Document Document Title
US08047897B2 Substrate flat grinding device
To provide a high-rigidity flat grinding device, a substrate flat grinding device has three fastening plate lifting-and-lowering mechanisms that have kinematic couplings and a cylinder rod that move the fastening plate upward or downward. Being a high-rigidity grinding device in which the load of the fastening plate 6 also is a load on the grindstone 14 that does the grinding, there is little deflection in the thickness distribution of the substrates that are obtained, even if they are semiconductor substrates having a large substrate diameter of 450 mm.
US08047890B1 Toy construction set and method
A toy construction set has a plurality of interconnectable objects each having a plurality of faces. Some of these faces have a connector, while other faces lack a connector but have a fibrous or pierceable material. The connector includes a first hub and a second hub that are concentrically nested. Each of the hubs has on one side thereof a plurality of spiral prongs. The spiral prongs on the first hub spiral in a direction opposite that of the spiral prongs on the second hub. The connector also has a manually operable link connected between the first and the second hub for relatively rotating them in opposite directions. The play activity proceeds by adjoining a pair of the objects with a prominent, connector-bearing face of one of the pair touching a prominent connector-free face of the other one of the pair. The player will counter-rotate the hubs in the connector of the prominent connector-bearing face to embed their spiral prongs in the fibrous or pierceable material of the prominent connector-free face.
US08047889B2 Block set and managing method thereof
A block set is provided, which comprises at least two blocks, and a container box for storing the two blocks. Each of the two blocks includes a wireless chip. The wireless chip has a memory which stores an identification number. The container box includes a reader for obtaining information of the wireless chip, an interface portion for communicating with a server via the Internet the information of the wireless chip and for receiving a manual from the server via the Internet, a memory for storing the manual, and a display portion for displaying the manual.
US08047867B2 Connecting assembly for connecting electric connector and control box
A connecting assembly for an electric cylinder and a control box includes an electric cylinder, an electric control box and a sheathing ring. The electric cylinder includes an actuator and a contractible pipe module perpendicularly connected to an end of the actuator. The electric control box is disposed on an internal side at a right-angled position with respect to the actuator and the contractible pipe module and slidably connected to a side of the actuator. The sheathing ring is sheathed onto a contractible pipe module and slidably connected to a side of the electric control box. The connecting assembly of the invention not only achieves a screwless application, but also provides a quick, simple, convenient and stable assembling process.
US08047866B2 Transmission cable that eliminates negative magnetically inductive impedance
A transmission cable assembly is connected between an ignition coil and a spark plug to transmit a high voltage generated by the ignition coil to the spark plug for ignition of a fuel-air mixture. The transmission cable assembly includes a transmission cable and a grounding unit. The transmission cable includes a high-voltage wire for transmission of high voltage and an insulation jacket wrapped around an outside surface of the high-voltage wire. The grounding unit is made of an electrically conductive substance and includes a grounding layer and multiple grounding wires. The grounding layer completely covers and tightly engages the insulation jacket. The grounding wires each have an end connected to an inside surface of the grounding layer.
US08047864B1 Electrical connector
An electrical connector is provided, in which each conductive terminal is respectively provided with a first connecting portion at left and right sides of a contact pin of a chip module. A first contact arm and a second contact arm respectively extend upwards from each of the paired first connecting portions, the two first contact arms and the two second contact arms are respectively used for conducting the contact pin, and elastically deform in directions substantially perpendicular to a moving direction of the contact pin. The first contact arm and the second contact arm extending from the same first connecting portion are independent of each other.
US08047863B2 Locking mechanism for locking a removable data carrier
A locking mechanism is provided for locking a removable data carrier in a support structure of an electronic device. The locking mechanism includes a movable locking element, indicating unit and a locking element control unit. The movable locking element is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, where the locking element, in its locked position, prevents the removal of the data carrier from the support structure.
US08047854B2 Detachable element positioning structure
A detachable element positioning structure disposed at a side of a slot for positioning a detachable element in the slot is disclosed. The detachable element positioning structure includes a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm connected to the slot. The first elastic arm touches a top surface of the detachable element. The second elastic arm connects to the slot and has a protrusion. The detachable element has a side notch, and the protrusion is coupled to the side notch.
US08047853B2 Printed circuit board with an adaptable connector module
A printed circuit board including a P1 connector, a P2 connector, and a first common connector configured to connect an application-specific connector to the printed circuit board.
US08047843B2 Matrix stabilizer devices and a seamless, single load cavity preparation and filling technique
There are disclosed methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of a tooth, and interdental matrix stabilizers that can be used in the methods. The matrix stabilizer includes an elongated elastic body having a first end portion, a second opposite end portion, a middle portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion. The middle portion includes a first section attached to the first end portion, a first intermediate section attached to a central section and the first section, a second intermediate section attached to the central section opposite the first end portion, and a second section attached to the second intermediate section and the second end portion. The first side surface of the body includes a curved outwardly extending protrusion on the first intermediate section and a curved outwardly extending protrusion on the second intermediate section. The protrusions stabilize a dental matrix.
US08047840B2 Shower head attachment for mixing liquids used to clean teeth
A valve for adjusting the flow of water through an oral irrigation device is connected to a shower head by a flexible conduit. The valve is located on a handle connected to a water-dispensing pick for cleaning teeth and gums. Mixing apparatus is provided for injecting a secondary fluid, such as a mouthwash, into the flexible conduit upstream from the pick in a direct stream from the shower head.
US08047837B2 Candle with lid for dispensing an air treatment chemical
Candles are provided for dispensing air treatment chemicals in response to heat. There is a lid bearing the air treatment chemical. The candle includes a housing with a combustible fuel. An upper lid includes a cover plate bearing the air treatment chemical and an opening centrally disposed in the plate to allow heated air to pass through when the fuel is being combusted. The plate is suspended across an upper end of a side wall of the housing creating an air gap adjacent the radial periphery of the lid. When the fuel is combusted the air treatment chemical can be heated thereby and carried away by heated air that has passed through the central opening, and the air gap can permit cooler air to enter the cavity while the fuel is being combusted.
US08047831B2 Mold unit and module for electrical connection
A mold unit is provided for molding an object part to be molded which is arranged on an object. The mold unit includes: a fixed core, having a dividing surface thereon; a molding die which is incorporated in the fixed core to mold the object part to be molded; and an auxiliary die interposed between the molding die and the dividing surface of the fixed core to ensure a positional accuracy of the object part to be molded with respect to the object by modifying the auxiliary die.
US08047823B2 Scroll-type fluid machine including pressure-receiving piece
A scroll-type fluid machine has a movable scroll (50) that forms pressure chambers (52) in between the movable scroll (50) and a fixed scroll (40) and is orbitable relative to the fixed scroll (40), a support wall (14) that is provided for the housing (10) and supports thrust load transmitted from the movable scroll (50), and a thrust bearing (74) disposed in between the movable scroll (50) and the support wall (14). The thrust bearing (74) includes a ring-shaped support face (64) formed in the support wall (14), a retention plate (76) fixed onto the support face (64), a retention hole (86) that is formed in the retention plate (76) and opens in both faces of the retention plate (76), and a pressure-receiving piece (88) retained in a retention hole (86) and brought into surface contact with both the support face (64) and the movable scroll (50).
US08047819B2 Tubing holding device for roller pumps
A tubing holding device for a roller pump is disclosed. The tubing holding device is removable from the roller pump, slidably moveable and able to be opened to allow for easy exchange of tubing in roller pumps. The tubing holding device comprises a clamping mechanism that securely holds tubing in place. Tubing of various sizes may be used within a roller pump by selecting the appropriately sized tubing holding device, or by using a tubing holding device, such as one embodiment disclosed, which may be adjustable for different sizes of tubing. Roller pumps including the tubing holding devices, and methods of loading such roller pumps are also disclosed.
US08047815B2 Precision pump with multiple heads
A pump for use in handling one or more different process fluids includes a plurality of pumping chambers having a process fluid inlet and a process fluid outlet, process fluid outlet coupled to a process fluid valve on each pumping chamber for selectively preventing and allowing the flow of process fluid through the pumping chamber, an actuation mechanism for pumping actuating fluid to a plurality of actuating fluid chambers in fluid communication with the actuating fluid chambers to permit flow into each actuating fluid chamber of actuating fluid, and at least one diaphragm separating each pumping chamber from an associated actuating fluid chamber, for separating process fluid from actuating fluid. Operation of the actuation mechanism displaces actuating fluid and causes actuating fluid to flow only into each of the actuating fluid chambers having an opened process fluid valve, resulting in pumping.
US08047810B2 Double-headed piston type compressor
A double-headed piston type compressor connected with an external device is provided. The compressor includes a plurality of cylinder bore pairs, double-headed pistons, a first rotary valve, a second rotary valve, first suction passages, and second suction passages. In each cylinder bore pair, a first time period from a first top dead center timing, which is timing when the double-headed piston reaches a top dead center in a first compression chamber, to a first communication start timing, which is timing when a first introduction passage starts to communicate with a first suction passage, is different from a second time period from a second top dead center timing, which is timing when the double-headed piston reaches a top dead center in a second compression chamber, to a second communication start timing, which is timing when the second introduction passage starts to communicate with a second suction passages.
US08047808B2 Geyser pump
A system pumps liquid. The system includes a compressed air source and a pump for vertically moving the liquid upward. The pump is powered by the compressed air source. The pump includes a first container, a second container disposed interior to the first container, and a U-shaped tube disposed interior to the first and second containers. The compressed air source supplies compressed air to the U-shaped tube at a vertical portion of the U-shaped tube.
US08047807B2 Vehicle transmission with jet pump
The present disclosure relates to a vehicle transmission with jet pump. The jet pump includes a hydraulic control system that has a nozzle fitted between a first and second housing. The nozzle is separable from the first and second housing. The hydraulic control system is configured to produce a jet stream of fluid through a center section of the nozzle.
US08047805B2 Solid state sump pump control
The present invention provides a sump pump control system. The system includes a mounting fixture fabricated from a corrosion resistant material, and an electrical control comprising solid state electrical components supported by the mounting fixture. The sump pump control system also includes a diving bell cover. The diving bell cover has an open bottom, and is dimensioned to cover the electrical components. The diving bell cover is releasably secured to a support surface of the mounting fixture. The electrical control controls the operation of a sump pump. Should water rise to a level of the electrical components due to failure of the sump pump or due to quickly rising water, the diving bell cover will prevent water from contacting the electrical components. A method of removing water from a subterranean vault is also provided herein.
US08047804B2 Wind tower and method of assembling the same
A method of assembling a tower for use with a wind turbine is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of tower segments. Each tower segment includes a first interface and a second interface. The method also includes bonding the first interface of a first tower segment to the second interface of a second tower segment using an adhesive composition.
US08047803B2 Fan apparatus
A fan apparatus includes a fan section having a hollow housing with an inlet and an outlet, and a hollow duct section disposed on the outlet side of the fan section. The housing and the duct section are coupled by a coupling member.
US08047799B2 Wind turbine blades with improved bond line and associated method
A wind turbine blade includes an upper shell member and a lower shell member with an internal cavity therebetween. The shell members are joined at leading and trailing edges of the blade with a bond paste along a bond line having a designed width. A sleeve is disposed within the internal cavity between the upper and lower shell members along at least one of the leading or trailing edges, with the bond paste contained within the sleeve. The sleeve has a closed end that is impermeable to the bond paste and opposite sides that are permeable to air and permeable to the bond paste. The bond past adheres to the upper and lower shell members through the sleeve sides and the closed end of the sleeve defines the design width of the bond line in the internal cavity.
US08047794B2 Fast-positioning device for assembling blade brackets to a motor housing of a ceiling fan
The invention relates to a fast-positioning device for assembling blade brackets to a motor housing of a ceiling fan. The motor housing has its bottom provided with plural locations located around its circumference, which are respectively extended downward with at least two restricting plates having a long side aligned as a beam radiated from the center of the motor housing. Each location of the restricting plates is to be connected with a blade bracket, which has a connecting portion extended with at least one positioning projection for being moved horizontally to engage with the restricting plates. As good vision is kept during installation, the blade brackets can be easily assembled on the motor housing and the relative locations to be positioned are in a line.
US08047793B2 Metal impeller blade manufactured by molding and method of manufacturing the impeller blade
The present invention relates to an impeller blade for turbomachine formed by molding, comprising a blade, at one end of which is provided a heel formed of a single piece with the blade, to which it is joined at the level of a connection area, the heel comprising a platform on which is provided at least one sealing plate, a first bath being provided in the platform, characterized in that a second bath is provided in the first bath, at the level of the connection area between the blade and the heel.
US08047790B1 Near wall compartment cooled turbine blade
A turbine blade used in a gas turbine engine, the blade includes a plurality of cooled zones each with a plurality of radial extending cooling passages formed within the wall of the blade and connected to a separate collection cavity. A leading edge collection cavity is supplied with cooling air through a plurality of radial extending cooling channels located in the wall around the leading edge of the blade. Film cooling holes connected to the leading edge collection cavity discharge film cooling air to the leading edge. A pressure side collection cavity is supplied with cooling air from a plurality of pressure side radial extending cooling channels and discharges cooling air through film cooling holes on the pressure side. A suction side collection cavity is supplied with cooling air through a plurality of suction side radial cooling channels and discharges cooling air through suction side film cooling holes.
US08047787B1 Turbine blade with trailing edge root slot
A turbine rotor blade for use in an industrial gas turbine engine in which the blade includes a root section with a fillet region formed between the root and the platform of the blade. The platform region includes a diamond shaped root slot to discharge cooling air from the internal cooling passage out through the trailing edge of the blade. The diamond shaped cooling slot of the present invention comprises a smaller radius at the upper and lower corners and a much larger radius at the mid section of the slot. The cooling slot is positioned in the trailing edge root section where the upper corner is positioned above the fillet run out location. The diamond shaped cooling slot thus minimizes the high stresses induced by the stress concentration from the cooling slot and the fillet run out location.
US08047786B2 Apparatus for plugging turbine wheel holes
A turbine wheel hole plug that includes: 1) an approximate cylindrical body, the cylindrical body sized such that the cylindrical body fits snugly into a turbine wheel hole; 2) a first flange at a first end of the cylindrical body, the first flange being approximately cylindrical in shape and having a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the turbine wheel hole; and 3) a second flange at a second end of the cylindrical body, the second flange comprising a flared flange. The first flange and the second flange may lock the cylindrical body into a preferred position in the turbine wheel hole.
US08047784B2 Lift device for rotor blade in wind turbine
A lift device for a rotor blade and a method for increasing the lift of a rotor blade for a wind turbine are disclosed. The rotor blade has exterior surfaces defining a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The lift device includes a first aerodynamic surface configured for mounting to the pressure side of the rotor blade, and a second opposing aerodynamic surface configured to interact with wind flowing past the lift device. The lift device has a generally increasing cross-sectional area in a flow direction of the wind. The lift device is configured to increase the lift of the rotor blade.
