Document Document Title
US07959072B1 Automated banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An automatic banking machine operates responsive to data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader for reading user cards, and at least one of a note acceptor and a cash dispenser. The automated banking machine carries out financial transfers related to user accounts based on information read from cards. The automated banking machine provides a printed receipt for transactions conducted. The machine carries out transactions when operatively connected to a source of power and a transaction network. The machine also carries out functions to control the power status of devices in the machine.
US07959067B2 Automated banking machine system and method
An automated banking machine (152) includes a plurality of transaction function devices. The transaction function devices include a card reader (170), a keypad (172), a printer (174), a bill dispenser (176), a coin dispenser (178), a code reading device (180), a display (182), a cash acceptor (184), a check acceptor (186) and a biometric reader (188). The banking machine operates responsive to indica read from user cards. The banking machine operates responsive to instructions executed by at least one processor (190) in the machine. The banking machine is operative responsive to reading gaming tickets or other items through operation of the code reading device, and/or a biometric feature reading device, to dispense cash or provide other value to users. The banking machine is also operative to cause value to be transferred by users for the purchase of gaming items. Other transactions may be conducted, including redeeming or changing forms of value including forms of value that can be used within a gaming establishment (154).
US07959065B2 Custom content gift cards
There is provided a customized gift card and methods for customizing the gift card with buyer-selected downloadable content. A buyer may associate pre-purchased downloadable content with a gift card such that the card is “preloaded” for a recipient. The recipient may then redeem the customized gift card and download or access the pre-purchased content. The customized gift card may also include a buyer-selected image and/or personalized message on the face of the card. Alternatively, the customized gift card may have a generic design. Various methods are provided for producing the cards and selecting the downloadable content, including purchasing the card online and having it delivered; buying a generic card and associating content with it online; and purchasing and preloading the card at a dispenser, or kiosk.
US07959060B2 Multi-ply carton having reclosable opening feature
A carton is formed from an inner blank and an outer blank. The outer blank ply of the carton includes a pivoting, reclosable lid that allows a top end of the carton to be accessed and subsequently closed. A latch feature is included in the carton to allow the lid to be securely closed over the open top of the carton. The inner blank may form a closed and/or sealed liner vessel within the outer blank ply of the carton.
US07959056B2 Method for joining rails by friction welding
Method for the metallic joining of profiled rails in the longitudinal direction. Method includes heating rail ends to a joining temperature by pressing together faces of the rails end while simultaneously moving them relative to one another in an oscillating manner with a greatest oscillation amplitude relative to one another perpendicular to the main axis direction Y with the maximum moment of inertia of the cross-sectional surface, aligning the rail ends, and pressing the faces together to join the rails together.
US07959046B2 Methods, systems, and apparatus for providing a multiple position sling for a firearm
Methods, systems, and apparatus for supporting a firearm from a user. An apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention includes a sling capable of supporting a firearm from a portion of a user's body. The sling can include a strap capable of being supported by a portion of a user's body. The sling can also include a first connector mounted to a first portion of the strap, the first connector capable of mounting to a firearm connector. Furthermore, the sling can include a second connector mounted to a second portion of the strap, the second connector capable of mounting to a third connector, and further capable of mounting to a second firearm connector. Moreover, the sling can include a third connector mounted to a third portion of the strap, the third connector capable of mounting to the second connector, whereby the mounting of the second connector to the third connector creates a loop in the strap. In one aspect of the invention, the sling can include a fourth connector mounted to a fourth portion of the strap, wherein the fourth connector is capable of mounting to the second firearm connector.
US07959043B2 Tea kettle with safety features
A tea kettle with a spout and a handle extends from a body, wherein the handle and spout are offset from one another such that when the body is tilted during pouring of a hot liquid contained therein, hot vapor from the liquid substantially is diverted away from the handle.
US07959037B2 Severable piston pump
A piston pump having a piston forming element carrying at an inner end a removable member which becomes secured in a piston chamber forming member and detached from the piston forming element within the piston chamber forming member.
US07959036B2 Elastomeric dispensing container
An elastomeric dispensing container for a fluid includes an elastomeric receptacle defining a chamber therein and having an integrally formed gasket extending radially from an opening formed on a lower end and a receptacle neck providing communications between the chamber and the opening, a relatively rigid sleeve disposed concentrically about the receptacle neck having a sleeve neck with a lower face adjacent to the integral gasket, a cap having a lid covering the receptacle opening and the integral gasket with a dispensing orifice formed therein and a cap neck extending from the lid disposed concentrically about the sleeve neck, and engaging means formed on the sleeve neck and the cap neck providing removable attachment therebetween wherein the engaging means secures the integral gasket in a compressed and substantially fluid-tight state between the lid and the sleeve lower face.
US07959022B2 Container with a polygonal neck
A container, such as a flask or a flexible tube, provided with a cap, the container including a side wall and a plastic head with a neck and a shoulder linking the neck to the side wall. The cap is provided with a circular cylindrical skirt on its inner surface with one or more first screwing means. The wall of the neck is substantially shaped like a prism where the cross-section is globally a polygon having a symmetry of order n about an axis A substantially parallel to the generatrix of the prism, n being an integer strictly greater than 1, and the neck is provided on its outer surface with n second screwing means, uniformly distributed about the axis A. The assembly of n second screwing means of the neck co-operates with the first screwing means of the cap.
US07959021B2 Air inlet for a baby bottle
An air inlet is mounted in a baby bottle and has a valve and an air-inlet tube. The valve has a body, an outer ring and an inner ring. The body has a chamber, multiple separating blocks and multiple liquid channels. The separating blocks are formed on the body and each has a vent. The liquid channels are formed through the body between the separating blocks and communicate with the chamber. The outer ring is formed around the chamber to separate the chamber and the vents. The inner ring is formed on an inner end of the body around the vents and has multiple air inlets. The air-inlet tube is mounted detachably on the inner ring of the valve. Therefore, liquid flows through the liquid channels and the chamber, but air flows through the air inlets and the vents to the air-inlet tube to ensure smooth operation.
US07959020B2 Wire rack for mounting an iron on a wall
The present disclosure relates to a wire rack for mounting an iron on a wall and method of use thereof, and more specifically, to a wire rack for mounting an iron on a wall, the wire rack having a retractable rail for adjusting to different sizes of irons and equipped with an ironing board holder and a product holder. The iron holder holds the iron by the iron's base and can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of irons. The frame is also made of heat-resistant, coated, welded wire that allows for the manufacture of a light, cost-effective device. The device is also equipped with large hooks to hold most types of ironing boards and arms designed to hold extra products used during ironing.
US07959017B2 Compression bin system
A bin system includes a plurality of bins arranged in stacks, wherein each of the bins in a stack includes a first element which interlocks with a second element in a lower bin in a stack of bins. The interlock holds the upper bin in a defined position on the lower bin. The first element includes a projection and the second element includes a lateral recess in a side wall of the bin. The system further includes two cross beams for supporting the stacks of bins, wherein the first element of the lowermost bin of a stack of bins is received between the two cross beams. The first element may comprise at least one additional projection arranged to engage an inner side of the side wall for additional support. The interlock between the first and second elements provides a self stacking function in that the interlock retains the upper bin on the lower bin.
US07959012B2 Oil-based sludge separation and treatment system
An apparatus for treating oil-based sludge includes a boiler, a heat exchanger having a circulatory steam path in fluid communication with the boiler and a sludge path receiving sludge, a plurality of serially-aligned mixers in fluid communication with the sludge path of the heat exchanger, a separation tank in fluid communication with the plurality of mixers, and wherein the separation tank includes a tank having a plurality of walls, a hydrocyclone mounted within the tank receiving sludge from the plurality of mixers, wherein the hydrocyclone includes a solids outlet directing a solids component towards a bottom portion of the tank and a fluid outlet directing a fluid component into the tank, a means for conveying separated solids along the bottom portion of the tank to a solids outlet, and a plurality of fluid outlets vertically located along a tank wall, wherein each outlet includes a valve providing selective fluid communication from the tank.
US07958984B2 Friction plate for wet-type multiplate clutch
A friction plate for a wet-type multiplate clutch can include a core plate and friction linings bonded on opposite sides of the core plate, respectively. Each of the friction linings can include plural segment pieces bonded at angular intervals on a corresponding opposite side. The segment pieces can each include at least one first oil groove and at least one second oil groove. The first oil groove opens to a radially-inner side of its corresponding segment piece and has a closed end portion located in a radially-intermediate part of the corresponding segment piece. The second oil groove opens to a radially-outer side of the corresponding segment piece and has a closed end portion located in another radially-intermediate part of the corresponding segment piece. Adjacent ones of the segment pieces are provided, in radially-middle parts of opposing side walls thereof, with angularly-extending recessed portions, respectively.
US07958981B2 Shock absorber
A shock absorber interposed in parallel with a suspension spring between a vehicle wheel and a vehicle body of a vehicle comprises a main piston (2) partitioning a cylinder (1) into a first operating chamber (R1) and a second operating chamber (R2), and connected to a piston rod (8). The first operating chamber (R1) and the second operating chamber (R2) are connected by a laminated leaf valve (V1, V2) under a first flow resistance. A passage (4a) connects one of the pressure chambers (R3A, R3B) partitioned by a free piston (5) and the first operating chamber (R1) under a second flow resistance. A passage (4b) connects the other of the pressure chambers (R3A, R3B) and the second operating chamber (R2) under a third flow resistance. The shock absorber displays stable damping force characteristics as a result of a spring (S) supporting the free piston (5) in a predetermined neutral position.
US07958980B2 Protection device for cylinder
A conventional solid protection device disposed on an exposed side of a cylinder for actuating a working device had a possibility of being permanently deformed by contacting an obstacle so as to be prevented from sliding properly corresponding to the telescopic movement of the hydraulic cylinder. An object of the invention is to provide a hardly deformable protection device. To protect an exposed side of a cylinder for a working device, a protection device includes a guard member and a slide guide into which guard member is telescopically fitted. Slide guide is attached to a cylinder tube, and a tip of guard member is attached to a tip of piston rod. Guard member is a flat plate made of spring steel. A width of guard member is larger than a diameter of the piston rod. Notches are provided on lateral opposite sides of a basic side end of guard member. Sliders are fitted to respective notches. The top of guard member is bent into a roll-shape so as to serve as a pivotal portion.
US07958968B1 Tree stand blind system
A tree stand blind system for concealing a hunter on a tree stand and protecting the hunter from rain includes a pair of mounting brackets is secured to a tree adjacent a tree stand. Each of the mounting brackets has one of a pair of arms mounted thereto. A vertical orientation of each of the arms is adjustable with respect to the associated one of the mounting brackets. Each of the arms is positioned horizontally and extending outwardly from the tree. A suspension rod is insertable into each of the arms. A pair of blind curtains is suspended from the suspension rod. The blind curtains hang down from the suspension in a semi-circle around the tree stand to conceal the hunter on the tree stand.
US07958964B2 Power steering system for vehicle
A power steering system for a vehicle includes a steering shaft with its rear end in connection with a steering handle and with its axis inclined forwardly downwards. An electric motor is disposed with its axis orthogonal to a plane containing the axis of the steering shaft. The electric motor applies a steering force to the side of a steering wheel or wheels according to an operational torque exerted on the steering handle. This enables the power steering system to be easily applied to a vehicle in which the portion on the front side relative to the steering handle is short. A steering shaft is rotatably supported on a support case, at least a part of which is disposed on the inner side of the rotational locus of a steering handle in plan view. The rear end of an electric motor mounted to the support case is disposed on the front side relative to the rear end of the steering shaft.
US07958963B2 Assembly support for a motor vehicle transmission
An assembly support has a supporting element which is connected to the vehicle body and has an upper shell with a connected closing plate, and reinforcing bars are arranged in the region of fastening openings between the upper shell and the closing plate. A bridge support is connected to the supporting element, the bridge support is held with free limb ends in bearing eyes of the supporting element, and a bearing spindle for a transmission bearing being arranged between the bearing eyes.
US07958953B2 Drilling tool
A bi-center drilling tool comprises a main reamer region located eccentrically to an axis of rotation of the tool, and a leading cutting structure located ahead of the main reamer region, in the drilling direction. The leading cutting structure is located so as to apply a side loading to the drilling tool. The side loading is in direction to counter the loading which, in use, is due to the main reamer region being eccentric to the axis of rotation.
US07958949B2 Method and apparatus for three dimensional geosteering
A technique for drilling a borehole includes obtaining data from a tool in the borehole for a plurality of positions in the borehole that is being drilled to form acquired data indicative of directional electromagnetic propagation measurements. The technique includes identifying a plurality of distances to a boundary between formations in ground from the plurality of positions in the borehole based on the measurements; identifying a trajectory of the borehole using the plurality of distances; and deciding whether to change the trajectory of the borehole using a change in the plurality of distances between the trajectory and the boundary. The trajectory of the borehole may be changed in both inclination and azimuth.
US07958948B2 Method and system for return of drilling fluid
A system and method is described for use and return of drilling fluid/cuttings from a well, which is drilled on the ocean floor, in connection with offshore related oil production and gas production, where, from a drilling rig or drilling vessel (10), a drill stem (12) runs down into the bore hole and where a blowout preventer (BOP) is placed on said well, without mounting a riser between the rig or the vessel and said blowout preventer. A sealing and pressure-regulating device (16) is arranged on the blowout preventer (14) arranged to regulate the level of the drilling fluid, and thus the outlet pressure of the drilling fluid in said sealing and pressure-regulating device, and a pump module (18) is set up at a suitable distance adjacent said sealing and pressure-regulating device, where the pump module is arranged to pump said drilling fluid up to the ocean surface via an external return pipe.
US07958945B2 Pneumatic tool with sectional adjustment of torsional force
The present invention provides a pneumatic tool enabling sectional adjustment of torsional force, including a main body and a cylinder mounted into the accommodation space of main body. The cylinder is fitted with air vents and also a rotor. A plurality of exhaust holes is arranged at one side of the cylinder tube of the cylinder. An exhaust duct switching member is arranged between the exhaust holes of the cylinder tube and air exhaust duct of the main body and used to switch the airflow for air exhaust by different exhaust holes. The pneumatic tool enables sectional adjustment of its torsional force, thus promoting the torsional force efficiently with better applicability.
US07958940B2 Method and apparatus to remove composite frac plugs from casings in oil and gas wells
A process is provided to drill through a composite frac plug. The plug is in an oil well. The process utilizes an improved mill. The process also rotates drill pipe at one hundred to five hundred rpm and circulates drilling fluid such that the velocity of the fluid upwardly over the exterior of the drill pipe is in the range of three hundred to four hundred and seventy-five feet per minute. One thousand to three thousand pounds of slack off weight is applied during the process.
US07958930B2 Wall of a casting die for casting a molten metal
The invention relates to a wall (100) of a casting die for casting a molten metal. Die walls comprising a front plate (110) with a pocket borehole (112) and a rear plate (120) with a transversal borehole (122) aligned with the pocket borehole, on the cold side of the die front plate, are known in prior art. The aim of the invention is prevent the entrance of cooling liquid from the transition region (115), between the front plate (110) and the rear plate (120), into the pocket borehole (112) or the transversal borehole (122). To this end, a sealing element (140) having a longitudinal borehole is arranged in the transition region (115) in such a way that the longitudinal borehole of the sealing element is at least approximately aligned with the transversal borehole (122) in the rear plate of the die and the pocket borehole (112) in the front plate of the die.
US07958925B2 Garage door storage device
A storage device for use with a garage door having at multiple panels wherein each panel has a given width and height, the panels connected together by hinges and fasteners at predetermined spacing across the panels, wherein the fasteners are generally disposed in vertical alignment at a top part and bottom part of at least one of the panels, and which includes a storage container having a peripheral support structure which is normally maintained adjacent the panel and includes a plurality of eyelets formed on a top part and bottom part thereof which are of a size to receive one of the fasteners therethrough and are spaced along the peripheral support structure in a manner such that when receiving the fasteners said storage device is maintained adjacent the panel generally within the width and height of the panel.
US07958924B2 Apparatus and method for producing a weld seam
The invention relates to an apparatus for producing a weld seam on a foil bag with an ultrasonic hammer and an anvil, preferably with a weld side directed towards the ultrasonic hammer, the weld side having a long projection, so that the foil material of the foil bag can be clamped between the projection and the ultrasonic hammer. Preferably, the projection has at least one depression running parallel to the projection. The invention furthermore relates to an apparatus for producing weld seams on foil bags, wherein more than one of the above apparatuses are arranged next to one another and can be activated synchronously. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing a weld seam on a foil bag, wherein the foil bag is clamped between an ultrasonic hammer and an anvil, wherein the anvil has a long projection on a weld side directed towards the ultrasonic hammer, and the foil bag is provided with a weld seam by means of an ultrasound, wherein the projection has at least one depression running parallel to the weld seam. The invention also relates to a foil bag with a weld seam, wherein the weld seam has at least two weld zones and at least three or four sealing wedges.
US07958923B2 Drywall trim auto-folder, mastic applicator and cutter
A drywall trim application device that can hold a large role of drywall flex corner trim material and, as the material is being dispensed, pre-crease or form the material for use on an inside or outside corner, or any angle within the range of the trim material, apply a mastic material (drywall mud, adhesive or any other bonding medium) to the flex trim material, and cut the material at any desired length automatically. Measurements may be either input by hand or down loaded from an electronic measurement tool into this device. This invention can generally store multiple measurements such as length and angles, measure the length of flex trim material as it is dispensed from the device, crease the material, apply predetermined amount of mastic, and automatically cut the flex trim material to each length previously input.
US07958922B2 Thermo-encapsulating apparatus for providing a separator enveloping an electrode of an electrical energy storage device
An apparatus and method for cutting and heat sealing separator materials enveloping individually shaped electrode is described. The electrodes can be cathodes, anodes or other active components for incorporation into batteries, capacitors, and other implantable medical devices.
US07958913B2 Sulfur loading apparatus
A chemical loading system is used for loading a molten chemical into a tanker. The chemical loading system includes a source supplying a molten chemical and a tanker for receiving the molten chemical. The chemical loading system has a stationary feed line supplying a chemical from the source. An extendable loader has a feed passage that is in fluid communication with the feed line. The extendable loader has a retracted position and an extended position relative to the feed line. The feed passage is adapted to have at least a portion thereof inside the tanker when in the extendable loader is in the extended position. A hoist assembly selectively extends and retracts the extendable loader assembly between the retracted and extended positions.
US07958912B2 Freeze protection for on-board vehicle emissions treatment system
Freeze protection of an on-board emissions treatment substance storage and distribution system in a vehicle includes moving the emissions treatment substance away from a primary fuel/vapor area after filling of the emissions treatment system. In one embodiment an on-board emissions treatment system has a fill tube with a portion extending into a primary fuel fill tube to facilitate co-fueling of the primary fuel and emissions treatment substance. A pressure differential or vacuum is created in the emissions treatment fill tube after filling to move the emissions treatment substance away from a check valve disposed at the terminal end of the fill tube to prevent freezing of the check valve after filling. The emissions treatment substance may be moved out of the co-located portion of the fill tube to an area where passive or active heating of the fill tube may be applied to further reduce susceptibility to freezing.
US07958906B2 Thermally induced single-use valves and method of use
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a thermally induced single-use valve is provided including a silicon wafer having a top surface and a bottom surface and at least one cavity formed in the bottom surface of the wafer, a thermally deformable membrane suspended across the cavity on the top surface of the wafer and at least one resistive element patterned on top of the thermally deformable membrane.
US07958904B2 Collapsible hunting blind
A collapsible hunting blind includes a blind awning and a collapsible frame. The blind awning includes two sidewalls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a top wall. The collapsible frame includes a retention frame and two tensional frames. The retention frame is detachably coupling between the sidewalls to retain a distance therebetween at the setup position, wherein when the retention frame is released from the sidewalls, the sidewalls are adapted to overlap with each other at the folded position. The two tensional frames are provided at the sidewalls respectively for providing a tensional force thereat at the setup position to stretch out the sidewalls in a tensional manner. When each of the tensional frames is actuated to reduce the tensional force at the respective sidewall of the blind awning, the sidewall is adapted to overlappedly fold into a compact structure at the folded position.
US07958900B2 Scrubbing machine for cleaning instruments
The invention relates to a cleaning machine (MA) comprising a vessel (VE) having a stirring member (BA) mounted therein, the stirring member carrying a load of utensils of a first type. The stirring member also carries a load of utensils of a second type. The invention also provides a method of cleaning using such a machine, containing a cleaning liquid (WA). The method has a first cleaning stage during which the level of the liquid (WA) is lower than or equal to the level of the content of the stirring member (BA). It optionally includes a second cleaning stage during which the level of the liquid (WA) is higher than the level of the content of the stirring member (BA).
US07958898B2 Substrate processing apparatus
An substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate holding unit, a process liquid supplying unit, a first guide portion provided around the substrate holding unit for guiding the process liquid scattered from the substrate, a second guide portion provided outside the first guide portion for guiding the process liquid scattered from the substrate, a third guide portion provided outside the second guide portion for guiding the process liquid scattered from the substrate, a first recovery channel provided outside the first guide portion integrally with the first guide portion for recovering the process liquid guided by the second guide portion, a second recovery channel provided outside the first recovery channel integrally with the first guide portion for recovering the process liquid guided by the third guide portion, and a driving mechanism for independently moving up and down the first, second, and third guide portions.
US07958897B2 Ultrasonic hair treatment device
In an ultrasonic hair treatment device comprising a vibrator having a vibration element for generating ultrasonic vibrations and a receiver facing the vibrator as to apply the ultrasonic vibrations to a bundle of hairs which is pinched between the vibrator and the receiver, the vibration element has an oblong plate shape so as to have a plurality of resonance points arranged like a periodic lattice on a vibration face disposed in a thickness direction thereof, a plurality of circular recesses or grooves for trapping a hair treatment agent therein is formed on a vibration face of a head of the vibrator facing the receiver corresponding to the resonance points of the vibration element.
US07958896B2 Magnetic force devices, systems, and methods for resisting tissue collapse within the pharyngeal conduit
Devices, systems and methods employ magnetic force to resist tissue collapse in targeted pharyngeal structures and individual anatomic components within the pharyngeal conduit during sleep.
US07958895B2 Magnetic force devices, systems, and methods for resisting tissue collapse within the pharyngeal conduit
Devices, systems and methods employ magnetic force to resist tissue collapse in targeted pharyngeal structures and individual anatomic components within the pharyngeal conduit during sleep.
US07958891B2 Method of conveying breathing gases to or from a patient
A method of conveying humid breathing gases from a patient through a breathable breathing tube. The breathing tube includes a heater associated, at least in part, with a portion of hydrophilic material. The purpose of the heater is to evaporate any condensed liquid collecting in the conduit, which is first sucked up by the hydrophilic material. The heated wick reduces the risk of collected water being passed to the patient and causing choking fits or discomfit. It is preferred that the heated wick lies freely in the conduit to settle at low points in the conduit where condensation may collect.
US07958888B2 Circulation apparatus and method for use of same
A circulation apparatus and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, tubing provides gas communication between an air intake portion disposed at a first end and a breathing sub-apparatus at a second end. A bladder, which may be incorporated into a clothing garment or sleeping gear, is coupled to the tubing between the first and second ends. At least one valve is disposed within the tubing in order to selectively allow gas communication from the air intake portion to the breathing sub-apparatus and selectively allow gas communication from the breathing sub-apparatus to the bladder. Following an inhalation, heated exhaled air is circulated through the bladder to maintain a healthy core temperature and prevent hypothermia.
US07958884B2 Burner for solid fuel
The invention relates to a burner for solid fuel containing a space for a solid fuel to be burned, in which solid fuel space the flow of gas is arranged to be possible. The burner comprises at least one fire pipe (3,13) inside the solid fuel space, through the wall of which a possibility for gas flow is arranged.
US07958880B1 Portable batting device and method
A portable batting device that includes a housing, a pneumatically operated ball launching assembly partially disposed within the housing, and a funnel-shaped ball capturing assembly positioned on the top side of the housing. The launching assembly launching a first ball upward into a hitting zone so that a batter may attempt to hit the first ball with a bat. The hitting zone is at a predetermined and adjustable vertical height. The ball capturing assembly receives the first ball should the batter swing the bat and not hit the ball and funnels the first ball into position for a subsequent launch by the launching assembly. The batting device may have a ball feeding assembly operatively associated with the ball capturing assembly.
US07958875B2 Internal combustion engine with breather system
An internal combustion engine including a valve system and a breather system. The valve system includes a camshaft having intake cams and exhaust cams. The intake cams open and close intake valves, and the exhaust cams open and close exhaust valves. The breather system includes an upstream-side breather chamber and a downstream-side breather chamber. Blow-by gas flows into the upstream-side breather chamber through a chain chamber. The down-stream side breather chamber is provided in the camshaft, and also formed of a through hole constituted of a plurality of hole portions. The hole portions have different sizes and are aligned in the axial direction. The through hole opens to the chain chamber at a first shaft end portion of the camshaft, and also opens to the down-stream side breather chamber at a second shaft end portion of the camshaft. The down-stream side breather chamber is formed of a cam holder.
US07958869B2 Internal combustion engine with mixed camshafts and method for operating an internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine which operates in accordance with an auto-ignition principle includes at least one working cylinder, at least two inlet valves per working cylinder and at least one outlet valve per working cylinder. The internal combustion engine has a first camshaft and a second camshaft. The second camshaft actuates at least one of the inlet valves per working cylinder and actuates at least one outlet valve per working cylinder. The internal combustion engine has an adjuster disposed at the second camshaft. The adjuster adjusts valve control times of the inlet and outlet valves actuated by the second camshaft selectively in an early direction and a late direction in relation to valve control times of the first camshaft. A method for operating an internal combustion engine is also provided.
US07958860B2 Crankcase, oil channel mold core for producing a crankcase and process for producing a crankcase
A crankcase of an internal combustion engine with at least one main lubricant channel for supplying the internal combustion engine with lubricant and with at least one oil return flow channel (10) for return guidance of the excess lubricant into a reservoir container (11), wherein the oil return flow channel (10) exhibits a peg-shaped widening (12), which is formed by the attachment a bearing support of an oil channel core (18). The invention further concerns an oil channel core.
US07958845B2 Bottle cap for a bird feeder
A bottle cap for fitting on a mouth of a bottle to form a bird feeder is disclosed. The bottle cap comprises a first chamber with a opening for receiving the mouth of the bottle, wherein the bottle cap snaps onto the mouth of the bottle. A second chamber is provided with a closed bottom. A sealing ring is located between the first and second chambers so as to provide a seal between the bottle cap and the mouth of the bottle when the bottle cap is snapped onto the mouth of the bottle, wherein liquid is free to move between the first and second chambers. At least one feeding port is provided in a side wall of the second chamber.
US07958834B2 Template for use in circular sewing
A template for circular sewing is used for repeatedly sewing a single pattern into a circular arrangement with use of a sewing machine equipped with a circular sewing device. The template includes a transparent sheet member having a center point, a plurality of arc-shaped base lines arranged in a concentric pattern about the center point of the sheet member, and a plurality of linear pattern pitch measurement lines which are provided for measuring a pitch of the patterns and which are arranged on the sheet member so as to pass through the center point of the sheet member and across the arc-shaped base lines. A total number of patterns is indicated near to an end of the template. The total number of patterns is obtained when a pattern with a pitch substantially coinciding with one of the pattern pitch measurement lines has been sewn into a circular arrangement.
US07958821B2 Printing unit of a printing machine, a method for use thereof and a printing machine with a plurality of modules
A printing unit of a printing machine is supported by a pair of spaced side frames that are disposed opposite to each other. The printing unit includes at least one printing machine and at least one ink unit. The printing machine is formed by a plurality of printing cylinders. Each of the spaced side frames include a longitudinal crossbar that runs in the direction of transfer of a print substrate traveling through the printing unit. The two longitudinal crossbars form the boundaries of a foot space of the printing unit at two parallel sides. A plurality of pipelines are disposed in the foot space between the two longitudinal crossbars. These pipelines supply flowable media to the printing unit, which flowable media can be either liquid or gaseous. At least one of the pipelines is connected to a user of one of the supplied flowable media in the printing unit or to at least one source of the flowable media. The printing machine can utilize a plurality of printing units.
US07958820B2 Compactor construction
A compactor for compacting and dewatering debris comprises a housing having an inlet for enabling debris to be delivered to forwarding augers which forward the debris to a compaction chamber at the discharge end of the housing. The chamber has an outlet opening of less cross-sectional area than that of the chamber, thereby ensuring compaction of the debris as it moves toward discharge. Debris enroute to discharge may be sprayed with water to remove sludge-like substances which otherwise would cling to some types of debris.
US07958812B2 Flexible spike and ballistic resistant panel
A flexible spike and ballistics panel having a strike surface and a rear surface. The panel contains a strike face grouping and a rear face grouping, where the normalized stiffness of each strike face layer is about 3 to 50 times greater than the normalized stiffness of each textile layer. The strike face grouping contains at least two strike face layers, each strike face layer having resin and high tenacity yarns, where the high tenacity yarns are in an amount of at least 50% by weight in each layer, where the high tenacity yarns have a tenacity of at least 5 grams per denier, and where the strike face grouping forms the strike surface of the panel. The rear face grouping contains at least ten layers of a spike resistant textile layer, each textile layer having a plurality of interwoven yarns or fibers having a tenacity of about 5 or more grams per denier, where at least one of the surfaces of the spike resistant textile layer contains about 10 wt. % or less, based on the total weight of the textile layer, of a coating comprising a plurality of particles having a diameter of about 20 μm or less.
US07958809B1 Method for neutralizing explosives and electronics
Disclosed is a method for neutralizing explosives and electronics utilizing a high voltage electrical discharge.
US07958808B2 Vibration-reducing device for a scroll saw
A vibration-reducing device is applied to a scroll saw. The scroll saw includes a body, a U-frame, a block and an actuating device. The U-frame is coupled to the body, and the block and a shaft of the actuating device are eccentrically fastened to each other, and the actuating device is mounted to the body. The vibration-reducing device includes a connector and a pivot arm pivotally coupled to the body. The connector includes a third end rotatably connected to the block, and a fourth end rotatably connected to the pivot arm. When the shaft is rotated, the motion of the center of gravity of the pivot arm in a vertical direction is opposite to the motion of the center of gravity of the U-frame.
US07958805B2 Threading device on a numerically controlled lathe
A piece-threading device on a numerically controlled lathe comprises a supporting assembly having an inner rotatively driven body which, on a side thereof facing a workpiece to be threaded, comprises a plurality of threading tools, the rotatively driven body having a built-in electrical rotor (9) to which an electric stator (8) also built-in in the supporting assembly is operatively coupled, the stator (8) having a plurality of circumferential channels (6) for circulating therethrough a refrigerating and lubricating fluid.
US07958804B2 Screwdriver handle having removable rotating cap
A handle for a tool which provides for simultaneously providing a downward force and a rotating force on the work piece. By providing a cap assembly attachable to the end of the tool having a rotatable top which permits the top to remain fixed while the tool is rotated.
US07958801B2 Harmonic force generator for an active vibration control system
A force generator for an active vibration control (AVC) system provides a mass located upon an inner circular member which is movable within an outer circular member to simultaneously complete one revolution about its axis as it orbits within the outer circular member to compensate for sensed vibrations. A crank mounts the inner circular member and a counterweight. The crank is rotated by a prime mover such as an electric motor. The mass will therefore generate a sinusoidal inertial force in a straight line. Multiple systems are suitably arranged to be used in conjunction with one another to provide a wide range of inertial force outputs.
US07958795B2 Pedal system
To enable a pedal system equipped with an actuator to reduce power consumption and put a pedal at an appropriate position when there is no need to operate the pedal. A system state control unit changes pedal position to an end position or original position before deactivating the pedal system. It deactivates the pedal system based on information from a pedal position detection unit, pedal state detection unit, power supply state detection unit, and vehicle motion detection unit and activates the pedal system based on information from a power supply state detection unit. It shifts pedal position toward the original position after activation of the pedal system.
US07958777B1 Thermal mechanical fatigue test rig
A thermal mechanical fatigue test rig for testing a coating, such as a thermal barrier coating, under high temperature and pressure to simulate the actual operating environment of the coating. The test rig includes a combustor to produce a hot gas flow, a hollow test specimen on which the coating is placed, and a sapphire vessel that encloses the hollow test specimen to form a hot gas flow path over the coating. The sapphire vessel is clear so that the coating can be observed by a camera during the testing. An exhaust plenum is formed around the sapphire vessel to collect the exhaust form the hot gas flow in which additional cooling air and water for quenching can be injected to reduce the temperature of the hot gas flow prior to discharge from the test rig.
US07958775B2 Triboacoustic probe
The invention relates to a sensor for the quantitative measurement of the feel of a surface, comprising a prehensile envelope, a hollow contact body for bringing into contact with the surface on a sensing zone, first acoustic detection elements to detect noises emitted by the hollow body on contact with the sensing zone, second mechanical detection elements embodied for measurement of the normal pressure or the normal pressure and the rubbing force exerted by the surface on the hollow body. The above is of application in the measurement of the triboacoustic properties of the skin or phanera, textiles, leather, plastic materials or any other material for which the an appreciation of the feel thereof is important.
US07958762B1 Apparatus and method for forming straight tubes from coiled tubing
An apparatus for straightening a coiled tubing has an injector that receives the coiled tubing, a straighter that straightens the coiled tubing from the injector, and a shear that cuts the straightened coiled tubing. The straightener has a frame having a first section rotatably connected to a second section, an actuator connected to the second section, and a straightening wheel connected to the actuator. The injector has a first drive chain and a second drive chain. The first and second drive chains each have semi-circular members forming circular channels that grab an outer surface of the coiled tubing. The shear has a trolley, a clamp, a tubing cutter, a return mechanism, and an automated controller. The automated controller actuates the clamp and the tubing cutter while the trolley translates along rails from a first position to a second position.
US07958759B2 Key-removable lock core
A key-removable lock core that is retained in a core receptacle by a retaining lug, and which can operated by an operating key to align the pins of the pin chambers for shear at the operating shear line, and to allow the key plug to be rotated, and which employs a control tool with the operating key for manipulating the pins into alignment for shear at the control shear line, to allow the sleeve and the key plug together to be rotated, to move the retaining lug on the sleeve between a projected position in which the lug is engaged behind a rearward-facing shoulder in the core receptacle to retain the core in the receptacle, and a retracted position within the profile of the core.
