Document Document Title
US07662014B2 Joining system for polyhedric modules
A joint system for joining polyhedric facet elements together. Polyhedrons have a plurality of facets. The polyhedric facet elements have facet planes that are generally congruent with the facets of the polyhedrons in which they are found. Various facet elements occupy angular relationships such that they can be joined in rigid stable joints by means of key elements where the planes of the key elements extend generally perpendicular to the planes of each of the facet elements. The joint system is suitable for inter-polyhedron joint systems where the joints include four joint elements, three of which are in the respective polyhedrons that are to be joined, and the fourth is a key element perpendicularly disposed between the other three joint elements. The joint system is likewise suitable for intra-polyhedron joint systems where there are three joint elements, two of which are in the polyhedron (in-polyhedron) and the other is a key element that extends in perpendicular relationship inter-facet between the two in-polyhedron facet elements. The intra-polyhedron embodiment of the joint system is particularly well suited to permitting polyhedron structures to be formed with alternating open and closed facets for aesthetic, structural, and other utilitarian purposes.
US07662009B2 Organic electronic device, method of producing the same, and method of operating the same
An organic electronic device is provided that utilizes a conductive organic thin film having a conductive network in the channel region. The conductive network comprises an organic molecular group made up of organic molecules each having a light-responsive group or a polar group bonded together by conjugated bonds. Thus, high integration and high-speed response is made possible. In addition, a method of producing a functional organic thin film fixed to a specified portion of a substrate surface by covalent bonds is provided. This method comprises preliminarily treating the substrate by performing an active hydrogen exposure treatment on the specified portion (or an active hydrogen removing treatment on the portion other than the specified portion) and reacting the active hydrogens of the specified portion with organic molecules. Thus, a high precision functional organic thin film, even one formed to the micron pattern level, can be provided.
US07662007B2 Method of fabricating sealing substrate
A sealing substrate has first and second substrates. A hollow portion is formed in a first surface of the first substrate. The first substrate has a plate portion that forms a bottom surface of a hollow portion and a frame portion that forms an inner wall surface of the hollow portion. The second substrate is affixed to a second surface of the first substrate. The second substrate is formed of a material having a lower specific gravity than that of the first substrate.
US07662004B1 Human-powered flapping hydrofoil craft
A pair of foils are pivotably coupled to a nacelle. The nacelle is pivotably coupled to a mast extending down from to a frame and below a water surface. A push rod oscillates, causing the nacelle to experience a heaving motion, in turn causing the foils to flap up and down. The push rod is driven by a power plant such as a human rider. Angles of attack for the foils are actively controlled to optimize lift and propulsion forces provided by the foils to cause the water craft to move over the water. A steering fin is also provided for heading control of the water craft. A control system for separate angles of attack for the foil sends appropriate information to servo motors which cause the foils to rotate relative to the nacelle to achieve optimal angles of attack relative to the particular position of the nacelle at any given moment.
US07662002B2 Carbon fiber tow termination and method for making
Discrete portions of a carbon fiber tow, selected from a group of tows, ranging in number of fibers from about 1,000 to about 150,000, and terminated by discrete contact portions of a metal conductor within a non-metallic termination assembly formed by the joinder of a cradle and a cap defining opposing parallel clamping surfaces receiving the tow portions and the contact portions in crossing engagement therebetween. Opposing energy directors on the cradle and cap serve as temporary guide rails for positioning the carbon fiber portions before and during assembly. Meltdown of the energy directors during a pressure and ultrasonic welding cycle enable self-leveling of the carbon fiber portions whereby uniform distribution of carbon fiber over the entire cross section of each of the carbon fiber portions of the assembly may be attained. The clamping surfaces remain intact after welding and retain clamping integrity.
US07661998B1 Electrical contact for interconnecting electrical components
An electrical contact configured to engage an electrical component. The contact includes a compressive body that is configured to be press-fit into a hole of the electrical component. The body includes a center portion and a pair of opposing arcuate arms that extend along a central axis. The arcuate arms project from the center portion to respective end portions and are configured to bend toward each other when inserted into the hole. The arcuate arms form a transition region and a compliant region of the body where the transition region engages the hole before the compliant region. The end portions of the transition region have a first arcuate path and the end portions of the compliant region have a second arcuate path. The second arcuate path has a greater radius of curvature than the first arcuate path before the body is inserted into the hole.
US07661996B2 Electrical connection terminal for connection hole and engagement structure of electronic component including the same
An electrical connection terminal for a connection hole includes: a base-side end portion (310) having a predetermined width; a retaining portion (313) having an increasing width wider than the predetermined width of the base-side end portion (310), the retaining portion (313) being formed integrally with the base-side end portion (310); and an insertion taper portion (315) having a taper width narrower than the increasing width of the retaining portion (313) to reach a leading end portion, the insertion taper portion (315) being formed integrally with the retaining portion (313); in which the insertion taper portion (315) is composed of a plurality of taper portions taper angles of which change so as to increase along an insertion direction.
US07661994B2 Universal connector assembly and method of manufacturing
An advanced modular plug connector assembly incorporating an insert assembly disposed in the rear portion of the connector housing. In one embodiment, the connector has a plurality of ports in multi-row configuration, and the insert assembly includes a substrate adapted to receive one or more electronic components such as choke coils, transformers, or other signal conditioning elements or magnetics. The substrate also interfaces with the conductors of two modular ports of the connector, and is removable from the housing such that an insert assembly of a different electronics or terminal configuration can be substituted therefor. In this fashion, the connector can be configured to a plurality of different standards (e.g., Gigabit Ethernet and 10/100). In yet another embodiment, the connector assembly comprises a plurality of light sources (e.g., LEDs) received within the housing. Methods for manufacturing the aforementioned embodiments are also disclosed.
US07661989B1 Memory card connector
A memory card connector adapted for receiving a memory card includes an insulating housing, a plurality of terminals, a first shielding shell and a second shielding shell. The insulating housing has a bottom wall, a rear wall, two opposite first and second sidewalls, all of which together define a receiving space therebetween for receiving the memory card. Two resisting portions are respectively positioned at two opposite sides of the receiving space adjacent to the first and second sidewalls and spaced from the bottom wall for respectively pressing against two opposite sides of the memory card. Each of the terminals has a contact portion projecting into the receiving space for being electrically connected with the memory card. The first shielding shell is mounted to the first sidewall and the second shielding shell is mounted to the second sidewall to be spaced away from the first shielding shell.
US07661988B1 Card connector
A card connector adapted for accommodating a memory card includes a dielectric housing, a plurality of terminals received in the dielectric housing, and a shell. The dielectric housing defines a plurality of terminal grooves for receiving the terminals. The shell shielding the dielectric housing has a top board and two sideboards extending downward from two opposite sides of the top board. The junction of the top board and at least one of the two sideboards is depressed inward to form a connecting board of substantially L-shaped cross-section. The top board, the two sideboards and the connecting board of the shell and the dielectric housing define a space therebetween for receiving the memory card therein.
US07661986B2 Connector
First terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A) are arranged in a width direction in a housing (41) of a connector (40) for receiving first terminal fittings (42). A second terminal fitting accommodating chamber (61B) for receiving a second terminal fitting (42) is adjacent the first terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A) in a height direction and between the first terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A) in the width direction. First lances (64A) are in the first terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A) for engaging the inserted terminal fittings (42) and are deformable into first deformation spaces (65A) lateral to the second terminal fitting accommodating chamber (61B). A second lance (64B) is in the second terminal fitting accommodating chamber (61B) for engaging the second terminal fitting (42) and is deformable into a second deformation space (65B) between the first terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A).
US07661983B2 Lighting connector
A lighting connector including a terminal enclosure, an adapter circuit board and an insulating layer. Multiple terminals are enclosed in the terminal enclosure. A first side of the adapter circuit board is provided with multiple terminal contacts with which the terminals are respectively soldered. A second side of the adapter circuit board is provided with multiple wire contacts with which multiple signal wires are respectively soldered. The insulating layer encloses the terminal enclosure, the adapter circuit board and the signal wires. The insulating layer is made of a transparent material. At least one light-emitting element is arranged on the adapter circuit board. Two electrode pins of the light-emitting element are connected to a set of printed power circuits of the adapter circuit board. After turned on, the light-emitting element emits light which goes through the transparent insulating layer to outer side.
US07661978B2 Connector and to a connecting method
A connector (10) has a housing (20) that is connectable with a mating connector (90). A sliding force multiplying mechanism can slide relative to the housing (20) in a direction intersecting a connecting direction for proceeding with a first part of a connecting operation. A rotating force multiplying mechanism then can be rotated relative to the housing (20) for proceeding with a second part of the connecting operation. The sliding force multiplying mechanism and the rotating force multiplying mechanism operate separately and are formed on a single lever (40).
US07661976B2 Electrical connector having improved electrical connection between contacts and pins of the package for minimizing the connector
The present invention provides an electrical connector for electrical connecting an IC package having a plurality of pins to a PCB. The electrical connector comprises a base defining a plurality of passageways, a plurality of contacts received in the passageways, and a cover moveable relative to the base from a first position to a second position. The cover defines a plurality of through holes corresponding the passageway. The contacts each have a resilient arm. During movement of the cover from the first position to the second position, pins of the IC package will compress the resilient arms of the contacts along a direction and the resilient will exert a normal force on the pins, thus ensuring proper connection between the resilient arm and the pins; wherein direction of the normal force is opposite to the direction of the pins moving.
US07661972B2 Electrical connector
An electrical connector for connecting a flat conductive member includes a plurality of terminals formed of a flat metal plate arranged on a housing in a direction perpendicular to a plate direction. Each of the terminals has a contact portion disposed at a position for receiving the flat conductive member to be inserted into a receptacle portion of the housing. A metal member having an engaging portion is attached to the housing for engaging an engagement portion of the flat conductive member, so that the flat conductive member does not come off backward. A pressing member is supported on at least one of the housing and the terminals to be rotatable. The metal member further includes an attaching portion attached to the housing. The metal member is attached to the housing such that the attaching portion is situated in parallel to a plate surface of the terminals.
US07661971B1 Card connector
A card connector has a housing, a sliding member that is designed to receive a card, and a latching member that is connected to the housing. The sliding member is slidable relative to the housing. The latching member is designed to engage the card to prevent the card from being removed from the housing.
US07661967B2 Retractable memory drive
A retractable memory drive in accordance with the present invention comprises a top casing, a middle carrier, an electronic device such as a USB thumb drive, and a bottom casing. A positioning device on the middle carrier has a portion that protrudes outside the casing and operates like a button. The location of the positioning device where the button is located has two key attributes. First, there is a protrusion that acts as a lock with the casing. Second, the area below the button is not rigid and so it gives way when pressure is applied to the button. The top and bottom casings provide a casing structure which includes two detents. One detent is for locking the device with the connector in the extended position, and one detent for locking the device with the connector retracted in the in position. This allows for just one press of the extended portion of the positioning device to unlock it from its present position. When the device reaches its new position it will automatically lock. There are also guide rails that allow the middle carrier to remain in an appropriate position.
US07661962B2 Socket for electric component
A socket for an electric component may have a socket main body, a plurality of contact pins disposed within the socket main body, a socket cover, a slide plate disposed inside the socket main body to be movable up and down, and drive levers which are provided between the socket main body and the bottom face of the socket cover. The drive levers press both end portions of two opposing sides of the slide plate by a down-movement-operation of the socket cover to lower the slide plate. The socket may also include sub-levers provided between the socket main body and the bottom face of the socket cover for pressing one or plural positions of other opposing two sides of the slide plate, which oppose to each other in a direction perpendicular to the two opposing sides pressed by the drive levers to lower the slide plate.
US07661959B2 Interior design system and method
An interior design system of the present disclosure can comprise a user interface configured to display a plurality of interior design components. The system may further comprise logic configured to receive a user selection of one of the components and display the selected component in the user interface. The logic may further be configured to receive a plurality of user inputs, via the user interface, the inputs related to characteristics of the selected component.
US07661951B2 Apparatus for injection molding
An injection molding apparatus for injection molding a component includes a first mold half, a second mold half, an eject pin, a receiving container and a blocking device. The second mold half is placed opposite to the first mold half. The eject pin penetrates through the first mold half. The receiving container is placed below the first mold half and the second half. The receiving container is configured for receiving the molding component. The blocking device is movable relative to the first mold half to face toward the first mold half. The blocking device is configured for blocking the molding component when the eject pin ejects the component out from the first mold half.
US07661948B2 Application device for applying a layer of a building material in powder form in a device for a layerwise manufacturing of a three-dimensional object
An application device (27) for applying a layer of a building material in powder form in a device (1) for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by a layer-wise solidification of a building material at positions in the respective layers that correspond to the object is provided. An application element (61) that applies the building material in powder form in the form of a layer and a drive mechanism (59) that moves the application element (61) across a building plane (11) in order to apply the layer of the building material are provided. The drive mechanism (59) comprises an actuation piston cylinder system (69) and a brake piston cylinder system (70).
US07661947B2 Method and apparatus for molding roofing products with back gating
A molding apparatus is configured with a distribution channel configured to deliver a blended feed composition directly into an article molding region such that a molded article is formed with gating on the bottom surface of the article. The article molding regions are formed into front sides of opposed “A” and “B” surface mold tools that, when moved into a mating relationship with one another, form closed molding cavities within which molded articles are generated from molding material feed. The article molding regions each generally have a body bounded by a perimeter that establishes an outer edge for an article molded in the one of the closed molding cavities. Additionally, the body of each article molding region of the “A” surface mold tool is adapted for molding a bottom surface for the composite article, and the body of the article molding region of the “B” surface mold tool is adapted for molding a top surface for the composite article. The distribution channel is formed in at least the second surface mold tool, and has a main portion and a downstream terminus for each article molding region of the “A” surface mold tool. The main portion of the distribution channel is formed outside of each article molding region. The downstream terminus, to which the main portion extends, is in communication with the body of the respective article molding region of the “A” surface mold tool.
US07661945B2 Apparatus for extruding and blow molding multicolored plastic articles
Cylindrical extrusions having multiple colors, capable of serving as parisons for subsequent blow molding operation, are formed in an apparatus in which plastics of each color to be incorporated in the finished product are fed by separate extruders to an extruding head having a stack of cylindrical spools each formed with a number of apertures around their periphery. The apertures in each spool are interleaved with corresponding apertures in the other spool or spools. The interiors of the apertures are fed into a conduit which extends coaxially with the axes of each of the spools so that the outputted plastic has multicolored stripes along its length. In an embodiment in which the spool is rotated in timed relation to the feed from the extruders, the output is twisted along the central axis to form a “barber pole” stripe arrangement. In an alternate embodiment a programming plate is disposed beneath the output. The plate has apertures which align with certain of the feeds from the spool and block others, and the plate may be rotated between a number of alternating positions to provide extrusions with horizontal stripes or checkerboard patterns. By blow molding the resulting parisons, multicolored containers with interesting patterns may be produced.
US07661944B2 Tire vulcanizing device
A tire vulcanizer is provided in which upper and lower clamp rings can be positioned at a shaping position easily and smoothly with a simple engagement structure. The tier vulcanizer with a vulcanizer body (A) and a shaping unit (B) is configured that the upper and lower clamp rings (5, 6) are connected by an extendable shaft (5a) having an inner shaft (51) and an outer tubular shaft (61) so that the inner shaft is slidably fitted into an inside of the outer tubular shaft. A latch member (53) on the inner shaft is engaged with a step portion (63) on an inner surface of the outer tubular shaft, thereby positioning the upper and lower clamp rings at the shaping position.
US07661936B2 Piston pump with slot-controlled inlet valve
The invention relates to a piston pump for delivering hydraulic fluid, including a cylinder element, a piston that is able to move back and forth in the cylinder element, a piston chamber in which the piston is able to exert pressure on the hydraulic fluid, an outlet valve, and a slot-controlled inlet valve; the inlet valve has at least one slot that is oriented in the movement direction (X-X) of the piston.
US07661926B2 Turbomachine blade
A turbomachine blade presenting a free end having an end wall from which there projects a rim, the rim including a first fraction starting from the trailing edge of the blade and running along the suction side of the blade to a connection zone, and a second fraction of closed outline connected to the first fraction at the region of the connection zone. The second fraction extends the first fraction, running along the suction side of the blade, along the leading edge of the blade, and then returning to the connection zone.
US07661910B2 Hydraulic elevation apparatus and method
The hydraulic elevation apparatus and method of the present invention incorporate a multiple chamber framework internally disposed preferably within at least one single shaft structure, which facilitates movement of object transport containers within the multiple chamber framework. Preferably, fluid elevation is employed to elevate object transport containers and their contents within the multiple chamber framework. Each single shaft structure may be constructed from an existing rehabilitated shaft, or a newly drilled shaft. The present invention may be utilized in vertical or incline lifting environments, and an auxiliary hoist chamber may be incorporated into the multiple chamber framework for use as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, elevating objects by employing fluid elevation. The present invention may be employed in a variety of heavy lifting scenarios, including underground mining or in above ground lifting environments.
US07661905B2 Suction pile installation method and suction pile for use in said method
Suction pile installation method comprising the steps of lowering a suction pile to the sea bed, while keeping a top end substantially closed providing openings in the suction pile near a lower end, the interior of the suction pile being in open fluid communication with the exterior via the openings, dropping the pile onto the sea bed, while allowing air to escape from the pile via said openings, and allowing the suction pile to penetrate into the sea bed driven substantially by its weight over such a distance that the openings become closed from the exterior, and pumping air from the suction pile for driving the pile further into the sea bed.
US07661893B2 Lens barrel
A lens barrel includes a light amount adjuster capable of adjusting a light amount of a lens system and which can be moved in the optical axis direction of the lens system, an adjacent member adjacent to the light amount adjuster and which can be moved relatively in the optical axis direction and a flexible wiring board one end of which is fixed to the light amount adjuster and of which the other end is led out through the adjacent member, wherein a fixed portion of one end of the flexible wiring board is fixed to the light amount adjuster in a two-dimensional fashion and an intermediate portion of the flexible wiring board is bent like a U shape at a space portion formed between the light amount adjuster and the adjacent member, inverted approximately 180 degrees and opposed to the fixed portion.
US07661891B2 Directing base for camera mount
A disc shaped, unitary body with a flat top surface mates against a tripod head. An upper side annular surface defines a fanned array of threaded bores on radial axes for receiving and supporting extension rods leading to suction cup fasteners. A lower side surface of frusto-conical contour, converging downwardly, depends from the upper side surface and defines a fanned array of threaded bores on axes angled outwardly and downwardly. A bottom face is a planar ring that defines vertical bores distributed around the ring. A central cavity wall is configured as an upwardly tapering conic frustum, connected at its lower end to an inside edge of the bottom wall. The cavity wall defines a fanned array of threaded bores on axes angled inwardly and downwardly. The top of the cavity wall defines a countersink.
US07661882B2 Fluid dynamic pressure bearing device, spindle motor provided with the fluid dynamic pressure bearing device, and recording disk drive device
A fluid dynamic pressure bearing device includes a shaft member (5) and a bearing member (41), at least one of the shaft member or the bearing member being rotatable with respect to the other. A shaft member-side annular member (13) is fixed with respect to the shaft member. The shaft member-side annular member includes a large-diameter rim portion and a small-diameter outer circumferential surface portion. A bearing member-side annular member (14) is fixed with respect to the bearing member. The bearing member-side annular member includes an inner circumferential large-diameter step portion, and a small-diameter inner circumferential surface portion. A plurality of convex surface portions are formed either on a surface of the inner circumferential large-diameter step portion facing the large-diameter rim portion of the shaft member-side annular member, or on a surface of the large-diameter rim portion of the shaft member-side annular member facing a surface of the inner circumferential large-diameter step portion. A reflux groove (17) surrounds the convex surface portions.
US07661879B2 Apparatus for detecting temperature using transistors
An apparatus for detecting a temperature using transistors includes a plurality of temperature detecting units that become selectively active according to predetermined temperature intervals; and a detection signal output unit that generates detection signals according to the signals transmitted by the plurality of temperature detecting units, and outputs the detection signals.
US07661873B2 Homogeniser for the continuous treatment of fluids at very high pressure
A homogeniser (1) for the continuous treatment of fluids at very high pressure comprises at least one reciprocating plunger (5) in a compression chamber (6) and a guide chamber (11) from a fluid intake position to a delivery position. Said compression chamber (6) opens into a manifold (27), inside a block (26) from which a delivery pipe (32) and an intake pipe (31) branch off. A first seal unit (21) is housed in the guide chamber (11), a second seal unit (24) is located close to the intersection between the compression chamber (6) and the guide chamber (11) and a third seal unit (35) is positioned upstream and downstream of each valve (28, 29) and the intersection between the manifold (27) and the compression chamber (6).
US07661867B2 Spread illuminating apparatus and display device incorporating same
A spread illuminating apparatus is provided which includes: a light conductor plate having a light inlet surface and two major surfaces; a light source unit disposed at the light inlet surface of the light conductor plate; and a light diffuser pattern disposed at the lower major surfaces of the two major surfaces of the light conductor plate, wherein the light source unit includes first and second white light sources which have respective different light emitting principles, are arranged in the width direction of the light conductor plate with their respective ends set close to one another, and which can be turned on and off independently of each other.
US07661865B2 Liquid crystal display backlight and liquid crystal display device
To provide a liquid crystal display backlight and a liquid crystal display device, which can improve the heat dissipating effect, can reduce the thickness and weight of the device. The liquid crystal display backlight includes: an emission light guide plate for emitting illuminating light for a liquid crystal display panel from one face; one and other mixed-color light guides mounted on a same plane of other face of the emission light guide plate via a spacer; a heat-dissipating spatial area provided between the mixed-color light guide plates; light-emitting devices disposed within the heat-dissipating spatial area; and reflectors for guiding output light, propagated inside each mixed-color light guide plate, towards corresponding end faces of the emission light guide plate from outside end face of each mixed-color light guide plate. A holding plate for holding the light-emitting devices is provided, facing each mixed-color light guide plate with an airing gap provided therebetween.
US07661860B2 Lighting and/or signalling device for a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a lighting and/or signalling device for a motor vehicle for lighting in a longitudinal emission direction. The lighting and/or signalling device has: at least one light source emitting light rays; and at least one light guiding sheet in which the light rays issuing from the light source spread by successive reflections, such that the guide sheet comprises at one end a reflective layer so as to redirect the light rays into the at least one sheet, and in that an output contour the sheet, at the end remote from the reflective layer, comprises a reflective profile, in particular inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of said sheet, so as to reflect the light rays reflected generally in an emission direction which is substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis.
US07661848B2 Installation light
An installation light for a vehicle or aircraft comprises a multitude of lighting elements. These lighting elements may be activated individually or in groups, in a manner such that the radiation direction and/or emittance angle of the light emitted by the installation light may be adjusted.
US07661846B2 Fixing structure and backlight module using the same
A fixing structure and a backlight module using the same are provided. The fixing structure is used for fixing a circuit board. The circuit board with several openings has an upper surface and a lower surface. The fixing structure includes a back plate and several hooks. The back plate has a contact surface. These hooks are disposed on the contact surface. The hooks go through the openings so that the contact surface contacts the lower surface. The hooks move toward the walls of the openings and press against the upper surface so as to fix the circuit board onto the back plate.
US07661844B2 Illuminating device and liquid-crystal display device using the same
An illuminating device capable of being produced at low costs and irradiating rays of light uniformly to a liquid crystal panel. The illuminating device has a plurality of LED packages each having LED's and a lens, the LED packages being congregated on a plane in a large area. Each of the LED packages includes at least four LED's corresponding to LED's for emitting at least red, green and blue, and at least two of the LED's in each LED package are positioned symmetrically to the center of the lens and emit the same color.
US07661839B2 Light structure
A light includes a light-producing inner tube, and an outer tube positioned around the light-producing inner tube; the light-producing inner tube has electrical terminals at two ends thereof, which sticks out of the outer tube; the outer tube has a light reflecting film on an outer side of a first portion thereof; an inner side of the first portion of the outer tube is processed so as to have a rough and lumpy surface, which can cause light produce by the light-producing inner tube to travel in all directions; the outer tube has a fluorescent layer on each of inner and outer sides of a second portion thereof, which make the second portion of the outer tube more pervious to light.
US07661834B2 Lighting unit for producing linearly polarized light directed onto a target surface
Lighting unit for producing linearly polarized light directed onto a target surface comprising a source unit producing light in the visible spectral range, and an optically translucent polarizing front unit (4) providing protection against external effects. The source unit and the polarizing front unit (4) are placed in a housing (8) in which an electric cable passes through. The source unit (1) contains at least one panel (2) having a number of high intensity LED devices (3) arranged in a predetermined pattern on one of its sides. The polarizing front unit (4) contains at least one optically transparent rigid carrier and a polarizing filter foil applied onto the carrier. The housing (8) keeps the polarizing front unit (4) in a fixed position so that they confine a hermetically closed inner space. The panel (2) is positioned parallel with the polarizing unit (4) within the inner space so that the LED devices (3) face towards the polarizing front unit (4).
US07661831B2 Rubber foot mounting structure and projector
The rubber foot mounting structure has a base 20b equipped with a boss hole 30 in the shape of substantially a cylinder and a rubber foot 40 that is formed on an outer side face of a body section 40d in the shape of substantially a column and is made capable of being press-fit to the boss hole 30 by means of flanges 40a1 to 40a4 formed on the outer side face of the body section 40d. Four flanges 40a1 to 40a4 formed on the outer side face of the rubber foot 40 contact the boss hole 30 and the rubber foot 40 gets inserted into the boss hole 30 while the four flanges 40a1 to 40a4 are being compressed.
US07661829B2 Projection display apparatus
A projection display apparatus is provided which offers improved contrast while smoothly controlling the amount of light, with a simple structure and without deterioration of lifetime due to the heat of the light from a light source. This projection display apparatus includes a light valve, a light source for emitting light to the light valve, an integrator lens disposed on the optical path of the light propagating from the light source to the light valve, for making uniform the illuminance distribution of the light from the light source, and a shutter mechanism disposed on the light path, for controlling the amount of light that illuminates the light valve. The shutter mechanism has a pair of light-blocking members having cuts formed in their respective protruding sides to regulate the passage of light, and the pair of light-blocking members are moved straight to protrude/retract on the optical path, perpendicularly to the optical path from both sides of the optical path, so as to control the amount of the light according to the extent of their protrusion on the optical path.
US07661828B2 Adjusting light intensity
In embodiments, an intensity of light is adjusted according to data indicating the states for elements.
US07661816B2 Eyeglasses assembly
An eyeglasses assembly comprises a primary lens frame combined with lenses having a primary function, a protective strip, and a secondary lens frame combined with lenses having a secondary function. The protective strip and the secondary lens frame each have a middle section formed with a forwardly protruding, resilient clamp having an opening which is constantly kept closed. The protective strip or the secondary lens frame can be selectively assembled as needed with the primary lens frame by engaging the opening of the resilient clamp of the protective strip or the secondary lens frame with a perimeter of a supporting portion on a middle section of the primary lens frame, wherein the supporting portion has a rear end formed as a bulged segment. Alternatively, the protective strip and the secondary lens frame can both be assembled with the primary lens frame to form the eyeglasses assembly.
US07661813B2 Mobile device with a printer and a stylus having a printhead tip
A mobile device including: a printer for printing onto a print medium; and a stylus having a printhead tip for allowing a user to use the mobile device as a writing or drawing device; the stylus and the printer sharing at least one common ink reservoir.
US07661812B2 Printer unit for assembly with image reader unit
A printer unit is provided having a body with a media input assembly for supporting media to be printed, and securing means for releasable engagement with complementary securing means on an image reader unit, and a print engine with a printhead and a control system to control the operation of the printhead. The body is shaped for nesting with the image reader unit such that the securing means are positioned for releasable engagement with the complementary securing means.
US07661811B2 Ink jet printer with discharge recovery
An ink jet printer for discharging ink drips to a printing medium mounted on a conveying belt and conveyed from a plurality of nozzles, in which the printing quality is improved and the printed speed is raised. A printing medium conveying section has first and second conveying portions connected in the conveying direction of the printing medium and a plurality of conveying belts are arranged by mutually keeping a predetermined interval, in which the conveying belts of the first and second conveying portions are set so that an other-hand conveying belt is located between one-hand conveying belts, and a printing head is constituted of first head set to a position facing the gap between the conveying belts of the first conveying portion and a second head set to a position facing the gap between the conveying belts of the second conveying portion.
US07661809B2 Method and apparatus for forming image
A method and apparatus for forming an image which can form a high-quality image on a great variety of print media regardless of the surface roughness or ink absorptivity of the print medium, without sacrificing the high degree of freedom of the ink jet printing system are provided. An ink jet printing section ejects ink to an intermediate transfer body to form an ink image on the intermediate transfer body. Before the ink image thus obtained is transferred to a print medium, an ink transfer adjuvant is applied to the print medium. Then, the ink image formed on the intermediate transfer body is transferred to the print medium to which the ink transfer adjuvant has been applied.
US07661800B2 Inkjet printhead with multiple heater elements and cross bracing
An inkjet printhead having: an array of ink chambers, each having a nozzle and a plurality of heater elements for generating vapour bubbles to eject ink through the nozzle, the heater elements being suspended for immersion in the ink; and, a cross bracing structure for maintaining the spacing between the heater elements.
US07661795B2 Inkjet nozzle device with static and movable nozzle portions
A nozzle device is provided for an inkjet printer. The nozzle device includes a support structure defining an ink inlet chamber connected to a source of ink. An elongate actuating arm is cantilevered relative to the support structure. A nozzle chamber structure defines a nozzle chamber for receiving ink from the ink inlet chamber. The nozzle chamber structure includes a static portion extending from the support structure and defines a nozzle opening through which ink in the nozzle chamber can be ejected. The nozzle chamber structure further includes a movable wall portion mounted to the actuating arm, between its ends, so that the actuating arm terminates in a free end within the nozzle chamber. Upon actuation of the actuating arm, the free end of the actuating arm moves within the nozzle chamber and ejects ink therein through the nozzle opening.
US07661794B2 Electrostatic actuator, droplet discharge head, method for driving droplet discharge head, and method for manufacturing electrostatic actuator
To provide an electrostatic actuator capable of attaining a large diaphragm displacement by low voltage drive. Furthermore, a droplet discharge head provided with this electrostatic actuator, a method for driving a droplet discharge head, and a method for manufacturing an electrostatic actuator are provided. A diaphragm, an individual electrode facing the diaphragm with a gap therebetween, while a voltage is applied between the diaphragm and the individual electrode, and an insulating film which is disposed on a surface of the diaphragm, the surface facing the individual electrode, are included, wherein the insulating film is converted to an electret.
US07661782B2 Current control circuit for micro-fluid ejection device heaters
Current control circuit for micro-fluid ejection heaters. In one embodiment, the current through a heater in a micro-fluid ejection device may be monitored and regulated to maintain a particular value or range of values. In such an embodiment, the heater current may be monitored and compared to a reference value. A signal may be induced based upon the divergence of the heater current from the value and the signal may be applied to the logic switch for the monitored heater. The logic switch may regulate the current through the heater based upon the induced signal. As a result of the regulation of the current, the induced signal may dynamically change thereby allowing fast regulation of the heater current.
US07661767B2 Quick release bicycle wheel
A wheel quick release system for a bicycle or other wheeled vehicle where the wheel can be easily removed by a manual operation on only one side of the wheel hub but is prevented from unexpected separation at all times while engaged with the wheel. A laterally moving skewer mounted concentrically inside a hollow axle is equipped with a “non-touch” nut on one end and is spring loaded toward a quick release cam on the other end thereby always urging the nut against the adjacent dropout. To remove the wheel, the quick release cam is operated and the quick release side assembly is pushed axially inward and a safety mechanism is operated and held in this position while the wheel is removed from the fork dropouts. When the wheel is again inserted into the wheel fork, the skewer automatically locks onto the dropouts, and subsequently if the quick release cam is inadvertently left open by the user, the wheel will be somewhat loose but will remain safely inserted in the wheel mounts. In this way, if the bicycle or wheeled vehicle looks safe to ride, it is safe to ride.
US07661765B2 Braze thickness control
In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises an inverted conical face formed in a top end of a metal body tapering towards a central axis of the metal body. A base end of a carbide bolster is adapted to be brazed to the top end of the metal body within the inverted conical face. At least one protrusion is formed in the inverted conical face and is adapted to control a braze thickness between the face and the base end.
US07661754B2 Frame for building an enclosed structure with a load bearing support system
A skeleton or frame for building an enclosed structure with a load bearing support system for supporting one or more levels of accessories to provide one or more additional levels of load bearing surfaces. The frame comprises at least two side portions comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced sidewall posts and at least one transverse member connecting the two side frames for mounting various panels (e.g., a roof, floor, wall, door, window, sunroof, refrigerator unit, air conditioner unit, etc.) and accessories (e.g., a shelf, drawer, bin, cabinet, platform, cot, sliding rack, bucket, bench and the like).
US07661749B2 Interior trim assembly and method for operating the same
An interior trim assembly for a vehicle includes a trim component having a first panel; a second panel opposite the first panel; and one or more side panels joining the first and second panels. The first, second and one or more side panels define a cavity; and an acoustic transducer is disposed within the cavity. The acoustic transducer is located adjacent an interior surface of one of the first, second and side panels. Also, the assembly is movable relative to a static headliner.
US07661745B2 Supporting device
A supporting device supports a cockpit, in particular a control panel, on a central tunnel of a motor vehicle. The supporting device has an X-shaped configuration with two arms which carry the cockpit and two legs which are supported on the central tunnel. The tendency of the cockpit to vibrate is minimized precisely because the central tunnel is connected to the cockpit by the X-shaped support.
US07661744B2 Attaching structure of split type seat back for vehicle
A pair of seat backs are arranged in a vehicle width direction. A pair of floor brackets attach outer end portions of the seat backs in the vehicle width direction to a floor of the vehicle. A pair of center hinge brackets attach inner end portions of the seat backs in the vehicle width direction to the floor. A supporting bar is separated from the floor, is extended in the vehicle width direction and is disposed behind the seat backs. The seat backs are independently pivotably attached to the floor. Both end portions of the supporting bar in the vehicle width direction are attached to the floor brackets. A center portion of the supporting bar in the vehicle width direction is attached to the center hinge brackets.
US07661740B2 Vehicular interior part and method of fabricating the same
A core, a flexible pad covering the core and a synthetic resinous skin covering the pad are layered each other. A thread is arranged on a surface side of the skin and has portions inserted in grooves of the pad through through-holes of the skin. Stoppers engage a rear side of the skin for stopping the portions of the thread from coming off from the skin. A sewing line is formed along the though-holes.
