Document Document Title
US07677228B2 Crankcase vapor purification device
A vapor purifier for oil recovery from and cleansing of deleterious matter carried by oil vapors in a crankcase of an internal combustion-type engine generally includes a coil member that can separate the oil from the vapors by passing the vapors over and/or through the coil member. As the vapors impinge upon the surface(s) of the coil member, oil in the blow-by vapors condenses thereon. The vapor purifier can include a flow equalization member to maintain a normal engine intake manifold pressure for driving modes of the engine. As a result, the vapor purifier of the present invention can maintain the air to fuel stoichiometric ratio of the engine system. Additional components, such as filters and/or disks can also be included in the vapor purifier to promote oil recovery and cleansing of deleterious matter from the vapors, which act as a host for the deleterious matter.
US07677223B2 Air-fuel-ratio control apparatus for internal combustion engine
The air-fuel-ratio control apparatus for an internal combustion engine obtains a composite air-fuel ratio abyfs from a downstream-side correction value Vafsfb(k) based upon an output value Voxs from a downstream air-fuel-ratio sensor 67 and an output value Vabyfs from an upstream air-fuel-ratio sensor 66, and obtains an upstream-side feedback correction value DFi on the basis of the composite air-fuel ratio abyfs. A fuel injection quantity Fi is determined to a value obtained by adding the upstream-side correction value DFi to a control-use base fuel injection quantity Fbasec (=base fuel injection quantity Fbase·coefficient Ksub). The coefficient Ksub is determined on the basis of the downstream-side feedback correction value Vafsfb(k) in such a manner that the control-use base fuel injection quantity Fbasec (accordingly, the fuel injection quantity Fi) is determined such that the output value Vabyfs from the upstream air-fuel-ratio sensor 66 changes in the direction of canceling the change in the downstream-side feedback correction value Vafsfb(k).
US07677221B2 Internal-combustion engine, notably of direct injection type, with a piston provided with a bowl comprising a teat
The invention concerns an internal combustion engine, in particular with direct injection comprising at least one cylinder (10), one piston (30) sliding in said cylinder, a combustion chamber (26) delimited on one side by the upper side of the piston including a concave trough (32) wherein is arranged a dog point (34) with apex angle (a2) and a fuel injector (22) for injecting fuel at a spray angle (a1) not greater than 2 Arctg CD/2f where CD is the diameter of the cylinder (10) and F the distance between the point of origin of the fuel jets derived from the injector and the position of the piston (30) corresponding to a crankshaft angle of 50° relative to the upper dead center. The invention is characterized in that the apex angle (a2) of the dog point is greater than the spray angle (a1) by an angle ranging between 30° and 60°.
US07677214B2 Device for deactivation of at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine
The present invention relates to a device (1) for shutting down at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The device (1) is connected to a rocker lever (2) which actuates an intake/exhaust valve (6) of the respective cylinder. In active cylinder operation, the rocker lever (2) executes an oscillating tilting movement about a pivot axle (10) which is situated in the area of the connection to the cylinder head (9), whereas when the respective cylinder is deactivated, the rocker lever (2) is lifted by the cylinder head (9) and therefore its pivot axle (10) is shifted in the direction of the connection of the rocker lever (2) to the valve of the respective cylinder. It is essential to the invention here that the device (1) is arranged essentially between the rocker lever (2) and the cylinder head (9) and the device has a guide element (11), a pivot axle element (12) displaceably mounted on the guide element (11) and a spring (15) stretched between two abutments (13, 14).
US07677211B2 Single hydraulic circuit module for dual lift of multiple engine valves
A single hydraulic circuit module is provided for controlling valve lift at multiple cylinders in an engine. The single module includes a housing that at least partially forms a supply passage and a control passage. The supply passage is in fluid communication with the fluid supply and the control passage is in fluid communication with the feed passage. At least one solenoid valve is provided and supported by the housing positioned between the supply passage and the control passage. The solenoid valve is controllable to vary fluid flow from the supply passage to the control passage to permit adjustment of hydraulic lift assemblies to vary lift of engine valves in response to control of the solenoid valve.
US07677207B2 Rotary internal combustion engine
A rotary internal combustion engine has a circular inner chamber, which houses a plurality of cylinders with reciprocating pistons that move in a radial direction towards and away from the center of the inner chamber. A flywheel with distinct vanes or portions is positioned for rotation about a central axis of the inner chamber. A gear assembly operationally connected to the reciprocating pistons forces the flywheel to rotate and impart torque to a central shaft extending though the inner chamber.
US07677203B2 Edible pet chew
An edible pet chew 114 has a first casing 10 of plant base material and a second protein 12 of flavored material for example jerky that is wrapped with the first sheet to form alternating layers in the edible pet chew.
US07677190B2 Slotted hulls for boats
A boat hull providing substantially enhanced stability, safety and comfort over conventional boat hulls in common use, incorporating at least one relatively narrow, more-or-less vertical slot (23) running longitudinally and/or laterally through the hull of the boat and positioned so that the slot(s) (23) intersects a major portion of the depth of the water displaced by the boat hull. The slot(s) (23) may be fully or partially closed at any of its fore-end (31) or aft-end (33) or bottom-edge (25).
US07677189B2 Manufacturing system and manufacturing method for sheet-like structure
An object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing system and a method for manufacturing sheet-like structures. The manufacturing system of sheet-like structures contains a loosened portion forming apparatus by which plural loosened portions, which are substantially U-shaped, are formed on a cord member, and plural linear portions, which connect each of the plural loosened portions, are formed substantially linearly; and a sewing apparatus by which each of the plural absorbing members and each of the plural linear portions are sewn with a thread member.
US07677183B2 Pallet with walls hinged to support plate
The present invention relates to a pallet comprising a four-sided support plate, said support plate comprising two first edges arranged opposite each other and two second edges arranged opposite each other, first walls arranged along the first edges of support plate and hinged to the support plate.
US07677176B2 Method of forming a reconfigurable relief surface using an electrorheological fluid
A structure and method of using a reusable master printing plate is described. In one embodiment, the viscosity of an electrorheological fluid is adjusted using an electric field to control its flow and create the desired relief pattern in a flexible printed surface. After creating the relief pattern, the pattern is fixed and used for printing. After completion of printing, the relief pattern is removed from the master printing plate and the printing plate may be reused by applying a new pattern.
US07677169B2 Apparatus and method using imaging in building a cotton module
A cotton module building apparatus, utilizing imaging apparatus operable for capturing real-time images of the module building process, including accumulated cotton in the module building chamber, cotton inflow, and the in-process cotton module, and a method for building a cotton module using the images. The imaging apparatus includes a camera or cameras disposed at advantageous locations about the module building chamber, and cotton is distributed and moved within the chamber responsive to the images, for advantageous placement and distribution for forming a module having a desired consistency and top shape. Imaging apparatus can also be provided for observing unloading of a module from the chamber, and for facilitating maneuvering and positioning the unloading apparatus.
US07677167B2 Paper recycling device
A device and related method for storing and bundling papers, magazines and/or cardboard, for easy disposal and recycling comprised of a storage unit comprising four side walls and a bottom surface wherein a top area is open and permits stacking of papers on said bottom service; and a single source of twine in a pre-arranged pattern within said storage unit for easy bundling of the papers, magazines and/or cardboard.
US07677155B2 Statically sealed high pressure fuel pump and method
The invention relates to an apparatus and method of statically sealing a reciprocating-type fuel pump, such as a direct injection high pressure piston-type fuel pump. The first embodiment of the invention is a fuel pump comprising a pump body, a fuel reservoir within the pump body, wherein the fuel reservoir is capable of holding fuel and a bellows attached to the pump body, wherein the bellows is a stretchable membrane acting as a static seal. The second embodiment further comprises a diaphragm seal inside the pump body, and adjacent to the fuel reservoir, and a working fluid reservoir adjacent to the diaphragm seal, wherein the working fluid reservoir is capable of holding fluid. The diaphragm seal is a static seal separating the working fluid reservoir and the fuel reservoir.
US07677149B2 Coping apparatus and method of operation
Embodiments of the present invention include a coping apparatus and method of operation that automates the process of forming coped butt joints on strips of molding for placement on internal wall angles that alleviates at least some of the problems associated with the use of miter joints or time consuming hand or powered coping using conventional coping saws.
US07677147B2 Device and method for separating the paper from the cores of trimmings of rolls or logs of ribbon-like material, of defective rolls or logs and/or of another similar product
A device, for separating the paper from the cores of rolls or logs of paper or similar products, which is based on a combination of a mandrel that receives trimmings from a roll or log where the mandrel has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of a core of at least one log. The mandrel is provided with at least one axial recess that is directed along several contiguous generatrices of the mandrel. Above the axial recess is arranged a circular rotating blade which cuts both said trimmings the core.
US07677145B2 Cutting insert, cutting insert tool, and method for machining a workpiece
This application relates to a cutting insert and method for machining a workpiece. This application further relates to a method for the machining of a workpiece using such an indexable insert. In this case, the term “machining” means, among other things, the first-time machining and/or a re-profiling of a wheel or of a brake disc of a wheel set of a railway vehicle. An object of at least one possible embodiment of the present application is to create a cutting insert that is as economical as possible. An additional object of at least one possible embodiment of the present application is the most effective method possible and a lathe tool that is well-suited for the machining of a workpiece, such as for the copy turning and/or for the first-time machining and/or for the re-profiling of a wheel or of a brake disc of a wheel set of a railway vehicle, using a cutting insert described herein.
US07677135B2 Electromechanical power transfer system with multiple dynamoelectric machines
An electromechanical power transfer system for a vehicle, comprises: an electrical power source; a system controller; at least two dynamoelectric machines; an electrically engageable clutch for each machine; an input shaft coupled to the jack shaft; an output shaft coupled to a load presented by the vehicle; and at least two electrically engageable transmission gear sets for coupling the input shaft to the output shaft; wherein the system controller selectively engages each machine clutch and each transmission gear set.
US07677126B2 Ball screw mechanism
A ball screw mechanism including a screw having a first axis and at least one screw groove extending along a first helical path about the first axis, and a nut having a first aperture receiving the screw. The nut also includes at least one nut groove extending along a second helical path about the first axis between first and second edges disposed on opposite sides of the screw. The at least one screw groove and the at least one nut groove are aligned and cooperate to form a helical passageway extending at least 180 degrees about the first axis between a first opening at the first edge and a second opening at the second edge. The ball screw mechanism also includes a plurality of balls moving, in part, along the helical passageway. The ball screw mechanism also includes an external ball nut return radially spaced from the screw extending at least partially around the nut between a first end communicating with the first opening and a second end communicating with the second opening to circulate the plurality of balls with respect to the helical passageway.
US07677119B2 System for using a device for picking up samples in a soil or material with powdery or granular nature
The invention relates to a system for using a device for picking up samples in a soil or a material with a granular/powdery nature, said device comprising a vertical stem provided with a groove for collecting the picked-up sample, on the edge of which a lip is formed for scraping the soil or the material to be picked up.A power-driven system is provided for moving the picking-up device down into the soil/material to be picked up, guiding during this downward movement being provided by vertical guiding means of the picking-up device. A power-driven system is also provided for rotating the picking-up device in the soil/material to be picked up, in order to allow scraping of the soil or material to be picked up by the scraping lip, the upward movement and the collection of the scraped soil/material in the groove of the picking-up device.
US07677114B2 Torque sensor for electric power steering system
A torque sensor, which is for an electric power steering system that has an output shaft for rotating in response to rotation of an input shaft, may include a first rotor for rotating with the input shaft, a second rotor for rotating with the output shaft, a first pinion gear mounted for rotating in response to rotation of the first rotor, a first magnet mounted for rotating with the first pinion gear, a second pinion gear mounted for rotating in response to rotation of the second rotor, a second magnet mounted for rotating with the second pinion gear, a first sensor positioned for sensing an angular position of the first magnet, and a second sensor positioned for sensing an angular position of the second magnet. The first rotor and the second rotor are mounted so that there can be relative rotation between the first rotor and the second rotor.
US07677113B2 Weighing system with plural weighing cells
A weighing system (1) with a plurality of weighing cells for respectively weighing a plurality of materials. The weighing cells have essentially the same configuration, are arranged interchangeably in a two-dimensional array, are releaseably fixed on a support element (6) and have electrical connectors.
US07677111B2 Portable test lever for testing a tractive capacity and/or an acceleration behavior of a cable-operated lift
A portable test lever including a load arm and a force arm for efficient examination of the tractive capacity and/or an acceleration capacity of a lift. The test lever includes an integrated measuring value sensor, at least one cable receptacle arranged on the load arm and at a distance from the force arm, and a support. A method used to measure the tractive capacity of a lift cable and/or the acceleration capacity of a lift.
US07677107B2 Wireless pressure sensor and method for fabricating wireless pressure sensor for integration with an implantable device
A method for fabricating a wireless pressure sensor includes providing a first substrate. A portion of the first substrate is controllably displaced to form a cavity. A conducting material is patterned on the first substrate to form a first capacitor plate and a first inductor. A second substrate is provided. A conducting material is patterned on the second substrate to form a second capacitor plate. The second substrate is attached to the first substrate to seal the cavity such that at least a portion of the second substrate is movable with respect to the first substrate within the cavity in response to a change in an external condition. A hermetically sealed capacitive pressure sensor may reside in the cavity between the first substrate and second substrate.
US07677106B1 Internal pressure sensor
A pressure sensor for sensing changes in pressure in an enclosed vessel may include a first chamber having at least one expandable section therein that allows that first chamber to change in length. A reference member mounted within the first chamber moves as a result of changes in length of the first chamber. A second chamber having an expandable section therein allows the second chamber to change in length in response to changes in pressure in the enclosed vessel. The second chamber is operatively associated with the first chamber so that changes in length of the second chamber result in changes in length of the first chamber. A sensor operatively associated with the reference member detects changes in position of the reference member. Changes in position of the reference member are related to changes in pressure in the enclosed vessel.
US07677104B2 Acoustic transducer system for nondestructive testing of cement
An acoustic transducer system for use in the measurement of longitudinal sound velocity in a cement sample that is maintained at high temperature and pressure. The acoustic assembly is separate from the end plugs to optimize acoustic coupling between the individual elements of the assembly, to increase the amplitude and consistency of the acoustic signal and to provide an ability to replace the transducers as a separate assembly. The transducer includes an acoustic transmission line and utilizes a pressure isolation method to optimize the material and the manufacturing process to enhance the acoustic signal required for the measurement. The transducer assembly includes a high temperature piezoelectric ceramic and a load mass that improve the signal amplitude and provide the required electrical connections. The transducer improves the ability to measure the longitudinal wave velocity in a cement sample at elevated temperature and pressure for determining the sample's compressive strength.
US07677089B2 Method and system for testing the overspeed protection system of a turbomachine
A method and system of testing an overspeed protection system of a turbomachine may include providing an overspeed protection system on a turbomachine having at least one shaft. The method may: determine whether a permissive or permissive(s) is satisfied; initiate an overspeed test; automatically adjusting the speed of a shaft; determining if the speed exceeds an overspeed trip value; and automatically disabling the automatic adjustment of the speed after the test is complete.
US07677083B2 Internal combustion engine knock determination device
An engine ECU executes a program including the steps of: setting a knock waveform model corresponding to engine speed sensed by a crank position sensor; calculating knock intensity N based on the result of comparison between a detected waveform and the set knock waveform model; when the knock intensity N is larger than a predetermined reference value, determining that knocking has occurred; and when the knock intensity N is not larger than the predetermined reference value, determining that knocking has not occurred.
US07677082B2 Solid state gas sensors based on tunnel junction geometry
A gas detector utilizing tunnel junction geometry is disclosed. The gas detector comprises a first electrically conductive material layer, an electrically nonconductive material layer disposed on the first electrically conductive material layer, a second electrically conductive material layer disposed on the electrically nonconductive material layer, a gas source (34) in fluid communication with the second electrically conductive material layer; and a power source in electrical communication with the first and second electrically conductive material layers. A method of detecting a gas utilizing the detector of the present invention is also disclosed. A method of making a gas detector is likewise disclosed.
US07677081B2 Method for analyzing gas components, apparatus for separating gas components and method for identifying the same
The present invention provides a method for analyzing gas components, an apparatus for separating the gas components, and a method for identifying the gas components that can provide more accurate information in distribution and consumption by classifying and identifying products that have been subjected to carbon monoxide treatment. The present invention provides a method for quantitatively analyzing gas components contained in a specimen, wherein an untreated specimen having an unchanged solid state and a prescribed weight is placed in an airtight container in which a solution is accommodated; the specimen is homogenized in the airtight container; and the gas components contained the specimen are quantitatively analyzed.
US07677050B2 Control device for vehicle cooling fan
A control device for a fan motor (7) which cools a condenser (6) of a vehicle air conditioner includes a temperature sensor (12) which detects a temperature of an air that has passed through an evaporator (10) of the vehicle air conditioner; and a controller (2). The controller (2) functioning to calculate a reference value (Ds) of an airflow generated by a rotation of the fan motor (7); calculate a correction value (DUP, DUPT) of the airflow on the basis of the detected air temperature (Tair); set a target airflow (TDR) on the basis of the reference value (Ds) and correction value (DUP, DUPT) of the airflow; and control the rotation of the fan motor to effect the target airflow (TDR).
US07677046B2 Method for starting a pressure storage plant
An air storage plant comprises a storage volume for a pressurized storage fluid, a storage fluid expansion machine and a generator which is arranged with the expansion machine on a common power train. During the start up of the air storage plant, the generator is operated at least temporarily electromotively in order to assist the acceleration of the rotor of the expansion machine. This allows a more rapid acceleration of the expansion machine to the rated rotational speed and, consequently, earlier synchronization and an earlier power output than acceleration caused solely by the storage fluid flowing through.
US07677043B1 Steam powered hybrid vehicle
The idea within the scope of the present invention is for a vehicle to be driven by an electric motor. An external combustion engine drive a generator which supplies electricity for the electric motor. Surplus energy is stored in the batteries. The external combustion engine would be a preferred gasoline or diesel fueled steam engine. Steam is probably the best currently understood technology for the engine of the present invention. The combination use of steam and electric has advantages. A steam engine takes time to build pressure in a boiler before it can produce power. During this time the batteries will power the electric motor. The system of the present invention overcomes the problem of limited range in a pure electric powered vehicle, inefficiency of an internal combustion powered vehicle and long startup problems of pure steam driven vehicles. The present invention does not require a whole new fuel delivery infrastructure like a hydrogen fuel cell does.
US07677029B2 Regeneration controller for exhaust purification apparatus of internal combustion engine
A regeneration controller for an exhaust purification apparatus (36, 38) of an engine (2) that appropriately burns particulate matter accumulated in the exhaust purification apparatus. The regeneration controller includes an ECU (70) that determines whether an estimated accumulation amount (PMsm) of particulate matter deviates from an actual accumulation amount. When the estimated accumulation amount is less than or equal to a maximum value (BUpm) and an exhaust pressure difference (&Dgr;P/GA) is greater than a replacement reference value (Dp), the ECU replaces the estimated accumulation amount with a greater replacement amount (UPpm). This causes the estimated accumulation amount to approach or to be the same as the actual accumulation amount.
US07677014B2 Method for packaging a photosensitive film roll, resin case therefor, method for recovering and reusing the case, and photosensitive film roll package and method for conveying the same
A method of increasing manufacturing efficiency of printed wiring boards is provided that includes packaging a photosensitive film roll with a resin case, wherein the photosensitive film roll is formed, by winding around a core, a photosensitive film that comprises a supporting film and a photosensitive resin composition layer formed on the supporting film, wherein the photosensitive resin composition layer comprises a photosensitive resin composition that contains a binder polymer and a photopolymerizable compound having at least one polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated group within a molecule and a photopolymerization initiator, and wherein the resin case consists of a resin having a lower surface energy than the photosensitive resin composition.
US07677011B2 Crosslinked solid type pressure-sensitive adhesive composition, pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet comprising the composition, and pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet for waterproofing/airproofing comprising the sheet
A solid type pressure-sensitive adhesive composition capable of being applied without the necessity of using an organic solvent or water and a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet, which are excellent in both adhesive force and holding power and, in particular, undergo no decrease in low-temperature adhesive force even when the adhesive layer thickness is small. The crosslinked solid type pressure-sensitive adhesive composition comprising (a) a rubbery polymer, (b) a tackifier, and (c) a crosslinking agent comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of thiuram vulcanizing agents, quinoid vulcanizing agents, quinone dioxime vulcanizing agents, and maleimide vulcanizing agents.
US07677010B2 Modular structural system
A modular structural system includes a hub in the general shape of a polygon, such as a hexagon or octagon, which may be somewhat rounded or may have a regular shape. The system includes a plurality of other structural members, such as hub spokes, for interfacing adjacent the hub, and leg spokes, for interfacing with the hub or with the hub spokes. The system also includes cross braces for providing additional support between the hub spokes and leg spokes. The hub, the hub spokes, leg spokes, and cross braces are joined by bores in the individual pieces and a plurality of dowels or rods placed into the bores. From these modular pieces, and currently available structural members, many useful and recreational structures may be assembled and then disassembled, such as frames, garden structures, furniture, shelving, and the like.
US07677006B2 Modular structures and panels for constructing them
A connector assembly for use in a modular structure is intended for temporary usage, and may be assembled and disassembled conveniently. The connector assembly includes a slidable bolt partly mounted within a first panel and slidable from a first position completely within that first panel to a second position partially within an adjacent second panel. Furthermore, the first panel has one male channel and one female channel, adapted to mate with the male channel on an adjacent panel. The male channel may slide into the female channel laterally i.e., without the need for lifting, or rotating either panel into place. At each corner, the structure includes a corner post which emulates the channel into which the sliding bolt moves and permits the securing of panels thereto. In addition, the structure may be mountable to an existing permanent structure by providing special brackets, which emulate the mating structure of adjacent panels.
US07677004B2 Conformable wide wall angle
A wide wall angle useful in locations of seismic activity to support ceiling tile and grid tees of a suspended ceiling comprising an assembly of an elongated base angle and an elongated extension strip, the base angle having generally perpendicular legs integral with one another and intersecting at a longitudinally extending corner, one leg being adapted to be fixed against a wall with the corner down, and the other adapted to project horizontally from the wall, the extension strip having a face with greater than the width of the horizontal leg, the extension strip having a multiple layer construction, two layers of the extension strip being held together in close parallel relation by an intermediate web integral with the layers, at least portions of the two layers being arranged to frictionally engage at least a part of the horizontal leg of the base angle spaced from the corner such that the strip can be assembled on and frictionally retained on the horizontal leg of the base angle, the horizontal leg of the base angle being disposed between the two layers of the extension strip.
US07677003B2 Integrated storm shutter including latch pin corner connection and/or center louver support rail
A shutter having a unitary frame formed by four perimeter rails, each having a receptacle at each of its distal ends, with four connection members, each having structure inserted into and secured within one receptacle of each of two of the perimeter rails. Optionally, a latch pin is movable through a guide hole formed in one of the corner connection members. A further option is louvers extending through a center support.
US07676993B2 Exterior siding mounting bracket assembly and method of assembly
An exterior siding mounting bracket assembly used in conjunction with siding placed over sheathing of an exterior wall has a base member having a mounting flange fastened to the sheathing and a water diversion fitting also fastened to the sheathing and flashed in-part beneath the lower end of the mounting flange. A wall arrangement projects laterally outward from the mounting flange and away from the sheathing. A trim member of the bracket assembly has a partition arrangement that preferably snap fits to the wall arrangement and a trim flange constructed and arranged to substantially cover the water diversion fitting and the cut edges of the siding that cover in-part the mounting flange. Preferably, the water diversion fitting has an elongated drip edge spaced outwardly from the siding to shed water collected from generally cascaded from the mounting flange and outward from the siding.
US07676990B2 Positive action lock for sliding windows
A sliding window having a pair of sashes with a latch mechanism on the meeting rail of one of the sashes for latching the sashes together. To open the window, the latch mechanism is disengaged by grasping a finger grip on a latch handle to retract a latch bolt. As one or more of the sashes is slid to open the window and the latch mechanism clears the meeting rail of the other sash, a trigger cam rotates so that a portion extends outward from the latch mechanism and another portion releases a spring tab to engage and hold the latch bolt in the retracted position. When the window is closed, the outwardly extending portion of the trigger cam contacts the meeting rail of the other sash, causing the trigger cam to rotate in the opposite direction and releasing the latch bolt.
US07676989B2 Modular spring mounting for a sash window counterbalance arrangement
A modular spring support mounting for a sash window spring counterbalance arrangement includes at least a first spring support mounting element and a second spring support mounting element each for supporting a respective coil spring. The first spring support mounting element includes a pair of wedged shaped cross section projections. The second spring support mounting element includes an interengagement fitting which engages the pair of wedged shaped cross section projections to in use securely interconnect the first and second spring support mounting elements together. Also a method of installing such a modular spring mounting includes the step of laterally slidingly engaging the spring mounting elements to securely interlock the elements together.
US07676985B1 System and device for pest monitoring and eradication
A system and device for pest monitoring and eradication includes member having a dark crack and crevice environment for attracting, housing, retaining, and eradicating bedbugs and other similar pests. The system and device provides for boundary barriers adaptable to the perimeter of interconnected planar surfaces to maximize bedbug population monitoring and eradication activities.
US07676983B2 Rod and tackle carrying case
A carrying case for transporting fishing equipment from one location to another. The carrying case generally comprises an external container and an insert insertedly situated within the external container. The external container is substantially cylindrical in shape with an open top and a closed bottom. The insert includes a lid, a base, and a support connecting the lid to the base. A plurality of cutouts are provided in the lid of the insert for receiving the shafts of a plurality of fishing rods. A plurality of seats are provided along the base of the insert for receiving the handles of the fishing rods. A storage space is also provided between the base of the insert and the base of the external container for storing other fishing equipment including fishing tackle. A series of ribs are provided along the walls of the external container near the base of the external container for mating with the base of the insert.
US07676963B2 Snow plow including mold board having back plate
A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, preferably an all terrain vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having a mounting frame, the mounting frame including at least one mounting upright. The snow plow further including a plow blade. The preferred plow blade has a mold board including a main surface, a back surface and a plate secured proximate the back of the mold board, the plow also has a rubber scraper proximate the main surface and a retention apparatus constructed and arranged to disengageably secure the plow blade with the mounting upright; wherein the retention apparatus allows the plow blade to pivot with respect to the mounting upright such that the rubber scraper can pivot away from the mounting upright when the plow blade is in a working orientation and the vehicle moves in a direction rearward from the plow blade.
US07676962B2 Snow plow having reinforced mold board
A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having a mounting frame, the mounting frame including at least one mounting upright. The snow plow further including a plow blade including a retention apparatus constructed and arranged to slidlingly and disengageably secure the plow blade to the mounting upright(s) when the plow blade is in a working orientation. The plow blade includes a mold board, preferably, a two piece mold board being an aluminum extrusion. The mold board will preferably include a front and a back and cells or compartments partially formed by support structures that extend between the front and the back of the mold board and along the width of the plow blade.
US07676961B2 Intelligent footwear systems
The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.
US07676960B2 Intelligent footwear systems
The invention is directed to intelligent systems for articles of footwear that adjust automatically in response to a measured performance characteristic. The intelligent systems include one or more adjustable elements coupled to a mechanism that actuates the adjustable elements in response to a signal from a sensor to modify the performance characteristic of the article of footwear. The intelligent system adjusts the performance characteristics of the article of footwear without human intervention.
US07676950B2 Carpenters square with tape measure
An improved adjustable carpenters square is presented, which aids carpenters in marking and measuring work product to be cut or formed. The adjustable square can be set at a variety of angles to enable cut marking. It also possesses an attached measuring tape and a straight edge to combine three useful features in one tool, as well as a press-down tape stop to hold the tape in place.This invention can be used to scribe a line along a piece of material using the leading edge of the square as a guide instead of using the index finger of one hand, which often results in injury due to slivers from the material being scribed.
US07676948B2 Tape dispenser for children
The disclosure depicts a children's tape dispenser and method that incorporates it into practice. The apparatus has a housing in the form of a toy, and has a tape coil positioned within the housing. Tape having a gentle and nonpermanent adhesive is dispensed underneath the apparatus as it is moved across a surface.
US07676942B2 Multi-axis positioning and measuring system and method of using
The positioning and measuring system includes a coordinate positioning machine comprising a movable spindle (60) movable relative to a reference surface 30, a rotor (100) rotatably connected with the movable spindle, an actuator (500) for driving the rotor (100) in rotation around a rotation axis (65), and a coordinate probe (150, 190) detachably connectable to the rotor (100) for measuring coordinate of points (350) of a workpiece (200, 201, 250) along a path resulting from the composition of a translation movement of the spindle (60) and a rotation of the rotor (100). The points (350) are offset (r) with respect to the rotation axis (65) of the rotor (100).
US07676939B2 Cross laser device for installation of plate-shaped or board-shaped floor covering elements
A cross laser device for installing plate- or board-shaped floor covering elements on a flat substrate includes a housing which can be positioned on the substrate by feet, and at least one first and one second laser disposed within the housing, by which first and second laser beams emerging through first and second front light exits of the housing can be generated for the formation of first and second marking lines on the substrate, which marking lines intersect at right angles at an intersection point spaced apart from the light exits. An underside of the housing is spaced apart from the substrate such that first and second clearance zones beneath the housing extend continuously from first and second side edges of the housing up to first and second vertical planes, respectively, the first and second laser beams being located in the first and second vertical planes, respectively.
US07676930B1 Dual handle safety folding knife
An improvement for a dual handle fighting knife having interlocking handles when in open position and multiple spring blades stabilization in open and closed position. The handle blade spring engagement provides for a safe, straight-forward interlocking blade position and spacing of said cutting edge engagement with said handle when in closed position.
US07676928B2 Method for use in the manufacturing of a fluid dynamic pressure bearing
Oil which will serve as a lubricating fluid of a fluid dynamic pressure bearing is degassed in a first environment under a first pressure which is lower than atmospheric pressure. First and second members of the bearing are place in a second environment under a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure and higher than the pressure in the first environment. The degassed oil is supplied to the gap between bearing surfaces of the first and second members while the first and second members are in the second environment under pressure lower than atmospheric pressure and higher than the pressure in the first environment. Subsequently the pressure in the second environment is increased to force the oil into the gap between the bearing surfaces of the first and second members of the hydrodynamic fluid.
US07676926B2 Decorative fencing system
A decorative fencing system is provided for use as a small fence or decorative accent for a yard. The fencing system comprises several different structural components that may be joined in various combinations so as to create a limitless number of different configurations or arrangements. The components include base units, decorative end units and gate units, each of which may be attached to the other components in any combination thereof. Each of these components are attached to post sections which are inserted through post rings or post hinges on the individual components to thereby allow for each component to be rotated to the desired position relative to the post section. The post sections are secured to the ground by means of stakes that are first driven into the ground and the post section is then inserted into a sleeve in the stake to thereby provide support and stability for the fencing system. A separate and smaller pin is provided on the end units to anchor these components to the ground.
US07676923B2 Method and apparatus for manufacturing a helicopter rotor fairing, and a fairing obtained thereby
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a tail structure for a rotary wing aircraft, the structure comprising: a tubular portion or duct (63) presenting two ends and including two collars or flanges (66, 70) extending respectively from each of said two ends; and two curved fairing side walls (45, 47) extending respectively around the two collars or flanges; said two side walls being made of a composite material comprising an organic matrix and reinforcement; in a method of the invention, the side walls are united by solidifying the matrix.
US07676921B2 Method of manufacturing printed circuit board including embedded capacitors
A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board including embedded capacitors, composed of a polymer condenser laminate including a plurality of polymer condenser layers, each of which has a polymer sheet and a conductor pattern formed on the polymer sheet, and a via hole for interlayer connection therethrough, and a circuit layer formed on either surface or both surfaces of the polymer condenser laminate and having a circuit pattern and a via hole for interlayer connection therethrough. The printed circuit board manufactured by the method of the current invention has higher capacitance density per unit area than conventional embedded capacitor printed circuit boards, whereby capacitors having various capacitance values, such as multilayered ceramic capacitors having high capacitance, can be embedded in the printed circuit board, instead of being mounted thereon.
US07676919B2 Method for forming a circuit board via structure for high speed signaling
A method for forming a via in a printed circuit board is disclosed, which via allows for the passage of a signal from one signal plane to another in the (PCB), and in so doing transgresses the power and ground planes between the signal planes. The method comprises forming a first conductive layer on a first side of a circuit board, and forming a second conductive layer on a second side of the circuit board; forming a first hole in the first side of the circuit board; forming a first cylinder on vertical edges of the first hole and in contact with the first conductive layer; forming a second hole in the second side of the circuit board; forming a second cylinder on vertical edges of the first hole, wherein the second cylinder is surrounded by first cylinder and in contact with the second conductive layer; and forming a via in the circuit board, wherein the via is surrounded by the second cylinder.
US07676915B2 Process for manufacturing an LED lamp with integrated heat sink
A method for manufacturing an LED lamp assembly includes anodizing at least a portion of a surface of an electrically and thermally conductive base, such as an aluminum or aluminum alloy base, so as to form an electrically insulating coating. The base may form a heat sink or be coupled to a heat sink. Circuit traces are formed on the anodized surface of the base, which include LED landings. LEDs are electrically and mechanically attached to the LED landing by a conductive metallic solder such that heat generated from the LED is transferred efficiently through the solder and circuit traces LED landings to the base and heat sink through a metal-to-metal contact pathway.
US07676909B2 Apparatus for assembling a closure tab to a lid
A method and apparatus for assembling a first thermoformed workpiece, such as a tab closure, to a second thermoformed workpiece, such as a lid.
US07676903B1 Microelectromechanical slow-wave phase shifter method of use
/The present invention provides a method of use for a monolithic device utilizing cascaded, switchable slow-wave CPW sections that are integrated along the length of a planar transmission line. The purpose of the switchable slow-wave CPW sections element is to enable control of the propagation constant along the transmission line while maintaining a quasi-constant characteristic impedance. The method can be used to produce true time delay phase shifting components in which large amounts of time delay can be achieved without significant variation in the effective characteristic impedance of the transmission line, and thus also the input/output return loss of the component. Additionally, for a particular value of return loss, greater time delay per unit length can be achieved in comparison to tunable capacitance-only delay components.
US07676899B2 Cable installation
A method of installing electrical cabling by securing an electrical cable clip to a structure using a fixing element that passes through the clip into the structure, subsequently inserting one or more electrical cables into a cable receiving channel defined by the clip and securing the electrical cables in that channel. The structure will typically be the wall of a building or the like and the fixing element is preferably a nail that is fired through the base portion of the electrical cable clip by means of a nail gun.
US07676897B2 Process of refurbishing brake components
A method of refurbishing components such as brake rotors and drums is disclosed. The method may involve identifying, sorting and cleaning used or worn components. The components may then be blasted with an abrasive material to prepare them for a metal deposition process. Metal may then be added to the components using an arc spray gun, for example. The component may then be cryogenically treated to improve the wear characteristics of the component. The component may then be machined to place the component within a specified configuration. Components may be refurbished repeatedly in this manner so as to utilize resources more efficiently and reduce waste. Moreover, the components may exhibit improved wear characteristics over components manufactured by other methods.