US07958746B2 Method for producing a glass ceramic having a garnet phase
The invention proposes a method for producing glass ceramics which is particularly well suited as light conversion material, especially for down conversion. One initially produces a starting glass, containing (on an oxide basis) 5-50% by weight of SiO2, 5-50% by weight of Al2O3 and 10-80% by weight of at least one oxide selected from the from the group formed by Y2O3, Lu2O3, Sc2O3, Gd2O3, Yb2O3, Ce2O3, as well as 0.1-30% by weight of at least one oxide selected from the group formed by B2O3, Th2O3, and oxides of the lanthanoids, except Lu2O3, Gd2O3, Yb2O3, Ce2O3. Thereafter, the material is heated up for ceramization at a heating rate of at least 100 K/min to a temperature in the range of between 1000° C. to 1400° C. until crystallites are formed that contain a garnet phase. Thereafter, the material is cooled down to room temperature. Alternatively, controlled cooling-down from the molten state is possible.
US07958744B1 Refrigerant line purging apparatus
An apparatus for safely and efficiently purging refrigerant lines interconnected with residential and light commercial air conditioning systems. Enhanced safety is achieved by enabling the operator to conduct purge operations away from enclosed areas such as attics and crawlspaces. Efficient use of solvent is achieved by simultaneously connecting a refrigerant line connector to the evaporator end of both suction line and liquid line and discharging solvent and compressed gas through a solvent bridge connected to the compressor end of the liquid line. Thorough contaminant removal enables retrofitting air conditioning systems for use with newer, legally required refrigerants.
US07958732B2 Internal detonation reciprocating engine
A method of rotating a crank shaft and in internal detonation engine are provided. The internal detonation engine comprises a deflagration to detonation transition section. The deflagration to detonation transition section is connected to a main cylinder, which houses a piston. Inducing a detonation wave from the deflagration wave and passing the detonation wave through a fluid, gives rise to high pressure and temperature in a cylinder and pushes a piston towards bottom dead center. An internal detonation reciprocating engine may be a single cylinder and may be either a two or four stroke engine. A two-stroke internal detonation reciprocating engine is similar to a four-stroke internal detonation reciprocating engine but has different valve placements. Detonations produce a more thorough combustion of the fuel and may, thereby, yield reduced emissions of carbon monoxide as compared to internal combustion engines.
US07958726B2 Apparatus and associated methods to generate useable energy
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and associated methods for generating energy by capturing and taking benefit of the energy generated by any quantity of air surfacing inside water. In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus comprises compressing a lower density gas in a liquid medium, allowing the gas to naturally rise to the surface of the liquid medium and then capturing the energy generated by the surfacing gas. An apparatus and method is disclosed to provide a low energy technique to compress air into water. In exemplary embodiments, air is introduced into water by simultaneously providing a low pressure area in the liquid medium and compressing the air into the low pressure area. By compressing the air into water in low pressure areas, the energy required to compress the air is greatly reduced. The amount of energy generated by the rising air is less than the amount of energy required to compress air underneath the water.
US07958724B2 Torque converter blade
A blade for a torque converter including a body having an outer edge, the outer edge arranged to conform to an inner surface of a shell in the torque converter, the shell having at least two slots arranged therethrough, and a surface extending from the outer edge, the surface having at least two tabs, wherein the surface is arranged to conform to the inner surface of the shell to provide a fluid seal, the at least two tabs are disposed through the at least two slots and at least one of the at least two tabs is arranged to engage an outer surface of the shell. The invention further includes a torque converter including the present invention blades and a method of assembling the same.
US07958716B2 Gas production well secondary purpose turbine electric power generator system
A natural gas production well secondary purpose turbine electric power generator system includes: a.) a natural gas production well from an underground or underwater natural gas well production field that produces natural gas at the surface at an elevated pressure of at least 500 psi and at least 200 psi in excess of desired pressure delivered to gas processing or gas distribution lines; b.) a natural gas valving subsystem connected to said well; and, c.) a power generating turbine subsystem, including at least one gas driven turbine located in at least one of said well and said gas valving subsystem.
US07958713B2 Textile material with antenna components of an HF transponder
A textile material with antenna components for an HF transponder is disclosed, which may be operated by connection of a circuit module to the antenna components, adjusted, or which may be adjusted to a working frequency. The antenna components comprise electrically-conducting components of the textile material itself, which may be formed as an E-field antenna, using the geometry thereof to match a working frequency in the UHF or microwave range, or by means of interruptions to, or extension of a conducting length.
US07958712B2 Compact lawn mower motor adjustment
A compact lawn mower that includes at least a shroud positioned a fixed distance from a lawn, by a common rear axle extended between and supported by a pair of rear wheels, is provided. The exemplary embodiment further includes a motor adjustment member confined within and supported by the shroud. The motor adjustment member interacts with a motor, which includes a cutting member attached to a motor shaft of the motor. By manipulating the motor adjustment member, the height of the cutting member relative to the ground surface is set. That is, the motor adjustment member is rotated in a first direction to move the motor closer to the lawn, and in the opposite direction to move the motor further from the lawn, allowing the grass to be cut to a desired length, while the shroud remains a fixed distance from the lawn.
US07958706B2 Swather with automatic reel control
In a swather formed by a tractor and attached heeder for cutting standing crop to form a swath, reel speed and optionally draper speed are controlled relative to ground speed by a control system including a manually operable input and display available to the operator. The control system can be used in an automatic mode to set an index value for an actual difference in reel speed relative to ground speed and to vary reel speed accordingly. In this mode a manually operable control varies the index. The control system can be switched by the operator to manual in which case the same control varies the actual reel speed. Minimum reel speed can be set by the same control and when operative the automatic system does not allow reel speed to fall below the minimum set value despite the values of index and ground speed. A crop-lodged switch is also provided which when operated acts to move the header to a lowered position and the move the reel to a forward most and lowermost position in a single operation controlled by the single switch.
US07958704B2 Waste disposal device including a mechanism for scoring a flexible tubing dispensed from a cartridge
A waste disposal device includes a mechanism for scoring flexible tubing dispensed from a cartridge. The waste disposal device comprises a container housing a length of flexible tubing foldingly stacked therein and configured to permit dispensing of the flexible tubing to a predetermined length. The flexible tubing is scored periodically at predetermined intervals for ease of tearing during disposal of waste packages placed in the flexible tubing.
US07958694B2 Method of controlling working operation of a filling machine
A packaging laminate includes at least one material layer provided with magnetisable particles. A roller can be configured to apply crease line patterns on the packaging laminate while also applying magnetic fields for magnetising at least some of the magnetisable particles in the packaging laminate. A method of controlling working operations on a packaging laminate in a filling machine involves supplying a packaging laminate to a filling machine, wherein the packaging laminate includes at least one material layer comprising magnetizable particles, with at least some of the magnetizable particles being magnetized particles. The method also involves controlling working operations of the filling machine on the packaging laminate supplied to the filling machine by reading information provided by the magnetized particles.
US07958693B2 Boom for excavation machine
In a boom 15 for a working machine 10 attached to an upper rotational body 30 supported on a center of an upper portion of a crawler-type traveling device 40 to be transversely rotatable, the boom 15 includes, as portions cast by integral molding, a boom support point part 16, a boom cylinder rod support point part 18, and an arm support point part 19, and is configured so that the boom support point part 16 is connected to the boom cylinder rod support point part 18 by a general-purpose first rectangular pipe 61, and so that the boom cylinder rod support point part 18 is connected to the arm support point part 19 by a general-purpose second rectangular pipe 62.
US07958692B2 Window well
A modular window well arrangement includes one or more window well members. The window well members can be interconnected in a vertically stacked arrangement to provide the required overall height. Snap-connectors interconnect the vertically adjacent window well members, and a plurality of steps provide for escape. The window well members may have different sizes, and extension walls may be utilized to increase the size of the window well members to provide for a wide variety of configurations. The window well members may be made of a relatively lightweight structural foam material.
US07958677B2 Gutter retaining system
A gutter retaining system incorporating a gutter clip with a gutter and retaining member. Retaining member is placed along the eaves. Various embodiments of retaining member permit its use with metal flashing and allow gutter system to be held against a building with straight fascia, slanted fascia, trim board and which permit free floating attachment of a debris guard. The gutter clip has an arm, a lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion includes an upper u-section which is used to slip the gutter clip over the gutter. The arm fits between the gutter and a building wall. In addition, the gutter clip is scored at scoring lines along the arm which allows segments of arm to be removed. The removal of segments permits gutter clip to be modified for placement against buildings incorporating both straight and slanted fascia and trim board.
US07958675B2 Gate support device
A support post includes an inner post that supports rotation of an outer post. The inner post includes a journal assembly that supports and facilitates rotation about a central axis. The journal assembly that supports the outer post on the inner post includes a single ball bearing disposed along the axis of rotation. The inner post is fixed and supports a central post on which the ball bearing is supported. The outer post includes a sleeve that fits over the ball bearing and the central post. Support of the outer post along the central axis provides for improved mounting and gate support. An actuator can be utilized to automatically or remotely open the gate. The actuator is disposed within the inner post that drives rotation of the outer post. The outer post remains supported by the journal assembly and is rotated by the actuator with the inner post.
US07958669B2 Liftable turfing systems
A liftable support structure for a turf system, the support structure comprising a skeletal framework having an open based structure with upstanding sides and at least two parallel spaced cross beams, the framework defining open subsections, each subsection having a base defining a ledge structure, each subsection supporting a latticework panel that sits on the ledge structure, the framework having a plurality of spaced lifting points and the cross beams defining access to forklift tines. Also, a pallet for natural or artificial turf comprising a structure moulded in foamed plastics to have a closed planar top surface supported by a lattice work of mutually perpendicular walls defining a flexible open base, the structure defining a pair of elongate spaced parallel channels extending across each side to facilitate forklift tine entry.
US07958667B1 Bait well apparatus
The bait well apparatus provides for hands-free carry of live bait within an ergonomically shaped apparatus. The concave inner surface fits against a user's hip or leg or even waist, depending upon the chosen wear location. A belt is provided that fits a user's waist or hips. A small optional belt is provided that fits a user's leg. The two clips disposed on the concave inner surface are selectively hooked over a given belt or other clothing item. The lid is hinged to open over the well within the body of the apparatus. The apparatus is provided in more than one size. One size, for example, holds 48 ounces of water. Another exemplary size holds up to 64 ounces of water.
US07958659B1 Method and device of identifying, holding, and securing buttons in a correct location on a garment to be repaired
The invention includes a bag or receptacle for securely containing stray buttons and for attaching to a garment at a location of repair to identify where a button is to be reattached or replaced. In one embodiment, such a button bag is sized and shaped like a business card for displaying a business name of a dry cleaner, launderer, tailor, hotel, or other service provider. The receptacle can include a strap for attaching to an existing button, or for looping through a buttonhole corresponding to a location where a button needs to be repaired. The invention provides a solution to button repair identification that is especially useful with express laundry and dry cleaning services and that does not require a user to verbally explain where buttons need to be repaired.
US07958653B2 Cushioned orthotic
An orthotic is disclosed. The orthotic may include a cushioning layer configured to extend from at least the metatarsal region to the proximal heel region, the cushioning layer having a heel region with a protruding heel piece integrally molded as part of the cushioning layer. The orthotic may also include an outer shell layer fixedly coupled to the cushioning layer, the outer shell layer extending longitudinally from at least the medial cuneiform-first metatarsal joint region to the calcaneus bone region of the user, the outer shell layer configured to receive the protruding heel piece.
US07958652B2 Extraction cleaning with plenum and air outlets facilitating air flow drying
A portable cleaning apparatus comprises a base module for movement along a surface and a plenum. The base module comprises a base housing enclosing a fan for moving air through the housing from the interior of the housing to the exterior of the housing through an exhaust outlet in the housing. The plenum fluidly communicates at one end with the exhaust outlet and at another end with at least one plenum outlet opening adjacent the surface to direct air exhausted from the housing interior along the surface.
US07958648B1 Wall marking device and method of use thereof
A device that provides an accurate means to mark a wall surface to aid in hanging a suspended object is herein disclosed, comprising an adhesive strip with small sealed plastic bubbles filled with dye or ink on a first side. At least one (1) ink bubble is positioned thereat a corresponding mounting aperture portions of the suspended object. The ink bubbles rupture under a small amount of applied pressure, thereby marking the wall surface. A second side of the marking device comprises adhesive, thereby allowing the device to be applied thereto the back surface of the suspended object to be hung on a wall, specifically locating where the mounting hardware needs to be installed. The marking device is then removed and the suspended object is secured by driving fasteners and other supporting hardware, using the indicating ink mark. Alternatively, the first side comprises identifying markings such as measurements, instructions, or advertising indicia.
US07958647B2 Lock-bumping and lock-picking detection
A system for controlling access to a secure area includes a lock and an electronic access device for controlling access to a secure area. The lock includes pins for locking and unlocking the lock. The access device communicates with the pins for electrically measuring movement of the pins. The access device stores an unlock pin code for the predetermined position of the pins for unlocking the lock. The electronic access device electrically measures pin movement by a key. A control device electrically communicates with the electronic access device for determining when a lock compromising technique has occurred to identify a lock tamper event.
US07958641B1 Rolling plate assembly attachment for portable power cutting tools including an improved structural design and manufactured out of improved materials, an improved wheel configuration, and an adjustable bevel gear and a cutting guide
The present invention is an attachable rolling plate assembly which can be attached as a single unit to a portable cutting tool to facilitate the safe rolling movement of the portable cutting tool on the workpiece. The invention comprises a frame assembly formed from a single piece of molded material such as fiber enriched plastic having a pair of oppositely disposed longitudinal sidewalls with stabilizer fins extending therefrom, and a flat base portion having a pair of parallel stabilizer tubes molded therein. The invention further includes an adjustable bevel gear assembly by which the angle of orientation of the cutting blade can be quickly changed. The invention also includes a cutting guide assembly to facilitate a straight cut, reduce torsional rotation of the saw blade and reduce kickback of the saw.
US07958639B2 Knife
A knife includes a knife body defining a channel across which extends at least part of the cutting edge of a blade. The channel having has a base region located behind the cutting edge in the cutting direction. The knife body is provided, adjacent the base region, with flow passages on opposing sides thereof, the flow passages being out of alignment with one another.
US07958638B2 Method for the production of a sheet metal plate, in particular of steel, for the Manufacture of motor vehicle body components
The invention relates to a sheet metal plate, especially made of steel, for producing motor vehicle body components. In order to make the body component sufficiently rigid at highly stressed points in spite of using lightweight materials, the sheet metal plate (11) is provided with local reinforcement zones (13, 14). To this avail, the sheet metal plate (11) is joined together from at least two cut metal sheets (7, 9) with a straight seam (10). At least one of the cut metal sheets (7) comprises several parallel strips (2 to 6) having different strengths while each local reinforcement zone (13, 14) lies within a reinforced strip (2, 3).
US07958637B2 Assembly of a shaft and a housing assembly
A shaft is held in place within a bore of a housing with a band of resilient material that is located between the shaft and the housing and has a series of projections extending radially inwards. The shaft surface has a first part that lies closer to the longitudinal axis of the bore than a second part, when the shaft and housing are assembled. The shaft is initially inserted into the resilient band, which is held within the bore, such that the first part of the shaft surface is oriented towards one of the projections of the resilient band. In this orientation of the shaft, the projection is not compressed. By orienting the second part of the shaft surface, the projection is brought under compression and the shaft is held firmly within the bore.
US07958633B2 Engine block casting and method of manufacture
A block casting for an internal combustion engine and method of its manufacture provide reduced engine block size and weight, and/or increased engine displacement, through cylinder-forming walls that decrease in thickness from minimal explosion-resistant thicknesses at their combustion chamber ends to reduced thicknesses at their other ends.
US07958621B2 Method of manufacturing a rotor for a rotating electrical machine
A method of manufacturing a rotor for a rotating electrical machine includes the steps of: preparing a first and a second pole core, a rotary shaft, and a field coil; press-fitting the rotary shaft into a through-hole of the first pole core so that the axes of the rotary shaft and the through-hole coincide with each other; mounting the field coil on one of the first and second pole cores; opposing the first and second pole cores to each other so that the axes of the through-holes thereof are in alignment with each other and contact surfaces thereof face each other with a maximum parallelism therebetween; press-fitting the second pole core onto the rotary shaft so that the contact surfaces of the first and second pole cores maximally contact with each other and the axis of the rotary shaft coincides with the axes of the through-holes of the pole cores.
US07958615B1 Nozzle mounting assembly
A nozzle mounting assembly for an in-ground swimming pool cleaning system may comprise a plurality of mounting rings that are formed within the shell of a prefabricated swimming pool. The plurality of mounting rings may couple at a first end with a corresponding plurality of trim rings. The plurality of trim rings forms a flanged ring around each of the openings in the pool surface for cleaning nozzle mechanisms. The plurality of mounting rings may further couple with a corresponding plurality of nozzle retainer bodies, where the nozzle retainer bodies provide an interface for standard cleaning system fittings. Nozzle mounting assemblies may be adapted to a variety of pool types and surfaces, and may be sized for the floor surface, the steps or the walls of a swimming pool.
US07958611B2 Method for quality checking a screw joint tightening process performed by a torque impulse wrench
A number of pre-production calibration tightenings are performed at a screw joint identical to a screw joint used in production and using the same impulse wrench as to be used in production tightening. The value of one or more tightening related parameters are registered at the attainment of the desired pre-tension level, and those parameter values are used to statistically form a basis for a reference set-up. The tightening parameter values registered during production tightening are compared to the reference set-up, and an indication is obtained as to discrepancies between the reference set-up and the actually registered parameter values to get an indication as to whether the impulse wrench is malfunctioning and/or the screw joint is faulty.
US07958609B2 Hydraulic device which is used to descale warm rolling products
An apparatus for descaling hot rolled stock (17), being moved with respect to the apparatus, by spraying it with high pressure water, comprising at least one row of nozzle heads sweeping across the width of the rolled stock with a plurality of nozzle heads (20), each nozzle head being motor-driven in rotation about an axis of rotation (A) substantially perpendicular to the surface of the rolled stock and comprising at least two nozzles (1 to 8) which are disposed eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation (A) is characterized by the nozzles (1 to 8) of each nozzle head (20) being arranged as closely as structurally possible to the circumference (25) of the nozzle head, whereby a spray pattern is created on the surface of the rolled stock in a way to at least touch the spray pattern of the adjacent nozzle head in the row of nozzle heads.
US07958604B2 Packaging tie-downs
Packaging tie-downs configured to retain objects secured with a retention strap in association with packaging material.
US07958602B2 Hinge mechanism
A hinge mechanism in which two housings are respectively connected to a first rotation shaft and a second rotation shaft that are arranged perpendicular to each other and the housing are arbitrarily openable about either one of the shafts is provided. In the hinge mechanism 1, at an end of a rotation shaft holding section (4) of a hinge housing (1), an end of an opening and closing shaft holding section (5) is integrated together in a state of being perpendicular to each other, the rotation shaft holding section (4) being formed in it a tubular shaft hole for supporting a rotation shaft section (3), and the opening and closing shaft holding section (5) being formed in it a tubular shaft hole for supporting an opening and closing shaft section (2), and the hinge housing (1) is substantially L-shaped as a whole. When the opening and closing shaft (2) is rotated, an opening and closing limiting outer peripheral surface enters an escape recess to cause a restraining end section to be restrained by the opening and closing limiting outer peripheral surface, and as a result, rotation of the rotation shaft section (3) is restrained. When the rotation shaft section (3) is rotated, a rotation limiting outer peripheral surface of the rotation shaft section (3) enters a portion of a restraining end surface to cause rotation of the opening and closing shaft (2) to be restrained.
US07958600B2 Pivot mechanism and electronic device applying the same
A pivot mechanism and an electronic device applying the same are provided. The pivot mechanism includes a pedestal having a bore passing through the pedestal; a shaft inserted into the bore and having at least two leaning surfaces in parallel to an extending direction of the shaft; two bushes coupled to the shaft and fixed in the bore; and a reed set disposed in the bore and arranged between the two bushes. The reed set includes at least one reed, wherein each reed is wedged in the bore and has a hole through which the shaft penetrates. At least one position limiting portion is formed in the periphery of the hole for orienting the shaft. The position limitation portion further extends inwardly to form a slot, by which a cantilever is formed between the slot and the axis hole to lean against the shaft.
US07958599B2 Snap assembly friction hinge
A friction hinge includes a socket made up of a compressible elastomer insert sleeve inside a relatively rigid cup substrate. The insert sleeve defines an opening with a lip around the opening, and a relatively rigid ball or other center portion can be snap assembled through the lip and opening to center itself in the socket. A mount portion extends through the opening off the ball/center portion, and hand pressure on the mount portion can adjust the angular position of the joint. The size of the ball/center portion relative to the size of the cup substrate causes dimensional compression of the insert sleeve, such as about 15% of its thickness. The compression of the insert sleeve creates a controlled friction force on the ball/center portion, so the snap assembly friction hinge works consistently over a long time and over wide temperature ranges.
US07958595B2 Floor cleaning apparatus
A cleaning apparatus having a cleaning system including at least one downwardly directed spray nozzle is supported by the chassis proximal the chassis forward end and in fluid communication with at least one cleaning solution tank. The at least one spray nozzle sprays cleaning solution from the tank onto the floor. At least one ground engaging agitation brush is disposed rearwardly of the at least one spray nozzle for agitating the cleaning solution sprayed onto the floor. At least one vacuum shoe is supported by the chassis rearwardly of the at least one agitation brush, and in fluid communication with the at least one recovery tank. Cleaning solution drawn into the vacuum shoe is deposited into the at least one recovery tank. In one embodiment, the apparatus is drivable. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a second cleaning system including a vacuum squeegee.
US07958592B2 Curved profile sponge mop system
A mop system incorporating a replaceable foam-based mop head. The mop head is adapted to wrap at least partially around a curved support mandrel and to be held in place by releasable engagement between the mandrel and connection elements disposed in localized relation along edge portions of the mop head.
US07958590B2 Cleaning tool handle for use with a disposable toilet brush
A cleaning tool is disclosed for cleaning adjacent surfaces. In one embodiment, for instance, the cleaning tool may be used as a toilet bowl brush. The cleaning tool includes a handle comprised of a first handle member pivotally attached to a second handle member. Each handle member terminates in a clamping plate. The clamping plates move towards and away from each other as the handle members are likewise moved towards and away from each other. The handle can include a locking member that engages the first handle member with the second handle member in order to clamp or hold a cleaning pad in between the clamping plates. The clamping plates can include raised wave-like protrusions that further assist in gripping a cleaning pad.
US07958584B2 Load size measuring apparatus and method
A method and apparatus for measuring a size of a load in a basket that is rotatably supported is presented. The method comprises determining an acceleration energy (AE) required to accelerate the basket; determining a friction energy (FE) required to maintain a stable rotational speed of the basket; subtracting the friction energy (FE) from the acceleration energy (AE) to obtain a load inertial energy (LE); and determining a load size from the load inertial energy (LE).
US07958573B2 Size adjustable safety and comfort liner for a helmet
A helmet liner that is infinitely adjustable by the user in the field is provided. The helmet liner includes front, center and rear cushioning portions with integrally formed spaces between the front and center portions, and the rear and center portions. The integrally formed spaces provide the liner with the ability to independently flex [in one degree of freedom] and bend [in a second degree of freedom] to collapse the spaces without any overlapping of cushioning portions and thereby conform the liner to the hemi-spherical shape of the wearer's head. The spaces provide ventilation for the wearer's head. The helmet liner may also provide for variable thickness of one or more of cushioning portions as well as antimicrobial treatment of the fabric. By increasing the thickness of the rear cushioning portion with respect to the front cushioning portion, the number of optimum fits achieved by the liner is maximized, while biasing the wearers head toward the front of the helmet, thereby increasing the wearer's field of view (FOV).
US07958568B2 Glove with support system
A glove with a support system is disclosed. The support system comprises a number of individual support sections, each of which is comprised of a number of arcuate support segments that encircle a portion of a finger and allow forward flexural movement while helping to reduce hyperextension of the finger. The support system is also designed to help reduce the possibility of the finger jamming.
US07958567B2 Low protrusion safety fastener for ballistic helmet
A safety fastener for mounting fitting equipment such as suspension and retention systems onto a ballistic helmet. The nut portion of the fastener fits substantially within a grommet that is attached to a strap that forms part of the suspension or retention systems. The nut retains, rather than clamps, the grommet to the helmet. The grommet can be pulled off the nut. The pull-out force is less than the fastener fracture force. The configuration of the fastener allows ballistic threat energy to be absorbed by helmet deformation and delamination along with grommet pull-out to provide energy dissipation in stages which avoids the creation of secondary projectiles from the fastener itself.
US07962964B2 Watermarking and transferring material
A client device for use in a system having a server, the client device including: a receiving device configured to receive information material from the server, the information material containing a reversible modification providing a visually perceptible disturbing effect having been applied to the information material by using an invertible algorithm which uses values generated from one or more keys, and to receive identifying information that distinguishes the information material from other information material available from the server and condition information which defines a predetermined condition that should be met in order for the reversible modification to be reversed.
US07962963B2 Multimodal resource management system
A resource management system and methods for managing resources are disclosed. A resource management system may include a first communication interface configured to provide access to a first device, a second communication interface configured to provide access to a datastore, and a multimodal system in communication with the first and second communication interfaces. The multimodal system may be configured to receive a first communication request from the first device, generate a multimodal document in response to the first communication request, and serve the multimodal document to the first device using the first communication interface. The multimodal document may include instructions allowing for communication with the first device using at least one of a plurality of device interface modalities.
US07962960B2 Systems and methods for performing risk analysis
A method for analyzing a network element may include assigning values to each of a plurality of vulnerabilities. The method may also include identifying a vulnerability associated with the network element and generating a risk indicator for the network element based on the assigned value associated with the identified vulnerability.
US07962957B2 Method and apparatus for detecting port scans with fake source address
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for port scan protection. A reply data packet having a modified transmission control protocol header is generated to form a modified reply data packet, in response to detecting a port scan. The modified reply data packet will elicit a response from a recipient of the modified data packet. The reply data packet is sent to a first Internet protocol address associated with the port scan. A second Internet protocol address is identified from a header of the response to the modified reply data packet. The second Internet protocol address is an actual Internet protocol address of a source of the port scan. All network traffic from the second Internet protocol address may be blocked to prevent an attack on any open ports from the source of the port scan.
US07962951B2 Device, method and program for providing matching service
A computer for a service provider receives from each member of two groups who is a user of a service via a mediating computer, a priority list in which member IDs of the other group is permuted in the priority order of a user and processing information that are encrypted so as not to be decrypted by the mediating computer. The ID of the priority list is encrypted with an encrypting key that is common to all members. The computer for a service provider performs matching, with ID in the priority list being left encrypted when the list is decrypted. The computer for a service provider decrypts the processing information, makes it in a state in which the matching result can be decrypted based on the processing information by only a person concerned, and sends it to each member via the mediating computer.
US07962949B2 Electronic component allowing the decoding of digital terrestrial or cable television signals
A dual-conversion tuner firstly upconverts so as to place itself outside the receive band and then downconverts with zero intermediate frequency. A filter of the surface acoustic wave type is disposed between the two frequency transposition stages of the tuner. After baseband filtering, the signals are digitized then processed in a digital block comprising a channel decoding module. With the exception of the surface acoustic wave filter, the components are entirely embodied in integrated fashion.
US07962948B1 Video-enabled community building
A system and method that provide media content owners the capability to achieve community building goals by exploiting video processing capabilities using rich, interactive and compelling media content on a network or Internet website. The system and method additionally provide website community building mechanisms to community members, thereby allowing the members to customize the actual community websites that many companies and website owners seek in order to enhance e-commerce revenue generation.
US07962936B2 Program guide displaying method, apparatus and computer program
To display a program guide for making an efficient search for a desired program, there are provided a program guide displaying method and apparatus, and a computer program which controls a computer to carry out the program guide displaying method. The program guide displaying method includes the steps of receiving information on programs to be broadcast on at least one day from a plurality of stations; and placing a plurality of cells in which pieces of the program information are to be displayed, respectively, in a two-dimensional program guide having time and date axes and displaying, in the cells, program information pieces whose airtimes overlap each other on the same airdate, in such a manner that they will not overlap each other.
US07962934B1 Advertisement monitoring system
An advertising monitoring system is presented in which subscriber selections including channel changes are monitored, and in which information regarding an advertisement is extracted from text related to the advertisement. The text related to the advertisement is in the form of closed caption text, data transmitted with the advertisement, or other associated text. A record of the effectiveness of the advertisement is created in which measurements of the percentage of the advertisement which was viewed are stored. Such records allow a manufacturer or advertiser to determine if their advertisement is being watched by subscribers. The system can be realized in a client-sever mode in which subscriber selection requests are transmitted to a server for fulfillment, in which case the advertisement monitoring takes place at the server side.
US07962933B2 Mid-roll insertion of digital media
An example embodiment of the present invention provides a process for inserting a source media stream into a target media stream, which media streams might be in container file format. The process opens and reads into memory structural information from a target media stream and structural information from a source media stream. The process then finds the nearest prior key frame to an insertion time and splits a chunk of media samples if the key frame's sample is not at the beginning of a chunk. The process adjusts the structural information for both streams in order to effect the mid-roll insertion of the source media stream into the target media stream. The process then writes onto an output media stream the adjusted structural information for the source and target media streams and then pipes onto the output media stream the media data for the source and target media streams.
US07962924B2 System and method for call stack sampling combined with node and instruction tracing
A system and method for Java™ call stack sampling combined with native sampling is presented. A kernel-mode device driver records and stores sampled context information that includes a program counter, a thread identifier, and a process identifier. The sampling thread receives a notification from the kernel-mode device driver, and proceeds to collect call stack information from a Java™ Virtual Machine. In turn, the sampling thread retrieves the sampled context information and harvests symbols corresponding to a loaded module. Once symbols are harvested, the sampling thread combines returned call stack nodes with native function leaf nodes into a unified output tree that provides the relationship between the two different node types. In one embodiment, the sampling thread may generate native function leaf nodes and the unified output tree in a post-processing manner.
US07962920B2 Providing a business logic framework
The disclosure includes a system and method for providing a business logic framework. In some implementations, a method includes identifying an event associated with business logic of an application framework. The application framework is associated with method framework logic and the business logic. One or more business objects are identified in accordance with the business logic. The business logic is executed using the identified one or more business objects independent of the method framework logic.
US07962917B2 System data interfaces, related architectures, print system data interfaces and related print system architectures
A system data interface and related architectures are described. Various embodiments can provide one or more of the following capabilities: a generic data model, asynchronous client and server dispatch, cancellation, batching, transactional invocation, parallel invocation, interception or reflection. In one embodiment, the system data interface is employed in the context of a print system.
US07962907B2 Scheduling technique for software pipelining
An improved scheduling technique for software pipelining is disclosed which is designed to find schedules requiring fewer processor clock cycles and reduce register pressure hot spots when scheduling multiple groups of instructions (e.g. as represented by multiple sub-graphs of a DDG) which are independent, and substantially identical. The improvement in instruction scheduling and reduction of hot spots is achieved by evenly distributing such groups of instructions around the schedule for a given loop.
US07962905B2 Flexible and extensible java bytecode instrumentation system
Code can be injected into a compiled application through the use of probes comprised of instrumentation code. Probes can be implemented in a custom high level language that hides low level instruction details. A directive file contains instructions on injecting a probe into a compiled application. An instrumentation engine reads these instructions and injects the probe into the compiled application at the appropriate injection points. Multiple probes can be used, and can be stored in a probe library. Each probe can inject code into the application at, for example, a package, class, method, or line of the compiled application. Calls can also be made to external runtime libraries.
US07962896B2 Method and system for automatically configuring software
A method and system for automatically configuring software distributed through a network. A server of the software vendor gathers certain information such as the user's name during a software download or purchase process, and generates a custom webpage containing software configuration information and/or a user id. The software being distributed includes an automatic configuration program. When the software is launched, the automatic configuration program finds the custom webpage and scrapes the necessary configuration information from it. The automatic configuration program then automatically configures the downloaded software using the configuration information. The automatic configuration program may also obtain additional configuration information from the server using the id contained in the custom webpage.
US07962891B2 Automated method for structured artifact matching
A method for determining a mapping between a first artifact and a second artifact, each artifact comprising at least one constituent, each at least one constituent comprising at least one feature, wherein each at least one feature is selected from a feature group consisting of: a relationship feature and a characteristic feature, the mapping comprising at least one constituent match comprising a correspondence between the at least one constituent of the first artifact and the at least one constituent of the second artifact, the method includes acts or steps of: a) receiving as input the first and second artifacts, and a description of the artifacts, constituents, and the features of the constituents; b) performing advanced inexact matching, comprising a step of selecting the mapping, the mapping comprising the at least one constituent match; and c) producing as output the mapping determined from the step of performing advanced inexact matching.
US07962887B2 Self-learning of the optimal power or performance operating point of a computer chip based on instantaneous feedback of present operating environment
Sensors on the integrated circuit are used to detect the current operating state of the chip, such as frequency, voltage, temperature characteristics, or variation in the integrated circuit manufacturing process. In response, the integrated circuit may choose to modify operational parameters (such as frequency, voltage, or power-down states) in order to dynamically and autonomously maintain an optimal performance and/or power-efficiency operational point.
US07962886B1 Method and system for generating design constraints
A method and system for generating design constraints for an electronic circuit design is disclosed. The method and system include reading a design description and an existing design constraint file, configuring design constraint integration rules, writing a new design constraint file, evaluating results of the new design constraint file, and replacing existing design constraint file with the new design constraint file.
US07962883B2 Developing semiconductor circuit design with conditional flipflops to save power consumption
This disclosure concerns a semiconductor circuit design method for designing a clock wiring structure supplying a clock to a flip-flop by using a computer. The semiconductor circuit design method comprises setting the flip-flop based on circuit information on a semiconductor integrated circuit; obtaining a control signal controlling the flip-flop; calculating a first evaluation value indicating a power consumption and a magnitude of a clock skew time when clock gating is applied to the flip-flop; setting a gated clock structure clock-gating the flip-flop when the first evaluation value is higher than a first threshold; calculating a second evaluation value indicating the power consumption and a magnitude of a cell area when a low power flip-flop lower in power consumption than the flip-flop is applied to the flip-flop; and replacing the flip-flop by the lower power flip-flop when the second evaluation value is higher than a second threshold.
US07962882B2 Fast evaluation of average critical area for IC layouts
Method and apparatus for approximating the average critical area of a layout or layout region, involving summing, over all the object segments of interest, respective critical area contribution values that are dependent upon particular layout parameters of the objects, each of the contribution values being representative of a plurality of defect sizes, and being defined such that for each defect size in the plurality of defect sizes, and for a particular defect type, the contribution values collectively count all critical areas arising due to the object segments of interest only once.