US07661733B1 Door reinforcing device
A door reinforcing device includes a pair of first and second spaced-apart plates. A locking device has a center lock, a main lock rod extending from the center lock and engaging the first plate and a retractable lock rod selectively extendable from the center lock and engaging the second plate.
US07661732B2 Switch assembly and foldable portable electronic device using same
A switch assembly (40) and a portable electronic device (100) are provided. The portable electronic device includes a body section (20), a cover section (10) rotatably connecting to the body section, and the switch assembly. The switch assembly includes a first magnetic component (43), a second magnetic component (45), and a movable magnetic component (47). The first magnetic component is mounted on the cover section. The second magnetic component is mounted on the body section, and attracts to the first magnetic component to maintain the portable electronic device at a closed position. The movable magnetic component is movably mounted on the body section, and repels both to the first and second magnetic. The movable magnetic component provides a repulsive force to repel the cover rotates outwards from the body section, when the magnetic component is driven to move close to the first and second magnetic components.
US07661730B2 Clamping ring for connecting thin-walled tubes
An open clamping ring (11) is provided for connecting tubes (1) that are provided with terminal flanges (2). The clamping ring is drawn together with the aid of a clamping lock that is provided at the open ends of the clamping ring. The clamping (10) substantially has the shape of a U whose legs that are composed of an inner leg section (12) and an outer leg section (14) are bent such that a clamping edge (13) is formed in the central area between the leg sections (12 and 14). The inventive clamping ring (10) thus approximately has the shape of an X. The clamping edges (13) rest more or less linearly on the outside of the final flange sections (2a) such that the friction between the clamping ring (10) and the terminal flanges (2) is reduced when the clamping ring is assembled while force is transmitted and distributed in an optimal manner.
US07661729B2 Apparatus for connecting plastic-lined metallic pipes
A connector used for connecting the plastic metallic pipe includes a body, a cap, and three washers. The body has a section of thread in its outer wall for coupling with the cap which has a section thread in its inner wall. In operation, first insert the pipe into the cap, then insert the rubber washer, the metallic washer, and spring washer into the body, and then screw the cap into the body, such that the pipe is locked with the body.
US07661721B2 Joint assembly for flexible and semi-rigid pipings
A joint assembly, including a piping, comprises a joint end sleeve, a tightening ring and a nut. The ring has an external truncated-cone shaped surface and an internal cylindrical surface with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the piping, and an internal cylindrical surface with at least one annular edge to cooperate with at least one annular groove in the sleeve in such a way that an inside diameter of the annular edge is substantially equal to the outside diameter of the piping. The nut has an internal cylindrical surface with a diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the piping and is disposed opposite a cylindrical portion of the sleeve when the nut is installed. The smaller outside diameter end of the tightening ring is adjacent the internal cylindrical surface of the nut when the nut is installed. An internal truncated-cone shaped surface of the nut has a larger diameter end a size slightly larger than a smaller outside diameter end of the ring.
US07661720B2 Connection structure for different kinds of metal tubes
A structure connecting dissimilar metal tubes is a bellows tube and a metal tube made of stainless steel and aluminum respectively. The bellows tube has a reinforcement portion on its outer surface. The structure includes a nipple, the reinforcement portion, and a crimp collar fitted in that order to the outside of a straight tube portion of the bellows tube. The nipple is joined to the reinforcement portion and the metal tube. A sleeve is joined to the metal tube and the crimp collar. The nipple is bonded to the inner surface of the metal tube with a resin. End faces of the reinforcement portion and the crimp collar are in contact with or located close to an end face of the metal tube.
US07661719B1 Pool vacuum port
A fluid port for alternately interfacing a fluid conduit with a fluid container or with a fluid hose. The fluid container is of the type having a container wall. The port comprises a back plate having a back aperture therethrough for receiving the fluid hose therein. The back plate includes a wall attachment mechanism. A front plate is held away from and substantially parallel to the back plate by a plurality of standoffs. The front plate includes a front aperture coaxially aligned with the back aperture of the back plate. The front aperture is adapted to receive the fluid hose therein. The fluid hose may be inserted into the front aperture for substantially connecting the fluid hose to the fluid conduit. With the fluid hose removed from the front aperture the fluid conduit is connected to the fluid container through the front aperture and between each standoff.
US07661714B2 All terrain vehicle
A vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle, includes a saddle type seat for the rider to sit on, and a fuel tank arranged below the seat. The fuel tank includes a fuel inlet positioned in front of the seat, in a traveling direction of the vehicle. The all terrain vehicle provides a comfortable ride to a rider by providing the fuel tank in the center of the vehicle, while mounting a fuel tank that is convenient to access.
US07661713B2 Unit for coupling and releasing the wrist strap to/from the handgrip of a pole for sporting activities like skiing, trekking and the like
The invention is a unit for coupling and releasing the wrist strap to/from the handgrip of a pole for sporting activities, e.g. skiing, trekking and the like, comprising: a buckle with which the wrist strap is associated; a housing obtained in the handgrip housing the buckle; coupling means comprising an elastic tab projecting from the body of the buckle and cooperating with a corresponding support surface obtained in the housing to fix the buckle to the handgrip; releasing means that can be reached by the user and are inserted in the housing, suitable for cooperating with the elastic tab to release the buckle from the handgrip.
US07661703B2 Automobile interior structure and headliner interior material
A cut that widens a through hole of an end portion of a headliner interior material breaks when an airbag is deployed, and is formed on an exterior-side of the end portion. The end portion of the headliner interior material is in close contact with a surrounding member provided around the end portion. In addition, an accessory is passed through the through hole and fixed to a body, while the end portion of the headliner interior material is held to the accessory around the through hole. When the airbag installed folded on the exterior side of the headliner interior material is deployed, the airbag deploys into a cabin from between the end portion and the surrounding member.
US07661702B2 Vehicular airbag apparatus
Airbag apparatus includes an airbag having at least two bag body sections superposed on each other. Gas flow-in portion for connection to an inflator is formed in one of the bag body sections adjacent to one edge of the one bag body section. Communicating hole is formed in the plurality of bag body sections adjacent to the other edge of the one bag body section. Upon activation of the inflator, gas is supplied into the one bag body section, through the gas flow-in portion, to develop the one bag body section. After that, the other bag body section superposed on the one bag body section is developed by the gas supplied through the communicating hole.
US07661696B1 Wheeled chair
A wheeled chair for assisting a user in changing a disposition. The chair comprises: a base member, a substantially planar seat member, a leg bracing member, a back bracing member, a bracing motor, and an actuator module. The base member includes a plurality of wheels and a lift device. The seat member is oriented substantially orthogonal to the direction of motion of the lift device. The leg bracing member includes a first mode wherein it extends downwardly from the seat member and a second mode wherein it extends substantially collinearly from the seat member. The back bracing member includes a first mode wherein it extends upwardly from the seat member and a second mode wherein it extends substantially collinearly from the seat member. The bracing motor changes between the two modes. The lift device includes a lift device motor. The actuator module activates the bracing and lift device motors simultaneously.
US07661687B2 Vehicle and chain play adjusting device thereof
In the rough-terrain traveling vehicle in which rear wheels as left and right wheels are independently suspended via left and right lower arms respectively, and an anti-roll bar device is extended between the left and right lower arms, the left and right rear wheels are driven from an engine side via a chain, and the anti-roll bar device is disposed so as to extend across the inside of the circle of the chain.
US07661685B2 Wheeled mobile caddy
The invention is a combination mobile tool caddy and seat for performing work adapted for use by a tradesman such as an electrician, plumber, carpenter and the like. The wheeled mobile caddy includes a rigid frame having a lower and an upper support member vertically separated by upright corner members. The lower support member extends beyond the upper support member to form a platform area upon which a cylindrical vessel or bucket can be stored. The bucket is equipped with a liner having pockets for storing hand tools. Four caster wheels are appropriately attached to the lower support member so that the caddy can be wheeled from a service vehicle to a specific job site having stored therein the tradesman's tools, as well as necessary material supplies to perform daily job functions.
US07661683B2 Apparatus for draining and transporting large diameter hoses
An apparatus for draining and transporting large diameter hoses includes a frame that is movable by virtue of a pair of wheels. The center of gravity of the frame, and of the frame and a coiled hose situated on it, is located directly above the wheels. The frame includes a front toe for facilitating the rolling of a coiled segment of hose up and onto the frame. The frame includes horizontally disposed rollers that facilitate removal of the coil from the frame. The frame also includes a guide bar to assist in maintaining the coil in an upright position during transport. An attachment is removably secured to the frame to allow a portion of the hose to drape over an attachment roller to extract water from the hose and to allow a power-driven winding rod to wind the hose into a coil.
US07661671B2 Sheet stacking apparatus and sheet stacking method
In a sheet stacking apparatus, a pair of side members includes a pair of lower side members which is provided with an approximately same distance therebetween as a width of a planographic printing plate and limits a movement in the planographic printing plate width direction; and a pair of upper side members which are provided above the pair of lower side members, each of which is provided with a movable section movable in the planographic printing plate width direction, and on which tapered surfaces are formed facing each other in a generally V shape. The distance between the pair of upper side members is controlled by driving the movable sections of the pair of upper side members so as to prevent quality degradation caused by a thrown-in sheet scratching a stacked sheet.
US07661645B2 Fixture for display unit for allowing displayed image to be seen with ease even upon vibrating
A rack has a first shelf and a second shelf disposed upwardly of said first shelf, and a display unit is placed on the first shelf and disposed between the first shelf and the second shelf. The display unit is fixed to the second shelf by a display unit fixture. The display unit fixture has a display unit fixing member fixed to said display unit, i.e., a first fixing member, and a second fixing member having a magnet which can be attracted to a lower surface of the second shelf. The second fixing member can removably be fixed selectively to a desired position on the lower surface of said second shelf. The first fixing member and said second fixing member are connected by shafts to respective opposite ends of a connector for rotation about the shafts and are also rotatable with respect to the connector within a plane or planes perpendicular to the display screen of the display unit and a horizontal plane.
US07661626B2 Window assembly retaining system
A window assembly and method for its installation is provided. The window assembly may include multiple transparent panels covering an opening of an aircraft fuselage. One or more retainer members and a flexible clip member may be utilized to secure the window assembly over the opening of the fuselage.
US07661622B2 Apparatus and method for winding and transporting paper
A reel for winding a paper roll including: a frame supporting a reel drum and a pair of rails; a reel spool supported for translation by the rails and upon which a paper roll is wound; an endless flexible belt wrapping a portion of the periphery of the reel drum and a portion of the periphery of the paper roll; and a loading member for loading the paper roll against the reel drum and the endless flexible belt.
US07661619B2 Buckler for tape drives
An apparatus includes a holder for a drive leader of a tape drive. The drive leader is for coupling with a buckle attached to tape spooled in a tape cartridge. The holder may rotate about a tower attached to a housing of the tape drive. The apparatus further includes a restraining member for restraining the buckle during coupling with the drive leader. The member may include an elongate body disposed with the post to rotate into a restraining position with respect to the buckle during a buckling operation. The tape drive may include a motor for pulling the tape from the tape cartridge. A method includes restraining a buckle attached to the tape while coupling the drive leader with the buckle. Firmware in the tape drive may coordinate the movements of the holder and the restraining member with operation of the motor and other drive components.
US07661604B1 System and method for controlled dosing and dispensing of liquid material
A system and method are provided for selectively dosing and dispensing a predetermined liquid material in and from a pre-dispensing measuring sight glass container vessel, wherein a housing is disposed to receive a pressurized fluid stream, to provide an intermediate measurement and storage vessel for the liquid material and to provide a selectively operable valve assembly that is disposed in a flow path defined in the housing. The housing includes an inlet, an outlet, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween, which is formed with an admission port for admitting the predetermined liquid material. The valve assembly is disposed between the housing's inlet and outlet, and may be selectively operated to fill the sight glass container from the source container; or, to dispense the liquid material from the sight glass container; or, to clean the sight glass container; or, to just provide a flow of the pressurized fluid without any liquid material. At no selection or operating condition can liquid material from the source container be dispensed without first being measured into the sight glass container.
US07661601B2 Object, image data, image data transmission method, card, game mat, card game system, image analysis device, and image analysis method
There is provided a two-dimensional code capable of performing accurate recognition. The two-dimensional code includes: a code data portion (102) where a plurality of square cells (106) are two-dimensionally arranged to constitute code data; and a plurality of corner cells (104) arranged so as to surround the code data portion (102). The corner cells (104) are configured with a greater area than the square cells (106). When the two-dimensional code is imaged by an imaging device, the corner cells (104) can be recognized in a large scale, thereby improving the two-dimensional code read accuracy.
US07661595B2 Digital image capturing and processing system employing a plurality of area-type illuminating and imaging stations projecting a plurality of coextensive area-type illumination and imaging zones into a 3D imaging volume, and controlling operations therewithin using
An automatic digital image capturing and processing system for use in point of sale (POS) environments. The system comprising a system housing having an imaging window, a plurality of coextensive area-type illumination and imaging stations disposed in the system housing, for projecting a plurality of coextensive area-type illumination and imaging zones through the imaging window and into the 3D imaging volume, for capturing a series of area-type digital images of an object intersecting therewith during system operation. An object motion detection subsystem automatically detects the motion of objects passing through the 3D imaging volume, and generates velocity data in response to the detection of the objects moving through the 3D imaging volume during system operation, while a control subsystem, responsive to the velocity data, generates control data for controlling at least one exposure control parameter associated with the operation of the area-type imaging arrays within the coextensive area-type illumination and imaging stations, and also controlling and/or coordinating other operations of the subsystems during system operation.
US07661592B1 Interactive system including interactive apparatus and game
An interactive apparatus that is used in a game. The interactive apparatus is in the form of a stylus and contain a stylus housing and a processor coupled to the stylus housing and a memory unit comprising computer code for playing a game involving a plurality of printed cards and an audio output device and an optical emitter and an optical detector and wherein the audio output device, the memory unit, the optical emitter, and the optical detector are operatively coupled to the processor. The apparatus may scan the cards to enhance an interactive game play.
US07661589B2 Security management software, print control device, and security management method of print control device
A security management software is executed in print control device connectable via a network to an information processing device that sends an instruction and data thereto. The software includes: a step of relating a fingerprint of a user of the print control device to information registered for security authentication system on the print control device, wherein the information is to log into the print control device; and a step of allowing the user to log into the print control device, in case that a fingerprint of the user inputted for logging into the print control device is authenticated based on the related fingerprint.
US07661586B2 System and method for providing a credit card with back-end payment filtering
A credit card transaction processing system that, in various embodiments, is configured for: (1) receiving transaction data related to a reimbursable charge made on the credit card by a credit card holder; (2) analyzing the transaction data to determine whether the charge may be auto-substantiated; (3) in response to determining that the charge may be auto-substantiated, auto-substantiating the charge; and (4) in response to the charge being auto-substantiated, reimbursing the credit card holder for at least a portion of the charge at least substantially without human intervention.
US07661584B1 Enclosure for automated banking machine
Method of assembling components of an automatic banking machine or ATM. The ATM includes a top housing cover having a forward region and an upper fascia having a rearwardly extending portion that selectively overlays the forward region. The ATM includes a lower fascia having first and second side extensions that selectively overlay first and second forward regions of a safe or secure enclosure. The ATM may include a pivotal processor case for ease of installation and/or servicing of banking components. The safe housing may include dual openings for use in either a front-load or rear-load ATM. Banking machine components such as displays, card readers, receipt printers, and keypads may be installed or serviced by extending a rollout mounting tray or by rearwardly sliding the top housing.
US07661583B2 Cash dispensing automated banking machine diagnostic system and method
An automated banking machine includes a cash dispenser. Servicing the machine is facilitated through use of a portable diagnostic article which enables the controller to access diagnostic data stored in memory and which provides data indicative of the significance of the diagnostic data. A portable article of computer readable and writable media is also operative to cause the computer to gather data concerning the banking machine and record it on the media through a drive. The data gathered is then analyzed by a separate analysis computer.
US07661581B2 Multifunctional box organizer
A multifunctional box organizer includes a hollow main body provided with at least one slit, via which magnetic bookmarks may be extended and then bent to magnetically attach to the main body, and a coin slot located at a distance from the slit; an open bottomed enclosure fitly received in a lower part of the main body; and a bottom cover closed to a lower open end of the main body to define a closed storage space in the enclosure. The enclosure is provided with an opening corresponding to the coin slot, so that coins may be inserted through the coin slot and collected in the storage space. Coins collected in the enclosure may be taken out by opening a cap on the bottom cover. A space in the main body above the enclosure is divided by a partition into several subspaces for holding and sorting pens and different articles.
US07661574B1 Orbital tube welding clamping fixture support
A clamping means support for use with orbital tube welding that resists the outward flexure of abutting tubes is provided. The invention generally is comprised of a left clasp and a right clasp, being congruent. The right clasp is generally square cornered J-shaped, having a mounting leg, and an engaging leg, an engagement notch formed between the long leg and the short leg. The right clasp is fastened upright, at the mounting leg, to a right top side of a clamping means. The left clasp is fastened invertible, at the mounting leg, to a left top side of a clamping means. Wherein, in the closed position, the engagement leg of the right clasp interlocks within the engagement notch of the left clasp, effectively preventing outward movement of the right top side and the left top side of the clamping means, relative one to the other.
US07661571B2 Desktop stapler
A desktop stapler has a base member including a restricting unit; a magazine including a plunger disposed on the head thereof; two linkage devices; a press member; and a guide member. Each linkage device includes a first hole, a third hole, a second hole formed on a bend between the first and third holes, and a pivot hole. Each pivot hole connects with the base member via the restricting unit. The press member includes a press portion defined on the bottom of an end thereof, a grip portion defined on another end thereof and connecting to the plunger of the magazine, and two pivot holes formed on two sidewalls thereof and connected to the third holes of the linkage devices respectively via a coupler unit. The guide member includes a first end inserted via a coupler unit, a second end defining a press end, and two second pivot holes formed on two sidewalls thereof and opposite to each other.
US07661567B2 Stick-on security ring for a hand held device
A button provides an adhesive flat bottom surface for attachment to a cell phone or similar hand held device. A leash extends from the button and terminates with a finger ring. When the device is held in a hand with one finger secured in the ring, the device is secured in the hand so that it is less likely to fall. The ring may be an extension of the leash, both a part of an elastic cord loop where the leash is secured within the button and the ring extends away from the button. The leash may be retractable.
US07661560B2 Flexible pouch with a tamper-evident outer cap fitment and method of forming
A tamper-evident outer cap for a tube spout fitment with push-pull cap for a flexible pouch is provided. The tube spout fitment is sealed to the pouch body, and includes a base portion having a seal-engaging surface disposed within the pouch body and a centrally located passageway. An internal tubular spout projects upwardly from the base portion and has a centrally located passageway. A push-pull cap is slidably retained on the internal tube spout, and is a generally cylindrical member having an outer wall, an inner wall parallel to the outer wall, and an upper wall having a central opening formed therein interconnecting the outer wall to the inner wall. A tamper-evident outer cap is disposed over the push-pull cap, and includes an openable portion, a collar portion permanently retained on the tube spout fitment, and a first connecting member interconnecting the openable portion and the collar portion.
US07661559B1 Tube holder
An apparatus for securing squeezable tubes therein includes a plurality of vertical compartments that are each adapted to hold one squeezable tube. A plurality of moveable front members are adapted to move up or down between an opposite pair of sidewalls to retain an upper portion of the tube in position. An open top allows easy tube insertion or removal while a lower shelf retains the bottom of each tube. A bottom strip ensures that each tube will remain in position. According to a first modification, the interior sidewalls are adjustable to accommodate a variable spacing between them. Modified moveable front members include a variable width to accommodate the variable spacing between the adjustable interior sidewalls. According to a second modification, each tube is retained by a pair of curved side members that narrow toward the bottom of each compartment. An apparatus to secure a tube in an inverted position and to dispense a substance from a bottom opening is described.
US07661558B2 Sachet including at least two sealed compartments
A sachet may include at least two sealed compartments. The sachet may include first and second opposite main walls, a partition separating an inside of the sachet into two compartments, and first and second foldable side walls situated on respective sides of the partition.
US07661556B2 Tapping device and container therefor, and method for the manufacture thereof
A tapping device (1) for beverage, including a cooling device and a tapping rod (8) with a tapping cock (14), the tapping rod including a first (50) and a second (52) channel, which channels are in fluid communication with each other adjacent the tapping cock (14), while at least during use a tapping line (48) extends through the second channel, which tapping line is coupled at one end with a container (6) for beverage and at the other end can cooperate with the tapping cock.
US07661555B1 Single dispensing film strip container
Moving a lid dispenses single thin films from a container. A pad coated with TPE, rubber or silicone rotates downward and contacts the top thin film strip. The pad moves the strip toward a front opening. When the lid is fully opened, the strip has been ejected far enough for the user to remove it. A sliding top and lever dispense a strip. The user slides back the top of the container, causing lever with a living hinges and links to flex downward. A pad rotates downward towards the top strip and outward towards an opening exposed in the front of the container and the strip is ejected out this opening. The pad is connected to a lever on a gear. Sliding the top of the container rotates the gear. The pad contacts the strip and moves the strip through the uncovered front dispensing opening.
US07661554B2 Tissue sheet dispenser and process for making same
A dispenser, and associated method for producing such dispenser, for interfolded disposable sheets includes a dispensing container defining an interior volume sufficient for receipt of a clip of interfolded disposable sheets, the container including a first wall with a dispensing opening defined by a removable panel. At least a portion of an adhesive material is disposed at a location on the removable panel such that the adhesive is not exposed to the interior volume of the container in an adhesive state. A clip of interfolded disposable sheets is inserted into the interior volume of the container. After insertion of the clip, the adhesive material is exposed in an adhesive state to the interior volume of the container and contact is made between the adhesive and the uppermost sheet of the clip of interfolded sheets such that the removable panel is attached to the uppermost sheet.
US07661551B2 Multi-compartment reagent container having means to inhibit re-use thereof
A method for automatically determining whether a reagent container is new and unused or whether the reagent container has been previously used whenever reagent containers are initially placed onto an analyzer. Unused containers have a flag or lock-out member that can be dislodged or relocated by a moveable sensor probe when containers are placed onto the analyzer.
US07661549B2 Mutually engagable twin personal care bottles
A pair of containers, provide complimentary outer surface contours so as to be mutually engagable in intimate nesting contact. Each of the containers provides an outwardly extending embossment and an inwardly extending groove. The embossment of each of containers is positioned and sized for frictional engagement with the groove on the other of the pair of containers for mutual securement of the containers when the containers are nested, thereby enabling the containers to be engaged and handled as a unit while dispensing different materials.
US07661544B2 Semiconductor wafer boat for batch processing
A boat is provided for stacking semiconductor wafers vertically in processes in which low friction deposits may coat wafer supporting surfaces. In carbon processes, for example, low friction coatings can form that allow the wafers to slip sideways in the boat, leaving them sufficiently out of alignment to cause wafer breakage in handling. Typical boats for these processes having vertical legs, typically three or four in number, in which aligned notches support each of the wafers. The slots provide enough clearance around the edge of the wafer to facilitate loading and unloading of the wafers without wafer damage, as long as the wafers remain centered. For low friction process environments, each notch is provided with a shallow recess on which the edge of a wafer can rest. The recess adds a low step close to the wafer edge that resists horizontal sliding movement of the wafer. Wafers are loaded by inserting them into the boat in a plane spaced above the steps, then lowered onto the recesses.
US07661542B2 Proton-conducting polymer membrane that contains polyazoles and is coated with a catalyst layer, and application therof in fuel cells
The present invention relates to a proton-conducting polymer membrane which comprises polyazoles and is coated with a catalyst layer and is obtainable by a process comprising the steps A) preparation of a mixture comprising polyphosphoric acid, at least one polyazole (polymer A) and/or one or more compounds which are suitable for forming polyazoles under the action of heat according to step B), B) heating of the mixture obtainable according to step A) under inert gas to temperatures of up to 400° C., C) application of a layer using the mixture obtained according to step A) and/or B) to a support, D) treatment of the membrane formed in step C) until it is self-supporting, E) application of at least one catalyst-containing coating to the membrane formed in step C) and/or in step D).
US07661536B2 One-piece gift box
A gift box that includes a detachable gift support for insertion into a gift box after construction from a one-piece sheet of material. Gift restraints are provided for restraining the gift on the gift support. Preferably, the gift is in the shape of a card, such as the shape of a credit card, and is preferably what is known as a giftcard, similar to a gift certificate.
US07661532B2 Tray insert for medication on demand device
In one embodiment, the invention comprises a tray insert for a medication dispenser, the dispenser permitting access to a medication dose after a minimum dosing interval has elapsed since presentation of an immediately previous dose. The dispenser comprises a dispenser cover having an opening through which a patient accesses the medication dose presented through the opening and a carousel for receiving the tray insert. The tray insert comprises a substrate, a plurality of medication retention areas in the substrate each for holding at least one medication dose, each medication retention area received within a depression of the carousel and a cover removably affixed to an upper surface of the substrate for retaining the medication doses in the medication retention areas prior to use, wherein after the tray insert is mated with the carousel the cover.
US07661529B2 Stackable storage trays
An improved stackable storage tray has a flat bottom wall with a generally U-shaped recess formed therein, a pair of end walls with a bar extending therebetween for manually transporting the tray, a pair of outwardly sloped side walls, and a plurality of dividers extending between the side walls and upwardly extending divider walls forming a plurality of sub-compartments. The improvements include a pair of spaced generally right angled ledges on the end walls which lie in a horizontal plane with top edges of the side wall, sub-compartment dividers, and a divider edge formed by the upstanding divider walls for supporting an upper tray stacked thereon; a plurality of bosses on the bottom wall providing support feet for the tray; and drain holes in the bosses and in the sub-compartments dividers for removing any liquid trapped in the sub-compartments.
US07661524B2 Side-flexing conveyor belt
An endless side-flexing conveyor is described comprising a conveyor belt made from a number of rows of hinged interconnected belt links, where each row comprises at least one link, where each link has a front end, a back end, a top surface, a bottom surface and two sides, where hinge parts separated by apertures are arranged along the front end and the back end such that front hinge parts on the front end will fit inside apertures on the back end of an adjacent belt link, and where the front end and back end are substantially parallel to a first axis parallel to the width direction of the link, wherein the hinge parts of each link are defined by a top and bottom which are substantially flush with the top and bottom surfaces respectively, and two side surfaces and a free front surface, and that the front hinge parts on one end of each link are provided with a protrusion on each side surface, where the protrusions fit inside elongated apertures provided in the side surfaces of the rear hinge parts on the opposite end of the link; and further that the protrusions on more than one of the front hinge parts arranged centrally on the link are arranged on an axis parallel to the first axis, and that at least the protrusions on one or more of the outermost front hinge parts on one side of each link are arranged parallel to an axis angled +x° in relation to the first axis and that one or more protrusions on the opposite side of each link are arranged parallel to an axis angled −x° in relation to the first axis.
US07661519B2 Roller device for a conveyer
A roller device mountable rotatably on a spindle includes a roller body having a tubular wall with two opposite open-end portions. Each open-end portion is provided with a retaining member formed on an inner peripheral surface of the tubular wall. Two covers are inserted respectively into the open-end portions of the tubular wall, and are adapted to be sleeved rotatably around the spindle. Each cover has an annular end wall transverse to the corresponding open-end portion, a surrounding wall extending inwardly and axially from an outer periphery of the end wall and abutting against the inner peripheral surface of the tubular wall, and an engaging member formed on an outer peripheral surface of the surrounding wall and interlocking the retaining member. The retaining and engaging members have recess-and-protrusion interlocking surfaces.
US07661517B2 Pneumatically actuated clutch
A clutch assembly having a drive shaft operably connected to a first hub or clutch plate. A second hub or clutch plate adjacent to the first clutch plate and operably connected to a second drive shaft. A release ring positioned to selectively release both clutch plates. Positioned to engage the release ring is a pneumatic actuating member that is operably connected to a source of compressed air.
US07661512B2 Pump jack and method
A pump jack for a scaffold in a system to support a work platform and move the platform up and down a pole to access a vertical work surface. The pump jack includes an L-shaped framework having a horizontal frame member which supports the work platform and a vertical frame member. The vertical frame member having laterally opposing Z-shaped channels, each having a leg that bends about the pole and extends inward toward the pole. The pump jack includes an upper shackle supported by the framework. The pump jack includes a lower shackle supported by the framework, which with the upper shackle applies a coupling force for gripping the pole. The pump jack includes a pump arm lever pivotably coupled to the vertical frame member to step upwardly the pump jack relative to the pole. The pump jack includes a crank mechanism coupled to the vertical frame member. A method for supporting and moving a work platform up and down a pole to access a vertical work surface.
US07661507B2 Control method for a reaction force device in a power steering device
In a control method for a motor 10 for generating a reaction force when a driver operates a steering wheel, as a behavior of a vehicle increases, a larger reaction force to the behavior is generated. When an anti-lock brake system is operated, the reaction force to the behavior is corrected so as to be large.
US07661498B2 Fluid cushion conveyance system
A fluid-cushion supporting arrangement for horizontal conveyance comprises a supporting platform having a center and a distal portion; a flexible angular sealing element arranged under the platform in the region of the distal portion and forming a sealing piston. The sealing piston has a substantially horizontal leg which extends toward the center and forms together with the supporting platform a fluid chamber, and a substantially vertical leg which forms together with the supporting platform a control pressure chamber. The vertical leg is vertically and adjustably inserted in the control pressure chamber. An inlet valve is provided for supplying fluid into the fluid chamber. A pressure-regulating arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and the control pressure chamber regulates the fluid pressure. The vertical leg comprises a plurality of reinforcement elements including at least one metallic strip.
US07661478B2 Ball drop circulation valve
A downhole tool can perform a series of operations with balls of the same size where movement caused by pressuring up on the first ball positions the next seat to accept another ball just like it. In a preferred embodiment a circulation sub is run in with a port closed and a first seat comprising of collets pushed together and preferably lined with a sleeve are in position to accept a first ball to perform a downhole operation and thereafter pass the ball and open the port. The act of opening the port gives support, by reducing their dimension, to the next assembly of collets also preferably lined with a sleeve so that they are energized to accept the same size ball. Pressuring up on the second ball can shift another sleeve to close the circulation port. The tool is modular and more than one module can be deployed in a given bottom hole assembly.
US07661473B2 Expansion enhancement device
Nested articulated split rings move relatively to each other to enlarge their outer dimension for a grip on a surrounding tubular or the wellbore. The rings can be articulated to enlarge their outside dimension with relative movement that can be initiated by dimensional expansion from within the tubular or manipulation of the tubular that creates the desired relative movement. The relative movement can be locked in after it is made to secure the grip. Different shape profiles that magnify the radial outer dimension in excess of the percentage dimensional change in the underlying tubular are contemplated.
US07661471B2 Self energized backup system for packer sealing elements
Preformed ribs are held closely to the swelling element and then are allowed to assume an expanded position to capture the ends of the swelling element. Many variations are possible one of which is retaining the ribs in a run in position with a band that releases by interaction with well fluid. In another embodiment the ribs are of a shape memory material and go to the enlarged state after a time and exposure to well fluids. The swelling action of the element could urge the ribs to the expanded position. Alternatively, a retractable sleeve can be actuated after a delay using a piston and a sealed compartment where a material must dissolve or otherwise go away before the piston can stroke to remove a retainer from ribs that can then move out.
US07661464B2 Evaporator for use in a heat transfer system
An evaporator includes a cylindrical barrier wall and a cap that fits at an end of the cylindrical barrier wall. The cylindrical barrier wall defines a central axial opening and an outer cylindrical surface. The cap includes an outer surface that is external to the central axial opening and an inner surface that abuts the central axial opening. A portion of the outer cylindrical surface is configured to define a liquid port extending through the outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical barrier wall.
US07661463B2 Cooling device incorporating boiling chamber
A cooling device includes a boiling chamber containing working fluid therein. The chamber includes a bottom wall for contacting with a heat generating component and a cover hermetically connected with the bottom wall. The cover includes a top wall and a bulge formed at a periphery thereof. The bulge includes a pair of spaced side walls, one of the side walls connecting with the top wall and the other of the side walls connecting with the bottom wall. A buffering region is formed between the side walls, which is capable of absorbing agitation wave generated by boiling fluid to thereby allow the boiling fluid to be capabling of continuously and stably contacting with and exchanging heat from the top wall of the boiling chamber when the fluid boils. A heat sink is arranged on the cover of the boiling chamber for transferring heat from the boiling chamber to environment.
US07661453B2 Annular reinforcing element for a tyre and tyre including the annular reinforcing element
A tire for a vehicle wheel includes a carcass structure, a tread band extending circumferentially around the carcass structure, a belt structure circumferentially located between the carcass structure and the tread band, and at least one pair of sidewalls applied to the carcass structure in axially opposite positions. The carcass structure includes at least one carcass ply. Ends of the carcass structure are fastened to a pair of annular reinforcing elements, wherein each annular reinforcing element is incorporated in a respective bead of the tire includes at least one cord. The at least one cord includes at least one preformed metallic thread element.
US07661449B2 Filling valve apparatus for a beverage filling machine
A filling valve apparatus for filling a container with a fluid. The apparatus includes a body portion and a stem. A sleeve is disposed over the stem and is removable from the stem and the body portion when the filling valve apparatus is serviced. A seal is mounted to the bottom of the sleeve. At least one component is movably connected to the sleeve and remains connected to the sleeve when the sleeve is removed from the stem and the body portion during the servicing of the filling valve apparatus. Similarly, a valve assembly, having a housing and a movable plunger is removable from the body portion. At least one member is mechanically connected to one of the housing and plunger for creating a unitary valve assembly that remains intact when the valve assembly is removed from the body portion during servicing of the filling valve apparatus.
US07661438B2 Water saver fill valve and assembly
An improved fill valve has a pivot valve body that is pivotally suspended immediately below a float housing and is movable between two positions. In a first position, the pivot valve body blocks the flow of water from the float housing. In a second position, the pivot body allows the flow of water from the float housing. The pivot valve body has two top compartments, each separated from the other by a wall. The first compartment retains an amount of water in it. The second compartment functions as a water flow restriction apparatus and includes an upwardly-extending member for sealing off a check valve that is disposed within the bottom of the float housing. The fill valve also includes structural elements that allow the water to trickle into the float housing at a very slow rate. The fill valve can be re-set for normal toilet tank operation.