US07676892B2 Tie device with cam action lock pawl
A tie device has a tie strap and a buckle engaging serrations on a free end of the tie strap retaining the free end of the tie strap in the buckle A passage extends through the buckle from an insertion end to an exit end. A cam action lock pawl is located in the passage. The lock pawl has a first resilient leg that is attached to a fulcrum portion of the buckle; that slants upward with respect to a base wall of the passage toward the exit end of the passage and that terminates in a free end. The lock pawl has a second resilient leg that is attached to the first resilient leg and that extends back toward the insertion end of the passage. The second resilient leg has a plurality of teeth that are mutually engageable with respective serrations of the tie strap.
US07676879B1 Battery-powered sewer and drain cleaner
A battery-powered sewer and drain cleaner comprising a frame, a rotatable drum mounted on the frame which has a flexible plumber's snake associated therewith, a DC motor mounted on the frame for driving the drum and a rechargeable battery mounted on the frame for powering the DC motor. A control is connected to the DC motor for controlling the operation thereof. The use of DC power for the cleaner eliminates the electrocution hazard associated with AC-driven sewer and drain cleaners and eliminates the need for an extension cord. The sewer and drain cleaner of this invention includes new and unique circuitry to bypass the motor high current demand around the more delicate circuitry.
US07676876B1 Footwear washer
An apparatus for cleaning footwear includes a chamber having a toe area, a heel area, two opposed side areas and a bottom area. In one aspect, the apparatus includes two linearly reciprocating side brushes, wherein one side brush is disposed in each side area, each side brush being movable along a first direction. In another aspect, the apparatus includes two side brushes, the side brushes being linearly movable toward each other and way from each other.
US07676875B2 Multi-directional toothbrush for protective teeth
Disclosed herein is a multi-directional toothbrush for protecting teeth. The multi-directional toothbrush includes a rotatable toothbrush part, a rotatable toothbrush part support frame, and a vertically moving toothbrush part. The rotatable toothbrush part is configured such that a cylindrical toothbrush part is provided on the outer surface of a cylindrical body. The rotatable toothbrush part support frame is configured such that the cam shafts of the rotatable toothbrush part are fitted into respective cam shaft holes. The vertically moving toothbrush part includes a vertically moving frame that is contained in the internal space of the rotatable toothbrush part support frame, and reciprocates up and down using a vertical moving means.
US07676873B1 Wrench and reamer tool
The specification and drawing figures describe and show a wrench and reamer tool that includes two handle plates. On one handle plate a serrated ledge is formed. Beneath the ledge is an arcuate shoulder that forms a seam for positioning the wrench adjacent an opening in a pipe. On the second handle plate a tapered nose is formed with an inclined face to enable insertion into a pipe. A plurality of opposing edges is formed on the handle plates for deburring a pipe.
US07676872B2 Automated sleep system
An system for providing a highly adjustable sleep system has box frame assembly and a mattress assembly with a plurality of support cylinders, where the support cylinders may be spring loaded or pneumatic. The pressure of each individual support cylinder may be automatically adjustable by changing the tension on a spring, or by modifying the internal air pressure of a pneumatic support cylinder. The box frame may have a moving tool head configured to move along a gantry and carriage assembly, and having actuators to engage valves on the bottom of each pneumatic support cylinder to add or release compressed air from a pneumatic support cylinder. Each support cylinder may have sensors or therapeutic modules, which may be controlled and monitored by a control module in the box frame assembly.
US07676861B2 Stretcher
The present invention relates to a stretcher which includes cot sides 160 and 162. These can be moved towards or away from the patient support to accommodate patients of greater width than average. The stretcher also includes a leg support that can be moved to a shock position by a hydraulic cylinder 152 connected to the lower end of the unshaped frame 150 at one end and at the other to the leg part of the patients support.
US07676858B2 Flush valve
A flush valve for a toilet has a valve body with a flow passage that narrows non-linearly down from the valve seat. The flow passage is formed by a surface that follows a polynomial expression so as to define a computationally derived flow profile that more closely follows the narrowing exhibited by falling water as it accelerates under gravity. The non-linear flow profile of the valve reduces the presence of air in the valve after a flush cycle is initiated so that greater flush efficiency can be achieved. The flush valve can also have a wide mouth overflow that narrows to improve flow in an overflow situation.
US07676854B2 Helmet, helmet liner and method for manufacturing the same
This invention relates to a helmet, comprising an external shell (9) and an impact-absorbing helmet liner (10) in which the helmet liner comprises a layer provided with protruding, deformable and impact-absorbing hollow knobs (7) distributed on an substantial part of the surface of the helmet liner as a protective layer.The helmet is characterized in that the hollow knots (7) are arranged for deformation by crushing in case of external impact on the helmet, and that the helmet liner (10) with the hollow knots (7) exhibits undercut.The helmet may also comprise an impact-absorbing and preferably resilient layer (2) which may be arranged between the external shell (9) and an internal lining (11) being arranged to rest in contact with the head of a user.
US07676850B2 Toe spacer sock and corrective footwear
A sock contains built-in cushions or spacers to correct or protect the toes, or to provide the wearer better comfort. The cushions or spacers may be retained between the toes in a tube, formed integrally with the sock, which is everted to a position between adjacent toes. A strap may also be built in to the sock, or into a shoe, shoe insert, boot, sandal or slipper to maintain a corrective force on the great toe.
US07676848B2 Catching tool for baseball or softball
A web part comprises a lower-side web part provided on a pocket-part side of a glove and an upper-side web part provided on an opposite side relative to the pocket-part side. An extended part resulting from extension of a ball-receiving leather of a main body of the glove into between a thumb stall and a forefinger stall constitutes the lower-side web part. The lower-side web part is provided on a back side of the glove in comparison to a smoothly curved line which connects an intermediate point of the thumb stall in a thickness direction thereof and an intermediate point of the forefinger stall in a thickness direction thereof in a sectional surface in a lateral direction starting from the thumb stall, passing through the lower-side web part and reaching the forefinger stall.
US07681230B2 Data synchronization for a secure electronic device
Method for synchronizing stored data in one device (102, 106, 202, 206, 210) with other devices (102, 106, 202, 206, 210) at multiple levels of security classification. The methods and systems disclosed herein can advantageously utilize unique protocols and, optionally, cryptographic technologies to effect data synchronization in a secure manner.
US07681226B2 Methods and apparatus providing security for multiple operational states of a computerized device
A system controls security during operation of a computerized device by enforcing a first security policy during first operational state of the computerized device. Enforcement of the first security policy provides a first level access to resources within the computerized device by processes operating in the computerized device. The system detects a transition operation of the computerized device that occurs during enforcement of the first security policy indicating that operation of the computerized device is transitioning from the first operational state to a second operational state and in response, enforces a second security policy corresponding to the second operational state to provide a level of access to the resources within the computerized device that corresponds to the second operational state during operation of the second operational state. This can be repeated for many different states including boot time, normal runtime, installation, shutdown, and a compromised state.
US07681216B2 Method of transmitting broadcast signal, method of processing broadcast signal and apparatus for the same
A method of processing a broadcast signal relevant to an emergency alert and a broadcast receiver for the same are disclosed, by which information on a channel for carrying an emergency alert broadcast can be prevented from being overlapped with information on other general channels. The present disclosure generating an emergency alert table including frequency information of an emergency alert channel, and transmitting a digital broadcasting signal including the emergency alert table, wherein the frequency information of the emergency alert channel is inserted in a descriptor that provides an additional pointer to the emergency alert channel, wherein the descriptor references the emergency alert channel by means of the frequency information.
US07681211B2 Mechanism for guiding airflows within optical disc drive
The present invention relates to a mechanism for guiding airflows within an optical disc drive, in which the optical disc drive comprises a chassis having a side wall and a tray for loading or unloading a disc. The guide mechanism of the present invention includes at least one guide passage which is protruded outwardly from the side wall of the chassis and has two guiding oblique surfaces at its both ends. Further, the guide passage is positioned on an extended line of a diameter of the disc normal to the side wall of the chassis. The airflows produced by the revolving disc is guided to flow through the guide passage. According to the guide mechanism the shocks, jarring, and noise of the optical disc drive is minimized.
US07681210B2 Ejection apparatus for data storage device
An exemplary ejection apparatus is provided for ejecting a data storage device out of a chassis. The ejection apparatus includes a pair of driving members, a connecting member, and an operating member. The operating member is slidably attached to the chassis and the connecting member. The connecting member includes a pair of second steps. The driving members are pivotably crossed together and attached to the chassis. Each of the driving members includes a driving portion with a slanting wall formed at one free end thereof, and a first step formed at the other end thereof slidably engaging with the corresponding second step. The operating member moves the connecting member to urge a scissoring movement of the driving member, with the first steps slidably engaging with the second steps. The driving portions push the data storage device out of the chassis.
US07681207B2 Methods of factoring operating system functions, methods of converting operating systems, and related apparatus
Methods of factoring operating system functions into one or more groups of functions are described. Factorization permits operating systems that are not configured to support computing in an object-oriented environment to be used in an object oriented environment. This promotes distributed computing by enabling operating system resources to be instantiated and used across process and machine boundaries. In one embodiment, criteria are defined that govern how functions of an operating system are to be factored into one or more groups. Based on the defined criteria, the functions are factors into groups and groups of functions are then associated with programming objects that have data and methods, wherein the methods correspond to the operating system functions. Applications can call methods on the programming objects either directly or indirectly that, in turn, call operating system functions.
US07681199B2 Time measurement using a context switch count, an offset, and a scale factor, received from the operating system
Systems, methods, and devices are provided for time measurement. One embodiment includes a method for measuring time on multiprocessor systems. The method includes allocating a memory space to a thread to be used to communicate with an operating system and saving a context switch count, an offset, and a scale factor, received from the operating system, in the memory space.
US07681198B2 Workload categorization for detecting role changes in a host computing device
A method, system and apparatus for workload categorization for detecting role changes in a host computing device. A workload characterization system for detecting role changes in a host computing device can include a transaction logging and change detection processor. The processor can be configured to log and detect role changes in the host computing device through an instrumentation monitoring interface to underlying applications supporting a workload based upon a comparison of workload patterns generated from logged transaction executions.
US07681192B2 Location-centric project data delivery system for construction
A project data delivery apparatus for automatically delivering project data files to a construction machine based on the geographical location and identification of the construction machine. The apparatus includes a project data distributor for storing, maintaining and transmitting project data files that are associated with project site locations and project plan machine identifications.
US07681191B2 Firmware version managing method of computer system and information processing device
Automated update to the firmware of the optimum version can be performed when a system board is exchanged, etc. When a system board is exchanged, a version change unit compares the version of the firmware of the system board with the version of the firmware of the corresponding partition stored in the partition-specific version storage unit. When they do not match, the version of the firmware of the system board is updated to the same version stored in the partition-specific version storage unit.
US07681189B2 Information processing device capable of updating a stored program
A controller compares hardware structure information stored in a nonvolatile memory and hardware structure information of an updated program obtained from an interface unit, and transfers the updated program to the nonvolatile memory to change a current program when a result of the comparison exhibits matching. When a controller determines that a user must determine execution/nonexecution of rewrite processing, the controller instructs the display unit to perform display, and performs the rewrite processing according to a user's instruction received from an input unit. The program can be updated appropriately corresponding to various conditions such as improvement in performance of the device, changes in operation environment and others determined by a user. Accordingly, it is possible to provide an information processing device, which can update a control program even in the case where the device has a different structure, when the user determines that such updating is allowed.
US07681187B2 Method and apparatus for register allocation in presence of hardware constraints
A method and apparatus for optimizing register allocation during scheduling and execution of program code in a hardware environment. The program code can be compiled to optimize execution given predetermined hardware constraints. The hardware constraints can include the number of register read and write operations that can be performed in a given processor pass. The optimizer can initially schedule the program using virtual registers and a goal of minimizing the amount of active registers at any time. The optimizer reschedules the program to assign the virtual registers to actual physical registers in a manner that minimizes the number of processor passes used to execute the program.
US07681177B2 Method and/or system for transforming between trees and strings
Embodiments of articles, apparatuses, devices and/or systems for manipulating hierarchical sets of data are disclosed. In particular embodiments, one or more trees may be transformed to one or more corresponding symbols strings according to an association of trees and symbols strings. In one particular embodiment, such a symbol string may be further manipulated to provide a resulting symbol string corresponding with a resulting numeral according to an association of symbol strings and numerals.
US07681176B2 Generating a graphical designer application for developing graphical models
Source code of a graphical designer application may be generated from a definition of graphical elements that can be employed to develop graphical models using the graphical designer application, a definition of one or more object types that can be represented in graphical models developed using the graphical designer application, and a definition of a mapping between the one or more object types and the graphical elements. One or more of these definitions may be stored within a file formatted in accordance with a markup language such as SGML or XML. The graphical designer application may be customized and extended by modifying one or more of the definitions and regenerating the source code and/or by modifying the source code itself. One or more of the definitions may be generated based on a graphical designer template corresponding to a particular model domain.
US07681175B2 Methods and systems for displaying multiple unique dynamic messages on a user interface
A computer-implemented method of simultaneously providing a plurality of unique and dynamic messages on a user interface page is provided. A first software object may be built having a plurality of rows, and corresponding job request values being stored in a corresponding one of the plurality of rows. The first software object may be parsed and a dynamic message framed for each row of the first software object. A second software object may be build including a row for each of the framed dynamic messages and added to a session context being persistent across a first and second user interface pages. The second user interface page is displayed with a plurality of dynamic messages therein using a static message and a unique URL stored in each of the rows of the second software object.
US07681173B2 Mask data generation method and mask
In a mask data generation method, when auxiliary patterns are arranged with respect to a device pattern, an arrangement rule for a tip of the device pattern is designed to be different from that for other portions. For portions that are corrected to a large extent by an OPC process, such as the tip of the device pattern, an auxiliary pattern is spaced at an increased distance from the device pattern. Specifically, a distance at which an auxiliary pattern is spaced from the tip of the device pattern is set to be longer than a distance at which an auxiliary pattern is spaced from a long side of the device pattern.
US07681170B2 Method and apparatus for insertion of filling forms within a design layout
A method and apparatus for insertion of filling forms within a design layout are described. One or more jog areas are identified within a circuit design layout. Subsequently, multiple filling forms are inserted within the circuit design layout, each filling form being configured to eliminate a corresponding jog area within the circuit design layout. One or more filling forms that violate at least one predetermined design rule applicable to the circuit design layout are identified. The filling forms are then adapted to comply with the predetermined design rule or rules. Finally, remaining filling forms in compliance with the predetermined design rule or rules are combined within the circuit design layout to form a circuit design output layout.
US07681164B2 Method and apparatus for placing an integrated circuit device within an integrated circuit layout
A system that places an integrated circuit (IC) device within an IC chip layout is presented. During operation, the system receives the IC device to be placed within the IC chip layout, wherein the IC chip layout includes one or more continuous rows of diffusion. Next, the system places the IC device within a continuous row of diffusion. The system then determines whether the IC device is to be electrically isolated from other IC devices. If so, the system inserts one or more isolation devices within the continuous row of diffusion so that the IC device can be electrically isolated from other IC devices. The system then biases the one or more isolation device so that the IC device is electrically isolated from other IC devices within the continuous row of diffusion.
US07681161B2 Circuit delay analyzer, circuit delay analyzing method, and computer product
Delay analysis performed on a circuit having multiple parallel partial circuits (paths) involves recursively integrating two paths of the circuit using an all-element delay distribution that indicates delay based on performance of all circuit elements in a path and a correlation delay distribution that indicates delay based on correlation between circuit elements in the path. An all-element delay distribution is calculated for the integrated path using the all-element delay distributions of the two paths to be integrated. The all-element delay distributions and the correlation delay distributions of two paths to be integrated are used to calculate a total delay distribution for the integrated path. The total delay distribution is used with the all-element delay distribution for the integrated path to calculate a correlation delay distribution for the integrated path. Through recursive calculation, a delay distribution of the circuit is estimated.
US07681153B2 Estimating static power consumption of integrated circuits using logic gate templates
A method, system and computer program product for estimating a static power consumption of an integrated circuit are disclosed. The static power consumption of a cell of the integrated circuit is characterized based on contributions of an input node(s) and an output node(s) of the cell. A contribution considers a leakage weight and a leakage probability of a node. A logic template of the cell may be created to better represent a contribution of an internal node to the static power consumption of the cell.
US07681151B2 Management of functions for block diagrams
A method is provided that includes pattern-matching portions of a block diagram model as being equivalent, and creation of a common set of instructions in place of the occurrences of the pattern-matched portions to enhance the efficiency of simulation or generated code for the block diagram model, such as by a reduced image size. Diagnostics are also available to provide information on the execution structure of the block diagram and guidance on how to modify block of the block diagram to obtain reduced image size by increasing the amount of matching patterns. Also, automatically generated hierarchical structures, a tool to control the function signature and the ability for a user to control file packaging which all provide flexible control over the generated code for block diagrams, are provided.
US07681150B2 Device and method for processing information
A method for processing information includes steps of: classifying a plurality of files into a plurality of groups, and each group is represented by one or more displayable images; designating each group according to a hierarchy of the groups; displaying images of one or more groups in a same level of the hierarchy in the form of a first virtual ellipse; locating centers of the displayed first virtual ellipses along a path of a second virtual ellipse; wherein a selected one of the groups in the same level of the hierarchy has its first virtual ellipse displayed in a size larger than that of any other displayed first virtual ellipse, a selected one of the images of the first virtual ellipse of the selected group is displayed in an active area of the first virtual ellipse of the selected group.
US07681146B2 Multi-context iterative directory filter
On a device having keys with multiple values, a user may perform either an iterative directory filtering operation or a direct-dial operation, without specifying which of the operations is intended. The invention thereby allows the user to perform any of a number of different operations to specify a number to be dialed or to identify a directory record, without requiring the user to specify a mode. The invention determines which of the operations the user intends by analyzing the entered keystrokes, and activates the appropriate feedback and functionality for the determined operation. The invention further performs iterative directory filtering on multiple fields concurrently, including derived fields and combination fields.
US07681145B1 Dynamic key assignment in key pad
An improved user interface for data input without the use of a standard keyboard is provided. Input is accepted through a data entry means such as a shuttle control system, a standard telephone keypad, or a speech recognition system. The data that is entered is selected from a predefined list that is presented to a user in an arrangement that statistically reduces the number of keystrokes required for data entry. This presentation is the result of determining the relative frequency of each valid selection in the predefined list and presenting those valid selections with the highest frequency items in a position that minimizes the number keystrokes required for data entry. In a speech recognition embodiment, the data entered is selected from an active list containing unique sounding entries. Alternatively, the data entered may be selected by speaking the numbers associated with the keys corresponding to the keystrokes required for data entry.
US07681141B2 Fast scrolling in a graphical user interface
A method of scrolling in a graphical user interface includes: receiving a command to scroll a plurality of contents icons displayed in the graphical user interface; and retrieving an appropriate number of additional contents icons from a contents icon database to provide a scrolled display in the graphical user interface, wherein the contents icon database is divided into a plurality of entries, each entry of the plurality of entries including at least data for a contents icon of the plurality of contents icons and a link to a contents file, each entry of the database is configured to be fixed in size so that the data for the contents icon can be quickly accessed, and the contents icon can be scrolled in the graphical user interface at a relatively high speed.
US07681135B2 System and method for generating a composite source user interface
The subject application is directed to a system and method for generating a composite source user interface. A text query corresponding to a text element associated with a graphical element on a display of the associated user interface is first received by a backend component. The received text query data is then directed to a data document on the associated data storage. Text data is then received from the data document of the associated data storage. Thereafter, the received text data is then communicated to the associated user interface so as to generate indicia on the associated user interface. Preferably, the indicia includes a graphical element and the text data, such as, for example and without limitation, an icon and associated text, or the like.
US07681134B1 Seamless integration and installation of non-host application into native operating system
A method, system and computer program product recorded on a computer-readable medium for execution on at least one processor, for seamless integration of a non-host application into a host OS, including launching a first Virtual Execution Environment (VEE) on a computing system that has a host operating system and a host desktop displayed to a user; displaying a window corresponding to the VEE on the host desktop; upon a user invoking a user application that is non-native to both the host OS and the first VEE, (a) installing a second VEE that is compatible with the user application, (b) installing the user application into the second VEE, (c) launching the application inside the second VEE, and (d) displaying the non-host application window within a window of the second VEE. The VEE can be a Virtual Private Server or a Virtual Machine.
US07681131B1 Method and apparatus for aggregating, condensing, supersetting, and displaying network topology and performance data
The invention broadly comprises a computer-based method for presenting information regarding network performance and topology. The steps of the method include: displaying a first plurality of nodes in the network; displaying edges associated with the first plurality of nodes; and, displaying latency associated with the edges. The preceding steps, and those that follow, are performed by at least one general-purpose computer specially programmed to perform these steps. In some aspects, the method selects the first plurality of nodes. In some aspects, the network comprises a plurality of ISPs with respective pluralities of nodes and the respective pluralities of nodes comprises the first plurality of nodes. In some aspects, displaying a first plurality of nodes, edges, and latency is independent of cooperation from the plurality of ISPs. In some aspects, the method gathers information regarding the first plurality of nodes from vantage points outside the first plurality of nodes.
US07681128B2 Multimedia player and method of displaying on-screen menu
Favorable visual appearance and ease of operation are required in the user interface of digital home appliances using a television screen. An array of function icons including multiple function icons representing respective playing functions and an array of content icons including multiple content icons representing items of contents that can be played are displayed practically at the center of an on-screen menu such that the arrays intersect. A moving image icon, which is a function icon displayed in an area of intersection in which the array of function icons and the array of content icons intersect, is highlighted by a color different from that of the other function icons and by an enlarged view. An icon in focus immediately below the moving image icon is also displayed in an expanded view. If an external appliance is connected via a network, contents in the external appliance are also displayed in the array of content icons.
US07681115B2 Text editing and reproduction apparatus, content editing and reproduction apparatus, and text editing and reproduction method
A text editing and reproduction apparatus capable of maintaining the continuity of text data display and performing high-quality content reproduction. An ornament time information addition section adds ornament elapsed time which indicates elapsed time for ornament display of a text sample and which is display start time for a first text sample to the first text sample, and adds ornament elapsed time which indicates elapsed time for ornament display of the text sample and which is display start time for a second text sample to the second text sample. A text data reproduction process section performs a reproduction process while maintaining continuity between the first text sample and the second text sample by reproducing and displaying the first text sample from the ornament elapsed time to time when the text sample is separated and by reproducing and displaying the second text sample from the ornament elapsed time.
US07681111B2 Disk array device, parity data generating circuit for RAID and Galois field multiplying circuit
In this parity data generating circuit, a Galois field multiplying calculation is realized by performing data conversion by index table information generated from a Galois field multiplying table so that data for RAID6 are generated. A table check circuit inspects nonconformity of the index table information in advance by using results in which the Galois field multiplying table is indexed from different directions constructed by the longitudinal direction and the transversal direction. Data and parity for making the multiplying calculation are decomposed into plural data and parities by using this table check circuit, and index table information different from each other are allocated to these data and parities. Thus, a longitudinal index table making circuit and a transversal index table making circuit themselves are checked.
US07681101B2 Hybrid corrective scheme for dropped packets
In one embodiment, a hybrid packet repair scheme adaptively switches among unicast retransmission, multicast retransmission, and Forward Error Correction (FEC) depending on the receiver population and the nature of the error prompting the repair operation. The NACK patterns are used to heuristically determine the degree of correlation among packet losses. In an additional embodiment, wasting bandwidth and processing on retransmissions of FEC that will fail to correct the errors is avoided by evaluating the nature of the error and the bandwidth needed to optimally repair it. Unicast retransmission, multicast retransmission, or FEC repair is then dynamically performed according to the loss patterns derived from the NACK arrivals and other network conditions.
US07681097B2 Test system employing test controller compressing data, data compressing circuit and test method
A test system employing a test controller compressing data, a data compressing circuit and a test method are provided. The test system includes a tester, a device under test (DUT), and a test controller receiving a first clock signal and serial data bits output from the DUT, compressing the serial data bits by m bits (m≧4) in response to a second clock signal to generate a signature signal, and outputting the signature signal to the tester. The tester compares a computed signature signal to a 1-bit signature signal to determine whether the DUT is operating poorly or not.
US07681094B2 Data recovery in a memory system using tracking cells
Tracking cells are used in a memory system to improve the read process. The tracking cells can provide an indication of the quality of the data and can be used as part of a data recovery operation if there is an error. The tracking cells provide a means to adjust the read parameters to optimum levels in order to reflect the current conditions of the memory system. Additionally, some memory systems that use multi-state memory cells will apply rotation data schemes to minimize wear. The rotation scheme can be encoded in the tracking cells based on the states of multiple tracking cells, which is decoded upon reading.
US07681086B2 Fault tree map generation
A method for Fault Tree Map generation employs to transformation of Fault Trees of production installation, specific installation, technical system (Hardware and integrated Hardware/Software) to new Fault Tree diagram (Fault Tree Map), which permits drastically compact the Fault Tree depiction and facilitates performing of the Fault Tree qualitative analysis, including evaluation of combination of latent failures and evident failures, repeated events and critical events position influence, and failure propagation potentiality, besides facility of localization of each Fault Tree logical Gate and relevant failures in the fault tree printed report. Generation takes place using special symbols, which permit to reflect the Fault Tree logic, present all Fault Tree failures with graphically identification of the failure type, and show the failure repetition and also the failure critically (importance) to Fault Tree Top Event probability. The method presents exceptional advantages to analysis of large-scale, extended Fault Trees, allowing vastly decrease the time of analysis and elevate the analysis quality and Fault Tree perception, including for specialists, who are not the Fault Tree authors.
US07681072B1 Systems and methods for facilitating file reconstruction and restoration in data storage systems where a RAID-X format is implemented at a file level within a plurality of storage devices
A system includes storage devices where a RAID-X format is implemented at a file level. In response to a failure, a map is retrieved. The map includes a list of devices where components of at least one file reside. The map is used to determine whether a number of lost or damaged components associated with the file exceed a maximum limit beyond which reconstruction of a file stored using the file level implementation of the RAID-X format is not possible. If the maximum limit has not been exceeded, the file is reconstructed. The system continues to service data storage and access requests, with reconstruction being performed as a background operation, after a number of device failures has occurred which would have exceeded the maximum limit of device failures for reconstruction had the file been stored using a volume level implementation of the RAID-X format.
US07681071B2 Storage apparatus, control method therefor and program
A magnetic disk array apparatus has a function of positively verifying read data with a configuration by which overhead can be reduced as much as possible. Upon writing data to each magnetic disk 10-I, verification, such as CRC data, is additionally written for each writing block, and also, in a disk array controller 20, the same CRC data is held (see FIG. 2).
US07681067B2 Bus system
It is so arranged that an appropriate deadline is assured with little consumption of power. A register (24) for remaining transfer time senses time that remains up to a limit by which data is to be transferred. A register (25) for remaining amount of data transfer senses the remaining amount of data that is to be transferred. The clock of the processing module is changed over dynamically based upon the remaining time sensed by the remaining transfer time register (24) and the remaining amount of transfer data sensed by the remaining transfer amount register (25).
US07681061B2 Disk array device and method of supplying power to disk array device
A disk array device and a method of supplying power to a disk array device to which power is supplied by at least two AC inputs are provided. Where at least two AC/DC power-supply groups are provided in correspondence with each of the AC inputs and each AC/DC power-supply group includes at least two AC/DC power supplies that are connected to the AC input corresponding to that group, outputs from the AC/DC power supplies are summed separately for each group to obtain group total outputs for each group, and the group total outputs are input to each of a plurality of loads in the disk array device to provide power to each of the loads.
US07681060B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device and IC card equipped with the same having transistor switch for disconnecting contact power during contactless mode
There is a need for turning off a transistor in a power supply switch circuit irrespective of relative potential relationship between a contact power supply terminal and an internal power supply line and making it possible to decrease an on-resistance of an MOS transistor without increasing the size of the MOS transistor constituting the power supply switch circuit. The power supply switch circuit is comprised of two PMOS transistors whose gate terminals connect with two pull-up circuits. A charge pump circuit generates a negative voltage and is connected to a pull-down circuit. The pull-down circuit is connected to the gate terminals in common. During a contactless operation, the pull-up circuit short-circuits one gate terminal to a contact power supply terminal VDD and the other gate terminal to an internal power supply line VDDA. During a contact operation, the pull-up circuit supplies both gate terminals with a negative voltage from the charge pump circuit.
US07681055B2 Control device and method for a substrate processing apparatus
A control device controls a substrate processing apparatus including a processing chamber for processing a substrate and a plurality of units for controlling a condition in the processing chamber. The control device includes a storing device for storing a return time required for each unit to be returned from an energy saving mode to a normal mode; a management device for obtaining a return start timing for each unit to be returned from the energy saving mode to the normal mode, based on the return time of each unit stored in the storing device; and a unit controller for independently controlling each unit to be returned from the energy saving mode to the normal mode, based on the return start timing of each unit obtained by the management device.
US07681044B2 Secure processor and system
A processor includes an execution unit configured to execute a program, a bus coupled to the execution unit, a local memory coupled to the bus, a DMA unit coupled to the bus, and an interface to couple the bus to an exterior, wherein the DMA unit is configured to perform a DMA transfer process in response to instruction from the execution unit, to load information by the DMA transfer process from the exterior through the interface, to decrypt the loaded information, and to write the decrypted information to the local memory by the DMA transfer process.
US07681040B2 Method for embedding security codes into film during printing
A method of embedding a security mark or code on a film during the printing process is provided. The security mark or code includes unique print identification information that can be tracked to determine sources of piracy. The security code is incorporated to the film print in the form of a shift in the light exposure (e.g., color density) of pre-selected frames within pre-selected zone of pre-selected scenes. By shifting the color density and thereby marking a particular zone within a scene, these markings can be used to place a unique print ID onto the film print. This embedded security code (e.g., print ID) will be virtually undetectable to the viewer and film pirates; yet will enable the identification of the film source in the event of piracy.
US07681036B1 Fail-safe transmission of multiple independent levels of security using standard data busses apparatus and method
A multi-channel radio operating with multiple security levels is disclosed. The multi-channel radio includes more than one input/output. Each of the input/outputs corresponds to a security level. The radio also includes a first common bus coupled to the more than one input/output and a first set of more than one processor coupled to the common bus. Each of the first set of processors corresponds to a security level. Further, the radio includes a second set of more than one processors coupled to the first set of processors and more than one transceiver. Each transceiver is coupled to at least one of the processors of the first set of processors.
US07681035B1 Digital rights management handler and related methods
A system and method of providing universal digital rights management system protection is described. One feature of the invention concerns systems and methods for repackaging and securing data packaged under any file format type, compression technique, or digital rights management system. Another feature of the invention is directed to systems and methods for securing data by providing scalability through the use of modular data manipulation software objects.
US07681032B2 System and method for monitoring unauthorized transport of digital content
A system for network content monitoring and control, comprising: a transport data monitor, connectable to a point in a network, for monitoring data being transported past said point, a signature extractor, associated with said transport data monitor, for extracting a derivation of said data, said derivation being indicative of content of said payload, a database of preobtained signatures of content whose movements it is desired to monitor, and a comparator for comparing said derivation with said preobtained signatures, thereby to determine whether said payload comprises any of said content whose movements it is desired to monitor. The monitoring result may be used in bandwidth control on the network to restrict transport of the content it is desired to control.
US07681026B2 System and method for reducing instability in an information handling system
A system and method for reducing instability in an information handling system are disclosed. A method includes detecting a configuration change of a first memory device. Next, the method determines a device identifier for a second memory device depending on the configuration change. The method proceeds to update a Configurable Identification (CID) register in the second memory device with the device identifier.
US07681024B2 Secure booting apparatus and method
A secure booting apparatus and method, in which integrity can be guaranteed when booting with an operating system (OS). The secure booting apparatus includes an OS storing unit, a memory unit, and a control unit. The OS storing unit includes a first region that stores an OS and a second region that stores a check value of an algorithm, the check value corresponding to the OS. The OS is loaded into the memory unit when booting. The control unit calculates a check value based on the loaded OS using the algorithm used to calculate the check value stored in the second region and compares the calculated check value and the check value stored in the second region to determine the integrity of the OS.
US07681020B2 Context switching and synchronization
A method, computer-readable medium, and apparatus for context switching between a first thread and a second thread. The method includes detecting an exception, wherein the exception is generated in response to receiving a packet of information directed to one of the first thread and the second thread, and in response to detecting the exception, invoking an exception handler. The exception handler is configured to execute one or more instructions removing access to at least a portion of a processor cache. The portion of the processor cache contains cached information for the first thread using a first address translation. Removing access to the portion of the processor cache prevents the second thread using a second address translation from accessing the cached information in the processor cache. The exception handler is also configured to branch to at least one of the first thread and the second thread.
US07681018B2 Method and apparatus for providing large register address space while maximizing cycletime performance for a multi-threaded register file set
A parallel hardware-based multithreaded processor is described. The processor includes a general purpose processor that coordinates system functions and a plurality of microengines that support multiple hardware threads or contexts. The processor also includes a memory control system that has a first memory controller that sorts memory references based on whether the memory references are directed to an even bank or an odd bank of memory and a second memory controller that optimizes memory references based upon whether the memory references are read references or write references. Instructions for switching and branching based on executing contexts are also disclosed.
US07681017B2 Pseudo pipeline and pseudo pipelined SDRAM controller
A pseudo pipeline including a plurality of pseudo pipeline stages and a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to control the plurality of pseudo pipeline stages to provide pseudo pipelined operation.
US07681014B2 Multithreading instruction scheduler employing thread group priorities
An instruction dispatching apparatus in a multi threading microprocessor that concurrently executes N threads each in one of G groups each having one of P priorities. G round-robin vectors each have N bits corresponding to the threads, each being a 1-bit left-rotated and subsequently sign-extended version of an N-bit vector with a single bit true of the last thread selected for dispatching in the group. Each of N G-input muxes receive a corresponding one of the N bits of each of the round-robin vectors and selects for output one of the inputs specified by the corresponding thread's group. Selection logic selects for dispatching one of the N instructions corresponding to the thread whose dispatch value is greater than or equal to any of the N threads left thereof. Each dispatch value comprises a least-significant bit of the corresponding mux output, a most-significant dispatchable instruction bit, and middle thread group priority bits.
US07681013B1 Method for variable length decoding using multiple configurable look-up tables
Methods and apparatuses for variable length decoding using multiple look-up tables simultaneously. In one aspect of the invention, a method for execution by a microprocessor in response to receiving a single instruction includes: receiving a string of bits; generating a plurality of indices using a plurality of segments of bits in the string of bits; looking up simultaneously a plurality of entries from a plurality of look-up tables using the plurality of indices; and combining the plurality of entries into a first result. The above operations are performed in response to the microprocessor receiving the single instruction.