US08047782B2 Hydrodynamic machine, especially hydrodynamic coupling, of a turbine compound system
A hydrodynamic machine, and especially a hydrodynamic coupling, for a turbine compound system includes (a) a bladed primary wheel and a bladed secondary wheel which together form an operating space which is filled or can be filled with operating medium, and (b) a housing which encloses the primary wheel and the secondary wheel and which is manufactured from sheet metal. The housing is manufactured from at least two separate sheet metal components which are placed on the primary wheel and/or the secondary wheel, are aligned with each other at a joint abutment location, and are welded together. In the area of the welded joint abutment, a relief which is open toward the joint abutment is provided and which extends along the joint abutment in the surface of the primary wheel and/or the secondary wheel.
US08047779B2 Combined axial and transverse constraint and alignment system and method for rotary machines
A system for aligning a shell of a rotary machine with a standard along an axial centerline and a transverse centerline of the rotary machine includes a pair of generally L-shaped hooks on the shell; a generally T-shaped member comprising a base, a post, and a cross member provided to the standard; a pair of axial gib keys provided on opposing sides of the cross member, at least one of the axial gib keys configured to engage at least one of the L-shaped hooks and the other being configured to engage the shell; and a pair of transverse gib keys provided on opposing sides of the post, each transverse gib key configured to engage a respective L-shaped hook.
US08047776B2 Unit for treating air with controlled flow
A unit for treating air with controlled flow, comprising a free rotor (GL), single or double inlet, combined with a directional conveyor (CD), which is designed so as to be able to directionally exploit the high static efficiencies, typical of free rotors (GL), and so as to be able to obtain the maximum optimisation between the power supplied and the static pressure obtained, at the same time maintaining low sound emissions, low dynamic pressure values at the discharge and no perturbation of the flow and of the performances both at the discharge and at the suction.
US08047767B2 High pressure first stage turbine and seal assembly
A high pressure first stage turbine and seal assembly are described. In one embodiment, a high pressure turbine section is provided. The turbine section includes at least one stage, at least one rotor and a bucket assembly. The bucket assembly includes a bucket and an attachment fixture. The stage has a high root reaction during operation. An intermediate space is between the bucket assembly and a stationary component of the turbine section. A seal is provided between the stationary member and the rotor to facilitate preventing leakage from the intermediate space toward an end of the stage. Steam balance holes are provided in the rotor or the bucket to facilitate feeding steam towards an end of the turbine stage.
US08047761B2 Device for the separation of substrates from a stack
A device for separation of damp silicon wafers from a wafer stack, whereby the damp wafers may be removed individually from the stack, transferred to a subsequent conveyor device and the damp thin fragile wafers held in the stack can be rapidly separated and isolated even in large format. The device comprises separation rollers on which the wafer stack may be placed. On rotation of the separation rollers, the lowest wafer is displaced under a doctor strip through a wafer-thin gap between the roller plane and doctor strip and withdrawn from the wafer stack by elastic pressure by a pair of superimposed delivery rollers driven at the same speed.
US08047760B2 Integral power or electrical conduit coupler
A conduit connector assembly for attachments on a loader includes a mounting plate with at least one coupler section mounted on the plate and secured rigidly to a forward end of one of the lift arms of a loader. The coupler section or sections are connected with conduits to power or electrical signal sources on the loader. The coupler section or sections on the lift arm are connectable to mating coupler sections attached to conduits from an attachment that requires power and/or control signals for operation. The coupler sections are supported to one side of the lines of vision that an operator in an operator's cab of the loader needs for watching the attachment.
US08047759B2 Manual forklift apparatus and methods
A manual forklift for lifting, maneuvering, and arranging palleted freight, comprising an extensible wheeled base, a steering handle, a mast, and a boom with a descending standard secured to a support frame carriage and forward extending tines. Hydraulic jack cylinders joining the mast to the boom and the boom to the descending standard in concert with hinge joints connecting the mast to the boom and the boom to the descending standard allow the tines to be manipulated forwardly or backwardly, raised or lowered, and tilted upwardly or downwardly relative to the mast and base, enabling the user to transfer palleted freight engaged by the tines between surfaces with differing heights and angles and across longitudinal spaces. Castered wheels affixed to the base further enable freight to be moved multi-directionally, including laterally leftward or rightward.
US08047755B2 Plate material stocker facility
The present invention provides a plate material stocker facility with a simplified pallet loading and unloading mechanism. The plate material stocker facility includes a plate material stocker 4 in which pallets 9 each allowing a plate material to be stacked thereon are stored, and a pallet slide device 2. The plate material stocker 4 has a plurality of pallet support portions 10 arranged in stages in a vertical direction, the pallet support portions slidably moving the respective pallets 9 in a front-back direction, and supporting the respective pallets 9 and switchably moving the pallets 9 between a first position 4a and a second position 4b, and a plurality of posts 11, 12 supporting the pallet support portions 10. A gap is present between the adjacent pallet support portions 10. The posts 12 located at a rear end are arranged inside respective lateral ends of the pallet support portions 10. The pallet slider device 2 has a slider 30 that is movable in a direction parallel to a slide direction of each of the pallets 9, and pallet abutting portions 33 attached to the slider 30 and coming into abutting contact with the pallet 9. The pallet abutting portions 33 come into abutting contact with the abutting target portions 18 of the pallet 9 at positions outside, in a lateral direction, the respective posts 12.
US08047741B2 Road-milling machine or machine for working deposits
The invention relates to a road-milling machine or machine for working deposits, such as deposits of coal, ores, minerals, etc. by surface mining. The machine according to the invention has an arrangement 14 for detecting the path followed by a milled edge 13 of a milled strip, with the arrangement for detecting the path followed by the milled edge having means 14 for measuring the distance between at least one reference point I on the machine and the milled edge. The means 14 for detecting the path followed by the milled edge co-operate with the arrangement 6 for steering the track-laying units 3A, 3B in such a way that the machine follows the path followed by the milled edge. The distance between the at least one reference point on the machine and the milled edge can be set in such a way that milled strips situated alongside one another are exactly aligned relative to one another.
US08047737B2 Ring binder mechanism
A ring binder mechanism includes a housing, a ring support, and rings for holding loose-leaf pages. Each ring includes a first ring member and a second ring member that are moveable between a closed position and an opened position. An actuator is mounted on the housing for moving the ring members from the closed position to the opened position. A travel bar has at least one locking element and is moveable between a locked position wherein the ring members are locked in the closed position and an unlocked position wherein the ring members are capable of being moved to the opened position. An intermediate connector operably connects the travel bar to the actuator. A biasing member is engageable with the intermediate connector and at least one of the travel bar and actuator for biasing the travel bar toward the locked position.
US08047735B2 Applicator tip for applying surgical glue
Applicator tip for applying fast curing adhesive of low viscosity to a surface. The applicator tip comprises a body with an inner canal for feeding the adhesive to an orifice. Spikes in various shapes and placements are arranged around the orifice for preventing the orifice from contacting the surface.
US08047723B2 Single-row spherical roller bearing with increased axial load capacity
A radial anti friction bearing (1) which is configured as a single-row spherical roller bearing, which includes an outer bearing ring (2), an inner bearing ring (3) and a plurality of spherical rollers (5) that are arranged between the bearing rings (2, 3). The spherical rollers have respectively two side faces (6, 7) which are flattened symmetrically from a spherical base shape, are retained with uniform spacing to each other a bearing cage (4) and roll with their running faces (8) in two groove-shaped raceways (11, 12) which are defined, respectively, by two axial rims (13, 14 and 15, 16). The width (bK) of the spherical rollers (5) between their side faces (6, 7) is smaller than the distance (aB) between the radially opposing axial rims (13, 15 and 14, 16), such that the spherical rollers (5) can be in the space therebetween via the axial mounting method in the radial anti friction bearing. The radial anti-friction bearing (1) has an increased axial load capacity suitable for variable axial loads at a operational pressure angle (α) of up to 20° on both sides of the bearing longitudinal axis (17), in which the raceways (11, 12) in both bearing grooves (2, 3) are formed with an increased depth (tLA, tLI) and width (bLA, bLI) and the spherical rollers (5) have a width (bK) between their side surfaces (6, 7) which is arranged to the operational pressure angle (α) at 20°.
US08047718B2 Bearing device for roll of hot dipping bath in continuous hot dip coating line
In a bearing device for a roll of a hot dipping bath, i.e., zinc pot, a sleeve is fastened to a shaft of the roll of the hot dipping bath in a continuous hot dip coating line, i.e., a continuous galvanizing line. A bush housing has a bush internally fixed to support the sleeve, and a curved annular outer surface. Also, bush housing fixed rings are fixed to both inner sides of a fixed ring housing which is associated with a rig of the hot dipping bath roll. Each of the bush housing fixed rings has a curved annular inner surface supporting the bush housing at both sides thereof and in abutment with the curved annular outer surface of the bush housing. The invention allows the steel sheet to be coated with molten metal stably and speedily with high efficiency. Also, the bush and sleeve of the bearing device are not locally worn away, thereby extending useful life of the roll.
US08047715B2 Multiple rotation C-arm
Current C-arm examination devices are not capable of performing 360 degrees rotations. The reason for this is that the cabling which connects the external cabinets to the detector, collimator and x-ray tube does not allow for such a rotation. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an examination apparatus is provided which has a connection device connecting the external cabinets to the C-arm which is adapted for enabling a rotation of the C-arm of more than 360 degrees. Such a connection device may comprise a storing device for winding up the cable.
US08047710B2 Electronic device
An electronic device according to the present invention includes an infrared ray absorbing section 12, which comes to have an increased temperature when irradiated with an incident infrared ray, and at least one heat sensing section 13, of which a physical property varies with the variation in temperature that has been caused due to the heat generated by the infrared ray absorbing section 12. The relative positions of the heat sensing section 13 and the infrared ray absorbing section 12 can be changed so as to switch their states from a first state, in which the infrared ray absorbing section 12 and the heat sensing section 13 are in contact with each other, into a second state, in which the infrared ray absorbing section 12 and the heat sensing section 13 are out of contact with each other, and vice versa.
US08047707B2 Passive thermal image glass breakage detector
A system and method for detecting glass breakage using thermal imaging is provided. The system includes an infrared image detector for acquiring an infrared image of a monitored area, and a signal processor for processing the acquired images to determine removal of a glass door or window based on a comparison of the thermal signature of the acquired image against the thermal signature of a reference image. Specifically, signal processor subtracts the reference image data from the acquired image data, which results in a substantially uniform image when the acquired image matches the reference image. On the other hand, the image resulting from the subtraction exhibits significant non-uniformity when the acquired image does not match the reference image, as would be the case if the pane of glass of a door or window were broken, removed or opened.
US08047692B2 Vehicle headlamp assembly
A vehicle body includes a fender and a headlamp assembly. The headlamp assembly defines an upwardly exposed and unobstructed surface, and is movably mounted with the fender such that the headlamp assembly moves from a first position to a second position in response to a load having a vertical component acting on the surface.
US08047690B2 Heat removal system and method for light emitting diode lighting apparatus
A heat removal assembly for a light emitting diode lighting apparatus is described. One embodiment of the heat removal assembly includes a plurality of fins configured to receive heat from a light emitting diode. In the plurality of fins, two adjacent fins are separated by a gap width, and each fin has a fin length. The heat removal assembly also includes a duct configured to draw a stack-effect airflow through the plurality of fins to remove heat from the plurality of fins. The gap width separating two adjacent fins and the fin length of each of the fins are configured to prevent boundary layer choking the plurality of fins. In one embodiment, the heat removal assembly also includes a conductor and a thermal storage system configured to receive heat from the light emitting diode. A lighting apparatus including the heat removal assembly, a light emitting diode, and a connector plug is also described. In one embodiment, the lighting apparatus can be installed in a recessed can in which incoming and outgoing flows of a stack-effect airflow are separated. Methods for removing heat from a light emitting diode are also described.
US08047687B2 Lighting apparatus
A lighting apparatus comprises a housing and a first reflector. The first reflector is mounted beneath the light source and includes a plurality of segmented reflectors, each having at its top, a installation hole and at its bottom, an opening wider than the installation hole. A second reflector is positioned beneath the first reflector. The height of the second reflector causes a first light shielding angle defined by a straight line passing through the installation hole and the bottom edge of the corresponding segmented reflector to be larger than a second light shielding angle defined by a straight line passing through the bottom edge of the segmented reflector and the bottom edge of the second reflector.
US08047672B2 Mosaic floors and corresponding installation procedures
The invention relates to a mosaic floor (20) consisting of layers and comprising at least one mosaic section (26) comprising illuminating elements (3) that are integrated into the mosaic floor (20) and the structure comprises at least the following layers: a mosaic layer (13) that has a plurality of individual mosaic elements (2) and a plurality of individual illuminating elements (3), said illuminating elements (3) being connected to an electric cable or to a light conductor (4), in particular glass fibres, that are introduced from below, a channel layer (14) that comprises at least one rigid plate (7) having a channel system (15) that is open to the top or to the bottom in which the electric cable or the light conductor (4) are laid.
US08047669B2 Backlight illumination assembly having a joining clip with diffusion means
A uniform light source having a substrate for providing structural and functional support to the assembly. A bottom reflector provided on the substrate. A plurality of solid state light sources provided in an opening of the bottom reflector for providing a point light source. A plurality of light films and having light redirecting areas provided between the plurality of solid state light sources for redirecting and spreading the point light source to a uniform plane of light; a joining clip comprising a top capping portion and a bottom support portion, the bottom support portion being aligned perpendicular to the top capping portion and having a height sufficient to house the plurality of light films. A top diffuser for diffusing the uniform plane of light. The plurality of light films has a thickness between 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. In addition, the joining clip further comprises a light diffusion means.
US08047661B2 Height adjustment apparatus for projector
A height adjustment apparatus for a projector includes a lifting member and an operation member. The projector includes a front wall and a bottom wall substantially perpendicular to the front wall. The front wall defines a first opening and the bottom wall defines a second opening. The bottom wall has a protruding portion extending from an inner surface of the bottom wall. The lifting member includes a supporting portion and an engaging portion. An end surface of the lifting member away from the supporting portion has a plurality of teeth. The operation member includes a receiving frame and an operating portion. The inner surface of the receiving frame away from the operating portion has a latching portion for latching with the teeth of the lifting member.
US08047652B1 Portable electronic amsler test
A method, system and apparatus are provided for portable evaluation of metamophopsia. The method, system and apparatus includes a computer application capable of making any handset or portable display terminal into a portable electronic eye evaluation unit, including clinician's and/or automated assistance, test evaluation and re-test if required.
US08047651B2 Electro-active opthalmic lens having an optical power blending region
A spectacle lens is disclosed. The disclosed lens provides a vision correcting area for the correction of a wearer's refractive error. The viewing correction area provides correction for non-conventional refractive error to provide at least a part of the wearer's vision correction. The lens has a prescription based on a wave front analysis of the wearer's eye and the lens can further be modified to fit within an eyeglass frame.