US07962881B2 Via structure to improve routing of wires within an integrated circuit
In consideration for the fact that a connection on the upper layers of an integrated circuit needs to access a lower layer to connect to, e.g., a transistor, at least one via on each layer is required below the top layer used by a connection for each pin. The vias (i.e., the connection structures between wiring planes within an integrated circuit) are arranged such that the number of wiring resources blocked on the lower layers is reduced. Various rules govern which vias are chosen. The main characteristic is to elect only a certain number of wiring channels appropriate for the vias on a single layer and then apply an optimization within the restricted elected wiring channels on that layer to select the most appropriate vias.
US07962877B2 Port assignment in hierarchical designs by abstracting macro logic
A method to reduce the problem complexity maintains a relatively high quality port assignment by abstracting local connections in the macro when performing the port assignment. This is done for netlength, congestion as well as timing. The internal netlist of the macro is abstracted in such a way that the optimization of the external interconnect can be done in an efficient manner. Three levels of abstractions are described. A first level optimizes the top level interconnect, a second level optimizes the top level and macro interconnects, while a third level optimizes the top level timing.
US07962875B2 Method, apparatus and program for designing circuits
A circuit designing method for a semiconductor integrated circuit, the circuit having a clock control circuit and leaves to which clock signals are propagated through the clock control circuit, has detecting a clock signal producing point where a clock signal is to be produced and an operational mode setting point where an operational mode setting signal for setting an operational mode is to be imparted, using a netlist and a cell library, setting a clock signal and a name of the clock signal at the clock signal producing point, setting an operational mode setting signal suitable for a desired operational mode at the operational mode setting point, propagating the clock signal and the operational mode setting signal, and extracting signals being propagated to the leaves.
US07962865B2 System and method for employing patterning process statistics for ground rules waivers and optimization
A system and method of employing patterning process statistics to evaluate layouts for intersect area analysis includes applying Optical Proximity Correction (OPC) to the layout, simulating images formed by the mask and applying patterning process variation distributions to influence and determine corrective actions taken to improve and optimize the rules for compliance by the layout. The process variation distributions are mapped to an intersect area distribution by creating a histogram based upon a plurality of processes for an intersect area. The intersect area is analyzed using the histogram to provide ground rule waivers and optimization.
US07962864B2 Stage yield prediction
In one embodiment, a method for predicting yield during the design stage includes receiving defectivity data identifying defects associated with previous wafer designs, and dividing the defects into systematic defects and random defects. For each design layout of a new wafer design, yield is predicted separately for the systematic defects and the random defects. A combined yield is then calculated based on the yield predicted for the systematic defects and the yield predicted for the random defects.
US07962863B2 Computer-implemented methods, systems, and computer-readable media for determining a model for predicting printability of reticle features on a wafer
Computer-implemented methods, systems, and computer-readable media for determining a model for predicting printability of reticle features on a wafer are provided. One method includes generating simulated images of the reticle features printed on the wafer using different generated models for a set of different values of exposure conditions. The method also includes determining one or more characteristics of the reticle features of the simulated images. In addition, the method includes comparing the one or more characteristics of the reticle features of the simulated images to one or more characteristics of the reticle features printed on the wafer using a lithography process. The method further includes selecting one of the different generated models as the model to be used for predicting the printability of the reticle features based on results of the comparing step.
US07962855B2 Method of displaying an audio and/or video signal in a graphical user interface (GUI)
The present invention relates to a method of manipulating an audio and/or video signal in a graphical user interface (GUI). An audio and/or video signal comprises a number of components, each of which having a variable which varies against another variable. In order to save displaying space in a GUI, in one embodiment, components with same variables and scales of the variables are selected and displayed in one axis. A primary component is picked and displayed in a mode that is easily distinguishable from other components displayed in the same axis.
US07962850B2 Customizing email subjects for subscription generated email messages
The present invention discloses a solution for permitting users to customize subject headings of email subscriptions. The customizations can be applied on a per subscription basis and/or on a per sender basis. Further, the customizations can be performed by a software program that changes an original email heading established by a subscription providing source. Specifically, the solution recognizes that most, if not all, subscription emails are automatically generated in consistent fashion and inherently have a repeating structure. The disclosed solution permits a user to identity portions of these repeating structures, which are to be used to generate replacement subject headings designed to be meaningful to the user. The solution can optionally maintain the original subject heading, which can be used in many situations, such as for use when replying or forwarding an email.
US07962849B2 Processing of user character inputs having whitespace
A method and system for processing a user input character string entered by a user into a computer system that comprises a browser. The user input character string is received. The user input character string conforms to a native character set and encoding of the browser for a language selected by the user. The user input character string is converted to a converted character string consisting of characters of a Universal Character Set (UCS) which are independent of platform and language. Any leading and any trailing whitespace characters in the converted character string are removed. Following the removal of any leading and any trailing whitespace characters in the converted character string, any remaining whitespace characters of the converted character string are converted to a single value, resulting in the converted character string being a resultant character string.
US07962845B2 Method and apparatus for populating a form with data
A method and apparatus for populating a form with data is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a form is displayed to the user via the target application. Each form has one or more data receptacles. The data receptacles of a form are filled with data when the user executes a data population command. The form completion program executes the data population command when a graphical representation of a particular data set is placed over the form. Each data set is stored in an encrypted manner and is accessible to users who enter the appropriate information into an authentication mechanism. To populate a form with data the form completion program obtains an image of the form and then searches for a template file that resembles the form image to within a certain threshold. The template files are typically stored on the computer hosting the target application in a template directory that is arranged according to a predefined structure. The form completion program is configured to search for templates that resemble the form image in the template directory to within a certain threshold.
US07962838B2 Memory device with an ECC system
A memory device has an error detection and correction system constructed on a Galois finite field. The error detection and correction system includes calculation circuits for calculating the finite field elements based on syndromes obtained from read data and searching error locations, the calculation circuits having common circuits, which are used in a time-sharing mode under the control of internal clocks.
US07962834B2 Method and system for correcting burst errors in communications networks, related network and computer-program product
The errors that may occur in transmitted numerical data on a channel affected by burst errors, are corrected via the operations of: ordering the numerical data in blocks each comprising a definite number of data packets; generating for each block a respective set of error-correction packets comprising a respective number of correction packets, the respective number identifying a level of redundancy for correcting the errors; and modifying dynamically the level of redundancy according to the characteristics of the bursts and of the correct-reception intervals between two bursts. Preferential application is on local networks, such as W-LANs for use in the domestic environments.
US07962828B2 Apparatus and method for coding/decoding block low density parity check code in a mobile communication system
A method for generating a parity check matrix of a block LDPC code. The parity check matrix includes an information part corresponding to an information word and a first parity part and a second parity part each corresponding to a parity. The method includes determining a size of the parity check matrix based on a coding rate applied when coding the information word with the block LDPC code, and a codeword length; dividing a parity check matrix with the determined size into a predetermined number of blocks; classifying the blocks into blocks corresponding to the information part, blocks corresponding to the first parity part, and blocks corresponding to the second parity part; arranging permutation matrixes in predetermined blocks from among the blocks classified as the first parity part, and arranging identity matrixes in a full lower triangular form in predetermined blocks from among the blocks classified as the second parity part; and arranging the permutation matrixes in the blocks classified as the information part such that a minimum cycle length is maximized and weight values are irregular on a factor graph of the block LDPC code.
US07962827B2 Systems and methods for achieving higher coding rate using parity interleaving
The disclosed technology provides systems and methods for encoding data based on a run-length-limited code and an error correction code to provide codewords. The codewords include RLL-encoded data that are produced based on the RLL code, and parity information that are produced based on the error correction code. The parity information is interleaved among the RLL-encoded data. In one embodiment, the codeword is produced by separately producing the RLL-encoded data and the parity information, and interleaving the parity information among the RLL-encoded data. In one embodiment, the codeword is produced by producing the RLL-encoded data, and using erasure decoding to compute the parity information.
US07962824B2 Memory controller, nonvolatile memory device, nonvolatile memory system and data writing method
With nonvolatile memory device employing a nonvolatile memory suc h as multiple-valued NAND flash memory or the like in which each memory cell holds data in a plurality of pages, there is such a problem that, if an error occurred under writing data, data stored in other page in the same group of the current page is changed, and hence the object of the present invention is to solve this problem. In writing data into a nonvolatile memory 110, when error occurred under writing data into a certain page, an error page identification part 128 identifies an error type and a physical address of the page where error occurred. An error corrector 129 then corrects errors occurred in other pages belonging to the same group of error occurrence page.
US07962822B2 Generating device, generating method, program and recording medium
A generation apparatus and the like for generating a test vector set capable of reducing differences in a logic value generated before and after a scan capture for outputs from scan cells included in a full-scan sequential circuit are provided. A generation apparatus 200 generating an initial test vector set 216 for a logic circuit includes a target vector identification unit 204 identifying a test vector satisfying a predetermined criterion and to be selected for the number of bits (the number of bit transitions) whose logic values differ before and after scan capture with respect to outputs from scan cells included in the sequential circuit, from among test vectors in the initial test vector set 216, and a test vector set conversion unit 206 converting the test vector identified by the test vector identification unit 204 and to be selected so as to reduce the number of bit transitions with respect to outputs from the scan cells included in the sequential circuit.
US07962821B2 Built-in self testing circuit with fault diagnostic capability
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a memory collars including: a memory cell; a fetch register that is configured to fetch data as a first fetch data; a comparing unit that is configured to compare the first fetch data with an expected value; a failure detecting signal output unit that is configured to receive the compared result and output a failure detecting signal; and a BIST circuit including: a BIST control unit that is configured to output an instruction and output a BIST status; a shift controller that is configured to receive a first clock signal, the BIST status signal, and the failure detecting signal and output sift enable signal; a shift counter that counts the number of clock pulses on the first clock signal; a first storage register that is configured to receive the first clock signal and the shift enable signal, and a second storage register that is configured to receive a second clock signal.
US07962818B2 Reduced signaling interface method and apparatus
This disclosure describes a reduced pin bus that can be used on integrated circuits or embedded cores within integrated circuits. The bus may be used for serial access to circuits where the availability of pins on ICs or terminals on cores is limited. The bus may be used for a variety of serial communication operations such as, but not limited to, serial communication related test, emulation, debug, and/or trace operations of an IC or core design. Other aspects of the disclosure include the use of reduced pin buses for emulation, debug, and trace operations and for functional operations. In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, an interface select circuit, FIGS. 41-49, provides for selectively using either the 5 signal interface of FIG. 41 or the 3 signal interface of FIG. 8.
US07962788B2 Automated treatment of system and application validation failures
Automated tools to validate a system environment for an application (and/or any other type of software component) and/or repair system environment conditions that might prevent the proper installation and/or functioning of the application or component are presented. Such tools can facilitate the installation and/or upgrade of software by automating the process of ensuring that all necessary requirements for the proper functioning of the software have been met.
US07962787B2 System and method for preserving processor memory during power loss
A method, and a system of using the method, of preserving memory of a processor powered by an external source. The method includes determining a drop in a first power to be supplied to the processor, generating a reset signal when the drop falls below a threshold, supplying a second power from a power store to the processor based on the reset signal, and holding the reset signal until the first power rises above the threshold.
US07962779B2 Systems and methods for a distributed file system with data recovery
The intelligent distributed file system enables the storing of file data among a plurality of smart storage units which are accessed as a single file system. The intelligent distributed file system utilizes a metadata data structure to track and manage detailed information about each file, including, for example, the device and block locations of the file's data blocks, to permit different levels of replication and/or redundancy within a single file system, to facilitate the change of redundancy parameters, to provide high-level protection for metadata, to replicate and move data in real-time, and to permit the creation of virtual hot spares among the smart storage units without the need to idle any single smart storage unit in the intelligent distributed file system.
US07962778B2 Virtual disk drive system and method
A disk drive system and method capable of dynamically allocating data is provided. The disk drive system may include a RAID subsystem having a pool of storage, for example a page pool of storage that maintains a free list of RAIDs, or a matrix of disk storage blocks that maintain a null list of RAIDs, and a disk manager having at least one disk storage system controller. The RAID subsystem and disk manager dynamically allocate data across the pool of storage and a plurality of disk drives based on RAID-to-disk mapping. The RAID subsystem and disk manager determine whether additional disk drives are required, and a notification is sent if the additional disk drives are required. Dynamic data allocation and data progression allow a user to acquire a disk drive later in time when it is needed. Dynamic data allocation also allows efficient data storage of snapshots/point-in-time copies of virtual volume pool of storage, instant data replay and data instant fusion for data backup, recovery etc., remote data storage, and data progression, etc.
US07962757B2 Secure coordinate identification method, system and program
A method, program and system (10) for processing data are disclosed. The method, program and system comprising the steps of: (a) receiving data representing a location of an item (e.g., people, personal property, real property, organizations, chemical compounds, organic compounds, proteins, biological structures, biometric values or atomic structures), (c) determining a plurality of fixed coordinates that represent the location (e.g., by “rounding” and/or comparing to a reference grid), (d) utilizing an algorithm (e.g., encryption, encoding and/or one-way function) to process the plurality of fixed coordinates (each separately or together), and (e) comparing the processed data to at least a portion of secondary data (perhaps comprising data previously stored in a database).
US07962740B2 Method and apparatus for synchronizing audio and video in encrypted videoconferences
The invention provides a system that preserves the synchronization of the audio and video presented at a secure conferencing site without necessitating decryption, decompression, compression, and encryption of signals at the hub. The presently preferred embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus and method for synchronizing audio and video in encrypted videoconferences that comprises a plurality of conference sites; and a hub for receiving a compressed and encrypted, composite audio and video signal from each site, for determining a currently active site, and for transmitting said composite audio and video signal from said currently active site to all other sites; said hub receiving a compressed and encrypted audio only signal from each site; wherein said hub routes all incoming compressed and encrypted audio only signals to each site.
US07962737B2 Methods, media and apparatus for booting diskless systems
The disclosure provides a system, method, and computer readable medium for booting a diskless client in an information handling system (IHS). Cached boot data is stored in a non-volatile memory of the diskless client. The diskless client sends a boot request with an identifier and receives a boot reply containing an image signature associated with the identifier. The diskless client determines whether there is a match between a cached image signature and the received image signature. If there is a match, the diskless client boots with the cached boot data. If there is not a match, the cached boot data is invalidated and new boot data is requested and received from a server. The diskless client stores the new boot data in the non-volatile memory and boots with the new boot data. The cached boot data may be update when network traffic is below a predetermined level and/or an administrator change to boot data affects a plurality of diskless clients. The diskless client request and receives updated boot data stores the updated boot data in the non-volatile memory.
US07962736B1 Interactive pre-OS firmware update with repeated disabling of interrupts
Firmware is interactively updatable in a setup facility prior to loading an operating system on a computer. A computer repeatedly provides progress information during the course of a firmware update. This progress information may be in the form of a repeatedly updated completion percentage displayed on a screen during the update.
US07962729B2 Dynamic runtime range checking of different types on a register using upper and lower bound value registers for the register
Software defects (e.g., array access out of bounds, stack overflow, infinite loops, and data corruption) occur due to integer values falling outside their expected range. Because programming languages do not include range-checking instructions as part of their language, to detect software defects and ensure that the code runs smoothly, programmers generally use 1) runtime assertions and/or 2) sub-range data types. However, these techniques cause additional conditional branches, incur additional overhead, and decrease processor performance. Processors comprising a range checking hardware feature supported by machine instructions for runtime integer range checking can eliminate the conditional branches generated during runtime integer range checks. Programming language extensions for the range checking hardware can allow dynamic range bounds to be defined during runtime without decreasing the processor's performance. This can allow for easier programming and code that is easier to maintain.
US07962728B2 Data processor
The data processor executes an instruction having a direction for write to a reference register of other instruction flow and an instruction having a direction for reference register invalidation. The data processor is arranged as a data processor having typical functions as an integrated whole of processors (CPU1 and CPU2) which execute simple instruction flows. When executing the instruction having a direction for write to a reference register of other instruction flow, the processor confirms whether a write register is invalid. The processor waits for the register to be made invalid, if the register is not invalid, and performs write if the register is invalid. After having executed the instruction having a direction for reference register invalidation, the processor invalidates the register to which a reference has been made. When the reference register is invalid, execution of the referring instruction is suspended until it is made valid.
US07962723B2 Methods and apparatus storing expanded width instructions in a VLIW memory deferred execution
Techniques are described for decoupling fetching of an instruction stored in a main program memory from earliest execution of the instruction. An indirect execution method and program instructions to support such execution are addressed. In addition, an improved indirect deferred execution processor (DXP) VLIW architecture is described which supports a scalable array of memory centric processor elements that do not require local load and store units.
US07962718B2 Methods for performing extended table lookups using SIMD vector permutation instructions that support out-of-range index values
A permutation instruction generates vector elements for a destination register using identified source and destination registers. A plurality of partial table lookups corresponding to an extended table produces a plurality of intermediate results. At least one source register stores a plurality of index values corresponding to the extended table. Out-of-range index values are values that are not contained in at least one additional source register and result in a predetermined constant value being stored into a predetermined vector element of the destination register. The index values are adjusted between the partial table lookups. A final result is formed by performing a logic function with the plurality of intermediate results. The final result is thereby formed without a full table lookup of each element of the final result.
US07962709B2 Network redirector systems and methods for performing data replication
Performing data management operations on replicated data in a computer network. Log entries are generated for data management operations of an application executing on a source system. Consistency point entries are used to indicate a time of a known good, or recoverable, state of the application. A destination system is configured to process a copy of the log and consistency point entries to replicate data in a replication volume, the replicated data being a copy of the application data on the source system. When the replicated data represents a known good state of the application, as determined by the consistency point entries, the destination system(s) may perform a storage operation (e.g., snapshot, backup) to copy the replicated data and to logically associate the copied data with a time information (e.g., time stamp) indicative of the source system time when the application was in the known good state.
US07962680B2 Image forming apparatus and connection notifying method
An image forming apparatus includes an operating unit, a controller, and a transmission line that connects the operating unit to the controller. The operating unit includes a USB device that transmits data to the controller and receives data from the controller via the transmission line, and the controller includes a USB host that transmits data to the operating unit and receives data from the operating unit via the transmission line.
US07962676B2 Debugging multi-port bridge system conforming to serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) or serial attached small computer system interface (SCSI) (SAS) standards using idle/scrambled dwords
An embodiment of the present invention includes a communication system configured to conform to SATA or SAS standards and causing communication between one or more hosts and a SATA device. The communication system includes a communication device adapted to generate debug information incorporated through one or more links using an analyzer to identify problems associated with the communication system.
US07962670B2 Pin multiplexing
A semiconductor device coupled to input/output pins includes a first core to operate a first function and a second core to operate a second function. A multiplexer is arranged to set the input/output pins to the first function or to the second function, and an arbiter is configured to receive requests from the cores to use the input/output pins and to grant use of the input/output pins to a selected core. A register is arranged to store a value indicative of a delay to be applied by the arbiter when granting use of the input/output pins to the second core.
US07962656B1 Command encoding of data to enable high-level functions in computer networks
Methods and systems for communicating between network interface controllers (NICs) in networked systems are described. Enhanced command functionality for NICs include the ability to perform sequences of operations and/or conditional operations. Messages can be used to communicate embedded commands which are interpreted by NICs to enhance their functionality.
US07962653B2 Methods for increased tolerance against packet reordering for the secure reference principle in robust header compression
A method for improving the use of a secure reference principle in a header compression scheme over a channel that admits reordering of packets between a compressor and a decompressor includes transmitting a first plurality of non-context updating packets between a compressor and a decompressor over the channel and, in response to a context update, transmitting a second plurality of context-updating packets between the compressor and the decompressor over the channel. The number of packets in the second plurality is greater than or equal to a maximum possible reordering that packets can experience on the channel between the compressor and the decompressor.
US07962649B2 Modem prioritization and registration
In one embodiment, a flow control logic facilitates controlling modem prioritization and registration. The flow control logic controls an order in which stored DHCP requests are provided to a DHCP server. The DHCP requests may be stored in a plurality of groups in a data store. DHCP requests may be distinguishable based, at least in part, on priorities associated with cable modems from which DHCP requests are received. The priority may be determined by a value in the DHCP request. The flow control logic may control the rate and order at which stored DHCP requests are provided to the DHCP server.
US07962644B1 Systems and methods for handling a plurality of communications
A distributed communication center configured to handle a plurality of communications includes a user zone, a web zone, and a network zone. The user zone includes a plurality of remote terminals that enable communication center personnel and end users to remotely interface with the distributed communication center through the web zone. The web zone includes one or more web servers configured and one or more mail servers to interface the remote terminals in the user zone with the network zone. The network zone includes one or more telephony servers and one or more application servers.
US07962641B1 Streaming media software interface to a dispersed data storage network
A client computer streams a digital media presentation from a dispersed data storage network including a plurality of slice servers. A dispersed data storage network access component streams data directly from the dispersed data storage network and passes data to a media player, also residing on the client computer.
US07962640B2 Systems and methods for universal real-time media transcoding
Digital content is encoded and transmitted in form suitable for presentation in a variety of formats, particularly suited to mobile device environments. In specific embodiments, server-side, independent and integrated architectures are disclosed. In further specific embodiments, techniques for prefix, postfix, interrupted and midway insertions of generic data and multi-media data are disclosed together with techniques for seamlessly handling media duration, whether or not media duration is known. Still further, techniques are disclosed for retaining synchronization among inserted media segments, for reducing startup delay and for traffic smoothing, all as part of systems and techniques for media transcoding.
US07962638B2 Data stream filters and plug-ins for storage managers
A storage manager and related method and computer program product manages client data on a data storage resource and includes the ability to utilize many different types of data stream filters that are neither built into the storage manager nor require a custom programming effort. A storage manager user may readily implement filtering by simply identifying a data stream filter the user wishes the storage manager to use for filtering the user's data. The filter can be an off-the-shelf program that is not part of the storage manager and which does not require client application or storage manager domain knowledge (e.g., knowledge of protocols or data types or formats used by the application or storage manager). The storage manager invokes the identified filter as part of a requested data stream operation and receives a data stream from a data stream source. The data stream is provided to the filter, which filters the data stream. Following filtering, the storage manager receives the data stream from the filter and sends it to a data stream destination.
US07962636B2 Using a variable identity pipe for constrained delegation and connection pooling
Example embodiments provide for a system configured to provide constrained delegation and connection pooling for a back-end server by providing a variable identity pipe between it and a front-end server. A client will authenticate to the front-end process using credentials that are typically non-delegable by default, e.g., a token, certificate, or the like. The front-end is configured to extract client identity information and use this information to request changing an identity associated with the variable identity pipe. In addition, requests for actions on resources received from the client can be transformed into remote procedural calls and used by the back-end server to process the requests. A response is then sent back over the variable identity pipe to the client via the front-end server. The variable identity pipe is left open to allow other requests from other clients to be sent over the variable identity pipe in a similar manner.
US07962633B1 Network service management using customizable business-level rules
A service deployment device responds to events originating internally or in a network using a set of condition/action rules. The condition/action rules are defined in terms of business-level information. A rules engine in the service deployment device translates the network events to business information and uses a forward-chaining algorithm to evaluate conditions associated with the rules. Based on the evaluation, the service deployment device enables actions associated with the rules. An enterprise using the service deployment device uses the condition/action rules to deploy business policies in the network.
US07962628B2 Apparatus and method for supporting connection establishment in an offload of network protocol processing
A number of improvements in network adapters that offload protocol processing from the host processor are provided. Specifically, a mechanism for improving connection establishment in a system utilizing an offload network adapter is provided. The connection establishment mechanism provides the ability to offload connection establishment and maintenance of connection state information to the offload network adapter. As a result of this offloading of connection establishment and state information maintenance, the number of communications needed between the host system and the offload network adapter may be reduced. In addition, offloading of these functions to the offload network adapter permits bulk notification of established connections and state information to the host system rather than piecemeal notifications as is present in known computing systems.
US07962627B2 Peer-to-peer network address translator (NAT) traversal techniques
Techniques described herein perform network address translator (NAT) traversal using a peer of a peer-to-peer architecture in lieu of a server. A first peer maintains a list of public domain peers that are not hidden behind a NAT or a firewall and have previously been connected with the first peer. The first peer distributes the list to other peers via a gossip-based protocol. When a second peer desires to connect with the first peer, the second peer initiates a connection with the first peer and sends a request to a public domain peer of the list, requesting that the public domain peer instruct the first peer to initiate a connection with the second peer. By leveraging a public domain peer to establish a connection between the first and second peers, these techniques lessen the burden on the server of the architecture. Furthermore, because different peers may make requests to different public domain peers, the techniques allow for better scalability of the architecture.
US07962625B1 Managing distributed functional modules using standard management applications
A distributed storage server includes a network module, data module and a management module. The management module receives a data user command for execution on the data module. The data user command is forwarded to the data module and any execution output sent back to the management module. Similarly, the data module receives a management user command for execution on the management module. The management user command is forwarded to the management module and any execution output sent back to the data module.
US07962622B2 System and method for providing provisioning and upgrade services for a wireless device
In one embodiment, a system is disclosed. The system includes a wireless data processing device, a messaging service to maintain data objects on behalf of a user, and a data center, coupled to the wireless device and the messaging service. The data center establishes a plurality of routing connections between the wireless device and the messaging service. Each of the plurality of connections corresponds to a data service level authorized by the data center.
US07962615B1 Multi-system deadlock reduction
Method, system, and computer program embodiments for reducing deadlock in multi-system computing environments are provided. A set of default, current wait times is initialized for resource requests of each of a plurality of resources. A plurality of resource holders and resource waiters is monitored within an address space. If one resource holder of the plurality of resource holders of one of the plurality of resources is determined to be one resource waiter on another of the plurality of resources, a current wait time for the one resource holder is incremented and a deadlock indicator for both the one resource holder and the one resource waiter is activated. Following expiration of a predefined interval, the plurality of resource holders and resource waiters are parsed through to determine an original resource holder, indicating a system deadlock. The resource holder associated with the system deadlock having a lowest current wait time is restarted.
US07962611B2 Methods, systems and computer program products for detecting flow-level network traffic anomalies via abstraction levels
Methods, systems and computer program products for detecting flow-level network traffic anomalies via abstraction levels. An exemplary embodiment includes a method for detecting flow-level network traffic anomalies in a computer network, the method including obtaining current distributions of flow level traffic features within the computer network, computing distances of the current distributions' components from a distributions model, comparing the distances of the current distributions to distance baselines from the distributions model, determining if the distances are above a pre-determined thresholds and in response to one or more of the distances being above the pre-determined thresholds in one or more distributions, identifying the current condition to be abnormal and providing indications to its nature.
US07962610B2 Statistical data inspector
An embodiment of the invention provides a technique that allows the collection, storage, and manipulation of data collected in a computer network.
US07962605B2 Distributed device discovery framework for a network
A method and system for discovering resources connected to a distributed network having a plurality of subnets is provided. Resource discovery over a distributed network is facilitated by active simple discover agents (ASDAs), that are selected from candidate simple discovery agents (SDAs) on the subnets. The ASDA discovers ASDAs on neighboring subnets. After determining neighboring ASDAs, an ASDA issues discovery search requests to the neighboring ASDAs. The neighboring ASDAs forward such requests onto their neighboring ASDAs to propagate a device discovery search request throughout a network comprising multiple subnets.
US07962582B2 Enforcing network service level agreements in a network element
Enforcing network service level agreements in a network infrastructure element comprises receiving, at the network infrastructure element, an application-layer message comprising one or more of the packets; forwarding the application-layer message toward a destination endpoint and concurrently copying the application-layer message without disrupting the forwarding; using the copied application-layer message, discovering one or more applications or services that are using the network; using the copied application-layer message, identifying one or more network-layer condition metrics, and identifying one or more application-layer condition metrics; determining, based on the identified network-layer condition metrics and the application-layer condition metrics, whether one or more conditions of a service level agreement are violated; and in response to determining a violation, performing one or more responsive operations on one or more network elements.
US07962574B2 Data integration in service oriented architectures
A system, method and program product for transferring structured and unstructured data in a service oriented architecture (SOA) infrastructure. A method is disclosed that includes: receiving a request for a synchronization at a service orchestration engine (SOE), wherein the synchronization includes a transfer of structured meta-data from a first node to a second node and a transfer of unstructured file data from a first file node to a second file node; creating an entry in a routing table to track the synchronization; receiving the structured meta-data at the SOE from the first node and transferring the structured meta-data to the second node; and orchestrating a peer-to-peer data transfer from the first file node to the second file node, including communicating with file handling agents at the first and second file handling nodes.
US07962568B2 Event control device and digital broadcasting system
To provide a device capable of determining a delivery destination of an event automatically without requiring choosing operation of an operator. An event entered through an event input means 4 is given to a delivery destination determining means 6 which in turn determines to which of applications AP1, AP2, . . . , APn the given event is to be delivered according to the contents of the event and according to delivery destination determining information stored in a delivery destination determining information storing section, and delivers accordingly. Therefore, the event is delivered to an appropriate application even if the operator does not choose an addressed application.
US07962567B1 Systems and methods for disabling an array port for an enterprise
Systems and methods are provided for disabling an array port in an enterprise storage system. In one embodiment, a system comprises a storage area network (SAN), a plurality of hosts, an array controller comprising a plurality of array ports, and a management server. The management server receives a request to disable an identified one of the plurality of array ports and identifies, from a configuration table stored in the management system server, one or more of the plurality of hosts having at least one path to the identified array port. The management server transmits an instruction to the one or more of the plurality of hosts to disable paths to the identified array port.
US07962564B2 Discovery of a virtual topology in a multi-tasking multi-processor environment
A computer program product, apparatus and method for identifying processors in a multi-tasking multiprocessor network, the computer program product including a tangible storage medium readable by a processing circuit and storing instructions for execution by the processing circuit for performing a method including storing a service record for a port to which an LID has been assigned, retrieving service records for nodes to which channel paths may connect, retrieving path records that provide address destinations for the nodes identified in the service records, initiating channel initialization for the channel paths defined for the port and removing the service record for the port.
US07962550B2 Managing external data sources in a discussion forum resource
The present invention is a method, system and apparatus for managing external data sources in a discussion forum resource. A discussion forum resource can include at least one topic thread disposed in the discussion resource forum and created for externally sourced content in the discussion forum resource. The discussion forum resource further can include a data aggregator coupled to the topic thread and configured to manage the externally sourced content in the topic thread. Notably, the externally sourced content can include text, audio, imagery or video.
US07962549B2 Method for ladder ranking in a game
Methods for creating an interactive gaming environment are provided. In various embodiments, methods of the present invention may include initializing an interactive game application at a game server which is then characterized as having an active status, notifying a lobby server concerning the active status of the game server, registering the application with a universe management server via the lobby server, and allowing users to join the interactive gaming environment. The users joining the interactive gaming environment may be identified by a server key obtained from the game server.
US07962548B2 Methods for transmitting multimedia files and advertisements
The invention is directed to a method of transmitting a file having an advertising portion and a requested portion different from the advertising portion. The method includes receiving a request to transmit the file, via a streaming protocol allowing non-sequential access, transmitting the advertising portion of the file, receiving a request to transmit a portion of the requested portion of the file prior to completing transmitting the advertising portion of the file, completing the transmission of the advertising portion of the file, and transmitting the requested portion of the file.
US07962544B2 Patient and device location dependent healthcare information processing system
A system automatically establishes context information (e.g., determining changes to user interface workflows, screens, menus, and access requirements for devices such as monitors, ventilators, and diagnostic equipment) used by a worker in using healthcare information applications based on patient geographic location (e.g., a room or bed or department). The system addresses the need for a user to sign onto a system with each location change and manually change context information which consumes computer, server and network resources and represent a potential security problem. A healthcare system selects information to be provided to a user in response to received location dependent context data. The system includes a proximity detector for wirelessly detecting presence of an identification tag substantially within a predetermined vicinity of the detector. The identification tag is associated with at least one of, (a) a particular processing device and (b) a particular person. A location detector determines location information indicating a location associated with an identification tag detected by the proximity detector. A workflow processor automatically alters information presented to a user including information associated with a task sequence to be performed by the user for a patient in response to the determined location information.
US07962536B2 System and method for remote monitoring and controlling of facility energy consumption
A method for remote monitoring and controlling of energy consumption of a facility includes receiving energy consumption data associated with the facility at a processor disposed remotely from the facility. The method also includes receiving environmental data associated with the facility. The method includes determining whether an operating parameter of an energy consumption system of the facility requires modification to increase efficiency using the energy consumption data and the environmental data. The method further includes automatically modifying the operating parameter of the energy consumption system corresponding to the required modification.
US07962535B2 Reporting on facts relative to a specified dimensional coordinate constraint
A received report query specifies a dimension coordinate constraint and an associated grain for the dimension coordinate constraint. At least one query is generated to the dimensionally-modeled fact collection. A result of providing the at least one query to the dimensionally-modeled fact collection is processed. The processed result includes an indication of every dimension coordinate satisfying the dimension coordinate constraint and having a particular value at the associated grain, and the processed result further includes facts of the dimensionally-modeled fact collection that are specified by at least one other dimension coordinate indicated by the processed result having the particular value at the associated grain and not satisfying the dimension coordinate constraint.
US07962534B2 Automatic management of dependencies between physical and logical elements in an application set
A mechanism minimizes the management issues of the participant objects of the logical target set, such as an application set. The mechanism maps the current physical implementation. The mechanism then identifies the target and extraneous object set locations to facilitate isolation. Thereafter, the mechanism optimizes the logical target set placement for best manageability and performance. The mechanism minimizes the management issues by providing a small application footprint. This is accomplished by placing the object set on the fewest necessary volumes to facilitate both application performance and independence of administrative action.
US07962532B1 Management of directory quotas for file systems
A new approach to support efficient management of directory quotas for a file system is proposed. The approach adopts bitmasks for files and directories in a file system, and transforms the problem of maintaining and traversing complicated file system data structures into a simple bitmask comparison and an associated lookup. It applies to files and directories under CIFS, NFS, other network file systems and local file systems and moves the costly operations of traversing the file system from file operations to administrative operation of switching the quotas on and off, which is infrequent and do not have the performance requirements of regular file operations.
US07962521B2 Index selection in a database system
An index selection mechanism allows for efficient generation of index recommendations for a given workload of a database system. The workload includes a set of queries that are used to access tables in a database system. The index recommendations are validated to verify improved performance, followed by application of the indexes. Graphical user interface screens are provided to receive user input as well as to present reports to the user.