US07661434B2 Hair-on-hair extension system
The hair-on-hair extension system has hair extensions that include a generally continuous span of natural and/or synthetic attachment hair strands extending from the weft base or edge of the attachment. The attachment hair strands are braided or intertwined directly into braids formed in the native hair of the wearer as those braids are being formed, without the need for additional attachment apparatus. The weft base may include a relatively narrow, linear weft edge having the hair extension and attachment strands extending in the opposite or same direction therefrom, or may include a two-dimensional crown sheet having the hair extension strands extending from a series of wefts from one surface of the sheet and the hair attachment strands extending from the opposite surface. The hair extension may include a separator sheet between the hair extension and hair attachment strands to facilitate manipulation of the hair attachment strands during installation.
US07661416B2 Working-gas-circulation-type engine
In an engine 10, oxygen, hydrogen serving as fuel, and argon gas serving as a working gas are supplied to a combustion chamber 21. An upstream condenser section 70 condenses water vapor contained in an exhaust gas to yield primary condensed water, through heat exchange of the exhaust gas from the combustion chamber with the ambient air, and discharges, as a primary-condensed-water-separated gas, a gas obtained by separating the primary condensed water from the exhaust gas. The primary condensed water is stored in a water storage tank 100. A downstream condenser section 80 further condenses water vapor contained in the primary-condensed-water-separated gas to yield secondary condensed water, through utilization of latent heat of vaporization of condensed water stored in the storage tank 100, and discharges a gas obtained by separating the secondary condensed water from the primary-condensed-water-separated gas. This avoids a significant drop in ratio of specific heats of the working gas.
US07661407B2 Control system for internal combustion engine
A control system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of enhancing the accuracy of fuel control and ignition timing control even when there is a possibility that the reliability of a calculated intake air amount lowers, and enables reduction of manufacturing costs. An ECU of the control system calculates a first estimated intake air amount according to a valve lift, a cam phase, and a compression ratio, calculates a second estimated intake air amount according to the flow rate of air detected by an air flow sensor. The ECU determines a fuel injection amount according to the first estimated intake air amount when an estimated flow rate Gin_vt calculated based on an engine speed, the valve lift, the cam phase, and the compression ratio is within the range of Gin_vt≦Gin1, and according to the second estimated intake air amount when Gin2≦Gin_vt.
US07661402B2 Multipoint ignition engine
A multipoint ignition engine (1) includes a central electrode pair (9), disposed in the center of a combustion chamber (2), for forming a central spark gap (10), and a plurality of peripheral electrode pairs (12) held in a head gasket (15), which has an opening portion having a substantially identical diameter to an opening portion of a cylinder (5) in a position corresponding to the opening portion of the cylinder (5), for forming a plurality of peripheral spark gaps (13) around the inner periphery of the opening portion in the cylinder (5). An air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber (2), which is obtained by mixing together fuel and air evenly to the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio or a richer/leaner air-fuel ratio than the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, is ignited using both the central spark gap (10) and the plurality of peripheral spark gaps (13).
US07661397B2 Hydraulic camshaft adjuster and method for assembling the same
In a hydraulic camshaft adjuster for a camshaft of an internal combustion engine and a method of assembling the camshaft adjuster including an inner body, which is connected to the camshaft in a rotationally fixed manner and has outwardly extending blades and an outer body which has inwardly projecting blades which form, together with the outwardly extending blades, at least one hydraulic medium chamber between two housing side covers connected to the outer body and operatively connected to a crankshaft of an engine so as to be driven thereby, a locking bolt is provided for locking the inner body in relation to the outer body with a predetermined play.
US07661392B2 Containment systems and components for animal husbandry: nested cage bases
Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.
US07661390B2 System for culture and storage of benthic organisms in an aquatic environment
A system for culture and storage of benthic organisms in an aquatic environment including at least two containers for storing organisms, releasably interconnected and forming a stack in the height direction, at least two lines attached to the stack and connected to at least the upper portion of the stack, and a suspension device connected to the lines. The system may also include a working platform and raising/lowering device(s) for raising and lowering stacks. A method for handling containers for storage of benthic organisms in an aquatic environment is also disclosed.
US07661387B2 Dual laser coating apparatus and process
An apparatus for applying and fusing a powder coating to substrates of various composition uses two lasers to accurately heat the coating to the optimum temperature. A second laser has less power and heats a smaller area than the first laser. Temperature control is enhanced by the ability to superheterodyne two lasers at separate frequencies. This allows for better absorption of certain materials being fused by the laser. Another common problem associated with laser processing occurs as the polymer heats up. During the heating process the spectral lines are Doppler broadened and slightly shifted. This can affect the absorption of a laser of a fixed wavelength. With the present invention, the optimum laser frequency can be turned to a more optimum frequency for absorption still with sufficient power for fast efficient thermal processing.
US07661379B2 Propulsion and steering arrangement for a ship
The invention relates to a steering and propulsion arrangement for a ship. The inventive steering and propulsion arrangement comprises a screw propeller 3 and a rudder 6. A streamlined propulsion bulb 10 is made integral with or fixedly connected to the rudder. The invention also relates to a ship 2 provided with the inventive arrangement.
US07661378B2 Wastewater ballast system and method
The invention discloses a wastewater ballast method that includes the steps of collecting wastewater, treating the collected wastewater, storing the treated wastewater, and discharging the treated wastewater during ballast operations.
US07661375B2 Secure enclosure and door
A door for a secured enclosure includes a door panel and a generally L-shaped flange extending along one edge of the panel. The L-shaped flange is adapted to engage a corresponding flange of the enclosure, whereby the L-shaped flange and the corresponding flange overlap. The structure prevents access to the secured enclosure between the flanges.
US07661372B2 Mason's adjustable chimney-platform arrangement
An adjustable, articulable platform, changeable to and from a “U” shape to an “H” shape, is attachable to the distal end of an articulable support arm of a transport vehicle. The platform is arranged to adjustably surround an elevated chimney on at least three sides thereof. The platform comprises: a lower anchor plate centrally disposed within an elongated lower support frame; a rear anchor plate connected perpendicularly to the lower anchor plate, the rear anchor plate centrally and connectively disposed within an elongated rear wall frame, comprising bridging portions of the platform. A right sidewall frame and a left sidewall frame is connected to respective end portions of the elongated rear wall frame. A right slidable sidewall is slidably disposed within the right sidewall frame, and a left slidable sidewall is slidably disposed within the left sidewall frame, to permit forward and rearward adjustability to side rail and floor portions thereof around an elevated structure for supporting personnel and equipment therefor. Those side rail and floor panel portions are also adjustable transversely to squeeze closed together or slightly further apart according to the width of any chimney or the like. Such sideways adjustment is accomplished by supportive engagement of the mid portion of the rear wall frame and floor panel of its adjacent wall and floor panels.
US07661365B2 Connector block configured to induce a bend in shock tubes retained therein
The present invention provides for a connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transmission relationship with the percussion-actuation end of a detonator. The connector blocks of the present invention comprise a slot (7, 26, 46, 64, 87) for the retention of shock tubes therein, wherein the slot is configured to induce a bend (8a, 27a, 47a, 91a) in the shock tube(s). In this way, the position of the shock tube(s) relative to the detonator is significantly improved. Air gaps between the shock tubes and the detonator, resulting from manufacturing tolerances, can be substantially eliminated. Moreover, the connector blocks of the present invention provide an increased security of shock tube retention, thereby reducing the risk of accidental shock tube removal or displacement.
US07661363B2 Impact fuse
An impact fuse includes a body containing a piezoelectric generator positioned on a bracket integral with the body. The piezoelectric generator serving as an anvil. The fuse includes a piston intended to mechanically contact the generator upon impact. The piston receives the impact forces transmitted by a cap. The fuse being characterized in that the piston is slidably fitted within the body and in that it includes plastically deformable means that are interposed between the cap and the body. The means are deformed by cap movement upon impact with a target via piston movement. The plastically deformable means is configured to be deformed in a manner that causes the piston to more gradually exert force on the piezoelectric generator.
US07661362B2 Energetic material initiation device utilizing exploding foil initiated ignition system with secondary explosive material
An igniter assembly that includes a housing, a secondary explosive input charge, a pyrotechnic output charge and a barrier system that is disposed between the input charge and the pyrotechnic output charge. The barrier system shields the pyrotechnic output charge from energy released by the input charge to prevent the output charge from being cooked-off or initiated unless the input charge is detonated.
US07661359B2 Printing machine comprising a former
A printing machine includes a printing cylinder that is fitted with plates for printing the width of N pages. A web of material is printed and is then cut longitudinally, by an elongate cutting device, into printed webs. The number N of pages is a whole number that is divisible by three and the total width of N pages is less than the width of the printing cylinder. A width of N+1 pages is greater than the width of the printing cylinder. The elongate cutting device can be arranged, on one boundary, between a Kth and a Kth+1 page, wherein k is one third or two thirds of N. At least one of the resulting partial webs is guided through a former. The former is oriented so that the direction of travel of the web entering the former is transverse to the direction of web travel in the elongated cutting device. The former has a width that is equal to, or greater than two thirds of the width of the printing cylinder, but is less than the entire width of the printing cylinder.
US07661348B2 Exchangeable barrel modules for firearms
A method and apparatus are described for an exchangeable barrel module for a firearm equipped with the same. An example firearm includes an exchangeable barrel module, which includes a barrel and a barrel jacket. The barrel module also includes a range finder, control electronics, a transmitter to transfer the result of the control electronics to a projectile, an operating element, and a power supply. Further, the barrel jacket holds the barrel and at least a portion of the range finder, the control electronics, the transmitter, the operating elements, or the power supply.
US07661345B2 Device for clamping and separating tubing
A device (10) for clamping and separating a length of tubing. The device (10) comprises first and second subassemblies (12,14) for, in their closed positions, clamping the tubing at first and second locations, respectively, and at least weakening the tubing for subsequent separation. The subassemblies (12,14) face each other and are connected by a breakable connection. Each subassembly (12,14) includes clamping elements (26,34) for clamping the tubing, a perforating or cutting element (28) for perforating or otherwise weakening or cutting the tubing, and locking elements (24,32) for locking the subassembly (12,14) in the closed position. The perforating element (28) may be at least one hard plastic or metal spike. Once each subassembly (12,14) is locked in the closed position, the breakable connection is broken to result in respective lengths of clamped tubing.
US07661338B2 Socket assembly for a gate valve wrench
A socket assembly for a gate valve wrench includes a socket, a support member adapted to mount on the wrench and a fastener for connecting the socket to the support member in such a manner so as to retain the socket fixed in place on the gate valve wrench. The socket includes a cylindrical piece with an inner surface shaped to include twelve inwardly protruding ridges that together define an interior cavity. In use, the socket assembly can be used in conjunction with the wrench to turn a rounded gate valve operating nut. Specifically, with the socket assembly attached to the wrench, the socket is forcibly driven down over the rounded nut such that each ridge digs into the rounded nut. Firmly engaged by the socket, the rounded nut can then be operated using the wrench.
US07661337B2 Fixing structure of direction switch button for reversible wrench
A fixing structure of direction switch buttons for a reversible wrench, in which the wrench is equipped with two direction switch buttons on a driving portion of the wrench. The wrench includes button-restricting portions and location-restricting portions relative to the driving portion. The two direction switch buttons can be inserted and arranged inside the driving portion. Moreover, a button-fixing device is provided between the two direction switch buttons, the button-fixing device includes an actuating member and a restoring member. The two ends of the actuating member are wedged into the two direction switch buttons respectively so that the two direction switch buttons are driven simultaneously. The actuating member is able to move elastically between the two direction switch buttons by the restoring member so as to connect the two direction switch buttons elastically.
US07661333B2 Rotation transmission member and manufacturing method therefor
A rotation transmission member is composed of a shaft-like metal insert member having a first gear section on the external surface thereof and a resin gear resin-molded on the external surface of one end of the metal insert member and having a second gear section on the external surface thereof. The first gear section is formed almost over the entire length of the metal insert member and provides one end thereof as an insert portion on which the resin gear is to be resin-molded. Thus, it becomes unnecessary to provide a joint portion (the insert portion) between the metal insert member and the resin gear with the machining of any particular shape for preventing the coming-off therebetween.
US07661332B2 Worm reducer and electric power steering apparatus
In a worm reducer for reducing the rotation transmitted to a worm and transmitting the reduced rotation to a worm wheel, the worm reducer being composed of the worm with screw faces formed on its outer periphery and the worm wheel with worm wheel teeth formed on its peripheral surface, the worm wheel teeth being in mesh with the screw faces of the worm, the worm wheel teeth are formed so that the lead angle of the worm wheel is smaller than that of the worm.
US07661328B2 Probe holder system, method for fixing a probe holder system and method for adjusting a probe
A probe holder system for fixing a probe to a housing wall, wherein it is possible to provide a simple structure and position the probe as accurately and easily as possible in relation to a measuring object. According to the invention, a housing bushing provided with an inner thread and a carrier rod for the probe, which can be screwed into the threaded bushing, are provided. The threaded bushing can be placed in a reference position in an associated recess of the housing wall and can be arrested by means of a locking element.
US07661318B2 Stress isolated pressure sensing die, sensor assembly inluding said die and methods for manufacturing said die and said assembly
The invention concerns a pressure sensing die to be mounted on a base, comprising: a diaphragm structure with a deflectable pressure sensing diaphragm whose deflection is representative of the pressure and sensing elements for detecting the deflection of the sensing diaphragm; a pedestal supporting the diaphragm structure; wherein the pedestal is a composite pedestal comprising top and bottom platforms connected by at least one small link having a mean cross-section smaller than the cross-section of the top platform, said small link isolating at least some of the stresses, produced by the mounting of the pressure sensing die on the base, from said deflectable pressure sensing diaphragm.
US07661307B1 Low manufacturing cost printed ink liquid level sensors
First and second elongated flexible insulated substrates have patterns of resistive liquid level sensor sections along the substrate lengths, each pattern comprising printable resistive ink of the same resistivity (ohms-squared), wherein the patterns can be simultaneously printed upon each substrate to save manufacturing costs. The substrates can be separated by an elongated spacer that couples longitudinal edges of the facing substrates together with an appropriate adhesive. Alternatively, the facing substrates can be folded along a central fold line to form a first longitudinal edge and adhesively joined along a second longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge. The flexibility of the substrates enables the low manufacturing cost liquid level sensors to be positioned in for example in a highly irregularly shaped vehicle fuel tank. Also, sections of varying lengths to be cut from the rolls on demand by users to form customized lengths of liquid level sensors for numerous applications.
US07661303B2 Flow measuring device having heating resistor in inclined position with respect to the flow direction
An airflow measuring device includes a sensing portion provided in a bypass passage, which perpendicularly deflects part of air from a main passage to therethrough bypass the part of air. The sensing portion includes a heating resistor energized and dissipate heat to airflow. The sensing portion is configured to measure airflow in the bypass passage based on the heat radiation. The sensing portion further includes a pair of support members erected in the bypass passage to support the heating resistor. The heating resistor of the sensing portion is inclined at a first inclination angle with respect to a direction, which is perpendicular to a flow direction of air in the bypass passage. The heating resistor is inclined toward downstream at an outer streamline of the airflow in the bypass passage.
US07661300B2 Flex signature for tire condition
Disclosed is a methodology for deriving data related to various selected tire (10) conditions. One or more sensors are analyzed in a manner similar to that of analyzing an electro-cardiogram taken from a human patient in order to determine selected operational characteristics of the monitored tires (10). Analysis of the signal waveforms may involve analysis of a single waveform and/or comparison of paired waveforms originating for sensors associated with a single tire or paired tires (10).
US07661299B2 Wheel state monitoring system and wheel state detecting apparatus
A tire pressure monitoring system, that includes a plurality of the wheel state detection unit, provided at wheel of a vehicle, and that transmits detected wheel state information. A request signal transmitter transmits a request signal to request transmission of the detected wheel state information. When each wheel state detection unit receives the request signal, it transmits the detected wheel state together with the indication information indicating that the wheel state is detected in response to the transmission request signal. The ECU sets a determination threshold value for triggering an alert regarding tire pressure based on the detected wheel state information transmitted from the plurality of wheel state detection units.
US07661296B2 Method and device for determination of moisture content and solid state phase of solids using moisture sorption gravimetry and near infrared or Raman spectroscopy
A method and apparatus for measuring isotherms and determining solid state phase changes comprising a humidity generator having a temperature controlled internal chamber, a microbalance mounted externally to the internal chamber and a near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) probe or Raman spectrometer probe mounted internally in the internal chamber, such that the mass of a sample suspended within the chamber and its solid state phase can be determined without disturbing the controlled environment surrounding the sample. The humidity generator includes means for controlling humidity and temperature within the internal chamber, an access port that extends into the internal chamber. The balance is situated near the port such that the balance mechanism extends within the internal chamber. The balance mechanism utilizes a means for holding a sample within the chamber such that the mass of the sample can be determined as it equilibrates to the temperature and relative humidity maintained within the internal cavity. The NIRS probe extends from a NIR spectrometer. Similarly, the Raman probe extends from a Raman spectrometer.
US07661289B1 Method for calibrating an acoustic droplet dispensing apparatus
The present invention comprises a method for calibrating a droplet dispensing apparatus using acoustic energy to dispense a plurality of droplet sets of a liquid from a source container into a plurality of target containers, with each droplet set being comprised of one or more individual droplets of the liquid, and with a liquid level of the liquid in the source container being measured before each of the droplet sets are dispensed. The average droplet volume for the individual droplets in each of the droplet sets is then calculated by detecting the presence of an indicator, such as a fluorescent chemical. Once the average droplet volume has been calculated, it is determined if the average droplet volume for each droplet set is acceptable or not acceptable. Where the average droplet volume is determined to be not acceptable, an existing droplet dispensing parameter is changed to a new droplet dispensing parameter that will cause the average droplet volume for that droplet set to change. A burst curve is then generated that will cause the new droplet dispensing parameter for each droplet set to be used if a subsequent plurality of droplet sets are dispensed.
US07661285B2 Drawing machine
A drawing machine includes a plate unit, a clamping device, a transmit member, a driving device and a cam. The transmit member includes a following roller. The driving device includes a main linkage inserted through the plate unit and having first and second ends. The cam includes first and second cam paths, with the first cam path disposed between two sides of the second cam path. When the cam is in a first position, the distances between the first cam path and two sides of the second cam path are different. When the cam is in a second position, the distances between the first cam path and two sides of the second cam path are equal. The following roller drives the main linkage to pivot, with the clamping device driven to clamp a rod or pipe. The plate unit is driven by the second cam path and reciprocates along the cam axially.
US07661284B2 Application method of Cr-plated mandrel bar for hot rolling
The present invention provides an application method of a Cr-plated mandrel bar repeatedly used in mandrel mill rolling by the Mannesmann tube making process. A regeneration treatment is performed to use the mandrel bar again as a tool of like size when an opening width H of a surface defect generated on the mandrel bar by its use in the mandrel mill rolling is not less than 1.5 mm and a depth of the surface defect is in the range of 0.3 mm to less than 2.0 mm. Alternatively, a downsizing treatment is performed to use the mandrel bar again as a tool of a smaller size when the depth of the surface defect generated on the mandrel bar by its use in the mandrel mill rolling is not less than 2.0 mm. The regeneration treatment or downsizing treatment is performed according to conditions or a configuration of the surface defect to achieve repeated application to the mandrel mill rolling, allowing life-extension of the mandrel bar and improvement of cost performance thereof.
US07661283B2 Bulging method and apparatus
A bulging apparatus has a heating station, a tube expanding station, a preforming station, and a main forming station. A straight tube as a workpiece is gripped by first holding mechanisms or second holding mechanisms, and delivered between the stations as the first holding mechanisms or second holding mechanisms are displaced. During a preforming process and a main holding process, both the first holding mechanisms and second holding mechanisms can be lifted and lowered vertically and can be moved horizontally.
US07661280B1 Locking device
One embodiment of a locking device of the type for motorcycle helmets having a cable (50) which is fastened at one end to the device, and which passes though the face of the helmet and is detachably secured in the locking device to releasably secure the helmet. The active locking element of the lock (44), when in locked position, secures the cable (50) and acts to deny access to the fastener (36) securing the device to the motorcycle handlebars, so as to resist removal of the device from the handlebars. The cable (50) is flexible, has permanently formed spiral convolutions and is partially held in place by the concave shape of the device. The device can be used to secure helmets, jackets or other items, and, in various embodiments, it can be used to lock a vehicle or item to a fixed object to deter theft of the vehicle or item. Other embodiments are described and shown.
US07661279B2 Lock assembly
A lock assembly has a body, a locking cylinder, a latching device, a linking device and a locking mechanism. The locking cylinder has a pushing lug. The linking device is connected to and driven by the latching device. The locking mechanism is driven by the pushing lug of the locking cylinder and has a bolt base, a pushing arm and a locking bolt. The bolt base is mounted slidably in the body and has an edge pushed by the pushing lug on the locking cylinder and a limiting tab. The locking bolt is slidably mounted on the bolt base and abuts with the limiting tab on the bolt base when the locking bolt retracts completely into or extends out from the body. The locking bolt has a blocking tab selectively blocks the linking device.
US07661277B2 Quartz glass having excellent resistance against plasma corrosion and method for producing the same
As a jig material to use under plasma reaction for producing semiconductors, the present invention provides a quartz glass having resistance against plasma corrosion, particularly corrosion resistance against fluorine-based plasma gases, and which is usable without causing anomalies to silicon wafers; the present invention furthermore provides a quartz glass jig, and a method for producing the same. A quartz glass containing 0.1 to 20 wt % in total of two or more types of metallic elements, said metallic elements comprising at least one type of metallic element selected from Group 3B of the periodic table as a first metallic element and at least one type of metallic element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, Hf, lanthanoids, and actinoids as a second metallic element, provided that the maximum concentration of each of the second metallic elements is 1.0 wt % or less.
US07661275B2 Ice making method and machine with PETD harvest
An ice making has an ice making mold with a plurality of ice making cells opened at the bottom, a water tank, water spray nozzles adapted for spraying the water contained in the water tank towards the ice making cells, an ice bin adapted for storage of ice cubes formed in and harvested from the ice making cells, and an inclined plate having water spray openings and recovery openings and mounted between the ice making mold and the water spray nozzles. The ice making cells are each attached to a serpentine evaporator tube, which is cooled by a refrigeration system and also heated by way of electrical pulse energy. The electrical pulse heating of the ice making cells allows ice to be quickly and efficiently harvested from the cells.
US07661268B2 Power plant
During operation of a power plant, which basically comprises a gas turbogroup, a compressed air accumulator, an air turbine which is equipped with at least one generator, the compressed air which is extracted from the compressed air accumulator is directed through a heat exchanger which operates on the downstream side of the gas turbogroup, and is thermally conditioned there. This thermally conditioned compressed air then charges the air turbine for producing a quantity of electricity.Furthermore, the power plant is extended by a steam turbine, which in combined operation is operated with steam which is produced from the exhaust gases of the gas turbogroup.
US07661263B2 Method of operating an internal combustion engine
A method of operating an internal combustion engine includes operating the engine in a first combustion mode. The method also includes switching operation of the engine to a second combustion mode. The method includes directing an exhaust stream of the engine into contact with a NOx adsorber substantially only during the operation in the second combustion mode.
US07661259B2 Device and method for the manufacture of a roving yarn by means of air spinning processes
The invention relates to a slubbing machine, the use of a twist application means, and a method for the manufacture of a roving yarn (9). The roving yarn (9) is manufactured according to the invention from a fiber assembly (3), which undergoes a true twist application (rotation) by mean of one or more air flows.
US07661254B2 Lawn mower having selectively drivable wheels
A lawn mower having selectively drivable wheels, includes steerable front wheels, rear wheels, a body frame, an engine supported by the body frame, a mower unit supported by the body frame, a change speed device, a front wheel driving device for transmitting drive from the change speed device to the front wheels, left rear and right rear wheel driving devices, and rear wheel clutches for selectively connecting and disconnecting drive. The rear wheel clutches are operable by an interlocking mechanism to disconnect drive transmission to one of the rear drive wheels moving along an inner track while turning the vehicle body. The interlocking mechanism has a link mechanism operatively connecting a steering mechanism for steering the front wheels to each of the rear wheel clutches.
US07661247B2 Abrasive article packaging and method of making same
A system for packaging resin bonded molded abrasive articles having a flexible package comprising at least one sidewall defining an enclosed volume and at least one resin bonded abrasive article positioned within the enclosed volume. The sidewall comprises a multilayer barrier composite having a water vapor transmission rate that is less than 0.5 grams per 645 square centimeters (100 square inches) per 24 hours.
US07661246B2 Packaging machine for producing packaging comprising a transponder
The invention relates to a packaging machine for packing food products in a plastic packaging, said machine comprising a device for applying a transponder to the plastic packaging, and a system for data exchange between the transponder and a computer unit and/or a regulating unit, by which means data can be transmitted to the transponder or called therefrom.
US07661238B2 Floor panels with edge connectors
Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.
US07661234B2 Reduced friction fastening clip assembly for use with standing seam roof or wall panel systems
A roof or wall panel system that includes a first panel having a first longitudinal seam a second panel having a second longitudinal seam, and a clip assembly that includes a vertical web or webs having a first exterior side and a second exterior side. The t vertical web or webs and is/are provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. Also included is at least one spacer element that is provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. The at least one spacer element has at least one portion having a thickness that is greater than a distance between the first exterior side and the second exterior side of the vertical web or webs.
US07661233B2 Insulating glass fastener
A device (1) in glass wall claddings for mounting insulating-glass sheets (12), each glass sheet (12) comprising at least two glass slabs (13, 14), which are joined together by means of a jointing substance (16), said device (1) having a first position, wherein said device (1), upon mounting of said insulating-glass sheet (12), allows the insulating-glass sheet to be placed in the desired position, and a second position, wherein the device (1) grips at least one (13) glass slab of said insulating-glass sheet (12). The device (1) comprises a retainer member (3) and an anchoring member (2). A portion of one part (4) of the anchoring member (2), which part upon mounting of an insulating-glass sheet (12), i.e. as the anchoring member (2) of the device is guided from said first position to said second position, is arranged to penetrate into said jointing substance (16) of an insulating-glass sheet (12) in response to the anchoring member (2) being tilted to said second position.
US07661225B2 Method for attaching seeds in an automated seeding system
A method for securing seeds in an automatic seeding process includes the steps of placing individual seeds in pellets in a tray on a conveyor belt and then securing the seeds on each pellet by placing a gel film over each seed so that the pellets can be transported to a greenhouse. The gel film is provided by contacting a gel precursor with a gelling agent in the presence of the seed.
US07661215B2 Mounting structure for marking plate
A structure for mounting a marking plate is disclosed hereinafter as follows. A stem of a marking plate is inserted through a plate, and a spring member is provided at the tip end of the stem. Elastic portions of the spring member are elastically deformed so that a projection of each elastic portion is in elastic contact with the back surface of the plate. Accordingly, the engagement of the engaging portions of the marking plate side and the plate side and the engagement of the lock pawls and the engaging recesses are maintained by the elastic force of the elastic portions, thereby maintaining the mounted condition of the marking plate. When the marking plate is pulled away from the front surface of the plate in the mounted condition, the elastic portions are further elastically deformed to allow the disengagement.
US07661214B2 Retail display article and system
A retail display article based upon an original photograph of a subject including at least one item of clothing and having visible portions of skin. The display article includes a back panel and a display photograph. The back panel defines a flat surface. The display photograph depicts an edited version of the original photograph such that the visible portions of skin depicted in the display photograph is configured to imitate a general appearance of a mannequin. The display photograph is disposed on the flat surface of the back panel. The display photograph and the back panel are collectively cut about the perimeter of the subject. Retail display systems and methods of construction provide additional advantages.
US07661209B2 Foundation construction device for producing trenches in the soil
The invention relates to a foundation construction device for producing trenches in the soil comprising a frame, at least one soil-removing device arranged on the frame and a control device for controlling the foundation construction device in the trench, wherein the control device has at least one control body which can be adjusted between an inoperative position and a projecting control position in order to rest on a wall of the trench. Provision is made for the control body to be adjusted into a first projecting control position on a first side of the frame or into a second projecting control position on a second side of the frame that lies opposite the first side of the frame.
US07661204B2 Insole
An insole according to the present invention includes an upper layer defining at least one well containing a chemical indicator that gradually changes colors upon exposure to salt or sulfur. The insole includes a lower layer connected to the upper layer that includes an adhesive for stacking multiple insoles together in packaging and for holding the insole in place in a shoe. The insole includes an absorbent material for absorbing perspiration. Perspiration produces salt and bacterial and fungal degradation of keratin skin cells produces sulfur, leading to foot odor. The insole includes fungicide and deodorant for controlling this odor and the color change of the chemical in the well provides a visual indication of when a new insole (with it fungicide and deodorant) needs to be replenished through replacement.
US07661201B1 Magnetic locator system
A system for locating a junction box installed within the framework of a structure and behind a wall includes a hidden magnetic assembly removably mounted on a junction box, and a second magnetic assembly located outside of the wall used to identify the location of the first magnetic assembly and thereby the junction box behind the wall.
US07661199B2 Coded target for use with combination laser and photogrammetry targets
The invention relates to the use of one or more targets to measure surfaces. The target may comprise a first portion adapted to reflect a laser beam towards a laser tracking device, a second portion adapted to reflect a light beam towards a photogrammetry device, and a third portion adapted to identify to a computer a unique identifier of the target.
US07661198B2 Toe angle measuring instrument and toe angle measuring method
A toe angle measuring instrument comprising a measurement unit having a seating table seating a hub of a vehicle on a seating stand and movable in the lateral direction of the vehicle and in a rotating direction in plan view relative to a second base member. The toe angle measuring instrument further comprising a measured member having a vertical measurement surface extending from the seating table to the outside and non-contact distance sensors installed oppositely to the measurement surface with reference to the second base member and measuring distances (x1) and (x2) up to the measurement surface from two positions apart a distance (y1) from each other. The measurement surface is set to face in a direction forming an acute angle relative to a lateral direction of the vehicle.
US07661196B1 Compact ergonomic thread inspection tool
An ergonomic, self contained hand-held thread inspection tool is power driven, which uses current draw as a surrogate for torque to initiate automatic reversal and gage withdrawal in case of jamming. The distal end carries the thread gage attached to a motor-driven spindle. A thread depth collar sleeve, adjustable by manual turning, concentrically surrounds the thread gage. When threaded into a blind hole or onto a protruding stud and operated, the distal end of the thread depth collar sleeve comes in contact with a part, pushing it against spring force. This movement is internally sensed, causing an indicator to flash, signaling “test OK”, while automatically reversing the spindle to withdraw the thread gage. If during the forward excursion of the thread gage a torque exceeding the pre-set torque limit is encountered, a buzzer is sounded signaling an over-torque problem and the spindle is simultaneously reversed for automatic gage withdrawal.
US07661191B2 Multilayer substrate manufacturing method
A manufacturing method of a multilayer substrate that suppresses relative displacement of layers and forms interconnecting portions electrically connecting layers having an accurate positioning. A manufacturing method of a multilayer substrate for laminating, via an insulating film, a wiring layer formed by patterning a conductive film comprises providing a positioning hole in a conductive film laminated at the beginning and patterning a second and/or any subsequent wiring layers after identifying a position of an identification section. Interconnecting sections for interconnecting wiring layers are formed using the identification section.
US07661175B2 Snap-together wet nozzle for vacuum appliance
A snap-together wet nozzle for use with a vacuum assembly is described, as well as a removable squeegee assembly for use in combination with a wet nozzle for a vacuum assembly. The snap-together wet nozzle includes an elongated, generally U-shaped nozzle housing having outwardly tapering walls, spaced apart closed ends, and a connecting tube passageway for association with a vacuum-producing means, such as a wet/dry vacuum, and further includes a squeegee assembly capable of being insertably mounted within the elongated, generally U-shaped nozzle housing. The squeegee assembly generally includes a squeegee element comprising a plurality of openings extending through the squeegee element; a first, elongated squeegee bar having spaced apart end grooves at each of its ends; and a second, elongated squeegee bar having spaced apart locking end tabs at each of its ends and a plurality of vanes spaced across the interior face of the bar, wherein when the squeegee assembly is assembled and ready for insertion into the nozzle, the squeegee element is located intermediate between the first and second squeegee bars, and wherein the first and second squeegee bars interlock by the engagement of the end tabs of the second squeegee bar with the end grooves of the first squeegee bar.
US07661173B2 Method and apparatus for cleaning hook and loop attachment materials
An apparatus (1) and method for restoration of hook/loop attachment materials (8) which apparatus (1) includes a rake with a set of teeth (2) that match the separation widths of rows of the hooks of the attachment materials. There is also disclosed a second set of teeth (3) that are aligned behind the first set (2) to typically pick up debris lifted but not removed by the first set of teeth (2)
US07661170B2 Systems and methods for providing a customized lower extremity product
The present invention relates to the production of lower extremity supportive products, including boot, shoes, sandals, leg braces, etc. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for providing a three-dimensionally customized lower extremity product. The method includes measuring and recording data related to a three-dimensional representation of a customer's lower extremities in an activity-specific optimal stance. The three-dimensional representation includes specific anatomical position information including extensions, flexions, rotations, inversions, eversions, etc. The three-dimensional representation also includes surface information including foot shape, ankle shape, sole shape, etc. The measurement and recordation is performed at a convenient location such as in close proximity to the customer's residence or at an airport terminal. The customized lower extremity product is then manufactured at an independent location. The manufactured customized lower extremity product is customized according to the data so as to support the customer's lower extremity in the activity-specific optimal stance. In addition, the customized lower extremity product may be delivered to a location that facilitates customer pickup.
US07661169B2 Steam jet drum washing machine
Disclosed herein is a drum washing machine which is capable of lifting clothes to a predetermined height and then dropping the lifted clothes so that the clothes can be washed by means of friction and impact. The drum washing machine is capable of heating wash water and spraying the heated wash water into a tub and a drum of the washing machine in a phase of high-temperature and high-pressure steam, thereby rapidly soaking clothes in the wash water, improving sterilizing and washing efficiencies of the drum washing machine, and saving wash water and electric energy.
US07661166B1 Adjustable firmness mattress assembly
An adjustable firmness mattress assembly is disclosed which comprises a duvet, a first section of foam material having a top surface and a bottom surface with the surfaces capable of supporting a user, a second section of foam material having a top surface and a bottom surface with the surfaces capable of supporting a user, and a cover for enclosing the first and second sections with the cover having a top surface and the duvet adapted for being positioned on the top surface of the cover.
