最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US09033589B2 Optical fiber cable processing device, method for processing the same, and case for optical fiber cable
An optical fiber cable processing device includes a transport mechanism which transports a case that accommodates an optical fiber cable and in which plural work stations are set along a transport path, and a processing mechanism that performs each of desired operations on the optical fiber cable, in which any one of the plural work stations is a mounting station in which a work mounting mechanism mounts a work on a tip of the optical fiber cable, a drawing mechanism that draws out the optical fiber cable and a correction mechanism that corrects a bending tendency of the optical fiber cable are disposed in the work stations on an upstream side of the mounting station, and the transport mechanism transports the case to the mounting station and mounts the work on the tip of the optical fiber cable in a state where the optical fiber cable is drawn out.
US09033588B2 One-piece optical fiber adapter
The present disclosure provides a one-piece optical fiber adapter that includes a main body and a hook member. At least one first stop block is positioned on the first wall and at least one second stop block is positioned on the third wall. Two first hooks extend respectively from the second and fourth walls toward a direction of the second opening of the accommodation room. The hook member is positioned within the accommodation room of the main body and includes two second hooks, at least one third hook and at least one fourth hook. The third and fourth hooks extend respectively from the fifth and seventh walls toward a direction of the fourth opening of the accommodation room of the hook member to hook on to the first and second stop blocks, respectively.
US09033587B1 Cage for a roller bearing and a method of manufacturing the same
A cage for a roller bearing includes a first annular portion and a second annular portion opposite the first annular portion and a plurality of pillars interconnecting the first annular portion and the second annular portion. Adjacent pairs of the pillars each define a pocket for holding rollers. Each of the pockets is configured to receive at least one roller. One or more radially outward facing concave roller support surface is formed in one or more of the pillars at a position proximate a radially outer edge of the pillar. The concave roller support surface is configured to radially outwardly support a portion of one of the rollers.
US09033586B2 Two piece cage for a needle bearing
A two piece rolling element cage for a bearing assembly comprising a first and second cage, with axial projections extending from a cage body, oriented toward each other and inserted between rolling elements, on opposite axial ends of the rolling elements.
US09033578B2 Reusable food storage bag and process for making a reusable storage bag
The present invention is a washable and reusable storage bag comprising a plastic coated canvas made from cotton and polyethylene. The storage bag comprises a front panel having a zipper and a back panel, a bottom edge and a top edge, and two side edges. The bag further comprises a rectangular transparent polyurethane window in the front panel, preferably in the shape of a rectangle. Two opposing sides of the transparent polyurethane window are heat sealed to the plastic coated canvas to create a liquid tight seal between the transparent polyurethane window and the plastic coated canvas. The outside of the storage bag can be customized with, e.g., designs, branding, and/or advertising. The storage bags can be hand washed, put in the dishwasher or put in the washing machine and clothes dryer.
US09033575B2 Arc-shaped medical imaging equipment
Medical imaging equipment is provided. The medical imaging equipment comprises a support assembly, an arc-shaped member slidably mounted on the support assembly, a radiation source mounted on the arc-shaped member in the vicinity of a first distal end of the arc-shaped member and being oriented to radiate along the direction of an imaging axis, and a detector mounted on the arc-shaped member in the vicinity of the second distal end of the arc-shaped member and being oriented to face the source along the imaging axis, wherein the radiation source and the detector are respectively mounted on one side and the other of the mid plane of the arc-shaped member.
US09033574B2 Thermal analyzer
A thermal analyzer (100) includes: a furnace tube (9) made of a transparent material; a heating furnace (3); a sample holding part (41, 42) arranged inside the furnace tube; a first support base (12); a second support base (14); a measurement chamber (30) connected to the furnace tube; a first movement part (22) for moving the first support base and the second support base between a measurement position, at which the furnace tube is connected to the measurement chamber, and a sample setting position, at which the sample holding part is exposed on a rear end side with respect to the furnace tube and the heating furnace; and a second movement part (24) for moving only the second support base to a sample observation position, at which the heating furnace is advanced and the furnace tube is exposed. Accordingly, the sample is observable from outside the exposed furnace tube.
US09033570B2 Mixing rotor and internal mixer
A mixing rotor includes: a rotor shaft portion that includes a cooling passageway formed therein, and a mixing blade portion that is formed in an outer circumferential portion of the rotor shaft portion, wherein each of the long blades of the mixing blade portion includes a land portion as an end surface of the long blade facing a radially outside of the mixing rotor, a length of each of the long blades in the axis direction is set to be 0.6 times or more as large as a length of the mixing blade portion in the axis direction, a biting angle of each of the long blades is set to an angle equal to or smaller than 31°, and a center angle with respect to a land width as a width of the land portion in the cross-section of each of the long blades orthogonal to the axis direction is set to an angle equal to or larger than 7°.
US09033568B2 Backlight module for a liquid crystal display
The present invention discloses a fluorescent lamp assembly for a liquid crystal display. The assembly comprises a bracket having a fluorescent lamp fixing channel and a wire fixing channel; a fluorescent lamp positioned inside the fluorescent lamp fixing channel; a conductive elastic member positioned inside the bracket with one end thereof connected to the fluorescent lamp through the fluorescent lamp fixing channel; and wire positioned in the wire fixing channel. One end of the wire is connected to the other end of the conductive elastic member.
US09033566B2 Light guiding device and a lighting assembly incorporating the same
A light guiding device includes a light input surface, a light output surface extending from a first edge of the light input surface, a connecting surface extending from a second edge of the light input surface, and a reflecting surface interconnecting the output surface and the connecting surface. Relationships of θ<φ, θ<θT and L≧(AD)/tan θ are satisfied, where θT is a critical angle for total internal reflection, θ is an angle between extensions of the connecting surface and the light output surface, φ is an angle between the reflecting and light output surfaces, (L) is a distance between the second edge and the end edge, and (AD) is a distance between a location of incidence of a light beam on the light input surface and one of the first or second edge.
US09033564B2 High pressure discharge lamp
A high pressure discharge lamp (10), which is particularly a motor vehicle headlight, comprises a high pressure discharge burner (12) for emitting light supported by at least one leg (24), preferably three or four legs (24). By means of the legs (24) the burner (12) is mechanically connected to a socket (14) of the high pressure discharge lamp (10). According to the invention the legs (24) are part of a holder (16), which comprises further a ring (18) surrounding the socket (14), whereby the ring (18) is one-piece with the legs (24). Due to the design of the holder (16) as ring (18) with protruding legs (24) the heat of the burner (12) is conducted from the burner (12) via the legs (24) to the ring (18) by heat conduction. From the ring (18) the heat is led away to the environment by convection. This leads to a significant cooler Temperature of the holder (16) with respect to the burner (12), so that the material of the socket (14) needs not to be selected with respect to a good heat resistance. Thus, the use of more cost efficient materials is possible to deal with the hot burner (12).
US09033561B2 Vehicle lighting unit
A vehicle lighting unit can include LEDs and at least two long light guide bodies arranged adjacent to each other. At least two light transmitting lenses can be disposed in front of the at least two light guide bodies. The at least two light guide bodies each can include a gap portion interposed therebetween. A first end portion of the light transmitting lens can be positioned at the gap portion so that the first end portions of the light transmitting lenses overlap with each other in a front-rear direction. The first end portions of the at least two light transmitting lenses can have a surface processed portion on its front surface. The surface processed portions can be configured to direct light exiting through the respective first end portions of the at least two light guide bodies forward.
US09033558B2 Retrofittable LED module with heat spreader
A light source includes one or more solid state light emitting devices, a heat spreader thermally coupled to the one or more light emitting devices, and a mounting carriage configured to mount the one or more solid state light emitting devices in a lighting fixture light and thermally couple the heat spreader to the lighting fixture.
US09033556B2 Electronic stick assembly
An electronic incense-stick assembly includes a burning chamber, a number of electronic sticks simulating burning sticks, a wind speed sensor and a controller. The electronic sticks are arranged in the burning chamber. Each of the electronic sticks includes a light guide bar, a glowing end, and a light source. The light guide bar includes a first end and a second end away from the first end. The light source is positioned at the first end. The glowing head is positioned at the second end and simulates the glowing tip of an incense stick. The wind speed sensor is located on the exterior of the burning chamber, and senses changes in the wind speed outside the burning chamber. The controller adjusts the brightness of the light source according to the wind speed sensed by the wind speed sensor.
US09033551B2 Light emitting diode lamp
Disclosed herein is a a light emitting diode lamp including: a base having a power terminal capable of being electrically connected to an external alternating current (AC) power source; a housing coupled to the base and formed in a hollow structure; a light emitting diode package installed in the housing; the power supply module supplying an external AC power to the light emitting diode package; and a transparent insulating heat radiation liquid configured to radiate a heat generated from the light emitting diode package and the power supply module by impregnating the light emitting diode package and the power supply module therein and filled in the housing having the hollow structure.
US09033550B1 Accessible drivers and cabling systems for light emitting diode fixtures
A light emitting diode (LED) lighting fixture can include a LED driver housing that includes an opening, and a LED driver positioned within the LED driver housing. The LED lighting fixture can also include a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly of the LED lighting fixture can include a frame removably coupled to the LED driver housing around the opening. The mounting assembly of the LED lighting fixture can also include a bracket movably coupled to the frame and positioned over the opening, where the bracket comprises a plurality of fastening devices that, when loosened, allow the bracket to move from a closed position to an open position, where more of the opening is exposed when the bracket is in the open position than when the bracket is in the closed position.
US09033541B2 Tension mounted lighting system
A lighting system includes a longitudinal flexible metal strip which may be helically rolled, first and second clamps securing opposite ends of the metal strip to first and second selected locations, and a longitudinally extending strip with lights such as LEDs secured to one side of the longitudinal metal strip. The first and second clamps each include a clamp arm secured to a base by a ball and socket connection.
US09033540B1 Flashlight mount
A flashlight mount for use on helmets and on equipment is provided. The mount includes a light holder, a clamp and fastening device. The light holder is rotatably coupled to the clamp, wherein the clamp operates to retain the light holder in a user selected orientation, thereby preventing rotation of the light holder. The clamp further includes a top clamp portion and bottom clamp portion, wherein in some embodiments, they are hingedly coupled together on a first end and the securing device repeatably and releasably clamping the top and bottom clamp portions together on second ends of the clamp portions by use of a securing device, or the clamp portion are fixed for receiving a protrusion from equipment or a helmet with a securing device for securing the clamp to the protrusion or helmet.
US09033535B2 Lighting control system for utility helmet
A control system for automatically switching power between two separate light sources integrated with a welding shield pivotally mounted to an adjustable headband includes at least one magnetic positional switch attached to the headband having electrical communication with at least one battery and the light sources, and two magnetic positional sensors strategically mounted on the interior surface of the welding shield along a defined arcurate path of rotation of the shield about the headband.
US09033534B2 Hands-free vision aid
Described herein are hands-free vision aids that may be used for low-vision reading. These vision aids may be beneficial for individuals with low-vision disorders such as age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and other visual disorders. The vision aids described here comprise an optical system with one or more light sources configured to provide a rectangular field of illumination with high illuminance levels bounded by high contrast perimeter. Such an illumination field greatly illuminates a targeted viewing region while reducing glare that arises from illuminating peripheral regions. Some vision aids use green light with high illuminance values for improving visual acuity and comfort for long-duration reading. The optical system of a vision aid may be configured to fit onto and/or integrate with eyeglass frames.
US09033532B2 Machining center
A machining center is provided with a guard that covers a processing portion of a machine tool. An openable and closable operation door is provided at the guard front. The operation door is arched along a vertical direction from the guard surface. The operation door is provided with a handle used to open and close the operation door. The operation door is curved on an arched line that reaches a highest point at its center and lowers toward the top and bottom ends. The guard is provided with half-round LED display means protruding from the guard surface. The operation door is made of carbon fiber.
US09033529B2 Vehicle outside mirror device
According to the present invention, a stopper member lock mechanism is configured to lock a stopper member from rotating in a direction from a forward tilt location to a use location with respect to a shaft when the mirror assembly that is positioned in the forward tilt location is restored to the use location and to release the locked state of the stopper member when the mirror assembly is restored from the forward tilt location to the use location. As a result, it is capable of causing the mirror assembly to be precisely positioned in the use location without any positional shift when the mirror assembly that has rotated from the use location to the forward tilt location for the sake of buffering is rotated and restored from the forward tilt location to the use location.
US09033527B2 Mirror device for vehicle
In a vehicle door mirror device, by a first fixed-face of a fixed projection of a stay and a first rotating-face of a rotating projection of a drive body contacting, further rotation of a mirror is inhibited when the mirror is disposed in a housed position. A slope-angle of the first fixed-face to the housing direction is smaller than a slope-angle of the first rotating-face to a forward folded direction. Contact between the upper end of the first fixed-face and the first rotating-face can accordingly be restricted, and a distance from the lower end of the first fixed-face to the contact position with the first rotating-face can be made short. So, moment acting on the first fixed-face from the first rotating-face can be made small, enabling damage to the lower end position of the first fixed-face to be suppressed. A reduction in weight and cost can accordingly be achieved.
US09033521B2 Projection device and method for decreasing stray light
A projection device having an image beam and an off-state light is provided, which includes a camera module, a condensing element, a digital micromirror device (DMD) and a shading element, wherein the DMD allows the image beam to enter the camera module, and the shading element is configured between the DMD and the condensing element to block the off-state light.
US09033518B2 Illumination system comprising a rotation wheel with transmissive and reflective regions and a phosphor used for converting a light beam of a first color from the reflective or transmissive region to a second color and projection apparatus
An illumination system includes a first light source, a first rotation wheel, a first phosphor element, and a light combining element. The first light source is capable of emitting a first color beam. The first rotation wheel is disposed on a transmission path of the first color beam and includes a first transmissive region and a first reflective region. The first transmissive region is capable of allowing the first color beam to pass through so as to form a first color transmissive beam. The first reflective region is capable of reflecting the first color beam to form a first color reflective beam. One of the first color transmissive and reflective beams excites the first phosphor element to form a second color beam. The light combining element combines the second color beam and a beam originating from the other one of the first color transmissive and reflective beams.
US09033517B2 Image processing method, and recording medium storing image processing control program
An image processing method includes searching an image area corresponding to a predetermined image from a photographed image obtained by photographing the predetermined image, which is projected on a projection plane; calculating parameters, which are used for correcting perspective distortion of the photographed image, based on the searched image area; and correcting the photographed image and another image, which is photographed after calculating the parameters, based on the calculated parameters.
US09033515B2 Heat dissipation device of light engine with fan module and heat sink
A heat dissipation device of a light engine for a projector has a housing, a fan module, a light engine and a heat sink. The light engine is positioned in the housing and connected to the heat sink. The heat sink is positioned out of the housing. The housing has a fan-enclosed flow channel attached on an outer surface of the housing. The fan module is guided by the fan-enclosed flow channel to the heat sink to enhance heat dissipation efficiency of the light engine for the projector.
US09033507B2 Examination instrument
Light from an exit pupil of an illumination unit is directed to a beam splitter which directs the light to an objective. The retina is illuminated, if a real image of the exit pupil of the illumination unit and a real image of an entrance pupil of a camera unit are formable in a position ranging from the cornea to the backside of the crystalline lens with the light. The objective forms a real intermediate image of the retina between the objective and the camera unit. The beam splitter directs the light from the retina to the camera unit, while causing the path of the illumination and the path of the imaging to deviate for non-overlapping images of the exit pupil and the entrance pupil in the crystalline lens. A relay lens system forms a real image of the intermediate image on a detecting component with the light reflected from the retina for transforming the image into an electric form to be shown on a screen.
US09033503B2 Fundus photographing apparatus
A fundus photographing apparatus for photographing a fundus of an examinee's eye includes: a photographing part including a photographing optical system for photographing the fundus; a mechanism for moving the photographing part; a presenting part for presenting a fixation target to the eye; an alignment detecting optical system including a light receiving element to detect an alignment state of the photographing part; and a setting part for setting an alignment completion position in a back and forth direction of the photographing part relative to the eye based on the detected alignment state. The alignment completion position includes a first alignment completion position information to be set when an optical axis of the photographing part is in a predetermined range relative to a corneal vertex of the eye and a second alignment completion position information to be set when the optical axis is apart from the predetermined range.
US09033502B2 Optical measuring device and method for capturing at least one parameter of at least one eye wherein an illumination characteristic is adjustable
The invention relates to an optical measuring device (1) for capturing at least one parameter of at least one eye (10l, 10r) of a test person (31) wearing the optical measuring device (1), comprising a frame (4), which is configured to fix the optical measuring device (1) to the head of the test person (31), at least one capturing unit (3l, 3r), which is configured to optically capture the at least one parameter of the at least one eye (10l, 10r), and an illumination unit (9, 21, 22) for illuminating the at least one eye (10l, 10r), wherein an illumination characteristic is adjustable by means of the illumination unit (9, 21, 22).
US09033501B2 Ophthalmologic imaging apparatus and ophthalmologic imaging method
An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus includes an observation light source configured to generate infrared light for illuminating a subject's eye via an illumination optical system, an imaging unit configured to receive light returned from the subject's eye via an imaging optical system, and an electronic shutter control unit configured to refresh charge generated caused by light received by the imaging unit in response to turning off of the observation light source.
US09033495B2 Variable focus liquid filled lens apparatus
A variable focus optical apparatus including a rigid, curved, transparent optical component; two transparent, distensible membranes attached to a periphery of the rigid optical component to define two cavities, a first cavity between the rigid optical component and a first membrane and a second cavity between the first membrane and a second membrane; and a variable amount of fluid filling each of the cavities, and a reservoir containing additional fluid and in fluid communication with the cavity, wherein the reservoir is configured to provide injection of fluid into the cavity or withdrawal of fluid out of the cavity in response to a force or an impulse.
US09033492B2 Frame for glasses, masks for professional or sports use, and the like
A frame for glasses, masks for professional or sports use, adapted to support at least one corrective and/or protective lens in a position which during use is located in front of the ocular region of the user, the frame including at least one through opening which is open toward the skin of the user who is wearing it, and at least one waterproof and vapor-permeable functional arranged so as to obstruct in a vapor-permeable manner the at least one opening to allow vapor permeation of the skin of the user, preventing a return of condensation toward the skin.
US09033487B2 Device and method for addressable spray-on application of release agent to continuous feed media
A module is configured to selectively apply release agent to a web having a sequence of printed imaged formed thereon by a printer. The module includes a plurality of dispensers arranged in a cross-process direction across the imaged web. The module detects positions of areas in the printed images and determines whether the amount of ink in the areas meet or exceed a predetermined density threshold. If an area meets or exceeds the threshold, a controller operates a dispenser to apply release agent to the area on the web as the area passes the dispenser. The controller operates the dispensers with reference to image data of the surface of the web.
US09033486B2 Method for producing a decorative film, as well as a decorative panel
The present invention relates to a method for producing a decorative film having a resin-impregnated substrate paper provided with one or more top layers, which method includes the following steps: i) providing a resin-impregnated substrate paper, ii) printing the substrate paper obtained in step i) with an ink composition, using inkjet technology, iii) subjecting the substrate paper printed with an ink composition as obtained after step ii) to a treatment of the drying and/or curing type, iv) applying at least one transparent top layer to the paper obtained after step iii), and v) curing the paper obtained after step iv) to obtain the decorative film.
US09033481B2 Liquid droplet ejection head, image forming apparatus, and manufacturing method of liquid droplet ejection head
A liquid droplet ejection head includes plural nozzles; plural individual liquid chambers; a common liquid chamber supplying liquid to the plural individual liquid chambers; a filter sheet member including plural pores formed therein to filter the liquid; and a frame body including an opening part and being in connection with the filter sheet member with adhesive. Further, a size of a region where the plural pores are formed is greater than the opening part of the frame body; an adhesive accumulation area is formed on an inner peripheral end of the opening part; and a size of the adhesive accumulation area in a protruding direction of the adhesive is greater than a size of an area between adjacent pores in the filter sheet member.
US09033479B2 Liquid storage container mounted on liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid storage container which is mounted on a printer ejecting a liquid includes a liquid storage chamber that stores the liquid therein, a liquid supply portion that supplies the liquid to the ejecting head, a device chamber that is provided in a pathway supplying the liquid from liquid storage chamber to the liquid supply portion and includes a device in the inner portion thereof, and an air chamber that is provided in a pathway supplying air from the outside to the liquid storage chamber according to a decrease of the liquid in the liquid storage chamber, is filled with air in the inner portion, and prevents the liquid from being leaked to the outside by trapping the liquid when the liquid flows backward from the liquid storage chamber. In addition, among walls which surround the device chamber, at least one wall is adjacent to the air chamber.
US09033476B2 Protective cap
There is provided a protective cap configured to be installed into a liquid cartridge installation section having a liquid supply tube in fluid connection with a recording head for jetting a liquid via a flexible tube. The protective cap includes: an chamber defined by a case in a liquid-tight manner; a liquid absorbing member filled in the chamber; a connecting portion having a connecting channel in communication with the chamber and configured to be connected with the liquid supply tube; and an atmosphere communication portion via which the chamber communicates an outside of the case.
US09033470B2 Fluid ejection assembly and related methods
In one embodiment, a fluid ejection device includes a substrate with a fluid slot and a membrane adhered to the substrate that spans the fluid slot. A resistor is disposed on top of the membrane over the fluid slot, and a fluid feed hole next to the resistor extends through the membrane to the slot. A shelf extends from the edge of the resistor to the edge of the feed hole, and a passivation layer covers the resistor and part the shelf. An etch-resistant layer is formed partly on the shelf and in between the fluid feed hole and the resistor.
US09033469B2 Firing actuator power supply system
A method and apparatus supply electrical current to a firing actuator of a printhead die across a high side switching transistor in a source follower arrangement and supply a regulated voltage, that is no greater than a concurrent voltage at a drain of the HSS transistor, to a gate of the high side switching transistor.
US09033466B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus and maintenance method thereof
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising a liquid ejection head unit having nozzles for ejecting a liquid onto a medium; a liquid storage unit to store the liquid; a first supply passage that communicates with the liquid ejection head unit and the liquid storage unit; a second supply passage that communicates with the liquid ejection head unit, the liquid storage unit, and the first supply passage in the liquid ejection head unit; a valve in the first supply passage; and a liquid driving unit in the second supply passage that moves the liquid in the liquid ejection head unit and the supply passages when driven. The liquid is moved toward the liquid ejection head unit in the second supply passage by the liquid driving unit in a state in which the valve restricts the flow of the liquid such that the liquid is discharged from the nozzles.
US09033464B2 Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus which is capable of printing a pattern and/or a character on a curved printed surface, such as an airframe surface of a passenger aircraft, in a very short time. A head array having therein a plurality of inkjet nozzles for ejecting ink toward a remote position by supplying pressurized air to ink tanks filled with the ink, respectively, is mounted on a linear array so as to be able to perform linear reciprocation, the linear rail being held by a robot arm of a multi-articulated robot 5, and a position at which the robot arm 5a is to be disposed is controlled on the basis of position information, while controlling of driving of predetermined nozzles in the head array is performed in association with the position information.
US09033453B2 Invoice amount calculation method, invoice amount calculation device, and printer invoicing system
A manufacturer server 110 that calculates an invoice amount for an inkjet printer has a billing status acquisition unit 342 that acquires billing status information including actual print volume PV, which is the amount of ink used for actual printing not including maintenance during a specific period L1; an actual print volume calculation unit 343 that determines if actual print volume PV is greater than, less than or equal to a specific volume V1; and an invoice amount calculation unit 344 that determines an invoice amount. When actual print volume PV is greater than the specific volume V1, the invoice amount is determined based on the actual print volume PV.
US09033452B2 Ejection detection device, ejection detection method, and printing apparatus
The objective of the present invention is to provide an ejection detection device with an inexpensive and simple structure that can appropriately detect conditions of nozzles, without the control of the quantity of liquid ejected from the nozzles being required. Therefore, for the ejection detection device of the present invention, a light-emitting unit emits light to a light-receiving unit in a direction in which a plurality of nozzles is arranged in a print head. The ejection detection device detects the condition of a nozzle to be detected, which ejects the liquid droplet. At this time, the emission intensity of the light-emitting unit or the responsivity of the light-receiving unit is controlled by the print head in accordance with the location of the nozzle to be detected.
US09033451B2 Printed matter, printing apparatus, and printing precision measuring method
Provided is a printed matter for measuring printing precision of a printing apparatus configured to perform printing to both sides of a printing medium. The printed matter includes a plurality of positioning reference marks printed orthogonal to a transportation direction of the printing medium; and an inspecting window bored in a positioning reference mark of the plurality of positioning reference marks, the positioning reference mark corresponding to an object to be inspected. The printing medium is folded so as to make another positioning reference mark on the printing medium visible through the inspecting window, and the positioning reference mark on a side of the inspecting window is compared with the positioning reference mark visible through the inspecting window, whereby printing precision is measured.
US09033450B2 Printer and method for controlling power consumption thereof
A printer having an internal electrical power supply is disclosed herein. A method for controlling power consumption in the printer includes receiving an image to be printed, calculating an estimated temperature of the printer, and controlling a speed of the printer to control the power consumption to keep a temperature of the printer below a predetermined maximum temperature in response to the estimated temperature.
US09033449B1 Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes: first and second recording modules; a storage accommodating a recording medium; a first path extending from the storage to the first recording module; and a second path extending from the storage to the second recording module and including a shared portion shared with the first path. A trailing edge of a recording medium for which recording is being performed by the first recording module on a leading edge of a recordable area is located upstream of a branch position on the first path. When recording is being performed by the second recording module on a trailing edge of a recordable area of a recording medium, the trailing edge of the recording medium on which the recording is being performed by the first recording module is located downstream of the branch position on the first path and a module path of the first recording module.
US09033448B2 Lightweight coated paper and print production method using the same
The invention provides lightweight coated paper having good offset printability. The invention provides lightweight coated paper having good printability in commercial printing utilizing the ink jet recording system. The lightweight coated paper of the invention includes base paper, and one or more coating layers disposed on at least one side of the base paper. The coating layer includes a pigment and a binder. The total coating weight of the coating layer(s) is not more than 7.5 g/m2 per side of the base paper. The coating layer contains a polycondensate of an aliphatic monoamine or an aliphatic polyamine and an epihalohydrin compound, and a water-soluble polyvalent cation salt. The content of the water-soluble polyvalent cation salt in the coating layer is 0.3 g/m2 to 1.0 g/m2 per side of the base paper. The content of the polycondensate of an aliphatic monoamine or an aliphatic polyamine and an epihalohydrin compound in the coating layer is 15 mass % to less than 100 mass % relative to the content of the water-soluble polyvalent cation salt.
US09033446B2 Liquid jetting apparatus
A liquid jetting apparatus includes: a jetting section having a plurality of jetting ports for jetting a liquid; a transport section configured to transport the recording medium along a transport pass having a facing area which faces the plurality of jetting ports; a charging section arranged on an upstream side of the facing area in a transport direction in which the recording medium is transported by the transport section, and configured to charge the recording medium; a charged-area determining section configured to determine a non-landing area, of the recording medium, in which the liquid jetted from the plurality of jetting ports is not landed in a case that the recording medium is disposed at the facing area, as a charged area; and a controller configured to control the charging section to charge the charged area determined by the charged-area determining section.
US09033445B1 Color-to-color correction in a printing system
A method for performing color-to-color correction for printing multiple copies of a print job having one or more documents is disclosed. A first copy of the print job is printed using a plurality of color planes. A first plurality of color registration errors produced during the printing of the first copy of the print job is determined. For each document in the print job, a processor is used to determine a first plurality of local color plane correction values for each color registration error produced during the printing of the first copy of the print job. Each of the first plurality of local color plane correction values corresponds to one of the first plurality of color registration errors. A second copy of the print job is printed using the local color plane correction values for each document in the print job.
US09033443B2 Liquid ejection apparatus and control method for liquid ejection apparatus
A printer controller outputs plural drive signals including respective series of drive pulses, the timing points of which are different from one another, to a head control unit side, and outputs a multiplexed signal resulting from multiplexing change signals corresponding to the respective drive signals to a head control unit side, and the head control unit includes a control signal demultiplexing unit which demultiplexes the multiplexed signal into the change signals corresponding to respective nozzle rows, and an actuator control unit which, on the basis of each of the demultiplexed change signals, selects one of the drive pulses included in one of the drive signal which corresponds to the demultiplexed change signal, and applies the selected drive pulse to a piezoelectric element included in one of the nozzle rows which corresponds to the drive signal corresponding to the demultiplexed change signal.
US09033426B2 Braking system with switchable pump path
A vehicle braking system includes a master cylinder having first and second outputs. First and second hydraulic braking circuits are provided between the respective master cylinder outputs and respective hydraulic wheel cylinders. A first pump provided in the first hydraulic braking circuit is operable to generate pressure and move hydraulic fluid within the first hydraulic braking circuit. A second pump provided in the second hydraulic braking circuit is operable to generate pressure and move hydraulic fluid within the second hydraulic braking circuit. A valving arrangement establishes fluid communication between the first pump and the second hydraulic braking circuit in a first configuration and prevents fluid communication between the first pump and the second hydraulic braking circuit in a second configuration.
US09033424B2 Wear resistant cutting tool
A cutting tool includes a cutting tool body having an axial forward end, an axial rearward end, a head portion adjacent the axial forward end and a shank portion adjacent the axial rearward end. The head portion includes a partial frusto-conical portion having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge; a first side surface having a first lateral transition edge and a first terminal edge, wherein the first lateral transition edge is adjoined to the first lateral edge of the partial frusto-conical portion; and a second side surface having a second lateral transition edge and a second terminal edge, wherein the second lateral transition edge is adjoined to the second lateral edge of the partial frusto-conical portion, and wherein the first terminal edge is adjoined to the second terminal edge to form a cutting edge. The cutting tool also includes a hard cutting tip.
US09033423B2 Construction machine or agricultural machine having a rotating work device and method for driving the rotating work device
A self-propelled or stationary construction machine or agricultural machine is provided having a rotatable work device, in particular, a work device for processing soil surfaces or for chopping material. The machine has a drive device for the work device, the drive device having a first drive source and a switchable coupling unit between the first drive source and the work device for engaging the work device with the first drive source. The drive device is equipped with an additional drive unit, the machine being configured for controlling the drive device to accelerate the work device by means of the additional drive unit to an operating speed which would result during operation of the work device by means of the first drive source. In addition, an associated method for driving a work device of a construction or agricultural machine is disclosed.
US09033421B2 Chair, a support, and components
A chair has a seat support (101), a seat portion (13), a back portion (15), and a supporting frame. The supporting frame is formed by a castored base (11), a height adjustment mechanism (17), and a main transom (21). The seat portion (13) is selectively moveable relative to the supporting frame, with the seat portion having a locked configuration and a released configuration. The back portion has a back frame (25) and a compliant cover (61). The back frame has hook features for receiving a portion of the compliant cover (61). The back portion (15) is reclinable relative to the supporting frame between an upright position and a reclined position. A recline mechanism has deformable members operatively connecting the seat portion and the supporting frame. A recline resistance mechanism is selectively engageable to resist movement of the back portion toward the reclined position.
US09033419B2 Fitting for a vehicle seat
In a fitting for a vehicle seat, a catch assembly has a pivot axis, and the catch assembly has a catch and a lever which can be pivoted relative to one another about an axis spaced from the pivot axis. The catch has a hook-like contour and in the pivoted-out position of the backrest engages with a catch locking element for locking in a punctiform or linear contact region. The catch cooperates with a spring. The lever is mounted pivotably about the pivot axis and the lever rotatably mounts the catch. In the unloaded pivoted-out position, the perpendicular in the contact region runs on one side of the pivot axis or through the pivot axis. When a return pivoting force is imposed on the backrest in the pivoted-out position, the perpendicular in the contact region runs on the opposing side of or outside of the pivot axis.
US09033411B2 Chair having a dynamically-flexible back and seat
A chair including a dynamically-flexible back and seat having a shape that adjusts to the movements of a user seated in the chair to enhance user comfort. Each of the back and seat has an air gap formed therewithin and a resilient frame or liner with a spring memory. The resilient liner is adapted to flex in response to compressive forces that are generated as the user slides his body back or from side-to-side in the chair. Accordingly, some of the chair back and some of the chair seat move into respective air gaps so that the shapes of the back and seat change to conform to the movements of the user. The air gaps also establish air flow ventilation channels which run laterally through the back and seat of the chair.
US09033408B2 Safety sill for a structural frame bearing a battery in the event of a side impact
A safety sill for a vehicle body, which is characterized by at least two molded parts that are connected to one another in a form-closed manner and form a body member, wherein the first load-bearing molded part is a support element having an inside and an outside and the second load-bearing molded part is a sill element, the outside of the support element faces the sill element and either the support element or the sill element can be mounted to the body-in-white and the other load-bearing molded part can be mounted to the molded part mounted to the body-in-white, is provided.