US08047649B2 Eyeglasses
The invention relates to a pair of eyeglasses which include a lens stand and a pair of gaskets. Each gasket can be detachably connected to the lens stand. Each gasket has an inner edge that protrudes forwards to accommodate the lens. The degree of the curve of the lens is smaller than that of the lens stand relative to the horizontal direction, so that the size of the lens can be efficiently reduced, and hence the lens with diopter can be used easily and aberration can be efficiently eliminated. Furthermore, after the gaskets are connected to the lens stand, the upper portion of the gaskets may generate gas permeable holes so as to prevent the lens from fogging up.
US08047645B2 Recording apparatus and liquid ejecting apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a support drum that rotates while supporting a recording medium on a support surface thereof. A guide axis extends in parallel with a rotation axis of the support drum along the support surface. A carriage that is guided by the guide axis moves back and forth along the support surface. A recording head for ejecting ultraviolet curing type ink toward a recording medium is supported on the support surface. The recording head has head units and is mounted on the carriage. Each head unit ejects a different type of ultraviolet curing type ink to a different position along an extending direction of the guide axis. An ultraviolet emission unit of the recording apparatus includes ultraviolet light sources that generate ultraviolet light having at least an intensity, wavelength, or emission time that is different from those of the other ultraviolet light sources.
US08047636B2 Film depositing apparatus, a film depositing method, a piezoelectric film, and a liquid ejecting apparatus
A film depositing apparatus comprises: a process chamber; a target holder provided in the process chamber for holding a target; a substrate holder for supporting a deposition substrate such that the deposition substrate faces the target holder in the process chamber; a power supply for supplying electric power between the target holder and the substrate holder to generate plasma in the process chamber; and an anode provided between the target holder and the substrate holder for capturing ions and/or electrons in the plasma being generated within the process chamber, wherein the anode includes: a cylindrical member provided so as to surround an outer periphery of a side of the substrate holder that faces the target holder; and at least one annular plate member attached to an inside wall of the cylindrical member, the plate member having a central opening larger than a surface of the deposition substrate.
US08047635B2 Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting device
A liquid ejecting head includes a reservoir forming substrate provided with a reservoir serving as a common liquid chamber; in which at least a portion of a wall surface of the reservoir is an inclined surface, a lower side of the reservoir in a vertical direction is provided with a lower portion of which a width is wider than an upper portion of the reservoir in the vertical direction thanks to the inclined surface, a compliance portion which absorbs pressure of the reservoir is disposed at an area which faces the lower portion and has a shape corresponding to the lower portion, and the reservoir communicates with an upper portion of each of the pressure generating chambers in the vertical direction rather than a lower portion of each of pressure generating chambers.
US08047633B2 Control of a nozzle of an inkjet printhead
A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current, a shift register comprising a plurality of successive registers, the shift register receives input data in a first register, and shifts the input data to successive registers upon receipt of a shift signal, a transfer register for latching data in one of the registers of the shift register; a control gate for outputting a control pulse in response to data in the transfer register, and a drive transistor for providing an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator upon receipt of the control pulse. Each energy pulse has a pulse voltage of less than 10 Volt.
US08047631B2 Photonically activated fluid dispensing system and methods
A fluid dispensing system, including a photon source disposed on a moveable carriage and a fluid ejector array having a plurality of fluid ejection elements disposed on a substrate. Each fluid ejection element includes a fluid ejector, and a photodetector electrically coupled to the fluid ejector. Moving said photon source over at least a portion of the fluid ejector array, selectively illuminates the photodetectors, thereby selectively activating the fluid ejectors coupled to the illuminated photodetectors.
US08047629B2 Inkjet printer and inkjet print method
The present invention provides an inkjet printer and an inkjet printing method, which enable an ink that overflowed to the outside from the edge of a printing medium to be fully absorbed by a platen. More specifically, the present invention provides an inkjet printer, having a platen, which absorbs a pigment ink that overflows to the outside of a printing medium when edgeless printing is carried out on the printing medium by using an ink that employs a pigment as a colorant, moving a printing head along a guide shaft, and ejecting the pigment ink from the printing head, and also an inkjet printing method, wherein the platen is impregnated with a humecant, a base, and the like.
US08047626B1 Area based calculation of ink usage
Estimating the cost of ink in print jobs. The cost of ink in a print job is estimated based on printed area. After determining an ink coverage value for the print jobs and determining a cost of the ink, an ink cost factor is generated over time from the cost of the ink and from the total area ink coverage. The ink cost factor is used to estimate the cost of a print job based on area.
US08047622B2 Mounting structure of storage container for refrigerator
A storage container of a storage container for a refrigerator, which is configured to mount the storage container for storing articles therein to a storage container seating portion formed in a rear surface of a refrigerator door by using a mounting protrusion and locking mechanism provided on the storage container and a mounting groove and catching protrusion provided on the storage container seating portion. The mounting structure includes a storage container seating portion depressed into a portion of a rear surface of a door; a storage container seated in the storage container seating portion and formed with a space for storing articles therein; a mounting protrusion and mounting groove formed on the storage container seating portion and storage container, respectively, at positions corresponding to each other to be matched in shape with each other and used for fixing the storage container into the storage container seating portion; and a locking mechanism provided on a portion of the storage container for locking the storage container into the storage container seating portion by causing a portion of the locking mechanism to be caught to a protruding portion of the storage container seating portion.
US08047612B2 Armrest for a vehicle seat and corresponding vehicle seat
An armrest for a vehicle seat includes an armrest cushion, an armrest body connected to the armrest cushion, a connection part configured to connect the armrest body to at least one of a back rest of the vehicle seat or to a vehicle interior, a tilting device disposed between the armrest body and the armrest cushion and configured to adjust a position between the armrest body and the armrest cushion, and an arresting device disposed between the armrest body and the armrest cushion and configured to fix the position of the armrest cushion relative to the armrest body. A swivel axis is, formed in the connection part running substantially horizontal and parallel to the back rest. The tilting device has a rotation axis arranged parallel to the swivel axis and the rotation axis moveable towards the back rest linearly against a force of a spring.
US08047606B2 Headrest operating devices
One aspect according to the invention can include a headrest operating device including a backside collision detecting device that can produce an operational force upon detection of occurrence of backside collision. The operational force of the backside collision detecting device can be transmitted to an operation member via an interlocking member. A switching device can switch a path of movement of the interlocking member between an inoperative path and an operative path. When no backside collision occurs, the interlocking member can move along the inoperative path, so that the operational force of the backside collision detecting device cannot be transmitted to the operation member. When the backside collision occurs, the interlocking member can move along the operative path, so that the operational force of the backside collision detecting device can be transmitted to the operation member.
US08047603B2 Plastic crush countermeasure for vehicles
A plastic crush countermeasure for motor vehicles that includes a plastic insert and a reinforcement structure that provides impact and/or reinforcement characteristics and an attachment interface to the vehicle in a lighter weight structure. The crush countermeasure provides a lightweight crush system that provides comparable protection to current metal crush countermeasures using, in part, a plastic material. As such, the overall weight of a vehicle is reduced without any reduction in safety to passengers.
US08047586B2 Lock device
The present invention relates to a lock device for a door of the type with seating unit through the door shutter. The seating unit has a first seating body, a second seating body, a first cover and a second cover. There are provided connecting elements, generally self-tapping screws, that engage both the first cover to the first seating body and the second cover, closing the second seating body as a package thereinbetween. Among the other things, the lock device allows a wide rotation of the handle.
US08047585B1 Surface mounted electric strike for releasing remote panic exit devices
A surface mounted electric strike for use with an exit device such as a rim panic exit device. The electric strike has a housing with at least one keeper pivotally mounted to the housing. Each keeper has an associated cam with a detent. Release pawls engage detents on the cam in the locked position. A solenoid-operated unlock bar has stops, the position of which establishes whether the keepers are in a locked or unlocked position. The electric strike can be installed in either a fail safe or fail secure mode by locating the stops when the solenoid is de-energized in either a position which blocks or releases the release pawls. Other arrangements for establishing a selected operational mode include use of dual solenoids, use of dual locking bars and reversible release pawls.
US08047581B2 Temporary closure device for an opening element on a fixed chassis part of a motor vehicle, comprising an improved return means
A temporary closure device for an opening element on a fixed chassis part of a motor vehicle, in which the opening element includes a housing for receiving a lock and the fixed part includes at least one tapped hole for fixing a strike. The device includes a plastic body equipped with means for mounting it in the tapped hole. An end of the device includes a limit stop element that co-operates with a first rim of the housing as the opening element is closed, while another end of the device includes a means for retaining the opening element in the closed position against the fixed part, which is intended to penetrate the housing behind a second rim thereof. The retaining means is formed by a resilient tongue, which can bend under stress from the second rim when the opening element is moved from the free position to the closed position.
US08047577B2 Hose coupling
A hose coupling employs a tailpiece, a sleeve and collar to prevent the hose to be removed from the coupling. The tailpiece includes an exterior having: a first sinusoidally shaped (in cross-section), partially diamond shaped knurled contour, and, a cylindrically shaped interior. The sleeve includes an interior second sinusoidally shaped contour reciprocal to the first undulating contour of the tailpiece. The sleeve includes first and second halves each having two sets of fingers which interengage the fingers of the other half. A hose is disposed between the sleeve and the tailpiece and the hose includes a grounding wire which engages the collar or the sleeve. The collar includes first and second halves and each of the halves of the collar interengage the sleeve urging the sleeve against the hose compressing the hose against the contour of the tail piece.
US08047576B2 Multi-media rotary union
A rotating union communicates with a rotor member and is operable with either compressible or incompressible coolant media that enters the union through a media inlet. The union includes a housing having a counterbore and a tubular carrier member axially moveable in the housing. The union includes a primary seal assembly having a rotating seal member mounted to the rotor member and a non-rotating member mounted to the carrier member and a secondary seal member positioned about the carrier member. The range of the balance ratio of the primary seal assembly is disclosed when the primary seal assembly has imposed upon it a closing force, an opening force or no force.
US08047564B2 Airbag
An occupant side-impact protection apparatus for a motor vehicle comprising an inflatable cushion stored in a folded configuration and an inflator configured to provide gas to inflate the cushion. The cushion is configured to inflate to protect the occupant of a vehicle. The side-impact protection apparatus further includes a tether to provide tension to tailor the deployment trajectory of the cushion. The tether is coupled to the cushion at a first coupling location and a second coupling location and the distance along the tether from the first coupling location to the second coupling location is less than the distance along the cushion from the first coupling location to the second coupling location.
US08047561B2 Airbag cover
A cover for an inflatable airbag that is configured to restrain a vehicle occupant in a motor vehicle. The airbag cover is arranged to cover the airbag on a side facing a vehicle interior. The airbag has an opening region configured to form an orifice during deployment of the airbag so that the airbag is deployed through the orifice of the airbag cover and into the vehicle interior. The airbag cover includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a more dimensionally stable material than the second portion. The second portion includes the opening region, which is configured to tear open and form the orifice for the airbag during deployment. The first portion includes the orifice, which is delimited by a sidewall and is covered by the opening region of the second portion. The sidewall is configured to guide the deploying airbag to the opening region.
US08047555B2 Airplane ground support equipment cart having extractable modules and a generator module that is seperable from power conversion and air conditioning modules
A ground support equipment cart contains one or more removable equipment modules. The cart contains a rectangular module containing airplane air conditioning components mounted upon the cart and extending the width of the cart but occupying substantially less than half of the cart's length. The cart also contains one or more rectangular equipment modules removably mounted upon the cart, one or two of the removable modules containing electrical power converting components. And the cart contains a rectangular module containing power generating components mounted upon the cart and occupying substantially the remainder of the cart. The cart separates into two parts, one part containing the module containing power generating components. The cart also contains a control module having a display and controls for, and that is networked to, the other modules. One or more of the removable modules slide out on a tray and may be locked in position.
US08047554B2 Strap system and method of use
A strap system for securing an object to a dolly. The strap system includes a first strap section having first and second ends and releasably attached to the dolly at the first end and a second strap section having first and second ends and releasably attached to the dolly at the first end. The second end of the first strap section and the second end of the second strap section are releasably attached to each other.
US08047552B2 Nitinol ice blades
A Nitinol ice blade includes a blade body having attachment structure by which it is held in a blade holder of an ice travel device, such as an ice skate or ice boat. The processes and products made by the processes. The processes include selecting a Type 60 Nitinol sheet or bar that has been hot-worked at a temperature of above about 900° C. to a reduction of at least 2% in the dimension of said hot-working. Blade blanks are cut from the sheet, and the blade blanks are heated to between 600° C. to about 800° C. and immediately quenched to ambient temperature to produce blanks having a hardness of about 48-53 RC. The running edge of the blade blanks a ground to a desired profile and sharpness. The ground blades may then be heated to an elevated temperature of about 850-1000° C. and immediately quenched to produce a hardness at the edge of above 56 RC.
US08047549B2 Magnetic fluid shaft-sealing device
A magnetic fluid shaft-sealing device includes a seal cover (3) attached to a pump housing (1) in which a rotary shaft (2) is mounted. The seal cover (3) includes: a shaft hole (33) extending along an axis, an annular recess (36) formed in an outer end face (32) around the shaft hole (33), and an inner ring portion (363) defined between the annular recess (36) and the shaft hole (33). A collar (4) is mounted around the rotary shaft (2) to rotate therewith and includes a first end (41) received in the annular recess (36) and around the inner ring portion (363). A magnet (6) and two pole pieces (5) are mounted between an outer periphery (364) of the inner ring portion (363) and the first end (41) of the collar (4). A gap (71) is formed between an inner periphery (440) of the first end (41) of the collar (4) and outer peripheries of the pole pieces (5), and a magnetic liquid (7) is filled in the gap (71) to provide a liquid seal therebetween.
US08047542B2 Printing apparatus capable of handling paper size error
In a printing apparatus, even when the measured paper size differs from the scheduled size, it is possible to reduce the frequency of requiring a recovery procedure, and prevent the productivity from decreasing by continuing the operation of the printing apparatus as much as possible. The printing apparatus includes a paper feeding unit for feeding a print sheet from a paper feed tray 120, 130a, 130b, 130c or 130d to a transportation route CR through a paper feed route FR, in-tray sensors 182, 183a, 183b . . . for measuring the paper size in the paper feed trays; a transportation sensor 181 for measuring the paper size on the transportation route, a transportation operation adjusting unit 332 for adjusting the transportation operation on the transportation or paper feed route according to the measurement result of the transportation sensor 181 when the measurement results of the transportation sensor 181 and in-tray sensors mismatch.
US08047539B2 Image forming apparatus
If a jam detecting portion detects a sheet jam, a rear end position of the jammed sheet is computed based on information, when a rear end of the jammed sheet is located within an area A1 and a length Ls of the jammed sheet in a conveying direction of the sheet is equal to or shorter than a distance L between the area A1 and an area A2, driving operations of a pre-registration roller and a registration roller are controlled so that the jammed sheet is conveyed to a downstream until a rear end of the sheet passes through a downstream end of the area A1. When Ls is longer than L, the pre-registration roller and the registration roller are controlled so that the jammed sheet is conveyed toward the upstream until the rear end of the sheet passes through an upstream end of the area A1.