US07661160B1 Beach blanket
A beach blanket that remains in an unfolded position while on a flat surface. The beach blanket has a pair of incorporated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) straps to provide internal, structural strength when the beach blanket is in an extended position. Also, the beach blanket has at least one internal wire loop that provides extra structural support when the beach blanket is open.
US07661155B2 Lateral driving faucet water outlet seat
A lateral driving faucet water outlet seat comprises a water input outer tube placed; a surface of the water input outer tube being formed with a confining portion; a lower clamping stop having a polygonal outer sides; a limiting unit having a hexagonal engaging portion extended from a lower side of the limiting unit for engaging with the outer side of the lower clamping stop; a top of the engaging portion being enlarged with a resisting ring; an inner edge being formed with a limiting portion at a position corresponding to the confining portion of the water input outer tube for confining the rotation of the water input outer tube; an upper clamping stop having a polygonal outer side; and a water outlet base placed upon an upper side of the combining object; the water outlet base having a water outlet hole for receiving the combining section.
US07665145B2 Apparatus and method for moving contents having a restricted number of copies between storage media
A method of managing content, the method being performed by a device including an analyzing unit and a control unit. The method includes judging, via the analyzing unit, whether the content can be moved to an external entity based on moving control information, the moving control information being different from copy control information indicating whether the copy of the content is permitted, determining whether an authentication with the external entity is needed in order to move the content to the external entity, if the judging step judges that the content can be moved, and controlling, via the control unit, a moving operation of the content to the external entity such that the content can be moved to the external entity without the authentication if the determining step determines the authentication is not needed.
US07665138B2 Detecting method and architecture thereof for malicious codes
A detecting method and architecture thereof for malicious codes is provided, which is applicable to a computer system having at least a host. Each host executes at least a process. The method is implemented with a system call interposition module and an analysis module for malicious codes. The system call module intercepts all system calls of process calls and all related arguments of the system calls. The analysis module for malicious codes analyzes the input data of pre-determined system calls, and executes the suspicious malicious codes. Once the same behaviors between the analysis module and the suspicious malicious codes are found, a system-intrusion warning is immediately triggered. The method is not required to maintain huge signature databases, and can detect unknown attack-skills in a manner of high correct rate and low incorrect ruling.
US07665133B2 System and method for monitoring processing in a document processing peripheral
This invention is directed to a system and method for monitoring the processes of a document processing peripheral, including unauthorized access thereof. More particularly, this invention is directed to a system and method for monitoring the processes of a document processing peripheral, detecting any unauthorized processes, operations, or usage levels of the document processing peripheral, and then generating a notification of such unauthorized process.
US07665131B2 Origination/destination features and lists for spam prevention
The present invention involves a system and method that facilitate extracting data from messages for spam filtering. The extracted data can be in the form of features, which can be employed in connection with machine learning systems to build improved filters. Data associated with origination information as well as other information embedded in the body of the message that allows a recipient of the message to contact and/or respond to the sender of the message can be extracted as features. The features, or a subset thereof, can be normalized and/or deobfuscated prior to being employed as features of the machine learning systems. The (deobfuscated) features can be employed to populate a plurality of feature lists that facilitate spam detection and prevention. Exemplary features include an email address, an IP address, a URL, an embedded image pointing to a URL, and/or portions thereof.
US07665126B2 Mesh networks with exclusion capability
In an exemplary method implementation, a method includes: designating a neighborhood administrator; receiving notification of a delinquent router from the designated neighborhood administrator; and excluding the delinquent router responsive to the notification. In an exemplary mesh router implementation, a mesh router is capable of establishing a wireless mesh network with other mesh routers, the mesh router is further capable of designating a neighborhood administrator mesh router; and the mesh router is adapted to exclude another mesh router that is associated with a particular certificate when the particular certificate has been identified as delinquent by the designated neighborhood administrator. mesh router.
US07665115B2 Integration of media playback components with an independent timing specification
A software framework that allows seamless integration of generic media players into a web browser. A media player is a software module that implements specific interfaces; defines a playing state, such as playing, paused, or stopped; and associates with the playing state a current playback time. A generic media player implements interfaces, including timing interfaces and playback synchronization interfaces for exchanging timing and synchronization information with a web browser. A player-hosting peer, which is a software component built into the browser, manages generic player hosting by a web browser. The player-hosting peer negotiates playback state and rendering status between the browser and the media player. Both the media player and the player-hosting peer maintain playing state and current playback time. The relationship between the peer and the player is a master slave relationship, with the peer being the master. The peer issues commands to the player, and the player notifies the peer of any state changes. A proxy layer allows external media players to integrate seamlessly into a browser.
US07665111B1 Data storage management and scheduling system
A data storage management and scheduling system schedules the recording, storing, and deleting of television and Web page program material on a client system storage medium. The invention accepts as input a prioritized list of program viewing preferences which is compared with a database of program guide objects which indicate when programs of interest are actually broadcast. A schedule of time versus available storage space is generated that is optimal for the viewer's explicit or derived preferred programs. The preferred programs include television broadcast programs and Universal Resource Locators (URLs). The viewer may request that certain programs be captured, which results in the highest possible priority for those programs, or express preferences using appurtenances provided through the viewer interface. Preferences may additionally be inferred from viewing patterns. The invention correlates an input schedule that tracks the free and occupied time slots for each input source with a space schedule that tracks all currently recorded programs and the programs that have been scheduled to be recorded in the future, to schedule new programs to record and resolve recording conflicts. A program is recorded if at all times between when the recording would be initiated and when it expires, sufficient space is available to hold it. All scheduling conflicts are resolved as early as possible. A background scheduler schedules each preferred program in turn until the list of preferred programs is exhausted or no further opportunity to record is available.
US07665101B2 Optical pickup apparatus
An optical pickup apparatus comprises a photo detector that receives light reflected from a medium; and a housing that is mounted with the photo detector. The photo detector is fixed to the housing with the use of an adhesive to mount the photo detector on the housing. The housing is provided with a displacement preventer that prevents displacement of the photo detector or the adhesive relative to the housing. The displacement preventer has fixing portions that extend along a plurality of directions. The photo detector is mounted on the housing by applying the adhesive to the displacement preventer.
US07665096B2 DDS-assisted CORBA discovery
A computer network environment that supports both Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) and Data Distribution Service (DDS) can employ the techniques described herein. The techniques relate to CORBA discovery, which enables clients to learn the location of a function or service maintained by a server in the computing environment. The CORBA discovery methodology described herein utilizes a DDS infrastructure to communicate data objects from the server to the clients such that each of the subscribing clients can create a proxy for communication with the server. Once the CORBA discovery procedure is complete, subscribing clients can call the desired server function using their respective proxies.
US07665091B2 Cross-process common system resource data sharing
A system and method is provided for sharing constrained resources between two or more processes running within a common operating environment. The system is implemented by establishing a communications interface to each process sharing the resource data. The method obtains the resource data to be shared from one or more resource sources. In communication with the processes, the communications interface receives resource data requests and processes the requests with the resource data. Finally, the method communicates the processed resource data request, via the communications link, to the requesting process.
US07665087B1 Memory efficient classloading to reduce the number of class copies
A system and method are disclosed for decreasing the number of duplicate library copies loaded into memory without endangering the security of applications in a runtime environment. In a preferred embodiment, applications in the runtime environment may be provided with a delegation classloader that identifies any libraries referenced by the delegation classloader's respective application. The delegation classloaders then delegate the task of providing the referenced libraries to a distinct software component. In a preferred embodiment, the distinct software component may be another delegation classloader or other loader adapted to look at a single library or a small set of libraries. These “atomic” classloaders can be freely shared by multiple applications since they do not expose any application's internals. Each atomic classloader preferably loads one copy of its associated library or libraries into memory. This single instance of shared library code is made available to multiple applications without requiring explicit cooperation between applications or endangering their security.
US07665080B2 System and method for using a classloader hierarchy to load software applications
A system and method for allowing individual software modules to be reloaded in memory without forcing other modules to be reloaded at the same time. Such reloadable modules address the problem of not being able to reload a module without reloading all classes in the application. In accordance with one embodiment the root classloader and webapp classloader are reorganized, and the individual modules placed in their own classloader. This allows the developer to define their classloader organization according to their needs. The system can then reload modules or classes without affecting the rest of the application.
US07665074B2 Mechanism for converting text output into objects
The techniques and mechanisms described herein are directed at converting text into objects based on a template that describes the format of the text, where the format of the text is not in a standardized format. The objects then being available for further processing. The conversion mechanism converts the text into a dead object. The template comprises an object header indicator and a corresponding object header pattern. A new object is created based on the object header pattern identified within the text. In addition, the template comprises one or more field indicators each having a corresponding field pattern. The field pattern may be in a format of a regular expression. A field type and associated value are created from a string associated with the field pattern.
US07665073B2 Compile time meta-object protocol systems and methods
The subject invention pertains to a compilation system and meta-object protocol to facilitate interaction with objects of various types including but not limited to XML documents. More specifically, a delineator or dot operator can be extended to hide idiosyncratic details of interacting with objects. Code details can be generated by a compiler behind the scenes. This enables a programmer to achieve the same results while writing much simpler and intuitive code.
US07665069B2 Method and apparatus for establishing a quality of service model
In general, methods and apparatus for implementing a Quality of Service (QoS) model are disclosed. A Quality of Service (QoS) contract with an initiating network device may be satisfied. A request may be received from the initiating network device in a first time less than or equal to an ordinal number times an arrival interval. The ordinal number signifies a position of the request among a group of requests. The request that has been serviced may be returned to the initiator in a second time less than or equal to a constant term plus the ordinal number times a service interval.
US07665064B2 Systems and methods for web service function, definition, implementation, and/or execution
The present invention relates to systems and methods for defining, implementing, deploying and/or executing Web services. A Web service is defined using a graphical interface that allows the application developer to specify the operation of the Web service through inclusion and configuration of graphical nodes representing particular operations and/or functions. The environment for definition typically includes a user input device, a graphical display device, a system data store and a system processor. The system processor is in communication with the other elements. A graphical definition of the Web service is stored in the system data store. Once defined, the graphical definition is convened into a programmatic implementation executable by a Web services server. This programmatic implementation can then be transmitted to an appropriate Web services server accessible by an intended user community.
US07665057B2 Method for calculating optimal length of trace between adjoining bends and computer accessible storage media
A method for calculating optimal length of trace between adjoining bends is disclosed. First, a rising time Tr of signal of a trace is defined, and a unit transmitting delay TD of the trace and a transmitting delay Td3 of bend in the trace are calculated. A transmitting delay Td2 of a trace segment between the adjoining bends in the trace is calculated with Tr and Td3. Finally, an equation L2=Td2/TD is calculated for obtaining the optimal length L2 of the trace between a first bend and a second bend.
US07665049B2 Method for identifying semiconductor integrated circuit device, method for manufacturing semiconductor integrated circuit device, semiconductor integrated circuit device and semiconductor chip
In the manufacturing process of a semiconductor integrated circuit device, a plurality of identification elements having the same arrangement are formed and the relation of magnitude in a physical amount corresponding to variations in the process of the plurality of identification elements is employed as identification information unique to the semiconductor integrated circuit device.
US07665048B2 Method and system for inspection optimization in design and production of integrated circuits
A method and apparatus for inspection optimization is provided. Inspection optimization improves the parametric and functional yield using optimized inspection lists for in-line semiconductor manufacturing metrology and inspection equipment.
US07665046B2 Method and system for debugging using replicated logic and trigger logic
A method and system for debugging using replicated logic and trigger logic is described. A representation of a circuit is compiled. One or more signals are selected for triggering and trigger logic is inserted into the circuit. A portion of the circuit is selected for replication. The selected portion of the circuit is replicated and delay logic is inserted to delay the inputs into the replicated portion of the circuit. The representation of the circuit is recompiled and programmed into a hardware device. A debugger may then be invoked. One or more of the triggering signals are selected. For each selected triggering signal, one or more states are selected to setup a trigger condition. The hardware device may then be run. The replicated portion of the circuit will be paused when the trigger condition occurs. The states of registers in the replicated portion of the circuit and the sequence of steps that led to the trigger condition may then be recorded.
US07665041B2 Architecture for controlling a computer using hand gestures
Architecture for implementing a perceptual user interface. The architecture comprises alternative modalities for controlling computer application programs and manipulating on-screen objects through hand gestures or a combination of hand gestures and verbal commands. The perceptual user interface system includes a tracking component that detects object characteristics of at least one of a plurality of objects within a scene, and tracks the respective object. Detection of object characteristics is based at least in part upon image comparison of a plurality of images relative to a course mapping of the images. A seeding component iteratively seeds the tracking component with object hypotheses based upon the presence of the object characteristics and the image comparison. A filtering component selectively removes the tracked object from the object hypotheses and/or at least one object hypothesis from the set of object hypotheses based upon predetermined removal criteria.
US07665036B1 System and method for presenting multiple sets of z-space information in a user interface display
A system and method are disclosed for displaying multiple sets of items on a single page comprising rendering a selection graphic for each set of the multiple sets of items, wherein the rendered selection graphics are arranged adjacent to one another, in response to choosing one of the selection graphics, moving one or more of the adjacent selection graphics away from the chosen one to create a space between the chosen one and the moved one or more of the adjacent selection graphics, and inserting the set of items associated with the chosen one of the selection graphics in the space.
US07665035B2 Content selection apparatus, system, and method
A media presentation apparatus includes a user preference storage module to store a user preference associated with a user activity and a content selection, coupled to a content selection module to select a content offering based on the user preference. A system includes a media presentation apparatus coupled to a preference manipulation apparatus. A method of processing user preferences includes storing a user preference associated with a user activity and a content selection, and selecting a content offering based on the user preference. The content offering can be selected from a plurality of offerings, based on a combination of user preferences.
US07665034B2 Accelerated scrolling
A system and method for accelerating scrolling of a display is disclosed. When a wheel of a wheeled pointing device is actuated by a user at a first rotational rate, the display in a window scrolls up or down one line at a time. When the wheel is rotated at a second rotational rate, the display in the window scrolls up or down multiple lines at a time. In additional embodiments, the scrolling technique shifts from one line at a time/multiple lines at a time to a page or pages at a time when the wheel is rotated for at a rotational rate for a minimum period of time.
US07665032B2 Sidebar engine, object model and schema
An engine is provided for displaying an application for hosting a second application. The hosting application can be a sidebar on a display. The engine can contain a part or program which can include a manifest file, a definition file and/or a script file. The manifest file may contain a pointer to at least one of the definition file and the script file. The engine may also contain a loader that can locate the definition file and/or script file (e.g., via pointers in the manifest file) and load the definition file and/or script files of the part for processing. The engine may also execute script associated with the part and convert an object model into a user interface which can be displayed at a predetermined location on a display or docked onto a sidebar. The user interface can further be manipulated or relocated within the sidebar or removed (i.e., undocked) from the sidebar. The sidebar may be exploded or imploded with the corresponding parts on the sidebar displayed on the desktop or another application (exploded) or returned to the sidebar (imploded).
US07665030B2 Tabstrip user interface element for formulating boolean statements
A user interface element for manipulating Boolean expressions includes at least one tab panel element operable to define a term of a Boolean expression with each term including one or more condition statements, and an add tab element operable to add an additional tab panel element. The defined terms of each of the tab panel elements are combined to form the Boolean expression.
US07665029B2 Device for assisting development of user application for image forming device
A method for creating a device for assisting in development of a user-friendly user application program. The device includes a processor, a storage unit for storing a program, a display unit, and an input unit, in addition to an operation panel, image input unit and output units. The operation panel has icons, such as image input and output icons, and areas including icon, program design, display panel design, and source code areas. The program includes an image input module, an image output module, and an operation panel control module. When placing the image input and output icons into the design area with a drag-and-drop operation, the icons will automatically be associated to each other, and a user application program will be automatically generated in the source code area, based on the button icon and the associated image input and image output icons.
US07665027B1 Financial relationship visualization
A method for visualizing a financial relationship on a document involves displaying a first financial component and a second financial component, where the second financial component and the first financial component are related based on a predetermined relationship, generating a visualization associated with the predetermined relationship between the first financial component and the second financial component, and displaying the visualization on the document, where the visualization signifies the predetermined relationship between the first financial component and the second financial component.
US07665022B1 Media management interfacing with refined data structures
Method and apparatus, including a computer program product, implementing techniques for displaying visible representations of project objects associated with a media project, the project objects having characteristics; and in response to a user action that identifies at least one of the characteristics, altering the visible representation of at least one of the project objects based on the identified characteristic.
US07665018B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
In an information processing apparatus for dynamically changing a container layout in accordance with inserted contents data, a user is made to understand a change of layout by explicitly displaying a change before and after the layout change, thereby improving the convenience for the user in layout correction. More specifically, when the container layout is changed by inserted contents data, a container having a standard size before the layout change is explicitly displayed.
US07665010B2 Blind transport format detection for transmission link
Receiver-side apparatus for a transmission link, the link using different transport formats for blocks of data, and using convolutional coding with additional error detection code information, for transmitting the blocks to the receiver side, the apparatus having a decoder for performing a trellis decode and tracebacks of one of the received coded blocks, to produce decoded data candidates, an error detection element for carrying out one or more speculative error detections on the candidates, assuming part of each candidate is the additional error detection code, and part is the block of data, and a format detector for determining a transport format based on a result of the speculative error detections, the apparatus being arranged to determine a probability of a candidate being valid, and prioritize carrying out the tracebacks or the speculative error detections according to the probabilities.
US07664995B2 Transfer of application loggin status information across subsystem nodes
In a system including an application subsystem node having an application RSID table and a logging subsystem node having a logging RSID table, the application subsystem node makes a determination of a registration status of a ALSI string relative to the application RSID table during a logging operation of the ALSI string. The application subsystem node further transfers a RSID package from the application subsystem node across a network to the logging subsystem node, wherein the RSID package includes a RSID encoding of the ALSI string and conditionally includes the ALSI string based on the registration status of the ALIS string relative to the application RSID table as determined by the application subsystem node.
US07664993B2 Automation of testing in remote sessions
Systems and methods are described for implementing automation of testing in remote sessions. In an implementation, a test agent is deployed at a remote server to automate testing of various components in a remote session between the remote server and a remote client. The test agent enables automation, synchronization and monitoring of test commands between the remote client and the remote server. The test agent communicates with test applications deployed at the remote client to test the components in the remote session.
US07664986B2 System and method for determining fault isolation in an enterprise computing system
A system and method for determining fault isolation in an enterprise computing system is disclosed. A method includes automatically troubleshooting errors in an enterprise computing system that receives at an analyzer engine a status notification from a first component. In response to receiving the status notification, the method automatically selects a first analyzer policy file from a set of analyzer policy files based on the status notification received at the analyzer engine, wherein the analyzer policy file contains troubleshooting logic for determining root causes for errors. The method automatically attempts to communicate with a second component based on the troubleshooting logic within the first analyzer policy file. The method automatically determines a root cause for the status notification based on the troubleshooting logic in the selected analyzer policy file and based on information obtained in connection with the attempt to communicate with the second component.
US07664974B2 Storage control device and control method therefor
A storage control device comprises: a first I/O control unit for controlling read/write of data from/to one or more HDDs (Hard Disk Drives); a second I/O control unit whose current consumption is approximately equal to that of the first I/O control unit; two or more first power supply devices supplying electric power to the first I/O control unit; two or more second power supply devices supplying electric power to the second I/O control unit; and at least three circuit breakers receiving electric power supplied from outside and supplying the electric power to the first and second power supply devices while interrupting the supply of the electric power when current exceeding a preset level passes. Each of the first/second power supply devices includes a current balancing circuit for equalizing output currents of the first/second power supply devices.
US07664971B2 Controlling power supply in a multi-core processor
Power may be controlled for a multi-core processor that includes a processor having a first core and a second core. A first power conversion unit independently supplies a supply voltage to the first core, and a second power conversion unit independently supplies a supply voltage to the second core. The first core can be configured to supply a voltage identification signal for the first power conversion unit, and the second core can be configured to supply a voltage identification signal for the second power conversion unit that is different from the voltage identification signal for the first core.
US07664964B2 Electronic media communication apparatus
An electronic media communication apparatus is provided in which encryption keys and decryption algorithms are provided as circuits concealed in logic programmable devices. When the client requests delivery of electronic media, the server individually encrypts the electronic media and delivers the encrypted electronic media to the client. In the client, an electronic media specific circuit section uses logic circuit data received via a client data communication section to generate an electronic media specific logic circuit. Then, a logic circuit configuration section combines the logic circuit with a terminal specific circuit section uniquely implemented for the client to form an electronic media security circuit section. The original digital content can then be generated by inputting the encrypted electronic media stored in a storage unit to the electronic media security circuit section. Correct decryption is only possible when the electronic media specific circuit section and the terminal specific circuit section are used together in combination.
US07664958B2 Optimization methods for the insertion, protection and detection of digital watermarks in digital data
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for encoding digital watermarks into content signals. Also disclosed are systems and methods for detecting and/or verifying digital watermarks in content signals. According to one embodiment, a system for encoding of digital watermark information includes: a window identifier for identifying a sample window in the signal; an interval calculator for determining a quantization interval of the sample window; and a sampler for normalizing the sample window to provide normalized samples. According to another embodiment, a system for pre-analyzing a digital signal for encoding at least one digital watermark using a digital filter is disclosed. According to another embodiment, a method for pre-analyzing a digital signal for encoding digital watermarks comprises: (1) providing a digital signal; (2) providing a digital filter to be applied to the digital signal; and (3) identifying an area of the digital signal that will be affected by the digital filter based on at least one measurable difference between the digital signal and a counterpart of the digital signal selected from the group consisting of the digital signal as transmitted, the digital signal as stored in a medium, and the digital signal as played backed. According to another embodiment, a method for encoding a watermark in a content signal includes the steps of (1) splitting a watermark bit stream; and (2) encoding at least half of the watermark bit stream in the content signal using inverted instances of the watermark bit stream. Other methods and systems for encoding/decoding digital watermarks are also disclosed.
US07664951B2 Transmitting apparatus for providing information by effective use of bands
A transmitting apparatus adapted to effectively use the band for transferring programs of television broadcasting. A program of a first channel transmitted from the transmitting side can be viewed in real time on the receiving side. A program of a second channel is transmitted to the receiving side in advance in a time zone of lower audience rate than other time zones and stored in a storage device of the receiving side. Each program to be stored is encrypted. When a provision time of a program comes, the data such as a key are transmitted from the transmitting side to the receiving side along with the program data of the first channel. The receiving side extracts the data such as a key and, by use of the extracted data, provides the program stored in the storage device to viewers.
US07664950B2 Method for dynamically changing intrusion detection rule in kernel level intrusion detection system
A method for dynamically changing an intrusion detection rule in a kernel level intrusion detection system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: a) generating a replica of the intrusion detection rule in a kernel area; b) changing the replica of the intrusion detection rule according to a request of changing the intrusion detection rule from the kernel area; and c) changing a currently applied intrusion detection rule by exchanging a value of a pointer representing the intrusion detection rule with a value of a pointer representing the changed replica of the intrusion detection rule.
US07664947B2 Systems and methods for automated exchange of electronic mail encryption certificates
Systems and methods for automated exchange of encryption certificates for transmitting and receiving encrypted email messages are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of communicating an encrypted email message includes providing a recipient identifier, creating an unencrypted email message, automatically querying a recipient email domain for a recipient encryption key corresponding to the recipient identifier, automatically receiving the recipient encryption key from the recipient email domain, automatically encrypting the unencrypted email message using the recipient encryption key, and transmitting the encrypted email message to the recipient identifier.
US07664940B2 Concurrent physical processor reassignment
Reassignment of a physical processor backing a logical processor is performed concurrently to the operation of the processor. The operating state of one physical processor is loaded on another physical processor, such that the logical processor is backed by a different physical processor. This reassignment is performed concurrent to processor operation and transparent to the operating system.
US07664935B2 System and method for translating non-native instructions to native instructions for processing on a host processor
A system and method for extracting complex, variable length computer instructions from a stream of complex instructions each subdivided into a variable number of instructions bytes, and aligning instruction bytes of individual ones of the complex instructions. The system receives a portion of the stream of complex instructions and extracts a first set of instruction bytes starting with the first instruction bytes, using an extract shifter. The set of instruction bytes are then passed to an align latch where they are aligned and output to a next instruction detector. The next instruction detector determines the end of the first instruction based on said set of instruction bytes. An extract shifter is used to extract and provide the next set of instruction bytes to an align shifter which aligns and outputs the next instruction. The process is then repeated for the remaining instruction bytes in the stream of complex instructions. The isolated complex instructions are decoded into nano-instructions which are processed by a RISC processor core.
US07664928B1 Method and apparatus for providing user-defined interfaces for a configurable processor
A technique that improves both processor performance and associated data bandwidth through user-defined interfaces that can be added to a configurable and extensible microprocessor core. These interfaces can be used to communicate status or control information and to achieve synchronization between the processor and any external device including other processors. These interfaces can also be used to achieve data transfer at the rate of one data element per interface in every clock cycle. This technique makes it possible to design multiprocessor SOC systems with high-speed data transfer between processors without using the memory subsystem. Such a system and design methodology offers a complete shift from the standard bus-based architecture and allows designers to treat processors more like true computational units, so that designers can more effectively utilize programmable solutions rather than design dedicated hardware. This can have dramatic effects not only in the performance and bandwidth achieved by designs, but also in the time to market and reuse of such designs.
US07664927B2 Hash tables
Hash tables comprising load factors of up to and above 97% are disclosed. The hash tables may be associated with three or more hash functions, each hash function being applied to a key to identify a location in a hash table. The load factor of a hash table may be increased, obviating any need to increase the size of the hash table to accommodate more insertions. Such increase in load factor may be accomplished by a combination of increasing the number of cells per bucket in a hash table and increasing the number of hash functions associated with the hash table.
US07664919B2 Cache system
A cache system includes a data storage which stores the data, which a memory supplies, in memory regions that are identified by identification numbers. A management data storage stores a relation between the identification numbers and the addresses of data items stored or being stored in the data storage and stores validation information indicating whether the data storage stores the data items. A refill-processing unit designates a memory region in which the data of a new address supplied from a processor is to be stored and requests the memory to output the data of the new address. An inspection unit receives the identification number of the memory region designated, determines whether the validation information about the identification number of the memory region designated is valid, and requests the data storage to output the data stored in the memory region designated when the validation information is valid.
US07664907B1 Page stream sorter with dynamic binning
Techniques and systems for dynamic binning, in which a stream of requests to access a memory is sorted into a reordered stream that enables efficient access of the memory. A page stream sorter can group requests to access a memory in a manner that results in some “locality” in the stream of requests issued from the page stream sorter to memory, such that as few pages as possible in the same bank are accessed and/or a number of page switches needed is minimized.
US07664892B2 Method, system, and program for managing data read operations on network controller with offloading functions
Provided are a method, system, and program for managing data read operations of a read command such as a read command packaged in an Internet Small Computer System Interface packet. In one embodiment, a network adapter has a microengine which obtains read target data from a cache coupled to the network adapter to respond to a read command packaged in a packet sent by an initiator over a network. If the network adapter cache does not have the target data addressed by the read command, the read command is forwarded to a target controller coupled to a storage unit to process the read command.
US07664884B2 Media drive that creates a transfer unnecessary period, and power saving method thereof
Embodiments of the present invention provide a media drive that is intended for reduction in power consumption required for serial communications to/from a host, and a power saving method thereof. In one embodiment, a HDD includes: a cache; a host interface for transferring, to a host, transfer data read out from the cache; a host interface manager that controls the execution of commands so as to generate a transfer unnecessary period during which a command and transfer data need not be exchanged with the host; and a MPU that brings a serial communication part of the host interface into a power save mode during the transfer unnecessary period. The host interface manager determines the optimum data transfer timing of transferring data from the cache to the host on the basis of a transfer rate at which data is transferred to the host, and a read rate at which data is read out from a disk into the cache.
US07664882B2 System and method for accessing multimedia content
Systems and methods described herein provide access to multimedia content of varying types from a variety of sources using a uniform resource locator (URL).
US07664873B1 Generating path-centric traffic information for analysis using an association of packet-centric information to path-centric information
Samples from an addressed data forwarding devices, such as a router, are associated with path-centric information. Information from the samples is used to update corresponding path-centric traffic information, such as flow information for example. The aggregated path-centric traffic information can then be used by traffic analysis operations.
US07664869B2 Web interface to a device and an electrical network control system
A method and interface module for communicating messages with a remote location and to provide access to an at least one intelligent electronic device (IED) operably connected to a communication network. The interface module is comprised of a central processing unit and an operating system operating the central processing unit. A network interface is operably connected with the communication network. A protocol task processes communication on the network according to first and second protocol stacks, wherein messages are assigned to either the first or second protocol stack. Messages assigned to the first protocol stack have a higher priority than messages assigned to the second protocol stack. A set of application tasks communicates with the protocol task for responding to an incoming message from the communication network and initiating an outgoing message to the communication network. An interconnection bus with an interface driver is operably connected with the at least one IED.
US07664868B2 TCP/IP offload network interface device
An intelligent network interface card (INIC) or communication processing device (CPD) works with a host computer for data communication. The device provides a fast-path that avoids protocol processing for most messages, greatly accelerating data transfer and offloading time-intensive processing tasks from the host CPU. The host retains a fallback processing capability for messages that do not fit fast-path criteria, with the device providing assistance such as validation even for slow-path messages, and messages being selected for either fast-path or slow-path processing. A context for a connection is defined that allows the device to move data, free of headers, directly to or from a destination or source in the host. The context can be passed back to the host for message processing by the host. The device contains specialized hardware circuits that are much faster at their specific tasks than a general purpose CPU. A preferred embodiment includes a trio of pipelined processors devoted to transmit, receive and utility processing, providing full duplex communication for four Fast Ethernet nodes.
US07664867B2 Reporting queue delays in SOAP messages
A delay indication can be added to SOAP messages by a queue so that receiving web services get a better understanding of the SOAP message freshness.
US07664865B2 Securely hosting a webbrowser control in a managed code environment
Described is a technology by which a managed web browser control hosts an unmanaged web OLE control to control navigation requests by the unmanaged web OLE control on behalf of partially trusted code. Site locking may be performed to constrain a site to navigation only to other pages within its site, thereby preventing navigation to an undesirable location. In one example, the unmanaged web OLE control communicates information corresponding to a navigation request to the managed web browser control, and the managed web browser control processes the information to establish whether the navigation is to be allowed or blocked. The benefits of site-locking with respect to privacy are also described, as is z-order management to protect against site spoofing.
US07664857B2 Systems and methods of using an IP ID field for automatic WAN/LAN detection
The solution of the present invention provides systems and methods for encoding information into an Internet Protocol identification field (IPID) of an IP layer header of a network packet in a manner acceptable to many or all of the network devices that encounter the encoded packet. In one embodiment, the solution described herein encodes the IP identification field of the IPID header with information to be communicated between devices. Appliances may use the encoded IP field as a signal or a means for a low-bandwidth subcarrier of data between the appliances that is transparent to any intervening network equipment. For example, the encoded field may be used to announce or probe the presence of a device, a functionality or capability of device or to indicate a type or speed of a network connection of a port on a device.
US07664854B2 Relay apparatus, system and method, and storage medium
A system enables information transmission between a server which serves information by its own communication format and a client which receives service on a general network, with an efficient and simple structure. A conversion server 101 receives a video transmission request message from a client 103 in the HTTP protocol, the conversion server 101 converts the message into a message of a format of a server 102, and transmits the converted message to the server 102. Then, the conversion server 101 returns video data transferred from the server 102 to the client 103 in the HTTP protocol.
US07664849B1 Method and apparatus for controlling finite impulse responses using alert definitions in policy-based automation
Method and apparatus for the control of finite impulse responses for alerting in policy-based automation. Embodiments of the alert definition mechanism may provide a graphical user interface (GUI) that assists the user in generating complex alert definitions by graphically displaying the signal waveform and providing graphical user interface elements according to a GUI paradigm for manipulating various parameters, such as thresholds, edges, rates, and sustain and repeat periods, to define the alert or alerts. Embodiments of the alert definition mechanism may be used, for example, to assist the user in configuring the policies used in a policy-based automation system. This graphical shaping paradigm may be used to graphically, rather than textually, define the various parameters for alert definitions for relatively simple to complex alert definitions. This graphical approach may be more intuitive to the user than conventional, text-based alert definition mechanisms.
US07664846B2 System and method for distributed modeling of real time systems
A system for modeling real time systems includes a plurality of modules for modeling components of a system. Each module represents a single component of the system or other systems that compete for system resources. In one embodiment, each module is XML-based. Each module can also include instructions to log appropriate transactions. The system creates the loads and delays which are then logged for later analysis.
US07664842B2 Mobile radiography apparatus, control method thereof, and program
A radiography order information request to request a radiography order information of an information system is transmitted to the information system through a network. Radiography order information corresponding to the radiography order information request is received from the information system through the network. The received radiography order information is stored. Connection to the network is sensed. On the basis of the sensing result, the radiography order information corresponding to the radiography order information request is obtained.
US07664841B2 Selective activation of TCP/IP link and traffic
Discloses is a method of selective activation of server applications in a computer network system. The computer network system includes a server computer, a plurality of client computers, a set of server applications loaded on the server computer, and a given protocol stack for managing activation of the server applications. The method comprises the steps of a system administrator defining a plurality of states for the network system and specifying conditions to determine whether or not each of the server applications can be activated in each of said states. The given protocol stack then manages activation of the server applications in accordance with said specified conditions.
US07664839B1 Automatic device classification service on storage area network
A method, system, computer system, and computer-readable medium to classify a storage device on a SAN prior to allocating the storage device for data storage. A device accessible via a storage area network is detected, and access to the device by a node on the storage area network is established. The device is accessed by a recognizer to determine the type of the device and information about contents of the device. The type of the device can be checked for compatibility with a requester sending a request for a storage device. By checking the compatibility between storage devices and nodes before allocation, spending resources to allocate incompatible storage is avoided and costs of storage management are reduced. Classification information about devices and nodes can be stored in a persistent data store that can be accessed by nodes connected to the SAN.
US07664827B2 Server, information providing method and recording medium for distributing a terminal with information containing menu and link arranged on image
A server for distributing information provided by an information provider as an information element group consisting of one or more information elements connected, to a user terminal. The server includes means for creating a hierarchical structure between the information elements via an image, means for receiving an access to an image related to the first information element, means for searching a second information element constituting a hierarchical structure with the first information element via the image, and means for arranging the second information element on the image and distributing it to the user terminal.
