating system. |
| US09026855B2 |
Fault localization in distributed systems using invariant relationships
A computer implemented method for temporal ranking in invariant networks includes considering an invariant network and a set of broken invariants in the invariant network, assuming, for each time point inside a window W, that each metric with broken invariants is affected by a fault at that time point, computing an expected pattern for each invariant of a metric with assumed fault, said pattern indicative of time points at which an invariant will be broken given that its associated metric was affected by a fault at time t, comparing the expected pattern with the pattern observed over the time window W; and determining a temporal score based on a match from the prior comparing. |
| US09026853B2 |
Enhancing test scripts
Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to enhancing test scripts with dynamic data. The disclosed embodiments include receiving production data that reflects real user interaction with an application process. Test scripts are generated based on the production data, where the test scripts simulate behavior relating to execution of the application process. The embodiments also include automatically enhancing the test scripts with dynamic data that includes at least one of correlation data and asynchronous data. |
| US09026852B2 |
Processing main cause errors and sympathetic errors in devices in a system
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for processing main cause errors and sympathetic errors in devices in a system. Error data for the devices in the system are analyzed to determine a main cause error for one of the devices that cause at least one sympathetic error in the system. A main cause event object for the determined main cause error and at least one sympathetic event object for the determined at least one sympathetic error resulting from the main cause error are generated. A determination is made from the at least one sympathetic event object of at least one sympathetic event action to perform. The determined at least one sympathetic event action is performed to recover from the at least one sympathetic error represented by the at least one sympathetic event object providing the at least one sympathetic event action. |
| US09026849B2 |
System and method for providing reliable storage
A system and method for providing reliable storage are provided. A method for initiator operations includes storing information associated with an access attempt in a store, and accessing a storage system responsive to the access attempt, wherein the storage system includes a first storage node and a second storage node arranged in a sequential loop, and where the first storage node is accessed by an initiator. The method also includes determining if the access attempt completed successfully, deleting the information from the store if the access attempt completed successfully, and indicating an error if the access attempt did not complete successfully. |
| US09026848B2 |
Achieving ultra-high availability using a single CPU
Techniques for achieving high-availability using a single processor (CPU). In a system comprising a multi-core processor, at least two partitions may be configured with each partition being allocated one or more cores of the multiple cores. The partitions may be configured such that one partition operates in active mode while another partition operates in standby mode. In this manner, a single processor is able to provide active-standby functionality, thereby enhancing the availability of the system comprising the processor. |
| US09026844B2 |
Distributed storage and communication
Storing, retrieving, transmitting and receiving data (20) by a) separating the data into a plurality of data subsets (A, B); b) generating parity data (P) from the plurality of data subsets (A, B) such that any one or more of the plurality of data subsets may be recreated from the remaining data subsets and the parity data (P). Steps a and b may be repeated on any one or more each of the plurality of data subsets and parity data providing further data subsets and further parity data; and d) storing each of the further data subsets and further parity data in separate storage locations (380) or transmitting the further data subsets and further parity data. |
| US09026843B2 |
Arbitration suspension in a SAS domain
Systems and methods presented herein provide for managing connections in a SAS domain comprising at least first and second expanders. The first expander detects a failure of the initiator and indicates a change in the SAS domain to the second expander. The second expander detects an increase in arbitration wait time for a connection between the initiator and the target device, determines a race condition exists in the second expander, denies the connection between the initiator and the target device, directs the target device to wait for another connection, performs a discovery of the domain based on the discovery request from the first expander, and prevents a subsequent connection by the target device to the initiator after discovery completes. |
| US09026836B2 |
Call restoration in response to application failure
A communication system, method, and components are described. Specifically, the method described herein provides the ability for an application sequence of a communication session to be reconstructed during the communication session and even though SIP standards dictate that the reconstruction of the application sequence should be denied and the session should be terminated. |
| US09026830B2 |
Information processing apparatus
One embodiment provides an information processing apparatus including a processor; memory blocks; an internal voltage generator connected to the memory blocks; an input/output circuit connected to the memory blocks; switches each installed corresponding to the internal voltage generator, the input/output circuit, and the memory blocks, and configured to switch ON/OFF of the connection with a power source; a data register configured to store a data set that controls the ON/OFF of the switches; and a data management circuit configured to set the data set in the data register, wherein when a clock signal input to the processor is turned to OFF, the data management circuit generates a first type of the data set, which switches ON the switch connected to the internal voltage generator and switches OFF the switches connected to the memory blocks, and sets the first type of the data set in the data register. |
| US09026825B2 |
Multi-device powersaving
A control system reduces energy consumption in a multi-device system comprising a plurality of devices. The control system includes at least one processor. The processor is programmed to receive a job to be executed, as well as a selection of one of the plurality of devices for executing the job and a transfer cost for transferring the job from the selected device to each of the plurality of devices. A device to execute the job is determined through optimization of a first cost function. The first cost function is based on the device selection and the transfer costs. The job is assigned to the determined device and a time-out for each device in the multi-device system is determined through optimization of a second cost function. The second cost function is based on an expected energy consumption by the multi-device system. The devices are provided with the determined time-outs. |
| US09026820B2 |
Communication link and network connectivity management in low power mode
Methods and apparatus relating to communication link and network connectivity management in low power mode are described. In one embodiment, logic manages one or more external communication network links (also referred as “links”) in response to a determination that a processor has entered a low power consumption state and based on policy information. The logic also blocks/intercepts one or more signals, corresponding to management of the one or more links, that are directed to the processor to allow the processor to stay in the low power consumption. Other embodiments are also claimed and disclosed. |
| US09026819B2 |
Method of conserving power based on electronic device's I/O pattern
A method of affecting power used by an electronic device is provided for an electronic device having storage media and running at least one application. Each application interfaces with the storage media through an input/output (I/O) path executing I/O activities that access the storage media in accordance with configurable parameters of the I/O path. A run-time I/O pattern defined by the I/O activities is determined during a run-time period of the electronic device. At least one of the I/O path's configurable parameters is then modified based on the run-time I/O pattern. The method is readily adapted for power conservation by providing selections for the configurable parameters with each of the selections optimizing power usage for a hypothetical I/O pattern. Then, one or more configurable parameters are modified in accordance with one of the selections for which the hypothetical I/O pattern associated therewith is closest to the run-time I/O pattern. |
| US09026810B2 |
Adaptive control of operating and body bias voltages
Adaptive control of operating and body bias voltages. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a desirable operating frequency for the microprocessor is determined. Information stored within and specific to the microprocessor is accessed. The information can comprise coefficients of a quadratic approximation of a frequency-voltage characteristic of the microprocessor for a set of body biasing conditions. An efficient voltage for operating the microprocessor at the desirable operating frequency is computed. The microprocessor is operated at the efficient voltage and the set of body biasing conditions. |
| US09026809B2 |
Polarity correction bridge controller for combined power over ethernet system
A system for combining power to a load in a Powered Device (PD) using Power Over Ethernet (PoE) receives power from a first channel and power from a second channel, via four pairs of wires. A MOSFET bridge for each channel is initially disabled. A bridge controller IC simultaneously senses all the voltages and controls the bridge MOSFETs. The bridge controller IC also contains a first PoE handshaking circuit. A second PoE handshaking circuit is external to the bridge controller IC and operates independently. The body diodes in the MOSFET bridge initially couple the first channel to the second PoE handshaking circuit while isolating the second channel. The second handshaking circuit then couples the first channel to the load. The first handshaking circuit then carries out a PoE handshaking routine for the second channel. Ultimately, the bridge controller controls the bridge MOSFETs to couple both channels to the load. |
| US09026808B2 |
Memory with word level power gating
In accordance with at least one embodiment, memory power gating at word level is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a word level power-gating technique, which is enabled by adding an extra control bit to each subarray (e.g., each word, each row, each wordline, each bitline, each portion of an array, etc.) of a memory array, provides fine-grained power reduction for a memory array. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a gating transistor is provided for each subarray (e.g., each word, each row, each wordline, each bitline, each portion of an array, etc.). |
| US09026803B2 |
Computing entities, platforms and methods operable to perform operations selectively using different cryptographic algorithms
Described herein is a computing platform incorporating a trusted entity, which is controllable to perform cryptographic operations using selected ones of a plurality of cryptographic algorithms and associated parameters, the entity being programmed to record mode of operation information, which is characterized by the algorithms and associated parameters that are selected to perform an operation. |
| US09026799B2 |
Using biometrics as an encryption key
An image of an biometric part is used as encryption or decryption key. The biometric part image is obtained, and items within the biometric part are analyzed. Relationships between those parts are determined, e.g. ratios between different parameters of different parts. Those ratios are then used to form the key. A sequence of biometric information can used in which case both the information itself and the sequence are used to form to the key. |
| US09026797B2 |
Server apparatus having one-time scan code issuing function, user terminal having one-time scan code recognizing function and method for processing one-time scan code
A server apparatus having a one-time scan code issuing function, a user terminal having a one-time scan code recognizing function, and a method for processing a one-time scan code are provided so as to safely and conveniently transmit one-time information used for key-exchange-scheme-based encryption, using a scan code such as a bar code and a QR code. |
| US09026796B2 |
Virtual world embedded security watermarking
A method, apparatus, and program product are provided for using watermarks to embed security features on avatars in a virtual world. A watermark engine receives security information for an avatar in a virtual world. The watermark engine creates a watermark for the avatar using the security information and associates the watermark with the avatar. The watermark may comprise at least one of: security preferences for the avatar, contact information for an owner of the avatar, and graphical information to cause alteration of the avatar when the avatar is recorded. |
| US09026795B2 |
Apparatus and method for signing application
When a signature apparatus cooperating with a market server receives signature request information for an optional application from the market server to sign an application, the signature apparatus determines whether an authentication note has been issued corresponding to application identification information included in the signature request information based on the application identification information. When the authentication note has not been issued; the signature apparatus issues the authentication note using the application identification information, generates signature information for the to application using the application identification information, and signs the application including the authentication note and the signature information. |
| US09026791B2 |
Linear feedback shift register (LFSR)
A wireless communication device is described. The wireless communication device includes a linear feedback shift register. The linear feedback shift register is initialized. The linear feedback shift register is a word based odd characteristic linear feedback shift register. The linear feedback shift register includes multiple 64-bit registers. A feedback function output is generated using the 64-bit registers. The feedback function output is placed into a highest register of the linear feedback shift register. |
| US09026785B2 |
Method and apparatus for smart-key management
A method and an apparatus for smart key management are disclosed. The apparatus for smart key management can receive a smart key duplicate request message from a user terminal, perform user authentication using terminal information or user information included in the smart key duplicate request message, duplicate a registered smart key corresponding to the terminal information or the user information if the result the user authentication is authentication success, and transmit the duplicated smart key to a target terminal using the target terminal information. |
| US09026775B2 |
Apparatus and method to drive devices in order to enable rapid booting
A device driving apparatus includes a storage unit to store a plurality of device driving programs, a plurality of devices to receive the plurality of device driving programs, and a switching unit to transfer the plurality of device driving programs. |
| US09026769B1 |
Detecting and reissuing of loop instructions in reorder structure
A processor for processing loop instructions can include an instruction reorder structure and a loop processing controller. The instruction reorder structure is configured to store decoded instructions according to program order and issue the decoded instructions for execution out of program order. The loop processing controller is configured to detect a loop in the decoded instructions stored in the instruction reorder structure and cause the instruction reorder structure to reissue the decoded instructions that form the loop for re-execution. |
| US09026767B2 |
Adaptive address mapping with dynamic runtime memory mapping selection
A system monitors and dynamically changes memory mapping in a runtime of a computing system. The computing system has various memory resources, and multiple possible mappings that indicate how data is to be stored in and subsequently accessed from the memory resources. The performance of each memory mapping may be different under different runtime or load conditions of the computing device. A memory controller can monitor runtime performance of the current memory mapping and dynamically change memory mappings at runtime based on monitored or observed performance of the memory mappings. The performance monitoring can be modified for any of a number of different granularities possible within the system, from the byte level to memory channel. |
| US09026766B2 |
