Document Document Title
US07997998B2 Metal wood club
A golf club head is provided with a body that has an address position with a zero degree bounce portion on the sole and a center sole position with a multi-relief surface of the sole having a negative bounce portion. The negative bounce portion may comprise a negative 0.5 to a negative 4.0 degree surface. In one embodiment, the multi-relief surface may comprise the negative bounce portion and a cutaway portion extending to the back of the sole, which may have a depth of about 0.05 to 0.5 inch from a regular sole surface. In another embodiment, the golf club head includes a weight system to adjust the center of gravity. In one embodiment, the weight system is a tube having a weight at one end that may be inserted into the golf club head to move the center of gravity at least forward and backward within 6 mm and up and down within 6 mm. Preferably, the tube is angled downward toward the face by at least 3 degrees.
US07997996B2 Swing training device and system
Described is a swing training device comprising a first foot plate, a second of foot plate, a connector connecting the first foot plate to the second foot plate, a first foot pad pivotably mounted on the first foot plate, and a second foot pad pivotably mounted on the second foot plate. The swing training device may be useful for teaching balance and developing core muscles used while swinging a sporting device.
US07997991B2 Costume suit of large size animal
A costume suit modeled after a large size animal having a head and mouth section, a neck section, a torso section, a foot section, a tail section, a skeletal part as a whole, and an outer skin part covering the whole is provided. The torso section is communicated with the foot section forming an internal hollow, just enough for an adult to fit at standing position. The hollow includes a frame pack fixed and installed to the skeletal part of the costume suit, in a position of an approximate equilibrium point of the costume suit. In the hollow, a means for manipulating a movement of the head and mouth section and the neck section, and a means for manipulating opening and closing of a mouth of the head and mouth section are equipped. Moreover, the skeletal part of the tail section is composed of a flexible tabular member placed in an internal hollow of the tail section, imitating a skeleton of a tail, and a plurality of foam blocks fixed and placed on the tabular member at certain intervals.
US07997987B2 Computer-based gaming teams
Groups are formed, in a computer-based (e.g., on-line) gaming environment, based on social relationships between players. Teams are formed from members of the group. Team formation is based on a game related interest. Each team is assigned an identity that is maintained within a single game and across multiple sessions of a game. The team can interact within the gaming environment much like an individual user can interact. Teams can play games with other in-group and out-of-group teams. Team members can play games with each other. Team statistics and achievements can be accumulated and aggregated. Team profiles provide information about the team, such as a list of the members of the team. Via team profiles, a member of a team can see information about other members of the team, such as other teams to which they belong. Team members can send and receive intra-team messages.
US07997985B2 Interactive inter-channel game
An interactive multi-channel game method is described. The method includes providing a first representation of a game element associated with a first channel of a multi-channel system, replacing the first representation with a second representation of the game element associated with a second channel of the multi-channel system, providing a clue associated with the second channel, and receiving a user input representing a user's response to the clue. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
US07997983B2 Slot machine game having a plurality of ways to issue a percentage of a progressive award based upon any wager level (“percentage progressive”)
A slot machine issues a percentage of one or more progressive awards based upon any wager level (“Percentage Progressive”). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Percentage Progressive concept operates as follows: The game displays the total progressive award amount; The player sets the wager; The game displays a Percentage Progressive value based upon the wager level; The player presses the spin button; The reels to spin and stop; The player collects credits for any winning combinations appearing on the reels, including pay table and progressive awards. In the event of a progressive award, the player receives the Percentage Progressive value * total progressive award amount. The preferred embodiment of the present invention, therefore, allows players to participate in progressive awards at any wager level.
US07997979B2 Chip-based gaming
Chip-Based Gaming includes methods for playing electronic games of chance or skill that provide players with a greater number of options and greater wagering flexibility than previous methods have afforded them. In the present Chip-Based gaming model, players may select virtual betting chips from an onscreen palette and apply those chips to various wagering opportunities throughout a game. Using this model, players are able to make individual bets on each of a slot machine's paylines or wager on making specific hands in Video Poker. Players are also able to buy and/or wager on symbol “nudges” and to buy symbol “re-spins” within a multi-line slot machine, options which provide the player with a much richer, more flexible gaming experience than he or she had heretofore enjoyed.
US07997978B2 Flexible loyalty points programs
A disclosed a gaming machine includes an input mechanism with a non-physical contact data interface. The non-physical contact data interface may be capable of reading loyalty program data from a loyalty program instrument without contact between the loyalty program instrument and the non-physical contact data interface. The input mechanism with the non-physical contact data interface may be one of a bill validator, a bar-code reader and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag reader. The loyalty program instrument may be a substrate including at least one of a 1-D bar-code printed on the substrate, a 2-D bar-code printed on the substrate, a symbol printed on the substrate, alpha-numeric character printed on the substrate, a RFID tag embedded in the substrate, a RFID tag printed on the substrate and combinations thereof. The loyalty program instrument may be used to store an index to a record in a database or a portable data file.
US07997966B2 Cooling structure for electricity storage device
A cooling structure for an electricity storage device includes: a secondary battery generating heat; a DC-DC converter generating heat in a quantity different from that of secondary battery; an exhaust path for passing air after cooling secondary battery generating heat in a relatively small quantity, and led to the outside of a vehicle; an exhaust path for passing air after cooling DC-DC converter generating heat in a relatively large quantity, and joining exhaust path; and a circulation path connected to exhaust path upstream of an air flow beyond a position at which exhaust path joins, and led to the inside of a vehicle compartment. With this configuration, there is provided a cooling structure for an electricity storage device in which the suppression of both increase in temperature and decrease in inner pressure inside the vehicle compartment can be effectively achieved at the same time.
US07997961B1 Tool for elevating a sander
A tool for elevating a sander includes a shaft having an upper end and a lower end. The lower end includes an internally-threaded portion for coupling with the externally-threaded end of a conventional painter's pole, or an accompanying extension pole. Pivotally fastened to the upper end of the shaft is any one of a plurality of removable, interchangeable retaining rings each having a discrete circumference for encircling a power sander. Therefore, a worker can easily manipulate the sander within an elevated area without using a ladder or scaffolding.
US07997958B2 Apparatuses and methods for conditioning polishing pads used in polishing micro-device workpieces
Apparatuses and methods for conditioning polishing pads used in polishing micro-device workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an end effector for conditioning a polishing pad includes a member having a first surface and a plurality of contact elements projecting from the first surface. The member also includes a plurality of apertures configured to flow conditioning solution to the polishing pad. The apertures can extend from the first surface to a second surface opposite the first surface. The member can further include a manifold that is in fluid communication with the apertures. In another embodiment, a conditioner for conditioning the polishing pad includes an arm having at least one spray nozzle configured to spray conditioning solution onto the polishing pad and an end effector coupled to the arm. The end effector includes a first surface and a plurality of contact elements projecting from the first surface.
US07997956B2 Quartz glass tool for heat treatment of silicon wafer and process for producing the same
To provide a quartz glass tool, for silicon wafer heat treatment, having a transparent grooving face, which is free from the deposition of particles of a transition metal element foreign material derived from glass dust or diamond blade produced by breakdown of acute irregularities based on opening of very small concaves and convexes and microcracks, causes no significant change in dimension also in cleaning with hydrofluoric acid, and can maintain a high degree of cleanness even after use of a long period of time, and to provide a process for producing the same. A quartz glass tool for silicon wafer heat treatment, comprising a wafer mounting member having a grooving face formed by machining, characterized in that the whole grooving face of the wafer mounting member is transparent, the surface roughness is 0.03 to 0.3 μm in terms of center line average roughness (Ra) and 0.2 to 3.0 μm in terms of maximum roughness (Rmax), and a change in center line average roughness and maximum roughness after etching with a 5% aqueous hydrogen fluoride solution for 24 hr is not more than 50%. A process for producing a quartz glass tool for silicon wafer heat treatment, comprising roughly machining a wafer mounting member with a diamond blade having a rough particle size, conducting remachining with a diamond blade having a finer particle size than the above diamond blade, and then subjecting the inside of the groove to firing finishing.
US07997944B1 Bonding device
A bonding device for providing an electrical ground to a plurality of remote devices from a main junction box with a main ground cable. The bonding device includes an elongated electrically conductive housing having a through passage for receiving therethrough the main ground cable. The electrically conductive housing further includes a plurality of passage holes that each extend substantially transverse to the elongated through passage, and with each of the passage holes for receiving a ground wire associated with one of the remote devices. Fasteners retain the ground wire in each corresponding passage hole.
US07997917B1 Environmentally sealed electrical connector
An environmentally sealed electrical connector comprises a plug connector and a complimentary socket connector. The plug connector includes a plug body, a plug shell, a plug boot, a backshell and an interfacial seal. The socket connector includes a socket body, a socket shell, a socket boot and a backshell. The plug boot and the socket boot each have a plurality of rupturable features, each feature in register with a corresponding aperture through the corresponding connector body. The interfacial seal seats between the plug connector and socket connector when the plug connector is mated to the socket connector. The interfacial seal also has a plurality of rupturable features corresponding to a predetermined contact layout. Thus, when the socket connector is mated with the plug connector, a connector is provided, which prevents contaminants from penetrating the connection.
US07997911B2 Portable electronic device
A portable electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a motion assembly, a connector, and an ejector. The second body has a hollow portion, and the first body is movable disposed on the second body to cover the hollow portion. The motion assembly is disposed between the first body and the second body, so that the first body is able to move relatively to the second body. The connector is movably disposed in the hollow portion. The ejector is disposed between the connector and the second body. When the first body moves relatively to the second body to expose the hollow portion of the second body, the ejector is capable of driving the connector to move out of the hollow portion.
US07997897B2 Method of discharging gas from continuous oven and gas discharge structure
A to-be-burned object including a metal Si component or SiC or Si3N4 can be burned in such a manner that vaporized SiO can be safely exhausted without causing SiO attached to a wall of a furnace or an inner face of an exhaust duct. An exhaust method of a continuous furnace for continuously burning a to-be-burned object containing a metal Si component or highly-fire-resistant SiC or Si3N4 includes steps of 1) exhausting in-furnace gas including SiO vaporized during a burning process. An exhaust duct 2 used for this exhaust is provided at an upper part of a side wall 12 of the furnace having a higher temperature (1300 degrees C. or more) than a concentration temperature of SiO vaporized during a burning process. 2) oxidizing the exhausted SiO at the outside of the furnace to detoxify SiO. The in-furnace gas exhausted by the exhaust duct 2 is guided to an exhaust pipe 3 connected to an outlet of the exhaust duct 2 at the outside of the furnace. This exhaust pipe 3 includes oxygen supply holes 31a and 31b. By sending oxygen supplied from an appropriate oxygen supply source into the exhaust pipe 3, SiO guided to the exhaust pipe 3 reacts with oxygen and is detoxified.
US07997896B2 Premix burner with staged liquid fuel supply and also method for operating a premix burner
A premix burner with staged liquid fuel supply is described having at least two partial cone shells which on the radial side form the boundary of a swirl chamber which axialwards conically widens, which partial cone shells are arranged in a partially overlapping manner, the center axes of the partial cone shells of which extend with offset effect in relation to each another, and the mutually overlapping partial cone shell sections of which enclose in each case an air inlet slot which extends tangentially to the swirl chamber, with a burner lance which projects axialwards into the swirl chamber, which lance provides means for feed of liquid fuel into the swirl chamber, and also with further means for feed of liquid fuel which are provided in the region of the air inlet slots. As such, additional means for feed of liquid fuel along at least one air inlet slot are formed and arranged in such a way that the liquid fuel delivery, which is conditioned by the further means, takes place in the form of a fuel spray which propagates perpendicularly to the tangential longitudinal extent of the air inlet slot, and also a fuel spray which propagates perpendicularly to an air flow which is directed through the air inlet slot.
US07997886B2 Reinforced thin-shell molds
A method and a system for forming a polymeric resin mold for molding plastic items, wherein the method includes: (a) using a rapid-prototyping process to create a polymeric resin shell having a configuration in the form of the mold; (b) introducing a reinforcing material into the shell; and (c) curing the shell. The system includes a rapid-prototyping apparatus that creates a plurality of the polymeric resin shells on a platform; a reinforcing material introduction apparatus that introduces a reinforcing material into each of the shells while the shells are on the platform to form a plurality of uncured molds on the platform; and a curing apparatus that cures the shells while they are on the platform.
US07997883B2 Scroll compressor with scroll deflection compensation
A scroll compressor may incorporate controlled bending of a scroll member to compensate for axial deformations that can occur between the scroll members. The controlled bending may be through the use of fluid pressure in a sealed chamber that communicates with a surface of the scroll member opposite the intermeshing wraps. Fluid passageways can extend through the scroll member between the sealed chamber and the intermeshing wraps. The controlled bending can increase the uniformity of the contact between the scroll members and improve the efficiency of the compressing operation.
US07997882B2 Reduced rotor assembly diameter vane pump
A vane pump with a reduced rotor diameter is provided. The reduced rotor diameter allows a reduction in the overall size of the pump which allows the pump to be used in circumstances wherein sufficient packaging volume does not exist for conventional vane pumps. Further, the reduced rotor diameter permits operation of the pump at a higher speed, in comparison to conventional vane pumps, for a given working fluid and pump rate. The rotor includes an integrally formed drive shaft and a cylindrical rotor head. Both fixed displacement and variable displacement embodiments are shown.
US07997879B2 Axial piston machine of swash-plate construction with a bearing arrangement of the cylinder block on a supporting journal
An axial piston machine of swash-plate construction includes a cylinder block (2) rotatable in a housing (1) and supported in the axial direction against a valve plate (6a) arranged on a housing component (7), a driving shaft (8) coupled in a rotationally synchronous manner to the cylinder block (2), and a cylinder block bearing (10) absorbing transverse forces. In order to achieve a simple construction which is axially and radially compact, the cylinder block bearing (10) is arranged between a central recess (9) of the cylinder block (2) and a supporting journal (7a) fastened to the housing component (7) and extending into the recess (9).
US07997876B2 Wind turbine, tower and method for fabricating the same
A wind turbine, tower and method for making same are provided. The wind turbine includes a rotor having one or more blades and a rotor radius distance approximately equal to the distance measured from a centerline of the rotor to a tip of one of the blades. The tower has one or more tower sections, including a first tower section having a generally cylindrical or frusto-conical shape. The first tower section has at least one first diameter. A reduced diameter tower section is connected to the first tower section, and has a waist portion with at least one second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. At least a portion of the reduced diameter tower section having the second diameter is located about one rotor radius distance from the centerline of the rotor, and the reduced diameter section provides increased static clearance to the tip of the blades.
US07997874B2 Wind turbine rotor blade joint
A blade segment is disclosed for a rotor blade formed from a plurality of blade segments, the blade segment having a span and a chord. The blade segment includes a shell segment having a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge, the shell segment further having a tip end and a root end. The blade segment further includes at least one joint portion projecting from the shell segment at one of the tip end or the root end and defining a generally span-wise extending joining surface. The joint portion allows the blade segment to be coupled to an adjacent blade segment with a mating joint portion.
US07997866B2 Gas turbine airfoil with leading edge cooling
A gas turbine airfoil (1) includes a pressure sidewall (15) and a suction sidewall (16), extending from a root to a tip and from a leading edge region to a trailing edge and having at least one cooling passage between the pressure sidewall (15) and the suction sidewall (16) for cooling air to pass through and cool the airfoil from within. One or several of the cooling passages (3) extend along the leading edge of the airfoil (1) and several film cooling holes (1,2) extend from the internal cooling passages (3) along the leading edge region to the outer surface of the leading edge region. The film cooling holes (1,2) each have a shape that is diffused in a radial outward direction of the leading edge of the airfoil (1) at least over a part of the length of the film cooling hole (1,2). Improved cooling in the leading edge region can be achieved because the cooling holes (1, 2) have a principal axis (17), and the shape is asymmetrically diffused in that it is diffused in the radial outward direction from the principal axis (17) along a forward inclination axis (20), and it is additionally diffused in a second lateral direction from the principal axis (17) along a lateral inclination axis (21).
US07997862B2 Cooling fan
A cooling fan includes a fan housing, a rotor and a stator. The fan housing forms an air inlet and an air outlet at two opposite sides thereof, respectively. A base is received in the fan housing and arranged at the air outlet of the fan housing. A guiding wall extends upwardly from an outer periphery of the base. An outer diameter of the guiding wall decreases along a direction from the air inlet to the air outlet. A plurality of stationary blades extend from an outer surface of the guiding wall to the fan housing. The stator is arranged in the housing and mounted on the base, and the rotor is rotatably supported by the stator.
US07997857B2 Particle vibration damper
Numerous cavities exist in a turbocharger for reasons of construction. If such cavities are filled with particles, inexpensive particle vibration dampers can be realized. Moreover, advantages with regard to additional containment security result in the case of possible bursting of the compressor wheel, and also with regard to noise suppression.
US07997846B2 Drywall panel lifter
A drywall panel lifter having two stanchions into which jacks are vertically set, wherein each jack has an extending portion capable of rising past the tops of the first and second stanchion respectively; a set of bars hinged to the jacks; a cross-piece assembly connecting the bars, having a crank is operatively connected to the screw gear that operates the jacks; and panel holding grippers mounted on the extending portion of the jacks.
US07997841B2 Electronic device and fixture for same
An electronic device includes a panel, a main body, a button, and a fastener. The panel defines a hole. The main body defines a quadrate through hole. The button resists against the panel, opposite to the main body. The fastener includes an elastic head at a first end and a block at an opposite second end. The elastic head passes through the hole of the panel to be fixed to the button, the block passes through the quadrate through hole of the main body. A panel fixture for the electronic device is provided as well.
US07997838B2 Main spindle device
A main spindle device includes: a housing having an air supply passage; a spindle that is inserted into the housing and supported by a bearing so as to be able to rotate relative to the housing; and an air sealing member that is positioned between an outer circumferential surface of the spindle and the housing on a front side with respect to the bearing along a rotation axis of the spindle, has a substantially annular shape, and is detachably fixed to the housing with an inner circumferential surface of the air sealing member facing the outer circumferential surface of the spindle, wherein air supplied from the air supply source through the air supply passage is discharged into a gap between the outer circumferential surface of the spindle and the housing, thereby effecting non-contact air sealing at least between the inner circumferential surface of the air sealing member and the outer circumferential surface of the spindle.
US07997837B2 Power tool
It is an object of the invention to provide a technique in a power tool having a detachable bit holder for preventing a bit holder from being detached from the tool body even if unexpected external force is exerted on an operating member for lock release. A representative power tool includes a tool body, a single holder mounting portion. The holder mounting portion removably holds a bit holder selected from multiple kinds of bit holders for holding multiple kinds of tool bits in different manners. Each bit holder includes a cylindrical portion, a through hole formed through the cylindrical portion, an engaging member disposed within the through hole, a cylindrical operating member axially movably fitted on the cylindrical portion between a movement prevented position and a movement allowed position. The operating member is moved to the tool body side in order to be switched from the movement prevented position to the movement allowed position so that the holder mounting portion is allowed to be pulled out of the fitting hole.
US07997832B2 Milling cutter and milling insert with coolant delivery
A cutting insert for use in chipforming and material removal from a workpiece wherein coolant is supplied to the cutting insert from a coolant source. The cutting insert includes at least one discrete cutting location and at least one distinct internal channel that corresponds to the cutting location. The internal channel has an inlet to receive coolant and an outlet to exit coolant. The outlet is proximate to the cutting location, and the inlet is radial inward of the outlet.
US07997830B2 Barrier wall made of sheet-pile components
Free standing above-ground barrier wall 10 that includes a plurality of sheet-pile planks 16, and optionally one or more support elements 12 that are interconnected together using one or more interlocking connectors 22, 24. The sheet-pile plank 16 has a lower edge located proximate a top surface of the ground 14 upon which the free standing above-ground barrier wall 10 is erected in an upstanding, installed configuration. The sheet-pile plank 16 and the support element 12 each constitute sheet-pile components and in the upstanding, installed configuration, a lower portion of the sheet-pile plank 16 is ground engaged and a substantial entirety of the weight of the sheet-pile plank is supported at its engagement with the ground. The engagement may be merely abutting with the plank 16 resting atop the ground, or the lower edge of the plank 16 may be buried into the ground to a certain degree.
US07997821B2 Stick-shaped article propelling container
Variations in the size of a stick-like object are accommodated, and abutments are urged to contact with the stick-like object with an appropriate pressure.A stick-like object feeding container is provided with: an outer sleeve 11 having a front spring shoe 11a formed on the internal circumference of the front portion of the outer sleeve; an inner sleeve 12 slidably inserted into the outer sleeve and having a rear spring shoe 12a provided on the outer circumference of the inner sleeve; a spring 13 abutting at its front and rear ends against the front spring shoe and the rear spring shoe, respectively, to bias the inner sleeve backward; a chuck 17 adapted to be capable of gripping, by its front end portion, the stick-like object inserted into the inner sleeve; and a chuck ring 18. A ring member 21 is interposed between the front end of the spring 13 and the front spring shoe 11a; elastic pieces 22 extending along the stick-like object are linked at the rear end to the ring member; abutments 23 are formed on the front end of the elastic pieces; and the elastic pieces 22 are configured to elastically urge the abutments to contact with the stick-like object. The inner sleeve or chuck having fitted thereon the ring member is provided with engaging pieces for preventing the ring member from moving forward movement.
US07997813B2 Coating and developing system with a direct carrying device in a processing block, coating and developing method and storage medium
A coating and developing system includes processing blocks of the same construction each built by stacking up a plurality of unit blocks including a film forming unit block and a developing unit block in layers. The processing blocks are arranged longitudinally between a carrier block and an interface block. The number of processing blocks like the processing blocks arranged between the carrier block and the interface block is adjusted to adjust the throughput of the coating and developing system. Thus, a coating and developing system capable of achieving a desired throughput can be easily designed and manufactured.
US07997809B1 Dehumidifier caps for cameras
A camera cap assembly removes moisture from a camera rear lens and/or a camera body. The camera cap assembly includes a main body that has a front end, a rear end, and an inner divider having a number of openings. The camera cap assembly also includes a desiccant holder cap at the rear end of the main body and a storage sealing cap at the front end. A desiccant chamber is defined between the desiccant holder cap and the inner divider for storing a dehumidifying component. The sealing storage cap is secured to the front end of the main body when the camera cap assembly is not in use. The camera cap assembly is to be attached to a camera rear lens or a camera body, without the storage cap, via bayonet mount and a sealing ring.
US07997806B2 Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector includes a housing, a ferrule, a bias member and a flexible tube. The ferrule is formed with a first axial hole of a first inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of a jacket of an optical fiber and a second axial hole that is communicated to a distal end of the first axial hole and that has a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter and larger than an outer diameter of a fiber wire of the optical fiber. The flexible tube is inserted around the proximal end side of the ferrule so that at least a part thereof is extended toward the proximal end side than the ferrule to form a proximal-end-side extended part. The proximal-end-side extended part has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the jacket and smaller than the first inner diameter.
US07997789B2 Clock for displaying collectibles
A clock for displaying collectibles and method of displaying collectibles within the clock is disclosed. The clock is a customizable device comprising a core having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface and a thickness portion connecting the first and the second surfaces. The clock further includes a first structure removably attached to the first surface of the core and a clock movement received in an opening in the core. Also provided is a plurality of recesses, each of the recesses having a depth and configured and dimensioned to receive a collectible. In at least some embodiments, the recesses are provided in the core while in at least some other embodiments, the recesses are provided in the first structure of the clock. The collectibles are additionally secured in position within the clock by way of one or more adaptors.
US07997784B2 Light guide apparatus of backlight module
A light guide apparatus of a backlight module is provided. The light guide apparatus includes a light guide plate and a plurality of LEDs serving as light sources disposed at one lateral side of the light guide plate. The light guide plate includes a circuit configured thereon, and the light sources are welded on the circuit of the light guide plate.
US07997781B2 Energy efficient illumination for a light source in the form of a surface
An apparatus and method for coupling light into a light source in the form of a surface are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a linear light source including a light diffuser. The apparatus also has a sheet having a first edge with the linear light source placed along the first edge. The linear light source diffuses light such that the light emanates in a predetermined pattern along the first edge of the sheet.
US07997780B2 Lighting device
A lighting device includes a housing, a plurality of LEDs arranged on a base of the housing, and a first optical plate positioned above the LEDs. The first optical plate includes a light input surface, a light output surface opposite to the light input surface, and a plurality of elongated arcuate protrusions formed on the light output surface. The elongated arcuate protrusions are substantially parallel to one another. The lighting device may be used as a backlight module.
US07997777B2 Lighted exterior rearview mirror system
A lighted exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly including a reflective element and an electrically-operable actuator. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a breakaway joint assembly. The reflective element has an electrically powered heater operable to remove ice or dew from the reflective element. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a turn signal indicator lamp that has a light source and a lens. The lamp is included in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and unaffected by operation of the actuator. The breakaway joint assembly includes a wire-way through which a wire cable passes. The wire cable includes wires for operating the actuator, the heater and the lamp. The lens of the lamp has a portion that faces rearward of the vehicle and a portion that wraps around an outward side of a casing of the exterior rearview mirror assembly.
US07997775B2 High visibility safety lighting system integrated within a vehicle's frame
A self-contained battery powered high visibility safety lighting system is integrated within portions of a vehicle or article's frame, such as a handlebar or body assembly of a motorcycle, bicycle, scooter or toy cycle, stroller, wheel chair, baby carriage, cane or ski pole. The system comprises at least one illumination segment having at least one light source located therein. The light source may comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes integrated within a plurality of apertures located within each of the illumination segments. In another embodiment the illumination segments may be composed of a transparent material to yield transparent illumination segments with an inlay cavity therein for accommodating an electroluminescent light strip. Light may further be emitted from illuminated streamers located on the handlebar grips. Multifaceted emission of light from illumination segments integrated within the frame of the vehicle is highly visible from virtually all directions. An omnidirectional light-alert increases safety for drivers and others in the vehicle's vicinity.
US07997773B2 Retaining wires
A wire retaining system includes a wire clip and fastening receiver for releasable attachment of a wire clip on a supporting surface to retain a wire. The receiver includes an adhesive backing and touch fastener elements. The wire clip includes two wire receptacles with respective receptacle openings facing different directions and touch fastener elements for engagement with the touch fastener elements of the receiver. A first receptacle is oriented with the receptacle opening facing a desired direction and the wire extends across the receptacle. The releasable wire clip can be reoriented with the second receptacle facing a desired direction and a second wire extending across the second receptacle. The wire clip can be packaged preassembled on a light strand with the touch fastener elements of the wire clip and receiver engaged. A method of forming fastener products includes forming a rigid extrusion having fastener elements formed from extruded rail segments.
US07997771B2 LED array systems
A light emitting diode (LED) array comprises an array of LEDs mounted to a substrate. The LEDs emit light in a direction generally perpendicular to the substrate. An optical sheet is disposed over the LEDs. At least a portion of light entering one side of the optical sheet from the LEDs is guided within the optical sheet in a direction generally parallel to the substrate. Light extraction features direct light from the optical sheet in a generally forward direction. Such an array is useful for several applications, including space lighting, direct information display and backlighting of liquid crystal displays. The light spreading effect of the optical sheet reduces the amount of black space between LED pixels.
US07997770B1 LED tube reusable end cap
A replacement for the standard fluorescent lamp tube has a plurality of LED devices mounted on a circuit board. The enclosure within which the circuit board is held has a clear or frosted lens mounted on a heat sink. The lens and heat sink each are arcuately shaped and together form a circular tube. A power converter is mounted below the circuit board and transfers its heat to the heat sink. A pair of pins mounted on the power converter extend beyond one end of the tube. An end cap has means for snapping onto and off the end of the tube and has clearance holes for the pins to protrude through and extend beyond so as to be fitting into mechanical and electrical contact with a standard lamp mounting fixture.
US07997768B2 LED lamp
An LED (light emitting diode) lamp includes an upper base plate, a lower base plate spaced from the upper base plate and a plurality of light emitting modules located between the two base plates. The lower base plate defines a plurality of through holes therein. Each light emitting module comprises a heat sink sandwiched between the two base plates, an LED module embedded in a bottom surface of the heat sink and a lens engaging with the bottom surface of the conductive cylinder to enclose the LED module therein. A lower portion of each lens extends downwardly through a corresponding through hole.
US07997767B2 Anti-icing outdoor lamp
An exemplary outdoor lamp includes a light source, a light-pervious cover, and a heating element. The light source is configured for emitting light. The light-pervious cover is for transmission of the light emitted from the light source therethrough. The heating element is in thermal contact with the light-pervious cover and is configured for heating the light-pervious cover.
US07997761B2 LED based hazardous location light with versatile mounting configurations
The present invention relates generally to a lighting apparatus for hazardous locations. In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus comprises a light engine, a heat sink coupled to the light engine, a stalk coupled to the light engine for externally coupling a power supply to the light engine and an electrical wiring splice box coupled to the stalk.
US07997757B2 Luminaire with integral signage endcaps
A luminaire with signage endcaps includes a luminaire housing and one or more light emitting elements. The housing typically includes a top member and multiple side members extending down from the top member. The top and side members define the interior of the luminaire housing. Light emitting elements are coupled to the housing. These light emitting elements generally emit light downward from the luminaire and can be coupled along the interior of the housing or positioned along an exterior side of one or more of the side members. A stencil or stencil plate can be positioned along or coupled to one or more others side members. The stencil and stencil plate include openings in the shape of alphanumeric symbols and/or ideograms and include within the openings or have positioned adjacent to the openings a translucent member. Ambient light within the interior of the housing illuminates the stencil and translucent member.
US07997754B2 Solar component and devices containing the same
Solar component and devices containing the same are disclosed. The solar component includes coupling an upper member, a lower member, and at least two side members to form a cavity for housing a plurality of solar cells. Adjacent solar cells may have unused spaces thereby allowing apertures to be formed therethrough the upper member and the lower member. The apertures are capable of allowing air flow through the cavity thereby leading to reduced wind resistance of the solar component.
US07997750B2 High power LED lamp with heat dissipation enhancement
A high power LED lamp comprises a container having a cavity to fill with a liquid, a light source module for providing a high power LED source light to penetrate through the liquid, and an axial thermal conductor having a first portion nearby the light source module and a second portion extending in the liquid along an axial direction of the cavity to far away from the light source module to evenly transfer heat from the light source module through the liquid to the container.
US07997748B2 Stereoscopic display device
A stereoscopic display device includes a substrate, a plurality of odd-line light source units, a plurality of even-line light source units, a lens array, and a circuit. The odd-line light source units and the even-line light source units are provided at a first side of the substrate and spaced from each other. Each of the odd-line light source units and the even-line light source units include a plurality of light source pixel units. The lens array is arranged on the substrate at the first side thereof and includes a plurality of cylindrical stripe-like lenses, the cylindrical stripe-like lenses extending substantially parallel to each other. The circuit is configured for alternately outputting a first time sequence display signal to the odd-line light source units and a second time sequence display signal to the even-line light source units.
US07997745B2 Lighting device and lighting method
A lighting device, comprising a first group of solid state light emitters and a first group of lumiphors, wherein at least some of the first group of solid state light emitters are contained in a first group of packages, each of which also comprises at least one of the first group of lumiphors. If all of the first group of solid state light emitters which are contained in the first group of packages are illuminated and/or if current is supplied to a power line, (1) a combined illumination from the first group of packages would, in the absence of any additional light, have color coordinates on a 1976 CIE Chromaticity Diagram which define a first point, and (2) at least 20% of the packages would emit light having color coordinates spaced from the first point. Also, methods of lighting.
US07997744B2 Electrically conductive protection layer and a microelectromechanical device using the same
A deformable hinge for use in microelectromechanical devices comprises a protection layer that is electrically conductive. The protection layer is on top of another hinge layer; and is more resistive than the hinge layer to the etchant used in during patterning and/or release processes during fabrication of the microelectromechanical device. As a result, the hinge layer can be protected from being damaged during the fabrication process.
US07997741B2 Projector
A projector includes a light source device, a optical modulator which modulates luminous flux emitted from the light source device according to image information, a projection optical device which enlarges and projects the luminous flux modulated in the optical modulator, and an outer casing which houses the light source device, the optical modulator and the projection optical device thereinside, in which the outer casing has a ceiling surface and a bottom surface intersecting with respect to the vertical direction and a side surface connecting to the ceiling surface and the bottom surface, in which a concave portion which is recessed toward the inside is formed at the bottom surface side in the side surface, and in which a first connection terminal group connected to an external device through connection cables is arranged at a bottom portion of the concave portion in an exposed state.
US07997738B2 Color wheel fabrication
A pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) is used to attach a plurality of wedge-shaped glass filter segments on a first side to a hub during the color ring build portion of the color wheel fabrication process. A strong adhesive, such as epoxy, is then used to adhere a second side of the filter segments directly to a turning surface of a motor, completing the color wheel fabrication. The epoxy is cured if necessary. The pressure sensitive adhesive can temporarily align the plurality of color filter segments in an alignment. The adhesive between the filter segments and the turning surface can then permanently bond the color filter segments in the alignment.
US07997729B2 Method for correcting patient motion when obtaining retina volume using optical coherence tomography
A computer-implemented method of correcting for motion of a sample during OCT imaging obtains a series of cross-sectional volume scans through the sample at different positions on a first coordinate axis, obtains at least two cross-sectional alignment scans in planes intersecting said volume scans at an angle, and stores the alignment scans and the volume scans in memory. The alignment scans are matched to the volume scans at lines of intersection thereof to determine the relative displacement of the volume scans to the sample due to sample motion. The relative displacement is used to correct for motion of the sample between successive volume scans.
US07997716B2 UV curable ink-jet recording apparatus
A UV curable ink-jet recording apparatus includes: a recording medium transporting unit; an ink-jet head; and a UV irradiating unit, wherein the apparatus includes a light capturing portion between the UV irradiating unit and the ink-jet head, at least a part of the light capturing portion as seen in a longitudinal section taken vertically along a direction of transporting the recording medium has an opened wedge shape having no base side and comprising: a side vertical to the recording medium; and an oblique side which is in contact with a top of the vertical side, and which extends obliquely downward, the vertical side is located on the side of the ink-jet head, and the oblique side downward extends from the top toward the UV irradiating unit.
US07997712B2 Phase change inks containing colorant compounds
Phase change inks comprising a carrier and a colorant composition including a basic dye component and an acid dye component providing an internal salt composition wherein at least one of the basic dye component, the acid dye component, or both the basic dye component and the acid dye component comprises a waxy moiety.
US07997711B2 Supply units having an associated electronically-readable memory device
A machine, such as a phase change or solid ink printing apparatus, has at least one multiple supply unit in the form of an ink stick disposed therein. The ink stick has an electronically-readable memory device associated therewith, and the memory device has stored therein electronic data related to the ink stick and readable by the machine. The memory device may be attached to the ink stick and removed before the ink stick is used for printing in the machine. In another aspect, the memory device is attached to a container for the ink stick. The container may be a cartridge for use in the machine, or a container for packaging the ink stick. The machine may include a coupler configured to read electronic data from the memory device while the memory device is positioned external to the printing apparatus, thus allowing the machine to verify the suitability of the ink stick before it is installed in the machine.