US08047536B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus has a sheet feeding portion feeding a sheet; a conveyance passage for conveying the sheet inside the apparatus; an image forming portion forming an image on the sheet; a skewing detector disposed in the conveyance passage between the sheet feeding portion and the image forming portion, detecting arrival and departure of the sheet, and detecting skewing amount of the sheet in the conveyance passage; a display portion displaying an apparatus state; a storage portion storing data; and a control portion controlling sheet feeding and conveying, and grasping the sheet skewing amount based on the output of the skewing detector to stop printing when the skewing amount is at or above a first predetermined amount stored in the storage portion.
US08047533B2 Automatic document feeder
An automatic document feeder includes an upper cover, an input tray for placing plural documents, a pick-up module and a stopper module. A guide plate is disposed on the upper cover. The guide plate has a confining aperture. The confining aperture includes a fixing region and a releasing region. The stopper module has a stopping slice inserted into the confining aperture. When the automatic document feeder is enabled and the pick-up module is swung to be close to the input tray, the stopper module is moved from the fixing region of the confining aperture in response to the swinging action of the pick-up module. As such, the stopper module is released and the document is allowed to be fed into the internal portion of the automatic document feeder.
US08047532B2 Feed device and recording device
Provided is a feed device including: a loading unit in which a plurality of sheet members is loaded in a stacked state; a delivery member which performs a feed operation in a state in which a contact surface thereof is in contact with an uppermost sheet member of the sheet members loaded on the loading unit and delivers the sheet member in a feed direction using the frictional force with the uppermost sheet member as the feeding force; a gate member which is configured to move in a direction to and or from the contact surface of the delivery member and has an inclined surface with which a front end of the sheet member delivered by the delivery member collides with; and a gate energizing member which energizes the gate member in a direction approaching to the contact surface of the delivery member.
US08047530B2 Rotary transfer mechanism
A rotary transfer mechanism for transferring flat sleeve cartons (20) from a magazine (22) to a receiving station (23) on a conveyor (24), with opening of the cartons ready to receive end-loaded product, is characterized in that the path of suction cups (32) for holding the cartons during transfer is basically determined by a continuous stationary cam track (34) permanently engaged by a cam follower (37) on a gear segment (35) pivotally mounted on carrier means (29) rotatable by a drive shaft (26), the suction cups (32) being carried by a support shaft (30) rotatable on the carrier means and coaxial with a pinion (38) meshing with the gear segment. (35), and the support shaft being connected to a bracket (48) carrying a manifold (47) for the suction cups (32) by a crank arm (53), which is connected by a link arm (54) to a rocker arm (55) freely rotatable on the drive shaft (26). A servomotor (27) programmed by a computer (not shown) drives the drive shaft (26) through a gearbox (28) to vary the speed of the suction cups (32), especially when passing through the delivery station (23) to effect opening of the cartons (20) by movement relative to flights (64) on the conveyor (24).
US08047522B2 Clamp for perfect binder and perfect binding method
A perfect binder for processing book blocks, including: a conveying device adapted to convey the book blocks along a closed circulating path, the conveying device including a plurality of clamping devices each adapted to convey a book block; and a plurality of processing stations arranged successively along the closed circulating path. One of the processing stations includes a spine-processing station, and another one of the processing stations includes an end sheet feed station following the spine-processing station.
US08047511B2 Humidity control device
A humidity control device is for controlling the humidity of air in a target space, and the humidity control device comprises: a processor for controlling the humidity of air in the target space by passing air through a hygroscopic liquid L; a regenerator for regenerating the hygroscopic liquid L used for the process by the processor; a hygroscopic-liquid pipe path (50), provided so as to pass through a ventilation opening (70) intended for ventilating the target space, for transferring the hygroscopic liquid L from the processor to the regenerator; and a discharged-air-utilizing regeneration unit (60) for regenerating the hygroscopic liquid L by passing air to be discharged from the target space through the ventilation opening (70) through the hygroscopic liquid L flowing through the hygroscopic-liquid pipe path (50) toward the regenerator. A humidity control device whose energy utilization efficiency is improved is thus provided.
US08047498B1 Support stand device for rebar bender
A support stand device for a rebar bender featuring a base with a rebar bender mount; three leg mounts disposed in the base in a symmetrical configuration, three legs removably engagable in the leg mounts; securing means for securing the legs in the respective leg mounts; spike shafts disposed near the bottom ends of each leg; a spike slidably disposed in each spike shaft, the spikes can slide between at least a down position wherein the spike is extended downwardly toward and optionally into a ground surface and an up position wherein the spike is pulled upwardly in the spike shaft and out of the ground surface; securing means for securing the spikes in a position; and striking blocks disposed on the top end of each spike.
US08047497B2 Mount structure
A mount structure includes a base and a bearer. The base has a slot, and at least one combining block is disposed protruding from the slot. The bearer has a bearing portion and a combining portion. The bearing portion is connected to a display, and the combining portion is installed in the slot through hooks, buckles, latches, screws, or other combining methods, such that the bearer is fixed on the base. Moreover, the combining portion is provided with reinforcing ribs for enhancing the structural strength of the bearer.
US08047492B2 Hanger
A hanger includes a body member including two hanging ends, a pivoted portion between the hanging ends and two slide rails provided between the pivoted portion and hanging ends respectively. A fastener unit is coupled to the pivoted portion for positioning the body member in a horizontal direction. Two slide members are respectively slideably disposed on the slide rails, with each slide member including a first receiving groove inserted by the related slide rail and a second receiving groove. Two hook members are pivotally coupled to the slide members respectively, with a longitudinal direction of each hook member being perpendicular to the ground.
US08047486B2 Support bracket
A support bracket comprises a first frame and a second frame. The first frame comprises a bottom surface, two first sidewalls extending from opposite edges of the bottom surface, and two second sidewalls arranged between the two first sidewalls, wherein two gaps are formed in the first frame. The second frame comprises a base plate, two first side plates extending from opposite edges of the base plate, and two second side plates arranged between the two first side plates. The second frame slidably covers the first frame, the first side plates extend through the two gaps and slide along the gaps.
US08047485B2 Rail end cover
A universal rail mounting bracket for attachment of a handrail or fence rail to a support structure. A rail end cover may be inserted over the rail end after the rail has been mounted to the support structure with the bracket. A rail end cover is provided to cover any unsightly gaps or uneven cuts which may have occurred during manufacture or installation of the rail.
US08047484B2 Transferable patient care equipment support
A patient care equipment support is transferable between a first device having a first coupling member and a second device having a second coupling member. The equipment support comprises an equipment supporting portion configured to support patient care equipment and a coupler coupled to the equipment supporting portion and having first and second clamps. The first clamp is configured to grip the first coupling member and the second clamp is configured to grip the second coupling member.
US08047478B1 Modular post system with holes on multiple axial planes
A modular post system, in some versions, includes an exterior post extending along a central axis. The exterior post may be composed of multitude of tube segments that are coupled, with each other to form the exterior post. In some cases, each tube segment may have at least four holes arranged in a ring about the central axis. The holes are configured to allow the mounting of articles, such as playground equipment, to the post system. Thus, the exterior post may have a multitude of rings with the rings being located in axial planes a fixed distance apart along the central axis. The tube segments have interior surfaces from which ribs protrude, to define an internal channel of the exterior post. An internal core post may be partly located within the internal channel. A fastening mechanism may secure the coupled tube segments to the internal core post.
US08047477B2 Device to facilitate filling a reusable bag, a conventional trash bag or a receptacle
A device to facilitate filling a reusable bag, a conventional trash bag or a receptacle. The device and bag or receptacle are used horizontally. The device comprises a funneled receiver, channel, stakes, and optionally four legs. The receiver is a scoop-like device having semi-frusto-conical cross-sections. The channel is a non-funneled extension of the receiver, having trapezoidal cross-sections. If a bag is used, the device facilitates filling the bag and it also holds open the bag. The optional four legs also hold open the body of the bag and, by contributing to the stability of the device, they allow the device to be smaller and lighter than otherwise. The device is normally placed on the ground, and inserted into either the bag or the receptacle. Leaves, grass clippings and other debris are raked or otherwise projected through the front of the receiver. The front of the receiver has a turned-over lip that facilitates filling the bag and that also acts as a handle.
US08047475B2 Fixing, fixing structure of fixing object, fixing method for fixing object, and method for unfixing fixing
When an insertion portion of a clip is inserted into a through hole and passes through the through hole, lug portions revert toward their original shape, and the top faces of the lug portions are contactable with peripheral edge portions of the through hole. An operation lever is inserted into a fixing hole of a body panel in this state, and after passing through the fixing hole, the operation lever reverts toward its original shape, and the operation lever is contactable to peripheral edge portions of the fixing hole. An operation portion is tilted from this state, and a lock bar is engaged with a lock groove. Movement of the operation lever is thereby restricted, and a housing is fixed to the body panel.
US08047471B2 Indication system and method for refuelling operations
System (1) for providing indication of the position of a refuelling boom (2) in a tanker aircraft relative to a receptacle (17) in a receiver aircraft during refuelling operations, in particular in the approximation operation, the system (1) comprising a plurality of light emitting devices (23-33) mountable on the boom (2), each emitting device (23-33) providing a respective visible light beam, said light beams providing spots of incidence (3-13) when contacting the receptacle (17) in the receptor aircraft, in such a manner that the position of the spots of incidence (3-13) on the receptacle (17) varies depending on the position of the refuelling boom (2) relative to the receiver aircraft in the approximation operation. The invention also relates to a method for the approximation operation of a refuelling boom (2) in a tanker aircraft to a receptacle (17) in a receiver aircraft operating such a system (1).
US08047470B2 System for deicing an air inlet cowl for a turbine engine
According to the invention, a scaled articulation device is mounted on at least one of the branches of a hot-air circulation circuit in the form of a bracket so as to provide a bracket with capabilities of deforming about the articulation device.
US08047461B1 Fishing reel re-winder
A device for the quick removal of spent fishing line from a fishing reel comprised of a cylindrical housing for a rechargeable battery and a high-speed motor is directly coupled to a threaded shaft capable of holding an empty spool that is held in place by a conventional fastening means. In use, a loose end of the spent fishing line on the fishing reel is fastened to an empty spool, the reel and the spool aligned, and the device activated. The spent line is unwound from the rod reel making it ready for replacement in a conventional manner. The compacted spent line can be kept to be re-used later or discarded.
US08047458B2 Method for producing very fine particles by means of a jet mill
The invention relates to a method for producing very fine particles by means of a jet mill using compressed gases as the grinding gas, characterized in that the grinding gas is under pressure of ≦4.5 bar(abs).
US08047457B2 Jet outlet element for sanitary fittings
The invention relates to a jet outlet element for a sanitary fitting which allows outlet of a defined gushing jet from the sanitary fitting. The sanitary outlet element is configured as a flat element having two compartments, a water inlet compartment and a water outlet compartment. A narrowed section is interposed between the two compartments and accommodates a flow rectifier. Said flow rectifier rectifies the as yet non-directional flow of the water in the inlet compartment and guides it in a controlled manner to the outlet compartment from where it emerges through the slotted outlet opening.
US08047449B2 Automotive thermostatic expansion valve with reduced hiss
An expansion valve for an air conditioning system circulates refrigerant through a fixed-displacement compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. An inlet is provided for receiving refrigerant liquefied in the condenser. An outlet of the expansion valve supplies refrigerant to the evaporator. A valve element controls flow of refrigerant between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the valve element is normally closed. A control assembly is coupled to the valve element and is responsive to at least one temperature or pressure in the air conditioning system to open the valve element to variably meter the refrigerant to the evaporator. A bleed passage bypasses the valve element to conduct refrigerant between the inlet and the outlet. The bleed passage is adapted to bleed refrigerant to the evaporator immediately after the compressor shuts off to prime the air conditioning system for a lower superheat when the compressor turns on, and the bleed path has a flow capacity substantially smaller than the flow capacity of the main valve aperture.
US08047447B2 Method for encoding and decoding data in a color barcode pattern
What is disclosed is a system and method for encoding and decoding data in a color barcode pattern using dot orientation and color separability. The spectral (wavelength) characteristics of the CMY colorants, commonly used in digital printing, and those of RGB sensors are exploited to achieve high capacity data embedding rates in color barcodes. The present method embeds independent data in two different printer colorant channels using dot orientation modulation. In the print end, dots of two colorants occupy the same spatial region. At the detector end, by using the complementary sensor channels to estimate the colorant channels, data is recovered in each colorant channel. The method approximately doubles the capacity of encoding methods based upon a single colorant channel and enables embedding rates which match or exceed that of other hardcopy barcodes known in the arts. The method is robust against inter-separation misregistration with a small symbol error rate.
US08047422B2 Method for fabricating transportation pallet
This invention has an object to provide a method for precisely fabricating transportation pallets readily adaptable to model change and other alterations. In the method for fabricating a transportation pallet according to the invention, in which jig mounting plates are fixed on a steel pallet base, projecting pieces having holes to which jigs are attached are provided on one longer side of the jig mounting plates (12, 13) at a predetermined interval, a positioning member is secured on the pallet base, the jig mounting plates are temporarily secured along the positioning member, and the jig mounting plates are welded to be fixed on the pallet base.
US08047405B2 Volumetric is fluid dispensing devices, systems, and methods
A volumetric fluid dispensing device can include a fluid reservoir having at least one flexible wall and a dispensing reservoir oriented above the fluid reservoir. The dispensing reservoir can have an overflow return fluidly connected to the fluid reservoir such that the dispensing reservoir holds a measured volume of fluid. A reservoir conduit can be fluidly connected to the fluid reservoir and the dispensing reservoir to allow excess fluid to return from the overflow to the fluid reservoir. A dispensing conduit can also be fluidly connected to the dispensing reservoir to allow fluid to exit the dispensing reservoir. A mechanical wall actuator can be operatively associated with the walls for controllably flexing at least a portion of the walls sufficient to force fluid from the fluid reservoir to the dispensing reservoir via the reservoir conduit.
US08047396B2 End boss and composite pressure vessel
A composite pressure vessel comprised of an inner fluid tight liner and an outer reinforced polymer layer. An end boss comprising a short pipe section arranged through an opening of the vessel and extending to a lower end with an outwardly extending flange on the pipe section arranged between the outer layer and the inner liner, and a lid arranged at an upper end of the pipe section. The inner liner extends upwards through the opening of the pipe section to the lid with at least one gas tight seal interfacing against the inner liner. A pre-tensioning device is arranged on the outside of the inner liner, in a groove nearest to the lid and pipe section, around the upper end of the pipe section, which, regardless of the pressure in the vessel, presses the inner liner against the at least one gas tight seal.
US08047394B2 Safety device for at least one container, in particular a blow-mouded plastic container
A safety device for at least one container, in particular a blow-molded plastic container, preferably in ampoule form, has a supply part (5) for accommodating a medium which can be dispensed via a container opening (9). The container opening (9) can be closed by a first safety part (11) which counteracts opening forces with a predefinable resistance. The predefinable resistance can be overcome for the release of the container opening (9) with the aid of a second safety part (15) which interacts with the first safety part (11).