US09033407B2 Vehicle hood structure
A hood structure that is for a vehicle and that can cause an increase in energy absorption performance when colliding with a collided object. An undulating section wherein beads and concavities are provided in alternation along the widthwise direction of the hood and that has a wavy shape in a cross sectional view is formed at nearly the entire central region of a hood inner panel. In the cross section of the wavy shape of the undulating section, the widthwise measurement between the peaks of the beads that are formed on both adjacent sides of any given bead aside from the two on the ends among the plurality of beads is set in a manner so as to be smaller than 165 mm, which is the outer diameter of a head impactor that simulates the head of a pedestrian.
US09033405B2 Structure for reinforcing panel of car body
A structure for reinforcing a vehicle body panel that constructs a vehicle body, including a keyhole-shaped embossed portion formed by combination of a circular embossed portion and an elongated embossed portion extending from an outer circumference of the circular embossed portion in a radially outward direction of the circular embossed portion. The keyhole-shaped embossed portion is formed to project from one side of the vehicle body panel in a thickness direction of the vehicle body panel toward the other side thereof in the thickness direction thereof.
US09033402B2 Tractor cabin roof assembly
A roof assembly is disclosed for the cabin of a tractor that provides protection against falling objects. The assembly comprises an outer cover of a molded plastics material and a reinforcement metal plate to provide protection against falling objects. The reinforcement plate is secured to the outer cover prior to the assembly being mounted on the cabin frame.
US09033399B2 Energy absorber elements and vehicle systems
In some embodiments, an energy absorber element can comprise: a first support wall and a second support wall, a crush wall joining the first and second support walls together to define a deformable zone; a connection mechanism configured to connect the first and/or second support wall to a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method for using an energy absorber element in a vehicle can comprise: detachably connecting an energy absorber element to a vehicle at a support location for a vehicle component, once the energy absorber element has absorbed energy, detaching the energy absorber element from the vehicle; and separately replacing the energy absorber element from the vehicle component. In some embodiments, the vehicle component is not replaced.
US09033396B2 Door opening preventing apparatus for a vehicle
A door opening preventing apparatus for a vehicle includes an outer door handle mounted on an outer surface of a door panel, a door opening lever mounted on an interior of the door panel to angularly rotate and interlocking with the outer door handle when the outer door handle is opened, and a latch cable connected to the door opening lever, wherein a separate balance weight is disposed at an upper end of the door opening lever to contact the door opening lever, and the door opening lever is pushed by the balance weight outward due to a forward inertial force during a side collision of a vehicle, and only the balance weight is angularly rotated inward by a reverse inertial force.
US09033394B2 Two stage glass position for frameless vehicles
A motor vehicle has an openable door and a frameless door glass system comprising a moveable glass operable in two stages of engagement with a seal. The first stage provides a vertical gap between the glass and the seal prior to the door being opened and the second stage increases the level of engagement between the glass and seal relative the first stage upon detection of a predetermined event, such as a predetermined vehicle speed.
US09033393B2 Convertible tarp system
A convertible tarp system provides an extendable and retractable enclosure especially suited for covering a flatbed trailer. The convertible tarp system includes a plurality of bows and trolleys that support a tarp structure. A guide track defines a longitudinal path of movement and supports the trolleys for movement along the longitudinal path. The guide track is configured to substantially restrict lateral movement of the trolleys along the longitudinal path.
US09033392B2 Vehicle sun visor
A vehicle sun visor includes: a sun visor body; a support shaft; and a damper configured to apply braking force at the time when the sun visor body turns. The damper includes: a rotor and a rotor case that supports the rotor such that the rotor is rotatable around its axis. The rotor includes a cylindrical portion in which the support shaft is inserted, the cylindrical portion being held so as to be non-rotatable with respect to the support shaft. The rotor case is held by the sun visor body in a state where the rotor case is non-rotatable with respect to the sun visor body.
US09033390B1 Edge seal with sidewall seal
A resilient seal for mobile living quarters around a slide out room that includes a pair of mounting portions extending along the inside and outside surfaces of the main living area wall at an aperture through which the slide out room moves and further includes a connecting member extending between the attaching members and along the edge of the wall defining the aperture. A wiper seal extends from the connecting member to flex against the walls of the slide out room, and the mounting portion further includes a lip seal for accommodating walls of different thicknesses.
US09033384B2 Holding aid for a personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device and methods of use
A securement device to make it much easier for a user to securely hold onto a personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device such as an electronic reader, a tablet computing device, a cellular phone, a personal data assistant, and a common clipboard, including any of these items that are at least partially contained in protective housings—while minimizing the fatigue and discomfort on the user's hands: A typical device solves this problem by providing a system of one or more finger holds formed with a fabric or pliable material that are disposed on the back side of the personal, hand-held, tablet-shaped device. In many devices, the position and fit of the finger holds are easily adjustable by a user via hook-and-loop schemes.
US09033382B2 Waste scoop containment system
A containment system to safely store a waste scoop includes: an outer receptacle including a bottom surface, at least one side wall, an opening and a first coupling element; an inner receptacle including a bottom surface and at least one side wall housed within the outer receptacle and including an opening, wherein the inner receptacle is removable from the outer receptacle via the opening of the outer receptacle; a scoop assembly including a scoop, a handle, and a lid, wherein the scoop is housed within the inner receptacle and is removable from the inner receptacle via the opening of the inner receptacle; a compartment including a second coupling element for connecting the compartment to the outer receptacle via the first and second coupling elements; and a third and fourth coupling element to secure a planar surface of the lid to cover the opening of the outer receptacle.
US09033381B2 Vehicle bumper mounting structure
A fender front-side step portion has first and second fender front-side fixing portions that engage with and fasten a bumper spacer. The bumper spacer is provided with: a spacer body; a bumper-spacer reinforcing portion that extends toward a fender lower-end portion of a fender panel from the bottom end of the spacer body; and a bumper-spacer rear-side fixing portion which is disposed on the bumper-spacer reinforcing portion, and which overlaps with and fastens the front of the fender lower-end portion. The bumper-spacer rear-side fixing portion is disposed in a position further to the rear than the fender front-side step portion in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle.
US09033380B2 Energy absorber with staggered, vertically oriented crush lobes
A thermoplastic energy absorber having a horizontal axis and a vertical axis, and comprise: an array of energy absorbing lobes protruding from a base, the lobes arranged in two or more rows. The energy absorbing lobes can have a vertical length (L) and a horizontal width (D), and wherein a ratio of L:D is greater than 1. The energy absorbing lobes in each row can be disposed in a staggered manner with respect to energy absorbing lobes in an adjacent row. The energy absorber can be configured to be installed on a vehicle for absorption of impact energy. An energy absorbing system can comprise the thermoplastic energy absorber disposed between a bumper beam and a fascia. The fascia can optionally be configured to envelope the thermoplastic energy absorber and the bumper beam. This system passes EuroNCAP lower-leg impact requirements, version 5.1, June 2011, for lower leg impact requirement.
US09033379B2 Door handle device for vehicle
A door handle device for a vehicle includes a door handle configured to be supported by a door panel, the door handle including a first handle case arranged to have a void relative to the door panel, a second handle case fixed to the first handle case at a side opposite from the door panel, and a lock command detection sensor including a lock detection signal processing circuit fixed to an inner side of the first handle case, a circuit connection portion electrically connected to the lock detection signal processing circuit, and a lock detection electrode assembled on the second handle case in a state to be arranged along an inner surface of the second handle case, the lock detection electrode being electrically connected to the circuit connection portion in a state where the second handle case is fixed to the first handle case.
US09033373B2 Axially swaged fitting
An axially swaged fitting for use in permanently coupling tubes together. The swaged fitting may be useful in coupling metal hydraulic lines to one another in an airplane. According to one embodiment, the swaged fitting includes a sleeve with a hard metal surface and a swaging ring with a soft metal surface, such that during the swaging process the soft metal surface of the swaging ring is deformed.
US09033372B2 Fitting nut with adapted engaging surfaces
A fitting assembly is provided with a first fitting component having a stepped wall surface; and a second fitting component radially spaced from the first fitting component when the fitting assembly is in a finger tight condition prior to pull-up. When the second fitting component is displaced into contact with the stepped wall surface during fitting pull-up, the stepped wall surface assists in separating the first fitting component from the second fitting component upon fitting disassembly.
US09033367B2 Vehicle collision damage mitigation system
A vehicle collision damage mitigation system includes: a vehicle having a crashable zone on a front side of a dash panel in a vehicle longitudinal direction; a body airbag device that inflates a body airbag that is provided on a front surface of the dash panel by a pressure of gas generated by a gas generating device; a detector that detects whether a mode of a frontal collision of the vehicle is a full-overlap collision or another collision; and a control unit that operates the gas generating device when detecting a collision other than the full-overlap collision on the basis of a detection result of the detector and that does not operate the gas generating device when detecting the full-overlap collision.
US09033366B1 System for cooling a steering wheel and a method of making
A system includes a fan and a duct system. The fan is configured to be attached to the steering wheel. The duct system has a first portion and a second portion, and is configured to be coupled to an exterior surface of an armature of the steering wheel and enable air from the fan to be communicated from the fan to a surface of the steering wheel. The first portion includes a section extending along the armature of the steering wheel, and the second portion includes a plurality of nozzles extending radially from an outer surface of the first portion toward an outer surface of the steering wheel.
US09033362B2 Front passenger seat air bag apparatus
In a front passenger seat air bag apparatus, an inflator for supplying gas to an air bag is formed in a cylindrical shape and arranged with a vehicle width direction being an axial direction. Also, the inflator is attached to a bottom wall portion formed on a case, with an axial portion of the inflator being offset farther toward a vehicle front side than a center portion, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, of the bottom wall portion. Meanwhile, an actuator for opening and closing a vent hole provided in the air bag is attached to the bottom wall portion farther toward a vehicle rear side than the inflator.
US09033360B2 Lift mechanism and tilt mechanism for a power wheelchair
A lift mechanism a power wheelchair includes linear actuators on opposing sides of the chair that provide a space into which a tilt mechanism can nest when the lift mechanism is in its retracted position. The linear actuators perform both the function of operating the lift mechanism and structurally supporting at least a part of the lift mechanism. The lift mechanism and tilt mechanism are each self-contained modules that can be optionally installed into the power wheelchair.
US09033359B2 Binding for a boot on a gliding board and a gliding board equipped with such binding
A binding for a boot on a gliding board adapted to be used during a sporting activity involving gliding phases, the binding making it possible to attach the boot of a user in a first longitudinal position in relation to the gliding board. The binding includes a plate having at least one slide; a base adapted to be attached to the gliding board; at least one rail fixed to the base and cooperating with the slide, the plate being movable in translation along the rail and in both directions, in relation to the base between a maximum advance position in which the plate is in support against a first stop, and a maximum retraction position in which the plate is in support against a second stop; a damping mechanism damping the translational movement of the plate in both directions, in relation to the base, and which positions the plate by default in a central position in which the plate is located, along the rail, between the maximum advance position and the maximum retraction position.
US09033357B1 Tow bar with a sliding mechanism for converting legs thereof from an aligned tubular structure to an articulated structure
A tow bar having a towing connector for releasably connecting a first hitch arrangement of a towing vehicle to a second hitch arrangement of a towed vehicle includes a pair of opposing legs, each leg having a fore section connected to the towing connector and an aft section connected to the second hitch arrangement, a pivot connector pivotally connecting the fore section to the aft section, a locking mechanism for converting the respective leg from an aligned tubular structure for towing purposes to an articulated structure for on-vehicle storage purposes, and a hanger for retaining the tow bar in a stored configuration. An auxiliary locking mechanism operatively prevents the legs from pivoting relative to the towing connector while the towed vehicle is being towed.
US09033356B2 Shilly-car
A shilly-car includes a main frame module with a rear-wheel tube and a main-frame tube, a front connecting tube and a swing module. A seat cushion is mounted onto a T-shaped structure comprised of the rear-wheel tube and main-frame tube, and two wheels are installed at both ends of the rear-wheel tube respectively. The swing module includes a pedal tube and a swing tube having a bearing sleeve and a bearing. The front connecting tube has an end rotably fixed to the swing tube and the other end fixed with the main-frame tube, and a C-shaped fixed element is installed at an end of the front connecting tube for receiving the bearing sleeve and the bearings, and a fixing shaft is provided for rotably fixing both bearing sleeve and bearing, so that the pedal tube can be stepped by both legs of a rider to move the shilly-car forward.
US09033353B2 Reconfigurable fixed suspension semi-trailer, flatbed or chassis
A reconfigurable fixed position suspension and support structure attached to the trailer body using a locking device consisting of pins, bolts and/or other fastening devices. The support structure has a removable locking device that when attached to the support structure locks the support structure and suspension into a fixed position relative to the trailer body. When the trailer is not in operation, the locking device can be removed allowing the suspension group to be reconfigured, and each suspension to be repositioned relative to the trailer body. The removable locking device is then reattached to the suspension support structure locking the support structure and suspension into a new fixed position relative to the trailer body.
US09033351B2 Baby walker
The invention provides a multifunctional baby walker, which comprises a tray frame, a chassis frame, a supporting frame and roller wheels. The chassis frame comprises two side brackets respectively located at two sides of the baby walker and a front bracket for connecting front ends of the two side brackets. A lower portion of the supporting frame substantially is connected to the middle of the front bracket, the supporting frame has an accommodating space and a handle provided at an upper portion thereof. The baby walker also comprises a seat pocket assembly which comprises a front support rod, a seat pocket slidably connected to the front support rod along the extending direction of the front support rod, and rear support rods at two sides of the baby walker with rear ends respectively rotatably connected to rear portions of the side brackets. The rotation axis of the front support rod relative to the front bracket extends horizontally. A front end of each rear support rod is detachably connected to a rear portion of the seat pocket, a front portion of the tray frame is detachably connected to the upper portion of the supporting frame, and a rear portion of the tray frame is detachably connected to the front end of each rear support rod. The baby walker of the invention has three statuses, and the baby walker has a simple configuration and can be conveniently operated.
US09033348B1 Hand truck
A hand truck includes a noseplate; a pair of brackets positioned on opposite ends of the noseplate; a pair of wheels operatively connected to the pair of brackets; a frame upwardly extending from the pair of brackets. The frame includes a horizontal cross bar extending from a first bracket of the pair of brackets to a second bracket of the pair of brackets. A pair of connection bars upwardly extend at an angle from the horizontal cross bar and connect at a confluence point. A single vertical bar upwardly extends from the confluence point. A handle operatively connects to a top of the single vertical bar. A pair of arms extends from the single vertical bar. The pair of arms rotate between a first position and second position. The first position is 0° from the single vertical bar. The second position is 90° from the single vertical bar.
US09033344B2 System and method for providing a table game
A system and method for providing a table game are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a playing field, a ball launcher mechanism launching a ball into the playing field, and the ball launcher mechanism allows a first player to select one or more attributes affecting a ball trajectory. The apparatus further comprises a ball striker mechanism controlling a ball striker. The ball striker placed at a distance from the ball launcher mechanism in the playing field has a bat to hit a ball launched by the ball launcher mechanism and is controlled by a second player. One or more sensors are placed in predetermined locations in the playing field. The electrical signals generated by the one or more sensors are used to update a status of a game.
US09033343B2 Domino game
A domino match game employs a standard domino set and a game board or game play surface that has a common play region and peripheral regions for placing house tokens that are awarded to players during play of a game or hand, and risk regions for placing tokens awarded in an earlier hand to permit the players to make side wagers. A bogus stone may be used to indicate a player is to miss a turn. There are separate game play tokens and house tokens.
US09033342B2 Playing card shuffler
An apparatus is for shuffling a plurality of playing cards used in gaming. The apparatus includes a card support adapted to support the unshuffled cards on-edge. An exciter is also included, and is adapted to impart vibrational action to the supported cards. Cards drop in a random fashion such as by controlling the relative position of the cards and passage through one or more card slots in a card rest. In at least some of the apparatuses, a medial card receiver is adapted to receive at least one card dropped from the card support and to retain the at least one received card to substantially block the card slot to prevent further cards from dropping. A positioner is preferably included to change a relative position of the unshuffled deck and card slots though which the cards drop.
US09033331B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body with a main conveyance path, a first storage portion including a first conveyance path, a second conveyance path and a joint section. The joint section is a part where an upstream end of the main conveyance path and downstream ends of the first and second conveyance paths join. The first storage portion includes a movable guide at the position of the downstream end of the first conveyance path. The movable guide is displaced to a projecting position where the movable guide projects toward the joint section from the downstream end of the first conveyance path to guide the sheet in a state where the first storage portion is mounted in the apparatus main body and a retracted position substantially retracted from the joint section in a state where the first storage portion is withdrawn from the apparatus main body.
US09033330B2 Sheet processing apparatus with two image forming devices
A first discharging portion that discharges a sheet received from one of image forming apparatus and a second discharging portion discharges a sheet received from another image forming apparatus are disposed opposite each other to stack the sheets discharged in a common processing tray. A controller controls the first and second discharging portions when the sheets are continuously discharged by the first and second discharging portions, controls a timing when the sheets are discharged by the first discharging portion and the second discharging portion to the common processing tray such that a leading edge of the sheet discharged from one of the discharging portions abuts on a sheet surface in the downstream of a discharging direction below a leading edge of the sheet discharged from the other discharging portion.
US09033327B2 Adjustment mechanism
An adjustment mechanism includes a first adjustment assembly and a second adjustment assembly. The first adjustment assembly includes a first regulating member and a second regulating member. The first regulating member includes a bearing plate and a first supporting portion protruding from the bearing plate. The first supporting portion includes an arcuate first supporting surface. The second regulating member includes a base body and a second supporting portion protruding from the base body away from the first supporting portion. The second supporting portion includes an arcuate second supporting surface. The second adjustment assembly includes a mounting member latched with the base body. First supporting surface resists the base body, to enable the bearing plate to rock along a curvature relative to the base body. Second supporting surface resists the mounting member, to enable the bearing plate and the base body to rock relative to the mounting member.
US09033326B1 Interlocking and removable grid system for floral arranging
An interlocking and removable tool for floral arranging, consisting of two interlocking pieces which form a sturdy grid when assembled. This grid is placed on top of a vase, jar, bowl, or other vessel used for housing arranged flowers. This grid keeps flowers in place while being arranged, without falling over, and allows the user to construct floral arrangements with ease. When the desired arrangement is complete, the interlocking components slide apart and are removed without disrupting the floral arrangement.
US09033322B2 Mechanical tensioner strut with uni-directional friction damping
A strut including a housing, a plunger within a space in the housing and including a tapered outer circumferential surface, a primary spring engaged with the housing, a wedge element within the space and including a tapered inner circumferential surface engageable with the outer circumferential surface, and a secondary spring engaged with the wedge element and the plunger to urge the plunger in an axial direction. The primary spring urges the plunger in the axial direction with a first force. In a fully extended mode, the plunger is maximally displaced in the axial direction. In a contracted mode, the plunger is displaced in an opposite axial direction in response to application of a second force, sufficiently greater than the first force, on the plunger in the opposite axial direction. When the second force is sufficiently decreased, the plunger displaces with respect to the housing in the axial direction.
US09033320B2 Anti-vibration rubber member and production method thereof
An anti-vibration rubber member includes: a rubber elastic body that is made of a self-lubricating rubber containing an elastomer and a bleeding lubricant; a coating film that covers at least a portion of a sliding inner surface that is among a surface of the rubber elastic body and disposed on an inner side of the sliding surface, contains a resin having a mercapto group, is deformable to follow up deformation of the rubber elastic body, and is formed with a plurality of minute holes capable of reserving the bleeding lubricant which has oozed out of the rubber elastic body; and a lubricating film that covers at least a portion of a surface of the coating film, is formed to include the bleeding lubricant penetrating the coating film from the rubber elastic body and oozing onto the surface of the coating film, and forms at least a portion of the sliding surface.
US09033317B2 Fuel carburetor
A fuel carburetor includes a fuel passage, a heat medium passage, a space part, and an absorbent material. Ammonia as fuel flows through the fuel passage. The heat medium passage is arranged adjacent to the fuel passage, and a heat medium flows through the heat medium passage. Ammonia gas leaking out of the fuel passage flows into the space part. The absorbent material is provided in the space part for absorbing the ammonia gas. The fuel carburetor is configured to exchange heat between the fuel flowing through the fuel passage and the heat medium flowing through the heat medium passage so as to heat and vaporize the fuel.
US09033316B2 Cleaning implement with mist generating system
A mist generating system for a cleaning implement is adapted to generate a finely atomized liquid mist for suppressing dust, allergens, and other airborne particulates. The mist generating system can be adapted to fit many cleaning implements such as vacuum cleaners, wet extraction cleaners, floor mops, and dusters to suppress airborne dust and particulates generated during operation and the cleaning process.
US09033311B2 Valve for a fluid flow connector having an overmolded plunger
A fluid flow connector and a method of manufacturing the same wherein the fluid flow connector utilizes a valve having a plunger which is made by overmolding a soft exterior to a hard core. The soft exterior being overmolded to the hard core by either insert or multi-shot methods. The method also including attaching the soft exterior to the hard core mechanically and/or by molecular bonding.
US09033309B2 Valve actuator
The invention relates to a valve actuator (2), comprising a magnetic core (6) with an interspace (8) and at least one bifurcating branch (7), at least one variable magnetic field generating device (16), at least one permanent magnetic field generating device (13) and at least one movable magnetic component (12), wherein the bifurcating branch (7) defines a first region (4) and a second region (5) of said magnetic core (6). Said movable magnetic component (12) is movably arranged within said interspace (8) of said magnetic core (6) in such a way that a first gap (19) is formed between a first surface (23) of said movable magnetic component (12) and a first surface (22) of said interspace (8) of said magnetic core (6), a second gap (20) is formed between a second surface (24) of said movable magnetic component (12) and a second surface (25) of said interspace (8) of said magnetic core (6), and a third gap (21) is formed between a third surface (27) of said movable magnetic component (12) and a third surface (26) of said bifurcating branch (7) of said magnetic core (6). At least one of said variable magnetic field generating devices (48, 49) is associated with said first region (4) of said magnetic core (6) and at least one of said permanent magnetic field generating devices (13) is associated with said second region (5) of said magnetic core (6). Said valve actuator (2) is designed and arranged in a way that a magnetic flux, generated by at least one at least one of said variable magnetic field generating devices (16) is able to exert a force on said at least one movable magnetic component (12) and is able to cancel the magnetic flux (48, 49), generated by at least one of said permanent magnetic field generating devices (13). At least one magnetic flux limiting means (7, 12) is provided, whose magnetic flux limit can be reached or exceeded.
US09033306B2 Rapid opening gas valve
A pneumatically operated gas valve includes a piston positioned in a cylinder with one closed end so that the piston may seat against a gas outlet to close the gas valve. A control reservoir may be formed in the cylinder between the piston and the closed end of the cylinder. Means for filling the control reservoir with gas to a control pressure may be provided so that the control pressure acting against the piston may close the gas valve. A release valve may be opened to allow the gas in the control reservoir to escape through an exhaust port to open the gas valve.
US09033304B2 Methods, devices, and mediums associated with optical lift mechanism
An apparatus includes a light foil device configured to move based on radiation pressure associated with light received by the light foil device. The apparatus includes a mechanism configured to transition between operational states in response to the movement of the light foil device, or includes a valve configured to control a flow of material through a conduit based, at least in part, on the movement of the light foil device.
US09033302B2 Taper-ended form tie
A form tie for use in constructing building components and structures, including but not limited to concrete walls, concrete sandwich walls, and concrete foundations is disclosed. The form tie includes a central body portion and two end portions. The two end portions each include a taper that decreases in width inwardly toward the center of the form tie. Also disclosed is a clamp device for releasably securing the form tie to a form assembly. The clamp device includes a tapered passageway that grips a taper of the end portions of the disclosed form tie. Also disclosed is a form assembly including a first form wall, second form wall, and at least one form tie and clamp device of the present invention.
US09033301B1 Vibration reduction system using an extended washer
A method and apparatus comprising an interface section and a vibration reduction structure associated with the interface section. The vibration reduction structure extends from a surface of the interface section. The interface section and the vibration reduction structure are configured to reduce vibrations at a number of frequencies that travel through the interface section and the vibration reduction structure.
US09033293B1 Furniture riser
A furniture riser which may be stacked one upon another in a stackable fashion. The furniture riser may also be attached to an identical riser in a side-by-side manner.
US09033289B2 Attachable grommets for hanging pipes
The present invention relates to block style tube and pipe hangers which include polymeric grommets that are used as a dampener or insulator for hanging tubes and pipes and particularly to a post and port arrangement for securing and aligning the silicone grommets during initial mounting and placement. The grommets are typically two opposing symmetrical parts that together define a passage having an inner diameter which directly surrounds and supports the pipe or tube, the post and port arrangement provides a structure and method for connecting the polymeric grommet parts and supporting the grommets on the pipe or tube during installation of the frame and support structure. Each flat surface of the grommet parts is substantially sloped to prevent the collection of liquids, dirt or debris.
US09033283B1 Passive adaptive structures
Embodiments of an aerodynamic structural insert frame comprise a leading edge, a trailing edge opposite the leading edge, and at least one cavity between the leading edge and trailing edge, wherein the aerodynamic structural insert frame is configured to deflect upon activation by an external stimulus; at least one deformable buckling member extending the distance between opposite edges of the cavity, wherein the deflection of the aerodynamic structural insert frame is configured to trigger deflection of the deformable buckling member; a pivot region; and at least one stopper bar attached to and extending from one edge of the cavity a distance less than the distance between opposite edges of the cavity, wherein the stopper bar is configured to stop the deflection of the aerodynamic structural insert and the buckling member when the stopper bar strikes an opposite edge of the cavity.
US09033282B2 Wing tip device
A wing tip device for fixing to the outboard end of a wing, the wing defining a wing plane, includes: an upper wing-like element projecting upwardly with respect to the wing plane and having a trailing edge; and a lower wing-like element fixed with respect to the upper wing-like element and having a root chord and a trailing edge, the lower wing-like element root chord intersecting with the upper wing-like element, and the lower wing-like element projecting downwardly from the intersection. The upper wing-like element is larger than the lower wing-like element and the trailing edge of the lower wing-like element is adjacent the trailing edge of the upper wing-like element at the intersection. An included angle between the upper and lower wing-like elements at the intersection is less than, or equal to, 160 degrees.
US09033270B2 Apparatus for circulating comminuted materials
An improved scraper plate assembly is provided on a comminuting device having compliant rounded edges, sloped walls, and reduced height for placement along recycle flow paths within a comminuting apparatus when circulating subdivided waste material from between a pair of scissor rolls for further delivery to a scissor roll for further movement and subdividing of the subdivided waste material. A comminuting apparatus is also provided.
US09033267B2 Device for grinding roasted grains
A device (1) for grinding roasted grains, in particular coffee beans, of a kind including a grinding chamber (9) in which one or more electrically operated grinders grind coffee beans in order to reduce them to powder. The grinding chamber of the device is equipped with a plurality of cooling fins (29) that assist in removing heat produced during grinding, without the need to use cooling fins or similar cooling devices. Thanks to the provision of the cooling fins (28), the device (1) is inexpensive and compact and avoids an excessive increase in coffee temperature during grinding, thereby preserving the organoleptic qualities of the coffee.
US09033261B2 Single point touch shower
A single point touch shower has a fixed unit, an outlet terminal and a switching mechanism. The fixed unit has an inlet passage connecting the water resource; the outlet terminal is asway connected to the fixed unit and provided with a plurality of outlet functions; the switching mechanism comprises a first ratchet wheel, a stopping claw and a transmission mechanism; the first ratchet wheel is rotationally connected to the outlet terminal; the stopping claw connects the first ratchet wheel and the fixed unit to limit the reversal of the first ratchet wheel; the transmission mechanism connects the first ratchet wheel and the fixed unit to transmit the mutual swing between the outlet terminal and the fixed unit to the relative rotation between the first ratchet wheel and the outlet terminal, and the outlet functions switching is controlled through the relative rotation between the first ratchet wheel and the outlet terminal.
US09033259B2 Method and system for mixing reactor feed
A method and system of feeding fuel into a gasifier are provided. The feed injector system includes a first injector port assembly including a plurality of annular channels substantially concentric about a longitudinal axis that define corresponding fluid flow paths that direct a flow of fluid substantially axially therethrough from a respective source to a reaction zone and a second injector port assembly including a flow port surrounded by a plurality of auxiliary ports spaced about a circumference of the flow port, the plurality of auxiliary ports communicatively coupled to a toroidal passage configured to receive a flow of fluid and channel the flow of fluid to the auxiliary ports such that the flow of fluid is discharged from the auxiliary ports having an axial flow component, a radially inward flow component, and a circumferential flow component.
US09033257B2 Apparatus for supplying washer liquid of vehicle
An apparatus that supplies washer liquid of a vehicle, in which a washer liquid hose is inserted into a lower end of a pivot shaft by applying a check valve to the lower end of the pivot shaft. In addition, the washer liquid hose is inserted into the pivot shaft and a pipe, to secure a hose route during wiper operation.
US09033254B2 Solar heated water distribution system
A non electric, temperature controlled system for passing or bypassing a solar water heating apparatus includes a temperature controlled water distribution valve directing water to flow from a main supply of water toward a user depending on the setting and configuration of the temperature controlled water distribution valve within the system.
US09033253B2 Designer-adaptive visual codes
A designer-adaptive visual code (32, 32′, 32″) includes a user-selected set glyphs (36, 36′, 36″, 36′−), a user-selected set of allowable glyph orientations relative to a user-selected reference angle, and a user-selected spatial arrangement of the glyphs (36, 36′, 36″, 36′″). The user-selected set of glyphs (36, 36′, 36″, 36′″) has a size sufficient to recover geometric characteristics of at least one repeating code portion so as to generate an analyzable image when captured via a camera-equipped mobile device (26). The user-selected spatial arrangement of the glyphs (36, 36′, 36″, 36′″) includes the at least one repeating code portion (34) to be visible on a surface from at least two different areas of the surface.
US09033252B2 Communication module, connector, and connector-equipped communication module
A connector-equipped communication module includes a communication module and a connector. The communication module includes a wiring board including antenna-mounted and IC-mounted regions at different positions in a planar view, an antenna element mounted in the antenna-mounted region, a wireless IC and a mounted component mounted in the IC-mounted region, and side terminals in the IC-mounted region and peripheral portions near the IC-mounted region. The connector includes a receiving portion including a placement portion configured to mount the communication module and a wall portion extending around the placement portion, inner wall terminals on an inner side of the wall portion at positions facing the side terminals, and external terminals located outward of the receiving portion and electrically connected to the inner wall terminals. In a state where the communication module is received in the receiving portion, the inner wall and side terminals are fitted so as to contact with each other.
US09033249B2 Payment card comprising an electronic game chip
A payment card is provided including a support in the format of a conventional bank payment card, and having a first integrated circuit dedicated to banking operations, a second integrated circuit not dedicated to banking operations; at least one man/machine interface, the second integrated circuit being configured so as to activate at least one part of the man/machine interface in response to a directive from the user and according to an algorithm contained in the second integrated circuit. A memory space is connected to the second integrated circuit for saving data arising from the execution of the algorithm; the memory space being also connected to the first integrated circuit for reading of the data arising from the execution of the algorithm. A battery is provided for powering the second integrated circuit.
US09033248B2 Semiconductor storage device
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor storage device is provided with a memory chip including a storage circuit, a controller chip that controls a memory chip, and a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposing one another, on the first surface of which the controller chip is mounted. Further, the semiconductor storage device is provided with an external connection terminal formed on the second surface of the substrate, and resin that encapsulates the memory chip, the controller chip, and the substrate, includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposing one another, and has a predetermined mark directly printed only on the fourth surface that is adjacent to the second surface of the substrate.
US09033246B2 Methods and systems to remotely issue proximity payment devices
Methods and apparatus for issuing a payment device from a remote dispensing device are provided. In an embodiment, a dispensing device receives a purchase request including a load amount, to purchase a proximity payment device. The dispensing device reads proximity payment device information from a stored pre-personalized proximity payment device, establishes a secure communications channel with a security terminal, encrypts a personalization data request, transmits it to the proximity device issuer server, and receives an encrypted personalization message. The dispensing device then decrypts the encrypted personalization message to obtain personalization data, writes the personalization data and the load amount to the pre-personalized proximity payment device, and then dispenses the personalized proximity payment device.
US09033244B2 External illumination apparatus for optical information reading apparatus
There is provided an external illumination apparatus capable of increasing flexibility of illumination, the external illumination apparatus including a CPU and a memory so as to control lighting of a plurality of illumination LEDs with reference to a lighting pattern stored in the memory, wherein this lighting control is executed by a lighting command from an optical information reading apparatus.