US07962510B2 Using content analysis to detect spam web pages
Evaluating content includes receiving content, analyzing the content for web spam using a content-based identification technique, and classifying the content according to the analysis. An index of analyzed contents may be created. A system for evaluating content includes a storage device configured to store data and a processor configured to analyze content for web spam using content-based identification techniques.
US07962496B2 Migrating personality of computing environment from source platform to target platform
Methods, and systems for migrating personality of a computing environment from a source machine platform to a target machine platform through a CIM-based system management infrastructure. A system includes: database wherein migration rules of CIM objects between a plurality of platforms are recorded; and migration tool for implementing migration according to the migration rules in the database, which includes: migration rule extractor, CIM object extractor, migration task producer and migration task executor. The extractor extracts CIM objects related to personality of the computing environment from source machine platform according to migration rule extracted from the database by rule extractor, and extracts from the target machine platform objects corresponding to the extracted CIM objects of the source machine platform. The migration task producer generates the migration tasks according to extracted migration rules. The migration task executor executes generated migration tasks on the CIM objects of the target platform.
US07962492B2 Data management apparatus, data management method, data processing method, and program
Data management security against leakage or loss of personal information is achieved by setting a division range for dividing personal information into identification information that enables a specific individual to be identified and attribute information that does not by itself enable a specific individual to be identified. A CPU performs first division of personal information into identification information and attribute information in accordance with the division range specified by the user, performs second division of identification information that has undergone first division into a plurality of fragments for which data processing is possible, and furthermore generates linkage key information for restoring the divided identification information, attribute information, and plurality of fragments to the original personal information, and executes data storage processing that stores the identification information, attribute information, and plurality of fragments in an external storage apparatus and linkage key information in a nonvolatile auxiliary storage apparatus.
US07962489B1 Indexing using contiguous, non-overlapping ranges
A method of efficiently constructing and using an index for searches in large datasets is provided. In this method, a dataset can be divided into a plurality of “buckets”, i.e. contiguous, non-overlapping ranges of values of a chosen attribute of elements of the dataset. These buckets can be used to construct discrete index segments. Static index segments (associated with “static” buckets including the more frequently occurring values) are always computed, whereas dynamic index segments (associated with “dynamic” buckets including the less frequently occurring values) can be generated on an as-needed basis and based on the availability of system resources. Thus, search time and storage area can be advantageously reduced because less of the complete index needs to be generated and used.
US07962488B2 Searching apparatus and searching method
When an album search is started, message “For Album ?” which prompts the user to select album search is displayed. When the user has selected the album search, message “By Title ?” which prompts the user to select album title name search is displayed. When the user has selected the title name search, message “Keyword IN” which prompts the user to input a key word is displayed. When the user has input key word “P” for the search, the HD recording and reproducing device 300 references the album/track name database file and searches the database file for an album title name containing the input key word. The search result is displayed. In addition, highlight portions of tracks of an album corresponding to the search result are successively reproduced from track 1.
US07962484B2 LDAP bulk append
Systems and methods for performing a bulk append into an LDAP Server Directory Store. A conversion tool may receive an input file in LDIF format. The conversion tool performs a schema check on each entry in the input file, and creates a plurality of output files in SQL or another LDAP database structured format. One output file is created for each attribute in the input file. In addition, a file for an attribute table and a file for a catalog table may be created. One or more SQL Loading tools then load the output files into the LDAP Server Directory Store in parallel, except for the DN catalog table. After the other output files have been loaded, the DN catalog file is loaded into the LDAP Server Directory Store.
US07962481B2 Query based invalidation subscription
A query result set is an example of a type of body of data whose content is defined by a query. Modifications to a database can change the result of a query and therefore what the content of such a body of data, such as a result set, should be. Active Queries is an approach that enables a database server to detect database changes that alter the result of a query registered for a client and to notify a client of those changes. The notifications may be sent to, for example, a cache manager responsible for maintaining coherency of a result set cache generated by the query. The notification notifies the cache manager of when and/or what changes are needed to maintain the coherency of the cache.
US07962478B2 Movement-based dynamic filtering of search results in a graphical user interface
A movement-based filtering mechanism in a graphical user interface allows a user to filter search results by simply moving a pointer, such as a mouse. One or more attributes are displayed to the user in a graphical format. By selecting the pointer (such as clicking on a mouse button), the user may dynamically filter the search results according to the attribute(s) under the pointer. Weighting of multiple attributes may be performed according to the time the pointer spends in each attribute area in the display, or according to a path length of the pointer in each attribute area in the display. In addition, the speed of the dynamic filtering may be directly controlled according to the speed of the movement of the pointer. A timeline may also be displayed that allows the user to go back to any suitable point in time in the filtering process.
US07962462B1 Deriving and using document and site quality signals from search query streams
A system analyzes one or more search streams to detect one or more associations between a document and one or more queries in the one or more search streams. The system further derives a value for the document based on the detected associations and uses the derived value in evaluating a quality of the document with respect to one or more subsequent queries.
US07962461B2 Method and system for finding and aggregating reviews for a product
The embodiments disclosed herein include new, more efficient ways to collect product reviews from the Internet, aggregate reviews for the same product, and provide an aggregated review to end users in a searchable format. One aspect of the invention is a graphical user interface on a computer that includes a plurality of portions of reviews for a product and a search input area for entering search terms to search for reviews of the product that contain the search terms.
US07962459B2 Method of providing context specific recipes in a semiconductor facility by defining product categories
The RMS database for a semiconductor process line is established on the basis of product groups or categories, wherein all members of a category are linked by a common feature, such as a common basic design or a common basic technology. Common process recipes in a specified category may then be set up only once, thereby reducing the amount of effort for establishing the database. Moreover, new product types may be readily incorporated into the categories, thereby enabling the employment of the already-established category-specific context information.
US07962455B2 Pathname translation in a data replication system
Performing data management operations on replicated data in a computer network. Log entries are generated for data management operations of an application executing on a source system. Consistency point entries are used to indicate a time of a known good, or recoverable, state of the application. A destination system is configured to process a copy of the log and consistency point entries to replicate data in a replication volume, the replicated data being a copy of the application data on the source system. When the replicated data represents a known good state of the application, as determined by the consistency point entries, the destination system(s) may perform a storage operation (e.g., snapshot, backup) to copy the replicated data and to logically associate the copied data with a time information (e.g., time stamp) indicative of the source system time when the application was in the known good state.
US07962453B2 Dynamic redistribution of a distributed memory index when individual nodes have different lookup indexes
Techniques for performing window-by-window remastering are described, in which the mechanism used by nodes to determine the resource-to-window mapping is separated from the mechanism used by the nodes to access resource information. For example, all nodes of a multiple-node system may use the same hash function to determine which resources are involved in a remastering window. However, the resource indexes employed by the nodes to access resource information need not use that same hash function. For example, in nodes where the resource indexes are hash indexes, different nodes may use different hash functions. Further, some or all of the nodes may use mechanisms other than hash indexes to access the resource information.
US07962451B2 Data gather scatter—redistribution machine
A method, system, and computer program product to transfer data between two application data structures by copying a data gather scatter program (DGSP) from an exporting process address space where a first data structure is located, to a location in shared memory visible to an importing process address space; assembling a parameter set identifying the data structure; starting a data gather scatter-redistribution machine (DGS-RM) in an importing process space where a second application data structure is located; passing the first parameter set, the DGSP copy, and a second parameter set identifying a second application data structure and a second DGSP to the DGS-RM; and creating master and worker stack machines. The master stack machine identifies a contiguous chunk of the first data structure. The worker stack machine identifies contiguous chunks of the second data structure representing the same number of bytes as the contiguous chunk of the first data structure and transferring to (from) one or more identified chunks of the second data structure from (to) the single chunk of the first application data structure.
US07962450B2 Method and system for synchronising bookmarks
Systems and methods for synchronizing bookmarks between communications devices are provided. Bookmarks refer to user-defined and nicknamed URLs as local parameters in Browser software, also sometimes known as “Favorites”. Real-time synchronization of bookmarks is accomplished through an application of “push technology”. Upon identifying a change in the set of bookmarks of a communications device, the communications device transmits an indication of the change to the network. The network uses push technology to push the indication to the other communications device. Once the indication is received by the other communications device, the other communications device updates its set of bookmarks according to the indication thereby achieving synchronization. Synchronization may be performed between two or more devices.
US07962449B2 Trusted index structure in a network environment
Methods and apparatuses of a trusted index structure in a network environment. In one embodiment, a data processing system includes a master device and at least one slave device to communicate with each other through a network; and a master lock status of a shared storage device to determine the master device.
US07962443B2 Method and system for replacing data in a structured design template
A method and system for replacing data in a design template. An end-user may provide a dynamic, structured client data set to be adapted to a predetermined, structured design template (e.g., a map or report). A repository of design templates may be searched to discover a list of candidate templates that may be capable of matching the client data. The end-user may select a design template that may be capable of showing the client data. The server may match the client data to a data structure for a candidate design template by using a data replacement approach, such as a column/alias approach. The end-user may potentially enlarge the matching set by providing information to help the matching algorithm; for example, providing column aliases where the matching algorithm may match template data column and column alias names with those specified for the client dataset.
US07962442B2 Managing execution of a query against selected data partitions of a partitioned database
The present invention generally relates to data processing, and more specifically to executing queries against a partitioned database. One embodiment provides a computer-implemented method of managing execution of a query against a partitioned database having a plurality of data partitions. The method comprises receiving a query having conditional filtering logic to restrict the data records in the partitioned database to a result set satisfying the conditional filtering logic. On the basis of an indication that only a subset of the result set is to be returned, a subset of data partitions is determined from the plurality of data partitions from which the subset of the result set can be retrieved. Then, the query is executed only against the subset of data partitions.
US07962441B2 Air conditioner for vehicle and controlling method thereof
An air conditioner for a vehicle includes an air-conditioning unit for supplying conditioned air into a vehicle, an information acquiring unit for acquiring state information indicating a state of the vehicle, a control information modifying unit having at least one probabilistic model for calculating the probability that a passenger will perform a predetermined setting operation, calculating the probability by inputting the state information into the at least one probabilistic model, and modifying the setting information or the control information related to the predetermined setting operation according to the probability so that the predetermined setting operation is performed, and an air-conditioning control unit for controlling the air-conditioning unit according to the modified setting information or modified control information.
US07962438B2 Suggesting concept-based domain names
Methods and systems of the present invention allow for displaying suggested concept-based results. An exemplary method may comprise the steps of receiving a domain name, determining from ontological calculations suggested domain names related to the concept of the domain name and displaying the suggested domain names.
US07962434B2 Extended finite state automata and systems and methods for recognizing patterns in a data stream using extended finite state automata
Deterministic finite automata (DFAs) are popular solutions to deep packet inspection because they are fast and DFAs corresponding to multiple signatures are combinable into a single DFA. Combining such DFAs causes an explosive increase in memory usage. Extended finite automata (XFAs) are an alternative to DFAs that avoids state-space explosion problems. XFAs extend DFAs with a few bytes of “scratch memory” used to store bits and other data structures that record progress. Simple programs associated with automaton states and/or transitions manipulate this scratch memory. XFAs are deterministic in their operation, are equivalent to DFAs in expressiveness, and require no custom hardware support. Fully functional prototype XFA implementations show that, for most signature sets, XFAs are at least 10,000 times smaller than the DFA matching all signatures. XFAs are 10 times smaller and 5 times faster or 5 times smaller and 20 times faster than systems using multiple DFAs.
US07962432B2 Analyzing information technology systems using collaborative intelligence data anonimity
An information technology (IT) system of interest is analyzed using collaborative, community-based sharing of expert knowledge, analysis and advice through user-submitted analysis rules and/or user-submitted report templates. Users may submit rules that have been found to be useful in analyzing or managing IT systems. A rule may analyze a particular item of configuration data or performance data according to a predetermined criterion. Other users may apply these rules to their own systems' data and, thereby, utilize the collective expertise of the people who submitted the rules. Performance and configuration data from IT systems or components of the systems in various enterprises is collected and then sanitized by removing or masking identifying information before storing the sanitized data in a data warehouse. An IT manager may compare data from his/her IT system to historical data from the system or to data from IT systems having similar workloads, configurations, problems or according to other matching criteria, without obtaining confidential information about the comparison systems. Such comparisons may use the user-submitted rules. Reports are generated from these analyses and comparisons according to predefined and/or user-submitted report templates and report component templates for items such as text blocks, tables, graphs, charts and block diagrams.
US07962428B2 System and method for joint optimization of cascaded classifiers for computer aided detection
A method for training classifiers for Computer-Aided Detection in medical images includes providing an image feature training set {(xi, yi)}i=1l, wherein xiεRd are input feature variables and yiε{−1,1} are class labels, and a cascade of K classifiers to be trained, minimizing, for each classifier k, a first cost function to initialize an αk0 associated with each classifier k, fixing all classifiers except classifier k and minimizing a second cost function to solve for αkc for a counter value c using the training dataset {(xik, yi)}i=1l, calculating a third cost function Jc(αlc, . . . , αKc) for each classifier k, and comparing Jc with a previous iteration Jc−1, wherein if Jc−Jc−1 is less than a predetermined tolerance, said classifier training is completed.
US07962422B1 Redirection of deliveries
Disclosed are various embodiments for redirecting orders based on delivery site unavailability. A first delivery site that will be unavailable during an unavailability period is identified, and a coincidence between the unavailability period and a pick-up period of a shipment at the first delivery site is determined, the shipment being currently scheduled to be picked up by a customer at the first delivery site during the pick-up period. A second delivery site is then determined. A notification is sent to the customer of the second delivery site, and a rerouting of the shipment to the second delivery site is initiated.
US07962416B1 Method and system to remotely enable software-based options for a trial period
A system and method to remotely enable software based options for a trial period in remote equipment is disclosed. The invention includes receiving and authenticating a user, and receiving an option-enabling request from the user specifying the particular option requested to be enabled in a particular piece of equipment at a remote location. A system I.D. is validated, and the system ensures that the option has not already been enabled at least once before, and if it has not, a software enabling key is generated and sent to activate the option in the remote equipment.
US07962412B2 Apparatus and method for processing a check, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a check processing control program
A check processing method involves capturing at a first compression rate certain portions of a received check, and evaluating, based on that captured image data, whether certain information of the check can be reproduced by image data at a second compression rate that is greater than the first compression rate. If so, then image data representing the subject portions of the check is captured at the second compression rate image data, stored, and used to electronically process a corresponding check payment transaction. If not, then a specific process is executed without using image data at the second compression rate. This processing step outputs a specific signal or stores image data containing representing the subject portions of the received check at the first compression rate. Such process may be embodied in a check processing apparatus and may be carried out in response to a program of instructions.
US07962409B2 Method and system for processing internet payments using the electronic funds transfer network
A system and method for effectuating Electronic Funds Transfer credit messages. The main structural components of the system include a Payment Portal Processor (PPP), an Internet Pay Anyone (IPA) Account, a Virtual Private Lockbox (VPL) and an associated Account. Reporter, the existing EFT networks, and a cash card for accessing a VPL or IP account. The PPP is a software application that provides a secure portal for accessing (linking to) either the user's Demand Deposit Account (DDA) or an IPA account and can be combined with the functionality of a traditional digital Wallet. Consumers use a PPP enhanced Wallet to fund their account, shop on the web, pay bills, pay anyone, store electronic receipts and transaction history, and check their recent PPP enhanced Wallet activity. The IPA account is a special purpose account with limited functionality for making electronic payments in the form of EFT credit messages. The VPL is a limited function receive only account for receiving electronic payments through the EFT. The Account Reporter is a portal to view transaction history and balance of IPA and VPL accounts, provide online, real-time transaction reports, and to reconciles accounts receivable/purchase records against incoming EFT payment records. A physical card can be associated with either an IPA or VPL account in order to provide PIN debit capability.
US07962406B2 Systems and methods for facilitating transactions
A financial account issuer facilitating transactions between accounts is disclosed. The invention provides sellers with an irrevocable method of receiving funds from a purchaser and for improving purchaser willingness to transact with an unknown party. The invention also includes the options of interest payments, the use of different account issuers, different financial accounts, budget transfers, spend compartmentalization, cost-splitting, adjusting credit limits, loans, gifting, intermediary facilitating the transaction, transaction tracking, rapid funds availability, confidential transfer of funds, immediate initiation of shipment by a seller, releasing funds to a seller only after approval of the goods, services, or other value, demonstrating proof of payment, and recourse against a remote seller.
US07962399B2 Refreshing displayed quotes for automated market system
A method for managing display of quotes for securities in an electronic market includes entering a quote into a system for trading securities, a portion of the entered quote being displayable and another portion of the entered quote being held as reserved quote interest, executing a portion of the displayable quote portion against interest in the market, aggregating an unexecuted displayable quote portion, with a portion of the reserved quote, if the unexecuted displayable quote portion is less than a round lot, and displaying the aggregate.
US07962393B2 Global compliance system
A system for implementing a compliance program in a financial institution is provided and includes a list database for storing material information regarding a plurality of entities that is known to said financial institution. Also included is a list manager that receives a compliance query from an affiliate of the financial institution having a status. The list manager provides a compliance response to the affiliate based on the plurality of entities and according to the status of the affiliate.
US07962387B1 System and method for administering a fee structure for mutual fund shares
A system and method for administrating a fee structure for a fund class of shares is disclosed. The invention includes issuing shares in a newly created Q class within a mutual fund, providing a right of accumulation benefit having a discounted front end sales load for a larger of said total share investment, not charging a front end sales charge, converting a percentage of the purchased Q shares to A shares each year such that principal and dividends are withdrawn from the A class without a contingent deferred sales charge, charging a contingent deferred sales charge upon early redemption of the purchased shares which is based upon an amount of the redemption and declines each year, reinvesting dividends into the A shares at net asset value and compensating financial intermediaries similar to A shares.
US07962384B2 System, method, and computer program product for allocating assets among a plurality of investments to guarantee a predetermined value at the end of a predetermined time period
A system, method, and computer program product for allocating assets among a plurality of investments to guarantee a predetermined value at the end of a predetermined time period. A computer program controls the allocation of assets in the investment vehicle, which allows the investor to initially invest one hundred percent of the initial deposit in non-secure, high risk investments. At the end of the each trading day, the computer program determines if assets should be reallocated from the non-secure investments to the secure investments, from the secure investments to the non-secure investments, or if no reallocation is necessary.
US07962382B1 Payment broker system and method
A system and method of processing a payment request in a payment broker system wherein the payment broker system comprises a database and a unique finite state machine model, the model having states interconnected by transitions and actions and the request residing in the database of the payment broker system.
US07962377B2 Computer program product for purchase order processing
A method of processing a purchase order is disclosed. The method includes receiving an electronic purchase order in a current one of a plurality of order periods for a designated delivery period, accessing a budget allocation corresponding to said delivery period, and providing an acceptance or a rejection of the electronic purchase order based at least partially on a budget portion of the current order period. The budget allocation includes a budget portion corresponding to each of the plurality of order periods.
US07962371B2 Commodity presenting method and system therefor
A merchandise presentation method includes: a step of preparing a standard value relating to work data, which specifies work performed by a user; a step of obtaining actual work data, which specifies the work actually performed by each user with respect to the work; a step of comparing the actual work data with the standard value; a step of selecting any one of a plurality of merchandise or a combination thereof, based on the comparison result; a step of calculating increasing profit by using at least one of the selected merchandise; and a step of presenting to the user the content of at least one of the selected merchandise and the increasing profit.
US07962354B2 Booking engine for booking airline tickets on multiple host environments
A system and method of booking an itinerary on at least one of a multiplicity of host environments include a plurality of host adaptor modules. Each host adaptor module is configured to interact with one of the plurality of host ticketing environments. A booking engine is provided for receiving commands related to booking the air travel itinerary and determining an appropriate host ticketing environment for processing the commands based on a number of predefined criteria. When the booking engine receives a command it forwards the command to a first host adaptor module which is associated with first host ticketing environment selected by the booking engine for processing the command. The host adaptor module receives the command and issues the command to said first host ticketing environment. The first host adaptor module in turn receives a response from the first host ticketing environment and determines whether the response comports with an expected response. If the response does not comport with the expected response, the booking engine identifies a second appropriate host environment for processing the command and forwards the command to a second host adaptor module associated with the second host ticketing environment. The second host adaptor module then issues the command to the second host ticketing environment.
US07962352B2 Method of insuring individuals using guaranteed insurance, term insurance, and non-guaranteed insurance
A method of insuring a group of individuals includes purchasing a guaranteed insurance component and a decreasing term insurance component using a level premium received for each individual. The guaranteed component is based on relatively conservative risk assumptions, and provides a paid-up benefit upon cessation of payment of premiums if premiums have been paid for a designated number of years. Any excess interest is used to purchase a non-guaranteed component having a paid-up benefit based on relatively less conservative risk assumptions. The paid-up benefit of the guaranteed component and the term benefit combine to provide an in-force benefit. During an initial level benefit period, the non-guaranteed insurance component increases the paid-up benefit amount. Once the sum of the guaranteed benefit amount and the non-guaranteed benefit amount exceeds the in-force benefit, premiums are no longer owed and the coverage becomes fully paid-up.
US07962350B1 Payment of health care insurance claims using short-term loans
Methods and systems for promptly paying health care providers for rendered health care services. A medical technician operating a client computer establishes communication with a remote server. Using a claim form, the technician enters patient, insurance, and treatment information which is transmitted to the server to determine whether the claim is eligible for advance payment. If the claim is eligible, the server transmits claim information to an appropriate carrier for claim processing. The remote server also transmits claim information to a payment entity which requests from a financial entity that funds be credited to an operational account and a reserve account. The funds of the operational account are immediately accessible to the health care provider. The funds of the reserve account are debited for expenses. When the carrier finally processes the claim, any payment for the claim is deposited into the reserve account.
US07962348B2 Apparatus, method and software for developing electronic documentation of imaging modalities, other radiological findings and physical examinations
A system for guiding a user's physical examination of a patient and for generating a transcript. The system comprises: a screen requesting patient identification information, wherein the patient identification information excludes a patient name and further requesting patient medical history information; a screen requesting vital signs information; a screen requesting selection of an anatomical region of the patient for examination, wherein the user selects an anatomical region responsive to the request; a screen providing a plurality of possible observed symptoms related to the selected anatomical region, wherein the user selects one or more of the possible observed symptoms; a screen presenting possible findings that may be observed during the physical examination, wherein the user selects one or more of the possible findings based on the physical examination and a screen displaying a patient transcript responsive to information entered into the previous screens.
US07962344B2 Depicting a speech user interface via graphical elements
Depiction of a speech user interface via graphical elements is provided. One or more bits of a graphical user interface bitmask are re-designated as speech bits. When a software application processes the re-designated speech bits, a window manager responsible for generating and rendering a graphical user interface for the application passes information to a secondary window manager responsible for generating and rendering a speech user interface. The secondary speech window manager may load a text-to-speech engine, a speech recognizer engine, a lexicon or library of recognizable words or phrases and a set of “grammars” (recognizable words and phrasing) for building a speech user interface that will receive, recognize and act on spoken input to the associated software application.
US07962339B2 Method for variable resolution and error control in spoken language understanding
A method for variable resolution and error control in spoken language understanding (SLU) allows arranging the categories of the SLU into a hierarchy of different levels of specificity. The pre-determined hierarchy is used to identify different types of errors such as high-cost errors and low-cost errors and trade, if necessary, high cost errors for low cost errors.
US07962331B2 System and method for tuning and testing in a speech recognition system
Systems and methods for improving the performance of a speech recognition system. In some embodiments a tuner module and/or a tester module are configured to cooperate with a speech recognition system. The tester and tuner modules can be configured to cooperate with each other. In one embodiment, the tuner module may include a module for playing back a selected portion of a digital data audio file, a module for creating and/or editing a transcript of the selected portion, and/or a module for displaying information associated with a decoding of the selected portion, the decoding generated by a speech recognition engine. In other embodiments, the tester module can include an editor for creating and/or modifying a grammar, a module for receiving a selected portion of a digital audio file and its corresponding transcript, and a scoring module for producing scoring statistics of the decoding based at least in part on the transcript.
US07962323B2 Converting dependency grammars to efficiently parsable context-free grammars
Dependency grammars are transformed to context-free grammars. The context-free grammars can be used in a parser to parse input sentences and identify relationships among words in the sentence.
US07962322B2 Design structure for compensating for variances of a buried resistor in an integrated circuit
A design structure comprising elements that when processed in a computer-aided design system generates a machine-executable representation of a circuit that compensates for variances in the resistance of the buried resistor during operation of the integrated circuit using a waveform that is representative of the thermal characteristics of the buried resistor.
US07962316B2 Method of designing siRNAs for gene silencing
The present invention provides a method for identifying siRNA target motifs in a transcript using a position-specific score matrix approach. The invention also provides a method for identifying off-target genes of an siRNA using a position-specific score matrix approach. The invention further provides a method for designing siRNAs with higher silencing efficacy and specificity. The invention also provides a library of siRNAs comprising siRNAs with high silencing efficacy and specificity.
US07962310B2 Method for estimating the longitudinal speed of a motor vehicle
A method for estimating longitudinal speed of a motor vehicle, including two drive wheels and at least one central electronic unit, based on rotational speeds of the four wheels two of which are drive wheels, such that, after arranging the rotational speeds in descending order: in an acceleration phase, the vehicle longitudinal speed is compared with the speed of the third fastest wheel, and its acceleration should not exceed that of the slowest wheel; in a deceleration phase, the longitudinal speed is compared with the speed of the fastest wheel and its acceleration in absolute value should not exceed that of the second fastest wheel; when the longitudinal speed ranges between the speed of the third fastest wheel and that of the fastest wheel, its value remains constant.
US07962296B2 Module for data acquisition and control in a sensor/control network
A data acquisition and/or control module (101) for interfacing with a device (115) is provided. The module (101) and device (115) form part of a sensor/control network. The module (101) comprises a transceiver (103) for receiving data from and transmitting data to the sensor/control network, a first microcontroller (107) connected to a second microcontroller (109), first and second memories (105a, 105b) external to both the first and second microcontrollers (107, 109), and switching means. The first microcontroller (107) is further connected to the transceiver (103), while the second microcontroller (109) is further for connecting to the device (115). The switching means are operable to connect one of the first and second microcontrollers (107, 109) selectively to one of the first and second memories (105a, 105b), and to connect the respective other of the first and second microcontrollers (107, 109) to the respective other of the first and second memories (105a, 105b).
US07962290B1 Identification of pharmacophores from co-crystals of spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) and SYK ligands
The invention comprises for methods of identifying pharmacophores based on the spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) protein or fragment thereof. The invention further provides methods of identifying SYK inhibitors using pharmacophores that are identified from co-crystals of SYK and its ligands. Further, the invention comprises methods of inhibiting SYK comprising contacting the residues lining the binding site with an inhibitor compound identified from pharmacophores.
US07962289B2 System, method, and computer product for exon array analysis
In one embodiment, a method for analyzing data generated by probe arrays is described that comprises receiving user selections of two or more data files and an identification of one or more subsets of intensity values acquired from a biological probe array. The method includes iteratively opening each data file, identifying the selected subset of intensity values associated with each open data file, determining parameters for processing, storing the parameters and the identified intensity values, and closing the open data file prior to the subsequent iteration. The method then includes processing the stored intensity values using the parameters to identify one or more biological events.
US07962286B2 Vehicle-mounted navigation apparatus
When a CPU 11 controls a drawing control and storage unit 14 according to an operation performed on an operation unit 3 not to perform any navigation display on a monitoring unit 2, the CPU controls a switch SW1 to an off state during a time period during which the CPU does not perform this navigation display, and stops the supply of electric power to a secondary storage unit 13 to stop the operation of this secondary storage unit 13, thereby reducing the consumption of the secondary storage unit.
US07962284B2 Device, method and medium providing customized audio tours
The present invention relates to a method, medium and portable device for providing customized audio tours. The portable device includes a display displaying a map, a user input module allowing a user to select a particular point of the map displayed on the display, and a playback module playing a stored audio file corresponding to the particular point of the map selected by the user, the audio file including custom information regarding an area of the map corresponding to the particular point selected.
US07962280B2 Map displaying device
A map displaying device for displaying an accessible range in an arbitrary display form determined in accordance with the scale of a displayed map and/or with the running state of a vehicle is provided. The map displaying device includes: a display unit for displaying map information stored in a map database; a search unit for calculating travel time information regarding a travel time to an arbitrary point accessible from a reference point; and a time information drawing unit for displaying the travel time information in a superimposed manner on the display unit by varying a display form in accordance with the scale of a map and/or with the running state of a user's vehicle.
US07962279B2 Methods and systems for alerting an aircraft crew member of a potential conflict between aircraft on a taxiway
Methods and system are provided for alerting an aircraft crew member of a potential conflict between a first aircraft and a second aircraft on a first taxiway. Real-time positioning data related to the first aircraft on the first taxiway is monitored. Data related to real-time positioning of the second aircraft is monitored. A prediction is made as to whether the second aircraft will enter the first taxiway, based on the monitored data related to real-time positioning of the second aircraft. The potential conflict is indicated on the first taxiway, if a prediction is made that the second aircraft will enter the first taxiway.
US07962278B1 Method for starting an engine
A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method disengages a starter in response to a first predicted combustion in a cylinder of the engine. The method may reduce one-way clutch degradation of a starter. Further, the method may reduce current consumption during engine starting.
US07962275B2 Control device and control method for internal combustion engine
A control device for an internal combustion engine includes a fuel injection device that injects a fuel in accordance with a required injection amount that is required for combustion in a combustion chamber that is performed to produce an output of the internal combustion engine, and a fuel property specific determination device that specifically determines a fuel property of the fuel injected. The control device further includes a control device that performs an output correction process of controlling at least a portion of the internal combustion engine so as to correct the produced output based on a difference in the specifically determined fuel property. According to the control device and a control method thereof, driveability is secured even in the case where a blended fuel is used during a high load region of the internal combustion engine.
US07962270B2 Method for controlling an automotive hydraulic pump
A method for controlling an automotive hydraulic pump, wherein the hydraulic pump is activated to increase the pressure in a hydraulic accumulator associated therewith once the pressure falls below a predetermined lower pressure threshold, and the hydraulic pump is switched off once the pressure exceeds a predetermined upper pressure threshold value (P_O). The solution is to reduce fuel consumption of the vehicle, wherein the hydraulic pump is activated during different operating phases of the vehicle at different lower pressure values (P_U1, P_U2) in the event of a hydraulic pressure drop in the hydraulic accumulator of the hydraulic pump.
US07962265B2 Vehicular linear sensor system
Vehicular sensor systems are provided. The vehicular sensor systems includes a support, first, second, and third sensors, and a support actuator. The first sensor is coupled to the support and configured to rotate about a first sensor axis. The first sensor has a first field of detection with a first central axis. The second sensor is coupled to the support and configured to rotate about a second sensor axis. The second sensor has a second field of detection with a second central axis. The third sensor is coupled to the support and configured to rotate about a third sensor axis. The third sensor has a third field of detection with a third central axis. The support actuator is coupled to the support and configured to rotate the support about a support axis. The first, second, and third central axes are substantially within a plane.
US07962263B2 Adaptive nonlinear steering control system and method for work vehicles
A steering control system and method for automated steering of work vehicles that adapts to nonlinearities and uncertainties of steering mechanisms including a tolerance control law, a dynamic control law, and a saturation control law selected and executed in real time based on the magnitude of steering angle error, steering mode command, and manual override signal in real time. The dynamic control law includes a dynamic compensator having a double compensation zero, an integral, and a compensation gain, and further includes a deadband compensator and a control signal limiter.
US07962257B2 Power output device, control method for the same, and vehicle equipped therewith
In a vehicle, it is determined whether a driver has requested increased driving force based on an accelerator opening degree. If the driver has requested increased driving force, a vehicle speed at the time of the request for increased driving force is derived. Three-dimensional map which corresponds to different vehicle speed and which shows a predetermined relationship of the accelerator opening degree (Acc), the vehicle speed and a required torque are then used to set the required torque. The maps are set such that the required torque increases with respect to the accelerator opening degree when the vehicle speed is low. Further, the maps are set such that when the vehicle speed is high, (i) even if the accelerator opening degree changes a little, the required driving force does not change a large amount, and (ii) the required driving force remains substantially constant when the vehicle speed is in a high speed region. By adopting this configuration, the driver's request is closely correlated with the vehicle speed at the time of the request for increased driving force, and thus the vehicle can be driven with a driving force that accords with the driver's request.
US07962256B2 Speed limiting in electric vehicles
A controller and methods for controlling the speed of a vehicle having an electric motorized drive is provided. In one embodiment, a method involves determining a steady state average torque and a torque during acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle traveling over an underlying surface. Speed of the vehicle is controlled based on the steady state average torque, the torque during acceleration or deceleration the measured regeneration current generated by a motorized drive arrangement of the vehicle that applies torque to at least one ground-contacting element of the vehicle for traveling over the underlying surface, weight of the vehicle and payload, the torque applied to the ground-contacting element, acceleration of the vehicle and the speed of the vehicle.
US07962250B2 Control method for cooling an industrial plant
A method for controlling the cooling of an industrial plant with at least one electrical component, such as, for example, a transformer, and having at least one cooling element for cooling the electrical components, uses at least one sensor for measuring the temperature and/or the viscosity of the coolant in the cooling system. An optimal control of the cooling system can be provided by way of controlling the electrical components with selected control profiles taking into account specific data for the electrical components.
US07962249B1 Method and system for providing central control in an energy generating system
A central array controller for an energy generating array is provided. The array includes a plurality of energy generating devices, and each energy generating device is coupled to a corresponding local converter. The central array controller includes a diagnostic module that is capable of receiving, from each local converter in the array, device data for the energy generating device corresponding to the local converter. In one embodiment, the diagnostic module is also capable of receiving, from each local converter in the array, local converter data for the local converter.
US07962248B2 Methods, systems, circuits, and computer program products for reducing peak electrical demand by shifting activation of electrical appliances
Methods of reducing peak electrical demand at a single customer location of an electrical service provider during at least one time interval during a day can include shifting the activation of a first electrical appliance located at the single customer location from the at least one time interval during a day to a second time interval during which a second electrical appliance is not activated for at least part of the second time interval. Related systems, circuits, and computer program products are disclosed.
US07962245B2 Intelligent environmental sensor for irrigation systems
The invention provides a regulator system for regulating the operation of an irrigation system which is responsive to user programmed information. It has a control element for issuing watering control signals to an irrigation system, having at least one of (i) a duration programming device for programming a minimum amount of time and a maximum amount of time for the suspension of watering by the irrigation system, and (ii) a user adjustable temperature programming device for programming a minimum allowed temperature for initiating a watering period by the irrigation system. It further has an irrigation system interface for connecting said control element with the irrigation system. It also has a switch for conveying the control signals from the control element to the irrigation system via the irrigation system interface, for either permitting or prohibiting watering by the irrigation system, responsive to the control signals generated by and received from the control element.