US07664825B2 System and method of managing documents using bookmarks
A system and method for managing documents within a shared peripheral includes a network-based document management system. A document management module of defines a bookmark or symbolic link to a document stored inside or outside a document management module repository. The symbolic link is treated analogously to other documents managed by the document management module. Upon linking to a document networked, the system enables users to download a document stored in the repository to devices including a local machine or network hard drive.
US07664820B2 RFID wireless control of instant messaging
A remote control instant messaging method and system for automatically activating an instant messaging session based upon remote detection of a user approaching a processor capable of executing an instant message system. The method and system also automatically deactivate the instant messaging session based upon remote detection of the user's absence from such processor and automatically re-activate the instant messaging session based upon remote detection of the user's return to the processor. A second instant messaging session can also be remotely activated on a second processor operated by another user_id by detecting the first user's approach to such second processor. The first user is automatically disengaged from this second instant messaging session when the user leaves the location of the second processor.
US07664818B2 Message-oriented middleware provider having multiple server instances integrated into a clustered application server infrastructure
A method, apparatus, and system are provided for a Message-Oriented Middleware (MOM) provider having multiple logical MOM server instances. In an embodiment, a number of application servers are communicatively coupled on an enterprise network. In an embodiment, the MOM provider includes an MOM server instance implemented on each of the plurality of application servers. Each MOM server instance may include a session container to manage one or more sessions and a destination container to provide one or more destinations. In an embodiment, each destination is identified by a globally unique identifier.
US07664817B2 Information distribution method and device
Network information-distribution method and device for transmitting information utilizing information-exchange relationships among users. Information is transmitted from user 1 to all or a portion of user 1's buddies, e.g., users 12 and 13. Next, having received the information, users 12 and 13 then forward the information to their respective buddies. The information is forwarded, for example, to users 211 and 212 registered on user 12's buddy list 21. Likewise, the information is also transmitted to the user group registered on user 13's buddy list 22. By repeating this, buddy lists expressing information-exchange relationships among users are utilized to distribute the information to great numbers of persons.
US07664814B2 Presence-based seamless messaging
Subject matter includes systems and methods for presence-based messaging. In one implementation an engine detects the real-time presence of a potential message recipient who can be reached via a communications medium that a sender composing a message is not currently using. The engine can either transition to an environment for composing and sending the message using the detected presence-based communications medium or offer the sender a choice of switching to the presence-based communication medium.
US07664810B2 Microprocessor apparatus and method for modular exponentiation
A technique is provided for performing modular multiplication. In one embodiment, an apparatus in a microprocessor is provided for accomplishing modular multiplication operations. The apparatus includes translation logic and execution logic. The translation logic receives an atomic Montgomery multiplication instruction from a source therefrom, where the atomic Montgomery multiplication instruction prescribes generation of a Montgomery product. The translation logic translates the atomic Montgomery multiplication instruction into a sequence of micro instructions specifying sub-operations required to accomplish generation of the Montgomery product. The execution logic is operatively coupled to the translation logic. The execution logic receives the sequence of micro instructions, and performs the sub-operations to generate the Montgomery product.
US07664806B1 Routing XML queries
A vast amount of information currently accessible over the Web, and in corporate networks, is stored in a variety of databases, and is being exported as XML data. However, querying this totality of information in a declarative and timely fashion is problematic because this set of databases is dynamic, and a common schema is difficult to maintain. The present invention provides a solution to the problem of issuing declarative, ad hoc XPath queries against such a dynamic collection of XML databases, and receiving timely answers. There is proposed a decentralized architectures, under the open and the agreement cooperation models between a set of sites, for processing queries and updates to XML data. Each site consists of XML data nodes. (which export their data as XML, and also pose queries) and one XML router node (which manages the query and update interactions between sites). The architectures differ in the degree of knowledge individual router nodes have about data nodes containing specific XML data. There is therefore provided a method for accessing data over a wide area network comprising: providing a decentralized architecture comprising a plurality of data nodes each having a database, a query processor and a path index, and a plurality of router nodes each having a routing state, maintaining a routing state in each of the router nodes, broadcasting routing state updates from each of the databases to the router nodes, routing path queries to each of the databases by accessing the routing state.
US07664803B2 Information search apparatus and method, and computer readable memory
A search request input processing unit holds an input query word in a query word holding unit. An associative word unfolding processing unit acquires associative words in association with the query word held in the query word holding unit with reference to an associative word dictionary. An image content search processing unit using associative words makes a keyword search of image information on the basis of the obtained associative words and the query word. A sensory pattern unfolding processing unit obtains the query word and sensory patterns corresponding to associative words of the query word, and searches image information using feature amounts of the obtained sensory patterns. A search result integration processing unit integrates the search results obtained by the image content word search processing unit and sensory pattern search processing unit.
US07664798B2 Database performance baselines
Systems and methods to define and store performance baselines. A baseline may be defined as a pair of snapshots, each snapshot containing the same set of statistics and having a timestamp value associated therewith. The present invention allows for the designation, automatically or manually, of statistics collected over a certain period of time to be stored and used for comparison. Baselines may be used, for example, to manually or automatically compare with current system performance, compare difference-difference values and set thresholds to monitor current system performance.
US07664797B1 Method and apparatus for using statistical process control within a storage management system
A method and apparatus for using a statistical process control to establish alarm criteria for backup processes in a storage management system. The method and apparatus accumulates sample parameters for a plurality of backup runs to build a statistical model of the backup process. The parameters collected from subsequent backup runs are compared to the norms within the model to determine whether the current backup fulfills those norms or is outside of those norms. If the current backup parameters are outside the norms, an alarm is triggered to indicate an abnormal situation.
US07664794B2 Content-based storage management
A system and method for data management according to the content of the data. The present invention enables data to be stored in one of a plurality of different storage options according to at least one characteristic of the data, in which the at least one characteristic is related to the content of the data. The present invention comprises a rule-based storage management mechanism for the processes of archiving and/or retrieving data. It should be noted that at least one storage option according to the present invention is optionally deletion and/or destruction of the data, such that the data may optionally be removed from storage media or may optionally not be stored initially on the storage media. Optionally and more preferably, the data is stored for a time interval according to the at least one characteristic of the data. Most preferably, the data is moved to a different type of storage option after an event occurs, for example the time interval has elapsed.
US07664790B2 Cascade delete processing
A time-efficient means for identifying and processing cascading deletes due to referential constraint violations includes: logging, to an error file, all primary key (“PK”) errors detected during table load operations; building a foreign key (“FK”) index for each child table; recursively probing each relevant FK index to identify all loaded rows that violate a referential constraint due to a PK error; logging all identified FK errors to the error file; and using the (preferably sorted) error file contents to identify, mark and physically delete table rows that violate a referential constraint. The described cascade delete processing methods make only a single pass through the table data, using ordinary computer files to track and organize rows identified for deletion. Use of error files rather than tablescans (multiple passes through the loaded table data) can provide a significant reduction in table load times, especially for large or intricately “related” tables.
US07664788B2 Method and system for synchronizing cached files
Described is a system and method that synchronizes cached files and directories with a server's files and directories via a layered architecture, by collapsing state information into an index into a fixed set of known states, and looking up the action that synchronizes that state. The actions are then taken to synchronize the content. Any of fifty possible synchronization states are thus handled. A synchronization controller requests a subsystem to evaluate a local cache and remote file system to generate state flags for each item considered for synchronization. The synchronization controller processes the state information to identify a selected table from among a plurality of tables that contain the fifty values, and uses other flags to compute an index into the table. The selected table contains values that index into an action table containing actions that specify an operation set that is requested to synchronize the particular state scenario.
US07664787B2 System and method for creating an object-level snapshot in a storage system
A system and method for object-level snapshot creation in an object-based storage system. The host device includes a first object management table (OMT) and a file system. The object-based storage system is connected to the host device and includes a controller and object-based storage devices (OSD). The controller includes a snapshot module, a second OMT. The snapshot module receives and processes OSD and other commands from the file system or a service processor, creates an original object and a mirror object in an OSD, and initiates a snapshot operation in an OSD. The first OMT may also reside at a metadata server. A snapshot operation may be a mirror operation or a copy on write operation. The first OMT and the second OMT maintain mapping information of a file identifier, a partition ID, and an object ID, and an object status and a generation number of snapshots.
US07664785B2 Method and apparatus of WAFS backup managed in centralized center
A system including a plurality of servers each executing an application, a plurality of Wide Area File System (WAFS) clients which are correspondingly connected to the servers, a WAFS server which is connected to each WAFS client, a storage system or network attached storage (NAS), connected to the WAFS server, which stores data in a plurality of volumes or filesystem forming a consistency group, and a backup server for controlling backup of the consistency group. Each WAFS client includes a cache for temporarily storing data, and a cache manager for managing the cache. The WAFS server includes a backup agent that responds to the backup server, and a consistency manager that maintains consistency among the caches. The system is implemented to bring to a state of consistency the caches in the WAFS clients and the corresponding volumes in the WAFS server.
US07664781B2 File operations with persistent file locking techniques
File systems which provide several different and improved locking capabilities. An application on a client workstation communicates through a client driver to a server which interfaces with a metadata database, which contains locking information about the files. Applications perform as normal. The client driver provides lock and unlock requests to the server when a write lock or a read with intent to write lock is required. If only a read lock is considered appropriate, the client driver does not provide a lock request. The server transparently performs read operations and read locking using the metadata database without specific requests from the client driver. When a read with intent to write or write lock is required, the lock ownership is placed with a given expiration time. When the time expires the lock is not automatically released but remains with the particular requesting client driver until another client driver requests it.
US07664770B2 Smart browser panes
An article of manufacture and method includes displaying content associated with a universal resource locator (URL) on a graphical user interface (GUI), receiving a first search parameter for a first search engine, displaying a first search result in a first pane of the GUI, the first search result associated with a first search parameter, determining a second search parameter associated with a URL from the first search parameter for a second search engine, displaying a second search result in a second pane of the GUI, the second search result associated with a second search parameter.
US07664766B2 System, method and computer program product for managing data
A method and computer readable product for managing data, the method includes: providing a first data structure representative of insert or update operations to entries identified by keys and providing a second data structure representative of branch creation operations wherein the second data structure stores branch identifiers and branch timing information; receiving a request to lookup a version of data at a read timestamp; scanning the first and the second data structures to locate that version of data; and receiving a request to create a branch that starts by a version of data at a requested timestamp and updating the second data structure accordingly.
US07664765B2 Method for accelerating the computational speed of a computer algorithm
A new technique for accelerating the computational speed of a computer algorithm is provided. The inventive technique can be applied to an encryption algorithm, such as an RSA algorithm, for example. A method and system for effecting secure information communications utilizing an accelerated information encryption algorithm is also contemplated.
US07664764B2 Method and system for storage and fast retrieval of digital terrain model elevations for use in positioning systems
Methods and apparatuses to generate and to access compressed and indexed elevations of Digital Elevation Models. In one aspect of the invention, a method to store elevation data includes: compressing elevation data of a first portion of a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to generate first compressed elevation data; storing the first compressed elevation data in a storage location pointed to by a first index; and storing the first index. In another aspect of the invention, a method to retrieve elevation data includes: locating a first compressed portion of a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) using a first index; and decompressing the first compressed portion to retrieve first elevation data for at least one sample point in the Digital Elevation Model. The Digital Elevation Model has a plurality of compressed portions which includes the first compressed portion; and the first index points to a storage location where the first compressed portion is stored.
US07664752B2 Authorization over a distributed and partitioned management system
In a management system, a management server authorizes users to access computing devices based on class space and instance space. The management server further determines whether users are authorized to use particular computing devices and/or applications provided by the particular computing devices. Alerts may also be provided to the users by the management server.
US07664750B2 Distributed system for interactive collaboration
A distributed system for interactive collaboration can facilitate synchronous and asynchronous communications, take advantage of electronic scheduling tools, support a facilitator paradigm, and store meeting communications for later retrieval. The system can create a collaborative environment for members of a team in communication with a computer network. An interactive forum can be provided in the collaborative environment in a manner offering varying degrees of structure for collecting information from the members of the team. The information can then be used to arrive at a collaboratively derived decision.
US07664745B2 Information retrieval system and method for retrieving information
An information retrieval system and method are provided. The system includes a retrieval unit for combining query type of searches and browsing type of searches. A user forms a query by selecting predefined queries, predefined data categories and entering data. The system indicates which combinations are allowed given the available stored data. Results are displayed as a result set. Data from the result can be clicked upon for insertion into a new query.
US07664743B2 Data processing unit
A data processing unit includes: a data storage section; a data acquisition section that acquires the dates of multiple date items including date attributes; a date representing section that represents the dates of data in such a manner that the lapse of months from January to December is expressed circumferentially and the lapse of two or more years is expressed radially; a search-range representing section superposed on the date representing section and representing a sectored search range concentric with the date representing section so that the user can designate a search range, wherein the central angle of the sectored search range represents the range of date of search data and the radial thickness of the sectored search range represents the range of year of the search data; and a search section that searches for data having the date in the range designated in the search-range representing section from the date stored in the data storage section.
US07664742B2 Index data structure for a peer-to-peer network
An index data structure has a plurality of index keys for uniquely identifying potential data object context nodes. Each index key is, in turn, associated with one or more potential context nodes. Moreover, the index key has a label that provides semantic content to a user. The index data structure further includes one or more routing tables associated with each index key that generally include a plurality of path references.
US07664740B2 Automatically displaying keywords and other supplemental information
Various embodiments can utilize information that is displayed for a user to automatically generate a list of keywords and use that list as a means to display supplemental information that is relevant to the keywords. In at least some embodiments, the displayed information is analyzed using an extraction algorithm to identify words or, more generally, character strings of interest. If these words or character strings of interest are determined to constitute relevant search terms or “keywords”, then a special user interface portion can be used to display this supplemental information along with the information that is already displayed for the user. This supplemental information can include the search terms themselves, ads that pertain to the search terms, and/or search results that have been ascertained from a web search engine.
US07664714B2 Neural network element with reinforcement/attenuation learning
A neural network element, outputting an output signal in response to a plurality of input signals, comprises a history memory for accumulating and storing the plurality of input signals in a temporal order as history values. It also includes an output module for outputting the output signal when an internal state exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the internal state being based on a sum of the product of a plurality of input signals and corresponding coupling coefficients. The history values depend on change of the internal state. The neural network element is configured to subtract a predetermined value from the internal state immediately after the output module fires and performs learning for reinforcing or attenuating the coupling coefficient according to the history values after the output module fires.
US07664707B2 System and method for handling peripheral connections to mobile devices
Systems and methods for establishing a data connection between a mobile device and a peripheral. The mobile device is configured to determine whether to handle user approval of the data connection between the mobile device and the peripheral. Through the mobile device, an input mechanism is provided for the user to provide input. The input is used in determining whether to approve the data connection between the mobile device and the peripheral.
US07664704B2 Clearing receivables with improved search
A system and method match payments with invoices. A payment is received from a business partner. Multiple fields of an invoice database are concatenated to form a single string per record, and a search for an invoice corresponding to the payment is performed. The search may be a fuzzy search based on a search string created from information associated with the payment.
US07664702B2 Method of conducting an EMV payment process using IRFM
The present invention relates to a method of conducting an EMV (Europay Master Visa) payment process optimally using IrFM (Infrared Financial Messaging) between a mobile terminal and a POS (Point Of Sale) terminal. In the present method, if a buyer is authenticated based on information written in a card chip installed in a mobile terminal, information for transaction approval is transmitted to a POS terminal, and if an approval is responded from the POS terminal, a digital receipt for this transaction is transmitted to the POS terminal. Then, if transaction end is requested from the POS terminal, a connected session is released.
US07664693B1 Financial methodology for the examination and explanation of spread between analyst targets and market share prices
A financial methodology for examining, explaining and predicting the spread between analyst targets and stock prices, by analyzing how investor confidence is impacted by media coverage and correlating this to the spread. The methodology is based on a quantitative approach suitable for numerical processing. It measures the confidence along several categories, and allows for industry benchmarking.
US07664669B1 Methods and systems for distributing information within a dynamically defined community
One embodiment of the present invention distributes data via a network to remotely located individuals. Evaluation feedback by one or more of the individuals is transmitted to others so that the feedback may be used by others to quickly locate the more useful data. The evaluation feedback may be in the form of ratings of product reviews. The feedback helps customers by allowing the more useful reviews can be quickly located.
US07664661B2 Electronic method and system that improves efficiencies for rendering diagnosis of radiology procedures
An electronic method and system for improving radiologists' efficiencies when viewing radiology procedures and rendering diagnosis in a manner that emulates current methods and apparatus. The method of the present invention includes reviewing electronic radiology images and reports contained in a patient's digital master folder (an information object invented to manage the patient's radiology information), comparing images from the current procedure to specific images from prior procedures in a specified order, and dictating the procedure's diagnosis into the digital master folder. The apparatus of the present invention includes a flat panel monitor for the viewing and manipulation of digital master folders, a dictation trackball device for manual and voice enabled operation and navigation of the system, and multiple high-resolution computer monitors functioning as a “light-box” for the viewing of radiology images.
US07664658B2 Method for enabling or blocking an operating mode of a medical diagnostic device
A method for the enabling or blocking of an operating mode in a medical diagnostic device enables the operating mode of the diagnostic device only after successful verification of the consumable material required for the operational mode. The consumable material is identified by a machine-readable identification tag, which is read off by a reading device.
US07664655B2 Electronic service of process system and method for carrying out service of court papers
A system and method for online creation and integration of service of process functions is provided, for use in conjunction with paper or electronic filing of court papers. By logging on to a web page, the user can access a rules and decision matrix database providing the rules and requirements for process service by jurisdiction and type. Such rules can be incorporated into process requests using online tools and document management software. Once entered, the requests are compiled in a database, and a system controller coordinates with affiliated process servers to procure process service in the desired jurisdiction.
US07664654B2 Methods of treating subterranean formations using well characteristics
An embodiment includes a method of treating a subterranean formation that comprises obtaining one or more well characteristics for a well servicing treatment, determining a price of the well servicing treatment based on the one or more well characteristics, and performing the well servicing treatment in the subterranean formation. Another embodiment includes a method of treating a subterranean formation that comprises obtaining one or more well characteristics for a cementing operation, determining a price of the cementing operation based on the one or more well characteristics, and performing the cementing operation in the subterranean formation.
US07664651B1 Apparatus, systems and methods for online, multi-carrier, multi-service parcel shipping management
The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods providing a single system available over a global communications network for shipping management for each parcel from a plurality of parcels that each Shipper of a plurality of Shippers ships using any one of a plurality of services offered by any one of a plurality of carriers.
US07664648B2 Method and apparatus to provision a network appliance
A method and apparatus to provision a network node such as a network appliance is described.
US07664647B2 Camera for encoding audio signals
A camera system is provided having an integral sound recording means for recording and outputting a permanent record of sound associated with a photograph wherein the sound is recorded with infrared ink. Also provided are means for reproducing the recorded sound and a photograph reader to decode sound and to play sound. Further provided is a method of decoding a pre-recorded audio signal printed as an array of invisible ink dots on the surface of a photograph coincident with an image printed on the surface of the photograph.
US07664645B2 Individualization of voice output by matching synthesized voice target voice
The voice of a synthesized voice output is individualized and matched to a user voice, the voice of a communication partner or the voice of a famous personality. In this way mobile terminals in particular can be originally individualized and text messages can be read out using a specific voice.
US07664644B1 Multitask learning for spoken language understanding
A system, method and computer-readable medium provide a multitask learning method for intent or call-type classification in a spoken language understanding system. Multitask learning aims at training tasks in parallel while using a shared representation. A computing device automatically re-uses the existing labeled data from various applications, which are similar but may have different call-types, intents or intent distributions to improve the performance. An automated intent mapping algorithm operates across applications. In one aspect, active learning is employed to selectively sample the data to be re-used.
US07664641B1 Script compliance and quality assurance based on speech recognition and duration of interaction
Apparatus and methods are provided for using automatic speech recognition to analyze a voice interaction and verify compliance of an agent reading a script to a client during the voice interaction. In one aspect of the invention, a communications system includes a user interface, a communications network, and a call center having an automatic speech recognition component. In other aspects of the invention, a script compliance method includes the steps of conducting a voice interaction between an agent and a client and evaluating the voice interaction with an automatic speech recognition component adapted to analyze the voice interaction and determine whether the agent has adequately followed the script. In yet still further aspects of the invention, the duration of a given interaction can be analyzed, either apart from or in combination with the script compliance analysis above, to seek to identify instances of agent non-compliance, of fraud, or of quality-analysis issues.
US07664632B2 Method of using visual separators to indicate additional character combination choices on a handheld electronic device and associated apparatus
A method and associated apparatus for using visual separators to indicate additional character combination choices from a disambiguation function on a handheld electronic device.
US07664611B2 Device and method for voltage regulator with low standby current
An apparatus and method for providing a reference voltage for regulating voltage levels. The apparatus includes a first voltage generation system for receiving a first control signal and output a calibration voltage, a voltage adjustment system for receiving the calibration voltage and a reference voltage and output a second control signal, and a second voltage generation system for receiving the second control signal and output the reference voltage. The voltage adjustment system includes a latch system for receiving a third control signal and a fourth control signal and output the first control signal.
US07664610B2 Steam trap monitoring
Electronic steam trap monitoring is disclosed. An electronic steam trap monitor is operably coupled to an outlet of a steam trap and is configured to measure at least one process variable of fluid (liquid or gas) flowing through the trap, when the trap is known to be working normally. The steam trap monitor stores the process variable information obtained during the known operating condition for later comparison. The steam trap monitor obtains a later process variable measurement and compares it to the stored measurement to selectively generate a leakage indication. The steam trap monitor preferably uses a local power source and communicates wirelessly.
US07664609B2 Device for impact sensing having at least two pressure sensors
A device for impact sensing having at least two pressure sensors is described, where pressure values are communicated from the pressure sensors to a processor, and the processor performs impact sensing on the basis of the pressure value. The processor communicates the pressure values to additional vehicle systems, which use them to fulfill their own functions, or at least to carry out a plausibility check of their own pressure values.
US07664602B2 Method and apparatus for quantitative determination of sediment physical properties of seabed and layered subbottom using single-channel seismic-reflection profiling data
A method for the quantitative characterization of a seabed sediment composition and a seabed's layered subbottom structure from at least one normal-incidence, single-channel reflection acoustic amplitude time series seismogram is disclosed. The method detects a plurality of reflections from subbottom interfaces in said seismograms, determines the traveltime, the polarity and the reflectivity of each detected reflection, determines the intrinsic attenuation of the sediment layer between pairs of adjacent reflections, and determines the acoustic properties, layer thicknesses and material properties of the seabed's layered subbottom structure as a function of said traveltimes, polarities and reflectivities of the detected reflections and said intrinsic attenuation of the sediment layer between pairs of adjacent reflections. A forward model describing the physical relationship between the material properties and the acoustic properties of seabed sediments is also disclosed.
US07664600B2 Obstacle detection device
Each of plural detection units performs a signal transmission-reception operation responding to at least one of a plurality of kinds of operation timing signals repeated at a predetermined periodicity. The number of continuous reception times of the reflection signal is counted and used to determine obstacle detection when the number of counts is larger than or equal to a predetermined value. The transmission-reception operations are controlled by an operation timing signal having a periodicity shorter than the predetermined periodicity.
US07664598B2 Guiding device and guiding method
The present invention provides a guiding device that can induce a user to move according to a guiding route.The guiding device according to the present invention is a guiding device which guides a user, including an acquisition unit (101) which acquires a guiding route for the user, a recognition unit (102) which recognizes an object which exists in the user's vicinity, a management unit (104) which manages an object and an adjustment method for adjusting an influence that the object has on the movement of the user, by associating the object and the adjustment method in advance, a judgment unit (103) which judges whether or not the object recognized by the recognition unit (102) exists within the guiding route acquired by the acquisition unit (101), and an adjustment unit (110) which executes a specified adjustment process based on the judgment made by the judgment unit (102), and on the adjustment method managed in association with the object recognized by the recognition unit (102).
US07664597B2 Address input method and apparatus for navigation system
A method and apparatus for use with a navigation system allows a user to easily and quickly input an address of a destination with use of a specially made database even when spelling of the address is not certain to the user. The navigation system is designed to help the user in entering a desired street name accurately and efficiently by checking candidate cities when a first character of street name is specified. Since the user accurately knows at least the first character of the intended street name, the candidate street names will be narrowed down by selecting the city. The user may further input second character and further characters upon which the navigation system incrementally retrieves candidate street names with use of the comprehensive alphabetical usage file.
US07664595B2 Fault code memory manager architecture concept consisting of a dedicated monitoring unit module and a fault memory manager administrator module for heavy duty diesel engine
A fault code memory manager architecture for heavy duty diesel engines consisting of a dedicated monitoring unit module and at least one fault code memory manager administrator module.
US07664591B2 Engine control apparatus
An apparatus and a method of control of the engine for separating and detecting the fuel remaining in the engine and in the intake passages before the start of the engine and also detecting the fuel property, and calculating a parameter such as an optimum fuel injection quantity when the engine is started, and thus enabling an efficient exhaust performance and a good running performance to be compatible at start-up. The engine control apparatus has a unit for detecting or estimating a burned fuel quantity of the engine, and a unit for separating and detecting a burned fuel quantity supplied from the fuel injection valve and a burned quantity of fuel other than the fuel supplied from the injection valve.
US07664589B2 Apparatus and method for following a preceding vehicle
An apparatus and method for controlling a vehicle to follow a preceding vehicle. A stop-holding device maintains a stopped state automatically when the vehicle is stopped, and the stop-holding device is in an enabled state or a disabled state. A control state for following the preceding vehicle is changed, at least in part, according to a set state of the stop-holding device.
US07664588B2 Engine overrate detection method and apparatus
A method is provided for determining variance of actual engine torque from reported engine torque, including configuring a controller with an algorithm to calculate the ratios of current and maximum engine torque to reported torque upon the initiation of high-throttle 1-2 shift, high-throttle 2-3 shift, high-throttle torque converter lockup, and at maximum Engine Rating Torque Function for each high-throttle torque converter drive cycle. An apparatus is also provided for detecting engine torque variance in a vehicle having an engine, a throttle, and a torque converter, the apparatus comprising a controller with memory and an algorithm for calculating the maximum and current engine torque variance upon the occurrence a predetermined throttle condition, and storing the values in accessible memory, wherein the controller is configured to initiate the algorithm upon the occurrence of one of the throttle conditions, and wherein the throttle and torque converter each communicate speed signals to the controller.
US07664579B2 Test interface for diagnosing communication faults in automobiles
A diagnostic test interface circuit and method for using the same are disclosed. The circuit isolates communication links at a junction box having one pin for each of the communication links. The circuit includes a bus, a plurality of switches, and a plurality of connection leads. The switches each have a first terminal connected to the bus. Each connection lead includes a first end having a connector that connects to one of the pins and a second end that connects to a corresponding one of the switches such that the switch connects the connection lead to the bus when the switch is closed. The circuit can be used to diagnose a fault in a vehicle having a plurality of modules that communicate over a star-configured network.
US07664576B2 Apparatus and method for assembling tire and wheel based on rigidity and radial runout of wheel
Based upon rigidity classifications of wheels and radial runout classifications of the wheels, the lower the rigidity classification or the lower the radial runout classification, the more likely a methodology (heavy point-light point alignment) is selected in which a light point of static imbalance of the tire and a heavy point of static imbalance of the wheel are aligned with each other, than another methodology (radial force variation alignment) in which a peak position of a primary component of radial force variation of the tire and a bottom position of a primary component of radial runout of the wheel are aligned with each other, so as to assemble a tire and a wheel together.
US07664573B2 Integrated building environment data system
A system for gathering date in a space includes a data server, a first wireless module operably connected to the data server, a first plurality of wireless sensor modules, and at least one other wireless sensor module. The first plurality of wireless sensors module are operable to generate sensor data relating to the control and operation of an HVAC system. The first plurality of wireless sensor modules are also operable to communicate the first sensor data to the first wireless module. The at least one other wireless sensor module is operable to generate second sensor data relating to at least one of the group consisting of light fixtures, architectural fixtures and plumbing fixtures, office equipment, and vending machines and furniture. The at least one other wireless sensor module is also operable to communicate the second sensor data to the first wireless module.
US07664571B2 Controlling a robot using pose
Systems and methods are presented that enable robot commands to be determined based on the pose of an object. A method is described for determining the orientation and pose of an object using indistinguishable points. The resolution of the pose detection is based on the robot'command vocabulary. A system is described for controlling a robot by pose detection using unlabelled points.
US07664570B2 Method and apparatus for limiting the movement of a robot, and a robot equipped with said apparatus
The safety in robotic operations is enhanced and the floor space in a factory or the like is effectively utilized. A virtual safety barrier 50 including the trajectory of movement of a work or tool 7 mounted on a wrist 5 of a robot 1 in operation is defined in a memory. At least two three-dimensional spatial regions S (S1 to S3) including a part of the robot including the work or tool are defined. Predicted positions of the defined three-dimensional spatial regions obtained by trajectory calculations are matched with the virtual safety barrier 50, and if the predicted position of any one of the defined three-dimensional spatial regions based on trajectory calculations is included in the virtual safety barrier 50, a control is effected to stop the movement of the robot arms 3 and 4.
US07664568B2 Liquid handling system with electronic information storage
The present invention is a system for handling liquid and a method for the same. The system has a container capable of holding a liquid. An electronic storage device is coupled with the container for electronically storing information relating to the liquid stored in the container. The system also has an antenna, for storing information to and reading information from the electronic storage device. Finally, the system has a microprocessor-based controller, coupled with the antenna, for controlling processing of the liquid based on information read from the electronic storage device by the antenna.
US07664566B2 Graphical automated machine control and metrology
A graphical programming system allows a user to place geometric shapes onto a scaled image, the shape having associated behavior that operates on the image or on the object of which the image is formed. In a preferred embodiment, the shapes are objects in the Visio program by Microsoft Corporation. The shapes are dragged from a stencil onto an image provided by ion beam or electron microscope image. The shape invokes software or hardware to locate and measure features on the image or to perform operations, such as ion beam milling, on the object that is imaged.
US07664564B2 Device, method and program for designing knit product
A setting area is stored in association with the external shape of a knitted fabric, and the setting area is altered as the external shape is altered. A unit pattern is vertically copied repeatedly in the setting area. When setting patterns exist on both sides of the boundary between front and rear knitted fabrics, the boundary being a start point of circumferential formation, the setting pattern on the start section side is shifted upward by one course. The range for providing the setting pattern therein can be altered automatically when the external shape of the knitted fabric is altered. Furthermore, the setting pattern does not become discontinuous in a course direction at the boundary between the front and rear knitted fabrics.
US07664560B2 Portable media player with common earphone transmission port and signal adaptor cable thereof
A portable media player comprises an earphone transmission port, a detection circuit, a switch circuit, and a processor. The earphone transmission port mounted on the portable media player is electrically connected to a connector for receiving a signal or power transmitted from the connector. The detection circuit electrically connected to the earphone transmission port is used to detect a type of the connector for sending an informing signal. The switch circuit electrically connected to the earphone transmission port is used to switch between a signal inputting status and a signal outputting status according to the type of the connector. The processor electrically connected to the detection circuit and the switch circuit is used to receive the informing signal for turning on or off the switch circuit.
US07664555B2 Operation target identification system
An operation target identification system includes at least one terminal device connected to a network, having a first display, devices connected to the network, each of which has a second display, and an identical pattern setting unit provided on the network, which selects one of multiple preset display patterns and sets the selected display pattern to the first display of the terminal device and the second display of one of the devices designated as an operation target of the terminal device.
US07664553B2 System and method for enabling communications with implantable medical devices
A telemetry system is presented for enabling radio-frequency (RF) communications between an implantable medical device and an external device in a manner which reduces the power requirements of the implantable device by duty cycling its RF circuitry. A wakeup scheme for the implantable device is provided in which the external device transmits a data segment containing a repeating sequence of special wakeup characters and a device ID in order to establish a communications session with the implantable device. The wakeup scheme may be designed to operate using multiple communications channels.
US07664552B2 Neurostimulation site screening
The disclosure describes a process for non-invasively screening a patient to select a stimulation site for treatment of head, neck or facial pain and tension symptoms caused by disorders such as occipital neuralgia. The screening process involves application of a transcutaneous stimulation screening device, a percutaneous micro-electrode screening device, and a temporary implantable screening device to the patient to select a site for chronic implantation.
US07664544B2 System and methods for performing percutaneous pedicle integrity assessments
The present invention involves systems and related methods for performing percutaneous pedicle integrity assessments involving the use of neurophysiology.
US07664533B2 Method and apparatus for a multi-beam antenna system
An antenna array in a radio node includes multiple antenna elements for transmitting a wider beam covering a majority of a sector cell that includes a common signal and a narrower beam covering only a part of the sector cell that includes a mobile user-specific signal. Transmitting circuitry is coupled to the antenna array, and processing circuitry is coupled to the transmitting circuitry. The processing circuitry ensures the user-specific signal and the common signal in a mixed beam embodiment are in-phase and time-aligned at the antenna array. In a steered beam embodiment, the processing circuitry ensures the user-specific signal and the common signal are time-aligned and have a controlled phase difference when received at mobile stations in the sector cell. In both embodiments, distortions in the common signal and the user-specific signal associated with their conversion from baseband frequency to radio frequency are also compensated. And in the steered beam embodiment, beam forming weights are used not only to radiate a narrower beam to the desired mobile user but also to direct a wider common signal beam to reach all mobile users in the cell.
US07664531B2 Communication method
An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is capable of communication and exchanging images with a different information processing apparatus, and comprises a storage unit for storing a display pattern dictionary including one or a plurality of finger character images, each finger character image corresponding to a character and/or a numeral and representing a finger character, an operation unit for inputting a character and/or a numeral, an image selecting unit for selecting, from the display pattern dictionary, a finger character image corresponding to the character and/or numeral input by the operation unit, and a transmitting unit for transmitting the selected finger character image to the different information processing apparatus.
US07664527B2 Network identity and timezone (NITZ) functionality for non-3GPP devices
A system that provisions a multimode mobile or converged device with local time information and network provider identification when the multimode mobile device is operating within the purview of a wireless local area network (WLAN). The system includes components that receive protocol data and that extract network provider identification from the received protocol data as well as utilizing the received protocol data to ascertain the local time.