US07997701B2 Inkjet printer and ink tank
The ink tank includes an ink chamber and a cleaning solvent chamber. Ink is stored in the ink chamber. Cleaning solvent is stored in the cleaning solvent chamber. Mounting portions are provided on the bottom surface side of the ink tank. One of the mounting portions is provided corresponding to the ink chamber, and the other mounting portion is provided corresponding to the cleaning solvent chamber. The ink tank is mounted to a scanning carriage by the mounting portions being fitted into a holding unit of the scanning carriage. Deriving ports may be formed on the bottom surfaces of recesses of the mounting portions.
US07997695B2 Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, and actuator
A liquid ejecting head includes a flow passage forming substrate that includes a plurality of pressure generating chambers juxtaposed to each other and each in communication with a nozzle for ejecting droplets, and piezoelectric elements disposed on the flow passage forming substrate with a diaphragm interposed therebetween. The piezoelectric elements include a lower electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode. The piezoelectric layer tapers downward at its ends. The lower electrode has a width smaller than the width of each of the pressure generating chambers. The piezoelectric layer has a larger width than the lower electrode. The diaphragm has a top layer formed of a titanium oxide (TiOx) insulator film. The lower electrode has a top layer formed of a lanthanum nickel oxide (LaNiyOx) orientation control layer. The piezoelectric layer is formed of columnar crystals, and one part of the piezoelectric layer disposed on the insulator film has a smaller average grain size than the other part of the piezoelectric layer disposed on the orientation control layer.
US07997693B2 Liquid ejection head
In order to provide a liquid ejection head which enables ejection of a droplet at a higher frequency, according to the invention, a piezoelectric vibrator has a multilayer structure. In the multilayer structure, an upper piezoelectric layer and a lower piezoelectric layer are laminated one on another. A drive electrode is formed at a boundary between the upper piezoelectric layer and the lower piezoelectric layer and is electrically connected to a source for supplying a drive signal. An upper common electrode is formed on the surface of the upper piezoelectric layer. A lower common electrode is formed on the surface of the lower piezoelectric layer. An inertance of a nozzle orifice and an inertance of an ink supply port are set so as to become greater than an inertance of a pressure generating portion.
US07997688B2 Unit cell for thermal inkjet printhead
A unit cell for a thermal inkjet printhead includes a substrate portion that defines an ink supply passage; drive circuitry and interconnect layers positioned on the substrate portion; a nozzle plate defining a nozzle; side walls depending from the nozzle plate and positioned on the substrate portion to define an ink chamber; and a heater element connected to the drive circuitry and positioned intermediate the nozzle plate and the substrate portion, the heater element being suspended in the ink chamber in alignment with the nozzle and being shaped to be symmetrical about two planes that intersect along an axis extending through a centre of the nozzle. The drive circuitry is partially on one side of the ink chamber with a remainder of the drive circuitry on an opposite side.
US07997683B2 Device for servicing an inkjet print head on a hand held printer
A hand-held printer that includes an inkjet array having a plurality of inkjets is disclosed. The hand-held printer may include an inkjet cap sized to cooperatively engage the inkjet array, wherein the inkjet cap is movable between and open position and a closed position, and a plurality of wipers carried by the inkjet cap, wherein each of the plurality of wipers is configured to engage one of the plurality of inkjets as the inkjet cap moves from the open position to the closed position; and wherein each of the plurality of wipers includes a gasket configured to form a seal adjacent to one of the plurality of inkjets.
US07997681B2 Ink jet printing apparatus
A plurality of ejection portions are divided into groups, each containing at least one ejection portion, so that the suction-based recovery operation can be performed for each group independently. Since the number of ejection portions contained in each group differs, if an ink flow resistance varies among the different groups, simultaneous suction-based recovery operations can be done by using a common suction pump, without having to sequentially perform the suction-based recovery operations under an optimum pump driving condition. For this purpose, inner diameters of a plurality of ink discharge tubes running from a plurality of cap units, which cap a plurality of print head units having different numbers of ejection portions, to the common pump are differentiated. This allows different flows to be produced in different ink discharge systems, thus generating desirable ink flows for individual ink supply systems.
US07997675B2 Piezoelectric head inspection device and droplet jetting device
The present invention provides an inspection device for a piezoelectric head. The piezoelectric head includes: a pressure chamber filled with liquid, a liquid supply channel that supplies the liquid to the pressure chamber, a nozzle at which droplets are jetted from the pressure chamber, and a piezoelectric element that applies pressure to the pressure chamber. The inspection device includes: a detection component that, when the piezoelectric element is driven on the basis of a predetermined detection signal, outputs a signal corresponding to behavior of an acoustic vibration system of the piezoelectric head; and a judgment component that, on the basis of the detection signal and the signal outputted by the detection component, judges for a cause of defective ejections at the piezoelectric head.
US07997672B2 Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a waveform outputting circuit and a current restricting circuit. The waveform outputting circuit outputs to each individual electrode one of ejection signals and a flushing signal, which does not cause any nozzle to eject ink droplets, selected in order in each printing cycle. The current restricting circuit restricts the value of a current to flow from a power supply unit into the waveform outputting circuit, to a value not more than an upper limit current value. The upper limit current value exceeds the value of the current to flow into the waveform outputting circuit when the waveform outputting circuit outputs to all individual electrodes an ejection signal corresponding to the largest amount of ink to eject. The upper limit current value is less than the value of the current to flow into the waveform outputting circuit when the waveform outputting circuit outputs the flushing signal to all individual electrodes.
US07997669B2 Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus including: (a) a recording head; (b) an ink supply source; (c) an ink supply conduit interconnecting the recording head and the ink supply source, such that the ink is supplied from the ink supply source to the recording head in an ink supplying direction; (d) a movable body disposed in the ink supply conduit and movable in the ink supply conduit; (e) a moving device configured to move the movable body in the ink supply conduit; and (f) a control device configured to control the moving device. The ink supply conduit includes a small-clearance defining portion in which a small clearance is to be defined between the movable body and an inner surface of the ink supply conduit when the movable body is being positioned in the small-clearance defining portion. The control device is configured to control the moving device, such that the movable body is moved from a first position located in the small-clearance defining portion, to a second position located in the small-clearance defining portion, whereby the ink within the small-clearance defining portion is caused to flow toward the recording head.
US07997668B2 Refrigerator and assembling method thereof
Provided are a refrigerator and an assembling method thereof that enable a storage member provided in a drawer-type storage space to be securely withdrawn and inserted, that improve the external appearance of a storage member when withdrawn and inserted, and that allow easier assembly and installation of the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a main body provided with a storage space, a storage member in the main body and capable of being withdrawn and inserted, an extendable rail member between the storage member and the main body to guide withdrawal and insertion of the storage member, and a cover member at one side of the rail member to cover the rail member. Thus, external appearance is improved, as is assembling convenience.
US07997667B2 Rack and pinion refrigerator storage system
A rack and pinion storage system for use in a refrigerator compartment defined by a liner includes a pair of supports attached to opposing sidewalls of the liner. First and second gear covers snap-fittingly connect first and second gear wheels to respective first and second mounting brackets extending from a storage basket, such that the gear wheels are rotatably connected to the storage basket and have equal rotational and linear motion along the respective supports. Retaining bars extending from the storage basket are held within channels defined between the bottom walls of the supports and top walls of opposing telescoping slide assemblies used to movably support a door of the compartment. Tabs extending from the supports limit the sliding movement of the storage basket. A removable divider connects to the storage basket, sectioning the basket into multiple storage compartments.
US07997664B2 Hub for off-road motorcycle
A hub for off-road motorcycle includes a bearing having a first portion and a second portion respectively formed on two opposite ends thereof. Each of the first portion and the second portion has a connecting flange extended therefrom. A first annular element has a first through hole defined therein. The first annular element has a plurality of first spoke holes defined therein. A second annular element has a second through hole defined therein. The second annular element has a plurality of second spoke holes defined therein. When the hub adapts to be assembled with spokes, the first annular element and the second annular element are slightly pivotally rotated relative to the bearing for adapting to easily adjustably assemble the spokes with a rim.
US07997663B2 Overmask element for vehicle wheels
A wheel cover suitable for being mounted on vehicle wheels having an outer surface adapted for facing away from a wheel of a vehicle and an inner surface adapted for facing towards the wheel when mounting the wheel cover. Central fasteners and peripheral fasteners extend from the inner surface towards the wheel of the vehicle. The central fasteners are arranged at bolts of the wheel. Both the central fasteners and the peripheral fasteners are shaped so as to make an exclusively snap-type mounting of the wheel cover on elements of the wheel. A ridge projects from the inner surface of the wheel cover to make abutment with the head of the bolt at the same time the rib or tooth abuts onto the sloped section of the bolt head to stop the insertion movement.
US07997662B1 Rim shield device
A rim shield device for covering a rim of a tire featuring a circular base having a raised side along its outer edge; a plurality of channels disposed on the base extending radially from the center to the raised side; a cable disposed in each channel, the second end of each cable extends out of its respective channel; a hook disposed on the second end of each cable; and a tightening system comprising a spring-loaded button disposed in the center of the base, the first ends of each of the cables are engaged in the spring-loaded button, the spring-loaded button can move between an in position and an out position, an inner spring of the spring-loaded button biases the spring-loaded button in the out position, wherein in the out position the cables are effectively shortened in length and in the in position the cables are effectively lengthened.
US07997660B2 Hybrid retainer sleeve for tool inserted into block
A sleeve utilizing two methods of retention—a friction fit and a rear retention feature—is disclosed. The sleeve includes a circumferentially compressible portion that provides a friction fit when inserted into a bore and includes a projected portion around an end circumference that is used to mate with the rear of a tool block and urges the sleeve (and the tool) rearward. The disclosure also relates to a tool and block assembly, a method of retaining a tool in a holder and a mining machine incorporating the sleeve.
US07997653B2 Stand up seat
A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back that is moveable between a first vertical position and a second vertical position forward and upward of the first vertical position. The vehicle seat assembly has a track assembly providing fore and aft adjustment. The vehicle seat assembly further includes at least one pivot assembly operatively coupled to the track assembly and pivotally mounted to a floor of a motor vehicle. The pivot assembly pivots the vehicle seat assembly between the seating position and a stand-up position. A stand-up link slidingly couples the pivot assembly and the seat back. A link lock locks to present a solid link between the pivot assembly and the seat back. The solid link guides the seat back between the first vertical position and the second vertical position as the vehicle seat assembly moves between the seating position and the stand-up position.
US07997652B2 Tilt control mechanism for a chair
A tilt control mechanism for an office chair includes a spring assembly therein which controls the tilt tension on the back assembly. The tilt control mechanism includes a control plate mounted to the control shaft on which the uprights are mounted, wherein the control plate rotates in combination with the uprights. This control plate is located within the control body and cooperates with a front stop assembly and a back stop assembly to vary the limits of forward and rearward tilting of the seat and back assemblies. Also, the tilt control mechanism includes a pneumatic actuator assembly having fixed and rotatable cam blocks. The rotatable cam block rotates relative to the fixed block such that the rotatable cam block is driven downwardly to depress the control valve of the pneumatic cylinder and thereby vary the height of the seat assembly.
US07997651B2 Knockdown chair having reinforced side supports
An improved knockdown chair having opposing substantially C shaped support arms, substantially L shaped tubular seating arrangement, sock type seating portion cover, front reinforcing member, and bottom reinforcing member, wherein each of the opposing substantially C shaped support arms are of laminate construction and have an upper arcuate arm support, front arcuate portion, and substantially straight bottom, the substantially L shaped tubular seating arrangement having a tubular seat back and tubular sitting portion telescopically interconnected one to the other, and wherein each of the opposing substantially C shaped support arms is opposingly removably fastened to the substantially L shaped tubular seating arrangement, the improvement comprising combination with each of the opposing substantially C shaped support arms of a substantially S shaped reinforcing member of laminate construction removably fastened to the upper arcuate arm support and the substantially straight bottom for reinforcing each of the opposing substantially C shaped support arms.
US07997650B2 Constant pressure retreating lumbar system
The present invention is a lumbar support system that retreats into the seat back when reclined, providing a constant pressure support. The lumbar support system has a lumbar support basket that can retreat into the seat back. The lumbar support basket is supported by a crossbar that is pivotably connected to opposite sides of a seat frame via a pair of connecting members. A spring is provided for biasing the connecting members to a biased position.
US07997647B2 Safety seat
A chair includes a chair base and seat frame extending upwardly from the chair base. The chair includes an interlock assembly, and an infant chair repeatably moveable between stowed and deployed positions with the chair base. The interlock assembly restricts and allows the ability of the infant chair to move between the stowed and deployed positions. The interlock assembly restricts the ability of the chair base to rotate in response to the infant chair being in the deployed position.
US07997645B2 Holding assembly for a seat of a bicycle
A holding assembly for a seat of a bicycle has a securing base and an engaging block. The securing base has a connecting segment, an engaging segment, a securing hole and a securing bolt. The connecting segment has a connecting device connected with the seat of the bicycle. The engaging segment is formed on and protrudes from the bottom of the connecting segment and has an engaging recess having an inclined top surface. The securing bolt is slidably and rotatably mounted in the securing hole, extends into the engaging recess and has a threaded portion. The engaging block is moveably mounted in the engaging recess and has an inclined top surface abutting with the inclined top surface of the engaging recess and a threaded portion engaging the threaded portion on the securing bolt.
US07997644B2 Gliding-reclining seating unit with power actuator
A gliding and reclining seating unit includes: a base unit with a first bearing surface; a generally horizontally-disposed seat positioned above the base; a generally upright backrest positioned above the base and substantially rearward of the seat; an extendable ottoman; a reclining mechanism attached to the seat, the backrest, the ottoman and the base unit, the reclining mechanism comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected links; a gliding mechanism attached to the base unit and the reclining mechanism, the gliding mechanism being configured to enable the seat, backrest and reclining mechanism to glide relative to the base unit along a longitudinal path responsive to a longitudinally-directed force; and a power actuating unit attached to the reclining mechanism. The actuating unit is configured to move the chair between (a) an upright position, in which the seat is generally horizontally disposed, the backrest is generally vertically disposed, and the ottoman are generally vertically disposed and positioned below the seat, (b) an intermediate TV position, in which the ottoman is generally horizontally disposed in front of the seat and the backrest and the seat substantially maintain the same relationship as they have in the upright position, and (c) a fully reclined position, in which the angle between the backrest and the seat increases.
US07997639B2 Slide door opening/closing device of motor vehicle
A lower guide rail is mounted to a lower surface of a vehicle floor panel. Front and rear cable guides are provided on front and rear ends of the lower guide rail. A lower roller bracket fixed to a slide door is guided by the lower guide rail. An electric actuator unit is mounted to the lower surface of the floor panel. The electric actuator unit includes a cable wind/rewind drum. A watertight cover is mounted to the lower surface of the floor panel in a manner to cover the electric actuator unit. A first inner cable is guided by the front cable guide and has one end portion wound on the wind/rewind drum and the other end fixed to the lower roller bracket. A second inner cable is guided by the rear cable guide and has one end portion wound on the wind/rewind drum and the other end fixed to the lower roller bracket.
US07997620B1 Adaptive load-limiting seat belt buckle presenter
An adaptive load-limiting seat belt buckle presenter includes a plow assembly movable within a tube and connected to the buckle by cables. Movement of the plow assembly presents the buckle at various positions relative to the occupant. The plow assembly has a plurality of plow elements that engage with the tube to plow troughs in the tube when an occupant restraining load moves the plow assembly within the tube. A plow actuator mechanism selects a number of the plurality of plow elements to be engaged or not engaged with the tube to thereby adapt the load-limiting capability of the presenter. A controller and various sensors cooperate to operate an adjusting motor for translating the plow assembly within the tube to present the buckle at a desired position and to also operate a rotary actuator to select the number of plow elements that will be engaged or not engaged.
US07997615B2 Occupant restraint system
An occupant restraint system according to one form of the present invention includes a side airbag device having a first airbag for, in a side collision, receiving gas supply from an inflator and inflating to deploy such that the first airbag covers a side internal surface of a passenger compartment, and a rear seat airbag device having a second airbag that is housed in a support section formed in a rear tray, the support section being covered with a lid, and, in a side collision, receives gas supply from the inflator, presses to open the lid, projects out of the support section, and inflates to deploy toward seating surfaces of rear seats.
US07997611B2 Safety arrangement in a vehicle seat
The invention relates to a safety device in a vehicle seat with a seat frame on which a seat cushion is fitted, and with an airbag unit with a gas generator and an airbag, which airbag unit is arranged on the seat frame below the seat cushion. It is the object of the invention to provide a safety device which effectively avoids the seat user slipping forwards in the event of an accident and at the same time is simple to produce and fit. The object is achieved in that the airbag when not activated rests in an unfolded and flat manner on the seat frame.
US07997610B2 Knee airbag device
A knee airbag device includes an airbag module and an airbag door. The airbag module, which is provided inside a column cover that covers the rear end portion of a steering column, includes a gas generation device that generates gas when a collision occurs, and a knee airbag that is inflated and deployed from a folded state when the knee airbag receives the gas from the gas generation device. The airbag door, which is provided in the lower portion of the column cover, is opened when the inflation pressure of the knee airbag is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. When the knee airbag is deployed, at least a portion of the airbag door is positioned between an interfering object that is positioned in an area on the side of the column cover, and at least a portion of the knee airbag.
US07997605B2 ATV utility trailer with pivoting and extendable tongue and brush guard
A trailer with a pivoting and extendable tongue for use with all terrain vehicles (ATV) wherein the trailer tongue connects to a standard vehicle hitch receiver providing means for pivoting the trailer up in a raised transport or storage space saving configuration supported by the ATV or other vehicle receiver. The tongue is telescoping. The wheels are provided with heavy duty fenders which can be pivotally mounted on the wheel axles to function as sled runners. Support members extend from the axles to a selected point under the trailer frame at a selected angle in front of the wheels to function as brush guards so that the wheels are not caught in brush, hung on stumps, or deep gullies. A keeper can be removed to allow the fenders to be rotated forward and down to be used as sled runners when the ATV is towing a load in the snow. The wheels are also positioned under the trailer bed to extend pass the frame to allow the trailer to be backed over objects such as logs or gullies.
US07997598B2 Vehicle suspension system
A link arm (81) for restraining lateral movement of a pivotable vehicle suspension system (1), wherein a first end (90) of the arm (81) is pivotally connected to a wheel-mounting end of the system (1) and a second end (91) of the arm (81) is pivotally mounted to a frame of the vehicle such that the arm (81) may pivot relative to the frame in unison with the wheel-mounting end and restrain lateral movement of the system (1) relative to the frame. The first end (90) has a bearing (90) through which a pivot pin (71) extends. The second end (91) has a ball and socket joint 91 (ball joint) enabling pivoting of the arm (81) relative to the frame about more than one axis.
US07997585B2 Cylinder head gasket
The invention relates to a metallic cylinder head gasket for an internal combustion engine having a cylinder block with adjacent combustion chambers and a cylinder head connected to the said block by bolts, having at least one sheet metal layer of resilient metal, which is provided with a plurality of combustion chamber openings corresponding to the combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine, and also fluid and bolt passage openings, where, around each combustion chamber opening, at a distance from the latter, leaving a straight sheet metal section in the opening edge area, a bead is provided, whose spring travel is limited by a stopper extending concentrically with respect to the bead the stopper being profiled in terms of height and/or width in accordance with reductions in compression pressure to be expected in specific areas on account of reduced component stiffness of cylinder block and cylinder head in the clamped state of the cylinder head gasket, where, when profiling the stopper height and/or width, the increase in the compression pressure as a result of thermal expansions to be expected because of the operating temperature of the internal combustion engine is additionally taken into account in such a way that the profiling is designed substantially in accordance with a mid-range between an increase in compression pressure resulting from thermal expansions and a decrease in compression pressure resulting from component stiffnesses.
US07997581B2 Gaming system for bingo-type game
A set of game cards, such as bingo cards (10) which each display an arrangement of game indicia, such as bingo numbers (27) are configured for use in combination with jackpot tickets (12) in a game of chance, such as bingo or keno, in which numbers are drawn at random from a pool. The jackpot tickets provide chances for a winner of a bingo game played with the bingo cards to be eligible for a jackpot award. The jackpot tickets (12) each include a set of jackpot numbers (28) selected from the same pool as the bingo numbers (27). These are compared with the bingo numbers on the winning bingo card to determine whether the winning card is eligible for a jackpot award. The jackpot numbers may be arranged in regions (22, 24, 26) corresponding to different award levels, whereby a jackpot number or combination of jackpot numbers from a level which match one or more of the bingo numbers on the winning bingo card, and optionally which meet one or more additional eligibility rules, qualifies the winning card for the jackpot award.
US07997576B2 Equipment for processing banknotes in stack
Equipment for processing banknotes in stack, as an example for a banking deposit, including a transport mechanism for banknotes or similar sheets, and a receiving section the banknotes or sheets are transported at a given transport velocity (Vt) and the receiving section is arranged downstream of a section of the transport mechanism for receiving, in superimposition, the banknotes or sheets. The equipment comprises an interface mechanism with nipping members interposed between the transport mechanism and the receiving section and electronic control circuits which cause the nipping members to slow down the banknotes or sheets of the receiving section at a reduced velocity (Vb), in response to information of transit of the banknotes or sheets, making easy a regular stacking of the banknotes or sheets.
US07997573B2 Process for forming stacks of printed products, especially books, magazines, newspapers and brochures, and system for implementing the process
To form stacks of printed products such as books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, etc., a plurality of printed sheets is delivered by a conveying section and assembled thereon into preliminary products, which are then formed into stacks, where the process for collating the printed sheets into preliminary products is controlled as a function of the size of the stack of printed products to be formed. A device for implementing the process includes a collating device for forming preliminary products and an indirectly downstream stacking device connected to a control unit.
US07997559B2 Method and apparatus for replacing old underground conduits
In a method and an apparatus for replacing old underground conduits (4), the old conduit (4) is first laid bare with the aid of a ground drilling device (8) with an overdrilling head and then, in turn, a new conduit (5) is drawn in with the aid of the drill rods (7) and at the same time—in a uniform operating step—the old conduit is pulled out of the ground.
US07997552B2 Suspension system
A system is provided for suspending a plurality of line array loudspeakers. The suspension system includes a rigging bar having an engaging member, such as a pivotal member, positioned near one end of the rigging bar. The engaging member includes a free end capable of extending outward past the end of the rigging bar in which the engaging member is positioned. The end of the rigging bar opposite the pivotal member is designed to releasably receive an engaging member of an adjacent rigging bar. The free end of the engaging member of the rigging bar may include a hole that aligns with holes positioned in the receiving end of the rigging bar. The engaging member of one rigging bar may then be secured to an adjacent rigging bar by aligning holes of the engaging member of a first rigging bar with the holes in the receiving end of a second rigging bar and inserting a release pin through the aligned holes.
US07997547B1 Roll-up sign mounting bracket
A bracket for mounting an article, such as a roll-up fabric sign, on a mast, includes a body and a clamp on the body for securing the bracket at a desired location on the mast. A receptacle on the body is provided for receiving a portion of the article. The bracket body may be secured in first and second different orientations on the mast at the desired location, the first operational orientation being one in which the receptacle is positioned forwardly of a forward surface of the mast, for receiving the article portion, and the second non-operational orientation being one in which substantially no portions of the bracket body are positioned forwardly of the mast forward surface.
US07997542B2 Strap having freely rotatably mounted clip
A strap with rotatably mounted clip fabricated in a single molding operation. The strap includes a strap retention member and a plurality of teeth. The rotatable clip includes a clip member, a pedestal and a head. The pedestal is retained in a pedestal opening formed through the strap. In fabrication, a top mold insert is slid into a top of first and second mold halves and a bottom mold insert is slid into a bottom of the first and second mold halves. Plastic is then injected into the first and second mold halves to independently and separately form the strap and the clip in a single molding process, wherein the inserts provide a space between the pedestal opening and the pedestal to allow the clip to rotate relative to the strap.
US07997539B2 Device and method for twisting and clamping moveable flaps
The invention relates to a device for twisting and clamping a second flap moveable about a rotational axis with respect to a first flap. A device includes a twisting device arranged on the first flap including a drivable shaft rotatable about the rotational axis and a catch connected to the second flap. The device also includes a clamping device including a clamping sleeve arranged along the rotational axis.
US07997526B2 Moveable wings on a flying/hovering vehicle
The present invention includes an embodiment defined as a flying vehicle having a pair of wings and a transition assembly partially housed within each of the pair of wings. The transition assembly has ends rotatable with respect to each other and separately secured to the wing in which the end is housed. The transition assembly has a first position defined as having each wing positioned at an angle offset from a substantial horizontal orientation and oriented in an opposite direction from the other wing. When the transition assembly is in the first position the vehicle spins and will fly in a substantially hovering vertical orientation. The transition assembly has a second position defined as having each wing positioned in a substantial horizontal position. When the transition assembly is in the second position the vehicle will fly in a substantially horizontal orientation.
US07997520B2 Cable spool with height adjustment capability and method of performing the same
A spool and method of adjusting the same are disclosed. The spool is configured to provide a retainer for cable. The may include an upper flange, a lower flange, a plurality of access slots, a center portion, and a plurality of support legs. The support legs are configured to support the spool at a first distance above a securing surface, the support legs being adjustable to provide at least one additional distance that is different from the first distance.
US07997518B2 Roller press with retractable grinding material guide metal sheet
The invention relates to a material bed roller mill having two rollers (1, 2) which are rotatably supported in a machine frame (3) and driven in opposite directions and whose roller gap, which is charged from above with the grinding material to be comminuted, is delimited at its ends during the operation of the roller mill by a grinding material guide plate (5) which can be removed from its operating position, wherein a) the grinding material guide plate (5) is displaceable in an upward direction and away from the end of the roller gap to such an extent relative to its operating position that the rollers (1, 2) can be removed from the machine frame (3) in the horizontal direction; b) during that displacement movement, the grinding material guide plate (5) is guided by guide bodies along an arc-shaped guide and c) in the operating position, the grinding material guide plate (5) is supported towards the outside against the forces exerted by the grinding material by support members which are connected pivotably to the grinding material guide plate.
US07997514B2 Method for fabricating CIGS nanoparticles
A wet ball mill method for fabricating copper/indium/gallium/selenium (CIGS) nanoparticles, comprising an individual milling process, a homogeneously mixing process, a primary milling process, and an advanced milling process, wherein in the individual milling process, the individual particles or compound particles including copper, indium, gallium and/or selenium are milled to the individual milled materials with a particle size 500 nm to 600 nm; in the homogeneously mixing process, the individual milled materials are mixed to a mixed homogenate; in the primary milling process, the mixed homogenate is milled to the primary milled materials with particle size 100 nm to 200 nm; and in the advanced milling process, the primary milled materials are milled to the advanced milled materials with particle size less than 50 nm which are the CIGS nanoparticles for fabricating the absorption layer of CIGS solar cell.
US07997509B2 Portion-controlled dispensing straw assembly
A portion-controlled dispensing straw assembly includes inner and outer telescoping tubes. The outer tube has an upper edge and a lower edge, and the inner tube has an upper edge, a lower edge and an interior chamber for receiving a substance to be dispensed. A seal is disposed within and attached to the outer tube, below the inner tube, for preventing the substance from exiting the interior chamber in a substance-retaining condition. A cap has a lower edge resting on the upper edge of the inner tube in the substance-retaining condition. The cap, upon being depressed, pushes the inner tube within the outer tube to break the seal and allow the substance received in the interior chamber to fall out of the tubes in a substance-releasing condition. The cap, upon being removed, also opens a passage allowing the tubes to be used as a straw.
US07997504B2 Surface having optically readable printed tags
A surface having an optically readable pattern of dots printed thereon. The pattern comprises an arbitrarily shaped constant background pattern of dots and/or blanks. The constant background pattern defines discrete areas of coded data represented by a plurality of dots positioned according to an encoding scheme. Each discrete area contains orientation information for enabling an optical reader to determine an orientation relative to the pattern of dots.
US07997501B2 Wireless IC device and electronic apparatus
A wireless IC device that is miniaturized, allows simple and low-cost mounting of a wireless IC, and eliminates the possibility of damage occurring to the wireless IC due to static electricity, and an electronic apparatus equipped with the wireless IC device, includes a wireless IC chip that processes transmission and reception signals, and a feeder circuit substrate that includes a resonant circuit having an inductance element. Feeder electrodes are provided on a surface of the feeder circuit substrate and are electromagnetically coupled to the resonant circuit. The feeder electrodes and are electromagnetically coupled to radiation plates and provided for a printed wiring board. The wireless IC chip is activated by a signal received by the radiation plates and a response signal from the wireless IC chip is radiated outward from the radiation plates.
US07997489B2 Countertop-based digital image capture and processing system having an illumination subsystem employing a single array of LEDs disposed behind an illumination focusing lens structure integrated within the imaging window, for generating a field of visible illumination highly confined below the field
A countertop-mounted digital image capture and processing system that includes a housing having an imaging window with an illumination-focusing lens component integrated therewithin. The area-type image formation and detection subsystem, also disposed in the housing, has image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and onto an area-type image detection array, for forming and detecting 2D digital images of an object in the FOV, during object illumination and imaging operations. The single array of LEDs is disposed immediately behind the illumination-focusing lens structure, for generating a field of visible illumination that reflects off an object within said FOV and is transmitted back through said imaging window and onto said area-type image detection array.
US07997488B2 Magnetic card reader system
There is provided a magnetic card reader system in which a magnetic head and a computer can determine mutual validity and unauthorized duplication of the magnetic card can be prevented. In a magnetic card reader system 10, a computer 13 and a microprocessor perform authentication of each other and determine that a mutual authentication result obtained based on mutual authentication is valid, then the microprocessor encrypts a digital signal and transmits the encrypted digital signal to the computer 13, and the computer 13 decodes the encrypted digital signal.
US07997486B2 System, method, and apparatus of RFID point of sale
An RFID Point-of-Sale system for completing a sale transaction to a customer of a plurality of items associated with a plurality of unique RFID tags at a store includes an arrangement of a plurality of RFID tag scanners for detecting the plurality of unique RFID tags associated with the plurality of items, and a checkout platform including a transaction panel, wherein a list of the plurality of items is displayed on the transaction panel based on a matching of the detected plurality of unique RFID tags with information stored in an inventory database.
US07997478B2 Check processing method, check processing program medium, and check processing apparatus
Check processing involves scanning a back of a check having no authorization data printed thereon and also scanning a front of the check having preprinted magnetic ink characters, electronically generating authorization data indicating that processing payment of the check has been completed and the check is valid based on a reading of the magnetic characters and a response from an external analysis source, generating an electronic merged image by electronically combining back image data captured during the scanning of the back of the check with generated authorization data, and storing the electronic merged image with the front image data captured during the scanning of the front of the check. Moreover, these operations are performed in a single pass of the check in one direction through a transportation path of a check processing apparatus. No printing of any data is required. The check processing can be embodied in a method, apparatus, or instructions embodied on a machine-readable medium.
US07997477B2 System and method for biometric authorization for check cashing
A system and method for a biometric-based identity verification for authorizing a check cashing transaction between a consumer and a merchant using a biometric identification device and at least one consumer biometric identifier scan. Said consumer registers with said system at least one biometric identifier and personal identity-verifying data both used to authenticate the identity of the consumer without the use of a man-made identity token during a check cashing transaction. During said transaction, said consumer enters at least one digital scan of at least one of their registered biometrics and said system authenticates said consumer's identity through comparing said digital scan with at least one digital scan stored in at least one system database. Upon positive identification of said consumer, said transaction is approved.
US07997472B2 Friction stir welding using an adhesive, copper, tin and zinc interlayer
When a friction stir weld tool penetrates the interface of two workpieces of dissimilar metal alloy materials, the resultant weld of the different alloy materials may produce a weak weld joint. Such weak joints are often experienced, for example, when attempting to form spot welds or other friction stir welds between a magnesium alloy sheet or strip and an aluminum alloy sheet or strip. It is discovered that suitable coating compositions including an adhesive placed at the interface of assembled workpieces can alter the composition of the friction stir weld material and strengthen the resulting bond. In the example of friction stir welds between magnesium alloy and aluminum alloy workpieces, it is found that combinations of an adhesive with copper, tin, zinc, and/or other powders can strengthen the magnesium-containing and aluminum-containing friction stir weld material.
US07997471B2 Method for production of spacers for a nuclear reactor
A method for production of spacers to hold at least a number of elongated fuel rods (5) in a fuel unit (20) for placement in a re-actor (1) is described. The method comprises the steps of providing at least two spacers (30), to provide a set of mandrels (40) comprising a number of mandrels (42), to arrange at least two spacers (30) with one on top of the other on the set of mandrels (40), and to heat treat the spacers (30) when they are arranged on the set of mandrels (40) so that the cells (31) in the spacers (30) adapts to the mandrels (42).
US07997465B2 Baby swaddler
A baby holder including a cushioned support having pairs of curved channel or indent undersides at substantially right angles to one another to allow resting of the support on the upper legs of a seated parent with the baby facing the parent's chest or sideways, and with its head supported by the cushion and its legs extended along the cushion.
US07997463B2 Nozzle, adhesive dispenser, and method of dispensing adhesive
A nozzle, which is for in at least one embodiment a hot glue gun, has a resilient cap that is positioned within the nozzle's conduit. The resilient cap has at least one slit that serves as a check valve. The invention solves the problem of resilient caps in hot glue guns becoming unseated and wedging in the tapering section of the glue gun nozzle conduit by adding a collar inside the conduit that prevents the base section of the resilient cap from wedging in deeper into the nozzle's conduit, which would otherwise make the valve fail.
US07997446B2 Pump
A minute quantity viscous material dispenser employing a pressurized material source and a reciprocating piston is driven by a variable drive which is controlled in response to a signal reflective of piston position and wherein the drive can be controlled for direction, stroke distance, speed, acceleration, and force and wherein the drive is coupled to the piston through a quick disconnect.
US07997444B2 Dispensing package
The present invention refers to a portable dispensing package comprising a pair of longitudinally opposite end walls disposed in spaced apart relation by an adjacent peripheral wall therebetween, an opening arranged on one of said end walls and a hinged lid for distributing and storing a continuous band of detachable plastic bags.
US07997441B2 Tank container, frame, hoist eyes and protective structures
Embodiments provide a tank container including a base adapted to rest on an external support, an open frame joined to the base in spaced relation to a tank barrel, the frame defining a space about the tank barrel, an open protective structure supported by the frame, the protective structure impeding contact between the flange and an external structural agent, hoist engagement structure adapted to receive hoist rigging, and rigging protective structure supported by the frame.