US08047393B2 Tank filler neck with a negative and positive pressure relief valve
A tank filler neck comprises an outer wall (1), an inner wall (2) and an inner space (19) closed off from the environment during operation. In order to enable the pressure in this space (19) to be equalized in both directions, a negative and positive pressure relief valve (20) is provided in the annular space (18) between outer wall (1) and inner wall (2). The valve comprises a partition (21) with holes (30) distributed over the circumference, said partition dividing the annular space (18) between outer wall (1) and inner wall (2) into a first annular space (22) connected to the atmosphere and a second annular space (23) connected to the inner space (19), a first valve ring (31) in the first annular space (22) and a second valve ring (32) in the second annular space (23), which valve rings have first zones (40, 42) and second offset zones (41, 43) alternating in the circumferential direction, see FIG. 4.
US08047378B2 Reusable shipping container
The present invention relates to shipping containers, and more particularly to a reusable shipping container with reusable cushioning. In one embodiment, a reusable shipping container for shipping an item includes first and second outer trays, and first and second cushions. Each cushion is received in one of the outer trays, and each cushion has an open, hollow dome. The dome extends substantially across the respective outer tray. The first and second outer trays are engageable to close the container, with the domes of the first and second cushions facing each other. Each dome is made of a resilient material that is deflectable into a substantially concave bowl to receive an item between the facing domes during shipment.
US08047372B2 Case for receiving a medicament pack, and use thereof
The invention relates to a case for receiving a blister pack, comprising a first case half and a second case half. The halves are hinged on one another. The first case half is designed as a pocket for receiving the blister pack and has an outer part and an inner viewing part and also first apertures in the viewing part and second apertures in the outer part. The first apertures are at least partially aligned with the second apertures, specifically at least where the receptacles are located after the blister pack is received in the pocket. The second case half has a first compartment for receiving a first display displaying days of the week, and first windows for displaying the days of the week in an inner viewing surface of the second case half in the area of the first compartment. The first windows are arranged in such a way that they are aligned with the columns of the receptacles of a medicament pack received in the pocket.
US08047367B2 Shipping and storage containers
A containment system includes a vapor resistant container for a material, and a seal for the vapor resistant container.
US08047366B2 Connected fastener assembly
A connected fastener assembly is formed by fitting a shaft guide on a shaft section of each fastener, by connecting the fasteners using two connecting sheets made of a synthetic resin and disposed on upper and lower sides of the shaft guides. Since the connecting sheets have through holes thorough which the fasteners pass and connecting sections formed so as to be easy to bend or difficult to bend in the width direction, the connected fastener assembly can be formed into a straight type or a coil type.In a connected fastener assembly, shaft sections of a plurality of fasteners are connected by a connecting band formed of a thin sheet of a synthetic resin. Ring-shaped retaining sections for retaining the shaft sections are formed at constant intervals in the connecting bands. The ring-shaped retaining sections are disposed so as to be overlaid on shaft guides made of soft materials and fitted on the shaft sections. Each of the shaft guides is formed into a cylindrical shape. An outside diameter of each of the ring-shaped retaining sections of the connecting band is larger than an outside diameter of the each of the shaft guides.
US08047364B2 Protective covering for personal electronic device
A personal electronic device protective wallet covering. A main housing is dimensioned to fit securely and snugly around a personal electronic device. The main housing includes a window disposed on a front side of the housing allowing usable access to a front surface of a device disposed in the housing. A rear protective face at least partially covers a rear surface of the device disposed inside. A preferably externally accessible pocket is formed coextensively with the rear protective face, adapted to allow insertion and removal of cards or paper currency into and out of the pocket in the manner of a wallet. The window may be an absence of housing material, allowing direct user contact with the front of the device, or it may thin and transparent, allowing functional contact therethrough. The pocket may be formed between the housing and the device or between the housing and an additional layer.
US08047358B1 Cover for a conveyor
A cover having at least two elongated members with each member having a hook at one end and a prong at the opposite end. The hook receives the prong of an adjacent member to interlock adjacent members. The members also have downwardly extending flanges that fit over flanges on a conveyor. The cover is connected to the conveyor by one or more brackets.
US08047353B1 Conveyor for steel strip coils and the like
A conveyor comprising an endless accumulation chain and at least two sets of devices for effecting incremental movements of the chain at respective stations. Each set of devices includes a first device for engaging and disengaging respectively the chain, a second device engaged to the first device for moving it from a first position to a second position while it is engaged to the chain for effecting an incremental movement of a portion of the chain and for retracting the first device to the first position while the first device is disengaged from the chain, and a third device for engaging the chain to lock the chain portion in a fixed position while the first device is disengaged from the chain and for disengaging from the chain when the first device is engaged to the chain portion so that the first device may be moved to the second position for incrementally moving the chain portion. In order to incrementally move the conveyor chain, the first device is engaged to the chain, the second device is disengaged from the chain, the engaged first device is moved from the first position to the second position to effect incremental movement of the chain, the second device is engaged to the chain to maintain a chain portion position, the first device is disengaged from the chain, and the first device is retracted to the first position to repeat the method for another incremental chain movement.
US08047345B2 Multi-plate clutch and hydrodynamic torque converter device having said multi-plate clutch
A multi-plate clutch (2) having a first plate carrier (48) and second plate carrier (50) and one or more first plates (52) received by the first plate carrier and one or more second plates (54) received by the second plate carrier, a pressure element (58) which can especially be actuated hydraulically for generating an axial load on the clutch pack configured by the first and second plates and closing the multi-plate clutch, in which the pressure element configuring the second plate carrier and/or being connected to the second plate carrier in a rotationally fixed manner.
US08047344B2 Torsional vibration damper and hydrodynamic torque converter device for an automotive drive train
A torsional vibration damper (10) and a hydrodynamic torque converter device (1). The converter device has a converter torus (18) which is configured by an impeller (12), a turbine wheel (14) and a stator (16), and a converter lockup clutch (20). The torsional vibration damper (10) has at least one first energy accumulating device (28) with one ere or more first energy accumulators (68) (e.g. coil spring or bow spring), at least one first wall (92) radially supporting the at least one first energy accumulator (68), where a rolling body device (98) (e.g. a rolling gear) is interposed between the at least one first wall (92) and the at least first energy accumulator (68) (e.g. coil spring or bow spring).
US08047330B1 Telescoping ladder jack
A telescoping ladder jack supports a scaffolding plank and comprises a main member. A telescoping beam includes longitudinally spaced holes on each side of the telescoping beam and is inserted into or extracted from the main member. A locking mechanism is mounted to the main member and inserted into one of the holes to fix the telescoping beam at a desired length extracted from the main member. Ladder rung hooks are attached to a first bracket, which receives and is pivotally attached to the main member and has one of the hooks attached to each opposing end of the first bracket. A device for adjusting incline includes a second bracket mounted to a bottom of the main member (the second bracket including at least one series of recessed locking joints) and a bracing arm movably fastened to the second bracket by a locking pin oriented through a first end of the bracing arm and pivotally mounted to the first bracket at a second end of the bracing arm. A securing mechanism includes a third bracket mounted to a distal end of the telescoping beam and an adjustable pin that fits into one of the holes in the telescoping beam by passing through a slot in a top of the main member. The slot extends substantially the length of the main member, and the scaffolding plank is secured between the third bracket and adjustable pin to the telescoping beam and main member.
US08047321B2 Hybrid propulsion and transmission system for motorcycles
Herein described is a hybrid propulsion and transmission system for a motorcycle of the type comprising at least an internal combustion engine (10) and at least one driving wheel (22). The system comprises a first electric machine (14), provided with first mechanical connection means (12) to the internal combustion engine (10), and a second electric machine (18), coupled with first electric machine (14) through electric and/or electronic connection means (16) and/or through second mechanical connection means (20), and coupled with the driving wheel (22) through second mechanical connection means (20).
US08047318B2 Cooling system for a vehicle battery
Air is cooled by a heat exchanger of a vehicle. The cooled air is directed to a cabin and/or battery of the vehicle. Ports in the cooling path direct the cooled air to the cabin and/or battery.
US08047317B2 System, vehicle, and method
A power system is provided that includes a first voltage bus, a traction motor configured to generate electrical power during a regenerative braking mode and to supply the generated electrical power to the first voltage bus, and an auxiliary system coupled to the first voltage bus. The auxiliary system comprises a second voltage bus and a power interface unit coupling the first voltage bus to the second voltage bus. The auxiliary system also comprises an energy storage device coupled to the second voltage bus and configured to store energy supplied to the second voltage bus and configured to supply stored energy to the second voltage bus and an auxiliary load configured to receive power based on power in the second voltage bus.
US08047313B2 Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
A method of operating a hybrid vehicle propulsion system includes selectively operating the engine to consume fuel stored on-board the vehicle based on a residence time of the fuel stored on-board the vehicle and further based on a profile of ambient conditions over the residence time.
US08047302B2 Drilling and/or striking hammer with a lubricating device
Disclosed is a drilling and/or striking hammer that includes a lubricating device having a lubricant reservoir and a volume of lubricant contained therein. The lubricating device conveys lubricant to at least one a transmission system within the hammer's housing, a percussion system, and/or a tool holder at a variable dosing or flow rate. The dosing or flow rate varies as a function of tool stress which can include use intensity and/or temperature. A flexible tube extends between the reservoir and the lubricated component(s). At lease part of the flexible tube vibrates with the lubricated components during use and modifies a viscosity of the lubricant therein, based on tool use intensity. A pressure generating device can pressurize the lubricant, helping convey the lubricant to a targeted area for lubricating movable parts.
US08047295B2 Lightweight device for remote subsea wireline intervention
In one illustrative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device adapted to be positioned adjacent an end of a tool housing of a subsea lubricator, wherein the device includes a structural member that is adapted to be positioned adjacent an end of the tool housing, a non-metallic body coupled to the structural member and a sealing device that is adapted to sealingly engage a wireline extending through the sealing device. The present invention is also directed to a method which includes lowering an assembly toward a tool housing of a subsea lubricator positioned subsea using a wireline for the tool to support a weight of the assembly, wherein the assembly includes a wireline tool and a device including a structural member that is adapted to be positioned adjacent the end of a tool housing, a non-metallic body coupled to the structural member, and a sealing device that is adapted to sealingly engage a wireline extending through the sealing device.
US08047294B2 Dual flapper safety valve
A valve system for use in a subterranean well, the valve having multiple closure devices, or a closure device and a device for protecting the closure device. A valve system includes a valve with a closure assembly. The closure assembly has a closure device and a protective device which alters fluid flow through a flow passage of the valve prior to closure of the closure device to thereby protect the closure device. A safety valve system includes a safety valve with a closure assembly having at least two closure devices arranged in series for controlling flow through a flow passage of the safety valve. Another safety valve system includes a safety valve assembly including multiple safety valves arranged in parallel. One portion of fluid from a fluid source flows through one of the safety valves, while another portion of fluid from the fluid source flows through another safety valve.
US08047285B1 Method and apparatus to deliver energy in a well system
The subject matter relates to an apparatus for insertion of a conduit into a well system bore to introduce a reactant fluid over a subterranean catalyst to initiate decomposition of the reactant fluid which resultant energy release may be utilized to perform work or perform heating of the subterranean environment. The energy released from the catalytic reaction and subsequent combustion of fuels may also be used for cutting, welding, powering pumps, compressors, turbines, generators, or to heat well system fluids, pipes, subterranean reservoir fluids, subterranean solids, and completion devices in the well system.
US08047282B2 Methods of sonically activating cement compositions
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for sonically activating cement slurries. In some implementations, a method of treating a subterranean formation includes positioning a settable composition including a capsule in a wellbore. The capsule is used to increase a setting rate in response to at least sonic signals. A sonic signal is transmitted to at least a portion of the settable composition to release an activator from the capsule.
US08047276B2 Tool for enhancing the extraction of landfill gas
An apparatus and method to internally provide apertures inside polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or any polymeric pie, plastic pipe-riser (blank casing) in existing landfill gas recovery wells (extraction wells) that have been installed at Municipal Solid Waste Facilities are described. By creating additional apertures in landfill gas recovery well risers, landfill gas derived from the decomposition of waste is allowed to enter the existing riser and extraction/recovery system. This process saves time and cost associated with drilling additional wells to capture landfill gas from subsequent layers of the waste body. The process assists in maintaining regulatory compliance by capturing landfill gas and preventing it from being emitted into the atmosphere.
US08047270B2 Heat dissipation device having heat pipes for supporting heat sink thereon
A heat dissipation device includes a base, a fin group located at a top of the base, a fan mounted on a top of the fin group, a first heat pipe and a second heat pipe. The first and second heat pipes connect with the base and the fin group and each includes a condensing portion and an evaporating portion. The evaporating portions of the first and second heat pipes are received in the base. The condensing portions of the first and the second heat pipes are located at opposite sides of the fin group respectively and extend through and support the fin group along opposite directions.
US08047261B2 Method of making a multi-element mold assembly for, E.G., footwear components
A mold assembly for footwear components is cast as a collection of mold elements having integral attachment members. Attachment members of separate mold elements may then be joined by, e.g., welding. Handles may also be formed into one or more mold elements as part of the casting process. Outsole negatives are juxtaposed with templates for attachment tabs and/or handles and used to form ceramic casting molds. The ceramic casting molds can then be used to cast individual mold elements.
US08047250B2 Postage label dispensing system and repositionable peeler guide therefor
A postage label dispensing system for dispensing adhesive-backed labels including a face material having an adhesive backing and a liner material detachably bonded to the adhesive backing. The adhesive backing defines a plurality of longitudinal adhesive strips and at least one non-adhesive region disposed therebetween and the face material includes at least one longitudinal cut disposed adjacent to, and aligned with, the non-adhesive region. The label dispensing system includes a system for displacing a supply of label material along a feed path and a peeler guide interposing the feed path operative to (i) guide the label material between upper and lower guide members of the peeler guide, (ii) induce a bend in the liner material along an axis substantially parallel to the at least one longitudinal cut, and (iii) separate an edge of the face material from the liner material along at least a portion of the longitudinal cut.
US08047243B2 Replacement tread for a truck racing tire
A retreaded pneumatic truck tire includes a used carcass having a uniform annular attachment area and a retread element. The retread element secures to the attachment area of the used carcass. The retread element has a tread pattern comprising a first circumferential groove separating the tread pattern into a first shoulder rib and an intermediate rib and a second circumferential groove separating the tread pattern into the intermediate rib and a second shoulder rib. The tread pattern further comprises a first plurality of identical arcuate notches extending axially and circumferentially across the first circumferential groove and a second plurality of identical arcuate notches extending axially and circumferentially across the second circumferential groove. The first plurality of arcuate notches are offset circumferentially from the second plurality of arcuate notches.