US07664524B2 Mobile communication system, mobile communication terminal cell search method and program for use therewith
The invention provides a mobile communication terminal that allows the time for recognizing the scrambling code to be shortened.The mobile communication terminal predicts the scrambling code to be searched at the next time by collating the previous result of GPS information process and the stored content of a position information database in a control part, if establishment of slot synchronization is completed employing a slot synchronization part. The control part acquires the information required for inverse spreading of the predicted scrambling code from a memory, and generates a code for inverse spreading. A predicted scrambling code recognition part inputs the code for inverse spreading shifted in a unit of slot from the control part, and attempts inverse spreading. The control part suspends a normal three-stage cell search that is performed in parallel with the cell search of the invention, if prediction from the position information is determined to be correct in the predicted scrambling code recognition part.
US07664520B2 Low current direct conversion transmitter architecture
Disclosed is a method to operate a RF transmitter, and an RF transmitter constructed to operate in accordance with the method. The method includes determining a transmitter output power and varying a level of a signal at a transmitter phase modulator according to the transmitter output power so as to increase the level of the signal as the transmitter output power increases and to decrease the level of the signal as the transmitter output power decreases. In the preferred embodiment the method further includes adjusting the current consumption of a plurality of components of an RF transmitter chain in accordance with at least one of the level of the signal and the gain of the stage.
US07664502B2 Radio network controller and method for handover of mobile terminal
In a radio network controller (100), a buffer (161) for buffering data received from a mobile terminal (MT) via different base stations (BS1 and BSX) is expanded in accordance with the magnitude of the difference between the data transmission time from the base station (BS1) to the radio network controller (100) and the data transmission time from the base station (BSX) to the radio network controller (100).
US07664495B1 Voice call redirection for enterprise hosted dual mode service
Systems and methods provide a single E.164 number for voice and data call redirection and telephony services such as caller identification, regardless of in which type of network a dual mode mobile device operates. When the dual mode device registers and is active in a GSM network, temporary routing and status updates are triggered and resultant information is maintained in both networks. A mobile terminated call is routed through an enterprise WLAN with call control within the enterprise being handled by SIP or H.323 signaling, and the call is redirected to the mobile device in the GSM network, where call control is assumed by the SS7 network. Services are provided using the protocols native to the active network, and the single E.164 is used consistently along with or lieu of the temporary routing information for subscriber identity specific functions, such as caller identification and voice mail.
US07664494B2 Signaling and packet relay method and system including general packet radio service (“GPRS”)
A method and system for roaming mobile communications between networks is described. One embodiment includes a plurality of messages from a home network subscriber device that is device is roaming outside the home network. A communications link is established with a destination network, including modifying at least one of the messages such that the message appears to the destination network to originate from a partner network of the destination network. Both voice and data are transmitted via the communications link.
US07664488B2 Location blocking service from a web advertiser
Location-blocking and identity-blocking services that can be commercially offered by a service promoter, e.g., a cellular service provider or a web advertiser. In the identity-blocking service, the service promoter may disclose the current physical location of a mobile subscriber (i.e., a cellular phone operator) to a third party (e.g., a web advertiser) subscribing to the identity-blocking service. However, the service promoter may not send any identity information for the mobile subscriber to the third party. On the other hand, in the location-blocking service, the service promoter may disclose the mobile subscriber's identity information to the third party, but not the current physical location of the mobile subscriber. Blocking of the mobile subscriber's identity or location information may be desirable for privacy reasons, to comply with a government regulation, or to implement a telecommunication service option selected by the mobile subscriber. However, in the case of the mobile subscriber requesting emergency help, the service promoter may not block identity and/or location information. Instead, the service promoter may send all such information to the emergency service provider (e.g., the police or a hospital).
US07664482B2 Accounting of data transmission costs in a mobile radio network
A method is provided for the accounting of data transmission costs in a mobile radio network, in particular text and/or image data with or without sound, such that data which is or will be transmitted is assigned at least one cost signal for the costs of sending one or more replies relating to the transmitted data, and that this or these cost signal(s) are transmitted to the recipient(s) of the data.
US07664476B2 Human body communication system and communication device
Disclosed herein is a human body communication system for communicating data via an electric field formed by intervention of a human body, the human body communication system including: a transmitter for generating the electric field by transmitting a potential difference signal corresponding to transmission data from a transmitting electrode; and a receiver for receiving the data by reading the potential difference signal in the electric field by a receiving electrode; wherein the transmitter and the receiver use the potential difference signal in a frequency band such that a quasi-electrostatic field formed within the human body is dominant over a radiation field formed outside the human body when the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are each disposed in very close vicinity to the human body.
US07664471B2 Wireless transceiver and method for producing the same
A wireless transceiver includes a mechanical key, a resin case having a hollow space that accepts the mechanical key and a reinforcement for reinforcing the resin case. The hollow space in the resin case is defined by a combination of a thin wall and a thick wall, and the resin case has the reinforcements made from a thin metal plate in the hollow space at two positions spaced by a predetermined length along a longitudinal direction of the mechanical key being accepted therein. Each of the reinforcements bridges the thin wall and the thick wall that is adjacent to the thin wall.
US07664470B2 Wireless transceiver and method for producing the same
A wireless transceiver includes a resin case having a hollow space that accepts the mechanical key, a mechanical key having a hook for engagement with the resin case, and a reinforcement made of a metal plate for reinforcing the resin case. The hollow space in the resin case is defined by a combination of a thin wall and a thick wall, and the resin case has a depression that accepts the hook on the mechanical key when the mechanical key is accepted in the hollow space. The reinforcement disposed in the proximity of the depression in the thin wall bridges the thin wall and the thick wall when the reinforcement is either embedded in or fixed on both of the thin wall and the thick wall.
US07664465B2 Robust coexistence service for mitigating wireless network interference
Described is a determination of whether interference in a wireless network has achieved a threshold level that adversely impacts communication bandwidth. If so, action is taken to mitigate the effects of the interference and thereby improve the bandwidth. The action that is taken may be in the form of at least one mitigation solution, including mitigating by packet fragmentation, mitigating by changing the wireless network's current operating frequency, mitigating by changing a power level, mitigating by transmit dodging, and/or mitigating by pre-selecting at least one transmission criterion based on an observed pattern. A framework is provided to coordinate mitigation of interference-related problems, and includes an interferer decision mechanism that receives RF interference related-data and evaluates the interference data against a threshold. Mitigation is employed when the threshold is achieved on the current operating frequency.
US07664463B2 Portable loss prevention system
A loss prevention system containing a Bluetooth transceiver and a motion detection system monitors the presence of a portable electronic device such as a cell phone in the vicinity and alerts when that device leaves its vicinity. The system transceiver is activated upon detecting a movement and turned off after a check is done in order to conserve battery.
US07664462B2 Recovery system with De-queue logic
A recovery system with repeating communication capabilities. The system includes a station configured to send an activation message, at least a first “primary” remote transmitting unit responsive to the station and configured to transmit the activation message and at least a one “secondary” remote transmitting unit. That unit includes a receiver which receives the activation message, a transmitter for transmitting the activation message, and a controller responsive to the receiver and controlling the transmitter. The controller is programmed to transmit the activation message and then automatically stop transmission of the activation message after a predetermined time period unless the activation message is again received.
US07664456B2 System and method for streaming data between a portable server computing device and a client computing device
A system and a method for streaming data between a portable server computing device and a client computing device are provided. The method includes transmitting an RF signal having streaming data from a first audio file from the portable server computing device to a client computing device. The method further includes emitting sound corresponding to the streaming data in the RF signal from the client computing device, in response to the client computing device receiving the RF signal.
US07664455B2 Telephone signal cancellation circuit, digital broadcasting reception circuit and portable digital broadcasting reception apparatus
A telephone signal cancellation circuit, a digital broadcasting reception circuit and a portable digital broadcasting reception apparatus is provided. The telephone signal cancellation circuit, includes a signal coupler for separating a part of a reception signal, a telephone signal selection filter for passing a telephone signal among signals from the signal coupler, a phase shifter for performing phase inversion on the telephone signal among the signals from the telephone signal selection filter, and a combiner for combining the signal from the phase shifter and the reception signal, and canceling the telephone signal included in the reception signal.
US07664453B2 Cleaning device and image forming apparatus
A cleaning device includes: a housing; a cleaning roller provided in the housing and operable to come into contact with a photosensitive drum; a cleaning blade operable to come into contact with a surface of the photosensitive drum at a position lower than a nip position between the cleaning roller and the photosensitive drum; and a toner guide plate disposed below the cleaning roller. The toner guide plate includes: a blade proximity portion in proximity to the cleaning blade; and a toner guide portion extending along an outer surface of the cleaning roller, spaced away from the outer surface of the cleaning roller by a predetermined gap. In the cleaning device, the surface of the photosensitive drum can be polished as required.
US07664451B2 Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes: a magnetic field generating component that generates a magnetic field; a fixing member including a heat generating layer that is electromagnetically induced by the magnetic field to generate heat; a support disposed at an inner side of the fixing member; a pressure rotating body that applies pressure to the fixing member in the direction of the support; and a pair of magnetic circuit forming members that are disposed with the fixing member and the magnetic field generating component being placed therebetween and can be used while having either elastic deformation or plastic deformation applied thereto.
US07664437B2 Developing unit and density control method in electrophotography
This invention relates to a developing unit for maintaining constant density in an electrophotographic imaging process. The developing unit has a developer roll, wherein the developer roll provides a surface and a first voltage is applied to the developer roll; a skive device, wherein the skive device is positioned in contact with the developer roll and a second voltage is applied to the skive device; a cleaning device for the developer roll, wherein the cleaning device is in contact with the developer roll; and an ink container, wherein the developer roll and the cleaning device are inside the ink container. It is preferred that a current measuring device is present to measure current flow between skive device and the developer, or a voltage meter is present to measure a voltage across a known resistor that is in series with the power supply to the skive device.
US07664436B2 Color electrophotographic image forming apparatus
A color electrophotographic image forming apparatus which simplifies a configuration in which a rotary is rotated to change over respective developing devices to a development position to reduce the costs and save the space, and which simplifies the changeover operation to reduce an operating time. The image forming apparatus sequentially moves and changes over the respective developing devices supported by the rotary to the development position which faces a photosensitive drum by the rotation of the rotary. The rotary is rotated to move the developing devices. A cam is rotated integrally with the rotary, and thereby abutment portions of the cam are abutted against a regulating rotatable member so that the developing devices are spaced from a photosensitive drum. In a state in which the developing devices are abutted against the photosensitive drum, the cam is spaced from the regulating rotatable member by recesses of the cam.
US07664434B2 Charging member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus
A charging member is provided in which a toner, an additive for use in the toner, or the like is hard to adhere to the surface even under repeated use for a long time, and hence the charging and image output are made stable for a long time even if the charging member is used in the DC contact charging method. Also provided are a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus having the charging member. The charging member includes a support, a conductive elastic layer formed on the support, and a surface layer formed on the conductive elastic layer, characterized in that the surface layer contains a polysiloxane having a fluoroalkyl group and an oxyalkylene group, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus having the charging member.
US07664433B2 Cleaning of a charging member in an image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a charging device for charging a photosensitive element having a moving surface, by bringing a charging roller, to which voltage is applied, into pressure-contact with the photosensitive element, wherein to the charging member there is applied voltage for forming an electric field such that toner adhered to the charging roller surface at a non-image forming area is oriented towards the photosensitive element. The image forming apparatus is provided with pressure contact force modifying means for making the pressure contact force of the charging roller against the photosensitive element at the non-image forming area greater than that at an image forming area.
US07664419B2 Work flow management apparatus and work flow management method
An apparatus manages a usage amount associated with each of a plurality of functions included in a work flow. The work flow is executed after it is determined whether an operation of each step included in the work flow can be executed or not.
US07664417B2 Fixing apparatus and image forming apparatus including the same
A fixing apparatus and an image forming apparatus of the present invention are arranged so that a fixing control section causes a fixing roller to additionally rotate so that the additional rotation corresponds to a driving delay time also after turning OFF an external heating roller heater when shifting from a temperature raising step in which surface temperature of the fixing roller is raised so as to be equal to a preset fixing temperature to a standby mode and when turning OFF the external heating roller heater and stopping the fixing roller. As a result, it is possible to provide a fixing apparatus and an image forming apparatus in which a surface of a fixing roller is free from deterioration or breakage caused by local heating carried out by an external heating roller.
US07664415B2 Fixer, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
A fixer for an image forming apparatus includes a fixing member configured to fuse a toner image with heat, a pressure member configured to press against the fixing member to form a nip therebetween, and a control unit configured to control a relative pressure of the pressure member against the fixing member. The control unit includes a cam configured to change a rotation position thereof to change the relative pressure of the pressure member against the fixing member, a driving source configured to drive the cam to rotate, and a controller configured to detect a rotation position of the cam by detecting changes in an electrical current that flows in the driving source when the cam is rotated, and control the rotation position of the cam.
US07664408B2 Image-forming apparatus, control method thereof, and control program storing medium for image-forming apparatus
An image-forming apparatus in which a replacement part is loaded includes a discrimination unit that discriminates whether or not identification data registered in the loaded replacement part correspond to either inherent data or group data registered in the image-forming apparatus; a determination unit that, when no correspondence is found in the discrimination unit, determines in accordance with a registration condition whether or not a value of the identification data is registered as the group data; and an establishment unit that establishes approval or disapproval of use of the loaded replacement part on the basis of a result of discrimination performed in the discrimination unit or determination performed in the determination unit.
US07664400B1 Integrated electro-optic hybrid communication system
A system according to embodiments of the invention may comprise a first communication path that converts an optically-modulated source signal to a radio signal based on a detected degradation in a quality of a received optical signal, and a second communication path that converts a radio-modulated source signal to an optical signal based on a detected degradation in a quality of a received radio signal. The system may therefore adapt to diverse weather conditions to improve the reliability of a communication link.
US07664399B2 Optical communication device
An optical communication device whereby optical attenuation characteristics are linearized to suppress optical level variations among wavelengths attributable to the attenuation characteristics and thereby enable long-distance transmission. Optical attenuators attenuate optical signals of respective wavelengths in accordance with optical attenuation data output from a control data converter. An optical multiplexer multiplexes the optical signals, and an optical amplifier amplifies the multiplexed signal. A control data output unit outputs optical signal control data based on differences between a set optical level and the optical levels of respective wavelengths input to the optical amplifier. A data table holds data for converting the optical signal control data to the optical attenuation data so that the optical attenuation amounts of the attenuators may be linearized with respect to the optical signal control data. A control data converter looks up the data table to convert the optical signal control data to the optical attenuation data.
US07664398B2 ONU management method and optical line termination
In a PON system, a PON-ID assigned to a connected ONU before replacement is assigned to a newly connected ONU after the replacement and, setting data before the replacement is succeeded also after the replacement. An OLT includes a PON-ID state where a management state of the PON-ID is stored, a PON-ID management table where the PON-ID and an ONU serial number of the connected ONU and setting data are correspondingly stored and, a delete ONU table where the PON-ID and an ONU serial number of a replacement object are correspondingly stored. When the OLT receives an ONU replacement instruction from an operation system, the PON-ID assigned to the ONU of the replacement object is assigned to an ONU newly connected during the ONU replacement.
US07664397B2 Optical network system
An optical network system enabling confirmation of connection and tracking of wavelength paths at a high speed and a low cost without introducing any special hardware by having a wavelength path monitoring unit in an NMS give temporary change of optical power through a change generating unit to an optical signal S from an optical transmitting/receiving node, by having a change detecting unit confirm that this change of optical power has propagated through an optical transmission line and appeared at each node on the way, and confirming connections and monitoring the wavelength path while confirming the presence of the change.
US07664392B2 Automatic power restoring method and optical communication system
The present invention provides an automatic power restoring method capable of reliably detecting continuity by the dissolution of a line fault, to restore the optical power, even in a structure including an optical amplification medium on an optical transmission path and an optical communication system using the method. To this end, in an optical communication system to which the automatic power restoring method of the invention is applied, a pilot signal having a low transmission rate, a wavelength of which is set based on loss wavelength characteristics obtained by combining loss wavelength characteristics of an optical fiber used for the optical transmission path and loss wavelength characteristics of the optical amplification medium on the optical transmission path, is transmitted and received between an optical transmitting station and an optical receiving station when a line fault occurs, and a detection of continuity is thus performed. According to the result of the continuity detection, the power state at the occurrence of line fault is automatically restored to the power state at a time of normal operation.
US07664388B2 Device with a lens-rotation mechanism
The present invention discloses a device with a lens-rotation mechanism, which comprises: a casing having a driving device, such as the casing of a camera, a mobile phone or a video camera; and a lens-rotation system installed to the casing and having at least two transmission elements. Those two transmission elements are respectively coupled to the driving device and driven by the driving device to move horizontally and vertically, and those two transmission elements further drive the lens-rotation system to rotate. Thereby, the device with a lens-rotation mechanism proposed by the present invention can control the rotation of a lens.
US07664386B2 Electronic device having light source and heat transmission member
An electronic device includes a heat generating member arranged in a body, and a heat transmission member of a shape of a three-dimensional body having at least a first surface that is joined to the heat generating member and a second surface that is joined to an inner surface of the body. The first surface of the heat transmission member has an area greater than or equal to an area of the heat transmission member joined to the heat generating member, and an entire area of the second surface is joined to the inner surface of the body.
US07664384B2 User defined autofocus area
A device allows a user to select an arbitrary portion of a scene being previewed for picture taking. In one implementation, the device includes a camera; a display to preview a scene associated with the camera; an interface configured to allow a user of the device to select a portion of the scene; and autofocus logic to adjust the focus of the camera based on the selected portion of the scene.
US07664381B2 Controller, photographing equipment, control method of photographing equipment, and control program
A controller is provided which includes a photographing control unit controlling an image pickup unit to take a photograph and a shake detecting unit detecting an amount of shake even time the image pickup unit takes a photograph. Here, the photographing control unit allows the image pickup unit to consecutively take a photograph and ends the photographing operation of the image pickup unit when the amount of shake detected by the shake detecting unit at the time of the photographing operation of the image pickup unit is larger than the amount of shake detected at the time of the previous photographing operation.
US07664372B2 Recording medium having data structure for managing reproduction of multiple component data recorded thereon and recording and reproducing methods and apparatuses
The recording medium has a data area with at least one clip file of main component data and at least one clip file of auxiliary component data stored therein, the clip file of main component data and the clip file of auxiliary component data being separate clip files that are non-interleaved on the recording medium.
US07664367B2 Information processing device
A coder codes an information signal. A rate controller controls a coding rate of the coder in accordance with complexity of the information signal. The rate controller controls a coding amount per unit time in the coding process so that an average value of the coding amount can be approximate to an average rate. The coded data is temporarily memorized in a temporary memory unit and processed by an information processing unit such as a recorder and a transmitter. The information processing unit measures an information processing rate in processing the information. The rate controller adjusts the average rate so that the average rate is lower than the information processing rate measured by the information processing unit, or the rate controller compares a threshold value of a used amount of the temporary memory unit which is previously set and an actually used amount of the temporary memory unit and reduces the average rate when the used amount exceeds the threshold value. Thereby, the rate control can be properly executed while the coding amount in accordance with the complexity of the information signal is allocated.
US07664366B2 Information recording apparatus
A television set include a DVD-IC 20 for outputting a composite signal a containing subtitle information and closed caption information, a TV-IC 10 for outputting an OSD signal b based on the closed caption information identified in the composite signal a, and a serial bus connecting the DVD-IC 20 and the TV-IC 10. The DVD-IC 20 informs the TV-IC 10 of the setting status of subtitle display based on the subtitle information in a DVD player. The TV-IC 10, if the setting of subtitle display based on the subtitle information in the DVD player is ON, turns OFF the setting of subtitle display based on the closed caption information in the television receiver, thereby prohibiting an OSD signal b from being outputted.
US07664363B1 Apparatus and method to protect fiber ribbons
An apparatus and method to protect fiber ribbons. A router having a body and cap are disclosed. Fiber cable sheath is stripped from one end, and the fiber ribbons thus exposed are inserted through the body and through cap bores in the cap. The cap is frictionally pushed into the body, and transportation tubes are installed over the fiber ribbons. The cap bores are sized to frictionally admit one end of a transportation tube, which has the effect of holding the transportation tubes in place. An optional insert is disclosed which has the function of reducing the body minor barrel bore diameter through which the fiber cable enters the router.
US07664351B2 Method of manufacturing CO2 laser grooved long period fiber gratings
In the present invention, methods and systems for fabricating novel LPFGs are taught. Fabrication is preformed by focusing a CO2 laser beam having a diameter of 30 to 40 μm onto a fiber, such fiber being fixed and weighted on either ends. The variations of transmission spectrum and polarization dependent (PDL) loss of the CO2 laser-grooved LPFGs with different fabrication parameters as functions of applied as functions of applied tensile stain are demonstrated and evaluated.
US07664320B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer product
When image data is determined to be reused, a first image-data processing unit performs a first image processing on the image data, a memory device accumulates the image data on which the first image processing is performed, and a second image-data processing unit performs second image processing on the image data accumulated in the memory device. When the image data is determined not to be reused, the first image-data processing unit performs a first image processing, and the second image-data processing unit performs a second image processing on the image data on which the first image processing is performed.
US07664318B2 Figure reading apparatus, method and program
A figure reading apparatus capable of increasing the processing rate while maintaining the recognition precision, includes an image input apparatus for inputting a color image and a data processing apparatus for conducting processing on the input color image. The figure reading apparatus has a main color extraction function of extracting main colors contained in the color image and resolving the color image into main color images respectively of the main colors extracted from the input color image, a projection function of projecting points of extracted main colors on a three-dimensional space onto a plane by using a conversion expression, a candidate narrowing down function of removing combinations that need not be combined according to features of distance between main colors projected onto a two-dimensional space, and a combination generation function of combining images from candidates narrowed down and generating an image area candidate.
US07664311B2 Component mounting board inspecting apparatus
There is provided a component mounting inspecting apparatus which can automatically set a solder bridge inspection region (an inspection point) and output an optimum inspection result of a solder bridge. The component mounting board inspecting apparatus for inspecting a solder bridge of an electronic circuit board, in which a plurality of electrode pads are formed at predetermined spaced intervals and cream solder is applied on the electrode pads, includes a mechanism for automatically determining a distance between adjacent electrode pads and a mechanism for automatically setting a solder bridge inspection point if the distance between the adjacent electrode pads is equal to or shorter than a threshold value.
US07664299B2 Apparatus that prepares information relating to image data
An image storing apparatus for storing at least one image based on an image data generated by an imaging apparatus is provided. The image storing apparatus includes a receiving unit, a processor, and a storage device. The receiving unit is configured to receive the image data. The processor is configured to prepare image-relating information and prepare a data set including the image-relating information and the image data following the image-relating information. The processor prepares leading information leading to the image data as part of the image-relating information. The storage device is configured to store the data set.
US07664281B2 Method and apparatus for measurement of gain margin of a hearing assistance device
Method and apparatus for determination of gain margin of a hearing assistance device under test. In varying examples, the impulse response for multiple levels can be taken and used to arrive at a gain margin. The method and apparatus, in various examples, process critical portions of the resulting data for efficient processing and to increase accuracy of measurements. The method and apparatus performing a plurality of measurements to determine impulse responses and to derive gain margin as a function of frequency therefrom. The present subject matter includes principles which may are adapted for use within a hearing assistance device using a single white noise stimulus, according to one example. The principles set forth herein can be applied to occluding and non-occluding hearing device embodiments. Additional method and apparatus can be found in the specification and as provided by the attached claims and their equivalents.
US07664280B2 Hearing aid having an operating device
The operation of a hearing aid (10) or hearing aid system (10, 11) is to be improved. It is proposed here that the acoustic auditory environment in which the hearing aid (10) or hearing aid system (10, 11) is found is analyzed and one of the adjustment functions dependent on the relevant auditory situation is assigned to at least one control element (7; 12-15) as a function of the auditory situation detected in this way. The adjustment possibility of the hearing aid (10) is thereby restricted to the adjustment possibilities which are meaningful to the relevant auditory situation.
US07664279B2 Equipment for fitting a hearing aid to the specific needs of a hearing impaired individual and software for use in a fitting equipment for fitting a hearing aid
The invention relates to equipment for fitting a hearing aid to the specific needs of a hearing impaired individual. The equipment comprising a computer or similar device with soft-ware, where the device has display means for visual display of data, data entry means for entering hearing aid programming data into the device, data storing means, and data output means for outputting programming data to the hearing aid. According to the invention means are provided for selecting simultaneous settings relating to two or more different parameters relating to the processing of sound in the hearing aid to be programmed.
US07664267B2 Bit based arithmetic coding using variable size key cipher
An encryption device and method and decryption device and method which implement a bit-based encryption scheme and hardware design. The encryption device includes a random number generator, receiving a main key, determining a working key using at least one random number and outputting a working key, a model, receiving the main key, the working key and plain text to be encoded and generating at least two frequency counts. The encryption device further includes an encoder, which outputs encoded text based on the working key, the plain text and the at least two frequency counts. The encryption device and method and decryption device and method process encrypted text that is based upon a stream structure with an unlimited key length and may be compressed by 50%. The encoded text is changeable with different environments even for the same plain text and the same key. Operations of the hardware design are based on arithmetic additions and shifts, and not multiplications and divisions. As a result, the hardware design is simple and applicable to cryptography and e-commerce.
US07664265B2 Controlling communications between stations
The present invention relates to relocation of the control of communication between a first station and a second station from a first communication system controller to a second communication system controller. The communication is ciphered by means of a first ciphering key. In the method, after the initiation of the relocation of control of the communication from the first controller to the second controller a request for relocation is transmitted to the second controller. The request contains the first ciphering key and at least one other ciphering key.
US07664259B2 Encryption and verification using partial public key
A method and device for using a partial public key in a cryptosystem. The cryptosystem may be based on a group, such as an elliptic curve over a finite field. The device includes a first memory for storing system parameters of the cryptosystem and a second memory for storing a portion of a public key of the cryptosystem. The device receives the complete public key, or the remainder of the public key, via communication with another device. The received portion of the public key is used to form a validated public key. A processor of the device uses the validated public key for encrypting messages and/or verifying signatures. The size of the second memory is reduced since only part of the public key is stored.
US07664258B2 Randomized sparse formats for efficient and secure computation on elliptic curves
Techniques are described that facilitate cryptographic operations, such as data encryption, signing and others, encryption using a computerized method for multiplying a scalar by a point. In one implementation, a set of random integers is selected, wherein the set comprises at least one integer selected randomly. A string is configured, based in part on the set of random integers. Output in the form of a product of the scalar and the point is then calculated, based on the string.
US07664256B2 Mobile terminal apparatus
Disclosed is a mobile terminal apparatus which includes: an upper housing in which a display portion having a display screen is disposed; a lower housing having an inner major surface in which an operating portion including a plurality of kinds of input keys is disposed; and a connecting portion which connects the upper housing with the lower housing such that the upper housing and the lower housing are turnable away from and toward each other to open and close the apparatus. In this apparatus, the inner major surface of the lower housing is recessed at an area where input keys of a first group that corresponds to a particular one of the kinds is disposed, so as to increase a level difference between a keytop of each of the input keys of the first group and the inner major surface.
US07664253B2 Main terminal and a method of operating the same
A main terminal and a method of operating the same. In this method of operating the main terminal, the main terminal is connected to a telephone network so as to communicate with the telephone network, and selectively connects an external terminal to the telephone network. To perform the method, first, if it is requested that the telephone network be disconnected from the external terminal and instead be connected to the main terminal, an internal current to flow into the main terminal is obtained from a loop voltage generated when the external terminal is in connection with the telephone network. Next, the internal current is applied to the main terminal. Thereafter, the telephone network is disconnected from the external terminal and instead connected to the main terminal. While the internal current is flowing in the main terminal, the main terminal maintains the loop voltage generated when the external terminal is in connection with the telephone network. Accordingly, the telephone network can be disconnected from an external terminal and instead be connected to the main terminal without generating an interrupt. Thus, an exchanger included in the telephone network can be prevented from malfunctioning due to the generation of the interrupt.
US07664252B1 Method and apparatus for sending alerts to internet protocol phones
The present invention enables an alert message and the display of calling party identity on all on-hook phones associated with an extension sharing the same phone number, when one phone is off-hook and in use. In one exemplary embodiment, this capability enables all other members of a household to receive information regarding an incoming call even when one phone is in use by another member.
US07664245B2 System and method for provisioning digital phone service
A system and method uses a digital phone order management (DPOM) system to manage the ordering and provisioning of digital telephone services in a cable system. A centralized datastore of customer, order, telephone number inventory and provisioning information is accessible to access devices used by a customer service representative (CSR) of a cable operator, a voice provisioning specialist (VPS) of a local exchange carrier (CLEC), and a cable operator installation technician to schedule and provision based on permissions granted by an administrator. The sharing of information allows a CSR to manage orders for digital telephone services and to coordinate installation and provisioning so as to reduce the time to complete an order and use installation resources efficiently.
US07664231B2 Method and device for quality evaluation of an audio signal and device and method for obtaining a quality evaluation result
A quality evaluation device for quality evaluation of an audio signal transmitted via an audio signal channel includes a unit for providing contacting information to a remote user, wherein the contacting information includes a contact address. A measurement server includes an interface designed to be a final point of the audio signal channel after an access with the contact address by the remote user, wherein a starting point of the audio signal channel is the remote user, and wherein the measurement server is further designed to subject the signal provided by the remote user via the audio signal channel to the quality measurement. The quality evaluation device further includes a unit for sending a quality evaluation result generated by the measurement server from the measurement server to the remote user. This allows any user able to access the measurement server, for example per internet, to evaluate and compare qualities with any terminals, any transmission channel settings, various telephone providers.
US07664228B2 X-ray imaging apparatus and detector panel
A detector panel incorporates an X-ray detector, an electronic circuit for interface, and a battery for power supply, and also includes a measurement device for measuring the remaining power of the battery, and a determination device for determining if the operation is executable, based on the comparison between the remaining power of the battery and the threshold defined in accordance with the required power for operating the X-ray detector and the electronic circuit.
US07664226B2 Imaging device of radiotherapy system
The invention involves an imaging device used in rotary focused gamma-ray radiotherapy. The invention includes a frame, a rotary ring positioned at the frame, and a source carrier and a collimator carrier that can rotate around a rotary axis respectively. The source carrier is equipped inside with multiple radiation sources. The collimator carrier is equipped inside with a corresponding beam channel to the radiation sources, which focus at a shared focus of the rotary axis through the beam channel. The imaging device of the radiotherapy system also includes a diagnostic imaging system, consists of diagnostic radiation sources, a detector and a data processing system. By means of diagnostic imaging system of the invention, automatic beam positioning, real-time monitoring of treatment target motion, real-time monitoring and verification of radiation dose can be done during treatment, ensuring more accurate and improved radiotherapy effect.
US07664220B2 Visual device, interlocking counter, and image sensor
An interlocked counter including a synchronous counter, a logic gate for judging end-value, a logic gate for amplifying an interlocking signal, at least one latch circuit for the interlocking signal, a logic gate for the interlocking signal, and a logic gate for an enable signal, wherein behavior of the synchronous counter is stopped when a count number arrived at an end value, by that the synchronous counter counts a number of pulses of a clock signal when the synchronous counter inputted an enable signal, the logic gate for judging end-value generates an interlocking signal when the count number outputted by a synchronous counter coincided with the end value, the logic gate for amplifying interlocking signal amplifies the interlocking signal in order to output to an external part, and the logic gate for enable signal generates the enable signal when the interlocking signal is not generated.
US07664210B2 Non-coherent synchronous direct-conversion receiving apparatus for compensating frequency offset
A non-coherent synchronous direct-conversion receiving apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a RF receiving unit, an I/Q ADC unit, and a digital signal processing unit for analyzing the digital signal received from the I/Q ADC unit to adjust a bandwidth of a variable receiving filtering unit according to the analyzing result, compensating a frequency offset to be correspondent with a symbol transmitting rate by extracting frequency offset information from the digital signal, compensating a frequency offset using the analyzing result, and applying a voltage corresponding to a sum of compensating values to the RF receiving unit. Therefore, the apparatus can compensate a frequency offset regardless of the magnitude of a frequency offset and performs a stable AFC operation through varying the bandwidth of a receiving filter by estimating the frequency offset with only data information, and adjusting a reference frequency twice through an interface signal.
US07664203B2 Simultaneous tuning of multiple channels using intermediate frequency sub-sampling
Methods and systems for processing a single sub-channel that includes two or more combined channels. Using intermediate frequency sub-sampling, two or more channels from a broad band signal are combined into a single sub-channel for further analog and digital processing. Each of the two or more channels is down converted to an intermediate frequency, filtered to remove certain undesired channels, and combined such that the two or more channels are adjacent to each other. A digital representation of the sub-channel is produced from the combined intermediate frequency channels. Each channel within the digital representation is down converted to baseband, and the in-phase and quadrature components are separated from each other. Compared to one direct down conversion technique, intermediate frequency sub-sampling as described in the application may reduce the number of analog to digital converters and control amplifiers used in analog processing by a factor of four.
US07664193B2 Multiplexing of real time services and non-real time services for OFDM systems
For certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method and apparatus for generating pilots in a wireless multiple-input multiple output (MIMO) communication system is provided. The method comprises obtaining at least one pilot symbol for each antenna of a plurality of antennas, obtaining an orthogonal sequence for each antenna in the plurality of antennas, and covering the at least one pilot symbol for each antenna with the orthogonal sequence to obtain a sequence of covered pilot symbols for each antenna to obtain at least one covered pilot symbols for each of the plurality of antennas.
US07664191B2 Method of symbol detection for MIMO dual-signaling uplink CDMA systems
The invention provides a block-wise successive interference cancellation (SIC) detection algorithm for a general multi-input multi-output (MIMO) CDMA system over the frequency-selective channels, in which each user's data stream can be simultaneously applied with orthogonal space-time block encoding for transmit diversity or spatially multiplexing for high spectral efficiency according to the channel conditions. For such the considered dual-signaling system, the receiver could suffer from the large dimension data processing. A two-stage approach for block-wise SIC detection algorithm is thus proposed to further reduce the computational complexity.
US07664190B1 Multi-carrier receiver with dynamic power adjustment and method for dynamically adjusting the power consumption of a multi-carrier receiver
A method for dynamically adjusting the power consumption of a multi-carrier receiver and a multi-carrier receiver with dynamically power adjustment. The method includes receiving a multi-carrier signal, wherein the multi-carrier signal comprises a plurality of sub-carriers. Channel characteristics of each sub-carrier are estimated according to the demodulated multi-carrier signal. ICI strength is estimated from the demodulated multi-carrier signal. A system performance is detected. The estimated ICI is subtracted when the ICI strength exceeds an ICI threshold and the system performance is less than a system performance threshold. The demodulated multi-carrier signal is then equalized is based on the estimated channel characteristics, and the system performance is updated according to the equalized multi-carrier signal.