US07997440B2 Closure assembly for a container
A closure assembly for a container including an internally-threaded annular flange, an externally-threaded closure plug that is received by the annular flange, and an annular gasket positioned between the annular flange and the closure plug for establishing a sealed interface. The container includes a container end panel that is formed over and around a portion of the annular flange and provides an inner axial wall that is positioned between the annular flange and the annular gasket. The clearance between the closing plug and the inner axial wall relative to the size of the annular gasket determines the degree of radial compression of the annular gasket as the plug is threaded into the flange. A radial lip of the plug is designed to contact an upper surface of the container end panel that is formed over the flange as a visual indication when the required tightening torque of the plug within the flange has been reached.
US07997433B2 Device for suspending a travel rail of an overhead conveyor or a hoisting machine
A device for suspending a rail of an overhead conveyor or a hoisting machine from a traversing gear or supporting structure includes a tension element, which carries the rail by one end via a fixing device. The fixing device grasps a support element of the rail. The support element widens and extends at least partly in the lengthwise direction of the rail. To provide a device for suspending a rail that provides enhanced safety against collapse, the fixing device includes two fixing parts, which are connected like pliers by means of a bolt running in the lengthwise direction of the rail. The fixing parts swivel toward each other from the open position into the fixing position by their fixing regions. The support element of the rail rests against the bearing surfaces of the fixing parts, even in the open position, when the fastening means are released.
US07997432B2 Trunnion transportation system and crane using same
A mobile lift crane includes a carbody and at least four crawlers attached to the carbody, each crawler having a crawler frame attached to the carbody by a trunnion having an axis. The crawler frame is attached to the carbody so as to be able to pivot with respect to the carbody about the axis of the trunnion. The crane also includes a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to the crawlers and a boom pivotally mounted on a front portion of the rotating bed. A linear actuator is connected between the crawler frame and the carbody and extends through the trunnion.The linear actuator is part of a self attachment mechanism. The trunnion includes a tubular member with a longitudinal axis, a first end configured for connection to the crane carbody and a second end configured for connection to the crawler frame. At least one of the ends is configured to allow rotational movement of the crawler frame relative to the carbody about the longitudinal axis. The linear actuator is mounted within the hollow central tubular member. The linear actuator is preferably a hydraulic cylinder. A carbody connector is attached to one end of the hydraulic cylinder, and a crawler frame connector is attached to the other end of the hydraulic cylinder.
US07997431B2 Operating method for an installation having a mechanically movable element
An assembly has a mechanically movable element (1), by the movement of which an oscillatory system (2) can be excited to perform an oscillation which has a resonant frequency (f) and a corresponding oscillatory period (T). First of all, a control device (4) moves the mechanically movable element (1) at a first speed (v1). If the control device (4) is stipulated a second speed (v2) by an operator (7), the control device (4) determines a jolt profile, by means of which the speed (v) of the mechanically movable element (1) is changed to the second speed (v2), and moves the mechanically movable element (1) according to the determined jolt profile. Said control device (4) determines the jolt profile in such a way that an oscillation of the oscillatory system (2) which is excited at the beginning of the speed change is calmed at the end of the speed change.
US07997430B2 Display apparatus and method
Some embodiments of a product display apparatus may include a plurality of product shelves and a product display sign coupled to a support arm in an elevated position above the product shelves so as to define a viewing gap at a selected height. The viewing gap can provide consumers with see-through visibility toward an adjacent aisle. The product display sign may be releasably secured in an elevated support arm that also receives one or more display containers in a position forward of the display sign and above the product shelves.
US07997427B2 Merchandise display system
A display cradle for storing and dispensing containers such as beverage cans and bottles. Containers are loaded from the rear of the display cradle onto shelves sloping downward from the back of the display cradle to the front of the display cradle. The bottom shelf of the display cradle includes an exit port at the front of the assembly, allowing containers to be removed from the display cradle. The display cradle includes an exit channel between a front wall and the front end of the shelves where the containers from each shelf drop through towards the exit port. A gate at the front end of each shelf pivots under the weight of the containers, allowing the front-most container on each shelf to enter the exit channel while preventing subsequent containers from entering the exit channel. When the containers have exited the exit channel, the biased gate tilts back allowing the next container on each shelf to repeat the sequence. The biased gates on each shelf may operate in unison with each other.
US07997425B2 Fluted filter medium and process for its manufacture
A fluted filter medium (74) comprising a corrugated filter sheet, where each flute (120) has an end closure defined by a regular fold arrangement in the corresponding corrugation. Each regular fold arrangement has at least four folds. A process for manufacturing the fluted filter medium comprising deforming a portion of each corrugation to define at least one foldable tip, and folding the said tip in order to close the corrugation.
US07997423B2 Container for storing a liquid such as cooking oil
A cooking oil container has a filter cup retained at the upper end thereof. The filter cup retains a planar circular filter at the lower end and a seal between the filter holder and the bottom of the filter cup prevents oil from overflowing around the circumference of the filter holder to avoid the filter. The filter cup is spaced from the inner walls of the container to allow air to escape from the bottom of the container. The top of the container has a grip ring and the inverted top is useable as a drip tray for the filter cup while oil is being poured out of the container.
US07997419B2 Fluidizing apparatus
A fluidizing apparatus comprises a vessel having an inlet, a plurality of outlets and a nozzle, through which a pressurized fluid can be fed into the vessel. The outlets are spaced at different heights from a base of the vessel and are controlled by valves enabling fluidized solids to be removed in layers from the vessel. In a further embodiment, a single outlet is raised or lowered to a desired position in the vessel.
US07997418B2 Method and device for processing units of money
The invention relates to a method and a device for processing monetary units such as banknotes or coins, in which the monetary unit are conveyed from an input compartment in each case to one of a plurality of output compartments as a function of predefined sorting criteria.In order to widen the range of application of banknote sorting machines, a control device for the processing apparatus is provided, which control device is configured to be able to output in each case a predefined number of monetary units of a plurality of different denominations into at least some of the output compartments in order to process these monetary units in an individualized fashion. In comparison to the previously predominantly manually executed individualized processing, the solution according to the invention permits rapid and reliable individualized processing of cash supported by automatic means.
US07997417B2 Means in a reverse vending machine (RVM) for receiving, handling, sorting and storing returnable items or objects
The reverse vending machine (RVM) receives, handles, sorts, and stores returnable items or objects. The RVM includes an item supporting, rotating, sorting and conveyor unit, an upright storage chamber for such items, a safety apparatus to avoid operational hazards, a camera aided detection device for detecting at least one of a bar code on and other characteristics, e.g. contour, of an item, a simplified token system , and a drive system with a releasable power coupling for operating the sorting device and a further storage device.
US07997416B2 Oscillating screen
An oscillating screen comprises a screening container inside which a screening means is disposed lying on a determinate screening plane (P), coinciding or inclined with respect to a horizontal oscillation plane (X), and oscillation means to move the screening container with respect to a fixed supporting structure. The oscillation means comprises a first movement unit provided with a first rotary shaft associated with a first eccentric element cooperating with the screening container, and a second movement unit having at least a second rotary shaft provided with a second eccentric element cooperating with the screening container. A transmission means connects the first rotary shaft and the second rotary shaft with each other, so that they have the same angular velocity.
US07997415B2 Apparatus, method and system for creating, collecting and indexing seed portions from individual seed
A method, apparatus, and system for coating, singulating, aligning, ablating, and indexing a number of seeds for testing is described. The apparatus has a carrier designed to hold seeds in a predetermined alignment for ablating a seed sample from a seed portion, the seed portions are indexed to the seed samples. The carrier is then located on the apparatus which delivers the seed samples from the carrier to a collector for laboratory testing.
US07997408B2 Rapid opening packaging system for airway devices
The present invention relates to a packaging system for airway devices that permits their rapid access. In particular, the packaging system is capable of maintaining the device in storage under sterile conditions, yet be capable of facilitating rapid unpackaging and use.
US07997405B2 Sanitary conveyor
A conveyor includes a frame and a bracket assembly attached to the frame, the bracket assembly including a series of mounting brackets having a slot for receiving a member. The slot releasably secures the member to the bracket. The member may be a side rail, a table or a support rail. The conveyor may include a belt, an actuator for driving the belt, and rollers for guiding the belt.
US07997400B2 Transport system for the movement of passengers/goods
A transport system for the movement of passengers/goods formed by a moving endless belt having: a series of pallet assemblies; drive equipment for transmitting a drive movement from actuating equipment to the pallet assemblies in a low speed section located in an embarking/disembarking area of the endless belt; drive equipment for transmitting a drive movement from actuating equipment to the pallet assemblies in a high speed section located in a middle area of the endless belt; and drive equipment for transmitting a drive movement from actuation equipment (400″) to the pallet assemblies in a transitional speed section located between the embarking/disembarking area and the middle area of the endless belt.
US07997391B2 Anti-lock brake device for use with a brake rotor disc
A disc brake assembly includes a rotor with an ABS tone ring insert assembly that functions as a rotation indicator in an anti-lock braking system. The insert is positioned in the hat of a rotor disc in a spaced relationship and is mounted to the mounting flange of the rotor disc. Forming the ring insert separately from the rotor disc also allows different coating materials to be used on the tone ring that may be more heat resistant. The ring insert assembly can be made of powder metal or made as a cast iron cylinder with a toothed cap made of powder metal having a corrosion resistant coating. Cost savings can be realized along with high performance when only a portion of the assembly if made of powder metal and coated.
US07997390B2 Automatic spring-loaded brake for industrial truck
An industrial truck with at least one driven wheel, which is adapted to being braked during traveling operation by means of a service brake and which is adapted to being immobilized by a parking brake, comprises a braking force generation and braking force transmission apparatus, which is adapted to generating a braking force and to transmitting it to at least one wheel, preferably a driven wheel, the service brake being actuatable mechanically and/or pneumatically and/or hydraulically, wherein the parking brake is actuatable electromagnetically, and the industrial truck comprises a first armature disk, which is associated with the parking brake, has ferromagnetic material and is movable between an active position, in which it activates the braking force generation and braking force transmission apparatus for generating and transmitting a braking force to the at least one wheel, and an inactive position, in which it does not activate the braking force generation and braking force transmission apparatus.
US07997388B2 Detection platforms
Platforms for detecting, identifying and/or designating objects. Platforms according to one embodiment of the invention include an extendable mast connected to a skid via a linkage that allows pivoting of the mast with respect to the skid, and preferably does not permit rotation of the mast; at least two actuators connected to the mast; at least one inclination sensor; at least one detection sensor connected to the mast for detecting presence of an object; and circuitry that receives information from the inclination sensors and plumbs the mast. Coupling and actuator mechanisms are disclosed for connecting the mast to the skid in a manner that allows the mast to be stable for accurate use of the sensors, yet easily and quickly deployable for such use, whether the platform is deployed from the bed of a truck or when the skid is on the ground and the mast is fully extended.
US07997374B2 Vehicle occupant safety system and method for detecting the position of a vehicle occupant
A vehicle occupant safety system has at least one restraint device having at least one adjustable parameter, a vehicle seat having at least one seat sensor detecting the sitting position of a vehicle occupant, a seatbelt system having at least one belt extension sensor detecting the belt extension length, and a control unit determining from the values from the seat sensor and from the belt extension sensor whether a vehicle occupant is in a forward-leaning position. The control unit then specifies the value of the adjustable parameter of the restraint device as a function of a forward-leaning position of the vehicle occupant.
US07997373B2 Steering control device for vehicle
A steering control device for a vehicle includes a first adjustment value determination means for determining a first adjustment value of a value corresponding to a wheel steering angle based on an actual value and a target value of turning state quantity, the first adjustment value is a value directing to approximate the actual value to the target value, and a steering control means for adjusting the wheel steering angle by modifying the value corresponding to the wheel steering angle based on the first adjustment value, wherein the first adjustment value determination means includes an index value obtaining means for obtaining an index value indicating a probability of an occurrence of a side-slip of a wheel and a regulation means for regulating the first adjustment value so that the greater the probability of the occurrence of the side-slip is, the smaller the first adjustment value is set to be.
US07997372B2 Snowmobile and features thereof allowing for different tunnel widths
A family of snowmobiles having different tunnel widths is disclosed. A snowmobile having spacers between the tunnel and the sides of the engine compartment and a method of manufacturing such a snowmobile are also disclosed. A snowmobile having a countershaft which is disposed rearwardly of the engine, vertically higher than the air intake opening, and forwardly of the air intake controller is also disclosed.
US07997360B2 Vehicle steering arrangement and method
Vehicles with open loop hydraulic steering systems may suffer from jerky steering due to the necessity to have safety valves in the open loop system to prevent uncontrolled vehicle movement. Traditional open loop steering arrangements allow steering by controlling fluid quantities flowing from the pump to the drive motors. The disclosed vehicle has an open loop hydraulic drive system including first and second variable displacement motors for driving ground engaging mechanisms at first and second sides of the vehicle, respectively. The system includes a control mechanism configured for steering the vehicle by changing the displacement of one of the first and second motors. This allows the operator to change the drive motor speed range during travel.
US07997358B2 Bonding of cutters in diamond drill bits
A bit body formed of a mixture of matrix material and superabrasive powder and including pockets lined with superabrasive-free matrix material, and a method for forming the same, are provided. The pockets are shaped to receive cutting elements therein. The superabrasive-free matrix material enhances braze strength when a cutting element is brazed to surfaces of the pocket. The method for forming the drill bit body includes providing a mold and displacements. The displacements are coated with a mixture of superabrasive free matrix-material and an organic binder. The mold is packed with a mixture of matrix material and superabrasive powder and the arrangement heated to form a solid drill bit body. When the solid bit body is removed from the mold, pockets are formed by the displacements in the bit body and are lined with the layer of superabrasive-free matrix material. The superabrasive material may be diamond, polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, SiC or TiB2 in exemplary embodiments.
US07997351B2 Pneumatic drifter with replaceable foot pieces
Pneumatic drifters containing a drifter cylinder with removable feet and associated methods for using the pneumatic drifters are described. The removable feet are connected to feet pad of a drifter cylinder with multiple fasteners. The mating surfaces of the feet and the feet pad are provided with complimentary features that limit the shearing forces on the fasteners during operation of the drifter rock drill. The removable feet can be replaced quickly and easily without have to replace the entire drifter cylinder, thereby saving time and reducing costs. Other embodiments are also described.
US07997345B2 Universal marine diverter converter
A universal marine diverter converter (UMDC) housing is clamped or latched to a rotating control device. The UMDC housing assembled with the RCD is inserted into a marine diverter above the water surface to allow conversion between conventional open and non-pressurized mud-return system drilling, and a closed and pressurized mud-return system used in managed pressure or underbalanced drilling.
US07997344B2 Multi-function indicating tool
A crossover tool assembly is run in with a packer and after the packer is set it is released from the packer for independent movement. The assembly is picked up to allow spring loaded dogs to come out so that upon setting down weight the crossover assembly has an outer assembly that is supported on the packer mandrel. The crossover mandrel can then be set down and picked up to operate a j-slot mechanism in the crossover. Relative movement induced by the j-slot with the outer assembly of the crossover supported by the dogs allows a return path within the crossover to be opened or closed independent of any contact with the packer mandrel.
US07997335B2 Jet pump with a centrifugal pump
A seafloor pump assembly is installed within a caisson that has an upper end for receiving a flow of fluid containing gas and liquid. The pump assembly is enclosed within a shroud that has an upper end that seals around the pump assembly and a lower end that is below the motor and is open. An extraction tube has an upper end above the shroud within the upper portion of the caisson and a lower end connected to a jet pump. The extraction tube causes gas that separates from the liquid and collects in the upper portion of the caisson to be drawn into the jet pump and mixed with the liquid as the liquid is being pumped.
US07997334B2 Apparatus and method
A method and apparatus for containing fluid in ah area of a wellbore annulus, in which fluid is energized to create a fluid flow which is at least partially obstructed and is directed to form in the annulus a localized area of high pressure to contain fluid in an area of the annulus of lower pressure. In an embodiment, the method creates a pressure plug in the annulus.
US07997328B2 Air conditioner
In an air conditioner, air-supply passages cross air-discharge passages, and heat exchangers are disposed at intersections between the air-supply passages and the air-discharge passages. This increases the effective heat-exchanging areas of the heat exchangers. In addition, the air conditioner is configured such that the air conditioner can be easily installed and repaired even when the air conditioner is rotated to be properly connected with air-supply ducts and air-discharge ducts.
US07997327B2 Apparatus for combined heat transfer and static mixing with a liquid
The apparatus (1) which combines a heat exchange between a liquid (8) and a heat transporting medium (7) with a static mixing of the liquid includes installed structures (2) in a jacket (3). The jacket extends longitudinally between a head end (4) and a base end (5). The installed structures form a heat exchanging and mixing structure. The heat transporting medium can be conveyed from the base end to the head end as an inner flow in tubes (21, 22) of the installed structures. The liquid can be conveyed from the head end to the base end as an outer flow. Reinforcement elements (6, 6′, 6″) are provided which stabilise the installed structures in the longitudinal direction against pressure gradients generated by the liquid. The installed structures are connected by the reinforcement elements to form a non-expandable part structure (2a) in a main region; they remain at least partly non-reinforced as a longitudinally expandable part structure (2b) and in a secondary region complementary to the main region.
US07997314B2 Method and device for producing veneer and veneered parts and veneer and veneered parts
The invention aims at improving a method and a device (17) for the production of veneers (1) and veneered parts (13) and to veneers (1) and veneered parts (13). To this end, a sealing layer (2) is applied on the surface of the veneer (1) before further processing. The device (17) includes a veneer producing device known per se, a finishing station (6), a transporting device (5) and a polishing station (8).
US07997288B2 Single phase proximity head having a controlled meniscus for treating a substrate
A system for processing a substrate is described. The system includes a proximity head, a mechanism, and a liquid supply. The proximity head is configured to generate a controlled meniscus. Specifically, the proximity head has a plurality of dispensing nozzles formed on a face of the proximity head. The dispensing nozzles are configured to supply a liquid to the meniscus and the suction holes are added to remove a used liquid from the meniscus. The mechanism moves the proximity head or the substrate with respect to each other while maintaining contact between the meniscus and a surface of the substrate. The movement causes a thin layer of the liquid to remain on the surface after being contacted by the meniscus. The liquid supply is in fluid communication with the dispensing nozzles, and is configured to balance an amount of the liquid delivered to the meniscus with an amount of liquid removed from the meniscus, the amount of liquid removed from the meniscus including at least the thin layer of the liquid remaining on the surface of the substrate.
US07997276B2 Respiration pillow
A device for face-down, prone respiration comprising a head support made of resilient material having a facial cavity conformable to the contours of a person's face, a plenum cavity in fluid communication with the person's face, a substantially L-shaped support base removably engaged to the head support, a horizontal member of the base engaged underneath the head support and a vertical member of the base engaged to an end of the head support proximate to the facial cavity and in fluid communication with the plenum cavity, the vertical member having at least one air pump intake pathway and at least one exhalation discharge pathway integral to the base whereby air pumped through at least one air pump intake pathway creates a plenum in plenum cavity which is inhaled by person and air exhaled by person is discharged back into plenum cavity and out the at least one exhalation discharge pathway.
US07997269B2 System and method of safely displaying PK/PD anesthetic drug models
The system and method includes a treatment device such as an anesthetic machine or IV, a monitor and a display configured to display real-time PK/PD data associated with an anesthetic agent administered to the patient. The system and method further includes a safety control means configured to control the display such that one of a basic display state, an interactive effects display state, and a display inhibited state is selected and displayed according to the anesthetic agents and levels of the same being administered to the patient.
US07997267B2 Ergonomic and adjustable respiratory mask assembly with elbow assembly
A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a front surface and a rear surface adapted in use to face the patient. The frame includes a main body providing an aperture therethrough for the introduction of breathable gas into a nasal breathing cavity. An elbow assembly is swivelably coupled to the front surface of the frame. The elbow assembly includes a swivel elbow that defines an intake port and an exhaust port separated from the intake port using a baffle. The elbow assembly includes an end portion that interfaces with the aperture of the frame.
US07997260B2 Paintball marker
A pneumatic paintball marker has, for example, a sleeve that controls the passage of air through the longitudinal barrel or opening within the marker. By sequentially filling separate chambers defined within the opening and the sleeve, the sleeve is able to translate axially through the opening in a sequential manner. When the sleeve is in a forward position, air is caused to be released through the barrel, propelling the paintball. A sear member engages the sleeve and prevents it from inadvertently moving to a forward position. Air filling the chambers returns the sleeve to the loading position.
US07997256B2 Hinged removeable coil mount
An ignition coil assembly mounted on a valve cover whereby the plurality of coils connected to the ignition coil assembly are individually removable. The ignition coil assembly comprises a base plate and coil bracket that rotateably couple, preferably with a hinging element, allowing for access and removal of individual coils as from the engine or valve cover. The coil bracket is also able to be removed from the base member. A preferred embodiment involves locking the assembly in place with fasteners. A method for manufacture of the ignition coil assembly with the steps of rotateably coupling the base plate and coil bracket. A method for replacing ignition coils from an engine comprising separating the coil bracket from the base plate, removing and replacing individual ignition coils, and locking the coil bracket to the base plate.
US07997255B2 Ignition control apparatus and method for controlling ignition of a four-cylinder engine
An engine ignition control apparatus for controlling ignition of a multi-cylinder, 4-cycle engine includes dual ignition coils for controlling ignition timing of the respective cylinders during engine operation. The engine ignition control apparatus includes a stroke determination unit for determining a stroke based on crank pulses and on an output signal of an intake pressure sensor. The engine ignition control apparatus also includes an ignition map allocation unit for allocating ignition maps to the respective cylinders of two ignition systems, each having a pair of cylinders with a same phase, before the stroke determination. The ignition map allocation unit also allocates ignition maps independently to each of the respective cylinders after the stroke determination. The engine ignition control apparatus also includes an ignition timing calculation unit for calculating ignition timing of the respective ignition coils based on the ignition maps allocated to the respective cylinders.
US07997249B2 Piston for internal combustion engine and internal combustion engine with the same
A piston for an internal combustion engine including: a piston head located at an uppermost section of the piston; a land located on a circumference of the piston head; a skirt located below the land; and a pair of pin bosses located on the lower section of the piston head. The piston head has a first cavity on the bottom of the piston head. Each of the pair of pin bosses has a second cavity in an outer upper section of the pin boss. The pin boss has a through hole that communicably connects the first cavity with the second cavity.
US07997247B2 Engine intake control system
A valve plate is formed as a butterfly-type valve plate including a first and a second valve-plate half portions that extend in opposite directions to each other from a valve shaft. When the valve plate is at a first changeover position, the first valve-plate half portion is directed to the downstream side of a first intake passage from the valve shaft and the second valve-plate half portion is directed to the upstream side of the first intake passage from the valve shaft so that a first plate face of the valve plate forms a part of the first intake passage. When the valve plate is at a second changeover position, the first valve-plate half portion is directed to the downstream side of a second intake passage from the valve shaft and the second valve-plate half portion is directed to the upstream side of the second intake passage from the valve shaft so that a second plate face of the valve plate forms a part of the second intake passage. Accordingly, the power needed for changing over the valve plate and for keeping a predetermined changeover position can be reduced significantly.
US07997245B2 Fuel injection control apparatus
A fuel injection control apparatus includes: an internal combustion engine; a fuel injection unit provided in the internal combustion engine; an intake state detection unit that detects an intake state value indicating an intake state of the internal combustion engine, and that outputs an intake state signal; and a control unit to which the intake state signal is input, that determines based on the intake state signal whether or not the internal combustion engine is on an intake stroke, and that controls the fuel injection unit so that an initial fuel injection is performed in order to start up the engine when the control unit determines that the engine is on an intake stroke.
US07997239B2 Breather device of vertical type engine
A breather device of a vertical type engine includes: an engine body having a crank chamber and a cylinder bore; and a timing transmission chamber provided above the engine body and housing a timing transmission device that connects between a crankshaft and a cam shaft which are vertically placed, respectively, the timing transmission chamber communicating at one side with the crank chamber and at the other side with the outside, wherein the breather device includes a breather chamber communicating with the timing transmission chamber via a communication tube, the breather chamber communicating with an intake silencer box. Hence, oil can be efficiently separated from breathing gas of a crank chamber.
US07997231B2 Composition suitable for aquatic habitat repair, replacement and/or enhancement
The current invention provides an improved material for the repair, replacement, and/or enhancement of aquatic habitats. It is a composition for use as a replacement for concrete or as a coating for concrete in structures such as artificial reefs. The combination of calcium carbonate (preferably Aragonite), a resin (preferably a marine use resin or Dion ISO 6631), and a catalyst results in a composition that is strong, durable, easy to use, and compatible with aquatic life. The current invention can be used to fabricate structures for use as a foundation for the repair and regeneration of damaged coral reefs. The organically enhanced nature of the composition facilitates the attachment and growth of coral and algae and is compatible with other aquatic life. The composition can be fabricated into slab form and used as a surface for coral farming/seeding for eventual transplantation of live coral species. The composition can be used to fabricate artificial reef modules as described in the prior art and to duplicate certain species of hard coral. This product can also be used to build structures that will help protect shorelines from erosion. When cast in a molded process, the composition can be used for the formation of aesthetically pleasing formations (replicas of hard coral species) that are also suitable for use in aquariums. The composition can also be used to fabricate structures to be used in freshwater environments to enhance habitats used by desirable fish species for spawning.
US07997230B2 Manual litter box
A manual litter box provides various advantages over the prior art. In particular, in one embodiment, the manual litter box is configured to use a disposable cartridge which may include a litter compartment and a waste compartment. In another embodiment, the cartridge may be non-compartmentalized. The cartridge may be disposable, thus eliminating the need for the user to clean the litter tray and handle heavy litter containers. In other embodiments, the system includes a rake assembly configured with a manual shuttle chassis drive assembly that is protected from contamination. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the manual litter box is configured to be used with all types of litter including crystal type litter.
US07997222B2 Outboard motor control system
In a system for controlling outboard motors each mounted on a boat and each having an internal combustion engine and a shift mechanism, an actuator driving at least one of the shift mechanism and a throttle valve of the engine, and a controller controlling operation of the actuator, comprising: a navigation unit having a steering wheel installed to be freely operable by an operator and a steering angle detector producing an output indicative of a steering angle of the steering wheel, wherein the outboard motors are immovably fastened to the boat, such that each of the controllers controls the operation of the actuator cooperatively based on the output of the steering angle detector, to regulate traveling direction of the boat. With this, it becomes possible to control a traveling direction of the boat based on a steering command issued by the operator, while achieving a compact outboard motor.
US07997216B2 Outdoor furniture with protective layers
An article of furniture comprising, in combination: a core body consisting of first plastic foam material, a first layer extending at one or more of the top and sides of the core, and attached to the core, consisting of plastic soft material, a second layer covering the first layer and covering the top and sides of the body, and which is a waterproof plastic film material, and an outer exposed sheet removably covering said second layer, and consisting of an upholstery material or the like.
US07997215B2 Table adjustable in height
The invention relates to a table (1) comprising an up-and-down movable tabletop (2) and operating provisions to move the tabletop (2) up and down, characterized in that the operating provisions are located under the tabletop (2) and that they can be reached by hand. Said operating provisions preferably comprise an operating ring (3) movable against a resilient force.
US07997188B2 Portable multipurpose cooking utensil
A portable, multipurpose cooking utensil includes a base pan adapted to retain a grill having a dome-shaped, transparent lid thereon. The device also includes a heat control unit that allows a user to select the amount heat delivered to the grill. The heat control unit may be replaced with a broiling pan or frying pan, if desired.
US07997185B2 Piston ring
A piston has a body with a first circumferentially disposed groove. A first ring is movably disposed within the first groove. The first ring defines an inner circumferential groove. A blocking ring is at least partially located in the groove of the first ring and the groove of the piston. One or more vent passages may connect a first volume in the piston to a second volume outside the piston.
US07997182B1 Protective hull for vehicles
A protective hull for a vehicle has a plate that covers at least a substantial portion of the underside of the vehicle. A plurality of supports extends laterally from longitudinal members, and a plurality of supports extends laterally from another longitudinal member. A plurality of V-shaped supports is disposed between the lateral supports. The supports have a plurality of voids therein. The voids do not have corners that could encourage tearing of the supports. Cells that are protected from puncture contain fire suppressant and are disposed over the supports.
US07997177B2 Miter saw
A miter saw for cutting a workpiece is disclosed. The miter saw has a base section, a holder section, a saw blade section, a saw blade support section, and a guide bar. The base section has an upper surface for supporting a workpiece to be cut. The holder section stands from the base portion. The saw blade section has a circular saw blade for cutting the workpiece. The saw blade support section pivotably supports the saw blade section. The guide bar slidably supports the saw blade support section. The guide bar is slidably supported by the holder section. The guide bar extends substantially parallel to the upper surface of the base section. The saw blade support portion is slidable along the guide bar.
US07997172B2 Turning method and apparatus
Disclosed are a method and apparatus in the field of computer numerically controlled machine tools. A rotating workpiece is brought into contact with a tool, the tool being disposed in a rotating tool holder and traversing an eccentric path. By rotating the tool holder and workpiece synchronously, various characteristics forms may be produced. The method in some embodiments is useful in the turning of noncircular shapes, such as ovoid pistons and other parts.
US07997171B2 Attachment with collapsible front end for portable screw driving tool
An attachment for a portable hand-held screw driving tool is provided for use with collated strips of screws. The front portion of the attachment is movable to a great extent, to thereby allow the tool to drive screws almost directly at the corner of two walls. A front “nose piece” is pressed against one of the walls, which causes the nose piece to move rearward “into” the remainder of the tool, in a “first stage” of movement. A screw is indexed to its drive position, and a drive bit is abutted against the screw head during this first stage. The nose piece is pressed further into the tool, which also causes a “feed tube” to move rearward “into” the remainder of the tool, in a “second stage” of movement, which rotates the screw as it is emplaced into the wall.
US07997162B1 Handle bar extension
The instant invention is a handlebar extension that attaches to the top of a standard motorcycle or comparable vehicle allowing the user to secure the handlebars while positioning the handlebars at an elevated position and moving them forward, away from the rider. This is achieved by the presences of offset openings in the second component of the handle bar extensions. The handlebar extension attaches to existing openings of the motorcycle while the offset feature gives a height and distancing factor. The extensions have a plurality different size opening to accommodate a variety of different handlebars. The extensions themselves have a plurality of sizes as well to accommodate different applications.
US07997160B2 Control arrangement and gearbox
The invention relates to a control device for controlling the engagement of selected gears of a gearbox for a motor vehicle, which control device comprises a control rod with a respective locking arrangement. The locking arrangement includes a locking element provided with one or more grooves or recesses which each define a predetermined setting position of the control rod. The locking arrangement further includes two locking balls, a control ball and a spring arranged in a hollow space in the control rod. The locking balls are movable radially in the hollow space in mutually opposite directions, perpendicular to the control rod's longitudinal axis, against the action of the spring in order for the locking balls to be brought into and out of engagement with the grooves/recesses. The control ball is movable in the hollow space in the control rod's axial direction and is preloaded by the spring against the locking balls so that the locking balls, through the action of the spring and the control ball, are thereby preloaded to assume a protruded position in order to engage in one of the grooves/recesses. The invention also relates to a gearbox including such a control device.
US07997154B2 Rolling bearing device with sensor
[Resolving Means] A rolling bearing device with a sensor includes: a tubular fixed bearing ring which is fixed to a vehicle body side; a rotating bearing ring which is rotatably inserted in an interior of the fixed bearing ring and is fixed to a tire side; rolling elements which are rollably disposed between these bearing rings; and a sensor device disposed on a fixed bearing ring side. The sensor device has at least two sensors which are arranged at positions perpendicular to each other in a circumferential direction of the fixed bearing ring, and which are respectively capable of detecting the ground contact load of the tire, the sensor device being so constructed as to be able to detect a ground contact load of the tire based on cycles of outputs obtained from the at least two sensors.
US07997145B2 System for preloading piezoelectric actuators and method
A system for preloading piezoelectric actuators includes a fixture, a preloading mechanism configured to apply a mechanical force to a piezoelectric element supported by the fixture, and a sensor configured to sense an electrical property induced by the mechanical force in an electrical circuit having the piezoelectric element therein. A control device is coupled with the sensor and configured to generate a signal based on the sensed electrical property. A method of setting or testing preload includes applying a mechanical force to a piezoelectric element, and correlating an electrical property induced by the mechanical force with a magnitude of the mechanical force. Closed loop control allows preload to be set highly accurately.
US07997144B1 System and method of measuring quasi-static force with a piezoelectric sensor
A system and method employing a piezoelectric sensor for quasi-static force measurement substantially free of drift and with improved low-frequency response. The output signal from the sensor is sampled and integrated using digital techniques that include a drift compensation algorithm. The algorithm continually monitors the sensor output and estimates bias errors that will cause the output to drift.
US07997142B2 Low pressure sensor device with high accuracy and high sensitivity
Pressure non-linearity in a low pressure sensor device formed from a silicon diaphragm with an embedded piezoresistive transducer is reduced by using a shallow boss or thin stiffener on an ultra-thin diaphragm while the pressure sensitivity of the device is increased with corner trenches.
US07997136B2 MEMS force balance accelerometer
Microelectromechanical (MEMS) accelerometer and acceleration sensing methods. A MEMS accelerometer includes a proof mass, a planar coil on the proof mass, a magnet, a first pole piece positioned proximate a first side of the proof mass, and a second pole piece positioned proximate a second side of the proof mass. A magnetic flux field passes from the magnet, through the first pole piece, through the planar coil at an angle between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 60 degrees relative to the coil plane, and into the second pole piece. The first pole piece may extend into a first recessed area of a first housing layer and the second pole piece may extend into a second recessed area of a second housing layer. A method includes sensing a capacitance of a pickoff in the MEMS accelerometer and rebalancing the MEMS accelerometer by sending a current through the planar coil.
US07997133B2 Temperature compensating sensor
An acceleration sensor for measuring an acceleration comprises a housing including a measuring-plate, which has a first surface. The measuring plate has a second surface in parallel with and opposite to the first surface. A post is bonded via a post-bonding-face to the first surface. A temperature-compensating-element for compensating a temperature-effect caused by a temperature acting on the measuring-plate, is bonded via an element-bonding-face to the second surface of the measuring-plate. In addition, a sensor as described above is in a measuring device.
US07997126B2 Texture measuring apparatus and method
A texture measuring apparatus that measures surface information of an object includes: a probe coming into contact with the object while moving on a surface of the object; a first sensor unit, provided at the probe, for detecting a force acting on the probe in a direction perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the probe; and a second sensor unit, provided at the rear of the probe, for detecting a force acting on the probe in the lengthwise direction of the probe. The apparatus further includes a third sensor unit, provided between the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit, for detecting variations in the forces acting on the probe.
US07997125B2 Miniaturized spring element and method for producing the spring element
A miniaturized spring element is intended to be particularly suitable for use as a beam probe or cantilever for detecting atomic or molecular forces, in particular in an atomic force microscope, and, to this end, is intended to make it possible to detect its deflection in a particularly reliable manner and with high resolution. For this purpose, the spring element contains a basic body which is formed from a matrix containing embedded nanoparticles or defects. The spring element is produced using the principle of local deposition with focused energetic particles or electromagnetic waves or by pyrolytically induced deposition.