US07962244B2 Landscape irrigation time of use scheduling
A number of water related issues concern most communities. Among these are the availability of water, and the ability of the existing infrastructure to efficiently pump and deliver that water without wasting energy. The present invention addresses these issues with respect to landscape water use. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is an add-on module that may be programmed with local watering restrictions including time of use (TOU), and that is connected to the output of any existing landscape irrigation controller. The module is programmed to not allow watering during certain times of day or certain days of the week as established by a local water authority or municipality. Embodiments of the invention also provide methods and apparatus for updating the local watering restrictions, and integrating the present invention into existing controllers.
US07962240B2 Methods and systems for synchronizing a control signal of a slave follower with a master source
A method for synchronizing a slave follower with a master source is provided. The method includes defining a relationship between the master source and the slave follower, inputting a first position of the master source, and inputting a first position of the slave follower. The method also includes defining a second position where the slave follower synchronizes with the master source, and fitting a curve between the first position of the slave follower the second position. The curve is fit based on the relationship between the master source and the slave follower, the first position of the slave follower, the first position of the master source, and the second position. The curve is fit to synchronize the slave follower and the master source without exceeding pre-determined boundaries of the slave follower.
US07962237B2 Method and apparatus for optimizing a scanning plan in three-dimensional printing
Embodiments of the present invention may include a method for printing three-dimensional objects, layer by layer utilizing an optimized scheme of predefined passes for each layer based on considerations related to both throughput and quality of printing. Embodiment of the invention may include generating a scanning plan for a layer such that the accumulated length for all the scanning passes in the layer is minimized. The optimization scheme may be performed based on image data parameters, such as sizes, locations, dimensions and shapes of the imaged areas of the layer.
US07962230B2 System including at least one automation unit
A system providing control and communication is provided including at least one automation unit being adapted to run an operation program, and an engineering unit being adapted to modify the operation program, the engineering unit including a code-configurator, which is adapted to project automation functions of the operation program in the form of at least one configured data structure and to modify the configured data structure, the at least one automation unit including an interpreter framework, which is adapted to include a catalogue of necessary automation functions of the operation program and an empty data structure, the interpreter framework being further adapted to interpret the modified configured data structure and to provide a modified operation program on the basis of the automation functions of the catalogue and the modified configured data structure.
US07962225B2 Methods and apparatus for testing disruption of a vagal nerve
Method and apparatus for disrupting a gastric vagal nerve in the gastroesophageal region and testing the function and disruption of the vagal nerve. In one example embodiment, a treatment device applies ultrasound at a high energy level, such as high intensity focused ultrasound, to a vagal nerve to disrupt it and then ultrasound at a lower energy level to another portion of the vagal nerve, preferably further from the stomach, so as to stimulate the vagal nerve. Alternative ways to test the function or disruption of the vagal nerve involve using PCP-GABA, a pancreatic polypeptide, pressure changes inside the stomach, the gastric mucusol pH, a dye agent in the stomach, and other tests.
US07962213B2 Interconnected electrode assembly for a lead connector and method therefor
An electrode assembly includes an interconnect for at least a first connector electrode and a second connector electrode, where the interconnect provides the mechanical and/or electrical connection between the electrodes. In one example, the assembly is an elongate member having material removed therefrom along an intermediate portion.
US07962210B2 Implantable medical device with voice responding and recording capacity
An implantable medical device such as a cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter/defibrillator with the capability of receiving communications in the form of speech spoken by the patient. An acoustic transducer is incorporated within the device which along with associated filtering circuitry enables the voice communication to be used to affect the operation of the device or recorded for later playback.
US07962186B2 Method and apparatus for transferring electrical power in an electronic device
A short-range wireless power transmission scheme is used between two movably or detachably coupled device parts in an electronic device. In a device, such as a foldable or slidable mobile phone, both device parts have some electronic components that require electronic power but only one part has a power source. For example, a phone cover has a display but there is no power source in the phone cover. A receiver can be implemented in the cover to receive microwaves from a transmitter in the phone body. The receiver and the transmitter can be arranged such that, the antennas are placed as close to each other as possible in order to achieve best efficiency of energy and data transfer. If one pair of antenna is not enough, multiple antennas or antenna arrays can be used for this purpose. Different antenna pairs can be configurable for different purposes.
US07962181B2 System and method for managing applications and media content of a wireless communication device
A wireless communication device for providing channel information is described. The wireless communication device comprises a housing having a first display and a second display, a memory configured to store a plurality of media objects that may be shown by the second display, and a processor coupled to the second display. The housing has a first position exposing the first and second displays and a second position covering the first display and exposing the second display. The processor is configured to change operation of the second display from one media object to another.
US07962179B2 Handheld electronic device
A handheld electronic device includes a display body, an input body and at least a track. The input body and the display body are overlapped with each other. The track is disposed between the display body and the input body, wherein the extending direction of the track is substantially neither perpendicular to nor parallel to the longitudinal direction or the traverse direction of the display body or the input body, and the track enables the display body to switch between at a first position and at a second position relative to the input body. The traverse direction of the display body is substantially parallel to the traverse direction of the input body when the input body is at the first position, and the longitudinal direction of the display body is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the input body when the input body is at the second position.
US07962178B2 Method and system for configuring a communication network, related network and computer program product
An antenna site equipped with reconfigurable antennas in a communication network and having capacity to serve communication traffic in a respective area of competence is configured by partitioning the area the area of competence into a set of cells. The number of cells in the set is optimized by ensuring that the traffic is evenly distributed among the cells. This result is preferably achieved starting from a reference set of cells by locating: —i) areas of superposition between adjacent cells covered jointly by traffic capacity of adjacent cells in the reference set of cells, and—ii) uncovered areas between adjacent cells, that is, areas not covered by traffic capacity of any cells in the reference set of cells. The areas of superposition are removed and the traffic capacity thus made available is assigned to the uncovered areas. If any uncovered areas remain, the number of cells in the reference set of cells is increased and the process repeated. If no uncovered areas between adjacent cells are located, the possibility exists of decreasing the number of cells in the reference set of cells and the process is repeated to check whether the area of competence can be properly covered with a lower number of cells.
US07962174B2 Transceiver architecture and method for wireless base-stations
A system for wireless communications includes a tower structure supporting at least one transmit antenna at an elevated position on the tower structure and base electronics positioned proximate a base of the tower structure. The base electronics are coupled with the transmit antenna and include an initial stage amplifier for amplifying an input signal to provide a low power transmission signal that is provided to the transmit antenna at the elevated position. A final stage amplifier is positioned proximate the transmit antenna. The final stage amplifier is a high efficiency amplifier for efficiently amplifying the low power transmission signal from the base electronics to provide a high power transmission signal to be transmitted from the transmit antenna.
US07962168B2 Wireless communication terminal, method of displaying application and computer program product
A wireless communication terminal that performs wireless communication with a predetermined base station includes: a storage unit, an operation unit, a control unit and a display unit. The storage unit is configured to store information indicating correspondence between applications handling a numeric string including at least one numeral as an input value, and formats and units of the numeric string. The operation unit is configured to input the numeral. The control unit is configured to determine whether the numeral input with the operation unit corresponds to any of the formats of the numeric string stored in the storage unit, and to retrieve the corresponding application, based on the above-described information stored in the storage unit, in the case where it is determined that the input numeral corresponds to the format. The display unit is configured to display the application retrieved by the control unit.
US07962154B2 Transmitting device for transmitting contents with copyright protection
A wireless base station which controls joining of a plurality of wireless terminals to a wireless network, stores a maximum joining possible terminal number which indicates a maximum number of the wireless terminals of each terminal type that can join the wireless network simultaneously, and which is set in advance for each one of a plurality of terminal types that classify the wireless terminals, and a currently joining terminal number which indicates a number of the wireless terminals of each terminal type that are currently joining the wireless network, for each one of the plurality of the terminal types. Then, the wireless base station judges whether the joining of one wireless terminal of one terminal type which sent a request message to the wireless network is permitted or not, according to the maximum joining possible terminal number for the one terminal type and the currently joining terminal number stored for the one terminal type.
US07962149B2 Local phone number lookup and cache
A system and method for wirelessly connecting a computer device to a server. The system includes a computer device and a phone number look-up device. The computer device generates location data, retrieves a server phone number from memory based on the generated location data, and generates a request that includes the generated location data if no server phone number corresponds to the generated location data. The computer device wirelessly sends the generated request to a default phone number. The phone number look-up device is associated with the default phone number. The phone number look-up device receives the request from the computer device, retrieves a server phone number from a local memory based on the received request, and sends the retrieved server phone number to the computer device. The computer device wirelessly connects to a server based on the sent server phone number.
US07962143B2 Method and apparatus for call content interception within a communications network
A method is used to intercept call contents for provision of the contents to a monitoring authority for example the police or security services. The method identifies a network device in a bearer path to act as an intercept access point. This device is then instructed to copy the contents and to forward them to a collection node for inspection by the authority.
US07962142B2 Methods and apparatus for the utilization of core based nodes for state transfer
Methods and apparatus for storing, manipulating, retrieving, and forwarding state, e.g., context and other information, used to support communications sessions with one or more end nodes, e.g., mobile devices, are described. Various features are directed to a mobile node controlling the transfer of state from a first access node to a second access node during a handoff operation thereby eliminating any need for state transfer messages to be transmitted between the second access node and the first access node during handoff. Other features of the invention are directed to the use of a core network node to store state information. State information stored in the core node can be accessed and used by access nodes in cases where a mobile node does not send a state transfer message during a handoff, e.g., because communication with the first access node is lost or because such messages are not supported.
US07962126B2 Multimedia-messaging-service (MMS) system and the service method thereof
A multimedia-messaging-service (MMS) system and the service method thereof are provided. The MMS system integrates the mobility management scheme of a GSM/GPRS/UMTS mobile network and the broadband transmission service of a wireless LAN, and has a user authentication and a location management. The MMS system uses a MMS server to communicate with a wireless LAN, a GSM/GPRS/UMTS mobile network and an Internet for providing the MMS service including user registration, message submission, message forwarding, message notification, message retrieval and location update.
US07962125B2 Wireless email communications system providing resource updating features and related methods
A wireless communications system may include a plurality of wireless communications networks and a plurality of mobile wireless communications devices for sending and receiving wireless electronic mail (email) messages over the wireless communications networks. The system may further include a resource deployment server for storing a plurality of resource deployment packages (RDPs), where each RDP includes deployment content and deployment instructions therefor relating to sending and receiving email messages. The resource deployment server may also be for dynamically deploying RDPs to the wireless communications networks to update deployment content thereof based upon the respective deployment instructions.
US07962108B1 Adaptive AM/PM compensation
A system and method for calibrating Amplitude Modulation to Phase Modulation (AM/PM) compensation circuitry in a mobile terminal operating according to a polar modulation scheme are provided. In general, during ramp-up for a transmit burst, measurements of a phase error between an input and output of power amplifier circuitry in the transmit chain are obtained. Using the phase error measurements, the AM/PM compensation circuitry is calibrated and used to provide AM/PM compensation for the same transmit burst. By calibrating the AM/PM compensation circuitry using the phase error measurements obtained during ramp-up, the AM/PM compensation circuitry is calibrated for the desired frequency band, sub-band, and power control level setting as well as for the current load conditions at the antenna and ambient temperature.
US07962106B2 Radio with a key and knob combination
The present invention relates to a radio with a key and knob combination. To solve problems such as inconvenience caused by the independent PTT key and volume control knob on the traditional radios, the present invention provides a radio with a key and knob combination, comprising a PPT key unit and a volume control unit, wherein the key is installed inside a central cavity of the knob, which is a hollow knob, to form the key and knob combination. Rotation of the knob (106) may drive the shaft (102) and the toggle piece (111) to rotate synchronously, and then toggle the volume switch (112), while the pressed key (101) may cause the shaft (102) moving axially to toggle the PTT switch (103). When operating the radio with a single hand, users can both press the PTT key to initiate a call and rotate the knob to adjust the volume level by a thumb or a forefinger, and the operation is very convenient. Additionally, only an axle hole is required on the radio housing, thus the key and knob combination enhances the structural reliability of the radio.
US07962105B2 RF power module
A technique is provided for achieving reduction in size of an electronic device with a power amplifier circuit, while enhancing the performance of the electronic device. An RF power module for a mobile communication device includes first and second semiconductor chips, a passive component, and first and second integrated passive components, which are mounted over a wiring board. In the first semiconductor chip, MISFET elements constituting power amplifier circuits for the GSM 900 and for the DCS 1800 are formed, and a control circuit is also formed. In the first integrated passive component, a low pass filter circuit for the GSM 900 is formed, and in the second integrated passive component, a low pass filter circuit for the DCS 1800 is formed. In the second semiconductor chip, antenna switch circuits for the GSM 900 and DCS 1800 are formed. Over the upper surface of the wiring board, the second semiconductor chip is disposed next to the first semiconductor chip between the integrated passive components.
US07962104B1 Receiver sensitivity for transceiver having diversity architecture
A communications transceiver incorporating diversity architecture for utilization with a wireless communications network and having improved receiver sensitivity is disclosed. In a first embodiment of the invention, the communications transceiver comprises a pair of antennas connected to a pair of amplifiers and a selector connected between the amplifiers and the intermediate frequency stage of the transceiver for providing selective operation of the communications transceiver with either antenna of the pair of antennas. In a second embodiment of the invention, the communications transceiver comprises a pair of antennas, a pair of amplifiers and a selector disposed between the first amplifier and the intermediate frequency stage of the transceiver and between the second antenna and the second amplifier for providing selective operation of the communications transceiver with either of the antennas. The architecture of the communications transceiver of the present invention provides improved receiver selectivity, improved noise figure, improved signal-to-noise ration, and improved power output.
US07962102B2 Method and system for adaptive ray launching
A system (170) and method (300) for ray launching is provided. The system can include a transmitter (110) for successively launching a plurality of rays, and a receiver (120) for receiving transmission rays and reflection rays. A controller (141) can be included for selectively adjusting an angular spacing and eliminating rays in successive launches to focus an energy on the receiver. A method (430) of terminating rays for reducing computational complexity is provided. A method (340) for ray weighting for increasing a computational speed of ray propagation is provided. In one aspect, a quality of service (108) can be determined at the receiver based on ray propagation.
US07962100B2 Data transmission system for wireless communication
This invention relates to a data transmission system for wireless communication of a control device with a field unit via a radio transmission device. The communication between control device and radio transmission device takes place via a field bus protocol. Likewise, the communication of the field unit with the radio transmission device takes place via a field bus protocol. The radio transmission device is capable of transmitting the field bus protocol by a radio protocol.
US07962099B2 System and method for reducing radio frequency interference between a wireless communication device and a speaker
A device and method are provided that reduce interference between a wireless communication device and a speaker. Generally speaking, a microphone input is monitored for detecting noise created by the interference. If noise is detected, a power transmission level of the wireless device is reduced from a standard power transmission level.
US07962092B2 Small-sized radio frequency type repeater
A small-sized Integrated Radio Frequency Type Repeater includes first and second Service (transmitting) Antennas, a Junction circuit part with RF type (200) which plays the role of relay, a Shield Box (400) which protects the first and second Service Donor (receiving) Antennas (310, 320) and a Junction circuit part (200) installed inside of the same body. (Cover) (500). The first Service (transmitting) Antenna (110) and the first Donor (receiving) Antenna (310) attached to opposite sides of the Shield Box (400) and the second Service Antenna (120) is separated from the first Service (transmitting) Antenna (110) between the inside of Cover (500) and the first Service (transmitting) Antenna (110), and the second Donor (receiving) Antenna (320) is installed to be separated from the first Donor (receiving) Antenna (310) between the inside of the Cover (500) and the first Donor (receiving) Antenna (310). The Repeater makes good output waveform to transmit even in a state of low isolation margin including minimization of Oscillation volume due to delay reduction of Repeater by application of RF type which possible to use of Filter with low delay, not IF type which used SAW Filter or Digital Filter with a relatively high delay, and it takes effect to expand so much service scope by improvement of output gain with this.
US07962088B2 Bookmaking apparatus and image forming system using the same
In a bookmaking apparatus, a sheet bundle applied with adhesive in the apparatus when conveyance trouble, i.e., a cover sheet paper jam, occurs, is not left in the apparatus. Furthermore, the apparatus does not leave a cover sheet in the apparatus to be soiled if adhesive from a heated sheet bundle drops. The apparatus includes a sheet holding device for holding a sheet bundle at a predetermined adhesive application position, an adhesive application device for applying adhesive to the sheet bundle at the adhesive application position, and a cover sheet conveyance device for conveying the cover sheet to a binding position arranged at a downstream side of the adhesive application position.
US07962086B2 Cleaning device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A cleaning device includes a blade member, a holder, a vibration detection device, a heating device, and a control device. The blade member comes into contact with an image carrying member, and cleans off toner remaining on the image carrying member. The holder holds the blade member. The vibration detection device detects the vibration level of either one of the blade member and the holder. The heating device heats either one of the blade member and the holder. The control device controls the heating device to heat either one of the blade member and the holder when the vibration level detected by the vibration detection device exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
US07962082B2 Fixing device, image forming apparatus, and fixing method having an expanding/contracting contacting member
When an infra-red heater is to be taken out from a fixing device for maintenance of the infra-red heater, screw-fastening is first released and one holder is extracted from a holding member. The infra-red heater is then pulled out from the side the holder was extracted from. This process is then reversed when a new or repaired infra-red heater is to be mounted on the fixing device. There is a pressure member in pressure contact with a flexible fixing member. The surface area of the contacting member facing the pressure member is variable.
US07962072B2 Toner cartridge having locking mechanism for preventing leakage of toner
A toner cartridge includes a casing provided at a bottom side thereof with an outlet, a sliding member slidably mounted on the casing, and a retaining member pivotally mounted on the casing. The sliding member is movable relative to the casing between a first position where the outlet is closed by the sliding member and a second position where the outlet is opened. The retaining member is pivotable relative to the casing between a third position where the retaining member is engaged with the sliding member to lock the sliding member at the first position, and a forth position where the retaining member is disengaged from the sliding member such that the sliding member is moveable to the second position to open the outlet. The toner cartridge has the advantage of preventing leakage of toner due to unintentional movement of the sliding member.
US07962068B2 Charging member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus
An object of the present invention is to provide a charging member in which a toner, an additive for use in the toner, or the like is hard to adhere to the surface even under repeated use for a long time, and hence the charging and image output are made stable for a long time even if the charging member is used in the DC contact charging method, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus having the charging member. The present invention provides a charging member comprising a support, a conductive elastic layer formed on the support, and a surface layer formed on the conductive elastic layer, characterized in that the surface layer contains a polysiloxane having a fluoroalkyl group and an oxyalkylene group, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus having the charging member.
US07962060B2 Cleaning and sealing apparatus of an image forming apparatus and developing unit thereof
An image forming apparatus capable of cleaning contact members by using developer leakage preventing components includes a photosensitive member, a developer feeding member which feeds a developer to supply the developer to the photosensitive member, contact members which keep a development gap or a development nip constant between the photosensitive member and the developer feeding member, and a sealing member which contacts the developer feeding member to prevent the developer from leaking. The sealing member may include cleaning portions which contact the contact members to clean a surface of the contact members. The sealing member may further include a sealing portion for preventing leakage of the developer, and cut portions which section the sealing portion from the cleaning portions. The cleaning portions may extend in a direction different from the sealing portion and contact the contact members.
US07962059B2 Voltage supplying unit of developing device and image forming apparatus having the same, and a method thereof
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of developing devices, a voltage generating part to generate a developing voltage, first switching parts to supply the voltage generated in the voltage generating part to a predetermined developing device out of the plurality of developing devices, a second switching part to selectively supply the developing voltage generated in the voltage generating part to the first switching parts, and a controller to control the first switching parts and the second switching part.
US07962057B2 Developing apparatus
A developing apparatus including a developing container for containing developer, the developing container having an opening portion, a developer carrying member for carrying the developer at the opening portion, a detecting member for detecting a developer amount, the detecting member detecting a capacitance between the developer carrying member and the detecting member, and a force receiving portion for receiving a force and moving the developing container between a first position in which a developing operation is performed by the developer carrying member and a second position in which the developing operation is not performed, wherein the capacitance can be detected in the second position, and the detecting member is a rotatable developer supplying member for supplying the developer to the developer carrying member, the developer supplying member including a foam layer in which the developer can enter.
US07962051B2 Image forming apparatus and method for controlling the same
An image forming apparatus and a method of controlling the same, the image forming apparatus including: a toner cartridge including a memory to provide first authentication information, and an authentication key circuit to provide a second authentication information; and a controller to authenticate the toner cartridge when the first authentication information and the second authentication information are identical. Furthermore, the controller intentionally destroys the first authentication information or the second authentication information when there is no toner in the toner cartridge. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized use of the toner cartridge, and thus to perform an ideal print operation.
US07962045B2 Optical transmitter having a widely tunable directly modulated laser and periodic optical spectrum reshaping element
An optical transmitter is disclosed including a widely tunable laser coupled to a periodic optical spectrum reshaper (OSR) to convert frequency modulated pulses from the laser into amplitude modulated pulses. The laser is tuned to generate pulses corresponding to passbands of the OSR spanning a wide range of frequencies. The laser includes a gain section having an optical path length substantially shorter than the total optical path length of the laser. The laser may be a Y-branch laser having reverse-biased sampled gratings or ring resonator filters tuned by stripe heaters. The laser may also include a reflective external cavity section tunable by modulating the temperature of ring resonators or etalons. The OSR may be integrally formed with the external cavity of the ECL laser.
US07962043B2 Multichannel optical transport network skew control
A system and method are provided for controlling time delay in a multichannel optical transport network transmission device. The method accepts a pair of 2n-phase shift keying (2nPSK) modulated signals via Ix and Qx electrical signal paths, where n>1, and a pair of 2p-PSK modulated signals via Iy and Qy electrical signal paths where p>1. A voltage V1 on the Ix signal path is compared with a voltage V2 on the Qx signal path, and a VOx voltage in generated, which is minimized by adjusting time delay modules in the Ix and Qx signals paths. Likewise, a voltage V3 (Iy) is compared with a voltage V4 (Qy), and a VOy voltage is generated and minimized. Subsequent to minimizing VOx and VOy, the sum of V1 and V2 (V12) is compared with the sum of V3 and V4 (V34), and a VOxy voltage is generated and minimized.
US07962042B2 Method and system for delivering broadband services over an ultrawide band radio system integrated with a passive optical network
A system and method for providing ultrawide band (UWB) communications service including voice, data, and video signals to a number of neighboring dwelling units or community access centers via a Passive Optical Network (PON) are presented. A neighborhood pedestal can be provided to serve multiple neighboring dwelling units equipped with user access. Public access centers can provide an ultrawide band signal via a PON to reach a plurality of signal receiving locations to serve a community of users. Electrical power to an UWB device may be supplied via an electrical power grid. Alternately, due to the low power consumption of UWB devices, a solar panel, or metallic-sheathed fiber cable with a center metallic member may be utilized to deliver power to the PON/UWB devices.
US07962041B2 IrDA transceiver module that also functions as remote control IR transmitter
The infrared LED of an IrDA module transmits IR energy with a peak wavelength (for example, 875 nm) appropriate for IrDA communication. This peak wavelength is lower than is the wavelength (for example, 940 nm) used in ordinary IR remote controls (RC). The IrDA LED does, however, transmit some energy at the wavelength of the peak sensitivity of an RC receiver. When making an IrDA transmission, the IrDA LED is driven with a lower amount of current. When making an RC transmission, the IrDA LED is driven with an increased amount of current such that higher wavelength emissions received by the RC receiver are of adequate power to realize RC communication. A passive circuit is disclosed for automatically increasing IrDA LED current during RC transmissions. The circuit involves an inductor that shunts current around a current-limiting resistor used to limit LED drive current.
US07962040B2 Remote control transmitter
A remote control transmitter includes a transparent protective filter that covers a light emitting device in the light emitting direction. The filter is formed as a strip shaped, long and thin plate that is made from a transparent material that has a refractive index that is larger at least than that of air. The transparent protective filter, is attached so that it is oriented frontwards from the front surface of the case so that one end surface in the longitudinal directions opposes the light emitting device. The optical control signal that is emitted from the light emitting device is emitted from another end surface of the transparent protective filter, such that the optical control signal is not blocked by the finger that grasps the case, even if that case is formed with a size such that it can be grasped with one hand.
US07962037B2 PON system and optical network unit
Provided is an ONU that suppresses transmission of a useless multicast control message to a PON section and enables a communication bandwidth of the PON section to be effectively used. The ONU of the PON system has a multicast group management table that shows a correspondence between a multicast group identifier and an address of a user terminal participating in a multicast group. When the ONU receives a request message of participation in the multicast group from the user terminal, the ONU registers the correspondence between the multicast group identifier indicated by the received message and the user terminal address. A new received message is deleted without being sent to the OLT if another user terminal address is registered already, along with a correspondence with the same multicast group identifier, in the multicast group management table.
US07962030B2 Flash thermal feedback for camera auto-exposure
An intensity of a second flash is determined based at least partly on a predicted thermal condition that is influenced by a first flash that is previous to the second flash. A quality function of an image capture device is adjusted according to the determined intensity of the second flash. A scene is illuminated by the second flash at the determined flash intensity and the illuminated scene is captured and stored as an image using the adjusted quality function. In exemplary embodiments, an auto-exposure algorithm is compensated for flash intensity, which is maximized in view of temperature limits and constraints due to firing a pre-flash prior to capturing the image. Various approaches and apparatus and software are detailed.
US07962017B2 Device for the evaporation of volatile substances, in particular of aromatics and/or insecticides
An evaporation device for evaporating volatile substances such as aromatics and/or insecticides comprising a housing; and a receptacle arrangement carried by the housing having two receiving chambers for substances to be evaporated. Wicks inserted into the receiving chambers include wick ends protruding from the receiving chambers. A heater arrangement is carried in the housing for providing heat to the protruding wick ends for producing an evaporated substance. At least one blower is provided for generating a targeted air stream to entrain the evaporated substance. A control unit is provided for controlling the heater arrangement to evaporate the substances and for controlling the blower to be switched on at defined evaporation times.
US07962015B2 Apparatus for reproducing AV data in interactive mode, method of handling user input, and information storage medium therefor
An apparatus reproduces AV data in an interactive mode, a method handles a user input, and an information storage medium stores information therefor. The information storage medium includes AV data and a markup document utilized to reproduce the AV data in an interactive mode. The markup document includes first event information of an occurrence of a key input event corresponding to a user action to inform, by default, an AV playback engine, which plays back the AV data. Accordingly, interactive contents may be controlled using a limited user input device.
US07962012B2 Recording medium, reproduction apparatus, recording method, program and reproduction method
A BD-ROM has recorded therein an AV Clip generated by multiplexing a video stream and a graphics stream. The graphics stream represents an interactive display to be overlayed with the video stream, and includes a sequence of three Button State groups. The interactive display includes a plurality of buttons, each of which changes from a normal state to a selected state, and from the selected state to an active state, according to a user operation. In the three Button State groups in the graphics stream, the first-order group (N-ODSs) is made of a plurality of pieces of graphics data, which represent normal states of the buttons, the second-order group (S-ODSs) is made of a plurality of pieces of graphics data, which represent selected states of the buttons, and the third-order group (A-ODSs) is made of a plurality of pieces of graphics data, which represent active states of the buttons.
US07962004B2 Video reproducing apparatus
According to the invention, a video reproducing apparatus includes: a reading module configured to read out video information and caption information, the video information including control information; a video processing module configured to generate a display image to be displayed on a screen, the display image having an image corresponding to the control information; a caption processing module configured to generate a subpicture based on the caption information, the subpicture including a caption image for a caption and a mask image for masking the image corresponding to the control information when the subpicture is superimposed on the display image; a video synthesizing module configured to generate an overlapped display image by superimposing the subpicture; and a video signal outputting module configured to output the overlapped display image to a control signal extracting apparatus that extracts a control signal from the masked image corresponding to the control information.
US07962001B2 Content reproduction apparatus
In conventional technology, when a program which operates in synchronization with reproduction of video and audio instructs a trick play of video and audio such as fast-forward and rewind, the trick play of the video and audio continues even after the program is terminated. This makes it impossible to cancel a redundant trick play which continues for an interval of time which is not expected by the program. In the present invention, a program which instructs a trick play of video and audio is retained, and when the program is terminated, it is determined whether or not the program has instructed the trick play, and if that program has instructed the trick play, the trick play of the video and audio is cancelled. As a result, it is possible to cancel such a redundant trick play which would otherwise continue for some interval of time which is not expected by the program.
US07961996B2 Coupling device for use in optical waveguides
An optical waveguide device comprises a plurality of mirrors, wherein at least one mirror comprises a first and second reflective end that reflect and transmit light. The plurality of mirrors comprises at least one first material having at least one first refractive index; an axis line; a first cladding comprising a second material having a second refractive index; a second cladding, formed above the first, comprising a third material having a third refractive index; a core comprising a fourth material; and a plurality of core parts formed within at least one of the first or second claddings. The fourth material has a fourth refractive index that is greater than the second and third refractive indices and the core parts have a plurality of core part ends coupled to one of the reflective ends where at least one core part end is approximately parallel to one of the reflective ends.
US07961995B2 Electrically tunable plasmon light tunneling junction
An electrically modulated plasmonic junction generates surface plasmons from an electrical signal from an electrical source, with the tunnel junction having a contact with a tapered end forming the junction in a gap between the contact and a substrate, with the gap serving to translate electrical signals into surface plasmons that are in turn translated into emitted photons communicated externally through a transmissive oxide, so that the junction can function as an electrically controlled light emitter preferably built as a nano-scale broadband optical emitter whose output wavelength can be electrically tuned over hundreds of nanometers, can be directly modulated at high speeds, and can have improved efficiencies compared to standard silicon optical sources, and the junction can also operate in a reserve mode for light detection.
US07961991B2 Delay demodulation devices
The delay demodulation device 1 comprises an input waveguide 2 which receives DQPSK signals; a Y-branch waveguide 3 which splits the light waveguide 2; a first Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) 4; and a second Mach-Zehnder interferometer 5. Both ends of the arm-waveguides 8, 9 of the MZI 4 and the both ends of the arm-waveguides 12, 13 of the MZI 5 are bent toward the center portion of the planar lightwave circuit (PLC) 1A. Thereby, the length of the arm-waveguides 8, 9 of the MZI 4 and the length of the arm-waveguides of the MZI 5 are shortened in the Z-direction. And, the length of the input couplers 6, 10 and the output couplers 7, 11 of the MZIs 4, 5 are shortened in the Z-direction. Therefore, the area covered by the MZIs 4, 5 can be made smaller.
US07961987B2 Efficient processing of non-reflow content in a digital image
A computer system and method for efficiently processing a digital image into reflow content is presented. The method comprises each of the following as executed on a computer. A digital image is obtained for processing. The digital image includes at least some content suitable for conversion into reflow content. The digital image is processed into a digital content file. The digital content file includes both reflow content and non-reflow blocks of content. For each non-reflow block of content in the digital content file, the following are performed. A confidence rating is determined for the non-reflow block of content. If the confidence rating for the non-reflow block of content falls below a predetermined threshold, an evaluation of the non-reflow block is triggered.
US07961982B2 Robust image registration
A method of estimating a transformation between a pair of images, comprises estimating local transformations for a plurality of regions of the images to derive a set of estimated transformations, and selecting a subset of said estimated local transformations as estimated global transformations for the image.
US07961981B2 Method of obtaining a three-dimensional image of the outer ear canal
The present invention relates to a method of obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) image of the outer ear canal. This will be achieved by scanning at least the outer ear canal by use of a video camera, transmitting the image data of the video camera through a connection to a service provider, analyzing the image data by the service provider with respect of acceptance and integrity, transmitting status information back to the video camera and further processing/converting accepted image data into 3D geometric data. Thus, video image data will be retrieved from the part of interest of the ear and the quality and integrity of this information will be checked by the service provider prior to storing and process/converting this data into 3D imaging data that can be used for an automated manufacturing process for the outer shape of hearing devices, hearing protection devices or hearing aid shells.
US07961974B2 Liquid-crystal-driving image processing circuit, liquid-crystal-driving image processing method, and liquid crystal display apparatus
In a liquid-crystal-driving image processing circuit that encodes and decodes image data to reduce the frame memory size, the present invention has the object of providing a liquid-crystal-driving image processing circuit capable of correcting image data accurately and applying appropriately corrected voltages to the liquid crystal without being affected by encoding or decoding errors, even when moving images are input.To achieve the above object, the liquid-crystal-driving image processing circuit according to the present invention takes a difference between first decoded image data corresponding to the image in the current frame and second decoded image data corresponding to preceding-frame image data, selects either the image data of the current frame or the second decoded image data for each pixel on the basis of the difference, thereby generates preceding-frame image data, and corrects the gray-scale values of the image of the current frame on the basis of the preceding-frame image data and the image data of the current frame.
US07961969B2 Artifact removal from phase encoded images
PSF coding has become well known in recent years. Although it enables significant increases in the depth of field, defocus introduces artifacts in images that are a major detraction from the final image quality. A method is described that enables the deduction or defocus and consequently the removal of these artifacts. The principle of the disclosed techniques involves iteratively adjusting the restoration algorithm according to a chosen image metric and choosing the defocus parameter that yields the image the lowest level of artifact.
US07961955B1 Adaptive bayes feature extraction
A system and method for extracting “discriminately informative features” from input patterns which provide accurate discrimination between two classes, a class-of-interest and a class-other, while reducing the number of features under the condition where training samples or otherwise, are provided a priori only for the class-of-interest thus eliminating the requirement for any a priori knowledge of the other classes in the input-data-set while exploiting the potentially robust and powerful feature extraction capability provided by fully supervised feature extraction approaches. The system and method extracts discriminate features by exploiting the ability of the adaptive Bayes classifier to define an optimal Bayes decision boundary between the class-of-interest and class-other using only labeled samples from the class-of-interest and unlabeled samples from the data to be classified. Optimal features are derived from vectors normal to the decision boundary defined by the adaptive Bayes classifier.
US07961952B2 Method and system for detecting and tracking objects in images
Invention describes a method and system for detecting and tracking an object in a sequence of images. For each image the invention determines an object descriptor from a tracking region in a current image in a sequence of images, in which the tracking region corresponds to a location of an object in a previous image. A regression function is applied to the descriptor to determine a motion of the object from the previous image to the current image, in which the motion has a matrix Lie group structure. The location of the tracking region is updated using the motion of the object.