US07681002B2 Storage controller and storage control method
A storage control technique with which, even if not data, but only its management information is deleted, a host system can recognize storage areas storing unnecessary data and so use them effectively. When a file system in the host system deletes the management information for data stored in a page in a pool volume, a control circuit writes ‘0’ in all the areas in the deletion target page in response to a command from the host system. The control circuit then detects the page where ‘0’ is written in all of its areas and releases it from allocation to the corresponding virtual volume.
US07680999B1 Privilege promotion based on check of previous privilege level
A secure promotion mechanism promotes a current privilege level of a processor in a computer system. The current privilege level controls application instruction execution in the computer system by controlling accessibility to system resources. An operating system performs a privilege promotion instruction, which is stored in a first page of memory not writeable by an application instructions at a first privilege level. The privilege promotion instruction reads a stored previous privilege level state, compares the read previous privilege level state to the current privilege level, and if the previous privilege level state is equal to or less privileged than the current privilege level, promotes the current privilege level to a second privilege level which is higher than the first privilege level.
US07680997B1 Data recovery simulation
Handling failure of a primary group at a first data center may be simulated by cloning the at least one storage volume at a second data center, cloning at least one storage volume at a third data center, cloning at least one of: buffers used for providing data to the asynchronous backup group and maps used to maintain a record of data sent to the synchronous backup group but not yet sent to the asynchronous backup group; and simulating resuming work at one of the second data center and the third data center using at least one of clones of the buffers and clones of the maps.
US07680994B2 Automatically managing the state of replicated data of a computing environment, and methods therefor
The state of data of a communications environment is automatically managed. The automatic management is provided via a facility that automatically obtains the current state of the data and uses that information to place the data in an appropriate state for a selected event to be processed. The data is, for instance, maintained on replicated storage media.
US07680993B2 Local digital asset storage management technique
A technique is described for managing the local storage of digital assets, such as audio, (moving or still) pictures, text, executable code and combinations thereof, in the storage device of a user appliance, such as a personal video recorder, set top box, mobile phone or storage server. A digital asset is received that is intended for local storage in the storage device and that has been pushed down from a source. A rank order is assigned to each digital asset stored or to be stored in a storage device that has a finite capacity storage space for storing digital assets. The assigned rank orders of one or more of the digital assets are repeatedly examined and a digital asset having a rank order that is lowest among the examined rank orders may be deleted. Each rank order is assigned based on predefined default ranking rules and user instructions pertaining to one or more of the digital assets that are capable of causing a deviation from the default ranking rules, if any have been provided by the user. A signal may be provided containing executable instructions that can be executed at programmable electronic circuits for performing the above steps. Such a signal may be stored on a storage medium. A system for performing the above steps may include a receiver for receiving the digital assets and a processor for assigning ranking orders and for repeatedly examining the ranking orders and selectively deleting digital assets with low ranking orders.
US07680992B1 Read-modify-write memory with low latency for critical requests
A memory interface permits a read-modify-write process to be implemented as an interruptible process. A pending read-modify-write is capable of being temporarily interrupted to service a higher priority memory request.
US07680989B2 Instruction set architecture employing conditional multistore synchronization
We propose a class of mechanisms to support a new style of synchronization that offers simple and efficient solutions to several existing problems for which existing solutions are complicated, expensive, and/or otherwise inadequate. In general, the proposed mechanisms allow a program to read from a first memory location (called the “flagged” location), and to then continue execution, storing values to zero or more other memory locations such that these stores take effect (i.e., become visible in the memory system) only while the flagged memory location does not change. In some embodiments, the mechanisms further allow the program to determine when the first memory location has changed. We call the proposed mechanisms conditional multi-store synchronization mechanisms and define aspects of an instruction set architecture consistent therewith.
US07680988B1 Single interconnect providing read and write access to a memory shared by concurrent threads
A shared memory is usable by concurrent threads in a multithreaded processor, with any addressable storage location in the shared memory being readable and writeable by any of the threads. Processing engines that execute the threads are coupled to the shared memory via an interconnect that transfers data in only one direction (e.g., from the shared memory to the processing engines); the same interconnect supports both read and write operations. The interconnect advantageously supports multiple parallel read or write operations.
US07680986B1 Practical implementation of arbitrary-sized LL/SC variables
Many conventional lock-free data structures exploit techniques that are possible only because state-of-the-art 64-bit processors are still running 32-bit operating systems and applications. As software catches up to hardware, “64-bit-clean” lock-free data structures, which cannot use such techniques, are needed. We present several 64-bit-clean lock-free implementations: including load-linked/store conditional variables of arbitrary size, a FIFO queue, and a freelist. In addition to being portable to 64-bit software (or more generally full-architectural-width pointer operations), our implementations also improve on existing techniques in that they are (or can be) space-adaptive and do not require a priori knowledge of the number of threads that will access them.
US07680979B2 Logical library architecture for data storage applications and methods of use
Systems and associated methods provide a level of indirection between multiple host computers and multiple data storage resources, such as removable media data storage devices. At least one of the hosts is not provided with direct access to some of the removable media data storage devices. Instead, logical addresses are provided to the host computers, where the logical addresses can relate to physical addresses associated with the data storage resources. A data storage resource handle or logical proxy may be presented to a host, and a management layer determines whether the host receives access to physical data storage resources, or virtual resources that emulate the physical resources.
US07680978B1 Reducing content addressable memory (CAM) power consumption counters
A method may include counting the number of times each of a plurality of entries in a content addressable memory (CAM) matches one or more searches; grouping entries in the CAM into a first subset and a second subset based on the number of times each of the plurality of entries in the CAM matches one or more searches; and searching the first subset for a matching entry and, if no matching entry is found, searching the second subset for the matching entry.
US07680977B2 Page and block management algorithm for NAND flash
A flash controller is adapted to communicate with a host and the flash memory and including volatile memory configured to store a page-block table of logical addresses addressable by the physical addresses. The logical addresses are used by the controller to identify the blocks. The table has an address mapping table and a property value table, the property value table includes property values, each of the property values being increased in value every time a block is written up to a maximum value and being associated with a block of a predetermined group of blocks and indicative of the number of times a block has been written, the property values corresponding to the logical addresses of the address mapping table, wherein the maximum number the property values of the predetermined group of blocks take on is adjustably different than the maximum number the property values of another group of blocks.
US07680971B2 Method and apparatus for granting processors access to a resource
An apparatus and method for granting one or more requesting entities access to a resource in a predetermined time interval. The apparatus includes a first circuit receiving one or more request signals, and implementing logic for assigning a priority to the one or more request signals, and, generating a set of first_request signals based on the priorities assigned. One or more priority select circuits for receiving the set of first_request signals and generating corresponding one or more fixed grant signals representing one or more highest priority request signals when asserted during the predetermined time interval. A second circuit device receives the one or more fixed grant signals generates one or more grant signals associated with one or more highest priority request signals assigned, the grant signals for enabling one or more respective requesting entities access to the resource in the predetermined time interval, wherein the priority assigned to the one or more request signals changes each successive predetermined time interval. In one embodiment, the assigned priority is based on a numerical pattern, the first circuit changing the numerical pattern with respect to the first_request signals generated at each successive predetermined time interval.
US07680966B1 Memory interface including generation of timing signals for memory operation
A memory device includes an interface controller for communication with a semiconductor device over a communication link. A clock signal is transmitted from the semiconductor device over the link to the memory device. A frequency of the clock signal may be any within a given range of frequencies. A frequency value signal conveying the value of the frequency of the clock signal is also transmitted. The interface controller includes circuitry for deriving from the clock signal and from the frequency value signal at least one timing signal for any operation in the memory device.
US07680963B2 DMA controller configured to process control descriptors and transfer descriptors
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a first interface circuit, a direct memory access (DMA) controller coupled to the first interface circuit, and a host coupled to the DMA controller. The first interface circuit is configured to communicate on an interface according to a protocol. The host comprises at least one address space mapped, at least in part, to a plurality of memory locations in a memory system of the host. The DMA controller is configured to perform DMA transfers between the first interface circuit and the address space, and the DMA controller is further configured to perform DMA transfers between a first plurality of the plurality of memory locations and a second plurality of the plurality of memory locations.
US07680958B2 Adaptive transaction message format display interface for use in a message data exchange system
A system provides an integration engine debugging and trace function that adaptively captures and displays trace information and promotes easier and more efficient troubleshooting. A system adaptively displays transaction message data for use with a data exchange system for exchanging data between different computer systems using different data formats. The system includes a repository of data comprising transaction messages communicated between different computer systems using different data formats. A data converter converts transaction message data into Hex and non-Hex representations. A display processor provides data representing a first display image including data representing a single transaction message in both Hex and non-Hex data format and enabling a user to initiate generation of a second display image for presenting the transaction message exclusively in a non-Hex representation.
US07680953B2 Computer system, storage device, management server and communication control method
The invention provides a communication control method for switching paths at high speed to switch storages without a special path switching means in a host computer, without stopping an application or without changing settings, and a device for realizing the same. The present computer system comprises a host computer 20, a storage devices 10 connected via a network 30 to the host computer 20, and a name server 40, wherein the host computer 20 has a function to search for an alternate path when a defect is discovered in a path used for connection with the storage 10, and the storage device 10 has a target communicating with the host computer 20 through a port, a registration change means for changing a registered address associated with the registration of a migration source target registered in the name server 40 to an address of a migration destination port, and a means for disconnecting all communication means established with the migration source target subsequent to the registration change process.
US07680952B1 Protecting connection traffic using filters
A connection between network nodes in a communication network is backed up. A failover label-switched path (LSP) is created starting at a first network node of a connection and ending at the second node of the connection, while bypassing the protected connection. In the event of connection failure, data is transmitted through the failover LSP. A network operator can selectively protect different types of data by using filters that bind one or more types of traffic received over one or more interfaces to different failover LSPs.
US07680948B2 Method and system for automatic modifiable messages
A method and system automatically providing responses to a recipient stores data relating to the recipient in a data store, the data being gatherable from one, some or all of written communications, mail, telephone, the Internet, servers, telephone voice, data and text messages, and other files and data sources. An initial automatic communication is formed, and passed to a modifying console for possible modification to form a final communication. Modifications can include: doing nothing; deleting material; adding new material; adding material of predetermined fixed content; adding material of predetermined alterable content; and altering material. The final communication can be provided on one, all or some of the Internet, servers, the telephone system in the form of text, voice and data messages, and as mail for posting or mailing. The final communication can be in a selectable language, for a selectable jurisdiction and in a selectable idiom.
US07680943B2 Methods and apparatus for implementing multiple types of network tunneling in a uniform manner
A uniform method for implementing multiple tunneling protocols in a switch or router is disclosed. The method is based on the realization that although the tunneling protocols are very different, they do share a similar overall structure which can be exploited to create a unified method of dealing with multiple protocols. By using similar data structures to implement multiple protocols, the invention makes data management and programming simple and, therefore, cost effective. According to the invention, all tunneling protocols are abstracted as the mapping of input L2 or L3 streams with output L2 or L3 streams. Mapping is provided by a finite set of tunnel interfaces. The tunnel interfaces map the input streams to output interfaces. As traffic streams flow through these interfaces, they are processed according to defined attributes of these interfaces.
US07680942B2 Method, apparatus, computer program product and network node for providing remote client deactivation
An apparatus for providing remote client deactivation includes a processing element. The processing element may be configured to receive a message associated with a service related to a communication session with a client, determine whether the client is associated with an indication to deactivate the client and communicate a signaling message to deactivate the client in response to a determination that the client is associated with the indication to deactivate the client.
US07680938B2 Video on demand digital server load balancing
A system and method for load balancing a plurality of servers is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of servers in a video-on-demand or other multi-server system are divided into one or more load-balancing groups. Each server preferably maintains state information concerning other servers in its load-balancing group including information concerning content maintained and served by each server in the group. Changes in a server's content status or other state information are preferably proactively delivered to other servers in the group. When a content request is received by any server in a load-balancing group, it evaluates the request in accordance with a specified algorithm to determine whether it should deliver the requested content itself or redirect the request to another server in its group. In a preferred embodiment, this determination is a function of information in the server's state table.
US07680937B2 Content publication
Publishing content using a peer-to-peer content distribution system is described. A publisher is required to request authorization to publish from an authorization body. Resources such as tracker and seed nodes are allocated in a peer-to-peer content distribution system and pre-processing of content to be published is carried out. For example, a content description is generated for each item of content as well as a set of checksums or other items for validating blocks of content. Publication can be terminated in a variety of different ways. For example, by using expiry methods, by active revocation of publishers, authorization bodies, or individual items of content.
US07680932B2 Version control system for software development
A version control system for managing versioned files comprises a central server storing a repository of the versioned files. At least one proxy is connected to the central server. Each proxy includes a read-only cache for storing data from the repository. At least one client is connected to each of the proxies. Modifications to the versioned files may only be made by the central server.
US07680931B2 Data relaying apparatus
In a service system including client apparatuses for issuing a service request and server apparatuses for receiving a service request and providing service, there is provided a data relaying apparatus for relaying data communication between them. In response to a service request, the data relaying apparatus establishes a connection from the client apparatus to the server apparatus (destination). The data relaying apparatus relays data communication between the client apparatus and the server apparatus by using the established connection. The data relaying apparatus manages a number of connections established to each of the server apparatuses. In response to a service request, the data relaying apparatus accepts or refuses the service request so as to make a number of connections to the server apparatus equal to or less than a predetermined number, and notifies a user refused relaying of a service request that relaying is possible.
US07680926B2 Apparatus, system, and method for dynamically determining a set of storage area network components for performance monitoring
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for dynamically determining a set of Storage Area Network (SAN) components for performance monitoring. The computer program product monitors SAN components of a predefined set of SAN components according to a monitor data structure associated with each SAN component. At least one attribute of the set of SAN components is changed in response to a threshold violation by a SAN component in the set. The SAN components of the changed set are monitored according to the monitor data structure for each SAN component within the changed set as part of a monitoring feedback loop.
US07680923B1 Connectivity assessment for label distribution protocol (LDP) networks
Probe and stop probe messages associated with an ingress access point are processed at an egress label switched router. The ingress access point may consist of an identifier of an ingress network element, in combination with a LSP identifier provided by the ingress network element. Auto-registration is performed upon receipt of a probe message indicating an ingress access point not currently being tracked. In the event that a probe message is received indicating an ingress access point not currently being tracked, the egress label switched router adds an entry to a tracking data structure, and a central processor is notified. Each entry within the tracking data structure stores information for a corresponding ingress access point, including knowledge digests from probe messages and an indication of the time a last previous probe message was received. As probe and stop probe messages are received, the knowledge digests they include are compared with the knowledge digests stored in the corresponding tracking table entries. In the event of a conflict between a received knowledge digest and a stored knowledge digest, a predetermined action is taken, such as generation of a misbranching alarm. The knowledge digests may, for example, be Bloom Filters. In the event a stop probe message is received for an ingress access point associated with one of the entries in the tracking table, the corresponding tracking entry is removed.
US07680919B2 Virtual machine migration
A source virtual machine (VM) hosted on a source server is migrated to a destination VM on a destination server without first powering down the source VM. After optional pre-copying of the source VM's memory to the destination VM, the source VM is suspended and its non-memory state is transferred to the destination VM; the destination VM is then resumed from the transferred state. The source VM memory is either paged in to the destination VM on demand, or is transferred asynchronously by pre-copying and write-protecting the source VM memory, and then later transferring only the modified pages after the destination VM is resumed. The source and destination servers preferably share common storage, in which the source VM's virtual disk is stored; this avoids the need to transfer the virtual disk contents. Network connectivity is preferably also made transparent to the user by arranging the servers on a common subnet, with virtual network connection addresses generated from a common name space of physical addresses.
US07680915B2 Selectively forced redirection of network traffic
Techniques for redirecting a client request. The client request is received at a first server. The first server forwards the client request to a second server. The first server receives a result message from the second server. The first server identifies, in the result message, references to resources of the second server. The first server replaces, in the result message, all references to resources of the second server with translated references that reference the first server without replacing references to resources of any other entity other than the second server. The first server sends the translated references to the client as a response to the client request.
US07680913B2 Mechanism to enforce availability preferences and needs of user resources hosted by telecommunication networks
A method and a system are disclosed for making available telecommunication network resources associated with network subscribers and exposed by a Network Service Gateway (NSG) to clients of the NSG services based on stored subscriber availability preferences. The method and system can be implemented using an availability Policy Server that sits next to or inside of the NSG. The Policy Server interprets the stored availability preferences of subscribers in response to requests for subscriber information. These availability preferences are translated into a low-level policy rule language. The Policy Server implements a policy rule evaluator to evaluate policies written in this language. Policies written in the low-level language are referred to as aPolicies (availability policies). An aPolicy receives as input a stream of events. Based on these events, the aPolicy may decide to take one or more actions. The NSG or clients of the NSG will carry out the execution of the actions.
US07680909B2 Method for configuration of a processing unit
A method for configuration of an Auxiliary Processing Unit (APU) of multiprocessor system is presented. The multiprocessor system has at least a Main Processing Unit (MPU) coupled to the APU via a communication link. The APU has at least a first memory and a second memory. The method includes a plurality of steps. At step the first memory is divided into an application sector, a boot sector and a common sector. At another step interrupts of the APU except interrupt/s that is/are being received via the communication link are disabled. At a further step interrupt vector/s pertaining to the communication link is/are mapped to the boot sector of the first memory. At another step a configuration code is received selectively into the application sector of the first memory and into the second memory. At a further step the interrupt/s that is/are being received via the communication link are disabled. At a further step the common sector of the first memory is updated from the second memory.
US07680908B2 State replication
The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate replicating a state associated with a client, user, service, application, and the like. A third party service provider can support any number of services that can be concurrently requested by several clients without user perception of degraded computing performance as compared to conventional systems/techniques due to improved connectivity and mitigated latencies. A replication component can generate replicas of states associated with requested services. Further, the replicas can facilitate seamlessly interacting with the third party service provider (e.g., while transitioning between client devices). Additionally, by providing replicas of the state related information, differing third party service providers can effectuate services based upon a request from a client without regenerating the state.
US07680889B2 Use of browser history file to determine web site reach
In a method of metering Web usage, a collection program is downloaded from a server to a metered computer in response to a message transmitted from the metered computer to the server, and the collection program is executed on the metered computer in order to collect Web usage history information stored in a history file by a browser running on the metered computer. The collected Web site usage history information is transmitted by the metered computer to the server. The Web site usage history information is stored in the server along with Web site usage history information from other metered computers.
US07680884B2 System and implementation method of controlled multicast
A system and method for implementing controlled multicast, wherein comprises Ethernet switch 1, multicast router 2, as well as portal server 3 and AAA server 4 that connect with the multicast router, where Ethernet switch 1 connects with each hosts of user in a downlink, in an uplink connects with multicast router 5 and implements multicast switch of layer 2; portal server 3 is used as an interface for access authentication of the user, AAA server 4 is used to store configuration of user privilege for joining in a multicast group; multicast router 2 connects with multicast router 5 of other systems in the uplink, and cooperates together with AAA server 4 to completes privilege authentication for the user when he joins in the multicast group, distributes a control command according to results of the authentication, and controls forwarding of the multicast made by Ethernet switch 1. The method according to the present invention can resolve better the authenticated authorization and controlled problem of the sender and receiver joining in the multicast, and can identify the host joining in or leaving the multicast group expediently, actively stop the user's group member identification through offline without any influence on the forwarding efficiency.
US07680880B2 System and method for protecting a computer network
A system for protecting a computer network from vulnerabilities can be provided that generally includes a remedy and patch server located at a client site and adapted to receive a global remedy package and a global patch package. The global remedy package may include at least one remedy and the global patch package may include at least one patch. At least one remedy and optionally at least one patch can repair a vulnerability in the computer network. The system can further include at least one local remedy server adapted to communicate with the remedy and patch server for receiving at least one remedy. At least one local patch server may be adapted to communicate with the remedy and patch server to receive at least one patch. The system also generally includes a local computer system adapted to communicate, independently, with the at least one local remedy server and at least one local patch server for receiving, respectively, at least one remedy and optionally at least one patch.
US07680879B2 Method and apparatus for maintaining data integrity across distributed computer systems
A method and apparatus are generally disclosed for maintaining data integrity across distributed computer systems. In one embodiment, the method of the invention includes the step of transmitting an object from a server application to a client application. The method also includes the step of transmitting an object state from the server application to the client application. The method further includes the steps of synchronizing the object and object state between the server application and the client application, and updating the object by invoking a server application method after the step of synchronizing. An apparatus and article of manufacture for carrying out the steps of the method are also disclosed.
US07680878B2 Apparatus, method and computer software products for controlling a home terminal
An internet terminal, which includes a communication unit for sending and receiving packet data, an encryption unit for encrypting and decrypting packet data, a packet generation unit for generating packet data to be sent to a server apparatus, a protocol determination unit for determining a communication protocol to be used between the internet terminal and the server apparatus, a control request reading unit for reading in packet data and a control request packet that includes a control request, a control unit for receiving control information and controlling the internet terminal or a terminal apparatus accordingly. Further, the internet terminal includes a server certificate authentication unit for authenticating the validity of a server certificate sent by the server apparatus, a client certificate management unit for sending a client certificate to the server apparatus, and a storage unit for storing a terminal ID and other information.
US07680870B2 FFT apparatus for high data rate and method thereof
An FFT apparatus for quickly processing input signals and method thereof is disclosed. In performing the FFT for processing N input signals, four N/4-point FFT units implemented by radix-2 single-path delay feedback (R2SDF) units performs the FFT with respect to the input signals, and a radix-4 computation unit performs a radix-4 computation with respect to the signals transferred from the N/4-point FFT units. Accordingly, the input signals are processed in parallel through the N/4-point FFT units, and thus a quick process of the input signals can be performed.
US07680868B2 PCR elbow determination by use of a double sigmoid function curve fit with the Levenburg-Marquardt algorithm and normalization
Systems and methods for determining characteristic transition values such as elbow values in sigmoid or growth-type curves, such as the cycle threshold (Ct) value in PCR amplification curves. A double sigmoid function with parameters determined by a Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) regression process is used to find an approximation to a curve that fits a PCR dataset. Once the parameters have been determined, the curve can be normalized using one or more of the determined parameters. Normalization is advantageous for determining the Ct value if one chooses the arbitrary fluorescence level (AFL) approach to calculating Ct values for amplification curves. After normalization, the normalized curve is processed by applying a root-finding algorithm to determine the root of the function representing the normalized curve, which root corresponds to the Ct value. The Ct value is then returned and may be displayed or otherwise used for further processing.
US07680865B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
The present invention provides an image processing apparatus and an image processing method, which can improve security and reinforce privacy protection for cache data and management data generated when an operator employs a browser function, and which can efficiently utilize storage resources of the apparatus. In the image processing apparatus having a browser function, data generated by an operator employing the browser function is stored in the RAM. Herein, it is determined whether or not the operator employing the browser function is a particular operator such as a system administrator. In a case where the browser function is employed by an operator other than the particular operator, the data stored in the RAM is deleted. Meanwhile, in a case of the particular operator, the data is stored in a hard disk drive (HDD).
US07680863B2 Contents providing method, contents providing system, and contents server
In response to a contents data transmission request from a user terminal, a contents storage server encodes a contents data meeting the transmission request by vector coding or hierarchical coding and transmits the encoded contents data to the user terminal. The user terminal having received the encoded data notifies a charging server of information on a resolution selected by the user and then receives information needed for a corresponding decoding process from the charging server. The charging server carries out a charging process based on the received information on the resolution.
US07680858B2 Techniques for clustering structurally similar web pages
Web page clustering techniques described herein are URL Clustering and Page Clustering, whereby clustering algorithms cluster together pages that are structurally similar. Regarding URL clustering, because similarly structured pages have similar patterns in their URLs, grouping similar URL patterns will group structurally similar pages. Embodiments of URL clustering may involve: (a) URL normalization and (b) URL variation computation. Regarding page clustering, page feature-based techniques further cluster any given set of homogenous clusters, reducing the number of clusters based on the underlying page code. Embodiments of page clustering may reduce the number of clusters based on the tag probabilities and the tag sequence, utilizing an Approximate Nearest Neighborhood (ANN) graph along with evaluation of intra-cluster and inter-cluster compactness.
US07680854B2 System and method for improved job seeking
A computer system and method for capture and handling job listings obtained from various often unrelated corporate and job board postings via the internet for examination by a job searcher. This system includes a scraping module having one or more scraping engines operable to scrape job information data set from job listings on the corporate career sites and job boards, wherein the scraping module receives and stores the scraped job information data set in a database. The system also has a scraping management interface module coordinating operation of and communication between the scraping engines and the career sites and job boards, a scraped listing quality management module coupled to the scraping management interface module analyzing selected scraped job information data stored in the database, and a job categorization module that examines and categorizes each job information stored in the database into one or more of a predetermined set of categories and returns categorized job information to the database, and an extractor module communicating with the database for compiling and transferring categorized job information data from the database to a search bank. The search bank is then accessible by a job searcher through a job search client server cluster connected to the Internet.
US07680841B2 Determining whether data written to source storage locations according to a write order is copied to corresponding target storage locations in the write order
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for determining whether data written to source storage locations according to a write order is copied to corresponding target storage locations in the write order. Values are written to indicated source storage locations in a write order. The values written to the source storage locations are copied to corresponding target storage locations. The values at the target storage locations are read and a determination is made from the read values whether the values were written to the target storage locations in the write order.
US07680838B1 Maintaining data synchronization in a file-sharing environment
A notification engine manages subscriptions of applications to data events in a file-sharing environment. A subscription includes a data event recovery time stamp indicating the time when a first change to subscribed data objects occurred of which an application was not aware. When the data event occurs on a computer, the engine finds applications subscribed to that data event and sets the time stamp in the subscriptions for non-local applications to the current time if the data event recovery time stamp is clear. An application that was not notified of the data event that occurred on another computer learns about the data event when it is called back. The application uses a data event recovery time stamp indicated in the callback to issue a query for a current version of subscribed data objects to which data events occurred at or after the time indicated in the time stamp.
US07680835B2 Online storage with metadata-based retrieval
A novel system that facilitates monitoring and/or updating data contained within a plurality of network devices. The system includes a file system user interface (UI) that can render a unified representation of the content across multiple stores corresponding to a plurality of disparate network devices. The UI facilitates searching and/or browsing content of a plurality of disparate devices via a single unified experience. Another feature of the invention is that it allows for sharing and/or synchronizing without the use of conventional folders. The invention provides for a metadata-centric view of user content (e.g., files) wherein files can be grouped by type, date, author, etc., without regard to the physical location of the content. Additionally, the invention separates or distinguishes (e.g., decouples) the synchronization of metadata (e.g., author, modification date) from the synchronization of the corresponding data files.
US07680829B1 List building system
A system implementable using a programmable processor includes a plurality of pre-stored commands for building an inventory of audio, musical, works or audio/visual works, such as music videos. A plurality of works can be collected together in a list for purposes of establishing a play or a presentation sequence. The list can be visually displayed and edited. A plurality of lists can be stored for subsequent retrieval. A selected list can be retrieved and executed. Upon execution, the works of the list are presented sequentially either audibly or visually. The works can be read locally from a source, such as a CD, or can be obtained, via wireless transmission, from a remote inventory. If desired, establishment of a predetermined credit can be a pre-condition to being able to add items to the list for presentation.
US07680823B2 Custom report generation
An improved solution for generating a custom report is provided. A tagged file is obtained, which comprises data and graphic information for the custom report. Image data for the custom report is generated based on the tagged file. The custom report is generated based on the image data, the tagged file, and a report definition for the custom report. In one embodiment, a computer infrastructure is provided for generating a custom report in multiple report formats based on content received from one or more diverse data sources.
US07680821B2 Method and system for index sampled tablescan
An optimized query processing system and method for a database system. The database system includes a table of data and an index correlated to both the query and to the table. The optimized query processing system includes an index accessing module adapted to access the index to determine if the table contains an entry satisfying a query predicate; and a tablescan module for scanning substantially the entire table and retrieving data satisfying the query. A method is also disclosed for generating database diagnostic data.
US07680816B2 Method, system, and computer program product providing for multimodal content management
Systems, methods, devices, and computer program products are provided for providing a user with access to information stored in a datastore. A multimodal system operatively coupled to the datastore is configured to communicate with the user via a user device. The multimodal system is configured to receive a request from the user to communicate with the user through a user interface of the user device. In response to the received request, the multimodal system generates a multimodal document. The generated multimodal document includes instructions allowing for communication with the user using a plurality of different user interface modalities that may be available on a user device. The multimodal system then serves the multimodal document to the user device using a communication interface. The multimodal system is configured to only publish one multimodal document at a time for a given user session so that the user may seamlessly switch between user interface modalities that may be available on the user device or on another user device.
US07680812B2 Method, system, and computer program product for searching for, navigating among, and ranking of documents in a personal web
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for a personal search engine that includes a hybrid web composed of: the similarity web, and directed hyperlinks. Components include a parser (extracting words from documents); a text relevance analyzer; a link analysis method; the similarity web; a similarity analyzer; and hyperlinks. Other components include a navigation window; and FQSs. The combination of all the above may be incorporated into a working personal search engine.
US07680792B2 Document management system and document management method
There is provided a document management system for retrieving document information from storage unit which correlates and stores user information, keyword information set for every user, and document information, the document management system including a first retrieval unit configured to retrieve document information from the storage unit using a first retrieval condition, a specifying unit configured to specify the user information, and a second retrieval unit configured to determine a second retrieval condition in accordance with a retrieval result of the first retrieval unit and the user information specified by the specifying unit and to retrieve document information from the storage unit using the second retrieval condition.
US07680791B2 Method for sorting data using common prefix bytes
Several techniques for sorting item are described, generally referred to as (1) common prefix skipping quicksort; (2) key substring caching; and (3) adaptive quicksort. With common prefix skipping quicksort, common prefix bytes among all key values for a partition are computed while performing a quicksort partitioning operation, and the known common bytes are skipped when comparing two key values in a recursive partitioning operation. With key substring caching, each item is represented in a cached array comprising a particular number of bytes for respective portions of key values (“key substring”), where the key substring cache is updated contain bytes beyond the known number of common prefix bytes. An adaptive quicksort routine is a hybrid of a quicksort function and most significant digit radix sort function, where the functions are mutually recursive.
US07680787B2 Database query generation method and system
A process for generating SQL queries to retrieve requested information from a database, whilst applying requested search filters, involving defining a “base” query, which is the simplest SQL query that can be executed to retrieve the information requested by the user (i.e. without applying any search filter), and then use a separate module for each search filter to detect the existence of the table that is required to apply that filter, and possibly add a “WHERE” condition that includes the required table using a sub-query. For each module, if the table required to filter a particular attribute exists in the current query, the “WHERE” condition is added on that table, without adding any sub-query. If on the other hand the required table does not exist in the current query, a sub-query that navigates associations from the tables involved in the current query to the required on is added, and the “WHERE” condition is added to the required table within the sub-query.
US07680786B2 Optimization of targeted advertisements based on user profile information
A system and method to facilitate optimization of targeted advertisements based on user profile information are described. A set of event keywords associated with an event or action performed by the user or an agent of the user is identified in a data storage module. User profile information, if available, is further retrieved from the data storage module. A set of profile keywords is further identified from the retrieved user profile information and the set of profile keywords is compared to the set of event keywords based on predetermined business rules to determine a set of resulting keywords. Advertising information related to the set of resulting keywords is further retrieved from an advertising storage module. The retrieved advertisements are ranked based on one or more parameters within one or more keyword/advertisement matrices based on user, segment, or time parameters, and, finally, top ranked advertisements are transmitted to the user or the agent of the user for further display in connection with the requested content.
US07680784B2 Query processing system of a database using multi-operation processing utilizing a synthetic relational operation in consideration of improvement in a processing capability of a join operation
A query processing system of a database using multi-operation processing includes a task retrieval unit for retrieving relational algebra as tasks from a query tree, a unit for dividing retrieved tasks into groups for each relation of database, a synthetic relational operation unit for creating a synthetic relational operation by collecting tasks having common sub-expression for the grouped tasks into sub-groups and creating a task of a synthetic relational operation for each sub-group, wherein when there is a plurality of tasks of join operation in the grouped tasks, the synthetic relational operation unit further divides the grouped tasks into sub-groups for each common sub-expression of join operation, collects a plurality of tasks of the join operation into a sub-group, and creates a single task of a synthetic join operation by using logical union to concatenate each task of the join operation collected in the sub-group.
US07680779B2 Managing queries in a distributed database system
Queries in a distributed database system are received at computer devices participating in the database system. A determination is made as to which of the respective, participating computer devices has data relevant to the query. Information about the computer devices(s) which has or have the relevant data is communicated to the participating computer devices. Such information is used to determine, at each of the respective participating computer devices, a benefit value for at least one of the participating computer devices. A determination is made as to which the participating computer devices will process the query by comparing the benefit values for the participating computer devices.
US07680775B2 Methods and systems for generating query and result-based relevance indexes
Methods and systems for generating query and result-based relevance indexes are provided. For one embodiment, a plurality of queries is received from a plurality of users. Each query of the plurality of queries is measured based on one or more metrics. The measured data of each query is stored. The queries are associated into topical query categories. A performance of a first query category is calculated based on at least one metric of the one or more metrics. A metric data request for a select category is received from a client. Lastly, the stored measured data of the selected category is transmitted to the client in response to the metric data request.
US07680771B2 Apparatus, system, and method for database provisioning
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for provisioning database resource within a grid database system. The apparatus comprises an analysis module and a provision module. The analysis module analyzes a data query stream from an application to a database instance and determines that the data query stream exhibits a predetermined performance attribute. The provision module provisions a database resource in response to a determination that the data query stream exhibits the predetermined performance attribute. The provisioned database resource may be a database instance, a database server, or a cache. The provisioning of the new database resource advantageously is substantially transparent to a client on the database system.
US07680768B2 Information processing apparatus and method, program, and storage medium
Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus including: storage means for storing a recommendation degree that indicates a degree of recommendation of a content for a user; similarity degree calculation means for calculating a degree of similarity between a part of a user profile as updated and a content profile; recommendation degree variation calculation means for calculating, based on the degree of similarity calculated by the similarity degree calculation means, an amount of variation of the recommendation degree of the content for the user; and recommendation degree calculation means for calculating a new recommendation degree by adding the amount of the variation of the recommendation degree calculated by the recommendation degree variation calculation means to the recommendation degree stored in the storage means.
US07680765B2 Iterate-aggregate query parallelization
Iterate-aggregate shape queries are executable in an efficient parallel manner. Techniques are utilized that leverage properties of aggregations to implement such a query in a highly parallelized manner utilizing one or both of vertical and horizontal parallelism. More specifically, queries can be recursively evaluated in parallel utilizing partitioning and repartitioning mechanisms. Distributed query execution results over a subset of input data are repartitioned and aggregated to produce a final result.