Memory management method, memory management apparatus and NUMA system
Embodiments of the present invention provide a memory management method, a memory management apparatus and a NUMA system. The memory management method includes: determining, according to a memory demand information which includes memory demand information sent by a processor, whether a memory controller meeting the memory demand information exists in a local processing node which the processor; and if exists, determining, in the memory controller meeting the memory demand information, a memory management area meeting the memory demand information, and allocating the memory management area meeting the memory demand information to the processor. Therefore, the memory controller and the memory management area do not need to be determined in a processing node that does not meet the requirements, which can rapidly find a storing area meeting the requirements, and improve the memory allocation efficiency. |
| US09026765B1 |
Performing write operations in a multi-tiered storage environment
Techniques are described for processing a data operation that writes first data to a data portion currently stored on first physical storage of a first storage tier of a data storage system, including storage tiers each having a different performance ranking relative to other storage tiers. Second physical storage is allocated from one of the storage tiers for storing the first data written to the data portion. This one storage tier is selected independent of the first storage tier. The first data is stored in a cache and destaged from the cache to the second physical storage. A single merged copy of data for the data portion is formed. Based on an activity level of the data portion, a target tier is selected for storing the single merged copy of data for the data portion. |
| US09026762B2 |
Semiconductor system including a controller having reduced number of memory buffers for transmitting data to a plurality of memory chips
A semiconductor system includes three or more memory chips and a controller with first and second memory buffers configured to communicate with the three or more memory chips. The first and second memory buffers alternately transmit data to sequentially communicate with the three or more memory chips. |
| US09026759B2 |
Storage system management apparatus and management method
The present invention is provided to make effective use of a storage area, and to enhance user usability. A management apparatus determines a reallocation destination of each logical storage area on the basis of an access load on each logical storage area by a host computer and an allocation status of each logical storage area in a storage-destination storage tier. A monitoring mode selection part for selecting any one of multiple monitoring modes selects a prescribed monitoring mode from the multiple monitoring modes on the basis of allocation time information related to a time at which each logical storage area is allocated to an allocation-destination storage tier. |
| US09026754B2 |
Storage apparatus and data management method
Storage apparatus and data management methods provide for high-speed copying of a compressed data volume. A control unit of the storage apparatus divides a pool into a plurality of chunks including a plurality of pages storing data, compresses data which is written to a logical volume by a host, and assigns one of the plurality of chunks to a compressed data logical volume which stores the compressed data. When the compressed data logical volume is copied, the control unit makes a page length of the chunk assigned to the compressed data logical volume that is a copy source equivalent to a page length of the chunk assigned to the compressed data logical volume that is the copy destination. |
| US09026752B1 |
Efficiently estimating compression ratio in a deduplicating file system
A system for estimating a quantity of unique identifiers comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to, for each of k times, associate a bin of a set of bins with each received identifier. The processor is further configured to determine an estimate of the quantity of unique identifiers based at least in part on an average minimum associated bin value. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions. |
| US09026751B2 |
Management computer used to construct backup configuration of application data
According to the present invention, it is possible to construct a backup configuration of a particular application data, without influencing data of another application. A management computer is coupled to a host computer on which an application operates, and to a storage apparatus that includes a plurality of volume groups each having one or more logical volumes. At least one of the logical volumes is allocated to the application. The management computer includes a volume group overlapping use determination part and a backup policy determination part. When the backup of the volume group to which one logical volume belongs is configured, the volume group overlapping use determination part determines whether there is another application that uses the volume group. The backup policy determination part determines whether there is set, for another volume group, backup policy information same as that set for the application. |
| US09026749B2 |
Data storage system having multi-bit memory device and on-chip buffer program method thereof
Disclosed is an on-chip buffer program method for a data storage device which comprises a multi-bit memory device and a memory controller. The on-chip buffer program method includes measuring a performance of the data storage device, judging whether the measured performance satisfies a target performance of the data storage device, and selecting one of a plurality of scheduling manners as an on-chip buffer program scheduling manner of the data storage device according to the judgment result. |
| US09026743B2 |
Flexible replication with skewed mapping in multi-core chips
For a flexible replication with skewed mapping in a multi-core chip, a request for a cache line is received, at a receiver core in the multi-core chip from a requester core in the multi-core chip. The receiver and requester cores comprise electronic circuits. The multi-core chip comprises a set of cores including the receiver and the requester cores. A target core is identified from the request to which the request is targeted. A determination is made whether the target core includes the requester core in a neighborhood of the target core, the neighborhood including a first subset of cores mapped to the target core according to a skewed mapping. The cache line is replicated, responsive to the determining being negative, from the target core to a replication core. The cache line is provided from the replication core to the requester core. |
| US09026741B1 |
System and method for warming cache
A method, computer program product, and computing system for receiving an indication of a cold cache event within a storage system. The storage system includes a multi-tiered data array including at least a faster data tier and a slower data tier. A data list that identifies at least a portion of the data included within the faster data tier of the multi-tiered data array is obtained from the multi-tiered data array. At least a portion of the data identified within the data list is requested from the multi-tiered data array, thus defining the requested data. The requested data is received from the multi-tiered data array. |
| US09026735B1 |
Method and apparatus for automated division of a multi-buffer
Systems and methods are provided for a hardware-implemented multi-buffer. A system includes a buffer memory comprising a shared memory space, where the memory space is shared between a first buffer and a second buffer, and where a dynamic delineation of the memory space between the first buffer and the second buffer is identified by a divider address. A dynamic buffer control circuit includes a control memory that is configured to store the divider address, a first memory utilization metric associated with the first buffer, and a second memory utilization metric associated with the second buffer. A system further includes one or more comparator circuits configured to compare the first memory utilization metric and the second memory utilization metric, where the dynamic buffer control circuit changes the divider address based on the comparison. |
| US09026733B1 |
Content-based caching using a content identifier at a point in time
Described are techniques for data processing and caching. In response to a client failing to retrieve contents of a data element from a cache location specified by a first data element identifier including a first content-based identifier, the contents of the data element are obtained and stored at a cache location specified by the first data element identifier. The contents of the data element are updated at a second point in time and stored as second contents in the data element source. The data element at the second point in time has a second content-based identifier. In response to the client failing to retrieve the second contents of the data element from a cache location specified by a second data element identifier including the second content-based identifier, the second contents of the data element are obtained and stored at a cache location specified by the second data element identifier. |
| US09026730B2 |
Management of data using inheritable attributes
Embodiments relate to a method for data management. An aspect includes a method for assigning storage types to data based on access frequency. Past or historical data associated with current data usage is also considered prior to assignment. Once data frequency access is determined, the current data is assigned to a first tier of a plurality of hierarchical ordered tiers, each tier corresponding to at least one class of storage. In one embodiment, there may be a condition that overrides the assignment with option to override it. The tier assignment may also be preserved the tier so that the current data can be appropriately assigned in the future. |
| US09026729B1 |
Data recovery after triple disk failure
In one aspect, a redundant array of independent disk (RAID) memory storage system includes a plurality of data storage disks comprising data blocks, a first redundancy storage disk comprising parity blocks that are a parity by row of the data blocks in the data storage disks, a second redundancy storage disk comprising parity blocks storing parities of diagonals of the data blocks in the data storage disks, a third redundancy storage disk comprising parity blocks storing parities of diagonals of the data blocks in the data storage disks and circuitry configured to recover data from three failed storage disks. |
| US09026727B2 |
Enhanced memory savings in routing memory structures of serial attached SCSI expanders
Methods and structure are provided for representing ports of a Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) expander circuit within routing memory. The SAS expander includes a plurality of PHYs and a routing memory. The routing memory includes entries that each indicate a set of PHYs available for initiating a connection with a SAS address, and also includes an entry that represents a SAS port with a start tag indicating a first PHY of the port and a length tag indicating a number of PHYs in the port. The SAS expander also includes a Content Addressable Memory (CAM) including entries that each associate a SAS address with an entry in the routing memory. Further, the SAS expander includes a controller that receives a request for a SAS address, uses the CAM to determine a corresponding routing memory entry for the requested SAS address, and selects the port indicated by the corresponding routing memory entry. |
| US09026725B2 |
Training for command/address/control/clock delays under uncertain initial conditions and for mapping swizzled data to command/address signals
Data pin mapping and delay training techniques. Valid values are detected on a command/address (CA) bus at a memory device. A first part of the pattern (high phase) is transmitted via a first subset of data pins on the memory device in response to detecting values on the CA bus; a second part of the pattern (low phase) is transmitted via a second subset of data pins on the memory device in response to detecting values on the CA bus. Signals are sampled at the memory controller from the data pins while the CA pattern is being transmitted to obtain a first memory device's sample (high phase) and the second memory device's sample (low phase) by analyzing the first and the second subset of sampled data pins. The analysis combined with the knowledge of the transmitted pattern on the CA bus leads to finding the unknown data pins mapping. Varying the transmitted CA patterns and the resulting feedbacks sampled on memory controller data signals allows CA/CTRL/CLK signals delay training with and without priory data pins mapping knowledge. |
| US09026724B2 |
Memory system and control method thereof
A memory system includes a nonvolatile memory including a plurality of blocks as data erase units, a measuring unit which measures an erase time at which data of each block is erased, and a block controller which writes data supplied from at least an exterior into a first block which is set in a free state and whose erase time is oldest. |
| US09026722B2 |
Storing/reading several data streams into/from an array of memories
High speed mass storage devices using NAND flash memories (MDY.X) are suitable for recording and playing back a video data stream under real-time conditions, wherein the data are handled page-wise in the flash memories and are written in parallel to multiple memory buses (MBy). However, for operating with multiple independent data streams a significant buffer size is required. According to the invention, data from different data streams are collected in corresponding different buffers (FIFO 1, . . . , FIFO Z) until the amount of collected data in a current buffer corresponds to a current one of the data blocks. Then, the data of the current data block from the current buffer are stored into memories connected to a current one of the memory buses, wherein the following buffered data block of the related data stream is later on stored into memories connected to a following one of the memory buses, the number of the following memory bus being increased with respect to the number of the current memory bus. These steps are repeated, also for the other ones of the data streams using other available ones of the buffers and other ones of the memory buses. In combination with a corresponding buffer control it is possible to allocate and use a minimum number of buffers in a flexible way. |
| US09026721B2 |
Managing defective areas of memory
Methods of operating a memory, and memories for performing such methods, include determining that a particular area of the memory is defective, locating a free area of the memory, programming data intended for the particular area of the memory to the free area of the memory, checking the particular area of the memory for data previously programmed to the particular area of the memory, and moving any previously-programmed data from the particular area of the memory to the free area of the memory. |
| US09026720B2 |
Non-volatile memory monitoring
The invention provides a technique for managing write operations issued to a non-volatile memory included in a wireless device. A monitor software application executes on the wireless device and is configured to determine that a number of write operations issued to the non-volatile memory is greater than or equal to a write operation threshold associated with the non-volatile memory. In response, at least one application is isolated as the application responsible for issuing excessive write operations. The isolation can be carried out locally on the wireless device, or the isolation can be carried out remotely at a server by sending information about the write operations to the server. The monitor then limits additional write operations from being issued to the non-volatile memory so as to protect the non-volatile memory from becoming corrupted or inoperable. |
| US09026717B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method for a persistent object store
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for persistently storing data objects. An object store index module maintains an object store. The object store associates each data object of a plurality of data objects with a unique key value. A storage module persists object store data defining the object store to a logical block address of the solid-state storage device in response to an update event. The logical block address is a member of a restricted set of logical block addresses. The logical block address is mapped to a location of the object store data on the solid-state storage device. A read module provides a requested data object from the plurality of data objects to a requesting client in response to receiving a read request for the requested data object from the requesting client. The read request comprises the key value associated with the requested data object. |
| US09026711B2 |
Motor vehicle control system with simplified information exchange