US07664185B2 Systems and methods with error resilience in enhancement layer bitstream of scalable video coding
A scalable layered video coding scheme that encodes video data frames into multiple layers, including a base layer of comparatively low quality video and multiple enhancement layers of increasingly higher quality video, adds error resilience to the enhancement layer. Unique resynchronization marks are inserted into the enhancement layer bitstream in headers associated with each video packet, headers associated with each bit plane, and headers associated with each video-of-plane (VOP) segment. Following transmission of the enhancement layer bitstream, the decoder tries to detect errors in the packets. Upon detection, the decoder seeks forward in the bitstream for the next known resynchronization mark. Once this mark is found, the decoder is able to begin decoding the next video packet. With the addition of many resynchronization marks within each frame, the decoder can recover very quickly and with minimal data loss in the event of a packet loss or channel error in the received enhancement layer bitstream. The video coding scheme also facilitates redundant encoding of header information from the higher-level VOP header down into lower level bit plane headers and video packet headers. Header extension codes are added to the bit plane and video packet headers to identify whether the redundant data is included.
US07664183B2 Correlation processing among multiple analyzers of video streams at stages of a pipeline architecture
A pipeline architecture for analyzing multiple streams of video is embodied, in part, in a layer of application program interfaces (APIs) to each stage of processing. Buffer queuing is used between some stages, which helps moderate the load on the CPU(s). Through the layer of APIs, innumerable video analysis applications can access and analyze video data flowing through the pipeline, and can annotate portions of the video data (e.g., frames and groups of frames), based on the analysis performed, with information that describes the frame or group. These annotated frames and groups flow through the pipeline to subsequent stages of processing, at which increasingly complex analysis can be performed. At each stage, portions of the video data that are of little or no interest are removed from the video data. Ultimately, “events” are constructed and stored in a database, from which cross-event and historical analysis may be performed and associations with, and among, events may be made.
US07664180B2 Moving picture coding method and moving picture decoding method for performing inter picture prediction coding and inter picture predection decoding using previously processed pictures as reference pictures
A coding control unit (110) and a mode selection unit (109) are included. The coding control unit (110) determines the coding order for a plurality of consecutive B-pictures located between I-pictures and P-pictures so that the B-picture whose temporal distance from two previously coded pictures is farthest in display order is coded by priority, so as to reorder the B-pictures in coding order. When a current block is coded in direct mode, the mode selection unit 109 scales a forward motion vector of a block which is included in a backward reference picture of a current picture and co-located with the current block, so as to generate motion vectors of the current block, if the forward motion vector has been used for coding the co-located block.
US07664177B2 Intra-coded fields for bi-directional frames
An encoder/decoder uses intra-coded B-fields [“BI-fields”]. For example, rather than encoding many of the macroblocks in a field as intra macroblocks at a scene change, an encoder can choose to encode the entire field as intra. Encoding an entire field as a BI-field allows increased coding efficiency through reduced coding overhead at macroblock level, and without intra-frame dependency, the BI-field can still be dropped if appropriate in low-bitrate applications.
US07664176B2 Method and system for entropy decoding for scalable video bit stream
A method, program product and apparatus for decoding from a scalable bit stream the binarization results of a video sequence by selectively decoding syntax elements and avoiding redundancy in coding. The result is a decrease in the size of the compressed bit stream of an enhancement layer bit stream. It has been demonstrated that the compression efficiency equals that of a single, non-scalable video stream for some video sequences. These features may be achieved by determining whether a skipping flag in the base layer macro block of the video data is set, and decoding a skipping flag from an enhancement layer macro block of the video data, corresponding to the base layer macro block, only if the base layer macro block skipping flag is set.
US07664172B1 Receiver system having analog pre-filter and digital equalizer
A receiver system contains an analog pre-filter (207 or 619), an analog-to-digital converter (210), a digital equalizer (212), and a decoder (605) arranged sequentially for processing an input analog signal (yk). The pre-filter produces a filtered analog signal (Zs) with reduced intersymbol interference. The converter provides analog-to-digital signal conversion. Digital equalization circuitry in the equalizer operates according to a transfer frmnction c - 1 ⁢ z + c 0 + ∑ M i = 1 ⁢ c i ⁢ z - i to produce an equalized digital signal (a'k) as a stream of equalized digital values. Coefficients c−1 and c0 are fixed. Each other coefficient ci is adaptively chosen. The decoder converts the equalized digital values, or intermediate values generated therefrom, into a stream of symbols. A receiver system may include two or more receivers each configured in the foregoing way with the digital equalization circuitry in each receiver operating according to a transfer function ∑ i = - N M ⁢ c i ⁢ z - i where at least coefficients c−1, c0, and c1 are non-zero.
US07664163B2 Receiver
With the objective of enhancing receiving performance of a receiver with respect to pulse signals spread by spread codes, the receiver comprises an RF front-end section which performs amplification, an AD converter section which AD-converts signals outputted from the RF front-end section, a baseband section which inversely spreads the output of the AD converter section and performs signal detection and demodulation thereon, a reception environment measuring section which measures reception environment using the input signals of the baseband section, and a parameter setting section which sets parameters for respective parts on the basis of signals outputted from the reception environment measuring section. The parameter setting section sets the parameters for the respective parts to the optimum according to the environmental condition measured by the reception environment measuring section.
US07664154B2 Gas laser oscillator and gas laser beam machine
A pressure of a laser gas in an enclosure (7) is detected by a gas pressure sensor (12), and a pressure comparison circuit (13) determines whether the thus-detected pressure is normal or anomalous. An electric current output from an inverter (10) that drives a blower (5) to cause a laser gas to flow back, is detected by a current detection circuit (9). A current comparison circuit (11) determines whether or not the output current is normal or anomalous. A result of a pressure comparison circuit (13) and a result of the current comparison circuit (11) are sent to an AND circuit (15) and performed AND processing. A result of the AND circuit (15), a result of the current detection circuit (9), and a result of the gas pressure sensor (12) are sent to a comparison operation section (17) in a controller (14). A determination is made as to whether or not the blower is anomalous. When the blower is determined to be anomalous, a signal is output to an oscillator and a machine control section (18), to thus stop the oscillator and the machine. Thereby, an anomaly in the blower (5) can be detected regardless of fluctuations in the pressure of the laser gas.
US07664149B2 Auto-stabilization of lasers by means of resonant structures
Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided that utilize a material inserted into a laser cavity such that the material has an optical length that varies as the laser cavity varies to keep the repetition rate constant. The material may provide auto-stabilization of the optical output form the laser cavity.
US07664147B2 Phase matching of high order harmonic generation using dynamic phase modulation caused by a non-collinear modulation pulse
Phase matching high harmonic generation (HHG) uses a single, long duration non-collinear modulating pulse intersecting the driving pulse. A femtosecond driving pulse is focused into an HHG medium (such as a noble gas) to cause high-harmonic generation (HHG), for example in the X-ray region of the spectrum, via electrons separating from and recombining with gas atoms. A non-collinear pulse intersects the driving pulse within the gas, and modulates the field seen by the electrons while separated from their atoms. The modulating pulse is low power and long duration, and its frequency and amplitude is chosen to improve HHG phase matching by increasing the areas of constructive interference between the driving pulse and the HHG, relative to the areas of destructive interference.
US07664143B2 Communications system using adaptive baseband injected pilot carrier symbols and related method
A system, method and apparatus includes a transmitter that has an encoder and baseband modulator that encodes and modulates a sequence of payload data symbols as a signal constellation to be communicated. An amble generator and baseband modulator generates amble symbols as a known sequence of M symbol times in length every N symbol times. A multiplexer multiplexes the data and amble symbols together to form a communications signal that is transmitted over a communications channel.
US07664140B2 Early termination of low data rate traffic in a wireless network
Systems and techniques are disclosed relating to wireless communications, and more specifically, to various systems and techniques for early termination of low rate traffic in a wireless network. A physical layer packet (PLP) grouping factor K configures the PLP into K groups and an ACK/NAK is received on each group.
US07664133B2 High level message priority assignment by a plurality of message-sending nodes sharing a signal bus
A system has a plurality of nodes communicating with each other on a serial data path using dominant and recessive signal levels. A dominant signal level sent on the data path by any of the nodes creates a dominant signal level on the data path irrespective of the number of recessive signal levels sent by other nodes. The dominant and recessive signal levels form a series of bits organized into messages by the nodes. Each sending node senses the signal level on the data path bit by bit, and if different from that sent by that sending node, halts further sending of signal levels by that sending node. A priority value generator in each node provides a priority signal encoding a value whose magnitude indicates a relative priority. A message priority module in each node receives the priority signal, and stores the priority value in predetermined leading bits of the message to be sent.
US07664131B2 Channel resource assignment method for fair channel resource reservation and QoS in mesh WPAN
Provided is a channel resource assignment method for fair channel resource reservation in a mesh WPAN, in which the amount of channel resources is fairly reserved when devices share the channel resources. The channel resource assignment method in a mesh Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) includes the steps of: (a) transmitting beacons of all devices and adding an amount of channel resource to be reserved to the beacons so as to assign the channel resource for fair channel resource reservation between corresponding devices and adjacent devices when a mesh network is configured; (b) accumulating the amount of the channel resources reserved by all the adjacent devices except the corresponding device; and (c) determining the amount of the channel resources to be reserved.
US07664130B2 Wireless communication system, wireless communication apparatus, wireless communication method and computer program
The present invention eliminates a transmission-waiting operation which is unnecessary while accommodating a prioritized traffic. Although a communication station enters a transmission-disallowed state in response to detection of a signal addressed to another station in accordance with medium access control based on CSMA, if the communication station receives a frame transmitted with priority to a local station during the transmission waiting, it cancels the transmission-disallowed state, sends back a frame responding the frame transmitted with priority and effectively operates a transmission prioritized period. The communication station starts a search procedure to perform a processing of evading duplication of the transmission prioritized periods if it judges a possibility of a problem occurring in a time zone in which reception with priority is possible.
US07664128B2 Portable information terminal, IP address setting program, and IP address setting method
The present invention has been made to provide a portable information terminal, an IP address setting program, and an IP address setting method capable of eliminating the need to assign a static IP address to each portable information terminal and eliminating the need to provide a DHCP server for each portable information terminal.A portable information terminal 1 performs a communication using an IP address by connecting to a USB-LAN adapter 2. The potable information terminal 1 has a USB interface 15 that connects to the USB-LAN adapter 2 and a controller 11 that reads an IP address previously stored in the USB-LAN adapter 2 through the USB interface 15 and sets the IP address to the portable information terminal as the IP address thereof.
US07664117B2 Last leg utility grid high-speed data communication network having virtual local area network functionality
A power line based communication system includes a power line termination module, a plurality of power line gateways, and a plurality of power line nodes. The power line termination module manages data for local area networks within the power line based communication system. The plurality of power line gateways is arranged in sets of power line gateways, wherein each set of power line gateways constitutes a local area network. Each of the plurality of power line nodes is operably coupled to the power line termination module via a high-speed communication path. In addition, each power line node is operably coupled to set of power line gateways, i.e., to a local area network, via power lines of a local transformer. Each of the power line nodes receives data for its respective LAN from the power line termination module and provides the data to the power line gateways of its LAN via the power lines of the local transformer. Virtual local area networks are enabled between the power line termination module and the power line gateways.
US07664116B2 Network based routing scheme
A network organization and routing scheme are provided. These techniques enable a network to control the paths that frames take through the network. A device transmitting a frame may add tags to the frame in order to define a particular path that the frame should take through the network. For example, the tags may indicate a link-by-link path between switches in the network. As another example, the network may be organized into one or more groups of switches, with each group and switch within a group having unique identifiers so that any given switch or port in the network may be referred to by a hierarchical identification, such as a group/switch/port identification.
US07664109B2 System and method for distributed streaming of scalable media
A “PeerStreamer” provides receiver-driven peer-to-peer (P2P) media streaming for loosely coupled P2P networks. Peers in the network perform only simple operations, may cache all or part of the streaming media, do not collaborate with other peers, may be unreliable, and may drop offline or come online during any given streaming session. Clients in the network operate in real-time to coordinate peers, stream media from multiple peers, perform load balancing, handle online/offline states of peers, and perform decoding and rendering the streaming media. In one embodiment, the PeerStreamer uses high rate erasure resilient coding to allow multiple serving peers to hold partial media without conflict, such that clients simply retrieve fixed numbers of erasure coded blocks regardless of where and what specific blocks are retrieved. In another embodiment, the PeerStreamer uses embedded coded media to vary streaming bitrates according to available serving bandwidths and client queue status.
US07664103B2 Method for providing VoIP services for wireless terminals
The present invention relates to a system and method for wireless telecommunication in a packet-based network comprising a Software Radio Port (SRP) which functions as a radio base station and a VoIP gateway to interconnect the wireless network with the VoIP packet network. Together with a Network Server Platform (NSP) and VoIP call-server, the SRP combines mobile call processing signaling with the VoIP call signaling to establish calls between the mobile and VoIP device or between mobiles. The SRP establishes the voice path to the mobile station over the air and the RTP media path to a party over a packet network for a call. These two paths are interconnected at the SRP so that an end-to-end voice path is established.
US07664100B2 Voice-over-IP telephone devices and systems
A method for a service provider to provide telephone service between a first telephone and a second telephone includes connecting to the first telephone, receiving a request from the first telephone to make a call to the second telephone using a VoIP number, mapping the VoIP number to a PSTN number, determining a modem bank local to the second telephone, connecting to the modem bank, instructing the modem bank to connect to the second telephone using the PSTN number, and routing the call from the first telephone through the modem bank to the second telephone.
US07664090B2 Intra-frame code diversity
Provided are methods and apparatuses to encode portions of user data with corresponding spreading sequences within a frame wherein the user data is associated with a single user.
US07664087B2 Method for generating a frame in an orthogonal frequency division multiple access communication system
Disclosed is a method for generating a frame in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access communication system. The method includes generating a frame having a global information zone and a local information zone, wherein the global information zone includes information that is necessary to be received commonly in all of user terminals; and the local information zone includes user terminal-by-user terminal or service-by-service traffic that is unnecessary to be received commonly in all of the user terminals.
US07664082B1 Method of scheduling with multiple radios per node in a wireless multihop network
A method of scheduling transmission from radios having multiple radios is provided, where the number of radios is smaller than then number of neighbours to which transmission needs to occur. Scheduling blocks are identified consisting of sets of neighbours that can be transmitted to simultaneously without interference. Then, the scheduling blocks are used for scheduling purposes.
US07664080B2 Discreet event operators for event management in a wireless sensor network
A wireless sensor network comprises a plurality of nodes that communicate over wireless communication links. At least one of the plurality of nodes receives sensor data from a sensor. The wireless sensor network is queried by specifying a set of events of interest. For each event of interest included in the set of events of interest, a producer node included in the plurality of nodes identifies when that event of interest occurs and, when that event of interest occurs, transmits event data related to that event of interest to a consumer node included in the plurality of nodes. The query is expressed in a discrete event process algebra that is used to manage processing performed to implement the query.
US07664077B2 Information transmission method, mobile communications system, base station and mobile station in which data size of identification data is reduced
In an information transmission method, a radio communications system, a base station and a mobile station, a TBS size, a modulation scheme and the number of codes in a multicode are converted into identification data having a relatively smaller data size before being transmitted to a destination of communication. The TBS size is identified by using, in combination, an identification code identifying a channelization code set, an identification code identifying a modulation scheme, and an identification code obtained by converting a combination of the number of codes in a multicode and a modulation pattern identification (TFRC) into a corresponding code. Accordingly, the data size for TBS size identification is reduced.
US07664069B2 Method and system for preventing call drop by limiting search time of 1x system during 1x EV-DO system traffic state
Disclosed is a method and a system for preventing a call drop by limiting a search time for a 1X system during a 1xEV-DO system traffic state. The system comprises a hybrid access terminal, supporting both a 1xEV-DO system and a 1X system, for periodically switching over to the 1X system while in traffic with the 1xEV-DO system, updating an overhead message, checking a search time and switching over to the 1xEV-DO system based on a result of the search time; a base station transceiver subsystem including a 1xEV-DO transceiver subsystem for exchanging a packet data with the hybrid access terminal and a 1X transceiver subsystem for exchanging a voice or data with the hybrid access terminal; a base station controller including a 1xEV-DO controller for controlling a packet data transmission service of the 1xEV-DO transceiver subsystem and a 1X controller for controlling transmission service of the 1X transceiver subsystem; and a packet data serving node connected to the 1xEV-DO controller for exchanging the packet data with the 1xEV-DO system.
US07664066B2 Wireless device, method for wireless communication system, and wireless communication system
A wireless device according to the present invention minimizes the need for changing a communication route in an ad hoc network including wireless devices used for base stations, fixed stations, and mobile stations that are turned on/off or moved, wherein, when wireless devices cannot directly send or receive radio waves, data can be transmitted between them by relaying data via other wireless devices that can directly send or receive radio waves (multi-hopping). In selecting a communication route, a communication route that includes wireless devices that are turned off or moved least frequently is selected.
US07664060B2 Information terminal and information terminal system
An information terminal incorporates a network interface and an extension interface, and in the case of outside call, an audio send signal is modulated into an audio signal frequency band, and sent to the exchange through a private telephone line and a subscriber's line by way of the network interface. An audio receive signal sent from the exchange through the subscriber's line and private telephone line is demodulated into an ordinary audio frequency band through the network interface. On the other hand, in the case of extension service, an audio send signal is converted into a packetized digital signal by an extension interface circuit, and is further modulated into a higher frequency band so as not to overlap with the audio signal frequency band, and is transmitted through the private telephone line.
US07664057B1 Audio-to-video synchronization system and method for packet-based network video conferencing
Synchronizing audio and video streams in packet-based networks requires synchronization of packet timestamps. The present invention provides such synchronization without resort to a network time standard. In one embodiment of the present invention, pairs of timestamp synchronized signals, such as audio and video signals, not having a common timestamp clock are mixed. One of the signals, for example, the audio signals, is mixed first while preserving the original audio timestamps. The preserved timestamp information is then used to synchronize the timestamps of the unmixed signals, in this example the video signals, to provide synchronization of all signals. In another embodiment, the present invention uses packets containing calibration of timestamps to reduce jitter. The present invention also includes specifications for a packet for transmitting timestamp information.
US07664052B2 Ring network and master node
A master node transmits a probe packet for checking a condition of a network in a ring in both directions thereof to detect the occurrence of a fault on the ring. A slave node increments a hop count included in the received probe packet, transmits it to an adjacent node configuring the ring, and transmits a hop count report packet to the master node. The master node detects a fault on the ring based upon a fact that the master node does not receive the probe packet transmitted by itself. Further, the master node detects the occurrence of multiple faults and the recovery of at least one of the multiple faults based upon the sum of maximum values of hop counts in the hop count report packets received from both directions of the ring and transmits a packet for prompting the update of the database for packet transfer.
US07664038B2 Method and apparatus for evaluating component costs in a communication network
A method and apparatus for calculating a cost index in a communication network. In one embodiment, a plurality of first cost factors associated with a first set of network elements is obtained. Subsequently, a plurality of second cost factors associated with a second set of network elements is obtained. A first cost index is then determined based on the plurality of first cost factors associated with the first set of network elements. Similarly, a second cost index is determined based on the plurality of second cost factors associated with the second set of network elements. Afterwards, the first cost index is compared to the second cost index to determine a point in time when a service provider should minimize new investment in the first set of network elements.
US07664033B1 Method and apparatus for automating the detection and clearance of congestion in a communication network
A method and apparatus for enabling a network to determine the call volume rate versus the call blocking rate on a predefined time interval basis over multiple predefined time intervals are disclosed. For example, if call blocking rates do not show a progressive trend of decline as call volume rates decline over multiple predefined time intervals, an alarm can be generated and corrective actions to flush out congested signaling message queues can be initiated to return the network to normal operating conditions.
US07664023B2 Dynamic protocol construction
A method includes advertising a policy characterizing communication properties supported by a node. The policy may be distributed to another node in response to a request for the policy. Policy expressions in the policy include one or more assertions that may be grouped and related to each other in a plurality of ways. A system includes a policy generator for generating at least one policy characterizing properties of a node. A policy retriever retrieves a policy from another node and a message generator generates a message to the other node, wherein the message conforms to the policy from the other node.
US07664019B2 Method and apparatus for facilitating differentiated service qualities in an ethernet passive optical network
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for forwarding packets in an Ethernet passive optical network (EPON) which includes a central node and at least one remote node. During operation, the system associates a logical link identifier (LLID) to a logical link between the central node and a remote node, wherein the logical link corresponds to a priority level based on a certain service level agreement (SLA). After receiving a packet to be forwarded to a remote node, the system then determines the value of one or more fields within the packet which is used to indicate a priority level for the packet. Subsequently, the system assigns an LLID to the packet based on the value of the one or more fields, thereby facilitating differentiated service qualities within the EPON.
US07664018B2 Methods and apparatus for switching fibre channel arbitrated loop devices
Methods and apparatus for switching Fiber Channel Arbitrated Loop Systems is provided between a plurality of Fiber Channel Loop devices. In one aspect of the invention, the system switches based at least in part on arbitrated loop primitives. An exemplary interconnect system may include a first port and a second port, both including port logic to monitor certain arbitrated loop primitives, a connectivity apparatus, a route determination apparatus including a routing table consisting of ALPA addresses and their associated ports, the route determination apparatus coupled to each port and the connectivity apparatus, where the connectivity apparatus creates paths between the ports based on arbitrated loop primitives. In one embodiment, the connectivity apparatus is a crossbar switch. Examples of the arbitrated loop primitives that cause the switch to create paths between ports includes one or more of the following: ARB, OPN and CLS. In yet other aspects, the system ensures device access fairness through one or more techniques, including a rotating priority system, a counter to count the number of OPNs, especially sequential OPNs, and/or priority based on port type. Device zoning may be implemented. In one implementation, the system includes trunking such that frames may be transferred on multiple ports.
US07664015B2 Inspection system with data acquisition system interconnect protocol
An improved interconnection protocol that is well suited for use in an inspection system or similar modular electronic system. Communication is provided over a network where the electronic modules are nodes, including a root node and multiple remote nodes. The root node and remote nodes are connected through multiple point-to-point synchronous links. The root node and remote nodes are configured to send and receive packets in either a short form or a normal form. Timing between the root node and remote nodes is provided by an external clock distributed by the root node. Each remote node responds to commands with low latency. This protocol allows normal packets to be configured to provide variable payload length, with a maximum payload size that yields a low protocol overhead.
US07664013B2 Loop prevention technique for MPLS using service labels
A local fast reroute (FRR) technique is implemented at the edge of a computer network. In accordance with the technique, if an edge device detects a node or link failure that prevents it from communicating with a neighboring routing domain, the edge device reroutes at least some data packets addressed to that domain to a backup edge device which, in turn, forwards the packets to the neighboring domain. The rerouted packets are designated as being “protected” (i.e., rerouted) data packets before they are forwarded to the backup edge device. The backup edge device identifies protected data packets as those which contain a predetermined “service” label in their MPLS label stacks. In other words, the service label is used as an identifier for packets that have been FRR rerouted. Upon receiving a data packet containing a service label, the backup edge device is not permitted to reroute the packet a second time, e.g., in response to another inter-domain node or link failure, thereby preventing loops from developing at the edge of the network.
US07663999B2 Disc drive apparatus and electronic appliance
A disc drive apparatus is adapted to be driven when incorporated into a host appliance provided with a see-through section and comprises a disc receiving section for receiving a disc-shaped recording medium, a disc rotary drive mechanism for driving the disc-shaped recording medium to rotate, a recording and/or reproduction mechanism for recording information signals on and/or reproducing information signals from the disc-shaped recording medium and an apparatus main body arranged in correspondence to the see-through section formed in the host appliance and provided with a see-through hole exposing part of the disc-shaped recording medium placed on the disc receiving section to the outside of the host appliance by way of the see-through section.
US07663993B2 Disk device for recording and reproducing disks with adaptive rotation control
A disk device is arranged to select an appropriate rotation control method according to a kind of an optical disk, a recording format or a recording method so that a recording operation for a certain amount of information may be completed as fast as possible, even if a waiting time takes place until the rotation is set. The disk device includes a unit for selecting the rotation control method for recording a certain amount of information more efficiently and rapidly in light of time according to a kind of an optical disk, a recording format or a recording method. The selected rotation control method is executed to control the rotation of the optical disk when recording information on the disk.
US07663992B2 Multi-layered information recording medium, recording apparatus, and recording method
A multi-layered information recording medium including a plurality of recording layers, the multi-layered information recording medium comprising: a user data area for recording user data; and a plurality of spare areas including at least one replacement region, wherein when the user data area includes at least one defect region, the at least one replacement region may be used in place of the at least one defect region, wherein a first spare area of the plurality of spare areas is positioned so as to be contiguous to a first user data area of a first recording layer, a second spare area of the plurality of spare areas is positioned so as to be contiguous to a second user data area of a second recording layer, and the first spare area and the second spare area are positioned approximately at the same radial position on the multi-layered information recording medium.
US07663984B2 Optical pickup actuator for driving an objective lens
An optical pickup actuator which includes a base, a blade having an objective lens mounted thereon, a plurality of suspensions supporting the blade to be movable with respect to the base and forming an electroconductive path, and a magnetic circuit driving the blade according to a driving signal applied through the respective suspensions. The magnetic circuit includes a magnet fixed to the base, and a fine pattern coil installed on the blade at a position facing the magnet and having a track pattern coil, a focus pattern coil, and a tilt pattern coil independently driven by current applied through the suspensions and providing driving forces in a track direction, a focus direction, and a tilt direction of the blade.
US07663983B2 Optical information storage medium and optical information storage medium reproducing apparatus
An optical information storage medium includes a light transmitting layer, a first information storage layer, an intermediate layer mainly made of resin, a second information storage layer, and a substrate. The light transmitting layer, the first information storage layer, the intermediate layer, the second information storage layer, and the substrate are layered in this order from a reproduction light incident side. Each of the first information storage layer and the second information storage layer includes: a light absorbing film that absorbs reproduction light to generate heat; and a reproduction film that is heated by the heat generated by the light absorbing film so as to reproduce a signal shorter in mark length than a resolution limit of an optical system of a reproducing apparatus.
US07663969B2 Use of Lamb waves in cement bond logging
A method and apparatus useful to determine the integrity of a cement bond log disposed in the annular space between a casing and a wellbore. The method and apparatus induce a Lamb wave in the casing and into the wellbore. The Lamb wave attenuates upon passage through the cement bond log. The integrity of the cement bond log can be determined through an analysis and evaluation of the attenuation results.
US07663962B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a bank, a data transfer line, a precharge control circuit, and a precharge line. The bank includes a multiplicity of cell mats arranged in a matrix form. Each of the cell mats has a plurality of unit cells. The data transfer line arranged between the cell mats transfers a data signal outputted from a selected cell mat among the cell mats. The precharge control circuit disposed on the edge of the bank controls the precharge of the data transfer line. The precharge line arranged between first and second cell mats transfers a precharge voltage to the precharge control circuit. The first and the second cell mats are disposed in the center of the bank.
US07663960B2 Voltage supply circuit and semiconductor memory
A voltage supply circuit that switches and outputs multiple set voltages from an output terminal, has a boosting circuit that boosts a voltage supplied from a power supply and outputs the voltage to the output terminal; a voltage detecting circuit that outputs a first flag signal when detecting that the voltage outputted from the boosting circuit is not lower than the set voltage, outputs a second flag when detecting that the voltage outputted from the boosting circuit is not lower than a frequency adjusting voltage set lower than the set voltage; and a control circuit that controls an operation of the boosting circuit in response to the set voltage and the output signal of the voltage detecting circuit.
US07663958B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device reduces a number of boost voltage pumps by controlling an operation of the boost voltage pumps in accordance with the number of activated memory banks, thereby reducing an area which the boost voltage pumps occupy in a memory. The semiconductor device includes memory banks, a boost voltage generating controller, and boost voltage pumps. The boost voltage generating controller outputs boost voltage enable signals corresponding to the number of activated memory banks of the memory banks, wherein the number of the boost voltage enable signals is smaller than that of the memory banks. The boost voltage pumps generate a boost voltage in response to the boost voltage enable signal, and provide the boost voltage to the activated memory bank. Here, the number of the boost voltage pumps is less than that of the memory banks.
US07663953B2 Method for high speed sensing for extra low voltage DRAM
A method and apparatus are provided for sensing in low voltage DRAM memory cells. A method according to one embodiment includes: providing a DRAM circuit having a memory cell, a sense amplifier including a pre-charge circuit connected to a first voltage source and a back-to-back inverter including a first and second NMOS transistor, each having a source and a first and second PMOS transistor, each having a source. The method further includes the steps of maintaining the voltage of the sources of the first and second NMOS transistors at a first voltage during normal operation and lowering the voltage of the sources of the first and second NMOS transistors from the first voltage to a second voltage during a read operation.
US07663938B2 Tree-style AND-type match circuit device applied to content addressable memory
A tree-style AND-type match circuit device applied to the content addressable memory (CAM) is provided. In this tree-style AND-type match circuit device, a plurality of AND-type match circuit groups branchingly connect with each other by a first AND logic gate. The tree-style AND-type match circuit increases the parallelism of the evaluation of the entire match circuit so that it can efficiently reduce the searching period and the switching activity. Thus, the switching caused by the transformation activity is also shortened. As a result, the match circuit device will not increase the loading of the clock signal so the power consumption is reduced significantly.
US07663937B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory having a plurality of memory cells coupled to bit lines includes a bit line selecting circuit, a latch circuit, and a switching circuit. The bit line selecting circuit is disposed in a cell area where the memory cells are formed. The bit line selecting circuit is configured to select one of the bit lines in response to a first control signal. The latch circuit is disposed in a surrounding circuit area. The latch circuit is configured to perform a program operation or a read operation on the memory cells corresponding to the bit line selected by the bit line selecting circuit. The switching circuit is disposed in the surrounding circuit area, and is coupled between the bit line selecting circuit and the latch circuit. The switching circuit is configured to switch between the bit line selecting circuit and the latch circuit in response to a second control signal.
US07663933B2 Memory controller
A memory controller for controlling data access to a memory comprises a refresh controller. A read count memory part included in the refresh controller counts the number of read operations on each page of the memory and stores the read count therein. If the read count for any page exceeds a predetermined number, the refresh controller rewrites data stored in this page into the memory.
US07663928B2 Sense amplifier circuit having current mirror architecture
A sense amplifier circuit for use in a semiconductor memory device has complemented logic states at opposite sides of the latch circuit in the sense amplifier circuit determinate all the time in operation. The sense amplifier circuit takes advantage of a current mirror circuit for ascending or descending a voltage level at the gate of a transistor by charge accumulation or charge dissipation, which turns on or off the transistor so as to control the logic states at opposite sides of the latch circuit in the sense amplifier circuit.
US07663908B2 Method for increasing retention time in DRAM
The disclosure generally relates to a method and apparatus for decreasing the frequency of refreshing a memory cell in communication with a word line and a bit line. A method according to one embodiment includes: providing a DRAM circuit having a memory cell, a sense amplifier including a pre-charge circuit connected to a first voltage source and a back-to-back inverter including a first NMOS transistor having a source, a second NMOS transistor having a source, a first PMOS transistor having a source and a second PMOS transistor having a source; maintaining the voltage of the sources of the first and second PMOS transistors at a first voltage during normal operation; and raising the voltage of the sources of the first and second PMOS transistors from the first voltage to a second voltage during a refresh operation.
US07663906B2 Semiconductor memory device, data storage device and method for controlling semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes: a memory section; and a control section that controls writing and reading of data with respect to the memory section, wherein the memory section includes a first memory region formed from nonvolatile memory cells, each of the memory cells storing binary data corresponding to a first polarization state and a second polarization state; and the control section controls, for all of the memory cells included in the first memory region, such that, before writing data to each of the memory cells based on new data externally inputted, the memory cell is polarized in the first polarization state, and then the memory cell is further polarized in the second polarization state.
US07663903B2 Semiconductor memory device having improved voltage transmission path and driving method thereof
Provided are a semiconductor memory device and a method of driving the device which can improve a noise characteristic of a voltage signal supplied to a memory cell of the device. The semiconductor memory device includes a first semiconductor chip and one or more second semiconductor chips stacked on the first chip. The first chip includes an input/output circuit for sending/receiving a voltage signal, a data signal, and a control signal to/from an outside system. The one or more second semiconductor chips each include a memory cell region for storing data. The second semiconductor chips receive at least one signal through one or more signal paths that are formed outside the input/output circuit of the first chip.
US07663881B2 Enclosure for electrical system
An enclosure for electrical system includes a side plate and an adjusting piece movably attached to the side plate. The side plate includes a heat dissipating part in which a plurality of heat dissipating holes is defined. The adjusting piece is movable with respect to the heat dissipating part for covering portions of at least some of the heat dissipating holes. The enclosure provides a function of adjusting of heat dissipation and noise suppression of an electrical system.
US07663880B2 Holder for external keypad for portable electronic device
A holder (35) includes a base (33), an orientation block (36), a located block (37) and two magnets (38, 39). The base includes a mounting portion (40) and a securing portion (50). The orientation block is fixed in the mounting portion. The located block is slidably engaged in the securing portion. One of the magnets is disposed adjacent to the securing portion, the other of the magnets is disposed in the located block. The magnets are attracted to each other and configured for adjusting a distance between the orientation block and the located block.
US07663876B2 Water-cooled heat dissipation device for a notebook computer
A water-cooled heat dissipation device for a notebook computer includes primarily a pad and a heat dissipation device at a bottom of the pad having an air through-hole. The heat dissipation structure has a fan below a U-shape plate, a groove of which is latched with parallel fins being transfixed with a metallic tube in a detouring way, with two ends of the metallic tube being connected to a water pump, allowing cooling water to circulate in the metallic tube to cool down the fins. The heat dissipation structure is fixed below the air through-hole of the pad with the two ends of the U-shape plate. In usage, a notebook computer is put on the pad, and temperature of the notebook computer is conducted to the pad. Furthermore, cold wind is blown to the pad by the fan, such that the notebook computer can be cooled down rapidly.
US07663870B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus is provided. A frame is fixed and supported at the rear of a front panel forming the front portion of the display apparatus, and a separate bracket member is not mounted on the edges of the front panel. Thus, the front exterior of the display apparatus is neatly finished, and the display screen looks bigger than it actually is.