US07997124B2 Scanning probe microscope
A scanning probe microscope has a cantilever mounted to undergo oscillation movement over a surface of a sample. The cantilever has a probe on a distal end thereof. A Z-axis controlling amount calculating mechanism calculates a controlling amount for keeping constant an oscillation amount of the cantilever. A Z-axis driving mechanism drives in a Z direction the cantilever or the sample in accordance with the controlling amount from the Z-axis controlling amount calculating mechanism. A driving range limiting device limits a driving range of the Z-axis driving mechanism. A driving range setting device optionally sets the driving range of the Z-axis driving mechanism.
US07997122B2 Reid vapor pressure analyzer with an air saturator
The present invention is directed to an analyzer for measuring the vapor pressure of a hydrocarbon liquid. The analyzer includes a pressure measuring system connected to an air saturation system having a circulation chamber with opposing first and second ends. A first opening is disposed toward the first end and a second opening is disposed toward the second end. A plumbing system connects the first and second openings. A pump moves the hydrocarbon liquid through the plumbing system from the first opening to the second opening so as to saturate the hydrocarbon liquid with air. The air saturation system has a cooler for cooling the hydrocarbon liquid and the pressure measuring system has a heater for heating the hydrocarbon liquid. The pump may be a piston actuated pump or a motor-driven pump and the plumbing system may include an aeration chamber.
US07997120B2 Method for pressure testing a threaded component
A method for pressure testing a threaded component is provided. A cap includes a female threading that is matched with a threading of a first male threaded element. The cap is made up onto the first male threaded element of a component to be tested so as to compress a sealing ring between metal surfaces of the first element and the cap, and a test pressure is established inside the component. The male element has an annular lip which is capable of deforming radially outwardly under the effect of the test pressure. Between a radially outward surface of the lip and a facing surface of the cap, at the end of makeup there exists a clearance having a value which has been selected sufficiently small so that, under the effect of the test pressure, the lip bears on said facing surface without undergoing plastic deformation.
US07997112B2 Flange-forming system for tube and related methods
A system is configured for forming a flange at an end of a tube. The system includes a collar configured to receive the tube. A first roller engages the collar and a second roller is configured to cooperate with the first roller to rotate the collar and the tube. A rotatable cam is disposed about the second roller and includes a cam surface configured to bend the end of the tube to thereby form the flange. The collar may be configured to restrict axial movement of the tube relative to the collar. Additionally or alternatively, the collar may be configured to restrict rotational movement of the tube relative to the collar.
US07997110B2 Cleaning dies for hot forming of aluminum sheets
In substantial volume production operations involving hot blow forming or hot stamping of aluminum alloy sheet workpieces, debris largely comprised of particles of aluminum alloy material adheres to critical forming surfaces of the heated steel tools. This debris mars forming surfaces and causes defects in aluminum alloy parts formed against them. Such aluminum-rich debris may be reactively transformed to change its adherent properties and removed from tool surfaces without removing the heated tool from production. In one embodiment, a hot sacrificial magnesium sheet may be formed on the tool(s) to alloy with aluminum debris and carry it from the forming surface.
US07997106B2 Security apparatus including locking head and attachment device
A security apparatus is disclosed. The security apparatus comprises an attachment device comprising a base, and a locking head configured to secure to the base. The attachment device can be small and strong. The locking head can have a securing element and a locking component, associated with a housing. The locking head may be in a secured configuration upon a single motion or movement of the locking head.
US07997100B2 Jewelry with hidden compartment
An article of jewelry preferably in the form of a pendant having a hollow compartment therein which is accessible by a threaded or press fitted cap which upon opening the container permits access to an article retaining apparatus. The article retaining apparatus can be solid, hollow or formed of a mesh material which permits visibility of the retained object and includes a slot for insertion of a retained object. The article retained may be an object having a reference to luck, power, love or protection and may include either hair or paper or small object.
US07997087B2 Thin film thermoelectric devices for hot-spot thermal management in microprocessors and other electronics
A structure, system and method for controlling a temperature of a heat generating device in a solid medium, wherein heat is extracted from the medium into at least one heat extraction device, the heat extraction device dissipates heat into an environment apart from the medium by a heat sink thermally coupled to the heat extraction device; and heat from the medium is dissipated into the heat sink by a first thermal interface material thermally coupling the heat sink to the medium.
US07997085B2 Gas turbine engine assembly and method of assembling same
A method for assembling a gas turbine engine including a core gas turbine engine, a low-pressure turbine, a starter, and a generator is provided. The method includes coupling a starter to the core gas turbine engine, and coupling a generator to the low-pressure turbine.
US07997083B2 Method and system for detection of gas turbine combustion blowouts utilizing fuel normalized power response
A method and controller for identifying lean blowout conditions in a Dry Low NOx (DLN) combustor during a premix mode. An effective approach to quickly and reliably identify a blowout during operation in the premix mode is by the effect on fuel normalized power (FNP). FNP is a useful signal, in that a power reduction from a blowout may be distinguished much slower changes in power resulting from global fuel demand (changing load request). A difference between the FNP and a filtered FNP parameter may be compared against a predetermined threshold. If the difference exceeds the threshold, a lean blowout is identified and a signal may be transmitted to the turbine controller to reposition combustor operation away from blowout conditions.
US07997081B2 Gas delivery system
A gas delivery system includes a gas booster module for delivering natural gas from a utility gas service to power generation equipment installed in or around a building in a manner that meets the minimum volume and pressure requirements of the power generation equipment. The gas delivery system advantageously uses pipe of a relatively small size for delivering gas to the power generation equipment, thereby substantially reducing installation costs and eliminating the need for a welded gas line. The gas delivery system also provides a control system that facilitates close control over the gas flow and ensures compliance with local building codes and safety regulations and requirements.
US07997079B2 Self-regulated thermal energy system
The present invention discloses a self-regulating thermal energy storage system for use in conjunction with at least one thermal energy client, and a method for self-regulating the storage and use of thermal energy in the system.
US07997072B2 Stamped pilot welded to a cover
A torque converter including a cover having a central longitudinal axis and an outer surface and a pilot stamped from metal. The pilot includes a disc at least partially radially aligned with the axis for the cover. The pilot and the cover central axis are fixedly secured to each other. In a first embodiment, the disc is flat. In a second embodiment, the disc is annular. In a third embodiment, the pilot includes a machined outer circumferential surface. In a fourth embodiment, the pilot includes first and second portions radially off-set with respect to one another. In a fifth embodiment, the pilot includes a portion axially extending from the portion of the disc at least partially radially aligned with the axis for the cover. In a preferred embodiment, the cover and pilot are fixedly secured by welding.
US07997050B2 Method of clamping overlaying sheets of material
A clamp for sheets of material. The clamp includes a longitudinal main body with an external clamping side. The external clamping side comprises an external dragging surface for engaging a sheet of material. An internal clamping area inwardly extends from the external clamping side. The external dragging surface is at least partially movable into the internal clamping area so as to frictionally drag at least a portion of the sheet of material, engaged thereby, into the internal clamping area therewith. Clamping devices and bagging apparatus including such clamps are also disclosed. A method of clamping overlaying sheets of material is also disclosed.
US07997043B1 System and method for installation of decorative molding
A molding system for use in interior spaces for use either with new construction or finished spaces, and in addition can be used with either a suspended ceiling or conventional ceiling, whereby the molding is incorporated with the wall and ceiling surfaces in such a manner that the joints with the ceiling and wall are plumb and being mounted such that the decorative molding surface of the molding can be installed in a finished form that does not require further finishing after installation.
US07997041B2 System method for interlocking support blocks
A system and method for forming a filter media support system with dual locking mechanisms. The support system comprises two or more interlocking rows of support blocks. One or more slides and one or more guides protrude from the side walls of the blocks. Each guide is conformed to receive one slide from a neighboring block, forming a first locking joint. The side walls also comprise one or more posts and one or more sockets. Each post is conformed to fit within one socket of a neighboring block, forming a second locking joint.In one embodiment, the method for assembling the support system comprises aligning a slide of a first support block with a guide of a second support block. The slide of the first support block is vertically moved into the guide of the second support block. Force is applied so that the posts snap-lock into the sockets.
US07997036B1 Corrugated hurricane window panel attachment system and method
A corrugated hurricane panel attachment and strengthening strap system and method for enhanced storm protection for a window of a building. A pair of attaching brackets are each entrappingly connectable along opposing upright edges of the corrugated panel and to the corresponding window frame to hold the upright edges of the panel protectively over the outside of the window. An elongated flexible strap is extendable across the front and rear faces of the panel and is supported through and tensioned against spaced slots formed through each of the brackets, the slots being spaced apart a distance similar to a thickness of the panel. The ends of the strap are lockingly engagable one to another under tension wherein the strap bears against an outer surface of the corrugations of the panel for added panel strength.
US07997035B2 Window screen using woven image
Improvements in a window screen are disclosed. The improvements include the use of a woven pattered window screen. The window screen design includes a woven non-geometric pattern to create a more visually appealing image when looking at and through the window screen. The woven screen material is held onto a base frame with an elastomeric bead. The screen can also be retained in a retractable roll where it can be withdrawn to cover a door, or as an awning. The woven image can include a variety of patterns and pattern variations including flowers, leaves, pictures, images and seasonal patterns.
US07997034B2 Exterior siding mounting bracket assembly and method of assembly
An exterior siding mounting bracket assembly used in conjunction with siding placed over sheathing of an exterior wall has a base member having a mounting flange fastened to the sheathing and a water diversion fitting also fastened to the sheathing and flashed in-part beneath the lower end of the mounting flange. A wall arrangement projects laterally outward from the mounting flange and away from the sheathing. A trim member of the bracket assembly has a partition arrangement that preferably snap fits to the wall arrangement and a trim flange constructed and arranged to substantially cover the water diversion fitting and the cut edges of the siding that cover in-part the mounting flange. Preferably, the water diversion fitting has an elongated drip edge spaced outwardly from the siding to shed water collected from generally cascaded from the mounting flange and outward from the siding.
US07997032B2 Snow retention mechanism
A snow guard and snow guard cover are provided which allow the cover to be attached to the snow guard to conceal the snow guard from view. The cover allows the snow guard to better match the finish of the roof, and protects the snow guard from sunlight.
US07997026B2 Perishable-fruit-bearing cut-limb preservation and distribution method, coating and shipping container therefor
A method of preserving fruit-bearing cut-limbs from cutting at an orchard to receiving by a remote consumer includes cutting a live, fruit-bearing limb off a fruit tree in an orchard; and bagging the cut limb with perforated film substantially to seal the limb therein substantially continuously from the time of cutting at the orchard to the time of receiving by the remote consumer. After the cutting and before the bagging, the method can include dipping the cut end of the limb in a solution of water substantially continuously from cutting at the orchard to receiving by the remote consumer and/or coating the cut limb including the fruit and leaves thereon using a moisture-retentive agent. A perishable-fruit distribution method includes cutting an intact fruit- and leaf-bearing limb from a live tree in an orchard; treating the cut-limb to extend the useful life of the intact fruit and leaf thereon; placing the treated cut-limb with the intact fruit and leaf thereon in a shipping container; and delivering the treated, containerized cut-limb with the intact fruit and leaf thereon within the shipping container to a consumer remote from the orchard. A coating and a shipping container also are described and claimed.
US07997021B2 Shooting rests with adjustable height assemblies
Shooting rests having elevation adjustment assemblies are disclosed herein. One embodiment of the disclosure, for example, is directed to a shooting rest for supporting a firearm having a buttstock spaced apart from a forestock. The shooting rest includes a first base portion carrying a first support for supporting the buttstock and a second base portion coupled to the first base portion and carrying a second support for supporting the forestock. The second base portion includes a body having an opening extending therethrough, and a height adjustment member slidably positioned in the opening. The height adjustment member has a non-circular cross-sectional shape in a plane that is generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the height adjustment member. The height adjustment member is attached to the second support and configured to adjust a height of the second support. The second base portion includes a biasing member contacting the height adjustment member to at least partially inhibit movement of the height adjustment member through the opening.
US07997019B2 Apparatus and method for generating steam
A steam generating apparatus includes a boiler for receiving water to be heated and an opening in a wall of the boiler. The opening is closable by a closing device. The steam generating apparatus also includes a steam duct for conducting steam generated in the boiler to a steam applying device such as an iron. A by-pass duct for by-passing the steam duct is provided for discharging steam from the boiler to the iron.
US07997016B2 Self-propelled snow remover
A self-propelled snow remover has a machine body, a snow-removing implement mounted to a front part of the machine body for undergoing rolling and vertical movement relative to the machine body, and an operating unit mounted to a rear part of the machine body. An alignment operating member is mounted to the operating unit for rolling and vertically moving the snow-removing implement. The alignment operating member is disposed on one of opposite sides of a widthwise central line of the machine body. A return operating member is mounted to the operating unit for automatically returning the snow-removing implement to a predetermined reference position. The return operating member is disposed proximate to the alignment operating member at a position closer to the widthwise central line of the machine body than the alignment operating member and further towards the rear part of the machine body than the alignment operating member.
US07997013B2 Footwear with a shank system
An aspect of the present invention includes a footwear assembly comprising: an upper and a sole assembly connected to the upper. The sole assembly has a footwear assembly comprising a sole assembly connected to an upper. The sole assembly has a midsole made of a first material and having a forefoot portion, an arch portion, a heel portion, and a sidewall extending around a lateral side, a medial side, and a heel side of the midsole. A stiffener is connected to the midsole. The stiffener is made of a second material stiffer than the first material. The stiffener has a base portion adjacent to the arch portion and at least one of the forefoot portion and the heel portion of the midsole. The stiffener has a side stabilizer and a heel wrap coupled to the base portion. The side stabilizer is adjacent to the sidewall in at least one of the arch portion and forefoot portion. The heel wrap is adjacent to the heel side and at least one of the lateral side and medial side of the midsole's sidewall.
US07997004B1 Portable air heating system
A portable air heating system provides a stream of heated air. The heating system generally has an air transfer assembly for providing a flow of air through the system, a fuel burner assembly having one or more burners for providing heat by combustion, and a heat transfer housing for safely transferring the heat produced by the fuel burner assembly to the air flowing through the transfer assembly. The burner assembly has burners with inlets having generally horizontal axes that are disposed from one or more heat transfer tubes mounted in the heat transfer housing. The burner assembly and the heat transfer assembly are positioned outside the area being heated so that the exhaust gases are completely isolated from the air heated by the system, thereby virtually eliminating the likelihood of asphyxiation by the exhaust gases from the burner.
US07996997B2 Spectacle measuring tool
A spectacle measuring tool (1) includes a front plate (2) attached to a spectacle frame, and a pair of left and right side plates (40A, 40B) formed on the two, left and right edges of the front plate (2) to extend backward. The front plate (2) includes an interpupillary distance measuring portion (A) and a fitting point height measuring portion (B), and is attached to the spectacle frame such that a height adjusting device (30) can adjust its height. The side plates (40A, 40B) include a pair of left and right pressing/adjusting devices (60) which adjust the side plates (40A, 40B) to be parallel to the temples of the spectacle frame. The pressing/adjusting devices (60) press against the face side portions of a subject using threaded rods (62).
US07996994B2 Shaving device
A manual shaving device that includes a support having at least one razor blade designed to cut a hair as it passes over it mounted thereon and at least one conducting member designed to transmit an electric current to a root of the hair as it passes over it, the electric current being designed to damage a follicle of the hair by electrolysis.
US07996988B2 Method of making a plurality of calibration-adjusted sensors
Methods of making sensors, for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as glucose, in a biological fluid such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. The sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and may include an insertion monitoring trace to determine correct positioning of the sensor in a connector. The sensor is calibration-adjusted, eliminating the need for a user to enter a calibration code or for the meter to read a calibration code.
US07996979B2 Water valve snap fit retention for a vacuum break
A method of coupling a valve assembly to a housing including the steps of orienting a channel and retaining the valve assembly. The orienting step including the orienting of the channel on the valve assembly to dual spring arms on the housing thereby directing a portion of the valve assembly to an opening in the housing. The retaining step including retaining the valve assembly to the housing by way of a biased latch.
US07996973B2 Single slitting process for recycling rail
A method for recycling rail is provided wherein the rail is heated, and then slit into two pieces. The two pieces are passed through a single mill pass line such that each piece of the rail is deformed to have a generally uniform shape.
US07996954B2 Path-conversion valve assembly for vacuum cleaner
A path-conversion valve assembly for a vacuum cleaner comprises a valve member rotatably mounted in an air path formed in a cleaner of a vacuum cleaner which includes a socket for receiving a hose nozzle, and a resilient member mounted in the air path to resiliently press the rotating valve member in an opposite direction to the rotating direction of the valve member.
US07996945B2 Use of recycled plastics for structural building forms
Modular plastic structural composites having a web section disposed along a horizontal axis and at least one flange section disposed along a horizontal axis parallel thereto and integrally molded to engage the top or bottom surface of the web section, wherein said composite is formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, poly-styrene, or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.
US07996944B2 Tilt-lift method for erecting a bridge
One bridge pier, two bridge girders and two supporting rods are manufactured in an approximately vertical position. The supporting rods are connected to the top of the pier and to the bridge girders. The bridge girders are brought into the horizontal final position by raising the end points of the bridge girders, which end points are located beside the pier. Finally, the end points (9) of the bridge girders are connected to the pier.
US07996943B2 Shimless frame support method and apparatus for dock levelers
A frame of a dock leveler that positions a deck portion of the dock leveler so that the deck portion is level with a surrounding dock floor at a driveway end when mounted in a pit in the dock floor includes a pit supported portion placed on a floor of the pit, a deck supporting portion providing support to the deck portion, and an adjusting assembly connected to the pit supported portion and to the deck supporting portion and operable to move and hold the deck supporting portion so that the deck portion of the dock leveler is at a selected position with respect to the surrounding dock floor.
US07996941B2 Flotation bridge formed from at least one expanding member
A method for forming a flotation bridge is provided. The method including: forming at least one expandable member used in constructing the flotation bridge, the forming including: expanding a covering to define a cavity; and expanding foam in the cavity in an expansion direction to expand the covering into a predetermined shape.
US07996922B2 Cuff for storing object around wrist
A method of making a cuff by obtaining a piece of flexible material in the shape of a rectangle having first and second longitudinal edges, front and back faces, and first and second latitudinal edges; folding over the first and second latitudinal edges to meet the parallel fold lines; uniting the latitudinal edges to the fold lines to form first and second hems; folding a first half of the flexible material back over a second half of the flexible material along the third fold line so that the front face is on the interior and hems are on the exterior forming a tube; uniting the first and second longitudinal edges to form a flat tube having a closed tube edge, which is divided into a first closed tube edge and a second closed tube edge; folding the first closed tube edge over the second closed tube edge along a fourth fold line, which is perpendicular to the closed tube edge, so that the second hem is brought adjacent to but does not overlap the first hem to form a folded flattened tube; uniting the first closed tube edge over the second closed tube edge; turning the folded flattened tube inside out to form a cuff so that the front face forms an exterior surface of the cuff.
US07996921B1 Fishing vest/chest pack with back storage
A fishing vest/chest pack has a backpack slidably attached to its shoulder straps to enable the backpack to be flipped between a first stored position and a second in front position enabling ready access to the contents of the backpack without the need to remove the garment.
US07996919B2 Prosthetic apparatus and method
An apparatus and method for fitting a person with a maternity garment includes one or more prosthetic devices. Each prosthetic device simulates a belly enlarged by a corresponding stage of pregnancy, to be worn by a person while wearing the maternity garment to simulate the fit and appearance of the maternity garment being worn by a pregnant person.
US08001613B2 Security using physical objects
A password-type security system may be employed using the placement of physical objects as a security pattern that is to be matched before access to secured content is granted. The system may be implemented on a computing system that uses a display that can detect, e.g., via optical circuitry, the visual characteristics of the display surface. The system can visually detect the placement of objects, their orientations, locations, color, printed patterns, etc. The user may define a security pattern as comprising one or more objects placed at locations on the screen, or at a predetermined rotation angle. The outline shape of an object may be treated as a required pattern, such that access to secured content is permitted only if the object having that outline shape is detected on the display surface. Similarly, printed patterns on objects may also be detected and used as part of security patterns.
US08001609B1 Method and apparatus for preventing the inadvertent or unauthorized release of information
The present invention is directed to avoiding the unintentional release of sensitive or proprietary information. According to embodiments of the present invention, the content of a message is analyzed to determine whether delivery of that content to an address associated with the message is appropriate. This analysis may be performed in connection with Bayesian content analysis algorithms. The present invention may also analyze whether addresses associated with a message are appropriate for receiving that message by analyzing whether those addresses belong to the same or compatible groups. If a message is determined to be inappropriate for delivery to an associated address, delivery of that message is modified. Such modification may include delaying delivery until confirmation that delivery is to be completed is received from the user or some other authority.
US08001596B2 Software protection injection at load time
A method to apply a protection mechanism to a binary object includes using operating system resources to load a binary object from a storage medium along with a manifest and a digital signature. Authentication of the binary object is performed using the digital signature and the manifest is read to determine a category of protection for the binary object. The operating system selects a protection mechanism corresponding to the protection category and injects protection mechanism code, along with the binary object into a binary image on computer RAM. When the binary image is accessed, the protection mechanism executes and either allows full access and functionality to the binary object or prevents proper access and operation of the binary object. The protection mechanisms may be updated independently from the information on the storage medium.
US08001592B2 Methods and apparatus for accessing resources using a multiprocessor in a trusted mode
A system and method are disclosed which may include entering a secure mode by a processor, whereby the processor may initiate a transfer of information into or out of the processor, but no external device may initiate a transfer of information into or out of the processor; sending a DMA (direct memory access) command including at least one authorization code from the processor to at least one trusted data storage region external to the processor; evaluating the authorization code; and enabling the processor to access at least one trusted data storage location within the trusted data storage region if the authorization code is valid.
US08001591B2 Distributed resource access protection
A method includes determining, at a first requesting component of an integrated circuit device, a first key value based on a first set of one or more bits of a first address associated with a first access request of the first requesting component. The method further includes transmitting the first key value from the first requesting component to a resource component of the integrated circuit device. The method also includes determining, at the resource component, an authorization of the first access request based on the first key value and a second set of one or more bits of the first address.
US08001590B1 System and method for connectionless client-server communications
A system and method are provided for conducting a client-server application (e.g., instant messaging, VoIP telephony) using non-persistent communications. Clients issue periodic heartbeat messages to a connectionless server using a non-persistent (e.g., UDP) communication protocol. The heartbeat messages identify the clients by unique client identifiers. When an application server has an unsolicited communication for a client (e.g., a new instant message, a VoIP call), the application server retrieves the client's address from the connectionless server if it does not already have the address. The application server forwards the unsolicited communication to the client via a non-persistent communication, and may spoof the connectionless server if necessary to reach the client through a firewall, proxy, NAT or similar entity. Clients that cannot use non-persistent protocols establish persistent connections with a client manager. The client manager issues heartbeat messages to the connectionless server and receives and forwards unsolicited communications for these clients.
US08001585B2 Methods and systems for providing website hosting security
A method for registering user identification data in an application service provider data repository is provided, where the application service provider provides web services for a plurality of customers, each customer having a plurality of users with respective user identification data. The method includes receiving user identification data from one of the users through a website associated with one of the plurality of customers, retrieving customer identification data based on a uniform resource locator assigned to the website, concatenating the user identification data and customer identification data to create a user key, and registering a user account within the data repository based on the created user key.
US08001583B2 Network failure detection method and network failure detection system
A system provides definitions of network states, and identifies a cause for the anomaly upon detection. A traffic measuring portion (characteristic quantity generating portion) counts the number of packets/time slot classified by traffic type with respect to network traffic, generating a characteristic quantity; a memory portion stores information about the characteristic quantity; a portion calculates correlation coefficients between each pair of characteristic quantities classified by traffic type; a portion generates a histogram from correlation coefficients; a portion for determining the severity of an anomaly based on the histogram; a portion evaluates the similarity of an anomaly of interest to a reference anomaly using the occurrence probabilities of correlation coefficients; and a portion assigns a color to each pixel according to its occurrence probability value, generating an n×n picture. Visualization of network state is achieved using probability distribution vectors derived from correlation coefficients obtained from each characteristic quantities pair.
US08001580B1 System and method for revoking soft locks in a distributed storage system environment
A system and method revokes soft locks in a distributed system. A data volume of the distributed system determines that one or more soft locks need to be revoked in order for an operation to be processed. The data volume transmits a request to revoke the soft locks to a meta-data volume that stores a canonical copy of meta-data.
US08001579B2 Downstream output level and/or output level tilt compensation device between CATV distribution system and CATV user
A downstream bandwidth output level and/or output level tilt compensation device that can be inserted into a signal transmission line of a CATV system on a premise of a user. The device includes a tuner that identifies low and high band signal channels, and a channel analyzer that determines a format of each of those channels. A signal measurement measures low and high band signal strengths. An offset circuit adds or subtracts an offset value to the low and/or high band channel signal strengths depending on whether the respective channel is analog or digital. A microprocessor compares the low and high band signal strengths, including any offset values, to a predetermined signal strength loss curve. A variable output level compensation device and a variable slope adjusting circuit are provided to amplify and adjust the gain slope of the downstream bandwidth.
US08001574B2 Methods, systems, and products for media on-demand
Methods, systems, and products describe a video overlay processor connected to a system data bus and to a media bus. The video overlay processor superimposes a first audio-visual signal over a second audio-visual signal to produce a superimposed signal and sends the superimposed signal to the system data bus. A network bus connects to the system data bus and receives the superimposed signal. A data switch connects to the network bus, receives the superimposed signal, and sends the superimposed signal to one or more switch ports of the data switch.
US08001554B2 Compound information platform and managing method for the same
Module combination candidates which compose an information platform, to reduce human error when a platform is composed, and to permit automatic configuration changes. There is therefore provided a compound information platform comprising information platforms combining one or more universal processing modules and dedicated processing modules, wherein a management module has a means which computes processing module combination candidates when newly composing the information platform, computes the sum total value of the maximum guaranteed communication bandwidth of an IO protocol interface for each physical interconnection PL using an interface setting management information, adding an additional maximum guaranteed communication bandwidth due to a processing module combination candidate, and determining whether this is a possible module combination candidate by comparing the addition result with the maximum permitted communication bandwidth of each physical interconnection.
US08001552B1 Model merger using an export map
In one embodiment, data is exchanged between a modeling application and an external application. A user initiates an export of model data from the modeling application, where the model data is descriptive of a model maintained in the modeling application. An export map is generated that captures an indication of each object in the model at the point in time of export of the model. Model data is passed to the external application. Subsequently, modified model data is received from the external application. The modified model data is compared with the export map to detect external modifications made by the external application. Limited portions of the model in the modeling application are updated to reflect the external modification, while intact portions of the model for which external modifications have not been detected are left intact.
US08001541B2 System and method for matching of classpaths in a shared classes system
A system 300 and method for fast matching of JAVA classpaths in a shared classes JVM system by identifying classpaths of loaded classes and storing a local array (110, 210) of identified classpaths in order to avoid checking on a subsequent class load for a particular JVM. This allows dramatic speeding up of class-loading in cases where multiple JVMs are running similar applications.
US08001525B2 Rule based engine for validating financial transactions
A method and system for checking whether customer orders for transactions of financial instruments conform to business logic rules. Executable rule files are created and stored in a repository. New executable rule files can be created by scripting the new business logic rules in a script file which is converted into a corresponding source code file written in a computer programming language. The source code file is compiled to create an individual executable rule file. A rule selection repository contains identification of groups of selected executable rule files. The invention determines the category of the customer order and reads, from the rule selection repository, a group of executable rule files that correspond to the identified category of the customer order. The selected executable rule files are executed to check the conformance of the customer order. Execution results are stored in a status repository for subsequent retrieval and analysis.
US08001522B2 Code accelerator
Methods and systems for generating mainframe computer code are provided. Collections of code segments for implementing common input and output operations and error handling operations are linked to an application development platform. Developers identify attributes of input and output operations. The application development platform may then search the collections to locate appropriate input and output operation and error handling operation code segments and generate a template that includes them. The developer may then add code to implement business logic and generate a mainframe application program.
US08001521B2 Meta-date driven implementation of business objects and their transactional behavior
Systems, methods and computer readable media are provided for the creation of a business object. In one exemplary embodiment, the method may include defining the shell of a business object utilizing meta-data stored within a repository. The method may also include storing the defined business object shell within the repository. Moreover, the method may include generating a business object template utilizing the business object shell, meta-data, and hooks for calling generic business logic, and modifying the hooks to insert the generic business logic.
US08001506B2 SIMD image forming apparatus for minimizing wiring distance between registers and processing devices
A disclosed image processing apparatus includes a SIMD microprocessor in which multiple processor elements are arranged in one dimension, each of the processor elements including multiple access registers arranged in stages for storing image data; and multiple data processing devices corresponding one-to-one with the stages of the access registers, arranged in one dimension in the same direction as the processor elements, and configured to read and write image data from/to the access registers. The access registers of each of the stages, each of which access registers is included in a different one of the processor elements, are connected with a common line. Wiring outlets, each of which connects the common line of a different one of the stages to a corresponding data processing device, are individually disposed within the SIMD microprocessor in such a manner that each wiring outlet has a shortest possible distance to the corresponding data processing device.
US08001499B1 Circuit type pragma for computer aided design tools
A pragma is used to pass circuit type information to a Computer Aided design (CAD) tool. The CAD tool then selects an alternate synthesis or timing algorithm based on the circuit type, and a circuit design for use in an electronic device is created. Practical applications include using alternate algorithms specific to different circuit types, such as, Cyclic Redundancy Checks (CRC), bus arbiters, state machine encoders, barrel shifters, preferential cores, and legacy circuits. One embodiment generates informative messages for the designer once the circuit type is known and the analysis is performed. Another embodiment generates pragmas that can be later used by circuit designers in future circuit designs.
US08001492B2 Evaluation method for interconnects interacted with integrated-circuit manufacture
A design and evaluation method for interconnect wires of integrated circuits is provided to detect, analyze and predict response of interconnect layout to integrated-circuit manufacture processes.
US08001484B2 Information processing apparatus and method, and program
A content introduction screen linked to relevant sites can easily be created. A content-information input screen is displayed. When content information has been completely input, then, link elements are extracted from the content information. Then, one of the link elements is selected. A site related to the link element is searched for. A content introduction screen in which the input content information is linked to the searched site is generated and displayed. Metadata, including the content information, the URL, etc., which are used to generate the content introduction screen, is stored.
US08001476B2 Cellular user interface
Configurations for a cellular user interface are provided. In one embodiment, a client configuration includes a viewer and a content development kit. A content server distributes cellularized content among several client viewers. Connectors in a scheduled configuration regularly acquire updated content from data sources. An integration server interfaces between the connectors and the content server for distributing content. A monitoring agent assists with content updating upon detecting source changes. A registration server enables cell content update in client viewers through the content server. Cells in the cellularized environment include a visual proxy component and a metadata component. The visual proxy component can be configured for displaying different content at various levels of detail. The metadata component enables intelligent organization and display of content through queries, channels, and data updates. In addition, procedural geometry in the cellularized environment automates the content presentation and provides a flexible arrangement of the cells.
US08001471B2 Systems and methods for providing a similar offline viewing experience of online web-site content
The present invention provides a comprehensive development platform and client-side technology for intelligent and cost-effective delivery of video, audio and broadband content over a network, such as the Internet, to desktop, mobile computing, and network connected devices. In one embodiment of the present invention, an intelligent delivery system (IDS) delivers offline content on a client that provides a user experience similar to corresponding content accessed via a network, such as content experienced by a user visiting a web-site on the Internet. Through a background delivery process, the IDS transparently provides offline content automatically to the client. A user may display online content via a browser the first time visiting a content provider, such as a web-site, and from thereafter, the IDS automatically provides a second application to display offline content downloaded from the content provider. The user interface provided by the offline content stored on the client has a substantially similar appearance and behavior to the user interface presented by the online content. Using the second application locally on the client, the user displays and experiences offline content substantially similar to and corresponding to portions of the online content communicated via the Internet. For example, the user may display in the second application a high-definition video from storage of the client in a user interface that is substantially similar to the user interface of the web-site for streaming video.
US08001462B1 Updating search engine document index based on calculated age of changed portions in a document
A system receives a document that includes new content and aged content, and compares the document with a prior version of the document that includes the aged content but not the new content. The system also separates the new content and the aged content based on the comparison, determines ages associated with the new content and the aged content, and determines whether the ages of the new content and the aged content are greater than or equal to an age threshold. The system further calculates a checksum of the document based on the aged content when the age of the aged content is greater than or equal to the age threshold, and the age of the new content is less than the age threshold, and stores the calculated checksum.
US08001460B2 Page-added information sharing management method
In a page-added information sharing management method, a setting of added information to an object in a page, including a range specification of the added information for the object is received. The added information is stored by associating the added information with the page. When a request for displaying the added information is received, the added information associated with the page to be viewed is acquired to provide a requesting device with the added information.
US08001459B2 Enabling electronic documents for limited-capability computing devices
System(s), method(s), and/or techniques (“tools”) are described that enable electronic document functionality for a limited-capability computing device. The tools may enable a computing device with limited display capabilities to present and enable navigation through nested items or hierarchical view levels of an electronic document. The tools may also build renderable view information by which a device may enable electronic document functionality based on the capabilities of that device.
US08001458B1 System and method for communicating state and title information between a browser and a rich Internet application
A system and method communicates address and state information from a browser to a rich Internet application to allow the rich Internet application to start at a location, or preload variables, corresponding to the state information. The system and method communicates address and state information from the rich Internet application to the browser to allow such information to be displayed by the browser for use or retrieval.
US08001447B2 Error correction method and apparatus for data storage device
The present invention provides a data storage device comprising a disk storage medium containing user data in a plurality of sectors, a head for writing or reading the user data and error correcting means for correcting an error that occurs in the user data during the reading process. The error correcting means comprises a syndrome generator for generating syndromes on the basis of the user data contained in predetermined sectors, registers for storing the syndromes generated and an exclusive OR circuit for exclusive ORing the values stored in the registers.
US08001445B2 Protected communication link with improved protection indication
A method for communication includes receiving first and second data frames over first and second communication links, respectively, the first and second data frames containing respective first and second replicas of data, which has been encoded with a Forward Error Correction (FEC) code. The FEC code in the received first and second data frames is decoded, and respective first and second soft quality ranks of the first and second data frames are computed based on the decoded FEC code. One of the first and second replicas of the data are selected based on the first and second soft quality ranks. The selected one of the first and second replicas of the data is provided as output.
US08001437B2 Test pattern generation method for avoiding false testing in two-pattern testing for semiconductor integrated circuit
A test pattern generation method for determining if a combinational portion 17 is defective, by applying test patterns to a semiconductor integrated circuit 10 and comparing responses to the test patterns with expected responses, the method including: a first step of generating test patterns having logic bits for detecting defects and unspecified bits; a second step of selecting critical paths 19, 19a, 19b generated by the application of the test patterns; a third step of identifying critical gates on the critical paths 19, 19a, 19b; and a fourth step of determining unspecified bits so that a critical capture transition metric, which indicates the number of the critical gates whose states are changed, is reduced; wherein by reducing the critical capture transition metric, output delays from the critical paths 19, 19a, 19b are prevented, and thereby false testing can be avoided.