A control system includes a gateway controller and a remote controller. The gateway controller is configured to embed an HTTP request in a CAN bus-compatible message and transmit the CAN bus-compatible message onto a CAN bus. The remote controller is configured to receive the CAN bus-compatible message from the CAN bus, extract the HTTP request from the CAN bus-compatible message, and create an HTTP response to the HTTP request. |
| US09026710B2 |
Customized settings for docking station for mobile device
Embodiments disclose a docking station that may include a transmitter to send an identifier associated with the docking station to a mobile device proximate to the docking station, and a receiver to receive settings from the mobile device. The settings may be based on the identifier associated with the docking station, and the settings specify at least one of a ring volume, a ringtone, or a list of contacts. The docking station may also include a processor to interpret the settings so that the docking station performs according to the settings. |
| US09026709B2 |
Auto-waking of a suspended OS in a dockable system
A mobile computing device with a mobile operating system and desktop operating system running concurrently and independently on a shared kernel without virtualization. The mobile operating system provides a user experience for the mobile computing device that suits the mobile environment. The desktop operating system provides a full desktop user experience when the mobile computing device is docked to a secondary terminal environment. The desktop operating system may be suspended when the mobile computing device is not docked with a secondary terminal environment and resumed when the mobile computing device is docked with a secondary terminal environment that provides a desktop computing experience. The mobile computing device may be a smartphone running the Android mobile OS and a full desktop Linux OS distribution on a modified Android kernel. |
| US09026708B1 |
Field serviceable IT system
A field serviceable IT system includes an IT enclosure. A first connector assembly is positioned within the IT enclosure. At least one I/O module is releasably coupled to the first connector assembly and positioned within the IT enclosure. A disk subsystem is releasably coupled to the at least one I/O module and positioned within the IT enclosure. At least one disk drive assembly is releasably coupled to the disk subsystem and positioned within the IT enclosure. A system board is releasably coupled to the first connector assembly and positioned within the IT enclosure. The system board is configured to be removable from the IT enclosure without first removing the at least one I/O module or the at least one disk drive assembly from the IT enclosure. |
| US09026707B2 |
Electronic apparatus
According to one embodiment, a monitor/control unit of an electronic circuit board monitors the receiving state of a transmitting/receiving circuit unit and controls a parameter setting unit, causing the same to change the reception parameter of the transmitting/receiving circuit unit, and if the receiving state remains not changed to a specified state, the monitor/control unit informs a host control device of this fact. The host control device instructs the switching process board to designate a channel, thereby to change, the specified state, the receiving sate of the electronic circuit board associated with the channel informed of that fact. |
| US09026706B2 |
Method and system for detecting multiple expanders in an SAS topology having the same address
Methods, systems, and processor-readable media are disclosed for detecting multiple expanders in a SAS topology having the same address. A root expander can be connected to a plurality of expanders, wherein one or more expanders among the plurality of expanders possesses a same SAS address as the root expander. The same SAS address can be identified and stored in a route table against a physical layer identifier through which the expander(s) communicate with the root expander in order to assist in identifying duplicate expanders in the SAS topology. |
| US09026703B2 |
Bus monitoring device, bus monitoring method, and program
A bus monitoring device may include a measurement unit configured to measure a bandwidth of data on a common bus for a unit time, which is constant and predetermined, based on transfer information indicating a state of exchange of the data when a plurality of processing blocks connected to the common bus exchange the data via the common bus with a memory including an address space having a plurality of banks. |
| US09026702B2 |
Methods and apparatus for fast context switching of serial advanced technology attachment in enhanced serial attached SCSI expanders
Methods and apparatus for enabling Fast Context Switching (FCS) operation of an enhanced Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) expander and initiator for switching between one or more concurrently established connections including at least one Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) target device connection. Features and aspects hereof provide for enhanced logic within a SAS expander and/or initiator to detect the completion of an exchange over a first connection between an initiator device and a SATA target device and to allow switching to another (a second) connection without closing the first connection. |
| US09026695B2 |
Asymmetrical processing multi-core system and network device
An asymmetrical processing multi-core system used in a network device is provided. A sub processing core within the asymmetrical processing multi-core system facilitates a main processing core of the asymmetrical processing multi-core system in processing tasks, thereby improving an overall performance of the entire network device and causing the network device to operate more facilely. Different from a conventional processing method, the asymmetrical processing multi-core system does not require moving or copying a large amount of processed packet data, and thus a large amount of memory bandwidth is saved and the power consumption is reduced. |
| US09026694B1 |
Techniques for workload redistibution
Described are techniques for redistributing workload. A first port, from which a first workload is to be redistributed, is selected. A second port, having available capacity to perform additional workload, is selected. A device, accessible over both the first port and the second port, is selected. Each of one or more paths including the first port is set to a passive state for the device. Each of the one or more paths having the passive state for the device indicates to a client that sends I/O operations to the device that said each path is not to be used for sending I/O operations to said device and that said each path is available for use in performing control operations directed to the device. |
| US09026691B2 |
Semi-autonomous touch I/O device controller operation under control of host
A touch I/O device controller may operate in an idle state, a wait for finger on state, and a finger on state. The finger on state may include a hold sub-state, a capture sub-state, a navigation sub-state, and a pre-capture sub-state. The controller may switch states and/or sub-states based on commands received from its host or based on a sub-state variable set by the host. When the controller detects a finger of a user and enters the finger on state, the touch I/O device may enter a particular sub-state based on the sub-state variable. Further, when a fingerprint is captured in capture sub-state, the controller may switch sub-states based on the value of the sub-state variable. In various implementations, the host may provide one or more APIs that may be utilized by applications to directly influence the controller and/or request that the host do so. |
| US09026690B2 |
Display device having connection receiving portion for external storage device and image forming apparatus having display panel
A display device as in one aspect of the present disclosure includes a display panel, a case, a connection receiving portion, a connection determination portion, and a display processing portion. The display panel displays an image. The case supports a display surface of the display panel so as to be viewable from the exterior. The connection receiving portion is provided to a side surface of the case, and electrically connects to an external storage device. The connection determination portion determines whether or not the external storage device has been connected to the connection receiving portion. The display processing portion displays, on the display panel, a connection portion image indicative of a connection portion of the connected external storage device in a case where the external storage device has been determined by the connection determination portion to have been connected. |
| US09026686B2 |
System and method for remotely identifying display components
A system and method for remotely-identifying the components and/or software revisions within an electronic display. An electronic storage device may be placed within an electronic display assembly and placed in electrical communication with a network connection. The electronic storage device may contain identification numbers for one or more components or software revisions within the display. A computing device may be in electrical communication with the network connection so that the identification numbers on the electronic storage device may be accessed remotely. If a particular component or software revision is desired, the computing device may be used to search the contents of each electronic storage device at each display to determine which displays contain the desired component or software revision. |
| US09026685B2 |
Memory module communication control
Methods and systems for memory module communication control are disclosed. A method includes receiving a message associated with a memory module in communication with a controller via a bus including a clock line. Further, the method includes determining whether the bus is idle. The method also includes communicating a signal via the clock line regarding the message associated with the memory module in response to determining that the bus is idle. |
| US09026679B1 |
Methods and apparatus for persisting management information changes
A SAN management agent computes a validator corresponding to a full data set from which a relative (change) data set is derived. The validator, such as a checksum, identifies the full data set to which the relative data set is applicable. The validator is transmitted with the relative data set, and the store process compares the validator with the previous validator stored with the full data set in a database. If the validators correspond (i.e. match), then the received relative data set is applicable to the full data set stored at the database, and the relative data set may be processed as a change set. The remote agent therefore computes the validator on a full data set at a remote node, and transmits the validator with the change set. Subsequent relative data sets may then compare the current validator of the DB data set with the validator from which the relative set was derived. |
| US09026678B2 |
Detection of deceptive indicia masking in a communications interaction
Systems, methods, computer-readable storage mediums including computer-readable instructions and/or circuitry for detecting masking of deceptive indicia in communications content may implement operations including, but not limited to: receiving one or more signals associated with communications content provided by a first participant in a communications interaction; and detecting at least one indicia of a modification of the communications content associated with at least one indicia of deception by the first participant. |
| US09026672B2 |
Method and apparatus for instant playback of a movie title
Techniques for fragmenting a file or a collection of media data are disclosed. According one aspect of the techniques, a file pertaining to a title is fragmented into a header and several tails or segments. The header is a continuous portion of the file while the segments are respective parts of the remaining portion of the file. The header is seeded substantially in all boxes, and none, one or more of the segments are distributed in each of the boxes in service. When a title is ordered, the header is instantly played back while the segments, if not locally available, are continuously fetched respectively from other boxes that have the segments. |
| US09026671B2 |
IP broadcast streaming services distribution using file delivery methods
In one example, a device includes one or more processing units configured to send, via a network, a request to retrieve at least a portion of media content, wherein the media content conforms to dynamic adaptive streaming over HTTP (DASH), and wherein the request comprises a request that the at least portion be delivered according to a file delivery service, and, in response to the request, to receive streaming data for the at least portion of the media content in accordance with the file delivery service over the network. The device may prepopulate a browser cache with the received data, such that a browser can, in effect, stream data using the file delivery service. The device may initially retrieve data of the media content using unicast, until a switch point of the data received via the file delivery service is reached. |
| US09026670B2 |
System and method for efficient caching and delivery of adaptive bitrate streaming
A non-transitory computer readable medium, a system and a method for streaming, the method may include: intercepting, by a redirector, a request from a streaming application, to receive metadata indicative of location of multiple video file segments; sending to the streaming application metadata that points to locations of cached video file segments within a single streaming cache or multiple streaming caches and points to locations outside the streaming cache of other video file segments that are not cached; receiving, by the streaming cache, a request from the streaming application to receive a cached video file segment; sending from the streaming cache the cached video file segment. |
| US09026669B2 |
System and method for multiple data channel transfer using a single data stream
A number of channels of data, including audio, image, text, and support data are collected at one or more centralized servers. The individual channels are edited and processed for content and format, including the deletion and insertion of advertising content and markers to indicate locations for additional content. These channels are then sent to a plurality of transmission servers for processing one or more of the channels including the insertion of content at designated markers and the combination of the channels of data into a single, packetized data transfer stream. The transmission servers broadcast the data transfer stream to a plurality of receiving units which de-packetize the original data channels and present any selected channel to the user of the receiving unit. The receiving units send status information back to the centralized servers where the data is processed and analyzed to evaluate the present and future use of advertisements. |
| US09026668B2 |
Real-time and retargeted advertising on multiple screens of a user watching television
A method, apparatus, and system related to relevancy improvement through targeting of information based on data gathered from a networked device associated with a security sandbox of a client device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system may comprise a networked device, a relevancy-matching server, and a client device. The networked device may be configured to generate a preliminary data and/or a primary data associated with a user and automatically announce a sandbox-reachable service of the networked device to a discovery module. The relevancy-matching server may be configured to match a targeted data with the primary data based on a relevancy factor associated with the user. The client device may be configured to automatically process an identification data of the networked device and/or the sandbox-reachable service of the networked device from the discovery module and to automatically associate with the networked device based on the identification data. |
| US09026661B2 |
Systems and methods for traffic management using load metrics reflective of a requested service
A method for determining metrics of a content delivery and global traffic management network provides service metric probes that determine the service availability and metric measurements of types of services provided by a content delivery machine. Latency probes are also provided for determining the latency of various servers within a network. Service metric probes consult a configuration file containing each DNS name in its area and the set of services. Each server in the network has a metric test associated with each service supported by the server which the service metric probes periodically performs metric tests on and records the metric test results which are periodically sent to all of the DNS servers in the network. DNS servers use the test result updates to determine the best server to return for a given DNS name. The latency probe calculates the latency from its location to a client's location using the round trip time for sending a packet to the client to obtain the latency value for that client. The latency probe updates the DNS servers with the clients' latency data. The DNS server uses the latency test data updates to determine the closest server to a client. |
| US09026660B2 |
Method for uniform network access