US07663855B2 Circuit for preventing surge, connector and electronic apparatus thereof
A surge protection circuit and a connector and an electronic apparatus using the circuit are provided. The connector includes a plurality of metal lines, a plurality of resistors, a ground metal, and a capacitor. Each metal line has a pointed end. There is a distance between the pointed end of the metal lines and a pointed end of the first end of each resistor corresponding to the metal line. The capacitor is coupled between the ground metal and second end of the resistors. Thus the surge endurance of product can be increased by the invention, and the damage to the internal components of product can be prevented.
US07663846B2 Magnetoresistive sensor having an enhanced lead overlay design and shape enhanced pinning
A magnetoresistive sensor having a lead overlay defined trackwidth and a pinned layer that extends beyond the stripe height defined by the free layer of the sensor. The extended pinned layer has a strong shape induced anisotropy that maintains pinning of the pinned layer moment. The extended portion of the pinned layer has sides beyond the stripe height that are perfectly aligned with the sides of the sensor within the stripe height. This perfect alignment is made possible by a manufacturing method that uses a mask structure for more than one manufacturing phase, eliminating the need for multiple mask alignments. The lead overlay design allows narrow, accurate trackwidth definition.
US07663834B2 Data sector phase correction method and disk drive apparatus using the same
A method to correct a phase of a data sector due to rotational slip of a disk includes measuring a difference in the phase of a servo sector between a plurality of disks and adjusting an amount of cylinder skew of a logical data sector between the plurality of disks based on the measured difference in the phase of a servo sector between the plurality of disks.
US07663831B2 Reproduction device and method, recording medium, and program
The present invention relates to a reproducing apparatus which, in a case where a burst error has occurred, corrects an error preceding a synchronization pattern detected thereafter to have less errors. A bit slip judging section 81 in a bit slip correcting section 53 calculates a bit slip correction amount and a bit slip correction position on the basis of phase error signals detected by a phase error detecting section 51, synchronization pattern signals detected by a synchronization detecting section 52, reproduced clocks and detected data. A FIFO control section 82 controls a FIFO buffer 83 on the basis of the bit slip correction amount and the bit slip correction position, to perform bit slip correction. As a result, in the case where a burst error has occurred, an error preceding a synchronization pattern detected thereafter is corrected, whereby an error reduction can be implemented. The present invention is applicable to a reproducing apparatus.
US07663816B2 Wide-angle lens and imaging apparatus
Providing a large aperture wide-angle lens having high optical performance with sufficiently suppressed spherical aberration and sagittal coma flare, and an imaging apparatus using the lens. The lens including, in order from an object, a first lens group having positive refractive power, and a second lens group having positive refractive power, the second lens group being movable for focusing and including a 21 lens component having positive refractive power, a 22 lens component having negative refractive power, a 23 lens component having positive refractive power, and a 24 lens component having positive refractive power, and given conditions being satisfied.
US07663815B2 Imaging lens
It is to provide a large-diameter imaging lens that can suppress reduction of peripheral light amount, achieve size and weight reduction, and maintain excellent optical performance.The imaging lens comprises, in order from an object side to an image surface side, a first lens having a positive power whose convex surface faces the image surface side, a diaphragm, a second lens having a negative power whose convex surface faces the image surface side, a third lens having a positive power, and a fourth lens having a negative power, wherein conditions expressed by 0.3≦f/f1≦1.7 and −2.7≦f/f2≦−0.25 (where, f: focal distance of the entire lens system, f1: focal distance of the first lens, and f2: focal distance of the second lens) are to be satisfied.
US07663811B2 Driving mechanism, driving device, and lens driving device
A driving mechanism, a driving device, and a lens driving device includes a lever member. The lever member includes an arm portion for surrounding a part of a driven member in a side direction. The arm portion has a plurality of displacement output portions to be engaged with the driven member. The lever member is constructed in such a manner that a displacement amount of the displacement output portions in a predetermined first axis direction is set larger than a displacement amount of a displacement input portion to be generated by input of a moving force to be applied by a shape memory alloy actuator. The driving mechanism, the driving device, and the lens driving device enable to obtain a large displacement amount with a reduced size and a reduced weight, and stably move the driven member.
US07663798B2 Electrochromic rearview mirror incorporating a third surface reflector
The inventive electrochromic mirror may be used in a vehicle rearview mirror assembly having a light source positioned behind the electrochromic mirror for selectively projecting light through the mirror and/or a light sensor positioned behind the electrochromic mirror for selectively receiving light through the mirror. The electrochromic mirror includes front and rear spaced elements each having front and rear surfaces and being sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, a layer of transparent conductive material disposed on the rear surface of the front element, an electrochromic material is contained within the chamber, and a second electrode overlies the front surface of the rear element in contact with the electrochromic material. The second electrode includes a layer of reflective material and a partially transmissive coating of and is disposed over substantially all of the front surface of the rear element. The second electrode further includes a region in front of the light source and/or light sensor that is at least partially transmissive.
US07663796B2 Electric-field-driving reflective display apparatus
An electric-field-driving reflective display apparatus is provided. The electric-field-driving reflective display apparatus includes a barrier wall which has a plurality of driving grooves and first and second surfaces, a reflecting member which is disposed within the driving groove and has an electric charge, a first electrode which is disposed on the first surface of the barrier wall, and a second electrode which is disposed on the second surface of the barrier wall, wherein areas of cross sections of each driving groove parallel to the first and second surface are equal to each other.
US07663792B2 Reflection mirror unit in image reading device and image reading device using the same
A reflection mirror unit for a document on a platen includes first and second reflection mirrors, a base frame formed of a plate member and having a sliding portion adapted to slidably engage a guide rail located in a sub-scanning direction for the document on the platen, and a mirror support frame formed of a plate member. The mirror support frame includes a mirror mounting portion for supporting the first and second reflection mirrors opposite to each other with a predetermined angle. First and second coupling portions are formed on the base frame and the mirror support frame to couple together.
US07663786B2 Image-forming apparatus and method of controlling operations in automatic document feeder mode thereof
An image-forming apparatus having an Automatic Background Removal (ABR) function in an automatic document feeder mode and an operation control method thereof. The image-forming apparatus includes a first movement unit to move a document loaded in a document tray from a first position to a second position; a second movement unit to move a carriage containing a light source from the first position to the second position; an image processing part to process an image of the document into predetermined image data; and a control part to control the image processing part to process an image of a specific portion of the document read out by the carriage fixed at the first position and to process an entire image of the document read out by the carriage fixed at the second position in use of a predetermined contrast equalization pattern selected based on a image processing result of the specific portion. The present general inventive concept can adjust the movements of the carriage and a document to perform the Automatic Background Removal function in the automatic document feeder mode to read out the image of the document with the document moving while the light source is fixed.
US07663781B2 Image forming device and controlling method with recording material storage unit having replaceable memory storing color conversion tables selected based on image forming device status
An image forming device and a controlling method thereof, in which the image forming device includes: a customer replaceable unit memory (CRUM) associated with a recording material storage medium to store a color conversion table group including a color conversion table that corresponds to status information of the image forming device, and a controller to determine current status information of the image forming device, to read a target color conversion table from among the color conversion table group according to the determined current status information, and to apply the target color conversion table to perform a printing operation on a document. Therefore, an optimum print quality can be guaranteed according to the determined current status of the image forming device.
US07663772B2 Dynamic early preparation of presentation objects for efficient printing
A command is provided as a means to instruct a printer to pre-rasterize and store presentation objects according to specified presentation parameters. The stored rasterized objects are available to the printer for use during printing when a print job is submitted to the printer which includes a presentation object already rasterized, saving significant processing at print time. The rasterized objects are stored with information identifying the object and the parameters used in the rasterization process and the printer is enabled to identify the appropriate rasterized object for inclusion in the print job. Objects may also be selected by a printer at print time as most closely matching the required parameters and then adjusted as needed at print time to completely conform with the requirements of inclusion in the job. This capability allows the printer to perform trimming-on-the-fly or other real-time operations while enjoying the time-saving benefits of a pre-rasterized object.
US07663766B2 Incorporating film optical property measurements into scatterometry metrology
A method includes collecting optical data from an unpatterned region including a first process layer. At least one optical parameter of the first process layer is determined based on the optical data associated with the unpatterned region. Optical data is collected from a patterned region including a second process layer. At least one characteristic of the patterned region is determined based on the optical data associated with the patterned region and the at least one optical parameter.
US07663761B2 Beam analyzing system and method for analyzing pulsed particle or laser beams
The present invention relates to a beam analyzing system and a method for analyzing pulsed particle or laser beams. The inventive beam analyzing system comprises a detector unit, a unit for generating a pulsed reference laser beam, a first electro-optical modulator and a first read-out photo detector, wherein the optical input of the first electro-optical modulator is connected with the unit for generating a pulsed reference laser beam, wherein the optical output of the first electro-optical modulator is connected with the first readout photo detector and wherein the signal input of the first electro-optical modulator is connected with the detector unit. In the inventive method for analyzing a pulsed particle or laser beam first voltage pulses are generated by means of a detector unit, the intensity of a pulsed reference laser beam is modulated by the first voltage pulses, the intensity of the modulated reference laser pulses is measured and the phasing of the first voltage pulses relative to the reference laser pulses is deduced from the intensity of the modulated reference laser pulses.
US07663759B2 Displacement sensor
An image taken by an imaging device is displayed on a display unit. When a confirmation instruction is inputted through an input unit, image teaching is performed while the image displayed on the display unit is set to a setting object image. A measurement item which is of a candidate of a measurement process including specification of a reference position is displayed as the measurement process to accept selection. Specification of cutout area which constitutes one measurement target region is accepted, a measurement point including a local region or a feature point which is used for the measurement is automatically set in the measurement target region based on pieces of information on the set measurement process and reference position.
US07663755B2 Determination of light absorption pathlength in a vertical-beam photometer
Photometric methods for determining optical pathlength of liquid samples containing analytes dissolved or suspended in a solvent are provided that rely on determining a relationship between the light absorption properties of the solvent and the optical pathlength of liquid samples containing the solvent. This relationship is used to establish the optical pathlength for samples containing an unknown concentration of analyte but having similar solvent composition. Methods are also provided for determining the concentration of analyte in such samples where both the optical pathlength and the concentration of analyte are unknown. The methods may rely on separately determining, at different wavelengths of light, light absorption by the solvent and light absorption by the analyte. Light absorption by the analyte, together with the optical pathlength so determined, is used to calculate the concentration of the analyte.
US07663738B2 Method for automatically detecting factors that disturb analysis by a photometer
The invention concerns a method for detecting the amounts of substances that may disturb chemical analysis performed by an analyzer for clinical chemistry. The presence and concentration of hemoglobin, bilirubin and lipemia are detected by measuring the absorbance or reflectance on at least two, preferably six, different wavelengths over the measured spectrum. The measurements are performed at two wavelengths for each substance, preferably on the absorbance peaks of the specific substance and on the root of the specific peaks. Since the three substances mentioned above each have at least one peak in the spectrum, the measurement is done on three peaks and three root positions respectively when three substances have to be measured.
US07663734B2 Pattern writing system and pattern writing method
In a pattern writing method for writing a pattern on a substrate by the use of projection patterns output from a mirror device including two-dimensionally arranged micromirrors, exposure is implemented by ON/OFF controlling each micromirror and partly overlapping the projection patterns from the mirror device at least in a one-dimensional direction, thereby accurately controlling the exposure of intermediate amounts of light.
US07663732B2 Exposure apparatus, exposure method and device manufacturing method for compensating position measuring system using temperature
An exposure apparatus, and exposure method and a device manufacturing method, wherein the exposure apparatus includes a projection optical system, an original stage configured to hold an original thereon and to move the original, a position measuring system configured to measure a position of a pattern surface of the original held by the original stage, with respect to a direction parallel to an optical axis of the projection optical system, an exposure system configured to expose a substrate through the original and the projection optical system, on the basis of the measurement by the position measuring system, a memory configured to store therein compensation information that interrelates a temperature of the position measuring system and a compensation quantity for compensating for an output of the position measuring system, and a controller configured to compensate for an output of the position measuring system on the basis of the compensation information stored in the memory, to obtain a position measured value for the pattern surface.
US07663725B2 Driving device and a liquid crystal display including the same
A driving device including a board on which a timing controller for signal processing and a memory are mounted, the board having a conductive field, in which the conductive field has a non-contact region which is coated with an insulating material, and an exposed contact region which is not covered with the insulating material, the exposed contact region formed adjacent to the timing controlling or the memory, a conductive member disposed in the exposed contact region, and a shield covering the board and electrically connected to the conductive field via the conductive member.
US07663723B2 In-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device and fabrication method thereof
A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate; a gate line and a data line on the first substrate crossing each other to define a pixel region; a switching element in the pixel region; a black matrix formed along the gate line and the data line on the first substrate, the black matrix having a portion that covers an upper side of the gate line and extends into the pixel region; a color filter located at the pixel region; a common electrode and a pixel electrode located on the color filter for generating an electric field within the pixel region; and a liquid crystal layer formed between the first and second substrates.
US07663722B2 Optical element
An optical element including: an alignment substrate; a liquid crystal layer formed on the alignment substrate, made by forming and curing a film of a liquid crystalline material; and a protective layer having high hardness, formed on the liquid crystal layer. The protective layer is for protecting the liquid crystal layer from being deformed by externally exerted forces. Preferably, the protective layer has a modulus of elasticity (=(elastic deformation)/(total deformation)) of 0.6 or more and a plastic deformation of 0.5 μm or less as determined by pushing an indenter into the protective layer with a test force of 2 mN in accordance with the universal hardness test method. The optical element has the advantages that the film thickness distribution of the liquid crystal layer remains uniform even when forces are externally exerted to the optical element in the process of production of the optical element or in the course of incorporation of the optical element in a liquid crystal display, and that the optical element can maintain its high displaying quality even when incorporated in a liquid crystal display.
US07663713B2 Light guide plate for a display panel having arcuate grooves formed in the incident and upper surfaces
A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel and an illumination device. The illumination device has a light guide plate and at least one spot light source on at least one side surface of the light guide plate. The light guide plate includes a large number of upper-surface arcuate cross-sectional grooves in a direction orthogonal to the one side surface on a surface thereof which faces the liquid crystal panel, and a large number of light-incident-surface arcuate cross-sectional grooves are formed in a thickness direction of the light guide plate on at least a portion of the one side surface which faces a position at which the spot light source is arranged. A relationship is provided between a contact angle Oa of the upper-surface arcuate cross-sectional grooves and a contact angle Ea of the light-incident-surface arcuate cross-sectional grooves.
US07663711B2 Liquid crystal display and methods of fabricating and repairing the same
A liquid crystal display comprising first and second switching elements connected to a first signal line; a signal line pair including a second and a third signal line connected to the first and second switching elements, respectively; a first pixel pattern connected through a first connection terminal of the first switching element; a second pixel pattern connected through a second connection terminal of the second switching element; a storage electrode line overlapping with the first and second pixel patterns; and a repair portion for electrically connecting the first and second pixel patterns to each other through a repairing process.
US07663700B2 Combination of recorded program index and EPG
A television system has a television viewing mode and a guide mode. The guide mode includes an electronic program guide (EPG), which provides the viewer program information for tuned programs, and a tape index guide (TIG), which provides information for programs recorded on a video cassette. In both guides, real time images of a program are displayed in a PIP window on the television screen and guide information is displayed in the background. In both guides, the viewer may switch between a currently telecast program or a recorded program. The viewer may access either guide from the television mode and vice versa. In the guide mode, the viewer may independently switch the guide information and the type of program, i.e., tuned or recorded, in the PIP window.
US07663698B2 Genlock device having log and alarm functions
A genlock device comprises: means (31) for inputting an external reference signal; means (32,33,34,36,39,40,41,42,44) for generating a master reference clock signal synchronized in phase with the external reference signal; and means (37) for storing a genlock state. The genlock state includes, for example, absence of a synchronization signal in the external reference signal. The genlock device can further comprise: means (45) for storing a voltage value determined so that a voltage controlled oscillator (40) oscillates a signal having a frequency higher or lower by a predetermined value than a reference frequency of the voltage controlled oscillator; and means (44) for judging whether a voltage value which controls the voltage controlled oscillator is larger or smaller than the voltage value.
US07663695B2 Method and system for de-interlacing digital images, and computer program product therefor
A spatial-type de-interlacing process to be applied to a digital image for obtaining a spatial reconstruction. Furthermore, to the digital image there are also applied one or more temporal-type motion compensation de-interlacing processes for obtaining one or more temporal reconstructions, and the spatial reconstruction and the one or more temporal reconstructions are sent to a decision module. The decision module applies a cost function to the spatial reconstruction and the temporal reconstructions and chooses from among the spatial reconstruction and the temporal reconstructions the one that minimizes the cost function. Preferential application is to display systems, in particular displays of a cathode-ray type, liquid-crystal type, and plasma type which use a mechanism of progressive scan.
US07663692B2 Infrared close-circuit television camera
The present invention provides an improved infrared closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) camera installed with rechargeable batteries on a rotary stand. When power supply is normal, electrical power is stored into the rechargeable batteries, which supply power to the CCTV camera, in case of power failure or damages to the power system due to fire outbreak. In this way, the CCTV camera can transmit monitored images to the monitoring center. Moreover, in case of fire or power failure, the rechargeable batteries supply power to the LED lighting sets, which automatically glitter for emergency escape illumination. Furthermore, when night illumination is less than 5 Lux during normal power supply, the LED lighting sets automatically glitter for night illumination.
US07663678B2 Gamma correction, image processing method and program, gamma correction circuit, image processing apparatus, and display apparatus
A gamma correction method including an inverse gamma correction process for inputting a value of a tone input signal Tin of X bits having non-linear tone-luminance characteristic and for outputting a tone signal Tout of Y bits (X
US07663665B2 Communication device and method for transferring video-stream data to a display device and a storage device
An apparatus configured to transfer video-stream data to each of a display device and a storage device with low delay and stability is provided. The apparatus stores video-stream data that is transferred to the storage device without success in a memory when the display device is in the on state, and resends the video-stream data that is transferred to the storage device without success and that is stored in the memory to the storage device when the display device is in the off state.
US07663662B2 High and low resolution camera systems and methods
Systems and methods provide high and low resolution cameras. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a camera system provides wide and narrow fields of view simultaneously. An operator may select different views to be provided by the camera system (e.g., a wide field of view, a narrow field of view, or the combination of the wide and narrow field of views).
US07663656B2 Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus including same
An optical scanning device including a first housing including a rotating deflector configured to deflect a light beam from at least one light source to scan a surface to be scanned with a deflected light beam, a second housing including one or more reflecting mirrors, and three supporting members configured to support the second housing relative to an image forming apparatus. The first housing is mounted inside the second housing, and mounts to fix the first housing to the second housing are positioned substantially on or within sides of a triangle formed by the three supporting members.
US07663648B1 System and method for displaying selected garments on a computer-simulated mannequin
A method and system for providing a computer-simulated environment for displaying a selected mannequin wearing a combination of selected garments. In one aspect, three-dimensional scenes containing mannequin and garment objects are created within a three-dimensional modeling environment, and a simulation is performed using a cloth simulator within the modeling environment to model the construction, draping, and collision of the garment with the mannequin. Rendering frames corresponding to a variety of garments, mannequins, garment dimensions, garment styles, wearing patterns, viewing angles, and other parameters, are then generated from which images can be rendered and displayed in accordance with user requests.
US07663642B2 Systems and methods for rendering a polygon in an image to be displayed
Polygon rendering systems for rendering a polygon in an image to be displayed include a rasterizer unit, a first memory buffer, and one or more additional memory buffers. The rasterizer unit is configured to generate one or more low resolution fragments representing a portion of the polygon at a low resolution and one or more high resolution fragments representing a portion of the polygon at one or more higher resolutions. The first memory buffer is configured to store the low resolution fragments as pixels. The first memory buffer is further configured to store data based on the one or more high resolution fragments. The one or more additional memory buffers are configured to store the high resolution fragments as high-resolution sub-pixels. Methods of rendering a polygon in an image to be displayed include generating one or more low resolution fragments that represent a portion of the polygon at a low resolution and one or more high resolution fragments that represent a portion of the polygon at one or more higher resolutions, storing the low resolution fragments as pixels and data based on the one or more high resolution fragments in a first memory buffer, and storing the high resolution fragments as high resolution sub-pixels in one or more additional memory buffers.
US07663631B1 Pixel engine architecture
A single-instruction multiple-data processor comprises at least two multiply-accumulator units and associated coefficient memories and data memories. Coefficient memory addresses are formed from a base address and data samples stored in the data memories.
US07663626B2 Method and apparatus for providing a network traffic composite graph
A method and apparatus for providing network traffic composite graphs for packet networks are disclosed. The graph enables analysts to visually determine the relative size of an event in relation to other traffic activity. For example, a user or a network analyst creates categories of applications for the river-chart graph and optionally enters a weight factor for each of the application categories. The method then gathers records for flows, number of bytes (or packets), etc. from monitoring device(s) in a predetermined interval. The expected values are determined and composite volumes are calculated for each protocol and/or port. The method then updates the cumulative river-chart bands and the cumulative expected values for historical and predicted time periods in the river-chart graph.
US07663624B2 Report generating method and apparatus
A method, apparatus and computer program having instructions for storing information in an oscilloscope is provided. The method comprises the steps of storing a screen display in a predetermined format, storing one or more configuration settings associated with the screen display, and storing in memory channel acquisition data associated with the stored screen display. The screen display may also be annotated, the annotation information being stored as well. The stored screen display, one or more associated configuration settings, and stored channel acquisition data, and annotation data, if applicable, may be loaded into the oscilloscope, thereby placing the oscilloscope in the state it was in when the stored data was originally generated.
US07663623B2 Spherical harmonics scaling
A method, device and system is provided for providing global illumination of a scene. For example, global illumination may be provided in a rendered 3-dimensional image that may contain objects and/or light sources. Radiance functions or visibility functions may further be represented by scaling of spherical harmonics functions in the spherical harmonics domain. For example, scaling of spherical harmonics coefficients corresponding to a spherical function may be performed based on a spherical harmonics scaling transformation matrix based on an angular scaling function.
US07663612B2 Metal display panel having one or more translucent regions
A metal structure (1) has a display region being a second region and being integrate with another region being a first region which is a display region. The metal structure may constitute a monolithic structure of an information display unit, for example, a front panel of an electronic device. The display region is formed by providing a cluster of small non-through-going cavities (5) in the metal structure, leaving a very small thickness of material, the thickness being translucent (6). In addition to being a display unit when arranging a light source behind the translucent region (6), touch sensitive or non-touch sensitive input devices, optionally connected to acoustical input and registration devices, may also be provided. These input devices may advantageously be arranged in, or adjacent, the cavities in the metal structure, whereby when the front of the metal structure is viewed an indication of display or input options is visible.
US07663605B2 Biomechanical user interface elements for pen-based computers
The present invention is a system that uses natural user position and natural user motion to position and layout interface elements for a pen-based computer display. Graphical user interfaces, such as a slider or menu, are popped-up at a position convenient to the user, such as at the current position of the cursor. A rectilinear interface is oriented along a natural motion arc of the user, such as an elbow arc. An arc shaped interface can also be positioned along a natural motion arc, such as the elbow arc, and be shaped according the elbow are or be shaped by another natural motion arc such as a wrist arc of the user. The interface arc, whether shaping or orienting the interface, can be a single motion arc, such as an elbow arc, a composite arc of an elbow arc and a wrist arc, a sequence of an elbow arc and a wrist arc, a compound arc where an elbow arc blends into a wrist arc or an arc followed by a linear interface section.
US07663602B2 Removable wireless keyboard with base
Keyboard input functionality is provided when a removable portion of the keyboard is docked into the base unit. The removable portion may be the undocked from the base unit. A keyboard removable portion may include alphanumeric functionality and may be of a reduced size for off-desk implementation. Since the base of the keyboard may be wired, it may also charge the removable portion of the keyboard. The base may also include the wireless receiver for cooperating with a wireless keyboard or wireless mouse.
US07663593B2 Level shift circuit and shift register and display device
A level shift circuit, a shift register, and a display device in which circuit operation is resistant to influence of variations in characteristics of elements such as transistors. The level shift circuit, includes a first switch turning on or off in accordance with a voltage of a first node, switching ON and OFF when the voltage is a first threshold value, and outputting a first voltage when ON state; a second switch turning on or off in accordance with the voltage of a second node, switching ON and OFF when the voltage is a second threshold value, and outputting a second voltage when ON state; a first capacitor receiving a first input signal at one terminal and connected at the other terminal to the first node; a second capacitor receiving a second input signal at one terminal, and connected at the other terminal to the second node; and a circuit for setting the voltage of the first node at the first threshold value and setting the voltage of the second node at the second threshold value in a predetermined period and setting the first node and the second node in a floating state after the predetermined period.
US07663585B2 Television apparatus having liquid crystal display
A television apparatus having a liquid crystal display includes a signal processing portion for reproducing a received video signal, a liquid crystal cell for displaying a video reproduced by the signal processing portion, backlight light sources arranged on a back surface side of the liquid crystal cell for illuminating the liquid crystal cell, drivers for driving the liquid crystal cell, and an inverter for driving the backlight light sources. A transmittance of the liquid crystal cell can be increased because low color-purity cells having a color purity in a range of 40% to 60% is used as the liquid crystal cell. Also, reduction in a color reproductivity of the video caused due to the low color purity can be avoided because a color correcting circuit is provided to the signal processing portion to execute color correcting process on the video signal.
US07663584B2 Field sequential liquid crystal display
A field sequential LCD includes a reset selector supplying a reset signal having a higher voltage level than a data signal to the liquid crystal. The reset selector selects the reset signal in response to a reset control signal, and supplies the selected reset signal to a data line.
US07663576B2 Video data correction circuit, control circuit of display device, and display device and electronic apparatus incorporating the same
Accumulated usage data of each pixel of the correction circuit is divided into a plurality of data portions, each of which is stored in a different storing means. For example, the accumulated usage data is divided into the upper bit and the lower bit to be stored separately, and the upper bit of the accumulated usage data is obtained by adding the upper bit to a half carry generated by the calculation of the lower bit of the accumulated usage data. A degradation coefficient selected based on the thus obtained accumulated usage data is multiplied by video data to obtain corrected video data. The invention also provides a control circuit of a display device integrated with such a correction circuit.
US07663573B2 Plasma display panel and driving method thereof
The present invention relates to a plasma display panel and driving method thereof, which involves controlling the time points when data signals are applied to the data electrodes during an address period, thereby reducing the noise that otherwise affects the waveforms applied to the Y electrodes and the Z electrodes. This, in turn, stabilizes the address discharge and prevents damage to the scan board and/or the sustain board. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the data electrodes are divided into a plurality of electrode groups, where each of the electrode groups receives the data signal at an application time point that is different from the remaining electrode groups.
US07663571B2 Time-lapsing mirror
Time-lapsing mirror methods and related systems.
US07663567B2 Antenna structure, transponder and method of manufacturing an antenna structure
An antenna structure (106) comprising a first electrically conductive element (102) having a first end and a second end, a second electrically conductive element (103) having a first end and a second end, and a coupling structure (104) short-circuiting the first electrically conductive element (102) with the second electrically conductive element (103) by means of electrically connecting the electrically conductive elements (102, 103) at positions between the first and the second ends, wherein an integrated circuit (105) is connectable between the first end of the first electrically conductive element (102) and the first end of the second electrically conductive element (103).
US07663565B2 Pedestal apparatus and satellite tracking antenna having the same
Provided are a pedestal apparatus and a satellite-tracking antenna having the same. The pedestal apparatus includes: a fixing unit fixed at a moving object; a connecter for forming a first rotating axis vertically to the fixing unit; a first rotation supporter having a bottom fixed at the fixing unit and a Y-shaped top for rotating the tracking antenna around the first rotating axis; a second connecter connected to ends of the Y-shaped top for forming a second rotating axis; a second rotation supporter having both ends connected to the both ends of the second connecter for rotating the tracking antenna around the second rotating axis; a third connecter for forming a third rotating axis at a center of the second rotation supporter; and a supporter connected to the third connecter in a predetermined shape for supporting the tracking antenna, wherein the first, second and third rotating axes are not crossed one another.
US07663563B2 High frequency wave glass antenna for an automobile and window glass sheet for an automobile with the same
A high frequency wave glass antenna for an automobile includes an antenna conductor adapted to be disposed in or on an automobile window glass sheet, the antenna conductor being formed in such a loop shape that a portion of the loop shape is cut out by a length to dispose a discontinuity, both ends of the discontinuity or portions of the antenna conductor close to the discontinuity serving as feeding points, and a portion of the antenna conductor with the discontinuity disposed therein or a portion of the antenna conductor close to the discontinuity having a conductor width of 8.0 to 40 mm.
US07663561B2 Wire connection structure for laminated glass and laminated glass including such a wire connection structure
There is provided a wire connection structure for laminated glass, which is capable of electrically connecting a conductor embedded in laminated glass and a lead wire without soldering, and laminated glass including such a wire connection structure.A wire connection structure comprising an embedded electrode 8 embedded in laminated glass 1; a housing 2, 22 configured to form a space along with the laminated glass 1 and to have an insertion slot 13, 33 formed therein so as to communicate with the space, the housing being disposed on the laminated glass 1 so that the space confronts the embedded electrode 8; an elastic terminal 3, 23 received into the space of the housing 2, 22 and made of a conductive material; and a connector 5 connected to a lead wire 4; the terminal 3, 23 including a terminal strip 16, 36 to be detachably connected to the connector 5, and an external electrode 17, 37, the external electrode being configured to be electrostatic-capacitively coupled with the embedded electrode 8 when the terminal is received into the housing 2, 22 and is elastically deformed in the space to be pressed against the laminated glass.
US07663560B1 Antenna pointing aid
A satellite system 10 includes an outdoor unit that has an LNB 24. The antenna of the outdoor unit is aligned using a microwave energy-absorbing cap. The microwave-absorbing cap has microwave-absorbing material therein or thereon. A signal strength meter is used to measure the signal strength with the cap on so that the signal strength meter is less likely to be saturated during the alignment process.
US07663556B2 Antenna configured for low frequency application
An antenna configured for low frequency applications on a mobile device includes an antenna element coupled to a conductive structure which, in turn, is coupled to the user of the mobile device such that the user of the mobile device effectively becomes part of the antenna. The conductive structure can include, for example, the device housing being made from a conductive material, a conductive structure embedded inside the device housing, or conductive pads exposed in the device housing. The antenna element is electrically connected to the conductive structure and the user can be coupled to the conductive structure either through direct contact or through capacitive coupling.
US07663548B2 Switched combiner GPS receiver system
A receiving system includes a combiner configured to receive signals from two or more antenna elements and to generate sum and difference outputs, and a switch configured to sequentially provide the sum and difference outputs as inputs to a receiver.
US07663543B2 Alignment method for multi-satellite consumer receiver antennas
A method, apparatus and system for aligning an antenna reflector with satellites in a satellite configuration. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises aligning the reflector in azimuth and elevation with a first signal transmitted by a first satellite in the satellite configuration, and aligning the reflector in tilt with a second signal transmitted by a second satellite in the satellite configuration, wherein aligning the reflector in azimuth and elevation with the first signal and in tilt with the second signal aligns the reflector with at least a third signal transmitted from a third satellite.
US07663527B2 Method of reducing quantization noise
There is described a system (10; 300) for processing an input signal (340) to generate a corresponding encoded output signal (380). The system (10; 300) includes a plurality of quantizing devices (30, 70; 350, 370) coupled in series, the system (10; 300 being configured in operation to reduce tandem quantization noise arising therein by: (a) analyzing the system (10; 300) to determine signal regions (290) in which tandem noise errors occur; and (b) modifying one or more earlier quantizing devices (30; 350) in the system (10; 300) with backward correction to reduce tandem noise arising therein from said determined signal regions (290), said one or more earlier quantizing devices (30; 350) not including a last quantizing device (70; 370) in series the system (10; 300).
US07663523B1 System unit element selection
The management of unit element selections in a system that includes multiple unit elements. The system includes an element selection component that is configured so that each of the multiple elements is used the same number of times over a certain number of selection cycles. This preserves the first order noise shaping of the mismatch noise thereby keeping a high signal to noise ratio. In addition, the selection of the unit elements is not done in a periodic fashion. This allows the system to avoid tones within the signal band.
US07663522B2 Performance of A/D converter and receiver
A delta-sigma A/D converter includes a D/A converter realized with a mixed-mode comb filter connected in a feedback loop from the output of the A/D converter to the input of the A/D converter. The D/A converter is configured to predistort a feedback signal. The converter further includes an analogue filter at the input of the A/D converter. The analogue filter is configured to cancel the predistortion of the feedback signal.
US07663519B2 Analog to digital converter using arrangement of stators and AD converting method
An Analog to Digital (AD) converter and an AD converting method are provided. The AD converter includes one or more stators, and one or more actuators that move according to an input voltage. The digital output of the AD converter is determined based on an arrangement of the stators and the positions of the actuators relative to the stators. The AD converter can achieve high resolution and/or high speed with lower power consumption.
US07663517B1 Accurate hardware Power OK (POK) generation methodology for processors with varying core voltage requirements
A method for configuring a circuit for providing a power OK (POK) signal is described. The method includes identifying a voltage range and voltage interval, dividing the voltage range into a plurality of segments, selecting a reference voltage for each segment, and selecting resistor values for a plurality of voltage dividers for dividing an output voltage from a precision voltage reference into each of the reference voltages. A power OK signal generator and method for generating a power OK signal are also described.
US07663513B2 Method and apparatus for signal processing and encoding and decoding method, and apparatus therefor
An apparatus for processing a signal and method thereof are disclosed. Data coding and entropy coding are performed with interconnection, and grouping is used to enhance coding efficiency. The present invention includes the steps of obtaining index information and data and entropy-decoding the index information and identifying an entropy table corresponding to the entropy-decoded index information and entropy-decoding the data using the identified entropy table.
US07663512B2 Decoder and method for decoding a message using an arbitrary-side growing Huffman tree
A decoder for decoding a message using an arbitrary-side growing (ASG) Huffman tree including a plurality of codewords and symbols includes a database, a processing module, and a bit pattern matching module. The database stores a plurality of parameters corresponding to the ASG Huffman tree divided into several sub-trees according to a Hashemian cut operation and a bits-pattern-Xor (BPX) operation. The plurality of parameters include a bit pattern of a sub-tree of the ASG Huffman tree divided according to the BPX operation and a code length of the bit pattern. The processing module receives a bit stream corresponding to the ASG Huffman tree from an encoder. The bit pattern matching module selects bits from the bit stream according to the code length of the bit pattern and decodes the selected bits into a symbol in the ASG Huffman tree by comparing the selected bits with the bit pattern.