US08001433B1 Scan testing architectures for power-shutoff aware systems
In a circuit adapted for scan testing, a first set of connections configures the circuit elements into power domains with separate power-level controls, and a second set of connections configures the circuit elements to form scan segments for loading values into circuit elements from input ends of the scan segments and unloading values from circuit elements at output ends of the scan segments. A decompressor circuit receives a decompressor input and is operatively connected to the scan-segment input ends, and a compressor circuit is operatively connected to the scan segment output ends and generates a compressor output. Isolation circuits at scan-segment exits set values for scan segments at scan-segment exits when a corresponding independent power domain is in a power-off state.
US08001431B2 Control apparatus
A control apparatus controls a device to which the control apparatus is connected. The control apparatus includes a storing unit and a linking unit. The storing unit stores an error message that contains information on a failed component in a storage device upon receiving the error message from the device. The linking unit stores the error message and information on a replacement component, which has been installed in the device in place of the failed component, in the storage device in association with each other upon receiving the information on the replacement component.
US08001429B2 Method and system for automated handling of errors in execution of system management flows consisting of system management tasks
A method and system for automated error handling in system management flows by enhancing workflow engines by an error handling component and by adding a supportive error handling layer to invoked system management tasks which serves as the counterpart to the workflow engine's error handling component. The additional functionality of the task-provided error handling layer is accessible for the workflow engine via extended Web services interfaces. The workflow engine's error handling component and the task-provided error handling layer allow for the definition of a standard protocol between the workflow engine and invoked tasks for automated error handling. Furthermore, an interface and method of communication between the enhanced workflow engine and an external error resolving device (such as an expert system) is defined with the purpose of using the external error resolving device for automatic error recovery. The internal or external error resolving device is capable of performing corrective actions on the managed IT infrastructure using mechanisms outside the scope of this invention. The benefit of the presented architecture is that the complexity concerning error handling is completely removed from system management flow definitions, and the designer of a system management flow can concentrate on the logical structure of the flow (e.g. the correct sequence of tasks).
US08001427B2 Method and system of indexing into trace data based on entries in a log buffer
A method and system of indexing into trace data based on entries in a log buffer. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising executing a traced program on a target device. The traced program writes entries to a log buffer within the target device, and the traced program also contemporaneously writes an index value for each entry to a register. The index value written to the register becomes part of trace data regarding the traced program and correlates each entry to a respective portion of the trace data. Using the information one may either or both: display on a display device a portion of the trace data (the portion selected based on selecting an entry from the log buffer); or display on the display a portion of the log buffer (the portion selected based on selecting an entry from the trace data).
US08001424B2 System and method for fault mapping of exceptions across programming models
A system and method for mapping exceptions from a first programming model to a second programming model. The system comprises a first device operating a first programming model and a second device operating a second programming model. The first device sends an instruction to, or invokes the second device to execute an instruction. As a result, a fault occurs during execution of the instruction in the second programming model. An exception based on the fault is raised, and returned to the first device. A fault mapping module receives the exception from the first device. The fault mapping module attempts to determine the type of exception received by comparing an identifier with predetermined identifiers indicating exception type. The fault mapping module interprets the exception to generate an interpreted exception recognizable by the first programming model if the exception is determined to be of a predetermined type.
US08001420B2 End user control configuration system with dynamic user interface
An end user control configuration (EUC) system with dynamic user interface provides a user friendly tool for consumers to self-provision and manage network services such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. The EUC system dynamically generates graphical user interface (GUI) renderings that assist users in the completion of tasks related to provisioning, and managing network services. The EUC system allows telecommunication service providers to effectively hide the complexity of operational support systems (OSS) and the network elements that deliver the network services. The EUC system solves the technical problems of reducing the cycle-time to self-provision network services, assisting users to complete the tasks required to activate, and manage network services, and actually activating and managing the network services.
US08001416B2 System and method for recovery of information stored on a corrupt storage device
A magnetic tape cartridge, such as a Linear Tape Open cartridge, stores parameters in a non-volatile memory, such as a Media Auxiliary Memory page of a Cartridge Memory, for use in reading and writing to a magnetic tape. A backup copy of the parameters is made in the non-volatile memory for use in reading and writing to the magnetic tape in the event that the primary copy of the parameters becomes corrupt. If a tape drive fails to retrieve the primary copy of the parameters, the tape drive looks for the backup copy at a predetermined memory location, such as location 200h in the Cartridge Memory.
US08001413B2 Managing cluster split-brain in datacenter service site failover
A central controlling service for datacenter activation/deactivation control in a cluster deployment to assist in preventing a split-brain scenario. The central controlling service provides a central point of control in the datacenter for application servers to periodically query as to whether to go offline, online, or normal. Redundancy of the central service facilitates detection of datacenter failure by the redundant services interacting to resolve the state of control information. This control information is then used to answer the server queries. On startup from a datacenter failure, a single instance of the central service queries other redundant instance(s) to determine if the single instance is starting up from a datacenter-wide failure or from operations other than total datacenter failure. If the failure is datacenter-wide, a central service protocol assists in resolving to the single service keeping the associated datacenter servers offline; otherwise, the server queries are answered to go online.
US08001411B2 Generating a local clock domain using dynamic controls
A method for generating a local clock domain within an operation includes steps of: receiving a clock frequency measurement for a slow portion of logic within the operation; generating a local signal to indicate commencement of the operation and to function as a clock gating signal; latching the clock gating signal to a selected cycle; generating clock domain controls based on the clock gating signal such that the operation times itscommencement on the selected cycle; and propagating the clock gating signal in ungated latches for a number of cycles, such that a second operation is restricted from being launched until the operation completes.
US08001407B2 Server configured for managing power and performance
A server manages power and performance. The server comprises a plurality of processor and associated storage and input/output interface components, arranged into a plurality of independent compute cells. One or more performance metrics descriptive of performance of the independent compute cell plurality are selected and an optimization evaluation of the one or more performance metrics is performed. The independent compute cell plurality is tuned based on the optimization evaluation.
US08001402B2 Method for power capping with co-operative dynamic voltage and frequency scaling via shared p-state table
A co-operative mechanism in which a service processor and a host CPU (with an as running thereupon) work together to implement both power capping and utilization-based power savings, and with negligible side effects. Preferably, a 2-level modulation scheme is employed to undertake both power capping and energy savings simultaneously. Preferably, a frequency governor in the as running on a host processor saves power by modulating p-states based on a shared table, thus avoiding SMIs. The range of the p- I states in the shared table is adjusted to implement power capping in conjunction with power sensors in the system. This adjustment can be done either by a service processor, which can monitor total energy consumption, or an as or software running on the host processor, which can read energy consumption from the service processor and adjust the shared table.
US08001399B2 System and method for secure communication for power over ethernet between a computing device and a switch
A system and method for secure communication for power over Ethernet (PoE) between a computing device and a switch. Various power management information can be used as inputs in a process for determining a power request/priority. This power management information can be communicated in Layer 2, Layer 3, or higher messaging during initial power allocation and ongoing power reallocation. Encryption of such messaging enables confidentiality, secure allocation processes, and prevention of denial of service attacks.
US08001396B2 Feedback control device
A feedback control device is provided. The feedback control device includes a controlled-system which outputs an output in correspondence with a control signal; a feedback signal generating member which generates a feedback signal as the output of the controlled-system; a reference signal unit which outputs a reference control signal to the controlled-system; and a determination unit which determines a version of the controlled-system on the basis of the feedback signal generated by the feedback signal generating member when the reference signal unit outputs the reference control signal to the controlled-system.
US08001395B2 Portable electronic device having synchronous processing module
A portable electronic device includes a system chip, an enabling switch, a signal conversion circuit, a power switching circuit, a storage medium and a synchronous processing module. The enabling switch is triggered to issue an analog signal. The signal conversion circuit converts the analog signal into a digital control signal. The power switching circuit selects one of multiple power sources to be outputted as a voltage signal. The storage medium receives the voltage signal. The synchronous processing module is electrically connected to the system chip, the storage medium, the signal conversion circuit, the power switching circuit and the transmission line. In response to the digital control signal, the storage medium is communicated with an external electronic device through a transmission line, so that the storage medium of the portable electronic device is used as an external storage medium of the external electronic device.
US08001385B2 Method and apparatus for flash updates with secure flash
Firmware updates are performed in a digital device that includes a secure flash that secures each block of stored data with a digital signature. In at least one embodiment, the update package that is received by the digital device for use in performing the update includes the digital signatures of blocks to be updated in the flash. In other embodiments, the digital signatures are generated within the digital device after an update package has been received.
US08001381B2 Method and system for mutual authentication of nodes in a wireless communication network
A method as provided enables mutual authentication of nodes in a wireless communication network. The method includes processing at a first node a beacon message received from a second node, wherein the beacon message comprises a first nonce value (step 405). An association request message comprising a certificate of the first node, a first signed block of authentication data, and a second nonce value is then transmitted from the first node to the second node (step 410). The second node can then verify a signature of the certificate of the first node and verify a signature of the first signed block of authentication data. An association reply message received from the second node is then processed at the first node (step 415), whereby the first node verifies a signature of a certificate of the second node and verifies a signature of a second signed block of authentication data.
US08001378B2 Method and system for protecting data of a mobile agent within a network system
The present description refers to a method for protecting data of a mobile agent (MA) from a first server (A) which are intended for at least one second server (B) within a network system against an attack and an unauthorized access, wherein the first server (A) as well as the at least one second server (B) have a pair of a public key (KA, KB) and a private key (PKA, PKB) associated therewith, respectively, the method comprising, starting from the first server, at least the steps of choosing an unique number (r0) and assigning it to the mobile agent (MA), choosing a secret symmetric key (SKo) and assigning it to the data (mB) to be protected, encoding the secret key (SKo) with the public key (KB) of the second server (B), encrypting the secret key (SKo) and the public key (KA) of the first server via a cryptographic wrapping function (h), thus forming a data authentication code (h(KA, SKo)), encoding the data (mB) with the secret key (SKo), and combining the unique number (r0), the encoded data ({mB}SKo) and the data authentication code (h (KA, SKo)) and encoding that combination with the private key (PKA) of the first server (A), thus forming a nested structure to be decoded successively for access to the data (mB).
US08001368B2 Hot-pluggable information processing device and setting method
A generator generates configuration information of a virtual hardware unit based on configuration information in a PCIBOX. The generator generates recognition information for recognizing the virtual PCIBOX as a PCIBOX that is connected with a slot from the configuration information of the virtual PCIBOX. When PCIBOX is connected with the slot, the generator overwrites the configuration information in PCIBOX with the configuration information of the virtual PCIBOX.
US08001367B2 Performing application setting activity using a removable storage device
A method of configuring a processing system to perform application setting activity using a removable storage device in data communication with the processing system includes a) selecting an application, where setting activity associated with the selected application is to be performed using the removable storage device, b) installing, in the processing system, an interception module to intercept application setting activity associated with the selected application; and c) in response to the interception module intercepting application setting activity associated with the selected application, performing the application setting activity using the removable storage device, thereby storing application setting data associated with the selected application in the removable storage device.
US08001363B2 System for speculative branch prediction optimization and method thereof
A value representative of a processor's speculative branch prediction efficiency is determined and the speculative branch prediction depth is adjusted accordingly. The processor's speculative branch prediction efficiency may be represented by the average number of clocks per instruction (CPI), whereby an increase in the average CPI indicates that the processor is becoming less efficient due to incorrectly predicted speculative branch predictions and, conversely, a decrease indicates that the processor has a higher ratio of properly predicted speculative branch predictions. Thus, when the processor is more effectively predicting speculative branch predictions, the available speculative branch prediction depth for the processor may be increased to take advantage of this increased efficiency, and when the processor is less effectively predicting speculative branch predictions, the available speculative branch prediction depth may be decreased to reduce or minimize the processing cycles and power used by the processor in pursuing erroneous speculative branch predictions.
US08001362B2 Processing unit
A processing unit includes a plurality of thread execution units each provided with a performance analysis circuit for measuring various types of events resulting from execution of instructions and a commit stack entry unit for controlling the completion of executed instructions and each executing a thread having a plurality of instructions, a commit scope register for storing instructions of completion candidates stored in each commit stack entry unit by execution by each thread execution unit and performing processing for completion of instructions included in the thread, and a thread selecting means for sending commit events of the instructions to a performance analysis circuit provided in each thread execution unit corresponding to the instructions when performing commit processing for instructions stored in the commit scope register.
US08001346B2 Coordinated storage management operations in replication environment
A method, system, computer system, and computer-readable medium for maintaining up-to-date, consistent copies of primary data without the need to replicate modified data when the data were modified as a result of an operation that is not an application-driven write operation captured during replication. Selected storage management operations are performed on the primary and secondary data stores at points in time when the data are the same to ensure that the data stored within the data stores remain consistent. These selected storage management operations include operations that produce modified data stored in the primary data store, where a portion of the modified data are not replicated to a secondary node. Other types of storage management operations are selected to be performed on both the primary and secondary data stores, where the operations do not directly change data in the primary data store, but may affect data stored in the primary data store.
US08001343B2 Storage device with power control function
To provide a power controlling method for use in a storage device which can be operated with less power consumption, at least a storage capacity monitoring unit for monitoring the storage amount of data stored in each storage unit, a power-on unit for controlling the power-on of each storage unit, an access state monitoring unit for monitoring the state of accesses from an upper device to each storage unit, and a power-off unit for controlling the power-off of each storage unit are comprised, thereby controlling the power of a second storage unit.
US08001338B2 Multi-level DRAM controller to manage access to DRAM
Providing for multi-tiered RAM control is provided herein. As an example, a RAM access management system can include multiple input controllers each having a request buffer and request scheduler. Furthermore, a request buffer associated with a controller can vary in size with respect to other buffers. Additionally, request schedulers can vary in complexity and can be optimized at least for a particular request buffer size. As a further example, a first controller can have a large memory buffer and simple scheduling algorithm optimized for scalability. A second controller can have a small memory buffer and a complex scheduler, optimized for efficiency and high RAM performance. Generally, RAM management systems described herein can increase memory system scalability for multi-core parallel processing devices while providing an efficient and high bandwidth RAM interface.
US08001336B2 Deterministic memory management in a computing environment
Systems and methods for memory management in a computing environment are provided. The method comprises uniquely identifying a first object associated with a first task for an application executed in a computing environment, wherein a first area of memory is allocated to the first object; determining a first execution scope for the first task according to a first execution context associated with the first task, wherein the first context defines a first life expectancy for the first task within the execution environment hierarchy; determining a change in execution scope of the first task, in response to monitoring the first execution context; and deallocating the first area of memory, in response to determining that the first task is no longer executed within the first execution scope.
US08001331B2 Efficiency of cache memory operations
A processing system 1 including a memory 10 and a cache memory 4 is provided with a page status unit 40 for providing a cache controller with a page open indication indicating one or more open pages of data values in memory. At least one of one or more cache management operations performed by the cache controller is responsive to the page open indication so that the efficiency and/or speed of the processing system can be improved.
US08001322B2 Notifying software components using a shared physical storage medium
A method for implementing virtual disk reservations on a storage medium for multiple distributed applications. The method includes initializing a plurality of virtual disks, wherein each of the virtual disks is instantiated on a physical storage medium. A reservation status is determined for each of the virtual disks and a first distributed application that uses at least one virtual disk is executed. Upon an update of the reservation status for the at least one virtual disk by the first distributed application, a notification indicator is set to notify a second distributed application of the update. The update is subsequently recognized and the notification indicator is cleared in order to continue I/O for the first distributed application and the second distributed application.
US08001321B2 Digital device configuration and method
A digital Storage Element is described. A device is configured including a Storage Element for access by a user responsive to a native control code. A processing arrangement executes a control program for controlling the overall device and executing at least a portion of the native control code as part of the control program for interfacing with the Storage Element. A programming arrangement is provided separate from the device for customizing a read channel within the Storage Element. Command, user interaction and data transfer execution are discussed for mitigation of potential mechanical shock effects. Status indications relating to the Storage Element are provided including head position and mechanical shock. Calibration, test and operational monitoring procedures, for using head position status, are described. Failure configuration monitoring is provided in tracking overall performance and design considerations.
US08001314B2 Storing a driver for controlling a memory
Systems and techniques for accessing a memory, such as a NAND or NOR flash memory, involve storing an operating application for a computing device in a first memory and storing a driver containing software operable to control the first memory in a second memory that is independently accessible from the first memory. By storing the driver in a second memory that is independently accessible from the first memory, changes to the driver and/or the first memory can be made without altering the operating application.
US08001301B2 Semiconductor device and electronic instrument
A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor chip, and a second semiconductor chip which includes a high-speed serial I/F circuit which transfers serial data between the high-speed serial I/F circuit and an external device through a serial bus and is stacked on the first semiconductor chip. A pad region in which pads (electrodes) for connecting the external device and the high-speed serial I/F circuit are disposed is provided along a first side of the second semiconductor chip which is the short side. A pad region in which pads for connecting an internal circuit included in the first semiconductor chip and the high-speed serial I/F circuit are disposed is provided along a second side of the second semiconductor chip which is the long side.
US08001287B2 Dynamically updating alias location codes with correct location codes during concurrent installation of a component in a computer system
During an initial generation/assignment of location codes for field replaceable units (FRUs) that are and/or may be attached to the computer system, the service processor provides an alias location code for each FRU not currently attached. When the service processor later detects a concurrent install of the FRU, the service processor's firmware generates the correct location code from data retrieved from the FRU, and replaces the alias location code stored within the service processor's internal data structures with the correct location code. The firmware also forwards the correct location code back to a serviceability application, and the application utilizes the new location code in all remaining concurrent install commands to maintain a single, consistent view of the system.
US08001286B2 Multipurpose and programmable pad for an integrated circuit
A multi-port SERDES transceiver includes multiple parallel and serial ports, and the flexibility to connect any one of the parallel or serial ports to another parallel or serial port. The ports include programmable pads that are capable of supporting multiple different data protocols, timing protocols, electrical specifications, and input-output functions. A management data IO pad also enables the transceiver to support different electrical requirements and data protocols at the same time. The substrate layout of the transceiver is configured so that the parallel ports and the serial ports are on the outer perimeter. A logic core is at the center, where the logic core operates the serial and parallel data ports, and the bus that connects the data ports. The bus can be described as a “ring” structure (or donut “structure”) around the logic core, and is configured between the logic core and the data ports.
US08001279B2 Method of synchronizing firewalls in a communication system based upon a server farm
A method of synchronizing firewalls in a communication system comprising a server farm wherein any user connected to the Internet can access customer servers, and at least two firewalls using a Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) to set up as primary interface firewall the firewall which owns the primary interface of the VRRP group of interfaces to at least one customer server. The method includes initializing, in a secondary interface firewall, a synchronization message exchange with the primary firewall after receiving a packet for a connection having a state which is incompatible with the received packet or after the standard firewall processing of a packet corresponding to a new connection, and registering in a common connection table the state of any connection if the connection is new or if the connection state has changed.
US08001277B2 Determining, transmitting, and receiving performance information with respect to an operation performed locally and at remote nodes
Further provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for determining, transmitting, and receiving performance information with respect to an operation performed locally and at remote nodes. Performance information is determined with respect to performing an operation at a node and transmitted to remote nodes over a network. Performance information is received from the remote nodes with respect to the remote nodes performing the operation. The determined and received performance information is used to determine whether to perform the operation at one of the remote nodes or the node. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
US08001268B2 Source reputation information system with router-level filtering of electronic messages
Disclosed herein are filtering systems and methods that employ an electronic message source reputation system. The source reputation system maintains a pool of source Internet Protocol (IP) address information, in the form of a Real-Time Threat Identification Network (“RTIN”) database, which can provide the reputation of source IP addresses, which can be used by customers for filtering network traffic. The source reputation system provides for multiple avenues of access to the source reputation information. Examples of such avenues can include Domain Name Server (DNS)-type queries, servicing routers with router-table data, or other avenues.
US08001262B2 Congestion management in telecommunications networks
A technique for lessening the likelihood of congestion in a congestible node is disclosed. In accordance with the illustrative embodiments of the present invention, one node—a proxy node—drops protocol data units to lessen the likelihood of congestion in the congestible node. In some embodiments of the present invention, the proxy node receives a metric of a queue at a congestible node and, based on the metric, decides whether to drop protocol data units en route to the congestible node. In some other embodiments of the present invention, the proxy node estimates a metric of a queue at a congestible node and, based on the metric, decides whether to drop protocol data units en route to the congestible node.
US08001259B2 Pervasive, distributed provision of services such as product brokerage
A client-server computing system suited particularly for homogenous clients of varying functional capabilities. Information handling capabilities are provided at the client and server on a customized, as-needed basis. When a service is needed by a client, the server determines a number of factors that may be relevant to the manner in which the service is to be provided. Then, the server selects from between two or more services having different executable code, and uploads the selected service to the client. Thus, the code may be tailored to the client's capabilities, or other aspects of its function. Services are not permanently retained by a client; rather, the client performs an analysis to determine whether services should be retained or purged. Also, state information is not permanently retained by a client; the server retains the information and uploads that information to the client. The server also manages its resources by loading service components on an as-needed basis.
US08001258B2 Data transfer system and method
A method is disclosed of data transfer between a source computer and multiple target computers. The method includes: transmitting a multi-media formatted transmission from the source computer over a first network to a server configured to receive the multi-media formatted transmission in more than one protocol; converting the multi-media formatted transmission into a data stream in an Internet format by extracting the data stream from the multi-media formatted transmission; transmitting the data stream in the Internet format over a second network to the target computers, the target computers each configured to receive the data stream in a finite set of protocols over the second network, the finite set of protocols including Internet protocols but excluding multi-media protocols; and extracting data from the data stream and reformatting the extracted data into a multi-media format at each target computer, wherein each target computer is able to reformat the extracted data into different multi-media formats, since the reformatting is occurring at each target computer individually.
US08001256B2 System with multiple network protocol support
The present invention provides a system with multiple network protocol support. The system includes: a first memory, the first memory comprising program instructions for processing upper and lower layers of the network protocol; a first processor, where the first processor processes the upper layers of the network protocol for a data packet according to the program instructions in the first memory; and a second processor, where the second processor processes lower layers of the network protocol for the data packet according to the program instructions in the first memory. When the network protocol is changed, instructions for the new protocol is fetched from a second memory and placed in the first memory. Thus, the hardware of the system need not be redesigned when changing protocols, and the same on-system unit is used to implement each protocol. This increases flexibility, provides cost effectiveness, and increases the reliability of the system.
US08001254B1 Translating switch and method
Payload information in a data unit may be translated into the attribute portion of a data unit by receiving a first data unit from a terminal with payload information, identifying attribute information from within the payload information, and translating the first data unit into a translated data unit having an attribute portion corresponding to the attribute information from within the payload information of the first data unit.
US08001252B2 Psuedowire termination directly on a router
A method, apparatus and computer program product for routing data within a packet-switched network using a PW wherein the PW is terminated directly on the layer-3 routing device such that certain services and applications can be utilized is presented. The method, apparatus and computer program product receives an encapsulated layer-2 Protocol Data Unit (PDU) from a pseudowire emulating a service. The encapsulation is removed from the encapsulated layer-2 PDU and a layer-2 circuit associated with the pseudowire is terminated. The circuit is treated as an interface and the PDU is forwarded based on upper layer protocol information within the PDU.
US08001251B2 AV server
There is provided an AV server capable of internally establishing a logical connection and appropriately managing connection with a plurality of client devices even when a physical connection is firstly requested from a client device. The AV server includes a communication unit which communicates with the client device via a communication channel; a protocol processing unit which performs processes including retrieval of a UPnP AV-compliant device and capability exchange based on the logical connection; a content data accumulation unit which accumulates content data such as a recorded TV program, moving image data and still image data therein; a content data distribution unit which distributes the content data accumulated in the content data accumulation unit; and a connection management unit which manages HTTP connection session information based on the physical connection for distributing the content data.
US08001250B2 SIP and HTTP convergence in network computing environments
The SIP server can be comprised of an engine tier and a state tier distributed on a cluster network environment. The engine tier can send, receive and process various messages. The state tier can maintain in-memory state data associated with various SIP sessions. The SIP server can support converged HTTP and SIP modes of communication. An application session can be established for allowing the association of an HTTP session with a SIP session such that data can be exchanged between them. This association can be broken and reestablished with new application sessions such that various SIP and HTTP clients can join and leave new sessions. An API can be provided to enable various associations and method calls for the application session.
US08001246B2 System and method for exposing distributed transaction services as web services
A computer enabled transaction service architecture gateway system and method for exposing distributed transaction services as web services comprises a transaction service gateway server including: a web service message engine to convert between web service messages and distributed transaction data structures and interface for allowing customized plug-in mechanism to expand functionality and provide additional service. The transaction service architecture gateway server operate to invoke distributed transaction services on a distribute transaction server upon receiving a request from a web service client.
US08001236B2 Methods and systems for content-consumption device monitoring and control
Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods for remote monitoring and control of a content-consumption device.
US08001230B2 Group management apparatus and group management system
A first management apparatus that is connected to a first equipment device group including a plurality of first equipment devices centrally manages the first equipment devices. A second management apparatus connected to a second equipment device group including a plurality of second equipment devices separate from the plurality of first equipment devices centrally manages the second equipment devices. A group management apparatus connected to the first and second management apparatus centrally manages the first and second equipment device groups. The first and second management apparatus include first and second management programs to centrally manage the first and second equipment devices. The group management apparatus includes a group management program for centrally managing the first and second equipment device groups.
US08001224B2 Image display device and method of communicating with an image display device over a network
In an image display device figured to be connected to a network, a method of communicating over the network with a remote device on the network is disclosed. The method includes receiving a message sent to a multicast address on the network by the remote device, wherein the message includes an instruction to the image display device to perform a function; and performing the function instructed by the message.
US08001219B2 User control interface for convergence and automation system
A convergence and automation system includes (a) an internet-protocol based (IP) network implemented with a web service for devices (WSD) protocol, (b) a plurality of devices connected to the network, wherein each device is configured to perform at least one service, (c) a server implemented with the WSD protocol, connected to the network and configured to control the devices for converging and automating the services thereof, and (d) at least one client implemented with the WSD protocol, connected to the network and configured to control at least a portion of the services of the devices. One of the server and the at least one client is configured to establish communication with the devices and further configured with a control panel application allowing a user to configure and test the convergence and automation system.
US08001215B2 Unlimited history store for navigational web applications
A unique system and method that facilitates storing virtually all web content that has been viewed or visited by a user on the user's local cache for access anytime by the user. The system and method involve monitoring the user's web activity. Pages that have been viewed or visited can be saved at timed intervals to a local cache. If pages have been updated, those changes can be saved. Thus, multiple versions of a web page can be accessed and the user can select which version to view. The updated page can be visually modified to distinguish between older and newer content. If offline, the user can still view desired pages by accessing them from the local cache. By saving the user's web activity, the user can resume a previous browsing session. A user can also choose to receive periodic notifications when changes to previously viewed pages occur.
US08001209B2 E-mail notification device
A method, system and computer program product for notifying a user of recently received information while away from the display connected to the computer. Using a non-commercial, private network, the information is forwarded from a computer through a transmitter to a portable receiver with an integrated display. Such information may be in the form of e-mails, stock quotes, and calendar alarms.
US08001204B2 Unified communication escalation
A method and system for providing message threads with messages of multiple modes of communication in a uniform manner is provided. A messaging system provides a unified communications user interface for message threads that include messages sent using different modes of communications. When a user wants to reply to a message of one mode with a message of another mode, the messaging system displays the communication client application context of the other mode so that the user can prepare and send the message using the appropriate functions. When the instant message is sent, the messaging system adds the instant message to the message thread so that it can be displayed as part of the message thread.
US08001200B1 Enabling mapping identification of online identities between different messaging services
A method and system for populating identities in a message service involves registering a user of a first messaging service with a second messaging service. User identities for users other than the registered user may be identified. These user identities may be associated with the first messaging service and may be stored in a list associated with the registered user. It is determined if each identified user identity has a matching user identity associated with the second messaging service. If so, a database associated with the second messaging service is populated with the matching user identities. Determining whether a matching user identity exists may be performed, for example, by making character strings comparisons between user identities or using a database that stores a mapping of first messaging service user identities to second messaging service user identities. The mapping database may be generated as corresponding user identities are discovered.
US08001190B2 Email integrated instant messaging
A system and method supporting instant messaging which removes many of the problems and barriers to the use of instant messaging through the use of universally unique identifiers to web pages for instant messaging sessions, with recipients invited to the instant messaging session via email.
US08001189B2 Routing of network messages
A routing protocol is provided for exchanging messages between an initial sender and an ultimate receiver, potentially via a set of intermediaries. The routing protocol provides an optional reverse message path that enables two-way message exchange patterns. The routing protocol can be expressed as a header entry within a message envelope, is independent of the underlying protocol, and can be generated at the application layer of a protocol stack. The routing protocol may allow each intermediary to process the message and dynamically alter the message path en route to the intended recipient.
US08001185B2 Method and apparatus for distributed rule evaluation in a near real-time business intelligence system
A method is provided for performing an action, in a distributed environment, upon occurrence of a monitored event related to a set of data elements. The method includes providing a rule that includes an event identification component which specifies an event to be monitored and an action component which specifies an action to be performed when the event has occurred. The method also includes determining, from the rule, if the event identification component is to be evaluated by a remote event engine and if the action component is to be evaluated by the remote event engine, evaluating the event identification component and the action component of the rule.
US08001175B2 Facilitating server response optimization
An algorithm facilitates optimization functionality for generating optimized response information. In facilitating such optimization, non-essential elements of the response information (i.e., unneeded for system interpretation) are eliminated thereby reducing the size of the response information and generating optimized response information as well as reducing the memory footprint of cache required for storing such optimized response information. Examples of such non-essential elements of response information include, but are not limited to, indention characters, tab characters, blank space characters and the like. Such optimization functionality is tailored to optimizing the size of response information being transmitted from a server. More specifically, it provides for reduction in bandwidth occupied by outgoing response information from a transmitting a server. Examples of such response information include, but are not limited to, HTML formatted information, XML formatted information, JavaScript formatted information and SOAP formatted information. Advantageously, this optimization functionality is configured in a manner whereby it does not increase the load on the resource utilization, thereby providing an overall and desirable improvement in network performance.
US08001170B2 Equalizer system and filtering method
An equalizer system comprises a gain adjuster and a filter system. The gain adjuster provides a plurality of gain settings. The filter system is coupled to the gain adjuster and filters an input signal to output a filtered signal in response to the gain settings. The filter system comprises at least one high shelving filter with a first transfer function and at least one low shelving filter with a second transfer function. The reciprocal of the first transfer function is equal to the second transfer function.
US08001169B2 Spread spectrum method with elimination of sub-bands
A spread spectrum method for a digital input signal (x(n)), comprising the following steps: coefficients of a reversible digital periodical linear filter are selected in such a way that the spectrum of the input signal (x(n)) is spread in order to occupy a spread frequency band (B) with the exception of at least one eliminated frequency sub-band (B′), included in a spread frequency band, and the input signal is processed via the digital periodical linear filter in such a way as to obtain a spread spectrum output signal (y(n)).
US08001167B2 Automatic BNE seed calculator
An automatic background noise estimator (BNE) seed calculator for determining a starting point for a BNE circuit which tracks the noise floor received by a receiver. The BNE seed calculator may sample a plurality of data points from the receiver and calculate the magnitude of each point. The seed calculator may then determine the peak magnitude value, a plurality of mean values, and the variance of the sampled points. A plurality of lookup tables are used to compare the peak, mean, and variance values with simulated peak, mean, and variance values to estimate the noise floor level of the actual signal and use that to determine the optimum BNE seed value. Simulation software such as MATLAB is used to develop the lookup tables by simulating peak, mean, and variance values based on a plurality of signal-to-noise ratios (SNR).
US08001166B2 Methods and apparatus for optimizing keyword data analysis
Techniques for analyzing keyword data for quality management purposes are provided. One or more keywords are selected. Each of the one or more keywords represent a category of quality management. A keyword time series is prepared for each of the one or more selected keywords. A set of fixed form time series is prepared for each of the one or more selected keywords. The set of fixed form time series comprises one or more fixed form time series representing statistical data related to the one or more selected keywords. One or more correction sets comprising one or more correction parameters are obtained. Each of the one or more correction parameters correspond to one of the one or more fixed form time series within each set of fixed form time series. A set of corrected time series is generated for each of the one or more correction sets. The set of corrected time series comprises a combination of the keyword time series and the set of fixed form time series for each of the one or more selected keywords, the combination being in accordance with the one or more correction sets. A similarity score is calculated for each set of corrected time series. The set of corrected time series with the highest similarity score is selected. The selected set of corrected time series comprises optimized keyword data for quality management purposes.
US08001156B2 Processing XML node sets
A method for representing, manipulating and enumerating a node set in an XML document can create and manipulate a node set in time that is typically constant or, at worst, logarithmic in the size of the underlying document, and can enumerate a node set in time that is substantially linear in the size of the node set. The method comprises steps of deriving a high-level representation of a node set. This step need not include an enumeration of the nodes of the set. The method may then manipulate the high-level representation of a node set in order to effect transformations on the node set. The high-level representation can then be analyzed in order to determine how to most efficiently process the nodes of the node set. The node set can then be efficiently enumerated, in document order, by taking advantage of the results of the previous analysis step.
US08001155B2 Hierarchically presenting tabular data
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for hierarchically presenting tabular data. Embodiments of the invention utilize out-denting and/or color coding to organize and present tabular data to a user so that comparisons across multiple levels of data are possible while maintaining hierarchical organization of a model. That is, the columnar structure of tables can be maintained to allow rich cross-column comparison within various levels of nesting. Further, scaling is significantly increased since nesting has a reduced (and potentially no) impact on column alignment.
US08001151B2 Querying markup language data sources using a relational query processor
An XML wrapper queries an XML document in an on-the-fly manner so that only parent nodes in the document that satisfy the query are extracted and then unnested. The parent nodes and associated descendent nodes are located using XPath expressions contained as options in data definition language (DDL) statements. The parent nodes satisfying the query and associated descendent nodes are extracted and stored outside of a database according to a relational schema. The wrapper facilitates applications that use convention SQL queries and views to operate on that information stored according to the relational schema. The wrapper also responds to query optimizer requests for costs associated with queries against external data sources associated with the wrapper.
US08001142B2 Distributed data system with incremental data updates
A system may include a client and a distributed data manager coupled to the client. The distributed data manager may include a data store storing a data object that includes several sub-elements. The client is configured to update a portion of the data object by sending a message to the distributed data manager. The message specifies one of the sub-elements of the data object to be updated and includes a new value of that sub-element but does not include a new value of the entire data object. The distributed data manager is configured to perform updates to the data object in the data store dependent on which of the sub-elements of the data object are specified by the client.