According to some embodiments, a registry is displayed. The registry may, for example, indicate resources available from a plurality of remote network access devices via a communications network. Moreover, a personal network address May be associated with each available resource, the personal network address including an destination address portion and an application program identifier portion. A direct communications link may then be established between a first network access device hosting an available resource and a second network address device using the personal network address associated with the resource. |
| US09026656B2 |
Resource sharing over wireless personal area networks
Apparatuses and methods to establish and share resources over a personal area network are provided. The units sharing similar functions or common applications are connected by a personal area network such as a low-power radio frequency network such as a ZIGBEE® network such that a selected one of the units sharing the functions or applications runs the application or function for each of the connected units. the similar function or common applications may include, for example, location determinations, data transmission, or the like. The selection of the one unit to run the application may be based on battery charge, processor capacity, or the like. |
| US09026653B2 |
Identifying a device to a network
A communication arrangement includes a Short Message Service Center (SMS-SC), a permissions facility (such as a customer care facility) to associate permissions and service requests, and a network element configured to receive a Short Message Service message via the SMS-SC. The network element extracts a device identifier from the message, applies the device identifier to locate device status information, and interacts with the facility to determine permissions to apply to service requests originating from the device. |
| US09026651B2 |
Automatic performance and capacity measurement for networked servers
Measuring performance and capacity of a networked server coupled to a cluster of client machines, including: initializing each client machine of the cluster of client machines with a number of client applications; performing a first feedback process of configuring the number of client applications for the each client machine such that each client application adjusts its own operation to achieve a first balance point of a client application count for the each client machine; and performing a second feedback process in which the networked server and the cluster of client machines achieve a second balance point of a client machine count for the networked server. |
| US09026650B2 |
Handling of website messages
Mechanisms for handling website messages (e.g., website certificate warnings and/or errors), while combating website users ignoring such messages (sometimes referred to as “click-through syndrome”) are provided. Such mechanisms may comprise providing an interface for handling website messages (e.g., website certificate warnings and/or errors) based on a dynamic policy. In one example, such a dynamic policy may comprise: identifying a first trusted user; monitoring website access by the first trusted user; presenting the first trusted user with a first website message based upon a first access by the first trusted user to a first website; capturing a first response by the first trusted user to the first website message; and utilizing the first response of the first trusted user as a model for subsequent access to the first website. |
| US09026649B2 |
Determining presence status based on user analytics data
A first server is configured to receive data associated with a first user device. The first user device may send the data to the first server via a network device without user interaction, and the data may relate to activity associated with the first user device. The first server is further configured to determine a status, associated with the first user device, based on the data, store information regarding the status, receive permissions for the information regarding the status of the first user device, apply the permissions for the information regarding the status to form an advertised status, and send the advertised status to the network device. The network device may be capable of sending the advertised status to a client device or a second user device based on the permissions. |
| US09026648B1 |
Network device management technology
Techniques are described for providing network device management. In some implementations, a native mobile device application enables use of a mobile device to add new devices to a network, remove devices from a network, change network and device profile settings, troubleshoot a network, provide an interface into network devices, communications, diagnostics, etc., and provide remote access to the network for installation, programming, troubleshooting, and inclusion. |
| US09026644B2 |
Anomaly detection and identification using traffic steering and real-time analytics
A system, associated with a service provider network, is configured to monitor traffic, that is traveling to or from the service provider network, to obtain traffic metrics that correspond to a collection of network layers, where the network layers; process the traffic metrics with respect to each of the network layers to identify an anomaly, associated with the traffic, that corresponds to at least one of the network layers; send a request for packets associated with the traffic based on the identification of the anomaly; receive copies of the packets associated with the traffic; analyze the copies of the packets to obtain information associated with the anomaly; and send a notification that indicates that the anomaly has been identified, where the notification includes the traffic metrics associated with the traffic or the information associated with the anomaly. |
| US09026642B2 |
Processing apparatus, control method thereof, and storage medium
A processing apparatus capable of making it easy to set a selection condition under which desired packets are acquired. When a desired print job log is selected from a displayed print job history or when a desired transmission job log is selected from a displayed transmission job history, a file creation unit automatically creates, based on address information in the selected print job log or in the selected transmission job log, a filtering condition expression for acquiring desired packets and sets the created expression to a filtering unit. |
| US09026641B2 |
System and method for management of information streams delivered for use by a user
A method for management of information streams delivered for use by a user of a user device comprises discovering information streams relevant to the user using a plurality of uniquifiers, wherein each uniquifier of the plurality of uniquifier characterizes the user; adding the discovered information streams to a list of approved information streams; registering to at least one information stream in the list of approved information streams; filtering data provided by the at least one information stream using the plurality of uniquifiers; and providing a feedback based on the user usage of the filter data to enable improved future discovery and filtering. |
| US09026640B2 |
Determining server utilization
Ways are disclosed for determining a utilization of a server or group of servers. In one embodiment, a method includes determining a disk utilization factor (DUF) that indicates a utilization of one or more mass-storage disks of some server; determining a processor utilization factor (PUF) that indicates a utilization of one or more processors running on the first server; and based on the DUF and PUF deriving a server-utilization factor (SUF) that indicates a level of utilization of the first server, which includes incorporating one or more of (1) power-usage data or (2) financial-cost data that are associated with each of the disks and processors. |
| US09026634B2 |
Method and system for managing personal network
The disclosure discloses a method for managing a Personal Network (PN), which includes: realizing a management for the PN by any one of management ways including establishing the PN, releasing the PN, adding a PN device in the PN and enabling the PN device to leave the PN or a combination thereof. The disclosure also discloses a system for managing a PN, which includes a management unit for realizing a management for the PN by any one of management ways including establishing the PN, releasing the PN, adding a PN device in the PN and enabling the PN device to leave the PN or a combination thereof. By adopting the method and system of the disclosure, the management for the PN consisting of a large number of PN devices can be realized. |
| US09026622B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer products for providing podcasts via IPTV
A network-based technique for providing digital media podcasts is provided. The technique includes receiving a request to render a podcast on a communications device authenticated on an IPTV network, retrieving the podcast from the IPTV network, and providing the podcast to the communications device. |
| US09026621B2 |
Peer-to-peer scenic spot information sharing navigating device and method thereof
The present invention discloses a peer-to-peer scenic information sharing navigating device and its method, including a positioning unit for receiving a positioning message to determine position information of a point of interest; an information capturing unit for obtaining scenic spot information of the point of interest; a control unit for receiving the scenic spot information and its corresponding position information, and generating a scenic spot release index based on an identity identification message; a storage unit for storing the scenic spot information according to the control unit; and a communication unit for transmitting the scenic spot release index to a server. If another navigating device accesses the scenic spot release index through the server and requests to download, the control unit will retrieve the scenic spot information from the storage unit, and the communication unit will transmit a part of the scenic spot information to the other navigating device. |
| US09026619B2 |
System and method automatically of personalized media device selection and data management in smart media cloud environment
The disclosure relates to a system, and a method, for automatically selecting a personal media apparatus and managing data under a smart media cloud environment. Specifically, the system, and the method, for automatically selecting a personal media apparatus and managing data under a smart media cloud environment, provide functions of determining the degree of control of a device and the automatic conversion of media service between a smart media contents and a cloud media contents under a private network environment by automatically selecting and controlling, in accordance with a media contents, a variety of output device under UPnP and DLNA environments, and under the structure of converting a cloud media streaming data with a media renderer connected in a smart device. |
| US09026616B2 |
Content delivery reconciliation
A system and method for management and processing of resource requests are provided. A content delivery network service provider receives a DNS query from a client computing device corresponding to a requested resource from the client computing device. The content delivery network service provider associates the requested content into a set of content segments. For each content segment, the content delivery network service provider identifies the network address of a registered content provider, such as peer computing device, and a cache component of the content delivery service provider. The content delivery network service provider also provides tokens for requesting the content from a registered content provider. The client computing device obtains the content from the registered content providers and/or the cache component of the content delivery network service provider. Thereafter, the content delivery network service provider reconciles with the registered content providers for content provided to client computing devices. |
| US09026614B2 |
System and methods for remotely recovering and purging data from a wireless device in a communications network
A system and methods are provided for remotely recovering and purging data from a wireless device in a communications network. The system includes a wireless device capable of executing a data recovery/purge application program for receiving a message from a communications device in the network. The application program retrieves the data in the wireless device, purges the data from the wireless device, and sends a return message, including the data retrieved from the wireless device, to the communications device. |
| US09026612B2 |
Generating a custom parameter rule based on a comparison of a run-time value to a request URL
Identifying at least one custom parameter in a request uniform resource locator (URL). The method can include identifying at least a first portion of source code of a Web application that typically consumes the custom parameter provided in the request URL and, via a processor, instrumenting the Web application at the first portion of the source code. The Web application can receive the request URL and the Web application can be executed with the instrumented source code. At least one run-time value consumed by the second portion of the source code can be identified, and the run-time value can be compared to the request URL to determine whether the run-time value intersects with the request URL. Responsive to determining that the run-time value intersects with the request URL, the run-time value can be identified as the custom parameter. A custom parameter rule can be generated based on the comparison. |
| US09026610B2 |
Method of collecting real time data
Methods are provided for communication in a broadcast group and for collecting real time data in a broadcast group. The broadcast group includes a set of sources that send real time data, the set being made up of at least two sources and a server. A data-sending source of the group sends first time information relating to a first exchange of control data of the first source with the server by broadcasting to the members of the group. The first exchange is the one and only exchange of control data of the first source with the members of the broadcast group. The data-sending source receives second time information sent by the server and relating to the first exchange of control data between the first source and the server and to a second exchange of control data between the second source and the server. The source also receives second time data from other sources of the group and determines a transmission time between itself and another source of the group from the first and second received time information. |
| US09026607B2 |
Promulgating information on websites using servers
A method uses web servers to promulgate information from one server to another, instead of promulgating the information by the user to each server individually. A first server receives a first request for promulgating web-information from a user, locally promulgates the web-information, and sends a second request to at least one second website server to instruct the second website server to locally promulgate the web-information. The selection of the second server is done according to a preset configuration file which includes a relationship mapping between the first website server and the second website server. The relationship mapping may provide the user information related to the second website server based on the user information related to the first website server. The present disclosure further discloses a communication apparatus and a communication system. |
| US09026604B2 |
System and method for identifying a replacement administrator for a communication network
The disclosure recites a system and method for identifying an access point for a network. The method comprises: upon a trigger condition for the network assessing intents of members of the network to be an administrator for the network to replace a current administrator for the network; identifying a replacement administrator from the members from the intents of the members; and transferring network management functions from the current administrator to the replacement administrator. |
| US09026599B2 |
Method and system for transferring a message
Method and system for transferring a message, comprising routing information relating to the intended recipient of the message and content information, from a first node via a second node to a third node in a communications network. According to the invention, a repository is associated with the second node. The method comprises the steps of: transmitting the message from the first node to the second node; storing data representative of the content information in the repository of the second node; replacing, by the second node, in the message, the content information by a token; transmitting the message, comprising the routing information and the token, from the second node to the third node; retrieving, by the third node, the content information from the second node; and replacing by the third node, in the message, the token by the content information. |
| US09026598B2 |
Automatically generating request-specific backup contact information in an out of office message