US09033243B2 Barcode rendering device
In an embodiment, a method performed by a barcode rendering device for bonding the barcode rendering device with a mobile communication device is described. The method includes detecting a predetermined motion of a barcode rendering device. The method also includes detecting a first signal emitted by a mobile communication device, the first signal indicating that the mobile communication device is ready to bind with the barcode rendering device and to communicate information to the barcode rendering device. The method also includes binding with the mobile communication device in response to detecting both the predetermined motion and the first signal. The method also includes emitting a second signal indicating a readiness to receive the information from the mobile communication device. The method also includes receiving the information from the mobile communication device, the information including barcode data.
US09033239B2 Projected image planogram system
An automated projected image display planning and implementation system used in planogramming. Embodiments include a camera, projector, bar code reader, and software to store planograms as designed, communicate these planograms to retail locations, and provide an easy-to-use system insuring that the planograms are recreated as originally conceived. Embodiments create a unique QR code for storing and communicating fixture and merchandise data information as well as the relative placement location within the planogram. Embodiments are configured to project the image of the finished planogram on the display, and further, to illuminating the exact location within the planogram of merchandise and fixtures displayed on the planogram.
US09033233B2 Reader antenna and RFID electronic shelf including the same
A reader antenna includes dipole antennas, the dipole antennas including: a horizontal dipole antenna having the characteristic of horizontal polarization; and a dipole antenna perpendicular to the horizontal dipole antenna and including a vertical dipole antenna having the characteristic of vertical polarization, wherein the horizontal dipole antenna and the vertical dipole antenna may both have the characteristic of circular polarization. The reader antenna can be easily stored in an electronic shelf because it is realized in an ultrathin structure using a single-layered dielectric substrate.
US09033231B2 Automatic correction apparatus for trajectory of a projectile and correction method using the same
Disclosed is an automatic correction apparatus for a trajectory of a projectile from a firearm of which a sight and a gun barrel are installed in parallel, the apparatus including: a distance measurer which is installed in parallel with the sight and measures distance from a target to be hit; a central processing unit which calculates a correction value for parallelization between the gun barrel and the sight so that a trajectory curve and the target can intersect with each other on the basis of the distance measured by the distance measurer; and a parallelization adjuster which connects the sight and the gun barrel and adjusts axial parallelization between a sight line of the sight and the gun barrel on the basis of the parallelization correction value calculated by the central processing unit. With this, the trajectory of the projectile is automatically corrected in accordance with the distance from the target, and thus quick and correct aiming and firing are possible.
US09033230B2 Reverse manifesting by returns service provider
A method of calculating shipping costs due to a carrier in connection with customer returns of items shipped to the customer by merchant. A returns center receives shipping due packages containing returned items. Affixed to each package is a printed label, the label having machine readable manifesting data, representing at least a package identifier, the origin of the package, the a delivery location. The manifesting data is scanned and the package is weighed. Data collected from the scanning and weighing steps is delivered to a processing system, which calculates shipping costs and generates a manifest report.
US09033225B2 Method and system for authenticating internet users
The invention provides methods for facilitating the identification of internet users, for detection of misuse of an identity during an electronic transaction, and for controlling access to web sites. The method employs determining the location of the user's wireless communication device, based on the geographical proximity of Wi-Fi locations and cached position information.
US09033223B2 Method and apparatus for distribution of money transfers
A method for performing transactions comprises receiving registration information and money transfer transaction specifications, generating a distribution profile based on the registration information, and storing the money transfer transaction specifications in the distribution profile. The distribution profile is identified based on an initiation instruction and associated user authentication data, and one of the money transfer transaction specifications in the distribution profile is identified based on the initiation instruction. Payment source status is verified according to the identified money transfer transaction specification, and a staged send transaction is initiated, based on the payment source status at the time the send transaction is initiated.
US09033222B2 Apparatus for prevention of reading of magnetic cards
A card reading machine includes a card reader for reading data on a magnetic card and a device for preventing reading of the data on the magnetic card by illegal card reading devices operatively associated with the card reading machine. The device for preventing may include an oscillator, a driver circuit and a coil for generating electromagnetic signals similar to data on a card. A method for preventing reading of data on a magnetic card by in illegal card reader in operative association with an apparatus having a card reader intended to read the data on the magnetic card includes producing a signal ruining the data collected by the illegal card reader. The apparatus having a card reader may include an insertion slot in which case the method may further include producing the signal near the insertion slot.
US09033218B1 Cards, devices, systems, methods and dynamic security codes
A dynamic code may be validated by comparing the dynamic code to a verification code. The card may generate the dynamic code using a random object and a function. The random object may be generated using a random object generator. The function may be determinable using a function determination object and a look-up-table (LUT), the function determination object associable to exponents and operators, listed in the LUT, that may be combined with base variables to determine the function. The dynamic code may be determined by substituting portions of the random object for the base variables in the function. The card may communicate the dynamic code, the random object and an identifier to a remote processing facility. The remote processing facility may use the identifier to determine the function, use the random object to determine a verification code and compare the verification code to the dynamic code.
US09033216B2 System and method of owner application control of electronic devices
Systems and methods of owner application control of an electronic device are provided. Owner application control information is stored on the electronic device and/or one or more remote servers. Owner application control information is consulted to determine if one or more required applications are available for execution on the electronic device. If not, one or more required applications not available are downloaded and installed. This could be in a manner transparent to the user of the electronic device. If one or more required applications are not available on the electronic device, the device can be functionally disabled in whole, or in part, until one or more required applications are available.
US09033213B2 System for producing a packaged item with an identifier
A system for packaging an item with an identifier comprises an identifier adder, a labeler, and a packager. The identifier adder adds one or more types of silica-based tags to an item, wherein each type of silica-based tag has a first signature readable using an optical spectroscopic reader. A label is generated based at least in part on reading the one or more types of silica-based tags of the item using the optical spectroscopic reader. The label includes goods info. The packager includes the label on a package, and wherein the packager includes the item in the package.
US09033209B2 Carton with handle
A carton for containing a plurality of articles includes a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, end flaps respectively foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels, the end flaps comprising a first end flap and a second end flap being at least partially overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton, and a handle formed in at least two of the end flaps, the handle comprising a handle panel in the first end flap for grasping the carton and a handle end portion in the second end flap for directing stress from the handle panel.
US09033208B2 Blank and methods of constructing a container from the blank
A blank of foldable sheet material is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, a first bottom side panel and a second opposing bottom side panel extending from opposing side edges of the bottom panel, and a front panel extending from a front edge of the bottom panel. The front panel includes opposing side edges. The blank also includes a first and a second diagonal panel extending from a front edge of the first and second bottom side panels, respectively, and a third and a fourth diagonal panel extending from each side edge of the front panel. The third and fourth diagonal panels have a length greater than a length of the first and second diagonal panels. The blank includes a first and a second corner panel, wherein the first corner panel is hingedly connected to the first and third diagonal panels and the second corner panel is hingedly connected to the second and fourth diagonal panels.
US09033206B2 Brazing method of aluminum material and brazed structure
In order to enable a satisfactory fluxless brazing without needing flux or vacuum facilities, a brazing object including an aluminum alloy material provided with an Al—Si—Mg brazing filler metal is joined by the Al—Si—Mg brazing filler metal without the use of flux by heating the aluminum alloy material, when raising the temperature in a brazing furnace, at least in a temperature range of 450° C. to before melting of the filler metal under a first inert gas atmosphere having an oxygen concentration of preferably 50 ppm and following by heating at least at or above a temperature at which the filler metal starts to melt under a second inert gas atmosphere having an oxygen concentration of preferably 25 ppm and a nitrogen gas concentration of preferably 10% by volume or less. The oxygen concentration and nitrogen concentration in the atmosphere in the course of brazing are controlled in this way, whereby the reliability of a joint is remarkably improved, compared with conventional fluxless brazing methods, while suppressing cost increases as much as possible.
US09033205B2 Friction stir welding with temperature control
A method for friction stir welding is provided. The method may include determining the temperature of one or both parts being welded. The parts may then be heated to a desired temperature and then friction stir welded together. By preheating the parts, the friction required to plasticize the parts during welding may be reduced. Thereby, the rotational speed of the friction stir welding tool may be reduced, and thus the tool life may be extended without decreasing the rate at which welds are created. Additionally, the cooling rate of the weld may be regulated with a thermal control device.
US09033204B2 Circular stapling devices with tissue-puncturing anvil features
Circular stapling instruments and anvil assemblies. The anvil assemblies may have collapsible anvil support members that may be inserted through an opening in a patient and then expanded to be attached to an anvil plate assembly that has a staple-forming surface thereon. The anvil support member is attachable to the anvil plate assembly in such a way that when the anvil assembly is coupled to the stapling head of a circular stapler, the staple-forming surface is in substantial registry with the staples supported in the stapling head. A variety of different anvil support members and anvil plate assemblies are disclosed. Various embodiments have a tissue-piercing feature.
US09033201B2 Methods and apparatus for fixing sheet-like materials to a target tissue
A device for attaching a sheet-like implant to a target tissue. The device includes a fastener push rod including a first portion, a second portion and a force limiting mechanism operably coupled between the first portion and the second portion. A fastener is carried by the second portion of the fastener push rod. The force limiting mechanism transmits longitudinal movement of the first portion to the second portion while the forces applied to the fastener by the fastener push rod are less than a predetermined value such that longitudinal movement of the first portion of the fastener push rod causes substantially equivalent longitudinal movement of the second portion. The force limiting mechanism allows relative longitudinal motion between the first and second portions while the forces applied to the fastener are equal to or greater than the predetermined value such that the application of undue forces to the fastener is prevented.
US09033194B1 Dispensing apparatus
A dispenser including a chamber having a cavity, a spout in communication with the cavity and having an inner surface, a rotatable dial in communication with the spout and having an outer surface, and wherein the dial is positioned at least partially within the spout and rotates coaxially with the spout for dispensing a product within the cavity.
US09033192B2 Rotary actuator for energy efficient ice cube dispenser door system
A rotary actuator suitable for use in a refrigerator ice-dispensing door provides a rotating shaft driven by a DC permanent magnet motor through a gear train and subject to a returning force of an internal spring. The gear train communicates with a switch to reduce current to the motor when a limit of travel is reached and a shunting path is provided around the motor to produce generative braking when power is removed from the motor and the actuator rotates backward to its initial position.
US09033191B2 Toy fluid pumping gun
A fluid pumping device is disclosed. The fluid pumping device includes a housing having a front end and a rear end, a fluid discharge opening in the front end of the housing, a pump assembly, a crank assembly rotatably connected to the pump assembly wherein the crank assembly operates the pump assembly, and a fluid storage reservoir connected to the gear housing from which fluid is drawn into the gear housing to be pumped through the fluid discharge opening.
US09033190B2 Trigger dispenser device
A trigger dispenser device for a liquid provides an integral valve element comprising a suction duct and at least one flexible suction lip to obstruct the suction duct during the dispensing phase, and an annular obturator and a flexible flange supporting it, for opening the pressure chamber toward the dispenser duct during the dispensing phase.
US09033188B2 Movable discharge device for use in particle/bulk material storage silo and particle/bulk material storage silo
A movable discharge device for use in a particle/bulk material storage silo includes: a travel body configured to travel along a groove provided at a lower portion of a storage silo; a scrape-out unit configured to move integrally with the travel body and including a blade configured to rotate above the groove to rake coals in the storage silo and scrape out the coals to the groove; and a groove closing mechanism configured to close a predetermined region of the groove within a rotation trajectory region of the blade. The discharge device is configured to be able to suppress the change in the discharge amount of coals discharged by the blade from the particle/bulk material storage silo.
US09033183B2 Extension frame for a transport box or a pallet
An extension frame for a transport box or a pallet includes two long sides, and two collapsible transverse sides. An angle piece is formed on one of the transverse sides or on one of the long sides, with the angle piece having a free end forming a hinge with a free end of an adjacent long side or transverse side. The hinge has in the open state and the collapsed state a locking position in which the long side and the adjacent transverse side are engageable.
US09033181B2 Combination baking pan and cooling rack
A baking device for baking and cooling baked goods includes a rectangular baking pan formed from a single sheet of metal with planar opposing baking and bottom pan surfaces, including indentations positioned at four corners to extend out as protrusions from the bottom pan surface as standoffs. The baking device also includes a complementary rectangular cooling rack formed from a single sheet of metal with planar opposing baking and bottom rack surfaces, including indentations or depressions formed in the baking rack surface and positioned at four corners to extend out as protrusions from the bottom cooling rack surface and a plurality of small gauge holes. Dimensions of the cooling rack and baking pan are ensure that the cooling rack seats snugly in the baking pan so that the bottom cooling rack surface contacts and presses against the baking pan surface in an assembled state.
US09033180B1 Frozen confection drip catcher
A frozen confection drip catcher including a drip-catching cup-shaped shield having a spout for drinking the melted contents contained within a reservoir of the shield and a support body centrally disposed on the shield, the support body having a slot in an apex thereof to support a stick for holding the frozen confection in an upright position. The shield has a flat bottom wall to self-support the frozen confection. A peg on the bottom wall within the reservoir engages an aperture in the bottom end of the support body thereby stabilizing the support body within the reservoir and enabling the support body to be removed for cleaning.
US09033173B2 Overpack for storage and handling for containers for liquids
The invention relates to an overpack 1 for storage and handling of containers for liquids, preferably for drums 2 with volumes of 200 to 500 liters, wherein the overpack 1 is integrally formed of plastics and stackable. The invention further relates to a safety system 9 for storage and handling of containers for liquids comprising an overpack 1 according to the invention and a container located inside the overpack 1.
US09033168B2 Lightweight plastic container and preform
A plastic container is provided that includes a hollow body portion including a lower supporting base portion; a sidewall portion extending upwardly from the base portion; and a neck portion extending upwardly from the sidewall portion. The neck portion includes a support flange having an upper and lower surface, a tamper-evident formation, and a dispensing opening at the top of the neck portion. In an embodiment, the dispensing opening has an inner diameter that is at least 22 mm, and the vertical distance from the top of the dispensing opening to the lower surface of the support flange is 0.580 inches or less. A preform and method for making a container are also disclosed.
US09033163B2 Curved shower rod assembly having flexible mounting base
An adjustable curved shower curtain rod assembly, attached to the walls to form different sizes of shower area, has a telescopic curtain rod and a pair of flexible mounting bases, including a pair of flexible mounting adapters. Each adapter has a supporting cover coaxially secured to the mounting bracket through a lock mechanism; a flexible joint, consisting of a female joint cover and male joint insert, the male point insert is substantially spherically shaped and the joint cover, having a spherical central opening, encapsulates the joint insert partially; and an insertion post, projecting from the joint insert, having an outer thread on an outer surface thereof capable of being inserted into one of the curved curtain rod, wherein the joint insert can move to allow the moveable insertion post change positions pivotally, from a position parallel to the surface to a position having an increasing angle to the surface, or from a position perpendicular to the surface to a position having a decreasing angle to the surface, while the joint insert smooth fits in the joint cover.
US09033161B2 Wall organizer
A wall organizer includes a base having a main section that is mountable to a wall, a return section and a joined section coupling the main section to the return section. The return section extends upwardly from the joined section and terminates at a free end. Together the main section, the return section and the joined section define a pocket. The free end of the return section terminates at a plurality of different heights relative to a bottom of the joined section to form a plurality of spaced apart prongs.
US09033159B1 Membrane surface modification
Processes for preparation of macroporous membranes having unusually high equilibrium protein binding capacities are described. Membranes include a self-supporting porous membrane substrate and a grafted polymeric film on the pore surfaces of the substrate. A polymeric film may be grafted to the porous membrane substrate using surface-initiated polymerization. The grafted polymer chains within the polymeric film can act as molecular ‘brushes’ or ‘tentacles’ in solution and can contain one or more capture chemistries for biomolecules. Membranes can be used in the separation and purification of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, virus or virus-like particles, endotoxins, and the like.
US09033154B2 Infection prevention system with IV pole flush and swab caddy
A bed-side system for preventing infection that uses a flush and swab caddy attached to an IV pole or other bed-side equipment. By providing convenient and secure storage for pre-filled syringes, alcohol swabs, and other medical supplies, it can improve individual patient care. In an embodiment, the caddy attaches to the IV pole and comprises a locking compartment for pre-filled syringes and an open tray for alcohol swabs and other medical supplies. The syringes may be filled with saline, heparin, or another solution.
US09033149B2 Catheter assembly/package utilizing a hydrating/hydrogel sleeve and a foil outer layer and method of making and using the same
A catheter assembly including an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has at least one drainage opening. A hydrophilic coating is provided on at least a portion of the elongate end of the catheter. A fluid containing member is provided and is either arranged on the elongate member or within a separate area of the container. The fluid containing member contains sufficient hydrating fluid to hydrate the coating of the catheter. A container contains the elongate member and the fluid containing member and incorporates at least one foil layer to prevent evaporation of the hydrating fluid. A method of using the catheter includes inserting a catheter into a user's body and draining fluid from the user's body.
US09033147B2 Holder for portable electronic device
A holder is for supporting a portable electronic device, including at least one sheet. A base portion, a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion formed on the at least one sheet. The base portion, the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are parallel with each other and folded relative to each other. A latching piece is formed on the base portion, the latching piece having a bendable portion. The first supporting portion is folded relative to the base portion, and the second supporting portion is folded relative to the first supporting portion until the second supporting portion is held by the latching piece, the base portion, the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion cooperatively form a three-dimensional structure that can support the portable electronic device at an angle relative to the at least one sheet without collapsing.
US09033145B2 Postal mailer for stress-sensitive articles
Protective mailer capable of being processed by postal processing equipment without causing damage to the article held by the mailer. The pocket holding the article inside the mailer is offset relative to one edge, when folded, by a distance sufficient to prevent damage when the mailer is oriented and processed. The mailer may include a resizing flap that, when unfolded and deployed, changes the dimensions of the mailer so that the mailer is processed by the postal processing equipment as a non-letter or flat mailpiece.
US09033144B2 Foldable packaging for flat media
A novel packaging for flat media having substantially square panels wherein at least one of the panels is adapted to form a compartment for storing a phonographic record, an audiovisual record or any flat media. The arrangement of the square panels enables the package to be folded in a compact, flat configuration for ease of storage and shipping. When erected, the package forms a cube that could be used as additional storage. The cube may be erected with either of the sides of the panels visible so as to afford greater opportunity for display.
US09033142B2 Ergonomic garment carrier
An ergonomic garment carrier which accommodates garments such as suit shirts, jackets, pants and skirts as well as other items a traveler would typically transport or store.
US09033141B2 Packet of cigarettes, and method of producing a packet of cigarettes
A packet (1) of cigarettes having: an inner package (2) defined by a group (30) of cigarettes wrapped in a sheet (29) of wrapping material having at least one tear line (32) defining a tear-off top portion (31); an inner container (4) housing the inner package (2) and having an extraction opening (10) for access to the tear-off top portion (31); an outer container (5) housing the inner container (4) in sliding manner, to allow the inner container (4) to slide, with respect to the outer container (5), between a closed position, in which the inner container (4) is inserted inside the outer container (5), and an open position, in which the inner container (4) is extracted partly from the outer container (5); and a tear-off lid (45) connected to the inner container (4) by at least one tear line (48), and covering at least part of the extraction opening (10).
US09033140B2 Conveying chain for a conveying device
A chain link of a conveying chain, containing a base body with a first end region which comprises a first coupling section for the articulated connection to a coupling section of a first adjacent chain link, and with a second end region which comprises a second coupling section for the articulated connection to a coupling section of a second adjacent chain link. The base body comprises an intermediate region lying between the two end regions and includes a body section with bending-elastic characteristics, which is designed such that the first end region is elastically bendable relative to the second end region out of the longitudinal direction of the base body.
US09033139B2 Rod belt for a rod belt conveyor for agricultural machinery
Rod belt for rod belt conveyors for agricultural machinery, having rods arranged transversely with respect to the running direction and parallel to one another. Rods at their ends are each connected to a fastening piece which has a flattened and perforated support area with which fastening piece rests on tensile stress-resistant, elastic, continuous belts extending in parallel and is connected by rivets or similar fastening elements which pass through support area and belts, and support area is formed in one piece with a fastening area for rod ends. The rod belt includes fastening pieces which have a simple design and are cost-effectively manufactured. Fastening pieces are designed as bends having a fastening area which, in relation to the installed position, is bent from the plane of support area toward the bottom side of belt and situated parallel to the inner side of belt.
US09033137B2 Conveyor belt having opposing ends to be connected for endlessing the conveyor belt
A conveyor belt having opposing ends to be connected for endlessing the conveyor belt. The belt includes a belt member, and two planar connector parts provided one at each said end of the belt. Each connector part has, at an edge of the connector part, an edge coil extending over the width of the belt. The belt is configured to be endlessed by bringing the edge coils of the first and second end into a sideways engagement to obtain an overlapping coil area and by inserting a closing wire through the overlapping coil area. Each connector part has a set of splice fingers engaging in correspondingly shaped finger recesses formed in the belt member.
US09033133B2 Method and apparatus for conveying a cellulosic feedstock
A method and apparatus for preparing a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. Embodiments of the method comprise passing the cellulosic feedstock out of at least one outlet of a vessel (such as a holding tank) and obtaining at least two streams of cellulosic feedstock wherein each stream may be fed different hydrolysis reactors. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise passing the cellulosic feedstock downwardly through the vessel and withdrawing the feedstock from the vessel in two different lateral directions.
US09033128B2 Friction ring
A friction ring (12) for reel shafts (10), having on its inner periphery a friction surface (22) for frictional engagement with the reel shaft (10), and on its outer periphery a plurality of radially projecting leaf springs (24) that are inclined relative to the radial direction in a uniform direction (D) of rotation, each leaf spring having a base portion (26) held in a slot (28) of the friction ring (12), wherein each leaf spring (24) is adapted to be bent back into a recess (30) of the friction ring (12) on the side facing forward in the direction (D) of rotation and is supported on a wall (32) of this recess on the opposite side.
US09033122B2 Method and apparatus for an adjustable damper
A vehicle suspension damper is described. The vehicle suspension damper includes: a pilot valve assembly; a primary valve; and an adjuster, wherein the pilot valve assembly meters fluid to the primary valve, and the adjuster moves the primary valve.
US09033116B2 Cargo theft prevention system and method
Arrangement and method for monitoring a structure at a fixed location, e.g., a house, parked boat or parked airplane, includes a monitoring or sensor system arranged to obtain information about the structure, an exterior of the structure and/or an interior of the structure different than the location of the structure, and a communication system coupled to the sensor system and being provided with a location of the structure. The communication system transmits the information about the structure obtained by the sensor system and the location of the structure to a remote facility. The remote facility can therefore monitor the structure, and take steps to ensure the integrity of the reservoir and the fluid therein. To enable wireless and powerless monitoring, a power source independent of a power grid extending outside of the trailer may be provided to supply power to the sensor system and the communications unit.
US09033115B2 Zip line braking
For zip line braking, a brake cable travels between at least two terminals. A brake applies a braking force to travel of the brake cable. A link arm is in physical communication with the brake cable. A trolley receiver in physical communication with the link arm and slidably traveling along a zip line receives a trolley slidably traveling along the zip line. The trolley receiver transfers the braking force through the link arm to the trolley.
US09033111B2 Elevator governor system
A governor system for an elevator is disclosed. The governor includes a shaft horizontally extending from a sheave of the governor system. A base, spring, and slider are mounted on the shaft with linkages extending from the base of the sheave to at least one flyweight. The spring and flyweights are sized such that centrifugal force will be sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the spring upon the sheave reaching a certain rotational speed. Overspeed sensors and mechanical switches are positioned proximate the flyweights and flyweights plates such that upon such motion of the flyweights, the governor system is triggered, thereby slowing and ultimately stopping the elevator. The governor system has a greatly reduced space requirement compared to previous governors, as well as a reduced likelihood of false trips due to acceleration or deceleration of the car.
US09033103B2 Safety line traveller and support
A traveller for a fall arrest system including a body having a bore and a slot narrower than the bore linking to the bore to the exterior of the body. A load member is connected to the body for pivotal movement relative to the body and suitable for attachment to fall safety equipment. The body has a center of gravity positioned so that when the traveller is supported on a safety line passing through the bore, the body will be urged by gravity to rotate about the safety line towards a position in which the slot has a predetermined orientation relative to the safety line.
US09033096B2 Power steering device
A power steering device includes a first bearing and a second bearing that rotatably support the base-end side and the tip-end side of a worm shaft, a biasing member that biases the outer circumferential surface of the second bearing, and an elastic member that is arranged between the inner circumferential surface of a gear case and the outer circumferential surface of the second bearing. The inner circumferential surface of the gear case is formed such that the second bearing can move towards a worm wheel by the biasing force of the biasing member, the inner circumferential surface of the gear case is provided with a ring-like groove that houses the elastic member, and the center of the ring-like groove is offset towards the worm wheel side from the center axis of the worm shaft when the first bearing and the second bearing are in a coaxial state.
US09033095B2 Exhaust treatment unit, manufacturing method of exhaust treatment unit, and work vehicle
An exhaust treatment unit is used to treat an exhaust gas from an engine of the work vehicle. The exhaust treatment unit includes a first exhaust treatment device, a second exhaust treatment device and a first bracket. The first exhaust treatment device and the second exhaust treatment device are attached to the first bracket. The first bracket includes a brim part and a main body part. The main body part has a convex shape downwardly bulged from the brim part. The main body part includes a first support portion and a second support portion. The first support portion directly supports the first exhaust treatment device. The second support portion directly supports the second exhaust treatment device.
US09033089B2 Folding vehicle
A folding vehicle structure includes a frame having a plurality of members. A first member intersects a second member at a first pivot point. A third member, spaced from the first and second members, intersects a fourth member, which is also spaced from the first and second members, at a second pivot point. The frame includes a first cross-member extending between the first and second intersection points. The frame is collapsible.
US09033079B2 Wheel assembly of mobile robot
The present invention relates to a mobile robot, in which a wheel is mounted on a robot body in an elevatable structure.
US09033076B2 Vehicle
A vehicle in which trouble at the time of charging after a collision can be suppressed is provided. The vehicle is a vehicle capable of being charged from an external power supply, including a vehicle body having a charge port, and a guide rail provided around the charge inlet in such a manner that upon experiencing an external shock, it deforms to cover the charge inlet.
US09033075B2 Auto-seek electrical connection for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
An auto-seek operating mode for an electric vehicle adjusts the vehicle using a vehicle power steering system and a vehicle traction motor to move the vehicle toward a target connector for a utility power grid to charge a vehicle traction battery. If needed, vertical vehicle position adjustments may be made using a controllable vehicle suspension system.
US09033073B2 Prosthetic aid
The invention provides a motorized portable mobility device configured expressly for use by those who have undergone leg amputation. A generally rectangular wheeled base platform with a U shaped niche positioned on the rear of the device easily traverses both carpeted and solid flooring. A circular rotating plate enables a user to quickly adjust directional positioning. Two feet and adjustable height legs terminating in integrated support socks are mounted to the rotating plate. Adjustable height vertical supports terminating in handles and having a horizontal cross member are mounted to the front of the device. A control panel is mounted to a handle.
US09033070B2 Rolling cutter
A cutting element for a drill bit includes an outer support element and an inner rotatable cutting element, a portion of which is disposed in the outer support element, where the inner rotatable cutting element has a body with a non-planar cutting face.
US09033069B2 High-shear roller cone and PDC hybrid bit
A drill bit having a bit body, at least one blade extending radially from the bit body, a plurality of blade cutting elements disposed on each blade, at least one journal extending downwardly and radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the drill bit, a roller cone or roller disc mounted rotatably to each journal, and a plurality of cutting elements disposed on each roller cone or roller disc, and methods for making the drill bit are disclosed.
US09033066B2 Nozzles including secondary passages, drill assemblies including same and associated methods
Nozzles for drilling tools, such as rotary-type drag bits and roller cone bits, a drilling tool and drilling assembly comprising nozzles, and methods of conveying drilling fluid through a nozzle for use in drilling subterranean formations are provided. A nozzle may include a substantially cylindrical nozzle body having an axis and an inlet port with a primary passage extending therethrough, and at least one secondary passage that diverges from the primary passage at an exit port.
US09033060B2 Tubular anchoring system and method
A tubular anchoring system includes a frustoconical member and a sleeve with at least one first surface that is radially alterable in response to longitudinal movement of the frustoconical member relative to the sleeve. The at least one first surface is engagable with a wall of a structure positioned radially thereof to maintain position of at least the sleeve relative to the structure when engaged therewith. A seal with at least one second surface is radially alterable in response to longitudinal movement of the frustoconical member relative to the seal, and a seat is in operable communication with the frustoconical member having a land which is sealingly engagable with a removable plug runnable thereagainst. The land is longitudinally displaced relative to the sleeve in an upstream direction defined by direction of flow that urges the plug thereagainst.
US09033059B2 Casing window assembly
A casing window assembly for completion of a lateral wellbore. The casing window assembly includes a tubular casing sleeve with a casing window and an inner sleeve releasably secured within the casing sleeve at a pre-released position adjacent the casing window.
US09033056B2 Pressure activated down hole systems and methods
Systems and methods for activating a down hole tool in a wellbore. A piston is moveable from a first position to a second position for activating the down hole tool. The piston includes a first side exposed to a first chamber, and a second side exposed to a second chamber. A rupture member has a first side exposed to the first chamber and a second side exposed to a third chamber. The rupture member is configured to rupture when a pressure differential between the first chamber and the third chamber reaches a predetermined threshold value, at which point the rupture member allows fluid communication between the first chamber and the third chamber. When the rupture member is intact, the piston is in the first position, and when the rupture member ruptures, the piston moves to the second position and activates the down hole tool.
US09033055B2 Selectively degradable passage restriction and method
An actuation system and method includes a tubular defining a passage, and an assembly disposed with the tubular. The assembly includes a restriction operatively arranged to receive a restrictor for enabling actuation of the assembly. The restriction includes a degradable material with a protective layer thereon, the degradable material degrading upon exposure to a fluid in the passage and the protective layer isolating the degradable material from the fluid.
US09033053B2 Method and device for extending lifetime of a wellhead
A method and a device are for extending the lifetime of a Christmas tree. The Christmas tree is provided with at least a first high-pressure hydraulic valve pack, a first low-pressure hydraulic valve pack or a first chemical valve pack, and the Christmas tree is arranged to be connectable to an umbilical, which comprises at least electrical power or control cables, hydraulic tubes or chemical tubes. The method comprises: retrofitting an upgrading module to or by the Christmas tree and connecting the upgrading module to the Christmas tree with the necessary number of tube and wire connections, the upgrading module comprising a second control module, and at least a hydraulic high-pressure pump with a second high-pressure valve pack and a hydraulic reservoir, a hydraulic low-pressure pump with a second low-pressure hydraulic valve pack and a hydraulic reservoir or a chemical pump with a chemical reservoir; supplying the second control module with electrical power and control signals via the umbilical or from vessel; and supplying at least the high-pressure pump, the low-pressure pump or the chemical pump, directly or indirectly via their respective reservoirs, with hydraulic fluid via the umbilical or from a vessel.
US09033047B2 Enhanced oil recovery in low permeability reservoirs
A method for enhancing hydrocarbon recovery in low permeability reservoirs comprises first providing a subterranean reservoir comprising one or more hydrocarbons and water therewithin and a wellbore in fluid communication with the subterranean reservoir. Next, a substantially anhydrous composition is injected into the reservoir through the wellbore. The substantially anhydrous composition comprises carbon dioxide and one or more surfactants. The composition is suitable to form a foam upon contact with the water within the reservoir. The method often results in reduced wellbore corrosion and hydrate formation, reduced reservoir fingering, and enhanced carbon dioxide sweep efficiency over conventional methods.
US09033045B2 Apparatus and method for fracturing portions of an earth formation
A method of fracturing an earth formation is disclosed. The method includes: isolating a section of a borehole in the earth formation; introducing a fluid into the isolated section and pressurizing the isolated section from a first pressure to a second pressure; introducing a stress concentration to a borehole wall at least one location in the isolated section when the fluid is at the selected pressure or during the pressurization; and initiating a hydraulic fracture in the earth formation at the at least one location.
US09033044B2 Method and materials for proppant fracturing with telescoping flow conduit technology
Acid-soluble plugs may be employed within telescoping devices to connect a reservoir face to a production liner without perforating. Such technology eliminates formation damage and debris removal associated with perforating, as well as reducing risk and time. The plugs may provide enough resistance to enable the telescoping devices to extend out from the production liner under hydraulic pressure. The plugs may then be dissolved in an acidic solution, which may also be used as the hydraulic extension fluid. After the plugs are substantially removed from the telescoping devices, the reservoir may be hydraulically fractured using standard fracturing processes.
US09033043B2 Wettability analysis of disaggregated material
A method for determining wettability of a solid, such as a reservoir rock material includes disaggregating the material, for example by grinding and placing the disaggregated material on the surface of the fluid. The wettability is analyzed based on whether a portion of the material floats on or sinks into the fluid. The method is well suited for heterogeneous solid materials that have mixed wetting characteristics and/or have varying surface types. The fluid can be evaluated as a potential treatment fluid or a component thereof that can be used for treating the rock formation. For example, the potential treatment fluid can include a surfactant or an oxidizing agent. A simple observation can be made whether substantially all of the material placed on the surface of the fluid sinks into the fluid, or the portions of floating and sinking material can be weighed.