US08001130B2 Web object retrieval based on a language model
A method and system is provided for determining relevance of an object to a term based on a language model. The relevance system provides records extracted from web pages that relate to the object. To determine the relevance of the object to a term, the relevance system first determines, for each record of the object, a probability of generating that term using a language model of the record of that object. The relevance system then calculates the relevance of the object to the term by combining the probabilities. The relevance system may also weight the probabilities based on the accuracy or reliability of the extracted information for each data source.
US08001128B2 Selection of a set of optimal n-grams for indexing string data in a DBMS system under space constraints introduced by the system
The present invention provides a computer-readable medium and system for selecting a set of n-grams for indexing string data in a DBMS system. Aspects of the invention include providing a set of candidate n-grams, each n-gram comprising a sequence of characters; identifying sample queries having character strings containing the candidate n-grams; and based on the set of candidate n-grams, the sample queries, database records, and an n-gram space constraint, automatically selecting, given the space constraint, a minimal set of an n-grams from the set of candidate n-grams that minimizes the number of false hits for the set of sample queries had the sample queries been executed against the database records.
US08001117B2 Efficient online computation of diverse query results
The system includes a query engine and an advertisement engine. The query engine is configured to receive a query from the user. The advertisement engine generates advertisement results corresponding to the query. The advertisement results are selected from entries in an advertisement database, where the entries include predicate values corresponding to a domain. The advertisement engine generates a diverse advertisement result that is a subset of the database entries that match the query. The diversity result varies at least one predicate by selecting entries for the list that include a proportional representation of each available predicate value in the database that matches the query.
US08001111B2 Trail-based exploration of a repository of documents
Techniques that support trail-based exploration by a user of a repository of documents are described herein. In one embodiment, trail definition data that specifies a trail is received. The trail includes an ordered series of waypoints including a trailhead, intermediate waypoints, and one or more trailends. In some embodiments, deadends may also be defined in the trial. A particular waypoint in the ordered series of waypoints is established as a current waypoint. Search terms can be received from a user to cause a search to be performed. It is then determined whether the search satisfies matching criteria associated with a waypoint that immediately follows the current waypoint in the ordered series of waypoints. If so, the user advances to the next waypoint. Otherwise, the user remains at the current waypoint. Finally, if a trailend is reached, then an action such as rewarding the user in some way may be performed.
US08001108B2 Returning a new content based on a person's reaction to at least two instances of previously displayed content
Embodiments provide a device, apparatus, system, computer program product, and method. A provided method includes receiving information that is indicative of respective responses by a person to each of at least two instances of electronically displayed content. The received information is derived from data acquired by a sensor coupled to the person and sent by a requestor electronic device. The method also includes selecting a particular content from the at least two instances of electronically displayed content. The selecting is based at least in part on the received information. The method further includes facilitating a search for a new content using a search parameter corresponding to a content attribute of the particular content. The method also includes returning an indication of the new content to the requestor electronic device.
US08001107B2 Landing page maker
The present invention relates to a method, system and computer program product for managing one or more landing pages. The method, system and computer program product enables creation of a landing page by using one or more pre-coded templates. The created landing pages are coded by using various Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) and web services. Further, the method, system and computer program product enables dynamic updating of the created landing pages with the content stored in one or more databases.
US08001101B2 Presenting instant answers to internet queries
Methods are described for utilizing user-submitted data to provide a response to a query request. User-submitted data are received and referenced upon receiving a query request from an unregistered requester, a potential response is automatically identified from the user-submitted data, the potential response is extracted, and presented in response to the query request.
US08001084B2 Memory allocator for optimistic data access
A method, system and computer readable media for optimistic access of data objects in a processing system. The method, system and computer readable media comprise providing a list of position objects. Each of the position objects can be associated with a data object. The method, system and computer readable medium include utilizing a thread to mutex a position object of the list of position objects and to associate the position object with a data object, and accessing the data object by the thread. The method, system and computer readable medium record a free level of a memory allocator as a read level of the position object and record a version number of the data object as the version number of the position object after the access has been determined to be safe.
US08001082B1 System and method of data security in synchronizing data with a wireless device
A system is disclosed. The system includes a server, a client application, and a first database. The first database is associated with the client application. The system further includes a second database to store data in an encrypted format, and a replicator to synchronize the data stored in the first and second databases. The system also includes a synchronizer to synchronize the data stored in the second database and the server based on a current security level.
US08001071B2 Visualization of data record physicality
Systems (and corresponding methodologies) that enable inferences to be drawn from the physicality of electronic information much like that of a visual inspection of physical records are provided. In other words, a user is able to draw inferences from parameters of electronic data such as quantity, regularity, age, condition, type, keywords, title, author, origination date, storage location, etc. The innovation provides a data observation system having a summarization generator component and a rendering component that conveys attributes of electronic data such that inferences and conclusions based upon the physicality of the data.
US08001070B2 Object oriented rule-based system and method
An object oriented rule-based system and method that combines rule-based technology and object-oriented programming in order to provide an efficient approach for adding decision-making and inferencing capabilities to different applications. The rule-based system can include a RETE match algorithm, which can be modified to support pure object-based variable pattern matching. The LHS of a rule base can be compiled into several condition patterns, which includes a transformer integer array in order to record object variables positions. A RETE node can propagate tokens smoothly by asserting the object variable based on inheritance type hierarchy and the rules can be fired when the conditions are satisfied. The object oriented rule system can be utilized to add or remove rules at run time.
US08001069B2 Method for using windows of similar equivalence signatures (areas of presentation spaces) in assessing the similarity of sets of data
A method for finding sets of data (SDDs), which are similar to a target SDD, is invented. The method leverages a new category of signatures, called equivalence signatures, to characterize the SDDs and is applicable to all types of data that may be presented in two-dimensions. These signatures have the salient feature that, at worst, they change in a bounded manner when small changes are made to the SDDs and when used to find SDDs that are similar to a target SDDs, they allow for a significant reduction in the number of SDDs to be compared with the target. This is an improvement over the state of the art wherein the computational expensive process of performing a complete search against the entire corpus must be applied.
US08001065B2 Semiconductor storage device
A semiconductor storage device includes a storage part including a plurality of nonvolatile semiconductor memory cells each having a conductive path, a charge storage layer and a control gate electrode. The device further includes a plurality of first input terminals each connected to one end of the conductive path of each nonvolatile semiconductor memory cell, a plurality of second input terminals each connected to the control gate of each nonvolatile semiconductor memory cell, and an output end connected to the other ends of the conductive paths of the plurality of nonvolatile semiconductor memory cells, respectively.
US08001062B1 Supervised learning using multi-scale features from time series events and scale space decompositions
Disclosed herein is a method, a system and a computer program product for generating a statistical classification model used by a computer system to determine a class associated with an unlabeled time series event. Initially, a set of labeled time series events is received. A set of time series features is identified for a selected set of the labeled time series events. A plurality of scale space decompositions is generated based on the set of time series features. A plurality of multi-scale features is generated based on the plurality of scale space decompositions. A first subset of the plurality of multi-scale features that correspond at least in part to a subset of space or time points within a time series event that contain feature data that distinguish the time series event as belonging to a class of time series events that corresponds to the class label are identified. A statistical classification model for classifying an unlabeled time series event based on the class corresponding with the class label is generated based at least in part on the at the first subset of the plurality of multi-scale features.
US08001058B1 Evaluating item sellers to promote sellers, inform item purchasing decisions and build trust in a multiple-seller marketplace
A facility for responding to a request for information about an item. The facility receives a request for information about the item. Among a plurality of sellers, the facility identifies those sellers (1) that are offering the item for sale, (2) whose availability level for the selected item exceeds a predetermined availability threshold, and (3) that have a seller score relating to a number of different items offered for sale by the seller that exceeds a predetermined score threshold. The facility uses the identified sellers and the price of the item to select the featured seller of the item. The facility replies to the request for information with a web page containing both information describing the item and a control that can be activated to order the item from the featured seller.
US08001050B2 Methods and systems for verifying customer supplied financial account information using debit and credit transactions
Embodiments of the invention describe methods and systems for verifying customer supplied financial account information verification using debit and credit transactions. These methods include electronically transmitting an electronic debit and credit transaction to the customer financial account, based on the customer supplied financial account information. The method also includes electronically transmitting a first statement descriptor, as part of at least one of the electronic debit transaction and the electronic credit transaction, that includes a first verification code. The method also includes electronically receiving, from the customer, a second verification code, and comparing, by the computer system, the transmitted first verification code with the received second verification code with respect to each other. The method also includes verifying, by the computer system, the customer supplied financial account information based on the comparison of the verification codes.
US08001049B2 Data submission for anti-fraud context evaluation
Contextual data is gathered about a user's known location and/or about a user's expected location and generates contextual indicators based on at least a portion of the gathered contextual data. The contextual indicators are provided to one or more relying parties, such as an anti-fraud system to allow the anti-fraud system to more effectively determine the validity of transactions associated with the user, such as credit card transactions associated with the user's credit card.
US08001042B1 Systems and methods for detecting bust out fraud using credit data
Systems and methods are for, for example, predicting bust out fraud using credit bureau data. In one embodiment, credit bureau scoring models are created using credit bureau data to detect bust out fraud. The credit bureau scoring models may be then applied to consumer data to determine whether a consumer is involved in bust out fraud.
US08001041B2 Algorithm for explaining credit scores
An exemplary Web-based score explanation service typically requires only the credit bureau identifier, credit score, and up to four reason codes as input. The invention herein discloses an algorithm that is used to provide an explanation of the primary factors influencing the score, where a rich data feed is provided to the facility implementing the algorithm
US08001040B2 Computer-implemented method and system for dynamic consumer rating in a transaction
Disclosed is a computer-implemented method (100) of rating a consumer in connection with a transaction initiated by the consumer and requesting credit from a credit issuer (28). The method (100) includes the steps of: providing a merchant-based consumer/transaction data set (16) to a central credit issuer database (20); providing a third party credit history data set (24) to the central credit issuer database (20); providing a credit issuer credit history data set (30) to the central credit issuer database (20); determining a consumer rating index variable (12) based upon a scoring formula (34) utilizing at least one data field from the provided data sets; and presenting the consumer rating index variable (12) to the credit issuer (28). A system (10) and apparatus (50) for rating the consumer in connection with this transaction is also disclosed.
US08001038B2 System and method for improved distribution of market information
A data distribution system and method are described herein to improve the distribution of market information to subscribing client devices. Market information updates are provided to subscribing devices over a communication link every time a change in the market occurs. If a bandwidth limitation is reached on the communication link, the preferred embodiments switch to a second mode of transmission such that the market information updates are provided only at predetermined intervals. The preferred embodiment monitors the bandwidth consumption to determine what mode of transmission to apply, and in response, it can dynamically change between modes of transmission. By dynamically adjusting the mode of transmission to comport with the current network bandwidth, the preferred embodiments may provide a network friendly, data intensive, and fast response market information feed.
US08001027B2 Apparatus and methods for handling trading data
A manually-assisted computer and communications apparatus is provided for periodically fixing a price of a currency or commodity. Successive rate samples of said currency/stock/commodity are received from a plurality of sources (80) over a period of time, recorded and filtered automatically (90) by reference to said historical record and predetermined validation criteria so as to categorise certain samples as valid or erroneous. The received & filtered samples are combined periodically (105-115) so as to derive a fixed rate, which is then released (120) to users. The filtering means distinguishes between rate samples of different contributors within the samples received from a given source, and also receives (OTR1) trading rates generated by an online trading system, in addition to rates quoted by other contributors. Trading rates are applied in said fixed rate in preference to quoted rates. Traders and clients contract (450, 455) to buy and sell currency at rates to be fixed by the apparatus at a future time.
US08001025B2 Systems and methods for facilitating financial transactions over a network
A system for facilitating financial transactions over a network includes a first user device, a second user device and a payment processing device. The first user device is adapted to allow a first user to send an invitation to a second user, via a network, to accept a promise to pay (IOU). The second user device is adapted to allow the second user to generate a response to the invitation via the network. The payment processing device is adapted to receive the invitation and the response and to schedule a payment if the response is an affirmative response.
US08001022B2 Construct separation for resource amount determination
A technique is provided for managing bundles of constructs that may individually fail. Each bundle has a repetitively updated resource amount for counterbalancing a transfer of a failure risk pertaining to the respective bundle. Construct data is stored and a value of the resource amount is calculated for an individual time instance based on the construct data. It is determined whether a construct of a first bundle has failed. If not, a value of a resource amount for the first bundle is calculated. If a construct has failed, a second bundle is generated that includes all constructs of the first bundle except for the construct having failed, and a value of a resource amount for the second bundle is calculated. The technique is particularly suitable for managing futures contracts that are based on a basket of credit default swaps as underlyings.
US08001020B2 Budgetary ledger
A system and method for maintaining budget related transactions in a financial management system. A financial management system may include a general ledger to maintain account balances and a budgetary ledger to maintain account balances only for budget related transactions. The budgetary ledger may generate a budgetary ledger document, which contains budget related transactions. The budgetary ledger may further include a core to enable generation of the budgetary ledger document, and an extension to define rules associated with generation of the budgetary ledger document. The budgetary ledger may then post the budgetary ledger document to the general ledger.
US08001019B2 Managing access to and updating warehouse data
Methods, systems, and computer program products manage access to and update warehouse data associated with one or multiple online data systems. A security role is established for each user of warehouse operation functions associated with the online data system. A method involves examining warehouse data and updating a status of warehouse operations, detecting a security role of a current user accessing the data system, and rendering warehouse operation functions and the status via an interface. The method further involves receiving a selection of one of the warehouse operation functions, determining whether the security role of the current user authorizes access to the warehouse operation function selected, and prohibiting access to the warehouse operation function selected in response to determining the security role does not authorize access to the selected warehouse operation function.
US08001008B2 System and method of collaborative filtering based on attribute profiling
A system and/or a method of collaborative filtering based on attribute profiling is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a product profile of a content-based product through applying any number of value data assigned by a user to a set of attributes embodying possible reasons as to why the user reacts to the content-based product, generating a user profile of a user through applying a group of value data assigned by the user to a content-based product sharing the set of attributes and recommending a different content-based product matches with the user profile beyond a threshold value. The method may include recommending the different content-based product to a different user when a different user profile of the different matches with the user profile of the user who has subscribed to the different content-based product.
US08001005B2 Systems and methods for providing advertising in a feed of content
A system and method is described for controlling the provision of advertising presented to an end user in a feed of news content that is delivered from a publisher to an end user, wherein the system comprises: one or more advertisements which each possess a unique identifier that has been attributed by the publisher; reader software deployed in the system to analyse the delivered feed of news content and the one or more advertisements, wherein the reader software is adapted to ensure that any duplication of the one or more advertisements is identified by reference to the unique identifier of each advertisement; and wherein the reader software controls the presentation of news content and a predefined number of non-duplicate advertisements to the end user.
US08000999B2 Method and system for creating, serving and tracking advertisements
A method and system for providing an ad is disclosed. The method of one embodiment comprises combining an ad input file with a conduit file to create an integrated ad file, wherein the ad input file identifies at least the content of the ad and the conduit file identifies at least the tracking data for the ad. The integrated ad file may then be served. According to a further embodiment, the method further includes effectuating a modification to the ad content by updating the ad input file, recombining the modified ad input file with the conduit file to create a modified integrate ad file and serving the modified integrated ad file.
US08000996B1 System and method for markdown optimization
Computer-implemented systems and methods for identifying markdown prices for items. As an example, a system and method can include identifying for each item an optimal markdown plan containing a markdown price for the item. Also, the method and system can be configured to identify for each item an optimal delay plan. For each item, a delay cost and a markdown spend are calculated, and a comparison is performed of the item's delay cost with respect to the item's markdown spend. The comparison is used to determine whether to mark down an item based upon the item's determined markdown price.
US08000993B2 Using consumer purchase behavior for television targeting
In various embodiments, strategies, tools and techniques are provided for processing and analyzing data in an advertising measurement system accessible through a software-as-a-service model or a client-downloaded computer program. The system may be configured to receive and process household media exposure data, product purchase data, advertising data, program data, and demographic data, wherein the data may be obtained from various sources, including from a program delivery source (e.g., a television set-top box) located in a household of a consumer. The data may be matched and cross-correlated for calculating return on advertising investment measurements and other metrics. The data may be used to optimize media placement generally or to address advertising content to specific households. Methods for storing and accessing data in the advertising measurement system by distributing the data across multiple shards are also provided. In addition, methods for protecting privacy of communicated data are disclosed.
US08000991B2 Enabling pervasive execution of workflows
To allow workflow execution on a plurality of local devices such as in a pervasive environment in a decentralized manner, the present application proposes a method and architecture for executing a workflow on a device, the workflow comprising one or more task activities (tn) comprising actions performed by devices participating in the workflow and routing activities (rin) used to transfer control and data between devices, wherein the method comprises the operations of: receiving a message representing an incoming routing activity (rij); generating from the workflow a local part (Wn) to be executed on the device; executing task activities comprised by the generated local part (Wn) on the device; performing a request to a discovery service in order to obtain one or several identifications of next devices; and sending one or more messages representing a routing activity (rij) to the one or more next devices thus identified.
US08000987B2 Quality model certification assessment cost estimation and optimization
A method includes determining a standard set of activities to perform an assessment and certification process, and identifying cost elements and cost drivers for each activity of the standard set of activities. Additionally, the method includes determining requirements for a particular assessment and certification project, and determining a cost estimation based upon at least one of the standard set of activities, the cost elements, the cost drivers, and the requirements.
US08000980B2 Medical information searching and indexing method and system
A method for assisting a medical professional with making a medical related decision based on patient information includes providing access to a plurality of databases containing medical related information and at least one rule governing medical care. The method may also include searching for patient information on at least one of the plurality of databases providing search results of the patient information regardless of the location of the patient information.
US08000973B2 Management of conversations
An embodiment of a method is disclosed wherein a natural language communication is received from a user. A concept recognition process is applied to automatically derive a representation of concepts embodied in the natural language communication. A collection of information likely to be useful in responding to the natural language communication is selected based on correspondence to the representation of concepts. The collection of information is provided to a human agent through an interface. Through the interface, an identification of a particular item of information from the collection is received. The particular item is illustratively a sub-set of the collection of information, the sub-set being a particular proposed response to the natural language communication. The particular proposed response is delivered to the user.
US08000969B2 Inferring switching conditions for switching between modalities in a speech application environment extended for interactive text exchanges
The disclosed solution includes a method for dynamically switching modalities based upon inferred conditions in a dialogue session involving a speech application. The method establishes a dialogue session between a user and the speech application. During the dialogue session, the user interacts using an original modality and a second modality. The speech application interacts using a speech modality only. A set of conditions indicative of interaction problems using the original modality can be inferred. Responsive to the inferring step, the original modality can be changed to the second modality. A modality transition to the second modality can be transparent the speech application and can occur without interrupting the dialogue session. The original modality and the second modality can be different modalities; one including a text exchange modality and another including a speech modality.
US08000967B2 Low-complexity code excited linear prediction encoding
Information about excitation signals of a first signal encoded by CELP is used to derive a limited set of candidate excitation signals for a second correlated second signal. Preferably, pulse locations of the excitation signals of the first encoded signal are used for determining the set of candidate excitation signals. More preferably, the pulse locations of the set of candidate excitation signals are positioned in the vicinity of the pulse locations of the excitation signals of the first encoded signal. The first and second signals may be multi-channel signals of a common speech or audio signal. However, the first and second signals may also be identical, whereby the coding of the second signal can be utilized for re-encoding at a lower bit rate.
US08000964B2 Method of constructing model of recognizing english pronunciation variation
A method of constructing a model of recognizing English pronunciation variations is used to recognize English pronunciations with different intonations influenced by non-English native languages. The method includes collecting a plurality of sound information corresponding to English expressions; corresponding phonetic alphabets of the non-English native language and English of a region to International Phonetic Alphabets (IPAs), so as to form a plurality of pronunciation models; converting the sound information with the pronunciation models to form a pronunciation variation network of the corresponding English expressions, thereby detecting whether the English expressions have pronunciation variation paths; and finally summarizing the pronunciation variation paths to form a plurality of pronunciation variation rules. Furthermore, the pronunciation variations are represented by phonetics features to infer possible pronunciation variation rules, which are stored to form pronunciation variation models. The construction of the pronunciation variation models enhances applicability of an English recognition system and accuracy of voice recognition.
US08000961B2 Gain quantization system for speech coding to improve packet loss concealment
In order to recover the excitation energy quickly and keep the adaptive excitation contribution percentage in the entire excitation after bit-stream packet loss, the two excitation gains (Gp 305 and Gc 306) can be first transformed into the two other special parameters: one is the entire excitation energy and another is the energy ratio of the adaptive excitation contribution portion relative to the entire excitation energy. Then, the transformed parameters are quantized and sent to decoder. At the decoder side, the quantized parameters are transformed back to the original form of the gains (Gp 305 and Gc 306).
US08000958B2 Device and method for improving communication through dichotic input of a speech signal
The device and method of the present invention improves electronic communication which have behavioral consequences, including for example, flight communication, two-way closed circuit communication such as for fire, police, miners, scuba divers and other heath and safety workers, and even for mobile communication which happens during activities such as cellular or mobile conversations during driving. Dichotic listening techniques are altered to enhance dyadic (involving two people) interactions with a partner. The speech of at least the first member of the dyad is filtered to isolate the component below 0.5 Khz, which will be input with a gain to the left ear of the second person (provided that they are right-handed), and thus their right cerebral hemispheres, and the component with a frequency above 0.5 Khz. will be input to their right ears, and thus their left cerebral hemispheres. The apparatus of the invention includes a communication source, which could include live and simultaneous broadcast, or pre-recorded communication. This constitutes the communication input which is directed to a filter to split off the speech fundamental frequency, i.e. the SFF. The post filtered communication signal, or “SFF augmented signal” is fed to a differentiation device which differentiates two signals, one with an enhanced SFF, and one without the enhancement subsequently, a delivery device delivers the now differentiated left and right signals to the appropriate ears.
US08000948B2 Methods for identifying compounds for treating disease states
The process of System Reconstruction is used to integrate sequence data, clinical data, experimental data, and literature into functional models of disease pathways. System Reconstruction models serve as informational “skeletons” for integrating various types of “high throughput” data.
US08000944B2 Non-finite element implementation of the finite element projection in two dimensions
Embodiments of the present invention provide a finite difference method, a finite element projection, and a non-finite-element implementation of the finite element projection for solving the incompressible continuity equation on quadrilateral grids to obtain pressure and fluid velocity. An exemplary apparatus for simulating and analyzing the flow of an incompressible fluid is also provided. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a non-finite-element-method (non-FEM) to implement the finite element projection to obtain a linear system whose coefficient matrix has an average bandwidth of five, in comparison to the finite difference scheme using conventional finite element projection and implementation with a bandwidth of nine. A two-dimensional-five-point-stencil-based non-FEM discretization is formulated to enforce the incompressible continuity equation. A shape function that is different from a weighting function used in the incompressible continuity equation is utilized to guarantee the five-point-stencil discretization is possible. The smaller bandwidth of the non-FEM scheme requires less computing resources and can compute the results in a reduced time duration, due to the simpler matrix to solve.
US08000939B2 Charged particle beam apparatus
An object of the present invention is to provide a synthesized signal forming method and an apparatus thereof for realizing both noise reduction and dosage reduction when synthesizing signals detected based on scans performed on a charged particle beam. In order to achieve the above object, with a method that synthesizes signals detected based on a plurality of scans performed on a charged particle beam to form a synthesized signal, a multiplication is performed among a plurality of signals obtained by the plurality of scans and, at the same time, for a multiplied signal, a calculation is performed in which an inverse of the number of previous scans is used as an exponent.
US08000934B2 Method and device for diagnosing an ascertainment of a performance quantity of an internal combustion engine
A method and a device for diagnosing an ascertainment of a performance quantity of an internal combustion engine. Within the scope of a first diagnostic process a first value which is characteristic of a first performance quantity of the internal combustion engine ascertained at a first point in time after switching off the internal combustion engine is compared to a predefined value, and an error is identified when in the comparison it is detected that the absolute value of a first difference between the first value and the predefined value exceeds a predefined first threshold value for the first point in time. The predefined first threshold value is predefined to be smaller the longer the time since the internal combustion engine has been switched off. An identified error is cleared in a subsequent second diagnostic process when, for a second difference between the first value and the predefined value for a second point in time, it is detected within the scope of the subsequent second diagnostic process that the absolute value of the second difference does not exceed a second threshold value predefined for the second point in time. An error identified within the scope of the first diagnostic process is cleared within the scope of the subsequent second diagnostic process only when the predefined second threshold value does not exceed a predefined limiting value. The predefined limiting value is formed as a function of the predefined first threshold value.
US08000928B2 Methods and apparatus for data analysis
A method and apparatus for data analysis according to various aspects of the present invention is configured to automatically select one or more outlier identification algorithms for identifying statistical outliers in test data for components.
US08000921B2 Method and apparatus for synchronizing signals in a testing system
The preferred embodiments of the present invention provide approaches for synchronizing signals in a testing system. In some embodiments, the timing signal associated with each device under test (DUT) is maintained at an integer multiple of the tester timing signal. Additionally, in other embodiments, the timing signal associated with various DUTs is used as a timing reference for other devices.
US08000916B2 System and method for evaluating high frequency time domain in embedded device probing
A system and associated method for evaluating a high-frequency signal at a point of interest on a signal path from a remote signal at a remote pickup point on the signal path. The point of interest is located on a device under test that is coupled to test equipment via the signal path. The high-frequency signal at the point of interest is calculated from the remote signal at the remote pickup point with an inverse transfer function that eliminates degradation effects on the high-frequency signal that is transferred through the signal path. The inverse transfer function may be calculated from measurements acquired in a test signal transfer through a reference path that simulates electrical properties of the signal path, or configured to a predetermined function if electrical properties of the signal path are known.
US08000912B2 Instrument transformer and apparatus for detecting an amount of power using the same
Disclosed is an instrument transformer detecting an amount of power supplied to a load via a high voltage line, wherein the instrument transformer is integrally configured with a current level converter, a voltage level converter and a power amount calculating module so that it detects an amount of power supplied via the high voltage line and transmits the detected amount of power to a power amount management unit as a digital signal to correctly detect the amount of power.
US08000908B2 Methods and systems for developing mesh networks and estimating air flow around vehicle body surfaces
A method for developing a mesh network for analyzing air flow around a surface of a vehicle body includes the steps of determining a plurality of estimates for a flow direction for the air flow for a plurality of locations around the surface and generating the mesh network based at least in part on the plurality of estimates. The mesh network comprises a plurality of mesh lines. Each mesh line is at least substantially aligned with the flow direction proximate a corresponding one of the plurality of locations.
US08000891B2 Data formats and usage for massive point to point route calculation
The invention is directed to a method by which optimal paths are found between one or more start destinations and one or more end destinations. First destination and travel data is converted into a node and edge data format, wherein the nodes represent start points and the edges have a weight related to a travel weight. These nodes and edges are subdivided into subsets. The paths between the start nodes and each of the end nodes are determined using the node and edge representations stored in the subsets. A selected union of subsets is determined that contains the start end destinations. The optimal paths are determined by using the travel values associated with the edges connecting the nodes. The union of subsets, which may comprise less than the full amount of subsets, is loaded for the path determination. Or, when the path determination perceives that a relevant boundary has been reached in a path determination, that next subset in the union of subsets is loaded. The newly loaded subset is “joined” to the already loaded subsets, thus allowing the completion of the path determination.
US08000884B2 Device and method for controlling ignition timing of internal combustion engine
A device and associated method for controlling ignition timing of an internal combustion engine are provided. By comparing a determination value and knock magnitude, determination of knocking is made, and ignition timing is advanced or retarded. The device includes an operation unit that sets a correction amount of the determination value to a value corresponding to a degree of change of the determination value over time. The operation unit calculates, at a first timing, a first value related to an average value of the determination values; and calculates, at a second timing later than the first timing, a second value related to the average value of the determination values. The degree of change of the determination value is calculated as a difference between the first value and the second value.
US08000883B2 Control apparatus and method for air-fuel ratio sensor
The ECU executes a program that includes the steps of: calculating the temperature Texp of the wall surface of the exhaust port and the temperature Tsen of the wall surface of the inner cover covering the zirconia element of the A/F sensor (S110); heating the zirconia element by the heater (S130) when at least one of the condition that the temperature Texp is equal to or higher than the first threshold and the condition that the temperature Tsen is equal to or higher than the second threshold is in effect (S120: YES); and prohibiting the heating of the zirconia element by the heater (S140) when the temperature Texp is lower than the first threshold and the temperature Tsen is lower than the second threshold (S120: NO).
US08000880B2 Fuel quality detection using torque and engine speed
An engine control system comprises a fuel quality calculation module and a fueling module. The fuel quality calculation module calculates a fuel quality value for fuel provided to an engine based on at least one operating parameter of the engine. The fueling module selectively increases an amount of fuel provided to the engine based on the fuel quality value.
US08000879B2 Method for operating a two-stroke engine
A two-stroke engine has a fuel supply device, an intake passage formed partially in the fuel supply device, and an air filter with clean air chamber. The intake passage upstream of the fuel supply device is connected to the clean air chamber. A partition divides the intake passage downstream of the fuel supply device into a supply passage for fuel-free air and a mixture passage for fuel/air mixture. A throttle valve is supported in the intake passage and aligned in at least one operating state with the partition. A pressure differential between the mixture passage and the supply passage is determined, and in a method for operating such a two-stroke engine, fuel is supplied into the intake passage by a fuel supply valve in the operating state substantially only when the pressure in the mixture passage is not greater than the pressure in the supply passage.
US08000868B2 Method and control unit for controlling a friction clutch between an internal combustion engine and a change speed transmission
A method controls a friction clutch disposed between an internal combustion engine and a change speed transmission. The friction clutch is controlled in such a way that it transmits an average coupling torque of the internal combustion engine and does not transmit periodically occurring peak values of the coupling torque. In addition, a control unit is programmed to carry out the method.
US08000867B2 System for automatically landing aircraft using image signals and method of controlling the same
Disclosed herein are a system for automatically landing an aircraft using image signals and a method of controlling the system. The system includes an altimeter installed on the aircraft; a landing mark placed at a landing location on a landing runway; a camera installed on the aircraft, oriented toward the front of the aircraft, and configured to detect the shape of the landing mark in image information form; and a FCC configured to calculate the angle between the aircraft and the ground, the ground range and the slant range between the aircraft and the landing location using the altitude information measured by the altimeter, the image information of the landing mark captured by the camera, angle information composed of the pitch, roll and yaw angles of the aircraft, and the angle of entry into the landing runway, and configured to control the automatic landing of the aircraft.
US08000863B2 Open-loop torque control with closed-loop feedback
A variator torque control system adjusts a variator output so that the actual output torque of the variator closely matches an expected output torque. In an example, pressure values of an existing torque control map are supplemented in real time with calculated pressure supplement values based on the current operation of the variator. The pressure supplement value for each mapped pressure value may be derived based on a prior application of the same or another map value.
US08000861B2 Braking control apparatus for vehicle
A braking control apparatus for a vehicle includes four wheel braking apparatuses for applying a braking torque to wheels, a first hydraulic pressure generating apparatus generating a hydraulic pressure, a vacuum booster generating an assist force for assisting a breaking operation, a first hydraulic circuit, a second hydraulic circuit, a second hydraulic pressure generating apparatus generating an assist hydraulic pressure that is added to the hydraulic pressure, a detecting portion for detecting a braking operation variable, a target value determining portion for determining a first assist hydraulic pressure target value and a second assist hydraulic pressure target value to be both greater than zero over a range where the braking operation variable is greater than a predetermined value at which the assist force by the vacuum booster is started, and a pressure regulating portion for regulating the assist hydraulic pressure to mach the assist hydraulic pressure target value.
US08000856B2 Fuel door sensor diagnostic systems and methods
A diagnostic system for a vehicle comprises a refueling indicator module and a diagnostic module. The refueling indicator module selectively indicates when a refueling event occurs. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in a fuel door position sensor when the fuel door position sensor indicates that a fuel door is in one of an open position for less than a first predetermined period when the refueling event occurs and a closed position for greater than a second predetermined period when the refueling event occurs.
US08000855B2 Accumulated error time monitoring diagnostic control system
A diagnostic system includes N dedicated diagnostic modules that each correspond with a respective one of multiple control systems. The N dedicated diagnostic modules each generate status signals indicating results of respective diagnostic tests. A diagnostic error time monitor determines an accumulated error time value between error events for each of the control systems based on the status signals. The diagnostic error time monitor selectively reports a fault to a respective one of the N dedicated diagnostic modules based on the accumulated error time value.
US08000846B2 Airborne electronics housing assembly
An aircraft electronics housing assembly maintains the electronics unit at given ambient conditions despite changes in conditions outside the housing during the aircraft flight cycle.
US08000841B2 Power management in a process transmitter
An industrial process transmitter for transmitting a process variable on a two-wire process control loop include, a loop current control to control a loop current level on the two-wire process control loop that is related to the process variable. Power is provided to primary circuitry of the process transmitter. A secondary current control circuit limits current delivered to secondary circuitry.
US08000840B2 Method of start up at least a part of a wind power plant, wind power plant and use of the wind power plant
A wind power plant and a method of start up at least a part of a wind power plant connected to an external grid substantially without any energy delivered from the external grid for the start up is provided. The wind power plant having a plurality of wind turbines and at least one power source connected to at least one of the wind turbines in order to start the wind turbine while isolated from the remaining wind turbines. The started wind turbine may then supply power in order to start further wind turbines. Power may be delivered to the grid from the started wind turbines.
US08000835B2 Center of gravity sensing and adjusting load bar, program product, and related methods
An apparatus, program product, and related methods for gravity stabilizing a suspended load are provided. The apparatus includes an center of gravity stabilized automated adjusting load bar in communication with a mobile cart which allows an operator to enable automated stabilization of a load. The adjusting load bar includes redundant first and second control and drive systems. A third control system can both monitor sensed data and the movement commands of first and second control systems, and can monitor the resulting physical movements. If a movement command and the resulting movement does not match or if there is an out of tolerance mismatch between movement commands of the first and the second control systems, the third control system can automatically detect this condition and shift into an emergency stop condition.
US08000833B2 System and method for cutting surface of core insert
A system for cutting a given portion of a surface of a core insert includes a piezoelectric actuator, a turning tool, a rotating member, a driving unit and a numerically-controlled unit. The controlling unit stores coordinates of the storing coordinates of each point on the given portion of the surface in a predetermined coordinate system, and compares the instant coordinates of the cutting portion of the turning tool with the stored coordinates of the given portion, thus controlling the piezoelectric actuator to drive the turning tool to cut the given portion of the surface if the coordinates of the cutting portion of the turning tool match with the stored coordinates of any point on the given portion of the surface.