A system for automatically generating request-specific backup contact information in an out of office message that automatically generates an out of office message with specific backup contact information based on an automatically determined correspondence between the contents of a received e-mail message and one or more responsibilities of the user an e-mail message is addressed to. A user interface object allows a user to specify one or more keywords for each different one of their roles/responsibilities, and to also specify corresponding backup contact information for each role/responsibility. Incoming e-mail messages are analyzed to detect the user's keywords used to identify one or more corresponding roles/responsibilities. Based on this detection of keywords in the received message and the correspondence of the detected keywords with role/responsibility back up contact information in the persistent storage, only relevant backup contact information is retrieved and included in the out of office reply. |
| US09026596B2 |
Sharing of event media streams
Embodiments are disclosed that relate to sharing media streams capturing different perspectives of an event. For example, one embodiment provides, on a computing device, a method including storing an event definition for an event, receiving from each capture device of a plurality of capture devices a request to share a media stream provided by the capture device, receiving a media stream from each capture device of the plurality of capture devices, and associating a subset of media streams from the plurality of capture devices with the event based upon the event definition. The method further includes receiving a request for transmission of a selected media stream associated with the event, and sending the selected media stream associated with the event to the requesting capture device. |
| US09026587B2 |
System and method for invoking application commands with web service calls
A method for invoking an application command includes generating a web service request. The web service request includes an extensible markup language (XML) document in the body of the web service request. The XML document includes information indicating an application command. The method further includes transmitting the web service request to a server using a network communication protocol. |
| US09026579B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing/receiving service of plurality of service providers
Provided are a method and apparatus for providing/receiving a service from a plurality of service providers. In the method, in order to receive services from servers of a plurality of service providers, a client receives information regarding a plurality of services that can be received from a server of a service provider selected from among the service providers, requests the server to provide a service from among the services based on the received information, and then receives the service from the server. Accordingly, it is possible to allow the client to search for and receive a service from among services of a plurality of service providers. |
| US09026575B2 |
Technique for automatically configuring a communication network element
An automatically provisioned network element (26) has the ability to detect a heartbeat message interval used by a remote network element (22, 24) and to automatically adjust a heartbeat interval timer value that it uses for sending subsequent heartbeat messages. The adjustment is responsive to the interval used by the remote network element 50 that they correspond to each other. By automatically configuring the heartbeat timer interval value so that there is correspondence between the intervals used by the end points on a link over which Cisco HDLC SLARP communications occur, for example, the chance of a link being considered to have failed is decreased. In a disclosed example, the heartbeat interval timer value is initially set to a value that is expected to be higher than that used by the remote network element and only automatic reductions in the heartbeat message interval timer value are permitted. |
| US09026574B2 |
Systems and methods for solving computational problems
Solving computational problems may include generating a logic circuit representation of the computational problem, encoding the logic circuit representation as a discrete optimization problem, and solving the discrete optimization problem using a quantum processor. Output(s) of the logic circuit representation may be clamped such that the solving involves effectively executing the logic circuit representation in reverse to determine input(s) that corresponds to the clamped output(s). The representation may be of a multiplication circuit. The discrete optimization problem may be composed of a set of miniature optimization problems, where each miniature optimization problem encodes a respective logic gate from the logic circuit representation. A multiplication circuit may employ binary representations of factors, and these binary representations may be decomposed to reduce the total number of variables required to represent the multiplication circuit. |
| US09026573B2 |
Recursive type-IV discrete cosine transform system
A recursive type-IV discrete cosine transform system includes a first permutation device, a recursive type-III discrete cosine/sine transform device, a cosine/sine factor generation device, a recursive type-II discrete cosine/sine transform device, a second permutation device. The first permutation device performs two-dimensional order permutation operation on N digital signals for generating N two-dimensional first temporal signals. The recursive type-III discrete cosine/sine transform device repeats a type-III discrete cosine/sine transform for generating second temporal signals. The cosine/sine factor generation device sequentially performs cosine/sine factor multiplication and corresponding addition operations for generating third temporal signals. The recursive type-II discrete cosine/sine transform device repeats a type-II discrete cosine/sine transform for generating fourth temporal signals. The second permutation device performs a one-dimensional order permutation operation for generating N one-dimensional output signals. The N one-dimensional output signals are obtained by performing a type-IV discrete cosine transform on the N digital input signals. |
| US09026570B2 |
Method, apparatus and instructions for parallel data conversions
Method, apparatus, and program means for performing a conversion. In one embodiment, a disclosed apparatus includes a destination storage location corresponding to a first architectural register. A functional unit operates responsive to a control signal, to convert a first packed first format value selected from a set of packed first format values into a plurality of second format values. Each of the first format values has a plurality of sub elements having a first number of bits The second format values have a greater number of bits. The functional unit stores the plurality of second format values into an architectural register. |
| US09026563B2 |
Mechanism for facilitating dynamic social media-based management of assets in an on-demand services environment
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for facilitating dynamic management of assets in an on-demand services environment. In one embodiment and by way of example, a method includes receiving, in real-time, a request for performance of one or more tasks relating to management of assets. The management of assets may include management of data relating to the assets, where the assets may include hardware assets or software assets, wherein the request is received at a first computing system. The method may further include performing, in real-time, the one or more tasks. The one or more tasks may include dynamically customizing, according to the request, data relating to the assets. |
| US09026561B2 |
Automated report of broken relationships between tables
In a method for reporting data loaded to a database that does not adhere to referential constraints of the database that are not enforced, a computer receives a file of Data Definition Language (DDL) statements for creating a database. The computer identifies statements from the DDL statements that comprise text indicating the statements are referential constraints that are not to be enforced. The computer converts indentified statements to create view statements. The computer generates a file comprising the create view statements. Create view statements are used to generate database views during database build. The computer generates a file, comprising the received DDL statements without the statements that comprise the text indicating the one or more DDL statements are referential constraints not to be enforced in the database. The computer, responsive to new data being loaded to the database, creates a report comprising data from the database views. |
| US09026557B2 |
Schema mapping based on data views and database tables
Schema mapping is provided at several levels of granularity to generate views from a data model. The schema mapping allows for the database tables referenced among the data views contained in the data model to come from a collection of several physical schemas, even though the data model may comprise a single authoring schema. |
| US09026555B2 |
System and method for adaptive playback based on destination
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer readable-media for adaptive media playback based on destination. The method for adaptive media playback comprises determining one or more destinations, collecting media content that is relevant to or describes the one or more destinations, assembling the media content into a program, and outputting the program. In various embodiments, media content may be advertising, consumer-generated, based on real-time events, based on a schedule, or assembled to fit within an estimated available time. Media content may be assembled using an adaptation engine that selects a plurality of media segments that fit in the estimated available time, orders the plurality of media segments, alters at least one of the plurality of media segments to fit the estimated available time, if necessary, and creates a playlist of selected media content containing the plurality of media segments. |
| US09026554B2 |
Proactive data object replication in named data networks
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of proactive data object replication in named data networks. In various examples, proactive data object replication may be implemented in one or more named data networks in the form of systems, methods and/or algorithms. |
| US09026553B2 |
Data expanse viewer for database systems
Systems and methods for obtaining access to a database file managed by an operating system in a computing system are disclosed. One method includes transmitting a call to an operating system from a database management system, the call requesting access to a database file. The method also includes receiving an address from the operating system at the database management system. The address represents a general address of the database file managed by the operating system. The method further includes transmitting a call to the operating system from the database management system, which includes an address and a size of a view of the database file to be created. The method also includes receiving an address of the view of the database file from the operating system. |
| US09026550B2 |
Temporal pattern matching in large collections of log messages
A method for identifying a plurality of patterns of events from within event log file data includes receiving a query comprising a plurality of patterns, each of the patterns comprising a plurality of events. One or more key events is determined from the plurality of patterns of events. The one or more key events is located within a database of stored event log file data. An event stream comprising the key events and all other events of the event log file data occurring within a predetermined time span from the time of the located one or more events is generated. Each of the plurality of patterns of the received query are searched for from within the event stream. |
| US09026549B2 |
Image tile server
An image tile server importantly includes an image tile cache, to support a tiled map display in a user device. Instead of the conventional user device client (e.g., an Ajax client) making image requests directly to a mapping server (MS), a display device initiates an image request of a tile server (TS), and the tile server returns the requested image. However, importantly, the tile server (TS) also retains a cached copy of the returned image for faster retrieval at a later time relating to another image request by the same or different user device. |
| US09026541B2 |
Optimizing user selection for performing tasks in social networks
Embodiments of the invention relate to optimizing user response rate in social media. One embodiment includes generating a statistical model for modeling a likelihood of social media user response from data collected from social media using a set of available features. The social media users are ranked in an estimation set based on the statistical model. The ranked social media users are placed in a rank ordered list. A sub-interval on the rank ordered list is selected for maximizing the response rate. |
| US09026540B1 |
Systems and methods for information match scoring
Systems and methods described herein can assign a confidence score to a match of unstructured descriptive information with structured reference information in a reference database. The systems and methods can take into account the structured nature of the reference information in assigning the score, thereby facilitating increased confidence in the match, and consequently, facilitating improved database organization and content identification. |
| US09026538B2 |
Method for performing transactions on data and a transactional database
The present invention provides a method for performing transactions on data entities in a database and a transactional database. The database comprises an ordered set of data stores with at least one static data store, wherein said static data store uses an index structure based on a non-updatable representation of an ordered set of integers according to the principle of compressed inverted indices. The method allows to generate a modifiable data store when the performed transaction comprises an insert, update or delete operation, to execute operations of the transaction on the ordered set being present at the time when the transaction has been started and, if present, on the modifiable data store and to convert data stores to a new static data store, The insert, update or delete operation are executed on the modifiable data store which is the only data store modifiable for the transaction. |
| US09026524B1 |
Completing queries using transitive closures on a social graph
A system gathers information on influential people and builds a social graph. The system is flexible in what types of information it gathers so that a detailed picture on influential persons can be determined. The information is organized to allow users of the system to make fast searches with the system and draw meaningful conclusions from the information. |
| US09026518B2 |
System and method for clustering content according to similarity
Systems and methods for clustering content according to similarity are provided that identify and group similar content using a set of tags associated with the content. A topic model of a group of content is built, producing a probability distribution of topic membership for the content. Individual items of content are then clustered using a clustering algorithm, and a distance matrix from the probability distribution is built. Based on the distance matrix, individual items of content are labeled as “must-link” or “cannot-link” pairs with the group of content. The topic model is then embedded into successively smaller dimensions using a kernel method, until the clustering is stable with respect to both the behavioral and content domains. |
| US09026516B1 |
Interest-based keywords for prominent entity and by location
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, and including a method for providing content. The method comprises receiving a request for content from a user, the request for content being associated with a location and including one or more keywords. The method further comprises determining a prominent entity in proximity to the location and one or more categories associated with the prominent entity. The method further comprises evaluating historical search queries received from the user to determine one or more interests of the user. The method further comprises determining one or more additional keywords based on the evaluating. The method further comprises determining one or more content items based at least in part on the one or more keywords, the categories and the one or more additional keywords. The method further comprises providing the one or more content items responsive to the request. |
| US09026514B2 |
Method, apparatus and article for assigning a similarity measure to names
A method, article and apparatus for calculating a measure of similarity between names is disclosed. Generally, name elements from an inbound name may be matched to name elements in a candidate matching name. A measure of similarity for the inbound name and candidate matching name may be calculated based on the number of matching name elements, an inbound name word count, a candidate name word count, and the number of transpositions that occur in matching name elements with one another. |