US07680755B2 Automatic detection and classification of a mobile device
The invention consists of a method of automatically detecting and classifying a device, comprising: a) receiving information from the device; b) looking up the information in a device directory to identify the device; c) applying a series of identity rules if the information is not found in the device directory; and d) identifying the device from the identity rules. Preferably, the device is a mobile device.
US07680752B1 System and method for predictive process management
An integration platform for managing long term processes. The platform includes a runtime engine that manages the process instances and communication with the processes to provide Web services. The runtime engine includes an execution engine module and a prediction module. The prediction module generates predictions for executing processes for inbound and outbound messages and eventual process outcomes. The predictions may be utilized when requisite data is unavailable or under defined circumstances. The prediction module utilizes process history, process description and process state data to generate relevant prediction data. The prediction module may include a learning module that applies analytical algorithms to the process history and descriptions to create models for use by the prediction module.
US07680747B2 Cash generation from portfolio disposition using multi objective genetic algorithms
A plan for disposing of assets in a given asset portfolio is determined using a genetic algorithm, which operates to satisfy certain objectives, including the generation of a cash amount. A genome population including a number of vectors is generated. The genome population is modified using a genetic algorithm, until at least one vector represents a change in the percentage of each asset such that the disposition of each asset in accordance with the vector most nearly satisfies one or more objectives.
US07680743B2 Software application protection by way of a digital rights management (DRM) system
A digital rights management (DRM) system, an application, and a DRM digital license for the application are all on a computing device. The application is for being executed to perform a function and includes code requiring that the DRM system determine that the application is allowed to be executed to perform the function based on the license. The application further includes code for determining that the application is to be executed on one of the computing device or in connection with the DRM system.
US07680738B2 System and method for executing cash payments via a computer network
The invention presented comprises a system and method for executing a cash payment via a computer network. A payor computing device communicates over a computer network with payee computing devices via a P2P server. The P2P server is operative to receive a payment request from the payor computing device and process the payment by debiting a financial instrument specified by a payor utilizing the payor computing device. The payment request is transmitted from the P2P server to a cash payment server operative to receive the payment request and translate the request into the native format of an ATM control server, the native format of the P2P server and ATM control server not being interoperable. The ATM control server is operative to generate a PIN code, which is transmitted along with the received payment instructions to an ATM. The ATM receives the payment instructions and dispenses the payment upon receipt of the PIN code. Receipt data is also generated by the ATM control server, translated into the native format of the P2P server by the cash payment server, and delivered to the payor and payee via the P2P sever.
US07680736B2 Payment system
An electronic transaction payment system is provided having a vendor terminal associated with a vendor who provides goods or services to a purchaser, a vendor smart-card and a vendor smart-card reader for transmitting data to and receiving data from the vendor smart-card. The system also includes a purchaser smart-card reader which is connected to the vendor terminal and which is operable for transmitting data to and receiving data from a purchaser smart-card. In operation, payment for goods purchased by the purchaser is made between the purchaser smart-card and the vendor smart-card. In a preferred embodiment, the payment data is encrypted using an encryption key specific to the transaction between the purchaser and the vendor. A third party registry terminal may also be provided for providing validation of the vendor and/or the purchaser.
US07680733B1 Computerized patent and trademark fee payment method and system
An improved computerized method and system for the payment of patent and trademark fees is disclosed. The patent or trademark fee for a client of a firm is charged against an account maintained by an organization separate from the firm. A charge issued at a workstation at the firm is delivered to a patent or patent and trademark agency, or a foreign associate firm, where it is cashed against an account maintained by the separate organization. The firm bills the client for the fee, along with a service charge, while the separate organization bills the firm for the fee and the service charge. Payment from the client to the firm for the fee and service charge is then sent to the separate organization to cover the firm's bill from the separate organization. Recirculating retainers, pre-billing, and other aspects of methods and systems are also disclosed herein.
US07680731B1 System and method for executing deposit transactions over the internet
A system and method for initiating and processing banking deposits. In a preferred embodiment, the system is maintained by a financial institution such as a bank and the bank's customers access the system through the Internet. The system provides a Graphical User Interface that allows the customers to view the bank's current rates for a plurality of currencies and a plurality of time periods. The customer selects the desired rate on the interface and the system automatically generates a deal ticket that is presented to the customer. The customer submits the deal ticket for trading. A confirmation of the trade occurs online and real time. The system has further utilities for the customers to view archives of previous deals, establish profiles and preferences and chat with bank representatives. The system further includes state of the art security in order to ensure the safety and confidentiality of the banking transactions.
US07680727B2 Method and interface for presenting last traded quantity information
Trading software may receive trading information from an exchange. The trading software may use the trading information to compute an estimate of last traded total sweep quantity. The trading software may also display the last traded total sweep quantity on a trading screen.
US07680718B2 System and method for generating real-time indicators in a trading list or portfolio
A system and method for detecting an abnormal trading condition of a security uses real-time and estimated values of one or more variables associated with the condition of the security to generate one or more analytic metrics that are compared to empirical distributions based on one or more peer groups for the security. An indicator can then be displayed to a trader as an indication of the abnormal condition.
US07680715B2 Systems and methods for providing anonymous requests for quotes for financial instruments
Embodiments of the invention provide an anonymous RFQ system for financial instruments that resolves the inherent conflict between a capital provider's need for information and a market participant's need for confidentiality by creating an environment where market participants and capital providers can realize the benefits of sharing confidential trading interest (CTI) information without sacrificing anonymity or enabling information leakage. This secure environment preferably is created within an electronic matching book that distills all CTI information related to each Request for Quote (RFQ) into a risk class that is sent to capital providers in lieu of order-identifying or trader-identifying information. These risk classes give capital providers enough information to offer customized, risk-adjusted quotes without requiring the market participant to reveal confidential information about herself or her order.
US07680700B2 Request type grid computing
Methods, articles of manufacture, and systems for providing access to a grid computing environment. In one environment, requests include resource specific criteria used to identify a particular grid resource to perform the request. In another embodiment, a request includes a queue criterion used to identify one of a plurality of queues on which the request is placed.
US07680698B2 Method for selecting a merchant for a trial mode of a referral service
Disclosure includes receiving an indication of an order, receiving an indication of a payment for the order, transmitting the indication of the order to a merchant, and allocating at least a merchant portion of the payment to the merchant based, at least in part, on a trial status of the merchant.
US07680692B2 Method and apparatus for accessing and storing digital images
A point-of-sale machine accesses digital images stored in memory of a digital camera or other imaging device, and performs a point-of-sale transaction for storing at least one of the digital images at a remote site.
US07680674B2 System and method for providing a price quotation for a transportation service having promotional event notification capabilities
A method and system for providing a price quotation information for shipping goods by rail. A computer delivers first information to a user prompting the user to enter at the computer a parameter, the parameter specifying a given characteristic of a transportation service. In response to an entry by the user, a database of promotional events, including a plurality of entries mapping one or more discount eligibility criteria to a promotional event, is processed to identify an entry associated to a certain discount data element and to a certain promotional event. The certain discount eligibility criterion in the identified entry is such that it would be satisfied if the parameter provided by the user was altered. The computer then delivers second information to the user indicative of the certain promotional event.
US07680664B2 Parsimonious modeling by non-uniform kernel allocation
A multi-state pattern recognition model with non-uniform kernel allocation is formed by setting a number of states for a multi-state pattern recognition model and assigning different numbers of kernels to different states. The kernels are then trained using training data to form the multi-state pattern recognition model.
US07680660B2 Voice analysis device, voice analysis method and voice analysis program
A voice analysis method and device are provided whereby processing can be performed in real time and an indefinitely large number of speakers can be coped with. A computer-executable method of voice analysis is for detecting boundaries of phonemes from input voice, and is characterized by repeating a step of specifying a time-point in an input voice signal, a step of extracting the voice signal contained in a time range of prescribed length from this time-point, and a step of decomposing the extracted voice signal into frequency component data; finding a plurality of frequency component data from the voice signal contained in time ranges of the prescribed length; finding a plurality of correlations using the frequency component data corresponding to the voice signal contained in mutually adjacent time ranges of the prescribed length; finding time ranges having a degree of change that is larger than the two adjacent degrees of change on either side thereof; and partitioning the input voice signal into a plurality of sections based on these time ranges.
US07680654B2 Apparatus and method for segmentation of audio data into meta patterns
An audio data segmentation apparatus for segmenting of audio data including for supplying audio data, dividing the audio data supplied into audio clips of a predetermined length, discriminating the audio clips into predetermined audio classes, the audio classes identifying a kind of audio data included in the respective audio clip and segmenting for segmenting the audio data into audio meta patterns based on a sequence of audio classes of consecutive audio clips, each meta pattern being allocated to a predetermined type of contents of the audio data. It is difficult to achieve good results with known methods for segmentation of audio data into meta patterns since the rules for the allocation of the meta patterns are dissatisfying. This problem is solved by the inventive audio data segmentation apparatus further including a program database including program data units to identify a certain kind of program, a plurality of respective audio meta patterns being allocated to each program data unit, wherein the segmenting segments the audio data into corresponding audio meta patterns on the basis of the program data units of the program database 5.
US07680651B2 Signal modification method for efficient coding of speech signals
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention there is disclosed at least a method and apparatus for determining a long-term-prediction delay parameter characterizing a long term prediction in a technique using signal modification for digitally encoding a sound signal, the sound signal is divided into a series of successive frames, a feature of the sound signal is located in a previous frame, a corresponding feature of the sound signal is located in a current frame, and the long-term-prediction delay parameter is determined for the current frame while mapping, with the long term prediction, the signal feature of the previous frame with the corresponding signal feature of the current frame. Each divided frame of the sound signal is partitioned into a plurality of signal segments, and at least a part of the signal segments of the frame are warped while constraining the warped signal segments inside the frame.
US07680647B2 Association-based bilingual word alignment
A pair of bilingual, aligned text fragments are received and word type alignment is performed on the text fragments. Word token alignment is then performed.
US07680644B2 Method and system, with component kits, for designing or deploying a communications network which considers frequency dependent effects
A computerized model provides a display of a physical environment in which a communications network is or will be installed. The communications network is comprised of several components, each of which are selected by the design engineer and which are represented in the display. Errors in the selection of certain selected components for the communications network are identified by their attributes or frequency characteristics as well as by their interconnection compatibility for a particular design. The effects of changes in frequency on component performance are modeled and the results are displayed to the design engineer. A bill of materials is automatically checked for faults and generated for the design system and provided to the design engineer. For ease of design, the design engineer can cluster several different preferred components into component kits, and then select these component kits for use in the design or deployment process.
US07680639B2 Method for simulating the driving behavior of vehicles
The invention relates to a method for simulating the driving behavior of vehicles on a test stand in which the engine of the vehicle is coupled on the test stand to an electronically controllable braking apparatus and a simulation model calculates simulation values of variables which are representative of the driving state of the vehicle in that the reaction of the vehicle to the behavior of the engine and the values of the variables as determined immediately prior thereto are calculated, with at least the vehicle speed and the slip occurring in the driving wheels being calculated as variables. An improved calculation can be achieved in such a way that for controlling the braking apparatus a virtual vehicle speed is used which is changed by a corrective value which depends on the slip.
US07680638B2 Human-clothing-environment simulator
Provided is a man-clothing-environment (MCE) simulator quantitatively measuring properties of clothes to transfer heat and moisture between human skin and an external environment. The MCE simulator includes a hot chamber providing a high-temperature environment, a cold chamber providing a low-temperature environment, a skin model selectively coupled to the hot chamber or the cold chamber while being vertically erect, a water supplier supplying water to a hot plate included in the skin model, and a controller controlling the hot chamber, the cold chamber and the skin model, and processing data on temperature and humidity measured by sensors. The skin model includes the hot plate receiving heat and water while being vertically erect and simulating human skin, a ring-shaped frame coupled to a side of the hot plate and supporting a fabric to be separated from the side of the hot plate, and the sensors measuring temperature and humidity inside and outside the fabric. The MCE simulator may properly simulate a state of wearing clothes by employing the vertical skin model and effectively measure properties of clothes to transfer heat and moisture according to rapid changes in an external environment by including the hot and cold chambers.
US07680626B2 System and method of analyzing timing effects of spatial distribution in circuits
Systems and methods are provided for analyzing the timing of circuits, including integrated circuits, by taking into account the location of cells or elements in the paths or logic cones of the circuit. In one embodiment, a bounding region may be defined around cells or elements of interest, and the size of the bounding region may be used to calculate a timing slack variation factor. The size of the bounding region may be adjusted to account for variability in timing delays. In other embodiments, centroids may be calculated using either the location or the delay-weighted location of elements or cells within the path or cone and the centroids used to calculate timing slack variation factor. The timing slack variation factors are used to calculate a new timing slack for the path or logic cone of the circuit.
US07680620B2 Dynamic matrix sensitivity measuring instrument for inertial sensors, and measuring method therefor
A device for measuring the dynamic matrix sensitivity of an inertia sensor is provided with a motion generating machine or a vibrating table for inducing a translational or rotary motion, an acceleration measuring unit, an angular velocity measuring unit or angular acceleration measuring unit, an output device for fetching an output from the unit, one or, pre light reflectors, a displacement measuring device for seizing a multidimensional motion by using a laser interferometer radiating light from a plurality of directions to the light reflectors, a data processing unit for processing a data indicating the state of motion and obtained from the displacement measuring unit, and a displaying device to display or a transmitting device to transmit the output of the data processing unit and the output of the acceleration measuring unit, angular velocity measuring unit or angular acceleration measuring unit. Since the accelerometer is exposed to acceleration in every conceivable direction and possibly fails to find a correct value of acceleration as encountered by the conventional one-dimensional calibration, it is actually calibrated by applying acceleration from all possible directions thereto.
US07680617B2 Process control architecture with hydrodynamic correction
Methods and systems for controlling processes related to the amount of fluid in a container subjected to externally-excited motions. Fluid level sensor measurements in processing tanks on-board boats are confused by ocean waves and swells. A hydrodynamic model of a fluid in a tank can be constructed using non-linear dynamic model algorithms with inputs such as multi-axis accelerations, fluid viscosity, and apparent level measurements. The model can be used to filter-out boat motion disturbances to obtain a corrected level of the fluid in the tank. The corrected fluid level signal can be further processed using a dynamic model of the tank and associated input and output flow rates in a closed loop observer. The methods and systems are especially advantageous for offshore equipment such as cementing and fracturing ships.
US07680603B2 Systems and methods for determining real-time PCR cycle thresholds using a rotation transformation
Systems and methods for determining the elbow or Ct value in a real-time, or kinetic, PCR amplification curve data set. The PCR data set may be visualized in a two-dimensional plot of fluorescence intensity vs. cycle number. A rotation transform is applied to the data set to rotate the data about a defined coordinate such as the origin so that the data point representing the Ct value becomes a minimum or a maximum along the intensity axis. The data point representing the elbow or Ct value of the PCR curve is identified, and this data point is then rotated back and the cycle number of the data point is returned or displayed.
US07680602B2 Concepts and methods for identifying brain correlates of elementary mental states
Methods for identifying and modulating the subset of constitutively expressed locus-specific proteins in the brain, the deactivation of which selectively impairs the otherwise normal behavioral response to given stimulus, which is correlated with a particular elementary mental state.
US07680597B2 Guided vehicle system and travel route map creation method for guided vehicle system
CAD data of a guided vehicle system is converted into layout data of a map. The layout data is displayed on a screen. Attribute data is added to the layout data to edit the map data. The edited map data is distributed to overhead traveling vehicles. By controlling a probe vehicle to actually travel on a travel route, positions of load ports and buffers on the map, and data about transfer to/from these load ports and buffers are verified, and updated, and then, the resulting data is distributed to the other overhead traveling vehicles and a controller.
US07680596B2 Route calculation method for a vehicle navigation system
Traffic information, including flow information and incident information, obtained through a traffic management system for providing and facilitating the exchange of traffic information between a remote location and a vehicle may be used in route calculation by a navigation device. The navigation device may recalculate a route based on anticipated user error. Alternatively, the navigation device may recalculate a route using received traffic information triggered by the receipt of a traffic information update, or triggered by the passage of an amount of time. The broadcast rate of traffic information updates may vary temporally (providing more frequent updates during peak commute times) or geographically (providing more frequent updates to metropolitan areas with increased traffic information needs). If route calculation is triggered by an elapsed amount of time, the amount of time may vary to be shorter during peak commute times. Additional route calculation techniques allow the incorporation of historical traffic information or the use of the most recent traffic information if incomplete traffic information is available. Still further route calculation techniques may calculate a best route by avoiding zigzagging or evaluating an assigned cost of a potential route.
US07680587B2 Method and an arrangement for monitoring the functioning of a sensor or an exhaust gas aftertreatment system
A monitoring method and a monitoring arrangement, wherein: (a) first comparison value is established based on information from a sensor as to the measured magnitude of a parameter related to exhaust gases flowing out of an exhaust gas aftertreatment appliance included in an exhaust aftertreatment system; b) a second comparison value corresponding to the first comparison value is established based on a value representing the magnitude of said parameter calculated on the basis of a calculation model; c) a difference value representing the difference between said comparison values is established; d) steps a)-c) are repeated during a certain period of time and a variance value representing the variance of the difference value during this period of time is established; and e) the variance value is compared with a given threshold value for generation of information regarding the functioning of the sensor or the system.
US07680586B2 Mass air flow sensor signal compensation system
A method and system are disclosed for compensating a mass air flow signal produced by a mass air flow sensor in fluid communication with an air intake passageway of an internal combustion engine. A mass air flow signal produced by the mass air flow sensor is monitored and an expected oxygen concentration of exhaust gas produced by the engine is determined. A compensation parameter is determined as a function of the expected oxygen concentration and a measured value of the oxygen concentration of the exhaust gas. A compensated mass air flow value is determined as a function of the mass air flow signal and the compensation parameter.
US07680585B2 Internal EGR control device for internal combustion engine
An internal EGR control device for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of properly controlling an internal EGR amount, while causing conditions of burned gases to be reflected thereon in controlling the internal EGR by changing valve-closing timing of an exhaust valve. An internal EGR control device sets a target internal EGR amount EGRINCMD as a target of the internal EGR amount according to detected operating conditions of an internal combustion engine, and a target internal EGR amount EGRINC is determined by correcting the target internal EGR amount based on a gas state equation, using obtained temperature and pressure of exhaust gases, and a calculated gas constant R. Then, according to the corrected target internal EGR amount EGRINC, the valve-closing timing of an exhaust valve is calculated, and a variable valve mechanism is controlled based on the calculated valve-closing timing of the exhaust valve.
US07680579B2 Eddy current detection of wheel speed with voltage threshold shifting
A wheel speed detection system including a rotator, a sensor head, a detector, a pulse converter, a speed calculator and a threshold shifter. Plural concave and convex portions are formed on a periphery of the rotator rotating together with a wheel. The sensor head includes a coil to generate an alternate current magnetic field. The detector excites the coil to generate an eddy current on the concave and convex portions, and outputs alternate current detection signals corresponding to changes in the eddy current generated with rotation of the rotator. The pulse converter converts the alternate current detection signals into pulse signals according to preset threshold levels. The speed calculator calculates rotational speed of the wheel based on the pulse signals. The threshold shifter shifts the threshold levels corresponding to a difference between a default average and an average of the alternate current detection signals actually outputted from the detector.
US07680576B2 Driving force distribution control device for vehicle
To maintain operating safety by driving force distribution control system when an abnormal state arises and to smoothly transition from a normal state to an abnormal state without sudden changes in vehicle behavior. The driving force distribution control part calculates the transfer torque for the transfer clutch for the center differential device and the torque movement for the hydraulic motor for the rear wheel final reduction gear. When the control state detection part detects an abnormal state, there is control of the hydraulic motor in the direction that torque movement is lost on the one hand, and the transfer torque for the transfer clutch is controlled in the direction of front and rear distribution; after a preset time and after this control is carried out, the transfer torque drops.
US07680575B2 Selecting transmission ratio based on performance drivability and fuel economy
A transmission control system for a vehicle includes a driver input device that generates a driver input signal and a control module that receives the driver input signal. The control module determines an operating mode of a transmission based on the driver input signal and selects a gear ratio of the transmission based on the operating mode. The operating mode includes one of a maximum performance mode, a power mode and a fuel economy mode.
US07680574B2 Vehicle information system with steering wheel controller
An information system for a vehicle includes a computer for handling informational data corresponding to operation of the vehicle. A primary display is connected to the computer in a position to be viewed by a driver of the vehicle for presenting the informational data in multiple, sequential, interactive menu screens. A manual controller mounted on the steering wheel allows input to the computer and manipulation of the primary display through the menu screens. The controller includes a scroll wheel which is oriented so that its rotational axis is parallel to the steering axis. The controller includes a central push button for activating a particular selection highlighted on the primary display. A plurality of category selector buttons operate as mode switches for activating various vehicle system subjects through the information system. The scroll wheel and push button selectors establish an interface for the driver which can be operated intuitively, without taking eyes off the road or releasing the driver's grip of the steering wheel.
US07680572B2 Onboard-equipment control apparatus and onboard-equipment control system
An onboard-equipment control apparatus controls activation of an onboard apparatus such as an air conditioner and termination of the operation of the onboard apparatus in order to prevent an onboard battery from running out of residual electric charge in advance. Upon detection of a state in which an onboard radio apparatus is not capable of receiving a termination command from a cellular phone or the cellular phone is not capable of transmitting a termination command to the onboard radio apparatus while the air conditioner is in operation, the onboard-equipment control apparatus forcibly terminates the operation of the air conditioner even before a termination condition is satisfied. Thus, the onboard battery can be prevented in advance from running out of accumulated electric charge required for operating the activated air conditioner thereafter.
US07680568B2 Method of controlling engine stop-start operation for heavy-duty hybrid-electric and hybrid-hydraulic vehicles
A start-stop or idle-stop method for a heavy-duty hybrid vehicle that turns off the fuel supply while maintaining the crankshaft rotation of the internal combustion engine when the vehicle stops or, optionally, when the vehicle travels downhill, travels in a noise sensitive location, travels in an exhaust emissions sensitive location, or operates in an emergency situation. The stop-start or idle-stop method automatically turns on the engine fuel supply to restart combustion when the vehicle starts accelerating, is no longer traveling downhill, is no longer traveling in a noise sensitive or exhaust sensitive location, is no longer in an emergency situation, or has dropped below the minimum energy storage restart level.
US07680559B2 Wafer movement control macros
A computer-implemented method for creating a set of wafer transfer instructions configured to transfer a wafer between an origination wafer-holding location and a destination wafer-holding location in a plasma cluster tool, which has a plurality of wafer-holding locations. The method includes receiving a first user-provided location indicator and a second user-provided location indicator, which graphically identify the origination wafer-holding location and the destination wafer-holding location respectively on the on-screen graphical representation of the plasma cluster tool. The method further includes ascertaining data pertaining to a path between the first user-provided location indicator and the second user-provided location indicator. The method further includes forming the set of wafer transfer instructions responsive to the data pertaining to the path. The set of wafer transfer instructions is configured to transfer the wafer along a set of wafer-holding locations associated with the path.
US07680558B2 Embroidery data creation apparatus and embroidery data creation program recorded in computer-readable recording medium
The process searches a block that contains a current line segment for any other line segments and, if they are found, calculates a distance between an endpoint of the current line segment and endpoint nodes of all the line segments found in the block. The process sequentially searches for the line segments in the block in accordance with search order determined on the basis of a search ranking table if a search range is not crossed over and calculates the distances between the endpoint of the current line segment and the endpoint nodes of the found line segments. Then, the process compares the distance from the endpoint node of the already line segment found and the distance from the newly found endpoint node and outputs the smaller one as the next line segment.
US07680557B2 System for processing semiconductor substrate by using laser and method of the same
The present invention provides a system for processing a semiconductor substrate using a laser beam, the system including: a storing unit storing a process control data set for a slot for loading the semiconductor substrate therein; a process controlling unit detecting identification information of the slot in which the semiconductor substrate is loaded, and reading the control data, which is set for the detected identification information, from the storing unit to control a process of the semiconductor substrate; and a substrate processing unit processing the semiconductor substrate on the basis of the read control data using the laser beam with a predetermined energy.
US07680556B2 Method for data collection during manufacturing processes
The present invention discloses a new data collection method employed by a middle layer between the host and the equipment, which improves the speed and consistency of data collection. The middle layer incorporated with the proposed data collection method functions as a data format converter as well as a data processor/classifier, which helps to filter and format messages before delivering data to the host or equipment. The proposed data collection method enables the middle layer to perform local reply, local data sampling, and group data polling, thus relieving processing resources of both the equipment and the host. This allows implementation of APC on older wafer fabrication processes using old equipment.
US07680551B2 Method of adjusting origin of industrial robot
An industrial robot includes a first member, a positioning member arranged to be attached to the first member, a second member arranged to rotate relative to the first member, and a first joint for coupling the first member with the second member. The second member has a contact point arranged to contact the positioning member. An indication for requesting to enable the positioning member to contact the contact point is displayed. The second member rotates at the first joint relatively to the first member while the positioning member can contact the contact point. It is detected whether or not the contact point of the second member contacts the positioning member. A position of the second member is stored as an origin when it is detected that the contact point of the second member contacts the positioning member. This method prevents a possible failure of the attaching of the positioning member, and decreases a work load on an operator.
US07680550B2 Unit module state processing enhancements
A system is provided to facilitate state processing in an industrial control environment. The system includes a unit module to process components in an industrial control facility. A status component associated with the unit module provides present state information for the components.
US07680546B2 Graphic element with multiple visualizations in a process environment
Smart graphic elements are provided for use as portions or components of one or more graphic displays, which may be executed in a process plant to display information to users about the process plant environment, such as the current state of devices within the process plant. Each of the graphic elements is an executable object that includes a property or a variable that may be bound to an associated process entity, like a field device, and that includes multiple visualizations, each of which may be used to graphically depict the associated process entity on a user interface when the graphic element is executed as part of the graphic display. Any of the graphic element visualizations may be used in any particular graphic display and the same graphic display may use different ones of the visualizations at different times. The different visualizations associated with a graphic element make the graphic element more versatile, at they allow the same graphic element to be used in different displays using different graphical styles or norms. These visualizations also enable the same graphic element to be used in displays designed for different types of display devices, such as display devices having large display screens, standard computer screens and very small display screens, such as PDA and telephone display screens.
US07680538B2 Method of treating obstructive sleep apnea using electrical nerve stimulation
A method for treating a medical condition, such as obstructive sleep apnea, includes the step of stimulating a nerve, particularly the hypoglossal nerve, using at least one of the following techniques: (a) continuous low-level electrical stimulation; (b) electrical stimulation synchronized with a physical process, such as inspiration, without feedback from the nerve being stimulated; and (c) intermittent electrical stimulation at controlled intervals based on the patient's metabolism.
US07680537B2 Therapy triggered by prediction of disordered breathing
An approach to providing disordered breathing therapy includes providing therapy based on a prediction of disordered breathing. One or more patient conditions are detected and used to predict disordered breathing. Therapy is delivered to mitigate the predicted disordered breathing. The disordered breathing therapy may be adapted to enhance therapy efficacy and/or to reduce the impact of the therapy to the patient.
US07680534B2 Implantable cardiac device with dyspnea measurement
Cardiac monitoring and/or stimulation methods and systems employing dyspnea measurement. An implantable cardiac device may sense transthoracic impedance and determine a patient activity level. An index indicative of pulmonary function is implantably computed to detect an episode of dyspnea based on a change, trend, and/or value exceeding a threshold at a determined patient activity level. Trending one or more pulmonary function index values may be done to determine a patient's pulmonary function index profile, which may be used to adapt a cardiac therapy. A physician may be automatically alerted in response to a pulmonary function index value and/or a trend of the patient's pulmonary index being beyond a threshold. Computed pulmonary function index values and their associated patient's activity levels may be stored periodically in a memory and/or transmitted to a patient-external device.
US07680532B2 Detecting atrial fibrillation, method of and apparatus for
A method and apparatus to determine possible atrial fibrillation or absence of atrial fibrillation that includes detecting pulse rhythms from a succession of time intervals each corresponding to a respective interval of time between successive pulse beats; analyzing the detected pulse rhythms to make a determination of possible atrial fibrillation; indicating the possible atrial fibrillation from the determination; or making a determination of the absence of atrial fibrillation.
US07680527B2 Method and apparatus for imaging abdominal aorta and aortic aneurysms
The present invention is a technique and apparatus for acquiring anatomic information used in diagnosing and characterizing abdominal aortic aneurismal disease and the like. This technique provides anatomic information, in the form of images, using a combination of a plurality of magnetic resonance angiography sequences, including a spin-echo and four contrast enhanced (e.g., gadolinium) magnetic resonance angiography sequences. The anatomic images may be used in, for example, pre-operative, operative and post-operative evaluation of aortic pathology, including aneurysms, atherosclerosis, and occlusive disease of branch vessels such as the renal arteries. The gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography provides sufficient anatomic detail to detect aneurysms and all relevant major branch vessel abnormalities seen at angiography operation. This technique and apparatus allows for imaging the aorta at a fraction of the cost of conventional aortography and without the risks of arterial catheterization or iodinated contrast.
US07680510B2 Diversity-switched front end base station transceiver system
A transceiver system for RF communications in a wireless network includes a transceiver having first and second receivers and a transmitter. The first receiver and transmitter are connected to first antenna section. The second receiver is switchable between connection to a second antenna section and connection to the first antenna section. In a dual diversity mode, the second receiver is connected to the second antenna section, and the two receivers are tuned to the same RF channel set. Thus, multi-path faded signals in the RF channel set are received at the two antenna sections. In a cross-connected mode, two of the transceivers are used together, with the second receiver in each being connected to the first antenna section. Each transceiver supports one antenna, and the receivers in each transceiver (as well as the transmitters) are respectively tuned to different RF channel sets. Thus, system capacity is doubled in conjunction with diversity reception.
US07680505B2 Telemetry gateway
A service provider uses a telemetry gateway to communicate with radio communication devices using various incompatible short message service (SMS) protocols. A communication, from the service provider to a radio communication device, passes through the telemetry gateway. The telemetry gateway determines the communication protocol of the radio communication device and converts the communication from a common protocol to the radio communication device's protocol. The telemetry gateway also determines and sends the converted communication over the appropriate communication path for receipt by the radio communication device. The telemetry gateway is also operable for providing registration information and receiving a communication from a radio communication device. The telemetry gateway can convert the received communication to a common protocol and transmit the converted communication to the service provider.
US07680502B2 Radio frequency detection assembly and method for detecting radio frequencies
A radio frequency detection assembly is described and which includes a radio frequency detector which detects a radio frequency emission produced by a radio frequency emitter from a given location which is remote relative to the radio frequency detector; a location assembly electrically coupled with the radio frequency detector and which is operable to estimate the location of the radio frequency emitter from the radio frequency emission which has been received; and a radio frequency transmitter electrically coupled with the radio frequency detector and the location assembly, and which transmits a radio frequency signal which reports the presence of the radio frequency emitter.
US07680501B2 Locating mobile terminals
A method of providing a location estimate for a mobile station in a wireless communications network. The method of providing the location estimate includes implementing, in parallel, a plurality of different location estimate generation methods, each location generation method generating a location estimate. The method of providing the location estimate also includes selecting one of the location estimates based on predetermined criteria.
US07680498B2 Method for reverse signalling for a transmission service which is to be used during a mobile terminated-PSTN/ISDN originated-call
A method for the reverse signaling of a transmission service is used during a call from a first telecommunication network. A mobile terminal is called in the supply range of a target switchboard of a digital mobile radio network from the first telecommunication network, and the information completely describing the transmission service which is to be used is exchanged between the mobile terminal and the destination mobile switchboard of the digital mobile radio network, is stored in the destination mobile switchboard and is transported by at least one signaling message ADDRESS COMPLETE, ANSWER to at least one access mobile switchboard involved in the call which to be made, whereupon it is made available.
US07680495B2 Method and apparatus for designing various network configuration scenarios
A method and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing and designing various network configuration scenarios. A modular design allows market assessment and network planning functions to be performed more efficiently and accurately using a single integrated design tool. Wired and wireless access technologies can be modeled and evaluated. In an exemplary implementation for modeling and evaluating fixed wireless access networks, the network planning tool comprises a market scenario planner, a cluster analysis tool, a hub sector planner and a network architecture planner. Generally, the market scenario planner analyzes a listing of potential customers to generate a list of target customers. The cluster analysis tool allows the network planner to identify “clusters” of demand for potential hub placement. The hub sector planner analyzes the hub assignments generated by the cluster analysis tool and allocates each building in a given hub to a particular sector. The network architecture planner processes the output of the hub sector planning tool to (i) generate a complete configuration of the network in terms of equipment requirements at each node (each building, hub and service node); and (ii) compare a set of scenarios using several financial measures.
US07680494B2 Servicing of wireless terminal print job by unsupported printer
A wireless terminal having processing resources, a user interface including a user input device and a display, and a wireless interface causes a file to be printed to a destination printer that is unsupported by the wireless terminal. The processing resources communicatively couple to the wireless interface and to the user interface and are operable to receive a file via a servicing wireless network and the wireless interface, receive a request via the user interface to print the file, identify a destination printer, determine that the wireless terminal does not support printing of the file at the destination printer, identify a servicing device for processing of the file for printing at the destination printer, and transmit the file to the servicing device via the wireless interface and the servicing wireless network.
US07680483B2 Mobile content access and transmission method using hyperlink message, and mobile terminal, mobile communication provider server and content provider server for the same
Disclosed herein are a mobile contents access, transmission and reception method using a hyperlink message, the method allowing predetermined contents to be displayed or to be activated when a hyperlink of the hyperlink message is selected, the hyperlink message includes hyperlink information designating a connection point at which the contents will be executed on the terminal, and free communication identification information indicating that a communication fee normally charged to the terminal is not charged, the terminal adds an indication of free communication to the hyperlink message and displays them on a display means, the contents are activated in the terminal through the connection between the terminal and the connection point, and when the connection is terminated, the mobile communication provider server calculates the communication fee to be charged for the connection through, and stores it as billing information for the contents provider rather than billing information for the terminal.
US07680482B2 Method and apparatus for session tracing and session logging in a peer-to-peer communication environment
Peer-A (101) broadcasts a Peer Lookup Query (107) to a Peer Discovery Service (PDS) (105). Peer-A (101) may receive a Peer Lookup Response (109) from any peer having the reachability information including a Time Stamp, and an Initial Sequence Number. Peer-A (101) may subsequently use the Time Stamp and Sequence Number to send session management and session media packets to Peer-B (103). Peer-A (101) and Peer-B (103) reciprocally store message identification including sequence number and timestamp in a local session record contained in a secure memory. At completion of the IP session, both Peer-A (101) and Peer-B (103) will dump the session records from their respective secure memories to a remote Session Log Database (115), via message (117) and message (119), respectively. The remote session DB consolidates the records and uses the temporal and causal relationships between the messages to resolve any data conflicts and recreate the complete session record.