US08000824B2 Audio reproducing apparatus
An audio signal processing apparatus includes a high-pass filter for extracting from an audio signal a frequency component higher than f0, n band-pass filters for extracting, from the audio signal, frequency components falling within a frequency range from f0/N to f1/N, n harmonic overtone generators for frequency multiplying each of outputs of the n band-pass filters by N, a first combining unit for combining the generated harmonic overtone components, a level detector for detecting a level of a supplied harmonic overtone component, a gain controller for controlling dynamically the harmonic overtone component supplied from the first combining unit, and a second combining unit for combining the frequency component extracted by the high-pass filter and a harmonic overtone component output from the gain controller, where N is (n being a natural number), f0 is a first predetermined frequency, and f1 is a second predetermined frequency higher than f0.
US08000823B2 Audio playback time estimating apparatus and method
An audio playback time estimating apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a sampling unit to sample a plurality of sample frames of audio data from audio data including an ID3 tag and a plurality of frames using a quasi-random sampling method, an average-bit-rate-calculation unit to calculate an average bit rate of the audio data based on bit rates obtained from the plurality of sample frames, and a playback-time-calculation unit to estimate the playback time of the audio data based on the average bit rate.
US08000814B2 User configurable alarms and alarm trending for process control system
Various graphical displays for plant process operators are provided which combine aspects of alarm priority and alarm age to assist operators in making better choices in responding to alarms. The disclosed graphical displays provide improved contextual information about specific alarms and the relationships with other alarms in the same control module, equipment module, etc. Hierarchically organized presentations of active alarms and alarm age profiles are also provided to assist operators in evaluating causes of “alarm floods” in chain reactions within complex process environments. Various types of alarm or display alerts are also provided for improved monitoring of processed conditions and changes in process controls.
US08000813B2 Ultrawideband antenna for operation in tissue
Method and apparatus for cellular and intracellular manipulation of cell functions with ultrashort electrical pulses and for targeted delivery of the electrical pulses into cell cultures, patients, and tissues.
US08000812B2 Electrostimulation face mask
An electrostimulation device comprises at least one shell (2) forming an inner compartment (21) and comprising an opening (22); at least one electrode (3) located at least partly outside the corresponding shell (2) at the opening (22). The device is characterised by the fact that the electrode (3) is connected to an articulated joint (4). The articulated joint (4) is at least partly inside the shell (2) and mobile in its seat (41). The electrode (3) can be angled and moved relative to the shell (2) as a result of the freedom of movement of the articulated joint (4) in its seat (41) depending on the anatomical form and structure of the treatment zone (8).
US08000811B2 Suture sleeve
A suture sleeve for securing an implantable lead to body tissue has a lumen that receives the lead and that includes a locking arrangement that secures the sleeve at a selected position along the lead. The locking arrangement provides the suture sleeve with three modes of operation. In the first mode, the size of the lumen exceeds the diameter of the lead, such that the suture sleeve is easily movable along the lead. In the second mode, the size of at least a portion of the lumen is reduced, causing the sleeve to apply pressure to the lead so that relative movement between the sleeve and the lead is prevented. In the third mode, the pressure is temporarily released, allowing the sleeve to again be movable along the lead.
US08000807B2 Methods and systems for accessing the pericardial space
Methods and systems for transvenously accessing the pericardial space via the vascular system and atrial wall, particularly through the superior vena cava and right atrial wall, to deliver treatment in the pericardial space are disclosed. A steerable instrument is advanced transvenously into the right atrium of the heart, and a distal segment is deflected into the right atrial appendage. A fixation catheter is advanced employing the steerable instrument to affix a distal fixation mechanism to the atrial wall. A distal segment of an elongated medical device, e.g., a therapeutic catheter or an electrical medical lead, is advanced through the fixation catheter lumen, through the atrial wall, and into the pericardial space. The steerable guide catheter is removed, and the elongated medical device is coupled to an implantable medical device subcutaneously implanted in the thoracic region. The fixation catheter may be left in place.
US08000805B2 Implantable medical lead including tine markers
An implantable medical electrical lead particularly for stimulation of the sacral nerves comprises a lead body extending between a distal end and a proximal end, and the distal end having at least one electrode of an electrode array extending longitudinally from the distal end toward the proximal end. The lead body at its proximal end may be coupled to a pulse generator, additional intermediate wiring, or other stimulation device. A fixation mechanism is formed on or integrally with the lead body proximal to the electrode array that is adapted to be implanted in and engage subcutaneous tissue, particularly muscle tissue, to inhibit axial movement of the lead body and dislodgement of the stimulation electrodes.
US08000803B2 Implantable lead attachment
The invention is a lead attachment suitable for implantation in living tissue that enables connection of a wire that is comprised of stainless steel to a tack that in turn is bonded to a titanium swage cup, preferably Ti-6Al-4V. The wire is attached by crimping inside a crimping tube, to assure electrical continuity from the wire to the crimping tube. The tack is bonded by swaging a thinned swage ring and is further sealed by welding to swage cup, which is bonded by brazing to ceramic case.
US08000794B2 Method and apparatus for affecting neurologic function and/or treating Neurologic dysfunction through timed neural stimulation
A method of selectively inhibiting or driving neural discharge or activity in or from a specific brain area One embodiment of a system and/or method directed toward affecting neurologic function may apply conditioning stimuli to a set of target neural populations. The conditioning stimuli are intentionally timed to occur within an inhibitory time domain or a facilitatory time domain relative to intrinsic neural activity associated with a target neural population. The application of a conditioning stimulus within an inhibitory or facilitatory time domain relative to the occurrence of an intrinsic neural discharge may respectively diminish or enhance an outcome associated with the neural discharge. In one embodiment, conditioning stimuli may be produced by a pulse generator coupled to an electrode that is implanted relative to the location of a target neural population. In one embodiment, a conditioning stimulus may be temporally applied relative to the occurrence of an adjunct reference stimulus or signal, which may have an origin that is external or internal to a patient.
US08000789B2 Capacitive interface circuit for low power sensor system
This disclosure describes a capacitive interface circuit for a low power system. The capacitive interface circuit is configured to achieve very low noise sensing of capacitance-based transducers, such as a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS)-based sensor, with high resolution and low power. The capacitive interface circuit uses a differential amplifier and correlated triple sampling (CTS) to substantially eliminate, or at least reduce, kT/C noise, as well as amplifier offset and flicker (1/f) noise, from the output of the amplifier. The capacitive interface circuit may further include an output stage that reduces glitching, i.e., clock transients, in the output signal by allowing transients in the amplifier output to settle. In this manner, the circuit can be used in a low power system to produce a stable, low-noise output.
US08000784B2 Lumen-traveling device
Lumen-traveling devices and associated methods and systems are described. Lumen-traveling devices capable of traveling within a body lumen may include a propelling mechanism to produce movement of the lumen-traveling device within the lumen, as well as additional components such as a sensor, an active portion, and/or control circuitry. In some embodiments, a sensor may be used to detect a local condition, and an action may be performed within the body lumen. Actions that may be performed include, but are not limited to, transmitting information, releasing a material within the lumen, performing a surgical step, or collecting a sample, among others.
US08000759B2 Portable electronic device
A portable electronic device includes a main body and a screen protection component. The main body includes a front surface, a display screen positioned on the front surface, a slide rail, a back surface opposite to the front surface, a top surface between the front surface and the back surface, and a bottom surface opposite to the top surface. The screen protection component includes a first rotating shaft and a protection layer configured to cover the front surface and having a fixed end adjacent to the top surface and a free end adjacent to the bottom surface. The first rotating shaft is positioned along the intersection of the front surface and the top surface. The fixed end of the protection layer is engaged with the first rotating shaft. One side of the protection layer is received in the slide rail.
US08000758B2 Portable terminal device
A portable terminal device having a folding structure includes a body unit 20 having operation keys 21, a display unit 10 movably connected to the body unit 20 and having a display 11 on an opposite surface to the operation keys 21 when folded, and a protruded portion 12, for preventing damage to the display, provided along an outer edge portion of the display 11 on the opposite surface of the display unit 10 and formed so that its height on the connecting side to the body unit 20 is smaller than on the side of a free end of the display unit 10.
US08000756B2 Receiver having low power consumption and method thereof
The present invention provides a receiver having low power consumption and method thereof. The receiver with low power consumption adjusts the gain based on the automatic gain control information. The receiver acquires the signal peaks both after and before a channel selection filter and further analyzes the wanted signal and interference signal with respect to the signal peaks. The receiver determines the magnitude of the wanted signal and determines whether the interference signal exists. The receiver provides the signals with optimal current correspondingly in order to effectively decrease the power consumption of the receiver.
US08000755B2 Information-communication terminal device and automatic backup system including the same
An information-communication terminal device maintaining a low cost of a charger in the case of backup for the device at a charging time, having a high performance security at the backup and allowing users to easily handle the security control after the backup. A charger (107) in the information communication terminal device is charged electric power from a charger (3). An access-release demanding section (105) receives ID data from the charger (3) during the charging time, and demands to release access control to an IC-card-function installed memory card (2). After the IC card-function installed memory card (2) releases the access control, a control section (101) carries out the backup or restore to the IC card-function installed memory card (2).
US08000741B2 Handheld wireless communication device with chamfer keys
A handheld wireless communication device configured to send and receive text messages. The device is hand cradleable with a body configured to be held in one hand by an operator during text entry. A display is located on a front face of the body and upon which information is displayed to the operator during text entry. A key field is also located on the front face of the body and that includes a plurality of alphanumeric input keys and menu control keys. A trackball navigation tool is located on the front face of the body. The keys have a primary engagement surface for receiving an operator's touch engagement and a chamfer surface descending down from the primary engagement surface such that the chamfer surface defines a finger clearance space. A microprocessor is provided that receives operator commands from the keys and the trackball navigation tool and which affects corresponding changes to the display based on user input.
US08000734B2 Method and system wherein timeslots allocated for common control channels may be reused for user traffic
A method and system is disclosed wherein timeslots designated in a wireless communication system as Common Physical Channel (CPCH) timeslots may be reused for user traffic. A CPCH timeslot used in a first cell may be reused by a second cell, assuming the first and second cells transmit control information in different CPCH timeslots, for user traffic. The second cell is permitted to reuse the timeslot in which the first cell is transmitting control information so long as the second cell's reuse of that timeslot does not degrade reception of control information in the first cell.
US08000731B2 System and method for managing affiliation requests in a communication system
A system and method for managing call affiliation in a communication system having a plurality of communication units. When a public call announcement is initiated, a broadcast data message is transmitted to the communication units identifying a public announcement talkgroup for the call. Upon receiving the broadcast data message, each of the communication units waits a random amount of time before attempting to affiliate to the public announcement talkgroup. At the same time, each communication unit also monitors other messages on the control channel. Each communication unit joins the public announcement talkgroup upon the first of either (1) receiving an affiliation grant in response to an affiliation request transmitted by the communication unit, or (2) detecting an affiliation grant being transmitted to a different communication unit attempting to affiliate to the same talkgroup.
US08000728B2 System and method for message-based access
A method and system for providing message-based access to services includes receiving a request message from a mobile subscriber relating to a service that is desired by the mobile subscriber, routing the request message for processing, performing one or more activities in accordance with the requested service, returning a response message to the mobile subscriber, and facilitating/enabling/etc. access to the requested service.
US08000712B2 Client device method and apparatus for routing a call
A telecommunication method, server and system that route an outbound telephone communication initiated by a wireless remote device through an enterprise communication network. The system also routes an incoming call to a device associated with an enterprise communication network to a plurality of telephony devices including wireless devices and other remote devices.
US08000707B2 Apparatus, method and computer program product providing 3.9G mobile-assisted cell change
Disclosed herein are apparatus, method and computer program product providing 3.9G mobile-assisted cell change. During an active state of user equipment, it is determined whether at least one trigger condition exists. If at least one trigger condition is determined to be present, the user equipment performs an autonomous cell change. Alternatively, if at least one trigger condition is determined not to be present, the user equipment performs a cell change under network control (non-autonomous).
US08000703B2 Method of registering location of mobile-communication system and device therefor
In a mobile-communication system including a base-transceiver station (BTS), a visitor-location register (VLR), and controllers for controlling a mobile station (MS), the controllers including at least one mobile-switching center (MSC) each controlling at least one radio-network controller (RNC), when a location-registration request is transmitted from the MS, it is determined whether or not being located in a controlled area of the controllers is allowed. If being located in a controlled area of one of the controllers is not allowed, re-location registration is performed for a cell placed under control of the other controller. If it is difficult to perform the re-location registration, forced-location registration is performed so that the location of a different MS is registered with a different cell. Subsequently, it becomes possible to decrease the state where originating calls are made with difficulty when subscribers are concentrated in a predetermined area.
US08000696B2 Method for accurate time setting of communication device over the air and corresponding communication device
A method for accurate time setting of a communication device (2, 3) in which said communication device (2, 3) sends (A0) a request for time synchronization to a central communications unit (1) through communication data packets via a cellular telephone network (5); said central communications unit (1) sends current time in a response to said communication device (2, 3) through communication data packets via the cellular telephone network (5); said communication device (2, 3) measures (A2) an elapsed time (T) from sending said request to receiving the response and compares said measured elapsed time (T) with a predetermined first configuration parameter (“Trip”); and, When said measured elapsed time (T) is less than said first configuration parameter (“Trip”), said communication device (2, 3) uses (A3) received current time for updating its own time reference.
US08000695B2 Communication device employment of one or more restrictions to make determination of allowability of one or more communication sessions
A first communication device of an apparatus in one example shares a billing relationship with a second communication. The second communication device comprises a primary communication device, where a user associated with the second communication device comprises a primary user associated with the primary communication device. The primary user associated with the primary communication device sets one or more restrictions for the first communication device. The first communication device employs one or more of the one or more restrictions to make a determination of allowability of one or more communication sessions.
US08000683B2 System and method for communication record logging
A method for maintaining a log of communications initiated or received at a portable electronic device of a first party. The communications include at least one of short message service (SMS) messages, personal identification number (PIN) messages and cellular telephone calls. The method includes receiving a data record for each of the communications, extracting information from the data record, and storing the information in a log file.
US08000682B2 Apparatus and method for restricting access to data
An apparatus and method for restricting access to data are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device for providing communications between a communications network and a device comprises an input, logic, and an output. The input receives data in a first format from the communications network. The logic receives a request from the device to access the data and determines whether the interface device is authorized to access the data. If the interface device is authorized to access the data, then the logic receives the data from the communications network. The logic then identifies a second format compatible with the device, translates the data to the second format, and transmits the translated data to the device.
US08000677B2 Ensuring EAS performance in audio signal encoding
An encoding system for encoding a first ancillary code in media data and monitoring for reception of a second ancillary code that has a higher priority than the first ancillary code, such that upon detection of the higher priority ancillary code the encoding system modifies a characteristic and/or characteristics of the first ancillary code.
US08000658B2 Communicating apparatus, communicating method, and computer program product
A communication control unit transmits a detection message and receives a reply message with respect to an external device via a communicating unit. A first calculating unit calculates distance to the external device based on time required to receive the reply message. A determining unit determines whether the distance is smaller than a predetermined threshold. When the distance is smaller than the threshold, an establishing unit establishes an encryption invalidated communication with the external device, and a second calculating unit calculates minimum transmission power of a wireless signal to communicate with the external device at the distance.
US08000651B2 Wireless transmission apparatus and wireless transmission method
A wireless transmission apparatus capable of suppressing a reduction in coverage area of a base station apparatus and improving the transmission rate in the coverage area. According to this apparatus, a mobile station (10) generates a transport signal addressed to a base station (30) and transmits it to a plurality of relay stations (20-1,20-2), each of which then generates a relay signal from the transport signal and transmits the relay signal to the base station (30). A relay instructing part (115) of the mobile station (10) decides first and second different instructions having their respective instruction contents for the generation of the relay signals. The relay instructing part (115) then sends the first instruction to the relay station (20-1), which is one of the plurality of relay stations (20-1,20-2), while sending the second instruction to the relay station (20-2), which is another one of the plurality of relay stations (20-1,20-2).
US08000647B2 Method using a set-top box and communicating between a remote data network and a wireless communication network
Disclosed are methods and systems for connecting a set-top box (STB) to the Internet over existing and future wireless networks, combining television with wireless Internet access. A conventional television is used in combination with a STB that has a wireless or wired keyboard, a power supply, and audio/visual connections for connecting the STB to the television. In an embodiment, a wireless telephone is placed in a docking station on top of the STB, providing the user with both data (when docked) and voice capabilities (when being used simply for telephone calls). CDMA, CDPD, or other wireless technologies may used for connection to the Internet.
US08000646B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes: an image transfer unit that transfers an image to continuous paper provided with a plurality of sprocket holes along a paper length direction on both sides in a paper width direction; an image fixing unit that fixes the image transported to the continuous paper by the image transfer unit; a transport unit that includes a plurality of protruding parts inserted into the sprocket holes on both sides in the paper width direction, that is placed downstream in a paper transport direction from the image fixing unit for moving the protruding parts in the paper transport direction, and that transports the continuous paper; a change unit that changes the spacing between the protruding parts in the paper width direction; and a control unit that controls drive of the change unit.
US08000643B2 Lubricant applicator, process cartridge and image forming apparatus including the same
An image forming apparatus includes a lubricant applicator and a process cartridge using the same. The lubricant applicator includes a solid lubricant, a lubricant retainer, a lubricant holder, a lubricant application mechanism, a pressure mechanism, a friction resistance reduction mechanism. The lubricant retainer holds the solid lubricant. The lubricant holder stores the solid lubricant and the lubricant retainer. The lubricant application mechanism applies the solid lubricant to an object. The pressure mechanism is provided between the lubricant retainer and the lubricant holder, and presses the lubricant retainer to push the solid lubricant from the lubricant holder. The friction resistance reduction mechanism is disposed at a position where the lubricant retainer and the lubricant holder come into contact in a frictionally sliding manner. The friction resistance reduction mechanism includes a protrusion provided on at least one of a surface of the lubricant retainer and an inner wall of the lubricant holder.
US08000642B2 Fixing device and image forming apparatus including the fixing device using a dielectric material heated by an electric field
A fixing device and an image forming apparatus including the fixing device. The fixing device includes a fixing member having a dielectric body to fix a toner image onto a recording medium by heating and melting the toner image onto the recording medium, a dielectric heating portion to heat the fixing member by dielectric heating, and a pressure member to press against the fixing member to form a nip portion therebetween to nip the recording medium as the recording medium is conveyed therebetween.
US08000638B2 Developing device using two-component developing agent and image forming apparatus provided with same
A developing device that efficiently adjusts the amount of charge on the developing agent without being affected by external conditions, and that continuously supplies a developing agent with the appropriate toner concentration and amount of charge. An ionized air flow adjusts the amount of charge on the developing agent discharged from the developing unit to improve the dispersability of the replenished toner without applying unnecessary stress. The developing agent is raised upwards by a screw, downwards by an agitation member, and then gathered by a screw in a circulating flow. Consequently, the developing agent is uniformly mixed within the developing agent agitation unit. This circulating flow of the developing agent increases the probability of contact and reduces damage to the developing agent. When the ionized air flow reduces the amount of charge before agitation, the toner can be uniformly charged to the appropriate value.
US08000632B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes an image transfer unit that transfers a reversed image onto an image bearing member as a toner image, a secondary transfer roller that transfers the toner image onto a recording medium, a contact and separation unit that brings the secondary transfer roller into contact with and separates the secondary transfer roller from the image bearing member, a secondary-transfer-roller housing unit that houses the secondary transfer roller, a lubricant applying brush that applies a lubricant thereto, a lubricant-applying-brush housing unit that houses the lubricant applying brush and is configured to be movable along a groove, and an lifting and lowering member that lifts and lowers the lubricant-applying-brush housing unit, wherein the secondary transfer roller and the lubricant applying brush come into contact with and separate from each other in response to a contact and separation operation of the secondary transfer roller and the image bearing member.
US08000630B2 Developing cartridge, process cartridge, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
A developing cartridge detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body having main body side guide portions and a cartridge mounting portion, including: a developer containing portion; a developing roller for developing a latent image formed on a photosensitive member with developer; first cartridge side guide portions provided at one end and the other end in a longitudinal direction of the roller, for engaging with the main body side guide portions to regulate a movement locus of the cartridge when the cartridge is mounted to the main body; and protruding portions provided at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction, wherein the cartridge is mounted to the main body in a mounting direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction with the roller being a leading edge, and the protruding portions protrude on a downstream side further than the roller in the mounting direction.
US08000629B2 Process cartridge having charger and image forming device provided with the process cartridge
An image forming device includes a process cartridge, a wall section, and a flow restrictor. The process cartridge includes a photosensitive drum, a charger, and a frame. The charger is disposed spaced away from the photosensitive drum for charging the photosensitive drum. The frame is formed with a first opening at a position opposite to the photosensitive drum with respect to the charger. The frame is also formed with a first vent hole for ventilation of a space defined by the frame. The first vent hole is positioned upstream of the first opening and downstream of the image transfer position of the photosensitive drum in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum. The wall section is positioned in direct confrontation with the first opening. The flow restrictor restricts air flow and is provided between the frame and the wall section.
US08000626B2 Image forming apparatus including holding portion having air vent
An image forming apparatus includes a placement tray on which a recording medium is placed and which is attachably and detachably assembled into a housing. The placement tray includes a holding portion having an upwardly concave configuration at one end of the placement tray in an attaching and detaching direction of the placement tray. The holding portion includes at least one air vent for taking air into the housing in a vicinity of at least one of both end portions of the holding portion in a width direction perpendicular to the attaching and detaching direction.
US08000620B2 Image forming apparatus and transfer method thereof
An image forming apparatus includes a moving unit including a conveyer belt which moves a printing medium, an attraction unit to attract the printing medium to the conveyer belt, a transferring unit to transfer developer onto the printing medium, a power supply which supplies transfer power and attraction power to the transferring unit and the attraction unit, and a controller which controls the power supply to supply only one of the transfer power and the attraction power in accordance with a location of the printing medium.
US08000619B2 Fixing device usable with an image forming apparatus
A fixing device usable with an image forming apparatus having a fixing roller to fix a toner on a recording medium, a heater to heat the fixing roller, and an alternating current (AC) power source to supply an AC electric power to the heater may include a power converting part to convert the AC electric power of the AC power source and to supply the converted power to the heater; a relay including a first relay contact point disposed on a first AC power supply line between the AC power source and the power converting part and a relay coil to open and close the first relay contact point, the relay selectively supplying the AC electric power from the AC power source to the heater and the power converting part; a direct current (DC) power supplier to supply a DC power to the relay coil; and a thermoswitch interposed between the relay coil and the DC power supplier and mounted adjacent to the fixing roller so as to interrupt the DC power from the DC power supplier to the relay coil, when a temperature of the fixing roller exceeds a threshold temperature, causing the relay coil to open the first relay contact point.
US08000617B2 Image forming apparatus having toner containers of varying sizes
An image forming apparatus including cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K) developing units using a C developer, a M developer, a Y developer, and a K developer, respectively; at least one auxiliary developing unit using a developer other than the C, M, Y, and K developers; a plurality of photosensitive media formed in the C, M, Y, and K developing units and the auxiliary developing unit, respectively; a plurality of cleaning members formed in the C, M, Y, and K developing units and the auxiliary developing unit, respectively, so as to clean surfaces of the plurality of photosensitive media; and waste developer storage units formed in the C, M, Y, and K developing units and the auxiliary developing unit, respectively, so as to collect waste developer cleaned by the plurality of cleaning members. The developer storage unit and waste developer storage unit of at least one of the C, M, Y, and K developing units, in which there is a large amount of developer consumed and a large amount of waste developer generated, are larger than the developer storage unit and waste developer storage unit of the auxiliary developing unit.
US08000604B2 Orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) based passive optical network (PON) architecture and its extension to long distance
A passive optical network (PON) device, system and method include an optical line terminal (OLT) receiver configured to receive multiple signals at different wavelengths simultaneously and enable multiple transmitters to operate at the same time during one upstream time slot. The optical line terminal employs Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) to transparently support a plurality of applications and enable dynamic bandwidth allocation among these applications where the bandwidth is allocated in two dimensional frequency and time space.
US08000598B1 Lens baffle
A lens assembly includes a brush-like baffle between the lens and a transparent cover. The baffle at least partially surrounds the lens to prevent stray light from entering and causing flare or other image artifacts. If the baffle does not entirely surround the lens structure, an adjustment mechanism may be provided to rotate the baffle so as to “tune” a flare reduction effect.
US08000596B2 Camera body and imaging apparatus
A camera body includes an imaging unit for generating image data from an optical signal incident via the interchangeable lens, a detector for detecting a light quantity of the optical signal, a controller for setting an aperture value of a diaphragm of the interchangeable lens and an exposure condition which is a setting relating to exposure other than a setting of the diaphragm, a sending unit for sending a control signal for control with the set aperture value to the interchangeable lens, and a mode setting unit for selecting one from a plurality of operating modes. The plurality of operating modes includes a first mode for automatically adjusting the aperture value of the diaphragm and the exposure condition according to the detected light quantity during capturing of a moving image, and a second mode for automatically adjusting the aperture value with the exposure condition being fixed according to the detected light quantity during capturing of the moving image. An average drive speed of the diaphragm for automatically adjusting the aperture value in the second mode is slower than that in the first mode.
US08000594B2 Diffuse reflective illuminator
An apparatus including a curved light-reflecting surface including a pair of opposing curved edges and a pair of opposing longitudinal edges that extend between corresponding endpoints of the opposing curved edges; a pair of reflective surfaces, each reflective surface being attached to a corresponding one of the curved edges; at least one flange coupled to one of the pair of longitudinal edges and projecting toward the opposing longitudinal edge; and at least one light source mounted on the at least one flange. Other embodiments and aspects are also disclosed and claimed.
US08000593B2 Distance measuring device and distance measuring method
A distance measuring device includes a display processor that acquires an image which includes a distance measuring object from a camera, and generates display information indicating the image, an acceleration sensor that is provided with a device housing having the display processor and outputs a gravity acceleration component corresponding to an inclination angle of the device housing, and a distance measuring processor that calculates an inclination angle from the gravity acceleration component that is obtained from the acceleration sensor in a state that an image indicating the measuring object is complemented in the display information generated by the display processor.
US08000575B2 Polarization maintaining and single polarization optical fiber
An optical fiber, comprising: (i) a core, (ii) a cladding surrounding the core, (iii) at least one stress member adjacent the fiber core and situated within the cladding, said stress member comprising silica co-doped with B and F.
US08000563B2 Interpolation device
An interpolation process for scaling is performed directly on raw data from an image pickup apparatus. Raw data, constituted by inputted Bayer pattern array are as a set of pixels positioned on respective lattice points on a square lattice. A position of an interpolation point Q is designated by an upper address that indicates a lattice point near the upper left and a lower address that indicates a position inside a lattice frame, a specific color is designated for which a pixel value is to be determined. An interpolation reference frame is determined, formed of a smallest square, which contains the interpolation point Q and with which the four vertices are formed by lattice points of the designated color, and an interpolation origin, constituted by the upper left lattice point of the interpolation reference frame, interpolation proportions d* and e* are determined. An interpolation calculation is performed.
US08000557B2 Method for generating an image and an image generator
An image is generated by receiving a first image that is acquired during a first exposure period and defining the first image as a reference image; defining multiple reference regions of interest within the reference image, wherein an aggregate number of pixels within the multiple reference regions of interest is substantially smaller than a number of pixels of the first image; receiving a second image that is acquired during a second exposure period; and updating the reference image in response to a content of the reference image, content of the second image and a first type of spatial relationship (e.g., a shift) defined between the reference image and the second image, wherein the shift is defined in response to multiple spatial relationships between the multiple reference regions of interest and between multiple regions of interest of the second image.
US08000551B2 Method and apparatus for adjusting the contrast of an image
A method and apparatus adjusts the contrast of an input image formed of pixels. Each pixel in the input image has an input brightness level. At least some of the pixels in the output or enhanced image have an output brightness level that is different from their input brightness level. Brightness level data of the input image is filtered to obtain a high frequency component of the input image in a single operational stage. The high frequency component is amplified. The original image and the amplified high frequency component are summed to produce brightness level data of the output image.
US08000550B2 Adaptive density correction in computed tomographic images
An adaptive density correction (ADC) method and system automatically compensate for pseudo-enhancement (PEH) of voxels in computed tomography (CT) data, such as in fecal-tagged CT colonography (ftCTC), so air (or another low-contrast background) and soft tissues are represented by their usual CT attenuations. ADC estimates an amount of pseudo-enhancement energy that was received by voxels that are near tagged voxels (i.e., voxels that are tagged with a high-contrast agent), based on a first distribution scheme, such as a Gaussian distribution. ADC then iteratively distributes PEH energy received by voxels to neighboring voxels, according to another distribution scheme, which may be another Gaussian function. ADC then subtracts the total amount of PEH energy at each voxel from the CT data of the voxel.
US08000549B2 Digital image processing apparatus and method for the same
A digital image processing method is disclosed, which comprises the steps of: (A) capturing a digital image; (B) selecting at least a target pixel within the digital image according to a predetermined rule; (C) performing a first filtering on a graphic region including the target pixel and its neighboring pixels within the digital image, to generate a set of first filtered values; and (D) performing a second filtering on the set of first filtered values to generate a set of second filtered values, and performing a digital image adjustment process on the digital image according to the set of second filtered values.
US08000537B2 Optical vision chip (OVC) and image recognition method using the same
Provided are an optical vision chip (OVC) and an image recognition method using the OVC. The OVC includes: a first display displaying an object image; a second display displaying a standard model image; and an optical sensor optically or electrically coupling the object image and the standard model image respectively displayed on the first and second displays and outputting a difference between the object image and the standard model image as an electrical signal.
US08000536B2 Determining and using geometric feature data
The invention concerns a method for determining feature data that represents information about the shape of an object. A partitioning scheme (RP) is determined that defines a plurality of cells (p) in the space in which the object is located such that at least some of the cells (p) each contain a respective portion of the object, and the feature data is determined for the object on the basis of at least one property of the respective portions of the object that are contained in the plurality of cells (p). According to a first aspect of the invention, at least two of the plurality of cells (p) overlap each other at least in part, and according to a second aspect of the invention, at least some of the boundaries of the cells (p) delimit a plurality of regions (r) in the space in which the object is located such that the respective portions of the object that are contained in the plurality of regions (r) are approximately equal to each other with respect to a predetermined measurement metric. The method may be used for performing a similarity search or for performing a similarity classification. A computer program product and an apparatus comprise corresponding features. The invention provides a technology for improving the accuracy and/or effectiveness and/or performance and/or usefulness of prior art methods for determining geometric feature data.
US08000535B2 Methods and systems for refining text segmentation results
Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods for refining text segmentation results. Non-text, line elements in a text map may be detected and removed from the text map. Pixels associated with vertical and/or horizontal lines may be identified in the text map based on a background-color constraint, a directional color constraint and a continuity constraint. Run counters and run-reset counters associated with a direction may be used to identify pixels meeting the continuity constraint.
US08000533B2 Space-time video montage
Systems and methods for space-time video montage are described. In one aspect, one or more arbitrary space-time volumes representing informative video portion(s) of at least one input video data sequence are identified. A video summary representing a montage of the at least one input video data sequence is generated for presentation to user from the one or more arbitrary space-time volumes.
US08000518B2 Methods, objects and apparatus employing machine readable data
The present invention relates generally to steganography and data hiding. One claim recites an object including: electronic processing circuitry having an operating or performance metric associated therewith; and steganographic indicia carried by the object, the steganographic indicia is usable as an index to verify the operating or performance metric. Another claim recites an apparatus including: electronic memory; and machine-readable indicia usable as a registry index including data that provides an indication regarding an expected capacity of the electronic memory. Other combinations are described and claimed as well.
US08000508B2 User interface for motion analysis in kinematic MR studies
In a diagnostic imaging system (10), a user interface (82) facilitates viewing of 4D kinematic data sets. A set of reference points is selected in a first 3D image to designate an anatomical component. An algorithm (104) calculates a propagation of the selected reference points from the first 3D image into other 3D images. Transforms which describe the propagation of the reference points between 3D images are defined. An aligning algorithm (112) applies inverse of the transforms to the 3D images to define a series of frames for the video processor (120) to display, in which frames the designated anatomical component defined by the reference points in each of the 3D images remains fixed while the other portions of the anatomical region of interest move relative to the fixed designated anatomical component.
US08000507B2 Viewing system for control of PTCA angiograms
A medical viewing system for processing and displaying a sequence of medical angiograms representing a balloon, moving in an artery, this system comprising extracting means for automatically extracting balloon image data in a phase of balloon expansion, and computing means for automatically defining and storing coordinates of a Region of Interest (ROI) based on the expanded balloon image data, located around the expanded balloon; and display means for displaying the images. Contrast agent may be used as agent of balloon expansion. The system may have means to detect and keep track of balloon markers and means to look around those markers for further balloon image data extraction.
US08000502B2 Portable memory storage device with biometric identification security
A portable memory storage device is disclosed where access to information on the device is granted only upon proper biometric authentication of a user. The device includes a controller, a non-volatile memory which may be a flash memory, and a biometric scanner system for controlling access to the information within the non-volatile memory. Each of the controller, non-volatile memory and biometric scanner system may be mounted in a base of the portable device, with the biometric system having an exposed surface on a top portion of the base for accepting biometric data such as a fingerprint. A cover is provided which includes a USB connector capable of mating within a USB port of the host device to establish communications between the portable and host devices. The cover also covers the exposed portion of the biometric scanner to protect the sensor when the portable memory storage device is not in use.
US08000496B2 Coupon copy protection
A data distribution system which includes business groups, a client system and a main database system is described. Coupons and coupon data may be exchanged between the business groups, the client system and the main database system. Each coupon being exchanged may include one or more fraud protection features that can neither be altered nor tampered by users, consumers or retailers.
US08000494B2 Digital watermark detecting device
A digital watermark detecting device includes an extracting unit to extract pixels embedded as a digital watermark from an input image and to output an extracted pixel value row, a generating unit to generate a set of orthogonal patterns, a detecting unit to calculate a correlation using an integration result of the orthogonal patterns and the extracted pixel value row, to determine detected values corresponding to the orthogonal patterns and a standard deviation for detected values excluding a maximum detected value with a maximum absolute value from the calculated detected values, to calculate a quotient by dividing the maximum detected value by the standard deviation, a discriminating unit to output information corresponding to the result of comparison between a threshold parameter and the quotient, and a unit to convert the detected value inputted from the detecting unit into predetermined information, when the reliability of the detected values satisfies a standard.
US08000480B2 Automotive audio system adapted for roadway conditions
A vehicle mounted audio multimedia system has a variable audio volume adapted to changes in the condition of a road surface. A vehicle occupant manually sets a desired audio volume level. Motion is sensed within a suspension system of the vehicle during travel of the vehicle. A roughness value is determined in response to the motion. The roughness value is transformed into a volume boost, the volume boost generally increasing with an increase in the roughness value. The volume boost is added to the desired audio volume level to provide the audio gain.
US08000478B2 Key handshaking method and system for wireless local area networks
A key handshake method in a wireless local area network (LAN) capable of performing authentication between two wirelessly connected stations by exchanging keys once is provided. Because the security key for authentication can be exchanged by one 4-way handshake between an authenticator and a supplicant in a wireless LAN, an authentication delay can be prevented.