| US09026498B2 |
Lightweight mounting of a secondary copy of file system data
A data storage system allows a user to search a secondary copy such as a back up, archive, or snapshot and receive an abbreviated version of the secondary copy of the file system as a result of the search. The abbreviated version of the secondary copy of the file system may include metadata such as a listing of secondary copy data that correspond with a search term or other filtering criteria provided by the user. An operating system of the user's computing device may mount the abbreviated version so that it can be displayed within a view of the file system of the computing device. Once a user selects one or more desired data objects listed in the abbreviated version, the selected actual one or more data objects are retrieved from secondary storage. |
| US09026495B1 |
System and method for creating and accessing a host-accessible storage entity
The present invention provides a system and method for creating and accessing a copy of one or more host-accessible storage entities contained in a persistent consistency point image (PCPI) of a volume served by a storage system. The storage entity may comprise a file system, logical volume, volume group, or “file system on raw device”. The copy of the storage entity is generated using a logical unit number (lun) copying technique in conjunction with a PCPI table of contents (PTOC). The PTOC contains data describing contents of the PCPI, including luns of the storage entity. The PTOC is written to the volume of the storage system, which is configured to store the luns, i.e., in the context of an active file system, immediately prior to generation of the PCPI. After generation of the PCPI, the PTOC is deleted from the volume such that it is only stored within the PCPI and not within the active file system. |
| US09026494B2 |
Synchronization of storage using comparisons of fingerprints of blocks
A system for processing data comprises a deduplicating system, an interface, and a processor. The deduplicating system stores a copy of data stored in a data storage system by storing a set of segments that is able to reconstruct the data stored in the data storage system. The interface receives an indication to revert data stored in the data storage system to a state of data at a snapshot time stored in the deduplicating system. The processor is configured to determine a subset of the data stored in the data storage system that has changed between the data stored in the data storage system and the state of data at the snapshot time stored in the deduplicating system using a first list of fingerprints associated with the data stored on the data storage system and a second list of fingerprints associated with the state of data at the snapshot time stored in the deduplicating system. |
| US09026492B1 |
Multisite replication with uncoordinated cycle switching
Handling asynchronous data provided by at least two sources includes receiving a first portion of the data from a first one of the sources, receiving a second portion of the data from a second one of the sources, where the first and second portions provide the same data, and saving at least one of the portions containing more recent data. The sources may be synchronized with each other to contain the same data. All of the portions may be saved. A portion that contains data that is older than the more recent data may be discarded. Handling asynchronous data provided by at least two sources may also include establishing an active leg for data provided by one of the sources, establishing a passive leg for data provided by an other one of the sources, and saving data provided through the active leg. |
| US09026486B2 |
Physical infrastructure management system
Systems and methods of the present invention allow for the discovery of physical location information about network assets and the delivery of that information to network administrators. In addition, environmental and other information about network asset locations can be provided to an administrator. Intelligent patch panels and power outlet units are installed in network cabinets to facilitate the acquisition and reporting of physical infrastructure information, including information about network resource availability. |
| US09026484B2 |
Personal taste assessment method and system
A personal taste assessment and prediction system implements a method of predicting a person's preference for an item. The system may receive identifying information about an item of interest, and it may use the identifying information to access a database of characteristic values for various items and identify one or more characteristics of the item of interest. The system will access a user profile and process the retrieved characteristics with a user profile for a person to generate a predicted rating for the item of interest for the person. |
| US09026483B1 |
Automatic prediction of aspects of human task performance
Techniques are described for automatically facilitating the performance of tasks based on automatically generating predictions about future task performance, and then using the generated task performance prediction information in various ways. For example, as tasks are performed via a task exchange server system, various information about the tasks and their performance may be tracked, and the tracked information may then be analyzed to identify relationships between various of the information related to the tasks and to corresponding information about the performance of the tasks. Based on the identified relationship information, the task exchange server may automatically generate predictions regarding how performance of additional tasks will occur in the future, such as by determining task performance information that corresponds to information available about the additional tasks. The automatically generated task performance prediction information may then be used to facilitate performance of tasks in various manners. |
| US09026480B2 |
Navigation system with point of interest classification mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a navigation system includes: generating a training data from a randomly sampled uncategorized point of interest; generating a trained classifier model by training a classifier model using the training data; generating a category identifier, a confidence score, or a combination thereof for an uncategorized point of interest using the trained classifier model; generating a categorized point of interest by assigning the category identifier to the uncategorized point of interest; calculating a weighted confidence score based on a weighted F-measure for the category identifier, a pair of the category identifier and the confidence score; and consolidating the categorized point of interest based on the weighted confidence score for the category identifier being meeting or exceeding a threshold for displaying on a device. |
| US09026478B2 |
Framework for finding one or more solutions to a problem
In an embodiment, information for use in identifying a plurality of sub-solvers may be acquired. The plurality of sub-solvers may be used in a first attempt to find at least one solution to a problem that may be defined in the acquired information. At least two of the sub-solvers in the plurality of sub-solvers may be of different sub-solver types. The sub-solvers may be identified based on the acquired information. One or more starting points for the identified sub-solvers may be identified and transferred to the identified sub-solvers. One or more outputs, that indicate one or more results associated with the first attempt to find at least one solution to the problem, may be acquired from the identified sub-solvers. One or more sub-solvers may be identified, based on the acquired one or more outputs, for use in a second attempt to find at least one solution to the problem. |
| US09026476B2 |
System and method for personalized media rating and related emotional profile analytics
A system and a method for generating an emotional profile of the user and deriving inference from the analytics of generated emotional profile is provided. The method involves sharing media content or online event in a connected environment; capturing user's reaction to the said content or event; generating an emotional score of the user to rate the media content or event; and sharing the emotional score within the connected environment. |
| US09026472B2 |
Method and system for reserving future purchases of goods and services
A method and system for reserving future purchases of goods or services or events. Electronic options are provided for desired goods or services or events. Electronic options, electronic option terms and electronic option fees are dynamically generated and dynamically adjusted based on prior and current actions completed on a client network device. A business-to-business (b2b) marketplace is established using electronic options. |
| US09026468B2 |
System and method for proactively establishing a third-party payment account for services rendered to a resident of a controlled-environment facility
Systems and methods for proactively establishing a third-party payment account for services rendered to a resident of a controlled-environment facility (“CEF”). A campaign-triggering event is detected, which triggers contact of prospective third-party (“3rd-party”) payers for a resident of a CEF in order to encourage such prospective 3rd-party payers to establish 3rd-party payment accounts for the resident. In this manner, the prospective 3rd-party payers are proactively contacted prior to an expected future demand for service by the resident. A method thus comprises identifying at least one prospective third-party payer for a resident of a controlled-environment facility, and proactively contacting the identified at least one prospective third-party payer prior to demand for service by the resident to encourage the identified at least one prospective third-party payer to establish a third-party payment account for payment for future service expected for the resident. |
| US09026467B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring and detecting fraudulent uses of business applications
A systems and methods are described detect fraud in existing logs of raw data. There can be several disparate logs, each including data of disparate data types and generated by different and possibly unrelated software enterprise applications. The fraud management system aggregates and organizes the raw log data, archives the data in a manner that facilitates efficient access and processing of the data, allows for investigation of potentially fraudulent usage scenarios, and uses the results of the investigation to identify patterns of data that correspond to correspond to high risk usage scenarios and/or process steps. In subsequent processing, archived data can be compared against the identified patterns corresponding to high risk usage scenarios to detect matches, and the invention thereby automatically detects high risk usage scenarios and issues appropriate alerts and reports. |
| US09026465B2 |
System to effectuate point of use control and accountability of monitored articles
The method and system for a material cabinet for use in cooperation with a plurality of articles stored in the material cabinet is disclosed. Each of the plurality of articles having a radio frequency identification tag attached thereto is connected through at least an antenna or a plurality of antennas installed in the material cabinet to a radio frequency identification reader, which is interpreted through a software in a computer system. This method and system has capability to effectuate point of use control of the stored articles through a database in the computer system. This method and system also implements a security mechanism through a lock system to secure the store articles from unauthorized user/stock clerks. |
| US09026463B1 |
Method and system to distribute online video
An online video distribution network includes an online video portal and an online video merchant. In one embodiment, when the consumer orders a video, the merchant provides a pick-up ticket to the consumer. The portal uses the merchant identity in the pick-up ticket to connect to the merchant, and the merchant uses a product identity in the pick-up ticket to retrieve and send the video to the portal. In another embodiment, the portal provides the consumer with a drop-off ticket, which is provided to the merchant. The merchant connects to the portal using the portal identity in the drop-off ticket, and sends the video and a customer identity in the drop-off ticket to the portal. The portal determines a consumer record associated with the consumer identity and stores the video in the consumer record. The consumer can then easily access the video at the portal. |
| US09026459B2 |
Online shopping using NFC and a point-of-sale terminal
A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization. |
| US09026458B2 |
Apparatus, system and program product for dynamically changing advertising on an avatar as viewed by a viewing user
A method, system and program product for brokering advertising of products and services in a virtual world. The method includes accepting subscriptions from advertisers willing to pay for advertising products and services on a persona associated with a virtual space belonging to a virtual world user, creating a user profile based on specified likes/dislikes and establishing whether a user is willing to display advertising on their persona in the virtual world in exchange for receiving a benefit. Further, the method includes displaying advertisements on the persona, such that, the one or more advertisements displayed on the persona dynamically changes based on a viewing user viewing the persona of the advertising user, the one or more advertisements displayed to the viewing user being based on a viewing user profile, such that, the advertisements displayed on the persona varies simultaneously in real time mode from one viewing user to another. |
| US09026456B2 |
Business-responsibility-centric identity management
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for managing business responsibilities. During operation, the system receives a user request for a business responsibility and forwards the request to a managing entity, thereby allowing the managing entity to approve or deny the request. If the managing entity approves the user's request, the system identifies one or more resources corresponding to the requested business responsibility, and provisions the credentials required to access the identified resources, thereby allowing the user to access the business responsibility without managing the required credentials. The system further notifies the user that the requested business responsibility is accessible. If the managing entity denies the user's request, the system notifies the user that the request is denied. |
| US09026453B2 |
Readable indicia for healthcare payment codes
Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and computer-program products for providing readable indicia for healthcare codes. As such, a readable indicia may be presented at a point-of-transaction (POT) for a user to select. The system may dynamically present the readable indicia based on the user, the merchant, and the products of the transaction. The user may select the readable indicia with his/her user device. Upon selection, the system may provide the user with private viewing and selecting of alternative payment methods available to the user for that transaction. Alternative payment methods may include insurance or government programs. The system may receive authorization to apply one of the alternative payment methods to the transaction. As such, the invention provides private, yet expedited transaction capabilities using alternative payment methods at a merchant POT. |
| US09026452B2 |
Bitstream syntax for multi-process audio decoding
An audio decoder provides a combination of decoding components including components implementing base band decoding, spectral peak decoding, frequency extension decoding and channel extension decoding techniques. The audio decoder decodes a compressed bitstream structured by a bitstream syntax scheme to permit the various decoding components to extract the appropriate parameters for their respective decoding technique. |
| US09026451B1 |
Pitch post-filter
Methods and systems for using pitch predictors in speech/audio coders are provided. Techniques for optimal pre- and post-filtering are presented, and a general result that post-filtering is more effective than pre-filtering is derived. A practical paired-zero filter design for the low-rate regime is proposed, and this design is extended to handle frequency-dependent periodicity levels. Further, the methods described provide a general performance measure for a post-filter that only uses information available at the decoder, thereby allowing for the optimization or selection of a post-filter without increasing the rate. |
| US09026444B2 |
System and method for personalization of acoustic models for automatic speech recognition