US07961950B2 Image processing apparatus, method thereof, and its control method
It is very important to manage digital documents and documents obtained by printing the digital documents. After completion of a conference, each participant makes an MFP read a document image of a distributed reference. The MFP searches for a data file which matches the read document image with reference to information in a storage unit, and deletes the detected data file. If the number of pages of the read image is short, the data file cannot be detected, or the read document image shows a partial loss, the MFP generates a warning. Upon reception of a collection completion message, the MFP checks with reference to information in the storage unit if all data files associated with the conference are deleted. If a data file to be deleted still remains and that data file is printed, the MFP generates a warning.
US07961948B2 Computer-readable record medium in which a telop character extraction program is recorded, telop character extraction method and telop character extraction apparatus
A telop character extraction apparatus generates a gray-scale image from a telop region image, and generates an edge region image where an edge is extracted from within the gray-scale image. The apparatus uses the edge region image as a mask image, and creates a luminance histogram of pixels of the gray-scale image. The apparatus divides a luminance of the luminance histogram into luminance classes. The apparatus generates binary images where pixels of luminances belonging to the individual classes are collected for the respective luminance classes, and selects the binary image of the class of maximum area, as a telop character candidate image. The apparatus decides on a character color used in the telop region image, in correspondence with the telop character candidate image, and extracts character pixels corresponding to the character color, from within the telop character candidate image, thereby to eliminate noise pixels and to generate telop character image.
US07961941B2 Color form dropout using dynamic geometric solid thresholding
Dropping out of color form backgrounds from images of completed forms to obtain color form dropout images retaining only the respondent information. In one embodiment, a color form image processing method (100) includes retrieving (102) a template image, retrieving (104) a respondent image, registering (106) the images against one another to establish correspondence between pixels in the respondent and template images, dilating (108) the template image, and performing (110) a color form dropout including comparing (112) corresponding pixels in the respondent and dilated template images, and determining (114) whether to keep corresponding pixels by applying (116) a geometric solid threshold comparison to assess both color similarity and relative darkness, and removing (118) pixels from the respondent image based on such comparison.
US07961940B2 Image processing method, image processing system, and image processing program
The process captures a plurality of images under a light source whose luminance varies over time, such as a fluorescent lamp, under such an imaging condition that a plurality of images that are different from one another in terms of light source conditions can be captured (S11). The process detects a temporal luminance variation from the plurality of captured images (S12), estimates a shadow area by using the temporal luminance variation (S13), and performs an image process such as a process of synthesizing a linearized image or an image segmentation based on optical characteristics (S14).
US07961928B2 Volumetric data connecting apparatus and method
A volumetric data connecting apparatus, includes a reference point determining device for having an operator determine reference points A, B and C which are not on the same straight line on first volumetric data V; a connection point a determining device for having the operator determine a connection point a corresponding to said reference point A on second volumetric data v; an auxiliary line q displaying device for displaying “a section fb of the second volumetric data v” selected by the operator and a curve q which results from the crossing of said section fb and “a spherical surface Q having the distance between the reference points AB as its radius and the connection point a as its center”.
US07961926B2 Registration of three-dimensional image data to 2D-image-derived data
A method for obtaining registration of a three-dimensional image data set of an anatomical vessel with corresponding two-dimensional image data of the vessel in an X-ray imaging system, where the method comprise the user identifying two points on an anatomical vessel on at least two X-ray image planes, the user identifying two similar points on the surface of the corresponding three-dimensional anatomical image data, determining the orientation direction of the vessel from the two user identified image data surface points, determining the orientation direction of the vessel from the two points obtained from the X-ray image planes, and calculating a transformation of the three-dimensional image data to obtain a best fit registration of the direction derived from the image surface points with the direction derived from the X-ray image data points.
US07961924B2 Method of three-dimensional device localization using single-plane imaging
A method and system for determining the three-dimensional location and orientation of a medical device distal end using a single-plane imaging system, using a computational model of the medical device and a transfer function for the medical device describing local device shape and orientation in response to user or computer determined inputs. The method allows guidance of an interventional medical system to a set of target points within the patient using a single-projection imaging system.
US07961923B2 Method for detection and visional enhancement of blood vessels and pulmonary emboli
A method for detecting a substantially cylindrical internal structures and dark structures surrounded by bright intensity values (contrast) in a medical image includes acquiring a medical image. A gradient of the medical image is calculated. Local shape index information for the calculated gradient of the medical image is calculated. Gradient information having a local shape index not indicative of a ridge and rut shapes is removed. Diverging gradient field responses (DGFR) are calculated based on the remaining gradient information. The DGFR responses and relative amount of DGFR responses for the rut and ridge areas is used as a discriminative feature in detecting the substantially cylindrical internal structure as well as darker occluding structures within cylindrical structures such as Pulmonary Emboli.
US07961919B2 Imaging device with sense and couple electrodes
An imaging device for sensing an image of an object includes a negative feedback amplifier, a substrate, a sense electrode, a couple electrode and an insulation protection layer. The sense and couple electrodes are disposed above the substrate. The insulation protection layer covers the sense and couple electrodes. The sense electrode and the object form a sense capacitor. The couple electrode and the object form a couple capacitor. A negative input terminal of the negative feedback amplifier is directly electrically connected to the sense electrode, and the couple electrode is directly electrically connected to one of a signal output terminal of the negative feedback amplifier and a signal input terminal of the imaging device.
US07961915B2 System and method for authenticated and privacy preserving biometric identification systems
A system and method for the identification of users and objects using biometric techniques is disclosed. This invention describes a biometric based identification and authorization systems which do not require the incorporation of an on-line database of stored complete biometrics for the security infrastructure. In order to remove the connectivity requirements, an off-line biometric system is achieved by incorporating an identity verification template (IVT) on a storage device/token (e g, magnetic strip or smart-card) during the user's registration which provides for a reliable storage medium; however, there are no security requirements required of the token even to protect the privacy of the stored biometric. The IVT does not contain complete information of the user's biometric but allows for the verification of the user when that user later provides a biometric reading. To deal with errors that may be introduced into later scans of the biometric (for example at the time of verification) error correcting techniques, well known in the art of communication and error control systems, are incorporated into the system. The system is also usable in the online model. Moreover, it may also be used to enable cryptographic operations by being used to partially compose or encrypt private keys for cryptographic operation.
US07961913B2 Portable data carrier, external arrangement, system and methods for wireless data transfer
A portable data carrier (10) and a method (B1-B10), as well as a storage medium with instructions, for transferring data by means of a portable data carrier are provided. The portable data carrier comprises a carrier storage (12) for storing data containing a biometric template (13) and an application-specific function (15) as well as carrier communication means (11) for contactless receipt and transmission of data. The portable data carrier is characterised in that it further comprises carrier processing means (16) for comparing the biometric template with a biometric sample (23) received from an external arrangement (20), and that it is arranged to complete a handshake process with the external arrangement as well as perform the application-specific function and transmit a result of the same to the external arrangement, only if the biometric sample matches the biometric template.
US07961904B2 Apparatus for embedding and reproducing watermark into and from contents data
An apparatus for embedding a watermark into contents data includes a parameter converting device for converting a parameter of first contents data to generate second contents data. A mixing device operates for embedding parameter information into the second contents data as watermark information. The parameter information represents a condition of the conversion of the parameter by the parameter converting device. The watermark information may include copyright information.
US07961903B2 Handwriting style data input via keys
The subject disclosure pertains to an input system and method. Patterns can be received with respect to one or more keys. Based in part on selected keys, a pattern can be identified or inferred. Accordingly, a user is able to gesture over or with respect to a keypad to input data. More particularly, data can be entered by handwriting or drawing patterns representing characters, among other things, utilizing keys or like mechanisms.
US07961899B2 Hearing aid microphone mounting structure and method for mounting
The disclosure relates generally to hearing aids, hearing aid microphones, and methods of manufacture thereof. In one aspect, a hearing aid microphone in accord with the present concepts includes a housing and at least one attachment device integrated with the housing, the attachment device itself including a male connector or a female connector.
US07961895B2 Audio interface device and method
The invention provides an audio interface device and method to acquire audio signal from either an analog or digital microphone through a common connector. The audio interface comprises a connector, electrically connected with a microphone plugged thereinto, an analog readout circuit, acquiring an analog audio signal from an analog microphone, a digital readout circuit, acquiring a digital audio signal from a digital microphone, and a decision circuit, selectively connecting the analog or digital readout circuit to the connector to acquire the analog or digital audio signal respectively according to whether the microphone plugged into the connector is analog or digital.
US07961891B2 System and method of audio testing of acoustic devices
A system and method of testing the audio performance of an acoustic device is provided. To test a device microphone, an audio signal is generated, provided to an external speaker, outputted to the device microphone, and routed to an auxiliary input/output device where it is outputted and analyzed. To test a device speaker, an audio signal is generated, inputted to an auxiliary input/output device, routed to the device speaker, outputted to an external microphone, and outputted to an audio analyzer.
US07961884B2 Method and system for changing security information in a computer network
A method of, and system for, changing encryption information in a computer network is provided. The method includes providing at least first cryptographic information and second cryptographic information. A first validity period is provided for the first cryptographic information and a second validity period is provided for the second cryptographic information wherein the first and second validity periods overlap.
US07961883B2 System and method for securing a personalized indicium assigned to a mobile communications device
In one embodiment, a scheme is provided for securing a personalized indicium assigned to a mobile communications device. Upon detecting at a network node that an address associated with the mobile communications device has changed, a challenge-and-response procedure is negotiated between the mobile communications device and the network node for authenticating the personalized indicium using a shared authentication key.
US07961880B2 Methods and apparatuses for determining scrambling codes for signal transmission
Methods and apparatuses for determining scrambling codes for minimizing co-channel interference in a communication system. A method in accordance with the present invention comprises defining at least one initial default sequence, generating a scrambling code, scrambling a signal using the generated scrambling code, comparing the scrambled signal with all other scrambled signals meeting a specified criterion, and saving the scrambling code word if the comparison determines that the signal scrambled with the scrambling code also meets the specified criterion. The scrambling codes can be compared with each other for cross-correlation purposes to determine whether they meet the specified criterion based on laboratory testing.
US07961876B2 Method to produce new multivariate public key cryptosystems
Multivariate public key cryptosystems (MPKC) are public key cryptosystems, whose public key are a set of multivariate polynomials over a finite field (or ring). MPKC can be used for encryption, authentication and signatures. The invention develops three new methods that could be applied to a multivariate public key cryptosystem to produce new multivariate public key cryptosystems that are better in terms of security and efficiency. These three methods are called the internal perturbation plus (IPP), the enhanced internal perturbation (EIP) and the multi-layer Oil-Vinegar construction (MOVC). These three methods can be combined in any 2 or all 3 to be applied to a multivariate public key cryptosystem to produce new multivariate public key cryptosystems as well.
US07961872B2 Flexible hardware architecture for ECC/HECC based cryptography
A circuit for implementing elliptic curve and hyperelliptic curve encryption and decryption operations, having a read only memory with no more than about two kilobytes of accessible memory, containing first programming instructions. An arithmetic logic unit has access to second programming instructions that are resident in a gate-level program disposed in the arithmetic logic unit, and is operable to receive data from no more than one input FIFO register. A microcontroller has no more than about two thousand gates, and is adapted to read the first programming instructions from the read only memory, send control signals to the arithmetic logic unit, and receive flags from the arithmetic logic unit. The arithmetic unit reads the third programming instructions, selectively performs elliptic curve and hyperelliptic curve encryption and decryption operations on the data according to the second programming instructions and the microcontroller, and sends output to no more than one output FIFO register.
US07961870B2 Wireless remote controlled handset lifter system using magnetically coupled ring detection
An automatic handset lifter is used with a wireless communication system. The system attaches to a conventional telephone and creates a communication link between the telephone and a portable device such as a wireless headset. The system automatically detects the ringing of the telephone by sensing magnetic fields of the telephone speaker. Upon ring detection, the system creates a communications link with the remote device and deploys a mechanical lifting device to lift the handset. Lifting the handset activates the telephone cradle switch to answer the phone and thereby allows the remote device to communicate over the telephone.
US07961868B2 Systems and methods for caller-controlled tune notification of a call
A system and method for a caller to control a tune notification for a telephone call includes a service switching point and a service control point. The service switching point is operable to receive a tune notification service access code and a called directory number, and to issue a query in response to receiving the service access code. The service control point is operable to receive the query and issue a response including a tune notification signal to the service switching point. Upon receiving the response from the service control point, the service switching point processes the call so that the tune notification signal causes the tune notification to be applied to a called telephone line associated with the called directory number.
US07961867B2 Peer to peer application processor
A method and apparatus are provided for processing information within a computing system. The method includes the steps of detecting a contact with a client of an organization that operates and uses the computing system for its own internal business purposes, providing a processing application within the computing system for distributing the detected contact to one of a plurality of human agents of the organization based upon a context of the contact, where said provided processing application has been previously divided into a sequence of separated software modules based upon a predetermined criteria, locating each software module of the sequence of software modules within a set of computers of the computer system where the set of computers are interconnected via a network and sequentially activating the sequence of software modules of the processing application by performing a search over the network to locate and activate each software module to process and distribute the contact to the human agent.
US07961861B2 Telephone search supported by response location advertising
A platform for the delivery of dynamic, interactive audio advertisements played in response to a consumer initiated request for information via a telephone. The platform invention provides advertising supported information services that are related to a geographic location associated with a response to a consumer initiated request. In one specific embodiment, at a customer station, a consumer dials an information access number and is connected to a call processing system. The call processing system receives a request for information from the consumer, and determines a response. The response is then further processed to determine a geographic location associated with the response. An advertisement is then selected that is associated with the geographic location of the response (as opposed to the geographic location specified in request, or as opposed to the geographic location of the consumer, which may not necessarily be the same).
US07961854B1 System to record and analyze voice message usage information
A voice message system records voice message usage information by creating voice message records when a voice message is sent and when it is received. The voice message record includes: the voice message, a voice message sender identity, a voice message recipient identity, and voice message action records. A voice message action records includes a voice message action that specifies an action on the voice message, and a voice message action time that includes the time at which the action occurs. Voice message actions include sent, received, and listened. The system further includes a voice message analyzer for analyzing voice message records, and a voice message reporter for generating reports from an analysis by the analyzer. The voice message system provides tractable information for voice messages, allowing companies to enforce a voice message usage policy.
US07961849B2 Implementing an emergency services solution
A system, method, and apparatus for redirecting an emergency communication include initiating emergency communication from an endpoint. Unavailability of a softswitch is determined, and an emergency server is identified that handles call control for emergency communication from the endpoint if the softswitch is unavailable. Emergency communication is initiated with the emergency server.
US07961846B2 Interface device for testing a telecommunication circuit
An interface device and method for testing a telecommunication circuit by utilizing a test cord that has a first end that is integrated with the interface device and a second end that terminates with a test connector. Upon insertion of the test connector into a test port of a connectivity block, the interface device may be configured to allow for monitoring of the telecommunication circuit, without disrupting the circuit. Similarly, the interface device may be configured to disrupt the telecommunication circuit and allow a user to examine both sides of the circuit.
US07961839B2 Advanced convergence for multiple iterative algorithm
Iterative methods for reconstructing of three-dimensional images based on projection data signals obtained by a computer tomography system often result in wrong absorption coefficients in particular for regions including a hollow space of an object under examination. Furthermore iterative methods show a slow convergence for calculating such absorption coefficients. According to embodiments of the present invention there is provided a method for an advanced reconstruction of three-dimensional images based on modified projection data signals. The modification includes an addition of a constant absorption value to the measured projection data. Advantageously the constant absorption value is an absorption line integral through a virtual body having the spatial constant absorption coefficient of water. The virtual body preferably has a volume which is slightly bigger than the object of interest.
US07961837B2 Counter circuit and method of operating the same
A control unit that outputs a plurality of control signals in response to the input of a plurality of counter enable signals allocated into the numerical value of a multiple of 2 is provided. An operating unit increments or decrements by a multiple of 2 in response to input of the plurality of control signals and count up-down signals.
US07961835B2 Hybrid integrated energy production process
Disclosed is an advanced process that relates to the enhanced production of energy using the integration of multiple thermal cycles (Brayton and Rankine) that employ multiple fuels, multiple working fluids, turbines and equipment. The method includes providing a nuclear reactor, reactor working fluid, heat exchangers, compressors, and multiple turbines to drive compressors that pressurize a humidified working fluid that is combusted with fuel fired in at least one gas turbine. The turbine(s) provide for electrical energy, processes or other mechanical loads.
US07961828B2 Sync bursts frequency offset compensation
A method (500) and system for compensation of frequency offset between a first transceiver (102) and a second transceiver (104) in wireless communication are disclosed. The compensation of the frequency offset between two or more transceivers (102, 104) is achieved by transmitting a set of frequency synchronization bursts. These bursts contain information about the frequency offset. The frequency synchronization bursts are transmitted by the first transceiver at a range of frequencies above and below its carrier frequency (502). When system conditions permit, a subset of the set of frequency synchronization bursts may be transmitted instead of transmitting the full set of frequency synchronization bursts.
US07961826B2 Parameterized sphere detector and methods of using the same
A Multiple-input Multiple-Output (MIMO) receiver is provided. The MIMO receiver comprises a parameterized sphere detector having two search modes. During a first search mode, the parameterized sphere detector enumerates a number of best candidate vectors up to a fixed parameter value. During a second search mode, the parameterized sphere detector enumerates additional candidate vectors using a greedy search until a predetermined number of candidate vectors have been enumerated.
US07961825B2 Diversity receiver and method
Respective demodulated outputs from a plurality of branches 11a to 11d are fed to corresponding error correction units 13a to 13d and error-corrected. The error correction units 13a to 13d feed error signals to error determination units 14a to 14d. The error determination units 14a to 14d determine the error-incidence situations of the respective branches 11a to 11d and then output the determination results to a coefficient generation unit 15. Based on the results of determination by the error determination units 14a to 14d, the coefficient generation unit 15 obtains the synthesis coefficients for the respective branch outputs. The synthesis coefficients correspond to the error-incidence situations of the respective branch outputs and are appropriate values including no errors. By synthesizing the respective branch outputs by use of the synthesis coefficients, error-free data can be reproduced.
US07961822B2 Setting a transmission power level for a mobile unit
A spread signal is produced having an adjustable spread spectrum. A data signal is provided for transmission. The data signal is processed to have a first spread spectrum. The processed first spread spectrum data signal is filtered to have one out of a plurality of spread spectrums. The filtering capable of producing a signal having a spread spectrum of any of the plurality of spread spectrums. The filtered one spread spectrum data signal is transmitted.
US07961818B2 Method and system for adaptive timing recovery
Timing recovery in partial-response-based magnetic recording systems customarily employs the “decision-directed” method wherein phase error is recovered from the differences between the noise-corrupted received signal samples and their estimated ideal (noise and phase error free) values. The filtered phase error drives a numerically-controlled oscillator which determines the instants at which the signal is resampled, attempting to place said instants at the ideal sampling times. The resampled signal contains errors due to mistiming as well as to the original corrupting noise, and these errors directly influence the success of subsequent detection. However, the noise can be reduced using adaptive linear prediction, having the effect of reducing the output error for a given noise input, or maintaining the same error for a larger noise input.
US07961815B2 Methods and systems for transmission of multiple modulated signals over wireless networks
Receiver network for receiving a first filtered modulated transmitted signal in a first RF band and a second modulated transmitted signal in a second RF band and for providing received signals to one or more demodulators. A demodulator and baseband filter for demodulating and filtering the first filtered modulated received signal and for providing filtered demodulated baseband signal by a baseband filter mismatched to the filter of the first filtered modulated transmitted signal and demodulating the second modulated signal providing a demodulated baseband signal and a selector for selecting either the first or the second demodulated baseband signal. A receiver and demodulation system receiving a first TDMA modulated signal having a first bit rate and for receiving a second modulated signal having a second bit rate and for providing the received signals to a one or more demodulators and for providing cross-correlated demodulated in-phase and quadrature-phase baseband signals and demodulating the second bit rate modulated signal and providing a demodulated baseband signal.
US07961810B2 Antenna grouping and group-based enhancements for MIMO systems
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a transmitter, a receiver and methods of operating a transmitter and a receiver. In one embodiment, the transmitter has at least three transmit antennas and includes a feedback decoding portion configured to recover at least one group-based channel quality indicator provided by a feedback signal from a receiver, wherein each group-based channel quality indicator corresponds to one of a set of transmission layer groupings. The transmitter also includes a modulator portion configured to generate at least one symbol stream and a mapping portion configured to multiplex each symbol stream to at least one transmission layer grouping. The transmitter further includes a pre-coder portion configured to couple the transmission layers to the transmit antennas for a transmission. The receiver includes a decoder portion which is configured to use decoded signals from at least one group to decode the other groups.
US07961805B2 Method for the coding of an OFDM/OQAM signal using symbols with complex values, and corresponding signal, devices and computer programs
A method and apparatus are provided for coding an OFDM/OQAM-type multi-carrier signal formed by a temporal succession of symbols comprising a set of data elements. Each of the data elements modulates a carrier frequency of the signal. Each of the data elements is formed by adding two real values in quadrature, which each correspond to a binary word of a source signal, which is modulated using a pre-determined modulation constellation, such as to transmit information over a real channel and an imaginary channel of the OFDM/OQAM symbols.
US07961801B2 Transmitter identification information signal detection apparatus and method
A transmitter identification information (TII) signal detection circuit is suitable for an orthogonal frequency division modulation system. A TII signal detection circuit receives a TII signal and conducts a cross-correlation calculation on the TII signal and a phase reference symbol (PRS) so as to obtain a present cross-correlation result, and then, sums the cross-correlation results obtained by conducting cross-correlations on AVE_TF_NUM-1 pieces of TII signals and the PRS and the present cross-correlation result so as to obtain an accumulated cross-correlation result. After that, a plurality of indices corresponding to a plurality of maximal values in the accumulated cross-correlation result is found out according to the accumulated cross-correlation result. Finally, a present main identifier (MainId) and a present sub-identifier (SubId) are calculated according to the four indices corresponding to the four maximal values, wherein the cross-correlation calculation is conducted on the TII signal and the PRS of every two adjacent sub-carriers.
US07961799B2 Joint estimation apparatus of channel and frequency offset based on multiband-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing and thereof
The present invention relates, in general, to a joint channel and frequency offset estimation apparatus and method based on a multi-band-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system, and, more particularly, to a joint channel and frequency offset estimation apparatus and method based on an MB-OFDM system, which uses low-rank LMMSE channel estimation, in which a low-rank is applied to the MB-OFDM system, thus decreasing complexity, and adds a simple structure using the autocorrelation characteristics of an estimated channel, thus joining channel estimation to frequency offset estimation at low complexity.The apparatus includes a channel estimator for receiving a Fourier-transformed OFDM signal, and calculating results of channel estimation using a Linear Minimum Mean Square Error (LMMSE) channel estimation, which minimizes a Mean Square Error (MSE) between an actual channel value and an estimated channel value. An autocorrelation unit calculates an autocorrelation value using the results, which are calculated through the channel estimator, in which a frequency offset is considered. A frequency offset estimator calculates a frequency offset, having a maximum value calculated by the autocorrelation unit, and estimating an actual frequency offset.
US07961794B2 Transfer of digital data through a transformer
A method and a system for transferring a digital signal through a transformer, including a circuit for coding the digital signal to be transferred, having two outputs connected to the respective ends of a primary winding of the transformer, and a circuit for decoding the current in a secondary winding of the transformer generating a rising, respectively falling edge, of an output signal according to the direction of detected current pulses.
US07961792B2 Robust system for maintaining audio/video synchronization during playback of multimedia streams with no embedded time stamps
An apparatus having a first circuit, a second circuit and a third circuit. The first circuit may be configured to (i) demultiplex a multimedia stream having one or more video and audio streams and (ii) generate one or more video signals and one or more audio data signals in response to demultiplexing the multimedia stream. The multimedia stream may be independent of embedded time stamps. The second circuit may be configured to (i) decode the one or more video data signals and the one or more audio data signals and (ii) generate a video current time signal for each decoded video signal and an audio current time signal for each decoded audio signal. The third circuit may be configured to synchronize the playback of each decoded audio signal and each decoded video signal with the video current time signal and the audio current time signal.
US07961782B2 Interference suppression processing unit and a method of suppressing interference in wireless data communication
The interference suppression processing unit includes Na≧1 receiver paths to transmit respective Na≧1 received data sequences received from respective Na≧1 antennas, and a signal generation unit to generate K≧Na signal data sequences from the received data sequences. The interference suppression processing unit also includes K≧Na signal paths that each transmit one of the signal data sequences, a prefilter unit in each one of the signal paths, and a combiner having K≧Na input terminals each one connected to an output terminal of one of the prefilter units.
US07961777B2 Signal processing apparatus, signal processing method, and program
A signal processing apparatus configured to process a signal transmitted via a transmission path where a waveform represented by a signal value of a particular symbol is stationarily distorted in accordance with values of symbols transmitted prior to the particular symbol, including the following elements: a receiving unit configured to receive a test signal which is the signal including symbols set to predetermined values via the transmission path; an obtaining unit configured to obtain the signal value of the particular symbol from the test signal received by the receiving unit; and a characteristic computing unit configured to compute a characteristic of distortion of the waveform represented by the signal value of the particular symbol in accordance with the values of the symbols transmitted prior to the particular symbol on the basis of waveforms represented by signal values obtained by the obtaining unit from a plurality of test signals.
US07961772B2 Optimized pulse pumped laser system using feedback
A laser system according to the invention comprises pump generating means (x02, x03) for generating at least a first and a second, preferably focused, pump beam, and lasing means (x06, x07) for emitting radiation by being appropriately pumped. The lasing means (x06, x07) is disposed in a first resonator so as to receive the first pump beam in order to generate a first beam (x21) having a first frequency, and the lasing means (x06, x07) is disposed in a second resonator so as to receive the second pump beam in order to generate a second beam (x22) having a second frequency. At least one Q-switch (x08; x17, x18) is disposed in the first and the second resonator, so that the first beam and the second beam both pass a Q-switch (x08; x17, x18). The laser system (x01) has an output (x13) generated from said first beam (x21) and said second beam (x22), and at least a part of said output (x13) is fed back to a regulation system (x14), said regulation system (x14) controlling said pump generating means (x02, x03).
US07961769B2 Wavelength tunable semiconductor laser device, controller for the same, and control method for the same
An object is to provide a wavelength tunable semiconductor laser device, a controller for the same and a control method for the same, which prevent wavelength drifts. The wavelength tunable semiconductor laser device includes an active region for oscillating a laser beam, and a wavelength tuning region for shifting a wavelength of the laser beam. In this device, a thermal compensation region for converting most of the inputted electric power to heat is provided adjacent to the wavelength tuning region, and the sum of an electric power inputted into the wavelength tuning region and an electric power inputted into the thermal compensation region is always kept constant.
US07961755B2 Efficient transport of TDM services over packet networks
A method for data communications includes receiving a time-division-multiplexed (TDM) input signal carrying a payload comprising data and determining whether the data comprise synchronous or non-synchronous data. A first encapsulation scheme is selected if the data comprise synchronous data, and a second encapsulation scheme is selected if the data comprise non-synchronous data. The data are encapsulated for transmission over a packet-switched network in accordance with the selected encapsulation scheme.
US07961750B2 Multicast control
A method and arrangement for optimizing bandwidth usage in a Multicast Services Control System (MSCS), which transports digital information in a multicast stream from a broadband network to a Set Top Box (STB) connected to a terminal TV. When the terminal TV is disabled, and can no longer utilize the multicast stream, the terminal TV sends a terminal status signal to the STB indicating deactivation of the terminal TV. In response, the STB sends an IGMP leave report signal to the broadband network, which then ceases its transmission of the multicast stream to the STB.
US07961748B2 Distributed router application serialization
A router, which may be a wireless gateway, for routing messages between communications networks, including a persistent storage, and a transport interface for sending outgoing messages to communications devices associated with a first communications network, and receiving incoming messages from the communications devices, and having a storage for storing pending outgoing and incoming messages for subsequent sending by the interface component, the transport interface being coupled to the persistent storage and having an associated shutdown module for serializing at least some of the pending messages to the persistent storage during shutdown of the interface component. The router may include a plurality of the transport interfaces, and a controller coupled to the transport interfaces for directing at least one of the transport interfaces to retrieve from the persistent storage for subsequent sending the pending messages serialized thereto by a further one of the transport interfaces during shutdown thereof.
US07961723B2 Advanced processor with mechanism for enforcing ordering between information sent on two independent networks
An advanced processor comprises a plurality of multithreaded processor cores each having a data cache and instruction cache. A data switch interconnect is coupled to each of the processor cores and configured to pass information among the processor cores. A messaging network is coupled to each of the processor cores and a plurality of communication ports. In one aspect of an embodiment of the invention, the data switch interconnect is coupled to each of the processor cores by its respective data cache, and the messaging network is coupled to each of the processor cores by its respective message station. Advantages of the invention include the ability to provide high bandwidth communications between computer systems and memory in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
US07961720B2 Geographic trunk groups
Embodiments of the invention include a method for routing an Internet Protocol (IP)-based call through a first IP-based network to a second IP-based network. The method includes receiving an IP-based call request in the first network; identifying one or more geographic trunk groups that can be used to route the call request out of the first network, wherein each of the one or more geographic trunk groups represents a logical grouping of one or more IP trunk groups between the first IP-based network and the second IP-based network; selecting one of the one or more geographic trunk groups; and routing the received call request via the selected geographic trunk group to an IP address associated with the selected geographic trunk group. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US07961711B2 Fitness based routing
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for fitness based routing. Embodiments of the invention significantly improve the likelihood that routing nodes contained in routing table have adequate (or even relatively increased) ability to transfer and process messages in an overlay network. Thus, when the node is to make a routing decision for a message, the node has some assurances that any selected routing node is adequate (or is at least the best currently available). Further, a sending node can take preference to routing nodes with higher fitness values when sending a message. Preference to higher fitness metric values further insures that messages are adequately transferred and processed. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention can be used to route messages in a manner that optimizes bandwidth and provides efficient routing capability.
US07961708B2 Coding methods of communicating identifiers in peer discovery in a peer-to-peer network
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate identifying peers based upon encoded signals during peer discovery in a peer to peer network. For example, direct signaling that partitions a time-frequency resource into a number of segments can be utilized to communicate an identifier within a peer discovery interval; thus, a particular segment selected for transmission can signal a portion of the identifier, while a remainder can be signaled based upon tones communicated within the selected segment. Moreover, a subset of symbols within the resource can be reserved (e.g., unused) to enable identifying and/or correcting timing offset. Further, signaling can be effectuated over a plurality of peer discovery intervals such that partial identifiers communicated during each of the peer discovery intervals can be linked (e.g., based upon overlapping bits and/or bloom filter information).
US07961703B2 System and method for maintaining packet protocol context
A system and method for maintaining a packet protocol context, such as a PDP (Packet Data Protocol) context, is provided. A mobile device communicates over a packet protocol context. If there has been no data activity over the packet protocol context for a timeout duration, then the network may deactivate the packet protocol context. The mobile device can re-establish the packet protocol context; however, excessively re-establishing the packet protocol context places a burden on the network. According to an embodiment of the application, the mobile device determines the timeout duration, for example by measuring the timeout duration. Upon data inactivity for a time period near the timeout duration, the mobile device transmits a packet over the packet protocol context so as to maintain the packet protocol context. Accordingly, the load on the network can be reduced by achieving a suitable frequency of short data transmission from the mobile device.
US07961699B2 Apparatus and methods of transmitting and receiving a multimedia-broadcast multicast service (MBMS) channel
A transmitting apparatus which transmits a transmit symbol in orthogonal-frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is disclosed. The transmitting apparatus includes a unit which provides a unicast channel; a unit which provides a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) channel; a unit which provides a specific pilot channel which is specific to a specified cell; a unit which provides one or more common pilot channels common to a plurality of cells; and a multiplexing unit which multiplexes the unicast channel, the MBMS channel, the specific pilot channel, and the one or more common pilot channels, and creates the transmit symbol, wherein the multiplexing unit time-division multiplexes, in the same frequency band, a unicast frame which includes the unicast channel, and an MBMS frame which includes the MBMS channel, and wherein an insertion density of the common pilot channel included in the MBMS frame is larger than an insertion density of the specific pilot channel included in the unicast frame.
US07961695B2 Radio communication base station device and radio communication method
Provided is a radio communication base station device capable of suppressing degradation of a signal error ratio characteristic for a mobile station in the vicinity of the cell center when a plurality of signals whose transmission power is to be controlled are frequency-multiplexed or code-multiplexed. In the device (100), a classification unit (118) classifies a plurality of DPCCH according to the MCS of SCCH into a plurality of groups based on the transmission power intensity. A spread code is allocated for each DPCCH according to the classification result. A spread code for spreading a response signal (ACK signal/NACK signal) is instructed to spread units (103-1 to 103-n). The spread units (103-1 to 103-n) spread the response signal by the spread code instructed from the classification unit (118). According to the classification result in the classification unit (118), a mapping unit (104) maps the response signal after the spread to one of the subcarriers constituting the OFDM symbol.
US07961689B2 Method and apparatus for determining an end of a subframe in a TDD system
A method for determining an end of a first period in which signals are communicated in a first direction is provided. The method comprises sampling a signal for a period of time up to at least as long as the longest expected length of the first period to obtain a sampled signal. The sampled signal is integrated to obtain an integrated power curve. A reference line is subtracted from the integrated power curve to obtain a rotated power curve. A peak in the rotated power curve is selected as an end of the first period.
US07961686B2 Apparatus and method for performing handover using compressed information in broadband wireless access communication system
In the broadband wireless access communication system, handover using compressed information is performed by receiving a compressed broadcast message in a portable terminal, acquiring operator information and sector information from the compressed broadcast message, acquiring a preamble number from one of the compressed broadcast message and pre-stored information, identifying a cell and a sector based on the preamble number, the operator information, and the sector information, and when a sector of a handover target cell is a sector of another cell, executing inter-cell handover.
US07961685B2 Method and system for performing handoff for mobile station in a mobile communication system using proxy mobile IP
A method and system for supporting a handoff of an MS in a PMIP mobile communication system are provided. The method includes a target node transmitting a first registration request message to an HA in order to request registration of the MS, when the MS moves from the service area of a serving node to the service area of the target node; the serving node discarding a second registration request message without processing the second registration request message, when the serving node receives the second registration request message from the MS before the target node receives a first registration response message for the first registration request message from the HA; and the serving node requesting deregistration of the serving node to the HA, when the target node receives the first registration response message from the HA.