US09033039B2 Producer snorkel or injector toe-dip to accelerate communication between SAGD producer and injector
Methods and systems relating to steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) utilizing well pairs that are at least initially in fluid communication through drilled bores toward their toe ends. At least one of a horizontal injection well and horizontal production well of such a well pair includes a hooked length toward toe ends of each other connecting said injection well and said production well. The methods and systems improve SAGD oil production, reduce SAGD start-up time and costs, and improve overall SAGD performance.
US09033037B2 Instrumented tubing and method for determining a contribution to fluid production
An instrumented tubing for determining a contribution of a given zone to fluid production of a reservoir, the instrumented tubing including a tube having an open end for collecting a fluid flowing from the given zone and a port for coupling the tube to a production tubing for letting the collected fluid flow into the production tubing, and a sensor for measuring a parameter of the collected fluid, wherein the sensor is connected to an electronic unit for determining the contribution of the given zone to the fluid production of the reservoir based on said measured parameter.
US09033035B2 Method for fracturing a formation using a fracturing fluid mixture
A method for fracturing a formation in a reservoir uses a fracturing fluid mixture comprising natural gas and a base fluid. The method comprises: determining certain reservoir conditions of the reservoir comprising the formation; selecting at least one desired behavior of the fracturing fluid mixture during a fracturing operation in the formation under the determined reservoir conditions; determining properties of the fracturing fluid mixture required to achieve the selected at least one behavior, preparing the fracturing fluid mixture having the determined properties; and injecting the fracturing fluid mixture into the reservoir under the determined reservoir conditions, such that the mixture exhibits the desired behavior during the fracturing operation. The determined properties include a mole fraction of natural gas in the mixture.
US09033032B2 Wireless downhole tool positioning control
For a free falling well tool sub having one or more pipe bore centering cages, a collapsible material cone secured inside of the centering cage half length with the cone base opening in the downhole direction restricts the rate of pipe bore fluid flow past the cone and thereby restricts the descent rate of the tool. The rate of descent may be regulated with fluid flow by-pass apertures in the sub. A collapsible material cone in a bore centering cage having a base opening in the up-hole direction may be used as piston to drive the tool sub along horizontal segments of a deviated well bore. Both cones may be used separately or together.
US09033029B2 Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger is provided. The heat exchanger may include a plurality of refrigerant tubes extending in a horizontal direction, at least one fin coupled to the plurality of refrigerant tubes, a vertically oriented header coupled to corresponding ends of the plurality of refrigerant tubes, the header distributing refrigerant into the plurality of refrigerant tubes, and a partition device that partitions an inner space of the header, the partition device including at least two through holes that guide refrigerant into the plurality of refrigerant tubes.
US09033026B2 Double plate heat exchanger
A plate heat exchanger (10) of the double plate type having a plurality of stacked plate elements, each comprising a first plate (1) and a second plate (9). At least the first plate (1) is provided with a surface pattern with a plurality of dimples (5) defining a first distance to a plate plane (8), and a plurality of canal parts (6) defining a second, smaller, distance to the plate plane (8). The first plate (1) and the second plate (9) are joined in such a manner that the protruding areas (5, 6) in combination form flow paths (11) being fluidly connected to rim portions (3) of the plates (1, 9). The heat exchanger (10) provides efficient leakage detection via the flow paths (11) while ensuring a good thermal contact between heat exchanging fluids through the plates (1, 9) via flat portions (7) between the protruding parts (5, 6).
US09033021B2 Adaptive portable hunting blind system and method
A highly portable, modular hunting blind which adapts to different hunting areas by utilizing local grass and other vegetation for 3-D camouflage and cover purposes. The blind is ideally of a light weight material, such as plastic, and includes adjustable angles for natural cover, and a number of vegetation straps that adjust to any natural cover the hunter chooses to use, such as grass, corn, brush, or tree limbs. This allows hunters to place natural cover at angles that create a secure 3-D effect and allows hunters and game to see through this natural environment eliminating the undesirable “blob” affect caused by dark fabric material, while breaking the hunter's profile.
US09033010B2 Pneumatic tire having ratio of actual section height to calculated section height
A pneumatic tire in which: a carcass layer is laid between paired bead sections; a belt layer is buried, on the outer peripheral side of the carcass layer, in a tread section; and multiple main grooves extending in a tire circumferential direction are provided in the tread section. In the pneumatic tire, a maximum groove depth of each of the main grooves is 8.5 mm to 15.0 mm, a ratio α of a section height SH of an actual tire to a section height SHstd calculated from a tire size is set in a range of 0.97≦α≦0.99, a contact area ratio is 65% to 70% under a measurement condition where an air pressure is 200 kPa and a load is 50% of a load carrying ability with the air pressure of 200 kPa, and an average contact pressure P is 300 kPa to 400 kPa under the measurement condition. The tire achieves enhanced wet performance without increasing tire weight.
US09033009B2 Method for mechanically scraping boards, apparatus for same, and products made therewith
Methods are described for mechanically scraping surfaces of boards, such as flooring boards, to impart random-looking scraped profiles therein. An apparatus for mechanically scraping boards to form the scraped board products also is described. A board, such as a flooring board, having a random-looking scraped appearance that includes overlapping multiple scrape patterns is described. Boards, such as flooring boards, having a simulated rustic or distressed appearance made with the methods and apparatus also are described.
US09033003B2 Fluidic impulse generator
A device for vibrating tubing as it is inserted into a wellbore is disclosed. The device has a fluidic switch that has no moving parts. The fluidic switch is connected to a piston that oscillates back and forth in a cylinder. The piston is the only moving part. As the piston oscillates, it blocks and unblocks openings in the cylinder or other components. The movement of the piston controls the timing of the oscillation, and also generates an impulse or vibration. The vibration may reduce the friction between the tubing and the wellbore.
US09033002B2 Operation pattern switching device
To improve operability of a switching operation and locking operation of an operation pattern switching valve for switching the operation pattern of controlling devices for actuator control valves. An operation pattern switching device has a rotating operation member that rotates around a shaft center of a rotating support shaft, and thereby performs a switching operation of the operation pattern switching valve; and an operation lever that is provided rotatably integrally with the rotating operation member and performs a rotating operation of the rotating operation member. The rotating support shaft is, at each pattern switching position of the operation pattern switching valve, in a circumferential direction, provided with a plurality of lock engagement parts each with which the operation lever engages. The operation lever moves in a direction orthogonal to the shaft center of the rotating support shaft, and be thereby made engageable/removable with/from each of the lock engagement parts.
US09033000B2 Valve cartridge with low point of contact for installation
A one-handle valve cartridge has a low point of contact for installing the valve cartridge in a valve body. A retention nut bears down on the low point of contact to secure the valve cartridge in the valve body.
US09032999B2 Distributor device for hydraulic power steering
A rotary distributor device for a hydraulic power steering, which receives oil from a pump and sends the oil selectively to a discharge or to an actuator of the steering in a desired direction, comprises a jacket, a slide, sealedly rotating in the jacket, a series of openings that cross the wall of the jacket, located in front of a series of corresponding openings which cross the wall of the slide, elastic member located between the jacket and the slide configured to maintain the openings of the jacket at the openings of the slide, in which each opening in the jacket includes, in succession starting from the outside, at least one radial hole, a slot lying in a radial plane, arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the hole, the width being smaller than the diameter of the hole, and the depth being such as to intersect the hole.
US09032996B2 Shaft sealing device and valve structure using the same
A shaft sealing device switches a sealing state and an unsealing state of a fluid, with high sealing performance maintained, because no abrasion accompanies movement of a sealing material or a sealing member, enabling feeding a fluid at a predetermined flow rate, and adjusts the expanding rate of the sealing material with the quantity of an external electric signal and accordingly adjusts the contact face pressure to enable controlling the amount of leakage of the fluid highly precisely, so that it can be used for all applications. The shaft sealing device includes a shaft sealing body formed of a macromolecular material and made expansible or contractible, or deformable, through external electrostimuli applied to a shaft sealing portion disposed in a device body, and flow passages disposed in the shaft sealing portion for feeding the fluid leaked due to the expansion or contraction, or the deformation, of the shaft sealing body.
US09032993B2 Handle mechanism for an HVAC damper actuator
A damper system may include a handle mechanism for use with a damper actuator system. Illustratively, the handle mechanism may include a drive gear mechanism, a handle, a housing, and a spring, and may be actuated to set a crack pressure for the damper system. The handle may connect to the drive gear mechanism at a drive gear arm of the drive gear mechanism and may flip over or about the drive gear arm to move from a first position to a second position. In some instances, once the handle is in the second position, a force may be applied thereto to disengage the drive gear from a stop member and thereafter, the handle may be rotated to change the crack pressure of the damper system.
US09032990B2 Chemical delivery system
Embodiments of chemical delivery systems disclosed herein may include an enclosure; a first compartment disposed within the enclosure and having a plurality of first conduits to carry a first set of chemical species, the first compartment further having a first draw opening and a first exhaust opening to facilitate flow of a purge gas through the first compartment; and a second compartment disposed within the enclosure and having a plurality of second conduits to carry a second set of chemical species, the second compartment further having a second draw opening and a second exhaust opening to facilitate flow of the purge gas through the second compartment, wherein the first set of chemical species is different than the second set of chemical species, and wherein a draw velocity of the purge gas through the second compartment is higher than the draw velocity of the purge gas through the first compartment.
US09032983B2 Connector device for a foldable tent
A connector device includes a male component pivotally coupled with a female component. The male component includes a projection extending from a first pole, with the projection having a first locking member. The female component includes a housing extending from a second pole, with the housing including a spring-biased engaging member and a second locking member at an upper portion of the housing. The male and female components are in a locked state when the engaging member is biased upward and the first and second locking members are engaged such that the first and second poles are fixedly aligned. The male and female components are in an unlocked state when the engaging member is biased downward and the first and second locking members are disengaged such that the first and second poles are pivotally movable with respect to each other.
US09032982B2 Crutch apparatus and method for designing and fabricating
A crutch includes a grip and a forearm support that are coupled to an elongated member that extends from the forearm support to the ground. The inner surface of the forearm support can correspond to a digital representation of a forearm of the patient and the outer surface of the hand grip can correspond to a digital representation of a palmar surface of the patient's hand in at least a partially closed position.
US09032981B2 Painting implement cleaning and support apparatus
A painting implement cleaning and storage apparatus 10 is provided. The apparatus facilitates the cleaning and storage of painting implements such as a roller 12, a brush 14 and a roller pan 16. The apparatus includes a base 18 and a bracket 32 coupled to the base. The roller 12 is supported on the bracket 32 in an upwardly extending diagonal position between shields 45 and 54 for containing paint spreads from the roller. The brush 14 is supported on bracket 32 in a upwardly projecting position. A roller pan 16 is coupable to shield 45 and supported thereon in a descending position.Once the painting implements 12, 14 and 16 are supported on the apparatus 10, cleaning can be accomplished by the application of a stream of water thereto after which the implements can be left until they are needed.
US09032980B2 Dishwasher comprising at least one rotatable spray arm
A dishwasher includes a dishwashing compartment and a rack provided in the dishwashing compartment for holding items to be cleaned. A rotatable spray arm is associated with the rack for applying water or wash liquor liquid upon the items. Water or wash liquor liquid is supplied to the spray arm via an upright supply tube having at least one region which flares in a direction of the spray arm and a peripheral terminal end facing the spray arm. The terminal end of the supply tube is configured to project into the cavity and thereby is extended into the spray arm.
US09032978B2 Dishwasher with a damping device and method for producing a damping device
A dishwasher includes a washing compartment, at least one dishware container, and a guide assembly to allow the dishware container to be moved out of the washing compartment and into the washing compartment. The movement of the dishware container in relation to the washing compartment is cushioned by at least one damping device which is arranged inside the washing compartment.
US09032977B2 Substrate processing method
A method for processing a plurality of substrates after forming a photosensitive film on each substrate includes carrying each substrate into a placement buffer including a plurality of supporters by a first transport mechanism; taking out each substrate from the placement buffer to an interface by a second transport mechanism; carrying each substrate into the exposure device; carrying each substrate out of the exposure device into the placement buffer by the second transport mechanism; taking out each substrate from the placement buffer to the processing section by the first transport mechanism; performing development processing on each substrate; making each substrate stand by at the placement buffer based on timing at which the exposure device can accept each substrate; and making each substrate stand by at the placement buffer based on timing at which the developing device can accept each substrate.
US09032974B2 Rotary powder container with brush
The present invention relates to a rotary powder container with a brush, wherein powder is discharged through a brush of a powder discharge case by rotating an internal case containing powder in an external case. The internal case is able to be rotated in the external case, wherein powder is discharged into a brush when a plurality of discharge holes of a powder discharge case are in line with a plurality of discharge member holes of a powder discharge member if the internal case is rotated in the external case, and powder is not discharged into a brush when the plurality of discharge holes of the powder discharge case are not in line with the plurality of discharge member holes of the powder discharge member if the internal case is rotated in the external case. The present invention is convenient to use and has an elegant look.
US09032973B2 Hair clip
Disclosed is a hair clip that can effectively and firmly hold hair, without having to use additional hair clips. The hair clip includes an upper hair clip portion with a first end provided with a first pressed portion, a middle clip portion with a first end connected to a second end of the upper clip portion, and a lower clip portion with a first end which is hinge-connected to the first end of the upper clip portion and which is provided with a second pressed portion, the lower clip portion supporting the middle clip portion. The upper clip portion and the middle clip portions are hinge-connected to each other. The upper clip portion and the lower clip portion are hinge-connected to each other. The upper clip portion has a first toothed portion having teeth protruding toward the lower clip portion.
US09032970B2 Cigarette filter
The invention relates to a special, highly efficient cigarette filter. In particular, the invention relates to a new cigarette filter, in which materials of natural origin not used before in this special field are applied. More particularly, the present invention relates to a special, highly efficient cigarette filter, which can be used favorably for adsorbing the toxic components of the cigarette smoke, and neutralizing the free radicals produced during burning of the cigarette.
US09032968B2 Tip charging electronic cigarette and system and method for charging the same
A tip charging electronic cigarette includes a cigarette body including a shell and a mouthpiece, the shell having a forward portion terminating in a tip. The cigarette body further includes a battery, a charging circuit operatively coupled to the battery, and a cartomizer operatively coupled to a switch assembly. A center charging contact is disposed adjacent the tip, an annular charging contact is disposed adjacent the tip, and the center charging contact and the annular charging contact are operatively coupled to the charging circuit. The center charging contact and the annular charging contact are arranged for connection to cooperating electrical contacts of a charger assembly, wherein the battery is arranged to be charged upon engaging the tip with the charger assembly.
US09032961B2 Universally adjustable pillow for use in healthcare and therapy
A universally adjustable pillow for use in healthcare and/or therapy includes a base board (1), and pillows for, respectively, right lateral recumbency (4), supine recumbency (2), left lateral recumbency (5) and for the neck (3) that are arranged on said base board (1). The pillows for left and right lateral recumbency (5,4) each include an external cushion, a mechanism enabling adjustment to fit vertebral curvature (52, 42), a mechanism enabling adjustment to inhibit too great an angle of lateral tilt (53, 43) and height adjustment members (51, 41). The longitudinal axes of the pillows for left and right lateral recumbency (5, 4) are set an angles α and β to the longitudinal axis of the pillow for supine recumbency (2).
US09032956B2 Cushion for mask system
A mask system for use between a patient and a device to deliver a breathable gas to the patient includes a frame including a channel and a cushion provided to the frame. The cushion includes an end portion that is inserted and retained within the channel. The frame includes a recess that communicates with the channel and a hole that connects the recess to a frame exterior. The hole and recess provide an exit route for air contained within the channel.
US09032955B2 Mask system
A mask system for use between a patient and a device to deliver a breathable gas to the patient includes a mouth cushion, a pair of nasal prongs, an elbow, and a headgear assembly. The mouth cushion is structured to sealingly engage around an exterior of a patient's mouth in use, and the pair of nasal prongs are structured to sealingly communicate with nasal passages of a patient's nose in use. The elbow delivers breathable gas to the patient. The headgear assembly maintains the mouth cushion and the nasal prongs in a desired position on the patient's face. The headgear assembly provides a substantially round crown strap that cups the parietal bone and occipital bone of the patient's head in use.
US09032950B2 Gas pressure control for warm air furnaces
Systems, methods, and controllers for controlling gas-fired appliances such as warm air furnaces are disclosed. An illustrative furnace system can include a burner unit in communication with a combustion air flow conduit and heat exchanger, a variable speed inducer fan or blower adapted to provide a flow of combustion air to the burner unit, a furnace controller and motor speed control unit adapted to regulate the speed of the inducer fan or blower, and a pneumatically modulated gas valve adapted to variably output gas pressure to the burner unit based at least in part on the combustion air flow.
US09032944B2 Rotating arrow rest
Arrow rest arrangements according to certain embodiments include an elongate arm mounted to extend into and rotate in the plane of an arrow aligned with an archery bow and riser. The arm can rotate from an open position, for example where the arm is substantially perpendicular to the arrow shaft, to a closed position where the arm engages and may be substantially aligned with the arrow shaft. The arm preferably includes two opposing end portions to engage, constrain and align the arrow shaft in the closed position, yet which drop or rotate away from the shaft upon release of the arrow to allow the arrow to freely leave the bow.
US09032939B2 Method for controlling a variable charge air cooler
Embodiments for a charge air cooler are provided. In one example, an engine method comprises increasing intake air flow velocity through a charge air cooler in response to an estimated condensation formation value within the charge air cooler. In this way, condensation accumulation within the charge air cooler may be prevented.
US09032938B2 In-cylinder charging system for fuel delivery systems and methods
An air charging system includes a valve providing access to an engine cylinder, an accumulator coupled in flow communication with the valve, and a controller operable to open and close the valve until a threshold pressure condition is reached in the accumulator. Compressed gases stored in the accumulator are used in a fuel delivery system to prepare a charge of fuel that is delivered to an engine.
US09032933B2 Fuel supply control device and fuel supply system
Provided is a fuel supply control device that performs power supply control of a shut-off valve including a first valve body that is disposed at a fuel supply path ranging from a gaseous fuel tank to a regulator and is opened in advance during power supply, and a second valve body that is opened due to a decrease in a differential pressure between upstream and downstream after the first valve body is opened, and fuel injection control. The fuel supply control device includes a control unit that sets a delay time from an initiation time of power supply to the shut-off valve to an initiation time of fuel injection in correspondence with a first fuel pressure upstream of the shut-off valve and a second fuel pressure downstream of the regulator, and initiates fuel injection after the delay time has passed after the initiation of the power supply to the shut-off valve.
US09032932B2 Method for adapting an engine to the fuel grade by incrementing the initial octane number of the fuel
A method for adapting an engine to an octane number of fuel by incrementing an initial octane number. Starting with a reference setting of a spark advance in an engine operating range for a given octane number, the engine operating range being divided into a plurality of zones, each including an anti-pinging corrective value of the spark advance of the reference setting, the engine is switched to a reference setting that corresponds to a higher octane number: when a top dead center counter, incremented if the advance correction in the current zone is lower than a predetermined threshold, exceeds a predetermined threshold, or when a counter of the number of the zones in which the advance correction loop is lower than another threshold value, exceeds a multi-zone threshold.
US09032931B2 Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) apparatus
An Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) apparatus for recirculating engine exhaust gas comprising a valve member disposed in an exhaust gas recirculation passage of an engine, the valve member movable between an open position and a closed position to control the flow of the exhaust gas through the exhaust gas recirculation passage, one or more bleeders to enable flow of exhaust gas through the exhaust gas recirculation passage when the valve member is in the closed position.
US09032929B2 Oil supply apparatus of internal combustion engine
Disclosed is an oil supply apparatus which can be realized at a low cost, and can reliably detect the lowered level of the oil filled in the oil reservoir unit. The oil supply apparatus is provided with an oil pump which is set to have a plurality of switching discharge pressures at which the oil discharge pressures are changed for each target rotation speeds when the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine reaches the respective target rotation speed. The ECU is adapted to determine that the level of oil stored in the oil pan is lowered under the condition that the deviation between the target rotation speed of the engine set to correspond to the switching discharge pressure and the rotation speed of the engine actually detected when the discharge pressure reaches the switching discharge pressure is not less than the determination value.
US09032926B2 Timing chain drive device
The present invention provides a timing chain drive device which has high mechanical strength of the timing chain contact surface and small sliding resistance, and which, even when being brought into contact with a timing chain running at high speed, is difficult to wear. A first chain guide and a second chain guide, which give tension to a timing chain so as to prevent the timing chain from being slackened, are arranged, and a plurality of rollers, each of which is supported by a rolling element, are arrayed in each of the first chain guide and the second chain guide so as to be brought into contact with the timing chain.
US09032923B2 Internal combustion engine with variable valve device
An engine with a variable valve device includes cylinders each provided with a plurality of intake valves, an outer camshaft for driving first intake cams, an inner camshaft arranged coaxially with the outer camshaft for driving second intake cams, and a cam phase change mechanism arranged at one end of the outer and inner camshafts and capable of varying the phase difference between the two camshafts. A first cam sensor for detecting the rotational angle of the outer camshaft and a second cam sensor for detecting the rotational angle of the inner camshaft are arranged close to the one end of the camshafts.
US09032912B2 Air connector for an internal combustion engine
An air connector is described mountable opposite an intake or exhaust port in an associated intake or exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine to allow the port to communicate selectively with the associated pipe and with a compressed air storage tank. The connector comprises a stopper mounted on a rod movable by an actuator between an open position in which the port communicates with the associated pipe and a closed position in which the stopper seals around the entrance of the port to isolate the port from the associated pipe. An air passage is provided in the stopper and the rod to allow communication between the port and the compressed air storage tank when the stopper is in the closed position, and a check valve is arranged in the air passage and biased in a direction to prevent escape of air from the compressed air storage tank in all positions of the stopper.
US09032911B2 Leash assembly and method for coupling multiple dogs
A dog leash assembly includes (1) an elongated handle portion, (2) a first leash adapter coupled to the first end of the handle portion and having a first leash connector, and (3) a second leash adapter coupled to the second end of the elongated handle portion and a second leash connector, the second leash connector being removably couplable to the first leash connector. A first collar coupling member has a first end that is removably couplable to the first leash connector and/or the second leash connector a second end with a first collar connector that is removably couplable to a dog collar.
US09032902B2 Manufacturing apparatus for activated carbon filters
A manufacturing apparatus for activated carbon filters has a non-woven cloth machine, a rolling module, a sprayer and a hot-pressing cylinder. The non-woven cloth machine is used to manufacture a body of non-woven cloth and has a processing segment. The rolling module is mounted at the processing segment to heat and melt the body of non-woven cloth. The sprayer is mounted above the rolling module to spray activated carbon powder on the body of non-woven cloth. The hot-pressing cylinder is mounted at the processing segment to heat and press the activated carbon powder with the body of non-woven cloth. The activated carbon powder can be securely attached to the body of non-woven cloth by the manufacturing apparatus to provide a preferred quality of the activated carbon filters and to reduce the cost of manufacturing the activated carbon filters.
US09032901B1 Adaptor for an unmanned underwater vehicle for inspecting an object and method for providing same
An adaptor for an unmanned vehicle for inspecting an object, the adaptor includes a moveable ring assembly and a fixed ring. The moveable ring assembly rotates around a periphery of the unmanned vehicle and allows the unmanned vehicle to move along a surface of the object while maintaining a fixed stand-off distance between an exterior surface of the adaptor and the surface of the object. The fixed ring is connected around the exterior surface of the unmanned vehicle and secures a lateral position of the moveable ring assembly with respect to the unmanned vehicle.
US09032891B2 Watercraft
A watercraft includes a watercraft body, a watercraft propulsion device, a water protective case, a communication device, and a display device. The watercraft propulsion device propels the watercraft body. The water protective case is arranged on the watercraft body. The communication device communicates with a mobile terminal arranged inside the water protective case. The display device displays content of the mobile terminal based on data received from the mobile terminal through the communication device.
US09032890B2 Vessel comprising a stowable magnus-effect rotor
A vessel includes a hull, a propeller for propulsion of the vessel and at least one rotatable cylinder which in its operational state is vertically mounted on the vessel, the cylinder having a rigid outer surface, a motor drive for rotating the cylinder around a longitudinal axis and a displacement member for displacing the cylinder to an inoperational position, wherein the motor drive is situated inside the cylinder.
US09032889B2 Cartridge selection mechanism for a sewing machine
A sewing apparatus and method therefor includes a drive mechanism, a thread feed mechanism, and a needle engagement mechanism for engaging the thread feed mechanism. The drive mechanism comprises a drive motor configured to transmit power from the drive motor to the needle engagement mechanism such that it drives a needle within a cartridge without moving the entire cartridge. A method and sewing apparatus includes a plurality of thread feed mechanisms and a needle engagement mechanism for selecting and engaging each of the thread feed mechanisms.
US09032883B2 Foldable table
A foldable table that provides a stable operational position in which the table legs may extend beyond the footprint of the table, and a folded, storage position in which the table legs may be tucked within the footprint of the table. An aspect provides table legs that may slide and pivot within sockets of a table top, to enable the legs to lock into the extended position and to also pivot flat against a horizontal undersurface of the table top.
US09032880B2 Transport system powered by short block linear synchronous motors and switching mechanism
The invention provides in some aspects a transport system comprising a guideway with a plurality of propulsion coils disposed along a region in which one or more vehicles are to be propelled. One or more vehicles are disposed on the guideway, each including a magnetic flux source. The guideway has one or more running surfaces that support the vehicles and along which they roll or slide. Each vehicle can have a septum portion of narrowed cross-section that is coupled to one or more body portions of the vehicle. The guideway includes a diverge region that has a flipper and an extension of the running surface at a vertex of the diverge. The flipper initiates switching of vehicle direction at a diverge by exerting a laterally directed force thereon.
US09032878B1 Obscurant generating, ground-based, networked munition
An Ottawa Convention—compliant system that replaces the current battlefield utility provided by anti-personnel landmines. This system utilizes obscurants to inhibit and deter the enemy's ability to breach and clear ground based mine and munition systems.
US09032877B2 Method and an apparatus having a compressible collar for thermally treating a photosensitive precursor
The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for preparing a printing form from a precursor, particularly a method and apparatus for preparing the printing form by thermally treating a photosensitive precursor having a photopolymerizable layer. The method and apparatus includes heating the photosensitive precursor to a temperature sufficient to cause a portion of the layer to liquefy, contacting the precursor with a development medium to remove the liquefied material, and supporting a development medium with a core member adjacent an exterior surface of the photosensitive precursor, wherein a compressible collar of a closed-cell foam having a Poisson's ratio of less than 0.4 is disposed between the core member and the development medium.
US09032874B2 Dampening fluid deposition by condensation in a digital lithographic system
A system and corresponding methods are disclosed for depositing of a layer of dampening fluid to a reimageable surface of an imaging member in a variable data lithography system by way of condensation. Dampening fluid in an airborne state is introduced proximate the reimageable surface in a condensation region. Conditions in the condensation region are such that the airborne dampening fluid preferentially condenses on the reimageable surface in a precisely controlled quantity, to thereby form a precisely controlled layer of dampening fluid of desired thickness over the reimageable surface. Among other advantages, improved print quality is obtained.
US09032872B2 Rotary system and method for printing containers
A system for digitally printing directly on a plurality of containers is provided. In an embodiment, the system includes a device configured to determine an initial position or orientation of an individual container; a plurality of print heads configured to print directly on said containers; and a plurality of container holders configured hold or retain an individual container, to rotate the individual container, and to maintain a rotational position of the individual container relative to at least one print head while printing occurs; and one or more curing devices. The system may be configured such that the plurality of container holders are configured to move along a linear or curved path, and the plurality of container holders may be configured to controllably rotate about a container axis.
US09032870B2 Sorting and bundling all-in-one machine and banknote stacking and sorting module thereof
A banknote stacking and sorting module comprises a banknote clamping and conveying sub-module, which comprises a clamping mechanism and a vertical reciprocating mechanism thereof. Clamping mechanism comprises bearing plate, support, cam, clamping rod and clamping spring. Cam is rotatably mounted on support. Clamping rod comprises clamping end, transmission end and hinged part between clamping end and transmission end. Hinged part of clamping rod is hinged on support. Cam engages with transmission end of clamping rod and can drive clamping rod in rotation around second rotary shaft between released position and clamped position. One end of clamping spring is fixed on support and the other end is connected to clamping end of clamping rod so as to provide to clamping rod an elastic force for clamping banknotes.
US09032868B2 System for the application of ozone in grains
System for application of ozone on grains made up essentially by one or more ozone mixers with particulates separator (1) for injecting air in the grains mass, one or more ozone mixers (2) for injecting air in the grains mass, a base of the device for grains treatment with ozone (3), a transport and discharge device (4), and an air cooling filter (5) that can be used individually or jointly to apply ozone on the grains mass.
US09032867B2 Method for controlled venting of a chamber
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for adjusting the atmosphere within a substantially sealed chamber containing respiring produce. The chamber of the present invention includes inlet means to permit ambient atmosphere to enter the chamber, and outlet means to permit chamber atmosphere to exit the chamber. Methods using apparatus of the present invention comprise: (a) monitoring the oxygen concentration within the chamber; (b) following detection that the oxygen concentration in the chamber has fallen below a predetermined amount, opening the inlet means so that the amount of oxygen in the chamber increases; and (c) removing carbon dioxide from the chamber atmosphere substantially at a predetermined rate, the predetermined rate having been selected such that the carbon dioxide concentration within the chamber atmosphere does not substantially exceed a predetermined amount. The methods may also comprise opening the inlet means for a time that is approximately proportional to the difference between the detected oxygen concentration and an oxygen setpoint.
US09032863B2 Cam follower roller device, notably for a fuel injection pump
Cam follower roller device, notably for an internal combustion engine fuel injection pump, comprising a tappet (12) and a roller (14) mounted to rotate on the tappet and intended to press against a cam. The tappet (12) comprises a roller support body (16), a shaft (26) for mounting the roller on the said body, and a guide sleeve (18) attached to the support body and at least partially surrounding the said body. The ends of the shaft are fixed in through-holes in the support body.
US09032861B2 Arrangement for providing a variable throttle cross-section for a fluid flow
An arrangement for providing a throttle cross-section for a fluid flow. The throttle cross-section can be varied depending on a pressure difference present across the throttle cross-section. The arrangement is designed such that the polarity of the pressure difference, by which the throttle cross-section can be varied and/or changed. It is thereby possible to use the arrangement for fluid flows that alternate in the flow direction thereof.
US09032853B2 Cutting apparatus
A cutting apparatus is provided with a first blade (48, 82), a second blade (50, 84) intersecting with the first blade (48, 82), and a switching unit (72). The switching unit (72) switches between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the first blade (48, 82) positions in a cutting position in which it is possible to cut a work-piece (12) and the second blade (50, 84) positions in a non-cutting position in which it is impossible to cut the work-piece (12). In the second mode, the second blade (50, 84) positions in the cutting position in which it is possible to cut the work-piece (12) and the first blade (48, 82) positions in the non-cutting position in which it is impossible to cut the work-piece (12).
US09032848B2 Torque wrench and method of operating the same
A torque wrench includes a hollow body, a clutch mechanism, a force-applying member, and driving arms. The clutch mechanism is mounted in the hollow body. The force-applying member is pivotally mounted in the hollow body. Each of driving arms has a coupling end is detachably mounted at the second end of the force-applying member and a driving end for driving a workpiece, wherein each of the driving arms is coaxial to the force-applying member when the coupling end thereof is mounted at the second end of the force-applying member, and wherein the interchangeable driving arms are different in length from each other.
US09032841B2 Transmission housing having integrally-formed walls
A housing for a transmission is disclosed. The housing may have a plurality of integrally-formed walls that together create an enclosure with an open first end and an open second end disposed axially opposite the first end. The housing may also have a first flange located at the first end of the enclosure and configured to engage an input housing of an engine, and a second flange located at the second end of the enclosure and configured to engage a differential housing. The plurality of integrally formed walls includes a lower wall having at least one impingement protection feature.
US09032830B2 Transmission shift selector assembly
The present disclosure relates to various shift selector assemblies having a shift gate with a plurality of indentations corresponding to transmission shift selections. At least one of the indentations is configured to have a flexible depth so as to selectively restrict and accept a pawl pin, thereby mitigating shift position overshoot.
US09032826B2 Bevel gear transmission
A bevel gear drive (1) comprises a spur bevel gear (2) and a pinion which both mesh with one another. The spur bevel gear and the pinion are arranged within a housing (3). An abutment plate (4) is provided so as to avoid displacement of the spur bevel gear (2), under high operating loads. The abutment plate (4) is integrated in the housing (3) and supports the spur bevel gear (2) when forces, that can cause displacement of the spur bevel gear (2), act upon the spur bevel gear (2).