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media for automatic speech recognition. The method includes selecting a speaker independent model, and selecting a quantity of speaker dependent models, the quantity of speaker dependent models being based on available computing resources, the selected models including the speaker independent model and the quantity of speaker dependent models. The method also includes recognizing an utterance using each of the selected models in parallel, and selecting a dominant speech model from the selected models based on recognition accuracy using the group of selected models. The system includes a processor and modules configured to control the processor to perform the method. The computer-readable storage medium includes instructions for causing a computing device to perform the steps of the method. |
| US09026439B2 |
Verbal intelligibility analyzer for audio announcement systems
A device and method are disclosed for testing the intelligibility of audio announcement systems. The device may include a microphone, a translation engine, a processor, a memory associated with the processor, and a display. The microphone of the analyzer may be coupled to the translation engine, which in-turn may be coupled to the processor, which is in-turn may be coupled to the memory and the display. The translation engine can convert audio speech input from the microphone into data output. The processor can receive the data output and can apply a scoring algorithm thereto. The algorithm can compare the received data against data that is stored in the memory of the analyzer and calculates the accuracy of the received data. The algorithm may translate the calculated accuracy into a standardized STI intelligibility score that is then presented on the display of the analyzer. |
| US09026436B2 |
Speech enhancement method using a cumulative histogram of sound signal intensities of a plurality of frames of a microphone array
A speech enhancement method is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: receiving a plurality of frames of sound signals by a microphone array; calculating an inter-aural time difference for each frequency band of each frame of the sound signals corresponding to at least one two-microphone set of the microphone array; calculating a plurality of values of cumulative histograms according to the calculated inter-aural time differences, wherein each value of the cumulative histograms is associates with a sound signal intensity of a respective frame; determining a first inter-aural time difference threshold according to the calculated value of the cumulative histograms; and filtering the plurality of frames of sound signals according to the first inter-aural time difference threshold. |
| US09026430B2 |
Electronic device and natural language analysis method thereof
A language analysis method for an electronic device storing a basic corpus and a temporary corpus is provided. The language analysis method includes steps of receiving user inputs and generating signals; converting signals into textualized information; analyzing the textualized information; obtaining a first understanding result according to the basic corpus, the vocabulary segmentation results, and the sentence segmentation results; determining whether the first understanding result is an appropriate understanding according to the context; determining one or more anaphoric vocabularies when the first understanding result is an inappropriate understanding; determining a temporary understanding result of the one or more anaphoric vocabularies and a second understanding result of the textualized information according to the context; and determining a reply for the textualized information, according to the second understanding result, the basic corpus, and the temporary corpus. An electronic device using the language analysis method is also provided. |
| US09026427B2 |
Method and apparatus for pruning side information including directed edges not possessing shortest expanded length for grammar-based compression
A computer-implemented method for generating side information for grammar-based data compression systems, such as YK compression systems, is described. An admissible grammar (G) for an input sequence (A(S0)) having a finite set of terminal symbols is obtained. A graph representation of the admissible grammar (G) is then constructed. An edge having a lowest weight (expansion frequency), or one not possessing the shortest distance and or shortest expanded sequence length, is then pruned from the graph representation to generate a pruned graph representation. A pruned grammar (G′) is then derived by removing the occurrence corresponding to the pruned edge from the grammar G and the starting variable (S0,i) of the pruned grammar (Gi) is then expanded to generate the side information. |
| US09026424B1 |
Emulation of multiple instruction sets
A device may emulate target instructions by executing a first set of microinstructions, and may store a base address of a table that includes a microinstruction provided in a second set of microinstructions for emulating the target instructions. The device may also locate the microinstruction based on the stored base address, and emulate one of the target instructions by executing the microinstruction. |
| US09026421B2 |
Method of modeling cloud point of a mixture of fatty acid methyl esters using a modified UNIFAC model and a system therefor
A method for predicting onset of liquid phase to solid phase transition of a mixture including a plurality of fatty acid methyl esters components. The method includes identifying chemical and molecular structure of each component of the mixture, calculating activity coefficients for each component in a liquid phase and a solid phase, calculating chemical potential for each component in the liquid phase and in the solid phase at a predetermined temperature and a predetermined pressure, and calculating the cloud point of the mixture. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed. |
| US09026419B2 |
Computer-implemented systems and methods for controlling sand production in a geomechanical reservoir system
Systems and methods are provided for use in predicting sand production in a geomechanical reservoir system. Computation of the sand production predictions can include solving a system of partial differential equations that model the geomechanical reservoir system. Systems and methods also are provided for use in operating a geomechanical reservoir system based on the sand production prediction for controlling sand production in the geomechanical reservoir system. |
| US09026418B2 |
Method for determining distinct alternative paths between two object sets in 2-D and 3-D heterogeneous data
Distinct paths (40), e.g., locally optimal, are determined in a heterogeneous velocity field (32) between a source object and a target object (33) using gradients (35) of a two-way total arrival time field (34). The foregoing technique may be used to assess hydrocarbon reservoir connectivity. |
| US09026414B2 |
Systems and methods for determining speed control management settings
Methods and devices for determining speed control management settings are provided. A vehicle configuration is obtained, specifying at least a transmission, including a number of gears present in the transmission. One or more speed control management modules, such as progressive shift and/or gear down protection modules, are selected by a customer. One or more default progressive shift limits and a default gear down protection limit are calculated, along with gears for which they are active. Performance of the vehicle using the default speed control management settings is simulated and compared to typical vehicle performance. The customer may alter the speed control management settings within dynamically determined valid ranges. The speed control management settings are used in the manufacture or other configuration of the vehicle for the customer. |
| US09026412B2 |
Managing and maintaining scope in a service oriented architecture industry model repository
A method of managing and maintaining scope in a of service oriented architecture industry model repository comprising defining boundaries and definitions of scope and scope propagation of topics, associations, and occurrences within the SOA IMR; managing boundaries and definitions of scope and scope propagation within the SOA IMR; and maintaining boundaries and definitions of scope and scope propagation within the SOA IMR. |
| US09026409B2 |
Systems, methods, and software for automated design and manufacturing of HVAC control panels
The present inventors devised, among other things, systems, methods, and software that radically simplify and reduce the time necessary to specify, design, manufacture, and document control panels and wiring harnesses for semi-custom and custom equipment, such as HVAC equipment. A computer storage medium includes data relating to a plurality of control panel enclosures and a set of rules for designing a control panel. The system receives a selection of two or more components for placement in the control panel, retrieves information about the two or more components from a database, and generates one or more layouts. The one or more layouts comprise placement of the two or more components within at least one of the plurality of control panel enclosures as a function of the set of rules for designing a control panel. The control panel enclosures are dynamically selected as a function of the two or more components. The exemplary system dramatically reduces the product specification and engineering time required for any custom control panel and makes it possible for OEMs to efficiently offering more options and shorter turn-around times to its customers. |
| US09026407B1 |
Method of making and using a material model of elements with planar faces
A method of making and using a material model utilizes summation, integration or alteration of force, stress, energy or sets of flux vectors that vary across or emanate from three dimensional elements with planar faces. The method receives input from a user to set up one or more three dimensional elements without further division, addition, merging or distortion. Processor steps detect and compute limits of integration across a face nearest a sampling point in coordinate systems local to the face and local to a plane of rotation for any rotation within a material matrix. Patterns of force, stress, energy or sets of flux vectors from a model can be utilized to promote electrical conduction not facilitated by a traditional voltage, detection of properties of an incoming wave, resistance against fracture, or selective separation of material. |
| US09026396B2 |
Impact sensing device and helmet incorporating the same
An impact sensing device including a plurality of accelerometers orthogonally oriented with respect to each other and attachable at a body location, each capable of producing a signal indicative of an impact. An integrated circuit is configured to determine the magnitude and direction of the impact based on the signals and operative to activate an indicator when the magnitude exceeds a selected threshold based on the direction of the impact. A head injury coefficient is determined based on the magnitude and a duration of the impact, and the threshold level of acceleration is expressed in terms of a head injury coefficient value. The head injury coefficient value is determined by empirically correlating a head injury coefficient measured at the body location and a head injury coefficient measured at the center of mass of a human head resulting from an impact. |
| US09026395B2 |
Specific gravity measuring tool
A specific gravity measuring tool comprises a portable handheld housing supporting a plurality of electrodes at a fixed known spacing thereon and a display for displaying a determined specific gravity thereon. The electrodes are arranged to be penetrated into the object to be measured, for example a potato. The electrodes include a first pair across which an electrical potential is arranged to be generated, and a second pair across which an electrical potential is arranged to be sensed. A processor of the tool is arranged to calculate electrical impedance using the electrical potential generated across said first pair of the electrodes, the electrical potential sensed at said second pair of electrodes, and the known spacing between the electrodes so that the specific gravity can be determined using a predetermined relationship between electrical impedance and specific gravity. |
| US09026388B2 |
Method for determining drop in capacity of sodium—sulfur battery
It is determined that a drop in the capacity of a sodium-sulfur battery has proceeded to an abnormal level when both the following expression (1) and expression (2) hold. Qe−Qn≧K1 . . . (1) where Qe: abnormal block depth of discharge; Qn: normal block depth of discharge; and K1: block abnormality determination set point (setting value) and Qe≧K2 . . . (2) where K2: depth of discharge abnormality determination set point (setting value). |
| US09026386B2 |
Material property testing devices with capabilities of monitoring energy-consumption and detecting the environment
A material property testing device with capabilities of energy-consumption monitoring and environment detecting the device including a processing unit, which intercommunicates with the testing unit and the storage unit; the input end of the processing unit connects with an energy monitoring device and an environment detecting unit; the energy monitoring device is installed in a power supply module to monitor the electricity consumption conditions and sends the energy consumption data to the processing unit; the environment detecting unit adopts a detection sensor to detect the environment conditions and sends the environmental information to the processing unit. |
| US09026380B2 |
Air gap measuring apparatus
Disclosed is an air gap measuring apparatus, for measuring width of an air gap formed between a rotator and a stator. An insertion section has a first flat plate section and a second flat plate section. Gap adjusting means drives the second flat plate section such that the second flat plate section moves away from the first flat plate section, until the first flat plate section and the second flat plate section abuts on the rotator and the stator. An operating section extends to outside of the insertion section, and operates the gap adjusting means. An elastic body has an end that follows the first flat plate section, and other end that follows the second flat plate section. A strain gage outputs electrical signals corresponding to the strain of the elastic body, the strain being formed due to the movement of the second flat plate section. |
| US09026376B2 |
Corrosion monitoring
A method of modelling a surface of an object by using ultrasonic waves transmitted along the surface comprises the steps of: transmitting the ultrasonic waves along paths along the surface, and determining travel times of the ultrasonic waves along the paths. At least some of the ultrasonic waves exhibit an S0 mode and have a frequency-dependent velocity. This velocity (c) is relatively high for frequencies up to a first bending point (BP1), decreasing relatively rapidly for frequencies between the first bending point (BP1) and a second bending point (BP2), and relatively low for frequencies beyond the second bending point (BP2). The ultrasonic waves have a frequency range which lies at or below the first bending point (BP1). |
| US09026372B2 |
Methods for providing a system of care for a high-dose oxazaphosphorine drug regimen
The present invention provides methods of treating subjects with an oxazaphosphorines, methods of identifying subjects that are suitable for oxazaphosphorine treatment, and systems for ensuring the safety and efficacy of a treatment that includes oxazaphosphorine administration. |
| US09026362B2 |
Position calculating method and position calculating device
In a position calculating device, a first operational process of calculating at least a position of a moving object using the measurement result of an inertial positioning unit disposed in the moving object is performed by a first operation processing unit. A second operational process of calculating the position of the moving object using the result of the first operational process and the measurement result of a satellite positioning unit disposed in the moving object is performed by a second operation processing unit. An operational coefficient of the first operational process is adjusted using the result of the first operational process and the result of the second operational process by an operational coefficient adjusting unit. |
| US09026354B1 |
Determining optimal map downloading locations
Methods and computer-readable media are provided to determine optimal locations at which it is suggested that a mobile device download portions of a map corresponding to an initial location and a destination location. A navigation server receives an indication of an initial location and a destination location from the mobile device and retrieves a map corresponding to a route between the two locations. A first download location is determined based on one or more of signal strength, a time of day that the map is likely to be downloaded, periods of known high saturation, a battery level of the mobile device, and/or a cost associated with roaming. Using one or more of these factors, the first download location is determined and is communicated to the mobile device. |
| US09026352B2 |
Driving assistance device and driving assistance method