US07680481B2 Method and apparatus for linking charging records
A method of processing multi-leg calls in a communication network is provided. The method comprises: receiving a call for a user at a first entity in the network; establishing a first call leg to a second entity; generating a first charging data record with at least one field, wherein the field contains a charging identifier for the first call leg; receiving a response from the second entity; establishing a second call leg to a third entity; generating a second charging data record with at least two fields, wherein the first field contains a charging identifier for the second call leg and the second field contains a copy of the charging identifier for the first call leg; and sending the charging data records to a third entity.
US07680480B2 Determining user availability based on a past event
Techniques are disclosed for determining, for each candidate communication medium, the availability of one or more telecommunications endpoint users for participating in a communication session of interest (i.e., either new or existing) via the evaluated medium. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, an availability manager determines the availability based on (i) one or more discrete rules, or (ii) one or more continuous functions, or both. The continuous functions are specified with respect to the time that has elapsed since a previous session, the time remaining in an active session, and the expected duration of a new session. Once it has determined the availability of one or more participants in the communication session, the availability manager of the illustrative embodiment transmits one or more signals to a call-processing server, which then sets up the participants on the session via the appropriate communication medium such as voice, instant messaging, and so forth.
US07680473B2 Circuits and methods for signal gain control
A signal gain control circuit. A gain stage receives and amplifies an analog signal by a first gain factor adjusted by a gain adjusting signal in a periodic manner with a first period, and outputs an amplified signal. An analog to digital converter converts the amplified signal to a first digital signal comprising a stream of samples. An amplifying device adjusts a second gain factor in a periodic manner with a second period in accordance with a characteristic metric of the distribution of the first digital signal and multiplying the first digital signal by the second gain factor to generate a second digital signal. A first gain adjusting device detects a strength of the second digital signal and generates the gain adjusting signal according to the signal strength of the second digital signal in a periodic manner with the first period.
US07680470B2 Multi-connection, non-simultaneous frequency diversity in radio communication systems
A radio communication system includes a remote device radio, and a base station radio operable to communicate with the remote device radio at a first channel and at a second channel using non-simultaneous frequency diversity. The base station is operable to communicate with a device other than the remote device at the second channel while the remote device radio and the base station radio are communicating at the first channel. A radio using non-simultaneous frequency diversity includes an antenna, a radio frequency module coupled to the antenna such that the radio frequency module is operable to transmit or receive radio frequency signals at a first channel and signals at a second channel using the antenna, and a baseband module coupled to the radio frequency module. The baseband module operable to transmit or receive signals through the radio frequency module, such that signals transmitted or received by the radio employ non-simultaneous frequency diversity using the first channel and the second channel. Additional devices are operable to use the second channel while the radio is transmitting or receiving radio frequency signals at the first channel.
US07680465B2 Sound enhancement for audio devices based on user-specific audio processing parameters
Various embodiments are disclosed relating to sound enhancement for wireless audio devices. A technique may include determining one or more user-specific audio processing parameters, receiving an RF signal from a first wireless device, demodulating the received RF signal to obtain an audio signal, processing the audio signal based on the one or more user-specific audio processing parameters to generate a user-specific audio signal. The user-specific audio processing parameters may be based on user preferences, or may, for example be based on a user auditory profile or other information to allow a received audio signal to be processed to at least partially compensate for a user's specific hearing impairment.
US07680464B2 Waveguide—printed wiring board (PWB) interconnection
An RF interconnection between RF Printed Wiring Boards (PWBs) includes a waveguide transmission line coupled between the RF PWBs. The waveguide feeds are provided as integral parts of each PWB. In one embodiment, the waveguide interconnecting the PWBs is provided as an integral part of a support structure which supports the PWBs. By providing the interconnecting waveguide and the feeds at each end of the waveguide as integral pieces of other already existing structures, a reliable, low cost RF interconnection between RF PWBs having relatively few separate pieces is provided.
US07680462B2 Wireless transceiver system
A wireless transceiver system for compensating a transport loss includes a transceiver (100), a tower mounted amplifier (TMA) (200), and a transport loss detector (400). The transceiver transmits a first signal at a transmit power. The first signal is changed into a second signal after cable attenuation from the transceiver. The TMA is connected to the transceiver via a cable, receives a second signal, and amplifies the second signal. The transport loss detector is connected to the TMA, and calculates a transport loss between the transceiver and the TMA. The TMA further compensates the transport loss between the transceiver and the TMA according to the calculated result of the controller.
US07680454B2 Wireless network located within a vehicle containing access points and terminals for wireless communication
A wireless network system arranges a plurality of access points along the aisles in a vehicle having two or more aisles. The positions of the access points on the first aisle and the positions of the access points on the second aisle are arranged in a zigzag pattern. The distance between neighboring access points is thus great, and there is no signal interference between adjacent access points.
US07680450B2 Method and user equipment for jamming detection and signalling in a mobile telecommunications network
Method for jamming detection in a mobile telecommunications network comprising the steps of, at a user equipment registered with the mobile telecommunications network: a) measuring a signal power level in at least one of a plurality of communication channels between the user equipment and a base station within a band of operation of the mobile telecommunications network; b) checking whether the signal power level in said at least one communication channel is greater than a threshold MNPL and, if so, attempting to decode a Base Station Identity Code BSIC broadcast by the base station in said communication channel; c) repeating steps a) and b) for a certain number of channels; d) signalling a jammed condition report JDR message to the base station if said BSIC cannot be decoded for said number DCMN of channels.
US07680445B2 Belt assembly, and a transfer unit and an image forming apparatus having the same
A belt assembly in an image forming apparatus includes a belt which includes a guiding rail on one side, a first roller which includes a receiving part which supports the guiding rail, and a second roller which includes one end which does not interfere with the guiding rail, wherein the belt is supported and rotated by the first roller and the second roller. The intermediate transfer belt has a flatness such that image errors such as crinkles or irregular horizontal bands can be prevented.
US07680444B2 Toner cartridge and image forming apparatus
A toner cartridge includes a toner container which contains toner, the toner container having at one end portion thereof a discharge port which discharges the toner, and a member which is attached to an outer peripheral surface of the one end portion. The member has a first part which is engaged with the one end portion, and a second part which has, at a position corresponding to the discharge port, a passage hole through which the toner discharged from the discharge port passes.
US07680437B2 Apparatus and method for driving a machine in a replaceable cartridge
An apparatus for driving a machine in a replaceable cartridge supporting a first rotatable element for transferring rotary motion to the machine includes a housing for accommodating the cartridge at a pre-determined position. The housing supports a second rotatable element. A locking mechanism includes a component, provided on a certain one of the first and second rotatable elements, capable of assuming a state of readiness in which, with the cartridge at the pre-determined position, the component is positioned relative to the other rotatable element such that, upon rotation of the second rotatable element in at least one direction, the first rotatable element rotates with the second rotatable element, and in which state the rotatable elements are axially decoupled. The certain one of the first and second rotatable elements is provided with a mechanism for exerting a torque on the component tending to establish the state of readiness.
US07680436B2 Developing unit comprising movement member capable of moving between housing position and protruding position and image forming device
A developing unit is to be attachable to and detachable from an image forming device main body. The developing unit is provided with a developer case, a developing roller coupled with the developer case, and a movement member coupled with the developer case. The movement member is capable of moving between a housing position where the movement member is substantially housed inside the developer case and a protruding position where the movement member protrudes beyond the developer case. The movement member is positioned at the protruding position and pushed by the image forming device main body in a predetermined direction while the developing unit is being attached to the image forming device main body.
US07680433B2 Process cartridge with casings combined by coupling pin, and assembling method and disassembling method thereof
A process cartridge includes an image carrier, a developing device, a first casing for supporting the image carrier, and a second casing for supporting the developing device. The first casing and the second casing are freely combined in a rotatable manner as coupling pins are inserted into first insertion holes formed in the first casing and a second insertion hole formed in the second casing. An engaging means, by which the coupling pin is press-fit into the first insertion hole, and the coupling pin is kept from being press-fit into the first casing and the second casing after being pre-fit, is disposed in at least one of the first casing and the second casing, and the coupling pin.
US07680432B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus having removable/replaceable process cartridges is provided. One of the removable/replaceable process cartridges may be removed/replaced from a panel which is different than a panel from which the other removable/replaceable process cartridges may be removed/replaced. One of the removable/replaceable process cartridges may be associated with an exposure device which is only used to expose a portion of that process cartridge while the other removable/replaceable process cartridges may be associated with at least one other exposure device. An image forming apparatus may include two or more different types of exposure devices (e.g., laser based, light emitting diode based, etc.). An image forming apparatus may include a plurality of guide members for guiding portions of an exposure device arranged on a panel of the image forming apparatus such that when the door or panel is arranged on the image forming apparatus, the exposure device is guided into position by the guide members.
US07680427B2 Image forming apparatus
A high voltage power supply apparatus according to the present invention is a high voltage power supply apparatus that applies a bias voltage at least to a developing roller of a developing unit, the apparatus comprising: a transformer that increases an AC voltage and includes a main winding and a sub winding on the secondary side thereof; a first capacitor whose first end is connected to a common connection point between the main and sub windings; a second capacitor whose first end is connected to one end of the sub winding which is not the common connection point side; a zener diode whose both ends are connected to the second end of the first capacitor and second end of the second capacitor; and a DC voltage application section that applies a DC voltage to the zener diode, wherein a voltage generated in the second end of the first capacitor is used as a voltage to be applied to the developing roller.
US07680424B2 Roller fuser system with fusing member temperature control for printing
Internally-heated external rollers transfer heat rapidly to a fuser roller in an electrostatographic printer. Stored media process set points, input image content and input media type data are used to regulate the heat transfer rate by varying the nip width between the heated external rollers and the fuser roller. The rate of heat transfer and the rate of heat transfer adjustment are sufficiently rapid that many different media weights and types may be mixed in a print run without restrictions on media run lengths, without collation requirements per run, and without productivity losses due to slowing of feed rate for heavier receivers.
US07680423B2 Image forming apparatus and method for controlling wear of a photoconductor drum
Wear of the photoreceptor drum can be suppressed, and degradation of image quality of recorded images can be suppressed.When instruction information (image information and control information) for instructing formation of a developed image on a plurality of recording sheets S is inputted, driving of the photoreceptor drum 50, the developing device 52 and the transfer roller 56 is controlled such that formation of the developed image on a plurality of the recording sheets S according to the instruction information is continuously performed, and driving of the photoreceptor drum 50, the developing device 52 or the transfer roller 56 is controlled such that, in the course of the continuous image formation, driving of the photoreceptor drum 50, the developing device 52 or the transfer roller 56 is halted at least once.
US07680421B2 Multimode optical fibre communication system
A multimode optical fibre communications system, and in particular to a system in which non-linearities in the propagation of the signal through a multimode optical communications channel degrade the signal presented to the receiver. The system includes an optical transmitter unit for connection to a multimode optical fibre transmission link. The transmitter unit has a data input for receiving an input data signal, a data signal processing circuit and a source of optical radiation. The data signal processing circuit is arranged to receive the input data signal from the data input and to provide a processed data signal to the source of optical radiation and the source of optical radiation is arranged to generate from this an optical signal for transmission by a multimode optical fibre. The data processing circuit is arranged to provide from the input data signal a non-inverted data signal and an inverted data signal, receive a control signal for controlling the generation of the processed data signal, apply a controllable delay in accordance with the control signal to at least one of the non-inverted and inverted data signals, and combine the non-inverted and inverted signals after the application of the controllable delay(s) and gain factor(s) to generate the processed data signal.
US07680417B2 Bi-directional parallel optical link
A system is disclosed. The system includes a first optical transceiver having a first set of transmitters and a first set of receivers and a second optical transceiver having a second set of transmitters coupled anti-symmetrically to the first set of receivers of the first optical transceiver and a second set of receivers coupled anti-symmetrically to the first set of transmitters of the first optical transceiver.
US07680414B2 Passive optical network system and operating method thereof
A Passive Optical Network system implementing a parent station capable of receiving high-speed burst signals transmitted from a plurality of subsidiary stations to a parent station, with excellent bandwidth utilization efficiency in the link from the stations to the parent. The system is provided with a configuration in which, when launched or an addition of a new subsidiary station, the parent stores threshold values appropriate for the received signals on the basis of the strength of the received signal for each subsidiary station, from among a plurality of preset threshold value candidates, and in response to the parent station's sending of a transmission grant with respect to each subsidiary station each time the subsidiary station transmitting optical signals changes, the stored threshold value corresponding to the subsidiary station is set in the receiver circuit.
US07680413B2 Optical network monitoring system and method
An optical network monitoring system and method provide for optical network diverting or further legal intercept, operational and/or other monitoring of general or specific transmission information that may be transmitted via a network optical branch. In one embodiment, a splitter within a diverter assembly diverts a portion of a received transmission signal (strength) to an optical receiver or re-transmitter, and outputs a further portion of the signal via a diverter assembly output or further via a re-transmitter or booster. In another embodiment, the splitter is generally matched to the receiver. A further embodiment provides for transferring the diverted portion to a monitoring assembly with which the diverting assembly may be matched, disposed or otherwise integrated, and which may provide for configuring the diverting assembly. The monitoring assembly may further provide for conducting monitoring processing, which may include receiving additional information from a service host or other system component, processing the diverted portion, additional information or both, and/or using the additional information for processing the diverted portion. The monitoring assembly may still further receive a monitoring request from a monitoring requester or other authorization authority that may include monitoring processing criteria, and may transfer designated content to a designated receiver.
US07680405B2 Lens operation device and camera system
The present invention provides a lens operation device connected to a lens apparatus and adapted to operate a function which the lens apparatus has. The structure of the lens operation device includes: a plurality of switches including an auxiliary switch; and a controller for detecting the function of the lens apparatus and for assigning execution of the function to the auxiliary switch.
US07680399B2 System and method for producing and delivering vapor
Systems and methods for producing and delivering vapor are disclosed. A vaporizer tank containing a liquid may be heated such that liquid within the tank is heated and vapor generated. The flow of this vapor to a destination may then be regulated. Embodiments of the present invention may control the temperature of this liquid such that a saturated vapor condition is substantially maintained in the vaporizer tank. The vaporizer tank is coupled to a mass flow controller which regulates the delivery of the vapor to downstream components. By substantially maintaining the saturated vapor condition within the vaporizer tank the pressure of vapor at the mass flow controller can be substantially maintained and a stable and consistent flow rate of vapor achieved.
US07680396B2 Reproducing system and reproduction method, and data transmission device and data transmission method
A reproduction player (10) comprising a packet processing unit (14) for allowing A/V data reproduced from a recording medium by a disc reproducing unit (12) and an encoder (13) to be packet data so that communication packet is provided, and for inserting additional information indicating operating state of the reproduction player (10) into the communication packet, and a remocon (20) comprising a packet processing unit (25) for taking out additional information along with A/V data from communication packet that a receiving unit (24) has received, an output unit (21) for externally outputting music and/or image on the basis of the A/V data, and a display unit (22) for displaying operating state of the reproduction player (10) on the basis of the additional information are used to constitute a reproducing system which reproduces music and/or video data. User can recognize, on the real time basis, the state of the unit of the transmitting side which reproduces A/V data at an remote output equipment.
US07680386B2 Retractable module for patch cords
A retractable optical fiber assembly is provided, including a first ring adapted to accommodate a first winding of a fiber optic cable having a first end. A second ring is positioned concentrically with the first ring. The second ring is rotatable with respect to the first ring, and the second ring is adapted to accommodate a second winding of the fiber optic cable having a second end. Rotating the second ring in a first direction causes the fiber optic cable to wind onto the second ring thereby retracting the second end towards the retractable optical fiber assembly, and causes the fiber optic cable to unwind about the first ring thereby retaining the first end in a stable position as the second end is retracted. A module is also provided that includes a plurality of retractable optical fiber assemblies.
US07680385B2 Self-supported optical correlator
A self-supported optical correlator has a first holder having two opposite ends, one of the opposite ends being provided with anchor points, the other end being provided with a light source. The correlator also has a second holder having two opposite ends, one of which is provided with anchor points, the other being provided with a light receiving element, and a plurality of intermediary holders, each having two opposite ends provided with anchor points, at least one of the intermediary holders being provided with a spatial light modulator for projecting an image and another of the intermediary holders being provided with another spatial light modulator for projecting a filter. Each of the intermediary holders is provided with optical components secured within the holders. The said anchor points are adapted to secure the first, second and intermediary holders together linearly end to end; so that when the intermediary holders are assembled end to end, and the first holder is assembled at one extremity and the other holder is assembled at another extremity, the resulting assembly forms said optical correlator. The optical components are toleranced, and the anchor point serve to assemble a structure which does not require additional adjustments.
US07680384B2 Installation tool with integrated visual fault indicator for field-installable mechanical splice connector
A mechanical splice fiber optic connector installation tool operable for performing splice terminations and verifying an acceptable splice termination includes a power source, a connector holder, an integrated Visual Fault Locater having an optical transmission element and a display for displaying the status of the termination. An adapter configured to receive the connector and align the connector with the optical transmission element, such that the optical transmission element is spaced apart from the connector at a predetermined distance and is in optical communication with the connector for propagating light energy through the adapter and along the stub optical fiber to a termination area of the connector.
US07680383B1 Semiconductor-based broadband modulators
An optical modulator is provided. The optical modulator includes a ridge-shaped active region comprising a plurality of alternating high and low index layers. The ridge-shaped active region is used to confine a selective optical mode for optical modulation. A plurality of oxidized layers positioned so as to confine the selective optical mode in the middle region of the ridge-shaped active region. The oxidized layers enable the optical modulator to withstand high operating voltages both in reverse and forward bias without concern of breakdown or carrier loss.
US07680380B2 Fiber optic cables and assemblies and the performance thereof
A fiber optic jumper assembly comprising at least one bend performance optical fiber comprising a core region and a cladding region surrounding the core region, the cladding region comprising an annular hole-containing region comprised of non-periodically disposed holes, a protective covering positioned over the at least one bend performance optical fiber, and at least one connector mounted upon each end of the at least one bend performance optical fiber. A preconnectorized fiber optic jumper assembly comprising a microstructured fiber having a delta attenuation of 0.00 dB at 5 wraps about a 6 mm diameter at a reference wavelength of 1625 nm.
US07680378B2 Low reflection lateral output fiber probe
A system and method which integrates a mirror at the fiber tip to the fiber tip and uses a tilted flat at the exit plane to prevent astigmatism caused by the cylindrical curvature of the fiber wall and minimize reflection.
US07680375B2 Production device and production method for an optical device component having a grating structure
A production device and a production method for a grating-type optical component enabling formation of a variety types of FBGs using a single phase mask and an optical component made by the production method or production device for a grating-type optical component are provided. The method involves diffusing at least one of hydrogen or deuterium into an optical fiber and altering the refractive index of the optical fiber by irradiating the fiber with non-interfering UV lamp light.
US07680371B2 Interface device for performing mode transformation in optical waveguides
An interface device for performing mode transformation in optical waveguides includes an optical waveguide core for propagating light of a particular wavelength or a plurality of wavelengths. The optical waveguide core terminates in a subwavelength grating configured to change the propagation mode of the light. The subwavelength grating has a pitch sufficiently less than the wavelength of the light to frustrate diffraction. The device can thus serve as an optical coupler between different propagating media, or as an anti-reflective or high reflectivity device.
US07680370B2 Optical wavelength coupler using multi-mode interference
Provided is an optical wavelength coupler using a multi-mode interference. The optical wavelength coupler is a planar waveguide type optical device that can distribute or couple two optical signals having different wavelengths by using the multi-mode interference. The optical wavelength coupler is suitable for integration and is small-sized. Also, the optical wavelength coupler has a low manufacturing tolerance and a low loss, and is insensitive to TE/TM polarization.
US07680365B2 Optical fiber sheet and its manufacturing method
An optical fiber sheet comprises optical fibers sandwiched between sheet members and fixed thereto. Distal ends of the optical fibers extend from outer peripheral edges of the sheet members with resin coatings applied to the distal ends to produce extensions. The distal ends of the extensions are inserted into fiber holes of connectors with the resin coatings applied to the distal ends to be connected with the connectors.
US07680361B2 Optical buffer device
An optical buffer device includes plural optical memory elements that are capable of holding light and an optical delay element. The plural optical memory elements are arranged on an optical path through which signal light and control light propagate in mutually opposite directions. Further, the optical delay element is disposed between the optical memory elements that are adjacent to each other. The optical delay element imparts different delays to the signal light and the control light. According to a preferred exemplary embodiment of this optical buffer device, each of the optical memory elements includes an optical waveguide through which the signal light and the control light propagate and an optical resonator that is disposed in proximity to this optical waveguide, and a coupling between the optical waveguide and the optical resonator is generated or cancelled depending on whether or not the control light is inputted.
US07680360B2 Information processing system and information processing method
An information processing system includes a memory portion that stores image information of a space in association with a document, the image information being captured by an image capturing portion, the document being used while the space being captured, a receiving portion that receives information that specifies the document as a search request, and a search portion that searches the image information stored on the memory portion for a scene associated with the document specified by the search request, on the basis of the search request.
US07680356B2 Technique for bit-accurate comfort noise addition
The addition of comfort noise to an image serves to hide compression artifacts. To facilitate comfort noise addition, supplemental information accompanying a video image contains at least one parameter that specifies an attribute regarding comfort noise. Typically, the supplemental information includes parameters that function to turn the comfort noise on and off, as well as to indicate the level of noise to add, based on the expected level of compression artifacts.
US07680354B2 Image deblur based on two images
A method includes (a) performing image deblur at the original size of underexposed and normally exposed images when their original image size is small. Otherwise, the method includes (b) downsizing the images and performing image deblur on the downsized images. The image deblur on downsized images includes (c) applying a global color transfer between the images if their difference of average gray values is small. Otherwise, the method includes four successive sub-procedures: (d) histogram customizing of the underexposed image based on the normally exposed image; (e) region segmentation for the histogram-customized underexposed image and local alignment of regions in the histogram-customized underexposed image with the normally exposed image; (f) color tuning for the histogram-customized underexposed image based on the local alignment and a global alignment between the underexposed and the normally exposed images; and (g) local color transfer with multi-size neighbor windows from between the images.
US07680351B2 Video deblocking method and apparatus
Methods and systems for processing pixels within a current macroblock are disclosed. Aspects of the method may comprise acquiring a plurality of pixels that are adjacent to the left of a plurality of selected pixels within the current macroblock. A portion of the plurality of selected pixels within the current macroblock may be filtered along a vertical edge utilizing a portion of the acquired plurality of pixels that are adjacent to the left of the plurality of selected pixels. The at least a portion of said filtered plurality of selected pixels within the current macroblock may be rotated. The current macroblock may be filtered along a horizontal edge, utilizing at least a portion of the rotated plurality of selected pixels.
US07680350B2 Method and system for progressive mesh storage and reconstruction using wavelet-encoded height fields
Systems and methods are provided for progressive mesh storage and reconstruction using wavelet-encoded height fields. A method for progressive mesh storage includes reading raster height field data, and processing the raster height field data with a discrete wavelet transform to generate wavelet-encoded height fields. In another embodiment, a method for progressive mesh storage includes reading texture map data, and processing the texture map data with a discrete wavelet transform to generate wavelet-encoded texture map fields. A method for reconstructing a progressive mesh from wavelet-encoded height field data includes determining terrain blocks, and a level of detail required for each terrain block, based upon a viewpoint. Triangle strip constructs are generated from vertices of the terrain blocks, and an image is rendered utilizing the triangle strip constructs. Software products that implement these methods are provided.
US07680349B2 Variable length coding for clustered transform coefficients in video compression
Coding quantized transform coefficients as occur in image compression combines a position identifying method to identify the relative position of clusters of consecutive non-zero-valued coefficients, an amplitude event identifying method to identify amplitude events in the clusters of non-zero-valued coefficients, and a coding method to code the position events, amplitude events, and signs of the amplitudes in the clusters. The method is particularly applicable to a series of quantized transform coefficients where clusters are likely to occur.
US07680342B2 Indoor/outdoor classification in digital images
An analysis and classification tool compares at least a portion of a captured image and a reference image of nominally the same scene. One of the captured and reference images is taken with flash and the other is taken without flash. The tool provides a measure of the difference in illumination between the captured image and the reference image. The tool compares the measure with a threshold and categorizes the scene as outdoor or indoor based on the measure.
US07680341B2 Generic visual classification with gradient components-based dimensionality enhancement
In an image classification system (70), a plurality of generative models (30) correspond to a plurality of image classes. Each generative model embodies a merger of a general visual vocabulary and an image class-specific visual vocabulary. A gradient-based class similarity modeler (40) includes (i) a model fitting data extractor (46) that generates model fitting data of an image (72) respective to each generative model and (ii) a dimensionality enhancer (50) that computes a gradient-based vector representation of the model fitting data with respect to each generative model in a vector space defined by the generative model. An image classifier (76) classifies the image respective to the plurality of image classes based on the gradient-based vector representations of class similarity.
US07680340B2 Method of using temporal context for image classification
A method for improving scene classification of a sequence of digital images is disclosed herein. Such a method may include providing a sequence of images captured in temporal succession; (b) classifying each of the images individually based on information contained in the image alone to generate a first image classification; and (c) imposing a pre-determined temporal context model on the sequence of images to generate a final image classification for each image in the sequence.
US07680335B2 Prior-constrained mean shift analysis
A system and method are provided for prior-constrained mean shift analysis of a data array, the system including a processor, an input adapter in signal communication with the processor for receiving at least one data array, and a prior constraints unit in signal communication with the processor for performing a prior-constrained mean shift analysis on the at least one data array; and the method including receiving initialization data, selecting an initial point relative to the initialization data, Gaussian fitting with a prior-constrained mean shift responsive to the initial point to parse a structure, and setting the parsed structure as a prior constraint.
US07680334B2 Presenting recognised handwritten symbols
A method for presenting recognized handwritten symbols includes recognizing a detected handwritten pattern. Recognizing may include comparing the handwritten pattern to templates representing ways of writing symbols and returning a best interpretation of the handwritten pattern. The best interpretation may be based on the pattern of a best template. At least two templates may include different patterns which represent different ways of writing a single symbol, and the patterns of the at least two templates may return different best interpretations when being most similar to the handwritten pattern. The method further includes presenting the pattern of the best template on a screen. A device for implementing the method may also be provided.
US07680333B2 System and method for binary persistence format for a recognition result lattice
A system and method for storing document data in a serialized binary format recognition lattice structure so that the data is accessible to other applications. The lattice structure is generated that includes root node data. Child nodes correspond to columns of the recognition lattice. Each node includes a descriptor that is a collection of flags indicating presence of specific components of the node. The child nodes may include grandchild nodes with similar structure corresponding to elements within the columns. Each node further includes property information associated with the node. The recognition lattice is stored in a serial binary data format.
US07680321B2 Method and system to compensate for lamp intensity differences in a photolithographic inspection tool
An after develop inspection tool considers tool-to-tool variability when determining confidence score for wafers under inspection. A golden wafer is used to calculate a RGB signature as well as the slope of the individual RGB curves for different lamp intensities. These slopes are normalized in order to generate a compensation factor for red values and blue values within a signature. When a wafer is subsequently inspected at an ADI station using a different lamp, the test wafer RGB signature is likely captured at a different lamp intensity. Consequently, when comparing the signatures, the golden wafer RGB signature is adjusted by the compensation factors, based on the different lamp's intensity setting, and this adjusted RGB signature is then used to determine whether a defect exists on the test wafer.
US07680314B2 Devices, systems, and methods for improving image consistency
Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a method, which can comprise automatically rendering an improved image of a target object. The improved image obtained based upon a principal mode of the target object. The principal mode of the target object can be provided to an algorithm that is adapted to derive the improved image of the target object.
US07680311B2 System aid for digital radiographic image quality verification
A computerized method to aid in human visual reading of phantom image data for task-based image quality assessment. A digital image is registered to a phantom template to generate a plurality of individual targets. The individual targets are sequentially displayed to a user for visual assessment. A display control adjustment is provided for each of the displayed individual targets. The user then indicates at least one assessment of the displayed individual target, and the assessments for all the plurality of targets is stored for analysis. In one arrangement, the individual targets are randomly rotated prior to being sequentially displayed.
US07680308B2 Medical imaging-quality assessment and improvement system (QAISys)
The business method known as QAISys (Quality Assessment and Improvement System) is a process that rates comprehensively and continually the quality of medical images as determined by the interpreting radiologist. The output of this system conveys feedback from the radiologist to the performing technologist and his/her supervisor. This feedback enables medical radiologists, technologists, and managers to bridge any communication gaps between themselves in respect to the quality and effectiveness of medical images. It permits management to assess and track image quality for an entire medical imaging department by modality, location, and/or shift, and for each individual technologist. The QAISys method reveals the nature of recurrent quality failures and highlights which exam types need to be improved. QAISys then indicates practical, cost-effective means of assessing and improving the overall medical images for future patients.
US07680307B2 Systems and methods for image segmentation with a multi-stage classifier
The systems and methods described herein provide for fast and accurate image segmentation through the application of a multi-stage classifier to an image data set. An image processing system is provided having a processor configured to apply a multi-stage classifier to the image data set to identify a distinctive region. The multi-stage classifier can include two or more component classifiers. The first component classifier can have a sensitivity level configured to identify one or more target regions in the image data set and the second component classifier can have a specificity level configured to confirm the presence of the distinctive region in any identified target regions. Also provided is a classification array having multiple multi-stage classifiers for identification and confirmation of more than one distinctive region or for the application of different classification configurations to the image data set to identify a specific distinctive region.
US07680304B2 Method of wood strength and stiffness prediction
A method of non-destructive testing of a wood piece using a multiplicity of sensors. The method may include the steps of sensing the wood piece; collecting information from the sensors; and integrating the information into a physical model providing for strength and stiffness prediction. The collected information relate to material characteristics of the wood piece and to fiber quality characteristics of the wood piece. The material characteristics may include one or more of the following material characteristics of the wood piece: growth ring thickness; grain angle deviation; clear wood density; knot location; knot density; knot type; knot size; location in the tree from which the wood piece was cut. The fiber quality characteristics may include one or more of the following fiber quality characteristics: microfibril angle, juvenile wood, biodeterioration; reaction wood species; and manufacturing or drying defects including one or more of the following defects: sawcuts, checks, shake; size of actual cross-section, and species.
US07680302B2 Method and apparatus for detection of drowsiness and quantitative control of biological processes
The present invention is directed to a real-time automated video cognizer that functions as a facial video processor for detecting drowsiness in operators of motorized vehicles, including the use of a video cognizer to provide pattern recognition and control signal generation during monitoring of macroscopic or microscopic biological processes. More specifically, the present invention accepts input from a video monitoring system that continuously captures the operator's facial images; employing three sequential means of processing the digitized video information to extract the position and configuration of drowsy-relevant facial features and numerically processes this information to yield a quantitative estimate of drowsiness probability in each epoch of monitoring. The means of the present invention are noninvasive, do not restrict driver movement or performance, provide increased measurement reliability for actual driver behavior, and include the capability of generating or triggering suitable alarms when drowsiness occurs.
US07680301B2 Measurements using a single image
A method used in broadcasts of events is disclosed for identifying the coordinates of an object in world space from a video frame, where the object is not on the geometric model of the environment. Once the world coordinates of the object are identified, a graphic may be added to a video replay showing the object. The method may also be expanded in a further embodiment to identify a trajectory of an object over time moving through world space from video images of the start and end of the trajectory, where the object is not on the geometric model of the environment. Once the trajectory of the object in world space is identified, a graphic may be added to a video replay showing the trajectory.
US07680297B2 Fire detection method and apparatus
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting fire in a monitored area even if the flames are hidden behind obstructing objects. The steps of this method include: (a) detecting and capturing, at a prescribed frequency, video images of the monitored area, (b) converting the captured images into two-dimensional bitmaps of the temporally varying brightness values observed in the captured images, wherein the spatial resolution of this bitmap is determined by the number of pixels comprising the bitmaps, (c) specifying for any two of the pixels in the bitmaps a temporal coherence factor whose magnitude is a measure over a prescribed time of the similarities observed in the temporal variations of the brightness values being captured at each of the bitmap's pixels, (d) computing this temporal coherence factors for each of the prescribed set of pixels in the captured images, and (e) analyzing the computed temporal coherence factors to identify those sets of pixels that have temporal coherence factors whose values are above a prescribed threshold value, wherein this prescribed threshold value is set so as to identify those pixels that correspond to regions of the monitored area whose temporal variations in brightness indicate that the source of this brightness is a fire in the monitored area.
US07680294B2 Acoustic transducer
An acoustic transducer includes a magnetic circuit part and a voice coil operatively connected to the magnetic circuit part. A tubular casing accommodates the magnetic circuit part and the voice coil. An annular first support spring has an outer peripheral portion embedded and secured in the casing. The first support spring extends radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the casing and has an inner peripheral portion abutting on and fixed to the magnetic circuit part. An annular second support spring has an outer peripheral portion abutting on and fixed to one end portion of the casing. The second support spring extends radially inward and has an inner peripheral portion abutting on and fixed to the magnetic circuit part.
US07680293B2 Loudspeaker apparatus
A loudspeaker apparatus includes a speaker unit and a front cover. The speaker unit generates acoustic waves according to an external electronic signal. The front cover located in front of the speaker unit includes a plurality of elastic spacers and a diaphragm, and the elastic spacers and the diaphragm form an enhanced chamber, such, that the acoustic waves generated by the speaker unit go through the enhance chamber, and then drives the diaphragm to generate the acoustic waves again.
US07680289B2 Binaural sound localization using a formant-type cascade of resonators and anti-resonators
This invention is a method for binaural localization using a cascade of resonators and anti-resonators to implement an HRTF (head-related transfer function). The spectrum of the cascade reproduces the magnitude spectrum of a desired HRTF. The proposed method provides a considerably more computationally efficient implementation of HRTF filters with no detectable deterioration of output quality while saving memory when storing a large quantity of HRTFs due to the parameterization of its resonators and anti-resonators. Finally, the method offers additional flexibility since the resonators and anti-resonators can be manipulated individually during the design process, making it possible to interpolate smoothly between HRTFs, reduce spectral coloring or achieve higher accuracy at perceptually relevant frequency regions. These HRTF are useful in stereo enhancement and multi-channel virtual surround simulation.
US07680286B2 Sound field measurement device
A wide frequency range signal from a test sound source is reproduced successively by a plurality of speakers, and the reproduced sound is detected by a plurality of microphones, after which the frequency characteristics are obtained at FFTs, while obtaining the frequency characteristics of the wide frequency range signal at an FFT. A high frequency range level is normalized with a low frequency range level, and a determination section compares the normalized value with a reference value stored in a reference value storage section to determine the number and positions of people in the sound field. The transfer functions between the speakers and the microphones are calculated at transfer function calculators, and impulse responses are obtained at IFFTs, after which a reverberation time calculator calculates the reverberation time based on the impulse responses. An audio signal is adjusted based on the results.