US08047240B2 Sandbag for mechanical filling using earth loader equipment
An implement for mechanically filling multiple sandbags at a time is used on a loader bucket of loader-type equipment. The implement has a planar surface in which a plurality of filler apertures are formed in a plurality of rows evenly spaced over its surface area. Each filler aperture has a tensioner ring around the aperture for holding a drawstring held in a sleeve around an open end of the sandbag. A trigger mechanism is movable to a locked position in which the drawstring of the sandbag is pulled tight so that the open end of the sandbag is held in place on the tensioner ring, to an unlocked position in which the trigger mechanism lifts the drawstring off the tensioner ring to allow the sandbag filled with filler material to pull on and cinch the open end of the sandbag closed, and to a release position in which the cinched sandbag is released to the ground.
US08047220B2 Gas cabinet
A gas cabinet has a housing receiving at least one gas bottle. The housing has at least one intake opening and at least one exit opening. A conduit system is located in the housing to which the at least one gas bottle is to be connected. A scavenging air passage for a scavenging air flow entering the housing through the at least one intake opening and exiting from the housing through the at least one exit opening is provided. The gas cabinet is configured such that an open flow cross-section of the air passage for the scavenging air in the housing is limited to an amount necessary for a reliable scavenging action. At least one displacement body is arranged in the housing for limiting the flow cross-section in the housing.
US08047214B2 Powder puff dispenser with flow-through gasket
A dispenser includes a housing having a reservoir for containing a product. The dispenser includes a flow-through gasket with a concave shape top having a plurality of apertures. The dispenser provides a product delivery passageway through the flow-through gasket when the dispenser is in an open position. The dispenser prevents leakage by providing a seal with the flow-through gasket when the dispenser is in a closed position. In some examples, the flow-through gasket with the concave shape top may be made of a material having elastomeric properties.
US08047207B2 Orifice insertion devices and methods
Methods and devices for sealing an orifice are provided. A sealing element is inserted into an orifice. A fluid is transferred into the sealing element. Fluid transfer into the sealing element is restricted when a pressure in the sealing element is greater than a threshold value.
US08047202B2 Nasal devices
A nasal delivery device and a method of delivering substance to a nasal airway of a subject, can be used for mass treatment, especially mass vaccination. The delivery device can include an interface unit, as a replaceable unit, having at least one nosepiece unit for fitting to a respective nostril of a subject, a nozzle from which substance is in use delivered, and at least one delivery unit having a substance supply unit for delivering substance to the nozzle of the at least one nosepiece unit. The delivery device can also include an actuation unit for actuating the at least one delivery unit of the interface unit.
US08047201B2 Nasal dilator
A nasal dilator that includes an upper resilient member for dilating the nasal valve and a lower resilient member for dilating the nostrils. The upper resilient member and lower resilient member may be attached to one another by a flexible substrate having a middle portion that is narrower in length than the upper or lower resilient members. The nasal dilator also may have adhesive tabs extending downwardly from the lower portion of the substrate on either side of the nose and towards the nostril entry, for temporary attachment to the side of the nasal vestibule to reduce nostril collapse. The nasal dilator also may include bendable or configurable hooks extending downwardly from the lower portion of the substrate and towards the nostril entrance for insertion into the nostril to reduce nostril collapse.
US08047186B2 Oil separator
An oil separating device for separating micron and sub-micron particles of oil from crankcase gases is provided. The oil separating device includes a housing having a first chamber in communication with a second chamber, and a narrow wave-shaped passage disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber. The narrow wave-shaped passage is defined by a first inner wall having a first undulating surface opposite and spaced apart from a second inner wall having a second undulating surface mirroring the first undulating surface. The narrow wave-shaped passage is disposed downstream of the first chamber and above the oil drain so as to allow oil particles in crankcase gases passing from the inlet to the outlet to accumulate on the first and second inner walls and assist gravity in forcing the accumulated oil through the narrow wave-shaped passage into the oil drain.
US08047172B2 Plasma jet ignition plug
A plasma jet ignition plug capable of inhibiting occurrence of channeling while reducing removal of energy of plasma through a ground electrode at the time of emission of plasma. A ground electrode of a plasma jet ignition plug projects inward from a front end face of a metallic shell toward an opening end of a cavity which is open at a front end face of an insulator. A projecting distal end which forms a spark discharge gap between the same and a center electrode within a cavity is located inward, with respect to a diametral direction P orthogonal to an axis O, of a position which is located 0.5 mm radially outward from the opening end of the cavity.
US08047165B2 Medium circulating apparatus for improving startability and warm up ability
A medium circulating apparatus of engine oil, which improves startability and warm up ability of an internal combustion engine, includes a microbubble generator that generates microbubbles and mixes the microbubbles into the circulating engine oil. Further, the medium circulating apparatus includes a medium temperature acquiring unit that acquires a temperature of the engine oil. The microbubbles are generated by the microbubble generator when the temperature of the engine oil is less than or equal to a predetermined value in order to decrease a viscosity, a heat conductivity, and a heat capacity of the engine oil in which the microbubbles are mixed.
US08047148B2 Ship
A ship designed for use at high speed and heavy seas having a single long and slender hull with a narrow beam and a more or less vertical bow, whereby the front half of the hull has more or less vertical sides, minimal flare in the bow sections and towards the bow an increase in draught at its center line combined with a more or less similar increase of freeboard and whereby the aft end of the hull has a flat or slightly V-shaped bottom with one or more propellers and/or waterjets as propulsion means. In accordance with the invention the bow has a fillet radius of at least 1% of the beam.
US08047145B2 Ammonia vaporization system using non-flue gas intermediate heat transfer medium
Methods and apparatus for generating a vapor to be injected into a flue gas stream are described. The apparatus includes a fluid vaporization and injection assembly including an input for receiving a non-flue gas, e.g., clean, fluid heat transfer medium, e.g., air; a first sealed coil having an input and an output through which a fluid, such as ammonia, to be vaporized is passed; and a second sealed coil having an input and an output through which a heated second fluid, such as water or steam, is passed. The second sealed coil is arranged to transfer heat from the heated second fluid to the non-flue gas fluid heat transfer medium. The first sealed coil is arranged to absorb heat from the non-flue gas fluid heat transfer medium. An injection unit is coupled to an output of the first sealed coil for injecting the vaporized fluid into a flue gas stream.
US08047142B2 Protection method and protection system for valuables
There is provided a protection method and protection system for valuables. An internal enclosure for enclosing the valuables, an external enclosure for enclosing the internal enclosure, a misuse protection device for the valuables, and a triggering device for triggering the misuse protection device in the event of an unauthorized manipulation of the external enclosure are provided. The external enclosure is closable to form a seal. A pressure chamber, which is impinged by an initial pressure, is produced in the external enclosure. A setpoint pressure is generated, which deviates from the ambient pressure, in the pressure chamber when the external enclosure is closed to form a seal. A pressure sensor is used for detecting the pressure in the pressure chamber. The pressure sensor controls initialization of the triggering device. The triggering device triggers the misuse protection device when the pressure deviates by more than a tolerance pressure value from the setpoint pressure.
US08047129B2 Apparatus for disinfecting seeds using hot water
An apparatus for disinfecting seeds using hot water. The apparatus includes a disinfection container for holding water. A hopper feeds seeds into the disinfection container. A heater heats the water in the disinfection container. A temperature sensor detects a temperature of the water. A control box controls the heater in response to a detected signal. A cylindrical hot-water circulation chamber moves the seeds from the hopper to the lower portion of the disinfection container. A water jetting pipe jets water fed from a circulation pump towards the upper portion of the hot-water circulation chamber, thus dispersing the seeds. A storage tube temporarily stores the seeds. A feed tube feeds the seeds from the storage tube to the outside. An air jetting pipe jets compressed air from an air pump and discharges the compressed air to an inlet of the feed tube.
US08047124B2 Automatic beverage maker
An automatic beverage maker is provided. The automatic beverage maker is configured for storing raw materials of various hot drinks in vacuum, grinding the raw material of a hot drink to be made into powder with a grinding module, displacing an inlet cover at an upper end of a steeping chamber with a translational transport module so as to introduce the powder of the raw material of the hot drink to be made into the steeping chamber, and guiding hot boiled water in an internal water tank to drip into the steeping chamber, thus forming a convenient hot drink making mechanism.
US08047123B2 Cooling gallery insert for a piston
A piston assembly for an internal combustion engine is provided, including a piston and at least one insert. The piston includes an annular recess, a first surface, a ring belt and a skirt. The annular recess is located between the ring belt and the skirt. The insert may include a longitudinal portion and one or more opposing arms. The insert may be configured to be coupled with the piston. The arm(s) may extend laterally from the longitudinal portion and may be configured to abut the skirt, thereby orienting the insert relative to the piston. The insert may be disposed along the first surface, and aligned with the piston skirt such that the arms of the insert form a circumference about the piston skirt. The arms may at least partially enclose the annular recess at the piston skirt.
US08047121B2 Working machine, and quick load-dropping method
A tank 16 and a main hydraulic pump 17 are connected to head side actuator chambers 13 and rod side actuator chambers 14 of hydraulic actuators 12 via conduits 21, 22. A direction control valve 18 and a quick drop valve 36 are connected to the conduits 21, 22. A hydraulic circuit is provided with an electromagnetic switch valve 42, which switches the quick drop valve 36 from a non-quick drop position 37 to a quick drop position 38. When switching the direction control valve 18 from a neutral position 23 to a lowering operation position 25, if the manipulation speed of a manipulation lever 33 exceeds a criteria speed, an excitation signal is output from a control device 32 to an electromagnetic switch valve 42 to quickly drop a blade 11, and the quick drop valve 36 is switched from the non-quick drop position 37 to the quick drop position 38.
US08047105B2 Machining tool and machining method
A machining tool of the present invention is used for finishing an end face having an arcuate cross section on a machined portion of a workpiece. A machining tool 30 has a tool body 31 and a cutting portion 32 provided integrally on a tip of the tool body 31. The cutting portion 32 is formed in substantially semispherical shape, and has a substantially spherical flank 33 and a substantially flat rake 35 joined to the flank 33 via an arcuate cutting edge 34. In the state that the cutting edge 34 abuts the arcuate end face of the rotated workpiece, the arcuate end face is finished using the machining tool 30 by varying the position of the cutting edge 34 abutting the arcuate end face in a circumferential direction.
US08047092B2 Spiral bevel gear and gear device
In a spiral bevel gear, a contact area between tooth flanks that mesh with each other is increased, thereby reducing teeth knocking noise and strengthening tooth sections.A shape of a tooth form on a normal plane T of a tooth section 15 of a spiral bevel gear becomes gradually larger as the normal plane moves from a small-diameter end section side towards a large-diameter end section side along a tooth trace H, as indicated by (a), (b), and (c). In correspondence, a tooth crest arc section S is provided in a connecting section 21 between a tooth flank 17 on a meshing side and a tooth crest 16. The tooth crest arc section S is formed such that a curvature radius r gradually increases within a range that does not exceed a radius R of an inscribed circle inscribed within two tooth flanks 17 and 18 and the tooth crest 16 on the normal plane T. The tooth crest arc section S can increase contact area when contact is made with a tooth flank of a partner gear and elastic deformation occurs.
US08047087B2 Level sensor mounting
A method for fixing a fuel level sensor in a fuel tank having an upper and a lower wall, the sensor having a foot and a top. The method fixedly secures the foot of the sensor to the bottom wall of the fuel tank through a molded-in retainer, and elastically fixes the tubular top of the sensor to the top wall of the tank through a molded-in retainer as well.
US08047083B2 Trigger assembly including a flexible bend sensor
A flexible sensor is disposed in a power tool. The flexible sensor has an electrical resistance that varies based on a radius of curvature of the flexible sensor. A trigger partially disposed in the power tool, operates to apply a bending force at an engagement point on the flexible sensor to bend the flexible sensor and alter the radius of curvature. A controller outputs an electrical signal to the power tool based on the electrical resistance to control a function of the power tool.
US08047080B2 Electromagnetic flowmeter and zero point measurement method thereof
An electromagnetic flowmeter for giving a magnetic field to a measurement fluid, detecting an electric signal occurring in the measurement fluid according to the magnetic field, and computing a flow quantity value based on the electric signal includes a zero point measurement section for measuring a zero point of the measurement fluid; a storage section for storing the measured zero point measurement value; a determination section for determining whether or not the difference between the preceding zero point measurement value stored in the storage section and the present zero point measurement value is beyond a predetermined value range; and at least either a transmission section for transmitting the determination result or a display section for displaying the determination result when the determination section determines that the difference is beyond the predetermined value range.
US08047079B2 Method for controlling an electronic pressure gauge and pressure gauge therefor
The invention provides a method for controlling an electronic manometer for measuring pressure (p) inside a pressurized gas receptacle. The manometer comprises at least one pressure sensor, an electronic unit designed for the acquisition, storage and processing of data, and at least one information device device capable of transmitting at least one item of information (p).
US08047073B2 Capacitive liquid level detector for direct methanol fuel cell systems
A capacitive liquid level detector for detecting a liquid level of a liquid in a receptacle, the liquid being conductive, the detector comprising: a capacitor with a first plate having a fixed size and being insulated from the liquid, and a second plate being formed by the liquid itself, its size being variable depending on the liquid level inside said receptacle, wherein a thin film dielectric layer is formed on the surface of the first plate and located between the first plate and the second plate, the first plate with the thin film dielectric layer formed on its surface is arranged such that it covers an open part of the outer wall of the receptacle, the first plate with the thin film dielectric layer formed on its surface is attached to the receptacle by sealing means in order to seal the receptacle against liquid leakage.
US08047071B2 Multifunctional electronic device and method for using the same
A portable electronic device includes a housing, a processor unit received in the housing, and an anemometer unit mounted on the housing and electrically connected to the processor unit. The anemometer unit transforms pressure of wind blowing thereon into electronic signals, and the processor unit receives and processes the electronic signals to obtain wind pressures and velocities.
US08047067B2 Sensor structure in particular for a harsh environment in a motor vehicle and preheater plug comprising such a sensor
A sensor structure notably for a harsh environment in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The sensor structure has a sensor body (1) having at one end an element (2) sensitive to the quantity to be measured in the harsh environment and at another end a connection circuit (3) for the latter, placed away from the harsh environment, and physically separated from one another. The sensor structure is connected by means for transmitting information by carrier current on an electrical conductor (5) of the sensor with which the sensitive element and the connection circuit are associated by wireless coupling means and between which are provided means (4) for protecting the connection circuit from the environment.
US08047066B2 Steering angle sensing apparatus and method thereof
A steering angle sensing apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus and method sense the steering angle of a steering shaft by using a rotated bit value difference corresponding to the rotated angles of magnets, which are respectively coupled on an axis of one of a plurality of sub gears, when the sub gears with respectively different gear ratios rotate with a shaft gear that rotates together with the steering shaft.
US08047065B2 Diagnostic system for valve actuation camshaft driven component compensation
A diagnostic system and method for operating the same includes a pressure monitoring module generating a diagnostic pressure signal and a camshaft driven engine component correction module generating an engine component oil pressure correction signal and generating a corrected diagnostic pressure signal based on the diagnostic pressure signal and the engine component oil pressure signal. The system further includes a diagnostic module generating a failed variable valve lift mechanism signal based on the corrected diagnostic pressure signal.