US07961680B2 Method for processing NDI in random access procedure and a method for transmitting and receiving a signal using the same
A method for a user equipment (UE) to transmit an uplink signal, and which includes receiving a first downlink control channel identified by a temporary cell identifier (Temporary C-RNTI) from a base station, the first downlink control channel including a first uplink grant signal having a new data indicator (NDI) with a first value; receiving a second downlink control channel identified by a cell identifier (C-RNTI) from the base station, the second downlink control channel including a second uplink grant signal having the NDI with a second value; and determining if the NDI with the second value has been toggled compared to the NDI previously received from the base station. Further, the UE ignores the NDI with the first value received through the first downlink control channel identified by the temporary cell identifier (Temporary C-RNTI). The method also includes transmitting the uplink signal based on the determining.
US07961678B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving connection identifier information in a communication system
A method for transmitting Connection Identifier (CID) information by a Base Station (BS) in a communication system is provided. The method includes transmitting a first message including information indicating a Transparent Connection Identifier (TCID) range expressed by a start value and an end value of TCIDs available in the BS, and information indicating a first transparent zone in which the BS is located, assigning one of TCIDs in the TCID range to a Mobile Station(MS) when a second message including a connection setup request from the MS is received and transmitting a third message including the assigned TCID to the MS, wherein the first transparent zone is one of a plurality of transparent zones supportable by the communication system, at least one BS is located in each transparent zone, and TCIDs in the TCID range are shared by the at least one BS included in the first transparent zone.
US07961663B2 Peer-to-peer mobile instant messaging method and device
A technique is provided for establishing peer-to-peer session-based instant messaging between mobile devices without the need for using an instant messaging registration or log-in server to provide presence information. Session-based instant messaging communications between mobile devices are established by transmitting necessary address information through page-based messaging services that utilize the underlying digital mobile network databases and services to resolve the identification and location of the mobile devices.
US07961653B2 Relay apparatus and communication system
A home gateway is an apparatus that transmits information, which is received from an intercom slave unit, to a plurality of appliances each having a communication function. The home gateway includes a demultiplexing circuit, a wireless communication circuit, a memory, a video codec circuit, and a CPU. The demultiplexing circuit receives information from the intercom slave unit. The wireless communication circuit communicates with the plurality of appliances. The memory stores profiles and levels. The video codec circuit converts image information received from the intercom slave unit according to a profile and a level. The CPU controls the wireless communication circuit and the video codec circuit. Thereby, various data can be transmitted regardless of structures and performance capabilities of the appliances.
US07961647B2 Detecting interfering packet streams in packet networks
A method for estimating the network-layer topology of a telecommunications network is described. In particular, the illustrative embodiment of the present invention estimates the existence and connectivity of nodes in the topology based on the detection of network-wide end-to-end path intersections. This is based on the assumption that pairs of streams of packets that share a common node will interfere and that the interference can be detected in the received streams. In general, this interference is manifested as jitter. By transmitting streams on each pair of end-to-end paths in the network, and detecting interference (or a lack of interference) a matrix of path intersections for the network can be created. Using logic and supposition, the topology of the network can be estimated using the matrix of path intersections. Once the estimate of the topology is complete, the maintenance and operation of the network can proceed based on the topology.
US07961646B2 Multicast mesh routing protocol
A method for a node to select a route to join a multicast group in a wireless mesh network, including establishing the route between the node and the multicast group using media access control addresses is described. A method for determining a multicast group leader of the multicast group of a wireless mesh network using media access control addresses is also described.
US07961641B1 Initial ranging power control algorithm for WiMAX mobile stations
A device and method for connecting to a WiMAX network can determine an initial signal strength as a function of an uplink propagation path loss between a mobile device and a base station, a noise and interference level value for the base station, a normalized carrier-to-noise value for ranging, and an offset value. If a connection is not established at the initial signal strength, a signal can be retransmitted at a signal strength equal to the initial signal strength plus a step value, where the step value can be determined by designating a fixed number of steps to be used before reaching maximum transmission power.
US07961634B2 High resiliency network intrastructure
A resilient interface architecture may include at least two interface switches and at least two interface routers. The at least two interface switches may provide connectivity between a subnetwork and a main network. If one of the switches fails, the connectivity otherwise provided by the failed interface switch may be provided by another one of the interface switches. Each interface router may be individually coupled to at least one interface switch. The interface routers may select a transmission path between the subnetwork and the main network through the interface switches. If one of the interface routers fails, the selection of transmission paths otherwise provided by the failed interface router may be provided by another one of the interface routers.
US07961633B2 Method and system for real time detection of threats in high volume data streams
A high speed detection system and method capable of generating audits of investigable patterns from log data using techniques for grouping and filtering the data so as to create vectors of patterns which can be then further analyzed by applying conditional filters to conclude that a threat may be active has been created to solve at least the above discussed problems.
US07961626B2 Resilient network
A network resilient to at least two points of failure comprises a plurality of nodes. A first path between a source node and a destination node is determined and a second path between a source node and a destination node is determined. The first and second paths are node-disjoint.
US07961617B2 System and method for wireless network congestion control
Congestion control provides congestion control for one or more shared resources in a wireless communication network. In one exemplary embodiment, a congestion controller manages congestion of shared packet data channels by under-serving selected ones of the data connections sharing the packet data channel. Such selective under-serving may be effected by biasing scheduling of service on the packet data channel toward maximum throughput scheduling such that connections associated with poor radio conditions are naturally under-served. Further, the controller may manage congestion of other shared resources, such as shared transmit power resources, wherein congestion of the shared power resource is managed by under-allocating transmit power to selected ones of the connections. Congestion is sensed, for example, by monitoring transmit buffer occupancy levels, and/or reserve power levels. In either case, congestion relief may be amplified where operation of the controller “triggers” flow control on the intentionally under-served ones of the active data connections.
US07961616B2 Method and apparatus for congestion control in a wireless communication system
Method and apparatus for congestion control in a wireless communication system. Individual target data rate values are assigned individual access terminals. The individual data rates of the access terminals are adjusted to achieve the corresponding individual target data rate values. If the target values are not achieved within a predetermined number of iterations, the individual data rate is adjusted. In one embodiment, the status of a congestion bit indicates the type of adjustment, such as increase or decrease, wherein the status of the congestion bit is determined by comparing a congestion parameter to a predetermined threshold. One embodiment implements an outerloop threshold having a margin with respect to the desired congestion metric threshold. According to one embodiment, a congestion indicator includes multiple bits, wherein at least one bit instructs the mobile station to use target values or else to adjust without regard to a target value.
US07961611B1 System and method for traffic allocation
A method for operating a control module to allocate traffic exchanges between an intermediate network and a plurality of carrier networks in a communication system is provided. The method includes monitoring first traffic transferring from the intermediate network to a first carrier network to determine an amount of outbound traffic, and monitoring second traffic transferring from the first carrier network to the intermediate network to determine an amount of inbound traffic. The method also includes determining a supplemental amount based on the amount of outbound traffic and the amount of inbound traffic, and transmitting a control message that identifies the supplemental amount to a second carrier network instructing the second carrier network to transfer supplemental traffic in an amount less than or equal to the supplemental amount.
US07961608B2 Control for admission to a data network for providing service quality
Control for admitting microflows to a data network consisting of allocating logic priority levels to these microflows making it possible to implement a microflow preemption order based on this logic priority. If the service quality required for a new microflow A cannot be ensured by the internal resources of the network, it is thus possible to free the internal resources of said network by preempting a lower logic priority microflow B.
US07961605B2 System and method for enabling management of a plurality of messages in a communication network
A method and system for enabling management of a plurality of messages in a communication network is provided. The method includes measuring an in-load and an out-service corresponding to a plurality of switching-nodes in the communication network. The method further includes marking at least one message in a switching-node with an Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN) to form at least one Precise ECN (PECN)-message, if at least one predefined criterion corresponding to a switching-node evaluates to true. Each PECN-message is encoded with measurements of the in-load and the out-service corresponding to the switching-node. Thereafter, one or more management functions are performed to modify egress of the plurality of messages from a source-node. The source-node transmits the plurality of messages to a destination-node through the switching-node.
US07961594B2 Methods and systems for history analysis for access paths in networks
A method and system for constructing and analyzing an access path event history in a network is provided. Inconsistencies in the physical and logical access paths when making changes in the network are detected and analyzed. Component events associated with network appliances are recorded and an event sequence is constructed. Root causes for the inconsistencies are identified and the access paths are repaired in conformance with the network access path policy. The method and systems can be applied to networks in general, and more particularly to storage area networks (SAN).
US07961593B2 Downlink acquisition
The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for detecting a preamble to enable acquisition of a downlink. In one aspect, there is provided a method. The method may include receiving a plurality of symbols. From an autocorrelation of the received symbols, a guard interval may be detected. The guard interval may represent a receive/transmit transition gap (RTG). A metric may be used to verify whether at least one symbol positioned after the detected guard interval is a preamble. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
US07961588B2 Communication device for receiving and transmitting OFDM signals in a wireless communication system
A communication device for transmitting orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) signals in a wireless communication system. The device includes a plurality of antenna elements that transmit the OFDM signals to a receiver over a plurality of transmission channels in the wireless communication system. The device also generates weight coefficients applied to each of the plurality of subcarrier signals, and controls an amplitude and/or phase of the plurality of subcarrier signals as a function of said weight coefficients.
US07961575B2 Automatic DTS CD Versus CD-DA detection within a file system-based device
A method of detection is described to be used in file system-based player devices to determine the type of compact disk that has been inserted into a player. The method automatically distinguishes between the DTS-CD format and standard audio CDs. The method allows the operating system or CPU software to take appropriate action to decode and playback the audio stream once the a decision between standard audio CD or DTS-CD is made.
US07961573B2 Write once disc allowing management of data area, method of managing the data area, and apparatus and method for reproducing data from write once disc
A write once disc allowing management of a data area, a method of managing the data area of the write once disc, an apparatus recording data on the write once disc, an apparatus and method of reproducing data from a write once disc. The write once disc, includes a lead-in zone, a data area, and a lead-out zone. The write once disc includes a predetermined area storing area allocation information which indicates whether at least one section of the data area is allocated for disc defect management. In the disc and method, area allocation information specifying a structure of the data area is recorded on the disc, thus allowing a recording/reproducing apparatus to recognize the data area structure. Therefore, allocating areas, such as a spare area, for disc defect management other than an area for storing user data, to the data area is possible. The allocation of the areas for disc defect management to the data area enables effective use of the write once disc.
US07961569B2 Information recording device capable of high speed physical reformatting and recording
An information recording device is provided, which is capable of performing physical reformatting at a high speed while avoiding unnecessary substitution processing after the physical reformatting. A disc recording and reproduction drive 1020 records information on an information recording medium including a volume space for recording user data, a spare area containing a substitute area that can be used instead of a defective area, and a defect management information area for recording defect management information. The defect management information includes defect location information indicating the location of defective areas and defect status information indicating the attributes of the defective area. The information recording device includes an initialization processing module 1072 which, during the physical reformatting of the information recording medium, while maintaining at least the defect location information portion of the defect management information, overwrites said defect status information with attributes indicating that said defective area has been physically reformatted.
US07961567B2 Optical disk apparatus
In an optical disk apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a management information retaining unit retains an information group which should regularly be recorded as disk management information. The disk management information is obtained from a disk loaded in the optical disk apparatus, and the obtained disk management information and the information group retained by the management information retaining unit are compared with each other to detect an error in the disk management information obtained from the disk. The detected error of the disk management information is corrected into regular information, and recording and reproducing operations are performed to the disk based on the corrected disk management information.
US07961566B2 Optical disc playback device
An optical disc playback device has a signal generating section, a shift set section, a shift drive section, a position storage section, an ascent/descent set section and an ascent/descent drive section. The signal generating section generates a focusing error signal and a tracking error signal and also outputs a RF signal. The shift set section sets the shift position of a pickup based on the tracking error signal. The shift drive section drives the pickup such that it is located at the set shift position. The position storage section makes the ascent/descent position of the pickup correspond to the shift position, and previously stores the relevant information. The ascent/descent set section determines an ascent/descent position corresponding to the set shift position by reading it from the position storage section. The ascent/descent drive section drives the pickup such that it is located at the determined ascent/descent position.
US07961557B2 Analog electronic watch
An analog electronic watch of the present invention includes: a display unit (2) for displaying time with a position of a hand; a stepper motor (3) for driving the hand; a motor drive unit (4) for controlling driving of the stepper motor at a predetermined hand drive cycle at normal time; hand position detection means (5) for detecting a position of the hand; a hand position detection means control unit (6) for intermittently controlling driving of the hand position detection means (5) at a first detection cycle which is longer than the hand drive cycle; and a detection cycle changing unit (7) for instructing the hand position detection means (5) to change the detection cycle. When detecting a predetermined detection cycle changing condition, the detection cycle changing unit (7) changes a cycle at which the hand position detection means (5) detects a position of the hand, from the first detection cycle to a second detection cycle, while maintaining the hand drive cycle at which the stepper motor (3) drives the hand.
US07961551B2 Determining directional propagation attributes of a seismic event
A technique includes obtaining seismic data acquired by at least one seismic sensor. The technique includes processing the seismic data to determine a value that is indicative of a three-dimensional directional propagation attribute of a seismic event based on the seismic data.
US07961550B2 Systems and methods of processing impulses including bullet pulses and/or muzzle pulses in association with time domain representations
Systems and method are disclosed for processing signals. In one exemplary implementation, a method may include transforming initial bullet data associated with one or more sensors into a set of discrete pulses, dividing the discrete pulses into pulse subsets, generating, for the subsets, time domain representations of the pulses, wherein the time domain representations include waveforms having pulse features, and processing the time domain representations to determine alignment between one or more of pulse features, pulses, pairs of channels, and/or pairs of sensors. One or more further implementations may include determining identity of pulses in association with a matching process performed as a function of the alignment, as well as, optionally, other pulse processing features/functionality.
US07961533B2 Method and apparatus for implementing write levelization in memory subsystems
Methods and apparatus for aligning a clock signal and a set of strobe signals are disclosed. In one embodiment, a memory controller includes a clock generator configured to generate the clock signal, and a respective strobe signal generator configured to generate each strobe signal. The memory controller further includes a phase recovery engine configured to receive an error signal from a corresponding memory device, wherein the error signal conveys an error indication indicative of an alignment of the strobe signal relative to the clock signal for each of a plurality of cycles of the strobe signal. The phase recovery engine includes an accumulator configured to maintain an accumulation value that depends upon the error indications for the plurality of cycles of the strobe signal. The strobe signal generator is configured to control a delay associated with generation of the strobe signal depending upon the accumulation value.
US07961532B2 Bimodal memory controller
A memory controller has a communication path which is coupled to an external, wired electrical path. The memory controller includes at least two alternative interface circuits to communicate with the external, wired electrical path using signals having one of two different formats. Each of the alternative interface circuits is electrically coupled to a corresponding signal connector, and only one of these signal connectors, in turn, is electrically coupled to the external path via an I/O pin or printed-circuit board connection (depending upon implementation). The remaining signal connector may be left electrically uncoupled from the external, wired electrical path, and, if desired, the corresponding remaining interface circuit may be left unused during operation of the memory controller.
US07961523B2 Nonvolatile memory device and programming method
Disclosed is a programming method for a nonvolatile memory device. The method includes; charging word-line signal lines to a pass voltage during a pass voltage charge operation, simultaneously executing an initial precharge operation for strings including program-inhibited cells during the pass voltage charge operation, and applying the pass voltage to word lines from the word-line signal lines in response to a block-selection enabling signal.
US07961518B2 Programming rate identification and control in a solid state memory
Memory devices adapted to receive and transmit analog data signals representative of bit patterns of two or more bits facilitate increases in data transfer rates relative to devices communicating data signals indicative of individual bits. Programming of such memory devices includes determining a rate of programming (i.e., rate of movement of the respective threshold voltage) of the memory cells and biasing the corresponding bit line with a programming rate control voltage that is greater than the bit line enable voltage and less than the inhibit voltage. This voltage can be adjusted to change the speed of programming. A capacitor coupled to the bit line stores the programming rate control voltage in order to maintain the proper bit line bias for the duration of the programming operation or until it is desired to change the programming rate.
US07961516B2 NAND flash memory and memory system
A NAND flash memory comprising blocks which are units of writing and deletion of data, the block comprising: memory cells from which data corresponding to values of held threshold voltages can be read by applying a reading voltage to control gates of the memory cells; source-side selection gate transistors connected between a common source line and the memory cells; drain-side selection gate transistors connected between a bit line and the memory cells; and monitor cells which are configured as the memory cells and have a threshold voltage set according to monitor data, and from which data corresponding to values of held threshold voltages can be read by applying a decision voltage to control gates of the monitor cells.
US07961508B2 Phase-change random access memory
A phase-change random access memory includes a memory block including a plurality of memory columns corresponding to the same column address and using different input/output paths; a redundancy memory block including a plurality of redundancy memory columns using different input/output paths; and an input/output controller repairing at least one of the plurality of memory columns using at least one of the plurality of redundancy memory columns, and controlling the number of memory columns simultaneously repaired using redundancy memory columns in response to an input/output repair mode control signal.
US07961502B2 Non-volatile state retention latch
Electronic circuits use latches including a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure and logic circuitry arranged to produce a selective state in the MTJ structure. Because the selective state is maintained magnetically, the state of the latch or electronic circuit can be maintained even while power is removed from the electronic device.
US07961499B2 Low leakage high performance static random access memory cell using dual-technology transistors
A memory cell includes a storage element, a write circuit coupled to the storage element and a read circuit coupled to the storage element. At least a portion of the storage element and at least a portion of the write circuit are fabricated using a thicker functional gate oxide and at least a portion of the read circuit is fabricated using a thinner functional gate oxide.
US07961490B2 Generating ROM bit cell arrays
A method of generating a ROM bit cell array layout is provided, the method comprising the steps of: inputting a predetermined memory architecture having a predetermined positioning of bit lines and virtual ground lines, said memory architecture comprising a plurality of columns of memory cells, each column of memory cells being located between its own associated bit line and its own associated virtual ground line, and adjacent memory cells in each column of memory cells sharing a common connection to either said associated bit line or said associated virtual ground line; evaluating a possible range of width of active area of each of said columns of memory cells, in dependence on said predetermined positioning of bit lines and virtual ground lines; selecting a final width of active area in dependence on at least one performance characteristic associated with said final width of active area; and generating said ROM bit cell array layout according to said final width of active area. Thus the system designer can reuse an existing memory architecture, yet still retain an advantageous degree of flexibility with regard to performance characteristic selection of the final ROM bit cell array.
US07961487B2 Power converter device
A power module having three unit power modules and a control circuit board including a gate drive circuit are set up side by side and mounted on a heat exchanger. A pair of positive and negative direct current terminals for connecting the smoothing capacitor and a plurality of alternating current terminals for inputting and outputting polyphase alternating current are integrally-molded into a power module case of the power module. A plurality of control pins for providing switching devices mounted on the unit power modules with control signals are set up on the opposite side of the side where the direct current terminals and the alternating current terminals are set up, which is figured as located in the right of the drawing. The control pins of the switching devices of the unit power modules and the gate signal output terminals of the control circuit board are wire-bonded. The smoothing capacitor is mounted on the side or top of the power module.
US07961485B2 Method of forming a PWM controller and structure therefor
In one embodiment, a PWM controller is configured to inhibit forming a drive signal responsively to an overload sense signal having a value that is no greater than a first value for a first time interval and to form a first duration of the first time interval responsively to the overload sense signal.
US07961480B2 Device for housing and connection of accessories for switches
The present invention relates to a device for housing and connection of accessories, particularly for low-voltage automatic switches, comprising an integrated wiring support. In particular, the housing and connection device (1) has a shaped structure (10) comprising an integrated wiring bus for electrical connection of the accessories. The shaped structure (10) moreover comprises one or more seats (20, 21, 22, 23, 24) for housing the accessories.
US07961466B2 High voltage bushing, a method of cooling a conductor thereof, and an electric power distribution system comprising such a bushing
A high voltage bushing including an elongated electric conductor, a tubular insulator surrounding the conductor, and cooling mechanism for cooling the conductor. The cooling mechanism includes at least one cooling element extending along a fraction of the length of the conductor and in thermal connection with the conductor.
US07961465B2 Low cost liquid cooling
A system for cooling processor assembly is disclosed which comprises printed circuit boards (PCB) with a plurality of heat emitting electronic components, and a housing for each PCB with a heat sink covering at least partly the heat emitting electronic components. The housing comprises a base portion to which are transferred heat emitted by the electronic components. Furthermore, the system for cooling processor comprises a cooling plate on which are fixed in series the different PCBs by directly positioning the base portion of the housings onto the cooling plate. The housings for each PCB system include at their base portions clamps to be inserted into corresponding guiding holes of the cooling plate when a PCB together with its housing is positioned onto the cooling plate at a specific therefor dedicated place defined by the guiding holes. Advantageously, the PCB together with its housing is pressed against the cooling plate alongside the base portion when fixed onto the cooling plate allowing thermal coupling between the housing and the cooling plate and a hot plugging of the PCB onto the cooling plate without requiring interrupting the cooling process applied to the cooling plate.
US07961451B2 Ion generating element, and ion generating apparatus equipped with same
An ion generating element includes a positive ion discharger for generating positive ions and a negative ion discharger for generating negative ions. The ion dischargers are arranged separately from and independently of each other with a distance securing insulation between them. At least one of the dischargers includes a discharging portion for causing electric discharge, and a conducting portion having a voltage same as the discharging portion. The conducting portion surrounds a perimeter or part of the discharging portion. The conducting portion may surround a perimeter or part of the discharging portion so as to partition the ion dischargers from each other.
US07961448B2 Drive control method and unit for micro machine device
A drive control method for a micro machine device is provided. The micro machine device is made up of first and second electrodes opposed to each other and a dielectric layer disposed between them. The drive control method includes the steps of applying a control voltage between the first and the second electrodes so that an electrostatic force is exerted on the first and the second electrodes for displacing the first or the second electrode, and switching polarity of the control voltage at a predetermined period or a shorter period.
US07961441B2 Exchange coupled film including hafnium and amorphous layers usable in a magnetoresistive element in a thin-film magnetic head
The exchange coupled film according to the present invention comprises a buffer layer including a laminate in which an amorphous layer and a hafnium layer are laminated in that order, an antiferromagnetic layer laminated on the hafnium layer of the buffer layer via an intermediate layer with a thickness of at least 2 nm, and a pinned magnetic layer laminated on the antiferromagnetic layer.
US07961433B2 Air-bearing design for hard disk drive (HDD) applications
A slider is formed with an ABS topography that eliminates the accumulation of lubricant swept from the surface of a rotating disk in an operating HDD. The topography includes air channeling grooves in which are formed backflow blocking elements that prevent the formation airflow patterns that would cause lubricant to be aspirated into the ABS topography of the slider and that create airflow patterns that sweep lubricant away from the ABS of the slider. The topography is first tested to make sure that the slider has the proper flying height and aerodynamic stability, then the backflow blocking elements are added to control the airflow, while maintaining the desired flying height and stability.
US07961430B2 Tape path control system with precision-aligned conjugated rollers
A tape path control system and related method for controlling the position of a tape medium in the tape drive. The tape path includes a first tape guide roller, a second tape guide roller spaced from the first roller, and a transducing head situated between the first and second rollers. The first and second rollers may be large and closely spaced, with the second tape guide roller being spaced from the first roller at a roller diameter/center-to-center spacing ratio of between approximately 1:1-1:2 while still accommodating the transducing head therebetween. A precision alignment system is associated with the second roller. When operable, the precision alignment system allows the second roller to be adjustably aligned relative to the first roller in order to control lateral tape movement when a tape medium streams across the rollers in operative engagement with the transducing head.
US07961427B2 High performance computer hard disk drive with a carbon overcoat and method of improving hard disk performance
A high performance hard disk drive is disclosed in which a flying read/write head runs in contact or in near contact with a rotating platter. In this design there is no wear of the hard disk platter or flying head due to both head and platter being coated with an amorphous carbon that has an exceptionally low coefficient of friction in a sealed, inert gas environment. The overcoat contains carbon in the range between about 52 and 80 atomic percent and hydrogen in the range between about 20 to 48 atomic percent. There is no lubricant required in this design, which eliminates a significant cause of hard drive failure from oxidation of the lubricant, stiction and rippling of the lubricant. This contact method achieves a high areal density with no wear, within a robust, hermetically sealed environment.
US07961426B2 Disk device
According to one embodiment, a disk device includes a base having a bottom wall, a motor provided on the base, a disk rotatably supported on the motor, a head, and a head actuator which supports the head for movement with respect to the recording medium. The bottom wall of the base includes a recess opposing a movement region for the head actuator and a first step portion and a second step portion which individually extend from the vicinities of the motor to the vicinities of an outer peripheral edge of the recording medium and define the recess. At least a part of the first step portion is located on the opposite side of the head actuator with respect to a line which connects an outer end portion of the first step portion and a center of rotation of the recording medium.
US07961424B2 Multilevel pulse position modulation for efficient encoding of information into servo patterns
A storage medium on which servo patterns are encoded to provide lateral and longitudinal position (LPOS) information is provided. Each of the servo patterns includes a servo frame, including first through fourth bursts, which are each independently modulated with multi-level pulse position modulation (PPM) to encode at least one independent bit per burst.
US07961422B1 Disk drive computing data center off-track from repeatable runout of write servo track and read servo track
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk having a plurality of servo tracks that define a plurality of data tracks, and a head actuated over the disk by a voice coil motor (VCM), wherein the head comprises a read element offset radially from a write element. The read element is positioned over a first servo track and the write element is positioned over a second servo track, and a first repeatable runout (RRO) of the first servo track is measured. The read element is positioned over the second servo track, and a second RRO of the second servo track is measured. A data center off-track is computed in response to the first RRO and the second RRO.
US07961421B1 Servo band identification and initial skew estimation in drives having flangeless rollers and systems thereof
According to one embodiment, a system includes a plurality of synchronous servo channels with each synchronous servo channel including a servo reader included in a magnetic head, and logic for applying a plurality of first control signals to a skew-following loop. Each first control signal includes a reference shift value, each reference shift value corresponds to one of a number of hypotheses, and each hypothesis corresponds to one servo band set. The system also includes logic for computing an average difference between lateral position estimates from the plurality of synchronous servo channels, logic for selecting a hypothesis from the number of hypotheses that corresponds to a maximum of the computed average difference, and logic for applying a second control signal to the skew-following loop. The second control signal includes a reference shift value that corresponds to the selected hypothesis. Other systems and methods are also described.
US07961417B2 Heat assisted magnetic recording apparatus having a plurality of near-field transducers in a recording media
An apparatus includes a recording media including a substrate, a plurality of islands of magnetic material on the substrate, and a non-magnetic material between the islands, a recording head having an air bearing surface positioned adjacent to the recording media, and including a magnetic pole, and an optical transducer, wherein the optical transducer directs electromagnetic radiation onto recording media to heat portions of the recording media and a magnetic field from the magnetic pole is used to set the direction of the magnetization in the heated portions of the recording media, and a plurality of near-field transducers, each positioned adjacent to one of the islands to increase coupling between the electromagnetic radiation and the magnetic material.
US07961412B2 Actuator apparatus and image pickup unit
An actuator apparatus of the present invention includes a movable body that is arranged so as to be movable forward or rearward, and a shape memory alloy wire that is provided directly or indirectly to the movable body so as to enter a non-tension state at an ordinary temperature. The shape memory alloy wire is subjected to expansion/contraction control in which an electric current is applied thereto from a power supply portion of an external control circuit portion to change a temperature thereof to a predetermined temperature.
US07961408B2 Five-lens image lens system
A five-lens image lens system is revealed. The five-lens image lens system includes a first lens group with a negative power and a second lens group with a positive power. Along an optical axis in order from an object plane to an image plane, the first lens group includes a negative first lens and a negative second lens while at least one of optical surfaces of the first lens and the second lens is an aspherical optical surface. The second lens group includes a positive third lens, a positive fourth lens, and a negative fifth lens from the object plane to the image plane while an image-side lens surface of the positive fourth lens is glued with an object-side lens surface of the negative fifth lens. The image lens system satisfies the following conditions: 2R2>R4>R2, 2|F12|<|F34|, and Vd1>Vd2, Vd4>Vd5; wherein R2, R4 respectively represent curvature radius of the image-side lens surface of the negative first lens and the negative second lens; f12, f34 respectively represent focal length of the negative first lens and the negative second lens; Vd1, Vd2, Vd4, Vd5 respectively are Abbe numbers of the first lens, the second lens, the fourth lens, and the fifth lens. Thus the image lens system has features of wide viewing angle, small Fno, high brightness, high resolution, and effectively minimized length (through the lens, TTL). Therefore, the applications and effects of the image lens system are improved and especially suitable for lens of EDR (Event Data Recorder) of car safety systems.
US07961403B2 Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same
A zoom lens includes a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power, a third lens unit having a positive refractive power, and a rear group including at least one lens unit. The first lens unit, the second lens unit, the third lens unit, and the rear group are arranged in order from an object side to an image side. The second and third lens units move for zooming. Imaging magnifications of the second lens unit at a wide angle end and a telephoto end, imaging magnifications of the third lens unit at the wide angle end and the telephoto end, a moving amount of the third lens unit along an optical axis during zooming from the wide angle end to the telephoto end, and a total lens length at the telephoto end are set based on predetermined conditions.
US07961399B2 SLM projection display with series DMD illuminator
The addition of DMD illumination modulator(s) 702 in series with projection SLM(s) 706/709 to produce high-performance projection displays with improved optical efficiency, reliability, and lower maintenance requirements. This approach eliminates the vibration, audible noise, and safety problems associated with high speed rotating color filter wheels 203 commonly used in SLM projectors and controls the light applied to individual areas of the projection SLM(s).
US07961396B2 Diffractive optical system and optical device
A diffractive optical system including a diffractive optical element has a concave lens component having a first diffractive optical surface, and an optical member having a second diffractive optical surface, the concave lens component and the optical member being arranged so that the first diffractive optical surface and the second diffractive optical surface face each other, and the conditional expression 0.003
US07961392B2 Polarization beam splitter and polarization conversion element
A disclosed polarization beam splitter is effective when light to undergo polarization-splitting has an incidence angle that falls in a range of 54 degrees through 66 degrees. The polarization beam splitter includes, between two transparent substrates, an adhesive layer configured to adhere to a first transparent substrate of the two transparent substrates, two or more types of dielectric multilayer films having different design basis wavelengths, and a single-layer dielectric film. The dielectric multilayer films and the single-layer dielectric film form a polarization split film, which performs a polarization split function with respect to light that is substantially in the visible wavelength region.
US07961385B2 Light microscope
An assistant microscope add-on device for a surgical microscope (1) comprises an objective (22) inclined relative to an object plane (10) with an object field (10′), wherein the objective defines an objective plane (22′) and an objective axis (16′) perpendicular thereto forming an angle α larger than 0° to the surface normal of the object plane (10). A tube (23) and an eyepiece (24) having an eyepiece lens (27) defining an eyepiece plane (27′) and an eyepiece axis (35) perpendicular thereto. Due to the oblique viewing angle, an intermediate image plane (26) to be imaged by the eyepiece (24) is inclined relative to the objective plane (22′). The resulting aberration is eliminated by the eyepiece axis (35) and the objective axis (16′) forming an angle β of larger than 0°, wherein the angle β is so chosen that the eyepiece axis (35) is substantially perpendicular to the intermediate image plane (26). Consequently, the object field (10′) is imaged free of distortion and sharply across the entire image area.
US07961384B2 Device and method for examining chemical and/or biological samples, and objective cap
A device for examining chemical and/or biological samples is provided that includes a sample carrier. The sample carrier includes a sample carrier wall through which a sample is examined with the aid of an objective. The objective includes an exit lens that defines a gap towards an outer surface of the sample carrier wall, in which gap a film of an immersion material can be arranged such that the film is in contact with both the outer surface and the exit lens. The exit lens is surrounded by an objective cap. To improve protection of the objective from becoming fouled by the immersion medium, the objective cap includes a capillary channel connected with a suction device for discharging the immersion medium.
US07961381B2 Combined day and night weapon sight
A combination day/night sight includes an image intensifying sensor/display combination and a daytime optical path length compensator that may be selectively placed within the optical path. Use of the optical path length compensator when the image intensifying sensor/display is not being used eliminates the need for moving optical elements. The night sight therefore requires no change in focus or bore sight adjustment after switching between day and night operations.
US07961376B2 Reducing adherence in a MEMS device
In one embodiment, an apparatus for reducing adherence in a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device comprises a substrate. A MEMS is disposed outwardly from the substrate. The MEMS comprises structures and corresponding landing pads. Dibs are disposed outwardly from the substrate. Each dib has a surface with depressions. An adherence-reducing material is disposed within each depression. The adherence-reducing material reduces adherence between at least a portion of a structure and a corresponding landing pad.
US07961375B2 Multi-cell solid-state electrochromic device
A multi-cell electrochromic device comprises a plurality of solid-state electrochromic cells that are arranged in an optical alignment. Each electrochromic cell is separated from an adjacent electrochromic cell in the optical alignment by a transparent conductive layer that is shared by the two adjacent electrochromic cells.
US07961374B2 Thermal control of optical filter with local silicon frame
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a thermally controlled optical filter comprises a frame coupled to an etalon where the frame includes a resistive thermal device disposed on the frame to obtain thermal measurements of the etalon during operation. The frame may be generally L-shaped or generally square-shaped. The frame may include a fillet that is generally planar, generally beveled or trapezoidal, or generally circular in shape. A heater may be additionally disposed on the frame. The etalon and frame subassembly may be bonded to a micro hot plate that is capable of heating the etalon to an operational temperature.
US07961373B2 High-resolution digital phase modulator for a fiber-optic signal transmission or measurement device
A digital phase modulator for a fiber-optic measurement device. A predetermined total number of electrodes of different lengths are arranged in parallel and on both sides of a light guidance path in or on an optical substrate. The electrodes are arranged in two or more triples along the light guidance path. In each case, two electrodes of successive length within a triple have the same length ratio with respect to one another. Such length ratio is chosen, in particular, to be ν=1.618. The electrode lengths of this triple are chosen such that the smallest step widths of the output value range of the phase modulator can be formed by subtraction between the values of at least two larger electrodes. This allows the resolution of the phase modulator to be increased from 9 bits to 11 bits without change in chip size.
US07961372B2 Photochromic films and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a photochromic film which is formed by curing a photochromic composition and includes a multifunctional (metha)acrylate-based monomer that has two or more functional groups, and a photochromic dye, a product including the same, and a method for producing the photochromic film.