US07680283B2 Method and system for detecting a predetermined sound event such as the sound of breaking glass
A method and system for detecting a predetermined sound event, such as the sound of breaking glass. Data representing monitored sounds is stored, such as in a circular buffer, while a preliminary assessment is made in real time as to whether the monitored sounds potentially include the predetermined sound event. If there is a potential correspondence, the already stored, pre-event data is frozen, and additional data including, and following, the event is stored. Next, the stored pre-event and additional data is retrieved from storage and provided to a processor that applies one or more algorithms to determine, with finality, if the event corresponds to the predetermined sound event.
US07680281B2 Method and apparatus for intercepting events in a communication system
An intercept system provides more effective and more efficient compliance with legal intercept warrants. The intercept system can provide any combination of operations that include near-real-time intercept, capture of intercepted data in structured authenticated form, clear text intercept for communications where there is access to encryption keys, cipher text intercept for communications where there is no access to encryption keys, provision of transactional logs to the authorized agency, interception without altering the operation of the target services, and encryption of stored intercepted information.
US07680269B2 Method for ciphering a compressed audio or video stream with error tolerance
A method ciphers a standardized stream of compressed audio or video data, wherein at least one part of the bits of data packets delimited by two consecutive synchronization markers is ciphered by pseudo-random stream.
US07680267B2 Headset with a retractable speaker portion
An earbud headset, a handset including the same, and methods of operating the headset and handset are provided. In one embodiment, an earbud headset includes a speaker portion that is retractable into and extendable from a base portion, thereby allowing for a thin profile form factor. Advantageously, the earbud headset allows for more convenient storage and/or integration with a handset such that a user may carry the handset and headset much like a single item.
US07680260B2 Detecting a voice mail system answering a call
An apparatus and method are disclosed that enable a private branch exchange to determine that a voice mail system has answered a call, without some of the disadvantages in the prior art. The private branch exchange—or, generally-speaking, a data-processing system—infers that the voice mail system has answered a call by timing key events or by noting some of indications that are received from another system, or both. Subsequently, the private branch exchange drops the voice mail system from the call, thereby minimizing the non-enterprise voice mail system's handling of calls that are originated to an on-premises terminal.
US07680258B2 Providing information in a communication system
The present invention relates to a method for providing user equipment information associated with use of services provided via a communication system. The method comprises a step of collecting, in a network element, use information relating to use, by the user equipment during a period, of a service provided via the communication system. The method comprises a further step of loading, by the network element, the use information on the user equipment according to a predetermined plan. An information provision entity, user equipment and a communication system are configured to execute the method.
US07680257B1 Computerized system and method for updating the layout of a telecommunications network
A method and system for automatically updating the structure of a telecommunications network are described. The system receives information that equipment has been added or removed from the telecommunications network; and automatically updates information regarding the structure of the telecommunications network to reflect that the equipment has been added or removed from the telecommunications network.
US07680255B2 Telephone outlet with packet telephony adaptor, and a network using same
An outlet for a Local Area Network (LAN), containing an integrated adapter that converts VoIP to and from analog telephony, and a standard telephone jack (e.g. RJ-11 in North America) for connecting an ordinary analog (POTS) telephone set. Such an outlet allows using analog telephone sets in a VoIP environment, eliminating the need for an IP telephone set or external adapter. The outlet may also include a hub that allows connecting both an analog telephone set via an adapter, as well as retaining the data network connection, which may be accessed by a network jack. The invention may also be applied to a telephone line-based data networking system. In such an environment, the data networking circuitry as well as the VoIP/POTS adapters are integrated into a telephone outlet, providing for regular analog service, VoIP telephony service using an analog telephone set, and data networking as well. In such a configuration, the outlet requires two standard telephone jacks and a data-networking jack. Outlets according to the invention can be used to retrofit existing LAN and in-building telephone wiring, as well as original equipment in new installation.
US07680253B2 Method and apparatus for remote notification of office mail delivery
A mailbox system that notifies the mail recipient, via a communication network, of the presence of physical mail in his or her mailbox. A button is placed in each mail slot that causes an electronic notification message to be sent to the mail recipient, thus notifying the mail recipient of the presence of physical mail in his or her mail slot and also causes an LED to be illuminated. When the physical mail is retrieved from the mail slot, the button is pressed again to deactivate the LED. Individual pieces of physical mail can be tagged with a RFID tag. A sensor in the mail slot reads the RFID tag and causes an electronic notification to be sent to the mail recipient.
US07680250B1 Interactive method and system of testing an automated call telephonic communication system
An interactive method and system of testing an automated call telephonic communication system. The method and system includes a testing system configured to test an automated call telephonic and/or telecommunication network. The testing system includes a testing subsystem that conducts the telecommunication test and sends the test results to a monitoring subsystem of the testing system to process the test results and display them to the end user. An end user is able to monitor the testing of the telecommunication system in real time with an Internet-enabled end user station that is in secure communication with the testing system.
US07680247B2 Combined image processing computer for medical diagnostics in the fields of radiography and fluoroscopy
A combination radiography and fluoroscopy system includes in one embodiment a radiography radiation generator and radiography radiation receiver, a fluoroscopy radiation generator and fluoroscopy radiation receiver, and a single computer system connected to receive signals from the radiography radiation receiver and fluoroscopy radiation receiver. The single computer system includes signal processing paths for the radiography signal and for the fluoroscopy signal wherein some processes or modules are common between the paths and some are path specific. The path specific processes are preferably connected in parallel. Common controls and a common interface are provided to the monitor connected to the computer system. An alternative uses a single radiation receiver for both radiography and fluoroscopy, along with the single computer system Another alternative provides for separate computers for signal processing of the radiography and fluoroscopy signals, the two computers running substantially identical signal processing programs.
US07680246B2 Method and device for judging polarity of single crystal sample
Wavelength dependence of diffraction X-ray intensity of a single crystal sample is measured using an X-ray incident optical system of simple structure so that the polarity of the single crystal sample can be judged. When the polarity of the {111} face of a GaAs single crystal sample (18) is judged, for example, an X-ray source (10) which can generate X-rays in a predetermined wavelength range including in the middle the wavelength at the K absorption end of Ga, i.e. an X-ray source of Au target, is employed. An X-ray beam (12) emitted from that X-ray source is reflected on a paraboloidal multilayer film mirror (14) to form a parallel beam (16) including an X-ray in a predetermined wavelength range. The sample (18) is irradiated with the parallel beam and the intensity of a diffraction X-ray therefrom is detected by an X-ray detector (22). Wavelength dependence of diffraction X-ray intensity is measured in the wavelength range including the wavelength at the absorption end by performing 2θ/ω scanning. Polarity is judged by determining the ratio of diffraction X-ray intensity on the shorter wavelength side than the absorption end to diffraction X-ray intensity on the longer wavelength side than the absorption on end.
US07680242B2 X-ray examination method and X-ray examination apparatus
An X-ray examination apparatus includes a scanning X-ray source for outputting X-rays, a sensor base which is attached with a plurality of X-ray sensors and which rotates about a rotation axis, and an image acquiring control mechanism for controlling rotation angle of the sensor base and acquisition of image data from the X-ray sensors. With respect to each X-ray sensor, the scanning X-ray source moves the X-ray focal position of the X-ray source to each starting position of the X-ray emission set so that the X-ray transmits through a predetermined examination area of an examination target and enters each X-ray sensor, and emits the X-rays. The image control acquiring control mechanism acquires image data detected by the X-ray sensors, and a calculation unit reconstructs an image of the examination area based on the image data.
US07680237B1 Containment vessel and method of operating a condenser in a nuclear power plant
A containment vessel of a boiling-water nuclear power plant and a method of operating a condenser in a nuclear power plant, include a drain pipe which connects a top region of the containment vessel to a condensing chamber disposed in the containment vessel. The drain pipe draws off noncondensible gases from the surroundings of a building condenser in the containment vessel and thus maintains reliability of performance of the building condenser. The noncondensible gases flow automatically into the condensing chamber through the drain pipe. As a result, the building condenser may have a simple and cost-effective structure.
US07680225B2 Receiving apparatus and C/N ratio indication method thereof
It is determined whether phase noise and parasitic oscillation take place on the basis of a carrier-to-noise (C/N) ratio calculated with amplitudes in an amplitude direction of signal points of a reception signal and a C/N ratio calculated with amplitudes in a phase direction of the signal points of the reception signal. Further, when it has been determined that phase noise and parasitic oscillation take place, an alarm is displayed on a screen. When it has been determined that phase noise and parasitic oscillation take place, the phase of a demodulation circuit is compensated based on the detected phase noise.
US07680219B2 Apparatus and method for decoding a bit sequence from QPSK or QAM symbols
A bit sequence (b, b′) from QPSK or QAM symbols is decoded, in which an associated receive probability (w, w′) is assigned to each receive bit (b, b′). The receive probability (w, w′) is adaptively determined taking into account the transfer properties of the channel.
US07680217B2 Methods and systems for coding of a bang-bang detector
Various apparatus and methods for related to clock recovery are disclosed. For example, in one illustrative embodiment, a clock recovery circuit includes a coding circuit adapted to translate a stream of first digital numbers derived from a source signal into a stream of first binary numbers and a stream of second binary numbers, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuit coupled to the coding circuit and configured to provide an analog output based on the streams of first and second binary numbers and a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) controlled by the analog output of the DAC circuit and adapted to produce a base clock having a base clock frequency.
US07680215B2 Apparatus and method for efficient inter radio access technology operation
An apparatus, and a method performed by the apparatus, including a terminal with a front end receiver and analog filter (AF) operable throughout a bandwidth that is large enough to cover the total bandwidth used by different access technologies that the terminal supports. The terminal is operable to simultaneously extract from the output of a single front end receiver and AF the carrier frequencies and bandwidths of the different access technologies. This permits cell evaluation activity and an ongoing communication session to be conducted simultaneously with different access technologies on different bandwidths within the bandwidth of the analog filter and without interruption of the communication session.
US07680209B2 Method and device for training an RF amplifier linearization device, and mobile terminal incorporating same
a method whereby a linearization training sequence is designed to be transmitted by means of a radiofrequency transmitter incorporated in a mobile terminal or a base station of a radiocommunication system comprising a fixed network. The sequence is adapted for transmitting bursts in accordance with a specific frame structure. Besides, the sequence is included in a sequence of symbols further designed to enable the transmission chain parameters to be adjusted.
US07680206B2 Selecting modulation and coding level and spatial rate for orthogonal frequency domain modulation systems
Embodiments are directed to a link adaptation method that selects the optimum transmission scheme and modulation and coding signal (MCS) level within a MIMO system, based on optimal maximum throughput on the channels. The method selects the MCS levels and spatial rate values for broadband communication systems based on the instantaneous broadband MIMO-OFDM signaling capacities. The transmission rate over the transmission channel is selected based on a comparison of the capacities achieved under diversity coding and spatial multiplexing MIMO transmission schemes. The effect of a particular receiver type or implementation can also be factored into the signaling capacity. For a fixed target probability of error, the scheme or spatial rate that has the higher instantaneous throughput is selected for transmission.
US07680203B2 Wireless communication apparatus and wireless communication method
A wireless communication apparatus for receiving spatially multiplexed signals in which a plurality of streams are spatially multiplexed, using a plurality of antennas, includes the following elements: a channel matrix estimator for estimating a channel matrix for multiplexed channels; a spatial decoder for spatially decoding received signals each of which has been received by a corresponding antenna so as to separate the received signals into individual stream signals by obtaining an antenna weight matrix from the estimated channel matrix, and then multiplying each received signal by the antenna weight matrix; a likelihood information estimator for estimating likelihood information using the estimated channel matrix, the antenna weight matrix, and estimated noise power; and a soft decision decoder for performing soft decision decoding on each stream signal on the basis of the estimated likelihood information.
US07680202B2 Digital wireless audio communication system employing time diversity
A communication system that transfers digital data on a fixed frequency channel of a radio frequency band in the presence of interference from at least one FHSS interference source includes a time diversity generation circuit. The time diversity circuit compacts a duration of data frames then replicate the time compressed data frames. The duplicated time compressed frames of data are transmitted to a communication receiver that has a time diversity data recovery circuit. The time diversity data recovery circuit buffers the received compressed and replicated data frames, evaluates whether each of the duplicated time compressed data frames are received correctly. If any one of the duplicated time compressed data frames is destroyed, the copy of the destroyed duplicated time compressed data frame is used to recover the data frame.
US07680195B2 COFDM demodulator with an optimal FFT analysis window positioning
The invention relates to a method for the COFDM demodulation of a signal received from a transmission channel. The inventive method includes performing the fast Fourier transform of the signal received in a window corresponding to a symbol, each symbol being associated with a guard time reproducing one part of the symbol; supplying a set of estimated values for the module impulse response; determining coefficients, each coefficient being obtained from the product of the aforementioned set and a filtering function (FE) for a determined relative position of the filtering function in relation to the set; determining the maximum coefficient and the corresponding relative position; and positioning the window as a function of the relative position, the filtering function including a central part (LMAX) which has a constant amplitude and a duration equal to the duration of the guard time and which is surrounded by non-zero decreasing edges.
US07680187B2 Coding system and method, encoding device and method, decoding device and method, recording device and method, and reproducing device and method
A transcoder for executing a re-coding process on an encoded stream generated based on an MPEG standard to generate a re-coded stream having a different GOP (Group of Pictures) structure or bit rate. A decoding device of a transcoder decodes a source encoded stream to generate decoded video data and extracts past coding parameters superposed in the encoded stream as history_stream( ). An encoding device receives the decoded video data and the past coding parameters and uses the past coding parameters to carry out an encoding process in a manner such that this process will not degrade image quality, thereby generating a re-coded stream. The encoding device superposes, as re_coding_stream—info( ), information indicating the selected past coding parameters.
US07680182B2 Image encoding device, and image decoding device
The image encoding device of the present invention is an image encoding device that encodes a still image and a moving image, the device including: a determination unit that determines a first upper limit and a second upper limit, the first upper limit indicating an upper limit of the amount of code per picture of still images, and the second upper limit indicating an upper limit of the amount of code per picture in a moving image; an encoding unit that encodes each of the still images and the moving image in such a manner that the first and second upper limits are satisfied; a multiplexing unit that generates a stream by multiplexing the encoded still images and the encoded moving image; a generation unit that generates management information that identifies the first and second upper limits; and an output unit that outputs the stream and the management information.
US07680179B2 Data communication system with self-test feature
A data communication system includes circuitry to assure components respond to variations in the time length of the valid data window or “eye” of the high speed data communication signal. A self-test portion of the system periodically injects the effects of phase jitter into the data communication signal to assure the system performs properly.
US07680173B2 Spread spectrum clock generator having an adjustable delay line
A system and method are provided for performing a spread spectrum clock generation, where the system includes self-adjusting delay line configured to spread the spectrum of a fixed circuit using a fixed clock frequency and a delay circuit configured to generate an adjustment signal to the delay line by adding or subtracting an addition delay per cycle, therefore causing a shift in the output clock frequency, wherein the amount of shift is proportional to the rate of addition or subtraction of delay.
US07680164B1 Configurable laser driver with common anode and common cathode outputs
Various laser drivers and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a laser driver is provided that comprises a laser driver circuit having a common anode portion and a common cathode portion. The common anode portion and the common cathode portion are each configured to drive a laser. Also, the laser driver includes a control input to alternatively enable one of the common anode portion and the common cathode portion to drive the laser.
US07680159B2 Temperature shift matching
Laser light (λL) within a spectrum range is generated (51g) and filtered (29g). Thereby the spectral location of the filter characteristic (λF) is shifted in a controlled manner (60) to establish a desired characteristic of output laser light as for considering a temperature depended shift (ΔÑ) of the spectrum range generated by the laser source (51g).
US07680151B2 Method and system for scheduled streaming of best effort data
A system is provided for the controlling the transmission of best-effort filed data or programs on channels from one of plural controllers to one or more client nodes. A program is a group of files and has program information indicating to a client node how to use the files of the program. A channel is a virtual path, wherein a client node can receive program files from different channels in a separate fashion. Channels also have channel information. Multiple controllers are provided which self configure in rank order to control the schedule transmission of programs files on channels. Client nodes receive announcements of programs and channels from the controllers and selectively subscribe to the channels and programs. Client nodes can be instructed to positively acknowledge receipt of programs and also send back negative acknowledgements for ranges of data words in a program files not received. The negative acknowledgements can be consolidated to reduce the number of packets on the network. The format of packets carrying program files and acknowledgement/negative acknowledgement messages are specified.
US07680142B1 Communications chip having a plurality of logic analysers
A communications chip having a plurality of ports. Each port is provided with an interface for attachment to an external communications facility to exchange data traffic. There is also a switching matrix for routing data traffic on the chip between the ports. The chip further includes a plurality of logic analyzers. Each logic analyzer is associated with a corresponding one of the ports. Each logic analyzers is operable to monitor data traffic passing through its corresponding port and to trigger on one or more predetermined conditions relating to the monitored data traffic. The chip further includes a control interface to allow reconfiguration of the predetermined conditions for at least one of the logic analyzers.
US07680140B2 Systems including packet interfaces, switches, and packet DMA circuits for splitting and merging packet streams
An integrated circuit includes receive circuits for receiving packets, transmit circuits for transmitting packets, a packet DMA circuit for communicating packets to and from a memory controller, and a switch for selectively coupling the receive circuits to transmit circuits. The integrated circuit may flexibly merge and split the packet streams to provide for various packet processing/packet routing functions to be applied to different packets within the packet streams. An apparatus may include two or more of the integrated circuits, which may communicate packets between respective receive and transmit circuits.
US07680139B1 Systems and methods for queue management in packet-switched networks
This disclosure relates to methods and systems for queuing traffic in packet-switched networks. In one of many possible embodiments, a queue management system includes a plurality of queues and a priority module configured to assign incoming packets to the queues based on priorities associated with the incoming packets. The priority module is further configured to drop at least one of the packets already contained in the queues. The priority module is configured to operate across multiple queues when determining which of the packets contained in the queues to drop. Some embodiments provide for hybrid queue management that considers both classes and priorities of packets.
US07680132B2 Avoiding malfunctions in media gateway controllers and/or media gateways
An efficient change to the coding of terminations at a media gateway is made possible by means of a method for carrying out an instruction (2), signalled by a media gateway controller (MGC) to a media gateway (MGW) for changing the coding of at least one live load connection section termination (termination B in FIG. 1) at the media gateway (MGW), whereby the media gateway (MGW), on receipt of the instruction, first carries out a check of the connectability of the terminations (termination B and (termination A in FIG. 1) of said context (termination B termination A etc) with new coding (2, 5/7/9) when said media gateway (MGW) determines, based on one (5 or 7 or 9 in FIG. 1) or several further instructions received by the media gateway (MGW), that all instructions for changing of codings in terminations in said context are available thereto.
US07680118B2 Method and apparatus for reordering fragments within a MAC layer service data unit within a downlink frame
A method and apparatus for processes a downlink frame within a Medium Access Control (MAC) layer (348) where the downlink frame includes a plurality of fragments constituting one or more MAC Service Data Unit (MSDU)s. The MAC layer pre-processes the plurality of fragments of the downlink frame by reordering the fragments to reassemble one or more of the MSDUs (910) until an end-of-frame signal is detected (912). The end-of-frame signal indicates that all of the plurality of fragments for a downlink frame have been received. The MAC layer post-processes the plurality of fragments (916) in response to detecting the end-of-frame signal (912), then delivers the reassembled MSDUs to a next layer (918).
US07680109B2 Mobile multipoint service
A packet radio data network and methods have been disclosed, the network comprising at least a gateway node (GGSN), at least one serving node (SGSN) connected to the gateway node, a plurality of radio access nodes (RAN) connected to the serving node (SGSN), the packet radio network transporting packet data from an external packet data network, comprising an Internet Service Provider (ISP), to mobile stations (MS) wirelessly attached to radio access nodes (RAN). The gateway node, subsequent to a PDP multipoint context activation procedure, establishes at least a first multicast tunnel (GTPT1 GTPT4, GTPT10 GTP35) between the gateway node and at least one serving node, the multicast tunnel carrying IP streams pertaining to at least two mobile stations belonging to a common multicast group.
US07680108B2 Digital broadcasting transmission and reception systems for stream including normal stream and turbo stream and methods thereof
A method for processing a dual transport stream (TS) which is multiplexed from a normal stream and a turbo stream is provided for a digital broadcasting transmission/reception system. The digital broadcasting signal processing method includes encoding a dual transport stream (TS) which is multiplexed from a normal steam and a turbo stream; interleaving the encoded dual transport stream (TS); turbo-processing by detecting the turbo stream from the interleaved dual transport stream (TS), encoding the detected turbo stream, stuffing the encoded turbo stream into the dual transport stream (TS), and compensating a parity corresponding to the encoded turbo stream; and trellis-encoding the turbo-processed dual transport stream (TS). Accordingly, the digital broadcasting reception performance can be improved in diverse environments.
US07680106B2 Subscriber line accommodation apparatus and packet filtering method
In a subscriber line accommodation apparatus, subscriber line termination units individually terminate a plurality of subscriber lines. An address information acquisition unit successively acquires, as address information, a dynamic address dynamically assigned to each of the communication terminals connected to the subscriber lines terminated by the subscriber line termination unit. A packet information reading unit reads out, from a packet to be sent to one of the communication terminals, packet information containing a dynamic address indicating the destination of the packet. An address information coincidence presence/absence determination unit determines whether the readout dynamic address coincides with one of the pieces of address information acquired by the address information acquisition unit. A packet sending control unit permits sending of only a packet determined to be coincident. A packet filtering method is also disclosed.
US07680104B2 Address tagging for network address translation (NAT) traversal
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for generating, as well as processing data that is traversing (or will be traversing) a translation device, such as a Network Address Translation (NAT) device. In one embodiment, a method of sending data from a first node to a second node is disclosed. The method includes sending a data packet having a header and a payload whereby the header includes (i) one or more fields which identify an application type that uses addresses and indicates that there is a tag present in the payload that serves as a substitute for an address and (ii) an address and whereby the payload includes a tag that is positioned so that it serves as a substitution for an address that is used the identified application. The one or more fields are associated with the address of the header.
US07680099B2 Jitter buffer adjustment
For enhancing the performance of an adaptive jitter buffer, a desired amount of adjustment of a jitter buffer is determined at a first device using as a parameter an estimated delay. The delay comprises at least an end-to-end delay in at least one direction in a conversation. For this conversation, speech signals are transmitted in packets between the first device and a second device via a packet switched network. An adjustment of the jitter buffer is then performed based on the determined amount of adjustment.
US07680097B1 Network switch having a hybrid switch architecture
A network switch having a hybrid switch architecture, which is scalable to increase connectivity, buffering, and bandwidth by using multiple shared-memory switch fabrics and multiple crossbar switch fabrics. Each of the crossbar switch fabrics is coupled to each of the shared-memory switch fabrics. The shared-memory switch fabrics are configured to store and retrieve packets. The crossbar switch fabrics are configured to distribute and recollect packets to and from each of the shared-memory switch fabrics. The network switch having a hybrid switch architecture distributes packets from a crossbar switch fabric to the multiple shared-memory switch fabrics to share the distributed packets among the multiple shared-memory switch fabrics.
US07680095B2 Radio communication system and overhang station apparatus
Delay time in a signal transmitted between nodes in daisy chain connection is accurately compensated. A TRX amplifier measures phase difference between a UL frame received from a downstream chain, and a UL frame to be sent out to an upstream chain, and reports the phase difference to a base transceiver station. The base transceiver station calculates advance amount to be set to a downstream TRX amplifier based on the reported phase difference. The TRX amplifier adjusts phase difference between a DL frame received from an upstream chain, and the UL frame to be sent out to the upstream chain depending on the advance amount.
US07680088B2 High speed data and coverage using personal area network
Disclosed is a method, apparatus and computer program product to achieve enhancements in data transfer speed and reliability. In accordance with a method to operate a wireless device there is provided establishing a first connection path with a wireless network using a first long range transceiver; establishing a second connection path with the wireless network via a short range transceiver with at least one other wireless device that uses a second long range transceiver to establish the second connection path to the wireless network, and at least one of transmitting and receiving information using the first long range transceiver and, via the short range transceiver, the second long range transceiver.
US07680081B2 Mobile node
A mobile node is arranged to perform a high-quality hand-over operation for eliminating an interruption time in communication and keeping the continuance of communication excellent. The mobile node has a function of interfacing with networks and includes a network quality monitor, a hand-over controller, and a network controller. The network quality monitor operates to monitor a network quality based on at least one of an intensity and a radio bandwidth of a radio wave received by network devices. The hand-over controller performs the hand-over operation of transmitting a care of address to an address registering destination in response to a state of the network quality before a communication is disconnected, changing a route of communication information, and switching a connecting destination into a new network. The network controller receives a response that indicates an update of the care of address in the address registering destination and keeping a function of receiving data from the network before being switched until the communication is disconnected.
US07680079B2 Method of signaling QoS information at hand-over between access networks in an IP-based core network
A method of signaling quality of service information in response to a handover from a first access network to a second access network in an Internet Protocol (IP) based mobile network environment, the method comprising: transmitting a resource reservation message from a mobile node to the second access network; transmitting the resource reservation message to an IP-based core network from the second access network; and transmitting a resource reservation confirm message to the mobile node.
US07680075B2 Identification of base stations
The identification of wireless communication base stations in a region of high base station density is effected using a specific identification signal pattern transmitted by the base stations. In particular, each base station transmits a signal having a pattern with at least two time phase shifts relative to at least one time benchmark. The combination of these phase shifts allows identification of the transmitting base station. Since a plurality of phase shifts leads to a concomitantly larger number of phase shift combinations, the capacity to identify base stations is enlarged.
US07680069B2 PCM type interface
An interface device having a first and second data terminal configured for the communication of data in duplex mode, with one of the first and second data terminals always assigned to each direction of the communication, the first and second data terminals configurable during operation such that, in a first mode of operation, the first data terminal is configured to send but not to receive data and the second data terminal is configured to receive but not send data, while in a second mode of operation the first data terminal is configured to receive but not to send data and the second data terminal is configured to send but not to receive data.
US07680067B2 Peer-to-peer data synchronization architecture
To enable the peer-to-peer synchronization among multiple devices, each device in the peer network keeps track of the changes it makes to any shared data and also keeps track of its own knowledge of the changes made by other devices. When two or more peer devices communicate, they share with each other their information about any changes made to the shared data by them or by other devices. This allows the devices to synchronize with each other to the extent that each of the devices knows what changes have been made by it or by other devices in the peer network.
US07680058B2 Method of configuring parameters for data packet transmission
The present invention relates to a method of configuring parameters used to transmit packets of data between a data processing and/or transfer terminal, such as a computer or the like, for example, and a radiocommunication network, using a radiocommunication device, in particular a mobile station with an autonomous power supply.The method is characterized in that it consists in authorizing dynamic configuration by the transfer and/or processing terminal of parameters defining a discontinuous reception mode of said radiocommunication device when in a standby mode, after static setting of said parameters by said device, as a function of the autonomy of said device, the responsiveness required of said device, and transmission requirements of said terminal.
US07680054B1 Arrangement for switching infiniband packets using switching tag at start of packet
A network manager, configuring for detecting network nodes and configuring network switches, determines addressing field lengths to be used for addressing the network nodes and switching data packets between the network nodes based on the number of detected network nodes. The network manager detects the network nodes by exploring the network according to prescribed explorer procedures. The network manager selects a size of address fields to be used for switching data packets traversing the network, based on the number of detected network nodes. The network manager configures each network switch within the network to switch the data packets based on a switching tag having the selected size and positioned at the start of the packet. Hence, each network switch is able to generate forwarding decisions based on the switching tag at the beginning of each received data packet. The switching tag is distinct from, and substantially smaller than, the existing destination address field. Hence, switching complexity can be minimized for relatively small networks having minimal addressing requirements, reducing latency and simplifying forwarding decisions within the network switches.
US07680052B2 Closed loop resource allocation
Method and apparatus for performing transmission data rate allocation in a high speed wireless communications network. A macro control loop with the network of base stations on one side and all the subscriber stations on the other side. Subscriber station selects a rate based on the amount of data queued for transmission (100). Adjusts this rate based on the available power headroom of the subscriber station (102). This adjusted transmission rate is then adjusted again to account for protection of base stations in the candidate set of the subscriber station (104). This rate is then adjusted in accordance with busy tone signals indicative of the loading conditions of active set base stations of the subscriber station (108). The base stations react to these action by refreshing measurements of their instantaneous traffic load and providing feedback in the form of soft busy tones. The algorithm is named Closed Loop Resource Allocation.
US07680050B1 Distributed admission control
A first network client requests initiation of a data transfer with a second network client. An admission control facility (ACF) responds to the initiation request by performing admission analysis to determine whether to initiate the data transfer. The ACF sends one or more packets to the second network client. In response, the second network client sends acknowledgment packets back to the ACF. The ACF performs admission analysis based on the packets sent and the acknowledgment packets, and determines whether the data transfer should be initiated based on the analysis. The admission analysis may be based on a variety of factors, such as the average time to receive an acknowledgment for each packet, the variance of the time to receive an acknowledgment for each packet, a combination of these factors, or a combination of these and other factors.
US07680049B2 Methods and apparatus for allowing promotion in color-based policers
Methods and apparatus are provided for applying color based policing at a network node. Committed information rate (CIR) and peak information rate (PIR) buckets used to monitor transmission rates are augmented using CIR overflow and PIR overflow buckets. The CIR and PIR overflow buckets hold tokens provided to CIR and PIR buckets that exceed the associated burst limits. Based on the availability of tokens and the color associated with a received packet, an action can be applied to the packet that promotes the color associated with the packet.
US07680048B2 Method and apparatus for routing data in an inter-nodal communications lattice of a massively parallel computer system by dynamically adjusting local routing strategies
A massively parallel computer system contains an inter-nodal communications network of node-to-node links. Each node implements a respective routing strategy for routing data through the network, the routing strategies not necessarily being the same in every node. The routing strategies implemented in the nodes are dynamically adjusted during application execution to shift network workload as required. Preferably, adjustment of routing policies in selective nodes is performed at synchronization points. The network may be dynamically monitored, and routing strategies adjusted according to detected network conditions.
US07680035B2 Adaptive bandwidth throttling for network services
The adaptive bandwidth throttling system implements a graceful diminution of services to the clients by delaying a first class of services provided by a network server in response to the effective bandwidth utilized by this network server exceeding a first threshold. If the demand for the bandwidth by this network server exceeds a second threshold, the bandwidth throttling system escalates the throttling response and blocks the first class of services from execution and can also concurrently delay execution of a second class of services. The implementation of the throttling process can be varied, to include additional levels of response or finer gradations of the response, to include subsets of a class of services. In addition, the threshold levels of bandwidth used to trigger the throttling response can be selected as desired by the system administrator.
US07680024B2 Multilevel read-only optical disk and method for producing the same
The present invention provides a multilevel read-only optical disk and the method for producing the same. The multilevel read-only optical disk comprises a plurality of the recording pits, each of the longitudinal sections of the recording pits has a multilevel arbitrary shape; the areas of the longitudinal sections of the recording pits are not identical each other; the area of each of the longitudinal sections of the recording pits is defined by the following formula: S=∫h(x)dx, where S represents the area of each of the longitudinal sections of the recording pits, x represents the coordinate value along the width direction of the recording pits, h(x) represents the pit-depth distribution function of the longitudinal sections of the recording pits and the region of the integration covers the whole longitudinal sections of the recording pits. Furthermore, the run length of the multilevel read-only optical disk is limited. The present invention obtains the advantage of both multilevel storage technology and run length limited (RLL) codes. They can improve prominently the storage capacity and data transfer rate of read-only optical disk without changing the wavelength of the laser and optical numerical aperture, and are most compatible with the conventional read-only optical disk system.
US07680022B2 Recording medium with physical access control (PAC) cluster thereon and apparatus and methods for forming, recording, and reproducing the recording medium
A recording medium having at least one control data area storing control data in a recording unit. The control data may be used for managing an access to the recording medium. The medium having at least one management area storing status information for the control data area, wherein an invalid recording unit in the control data area is skipped and next available recording unit is used.
US07680017B2 Data read/write systems comprising a tip
A method for writing data to and/or reading data from locations on a surface via a tip comprises moving the tip between the locations on the surface. At each location, energy is selectively applied to the surface via the tip and the tip and the surface are selectively forced together in synchronization with the application of energy.
US07680010B2 Method for recording information on optical recording medium
A method for recording information on an optical recording medium is provided so that it is satisfied that 0.16≦(Lv×Tcool)/(λ/NA)≦0.30 and 0.06≦(Lv×Ttop)/(λ/NA)≦0.14, where λ is a write wavelength of a laser beam used to irradiate the recording layer of a phase-change optical recording medium, NA is a numerical aperture of an objective lens used for irradiation with the laser beam, Lv is a relative speed between the objective lens and the optical recording medium, Tcool is a pulse time of a cooling pulse inserted immediately following a leading write pulse, and Ttop is a leading write pulse time. The method allows for forming a record mark with a good shape and prevents fluctuations at the front edge of the record mark, which would be otherwise caused by the recrystallization of the recording film being held at a high temperature.
US07680009B2 Optical disc reproducing apparatus performing equalizer adjustment
An optical disc reproducing apparatus has a function of setting a cutoff frequency and a boost amount of a read out signal from an optical disc and performing equalizer adjustment, and includes a system controller for searching for an optimal jitter value by simultaneously changing a cutoff frequency and a boost amount to thereby set positions of jitter measuring points determined on a coordinate plane whose abscissas represent cutoff frequencies and whose ordinates represent boost amounts, and by moving the measuring points.
US07680008B2 Recording method and apparatus for optical disk drive
A recording method for an optical disk drive is implemented as follows. First, at least one of the level of the focusing error signal, the level of the tracking error signal, a wobble synchronization pattern loss, the error rate of demodulating a wobble signal, the frequency of buffer under-run occurrence, the temperature of the drive, the wobble jitter and the level of write power is detected. If at least one detected value exceeds the preset value, the recording will be ceased. Then, the rotation speed of the optical disk drive is decreased, and the recording is resumed with the decreased rotation speed. If at least one of the temperature of the drive, the wobble jitter and the estimated write power exceeds the reset value before recording starts, the rotation speed of the optical disk drive is decreased before recording.
US07680005B2 Detecting apparatus for detecting statuses of optical disc and method thereof
Disclosed are detecting apparatus for detecting statuses of an optical disc and methods thereof, which can avoid or reduce erroneous status decisions at the edge of a blank region. The detecting apparatus includes a blank detector, for detecting a blank region of the optical disc to generate a blank detection signal; an edge detector, for detecting a transition of the blank detection signal to generate an edge detection signal; a control circuit, in response to the edge detection signal for outputting control signals; and a defect detector in response to the control signals for detecting defect region of the optical disc to generate a defect decision signal.