US08000473B2 Method and apparatus for generating cryptographic sets of instructions automatically and code generator
The method according to this invention concerns a method for automatically generating cryptographic algorithms with optional supplementary data, said algorithms comprising two different zones: external algorithm secrecy zone, in external parts of the algorithm exposed to side-channel analysis, and an internal purely cryptographic zone that is not exposed to side-channel analysis, such that in the algorithm secrecy zone, the code of the algorithm is locally made of random (or pseudo-random) and independent sequences of instructions and/or table-lookups chosen from some fixed set of instructions and random constants, with some fixed prescribed probability distribution, and such that the internal cryptographic security zone can be any cryptographic algorithm or method that handles algorithmic security only and does not have to be protected against side-channel attacks.
US08000472B2 Information encryption apparatus and controlling method of the same, computer program and computer readable storage medium
The present invention stores and manages only one piece of key information even if contents information includes a plurality of partial contents arranged in a sequence, and the partial contents are encrypted with different keys. When a piece of contents information includes four partial contents or divided into four partial contents, a key for each of four node positions is generated through four steps of operations from a key for the top root. Node keys P (i, 1) and P (i, i) at both sides are generated by a one-way function from node keys P (i−1, 1) and P (i−1, i−1) at the upper i−1th layer, and a node key P (i, m) (m=2, 3, . . . , i−1) are generated by a one-way function which can generate the keys from any of node keys P (i−1, m−1) and P (i−1, m) at the upper i−1th layer, where jth node key at the ith layer is represented as P (i, j) (j=1, 2, . . . , i−1). Then, each of partial contents is encrypted with key information generated at a terminal layer. If only a root key is saved, one encrypting key can be generated for a range of partial contents arranged in a sequence.
US08000467B2 Data parallelized encryption and integrity checking method and device
A method and device for encrypting and/or decrypting binary data blocks protecting both confidentiality and integrity of data sent to or received from a memory. The encryption method comprises steps of: applying to the input data block a reversible scrambling process, the scrambling process providing a scrambled data block in which the bits of the input data block are mixed so that a modification of one bit in the scrambled data block impacts on every bit of the input data block, and applying to the scrambled data block a stream cipher encryption algorithm providing an encrypted data block. Application can be made to secured integrated circuits requiring to securely store data in an external memory.
US08000464B1 Method of managing a peering database in a telecommunications network
When a call offer is received by a telecommunications peering network destined for a telephone number maintained within a peering database, the telecommunications peering network attempts to route the call directly to the peering partner telecommunications (e.g., broadband, voice over internet protocol, etc.) equipment. If the route fails with a corresponding destination unreachable failure code, the telecommunications peering network can attempt to determine whether or not the telephone number has been ported to a different provider. If the telecommunications peering network determines that the telephone number has been ported, the telecommunications peering network removes the telephone number from the peering database.
US08000460B2 Providing a call waiting distinctive ringback feature in wireless networks
Wireless networks and methods provide call waiting distinctive ringback. A wireless network of the invention comprises a switching system and a subscriber database. The switching system receives a registration request from a mobile device of a subscriber, transmits a registration message to the subscriber database, and receives a response message from subscriber database that includes a call waiting distinctive ringback indicator for the subscriber. If the switching system receives a call attempt from a calling party directed to the mobile device of the subscriber that is busy, then the switching system processes the call waiting distinctive ringback indicator to determine the type of ringback to provide for the call attempt, either distinctive ringback or non-distinct ringback.
US08000458B2 Method and system for verifying incoming telephone numbers
A system for automatically verifying an incoming telephone number. In response to detecting an incoming communication, a determination is made as to whether a telephone number associated with the incoming communication matches one of a plurality of telephone numbers in a storage unit. In response to determining that the telephone number associated with the incoming communication does not match one of the plurality of telephone numbers in the storage unit, telephone number verification rules are applied to determine whether to continue with the incoming communication. In response to a determination not to continue with the incoming communication based on the telephone number verification rules, an alert is provided.
US08000455B1 Methods and systems for call processing
Systems and methods are described for processing calls. A call is received at a softswitch or other call processing system from a caller intended for a first subscriber. The first call is associated with signaling information, the signaling information including a phone number associated with the caller. A determination is made as to whether the first subscriber has previously received a call associated with the caller phone number at the softswitch. If the first subscriber has not previously received a call associated with the caller phone number at the softswitch, a first message is played to the caller. An indication that the first message was played to the caller is stored in association with an account record associated with the first subscriber.
US08000444B2 Vertical/horizontal small angle X-ray scattering apparatus and method for measuring small angle X-ray scattering
A vertical/horizontal small angle X-ray scattering apparatus, for enabling plural numbers of X-ray diffraction measurements, such as, transmission small angle X-ray diffraction, reflection small angle scattered X-ray diffraction, and in-plane X-ray diffraction, etc., comprises an X-ray generating apparatus 11 for generating X-ray, an optic system 16 for forming the X-ray into a predetermined incident beam of X-ray, a sample holder portion 120 for mounting a sample to be measured thereon, to irradiate the incident beam of X-ray thereupon, a vacuum path 17 for passing through small angle scattered X-ray from the sample, and an X-ray detector 18 for detecting the small angle scattered X-ray passing through the vacuum path, wherein the sample holder portion is fixed on a support base 110, while attaching the X-ray generating apparatus, the optic system, the vacuum path and the X-ray detector on a bench 100, as well, to be rotatable around the sample holder portion, and thereby enabling plural numbers of measurements of small angle X-ray scattering.
US08000438B2 Tool based X-ray fluorescence visualizing, imaging, or information providing
Certain embodiments of one aspect relates to inducing at least one induced X-ray fluorescing photon within an at least some matter of an at least a portion of an at least one individual responsive to an at least some input energy being applied to the at least some matter of the least the portion of the at least one individual. The aspect can include X-ray fluorescence visualizing, imaging, or information providing within the at least some matter of the least the portion of the at least one individual at least partially in response to the inducing at least one induced X-ray fluorescing photon within the at least some matter of the least the portion of the at least one individual. Certain embodiments of the aspect can include providing a substantial real time tool-based operation to the at least some matter of the least the portion of the at least one individual at least partially relying on the X-ray fluorescence visualizing, imaging, or information providing within the at least some matter of the least the portion of the at least one individual.
US08000434B2 Energy spectrum reconstruction
A computed tomography system includes an x-ray source (108) that rotates about and emits radiation through an imaging region (116). At least one finite energy resolution detector (112) detects the emitted radiation. The at least one finite resolution detector (112) includes a plurality of sub-detectors (204). Each of the plurality of sub-detectors (204) is associated with one or more different energy thresholds. Each of the energy thresholds is used to count a number of incident photons based on a corresponding energy level. A reconstruction system (136) reconstructs the photon counts to generate one or more images of a subject residing within the imaging region (116).
US08000426B2 Mechanism for constructing an oversampled waveform for a set of signals received by a receiver
A mechanism is provided for constructing an oversampled waveform for a set of incoming signals received by a receiver. In one implementation, the oversampled waveform is constructed by way of cooperation between the receiver and a waveform construction mechanism (WCM). The receiver receives the incoming signals, samples a subset of the incoming signals at a time, stores the subsets of sample values into a set of registers, and subsequently provides the subsets of sample values to the WCM. The WCM in turn sorts through the subsets of sample values, organizes them into proper orders, and “stitches” them together to construct the oversampled waveform for the set of incoming signals. With proper cooperation between the receiver and the WCM, and with proper processing logic on the WCM, it is possible to construct the oversampled waveform for the incoming signals without requiring large amounts of resources on the receiver.
US08000425B2 Methods and apparatus to provide clock resynchronization in communication networks
Methods and apparatus to provide clock resynchronization in communication networks are disclosed. An example method of clock resynchronization disclosed herein comprises determining a vote based on adjacent samples occurring within a single bit interval in a sampled data stream, wherein the vote comprises an early vote when the adjacent samples indicate a sampling phase of a sampling clock is early relative to a center position in the bit interval and wherein the vote comprises a late vote when adjacent samples indicate the sampling phase is late relative to the center position, tracking a running difference between a number of early votes and a number of late votes in a plurality of votes corresponding to a plurality of adjacent samples, and adjusting the sampling phase when the running difference reaches a threshold.
US08000422B2 Apparatus and method for detecting signal in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication system
Receiving apparatus and method in a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) wireless communication system are provided. The receiver having N-ary receive antennas includes a decomposer for decomposing a channel matrix to a matrix Q and a matrix R through a QR decomposition; a detector for determining a candidate group of an n-th phase by estimating a plurality of transmit signal vectors by substituting a plurality of transmittable symbols into symbol combinations of a candidate group of a (n−1)-th phase as an n-th symbol and detecting (n+1)-th through N-th symbols using characteristics of the matrix R; a calculator for calculating square Euclidean distance values between the transmit signal vectors and a receive signal vector; and a determiner for determining the candidate group of the n-th phase by selecting transmit signal vectors having the smallest square Euclidean distance value among the transmit signal vectors.
US08000421B2 Wireless communication system, wireless communication apparatus, wireless communication method, and computer program therefor
Communication operation is performed with enhanced transmission efficiency by obtaining enhanced communication capacity through optimal allocation of transmission powers to individual MIMO channels obtainable by spatial multiplexing. A transmitter has a plurality of transmission antennas and a receiver has a plurality of reception antennas and perform spatial multiplex communication through transmission and reception with individual antenna weights being set. The transmitter varies the power allocation in units of a communication channel in correspondence to communication quality of the channel. The receiver uses a power allocation value of each communication channel that is estimated in accordance with a reception power of a pilot carrier included in user data after spatially separated. Thereby, the receiver returns the magnitude of the amplitude of a received signal in the signal spacing to an original magnitude, and performs an accurate demapping process.
US08000407B2 Method and apparatus of transmitting and receiving channel parameter attributes in wireless communication systems
A method and apparatus of transmission and reception of SetManagementSameChannelParameters, the method comprising generating a SetManagementSameChannelParameters attribute comprising an 8 bit Length field, an 8 bit AttributeID field, a 6 bit PilotAdd field, a 6 bit PilotCompare field, a 6 bit PilotDrop field, a 4 bit PilotDropTimer field, a 1 bit DynamicThresholds field, a 0 or 6 bit SoftSlope field, a 0 or 6 bit AddIntercept field, a 0 or 6 DropIntercept field, a 4 bit NeighborMaxAge field and a variable bit Reserved field and transmitting the SetManagementSameChannelParameters attribute over an OFDM communication link.
US08000403B2 Coding device, decoding device, transmitter and receiver
A coding device including a coding unit generating a systematic bit, a first redundant bit corresponding to the systematic bit, and a second redundant bit corresponding to the systematic bit, has a generating unit generating, from the two pieces of systematic bits, the two pieces of first parity bits corresponding to the systematic bits and the two pieces of second redundant bits corresponding to the systematic bits, a tuple of one systematic bit and the first redundant bit corresponding to one systematic bit, a tuple of the other systematic bit and the first redundant bit corresponding to the other redundant bit, and a tuple of the second redundant bit corresponding to one systematic bit and the second redundant bit corresponding to the other systematic bit.
US08000399B2 Adaptive joint channel estimation and data demodulation for OFDM systems
The present invention provides architectures and methods which implement adaptive joint channel estimation and data demodulation in wireless communication systems to provide enhanced performance of the communication link. While not limited to any particular air interface, such architectures and methods are particularly beneficial in OFDM systems. Channel estimates may be performed for pilot sub-carriers for a given OFDM symbol and filtering may then be performed for channel estimation of a given data subcarrier. Received symbols may be equalized and demodulated, and the channel estimate may be updated for the given data subcarrier. Such a procedure enables more accurate channel estimation and improved data demodulation, thereby enhancing system performance.
US08000393B2 Video encoding apparatus and video encoding method
According to one embodiment, a video encoding apparatus includes a motion vector calculation module, a motion boundary detection module, and a quantization parameter setting module. The motion vector calculation module calculates motion vectors for respective blocks in an input image. The motion boundary detection module detects a motion boundary between a motion region and a still region in the input image based on the motion vectors of the respective blocks. The quantization parameter setting module sets a value of a quantization parameter used to quantize a block that borders the detected motion boundary to a value smaller than a value which is set when the block does not border the motion boundary in accordance with a detection result of the motion boundary.
US08000385B2 Multiple devices communicating on a single communication channel with a consecutively sequenced signal
The present invention provides apparatuses, methods, and computer readable media for supporting communications for a plurality of transmitter-receiver pairs on a common frequency spectrum. A transmitting device transmits a consecutively sequenced signal sequentially containing messages to a corresponding receiving device. A duty cycle adjustment circuit determines the duration between adjacent messages so that the consecutively sequenced signal is characterized by a randomized duty cycle. The duty cycle adjustment circuit selects the duration from a sequence that is characterized by an average duration. The duty cycle adjustment circuit obtains the duration from an array by determining an index from a function of a random variable. A receiving device receives a consecutively sequenced signal sequentially containing messages from a transmitting device, where the consecutively sequenced signal is characterized by a randomized duty cycle. A processing circuit detects the messages and initiates an error signal when a predetermined number of consecutive invalid messages are detected.
US08000380B2 Detection unit and method for the detection of data symbols
A detection unit is disclosed for the detection of data symbols contained in a demodulated signal, whereby band spreading occurs transmit-side with the use of first sequences, whose first chips each assume one of two different first values. The detection unit comprises the following units: a) a sequence providing unit, which is designed to provide a group of second sequences with at least one second chip, whereby each second sequence is assigned to a first sequence and each second chip assumes a specific value of at least two different second values, which differ amount-wise from the first values, and whereby the group has at least one second sequence that has a higher level than the first sequences, b) a correlation unit which is connected to the sequence providing unit and is designed to calculate correlation results by correlating the demodulated signal with each second sequence of the group, and c) an evaluation unit which is connected to the correlation unit and is designed to derive the values of the data symbols by evaluating the correlation results. The invention further discloses a transmitting/receiving device and to an integrated circuit with such a detection unit and to a corresponding detection method.
US08000378B2 Narrow correlator technique for multipath mitigation
The present invention provides systems and methods for implementing narrowly spaced correlators to mitigate multipath error, and systems and methods for adaptively changing the correlator spacing for varying multipath conditions. In an embodiment, two sets of correlators with the same code frequency but different code phases are used to implement an adjustable correlator spacing. The correlator spacing is determined by the code phase difference between the two sets of correlators, which can be adjusted, e.g., by adjusting the code phase values of Numerically Controlled Oscillators (NCOs). An advantage of embodiments of the present invention is that they can achieve much narrower correlator spacings than conventional techniques, e.g., by making the code phase difference between the two sets of correlators very small. Further, the correlator spacing can be adjusted for varying multipath conditions, whereas the correlator spacing in conventional techniques is fixed.
US08000372B1 Traveling-wave laser having a resonator including a direction-sensitive interferometer for establishing unidirectional circulation
A laser includes a traveling-wave ring-resonator in which one resonator mirror is a mirror of an interferometer arranged such that, when the interferometer is operated in an anti-resonant condition, the mirror has a greater effective reflectivity for clockwise circulation of light in the resonator than for anticlockwise circulation of light in the resonator. There is a difference between the clockwise and anticlockwise effective-reflectivity sufficient that lasing in the resonator is possible only in the clockwise direction.
US08000368B2 Modulated semiconductor DFB laser array with a MEMS-based RF switch
Many approaches to tunable lasers use an array of DFBs, where each element of the array has a different wavelength. In some operations one element of the array is activated at a time depending on the desired wavelength. For modulated applications, an RF voltage is applied to a specific element of the DFB array, generally using an RF switch. In standard configurations, the demands on the switch are relatively difficult, generally requiring low RF insertion loss and good high frequency performance to 10 GHz. The DFB arrays are generally common cathode or common anode, depending on the type of the substrate used to fabricate the devices. Described herein is an array with a common cathode or anode configuration using a MEMS based switch that shorts the selected laser to RF ground. With this topology, preferably the off-state capacitance should be low with the MEMS switch.
US08000364B2 Nitride semiconductor light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a nitride semiconductor light emitting device having an n-type ohmic electrode with an Au face excellent in ohmic contacts and in mounting properties, and a method of manufacturing the same. The device uses an n-type ohmic electrode having a laminate structure that is composed of: a first layer containing Al as a main ingredient and having a thickness not greater than 10 nm or not less than 3 nm; a second layer containing one or more metals selected from Mo and Nb, so as to suppress the upward diffusion of Al; a third layer containing one or more metals selected from Ti and Pt, to suppress the downward diffusion of Al; and a fourth layer being made of Au, from the side in contact with an n-type nitride substrate in order of mention, and after the laminate structure is formed, the n-type ohmic electrode is annealed.
US08000360B2 Laser diode assemblies
Laser diodes (120) emit laser beams along a vertical YZ plane at different distances from the YZ plane. The beams are collimated in their fast and slow axes, and are redirected by turning mirrors (162) to form a beam stack (130C) traveling along the XZ plane. The beam stack is turned by about 90°, then converged by a focusing lens (174) into an optical fiber (180). A compact assembly is thus provided. Each laser diode (120.i), its collimating optics (154.i, 158.i, i=1, 2, . . . ) and its turning mirror (162.i) are rigidly attached to a flat, heat-spreading surface (144.i) and thus remain aligned with each other in thermal cycling.
US08000352B2 Synchronizer for communication device and access point
A synchronizer for a communication device and an access point, which is installed inside the communication device and comprises a coefficient generator generating a set of coefficient code. A parallel-to-serial converter receives a set of input code from an access point, performs a parallel-to-serial conversion on the set of input code and outputs a result. A coefficient element array includes a plurality of coefficient elements interconnecting with each other. Each of the coefficient elements receives the set of input code from the parallel-to-serial converter and receives the set of coefficient code, and then performs a passive or active correlation operation on the set of input code and the set of coefficient code to output a correlation value to the access point for synchronizing signals of the communication device and the access point.
US08000351B2 Source synchronous link with clock recovery and bit skew alignment
A high speed transmission system transfers data streams over a plurality of data links. Each data link may carry a number of bit streams. A clock signal is not transmitted over the optical link. Instead, an indication of the appropriate clock signal frequency and phase is embedded in the transmitted data. At the receiving end, a clock signal of an appropriate frequency and phase is generated. The new clock signal is used to sample and reconstruct the original data streams.
US08000350B2 Reducing bandwidth of a data stream transmitted via a digital multimedia link without losing data
A system for reducing the bandwidth of a data stream transmitted via a digital multimedia link does not result in the loss of data. The system encodes control signals such that control words are generated each time the status of the control signals change. The system multiplexes payload data and the control words to generate the data stream. If no blanking period of the payload data is present, the data stream comprises payload data. During the blanking period, the data stream comprises the control words. The data stream is transmitted across the digital multimedia link using transmit and receive FIFO memories. The transmitted data stream is then demultiplexed, and the payload data and the control words are separated from each other. The control words are decoded to recover the control signals. The system can transmit payload data conforming to the video formats VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA and UXGA.
US08000346B2 ASON/GMPLS architecture extension for reservation based and time based automatic bandwidth service
A telecommunications network comprising components configured to implement a method comprising: receiving a reservation from a customer, reserving a network resource specified in the reservation, initiating the establishment of a reserved connection through a network, the reserved connection parameters based on the reservation, subsequent to the establishment of the reserved connection, detecting a data stream transmitted from the customer, and allowing the data stream to be transported over the network using the reserved connection. Also disclosed is a method for reserving bandwidth on a network, the method comprising: submitting a reservation request specifying a bandwidth requirement and a start time, receiving a confirmation that the reservation has been accepted, and transmitting a data stream to a network at the start time, wherein the data stream is transported over the network using no more than the bandwidth specified in the reservation request.
US08000344B1 Methods, systems, and computer program products for transmitting and receiving layer 2 frames associated with different virtual local area networks (VLANs) over a secure layer 2 broadcast transport network
Methods, systems, and computer program products for sending and receiving frames associated with different VLANs over a secure layer 2 broadcast transport network are disclosed. According to one method, a layer 2 frame is received at a transmit port of a layer 2 forwarding device. The layer 2 frame is to be sent over a secure layer 2 broadcast transport network. A VLAN identifier corresponding to a first VLAN is extracted from the layer 2 frame. The first VLAN identifier is mapped to a second VLAN identifier used by the secure broadcast transport layer 2 network to identify the first VLAN. A portion of the layer 2 frame including the first VLAN identifier is encrypted. The layer 2 frame is transmitted over the secure layer 2 broadcast transport network with the second VLAN identifier in a cleartext portion of the frame.
US08000340B2 Parameter determination base station employing PCSS scheme
A mobile communication system is provided for use in communication. The mobile communication system may include a radio control station (CS), a base station (BS), and a mobile station (MS). The BS is connected to the CS, and the MS may perform, with the BS, data communication in a parallel combinatory spread-spectrum (PCSS) scheme. The CS comprises at least a storage storing a plurality of communication parameters corresponding to the BS and a transmitter transmitting a determined parameter to the BS. The BS comprises a receiver receiving a determined parameter from the CS, a determining unit for determining transmitting power and a transmitter transmitting data generated by using the determined parameter and performing spreading processing to the MS. Further, the MS comprises a reproduction unit reproducing data by using the determined parameter and performing despreading processing.
US08000333B2 Method, system and station for communicating data packets using ARQ
A system (50) for communicating data packets from a first station (100) to a destination (400) via at least one of a plurality of second stations (200) which are coupled to the destination (400), in which the second stations (200) acknowledge receipt of the data packets. The first station (100) decides whether to retransmit a data packet or to proceed with transmitting the next data packet, the decision being dependent on receiving a plurality of positive acknowledgements or a plurality of negative acknowledgements.
US08000332B2 Method for terminating attach procedure in mobile terminal
A system and method by which an unnecessary General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) attach procedure is no longer performed when a service cancellation situation is generated during execution of a GPRS attach procedure according to a data service requested by a user is provided. The system determines whether an abnormal situation occurs in an Europe-oriented General Packet Radio Service/Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (GPRS/UMTS) mobile terminal and immediately terminates a currently proceeding attach procedure when an abnormal service cancellation situation occurs. The abnormal situation occurs when the user cancels a service during use of a data service (e.g., Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), Multimedia Message Service (MMS)) or when connection of the service fails due to a bad network state. By not performing an unnecessary GPRS attach procedure due to the occurrence of an abnormal situation, the mobile terminal does not perform an unnecessary routing area updating procedure, thereby reducing power consumption.
US08000326B2 Method and apparatus for fragmenting a control message in wireless communication system
Techniques for sending control information are described. In an aspect, information to send in a control message may be fragmented into multiple parts, with each part including information of a particular type. The multiple parts may be segregated into multiple categories such as dynamic, semi-static, and static. A full message containing all parts may be generated and sent at a first rate. A first partial message containing parts in the dynamic category may be generated and sent at a highest rate. A second partial message containing parts in the semi-static category may be generated and sent at a second rate that is slower than the highest rate. A third partial message containing parts in the static category may be generated and sent at a third rate that is slower than the second rate.
US08000324B2 Pipeline architecture of a network device
A network device for processing packets. The network device includes an ingress module for performing switching functions on an incoming packet. The network device also includes a memory management unit for storing packets and performing resource checks on each packet and an egress module for performing packet modification and transmitting the packet to an appropriate destination port. Each of the ingress module, memory management unit and egress module includes multiple cycles for processing instructions and each of the ingress module, memory management unit and egress module processes one packet every clock cycle.
US08000323B2 Method and system for announcing traffic engineering parameters of composite transport groups
An approach is provided for announcing aggregate characteristics of a composite transport group (CTG) for traffic engineering. Information specifying characteristics of a plurality of component links of the CTG is received. An aggregate characteristic of the CTG is determined based the information. The aggregate characteristic is announced to a label switched network for provisioning label switched paths on the CTG.
US08000322B2 Crossbar switch debugging
A crossbar switch having a plurality of ports that allows a debug process to be performed on the switch using one of the plurality of ports to output chip status information. The switch uses a debug block to store chip status information.
US08000314B2 Wireless network system and method for providing same
A wireless network, which includes a wireless router client operable to broadcast data packets to at least one wireless server and one additional wireless client. Each client and server includes programs for determining optimum routes between them. The client also includes a program for determining if a received data packet is not addressed to it and if the packet has been sent via a new optimal route unknown to the client, and for notifying the respective server of such a new optimal route.
US08000311B2 Method for branching data in mobile communication terminal
A method for branching data in a mobile communication terminal to perform data communication between a mobile station and a network which have media access control sublayers. In a data sending mode, each of the media access control sublayers of the mobile station and network attaches logical channel types based on traffic characteristic information and a radio bearer status to a media access control header contained in data to be sent. Then, each of the media access control sublayers branches the data to be sent, to transport channels corresponding to the attached logical channel types. In a data receiving mode, each of the media access control sublayers determines logical channels corresponding to logical channel types of a media access control header contained in received data. Then, each of the media access control sublayers branches the received data to the determined logical channels. Each of the media access control sublayers performs mapping and multiplexing/demultiplexing between logical channels and transport channels according to traffic characteristics to branch data. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently provide various multimedia and packet services.
US08000306B2 Random access channel message format for an extended range wireless communication system
The present invention provides a method for transmitting and receiving random access channel messages in an extended range wireless communication system. One embodiment of the method may include accumulating, at a base station, signal energy received during a first portion of a transmission time interval. The method may also include accumulating, at the base station, signal energy received during a second portion of the transmission time interval. The first and second portions are offset from the start or end of the transmission time interval by selected delay intervals. The method may further include detecting the message(s) based on the signal energy accumulated during the first and second portions of the transmission time interval.
US08000303B2 Method and apparatus for frequency selection at start of service session in MBMS system
A method and an apparatus are disclosed for applying frequency layer convergence (FLC) to connected mode user equipments (UE) having no dedicated channel for a multimedia broadcast/multicast service (MBMS) service in a mobile communication system employing a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) scheme. The method and apparatus prevent uplink signaling congestion which may occur when the UEs located in non preferred frequency layers (NPL) of the MBMS service move to a preferred frequency layers (PL) when a MBMS service session starts. If the MBMS service session starts in a situation of applying the FLC, a radio network controller (RNC) notifies the UEs desiring to receive the MBMS service and located in NPLs for the MBMS service of FLC information including a PF value and a timer value, with reference to the number of the NPL UEs joining the MBMS service. The UEs performs a PF test according to the PF and timer values, thereby maintaining the degree of congestion and signal transmission load at appropriate levels.
US08000292B2 Multimedia broadcast multicast service channel mapping and multiplexing
A system is provided for mapping multimedia broadcast multicast services. The system includes one or more processors programmed to map a plurality of multicast transport channels (MCHs) to a plurality of multicast/broadcast single frequency networks (MBSFNs) such that any one of the MBSFNs has only one MCH and further where each one of the MCHs is different.
US08000272B2 Uplink scheduling grant for time division duplex with asymmetric uplink and downlink configuration
Signalling uplink and downlink scheduling grants for a plurality of subframes in a time division duplex frame is addressed. In one aspect the allocated uplink subframes are divided into groups, so the number of groups equals the number of downlink subframes being allocated. Uplink grants for the groups are sent with the downlink grants, and for those groups that have more than one uplink subframe, the grant message also indicates which uplink subframes are included in that group. In another aspect there are two sets of grant messages, one for the uplink subframes and one for the downlink subframes. Each of the uplink grant messages is sent on a different uplink grant message, and there is a one-to-one correspondence between the uplink grant channel and the uplink subframe being scheduled by the grant. That correspondence may also be signalled with the grant messages.
US08000266B2 Shared virtual device ports
In one embodiment, a solution is provided wherein multiple virtual devices may be configured on the same physical port of a network device. For example, a first virtual device and a second virtual device may be configured to use the same physical port. A single internal spanning tree instance may be configured for both the first virtual device and the second virtual device.
US08000263B2 Method and apparatus for route optimisation in nested mobile-networks
The invention provides a method and apparatus for building a linked binding cache. The method includes storing mobile router entries in a binding cache. The mobile router entries include a first mobile router entry having a prefix and an indication of the prefix's length along with an associated intermediate address. The method also includes linking a second mobile router entry to the first mobile router entry for delivering at least one data packet via the first mobile router. The method further includes adding a pointer in the binding cache from the entry of the second mobile router to the first mobile router entry when the intermediate address of the second mobile router matches the first mobile router's prefix in order to create a linked binding cache.
US08000259B2 Distributed cache—adaptive multicast architecture for bandwidth reduction
Disclosed is a method and system for maximizing the use of available bandwidth on an ISP communication system between an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and remote locations where at least one of the remote locations has a remote cache. An embodiment may monitor downstream unicast traffic, estimate the downstream unicast bandwidth used by unicast replies to the remote locations, and determine a remaining multicast bandwidth available to send multicast messages to the remote caches. An embodiment may create a pool of the cacheable objects being sent to the remote locations from the downstream traffic. An embodiment may determine bandwidth savings for each object in the pool of cacheable objects that would be achieved by remotely caching each object and prioritize the pool of cacheable objects based on the determined bandwidth savings for each object. An embodiment may create a queue of objects to multicast to the remote caches based on the pool of cacheable objects and the remaining multicast bandwidth and then multicast the queue to the remote caches. The remote caches may intercept and reply to requests for objects held in the remote cache without accessing the ISP communication system, thus, saving bandwidth on the ISP communication system.
US08000250B1 Method for routing optical signals with diversity requirements
The present invention discloses a method of determining a route for transmitting a signal through a network. The method comprises obtaining and storing network and demand data. The demand data is processed using a shortest path routing method to obtain an initial route and the network data is updated accordingly. An initial cost based on the initial route is computed. The initial route is returned to the network and the network data is again updated with regard to increasing spare capacity. The demand data is re-processed using a constrained diverse shortest path routing method to obtain a final route until a stop criterion is satisfied. A final cost based on the final route is computed.
US08000224B2 Receiver and frequency information estimating method
A receiver 100 has a Fourier transform section 105 Fourier-transforming symbols for propagation path estimation including subcarriers modulated by known signals different for two or more antennas to calculate first frequency information, a multiplying section 107 multiplying the first frequency information by complex conjugate signals of two or more known codes to calculate second frequency information of each of the subcarriers, an interpolation information generating section 121 selecting partial information from the second frequency information on the basis of the known codes and generating interpolation frequency information interpolating the subcarriers using the selected information, a subcarrier interpolating section 122 interpolating the interpolation frequency information to the second frequency information to calculate third frequency information, and an inverse Fourier transform section 109 inverse-Fourier-transforming the third frequency information.
US08000216B2 Double-electrode cantilever actuation for seek-scan-probe data access
A seek-scan-probe memory device, utilizing a media electrode to allow active cantilevers to contact the storage media, and a pull electrode to pull up cantilevers away from the storage media when in an inactive mode. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08000203B2 Apparatus for recording information onto surface using electron beam
An electron beam recording apparatus is disclosed that records information onto the surface of a sample by using an electron beam. The electron beam recording apparatus includes an electron source that irradiates the electron beam, a magnetic detector that is configured to move onto and out of an irradiation axis and acquires magnetic information on the irradiation axis, a convergence position control part that calculates a convergence position correction amount for correcting a convergence position of the electron beam with respect to the surface of the sample based on the magnetic information, and a convergence position adjusting part that adjusts the convergence position of the electron beam with respect to the surface of the sample. The convergence position control part causes the convergence position adjusting part to adjust the convergence position of the electron beam with respect to the surface of the sample based on the convergence position correction amount.
US08000200B2 HFM enable control system
A modulation control system for use with a high frequency modulator is described. This system comprises a latch for selectively receiving enable signals, wherein the latch transmits a latched signal in response to receiving at least two of the enable signals; a selection device coupled to the latch for receiving the latched signal, a voltage source, and a terminal for receiving at least one of the enable signals, wherein the selection device transmits a selected signal; and a logic device coupled to the selection device and a terminal for receiving a modulated enable signal, wherein the logic device transmits a synchronized signal for either enabling or disabling the high frequency modulator in response to receiving the selected signal associated with at least one of the enable signals.
US08000198B2 Phase-change type optical recording medium and reproduction method and apparatus for such a recording medium
A dual-layer structure phase-change type optical recording medium includes a substrate (1), a reflective layer (2), a first protective layer (3), a first recording layer (4), a second protective layer (5), a resin intermediate layer (6), a third protective layer (7), a heat release layer (8) made of Cu or a Cu alloy, a fourth protective layer (9), a second recording layer (10), a fifth protective layer (11) and a cover substrate (12). A product of a reflectance of a high-reflection part and a modulation after recording is a value equal to or higher than a lower limit value for reproduction.
US08000196B2 Composite reproducing apparatus
An optical disc reproducing device that composes a composite reproducing apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes an optical disc detecting portion which detects inserting and ejecting of an optical disc. The optical disc reproducing device also includes an identification information obtaining portion which obtains identification information to uniquely identify the optical disc from a management information recorded area of the optical disc. The identification information obtaining portion reads out the identification information and outputs it to a display device when inserting of the optical disc is detected by the optical disc detecting portion. An identification information recording portion which is included in the display device stores the identification information in a memory portion when the identification information is output from the optical disc reproducing device. Then an identification information display portion reads out the identification information and displays it on a display portion when it receives a command to display the identification information.
US08000190B2 Optical disk device and optical disk processing system
An optical disk device which flexibly and efficiently executes verification of recorded data is provided. A drive controller sets an area to be verified and a mode of verification according to a command which is supplied from a host device. For the area to be verified, the user selects one or a plurality of lead-in, inner, middle, and outer areas. For the verification mode, the user selects one of an immediate execution mode and an in-close-command execution mode. In a duplicator or the like in which same data is recorded on a plurality of optical disks, the user can designate an important data portion and selectively execute verification.
US08000188B2 Optical pickup apparatus and optical disc apparatus including the same
An optical pickup apparatus comprising at least: a diffraction grating configured to split first wavelength light into at least a first main beam and first sub-beam, and to split second wavelength light into at least a second main beam and second sub-beam, the diffraction grating including a diffraction surface portion corresponding to the second wavelength light; and a photodetector including a first main light-receiving unit configured to be applied with the first main beam, a first sub-light-receiving unit configured to be applied with the first sub-beam, a second main light-receiving unit configured to be applied with the second main beam, and a second sub-light-receiving unit configured to be applied with the second sub-beam, a distance between the first main light-receiving unit and first sub-light-receiving unit being changed relative to a standardized distance between the first main light-receiving unit and first sub-light-receiving unit.
US08000186B2 Acting track-crossing during tracking error adjust
A method for enhancing the optical initializing operation comprises: sending a radial error signal from an optical pick-up unit to a radial error signal calibration unit; sending the radial error signal from the optical pick-up unit to an offset adjuster; sending a calibrated radial error signal from the radial error signal calibration unit to the offset adjuster and a gain adjuster; sending a radial actuator (RA) signal from the radial error signal calibration unit to activate a radial actuator during an initialization or a period for calculating RE signal calibrating parameters.