US09032821B2 Articles for screening insect pest-repellents and uses thereof
Disclosed herein are improved articles for screening candidate insect pest-repellents; and their uses in host-free methods and/or systems for screening candidate insect pest-repellents.
US09032820B2 Protective device for a test installation
A protective device for a test installation, the test installation being used for testing objects that have a tendency to burn and emit gas, in particular for testing lithium-ion batteries, and the test installation having a test chamber that is sealable via a door-type opening element with the interposition of a sealing element, and having a testing device configured in the test chamber for the objects. The test chamber includes a venting device for gases and is surrounded by a sealed enclosure.
US09032818B2 Microelectromechanical load sensor and methods of manufacturing the same
A microelectromechanical (“MEMS”) load sensor device for measuring a force applied by a human user is described herein. In one aspect, the load sensor device has a contact surface in communication with a touch surface which communicates forces originating on the touch surface to a deformable membrane, on which load sensor elements are arranged, such that the load sensor device produces a signal proportional to forces imparted by a human user along the touch surface. In another aspect, the load sensor device has an overload protection ring to protect the load sensor device from excessive forces. In another aspect, the load sensor device has embedded logic circuitry to allow a microcontroller to individually address load sensor devices organized into an array. In another aspect, the load sensor device has electrical and mechanical connectors such as solder bumps designed to minimize cost of final component manufacturing.
US09032811B2 Robot apparatus
A robot apparatus includes an arm that includes an outer skin and a detector that detects the deformation of the outer skin. The detector includes a sending unit that sends a signal, a receiving unit that receives the signal, and a transmission route that is provided along the outer skin so as to lead the signal. The detector detects the deformation of the outer skin based on whether a signal reaches the receiving unit.
US09032808B2 Magneto-resistive effect device, magnetic head gimbal assembly, magnetic recording/reproduction device, strain sensor, pressure sensor, blood pressure sensor, and structural health monitoring sensor
According to one embodiment, a magneto-resistive effect device, includes a stacked body stacked on a substrate, a pair of first electrodes that feeds current to the stacked body, a strain introduction member, and a second electrode for applying a voltage to the strain introduction member. The stacked body includes a first magnetic layer that includes one or more metals selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, and nickel, a second magnetic layer stacked on the first magnetic layer, having a composition that is different from the first magnetic layer, and a spacer layer disposed between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer.
US09032807B2 Method and system for monitoring bending strains of wind turbine blades
The invention provides a method and system of monitoring bending strain on a wind turbine blade. The method in one aspect comprises: locating at least three strain sensors on the turbine blade, in use each strain sensor providing a strain measurement, the strain sensors located such that edgewise and flapwise bending can be determined from the strain measurements; calculating a plurality of resultant bending strains using the strain measurements; calculating an average resultant bending strain from the plurality of resultant bending strains; and calculating a confidence value for a first sensor based on a comparison of resultant bending strains derived from the strain measurement from the first sensor with the average resultant bending strain.
US09032806B2 Force assessment device and method for lead extraction
A force assessment device and a method for lead extraction are provided. A force gauge is configured to measure a traction force, and a strain gauge that is configured to measure a countertraction force. An interface is communicatively coupled to the force gauge and the strain gauge, and the interface is configured to present data regarding at least one of the traction force and the countertraction force.
US09032805B2 High pressure visual indicator
A fluid-pressure indicator includes a housing having a first region and a second region. A pressure-responsive member is disposed in the first region and is movable between an expanded state and a compressed state. An indicator disk is viewable through the pressure-responsive member when the pressure-responsive member is in the compressed state and is obscured from view through the pressure-responsive member when the pressure-responsive member is in the expanded state. A diaphragm is movable from a relaxed state to a deflected state in response to pressure within the second region exceeding a threshold pressure and prevents fluid communication between the first region and the second region. The diaphragm additionally causes the pressure-responsive member to move from the expanded state to the compressed state when the pressure exceeds the threshold pressure.
US09032804B2 Large-area extensible pressure sensor for textiles surfaces
The invention relates to a large-area extensible pressure sensor for textile surfaces, of the type comprising a support on which a conductive ink is printed which can transmit a printed electrical signal by any known printing technique. More specifically, the pressure sensor is characterized in that said support is flexible, extensible and elastic, and a plurality of main tracks of extensible and elastic conductive ink or paste are printed on said support; on said plurality of main tracks a plurality of piezoresistive paste or ink depositions acting as pressure sensing points are printed, and each of these depositions are linked to a secondary extensible and elastic conductive ink or paste track, which is also printed on said support, resulting in all tracks, primary or secondary, being connected to a control system without crossing each other.
US09032803B2 Method for detecting damage in at least one engine roller bearing
A method including acquiring a current vibration signal of an engine component mechanical vibration across a set of a measuring period P of changes in shaft speed N; capturing the signal during the period P; synchronizing the signal relative to the changes in the speed N; transforming the signal into a frequency signal for obtaining frequency spectrum lines arranged according to the speed N; calculating the mean amplitude of the spectrum lines to obtain a current vibration signature for the engine; calculating a deviation ratio between the signature and a healthy reference vibration signature; and comparing the deviation ratio to the defect indicators in a predefined database, listing the theoretical damage to the roller engine bearings so as to determine potential damage to the roller bearing.
US09032798B2 Method for measuring crispness of food product
Provided are a device (10) and a method for measuring the crispness of a food product. An item to be measured (22) comprising a porous food product is broken apart by causing the blade of a knife (14) to penetrate into the item. A vibration detector (18) attached to the knife (14) detects crack vibrations from cracks that form when the item to be measured (22) is broken apart. In a computer (20), the small crack vibrations of a predetermined vibration power or less that are included in the crack vibrations within an individual cracking duration time are extracted from the detected crack vibrations. Crispness is measured on the basis of the number of extracted small crack vibrations counted (number of cracks).
US09032797B2 Sensor device and method
A sensor device including a mechanical oscillator, an excitation unit which is configured to excite the mechanical oscillator to perform a mechanical oscillation within a non-linear range at a varying excitation frequency, and an evaluation unit configured to detect a jump, arising as a result of anharmonicity, in a resonance oscillation of the mechanical oscillation of the mechanical oscillator.
US09032791B2 Measuring humidity or moisture
An apparatus for measuring humidity or moisture, such as in concrete, is described comprising a sensor module comprising a humidity or moisture sensor in electrical communication with a first set of terminals and a hand-held reader module comprising a controller in electrical communication with a second set of terminals that are mateable with the first set of terminals such that the hand-held reader module is electrically connectable to and electrically disconnectable from the sensor module. The hand-held reader module is configured to read data from the sensor in response to making electrical connection with the sensor module. One set of terminals can comprise plural connector pins and the other set of terminals can comprise plural landing pads, such that the plural connector pins and the plural landing pads make a same electrical connection regardless of the rotational orientation of the hand-held reader module relative to the sensor module.
US09032786B2 Method for monitoring a control device of a fuel metering valve of a turbojet engine
A method for monitoring a control device of a fuel metering valve of an aircraft turbojet engine, the control device supplying a control current to a servo valve in order to modify the position of the fuel metering valve. The method includes determining the position of the fuel metering valve during a flight of the aircraft, determining the travelling speed of the fuel metering valve, and determining the control current when the travelling speed of the fuel metering valve is zero. A mean control current is calculated when the travelling speed of the fuel metering valve is zero, the mean control current forming an indicator of deterioration of the control device. The deterioration indicator is compared with a reference base of indicators with deterioration so as to infer the type of deterioration from it, and an abnormality score is calculated for the deterioration indicator. The abnormality score is compared with a decision threshold of abnormality characteristic of the type of deterioration, and an alarm is released in case of violation of the decision threshold of abnormality.
US09032782B1 Diagnostic testing sensors for resonant detectors
Biosensor apparatus and associated method for detecting a target material using a vibrating resonator having a surface that operably interacts with the target material. A detector is in electrical communication with a sensor, the sensor comprising a first paddle assembly connected to a second paddle assembly, the first paddle assembly having at least one microbalance sensing resonator proximate a proximal end and at least one sensing electrical contact proximate a distal end in electrical communication with the sensing resonator. The at least one sensing resonator has a target coating for operably interacting with the target material, and the second paddle assembly has a microbalance reference resonator proximate the proximal end and at least one reference electrical contact proximate the distal end in electrical communication with the reference resonator.
US09032780B2 Detector with interchangeable sample probes
A gas detector can be releasibly coupled to one of a group of elongated probes each of the probes includes a detector connecting end and a gas in flow/outflow end. The connecting end includes a helical attaching feature which when coupled to the detector defies a plurality of spaced apart angular locking positions. A locking position is selected in response to a flow of air in an adjacent duct to which the detector is being attached. Where the detector carries an elongated display device, the locking position can be selected so that the display device exhibits a desired presentation.
US09032777B2 Linearity enhancement of capacitive transducers by auto-calibration using on-chip neutralization capacitors and linear actuation
A system and method are disclosed for automatically calibrating capacitive transducers to neutralize feed-through capacitance using linear actuation. The method includes starting with an initial neutralization capacitance, applying no electrostatic force and two known electrostatic forces to a proof mass of the transducer, recording the transducer output changes due to the applied forces; and determining how to revise neutralization capacitance based on the changes. The method can use a binary search to find a final neutralization capacitance providing the best linearity. The method can include comparing the final linearity to a threshold linearity. The electrostatic forces can be applied using a charge control method where the electrostatic force is a linear function of the actuation duration. The linear actuation can be used for continuous self-test of capacitive sensors.
US09032774B1 Laminated forming dies
One aspect of the disclosure relates to a die comprising a primary plate and secondary plates. The secondary plates comprise through weld holes formed along a direction. The through weld holes of adjacent secondary plates do not overlap when viewed in the direction along which the though weld holes are formed. The primary plate is coupled to at least one secondary plate abutting the primary plate by first welds located in the through weld holes. The secondary plates abutting each other are coupled by second welds located in the through weld holes.
US09032769B2 Antitheft device for the steering column of a vehicle having super-lockout provided by a rocker arm
The invention relates to an antitheft device (2) for the steering column of a vehicle, comprising: a locking portion (6) including a bolt for locking the steering column, and a mobile member (22) capable of controlling the locking-in-position of the bolt; and an access portion (4) including a latch and carrying a pivoting rocker arm (34) bearing against the mobile member (22) and against the locking portion (6).
US09032766B2 Anti-theft mechanism for electronic devices
An anti-theft mechanism for electronic devices includes an upper protecting frame and a lower protecting frame. The upper and lower protecting frames of the embodiment provide protection for the 3C products, and the first and second assembling space of the upper and lower protecting frames provide adjustable dimensions to be suitable for different sizes of 3C products. The upper and lower protecting frames can further be provided with a locking mechanism to limit the movement of the positioning member after the upper and lower protecting frames being attached onto the 3C products, which prevents the upper and lower protecting frames from being removed easily. Furthermore, with the steel wire of the locking mechanism can be attached to a secured object to secure the upper and lower protecting frames.
US09032764B2 Safety lockout hasp with cable
A safety lockout hasp for interaction with equipment, infrastructure, machinery, appliances, tools, implements and the like. The hasp comprising a body, a cable for engaging the plant and a movable member being movable relative to the body between an open condition and a closed condition. The movable member interacting with the cable such that in the closed condition an intermediate portion of the cable is secured in its position relative to the body. The movable member also interacts with the body such that in use in the closed condition the hasp can accommodate a plurality of locking elements so that the hasp is prevented from disengagement from the plant when accommodating at least one of the plurality of locking elements, and when the movable member is in the open condition the hasp is prevented from accommodating any of the locking elements.
US09032760B2 Process of using a submerged combustion melter to produce hollow glass fiber or solid glass fiber having entrained bubbles, and burners and systems to make such fibers
Processes and systems for producing glass fibers having regions devoid of glass using submerged combustion melters, including feeding a vitrifiable feed material into a feed inlet of a melting zone of a melter vessel, and heating the vitrifiable material with at least one burner directing combustion products of an oxidant and a first fuel into the melting zone under a level of the molten material in the zone. One or more of the burners is configured to impart heat and turbulence to the molten material, producing a turbulent molten material comprising a plurality of bubbles suspended in the molten material, the bubbles comprising at least some of the combustion products, and optionally other gas species introduced by the burners. The molten material and bubbles are drawn through a bushing fluidly connected to a forehearth to produce a glass fiber comprising a plurality of interior regions substantially devoid of glass.
US09032758B2 Ring protection device
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a ring protection device. The ring protection device can have a shell layer to at least partially encase a ring. The ring protection device can have a shell layer containing a housing segment. The segments of the shell layer can be connected to other segments via a hinge mechanism. The shell segments and hinge mechanism can be configured to encase a ring and protect it from damage. The shell layer can be connected to a sealing layer to aid the ring protection functionality. The hinge mechanism can be opened and closed to insert and remove a ring into the ring protection device.
US09032754B2 Electronics cooling using lubricant return for a shell-and-tube evaporator
A refrigeration system that induces lubricant-liquid refrigerant mixture flow from a flooded or falling film evaporator by means of the lubricant-liquid refrigerant mixture flow adsorbing heat from an electronic component.
US09032751B2 Adaptive defrost controller for a refrigeration device
A system and method for controlling automatic defrost of a refrigerator device adaptively moves the defrost cycle to a time period of comparatively low compressor activity based on an evaluation of compressor usage over a cyclically recurring time interval. An adaptive defrost controller (ADC) analyzes stored data to develop a profile for compressor activity vs. time. From this profile, high compressor activity times of the time interval are distinguished from low compressor activity times in the time interval and a defrost cycle is scheduled based on the results of the analyzed data.
US09032747B2 Multi-mode air conditioner with refrigerant cycle and heat medium cycle
Obtained is an air-conditioning apparatus that is capable of saving energy. A pressure in a passage of the second refrigerant flow switching device in which a refrigerant from an outdoor unit flows into is higher than a pressure in a passage of the second refrigerant flow switching device in which the refrigerant flows out to the outdoor unit regardless of switching states of a first refrigerant flow switching device, the second refrigerant flow switching devices, and a third refrigerant flow switching device.
US09032745B2 Ice imaging system
A refrigerator includes a sensing system for detecting multiple physical characteristics of ice cubes in an ice cube storage bin. The system includes a digital image capture device coupled to a digital image analyzing system which captures digital images of the ice cube storage bin intermittently and compares the images to detect the presence of ice clumps. In addition, the digital image analyzing system evaluates the edges, ice size and/or image intensity of the ice cubes in the images in order to determine the presence of stale ice. An algorithm is utilized to estimate the volume of ice within the bin based on the number of pixels in an ice bin image, the number of pixels of the ice within the bin, and a known volume of the ice bin. Notifications for clumped ice, stale ice and ice volume within the bin are sent to a user interface.
US09032738B2 Gas turbine compressor with bleed path
A gas turbine engine includes a compressor for generating compressed air. The compressor includes a rotor defined by a plurality of axial disks including a first disk and a second disk. A first row of blades extends radially outwardly from the first disk, and a second row of blades extends radially outwardly from the second disk. A row of cantilevered vanes is located at an axial location between the first row of blades and the second row of blades. A bleed path extends at least partially through the second disk and includes an entrance at an axial location between the first row of blades and at least a portion of the row of cantilevered vanes. The entrance communicates with a compressed air flowpath through the compressor.
US09032734B2 Modular power infrastructure network, and associated systems and methods
Disclosed illustrative embodiments include modular power infrastructure networks, distributed electrical power infrastructure networks, methods for operating a modular power infrastructure network, and methods for fabricating a modular power infrastructure network.
US09032733B2 Turbomachine system with direct header steam injection, related control system and program product
Various embodiments of the invention include a system including: at least one computing device operably connected with a steam turbomachine and an extraction conduit fluidly connected with the steam turbomachine and a steam seal header fluidly coupled with the steam turbomachine, the at least one computing device configured to modify an output of the steam turbomachine by performing actions including: determining a pressure within the steam turbomachine; comparing the pressure within the steam turbomachine with a pressure threshold range; and instructing the extraction conduit to extract steam seal header steam from the steam seal header and provide the extracted steam seal header steam to the steam turbomachine in response to determining the pressure within the steam turbomachine deviates from the pressure threshold range.
US09032725B2 Method for operating a working machine and a working machine
A method for operating a working machine provided with a power source providing power and a plurality of power consuming systems connected to the power source includes the steps of providing a model predicting a power demanded by at least one of the power consuming systems, detecting at least one operational parameter indicative of a power demand, using the detected operational parameter in the prediction model, and balancing a provided power to the demanded power according to the prediction model.
US09032724B2 Command based method for allocating fluid flow from a plurality of pumps to multiple hydraulic functions
Fluid from two pumps is allocated to a plurality of hydraulic actuators based on a plurality of flow commands, each specifying a desired amount of flow to be applied to a different hydraulic actuator. For a given hydraulic actuator, the allocation involves (1) determining an apportionment of the desired amount of flow, if no other hydraulic actuator is active, and (2) altering the apportionment in response to all the plurality of flow commands, and (3) using the altered apportionment to determine a first amount of the flow for one pump to provide and a second amount of the flow for the other pump to provide. The process is repeated for all the hydraulic actuators. Supply valves for each hydraulic actuator are controlled by the associated first and second amounts and each pump is controlled in response to either the first or second amounts for all the hydraulic actuators.
US09032722B2 Hybrid operating machine
A controller determines whether or not a control valve for controlling the supply of pressure fluid from a main pump to an actuator is at a neutral position, detects input power of a hydraulic motor rotated by return oil from the actuator, and narrows the opening of a proportional electromagnetic throttle valve when the control valve is at the neutral position and the input power of the hydraulic motor is in excess of a first threshold value.
US09032719B2 Particulate filter performance monitoring
A method for particulate filter performance monitoring in an exhaust gas treatment system is provided. The method includes monitoring a current received from a soot sensor in the exhaust gas treatment system and comparing the current to a soot sensor current threshold. Based on determining that the current is greater than or equal to the soot sensor current threshold, an accumulated engine out soot value is compared to an accumulated engine out soot threshold. A particulate filter fault is set based on determining that the accumulated engine out soot value is less than the accumulated engine out soot threshold. A monitoring system and an exhaust gas treatment system of an engine are also provided.
US09032718B2 Engine device
In an engine device provided with an engine which serves as a power source, an exhaust gas purifying filter device which is arranged in an exhaust gas path of the engine, and control means which executes a low rotation control for lowering an engine speed to a predetermined first low rotating speed at a time when a previously set low rotation condition is established, the control means is structured such as to maintain the engine speed at a second low rotating speed which is higher than the first low rotating speed, for suppressing a reduction of an exhaust gas temperature at a time when both of the low rotation condition and a previously set forced regeneration condition are established.
US09032715B2 Method of increasing volumetric throughput of internal combustion engines used in vapor destruction applications
A method and device for controlling emissions of VOC's comprises transporting VOC's to an engine and transporting the exhaust from the engine into a manifold. Supplemental air is transporting into the manifold and heat is transferred from the exhaust to the supplemental air within the manifold. The supplemental air is mixed with the exhaust and the mixture is transferred to a pollution abatement device.
US09032711B2 Exhaust purification system of internal combustion engine
In an internal combustion engine, inside of an engine exhaust passage, a hydrocarbon feed valve and an exhaust purification catalyst are arranged. On the exhaust purification catalyst, platinum Pt is carried and a basic layer is formed. The concentration of hydrocarbons which flows into the exhaust purification catalyst is made to vibrate by within a predetermined range of amplitude and a predetermined range of period due to which the NOx which is contained in exhaust gas is reduced at the exhaust purification catalyst. At this time, the greater the oxidizing strength of the exhaust purification catalyst, the greater the injection pressure of hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon feed valve.
US09032707B1 Diesel exhaust gas collection and treatment system
A diesel exhaust gas collection and treatment system for collecting exhaust gas from a diesel engine powered vehicle, treating the exhaust gas with injected ambient air, then releasing the air and exhaust gas mixture to the atmosphere features a vehicle powered by a diesel engine. A stream of exhaust gas from operation of the diesel engine flows through an exhaust manifold into a generally tubular exhaust collector via an exhaust inlet port. A plurality of ambient air injection ports is located on a posterior collector end, each having an ambient air injection tube connected to a corresponding air injection port. The exhaust collector features a plurality of collector outlet ports located on the exhaust collector side wall, each having a collector outlet pipe located on and fluidly connected to a corresponding collector outlet port. The exhaust collector is flexibly suspended underneath a vehicle.
US09032703B2 Systems and methods for detecting combustor casing flame holding in a gas turbine engine
In a gas turbine engine that includes a compressor and a combustor, wherein the combustor includes a primary fuel injector within a fuel nozzle and a secondary fuel injector that is upstream of the fuel nozzle and configured to inject fuel into a flow annulus of the combustor, a method for detecting a flame holding condition about a fuel injector. The method may include the steps of: detecting an upstream pressure upstream of the secondary fuel injector; detecting a downstream pressure downstream of the secondary fuel injector; determining a measured pressure difference between the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure; and comparing the measured pressure difference to an expected pressure difference.
US09032702B2 Accessory gearbox device for a jet engine
An accessory gearbox for an engine having at least one accessory gearbox shaft connectable to an auxiliary unit and driveable by a drive shaft, the drive shaft being operatively connectable to an engine shaft of the engine. At least one auxiliary unit can be arranged on the drive shaft and/or in the area of the operative connection between the drive shaft and the engine shaft and/or on an accessory gearbox shaft connectable to a further auxiliary unit.
US09032700B2 Folding divider assembly for corn header and method of operation
A corn header has a row unit frame and an auger sweeping ears of corn toward a center of the corn header. A corn row divider assembly has a snout and gatherer hood hingeably coupled to, and aft of, the snout. An aft end of the gatherer hood is located beneath and to the rear of the fore end of the auger in an operational configuration of the divider assembly. The divider assembly further has a four-point hinge assembly coupling the aft end of the gatherer hood to the row unit frame. The four-point hinge assembly is configured to pivot the gatherer hood between the operational configuration and a non-operational configuration in which the gatherer hood is in a raised condition. The four-point hinge assembly moves the aft end of the gatherer hood forward so that the gatherer hood clears the auger when pivoting to the non-operational configuration.
US09032698B2 Package with lid sealing system
A package includes a container and a lid adapted to mate with a brim of the container. The lid closes a top opening in the container when mounted on the container.
US09032688B2 Corner flashing system
A corner flashing system is provided for sealing the corners of recessed window frames against moisture penetration. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises first and second double-flap members, a half-cube member, and caulking. The first and second double-flap members, and the half-cube member are preferably made of asphalt or petroleum based material. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises one double-flap member, a modified half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a single member that combines a double-flap member and a half-cube member, and caulking. In another preferred embodiment, the system comprises a combination member, a double-flap member, and caulking.
US09032685B2 Flooring panel or wall panel and use thereof
A building panel, such as a flooring panel or wall panel and a method of assembling the same into a floor, wall cladding, etc. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. In a preferred embodiment, the groove (6) and the tongue (7) are made of water resistant material and fanned with a snap-together joint.
US09032682B2 Free-standing wall
A free-standing wall includes an internal frame, a pair of wall panel assemblies supported on each side of the internal frame by cleats and a top plate. The internal frame includes opposing sides that define a thickness. Each of the pair of wall panel assemblies includes a panel having an interior surface and a width. The top plate includes a width that is at least as great as a combined dimension of the thickness of the internal frame and the widths of each panel. The top plate is coupled to a top of the internal frame to secure the pair of wall panel assemblies to the internal frame.
US09032680B1 Insulated masonry member insert configured to compensate for mold wear
A masonry block which includes two supporting parts and an insulative malleable member for interlockingly and tightly inserting between the supporting parts. The malleable member has a plurality of spaced grooves in at least one portion of each of its supporting part-engaging surfaces which is susceptible to binding. Its supporting part-engaging surfaces comprise otherwise thereover spaced convex surface portions for engaging the supporting part surfaces respectively to accommodate gradual enlargement of the supporting parts due to mold wear. For ease of picking up the block, the malleable member has in its upper surface a pair of spaced transverse hand holds, a centrally positioned longitudinal hand hold, and a pair of thumb holds positioned longitudinally outwardly of said transverse hand holds respectively.
US09032678B2 System, method and apparatus for under deck drainage
A deck drainage system includes a plurality of hanger clips. Each hanger clip may have a plurality of mounting holes configured to fasten the hanger clip to a support at selected elevations. A soffit may be mounted to the hanger clips without fasteners and located completely below the deck, such that not every hanger clip directly contacts the soffit. A slope of the soffit may be selected by mounting at least two of the hanger clips to the support at different vertical elevations. The soffit may be configured to slope beneath the deck and drain water therefrom in a selected direction.
US09032676B2 Wall siding corner cover apparatus, system, and related methods
A wall siding corner cover apparatus having an elongated length is provided. A corner portion is formed from first and second sides connected together at proximal ends of each of the first and second sides, wherein the first side is positioned substantially perpendicular to the second side. A first ending portion is connected to a distal end of the first side and a second ending portion is connected to a distal end of the second side. A first rear leg is connected to the first ending portion and a second rear leg is connected to the second ending portion. Each of the first and second rear legs extends towards the proximal ends of each of the first and second sides, respectively. Each of the first and second rear legs terminates in a position between the proximal and distal ends of each of the first and second sides, respectively.
US09032673B2 System for mounting solar modules
A system for mounting solar modules comprising a plurality of racks and clamps. Each rack has an inclined upper mounting surface to support one of the solar modules and an inclined lower mounting surface to support one of the other solar modules. Each upper mounting surface and lower mounting surface define a slot. One of the clamps slidably receivable by a slot of one of the upper mounting surfaces and configured to secure the one solar modules to the upper mounting surfaces and an other of the clamps slidably receivable by a slot of one of the lower mounting surfaces and configured to secure said one of the other solar modules to one of the lower mounting surfaces. Each rack has a tray having a first tower supporting the upper mounting surface and a second tower supporting the lower mounting surface.
US09032672B2 Photovoltaic roofing elements and photovoltaic roofing systems
The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic arrays for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. Aspects of the present invention provide a variety of photovoltaic roofing elements and systems that include, for example, interlocking geometries to provide for water handling and integration with conventional roofing materials; and wire management features that can protect wiring and associated electrical components from physical and/or environmental damage.
US09032671B1 Support structure using extended-length diverter
A support structure for supporting loads on a sloping metal panel roof includes first and second side rails, an upper diverter, and a lower closure. An upstanding web of the upper diverter extends upwardly from the panel flat. An elongate lower flange extends from the upstanding web and is disposed against the metal roof panel. Opposing rib mating webs are on opposing sides of the lower flange. On a first side of the lower flange, a diversion leg of the lower flange is between the upstanding web and one of the rib mating webs. On the second side of the lower flange, the second rib mating web meets the upstanding web. The lower flange extends from the upstanding web to a distal end thereof up-slope of the lateral leg. The lower flange and the first and second rib mating webs can, collectively, define a common distal end of the upper diverter.
US09032670B2 Blow molded modular shed
The present invention provides for a system, or kit, of blow molded panels having integrally formed connectors which combine to form an enclosure, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The corner sections, roof, wall and floor panels are formed of blow molded plastic with integrally formed connectors to interlock with one another.
US09032667B2 Access system for a temperature controlled storage device
An access system for a temperature-controlled storage device includes a perimeter frame and least one display case door mounted within the perimeter frame. The perimeter frame and the at least one display case door are configured to move substantially vertically along a surface of the temperature-controlled storage device between a raised position and a lowered position. The at least one display case door is further configured to move substantially horizontally between an open position and a closed position when the perimeter frame is in the lowered position. The access system further includes a torsion spring and motor assembly coupled to the perimeter frame and configured to move the perimeter frame and the at least one display case door between the raised position and the lowered position.
US09032665B2 Aquaponic vertical garden with integrated air channel for plant-based air filtration
Embodiments are described for a closed-loop, vertical garden system for growing plants and filtering air and water comprising: a support structure; a composite, grow media configured to physically support the growth of plants and distribute water to the roots of the plants through capillary action through the area of the grow media; a water source coupled to the grow media through a pump and plumbing system, wherein the plumbing system is configured to draw water from the water source through the grow media and back to the water source in substantially closed loop aquatic system; and an air flow subsystem configured to draw outside air through the plants and transmit filtered air back out of the support structure.
US09032664B2 Cascading plant growth system and plant growth tray
A plant growth container includes a tray, an inlet channel in the tray, a growth media retainer in the tray, one or more protrusions within the growth media retainer, an outlet channel connected to the growth media retainer, and a lid capable of being fixedly attached to the tray. The tray can be used in a hydroponic growth system for plants, where the system includes a container for growing plants. The container includes a tray, an inlet channel in the tray, a growth media retainer in the tray connected to the inlet channel, one or more protrusions in the growth media retainer, the protrusions capable of securing growth media from lateral movement, an outlet channel connected to the growth media retainer, and a lid. The system may include a reservoir for holding a liquid and a pump capable of pumping the liquid from the reservoir to the container.
US09032662B2 Fish hook with multiple convex facets
A fish hook with multiple convex facets is provided. Each facet may have a length that is some multiple of the diameter of the hook body. In addition, each convex facet has a radius of curvature that is some multiple of the diameter of the wire. Each facet may alternatively be formed from first and second convex surfaces, having first and second curvatures.
US09032660B2 Fishing system to attract fish
A motion system for fishing lures provides vibration, buzz and hum to a conventional fishing lure or that is integrated to an interior portion of a fishing lure. The motion system enables the lure to give off signals and/or vibrations like a wounded fish may give off, without the fisherperson moving the lure. The motion system of the present invention can work in murky, stained water and at night to help fish locate the lure. The motion system may include a containment system that holds a coin/pancake type vibrator that is connected with a battery, typically a button-type battery.
US09032657B1 Fingerprint recognition safety systems
A universal fingerprint recognition system for firearms that greatly reduces misuse and accidental discharge of a firearm. The fingerprint recognition assembly is completely embedded within the firearm to prevent tampering. A chip embedded in the trigger scans the firearm owner's fingerprint, and when recognized releases a safety pin, allowing the trigger to be pulled. A charging port embedded in the firearm's grip allows a USB-type connector to be attached and charge the battery chip in the CPU.
US09032656B2 Trigger assembly and method of optical detection of a trigger assembly state
A trigger assembly includes a plurality of components including a trigger shoe configured to disengage a firing mechanism in response to a force applied by a user. The trigger assembly further includes a first PCB having at least one optical sensor to receive light and a controller configured to determine a positional state of at least one of the trigger shoe and a selected one of the plurality of components in response to the light received by the at least one optical sensor.
US09032654B2 Shadow box trading card
A trading card (10) comprises a first substrate (14A), a second substrate (14B) and a spacer (16A). The first substrate (14A) includes a first card image (18). The second substrate (14B) includes a second card image (20). The second substrate (14B) is spaced apart from the first substrate (14A). The spacer (16A) is positioned substantially between the first substrate (14A) and the second substrate (14B) to maintain the first card image (18) spaced apart from the second card image (20). The trading card (10) can further comprise a third substrate (14C) and a second spacer (16B). The third substrate (14C) includes a third card image (22). The third substrate (14C) is spaced apart from the first substrate (14A) and the second substrate (14B). The second spacer (16B) is positioned substantially between the second substrate (14B) and the third substrate (14C) to maintain the second card image (20) spaced apart from the third card image (22). The first card image (18), the second card image (20) and the third card image (22) can cooperate to form a full card image (12).
US09032651B2 Advertising apparatus and method
An advertising apparatus including a body portion adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on a support structure accessible for advertising purposes and, an interchangeable and/or replaceable advertising device, the advertising device being adapted to be one or both of connected to or disposed on the body portion.
US09032650B2 Removable plow attachment for snow blower
A removable plow attachment for a snow blower or thrower is provided. A plow attachment includes a plow member and hook-shaped brackets. The plow member is an arcuate shaped member configured for moving or plowing loose material such as snow, slush, etc. The plow member is removably coupled to the snow blower by the hook-shaped brackets and fasteners. L-shaped angling members are provided on the plow member. The brackets and the L-shaped angling members are configured so that the angle of the plow member relative to the snow blower and the surface being plowed can be adjusted.
US09032648B2 Ditch forming implement
A ditch forming implement includes a frame supported for movement across the ground in a forward working direction when connected to a towing vehicle. A rotating member, for example a tire having a resilient main body and integral resilient paddles formed thereon, is rotatably supported on the frame within an upright plane oriented transversely to the forward working direction. The frame may also support a shovel on an implement shank spaced forwardly of the rotating member, an adjustable guide wheel supported rearwardly of the rotating member for controlling depth of the rotating member, and a grader blade supported forwardly and laterally offset to one side of the rotating member for widening a ditch to be formed by the implement.