US07680004B2 Digital servo system with inverse non-linearity compensation
A servo system with in an optical disk drive with an inverse non-linearity compensation is disclosed. An error signal calculated from signals received from an optical pick-up unit can be offset by an offset value and amplified by a gain in the early stages of a calculation of a control signal for controlling a position of the optical pick-up unit. The non-linearity compensation adjusts the gain based on the offset value so that the response of the servo system to changes in the error signal is substantially linear. The error signal can be the tracking error signal in a tracking servo system and can be the focus error signal in a focus servo system.
US07680000B2 Method for production of an antenna section for an underwater antenna
The invention relates to a method for production of an antenna section comprising a hydrophone (12) for a submarine antenna which may be composed of several antenna sections, whereby the hydrophones are arranged in a row one behind the other in a rectangular cavity (20) at a separation from each other on the inner wall of the cavity and the cavity is filled with a liquid gel (19) to fix the hydrophones, which thickens after introduction. According to the invention, the assembly procedure for the introduction and positioning of the hydrophones may be simplified whereby each hydrophone is inserted and fixed in the cavity with the longitudinal axis thereof essentially vertical, at a given separation from the previously inserted hydrophone, by means of a pipette (16). Liquid gel is then introduced into the cavity to such an amount that the liquid gel at least partly encloses the hydrophone held by the pipette. After the applied gel has thickened the pipette is withdrawn from the cavity for the insertion of another hydrophone, whereupon the method steps are repeated until the required number of hydrophones are inserted in the cavity.
US07679998B1 System for detecting, tracking, and reconstructing signals in spectrally competitive environments
A system applicable to acoustic, seismic, electromagnetic, hydrodynamic, and shock waves utilizing a map between signal time series and signal vectors defining the mathematical wave field model characterizing the signal's wave field. This map is developed from wave models relating field values to those on surfaces and corresponding uniqueness theorems. The system should allow for improved resolving power in bearing and elevation for discrimination of sources; detection and direction finding for signals below the average background level; detection based upon resolving power and signal vector characteristics rather than signal to noise ratio; reconstruction of signals of resolved sources for their transmitted information content; and multiple modes of operation. Adaptive incorporation of known undesired signals into the noise background and/or treatment of asymmetric background noise fields is permitted through use of a noise metric-based map yielding signal direction in the presence of diffraction effects.
US07679995B2 Networked sonar observation of selected seabed environments
A sonar transducer network for observing a seabed includes a controller. A first transducer assembly includes a first acoustic transducer to convert a first ping to a first electrical signal; and a first transducer processor to receive a first electrical signal from the first acoustic transducer to generate the first transducer data. At least one second transducer assembly is spaced apart from the first transducer assembly. The second transducer assembly includes a second acoustic transducer to convert a second ping to a second electrical signal. The second transducer processor receives the second electrical signal from the second acoustical transducer to generate second transducer data. A network bus communicates first transducer data and second transducer data with the controller.
US07679992B2 Wettability from electro-kinetic and electro-osmosis measurements
Methods and devices are provided for investigating an earth formation use electro-kinetics and/or electro-osmosis measurements. In one example, the method includes creating a pressure difference in the earth formation proximate to a wellbore; measuring a generated electro-kinetic property of the earth formation proximate to the wellbore, the generated electro-kinetic property generated by the pressure difference; applying an electric field to the earth formation proximate to the wellbore; measuring a generated pressure change in the earth formation proximate to the wellbore, the generated pressure change generated by the electric field; and determining wettability of the earth formation proximate to the wellbore by the use of the measurement of the generated electro-kinetic property and the measurement of the generated pressure change.
US07679987B2 Clock circuitry for DDR-SDRAM memory controller
A circuit for providing a delayed clock signal to a synchronous memory controller controlling a synchronous memory device comprises logic delay circuitry for performing synchronous memory device read access, the logic delay circuitry generating delay interval information. A programmable delay line receives a clock signal and the delay interval information, the programmable delay line delaying the clock signal by the delay interval. A 2-input XOR gate receives both the clock signal and the output of the programmable delay line, an output of the XOR gate providing a delayed 2× clock signal.
US07679983B2 Address path circuit with row redundant scheme
An address path circuit with a row redundant scheme may include an address buffer for buffering an external address to output an internal address, a command buffer for buffering a plurality of external commands, a pre-latch unit for pre-latching the internal address from the address buffer using a specific one of the commands buffered by the command buffer to output a pre-latched internal address, a detector for detecting whether the pre-latched internal address from the pre-latch unit is a repaired address or normal address and outputting one or more detection signals as a result of the detection, an address latch unit for latching the internal address from the address buffer synchronously with a buffered clock to output a latched internal address, and a global address generator for receiving the detection signals from the detector and the latched internal address from the address latch unit and generating a global row address.
US07679982B2 Multi-die packaged device
A packaged multi die device includes at least one memory die. The one or more of the memory dice includes a memory function circuit configured to program or read data, a logic circuit configured to control the program operation and the read operation of the memory function circuit in accordance with an inputted operation command, and a power supplying circuit configured to provide a power corresponding to an operation mode to the memory function circuit, and apply an extra power to the logic circuit.
US07679979B1 High speed SRAM
High speed SRAM is realized such that a first dynamic circuit serves as a local sense amp for reading a memory cell through a lightly loaded local bit line, a second dynamic circuit serves as a segment sense amp for reading the local sense amp, and a tri-state inverter serves as an inverting amplifier of a global sense amp for reading the segment sense amp. When reading, a voltage difference in the local bit line is converted to a time difference for differentiating low data and high data by the sense amps for realizing fast access with dynamic operation. Furthermore, a buffered data path is used for achieving fast access and amplify transistor of the sense amps is composed of relatively long channel transistor for reducing turn-off current. Additionally, alternative circuits and memory cell structures for implementing the SRAM are described.
US07679967B2 Controlling AC disturbance while programming
A system and methodology that can minimize disturbance during an AC operation associated with a memory, such as, program, read and/or erase, is provided. The system pre-charges all or a desired subset of the bit lines in a memory array to a specified voltage, during an AC operation to facilitate reducing AC disturbances between neighboring cells. A pre-charge voltage can be applied to all bit lines in a block in the memory array, or to bit lines associated with a selected memory cell and neighbor memory cells adjacent to the selected memory cell in the block. The system ensures that source and drain voltage levels can be set to desired levels at the same or substantially the same time, while selecting a memory cell. This can facilitate minimizing AC disturbances in the selected memory cell during the AC operation.
US07679966B2 Flash memory device and read method thereof
A flash memory device and a read method thereof are provided. At a read operation, a sense node of a page buffer is developed while a bitline is developed and data of a selected memory cell is sensed based on the develop result of the sense node. For a develop period, voltage loss arising from the sense node is compensated fast and the compensated result is latched, which makes it possible to simplify the design and reduce a chip size.
US07679961B2 Programming and/or erasing a memory device in response to its program and/or erase history
For one embodiment, a program starting voltage of one or more program pulses applied to one or more memory cells is in response, at least in part, to on a number of program pulses previously required to program the one or more memory cells and/or an erase starting voltage of one or more erase pulses applied to one or more memory cells is based on a number of erase pulses previously required to erase the one or more memory cells. For another embodiment, a program starting voltage level and/or an erase starting voltage level of one or more program and/or erase pulses applied to one or more memory cells is in response, at least in part, to a number of program/erase cycles previously applied to the one or more memory cells.
US07679960B2 Non-volatile memory device and method of operating the same
A highly integrated non-volatile memory device and a method of operating the non-volatile memory device are provided. The non-volatile memory device includes a semiconductor layer. A plurality of upper control gate electrodes are arranged above the semiconductor layer. A plurality of lower control gate electrodes are arranged below the semiconductor layer, and the plurality of upper control gate electrodes and the plurality of lower control gate electrodes are disposed alternately. A plurality of upper charge storage layers are interposed between the semiconductor layer and the upper control gate electrodes. A plurality of lower charge storage layers are interposed between the semiconductor layer and the lower control gate electrodes.
US07679955B2 Semiconductor switching device
A switching device and methods of making and operating the same are provided. In one aspect, a method of operating a switching device is provided that includes providing a MOS transistor that has a gate, a source region, a drain region and a body region. A bipolar transistor is provided that has a collector, a base and an emitter. The body region of the MOS transistor serves as the base of the bipolar transistor and the drain region of the MOS transistor serves as the collector of the bipolar transistor. Activation of the MOS transistor causes the bipolar transistor to turn on. The MOS transistor is activated to turn on the bipolar transistor and the bipolar transistor delivers current to the source region.
US07679950B2 Integrated circuit having a switch
A reprogrammable switch includes first phase-change material, a reference element, and a sense amplifier. The sense amplifier is coupled to the first phase-change material and the reference element and configured to compare a signal from the first phase-change material to a signal from the reference element and output a voltage signal based on the comparison.
US07679946B2 Memory element array having switching elements including a gap of nanometer order
Disclosed is a memory element array comprising a plurality of memory elements arranged in an array, wherein the memory elements are switching elements each including a gap of nanometer order in which a switching phenomenon of resistance is caused by applying a predetermined voltage between electrodes, and the memory element array is provided with tunnel elements respectively connected to the switching elements in series, each of the tunnel elements preventing generation of a sneak path current flowing to another switching element at a time of applying the predetermined voltage.
US07679944B2 Motor drive
To provide a motor drive adapted to operate stably and suffer essentially no damage, even when a high voltage is applied between grounding terminals of upper and lower arms.The motor drive of this invention includes: an arm with a first electric power semiconductor-switching element and a second electric power semiconductor-switching element, both connected in series between major terminals; and a level-shifting circuit that transmits a control signal of the first semiconductor-switching element connected to the high-voltage side of the arm, from a low-voltage circuit to a high-voltage circuit; the motor drive employing an insulated-gate bipolar transistor as the signal-transmitting high-withstand-voltage element formed in the level-shifting circuit.
US07679942B2 Step-down DC-to-DC converter
A step-down DC-to-DC converter includes an input terminal, an output terminal, a switching transistor, and a rectifying transistor. The switching circuit is connected between the input terminal and the output terminal and is configured to reduce an input voltage down to a predetermined voltage and to output the predetermined voltage from the output terminal to an external load. The series circuit includes a switching transistor and an inductor. The switching transistor is connected between the input terminal and the inductor, and is configured to perform a switching operation. The inductor is connected between the switching transistor and the output terminal. The rectifying transistor includes a P-type transistor and connected between a connected point between the switching transistor and a common ground. The rectifying transistor has a gate connected to the connected point.
US07679937B2 Flyback converter providing simplified control of rectifier MOSFETS when utilizing both stacked secondary windings and synchronous rectification
The present invention provides methods and systems for a flyback converter arranged with synchronous rectifier MOSFETS in such a manner that they operate with a common source potential while still providing for the use of a stacked output winding. With a common source potential, a single rectifier control voltage can be used to operate the rectifiers for multiple outputs greatly simplifying the control circuit. Advantageously, the present invention maintains the inherent simplicity of the flyback design while enabling designs with well-regulated multiple voltage outputs and the efficiency benefits of synchronous rectification.
US07679936B2 Compensating for base current in a primary side power converter that uses an NPN bipolar transistor
A comparing circuit and a control loop are used to maintain the peak level of current flowing through an inductor of a flyback converter. An inductor switch control signal controls a switch through which the inductor current flows. The inductor current increases at a ramp-up rate during a ramp time and stops increasing at the end of the ramp time. The comparing circuit generates a timing signal that indicates a target time at which the inductor current would reach a predetermined current limit if the inductor current continued to increase at the ramp-up rate. The control loop then receives the timing signal and compares the target time to the end of the ramp time. The pulse width of the inductor switch control signal is increased when the target time occurs after the end of the ramp time. Adjusting the frequency and pulse width controls the peak of the inductor current.
US07679930B2 Multilayered printed circuit board
A multilayered printed circuit board includes a first surface layer that includes a semiconductor integrated circuit, a second surface layer that includes a bypass capacitor and that is opposite to the first surface layer, a main power supply wiring layer, and a ground layer between the first and second surface layers. In the multilayered printed circuit board, one terminal of the bypass capacitor is connected to a midpoint of a wiring path from the main power supply wiring layer to a power supply terminal of the semiconductor integrated circuit, and an impedance of a first wiring path from the main power supply wiring layer to the terminal of the bypass capacitor is higher than an impedance of a second wiring path from the terminal of the bypass capacitor to the power supply terminal of the semiconductor integrated circuit.
US07679929B2 Wiring board and wiring board module
A wiring board module includes a multilayer wiring board. A crystal oscillator and an IC component, for example, are mounted on the mounting surface of the multilayer wiring board. Mounting lands for the IC component, mounting lands for the crystal oscillator, and mounting lands for other surface mount components are provided on the mounting surface. Each mounting land for the crystal oscillator is not a conventional single large-area land but is defined by four adjacent land pieces. The four land pieces are electrically connected via an external terminal of the crystal oscillator, thereby functioning as a mounting land for the external terminal. In other words, each of the plurality of mounting lands provided at locations corresponding to external terminals of the crystal oscillator is divided into four land pieces.
US07679927B2 Electronic device assembly with transfer card
An electronic device assembly includes an electronic device, a transfer card configured for connecting the electronic device to another electronic device, and a fixing board for mounting the transfer card to the electronic device. The electronic device includes a front wall defining a port. The transfer card is coupled to the electronic device. The transfer card comprises a printed circuit board perpendicular to the front wall, a first connector arranged on the elongated printed circuit board and protruding beyond a first longitudinal edge of the printed circuit board for engagement in the port in the front wall of the electronic device, and a second connector arranged on the printed circuit board and protruding beyond an opposite second longitudinal edge of the printed circuit board.
US07679926B2 Capacitors with insulating layer having embedded dielectric rods
A circuit structure is provided. The circuit structure includes a capacitor including a top capacitor electrode; a bottom capacitor electrode parallel to the top capacitor electrode; and an insulating layer between the top and the bottom capacitor electrodes. The insulating layer includes a dielectric rod enclosed by a dielectric material. The dielectric rod has a higher dielectric constant than that of the dielectric material. The circuit structure may be a printed circuit board or packaging substrate, wherein the capacitor is formed between the two layers of the capacitor. Additional dielectric rods may be formed in the insulating layer of the capacitor and spaced apart from the dielectric rods.
US07679919B2 Heat sink and electronic apparatus using the same
A heat sink and an electronic apparatus using the same are disclosed. The heat sink comprises a fin structure and a fastening assembly; the fastening assembly comprises an adjustable positioning member, an elastic member, and a hooking member, the elastic member being disposed between the hooking member and the fin structure such that the adjustable positioning member combines the hooking member, the elastic member, and the fin structure; wherein the hooking member may secure the heat sink onto an electronic component, and the adjustable positioning member may be used to adjust the tightness between the heat sink and the electronic component.
US07679917B2 Electronic assembly cooling
An electronic assembly including a first heat producing device mounted on a first outer surface of a first portion of a circuit board. The first portion can deflect upwardly and downwardly relative to other portions of the circuit board. A first force element urges the first heat producing device against a heat sink. The force exerted by the first force element is variable with respect to time.
US07679913B2 Memory module assembly and heat sink thereof
A memory module assembly includes a plurality of memory modules and a heat sink assembly. Each of the memory modules includes at least one heat source. The heat sink assembly includes a heat dissipating plate and a plurality of heat transfer mediums. Each of the heat transfer mediums includes a base attached to the heat dissipating plate, and at least one resilient sheet extending from an end of the base. The base and the resilient sheet define an included angle which is non-right angle so that the resilient sheet can snugly clip to the respective heat source.
US07679909B2 Integral swivel hydraulic connectors, door hinges, and methods and systems for their use
The present disclosure describes swivel hinge assemblies for use in rotatably mounting two structures together, such that the structures are in fluid communication by way of fluid flow, as well as systems including such hinge assemblies. The swivel hinge assemblies generally comprise a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, shafts surrounding the inlet and outlet ports and allowing for rotation about one or more axes, and attachment means which may be integrally formed with the shafts of the hinge assembly. In use, these assemblies eliminate the use for secondary hinges or secondary mounting hardware in attaching a door and a structure together in order to maintain fluid communication between an electronics rack and a heat exchanger mounted on the door of an electronics rack.
US07679903B2 Display device and electronic apparatus
A display device includes: a frame that holds a display panel having a thin member and a light source that irradiates the display panel with light; and a cover that covers the frame. The display device further includes: a heat sink situated in the central portion in the width direction of the display panel in the frame and extending in and out of the frame; and a heat dissipation component provided in the cover and being in contact with the heat sink at a position outside the frame.
US07679901B2 I/O device and electronic device having the same
An electronic device is disclosed including a base having a first side on which a first opening is formed, a shaft disposed in the base, and an I/O port device having a plurality of I/O ports and a circuit board on which the I/O ports are disposed. The I/O port device is disposed in the base and rotates about the shaft, and the I/O ports are sequentially revealed by rotation of the I/O port device.
US07679896B2 Fixing apparatus for data storage device
A fixing apparatus for holding a data storage device is provided. The fixing apparatus includes a drive bracket, and an insertion rack. The drive bracket includes two opposite side panels. Each of the side panels forms at least one guiding portion and defines a slot therein. The insertion rack is configured for inserting the data storage device into the drive bracket. The insertion rack forms two hooks. The insertion rack is capable of sliding into the drive bracket along the guiding portions. The hooks ride along an exterior of the drive bracket until they are inserted into the corresponding slots of the drive bracket.
US07679894B2 Mounting apparatus for LCD panel
A mounting apparatus includes a bezel, a first fixing bracket mounted to the bezel for fixing a side of an LCD panel, a second fixing bracket mounted to the bezel, a pair of sliding members slidable with respect to the second fixing bracket for fixing an opposite side of the LCD panel, and a cover mounted to the bezel for enclosing the LCD panel.
US07679893B2 Display housing for computing device
An improved housing for a computing device is disclosed. The improved housing can have one or more of the following aspects. A first aspect of the invention pertains to a computer housing having a logo or other symbol that can be illuminated using light from the backside of a display panel. A second aspect of the invention pertains to a suspended frame that is able to support a display panel within a display housing. A third aspect of the invention pertains to a computing device provided with an internal antenna. A fourth aspect of the invention pertains to a stiffener for a computer housing so as to increase the rigidity and strength of the computer housing. A fifth aspect of the invention pertains to a housing having a logo, symbol or other device that can be illuminated using light from the backside of a display panel. A sixth aspect of the invention pertains to a lid for a computing device, such as a portable computer, that is provided with a translucent housing.
US07679890B2 Portable computer
The present invention discloses a portable computer, comprising a main unit, a display unit, a connecting device that connects the display unit o the main unit mechanically, and a cable that connects the display unit to the main unit electrically; wherein, said connecting device is an extensible device, and at least a part of said cable is concealed in said extensible device. With said extensible device, the display. Unit can be controlled at different heights relative to the main unit as required, so as to facilitate: operation of the user. In addition, by concealing the cable in the extensible device partial y or entirely, the structure of the portable computer is simplified, and the portable computer is easier to be carried and operated; in addition, the safety is improved.
US07679886B2 Engine control device
An engine control device, especially an engine control device having an internal by-pass, is disclosed. The universally applicable engine control device includes an integrated by-pass function. For this purpose, a housing includes chambers that are electrically insulated from one another and that are configured both to receive a respective power subunit, and, alternatively, to receive a continuous current-bearing element.
US07679881B2 Electrical entity with opening of the load current circuit in an explosion-vulnerable environment
There is described an electrical system including a device which features a load current circuit and connection terminals for connection of the load current circuit. In the supply line to the connection terminals, separation contacts are present for separating the load current circuit during operation of the device. Means for explosion protection are provided in connection with the separation contacts.
US07679878B2 Capacitor sharing surge protection circuit
A capacitor sharing surge protection circuit for protecting multiple ports from harmful energy surges, such as electrostatic discharge (ESD) and cable discharge events (CDE), is provided. The protection circuit includes a plurality of diodes with respective cathodes and anodes. Each anode of the plurality of diodes is coupled to one of the plurality of ports. A bypass capacitor is coupled between the cathodes of the plurality of diodes and ground. In an embodiment, a bulk capacitor is further coupled between the cathodes of the plurality of diodes and ground.
US07679877B2 Method for operating a transmission line and correspondingly constructed device
A method and a device for operating a transmission line are provided. The device includes a line driver circuit and a protective circuit. The line driver circuit converts an input signal of the device into a current or a voltage for the transmission line while the protective circuit prevents an overvoltage and/or an overcurrent on the transmission line. The line driver circuit and the protective circuit are integrated in a common package.
US07679866B2 CPP spin valve with long spin diffusion length AP1 layers
A magnetoresistive sensor having a pinned layer that includes a first magnetic layer (AP1) a second magnetic layer (AP2) and an antiparallel coupling layer sandwiched between the AP1 and AP2 layers. The AP1 layer is adjacent to a layer of antiferromagnetic material (AFM layer) and is constructed so as to have a long spin diffusion length. The long spin diffusion length of the AP1 layer minimizes the negative GMR contribution of the AP1 layer, thereby increasing the overall GMR effect of the sensor.
US07679865B2 Spring member for acceleration sensor, acceleration sensor and magnetic disk drive apparatus
A spring member for an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration in a direction of a Z-axis that is perpendicular to an X-Y plane includes a movable section having a plane plate shape, for fixing a magnetic field generation member with weight of the acceleration sensor, and a single support arm section having a strip shape parallel to a plane of the movable section when no acceleration is applied. One end of the single support arm section is integrally connected to one end of the movable section and the other end of the single support arm section is fixed. Only the single support arm section in a cantilever configuration supports the movable section.
US07679863B2 Magnetic head slider with trailing rail surface for flying height control
Embodiments of the invention provide a slider structure able to lower a flying height compensation ratio caused by a projecting deformation of an air bearing surface of a slider by a flying height control mechanism and afford a change in flying height with a low control power. In one embodiment, a slider is provided with a leading edge, an air bearing surface, and a trailing edge. The air bearing surface includes a front pad, the front pad being made up of a front step bearing surface, leading rail surfaces, and side step bearing surfaces. The air bearing surface also includes a negative pressure groove surface surrounded by the front pad. The air bearing surface further includes a rear pad, the rear pad being made up of a rear step bearing surface formed at the same depth as the depth of the front step bearing surface and positioned on the trailing edge side, a trailing rail surface, an intermediate groove deeper than the trailing rail surface, and a trailing pad surface lying at the same height as the trailing rail surface. The front and both sides of the trailing pad surface are surrounded by the trailing rail surface.
US07679862B2 Perpendicular recording head with reduced thermal protrusion
Embodiments of the invention secure a sufficiently large magnetic field, and deter a protrusion phenomenon of a perpendicular magnetic recording head, causing a problem in implementing a low flying height, while solving problems such as erasure of information in peripheral tracks. In one embodiment, a main pole or a stacked body made up of the main pole, and an auxiliary pole is deposited over an underlayer formed on a substrate so as to be in contact with the underlayer. On top of the main pole or the stacked body, there is deposited a coil, a return pole, and a read element in that order, thereby fabricating a perpendicular magnetic recording head. Further, an additional structure may be added such that an underlayer containing a metal is disposed between the substrate, and the main pole or the stacked body made up of the main pole, and the auxiliary pole, and a heat diffusion layer is disposed between portions of the coil and the substrate, or portions of the coil is disposed closer to the substrate than other portions of the coil.
US07679853B2 Detection of signal disturbance in a partial response channel
In one embodiment, irregular electronic disturbance signals in a partial-response read channel are detected by a disturbance detector using state metrics generated by maximum-likelihood sequence detector. For example, a thermal asperity (TA) detector detects the occurrence of TAs in the read channel of perpendicularly recorded magnetic media by using the state metrics generated by a Viterbi detector. Changes in state metrics (e.g., magnitudes of the branch metrics of the trellis diagram) used by the Viterbi detector are tracked. If the magnitude of the rise of the path metric increases above a set threshold, then a TA is detected. Alternatively, or additionally, the rate of change of the magnitude of the path metrics is tracked. If the rate of change within a set time window is above a specified threshold, then a TA is detected.
US07679851B1 Methods and structure for improved disk head switching to avoid zipper zones
Methods and structure for switching heads on a multiple recording surface disk drive that uses bi-directional radial writing toward a zipper zone at a middle diameter. When switching from a first head to a second head, features and aspects hereof assure that the second head will not be positioned in the zipper zone of the corresponding second surface and hence will not lose track following servo synchronization and control. In one aspect, added buffer or guard tracks having valid servo information but no data are added on either side of the zipper zone to assure that under the worst-case misalignment of surfaces the second head will not be positioned in its corresponding zipper zone when switching from the first head.
US07679848B2 Actuator and lens drive apparatus
An actuator is provided and has an electro-mechanical conversion element; a driving frictional member attached at one end of the electro-mechanical conversion element with respect to a direction of expansion and contraction thereof; a plurality of driven members frictionally engaged with the driving frictional member; a plurality of biasing units, each biasing one of the plurality of driven members to be frictionally engaged with the driving frictional member; and a biasing-force adjusting unit that adjusts respective biasing-forces of the plurality of biasing units.
US07679843B2 Adjustment method, particularly a laser adjustment method, and an actuator suitable for the same
The invention relates to an adjustment method, especially for adjusting optical or fiber optical components. According to an embodiment of the invention, a first adjustment process is carried out in which, after a cooling process, the regions of the actuator in which the tensile stresses or compressive strains are frozen following the cooling process are brought to a critical temperature in relation to the operational temperature range of the actuator, at least until the flow processes of the material at said critical temperature are largely completed. A second adjustment process is then carried out.
US07679839B2 Optical lens displacement systems
The present invention provides optical systems, devices and methods which utilize one or more electroactive polymer actuators to adjust an optical parameter of the optical device or system.
US07679837B2 Zoom optical system, image pickup device, and digital apparatus
A zoom optical system at least includes in the order from an object side: a first lens group having a positive optical power; a second lens group having a negative optical power; and a third lens group having a positive optical power. In zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end, a distance between the first lens group and the second lens group is increased, and a distance between the second lens group and the third lens group is decreased. The first lens group includes at least one negative lens element, and the second lens group includes a negative lens element closest to the object side, with a lens surface of the negative lens element being concave toward an image side. The zoom optical system satisfies the following conditional expressions (1) and (2): vd2<30  (1) 50>vd1n>30  (2) where vd2 represents the Abbe number of the negative lens element closest to the object side in the second lens group, and vd1n represents an Abbe number of a negative lens element, or an average Abbe number of negative lens elements in the first lens group.
US07679833B2 Electrowetting element, lens system, electronic device and driving method
The electrowetting optical element comprises a first electrically conducting fluid and a second electrically insulating fluid. According to the invention the second fluid comprises a compound including an aliphatic ring-structure. The optical element may be a lens or a zoomlens or be part of a zoomlens system.
US07679832B1 Projection lens system
An exemplary projection lens system includes, in the order from the magnification side to the reduction side thereof, a first lens with a negative refractive power, a second lens with a positive refractive power, a lens group with a negative refractive power, and a third lens with a positive refractive power. The projection lens system satisfies the formula 0.3<|f1/f(2-4)|<1.0, where f1 is a focal length of the first lens, f(2-4) is an effective focal length of the second lens, the lens group and the third lens.
US07679830B2 Optical systems utilizing multiple phase filters to increase misfocus tolerance
An optical imaging system includes optics for imaging a wavefront of electromagnetic radiation to form an image at a detector. The system also includes a plurality of optical phase filters. Each of the phase filters alters phase of the wavefront. The phase filters cooperate to make the system less sensitive to misfocus, as compared to the optical imaging system without the phase filters. Another optical imaging system includes a detector and optics having two or more optical elements for imaging a wavefront onto the detector. The optical elements include aspherical surfaces that cooperate to alter phase of the wavefront such that the optics are less sensitive to defocus as compared to the optics without the aspherical surfaces. The system also includes a post processor for reversing phase alteration induced by the aspherical surfaces to produce an in-focus electronic image.
US07679816B2 Picture display unit
A picture display device includes display elements reflecting specific wavelengths of visible light; and shape deformation portions for inducing elastic deformation of the display elements. The individual display elements have colloidal particles arrayed at regular spacing, and an elastically deformable filler material intervening between the colloidal particles. The shape deformation portion includes a shape retention component formed of a material capable of reversible plastic deformation by external force.
US07679814B2 Materials for use in electrophoretic displays
The image stability of electrophoretic media, comprising a plurality of particles disposed in a fluid and capable of moving through the fluid upon application of an electric field to the medium, can be improved by including in the fluid either a polystyrene or an aggregating diblock copolymer which forms micelle-like structures in the fluid, the diblock copolymer having a first block soluble in the fluid and a second block not swellable by the fluid. In variable transmission electrophoretic media, haze can be reduced by using as the fluid a mixture of a partially hydrogenated aromatic hydrocarbon and a terpene.
US07679808B2 Portable electronic device with an integrated switchable mirror
Portable electronic devices with displays having switchable mirrors are described. The switchable mirror covers the display and is capable of switching from a transparent state to a reflecting state responsive to a switch in the portable electronic device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the display is switched off when the switchable mirror switches to its reflecting state. In another embodiment of the present invention, the switchable mirror is switched to its reflecting state when the portable electronic device is switched off.
US07679803B2 Two-element f-θ lens used for micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) laser scanning unit
A two-element f-θ lens used for a micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) laser scanning unit includes a first lens and a second lens, the first lens is a positive power meniscus lens of which concave surface is disposed on a side of a MEMS mirror, the second lens is a negative power meniscus lens of which convex surface is disposed on the side of the MEMS mirror, at least one optical surface is an Aspherical surface in both main scanning direction and sub scanning direction, and satisfies special optical conditions. The two-element f-θ lens corrects the nonlinear relationship between scanned angle and time into the linear relationship between the image spot distances and time. Meanwhile, the two-element f-θ lens focuses the scan light to the target in the main scanning and sun scanning directions, such that the purpose of the scanning linearity effect and the high resolution scanning can be achieved.
US07679790B2 Image processing apparatus and its control method
An image processing apparatus includes a decompression unit (302) that is configurable by dynamic reconfigurable logic into either a first decompression circuit (302a) or a second decompression circuit (302b) that has a slower decompression speed and a lower power consumption than the first decompression circuit (302a), a buffer unit (304) that temporarily stores image data decompressed by the decompression unit (302) to be supplied to an engine unit, and a detection unit (305) that detects a data amount accumulated in the buffer unit (304). In accordance with the data amount detected by the detection unit (305), the decompression unit (302) carries out reconfiguration into the first or second decompression circuit (302a/302b).
US07679788B2 Embossing tools and tape printers
A tape printer for providing an image on a tape medium, the tape printer permitting inputting an image; providing the image on said tape medium; obtaining input image information; and using the input image information to provide an audible output in dependence on the input image.
US07679785B2 Method for correcting measured image values
Image measurement values of a measurement object, in particular a printed sheet, measured by means of a photoelectric image measuring unit operating on the basis of pixels are corrected with respect to at least one influencing variable which influences the measurement result with a view to at least partially eliminating the effect of this influencing variable on the measuring process. The image measurement values measured by the image measuring unit are converted by correction parameters of a parameter-based correction model into corrected image measurement values which no longer contain the influencing variable affecting the measuring process. The correction parameters used for the parameter-based correction model are automatically calculated using reference measurement values measured at reference measurements points on preferably the same measurement object by means of a reference measuring unit and the image measuring unit. In particular, image measurement values measured without polarization filters are converted into polarization filter image measurement values by means of this method. Influences induced by print medium, fluorescence effects and the influences of non-standard measuring geometries are also corrected.
US07679776B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium storing computer-readable program therein
When a preview of a composed job is performed by composing data outputted from an application for printing, in order to provide a method for enabling the preview to be performed in consideration of a layout of each print job, one composed job is formed by composing the print jobs obtained by converting the data to be printed into the data in an intermediate code format and this method is realized by controlling so as to display the preview of the composed job on the basis of layout information of each print job in the composed job.
US07679771B2 Printer capable of refusing receipt of printed materials sent from an unintended source
A printer (100) for printing based on a print job signal sent from a data processing device (200) registers print job signal sending sources and a message corresponding to each sending source in memory (111, 112). A controller (113) detects whether the sending source of a received print job signal is registered in memory. If the sending source is registered, a messaging unit (110, 111) outputs a corresponding message. Sending sources that are permitted to print can also be registered in memory (111, 112). In this case, the controller (113) detects whether the sending source of a received print job signal is registered in memory, and instructs the printer (110) to print only when the sending source is registered as permitted to print.
US07679770B2 Methods and systems for print-processor-based printer status detection and print task distribution
Embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and systems which enable a user to detect the status of printing devices without the use of additional hardware or application program modification for this purpose. These systems and methods are typically used in conjunction with a computer network comprising at least one computing device and a plurality of printing devices. When a print task is sent for printing it will activate a print processor for interpreting the print task. In addition to a print processor's interpretation function, the print processors of the present invention may detect the status of printing devices. Some embodiments may use this information to redirect or otherwise modify a print task for improved printing performance.
US07679766B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and system for determining a destination for print data
When a printing apparatus serving as a print data destination does not have the iPrint function (S302), print data is transmitted to a printing apparatus having the iPrint function (S311).
US07679752B2 Methods for detecting pitch in lumber
Methods are provided for detecting compression wood, blue stain, or pitch in lumber. A light beam is projected towards the wood sample. Line or area cameras acquire images of light that is reflected from the wood sample. Based on the intensity of the reflected light at one or more locations on the wood sample, compression wood, blue stain, or pitch may be detected.
US07679751B1 Method and apparatus for three-dimensional imaging
A method and apparatus are provided for imaging three-dimensional scenes and objects by detecting reflections from emitted sequences of electromagnetic radiation. At least one transmitter is provided for emitting a sequence of electromagnetic radiation, and at least three sensors are provided for detecting radiation reflected from the scene and objects being imaged. Signals based on the detected radiation are used, together with spatial information of the transmitters and sensors, to calculate reflectivity coefficients for points of interest in the scene. Velocity vectors associated with moving objects within the scene can also be determined based on the rate of change of the phase differences between the emitted and reflected radiations.
US07679750B2 Cavity ring-down apparatus and method for measuring reflectivity of highly reflective mirrors
A cavity ring-down apparatus and method is provided for measuring the reflectivity of highly reflective mirrors. The apparatus comprises an optical ring-down cavity including three highly-reflective mirrors whose frequency-selective optical transmission is retro-reflected into the oscillator cavity of a continuous-wave semiconductor laser, creating a change of output spectrum of said laser and enhancing the coupling coefficient of the laser power into the optical ring-down cavity. The drive current/voltage of the semiconductor laser is modulated by a square-wave function output by a function generation card. Thus the laser beam is suddenly switched off at the negative step of the square-wave signal periodically. Immediately after switching off the laser beam, an exponential decay signal of the ring-down cavity is measured by a photo detector and used to determine the decay time of the cavity and the reflectivity of highly reflective mirrors.