US07961356B2 Image processing apparatus including adjustable shading profile and shading method thereof
Embodiments of image processing apparatuses and methods according to the present general inventive concept may generate and/or store shading profile information based on an image characteristic relative to a prescribed condition of that characteristic such as according to brightness equal to or above a prescribed (e.g., minimum or lower) brightness level or the like. An embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present general inventive concept may include a scanning unit to scan an inputted image and an image processor to process the inputted image based on shading profile information determined according to brightness equal to or above a minimum brightness level.
US07961340B2 Printer, printing system and printing method for preventing abnormal printing
A printer prints a print job having a plurality of blocks each of which has a block size section and corresponding data that should be printed. A receiving section receives the print job from an external apparatus. A comparing section compares a content of the block size section with a threshold value. When the content of the block size section exceeds the threshold value, a discarding section discards a subsequent portion of the data. The threshold value is set to a user's desired value.
US07961338B2 Image forming apparatus and method of the same
When a sheet P is jammed after start of a print job, it is determined whether an automatic resumption mode for automatically resuming the print job is set. When a determination result of this determination is affirmative, the print job is resumed after the jam is released. When the determination result is negative, the print job is stopped.
US07961332B2 Fiber-optic heterodyne imaging vibrometer
A method and system for performing two-dimensional laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) are disclosed. A high speed fiber optic heterodyne imaging vibrometer can be used for the imaging of high speed surface deformation and/or vibration. Images provided by the high speed fiber optic heterodyne imaging vibrometer can be representative of movement, e.g., displacement or vibration, of the surface being imaged.
US07961316B2 Optical spectrum analyzer with continuously rotating tunable filter
An optical spectrum analyzer is implemented with a detector combined with a tunable filter mounted on a stage capable of 360-degree rotation at a constant velocity. Because of the constant rate of angular change, different portions of the input spectrum are detected at each increment of time as a function of filter position, which can be easily measured with an encoder for synchronization purposes. The unidirectional motion of the mirror permits operation at very high speeds with great mechanical reliability. The same improvements may be obtained using a diffraction grating or a prism, in which case the detector or an intervening mirror may be rotated instead of the grating or prism.
US07961315B2 Fluorescence detection enhancement using photonic crystal extraction
Enhancement of fluorescence emission from fluorophores bound to a sample and present on the surface of two-dimensional photonic crystals is described. The enhancement of fluorescence is achieved by the combination of high intensity near-fields and strong coherent scattering effects, attributed to leaky photonic crystal eigenmodes (resonance modes). The photonic crystal simultaneously exhibits resonance modes which overlap both the absorption and emission wavelengths of the fluorophore. A significant enhancement in fluorescence intensity from the fluorophores on the photonic crystal surface is demonstrated.
US07961314B2 Methods and systems for simultaneous real-time monitoring of optical signals from multiple sources
Methods and systems for real-time monitoring of optical signals from arrays of signal sources, and particularly optical signal sources that have spectrally different signal components. Systems include signal source arrays in optical communication with optical trains that direct excitation radiation to and emitted signals from such arrays and image the signals onto detector arrays, from which such signals may be subjected to additional processing.
US07961304B2 Optical device components
Embodiments of the invention relate to a light illumination funnel. The funnel includes a first opening positioned to receive an incoming light source, a second opening positioned opposite the first opening and with a diameter smaller than the first opening and inner reflective walls, in contact with the first opening and second opening. The funnel has a half angle of less than 25 degrees. Embodiments also relate to a light collection funnel and an apparatus utilizing both a light illumination funnel and light collection funnel.
US07961289B2 Immersion exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method with no liquid recovery during exposure
An exposure apparatus that by irradiating an exposure light, via a projection optical system and a liquid, on a substrate placed on the image plane side of the projection optical system, exposes the substrate, the exposure apparatus includes: a liquid supply system that supplies the liquid onto the substrate and a liquid recovery system that recovers the liquid having been supplied on the substrate. When the exposure light is being irradiated on the image plane side of the projection optical system, the liquid recovery system does not perform recovery of the liquid.
US07961282B2 Liquid crystal display device having conductive layers in a groove portion between a sealing region and a display region
An LCD device has a pair of substrates including orientation films on surfaces thereof which face opposing substrates. The substrate on which signal lines are formed, on a side thereof which is disposed between a region on which sealing material is arranged and a display region and along which the signal lines extend to the outside of the sealing material from the display region, includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer and an insulation layer which is interposed therebetween. The insulation layer extends in the direction at least along an outer periphery of the display region, and includes groove portion having a recessed groove which opens on the orientation film side. The first conductive layer is covered on the surface of the recessed groove. The signal lines are formed in a state that the signal lines go around the recessed groove.
US07961270B2 Display device with low scratch visibility and manufacturing method thereof
A display device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The display device includes a light guide, a light source, and a brightness enhancement film (BEF), and a dual brightness enhancement film (DBEF). The light guide has a first edge along a first direction and a second edge adjacent to the first edge corresponding to the light source. The BEF is disposed on the light guide and has a plurality of prisms along a second direction which rotates from 0 to 90 degrees with respect to the first direction. The DBEF has a transmission axis along a third direction which also rotates from 0 to 90 degrees with respect to the first direction.
US07961268B2 Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device which can enhance display quality and reliability by preventing the intrusion of foreign materials to a display screen of a liquid crystal display panel thus preventing the adhesion of the foreign materials to the display screen of the liquid crystal display panel. On an upper surface of a peripheral portion of a split mold frame housing a liquid crystal display panel, rubber cushions which are split in four are arranged at corner portions of the peripheral portion in an adhesive manner. With respect to the split portions of the rubber cushions at the corner portion, on a long-side mold frame, extending portions formed by extending both end portions of the long-side rubber cushion larger than a predetermined length are integrally formed and are arranged in an adhesive manner. On a short-side mold frame, a short-side rubber cushion having a predetermined length is arranged. A connecting portion is formed at the corner portion in a state that the end portions of the long-side rubber cushion and short-side rubber cushion intersect with each other in an approximately T-shape.
US07961266B2 Array substrate, a correcting method thereof, and a liquid crystal display device
An array substrate in which a short circuit between a line branch of an auxiliary capacitance line and a pixel electrode can be easily corrected comprises the pixel electrode connected to a switching element arranged near the intersection between a scanning line and a signal line and the auxiliary capacitance line arranged in a layer below the pixel electrode, wherein the auxiliary capacitance line comprises a line trunk arranged substantially parallel to the scanning line and a line branch extending from the line trunk, and the pixel electrode is provided with an aperture which crosses the line branch of the auxiliary capacitance line.
US07961265B2 Array substrate, display panel having the same and method of driving the same
An array substrate includes first and second gate lines, a data line, a pixel electrode, a domain electrode, first, second and third switching elements, and a voltage-changing part. The domain-dividing electrode divides the first and second pixel parts into a plurality of areas. The first, second and third switching elements are controlled by a first gate signal applied from the first gate line. The first, second and third switching elements apply a data signal received from the data line to the first and second pixel parts and the domain-dividing electrode, respectively. The voltage-changing part is controlled by a second gate signal applied from the second gate line. The voltage-changing part increases a voltage level of the domain-dividing electrode and decreases a voltage level of the second pixel part.
US07961259B2 Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes: a camera having a lens barrel incorporating an imaging device and a photographic optical system for introducing a subject image to the imaging device; a bracket for supporting the camera; a guide member attached onto the camera, the guide member having a cylindrical surface extending about an axis of the lens barrel in a state in which the guide member is attached on the camera; a plurality of bearing members provided to the bracket and supporting the cylindrical surface so that the cylindrical surface is rotatable about the axis of the lens barrel; and a fixing device for fixing the camera to the bracket.
US07961251B2 Method and apparatus for conversion of video formats to 120 Hz 4 to 1 interlaced formats
A method for converting video data in a first video format to video data in a second interlaced video format comprising: determining a number of frames of the first video format to map into a frame of the second video format, the frame of the second video format having four fields; determining a number of lines from each of the number of frames of the first video format to be mapped into each of the four fields of the frame of the second video format; selecting the determined number of lines from each of the number of frames of the first video format; determining a sequence for mapping the number of selected lines into the fields of the frame of the second video format; and mapping the selected lines from each of the number frames of the first video format into the four fields of the frame of the second video format according to the determined sequence.
US07961249B2 Digital camera having interconnected image processing units
A digital camera is provided having a memory for digitally storing an image captured by the camera, and a plurality of substantially identical processing elements functionally interconnected to each other via a crossbar switch for processing the stored image. The processing elements are connected to the memory via a bus external to the crossbar switch. The crossbar switch is selectively configurable to pass data of the stored image directly between the processing elements.
US07961238B2 Solid-state image pickup device and method for driving the same in a number of modes
A system and method for driving a solid-state image pickup device including a pixel array unit including unit pixels. Each unit pixel includes a photoelectric converter, column signal lines and a number of analog-digital converting units. The unit pixels are selectively controlled in units of rows. Analog signals output from the unit pixels in a row selected by the selective control though the column signal lines are converted to digital signals via the analog-digital converting units. The digital signals are added among a number of unit pixels via the analog-digital converting units. The added digital signals from the analog-digital converting units are read. Each unit pixel in the pixel array unit is selectively controlled in units of arbitrary rows, the analog-distal converting units being operable to performing the converting in a (a) normal-frame-rate mode and a (b) high-frame-rate mode in response to control signals.
US07961236B2 Circuit for processing a time-discrete analog signal and image sensor
A circuit for processing an analog signal having a time sequence of discrete signal levels, each of which lies in a time interval and represents an information-bearing segment of the interval while the rest of the time interval is a non-information-bearing segment, comprises a transistor in emitter-follower or source-follower configuration, a high emitter or source resistance or, instead, a high-ohm constant current source, and a device for applying a voltage supply, as well as a switch which is connected between the emitter and a reference potential to prevent a current from flowing via the high-ohm resistance or the high-ohm voltage source for charge reversal of an output capacitance of the circuit in one direction, whereas for charge reversal in the other direction the dynamic current boosting effect of the transistor is exploited. This results in a fast emitter-follower or source-follower circuit which is particularly suitable as the output stage for image sensors.
US07961226B2 System for adapting device standards after manufacture
The present invention provides a digital imaging apparatus having an optical sensor, an analog-to-digital converter, a plurality of computational elements, and an interconnection network. The optical sensor converts an object image into a detected image, which is then converted to digital image information by the analog-to-digital converter. The plurality of computational elements includes a first computational element having a first fixed architecture and a second computational element having a second, different fixed architecture. The interconnection network is capable of providing a processed digital image from the digital image information by configuring and reconfiguring the plurality of computational elements for performance of a plurality of different imaging functions. The invention may be embodied, for example, as a digital camera, a scanner, a printer, or a dry copier.
US07961225B2 Data processing apparatus, method of controlling data processing apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium for use in controlling image sensing processing and image processing
The digital camera according to an embodiment executes image sensing processing first, if interruption processing occurs during transfer parameter setting processing. Thus, the user does not miss a photo opportunity.
US07961223B2 Image sensor for surpressing movement of an image sensor due to change in urging direction of a spring
In this image sensor, a first spring member is so arranged that the urging direction of the first spring member is inclined with respect to the axis of a first rotating shaft of a first driving source thereby inclining a transmission member urged by the first spring member with respect to the axis of the first rotating shaft and bringing the transmission member into contact with a first pressing member engaging with the first rotating shaft, so that the first pressing member engages with the first rotating shaft while the axis of the first pressing member is inclined with respect to the axis of the first rotating shaft.
US07961218B2 Image input apparatus, program executed by computer, and method for preparing document with image
A digital camera inputs an image capture guide list including at least one of image titles as targets to be recorded, and displays the image title(s) included in the image capture guide list on its display part. User takes a picture or pictures while checking the image title(s) in the image capture guide list.
US07961216B2 Real-time composite image comparator
An apparatus and method for preparing a composite image from a video data stream and for identifying changed features in two composite images. Frames from the video data stream are transformed to a projected 2D image, aligned with adjacent frames and overlapping areas are averaged to provide a higher apparent resolution. The composite image can be stored in real-time. As a second composite image is prepared of the same location at a later time, portions of the second image can be compared to corresponding portions of the stored image after the intensities of the images are equalized. Image areas whose absolute difference exceeds a threshold are again intensity equalized. Areas that are again above threshold can be flagged for further scrutiny, either by a human or by a machine that performs object recognition. In this way, composite video images of a scene can be prepared and compared in real-time.
US07961211B2 Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus
An optical scanning device includes a light source; a light source driving unit configured to modulate/drive the light source; a pulse width information holding unit configured to hold pulse width information items of predetermined pixels corresponding to scanning positions on a scan target surface; a deflecting unit including a reflection surface configured to deflect/scan a light beam from the light source; and a scan-imaging optical system configured to image the light beam deflected by the deflecting unit on the scan target surface. The pulse width information holding unit holds the pulse width information items which cancel out deviations of main scanning beam spot diameters among the scanning positions on the scan target surface; and the light source driving unit drives the light source based on the pulse width information items held by the pulse width information holding unit.
US07961201B1 Method and apparatus for producing graphical machine vision content for distribution via a network
A method and system is provided for viewing machine vision information. The machine vision information includes machine vision data representing a sequence of machine vision processing steps. The machine vision information pertaining to a machine vision process on a given machine vision processor is produced. The machine vision information is displayed at a device remotely located from the given machine vision processor. A selection interface is provided on the device to allow a user to view the machine vision data corresponding to at least one stage of the machine vision processing.
US07961194B2 Method of controlling in real time the switching of modes of parallel operation of a multi-mode parallel graphics processing subsystem embodied within a host computing system
A method of controlling the mode of parallel operation of a multi-mode parallel graphics processing system (MMPGPS) embodied within a host computing system having (i) host memory space (HMS) for storing one or more graphics-based applications and a graphics library for generating graphics commands and data (GCAD) during the run-time (i.e. execution) of the graphics-based application, (ii) one or more CPUs for executing said graphics-based applications, (iii) a display device for displaying images containing graphics during the execution of said graphics-based applications, and (iv) a multi-mode parallel graphics rendering subsystem supporting multiple modes of parallel operation selected from the group consisting of object division, image division, and time division and having a plurality of graphic processing pipelines (GPPLs) supporting a parallel graphics rendering process that employs one of the object division, image division and/or time division modes of parallel operation.
US07961188B2 Persistent formatting for interactive charts
User requested format alterations to interactive chart elements, including, but not limited to, legends, axes, gridlines, data labels, axes labels, error bars, and datapoints, whether they be represented as points, bars, pie wedges, etc., are persisted in spite of chart navigations, underlying data changes and/or format alterations. Interactive chart element format persistence is maintained by the association and storing of data identifying a format change on the data and index rule for the respective chart element.
US07961185B2 Graphics processing apparatus, methods and computer program products utilizing minimum-depth occlusion culling and zig-zag traversal
A plurality of rows of tiles is defined in a graphics display field comprising a plurality of rows of pixels, each tile including pixels from at least two rows of pixels. Occlusion flags for respective tiles of a row of tiles for a graphics primitive are set based on whether respective representative depth values for the tiles of the row of tiles meet an occlusion criterion. Pixels in rows of pixels corresponding to the row of tiles are processed for the graphics primitive in a row-by-row manner responsive to the occlusion flags. The processing may include processing rows of pixels in the row of tiles using a zig-zag traversal algorithm.
US07961181B2 Light sensing circuit, backlight control apparatus having the same, and liquid crystal display device having the same
A light sensing circuit capable of enhancing a reliability by lowering a dependency on a temperature change without using a resistor, a backlight control apparatus having the same, and an LCD device having the same. The light sensing circuit includes a first MOS-transistor; and a second MOS-transistor serially connected to the first MOS-transistor between a first power terminal and a ground terminal, in which a second power terminal is connected to each gate terminal of the first MOS-transistor and the second MOS-transistor, and an optical amount detecting terminal is connected to a common connection point between a drain terminal of the first MOS-transistor and a source terminal of the second MOS-transistor.
US07961179B2 Integrated driving apparatus for display apparatus
An integrated driving apparatus having an elongated shape mounted at a peripheral portion of a display apparatus comprising a display section on a panel substrate comprises a logic section, a power supply circuit section, and a D/A converter. The logic section comprises a digital display data processor and a timing signal generator which generates a timing control signal necessary for the display apparatus and the D/A converter converts digital display data obtained by the digital display data processor into analog data. The power supply circuit section generates a power supply voltage used in the display apparatus using a signal from the timing signal generator. The power supply circuit section and the D/A converter are provided on left and right of the logic section with the logic section therebetween so that the power supply circuit section and the D/A converter are placed adjacent to the logic section along a long side direction of the elongated shape of the integrated driving apparatus.
US07961178B1 Method and system for reordering isochronous hub streams
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method and system for reordering a plurality of pixel data returned by a frame buffer in a display system. The method includes the steps of recording the order of a plurality of requests for pixel data arriving at the frame buffer as a first sequence, wherein the plurality of requests is further associated with a first request stream, associating each pixel data returned by a frame buffer partition in the frame buffer in response to the plurality of requests with an independently operating data thread, wherein each of the data threads is further associated with the first request stream and the frame buffer partition, and retrieving the pixel data for display in a same sequence as the first sequence from the data threads.
US07961177B2 Input pen storage
An input pen storage includes a pen holding part coupled to an input pen; a loader having an arm having a pen constraining part for constraining the pen holding part; an obstruct member for expanding the arm; an extendable lock mechanism having an extension state and a return state for constraining a base holding member on the loader; and a forcing member exerting an outward force on the loader. When the loader is displaced to a hold position to change the extendable lock mechanism from the extension state to the return state, the pen constraining part constrains the pen holding part and the extendable lock mechanism constrains the base holding member so that the input pen is held firmly along with the loader.
US07961168B2 Display-device drive circuit and drive method, display device, and projection display device
To provide a drive circuit, a drive method, a display device, and a projection display device capable of increasing contrast of an image a mean gray level (first gray level characterizing brightness) Gf is detected from an image signal DATA per unit time. On the basis of the mean gray level Gf, a variation signal ΔS is set. By supplying the variation signal ΔS to an opposing electrode, the image signal DATA applied to a liquid crystal layer is modulated. In accordance with an increase in the mean gray level Gf, the gray level of an effective signal applied to the liquid crystal layer (image signal modulated using the variation signal ΔS) is set to be greater than the gray level of the unmodulated image signal.
US07961161B2 Display system comprising a mirror device with micromirrors controlled to operate in intermediate oscillating state
A display system includes a spatial light modulator for displaying a image by the modulation state of a plurality of micromirrors, and a control device for controlling the spatial light modulator. The control device includes a data conversion device for converting the digital image data into non-binary data, and a modulation-control device for generating a modulation control signal for micromirrors depending on the non-binary data, and controlling the spatial light modulator. The modulation state of the micromirrors by the modulation control signal includes modulation by oscillation of the micromirrors. The modulation control signal controls amplitude of the oscillation to be smaller than the maximum amplitude of the micromirrors in the modulation by the oscillation of the micromirrors. The oscillation having smaller amplitude than the maximum amplitude of the micromirrors is repeated by the modulation control signal in an optional time duration or frequency.
US07961156B2 Display and control device for medical equipment
A display and control device for medical equipment, comprising several identically configured display/control units, which are located on a base unit. The base unit is equipped with a bus, to which the display/control units and components of the medical equipment are connected. The base unit comprises connection devices, which are used to connect the display/control units to the bus. Once a display/control unit has been connected, a configuration unit transmits configuration data to the display/control unit and only then defines which function the display/control unit is to fulfill. This permits defective display/control units to be simply replaced. The construction of the display/control units is likewise simple and not susceptible to malfunctions.
US07961155B2 Antenna auxiliary support
An antenna auxiliary support is provided, including two tubes, a fixed base, a first fixing element and a second fixing element. One of the tubes is connected to the fixed base and comprises two clipping portions and two gaps. The gaps are disposed between the clipping portions. The tubes are telescopically connected. The clipping portions respectively comprise an inner surface. The inner surface is an uneven surface. The fixed base and the first fixing element are respectively connected to the tubes. The second fixing element is disposed over the clipping portions and the gaps to fix the connecting position of the tubes.
US07961150B2 Portable terminal apparatus with TV function and TV antenna with function as input pen
A portable terminal apparatus with TV function and a TV antenna with function as an input pen, in which the TV antenna is integrated with the input pen for the touch panel while ensuring sufficient sensitivity so that the internal space of the apparatus is effectively utilized, thus rendering the apparatus smaller and lighter. In the case of using a TV antenna with function as an input pen as an input pen, a mounting operation portion is pushed in a longitudinal direction with a fingertip for pushing it into the apparatus. Thereby, the hold state of the apparatus is released by a function of a latch switch, and the TV antenna with function as an input pen is pushed out to be pulled out of the apparatus. That is, the cellular phone has a configuration in which the TV antenna with function as an input pen cannot be pushed to be detached from the apparatus unless the user contracts a multistage antenna section and houses it completely in a pen body.
US07961149B2 Antenna structure
An antenna structure includes a circuit board with a ground surface and a printed antenna. The printed antenna includes a signal feed-in portion, a first radiating unit connected to the signal feed-in portion and a second radiating unit connected to the first radiating unit. The first radiating unit includes a first printed thickness, and the second radiating unit includes a second printed thickness. At least part of the second printed thickness is larger than the first printed thickness.
US07961146B2 Positioning method, computer program, positioning device, and electronic apparatus
A positioning method in a positioning device that calculates a location of the positioning device by executing Kalman filtering includes, acquiring a satellite signal from a positioning satellite; predicting a state vector including a velocity component of the positioning device, and error covariance of the state vector; correcting the velocity component using a difference between a measured value and a predicted value of the reception signal frequency from the positioning satellite; determining accuracy of the corrected velocity component based on the error covariance; setting a velocity condition based on the determined accuracy; judging a moving state of the positioning device by comparing the corrected velocity component and the velocity condition; and calculating the location by executing the Kalman filtering with a filter characteristic changed according to the judged moving state.
US07961145B1 Method and apparatus for estimating relative position in a global navigation satellite system
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for estimating relative position in a global navigation satellite system. In one embodiment, a method for estimating a position of a first receiver relative to a second receiver in a global navigation satellite system includes obtaining a first set of measurements from the first receiver, where the first set of measurements estimates a first distance between the first receiver and a satellite in the global navigation satellite system, obtaining a second set of measurements from the second receiver, where the second set of measurements estimates a second distance between the second receiver and a satellite in the global navigation satellite system, performing time domain recursive filtering in accordance with the first set of measurements and the second set of measurements, and estimating the position of a first receiver relative to a second receiver in accordance with the time domain recursive filtering.
US07961140B2 Multi-beam radar sensor
A multi-beam radar sensor has a plurality of antenna elements disposed next to each other, a collective lens situated at a distance in front of the antenna elements, and an additional preliminary focusing lens disposed in such a way that it affects only a portion of the radar radiation transmitted from, and/or received by, the antenna elements.
US07961137B2 System and method for detecting performance of a sensor field at all points within a geographic area of regard
A method for determining a path of travel of an intruder traversing an area of regard (AOR) to a predefined point, where the path of travel has a minimum probability of detection relative to other potential paths of travel of the intruder. The method may comprise: providing three dimensional terrain data concerning the AOR; providing the locations of a plurality of detection sensors implemented in the AOR, with each detection sensor having a known field of view; providing a predetermined single scan detection probability for each of the detection sensors; generating a grid of points that is laid over the AOR; and using the foregoing information to determine a particular path of travel, defined by selected arcs connecting specific ones of the grid of points, of the intruder to the predefined point that represents a minimum probability of detection of the intruder.
US07961135B2 Systems and methods for air traffic surveillance
A collision avoidance system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a user interface, a plurality of sensors, and a computer system in communication with the user interface and the plurality of sensors. The computer system includes a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive data pertaining to a target from one or more sensors of the plurality of sensors, determine a position of the target based on the data from the one or more sensors, and present (through the user interface) the position of the target using one or more visual indicators that identify the one or more sensors.
US07961129B2 Coupled delta-sigma modulators
An apparatus and method for reducing error in converting a multi-bit signal to a single bit signal. An analog delta-sigma modulator receives an analog signal and converts it to a multi-bit digital signal that is provided to a digital delta-sigma modulator. The digital delta-sigma modulator introduces error by converting the multi-bit signal to a single-bit signal. The error from the conversion is fed back to the analog delta-sigma modulator which incorporates the error information into the analog signal before it is converted to a multi-bit digital signal.
US07961126B2 Method and apparatus for dithering in multi-bit sigma-delta analog-to-digital converters
A multi-bit (M-bit, M>1) or multi-level (nlev levels, nlev>2, encoded on M bits where M=Floor(log 2(nlev))) sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with a variable resolution multi-bit quantizer having its resolution (number of distinct output levels) and associated quantization thresholds changed for each voltage sample with a random or pseudo-random sequence N(n) to provide automatic dynamic dithering for removing undesired idle tones in the digital output of the sigma-delta ADC. The random integer numbers N(n) between 2 and nlev may be provided by a random or pseudo-random sequence generator, e.g., Galois linear feedback shift register in combination with digital comparators and an adder.
US07961125B2 Method and apparatus for dithering in multi-bit sigma-delta digital-to-analog converters
A multi-bit (M-bit, M>1) Sigma-Delta digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with a variable resolution multi-bit quantizer that has its digital value inputs that are truncated or rounded to a resolution that follows a random or pseudo-random sequence to provide automatic dynamic dithering for removing undesired idle tones in the analog output of the Sigma-Delta DAC. Random numbers N(n) between 1 and M are provided, and M−N(n) least significant bits in each M-bit digital value at the output of the quantizer are forced to zero with a digital truncator or rounder. The random numbers N(n) may be provided by a random or pseudo-random sequence generator, e.g., Galois linear feedback shift register in combination with digital comparators and an adder.
US07961121B2 Transmitting/receiving methods and systems with simultaneous switching noise reducing preambles
DC balance encoded data is transmitted by transmitting a preamble of dummy data that is configured to provide an intermediate number of bits of a given logic value that is at least one bit of the given logic value but less than a maximum number of bits of the given logic value in the DC balance encoded data, to thereby reduce the simultaneous switching noise that is caused by transmission of a first word of DC balance encoded data. The preamble may contain one or more words of fixed and/or variable dummy data.
US07961110B2 Event communication system for providing user alerts
An event communication system involves facilitating entry by a user of one or more device addresses via a network accessible user interface of the event communication system. The device addresses are associated with alerts provided by the event communication system. Test alert messages targeted for the device addresses are sent via the user interface. The system sends alerts user devices corresponding to the one or more tested device addresses in response to predetermined events. The system may provide user access to historical copies of data relating to the alerts. Registration on the system involves storing a personal identity data of a student on a database and comparing the personal identity data to registration data entered via the user interface. Authentication is automatically provided based on the comparison.
US07961103B2 Wireless tag and electrically conductive pipe having wireless tag
A wireless tag adapted for mounting inside a hollow electrically conductive pipe, includes: a contact placed in contact with the electrically conductive pipe so as to be electrically connected to the electrically conductive pipe; a lead wire placed inside the electrically conductive pipe along a longitudinal direction of the electrically conductive pipe and spaced a prescribed distance away from an inside wall of the electrically conductive pipe, thereby forming a coaxial line together with the electrically conductive pipe; and a wireless tag circuit, electrically connected at one end to the contact and at the other end to the lead wire, for generating a response signal in response to an interrogation signal transmitted from a reader/writer.
US07961101B2 Small RFID card with integrated inductive element
A memory card compatible RFID card includes a smartcard controller that receives power from a host device. The RFID card also includes a small inductive device capable of inductive coupling with an RFID reader. The small inductive device is small enough to fit in the form factor of a memory card. Commands may be sent to the RFID card to keep the RFID card powered.
US07961082B2 Tire inflation pressure detection system
Transceiver ID information associated with a subject vehicle is accurately registered even when another vehicle having transceivers is nearby. During ID registration, a degree of a variance among received strength data elements is obtained in relation to a plurality of transceivers each having ID information associated therewith. ID information associated with data elements having a small degree of a variance is recognized as ID information of a transceiver attached to the subject vehicle. Therefore, ID information associated with transceivers attached to the subject vehicle can be reliably discriminated from ID information associated with transceivers attached to another vehicle.
US07961081B2 Anti-theft system and method
A system and apparatus for detecting unauthorized movement of a moveable object where the system includes a GPS receiver, cellular modulator, processor, pager modem, sensor and two-way pager. When the system is coupled to a moveable object and is armed via the pager, the sensor is monitored by the processor to determine when a possible theft of the moveable object may be occurring. In an embodiment, the sensor is a multiple axis accelerometer. In one embodiment the accelerometer is a two axes accelerometer where the sensor detects small movements of the object is two axes. When the sensor is triggered, the processor pages the two-way pager. The processor also determines the system's location via the GPS receiver. The processor generates a message including the system's location and unique system identifier. The processor transmits the message to a monitoring center via a cellular network (and the cellular modulator). In one embodiment, the message is a text message and transmitted using a GSM, GPRS, or Short Messaging Service cellular based network.
US07961079B2 Radio communication apparatus
Upon receiving a command for writing data to a transponder, a reading unit performs radio communication with the transponder to which data should be written, thereby reading, in non-contact fashion, a data item stored in the transponder. A collating unit collates the data read by the reading unit with a data item to be written to the transponder. A control unit performs radio communication with the transponder, thereby writing the data item to the transponder, when the data items are not identical, and skips the writing of the data item when the data items are identical.
US07961073B2 Controllable electronic switch
A controllable electronic switch for, e.g., controlling power distribution comprises a deformable member such as a bimetal arm that can be deformed to break an electrical path. The deformable member may be anchored at one end and in controllable contact with an electrical conductor at the other end. A heating element, such as a coil, can be used to selectively heat the deformable member. The controllable electronic switch can alternatively comprise a deformable member that is terminated in a wedge-shaped member. When the deformable member bends in response to being heated, the wedge-shaped member forces apart a pair of contacts thus breaking an electrical path. The wedge-shaped member and/or associated structures may be configured as a cam mechanism with multiple latching positions.
US07961070B2 Inductor
An inductor has a case having an opening, a core accommodated in the case, a coil wound on a part of the core and a fixing member fixed to the case. The fixing member fixes the core by contacting a top surface of the core facing the opening and elastically biasing the core toward a bottom surface of the case. The fixing member further includes a first plate portion and a first contacting portion. The first plate portion is disposed between the top surface of the core and the opening of the case and extending in parallel with the top surface of the core. The first contacting portion extends from a fore-end portion of the first plate portion so as to be U-shaped and having a distal end portion elastically push-contacting the top surface of the core.
US07961067B2 Superconducting magnet apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
A superconducting magnet apparatus obtains high magnetic field uniformity without increasing the volume of a magnetic material even against disturbances. The superconducting magnet apparatus has a circular superconducting coil which generates a magnetic field; a coil vessel which contains the superconducting coil 11 together with refrigerant; a thermal shield arranged so as to surround the coil vessel; a vacuum vessel with inside kept vacuum which surrounds the thermal-shield; and magnetic materials and for correcting the magnetic field, the magnetic materials being arranged in the vacuum vessel; wherein the magnetic materials and are supported by a heat-insulation support medium fixed to the coil vessel.
US07961066B2 Bulk acoustic wave resonator filter
The invention relates to a filter operating with bulk acoustic waves, comprising at least one first resonator and at least one second resonator. In the at least one first and second resonator, a longitudinal acoustic mode is capable of propagation, for which normal dispersion is adjusted in the first resonator and abnormal dispersion in the second resonator by selection of the material and the relative layer thicknesses. In particular, the power compatibility of the filter at the higher frequency edge of its passband can be improved.
US07961063B2 Balun signal transformer and method of forming
A balanced-unbalanced (balun) signal transformer includes an unbalanced port, a balanced port coupled to the unbalanced port, the balanced port comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, a first capacitor coupled to the first terminal, a first inductor coupled to ground and the first capacitor, a second capacitor coupled to the second terminal, and a second inductor coupled to ground and the second capacitor. The transformer may also include a third capacitor coupled to a terminal of the unbalanced port; and a third inductor coupled to the third capacitor and the third terminal.
US07961061B2 Apparatus and method for modulation and demodulation using frequency selective baseband
Provided are modulation and demodulation methods and apparatuses using a frequency selective baseband. The frequency modulation method includes: generating a plurality of subgroups by dividing 2N (N is a real number) spread codes used for frequency spreading into 2M (M
US07961059B1 Phase lock loop control system and method with non-consecutive feedback divide values
A phase-locked loop control system and method are described. Present invention phase-locked loop control systems and methods facilitate control of phase-lock loop operations. In one embodiment, phase-lock loop control systems and methods are utilized in the implementation of a modulated frequency synthesizer for facilitating efficient frequency spreading over a designated spectrum. It is appreciated that present invention embodiments can have a variety of implementations and can be compatible with vector accumulation. For example, a phase-locked loop control system or method can facilitate generation of a variety of modulation patterns, including but not necessarily limited to linear or non-linear modulation, standard or non-standard modulation, etc.
US07961057B2 Voltage controlled oscillator
An integrated circuit and an apparatus are provided. The integrated circuit comprises a bias circuit, an LC resonator circuit, and a current mode logic (CML) frequency divider. The bias circuit generates first and second bias voltages. The LC resonator circuit generates an oscillation signal having an oscillation frequency. The CML frequency divider, coupled to the bias circuit and the LC resonator circuit, biased by the first and second bias voltages, receives the oscillation signal to generate an output signal having an output frequency with a fractional rate of the oscillation frequency. The oscillation signal comprises AC and DC components, the CML frequency divider receives the AC component to determine an injected frequency and reuses the DC component to provide tail currents to determine a natural frequency of the CML frequency divider. The output frequency is determined by the injected frequency and the natural frequency.
US07961027B1 Clock integrated circuit
The clock circuit of an integrated circuit operates with variations such as temperature, ground noise, and power noise. Various aspects of an improved clock integrated circuit address one or more of the variations in temperature, ground noise, and power noise.
US07961020B2 Digital signal converter
A digital signal converter (CNV) converts a digital input signal (PCM) into a pulse width modulated signal (PWM), which is a binary signal that comprises pulses of varying width. The digital signal converter can operate in a signal mode and a transition mode. In the transition mode, the digital converter provides the pulse width modulated signal (PWM) by applying an anti-transient noise shaping function (NSH2) to a direct current modification signal (SC). In the signal mode, the digital signal converter provides the pulse width modulated signal by applying a signal noise shaping function (NSH1) to the digital input signal.