US09032644B1 Shoe and shoe-making process using an insert piece
A shoe includes a sole having an insert piece and a layer of material disposed on a top surface of the insert piece; and an upper extending above the sole. The insert piece extends from at least one of a front or middle portion of the shoe to a rear of the shoe, with the top surface of the insert piece inclined upwardly toward the rear of the shoe and then leveling off at a rear portion of the shoe. A top surface of the layer of material is inclined upwardly from the at least one of the front or middle portion of the shoe to the rear of the shoe, such that at the rear portion of the shoe an angle of inclination is significantly greater for the top surface of the layer of material than for the top surface of the insert piece.
US09032643B2 Elastic strap sandal
A sandal comprising an EVA midsole, an outsole and an elastic strap, wherein the elastic strap is stitched at the strap ends and blued to the bottom of the EVA midsole. The EVA midsole having a carved out section to accommodate the thickness of the elastic strap and stitching of the strap ends such that the elastic strap and stitching will lay flush against the bottom of the EVA midsole.
US09032638B2 Encoder readhead apparatus
The present invention relates to an encoder readhead. The readhead includes a housing having an opening for capturing an encoder scale including an elongate rod having a substantially circular cross-section, the opening defining an axial direction along which a captured encoder scale can slide back and forth. A scale reader, which may include an array of Hall sensors, is provided for reading a portion of an encoder scale located in the opening. The housing includes an access portion that allows the encoder scale to be inserted into, and/or removed from, the opening by a relative movement between the housing and the encoder scale in a direction other than the axial direction.
US09032636B2 System and method for inspection of soft goods
A system and method for inspection and quality control for goods determines whether the goods comply with desired configurations. In an embodiment, an inspection and quality control system for a good includes a template. The template includes a template body and a positive offset. The positive offset includes a maximum length of the good and a maximum width of the good. The positive offset is configured for the good to be disposed in the positive offset when the good is less than the maximum length and the maximum width. The system also includes a negative inset. The negative inset includes a minimum length for the good and a minimum width for the good. The negative inset is configured to be disposed in the positive offset over the good disposed in the positive offset.
US09032633B2 Method and apparatus for repositioning a tandem axle assembly of a trailer
A portable device is used to aid a semi-truck driver in the repositioning of a tandem axle assembly of a trailer. The portable device may be easily attached and removed from the trailer's sub-frame during operation. The device will signal the driver visually when reaching the desired position during adjustment of the tandem axle assembly to a new location. The device may reduce time and increase safety for the driver during the tandem axle assembly repositioning operation. The device may be positioned at or near the desired tandem axle assembly position. A flap may pivotally hang in a position where a tire from the tandem axle assembly may deflect and pivot the flap when the tandem axle assembly reaches its desired position. A driver may see this flap deflection and know, with certainty, that they have achieved the desired tandem axle assembly position.
US09032632B2 Method and device for inspecting a threading of a tubular connection used in the oil industry
A device and method for inspecting a width of thread roots of a tubular component for exploration or working of hydrocarbon wells, the device including two arms each including a first and a second end, the first ends being connected together by a deformable portion allowing an angular displacement between the second ends, the second ends each carrying a contact element and a mechanism determining the angular displacement.
US09032629B2 Monofilament line cutting tool
A monofilament line cutting tool is formed by sandwiching a cutting blade between first and second plastic sheets which are thermally bonded to one another. A monofilament line receiving slot in the plastic sheets extends to the blade whereby monofilament line bent into a U-shape may be placed in contact with the blade cutting edge. The plastic sheets are part of spool forming plastic sheet portions which are thermally bonded to one another and shaped into a spool. The plastic sheets forming the tool are selectively pivotable about a live hinge relative to the spool. The plastic sheets can be separated from one another for forming: a sphere generally around the cutting edge; a pair of elongate barrels extending parallel along each side of the monofilament line receiving slot and adjacent the cutting edge; or, a monofilament line receiving cavity extending to the blade cutting edge.
US09032627B2 Shaving blade unit and shaver having such a blade unit
A shaving blade unit having a housing that includes a primary cap, a primary guard, an upper face, and a rear face. The shaving blade unit also includes a first primary blade located between the primary cap and the primary guard and extending at said the upper face, a first spacer stacked with the first primary blade, and a trimming blade extending at the rear face of the housing where the trimming blade is unreleasably fixed to the first spacer.
US09032623B2 Method of manufacturing a burner front face
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a front face (21) for a burner (1), particularly for the gasification of solid carbonaceous materials by partial combustion. The front face (21) comprises a central aperture (23) corresponding to the discharge end of the burner, a front side wall (24) and a backside wall (25) spaced by one or more baffles (26) defining a coolant flow path with a coolant inlet (30) and a coolant outlet (31). The front side wall (24) and the one or more baffles (26) are made of a single piece of metal and the backside wall (25) is welded on the free top ends of the one or more baffles. The front face can for example be made of a steel according to UNS N07718.
US09032622B2 Methods of manufacturing wind turbine blades
An elongate web is attached to the root end of a spar of a wind turbine rotor blade to provide additional support along the width of the blade. The root end is formed by a winding operation, and a recess is then cut into the surface of the spar. The recess is defined by a relatively large first, cylindrical surface, which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the root end, and a relatively small second, conical surface. A tapered end of the elongate web is attached within the recess of the root end using a layer of suitable adhesive and an array of pins. Resilient spacer elements are arranged within the recess so as to surround the pins. The large area of the cylindrical surface causes the tensile and compressive stresses which arise along the elongate web in use to be transmitted to the spar as shear stresses.
US09032617B2 Method for manufacturing split flex cable
A cable assembly for interconnecting a plurality of circuit boards together by using a connector assembly connected to each of the circuit boards. The cable assembly includes a first cable having a first end part and a second cable having a second end part. A first periphery of the first end part has a plurality of first half vias that collectively form a column along a width direction of the connector assembly. A second periphery of the second end part has a plurality of second half vias that collectively form a column along the width direction of the connector assembly. The first and second end parts are coupled together to form a connecting unit, such that the first half vias and the second half vias are joined together to form full vias.
US09032614B2 Method for manufacturing an electrical bushing for an implantable medical device
One aspect relates to an electrical bushing for use in a housing of an implantable medical device. The electrical bushing includes at least one electrically insulating base body and at least one electrical conducting element. The electrical bushing includes a holding element to hold the electrical bushing in or on the housing. The conducting element is set-up to establish, through the base body, at least one electrically conductive connection between an internal space of the housing and an external space. The conducting element is hermetically sealed with respect to the base body. The at least one conducting element includes at least one cermet. The holding element is made, to at least 80% by weight with respect to the holding element, from a material selected from the group consisting of a metal from any of the subgroups IV, V, VI, VIII, IX, and X of the periodic system.
US09032612B2 Mounting head and component mounting apparatus
A mounting head 16 includes shaft members 23 respectively provided with suction nozzles 22, rotation driving motors 24 for individually conducting rotary movements of the shaft members 23, and vertical movement driving motors 25 which are arranged in a staggered arrangement in an opposite direction to a staggered arrangement of the shaft members 23, and adapted to individually conduct vertical movements of the shaft members 23. The rotation driving motors 24 directly drive the shaft members 23, and the vertical movement driving motors 25 move the shaft members 23 up and down, together with the rotation driving motors 24.
US09032611B2 Apparatus for generating patterns on workpieces
A pick-and-place tool configured to pick and place at least one die on a workpiece includes a mounting head. The mounting head includes a die position determining unit configured to one of measure and detect an actual position of at least one die during a time between the placement of the at least one die on the workpiece and the picking up of a subsequent die for placement on the workpiece.
US09032608B2 Method for manufacturing at least one mechanical-electrical energy conversion system
In a method for manufacturing at least one mechanical-electrical energy conversion system including multiple individual parts, and a mechanical-electrical energy conversion, multiple different individual parts are positioned in an assembly device and joined in joining areas assigned to the individual parts in the assembly device, the individual parts including at least one piezoelectric element, one support structure and one seismic mass.
US09032603B2 Automated assembly apparatus and method of assembling components by using automated assembly apparatus
While a second component is brought into contact with a first component, the first component and the second component are rotated with respect to each other around a specific rotation axis, and rotation of the first component and the second component is stopped when a moment created around the rotation axis exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US09032593B2 Fastening or mounting apparatus
A fastening or mounting apparatus for releasably joining two objects is disclosed. The apparatus uses a cam portion opposite a hook portion in a structure of one of the objects to engage with flanges, protrusions or ends of the other object. In the case of flanges, one of the flanges deforms a resilient element in the hook portion during insertion, and the other flange snaps into the detent of the cam portion upon application of force. The apparatus may be adaptable from small scale applications to large-scale heavy duty applications.
US09032592B2 Band clamp
A band clamp includes an elongated band having a base portion which in cross section extends in a plane and first and second side portions. The first and second side portions of the band protrude away from the plane. A first housing is attached to the band and a second housing is attached to the band in a spaced manner from the first housing. A fastener is attached to one of the first and second housings in an adjustable manner. The fastener selectively engages with another of the first and second housings in a quick connect manner, such that the first and second housings can be brought closer to each other for tensioning the clamp around an associated object.
US09032590B2 Rotating mechanism and electronic device with same
An exemplary rotating mechanism for positioning a rotation angle of a second body relative to a first body is provided. The first body includes a pair of sidewalls. The second body includes a pair of connecting arms rotatably connected to the sidewalls. The rotating mechanism includes a pair of positioning gears rotatably connected to the sidewalls, a brake slidably connected to the first body, and a button fastened to the brake. Each of the positioning gears includes a positioning block extending out of the sidewalls. The brake is driven to brake the positioning gears by the button when the button is moved towards the sidewalls. The positioning block is fixed at a predetermined position to position the rotation angle of the second body when the positioning gears are braked.
US09032589B2 Bogey assembly
A method of height adjusting a hanger bolt with a threaded shaft and side flats in a threaded retainer of a bogey proceeds by rotating the bolt to adjust the axial position and height of the bolt relative to the retainer. A keeper of a lock mechanism housed within a body of the bogey is slid into an engaged position against flats of the bolt in order to prevent further rotation of the bolt relative to the retainer.
US09032588B2 Covering of building opening
A covering of a building opening includes a rail, a first sash having a guiding slot, a second sash hinged with the first sash and having a center of rotation at an end thereof, a pulley assembly, and a restricting assembly. The pulley assembly is movably received in the rail and has a rod. The rod has a protrusion section extending out of the rail, and the protrusion section enters and leaves the guiding slot while the pulley assembly is moving. The restricting assembly has a moving member and a locking base. The moving member is provided on one of the first sash and the second sash, and the locking base is provided on the other. The moving member is moved by the rod and engages the locking base when the rod leaves the guiding slot.
US09032586B2 Wiper blade
A wiper blade assembly which includes a blade, at least one backing which is fitted into an attachment groove of the blade, and an elongated holder member which is interconnected to the blade.
US09032585B2 Windshield wiper assembly having a body made of spring steel
A squeegee for a windshield wiper assembly includes a body having a first pair of cut-out portions on opposite sides thereof. Each of said first pair of cut-out portions receives a leaf spring element of a windshield wiper assembly therein. A blade for contacting a windshield of a vehicle is connected to the body. A spoiler is connected to a top of the body and has a generally triangular shape. The spoiler includes a hole formed therethrough in a longitudinal direction of the squeegee. The hole increases the flexibility of the spoiler so that the spoiler flexes when subjected to a wind force.
US09032582B2 Cleaning implements
A cleaning implement for cleaning a ceiling fan blade is provided. The cleaning implement includes a frame, a single cleaning cloth, and gripping portion. The frame has an open end and a closed end opposite the open end so that the frame defines a fan blade receiving opening. The opening receives the ceiling fan blade therein when the ceiling fan blade has a width that is smaller than, equal to, or larger than a width of the first fan blade receiving opening. The single cleaning cloth is removably disposed on the frame so that a cleaning surface of the single cleaning cloth can contact at least one surfaces of the ceiling fan blade. The gripping portion is connected to the frame.
US09032575B2 Turbine-driven swimming pool cleaning apparatus and method
A swimming pool cleaner is driven along a submerged surface by water and debris flowing past a turbine positioned between an inlet and outlet of the cleaner. Rollers are rotatably carried on the bottom of the cleaner and forward and aft the proximate an inlet port. The rollers in combination with lower side wall portions of the housing form a plenum for water and enhance adherence of the pool cleaner to the submerged pool surface being cleaner. A hose connector operable with an outlet port is angled toward the forward direction of movement of the pool cleaner such that a suction hose will be placed slightly ahead of the pool cleaner when climbing a side wall surface to provide a weight for keeping the cleaner below the water surface and thus prevent an undesirable sucking of air at the inlet.
US09032573B2 Bed vibration system and method
A bed vibration system to provide controllable vibrations beneath a mattress, which is located on a bed, the system comprising: a frame attachable to the bed by at least four suspension modules; at least two vibration modules, each vibration module having a rotatable element; at least two travel tracks attachable to the frame, the travel tracks configurable to have the at least two vibration modules respectively displaceable thereupon; and a vibration module control unit configurable to control vibrations and displacement of the respective vibration modules.
US09032565B2 Touchless faucet assembly and method of operation
A faucet assembly includes a base for mounting adjacent a basin of a sink and a spout projecting upward and outward away from the base and terminating at a water outlet. A light emitter is mounted to one section of the spout and emits a beam of light directed toward another section of the spout, wherein the beam of light does not intersect a region beneath the outlet. A light sensor, mounted to the spout, produces a signal indicating whether the beam of light is striking the light sensor. A control circuit responds to the signal by opening a valve that thereby conveys water to the spout.
US09032562B2 Valve control system, bidet using the same, and valve control method
There are provided a valve control system, a bidet using the same, and a valve control method. The valve control system includes a latch valve controlling a stream of water in a pipe; a flow rate sensor measuring a flow rate in the pipe; and a valve control device controlling the operation of the latch valve. The valve control device determines whether or not the latch valve is malfunctioning upon analyzing a flow rate measured by the flow rate sensor. When the latch valve is malfunctioning, the valve control device controls the latch valve to re-operate.
US09032558B2 Helmet system
A protective helmet includes a head cap, which surrounds and moves with a wearer's head, and an outer shell which surrounds the head cap. The outer shell is movable both radially and circumferentially relative to the head cap. An energy absorbing flexible liner is located between the head cap and the outer shell. The liner is attached to the outer shell and the head cap so that neither the head cap nor the head of the wearer is otherwise attached to the outer shell. The liner establishes a preset initial relative position and spacing between the head cap and the outer shell and compliantly absorbs energy imparted to the outer shell during a helmet impact to enable the outer shell to move relative to the head cap during the helmet impact and to be returned to the initial relative position with the head cap following the impact.
US09032556B2 Physical treatment garment
Physical treatment garment for aiding in treatment and healing of injured or strained muscles. Garment is made of flexible material that can be pulled up around the waist, such as compression shorts or full length tights or leggings, and the garment has one or more pockets in the thigh and/or hamstring area to hold cold packs or heat packs and have a fastener apparatus at the top. The garment has fastening apparatuses on or about the hip area and on or about just above the knee. Using a flexible or compression wrap with the compatible fastening apparatuses, the compression wrap is wrapped around the leg and/or groin area and secured using the fastening apparatuses. Pockets for ice or heat treatment are similarly located in the front or rear of the tights or leggings with fastening connections to hold ice or heat packs for treatment of the applicable injury.
US09032551B2 Compression stocking applicator
The disclosure provides a medical compression stocking applicator having an elongate member which has a pair of opposed sidewalls and an interconnecting wall and therefore may be substantially U-shaped in cross-section and is open at each end. The elongate member also includes a heel opening between the ends of the elongate member. The heel opening extends entirely through the elongate member, and is adapted to support a person's heel during application of a stocking.
US09032549B1 Inflatable bonnet cap system
An inflatable bonnet cap system for wrapping around a user's hair featuring an inflatable headpiece with a series of inflatable horizontal and vertical tubes, each horizontal tube has connectors and a valve for inflation, and a spring ring having a spring ring tube constructed with accordion-style seams, the spring ring tube has connectors with valves for inflation. An insert edge is on the bottom edge of the bottommost horizontal tube, and a wedge is disposed on the top surface of the spring ring tube. The insert edge can be accepted into the wedge of the spring ring tube. The system of is inflatable and retractable.
US09032548B2 Visor attachment mechanism in helmet
In this invention, a visor is configured to be inserted into a slit of a movable plate. One of an engaging projecting portion and an engaging concave portion is provided on the visor, and the other is provided on the movable plate. When the visor pivots in a first direction about the engaging projecting portion, a concave corner portion of the visor comes into contact with a first position regulating portion of the movable plate, thereby impeding the pivotal movement of the visor. When the visor pivots in a second direction, the outer wall surface of the visor comes into contact with wall portions of the movable plate, thereby impeding the pivotal movement of the visor.
US09038197B2 Method and apparatus for providing backend support for device control in risk conditions
An approach is provided for providing backend support for device control in risk conditions. A device control support platform determines one or more computational chains consisting of one or more computation closures for managing one or more risk conditions associated with at least one device. The device control support platform further causes a projection, a distribution, or a combination thereof of the one or more computational chains, the one or more computation closures, or a combination thereof to one or more other devices. The device control support platform also causes an execution of at least a portion of the one or more computational chains, the one or more computational closures, or a combination thereof to cause an initiation of at least one computational broker at the at least one device for managing the one or more risk condition.
US09038196B2 Method for authenticating a user requesting a transaction with a service provider
The present invention relates to a method for authenticating a user (Ui) requesting a transaction with a service provider (SP), which comprises: using authentication data (dauth) read on a screen by means of a mobile terminal (TEL) to generate (E) an authorization code (cod.) that is specific to the user and to the requested transaction; reading (F) the authorization code, displayed by the mobile terminal, using a reading means of a digital device (PC); and sending (G) the read authorization code from said digital device to the service provider in order to authenticate the user.
US09038193B2 System and method of data cognition incorporating autonomous security protection
Autonomous embedded data cognition enables data to perform real-time environmental configuration control, self-manage, perform analysis, determine its current situation, and evaluate behavior to respond accordingly. When created, security measures, and access controls are selected. Highly sensitive data can be extracted and substituted with creator label and/or functional representation. Data-to-data reasoning and analysis can be performed. The processing method comprises autonomous monitoring for a state change and analyzing the current user to determine if the instantiation should exist. If affirmed, the cognition engine automatically configures the computational environment in which it resides. If denied, environmental behavior is further analyzed for security problems or an erroneous situation. If detected, the creator is alerted and provided with incident information enabling remote creator control of the data. Cognitive data can decide to self-destruct mitigating risk of undesirable instantiations. Intelligent Agents, a comprehensive data structure, and intelligent document means are leveraged for implementation.
US09038192B2 Cryptanalysis method and system
A cryptanalysis method comprising: (A) Performing a ciphertext-only direct cryptanalysis of A5/1 and (B) Using results of Step (A) to facilitate the decryption and/or encryption of further communications that are consistent with encryption using the session key and/or decryption using the session key, wherein the cryptanalysis considers part of the bits of the session key to have a known fixed value, and wherein the cryptanalysis finds the session key. An efficient known plaintext attack on AS/2 comprises trying all the possible values for R4, and for each such value solving the linearized system of equations that describe the output; The solution of the equations gives the internal state of RI, R2, and R3; Together with R4, this gives the full internal state which gives a suggestion for the key.
US09038188B2 Protecting data stored in a chip card interface device in the event of compromise
A chip card interface device (CCID) is configured for protecting data stored at the CCID in the event of a compromise. The CCID has a housing and a compromise detection system including one or more detection devices configured for detecting a compromise of the housing. The compromise detection system is configured for generating a detection signal indicating the detected compromise. A data protection system is coupled with the compromise detection system and includes a memory device and a processing device coupled with the compromise detection system. The processing device is for receiving the detection signal and erasing data stored on the memory device based on the detection signal in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the processing device also activates a locking function for rendering itself inoperable based on the detection signal.
US09038187B2 Insider threat correlation tool
Systems and methods for calculating threat scores for individuals within an organization or domain are provided. Aspects of the invention relate to computer-implemented methods that form a predictive threat rating for user accounts. In one implementation, a first threat score representing a first time period may be calculated. The first threat score may be compared with aspects of the same user accounts for a second time period. Weighting schemes may be applied to certain activities, controls, and/or user accounts. Further aspects relate to apparatuses configured to execute methods for ranking individual user accounts. Certain embodiments may not block transmissions that violate predefine rules, however, indications of such improper transmission may be considered when constructing a threat rating. Blocked transmissions enforced upon a user account may also be received. Certain activity, such as accessing the internet, may be monitored for the presence of a security threat and/or an ethics threat.
US09038183B1 Scalable network security with fast response protocol
This disclosure provides a network security architecture that permits installation of different software security products as virtual machines (VMs). By relying on a standardized data format and communication structure, a general architecture can be created and used to dynamically build and reconfigure interaction between both similar and dissimilar security products. Use of an integration scheme having defined message types and specified query response framework provides for real-time response and easy adaptation for cross-vendor communication. Examples are provided where an intrusion detection system (IDS) can be used to detect network threats based on distributed threat analytics, passing detected threats to other security products (e.g., products with different capabilities from different vendors) to trigger automatic, dynamically configured communication and reaction. A network security provider using this infrastructure can provide hosted or managed boundary security to a diverse set of clients, each on a customized basis.
US09038180B2 Using new edges for anomaly detection in computer networks
Creation of new edges in a network may be used as an indication of a potential attack on the network. Historical data of a frequency with which nodes in a network create and receive new edges may be analyzed. Baseline models of behavior among the edges in the network may be established based on the analysis of the historical data. A new edge that deviates from a respective baseline model by more than a predetermined threshold during a time window may be detected. The new edge may be flagged as potentially anomalous when the deviation from the respective baseline model is detected. Probabilities for both new and existing edges may be obtained for all edges in a path or other subgraph. The probabilities may then be combined to obtain a score for the path or other subgraph. A threshold may be obtained by calculating an empirical distribution of the scores under historical conditions.
US09038178B1 Detection of malware beaconing activities
Malware beaconing activity detection is disclosed, including: monitoring a plurality of conversations between an internal device and one or more external destinations; extracting feature sets based at least in part on the plurality of conversations; and determining that a conversation of the plurality of conversations is anomalous based at least in part on the extracted feature sets.
US09038174B2 Resisting the spread of unwanted code and data
A method of processing an electronic file by identifying portions of content data in the electronic file and determining if each portion of content data is passive content data having a fixed purpose or active content data having an associated function. If a portion is passive content data, then a determination is made as to whether the portion of passive content data is to be re-generated. If a portion is active content data, then the portion is analyzed to determine whether the portion of active content data is to be re-generated. A re-generated electronic file is then created from the portions of content data which are determined to be re-generated.
US09038172B2 Robust anomaly detection and regularized domain adaptation of classifiers with application to internet packet-flows
Sound, robust methods identify the most suitable, parsimonious set of tests to use with respect to prioritized, sequential anomaly detection in a collected batch of sample data. While the focus is on detecting anomalies in network traffic flows and classifying network traffic flows into application types, the methods are also applicable to other anomaly detection and classification application settings, including detecting email spam, (e.g. credit card) fraud detection, detecting imposters, unusual event detection (for example, in images and video), host-based computer intrusion detection, detection of equipment or complex system failures, as well as of anomalous measurements in scientific experiments.
US09038165B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and computer program product
According to an embodiment, there is provided is an information processing apparatus including: a storage unit that stores therein information, which is set for a screen to be displayed on an information display unit, as to whether or not to permit an external input device to enter data to the information processing apparatus, and information as to whether or not to permit data entered from an external input device; an external-input-unit control unit that controls data entry to the screen from an external input device by utilizing information about a type of the external input unit and the information as to whether or not to permit the external input unit to enter data; and an input-key control unit that controls the data entry permitted by the external-input-unit control unit by consulting the information as to whether or not to permit data entered from the external input unit.
US09038164B2 Electronic device, electronic device controlling method, and computer program product
An electronic device includes: display controller; user presence determination module; user authentication module; and controller. The user presence determination module determines presence of a user based on image data received from the camera while dominating access to a camera. The user authentication module dominates access to the camera, if the display is put in a screen lock state and to perform a user authentication based on the image data. The controller turns off the display if the user present determination module determines that the user is absent and while the display has not been put in the screen lock state, and to cause the user presence determination module to release the access to the camera and to put the display in the screen lock state before turning on the display if it is determined after the display is turned off that the user is present.
US09038163B2 Systems and methods for connecting network devices over communication network
Systems and methods for connecting a first network device and a second network device over a communication network are disclosed. An exemplary method includes receiving, from the first network device, a request to look up a network address of the second network and evaluating the request to determine whether an identifier associated with the second network device is registered with a name service that facilitates resolving the identifier and further facilitates establishing direct encrypted communication links. It is determined whether the second network device is available to communicate through a direct encrypted communication link facilitated by the name service, the establishment of the direct encrypted communication link between the first network device and the second network device is facilitated. This includes provisioning the first network device or the second network device with one or more resources for the direct encrypted communication link. The established direct encrypted communication link carries encrypted data communicated between the first network device and the second network device, and the first network device is a user device.
US09038162B2 Creating secure interactive connections with remote resources
Implementations of the present invention efficiently establish secure connections between a client and server, at least in part by authenticating the client and server early on in the connection setup phases. A client initiating a connection with a server identifies the secure communication protocols enabled at the client, and identifies these protocols in a connection request it sends to the server. The server processes the message and responds with a communication protocol it deems appropriate for the connection. The client and server then exchange appropriate authentication information, and then establish a connection session that implements the chosen communication protocol, and encrypts messages using the negotiated communication protocol. Additional implementations relate to reestablishing dropped connections behind virtual Internet Protocol addresses, without necessarily having to recommit much connection resource overhead.
US09038160B2 Use of data links for aeronautical purposes without compromising safety and security
A method of ensuring secure and cost effective communication of aeronautical data to and from an aircraft is provided. The method includes uplinking air-ground aircraft data communications via an aeronautical safety data link and downlinking air-ground aircraft data communications via a consumer data link separated from the aeronautical safety data link by a one-way firewall.
US09038156B2 Automatic sign in of a user at multiple endpoints
The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for user registration, where a user is logged in to a first device in communication with a server, including: receiving an anonymous registration of a second device comprising a token, where the second device is in communication with the server; receiving a credential of the user and the token; finding the second device using the token; and registering the user on the second device using the credential.
US09038154B2 Token Registration
An embodiment relates generally to a method of binding a token to a user. The method includes receiving a token embedded with an address and inserting the token into a computer. The method also includes connecting to the address stored on the token and binding a user to the token based on information from the address.
US09038153B2 System for secure enrollment and secure verification of network users by a centralized identification service
A system and method for providing, as a service over a computer network (especially a packet-switched computer network) to a body of merchants connected to the computer network, verification of consumer identification based on data provided over the computer network by scanning devices attached to the computers operated by consumers.
US09038152B1 Access to resources
A method performed by one or more processing devices, comprising: receiving a request for a quick response code associated with the hosted resource; generating a reference code that references information included in the request; and encoding the reference code into the requested quick response code; transmitting information indicative of the quick response code to the system hosting the resource; receiving a request for access to a resource, the request for access comprising a decoded version of the quick response code; determining that access is requested for the hosted resource; determining that a user who is requesting access to the hosted resource is permitted to access the hosted resource; responsive to determining that the user is permitted to access the hosted resource, transmitting a token for permitting the user to access the hosted resource; and transmitting a message specifying that the user is granted access to the hosted resource.
US09038150B2 Provisioning device for performing provisioning of a field device
There is provided a provisioning device which provides, in advance, setting information necessary for joining in a wireless network to a first field device which is to newly join the wireless network to exchange data with an existing field device that is installed in a plant. The provisioning device includes: a storage unit that stores a white list which contains unique information of the first field device and the setting information such that the unique information and the setting information are correlated with each other; a device information acquiring unit that acquires the unique information from the first field device by wireless communication; an extracting unit that extracts, from the white list, the setting information that is correlated with the acquired unique information; and a setting unit that sends the extracted setting information to the first field device by wireless communication.
US09038147B2 Progressive download or streaming of digital media securely through a localized container and communication protocol proxy
Various embodiments are directed towards employing a container and communication protocol proxy component within a client device to receive securely real-time streamed, progressively downloaded, or adaptively streamed container over a network using one container and communication protocol, and to securely decrypt the container and provide it to a media player using a different container and communications protocol. In one embodiment, the container is in Flash Video (FLV) file format. A browser or the media player on the client device may be used to request the container. The requested container is sent over one communication protocol and intercepted by the container and communication protocol proxy component. The container may be received as selectively encrypted container. The container and communication protocol proxy component then may enable decryption of the container and providing of it to the media player using another container and communication protocol combination.
US09038145B2 Method and system for restricting access to user resources
A user's set top box (STB), or other client, executes a shell and has an application program interface (API) by which certain features of the client can be controlled. The client is in communication with a walled garden proxy server (WGPS). The client sends a request to the WGPS to access a service provided by a site in the garden. The site sends the client a message containing code calling a function in the API. The WGPS traps the message from the site and looks up the site in a table to determine the access control list (ACL) for the site. The WGPS includes the ACL in the header of the hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) message to the client. The shell receives the message and extracts the ACL. If the code lacks permission, the shell stops execution.
US09038143B2 Method and system for network access control
A method and a system for network access control are provided, which are based on cipher code mechanism. After a visitor has raised an access request, an access controller in the destination network processes the access request and initiates an authentication request on the visitor identity to an authentication server through the visitor. The access controller in the destination network accomplishes the authentication on the visitor identity according to the public authentication result of the authentication server transferred by the visitor, and performs according to the authorization policy the authorization management on the successfully authenticated visitor. The present invention solves the problem of incapableness of performing the access control when the access controller can not directly use the authentication service provided by the authentication server. The present invention can sufficiently satisfy the real application requirements of access control on visitor.
US09038137B2 Subscriber authentication using a user device-generated security code
A device receives an indication that a security code is to be generated; generates the security code based on the indication; generate a message that includes the security code and an identifier associated with a subscriber of the device; outputs the message using the first protocol; encodes the security code based on outputting the message; and outputs a request to access the service. The request is outputted using a second protocol, and includes the encoded security code and the identifier. The device receives a notification that indicates whether the subscriber is authenticated based on the identifier, the security code, and the encoded security code; and accesses the service when the notification indicates that the subscriber is authenticated.
US09038127B2 Physical interaction with virtual objects for DRM
Technology is provided for transferring a right to a digital content item based on one or more physical actions detected in data captured by a see-through, augmented reality display device system. A digital content item may be represented by a three-dimensional (3D) virtual object displayed by the device system. A user can hold the virtual object in some examples, and transfer a right to the content item the object represents by handing the object to another user within a defined distance, who indicates acceptance of the right based upon one or more physical actions including taking hold of the transferred object. Other examples of physical actions performed by a body part of a user may also indicate offer and acceptance in the right transfer. Content may be transferred from display device to display device while rights data is communicated via a network with a service application executing remotely.
US09038126B2 Device and method of controlling and switching terminals provided with specific communication systems among a plurality of standard communication system
A method for controlling and switching terminals includes a writing step and a logoff step. In the writing step, when there is a connection request from a given terminal, a processor of a switching device writes, into a memory, user identification information, a password, identification information of a communication system, and an IP address and port number so that their information and data are associated with one another. In the logoff step, if the same user identification information, password, and identification information of communication system as the above are already written in the memory, the processor logs off the other terminal that has the IP address and port number that are already so written in the storage unit as to be associated with the user identification information, the password, and the identification information of communication system.
US09038125B2 Self identifying services in distributed computing
A service policy is modified for a service in a distributed computing environment having a service oriented architecture. A client is notified of the modified service policy without use of a service registry.
US09038124B1 Signal processing apparatus and methods
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.
US09038119B2 Low-cost leakage detector for a digital HFC network
A handheld leakage detector for finding digital signal leaks in a HFC network, comprises a radio receiver, a leakage receiver, leakage sampler, a correlator, and a display. The radio receiver receives samples of the digital signal taken from the HFC network, called “reference samples.” The leakage receiver receives a leakage signal, which is a leaked version of the digital signal from the HFC network. The leakage sampler samples the leakage signal to form leakage samples. The correlator performs a cross-correlation of the reference samples and the leakage samples, to produce a correlation function. An optimizable value is determined from the correlation function. The value generally becomes more optimized as the detector approaches the leak. The leak is sought by iteratively changing the position of the detector until the value becomes substantially optimized or the leak is found.
US09038118B2 Event booking mechanism
A mechanism for booking events comprising an event broker, one or more event managers and one or more action handlers. In one embodiment, the event broker is configured to register a plurality of event bookings, each of which identifies an event and a corresponding action. For each event booking, the event broker notifies an event manager which is configured to detect the type of event identified in the event booking. When the event manager detects the identified event, it notifies the event broker. The broker then notifies an action handler which is configured to initiate the type of action identified in the event booking. The action handler then initiates the action. If the event booking is non-recurring and the action is complete, the event booking is unregistered by the event broker.