US08047063B2 Exhaust purification device of internal combustion engine
In an internal combustion engine, a sulfur detection sample gas is generated in a sample gas generation chamber by fuel of an amount smaller than the amount of fuel fed to a combustion chamber and proportional to the amount of fuel fed to the combustion chamber. An SOx sensor having a sensor part trapping the sulfur contained in the sample gas and capable of detecting the amount of sulfur trapped in the sensor part from the property changes of the sensor part is provided. The amount of SOx that flows into the catalyst is estimated from the output value-of this SOx sensor.
US08047050B2 Performance test apparatus and image taking device thereof
A performance test apparatus includes a control unit, an image taking device, and a base having a table and a frame mounted to the table. The image taking device includes at least one image taker and at least one parallel light source. The at least one image taker is movably mounted to the frame and electrically connected to the control unit. The at least one parallel light source faces the table and is electrically connected to the control unit. The least one parallel light source includes a plurality of spot light sources. The control unit controls on/off of the at least one parallel light source, so that the at least one parallel light source flickers at a high frequency.
US08047045B2 Apparatus and method for forming a tube with a tetragonal cross-section, having a reinforced end
An apparatus for cold-forming a workpiece having a substantially round cross-section and an elongate body into a tube having a main portion with a substantially tetragonal cross-section and a reinforced end. The apparatus includes a die in which a received portion of the body of the workpiece is receivable and from which a preselected portion of the body extends, and a first punch adapted to bend the preselected portion radially outwardly to form a curled end. The apparatus also includes a second punch to form the curled end into a round reinforced end, and a die subassembly for forming the received portion of the body of the workpiece into the main portion of the tube having the substantially tetragonal cross-section and for forming the round reinforced end into the reinforced end of the tube.
US08047041B2 Method of reducing thickness of unbroken rolling stock
A method of reducing thickness of unbroken rolling stock (14) by longitudinal rolling includes deforming the rolling stock (14) in the width direction with deformation regions (26 to 29; 86 to 88) of the rolls (22 to 25; 82 to 84) penetrating in the rolling stock to the same depth.
US08047040B2 Wire winding apparatus, method for wire winding and wire wound bobbin
A wire winding apparatus for winding a wire on a bobbin includes a forming device forming the wire having a rounded cross section to have a polygonal cross section and a winding device winding the wire formed by the forming device on the bobbin.
US08047037B2 Shaping tool
The invention relates to a shaping tool which is used to shape a workpiece, in particular, a sheet steel component, comprising at least two shaping tool halves. Contoured regions are provided in the region of the shaping tool halves in order to give the workpiece a corresponding contour, at least in sections. Each shaping tool half has a shaping surface shell which is oriented towards the workpiece and a support shaping half. The shaping surface shell is arranged on the support shaping half and comprises a shaping surface, which is oriented towards the workpiece, and a rear side which is oriented away from the workpiece. The support shaping half comprises a contoured area which essentially corresponds to the contour of the workpiece which is to be produced and the contoured area is surrounded by a flange area. Grooves are provided in the contoured area in the region of the rear side of the shaping surface shell. The support shaping half comprises receiving surfaces which receive the support shaping half in a positive fit and the receiving surfaces and the grooves form cooling channels. The support shaping half comprises supply channels and discharge channels such that a coolant can be guided through the channels.
US08047033B2 Plastic working method and plastic working system
A plurality of press devices 2 are arranged in a plastic working system. The plastic working system includes: a loop correction sensor 13 for watching a slack of a coil material C intermittently delivered from a preceding first press device 2a; and a second slack watching means 19 for watching a slack of the coil material C generated at the time of sending the coil material C to a succeeding second press device 2b. According to the slack generated by intermittent feeding of the coil material C sent from the first press device 2a, intermittent feeding is converted to continuous feeding by the feeding means 15. At the same time, the continuous feeding speed is subjected to speed increasing/decreasing control. On the other hand, by the second slack watching means 19, a slack of the coil material C is watched at the time of feeding the coil material C to the second press device 2b and the preceding first press device 2a is subjected to speed increasing/decreasing control.
US08047030B2 Housing for electronic lock
A housing assembly adapted to fit into a mortised recess in a door is provided for accommodating components of an electronic lock mechanism. The housing assembly comprises a housing including opposed major side walls at least partially defining an opening into the housing. A circuit board comprising electronic circuitry for operating the lock mechanism is disposed in the housing. A bracket for holding batteries is adapted to be disposed in the opening in the housing. The bracket is accessible when the housing is in the mortised recess of the door such that the bracket is movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. In the first position the bracket is in the housing and in the second position the bracket is at least partially outside of the housing such that batteries may be inserted into or removed from the bracket.
US08047022B2 Apparatus for opening and closing molds in a glassware forming machine
Apparatus for opening and closing mold arms in a glassware forming machine includes a gearbox for mounting on a glassware machine frame, a cylinder housing suspended beneath the gearbox, and a mold open/close cylinder disposed within the cylinder housing. The cylinder has a mold open/close piston with an extending piston rod and a gear rack machined or otherwise formed in the piston rod. A first drive gear in the cylinder housing is coupled to the gear rack and a drive shaft extends from the first drive gear and the cylinder housing into the gearbox. A second drive gear is disposed in the gearbox and coupled to the drive shaft. Laterally spaced operating shafts extend upwardly from within the gearbox. Means including an idler gear couple the second drive gear to the operating shafts such that the operating shafts are rotated simultaneously in opposite directions by the cylinder, the gear rack, the first and second drive gears and the idler gear. In exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, the means include driven gears or connecting links coupling the second drive gear and the idler gear to the operating shafts. Linkages couple the operating shafts to the mold arms of the glassware forming machine.
US08047019B1 Attachment to convert a brooch to a pendant
An attachment for a brooch enabling said brooch to be suspended by a necklace as a pendant. The attachment comprises a body, a head, and a tail. The body contains multiple pin holes one of which encases the pin of the brooch. After the width is adjusted, said body lies adjacent to the hinge and the locking device of the pin. The proximity of said body to said devices as well as said body's thickness prevents said devices from contacting the wearer. The head, which houses the necklace hole, is of sufficient thickness that it creates a protective space between any sharp projections on the back of said brooch and the wearer above the pin. The tail, after adjustment, covers sharp projections below the pin. The attachment will protect the wearer from injury, make the brooch comfortable to wear, and display the brooch in a cosmetic manner.
US08047014B2 Humidity control system
A humidity control system (10) is disclosed which includes a refrigerant circuit (60). The refrigerant circuit (60) includes first and second absorbent-supported heat exchangers (61, 62) and performs a refrigeration cycle by the circulation of refrigerant. In addition, in the refrigerant circuit (60), the circulation direction of refrigerant is reversible. The first and second heat exchangers (61, 62) are disposed in a casing (11). In the humidity control system (10), the distribution route of air is changed such that a first air stream is passed through either one of the first and second heat exchangers (61, 61) that is functioning as an evaporator while a second air stream is passed through the other heat exchanger that is functioning as a condenser. A compressor (63), an expansion mechanism (65), and a four-way valve (64) in the refrigerant circuit (60) are disposed together with the heat exchangers (61, 62) in the casing (11).
US08047012B2 Refrigeration system and method using multiple variable capacity devices
A system and method of controlling a compressor rack having a plurality of variable capacity components is provided. A variable capacity component is selected from the plurality of variable capacity components as a designated variable capacity component. The designated variable capacity component is operated by varying a capacity of the designated variable capacity component. Each variable capacity component of the plurality of variable capacity components, except for the designated variable capacity component, is operated at a fixed capacity corresponding to one of a maximum and a minimum capacity of the variable capacity component.
US08047009B2 Method and apparatus for providing additive fluids to refrigerant circuit
A refrigerant additive supply device can include an outer rigid container, an inner flexible bag positioned in the outer rigid container and defining a space therebetween where the inner flexible bag contains an additive without a refrigerant, a valve in fluid communication with the inner flexible bag, an actuator operably coupled to the valve, and a propellant sealed within the space, where the inner flexible bag has a device pressure that allows flow of the additive into a refrigerant circuit when the actuator is depressed. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08046999B2 High-temperature dual-source organic Rankine cycle with gas separations
In a dual-source organic Rankine cycle (DORC), the condensed and slightly sub-cooled working fluid at near ambient temperature (˜300 K) and at low-side pressure (0.1 to 0.7 MPa) is (1) pumped to high-side pressure (0.5-5 MPa), (2) pre-heated in a low-temperature (LT) recuperator, (3) boiled using a low-grade heat source, (4) super-heated in a high-temperature (HT) recuperator to a temperature close to the expander turbine exhaust temperature using this exhaust vapor enthalpy, (5) further super-heated to the turbine inlet temperature (TIT) using a mid-grade heat source, (6) expanded through a turbine expander to the low-side pressure, (7) cooled through the HT recuperator, (8) cooled through the LT recuperator, (9) mostly liquefied and slightly subcooled in a condenser, and (10) the condensed portion is returned to the pump to repeat this cycle.
US08046997B2 External spring supercharger bypass valve
A screw compressor type supercharger includes an improved supercharger bypass valve including a spring biasing the bypass valve towards an open position. The spring may be a compression spring integrated into a bypass valve diaphragm, an extension spring extending parallel to a diaphragm arm, or a torsion spring on a bypass valve butterfly shaft. The spring is selected and installed to hold the bypass valve open at all vacuum levels and at up to one PSI of boost, and then to allow the bypass to close between one PSI and six PSI boost, and to be closed at above six PSI boost. The resulting control of the bypass valve prevents damage to the supercharger.
US08046992B2 Axle driving apparatus
An axle driving apparatus for being mounted on the body frame of a vehicle and for independently rotating drive wheel members. The axle driving apparatus includes a first axle driving unit (18L) having a housing (40) and a single axle (20L), the single axle (20L) defining a proximal end portion rotatably mounted in the housing (40) and a distal end portion extending outwardly from a first side of the housing (40). An enlarged region is defined by the housing (40), with the enlarged region extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the single axle (20L). A hydraulic stepless speed change assembly (22) is disposed within the enlarged region. The speed change assembly (22) includes a hydraulic pump (52) having an input shaft (21) projecting from the enlarged region and includes a hydraulic motor (55) including an output shaft (74) drivingly connected to the single axle (20L). The first axle driving unit (18L) is used in conjunction with a second axle driving unit (18R) which is adjacently disposed to the first axle driving unit (18L) on the body frame of the vehicle and which is of substantially similar construction. However, the second axle driving unit (18R) features a single axle (20R) which extends outwardly from a second, opposite side of the housing (40) such that the axles (20L, 20R) are oppositely disposed.
US08046982B1 Gathering device for soft objects
An apparatus for retrieving soft objects, the apparatus comprising a storage section, a gathering section, a rim and an elongated handle. The storage section is shaped like an open basket on its side and having a top and a bottom. The gathering section extends from the bottom of the storage section, comprises two barrier regions separated by a retaining region, and has a leading edge. The rim is attached at least to the leading edge. The handle projects upward from the top of the storage section at such an angle to permit a raking motion when collecting objects. Also a method for gathering soft objects on the ground including the steps of rotating handle of above apparatus to place its bottom on the ground, pulling the apparatus over fruit-laden ground, and rotating handle so bottom is on top to move the objects elsewhere.
US08046976B2 Devices and methods for packaging beverages
A method for packaging a beverage comprising particulates in a liquid, the method comprising dispensing a first portion of the beverage from a first source into containers, wherein the first portion of the beverage comprises at least a majority of the particulates and a first portion of the liquid, dispensing from a counterpressure filler a second portion of the beverage from a second source into the containers, wherein the second portion of the beverage comprises a second portion of the liquid, and sealing the containers to form packaged beverages. An apparatus for packaging a beverage comprising particulates in a liquid. A method for packaging, in sequence, a first beverage comprising particulates in a liquid and a second beverage comprising a carbonated beverage. A method for packaging a beverage comprising a dairy component and a liquid.
US08046975B1 Pallet roping and wrapping apparatus
Pallet roping and wrapping machines having a plurality of spools of stretch film supported on a single spool and guides that form ropes of stretch film without cutting. Specific implementations of guides include guides formed or rings and rollers. Positions of guides may be adjustable.
US08046968B2 Floor made from individual elements
A multi-layer floor panel unit, which can be assembled with a plurality of similar units to form a floor which is capable of repeatedly being disassembled and reassembled at different times and/or in different locations, includes a pressure-resistant and wear-resistant upper layer; a pressure-resistant lower layer, attached to the upper layer, and having grooves at vertical edges of the lower layer; and connecting strips in the grooves, for connecting adjacent multi-layer floor panel units, the connecting strips having horizontal legs with thickened portions thereon, the thickened portions being for clamping the connecting strips in the grooves.
US08046967B2 Translucent resin wall system
A translucent wall in accordance with the present invention is configured to provide aesthetic qualities to existing walls using resin-based panels. In one implementation, one or more resin-based panels are mounted to an existing wall using one or more easily assembled frames and one or more standoffs. The panels, frames, and standoffs are configured to mount the resin-based panels away from the wall by a specific distance, thereby allowing light to be transmitted through the resin-based panels. This light transmittance in turn provides a number of decorative advantages in terms of coloring, texturing, and in terms of exhibiting decorative objects embedded in the resin-based panels. The one or more frames used in accordance with the present invention can be easily adapted to any interior or exterior space or finish, such that the disclosed systems can benefit from mass-production techniques.
US08046964B2 Cover plate anchor
In an anchor for the attachment to construction panels including two cover plates and an intermediate support core layer wherein the anchor comprises an expansion body and a wedge body which inserted into the expansion body and includes an opening for screwing or pounding in a mounting means, the installed anchor is disposed in an opening of the panel which extends through the first cover plate and the intermediate support core plate. The expansion body has locking zones and engagement elements which are spreadable by wedge elements. With the anchor installed, a wedging zone spreads out the engagement elements of the expansion body behind the cover plate and the locking zones are interlocked.
US08046948B2 Retrofit safety means for weapons and method for securing weapons
The present invention relates to a safety means for weapons. The safety means comprises an electronic control unit for the authentication of an authorized user and the control of a safety mechanism. The safety mechanism mechanically engages with at least one mechanical part of the ignition chain so that said ignition chain is interrupted and firing is prevented. The safety mechanism comprises an actuator for releasing said engagement of the safety mechanism in case the electronic control unit identifies an authentication signal. The safety means according to the present invention is provided in a retrofit main component part of a weapon, which replaces a corresponding original main component part of the weapon. The safety means is preferably controllable by a transponder.
US08046945B2 Transparent picture frame
A transparent picture frame allows artwork to appear more prominent relative to surrounding wall surfaces. The assembly includes a transparent cover plate having dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the artwork, a transparent inner mat portion having a cut-out dimensioned to receive the cover plate and artwork, and a transparent outer mat portion having a cut-out with dimensions less than those of the inner mat portion, resulting in a peripheral overlap. The assembly further includes a transparent back panel, wherein the inner mat portion, outer mat portion and back panel all have the same outer dimensions. One or more fasteners are provided for holding the assembly together in the following order from front-to back: the outer mat portion, the inner mat portion with the cover plate over the artwork, and the back panel. In the preferred embodiment, the inner mat portion, outer mat portion and back panel are made of plastic, whereas the cover plate is made of glass.