US07679747B2 Gloss measurement apparatus and gloss measurement method
A gloss measurement apparatus which emits light from a light source and finds an evaluation value, which represents a glossiness of an object to be measured, on the basis of specular reflected light which is reflected by the object to be measured. The gloss measurement apparatus is provided with an acquisition component, a pixel gloss value calculation component and an evaluation value calculation component. The acquisition component acquires image information in accordance with received light amounts, at predetermined respective pixels, of specular reflected light from a surface of the object to be measured. The pixel gloss value calculation component calculates gloss values of the respective pixels on the basis of the received light amounts at the respective pixels of the image information acquired by the acquisition component. The evaluation value calculation component calculates the evaluation value representing the glossiness of the object to be measured on the basis of the gloss values calculated by the pixel gloss value calculation component.
US07679741B2 Method and microscope for high spatial resolution examination of samples
A method and a microscope, in particular a laser scanning fluorescence microscope, for high spatial resolution examination of samples, the sample (1) to be examined comprising a substance that can be repeatedly converted from a first state (Z1, A) into a second state (Z2, A), the first and the second states (Z1, A; Z2, B) differing from one another in at least one optical property, comprising the steps that the substance in a sample region (P) to be recorded is firstly brought into the first state (Z1, A), and that the second state (Z2, B) is induced by means of an optical signal (4), spatially delimited subregions being specifically excluded within the sample region (P) to be recorded, are defined in that the optical signal (4) is provided in the form of a focal line (10) with a cross-sectional profile having at least one intensity zero point (5) with laterally neighboring intensity maxima (9).
US07679738B2 Method of inspecting a body having fine-gap grooves and method of repairing the body
A molding die has through holes composed of feed holes and slit grooves for producing honeycomb structure bodies. The slit groove is formed in at least a part of each through hole. In a method of inspecting the molding die, a light is irradiated into the feed holes side to pass through the through holes. A camera is disposed at the slit groove formation side of the molding die to photograph the amount of light output from the slit groove side. A difference in intensity of the amount of light output from the slit grooves is calculated in order to detect at least the presence of a defective slit groove having an abnormal part. In another method of repairing the defective slit groove, a modifier made of abrasive grains and clay mother material is forcedly provided into the defective slit groove in order to repair or remove the abnormal part.
US07679737B2 Method, system and apparatus of inspection
A method of inspecting defects on an object includes irradiating predetermined particles with a laser beam to measure first scattered light intensities, irradiating plural types of defects with the laser beam to measure second scattered light intensities, determining types of some defects selected out of the plural types of defects using the first scattered light intensities, setting a discrimination line indicating a boundary value of the second scattered light intensities based on the determination, and discriminating, using the discrimination line, defects on the object.
US07679734B2 Curved surface shape inspection method, fiber optical block, and curved surface shape inspection device
In a fiber optic block 10 formed by bundling and integrating a plurality of optical fibers 11 each composed of a core region 12 and a clad region 13, an at least partially curved input end face 14 composed of one end of each optical fiber and a measurement surface having a curved surface shape of a to-be-measured object are pressed against each other. Then, an optical image formed by bringing the input end face into contact with the measurement surface and output from an output end face 15 of the fiber optic block is used to inspect the curved surface shape of the to-be-measured object. This allows a curved surface shape inspection method capable of inspecting the shape of a curved surface easily, a fiber optic block, and a curved surface shape inspection apparatus to be achieved.
US07679733B2 Optical tracking device employing a three-axis gimbal
An optical tracking device, includes an azimuth sub-assembly providing a 360-degree range of motion and a transducer sensing the azimuth position within this range of motion; and an elevation sub-assembly coupled to the azimuth sub-assembly and providing at least a −30-degree to +100-degree range of motion and a transducer sensing the elevation position. A cross-elevation sub-assembly is coupled to the elevation sub-assembly and provides at least a ±14-degree optical range of motion and a transducer sensing the cross-elevation position. An elevation gyroscope is affixed to the elevation sub-assembly and generates an elevation rate signal; and a cross-elevation gyroscope is affixed to the elevation sub-assembly and generates a cross-elevation rate signal. A controller receives the azimuth, elevation, and cross-elevation position signals, and the elevation and cross-elevation rate signals and sends command signals to the sub-assemblies to initiate movement to allow inertially stabilized tracking of an object.
US07679716B2 Exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus having an element to be cooled and which exposes a substrate to patterned radiation by using the element. A reservoir houses a liquid coolant therein. A first pump disposed between the reservoir and the element supplies the coolant from the reservoir to the element. A heater disposed between the first pump and the element heats the coolant supplied from the first pump. A jacket receives the coolant from the heater and cools the element. A second pump disposed between the jacket and the reservoir supplies the coolant from the jacket to the reservoir. A cooler disposed between the second pump and the reservoir cools the coolant supplied from the second pump, and a valve is disposed between the second pump and the cooler for controlling the supply of the coolant.
US07679709B2 Liquid crystal display panel and method for manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display panel includes a color filter, a thin film transistor substrate in opposition to the color filter, a liquid crystal layer provided between the color filter and the thin film transistor substrate and a sealant provided corresponding to the mark regions and surrounding the liquid crystal layer. The mark regions are provided on periphery of the thin film transistor substrate and each includes a plurality of alignment marks as references for applying the frame sealant and therefore controlling the applying amount and rate of the frame sealant so that the applied frame sealant has line width of desired specification and that the distance between the substrates is desirably determined. A related method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel is also provided.
US07679704B2 Method of fabricating an in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display comprising rubbing and applying a beam to set pre-tilt angles
An IPS (in-plane switching mode) liquid crystal display device and fabricating method thereof, in which post treatment lowering the pre-tilt angle is performed on a rubbed alignment layer on a substrate using a non-rubbing method such as UV or ion-beam irradiation, and by which a viewing angle characteristic is enhanced. The present invention includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a gate line and a data line crossing with each other on the first substrate to define a pixel area, a thin film transistor at a crossing of the gate and data lines, a pixel electrode and a common electrode alternately arranged in the pixel area a predetermined interval from each other, an alignment layer over the pixel and common electrodes having a pre-tilt angle equal to or smaller than about 1°, and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates.
US07679697B2 Backlight module with reflector having reflection pattern thereat and liquid crystal display having same
An exemplary backlight module (11) includes a light guide plate (12), a reflector (18), and a light emitting diode unit (142). The light guide plate has a light incident surface (122). The reflector is positioned adjacent to the light incident surface, and has a reflection pattern (184) thereat. The light emitting diode unit is interposed between the light incident surface and the reflector.
US07679695B2 Backlight module having light guide plate with sliding strips and frame with sliding guides and liquid crystal display with same
An exemplary backlight module (3) includes a light guide plate (32) and a frame (34) accommodating the light guide plate. The light guide plate includes a main body including two side surfaces (321), and two sliding strips (325). The sliding strips extend outward from the side surfaces of the main body. Each sliding strip includes a flexible detent (326). The frame includes two opposite first walls (341). The first walls defines two sliding guides (3411) slidably receiving the light guide plate whereby the light guide plate is slidable into the frame and detachably fixed in the frame by snapping engagement of the flexible detents with the frame.
US07679689B2 Electronic appliance
A video camera picks up an image of an operator. The picked-up image is subjected to a mirror image conversion. An image for operation, including operation buttons and the operator's image that is subjected to the mirror image conversion are mixed and displayed on a screen of a television receiver. The operator selects a desired operation button by using a universal remote controller with light emitting portions, and executes the operation on the screen. A detecting portion in the television receiver detects which operation button is operated, and executes a control operation corresponding to the operated operation button.
US07679687B2 Digital terrestrial TV broadcast signal receiving system and digital terrestrial TV broadcast signal receiver
In a digital terrestrial TV broadcast signal receiving system comprised of a multi-directional antenna and a TV broadcast signal receiver which are connected by a cable, even when a level of a TV broadcast signal is lower and S/N is lower, signal receiving condition is made stable with no relation to locations of the multi-directional antenna and the TV broadcast signal receiver, a length of the cable, and so on. The multi-directional antenna has a variable amplifier which can be controlled a gain from the TV broadcast signal receiver and amplifies a received TV broadcast signal. The TV broadcast signal receiver detects a level of a TV broadcast signal outputted from the multi-directional antenna, and controls the gain of the variable amplifier corresponding to the detected level of the TV broadcast signal.
US07679676B2 Spatial signal conversion
A spatial filter unit (200) for converting a first input signal (U) comprising input samples, into an output signal comprising output samples, is disclosed. The spatial filter unit (200) comprises: a coefficient-determining means (106) for determining a first filter coefficient; and an adaptive filtering means (104) for computing a first one of the output samples on basis of a first one of the input samples and the first filter coefficient. The coefficient-determining means (106) are arranged to determine the first filter coefficient on basis of a second input signal (Y) being correlated to the first input signal (U).
US07679673B2 Socket
A socket in which a light-emitting diode can be attached and detached as needed close to the structure for holding a camera module. Socket comprises a spring contact part for contacting the leads or electrodes of the light-emitting diode, and an anchor for anchoring such that the direction of a dome section has a predetermined relationship with the camera module.
US07679668B2 Solid state image pickup device and its manufacture
A first silicon oxide film is formed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate in an area of a vertical transfer channel and a read gate contiguous with each other, and a silicon nitride film is formed on the first silicon oxide film. The silicon nitride film is isotropically etched by using a resist pattern formed on the silicon nitride film as a mask. A second silicon oxide film is formed on the surface of the etched silicon nitride film to form an insulating film containing silicon oxide films and a silicon nitride film. A photoelectric conversion element contiguous with the read gate on the opposite side of the vertical transfer channel is formed. The isotropical etching makes the silicon nitride film cover the vertical transfer channel, extend over the read gate, and have a tapered sidewall. A high quality solid state image pickup device can be manufactured.
US07679666B2 Solid-state logarithmic image sensing device
In a solid-state image-sensing device, after completion of image sensing by individual pixels, in each pixel, a signal φVRB fed to a capacitor C1 connected to the gate of a first MOS transistor T1 is turned to a high level to make it easy for a negative electric charge to flow into the MOS transistor T1. This permits quick recombination of the positive electric charges accumulated at the drain and gate of the MOS transistor T1, at the gate of a MOS transistor T2, at the anode of a photodiode, and in a capacitor C2, and thereby makes quick resetting possible.
US07679665B2 Amplification-type CMOS image sensor
Pixels are two-dimensionally arranged into rows and columns in an image sensing region of a solid-state image sensing device, and divided into a plurality of vertical blocks. A vertical signal line is connected to each pixel column. A voltage read out from a pixel is A/D-converted and held in a holding circuit. A vertical block selection circuit outputs a vertical block selection signal in response to a horizontal sync pulse. An intra-block line selection circuit selects one pixel row in one block or simultaneously selects a plurality of pixel rows in one block, in accordance with the selection signal and a signal for setting the number of lines to be selected. A pulse selector circuit supplies a pixel driving pulse signal to a pixel row selected by the intra-block line selection circuit.
US07679655B2 Image-data processing apparatus, image-data processing method, and imaging system for flicker correction
An image-data processing apparatus corrects flicker in each image-data frame. The apparatus includes a threshold generator that generates a threshold; an integrator that integrates values of extracted pixel data of a selected range in each frame on the basis of the threshold; a storage unit that stores integrated values of frames; an average calculator that calculates an average value of the image data on the basis of the integrated values; a gain calculator that divides the average value by an integrated value associated with a target frame, thereby calculating a reference correction gain; a comparator that checks whether pixel data in the target frame are in the selected range; a correction-gain output unit that outputs a correction gain on the basis of the comparison; and a corrector that corrects each piece of the pixel data in the selected range on the basis of the correction gain.
US07679652B2 Image processing system, image capturing apparatus, image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer-readable medium storing program
An image processing system includes: an image capturing apparatus for obtaining an image of a subject, having a setting unit, which sets an obtaining condition for the image according to user's operation, and an outputting unit, which outputs the obtaining condition in association with the image; and an image processing apparatus for performing an image processing for the image, having a receiving unit, which receives the image and the obtaining condition, an image processing unit, which performs an image processing for the image, and a controlling unit, which controls the image processing unit based on the obtaining conditions.
US07679646B2 Image pickup systems
Image pickup systems capable of preventing blurred images are provided, in which a first sensor detects a variation in inclination of an image pickup device to generate a first sensing data, a second sensor detects a position movement from an image sensor in the image pickup device to generate a second sensing data and a driving unit is coupled to the image sensor. A processing module receives the first and second sensing data, integrates the first sensing data, calculates the integrated first sensing data and the second sensing data to obtain control information, and enables the driving unit to adjust the position of the image sensor according to the control information.
US07679644B2 Digital camera
The present invention provides a digital camera comprising a planar image display device, a camera body coupled to an end of the image display device, and a printer device coupled to another end of the image display device. In the digital camera, the camera body and/or the printer device can store the image display device, and the camera body and the printer device can be coupled to each other through a coupling device when the image display device is stored.
US07679642B2 Camera navigation in a gaming environment
A system and method for camera navigation that provides a player with an unobstructed, non-disorienting view of a target is provided. The system includes a memory for storing a camera navigation/control model, a central processing unit for executing the camera navigation/control model to provide unobstructed and non-disorienting target character views, and a graphics processing unit configured to render the unobstructed views of the target in an image for display. In addition, the camera navigation/control model includes an object detection model, line-of-sight restoration models to restore a line-of-sight view of an obstructed target, and a camera navigation path model. In the method, a collision probe is sent on a straight line path between a camera and a target whereby line-of-sight obstructions are detected if the probe intersects with polygonal sides of an object. A line-of-sight restoration method is used to move the camera to provide an unobstructed view of the target.
US07679638B2 Method and system for allowing video-conference to choose between various associated video conferences
An association of videoconferencing services is disclosed that enables two or more videoconferences to be generated with each videoconference running independently from the others and having its own conferees. The association is achieved by having at least one conferee (a traveler) that can “move” or “travel” from one videoconference to another in the association. The one or more travelers belong to the association and not to any particular videoconference. In exemplary embodiments, the traveler can choose between the various associated videoconferences by making a selection to a multipoint control unit (MCU) that controls the associated videoconferences.
US07679631B2 Toner supply arrangement
A toner supply arrangement for use in an integrated printing system which includes at least one toner container wherein the at least one toner container adapted for supplying toner to at least two image marking engines. The arrangement further includes a distribution mechanism adapted to transport the toner from the at least one toner container to the at least two image marking engines.
US07679617B2 Appropriately sized target expansion
The present starburst target expansion technique connects targets to peripheral screen space to produce reasonably sized tiles for all targets including those that are located inside of a cluster. The resulting layout is characterized by lines escaping from the cluster center. By providing targets located inside a cluster with access to empty screen space, the present starburst target expansion technique is able to assign screen space to targets that remain small if expanded using the traditional Voronoi approach. If used on a device with limited input accuracy, such as a pen-based tablet or a touch screen-based kiosk system, target expansion via the starburst target expansion technique can lead to substantial performance improvements.
US07679601B2 Input means for interactive devices
An input means adapted for an interactive device is disclosed, which comprises: an inertial sensing module, for detecting a gesture movement of a user and thus generating a gesture signal accordingly; a multifunctional keypad, having at least a key to be selected and pressed for generating a selecting signal accordingly; a control unit, for fetching the selecting signal and the gesture signal and thus generating a control signal corresponding thereto; a signal processing unit, for receiving and processing the control signal so as to generate an interactive signal and then sending the interactive signal to the control unit; and a wireless transmission module, being used to transmit the interactive signal of the control unit to the interactive device.
US07679599B2 Electrophoretic device, method of driving electrophoretic device, and electronic apparatus
The electrophoretic device of the present invention obtains a plurality of different optical characteristics by changing a proportion of number of pixel electrodes supplied with a first voltage and a number of pixel electrodes supplied with a second voltage. The transition of the optical characteristics accompanied by the changes of the proportion is previously obtained as an actual measurement value. The preferable proportion displaying the desired optical characteristic is calculated based on the actual measurement value.
US07679597B2 Scan driving circuit and organic light emitting display using the same
A scan driving circuit includes a plurality of stages. Each stage receives three of four clocks that may be sequentially generated, receives and delays an input signal through an input terminal, and outputs an output signal through an output terminal. The input terminal of each stage is connected to the output terminal of a previous one of the stages. Each stage includes a transistor, a switch section, and a storage section. The transistor turns off/on a connection of the input terminal according to a second clock. The switch section transfers a first voltage to the output terminal according to a first clock and prevents the first voltage from being transferred to the output terminal according to the input signal. The storage section maintains a voltage of the output terminal for a predetermined time and transfers a voltage of a third clock to the output terminal according to the input signal.
US07679596B2 Display device with reduced interference between pixels
A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of pixels including switching elements; a plurality of pairs of first and second gate lines connected to the switching elements and separated from each other, transmitting a gate-on voltage for turning on the switching elements; and a plurality of data lines connected to the switching elements, transmitting data signals, wherein each pair of first and second gate lines is disposed between two adjacent pixel rows and is connected to one of the pixel rows.
US07679593B2 Liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal display driven by interlace scanning and/or sequential scanning
A display device which has a liquid crystal display which has a plurality liquid crystal pixels arranged in a matrix and which writes an image thereon after resetting the liquid crystal. The method of writing on the liquid crystal display can be selected from driving methods according to interlace scanning in which a frame is divided into a plurality of fields and writing by interlace scanning is performed and driving methods according to sequential scanning in which scanning lines are subjected to writing serially. When high-speed writing is required, for example, when display of a motion picture, display of inputted letters or scroll display is desired, one of the driving methods according to interlace scanning is selected. In interlace scanning, based on the end of a blackout state of a scanning line in a field, selection of a scanning line in the next field for writing is started. Writing on a scanning line comprises a reset step of resetting the liquid crystal, a selection step of selecting the final state of the liquid crystal, an evolution step of stabling the liquid crystal into the selected state, and one of the length of the reset step and the total length of the selection step and the evolution step is n times (n: natural number) the other. For example, when the length of the reset step is n times the total length of the selection step and the evolution step and when a frame is divided into m fields (m: natural number larger than n) for interlace scanning, there is a moment when, in serial m scanning lines, n scanning lines of them are in the reset step, one of them is in the selection step or in the evolution step, and the other m-n-1 scanning lines are in a display step.
US07679589B2 Liquid crystal display device
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device with a source driver in which a significant signal delay is not generated, and which has a fast response speed. The present invention also provides a liquid crystal display device comprising a scan driver including a D/A converter for outputting analog signals corresponding to gradation data input, a triangular wave generator for outputting triangular wave signals, and a comparator for applying data voltage to each pixel which include OCB liquid crystal cells by comparing the analog signals with the triangular wave signals. The data voltage is a PWM pulse with a varied voltage width.
US07679583B2 Plasma display and driving method thereof
In a plasma display, image data are mapped on N subfields, and the subfield with the greatest weight is determined from among the mapped subfields. When the subfield with the greatest weight is the Kth subfield (K>M), grayscales of the image data are expressed with the mapped data of the (K−M+1)th subfield to the Kth subfield, and the mapped data from the first subfield to the (K−M)th subfield may be ignored.
US07679581B2 Medical overlay mirror
Medical overlay mirror methods and related systems.
US07679579B2 Projection type image display apparatus
A projection unit comprises a laser diode (LD) for emitting a laser beam, and a LD control section for controlling the LD. The laser beam emitted from the LD is scanned in horizontal and vertical directions respectively by first and second micro mirrors, and is projected on a projection surface through a projection window. Thus, images are displayed on the projection surface. An infrared sensor is disposed near the second micro mirror. The infrared sensor is disposed such that its light receiving surface faces the projection window, and detects human presence around a projection area of the laser beam. The LD control section does not start outputting the laser beam when the infrared sensor detects human presence. Also, the LD control section stops outputting the laser beam when the infrared sensor detects human presence while the image is being displayed.
US07679575B1 Tapered slot antenna cylindrical array
A Tapered Slot Antenna Cylindrical Array (NC#98219). The method includes coupling at least two tapered slot antenna pairs to a base element in a cylindrical configuration. The method may further include coupling a transmitter/receiver to each tapered slot antenna of the at least two tapered slot antenna pairs via radio frequency links. In addition, the method may further include coupling a microprocessor to the transmitter/receiver via communication links.
US07679571B2 Antenna device and door handle device
A transmission/reception antenna (21) comprises a core (31) and a coil (32) wound around the core (31). One of a plurality of core sheets (31a) constituting the core (31) is utilized as a sensor electrode (23). Conductors (33, 34) extending from the two ends of the coil (32) are connected to a transmission/reception drive circuit (22). The conductor (35) extending from a capacitance detector (24) is connected to one of the conductors (33, 34) extending between the coil (32) and the transmission/reception drive circuit (22). Consequently, the capacitance detector (24) is alternately connected to the sensor electrode (23) through a parasitic capacitance C1 generated between the coil (32) and the sensor electrode (23) (core sheet (31a)).
US07679561B2 Systems and methods for positioning using multipath signals
A signal processing technique for RF active, passive, or aided localization approaches that utilizes multipath signals as additional measurements with a filter or estimator, e.g., a nonlinear filter. The filter uses indirect and direct path measurements or any other available signals to build parametric models of observable indirect paths. If one or more direct path measurements are subsequently lost (e.g., due to obstruction), the filter maintains an estimate of the position of the person or object of interest using indirect path measurements.
US07679551B2 Methods and systems for doppler frequency shift removal and correlation for software-based receivers
Embodiments of the invention provide a method for effecting Doppler removal and correlation for software-based receivers. For one embodiment of the invention Doppler removal is performed concurrently for all received communications signals. For one embodiment of the invention, a single frequency selected to effect Doppler removal, multiple communications signals having Doppler frequency shift are received from corresponding communications signal sources, and a Doppler removal process is performed concurrently for each received communication signal. A correlation process is then performed, the correlation process having an integration interval divided into multiple sub-intervals.
US07679543B2 Current sampling mixer with harmonic rejection
Provided is a current sampling mixer that can be applied to a broadband broadcasting system. The current sampling mixer can change a structure of a current sampler including a plurality of capacitors to select and sum capacitors having a weight value given in the output, thereby performing a finite impulse response filter function and a harmonic rejection function.
US07679540B2 Double sampling DAC and integrator
This disclosure relates to systems and methods for analog to digital conversion using delta sigma modulation. To this end, the delta sigma modulator includes a double sampling DAC and integrator and a 1-bit comparator, with reference loading insensitivity.
US07679535B2 High-rate RLL encoding
An unencoded m-bit data input sequence is divided into a block of n bits and a block of m−n bits. The block of n bits is divided into a first set of n+1 encoded bits, wherein at least one of P1 subblocks of the first set satisfies a G, M and I constraints. The first set of n+1 encoded bits is mapped into a second set of n+1 encoded bits wherein at least one of P2 subblocks of the second set gives rise to at least Q1 transitions after 1/(1+D2) precoding. A second set of n+1 encoded bits is divided into P3 encoded subblocks and the P3 encoded subblocks are interleaved among (m−n)/s unencoded symbols so as to form a (m+1)-bit output sequence codeword which is then stored on a data storage medium.
US07679528B1 Modulation of aircraft guidance lights
An aircraft landing and/or taxiing system has a plurality of landing zone, runway, and/or taxiway lights capable of receiving information signals and transmitting optically signals representative of the information signals. A processing system for providing the information signals to the plurality of lights is also used. The system also comprises a sensor tuned to receive light of a specific range of wavelengths, the light being emitted from the lights. Also, a processing system coupled to the sensor and configured with software to interpret signals received by the sensor is used. Program code runs on the processing system. The program code is configured to determine the location of an aircraft on the taxiway based on the light signal received from one or more of the taxiway lights. Also, the aircraft landing and/or taxiing system utilizes modulated lights to provide information pertinent to aircraft landing and/or taxiing operations.
US07679526B2 Systems and methods for use with traffic ticket printing parking meters
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to systems and methods for use with traffic ticket printing parking meters. According to certain example embodiments, a parking meter is provided. A payment acceptor may be operable to accept payment. A display may be operable to display a validated period during which the meter is valid, with the validated period being based on an amount of payment inserted into the payment acceptor. Vehicle identifying programmed logic circuitry may be operable to identify a vehicle parking in, parked in, and/or leaving a parking spot associated with the parking meter. A printer may be operable to print a parking ticket when a parking violation occurs, with the parking ticket including vehicle identification information from the vehicle identifying programmed logic circuitry and/or parking violation information.
US07679515B2 Program stored in medium readable by computer for measuring optimum feed amount to RFID antenna, feed amount measuring method, and printer having RFID read/write function
A program executed by a computer for measuring an optimum feed amount to an RFID antenna from a print standby position of a printer which reads and writes data from/on an RFID tag by feeding a label or tag containing an RFID tag, and then prints on the label surface by feeding the label or tag in the reverse direction, having step of performing a read/write test to the RFID tag whenever the label or tag is fed by a fixed amount from a print standby position, and a step of outputting the result of the read/write test visibly performed in the steps.
US07679511B2 Method for providing information on a product
A method for obtaining information on a product (1), said method comprising the following steps: the product (1) is marked with several codes (100, 101) that are stored in one or several RFID tags (11, 11′); at least one of said codes is read contactlessly by means of an RFID reader device (2); said reader device (2) sends a set of one or several read codes to a name service server (6) over a telecommunication network (4); said name service server (6) answers with the address of one or several hypertext pages; and the sought information (7) is accessed by means of said hypertext pages. The invention is characterized in that not all codes (100, 101) read by the RFID reader device are contained in the set sent, and in that the code or codes (100, 101) contained in said set are selected in said reader device (2).
US07679509B2 System and method for improving infrared detector performance in dual detector system
Embodiments of the present invention is directed to a method and system for use of ranging MW to reduce dual (MW/PIR) intrusion detector false alarms. A Doppler microwave system may be provided that is capable of detecting an object range and adjusting the sensitivity of the PIR detector to account for object size and range. Multiple range limited MW stages may be configured for different ranges to determine the general range of the moving object. Based on signal levels present on these MW stages, an approximate object range is determined. The sensitivity of the PIR is then adjusted based on a PIR sensitivity vs. object range function that is optimized to alarm on humans and ignore small animals and insects.
US07679504B2 System and method of discovering, detecting and classifying alarm patterns for electrophysiological monitoring systems
A system and method for electrophysiological monitoring system including a plurality of sensors configured to detect one or more health parameters of a patient and a monitoring device configured to receive a plurality of sensing signals from the sensors and output a monitoring signal representative of an alarm sequence, wherein the alarm sequence comprises a set of alarm events identified in the sensing signals. The system also includes an on-line monitoring module configured to generate a suffix tree data structure in response to the monitoring signal to identify alarm patterns from the set of alarm events and classify the alarm sequence in response to the occurrences of alarm patterns in the alarm sequence. The on-line monitoring module is further configured to alert monitoring personnel of an alarm condition after processing the alarm sequence in real-time.
US07679503B2 Auto connect virtual keypad
An auto-connect virtual keypad in one aspect allows for automatic notification of events occurring at a security system control panel to a remote consumer device and/or provides remote access to the control panel from a consumer device by providing a virtual keypad interface on the consumer device. The consumer device in one aspect may include a mobile device or desktop.
US07679496B2 Adjusting mechanism of a motor vehicle, in particular for automobile seats, and method for operating such an adjusting mechanism and its use
An adjustment device and method for an automobile seat or steering column. The adjustment device has an adjustment mechanism including an electric actuator, such as an electric motor, with plug-in connections. A control unit with a signal generator applies an adjustment voltage to the connections during an adjustment process, and may also, either simultaneously with or without the adjustment voltage, apply an alternating signal voltage to produce at least one of a tangible motion or an audible motion.
US07679488B2 Digital electrochromic circuit with a vehicle network
A vehicular rearview mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having an interior electrochromic reflective element, a housing for the interior electrochromic reflective element, and digital circuitry supplying a drive signal to the interior electrochromic reflective element. The interior electrochromic reflective element assumes an interior mirror partial reflectance level in response to the interior mirror electrochromic reflective element drive signal. The digital circuitry includes a microcontroller for controlling over a vehicle network at least one other vehicle function. One of the at least one other vehicle function includes an exterior mirror assembly that may include an exterior electrochromic reflective element that assumes an exterior mirror partial reflectance level in response to an exterior mirror electrochromic reflective element drive signal. The microcontroller may control the exterior mirror partial reflectance level of the exterior electrochromic reflective element over the vehicle network.
US07679477B2 Contactor with modular connection of the coil
A contactor with modular connection of the coil according to the invention comprises an insulating body, an operating coil housed in the insulating body, and means of modular connection of the coil to an external circuit so that the coil can be powered. The coil connection means comprise a connection arrangement, internal to the body, comprising at least two pairs of contact pieces positioned near at least two faces of the insulating body, these two faces being chosen from the front face and two opposed side faces running transversely between the front face and the rear face, each contact piece facing an opening in the body, and at least one removable connection module comprising a pair of connection terminals, which is connected to a second pair of contacts which are intended to collaborate with a first pair of contact pieces of the internal connection arrangement.
US07679468B1 KFM frequency tracking system using a digital correlator
An apparatus for providing a two point phase/frequency modulation system is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a first network configured to introduce an offset to center a signal applied to a VCO. The apparatus further includes a second network configured to set a gain of the VCO. A phase tracking network is configured to dynamically adjust the offset and the gain.
US07679464B2 Method and apparatus for frequency modulating a periodic signal of varying duty cycle
A method and apparatus for frequency modulating a PWM involves 1) generating a high frequency carrier signal much greater in frequency than the PWM signal; 2) modulating the high frequency signal to generate a spread spectrum carrier signal; and, 3) retiming a PWM signal with this high frequency SS carrier signal so that the binary transitions of the PWM signal are aligned with the frequency varying carrier signal. In another embodiment, a PWM oscillator is driven by a second, FM oscillator having spread spectrum characteristics. In another embodiment a PWM oscillator is driven and modulated by a counter/frequency divider comprised of modules.
US07679459B2 Multiphase signal generator
A signal generator for generating multiple phases includes a ring oscillator with at least one first adjustable delay stage and at least one second delay stage being serially arranged, wherein an output of the first delay stage is provided for delivering at least one first output phase and an output of the second delay stage is provided for delivering at least one second output phase, and an adjustment circuit for adjusting the delay of the first adjustable delay stage, wherein the adjustment circuit is provided for adjusting the phase relationship between the first output phase and the second output phase by means of setting a first propagation delay for the first delay stage.
US07679458B2 Ring oscillator for determining select-to-output delay of a multiplexer
The frequency of an oscillating signal generated by a ring oscillator is used to determine the select-to-output delay of standard cell multiplexers. The ring oscillator has no active logic elements other than an odd or even number of standard cell multiplexers. The signal path of the oscillating signal passes through the select input leads of the multiplexers of the ring oscillator. The ring oscillator can be used to characterize how signal propagation delay varies depending on the voltage supplied to the multiplexers. The lowest supply voltage at which a signal can continue to travel through the most critical circuit path of a test circuit can be modeled. In addition, the ring oscillator can be built into operational circuits to monitor timing and signal propagation delay in real time. Real time monitoring of delay enhances the benefits of adaptive voltage scaling, which is used in signal processing circuits in cell phones.
US07679449B2 Method and system for a highly efficient power amplifier utilizing dynamic biasing and predistortion
Aspects of a method and system for a highly efficient power amplifier (PA) utilizing dynamic biasing and predistortion are presented. Aspects of the system may include a processor that enables computation of a value of a variable bias component of a bias current based on a bias slope value and an amplitude of an envelope input signal. The processor may enable computation of a value of the bias current based on the selected constant bias current component value and the variable bias current component value. A PA may enable generation of an output signal in response to a generated baseband signal by utilizing the bias current to amplify an amplifier input signal. The bias current may be generated based on the envelope input signal. A feedback signal may be generated based on the output signal, which may be used to predistort a subsequent baseband signal.
US07679448B1 Continuous wave based bias method and apparatus for minimizing MOS transistor distortion
A biasing circuit and method for minimizing distortion in a MOS transistor. A first CW source provides a first CW signal at the input of a replica transistor to obtain an output signal at the output of the replica transistor. The output signal is mixed with another CW signal having a frequency equal to N times that of the first CW signal, N being an integer greater than one, to obtain a mixed signal having a DC component with an intensity proportional to the Nth-order distortion present in the output signal. A bias voltage to minimize this distortion is then applied to the input of the original transistor on which the replica transistor is based, the bias voltage determined in accordance with the intensity of the DC component.
US07679442B2 Output distortion cancellation circuit
An output distortion circuit includes a first transistor arrangement receiving a nonlinear current associated with a nonlinear differential error signal. The first transistor arrangement produces a reflected base current that is applied to one side of a differential input pair. A second transistor arrangement eliminates the nonlinear differential error signal by producing a replicated base current that replicates the reflected base current. The replicated base current is applied to an opposite side of the differential input pair thus the output distortion cancellation circuit creating a deflection of approximately equal magnitude to the reflected base current so as to eliminate the nonlinear differential error signal.
US07679434B2 Amplifier modulation method and apparatus
One embodiment relates to a power amplifier that includes a switched mode power amplification stage. The power amplification stage has an output configured to provide an amplified output voltage as a function of a drive signal, where the drive signal fluctuates during a first time and is inactive during a second time. The power amplifier also includes impedance compensation circuitry coupled to the output of the power amplification stage. The impedance compensation circuitry can selectively alter an output impedance of the power amplification stage as a function of a control signal that is continuously de-asserted during the first time and continuously asserted during the second time. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US07679428B2 Comparator and analog-to-digital converter using the same
A comparator includes a first inverter which is inserted between a power source terminal and one end of a first variable resistor, includes a first FinFET provided with a first gate terminal for receiving a positive phase output signal, and a second gate terminal for receiving a clock signal changing between a first level and a second level, inverts the positive phase output signal, and outputs a negative phase output signal, and a second inverter which is inserted between the power source terminal and one end of a second variable resistor, includes a second FinFET provided with a third gate terminal for receiving the negative phase output signal, a fourth gate terminal for receiving the clock signal, and the same polarity as the first FinFET, inverts the negative phase output signal, and outputs the positive phase output signal.
US07679425B2 Turn-off of gate-controlled switch
A gate-controlled switch configuration comprising a gate-controlled switch (V4) and a gate driver system (Ctrl, D1, D2, V1, V2), which in its first functional state is configured to change the amount of charge (Qgate) in the gate (G) of the gate-controlled switch (V4) to provide a normal turn-off functionality for the gate-controlled switch (V4), and in its second functional state it is configured to maintain the amount of charge (Qgate) in the gate (G) of the gate-controlled switch (V4) substantially constant. The gate driver system (Ctrl, D1, D2, V1, V2) is configured to produce a soft turn-off functionality during which the gate driver system (Ctrl, D1, D2, V1, V2) is in the first functional state a plural number of times, and between the subsequent first functional states it is in its second functional state.
US07679424B2 Semiconductor device with pad switch
A semiconductor device includes a pad, an internal power supply line, a pad switch including a MOS transistor to provide an electrically connectable coupling between the internal power supply line and the pad by use of a source-drain channel thereof, and a control circuit configured to control an electrical connection with respect to at least one of a gate node and a back-gate node of the MOS transistor, wherein the control circuit is configured such that at least one of the gate node and the back-gate node is electrically connectable to the pad.