US09038113B2 Method and system for remote control
A method and system for remote control at a client of a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) enables a user to configure a wireless user device as a remote control device (RCD). The RCD may communicate via a wireless network and an MCDN server to execute remote control commands at the MCDN client. The RCD may implement a remote control interface, including control elements configured for touch operation. The control elements may provide specific interactive functionality for channel selection, volume selection, playback of multimedia content, and other remote control features. The RCD may also receive feedback and status information associated with remote control commands.
US09038111B2 Smart channel tuning
A receiver receives channel selection related information. The receiver determines to switch to presenting content being received from a provider. Such switching may involve powering on the receiver and/or switching from other operations that do not present received content. The receiver selects a channel based at least one the information and transmits content associated with the selected channel to a presentation device. In various implementations, the information may be received from the content provider, from a user, by monitoring accessed content, and so on. In some implementations, the information may include data specifying a particular channel to select, a commonly accessed channel to select, a characteristic of commonly accessed content that may be used to select a channel associated with content with a similar characteristic, a particular specified characteristic that may be used to select a channel associated with content with a similar characteristic, and so on.
US09038107B2 Method and system for providing a customized media list
A method and system is described for providing a customized media list to a user over a data network. The method comprises providing a personalized data of the user to a computer system, generating a customized media list by the computer system for the user based on the personal data, and providing the customized media list to the user through the computer system where the customized media list represents a customized content and a customized advertising. A system is further disclosed and claimed for providing customized media list to a user over a data network.
US09038105B2 Thumbnail publication
A video service provider system may include one or more devices. The one or more device may receive thumbnails of programs that are currently airing on a group of television channels and match the received thumbnails with metadata. The metadata may include information relating to at least one of the television channels or the programs. The one or more devices may further provide, to a remote device, a set of thumbnails, of the captured thumbnails, and the metadata matching the set of thumbnails. The remote device may make the set of thumbnails and the metadata available to a user.
US09038103B2 Systems and methods for content surfing
Systems and methods for improving or suggesting alternatives to content surfing are provided. When it is detected that a user wishes to surf, a pipeline tuning sequence is implemented where by storing one or more frames of a first content selection to the user equipment and acquiring a subsequent content selection while concurrently displaying the previously stored one or more frames. Content suggestions, program listing grids, media guidance application and tuning hints, advertisements, digital audio, and live video may also be presented to user while content surfing. In some embodiments, content surf landing channels may be anticipated based on user history, user profiles, or any other suitable information. In some embodiments, thumbnails of the user's recently tuned, or paused on, content are displayed to the user while content surfing. In multiple tuner systems, more than one thumbnail may be displayed in full motion video.
US09038102B1 Cable television system with integrated social streaming
A cable television system with integrated social streaming. The cable television system with integrated social streaming includes a set-top box in communication with a camera and/or a microphone that allows video and/or audio communication over a social streaming channel offered by the cable provider. The cable television system with integrated social streaming provides an interactive experience for a set-top box user by allowing the user to participate in video and/or audio conversations with friends on supported social streaming services.
US09038100B2 Dynamic insertion of cinematic stage props in program content
Dynamically replaceable assets are inserted in program content and may be used for the insertion of cinematic stage props therein. Such assets can be used for advertising purposes in that images of different products and services can be inserted therein and are changeable via a network. Such assets may be created by identifying locations in the content where the assets can be inserted, establishing the assets in the identified locations, and determining location and visual effects information for each asset. Replacement images, such as images of products, may be obtained via a network. The visual appearance of each replacement image may be modified using visual effects information so the inserted objects appear natural as if they were part of the original scene.
US09038096B2 System and method of adaptive and progressive descrambling of digital image content
A method for distributing a digital image content, including a modification stage of an original digital image content by modifying at least a part of digital image data, the modification producing a modified digital image content of the same nominal format as the original digital image content, transmitting the modified digital image content, and a reconstruction stage implemented within a decoder for obtaining a reconstituted digital image content, wherein the reconstruction is adaptive and progressive as a function of information coming from a digital profile of the recipient.
US09038094B2 Automated service interface optimization
Disclosed are various embodiments for automated service interface optimization. In one embodiment, a service client and/or a service provider is reconfigured to use an optimized version of a data transfer interface, where the optimized version transfers fewer data items from the service provider to the service client. In another embodiment, service calls from a service client for multiple different data objects are aggregated into an aggregated service call for a data object. In yet another embodiment, an optimized data object is provided to a service client in response to a request for an unoptimized data object. If the service client attempts to use a data item excluded from the optimized data object, the excluded data item is then provided to the service client.
US09038092B2 Browser window frame-to-frame communication
Communication facilitated between frames of a browser window. Whenever a particular frame receives a message destined for a target frame from a source frame, the particular frame determines if the particular is indeed the target frame. If so, the particular frame processes the message, but if not, the particular frame determines whether the target frame has registered with the particular frame. If the target frame has registered with the particular frame, the particular frame uses a handle communicated as part of the registration to dispatch the message further towards the target frame. In some cases, this handle may be directly that of the target frame itself, in which case the particular frame communicates the message directly with the target frame. This manner of inter-frame communication may be facilitated by a unique registration process when frames come into existence.
US09038091B2 Methods and systems for dynamically establishing one or more connections between a software application and a cluster of message broker
An exemplary method includes a broker-based messaging system detecting a request provided by a software application for the software application to connect to any one of a plurality of brokers included in a cluster of brokers, dynamically identifying, in response to the request and in accordance with a connection distribution heuristic, a broker included in the cluster of brokers and that is available for connection to the software application, and attempting to establish a connection between the software application and the broker. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
US09038090B1 System and method for managing mainframe computer system usage
In mainframe computer system, workload tasks are accomplished using a logically partitioned data processing system, where the partitioned data processing system is divided into multiple logical partitions. In a system and method managing such a computer system, each running workload tasks that can be classified based on time criticality, and groups of logical partitions can be freely defined. Processing capacity limits for the logical partitions in a group of logical partitions based upon defined processing capacity thresholds and upon an iterative determination of how much capacity is needed for time critical workload tasks. Workload can be balanced between logical partitions within a group, to prevent surplus processing capacity being used to run not time critical workload on one logical partition when another logical partition running only time critical workload tasks faces processing deficit.
US09038088B2 Load balancing on hetrogenous processing cluster based on exceeded load imbalance factor threshold determined by total completion time of multiple processing phases
Methods and systems for managing data loads on a cluster of processors that implement an iterative procedure through parallel processing of data for the procedure are disclosed. One method includes monitoring, for at least one iteration of the procedure, completion times of a plurality of different processing phases that are undergone by each of the processors in a given iteration. The method further includes determining whether a load imbalance factor threshold is exceeded in the given iteration based on the completion times for the given iteration. In addition, the data is repartitioned by reassigning the data to the processors based on predicted dependencies between assigned data units of the data and completion times of a plurality of the processers for at least two of the phases. Further, the parallel processing is implemented on the cluster of processors in accordance with the reassignment.
US09038086B2 End to end modular information technology system
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for providing an information technology build service for building a platform in response to a service request. The invention receives a service request for the platform build from a requester, receives a plurality of platform parameters from the requester, determines whether the service request requires one or more physical machines or one or more virtual machines, and if the service request requires one or more virtual machines, initiates build of the one or more virtual machines. The invention also provisions physical and virtual storage based on received parameters, provisions physical and virtual processing power based on received parameters, and manages power of resources during the build, the managing comprising managing power ups, power downs, standbys, idles and reboots of one or more physical components being used for the build.
US09038085B2 System, method and program product for cost-aware selection of stored virtual machine images for subsequent use
A system, method and computer program product for allocating shared resources. Upon receiving requests for resources, the cost of bundling software in a virtual machine (VM) image is automatically generated. Software is selected by the cost for each bundle according to the time required to install it where required, offset by the time to uninstall it where not required. A number of VM images having the highest software bundle value (i.e., highest cost bundled) is selected and stored, e.g., in a machine image store. With subsequent requests for resources, VMs may be instantiated from one or more stored VM images and, further, stored images may be updated selectively updated with new images.
US09038082B2 Resource abstraction via enabler and metadata
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for managing an enabler and dependencies of the enabler. According to one embodiment, a method of managing an enabler can comprise requesting a management function via a management interface of the enabler. The management interface can provide an abstraction of one or more management functions for managing the enabler and/or dependencies of the enabler. In some cases, prior to requesting the management function metadata associated with the management interface can be read and a determination can be made as to whether the management function is available or unavailable. Requesting the management function via the management interface of the enabler can be performed in response to determining the management function is available. In response to determining the management function is unavailable, one or more alternative functions can be identified based on the metadata and the one or more alternative functions can be requested.
US09038078B2 System and method for a workload management and scheduling module to manage access to a compute environment according to local and non-local user identity information
A system, method and computer-readable media for managing a compute environment are disclosed. The method includes importing identity information from an identity manager into a module performs workload management and scheduling for a compute environment and, unless a conflict exists, modifying the behavior of the workload management and scheduling module to incorporate the imported identity information such that access to and use of the compute environment occurs according to the imported identity information. The compute environment may be a cluster or a grid wherein multiple compute environments communicate with multiple identity managers.
US09038071B2 Operating system context isolation of application execution
The resources needed by an application to execute are declared by the application. When the application is activated, only the declared resources are made available to the application because only the declared resources are connected to the execution environment. Accessibility to resources may be controlled by the operating system by making the resource visible or invisible to the executing software by mapping a local name used by the executing software to a global resource, possibly limiting the type of access allowed. Because the executing software relies on the mapping function performed by the operating system for access to resources, and the operating system only maps names declared by the software, the operating system can isolate the software, and prevent the application from accessing undeclared global resources.
US09038070B2 Debug in a multicore architecture
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of monitoring thread execution within a multicore processor architecture which comprises a plurality of interconnected processor elements for processing the threads, the method comprising receiving a plurality of thread parameter indicators indicative of one or more parameters relating to the function and/or identity of a thread or threads comparing at least some of the thread parameter indicators with a first plurality of predefined criteria each representative of an indicator of interest and generating an output consequential upon thread parameter indicators which have been identified to be of interest as a result of the said comparison.
US09038069B2 Management of computer systems by using a hierarchy of autonomic management elements
A method and system for managing a computing system by using a hierarchy of autonomic management elements are described. The autonomic management elements operate in a master-slave mode and negotiate a division of management responsibilities regarding various components of the computing system.
US09038067B2 Virtual computer system and control method of migrating virtual computer
A live migration in a virtual computer system. On a source physical computer, the control information area of the source logical FC-HBA (managed by an OS) is copied to the control information area of a dummy logical FC-HBA managed by a hypervisor. After an FC login to the dummy FC-HBA, an address conversion table is rewritten so that a host physical address for referring to the control information area of a logical HBA1′ can be referred to using a guest logical address for referring to the control information area of the source FC-HBA. After the FC logout of the source FC-HBA, using a WWN of the FC used for the FC logout, a login to the destination logic FC-HBA is performed. Next, the OS on the source computer is taken over by the destination computer. Therefore, the disk accessed on the source computer can be accessed from the destination FC-HBA.
US09038065B2 Integrated virtual infrastructure system
A technique is provided for creating virtual units in a computing environment. A virtual system definition is received by a processor that is utilized to create the virtual units for a virtual system. Relationship constraints between the virtual units in the virtual system are received by the processor. The relationship constraints between the virtual units include a communication link requirement between the virtual units and/or a location requirement between the virtual units. The virtual units in the virtual system are deployed by the processor according to the relationship constraints between virtual units.
US09038060B2 Automatically installing operating system specific to a detected network
Technology disclosed herein includes a method for loading a network specific operating system (OS) onto a computing device depending on a specific network the computing device is connected to. The computing device can connect to multiple networks, e.g., different networks at different times or multiple networks simultaneously. When the computing device switches from a first network to a second network, an OS specific to the second network is automatically installed on the computing device. When the computing device connects to more than one network simultaneously policies may be defined to determine which specific OS distribution is to be installed on the computing device.
US09038058B2 Configuration of software for a wind turbine
Method and system of configuring a wind turbine software package having a multitude of software components includes providing a plurality of software components; providing information relating to component parameters for the software components; providing rules relating to compatibility between the component parameters; and establishing the configuration by performing a series of iterations, wherein each iteration includes defining a group of component parameter values based on the rules; receiving an input parameter selected from the groups of component parameter values; and updating a component parameter based on the input parameter. A system for establishing a configuration of a software package includes a storage device having the pertinent information stored therein, and a communication unit adapted to transmit the software package and/or the configuration to a computer device in a wind turbine.
US09038055B2 Using virtual machines to manage software builds
Concepts and technologies are described herein for using virtual machines to manage software builds. A deployment controller manages deployment of a new software build. The deployment controller installs the new software build on test device and tests the new software build. If the new software build functions without errors, the new software build is deployed to hosts of a data center and monitored for errors. If errors are detected, the errors are reported to a developer associated with the new software build. In some embodiments, the deployment controller creates a differencing disk storing differences between the updated software build and an existing software build and uses the differencing disk for installing the new software build for testing and/or for deploying the new software build.
US09038048B2 Methods, systems, and media for protecting applications from races
Methods, systems, and media for protecting applications from races are provided. In some embodiments, methods for protecting applications from races are provided, the methods comprising: adding to at least one cycle of the application an update check to determine when an update to the application is to be made; adding an update engine to the application, wherein the update engine is configured to: receive an update plan that is based on an execution filter that specifies how operations of the application are to be synchronized; and cause synchronization operations to be added to the application based on the update plan that prevent the race from occurring.
US09038047B2 Aircraft software part library
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for managing aircraft software parts. An aircraft software part is received at a library. The received part is stored in the library with other aircraft software parts. A user interface is provided to manipulate the aircraft software parts. Responsive to receiving a user input from the user interface to uplink a selected aircraft software part to a target aircraft data processing system, a command is created to send the selected part to an aircraft in which the target aircraft data processing system is located. The uplink command is stored in a queue in the storage in the library. The uplink command is distributed to a proxy server application in response to a request for commands. Responsive to receiving a request from the proxy server application processing the stored uplink command, the selected part is sent to the proxy server application.
US09038046B2 Deploying and distributing content management code
Deploying and distributing content management code is disclosed. A software object class is received at a repository. The software object class is stored at the repository. The software object class is downloaded from the repository to an application server associated with the repository.
US09038044B2 Code patching for non-volatile memory
Example embodiments described herein may comprise a transfer of firmware execution within a non-volatile memory device to one or more replacement instructions at least in part in response to a match between a code fetch address and an address stored in a trap address register.
US09038043B1 Systems and methods of information processing involving activity processing and/or optimization features
Systems and methods are disclosed for optimizing applications per user. In one exemplary implementation, there is provided a method for optimizing an application by monitoring performance indicators of the application. Users are classified based on the performance indicators into sets. Behavior patterns are identified among user sets. Moreover, illustrative methods may include modifying configurable tuning variables of the application based on the behavior patterns.
US09038040B2 Method for partitioning programs between a general purpose core and one or more accelerators
Partitioning programs between a general purpose core and one or more accelerators is provided. A compiler front end is provided for converting a program source code in a corresponding high level programming language into an intermediate code representation. This intermediate code representation is provided to an interprocedural optimizer which determines which core processor or accelerator each portion of the program should execute on and partitions the program into sub-programs based on this set of decisions. The interprocedural optimizer may further add instructions to the partitions to coordinate and synchronize the sub-programs as required. Each sub-program is compiled on an appropriate compiler backend for the instruction set architecture of the particular core processor or accelerator selected to execute the sub-program. The compiled sub-programs and then linked to thereby generate an executable program.
US09038039B2 Apparatus and method for accelerating java translation
An apparatus and method for accelerating Java translation are provided. The apparatus includes a lookup table which stores an lookup table having arrangements of bytecodes and native codes corresponding to the bytecodes, a decoder which generates pointer to the native code corresponding to the feed bytecode in the lookup table, a parameterized bytecode processing unit which detects parameterized bytecode among the feed bytecode, and generating pointer to native code required for constant embedding in the lookup table, a constant embedding unit which embeds constants into the native code with the pointer generated by the parameterized bytecode processing unit, and a native code buffer which stores the native code generated by the decoder or the constant embedding unit.
US09038038B1 Just in time cloud compilation
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for just in time compilation. In one aspect, a method includes receiving an application on a mobile device, the mobile device including a processor for executing native code and an interpreter for interpreting intermediate code, wherein an application includes at least one machine instruction; receiving data characterizing prior actions of the application on the mobile device; determining a portion of intermediate code to be compiled into native code based at least in part on the data, wherein the portion includes some but not all of the application; sending the portion of intermediate code over a network to a compilation server; receiving native code corresponding to the portion of intermediate code from the compilation server; and executing the native code on the processor.
US09038035B2 Apparatus, method, and software for analyzing network traffic in a service aware network
The present invention generally relates to a method for describing network events in a service aware network (“SAN”). In addition, the present invention relates to software that performs the method and has a programming model containing protocol libraries, abstract protocol messages declarations, and network events. The method and software enable a user to define basic as well as complex network events in the application, presentation, session, transport and/or network layers of a communication model, which result in internet protocol (“IP”) level triggers or other triggers. Such triggers will result in actions which may be applicable in all layers of a communication model up to the highest layer. As a result, the method and software allow a user to describe a hierarchy of high level network events through a hierarchy of lower level events. In addition, a development system and an apparatus which utilizes the method and software are also provided.
US09038034B2 Compiling for programmable culling unit
During compilation, the interval bounds for a programmable culling unit are calculated if possible. For each variable, interval bounds are calculated during the compilation, and the bounds together with other metadata are used to generate an optimized culling program. If not possible, then an assumption may be made and the assumption used to compile the code. If the assumption proves to be invalid, a new assumption could be made and the code may be recompiled in some embodiments.
US09038028B1 Dynamic creation and use of software testing stubs
A software testing tool providing dynamic testing stubs. The tool comprises, comprising a processor, a non-transitory memory coupled to the processor, and an application stored in the memory. When executed by the processor in a single execution session, the application receives a definition of a test stub as a mapping from a stub handle to a reply message content, stores the test stub in a data store as an entry comprising the stub handle and the reply content, receives an invocation of an application programming interface, where the invocation comprises an argument, searches the data store for a test stub having a stub handle that matches at least in part to the argument received in the invocation of the application programming interface, and transmits a reply message defined by the test stub.
US09038027B2 Systems and methods for identifying software performance influencers
Described are a system and method for identifying variables which impact performance of software under development. Data is collected that is related to performance characteristics of the software under development. Performance change gradients are determined between previous builds of the software under development. A set of performance change factors are generated from the collected data that corresponds to each performance change gradient. Performance characteristic data corresponding to a current build of the software under development are compared to the performance change gradients. At least one fault component from the set of performance change factors that influences performance of the current build is output in response to the comparison between the performance characteristic data corresponding to the current build and the plurality of performance change gradients.
US09038026B2 System and method for automating test automation
A computer system, method and computer program product for automatically converting, through automating-test-automation software, a manual test case representation (in a natural language), for testing a target software, into a machine-readable test case representation. In preferred embodiments, the machine-readable test case is in the form of a keyword-based test case that is made from action-target-data tuples. The automation-test-software uses a methodical process of trial-and-error to resolve ambiguities that are generally present (and generally resolvable by humans) in the manual test case representation.
US09038025B1 Technical interaction model
Methods, computer-readable media, and apparatuses provide a tool (e.g., a user interface) for capturing and managing requirements, such as nonfunctional requirements (NFRs). The tool may be used in the course of developing software or a system architecture to gather information for software developers, system architects, and others. In particular, a process is disclosed that includes a step of identifying interaction points, a step of developing an interaction grid (or matrix) defining interactions between the identified interaction points, and a step of ascertaining NFRs from a user for each interaction.
US09038024B2 Development of process integration scenarios on mobile devices
The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, software, devices and systems for developing a process integration scenario on a mobile device. In one aspect, a method comprises: running a mobile application on a mobile device; editing a graphical element of the process integration scenario by a scenario editor of the mobile application based on input from a graphical user interface of the mobile device; translating the graphical element into an industry standard language by a renderer of the mobile application; generating an object version identifier that is associated with the process integration scenario by a versioning module of the mobile application; storing the process integration scenario in the industry standard language and the object version identifier in a local database.
US09038017B2 Method and system for facilitating rapid development of end-to-end software applications
A method and system for rapidly generating software applications is provided. An application model of a software application is generated which comprises modeled components and technology stack information. The modeled components correspond to functional and design aspects of the software application. The application model is generated by dragging and dropping multiple components into corresponding modeling perspectives defined in a visual modeling environment. Descriptors are generated for the application model which are logical representations describing each of the modeled components. Further, the descriptors are generated from application model object of the application model. Furthermore, technology templates are identified based on the technology stack information in the application model. The technology templates are predetermined templates comprising scripting languages for automatically transforming the application model into one or more technologies. Code related to the software application is generated based on the descriptors and the identified technology templates.
US09038013B2 Circuit partitioning and trace assignment in circuit design
Methods and apparatuses for circuit design are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining a distribution of nets of a circuit, the distribution of the nets comprising numbers of blocks that each of the nets has in each of a plurality of partitions of the circuit in a partitioning solution, moving a first block of the circuit from a source partition to a destination partition to modify the partitioning solution, and updating the distribution of the nets after the moving.
US09038010B2 DRC format for stacked CMOS design
The present disclosure relates a method of performing a design rule checking (DRC) procedure on a multi-tiered integrated chip. In some embodiments, the method is performed by defining layer databases for a plurality of tiers within a multi-tiered integrated chip. The layer databases respectively identify design layers within an associated tier. A DRC (design rule checking) deck is then generated, which defines one or more individual design layer definitions as a function of a plurality of layer databases, so that the one or more individual design layer definitions are defined for a plurality of tiers. One or more design rules for the one or more individual design layer definitions are defined within the DRC deck. Since the individual design layer definitions are defined as functions of the plurality of layer databases, the design rules apply to the plurality of tiers.
US09038008B1 System and method for containing analog verification IP
A system, method, and computer program product for containing analog verification IP for circuit simulation. Embodiments introduce analog verification units (“vunits”), and corresponding analog verification files to contain them. Vunits allow circuit design verification requirement specification via text file. No editing of netlist files containing design IP is required to implement static and dynamic circuit checks, PSL assertions, clock statements, or legacy assertions. Vunits reference a top-level circuit or subcircuits (by name or by specific instance), and the simulator automatically binds vunit contents appropriately during circuit hierarchy expansion. Vunits may be re-used for other design cells, and may be easily processed by text-based design tools. Vunits may be provided via vunit_include statements in a control netlist file, command line arguments, or by directly placing a vunit block into a netlist. Vunits may also contain instance statements to monitor or process signals, such as those needed by assertions.
US09038007B2 Prediction of dynamic current waveform and spectrum in a semiconductor device
A method for accurately determining the shape of currents in a current spectrum for a circuit design is provided. The method includes determining timing and power consumption characteristics. In one embodiment, timing characteristics are provided through a electronic design automation tool. The timing characteristics yield a current pulse time width. In another embodiment, power consumption characteristics are provided by an EDA tool. The power consumption characteristics yield a current pulse amplitude. The shape of the current pulse is obtained by incrementally processing a power analyzer tool over relatively small time increments over one or more clock cycles while capturing the switching nodes of a simulation of the circuit design for each time increment. In one embodiment, the time increments are one nanosecond or less.
US09038006B2 Method and apparatus for generating gate-level activity data for use in clock gating efficiency analysis
A mechanism for generating gate-level activity data for use in clock gating efficiency analysis of an integrated circuit (IC) design is provided. Generating the gate-level activity data includes generating a signal behaviour description for inter-register signals, generating a gate-level netlist for the IC design, generating gate-level stimuli based at least partly on the generated signal behaviour description, and performing gate-level simulation using the generated gate-level stimuli to generate gate-level activity data for the IC design. In one embodiment, generating the signal behaviour description includes performing Register Transfer Level (RTL) simulation of the IC design, and generating the gate-level netlist includes performing RTL synthesis. The RTL simulation and RTL synthesis are performed on RTL data for the IC design.
US09038005B2 Network synthesis design of microwave acoustic wave filters
Methods for the design of microwave filters comprises comprising preferably the steps of inputting a first set of filter requirements, inputting a selection of circuit element types, inputting a selection of lossless circuit response variables, calculating normalized circuit element values based on the input parameters, and generate a first circuit, insert parasitic effects to the normalized circuit element values of the first circuit, and output at least the first circuit including the post-parasitic effect circuit values. Additional optional steps include: requirements to a normalized design space, performing an equivalent circuit transformation, unmapping the circuit to a real design space, performing a survey, and element removal optimization. Computer implement software, systems, and microwave filters designed in accordance with the method are included.
US09037998B2 Computer-implemented systems and methods for time series exploration using structured judgment
Systems and methods are provided for analyzing unstructured time stamped data. A first series of user display screens are provided, where the first series of user display screens are configured to be displayed in a step-wise manner so that a user can specify a first approach through a series of predetermined steps on how the unstructured data is to be structured. A second series of user display screens are provided, where the second series of user display screens are configured to be displayed in a step-wise manner so that the user can specify a second approach through the series of predetermined steps on how the unstructured data is to be structured. Tracking data enables alternate viewing of the first and second approach to facilitate a decision whether to format the unstructured time stamped data according to the first approach or the second approach.
US09037993B2 System and method for using a visual password scheme
A system and method for inputting a password. The system and method operates to associate unique non-descriptive graphical features with unique text-based characters. The system and method operates to receive in sequence, a plurality of text-based characters. The system and method operates to display in sequence, in accordance with a sequence scheme, the non-descriptive graphical features associated with the plurality of text-based characters. The system and method also operates to process the plurality of text-based characters as the password. In addition, the system and method operates wherein the password, including text-based characters, may be deciphered from both the display of the non-descriptive graphical features associated with the plurality of text-based characters and the sequence scheme.
US09037990B2 Automotive user interface for a ventilation system of a motor vehicle
An automotive user interface for controlling the temperature, the distribution and of the air flow rate in a ventilation system of a motor vehicle. The automotive user interface comprises: a touch-sensitive control display unit, which comprises light-emitter diodes structured for providing a visual representation of temperatures that can be set by a user according to a generally circular arrangement; an optically semitransparent touch-sensitive control panel superimposed on the light-emitter diodes in a position corresponding to an area for setting the temperature; and an electronic control unit connected to the light-emitter diodes and to the control panel for controlling the temperature of the air in the ventilation system and the light-emitter-diode means in response to an action of touch contact by a user on the area for setting the temperature.
US09037988B2 User interface for providing clinical applications and associated data sets based on image data
A user interface for selecting clinical applications in a medical imaging system is provided on a display and is responsive to user inputs in the medical imaging system. A request to view a study that includes a plurality of images is received. The study to be viewed is then acquired from a medical imaging system database. The acquired study is analyzed with a rule engine that executes rules on image data from the acquired study. The rule engine identifies one or more clinical applications that are appropriate for the study and identifies at least one data set from the plurality of images suited for each of the identified one or more clinical applications. One or more icons each associated with one of the identified one or more clinical applications are displayed. The one or more icons are each selectable on the user interface to initialize the associated clinical application.
US09037987B2 Information processing apparatus, method and computer program storage device having user evaluation value table features
An information processing apparatus includes a user evaluation value table and a display controller portion. In the user evaluation value table, user evaluation values each corresponding to the number of processes of the respective content are stored on a basis of the respective content. When performing display changing of a respective content intended for display on a display portion, the controller portion detects from the user evaluation value table a user evaluation value of a content intended to be graphically displayed on the display portion. Then, the controller portion performs change control to change a display time period for the content intended to be graphically displayed on the display portion in accordance with the detected user evaluation value.
US09037980B2 Method of providing assistance to the end-user of a software application
A method of providing assistance to a remote end-user of an end-user software application from an agent of an assistance center is described. All the transactions initiated by the end-user of the end-user software application are recorded in a contextual database locally, for applications running exclusively on customer PC, or remotely, for Web applications. Instrumented pages are delivered to the end-user. They include each a help request means. A server of a desktop sharing application is installed in the PC of the agent. When the end-user is requesting assistance all the entries already made by the end-user on a current instrumented page are uploaded. A waiting page and a client side of the desktop sharing application are also downloaded to the PC of the end-user. The end-user to be assisted is assigned to the agent when available. Then, PC of the agent gets a clone of the current instrumented page from the contextual database and a secure communication tunnel between the agent and the end-user is established. The client side of the desktop sharing application is finally activated on the customer PC which lets end-user view desktop of the PC of the agent and allows starting an assistance session between the agent and the end-user. All that being done without any software pre-installation on the client PC.
US09037978B2 Digital link viewer
A system may receive a first user input that identifies an optical route in an optical network, may receive a second user input that identifies a direction with which to display the optical route, and may provide, based on the first user input and the second user input, a user interface. The user interface may display optical links associated with the optical route, and may display network entities associated with the optical route. The user interface may display a source entity, where the source entity identifies a source of an optical transmission carried by an optical link, and may display a destination entity, where the destination entity identifies a destination for the optical transmission. The user interface may also display a power adjustment made to the optical transmission at the source entity or the destination entity.
US09037975B1 Zooming interaction tracking and popularity determination
Various features are provided for assisting users in efficiently locating and viewing network content of interest, including but not limited to particular portions of web pages. The features are particularly useful for users of mobile computing devices having a limited display size, but may be used with any type of client device. Some features identify popular content items by collectively analyzing the interactive behaviors of a population of users, such as zooming interactions. The results of such analysis can be used in various ways to improve users' browsing experiences. For example, popular content items can be highlighted on a web page, an option to zoom in automatically on popular content items can be provided, popular content items may be rendered at relatively high resolution, and caching of content items may be based partly on a measure of their popularity.
US09037973B1 Providing an interactive presentation environment
An interactive presentation environment for eMeetings or the like that provides participants with more control over what they see and hear. The interactive presentation environment may comprise a meeting recorder adapted to create a recording of a live meeting and a navigation control for selecting a portion of the recording to view during the live meeting. The interactive presentation environment may further comprise a timeline control containing a first graphical indicator associated with a live position and a second graphical indicator associated with a current position, a bookmark control adapted to mark a portion of the recording for archiving, and a display operatively connected to the meeting recorder and the navigation control.
US09037968B1 System and method to communicate information to a user
A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for communicating information in a virtual environment are presented. A graphical user interface is provided to a user, where the graphical user interface displays a virtual environment that includes one or more virtual objects. A virtual object may be linked to a section of a digital document. Selection of the virtual objects in the virtual environment by the user is monitored. Information regarding the section of the digital document is communicated to the user based on receiving an indication that a virtual object is selected.
US09037967B1 Arabic spell checking technique
An Arabic spelling error detection and correction method for identifying real word spelling errors. The method uses a corpus of Arabic text alongside n-gram statistical techniques to detect erroneous words within the text. After identifying the erroneous word the method uses a dictionary formed from the corpus of Arabic text to retrieve candidate correction word to replace the erroneous word with. Using n-gram statistical models candidate correction words are generated and ranked in order of highest probable correction for the word. The generated and ranked correction words are assessed and the best correction word is selected. A final assessment of the correction is conducted and if the result is positive then erroneous word is replaced with the highest statistical correction.
US09037965B2 Browser and operating system compatibility
A browser and operating system (OS) compatibility system may include a user interface to select a first combination of a browser and OS for comparison to a second combination of a browser and OS. A download engine may capture source files for browsers for the first and second combinations. A parse engine may create Document Object Model (DOM) trees of objects of first and second website pages respectively for the browsers for the first and second combinations. A metric engine may read the DOM trees for attributes of the objects to capture metrics of the objects. An analysis metric engine may compare a metric of an object of the first website page to a metric of the same object of the second website page to determine a compatibility of the browser and the OS for the first combination to the browser and the OS for the second combination.
US09037964B2 Providing direct manipulation of an analytics data visualization within an analytics report
A direct manipulation event associated with a chart of an analytics report can be detected. The event can be a user interface input and the chart can be an information graphic. The graphic can be a graphically rendered HTML compliant element and a data set. The report can conform to a JAVASCRIPT OBJECT NOTATION (JSON) format. The analytics report can be presented within a browser. An action can be run responsive to the detecting. The action can be an immediate rendering of the graphic based on the event. When the action executes a request for data not in the data set data from a different data set can be obtained. When the action executes a request for data in the data set, the data from the data set can be automatically retrieved. The analytics data can be immediately rendered as a chart within the canvas element of an HTML document.
US09037961B1 System and method for storing a series of calculations as a function for implementation in a spreadsheet application
The dependency graph spreadsheet system allows for the capture of a sequence of calculations or formulas as a function. The function is stored as a function definition in a spreadsheet application. The function definition provides the ability to call or select a name or code associated with the function or function definition in the spreadsheet application by placing the name in a cell of the spreadsheet application. If the form of the calculation needs to be verified or modified, the function is reviewed and/or modified in the function definition worksheet, eliminating the need to seek out each invocation of the function in the spreadsheet application. The dependency graph spreadsheet system also provides the ability to invoke a higher order function that uses a defined function as an input and generates an output from the higher order function on a range of data inputs for the defined function in the spreadsheet.