A driving support apparatus includes a collision time prediction unit that predicts a TTC and a TTV, a driving support determination unit that applies the TTC and TTV to a map and determines whether the driving support in the host vehicle is to be implemented or not, a driving support control unit that controls the driving support in the host vehicle, an extension mode determination unit that determines whether a speed of the moving object in a direction crossing the traveling direction is equal to or less than a first threshold value and whether the TTC is equal to or less than a second threshold value or not, and determines that the driving support is to be implemented in the host vehicle in a case where the above conditions are satisfied. |
| US09026350B1 |
Center of gravity determination apparatus for fixed wing aerial systems
A Center of Gravity Determination Apparatus for Fixed Wing Aerial Systems (NC#102046) comprising a lifting support structure designed to support a fixed wing aerial system (FWAS) wherein the lifting support structure allows the FWAS to freely pitch, a 3-D translation mechanism, operatively coupled to the lifting support structure, designed to precisely position the lifting support structure in the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis, a base support structure, operatively coupled to the 3-D translation mechanism, designed to support other components, at least one resting support structure, operatively coupled to the base support structure, designed to support the FWAS when the lifting support structure is not providing support to the FWAS and wherein the at least one resting support structure is designed to prevent the FWAS from pitching, rolling, or yawing when the lifting support structure is not providing support to the FWAS. |
| US09026344B2 |
In-vehicle internal combustion engine control device, and control method for internal combustion engine
At the time of an engine start while the vehicle is driving, when a required vehicle driving force (TRQ) is smaller than or equal to a predetermined value (TRQth), an electronic control unit (20) estimates that the degree of deformation of a mount (11) is smaller than or equal to a predetermined degree and sets a second-cycle fuel injection amount (Q2) so as to be larger than a first-cycle fuel injection amount (Q1) at the time of the engine start. On the other hand, when the required vehicle driving force (TRQ) is larger than the predetermined value (TRQth), the electronic control unit (20) estimates that the degree of deformation of the mount (11) is larger than the predetermined degree and sets the first-cycle fuel injection amount (Q1) so as to be larger than the second-cycle fuel injection amount (Q2) at the time of the engine start. |
| US09026341B2 |
Apparatus for and method of detecting abnormal air-fuel ratio variation among cylinders of multi-cylinder internal combustion engine
An apparatus for detecting an abnormal air-fuel ratio variation among cylinders of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine includes: a detecting unit detecting the abnormal air-fuel ratio variation on the basis of output fluctuations of at least one predetermined target cylinder when fuel injection amount changing control for changing a fuel injection amount of the target cylinder by a predetermined amount is executed; and an air-fuel ratio control unit causing an air-fuel ratio detected on the basis of a signal output from an air-fuel ratio sensor provided in an exhaust passage to follow a predetermined target air-fuel ratio. When the fuel injection amount changing control is executed, a target air-fuel ratio in the air-fuel ratio feedback control is shifted from the predetermined target air-fuel ratio by an amount corresponding to an amount of change of the fuel injection amount of the target cylinder in the fuel injection amount changing control. |
| US09026340B2 |
Air-fuel ratio control system and air-fuel ratio control method of internal combustion engine
An air-fuel ratio control system of an internal combustion engine comprises a fuel amount determiner for determining a fuel command value. The fuel amount determiner has a feedback control mode in which the fuel amount determiner determines a running state reference coefficient corresponding to a running state detected by a running state detector based on a first correspondence stored in the memory, determines a running state compensation coefficient corresponding to the running state detected by the running state detector based on a second correspondence stored in the memory, determines a feedback compensation coefficient used to cause an air-fuel ratio to reach a value closer to a theoretical air-fuel ratio based on an output of the air-fuel ratio sensor, and determines the fuel command value using a formula including the determined running state reference coefficient, the determined running state compensation coefficient, and the determined feedback compensation coefficient. |
| US09026332B2 |
Method of controlling a vehicle brake with adaptive torque correction
The invention relates to a method of controlling a vehicle brake adapted to exert a braking force in response to an actuation setpoint, in which: from a braking setpoint including low frequency components and high frequency components, a nominal actuation setpoint is determined for the brake actuator that takes account of all of the components of the braking setpoint; from the same braking setpoint, and from a measurement of the torque developed by the brake, a correction for the nominal actuation setpoint is determined, the correction taking account only of low frequency variations in the braking setpoint, the correction being adapted to take account of current or future operating conditions of at least said brake or of brakes subjected to the same braking setpoint; and the correction is added to the nominal setpoint. |
| US09026325B1 |
Motor controller with externally adjustable power rate constraints
This invention relates to the field of very high current integrated power systems and defines a system where an alternating current inductive generator (13), controlled by a generator voltage regulator (14), is coupled to alternating current inductive load (11), controlled by an alternating current inductive load controller (12), all controlled by a supervisory control and data acquisition system (17) with externally adjustable power rate constraints (21) that define a new anticipatory mode integrated power system (10). |
| US09026324B2 |
Control system for four-wheel drive vehicle
A deceleration indication value is set so as to prevent a collision between the vehicle and an obstacle on the basis of front side information or to prevent traffic lane deviation, and automatic braking is performed. When automatic braking is performed, a transfer clutch is coupled, a deceleration generated by synchronization of a main drive shaft and a propeller shaft is calculated, the deceleration indication value G is corrected based on the deceleration and a brake liquid pressure corresponding to a corrected deceleration indication value is applied to a brake drive unit. |
| US09026322B2 |
Speed change controlling apparatus for motorcycle
A speed change controlling apparatus in which the mode of driving force transmission is depends upon the roll angle of a vehicle body. When a roll angle is within a range from a second roll angle, which corresponds to a full bank state, to a first roll angle, speed change operation is carried out by soft speed change control in which variation of the driving force with respect to time is smaller than that by normal speed change control. If the roll angle is within another range from the first roll angle to a third roll angle, then normal speed change is carried out and if the roll angle is within a further range from an uprightly standing state to the third roll angle, then speed change operation is executed by direct speed change. When the roll angle is greater than the second roll angle, speed change is inhibited. |
| US09026319B2 |
Blade control device, working machine and blade control method
When a blade load is reduced from a value greater than or equal to a first set load value to a value less than the first set load value, a blade control device is configured to set a virtual designed surface to be closer to a blade than a designed surface is, and is configured to allow the blade to pivot above the virtual designed surface. |
| US09026317B2 |
Display unit of work machine and work machine mounted with the display unit
A multimonitor (display unit) is mounted in a mobile construction machine including an undercarriage and working equipment each driven by an engine, the multimonitor receiving a data of instant fuel consumption from a controller for controlling a fuel quantity to be supplied to the engine. The multimonitor includes a display including a single eco gauge (fuel-consumption indicator) for displaying fuel consumption in a street mode in which an undercarriage is operated and fuel consumption in a work mode in which working equipment is operated, a 100%-gauge fuel-consumption calculator that calculates a full-scale fuel consumption value in a full scale of the eco gauge based on target fuel consumption in the respective modes, and a gauge-display-value calculator that calculates a ratio of the instant fuel consumption to the 100% fuel consumption calculated by the 100%-gauge fuel-consumption value calculator. |
| US09026313B2 |
Drive arrangement for the motorized adjustment of a flap arrangement
The invention relates to a drive arrangement for the motorized adjustment of a flap arrangement for a motor vehicle, with a drive controller for producing a desired flap adjustment by means of at least one drive, wherein the flap arrangement is configured with two flap wings, wherein the two flap wings are each substantially pivotable about a respective spaced-apart, parallel pivot axis and, in the closed state, are in engagement with each other via a respective free wing end opposite the respective pivot axis. The two flap wings are assigned collision pivoting regions which are mounted upstream of the respective closed position and in which the movement regions of the flap wings overlap in such a manner that a predetermined opening and closing sequence has to be observed there in order to avoid collisions between the free wing ends. |
| US09026312B2 |
Ergonomics test buck
A test buck, a test buck system and related method are disclosed. The test buck system may comprise a controller and a test buck. The test buck may include a portable bed, a seat module mounted to the bed, and a first OIM disposed on the bed. At least a portion of the first OIM may be selectively moveable in at least four degrees of freedom, up to six degrees of freedom. The controller may be electrically connected to a first Operator Interface Module (OIM). The controller may be configured to selectively move at least a portion of the first OIM in at least four to six degrees of freedom. |
| US09026311B1 |
Trailer sway detection and method for reducing trailer sway utilizing trailer brakes
When a trailer is pulled by a tow vehicle where the trailer begins to sway to the left and right of the tow vehicle a large sway can result in loss of control of the trailer and or tow vehicle. The field of the present invention is a system and method of controlling a trailer sway which comprises determining the sway of the trailer utilizing an electronic sensor and independently applying the left and or right trailer brakes at varying levels to reduce trailer sway the traditional single braking signal power from the tow vehicle is separated into two independent braking signals for each of the left and right brakes. All brakes are applied whenever the traditional braking signal goes active where trailer battery power is utilized to independently activate the left and or right brakes during trailer sway. |
| US09026310B2 |
Wading depth estimation for a vehicle
A predictive method of detecting the depth of water ahead of a wading vehicle comprises providing a wading sensor and an attitude sensor on the vehicle, and using this information to estimate the depth of water at a location ahead of the direction of vehicle movement. Corresponding apparatus is disclosed. |
| US09026308B2 |
System for controlling driving modes of a vehicle
A system for controlling driving modes of a vehicle having a driver, where each of the driving modes is adapted to control a behavior of the vehicle during operation of the vehicle in the driving mode, each of the driving modes being associated with a set of driving sub-modes. Each driving sub-mode is adapted to be activated by the vehicle in response to ambient circumstances. One of the driving modes is associated with a first and a second driving sub-mode, the first and second driving sub-modes being accompanied with a first and a second driver controlled setting respectively. The system also includes an input device for selection between the driving modes and for controlling the driver controlled settings. The first and second driver controlled settings are adapted to be manually set by the driver through the input device only upon activation of the accompanying driving sub-mode by the vehicle. |
| US09026307B2 |
Vehicle control system
A vehicle control system including: a first vehicle control unit configured to include a first vehicle control unit configured to include a first processor installed with a real-time OS; and a second vehicle control unit configured to include a second processor installed with a real-time OS and a third processor installed with a multimedia OS, wherein the first processor and the second processor are configured to perform communication between the first vehicle control unit and the second vehicle control unit, and a communication function of the second processor and a communication function of the third processor are configured to perform communication between the second processor and the third processor. |
| US09026304B2 |
Vehicle maintenance systems and methods
A system that enables a fleet of vehicles to be maintained is provided. The disclosed system allows a fleet operator to review the history of the vehicles in the fleet along with vehicle sensor data to identify earmarks in the vehicle sensor data that are predictive of faults that the vehicles have experienced. The operator develops statistical algorithms that can detect an earmark in vehicle sensor data. The system then collects vehicle sensor data and applies the statistical algorithms to the vehicle data to determine if a potential fault is going to occur in a vehicle. In response to determining that a potential fault is going to occur, the disclosed system automatically alerts the vehicle driver, automatically schedules a maintenance visit, automatically checks the fleet inventory for components required for a maintenance visit and orders unavailable components, and automatically dispatches the components to the mechanic. |
| US09026303B1 |
Object detection based on known structures of an environment of an autonomous vehicle
An autonomous vehicle may be configured to detect objects based on known structures of an environment. The vehicle may be configured to obtain image data from a sensor and be configured to operate in an autonomous mode. The image data may include data indicative of a known structure in the environment. The vehicle may include a computer system. The computer system may determine, based on a first portion of the image data, information indicative of an appearance of the known structure. The computer system may determine, based on a second portion of the image data, information indicative of an appearance of an unknown object in the environment. The computer system may also compare the information indicative of the appearance of the known structure with the information indicative of the appearance of the unknown object and provide instructions to control the vehicle in the autonomous mode based on the comparison. |
| US09026301B2 |
Robotic ordering and delivery system software and methods
Systems, methods and devices for the automated delivery of goods form one to another using a robotic tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug or cart stores an electronic map of the building floor plan and intended paths for the tug to take when traversing from one location to the next. During the delivery, a variety of different sensors and scanners gather data that is used to avoid obstacles and/or adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes both wired and wireless networks that allow one or more tugs to communicate with a tug base station, a primary network located at the site of the delivery and a remote host center that monitors the status and data collected by the tugs. |
| US09026293B2 |
Drive control device of hybrid vehicle
A drive control device of a hybrid vehicle in which an electric power loss predictor and a target electric power calculator are arranged, a target engine power calculator calculates a target engine power based on a target driving power, target charging/discharging power, and estimated power that is an electric power loss, and a motor torque instruction value calculator calculates the torque instruction values of a plurality of motor generators using a torque balance equation including the target engine torque and an electric power balance equation including the target electric power. In the electric power balance equation, the electric power generated or consumed by the plurality of motor generators, the estimated power that is the electric power loss, and input/output electric power of the battery are included. |