US09037960B2 Monitoring and tracking application usage
The present description refers to a computer-implemented method, a computer program product and a computer system for monitoring and tracking application usage, the method comprising: determining, during a first interval, a first indication of whether a first user has provided a first input. The method further comprising obtaining, during the first interval, a first identifier of an active window in a first graphical user interface (GUI), and selectively storing the first identifier and the first indication. For this purpose a specific tracking tool may be implemented on the computer on which the first graphical user interface is executed.
US09037959B2 Formula display and search in a spreadsheet
In some embodiments, a spreadsheet application provides an option for collectively displaying the formulas associated with a set of cells in a separate view. In some embodiments, the view provides an option to search within the formulas (and/or other content) provided by the view. In some embodiments, a find and replace user interface of a spreadsheet application includes an option to search only in formulas.
US09037958B2 Dynamic creation of user interface hot spots
Exemplary embodiments disclose a computer-implemented method for enabling an end-user to dynamically create a hot spot on a user interface (UI) of information resource without the end-user modifying underlying code of the UI. Aspects of the exemplary embodiment include responsive to the end-user activating a hot spot creation component, receiving a designation from the end-user of a location of the hot spot and a size of the hot spot within the UI; receiving from the end-user an assignment of a user gesture to the hot spot; receiving from the end-user an assignment of an action to the hot spot; and responsive to a detection of the user gesture on the hot spot, invoking the action assigned to the hot spot.
US09037952B2 Memory architecture for layered low-density parity-check decoder
A hard decision memory interacts with a multi-layered low-density parity-check decoder by sending multiple L values and E values to a multi-layered low-density parity-check decoder (LDPC), and the L value E value hard decision memory (LE hard decision memory) receives one or more hard decisions. The LE hard decision memory comprises a global mapping element to interleave L values from a first and second circulant and store the interleaved values in a first memory element. A low-density parity-check decoder then processes the circulants from the first memory element and stores output in a second memory element. The LE hard decision memory does not include any mux-demux elements. The use of the LE hard decision memory results improved multi-level LDPC decoding of an LDPC encoded message.
US09037949B1 Error correction in a memory device
A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) array is configured for selective repair and error correction of a subset of the array. Error-correcting code (ECC) is provided to a selected subset of the array to protect a row or partial row of memory cells where one or more weak memory cells are detected. By adding a sense amplifier stripe to the edge of the memory array, the adjacent edge segment of the array is employed to store ECC information associated with the protected subsets of the array. Bit replacement is also applied to defective memory cells. By implementing ECC selectively rather than to the entire array, integrity of the memory array is maintained at minimal cost to the array in terms of area and energy consumption.
US09037948B2 Error correction for memory systems
According to one embodiment, a method for error correction in a memory module having ranks is provided where each rank has memory devices. The method includes determining a first mark condition for a first rank of the memory module, the first mark condition based on one or more uncorrectable error occurring in a first memory device in the first rank, placing a first mark in the first memory device, determining a second mark condition for the first rank, the second mark condition based on one or more uncorrectable error occurring in a second memory device in the first rank, placing a second mark in a third memory device in a second rank of the memory module and configuring the first memory device to respond to commands directed to the second rank, wherein configuring the first memory device is based on placing of the first mark and the second mark.
US09037946B2 Detecting effect of corrupting event on preloaded data in non-volatile memory
A method includes determining a read threshold voltage corresponding to a group of storage elements in a non-volatile memory of a data storage device. The method also includes determining an error metric corresponding to data read from the group of storage elements using the read threshold voltage. The method includes comparing the read threshold voltage and the error metric to one or more criteria corresponding to a corrupting event.
US09037941B2 Systems and methods for error checking and correcting for memory module
Methods for error checking and correcting (ECC) in a memory module including at least one memory unit are provided. The method includes the steps of: receiving input data from the memory unit; performing, by a first ECC module, a first ECC operation to the input data and generating a decoding result which indicates whether decoding was successful; and determining whether to activate a second ECC module to perform a second ECC operation to the input data according to the decoding result, wherein the first and second ECC modules respectively utilize a first method and a second method, wherein the first method applies a ECC with a first fault tolerant quantity for error correction and the second method applies a ECC with a second fault tolerant quantity for error correction, and the second fault tolerant quantity is larger than the first fault tolerant quantity.
US09037938B2 Hardware architecture and implementation of low power layered multi-level LDPC decoder
A layered LDPC decoder sorts and selects a subset of message entries for processing based on entry size. MIN1 and MIN2 values for each message entry in the subset are truncated, and either the truncated values or non-truncated values are combined with a symbol vector based on whether the subset of message entries includes a variable node associated with the layer being processed.
US09037936B2 Apparatus and method for generating MAC protocol data unit in wireless communication system
An apparatus and a method for transmitting an Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) block in a wireless communication system are provided. The method for transmitting the ARQ block includes when transmitting the ARQ block to a receiving stage in a Not Sent state, transitioning to an Outstanding state to wait to receive one of an ACK and a NACK for the ARQ block, when receiving the NACK for the ARQ block from the receiving stage in the Outstanding state, transitioning to a Waiting for Retransmission state, when determining to retransmit the ARQ block for the NACK by splitting the ARQ block into at least two ARQ sub-blocks in the Waiting for Retransmission state, transitioning to a Rearrangement state, retransmitting the ARQ block for the NACK by splitting the ARQ block into at least two ARQ sub-blocks in the Rearrangement state, and when receiving an ACK for every ARQ sub-block having the same ARQ Sequence Number (SN) in the Rearrangement state, transitioning to a Done state and finishing transmission of the ARQ block having the ARQ SN.
US09037934B2 Demultiplexing a packet-based transport stream
A device for demultiplexing a packet-based transport stream of transport stream packets each provided with a systematic forward error detection code is described. The transport stream packets are each allocated to one of a plurality of data sinks, so that in a payload data section of the transport stream packets allocated to the same data sink a data stream of forward error protection code-protected data packets which are addressed to the respective data sink is embedded. The device determines, for a transport stream packet which is erroneous according to the systematic forward error detection code, a probability value for each of the plurality of data sinks which indicates how probable it is that the predetermined transport stream packet is allocated to the respective data sink, and allocates the predetermined transport stream packet to a selected one of the plurality of data sinks.
US09037931B2 Methods and systems for logic device defect tolerant redundancy
Provided is an apparatus including a scheduler and a plurality of logic devices coupled to the scheduler, each including a defect indicator. The scheduler determines whether one or more of the logic devices is defective based upon its respective defect indicator. The scheduler intentionally omits sending workloads to the disabled logic units, and thus enables the device to be functional albeit at a lower performance or in a differently performing product.
US09037928B2 Memory device with background built-in self-testing and background built-in self-repair
A memory device with background built-in self-testing (BBIST) includes a plurality of memory blocks; a memory buffer to offload data from one of the plurality of memory blocks temporarily; and a memory block stress controller to control a stress test applied to the one of the memory blocks when the data is temporarily offloaded on the memory buffer. The stress test tests for errors in the one of the plurality of the memory blocks.
US09037925B2 Change message broadcast error detection
A hardware device detects change messages broadcast within a system. The system includes the hardware device, one or more controller devices, one or more expander devices, and one or more target devices interconnected among one another. The hardware device determines whether the change messages were broadcast within the system every first period of time or less for at least a second period of time, the first period of time less than the second period of time. In response to determining that the change messages were broadcast within the system every first period of time or less for at least the second period of time, the hardware devices signals that an error has been detected.
US09037924B2 Managing operation performance
Systems and methods for managing operation performance are included herein. In one example, a method includes determining an operation execution time. The method also includes storing the operation execution time. Furthermore, the method includes calculating an operation performance characteristic based on the operation execution time. The method also includes determining a threshold based on the operation performance characteristic. Additionally, the method includes determining the operation execution time is above the threshold. In addition, the method includes providing a warning based at least on the operation performance characteristic and the threshold.
US09037923B2 Intelligent rolling upgrade for data storage systems
Various method, system, and computer program product embodiments for facilitating upgrades in a computing storage environment are provided. In one such embodiment, one of an available plurality of rolling upgrade policies registering at least one selectable upgrade parameter for an upgrade window is selected. A node down tolerance factor is set for at least one node in the computing storage environment. The node down tolerance factor specifies a percentage of elements of the at least one node taken offline to apply the selected one of the available plurality of rolling upgrade policies during the upgrade window.
US09037911B2 Debug state machines and methods of their operation
Embodiments include methods for performing various operations in a computing system that includes an electronic module and a debug circuit. The method includes programming the debug circuit to monitor for pre-selected triggers produced by the computing system, and to perform actions in response to detecting the pre-select triggers. For example, in response to various pre-selected triggers, the debug circuit may, among other things: perform state transitions and log information indicating whether or not the state transitions were performed; monitor various signals when the debug circuit has determined that a test escape has occurred; and/or perform one or more actions that initiate stopping one or more clocks in response to certain pre-selected triggers.
US09037910B2 SAS self-test operations
A self-test engine to manage self-test mode operations between adjacent PHYs of a serial-attached SCSI (SAS) topology.
US09037909B2 Test apparatus
A test apparatus for a server includes a first connection unit coupled to a mother board of the server, a second connection unit coupled to a device under test, a data transmission unit, a processing unit, and a network unit. According to a selection signal, the data transmission unit switches one of data transmission modes to perform data transmission between the first connection unit and the second connection unit. The processing unit controls the data transmission unit to perform a first test program for the mother board through the first connection unit, or perform a second test program for the device under test through the first connection unit and the second connection unit. The network unit receives a control signal generated by an external apparatus, so that the external apparatus controls the processing unit to perform the first test program and the second test program through the network unit.
US09037907B2 Operator message commands for testing a coupling facility
A facility is provided to enable operator message commands from multiple, distinct sources to be provided to a coupling facility of a computing environment for processing. These commands are used, for instance, to perform actions on the coupling facility, and may be received from consoles coupled to the coupling facility, as well as logical partitions or other systems coupled thereto. Responsive to performing the commands, responses are returned to the initiators of the commands.
US09037901B2 Data set autorecovery
An approach to providing auto recovery of data sets in volumes. When an error condition results from an attempt to access an unintentionally deleted data set, an event is generated and sent to other systems with access to the volume in which the data set existed. The volume is also locked to prevent corruption during the recovery process. A system that has the unintentionally deleted data set open retrieves location information for the data set from control blocks in the system's memory. This location information is used to build a new entry for the data set in the VTOC for the volume. When the data set is thus recovered, the data set is validated, the lock removed, and the data set is made available to the systems sharing the volume.
US09037899B2 Automated node fencing integrated within a quorum service of a cluster infrastructure
A quorum service detects liveness failures of at least two failed nodes in a domain of a cluster infrastructure layer of a cluster environment within a limited time frame and adds the at least two failed nodes to a list of nodes set to pending to be fenced by a group leader node. The quorum service determines whether the at least two failed nodes include the group leader node. The quorum service, responsive to the at least two failed nodes not including the group leader node, triggers the group leader node to trigger at least one fencing operation to fence the at least two failed nodes in the list of nodes. The quorum service, responsive to the at least two failed nodes including the group leader node, sets a new node as the group leader node and triggers the new node set as the group leader node to trigger the at least one fencing operation to fence the at least two failed nodes in the list of nodes.
US09037897B2 Elastic cloud-driven task execution
A method, an apparatus and an article of manufacture for cloud-driven application execution. The method includes determining a plurality of attributes of a failed application, wherein the plurality of attributes comprises at least one policy context attribute and at least one context attribute, correlating each of the plurality of attributes to at least one alternative asset, wherein the at least one alternative asset is a part of an environment on which the failed application can be executed, using the plurality of attributes correlated to the at least one alternative asset to identify an alternative asset set of alternative assets, wherein the alternative asset set is capable of enabling an alternative environment on which to execute the failed application, and provisioning the alternative assets in the alternative asset set from at least one cloud network to create the alternative environment on which the failed application is executed.
US09037891B2 Multi-processor synchronization using time base counters
A multi-processor system includes a first processor that includes a first time base counter that outputs a first time base count, a second processor that includes a second time base counter that outputs a second time base count, and a communication bus. The first and second processors exchange the first and second time base counts on the communication bus. The first and second processors determine a skew based upon a difference between the first and second time base counts, and the first and second processors synchronize with each other based upon the skew.
US09037890B2 Ultra-deep power-down mode for memory devices
A memory device includes a voltage regulator, whose output provides a voltage supply for various other components of the memory device, including a command user interface. The memory device is placed into an ultra-deep power-down mode by providing to the memory device a software command, which causes the output of the voltage regulator to be disabled. To bring the memory device out of the ultra-deep power-down mode, a chip select signal is provided to the memory device, which includes a wake-up circuit that remains powered on even when the memory device is in the ultra-deep power-down mode. Receipt of the chip select signal while the memory device is in the ultra-deep power-down mode causes the output of the voltage regulator to be enabled, thereby providing power to the components that were completely powered down.
US09037889B2 Apparatus and method for determining the number of execution cores to keep active in a processor
A processor is described that includes a plurality of execution cores. The processor also includes power management circuitry to dynamically determine a number of the execution cores that, when active, will cause the processor to operate in a substantially linear power consumption vs. frequency region of operation such that performance gain as a function of power consumption increase with the number of cores is higher as compared to any other number of active execution cores within an established power envelope.
US09037887B2 Energy-efficient application content update and sleep mode determination
Embodiments of methods, systems, and storage medium associated with are disclosed herein. In one instance, the method may include: first determining whether the computing device is connected to a network, based on a result of the first determining, monitoring data traffic between the computing device and the network, wherein the data traffic is associated with at least one application residing on the computing device, based on the monitoring, second determining whether the at least one application has been updated, and initiating a transition of the computing device to a sleep mode upon a result of the second determining that indicates that the at least one application has been updated. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US09037885B2 Independent power control of processing cores
Independent power control of two or more processing cores. More particularly, at least one embodiment of the invention pertains to a technique to place at least one processing core in a power state without coordinating with the power state of one or more other processing cores.
US09037884B2 System and method for multi-phase voltage regulation
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-phase voltage regulator may comprise a plurality of phases, each phase configured to supply electrical current to one or more information handling resources electrically coupled to the voltage regulator. A controller may be electrically coupled to the plurality of phases. The controller may designate at least one of the plurality of phases as a first state phase, and designate each of the plurality of phases not designated as a first state phase as a second state phase. The controller may alternate the designation of at least two of the plurality of phases between a first state phase and a second state phase. Each first state phase may be configured to supply a first electrical current regardless of electrical current demand. Each second state phase may be configured to supply a second electrical current based on the current demand.
US09037881B2 System and method for power flow mapping in a datacenter
A method of power flow mapping in a datacenter includes encoding, by a power supply unit of the datacenter, identification information that uniquely identifies the power supply unit, and modulating the encoded identification information onto a power cable, wherein the power supply unit receives operating power via the power cable. Modulating the encoded information onto the power cable further includes changing a voltage internal to the power supply unit to create a current change in the power cable.
US09037878B2 Server rack system
A server rack system includes a rack, a rack management module, a plurality of servers, a management network connection module and a power module. The rack management module is located in the rack and coupled to a management network line. The servers are located in the rack and respectively have a baseboard management controller (BMC), in which each of the BMCs is used for monitoring a working state of the server where the BMC resides. The power module provides a working voltage required by the rack management module, the management network connection module and the servers. The rack management module obtains overall power consumption information through the power module, and obtains power consumption information of each of the servers through the management network line, and is used for managing the servers according to the overall power consumption information and the power consumption information of each of the servers.
US09037877B2 System and method for operating a plurality of components according to first or second operating characteristics in response to a detected first or second power input characteristic associated with a first or second power input respectively
A power input utilization system includes a plurality of components and a plurality of power input connectors. A power utilization engine is coupled between the plurality of power input connectors and the plurality of components. The detect a power input to the plurality of power input connectors and determine a power input characteristic for the power input. The power utilization engine is also operable to use the power input characteristic to determine a plurality of operation characteristics for the plurality of components. The power utilization engine is also operable to operate the plurality of components using on the power input and the plurality of operation characteristics.
US09037874B2 Semiconductor device with copyright protection function
A semiconductor device includes a serial communication interface connector, a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a memory controller, and a memory reader/writer. The serial communication interface connector is capable of being connected to a serial communication interface terminal of electronic equipment. The memory controller includes a memory interface connected to the non-volatile semiconductor memory and a copyright protection function and controls the non-volatile semiconductor memory. The memory reader/writer includes a controller interface connected to the memory controller and a serial communication interface connected to the serial communication interface connector.
US09037866B1 System and method for enrolling in a biometric system
A system and method for enrolling in a biometric authorization system. A system user may be authorized to enroll by providing biometric data from both his person and a third party token.
US09037864B1 Generating authentication challenges based on social network activity information
A system and method for generating user authentication challenges based at least in part on an account owner's social network activity information. A login request including an account owner's correct username and password as well as additional login information is received from a user. The login attempt is detected as a potentially fraudulent based on the additional login information from the user. The account owner's social network activity information is analyzed. An authentication challenge based at least in part on the account owner's social network activity information is generated and sent for display. The login request is allowed or denied based on the completion on the authentication challenge.
US09037863B2 Terminal device, server device, content recording control system, recording method, and recording permission control method
A terminal device recording content onto a recording medium device, a permission to record the content onto the recording medium device being granted by a server device, the terminal device comprising: a generation unit generating a value calculated so as to represent subject content for which permission to record is requested; an information transmission unit requesting the permission from the server device by transmitting information indicating the value generated by the generation unit to the server device; a signature reception unit receiving subject content signature data from the server device, the subject content signature data being transmitted by the server device upon granting the permission; and a recording unit recording the subject content onto the recording medium device as one of plain-text data and encrypted data, as well as the subject content signature data received by the signature reception unit.
US09037862B2 Instant messaging private tags
Systems for instant messaging private tags preferably comprise a parser for parsing an instant message for sensitive data and an encryption engine for encrypting the sensitive data. A modified uuencoder is also preferably included for converting the encrypted sensitive data into a data stream that complies with an XML format. Other systems and methods are also provided.
US09037861B2 Enhancing data security using re-encryption
A data source may be configured to provide usage data including subscriber identifiers and associated information indicative of subscriber device locations and usage. A data warehouse server may be configured to perform operations including: decrypting subscriber identifiers included in usage data received from the data source using a two-way rolling key groups algorithm; re-encrypting the subscriber identifiers decrypted from the usage data to create secure encrypted identifiers using a one-way secured encryption algorithm; and correlating the subscriber identifiers in the decrypted usage data with the corresponding re-encrypted identifiers.
US09037857B2 System and method for downloading application
A method for downloading an application is disclosed by the present invention which is implemented based on an application downloading system including a smart card, a mobile terminal, an Over The Air (OTA) server and an outside-card entity management platform. The outside-card entity management platform establishes a connection with the smart card through the OTA server and mobile terminal, selects a security domain for application downloading in the smart card after receiving an application downloading request from the smart card, establishes a security channel with the smart card, and downloads the application to the smart card based on the security channel. By using the system and method for downloading an application of the present invention, the application may be downloaded to the smart card over a mobile communication network at a high speed, in real time, conveniently and safely, with user experience being improved.
US09037848B2 Mobile IPTV service system using downloadable conditional access system and method thereof
An apparatus and method associated with an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service in a mobile environment are provided. A streaming server may provide a mobile terminal with a mobile certificate and an encryption key. In response to a content request received from the mobile terminal, the streaming server may provide the mobile terminal with encrypted content and a Downloadable Conditional Access System (DCAS) code. The mobile terminal may decrypt the encrypted content using the encryption key and the DCAS code, and may play back the decrypted content.
US09037847B2 System and method for enforcing digital rights management rules
A method for enforcing digital rights management (DRM) rules in a first device is disclosed. In the method the first device receives a message that includes a rights object (RO) having a digital signature, directly from a source device. The first device determines an identity of a signing entity from the message including the RO having the digital signature. The signing entity is an entity that digitally signed the RO. The first device processes the message including the RO having the digital signature using the identity of the signing entity and an information state to enforce DRM rules in the first device.
US09037840B2 Mechanism to provide workload and configuration-aware deterministic performance for microprocessors
An apparatus that includes a semiconductor chip having a processor and an on-die non-volatile storage resource is described. The on-die non volatile storage is to store different, appropriate performance related information for different configurations and/or usage cases of the processor for a same performance state of the processor.
US09037837B2 Hardware assist thread for increasing code parallelism
Mechanisms are provided for offloading a workload from a main thread to an assist thread. The mechanisms receive, in a fetch unit of a processor of the data processing system, a branch-to-assist-thread instruction of a main thread. The branch-to-assist-thread instruction informs hardware of the processor to look for an already spawned idle thread to be used as an assist thread. Hardware implemented pervasive thread control logic determines if one or more already spawned idle threads are available for use as an assist thread. The hardware implemented pervasive thread control logic selects an idle thread from the one or more already spawned idle threads if it is determined that one or more already spawned idle threads are available for use as an assist thread, to thereby provide the assist thread. In addition, the hardware implemented pervasive thread control logic offloads a portion of a workload of the main thread to the assist thread.
US09037834B2 Method and system for managing hardware resources to implement system functions using an adaptive computing architecture
An adaptable integrated circuit is disclosed having a plurality of heterogeneous computational elements coupled to an interconnection network. The interconnection network changes interconnections between the plurality of heterogeneous computational elements in response to configuration information. A first group of computational elements is allocated to form a first version of a functional unit to perform a first function by changing interconnections in the interconnection network between the first group of heterogeneous computational elements. A second group of computational elements is allocated to form a second version of a functional unit to perform the first function by changing interconnections in the interconnection network between the second group of heterogeneous computational elements. One or more of the first or second group of heterogeneous computational elements are reallocated to perform a second function by changing the interconnections between the one or more of the first or second group of heterogeneous computational elements.
US09037828B2 Transferring storage resources between snapshot storage pools and volume storage pools in a data storage system
A method for data storage, including configuring in a data storage system a volume storage pool as data storage resources available for allocation of volumes in the data storage system. The method also includes defining a threshold value for the volume storage pool. When the allocation of the volumes causes the threshold value to be crossed, the method includes performing an action for managing the volume storage pool.
US09037827B2 Scheduling of I/O writes in a storage environment
A system and method for scheduling read and write operations among a plurality of solid-state storage devices. A computer system comprises client computers and data storage arrays coupled to one another via a network. A data storage array utilizes solid-state drives and Flash memory cells for data storage. A storage controller within a data storage array comprises an I/O scheduler. The data storage controller is configured to receive requests targeted to the data storage medium, said requests including a first type of operation and a second type of operation. The controller is further configured to schedule requests of the first type for immediate processing by said plurality of storage devices, and queue requests of the second type for later processing by the plurality of storage devices. Operations of the first type may correspond to operations with an expected relatively low latency, and operations of the second type may correspond to operations with an expected relatively high latency.
US09037824B2 Password accessible microelectronic memory
A microelectronic memory may be password access protected. A controller may maintain a register with requirements for accessing particular memory locations to initiate a security protocol. A mapping may correlate which regions within a memory array are password protected. Thus, a controller can use a register and the mapping to determine whether a particular granularity of memory is password protected, what the protection is, and what protection should be implemented. As a result, in some embodiments, a programmable password protection scheme may be utilized to control a variety of different types of accesses to particular regions of a memory array.
US09037819B2 Source cleaning cascaded volumes using reference counts
A system, process, and product for source cleaning cascaded volumes include the ability to store a number of cascaded backup volumes and prepare received writes for storage. The system, process, and product also include the ability to examine a metadata set associated with a volume region for a write to determine whether another volume depends on the region and write the new data to the region if another volume is not dependent. The system, process, and product further include the ability to determine whether a write is for a volume region that is a canonical source and, if so, decrement a reference count in a metadata set associated with the region and establish the volume of the region as a canonical source for a metadata set associated with a new metadata set location identifier.
US09037818B1 Active replication switch
A method, system, and computer program product for replication comprising allowing a subset of sites, wherein the sites comprise a first site, a second site and a third site and further wherein each site has a volume, to have active/active VSL replication, which presents two volumes at two different sites as a single volume, and another set of the sites to have a volume which is a replications of the volume presented by the VSL, and enabling the system to transparently shift which subset of the sites are replicated by the VSL and which sites are replications of the volume presented by the VSL; where the replication of the VSL is performed by a second replication technique.
US09037813B2 Data accessing method for flash memory storage device having data perturbation module, and storage system and controller using the same
A data accessing method, and a storage system and a controller using the same are provided. The data accessing method is suitable for a flash memory storage system having a data perturbation module. The data accessing method includes receiving a read command from a host and obtaining a logical block to be read and a page to be read from the read command. The data accessing method also includes determining whether a physical block in a data area corresponding to the logical block to be read is a new block and transmitting a predetermined data to the host when the physical block corresponding to the logical block to be read is a new block. Thereby, the host is prevented from reading garbled code from the flash memory storage system having the data perturbation module.
US09037811B2 Tagging in memory control unit (MCU)
Embodiments relate to tagging in a MCU. An aspect includes assigning a command tag to a command by a tag allocation logic of the MCU. Another aspect includes sending the command and the command tag on a plurality of channels that are in communication with the MCU. Another aspect includes receiving a response tag comprising one of a data tag and a done tag corresponding to the command tag from each of the plurality of channels. Another aspect includes, based on receiving a data tag from each of the plurality of channels, determining that read data corresponding to the command is available.
US09037810B2 Pre-fetching of data packets
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising receiving a data packet, and storing the received data packet in a memory; generating a descriptor for the data packet, the descriptor including information for fetching at least a portion of the data packet from the memory; and in advance of a processing core requesting the at least a portion of the data packet to execute a processing operation on the at least a portion of the data packet, fetching the at least a portion of the data packet to a cache based at least in part on information in the descriptor. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US09037808B2 Restoring data using parity when suspending a core of a multicore processor
A computer-readable recording medium stores a program that causes a computer capable of accessing a multicore processor equipped with volatile memories and a plurality of cores accessing the volatile memories, to execute a data restoration process. The data restoration process includes detecting a suspend instruction to any one of the cores in the multicore processor; and restoring, when the suspend instruction is detected, data stored in a volatile memory accessed by a core receiving the suspend instruction, the data being restored in a shared memory accessed by the cores in operation and based on parity data stored in the volatile memories accessed by the cores in operation other than the core receiving the suspend instruction.
US09037807B2 Processor arrangement on a chip including data processing, memory, and interface elements
At the inputs and/or outputs, memories are assigned to a reconfigurable module to achieve decoupling of internal data processing and in particular decoupling of the reconfiguration cycles from the external data streams (to/from peripherals, memories, etc.).
US09037806B2 Reducing store operation busy times
A computer product for reducing store operation busy times is provided. The computer product includes a tangible storage medium readable by a processing circuit and storing instructions for execution by the processing circuit for performing a method. The method includes associating first and second platform registers with a cache array, determining that first and second store operations target a same wordline of the cache array, loading control information and data of the first and second store operation into the first and second platform registers and delaying a commit of the first store operation until the loading of the second platform register is complete. The method further includes committing the data from the first and second platform registers using the control information from the first and second platform registers to the wordline of the cache array at a same time to thereby reduce a busy time of the wordline of the cache array.
US09037805B2 Managing a region cache
A method for managing a cache region including receiving a new region to be stored within the cache, the cache including multiple regions defined by one or more ranges having a starting index and an ending index, and storing the new region in the cache in accordance with a cache invariant, the cache invariant ensuring that regions in the cache are not overlapping and that the regions are stored in a specified order.
US09037802B2 Methods for managing a cache in a multi-node virtual tape controller
According to one embodiment, a method for managing cache space in a virtual tape controller includes receiving data from at least one host using the virtual tape controller; storing data received from the at least one host to a cache using the virtual tape controller; sending a first alert to the at least one host when a cache free space size is less than a first threshold and entering into a warning state using the virtual tape controller; sending a second alert to the at least one host when the cache free space size is less than a second threshold and entering into a critical state using the virtual tape controller; and allowing previously mounted virtual drives to continue normal writing activity when in the critical state.
US09037800B2 Speculative copying of data from main buffer cache to solid-state secondary cache of a storage server
A network storage server includes a main buffer cache to buffer writes requested by clients before committing them to primary persistent storage. The server further uses a secondary cache, implemented as low-cost, solid-state memory, such as flash memory, to store data evicted from the main buffer cache or data read from the primary persistent storage. To prevent bursts of writes to the secondary cache, data is copied from the main buffer cache to the secondary cache speculatively, before there is a need to evict data from the main buffer cache. Data can be copied to the secondary cache as soon as the data is marked as clean in the main buffer cache. Data can be written to secondary cache at a substantially constant rate, which can be at or close to the maximum write rate of the secondary cache.
US09037799B2 Rebuild of redundant secondary storage cache
System and techniques for rebuilding a redundant secondary storage cache including a first storage device and a second storage device are described. A metadata entry indicative of a validity of a portion of information stored by a first storage cache device and associated with a region of a primary storage device is received. When the validity of the portion of information associated with the region of the primary storage device is established, a region lock is requested on the region of the primary storage device associated with the portion of information stored by the first storage cache device. Then, the portion of information and the corresponding metadata entry associated with the region of the primary storage device is copied from the first cache storage device to a second storage cache device to rebuild the second storage cache device.
US09037791B2 Tiered caching and migration in differing granularities
For data processing in a computing storage environment by a processor device, the computing storage environment incorporating at least high-speed and lower-speed caches, and managed tiered levels of storage, groups of data segments are migrated between the tiered levels of storage such that uniformly hot ones of the groups of data segments are migrated to use a Solid State Drive (SSD) portion of the tiered levels of storage, clumped hot ones of the groups of data segments are migrated to use the SSD portion while using the lower-speed cache for a remaining portion of the clumped hot ones, and sparsely hot ones of the groups of data segments are migrated to use the lower-speed cache while using a lower one of the tiered levels of storage for a remaining portion of the sparsely hot ones.
US09037788B2 Validating persistent memory content for processor main memory
Subject matter disclosed herein relates to validating memory content in persistent main memory of a processor.
US09037785B2 Store storage class memory information command
An abstraction for storage class memory is provided that hides the details of the implementation of storage class memory from a program, and provides a standard channel programming interface for performing certain actions, such as controlling movement of data between main storage and storage class memory or managing storage class memory.
US09037781B2 Method for managing buffer memory, memory controllor, and memory storage device
A method for managing a buffer memory in a memory storage device is provided, wherein the memory storage device has a rewritable non-volatile memory module. The method includes transmitting temporary data from the buffer memory to a buffer area of the rewritable non-volatile memory module by using a pre-programmed command set, wherein the temporary data is not programmed into a storage area of the rewritable non-volatile memory module. The method also includes releasing a storage space storing the temporary data in the buffer memory and reloading the temporary data from the buffer area into the storage space of the buffer memory. Thereby, the method can temporarily increase available storage space of the buffer memory to meet the demand of additional operations.
US09037779B2 Systems and methods for performing variable flash wear leveling
Systems and methods for performing wear leveling are disclosed. In one implementation, a controller partitions a memory block into at least a first partition and a second partition. The controller utilizes the first partition of the memory block for storage of data blocks until the first partition reaches a first end of life condition. After the first partition reaches the first end of life condition, the controller utilizes the first partition for storage of data blocks associated with a compression ratio that is less than a compression threshold until the first portion reaches a second end of life condition. The controller additionally utilizes the second partition for the storage of data blocks until the second partition reaches the first end of life condition.
US09037773B2 Methods for processing and addressing data between volatile memory and non-volatile memory in an electronic apparatus
An electronic apparatus is disclosed. The electronic apparatus comprises a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM) and a processing unit. The RAM stores a call transfer table, wherein the call transfer table comprising at least one transferred address in the RAM. The ROM stores at least one code to call one address of the call transfer table. The processing unit executes the code in the ROM and reads the transfer table accordingly, then transfers to run the data in the transferred address of the RAM.
US09037772B2 Host based zone configuration
A zone manager to provide a host with a list of storage drives that are not zoned to the host. The zone manager, in response to receipt of a command from the host to perform zone storage configuration for the host, to zone to host storage drives that were selected by the host from the list of storage drives.
US09037767B1 Method and apparatus for dynamically granting access of a shared resource among a plurality of requestors
An arbiter configured to selectively grant access to a shared bus to a plurality of requestors. The arbiter includes a plurality of request shapers each configured to receive a request signal corresponding to a request, from a respective one of the plurality of requestors, to access the shared bus, a base priority signal indicating a base priority level of the respective one of the plurality of requestors, and a delta period signal indicating a counter value threshold. The counter value threshold corresponds to a threshold amount of time, and the counter value threshold is different for each of the plurality of requestors. Each of the plurality of request shapes is configured to separately output the request signal and a priority signal indicating a priority level of the request based on the base priority level, the counter value threshold, and a counter value.
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