US08046916B2 Method of, and apparatus for, manufacturing metallic bellows
A metallic bellows is manufactured by a first step of bulging a straight raw pipe into a primary formed body having formed on a periphery thereof a corrugated bellows section, and a second step of subjecting at least one of crest portions and trough portions of the bellows section of the primary formed body to roll machining by means of a pair of forming rolls.
US08046914B2 Method for manufacturing multilayer printed circuit board
A method of manufacturing a multilayer printed circuit board having interlayer insulating layers and conductor layers repeatedly formed on a substrate, via holes formed in the interlayer insulating layers, and establishing electrical connection through the via holes, including containing an electronic component in said substrate, removing a film on a surface of a die pad of said electronic component, forming a mediate layer to be connected to a via hole of a lowermost interlayer insulating layer, on said die pad, forming the interlayer insulating layers on said substrate, and forming the via holes connected to the conductor circuits and the mediate layers, in said interlayer resin insulating layers.
US08046905B2 Motor manufacturing method
A method of manufacturing a motor includes coupling a base cover to a sleeve having a penetration hole formed therein, such that one side of the penetration hole is closed; inserting a shaft in the penetration hole; coupling a plate to the shaft such that the shaft is inserted in the plate; and pressing and coupling a hub to the shaft such that the shaft is inserted in the hub while the base cover is supported in an axial direction of the shaft to the base cover by using a jig, wherein the base cover is elastically deformed to make contact with the shaft. In the method of manufacturing the motor, the jig is used to deform the base cover so as to come in contact with the shaft, thereby applying the support load in the axial direction.
US08046893B2 Method for assembling a motor vehicle axle of the type provided with suspension arms and a cross-member mounted between said arms, and corresponding axle
A method for assembling a motor vehicle axle including suspension arms and a cross-member mounted between the arms. The method applys an adhesive element on at least one portion of the cross-member, mounts the portion inside a bore of one of the suspension arms to as to leave a clearance between the suspension arm and the adhesive element, and radially deforms one of the assembling elements of the cross-member and the suspension arm to obtain a contact between the adhesive element and the bore of the suspension arm.
US08046892B2 Method of inhibiting access
The present invention relate to a method of inhibiting access. Some embodiments of the method include determining that access to an item needs to be inhibited and positioning a thermal grill relative to the item such that the thermal grill provides a barrier against an individual engaging the item. A thermal grill is a device that has several relatively warm portions which are interlaced with several relatively cold portions. When an individual contacts the thermal grill, the temperature difference between the warm and cold portions causes an individual to feel pain (or discomfort) without physiologically damaging the individual. Therefore, the method inhibits access by notifying individuals that they are performing an undesirable activity when they touch the thermal grill without permanently injuring the individual.
US08046885B1 Apparatus and methods for crimping textile threads
Thread-crimping machines with enhanced throughput are detailed. One or more drive rolls forming parts of the machines may be grooved to group centrally the entering threads without materially adversely impacting driving and crimping operations of the machines. Thread-focusing components also may be employed upstream of the inlet areas.
US08046884B2 Drive and guide device in a needle loom
The drive and guide device for a needle bar of a needle loom having a machine stand includes a first crankshaft rotatably supported in the machine stand; a needle bar supported in the machine stand; a first connecting rod supported on a first cam of the first crankshaft and connected to the needle bar; and a guide device for guiding the needle bar along a path extending perpendicular to the needle-punching support surface. The first connecting rod and/or the guide device comprises a leaf spring, which is rigidly connected to the needle bar to transmit a drive or guide force. As a result, lubrication points on elements of the needle loom which move from place to place are eliminated.
US08046878B1 Bag and clothesline clamp
A bag and clothesline clamp is constructed of a pliable, tubular hose that has a slit opening along the length and two opposite ends wherein at least one is notched at an angle of 45° away from the slit opening; a slot opening formed at least partially through the slit opening by removing a narrow strip of hose parallel to an axis of the hose for ease of insertion of the bag or the clothesline.
US08046876B2 Cookware handle with compressible grip
A cookware handle designed to be grasped by a user's hand, consisting of a rigid structure attached to the cookware, and a flexible grip surrounding the rigid structure. The flexible grip has at least one part consisting of a wall that is from 2 to 10 mm thick, and preferably 5 mm thick, that creates a hand support surface, and at least one hollow cavity inside the grip is adjacent to the wall to enable said wall to be compressed when the handle is grasped.
US08046874B2 Anti-pinching structure for supporting frame
The present invention discloses an anti-pinching structure for supporting frame, in which a slidable or rotatable positioning block is disposed on the hinge portion of the connection base and the supporting framework and a hinge unit is disposed on the hinge portion of the connection base and the supporting framework, such that the torsion spring of the hinge units may form a supporting torsion against the supporting framework and the positioning block may prevent the supporting framework from springing back.
US08046868B2 Vacuum having accessory storage features
A vacuum including a housing, a suction device disposed within the housing, a plurality of accessories operable to engage the suction device, a plurality of wheels mounted to the housing and at least one bumper disposed on the housing. The at least one bumper includes a retaining feature operable to store at least one of the accessories, and the at least one bumper is operable to protect at least one of the wheels to minimize damage thereto. At least one pocket is defined by the bumper. The pocket is adapted to store at least one of the accessories.
US08046864B2 Toothbrush with recesses
The toothbrush body according to the invention has on its top side a hand-supporting section with at least one longitudinal support strip which extends along the longitudinal axis of a handle part and next to which is located at least one recess which extends laterally from the top side to a bottom side. The recesses can take the form of holes located between two longitudinal support strips or of open lateral recesses formed in the broad sides of the toothbrush body.
US08046858B2 Gangway handrail and method for manufacturing the same
A handrail for a gangway and a method for manufacturing the same where the handrail comprises a single, continuous piece of plastic.
US08046857B2 Dock leveler seals and associated methods and systems
Dock leveler seals and associated methods and systems are described herein. A dock leveler having a rear hinge seal configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a rear support frame and a movable deck. The rear support frame includes a plurality of first support members extending therefrom, and the aft edge portion of the deck includes a plurality of second support members pivotally coupled to the first support members along an axis. The seal of this embodiment includes a first edge portion extending outwardly from a medial portion in a first direction, and a second edge portion extending outwardly from the medial portion in a second direction. The medial portion urges the first edge portion against the support frame and the second edge portion against the aft edge portion of the deck as the deck pivots about the axis in operation.
US08046845B1 Lightweight combat helmet
A lightweight combat helmet has a rigid helmet shell with first and second flexible and fluid impermeable receptacles nested within the helmet shell. The first receptacle is filled with structures and substances that alter a trajectory of an incoming projectile. When filled, the second receptacle conforms to a wearer's head.
US08046844B2 Torso
A torso, around which clothes can be wound, includes a curved incision on the backface. Preferably, an elastic member is provided at least on the periphery of the incision. The torso may also include a first opening on the backface, an elastic member formed to cover the first opening, and a curved incision on the elastic member, where the incision is exposed from the first opening. Preferably, the incision is formed along the longitudinal direction of the first opening. Furthermore, the first opening may include at least two projections formed on its periphery, and the elastic member may include at least two holes formed at positions opposing the projections, respectively. A fixing member may be provided for fixing the elastic member, and the fixing member includes a second opening having the same shape and size as those of the first opening and formed at a position opposing the incision.
US08051491B1 Controlling use of computing-related resources by multiple independent parties
Techniques are described for managing access to computing-related resources that, for example, may enable multiple distinct parties to independently control access to the resources (e.g., such that a request to access a resource succeeds only if all of multiple associated parties approve that access). For example, an executing software application may, on behalf of an end user, make use of computing-related resources of one or more types that are provided by one or more remote third-party network services (e.g., data storage services provided by an online storage service)—in such a situation, both the developer user who created the software application and the end user may be allowed to independently specify access rights for one or more particular such computing-related resources (e.g., stored data files), such that neither the end user nor the software application developer user may later access those resources without the approval of the other party.
US08051488B2 Trial usage for encrypted subscription-based data
Subscription based content is decrypted for one or more trial periods without shortening the subscription period for the device. The subscription period for the content does not start until the expiration of the last trial period. The subscription logic included with the device monitors a packet value received in a broadcast to determine when the device is receiving a packet within a trial period. The packet value is time-based such that the subscription logic can determine when the device has exceeded the number of allowed trial periods as well as to determine when the subscription ends.
US08051486B2 Indicating SQL injection attack vulnerability with a stored value
A web application receives a user input with a SQL injection attack string that references a function. The application generates a corresponding statement based on the user input string, which the application sends to a database server. Upon receiving the statement, the database server executes the statement that invokes the referenced function. When invoked, the referenced function stores a value. The presence of the stored value indicates that the database server invoked the function. Storing the value indicative of the function invocation identifies a vulnerability of the web application to SQL injection attacks, since the function reference is introduced solely through user input and function invocation is not intended by the application. This provides proof of SQL injection vulnerability of the application.
US08051484B2 Method and security system for indentifying and blocking web attacks by enforcing read-only parameters
A method for detecting and blocking web attacks, the method comprising identifying read-only parameters by parsing responses received from uniform resource locators. The combinations of binding correlation values (BCVs) of the read-only parameters are compared to their respective previously observed values.
US08051478B1 Secure browser
A secure browsing manager intercepts load calls, and determines whether intercepted load calls are attempting to load code into the browser. When the secure browsing manager detects that a load call is attempting to load code into the browser, it determines whether that code is trusted. The secure browsing manager processes the attempt to load the code into the browser according to whether or not the code is trusted. If the secure browsing manager determines that the code is trusted, it allows the code to be loaded into the browser, thereby securely allowing the benefits of loaded code. If the secure browsing manager determines that the code is not trusted, it blocks the attempt to load the code into the browser, or alternatively takes other actions, such as allowing the code to be loaded into the browser, but blocking certain user initiated activity.
US08051475B2 Collaboration gateway
Method for exchanging information between heterogeneous secured networks. Method supports synchronous communications across security domains including text chat, instant messaging, audio applications, video applications, and whiteboard collaboration. The invention intercepts incoming information traffic on either side and employs a guard for filtering information traffic between security domains according to a policy engine.
US08051473B2 Method for operating networks of devices
A method for operating networks of devices (d) wherein said networks are formed by a plurality of domains (D), wherein each of said domains (D) is formed by one or by a plurality of sub-networks (n) of devices (d), wherein each device (d) is assigned to at least one authorized domain (AD) of said domains (D) by assigning and/or carrying/storing in each case at least one type of authorized domain identifier (ADI) to/by said respective device (d), wherein each type of authorized domain identifier (ADI) is descriptive and/or characteristic for said authorized domain (AD) and its type as well as for a membership of said respective device (d) to said respective domain (D), and wherein an access to, the provision of, and/or a transmission of data with respect to audio/video content by each device (d) is in each case ruled on the basis of the respective assigned and/or carried/storied authorized domain identifiers (ADI).
US08051472B2 Method and apparatus for personalization and identity management
Methods and systems are disclosed for personalization and identity management. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving, from an access provider, a message for a service provider, the message associated with a first identifier of a user of the access provider. A second identifier is obtained, the first identifier is disassociated from the message, and the second identifier is associated with the message. The message associated with the second identifier is then sent to the service provider.
US08051462B2 Secure communication modes in a virtual universe
The present invention is directed to a system, method and program product for providing secure communications in a virtual universe. A system is disclosed that includes a system for allowing a first avatar to request a secure communication mode and for allowing a second avatar to accept the secure communication mode. Once accepted, a secure session is initiated within the virtual universe between the first avatar and the second avatar and at least one feature of the virtual universe is altered to effectuate the secure communication mode.
US08051445B2 Advertisement insertion
Advertisement insertion techniques are described. In an implementation, a network operator decrypts a stream of content received from a content provider at a first server. The decrypted stream of content is communicated to an advertisement splicer, which locates one or more advertisement insertion points in the decrypted stream of content. One or more advertisements are then inserted in the located one or more advertisement insertion points. The decrypted stream of content having the inserted one or more advertisements to a second server, which encrypts the decrypted stream of content having the inserted one or more advertisements. The encrypted stream of content having the inserted one or more advertisements is emitted to be communicated to one or more clients for output.
US08051429B2 Method for associating data bearing objects with user interface objects
The present invention comprises a method for allowing a data controlling object to interface with any number of user interface objects without requiring separate interface code for each user interface object and without restricting the user interface to certain predetermined designs. The present method provides objects called association objects that are interposed between a data controlling object and each user interface object. Each kind of user interface object has a corresponding association object. The association object for a particular kind of user interface object contains code that allows the association object to interact with the specific kind of user interface object with which it is associated. Each association object also presents a standard interface to a data controlling object, regardless of the kind of user interface object with which the association object is associated. The association object takes care of any conversion or translation that must be performed to convert a data value sent by the data controlling object into an appropriate value that can be displayed by the user interface object. Accordingly, instead of requiring different interface code for each kind of user interface object used, a data controlling object requires only a single block of interface code for communicating with all association objects, which in turn provide the user interface specific code needed for each kind of user interface object.
US08051427B2 Method of establishing a logical state of an instance using non-deterministic operation results stored in a result log
There is provided a method of establishing a logical state of an instance of a program. The method includes executing a first session. The program includes multiple sequences. Each sequence includes alternating deterministic operations and requests for non-deterministic operation results. A non-deterministic operation result is derived from a non-deterministic operation. The execution of the first session includes yielding a request for a non-deterministic operation result for one of the sequences. The request is generated by a first deterministic operation. The method includes terminating the first session at a first logical state prior to executing a second deterministic operation. The method includes executing upon the request. The method includes executing a second session using a log to establish a logical state of the instance. The method includes storing the non-deterministic operation result to the log. The method includes executing a continuation of the given sequence using the non-deterministic operation result.
US08051426B2 Co-routines native to a virtual execution environment
A virtual machine is extended to include native support for co-routines. In this manner, high-level programmers are afforded access to such functionality. More particularly, supplied is a mechanism inside the virtual machine to enable method/function state to be maintained and subsequently restored. Consequently, a method/function can be called multiple times and resume where it last left off. This provides direct support for tier splitting patterns, iterators and comprehensions, among other things.
US08051418B1 Techniques for providing improved affinity scheduling in a multiprocessor computer system
Techniques for controlling a thread on a computerized system having multiple processors involve accessing state information of a blocked thread, and maintaining the state information of the blocked thread at current values when the state information indicates that less than a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the blocked thread ran on the computerized system. Such techniques further involve setting the state information of the blocked thread to identify affinity for a particular processor of the multiple processors when the state information indicates that at least the predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the blocked thread ran on the computerized system. Such operation enables the system to place a cold blocked thread which shares data with another thread on the same processor of that other thread so that, when the blocked thread awakens and runs, that thread is closer to the shared data.
US08051416B2 Method for a user-specific configuration of a computer from a group of prepared computers
Installation and configuration of user-specific software and a computer system is performed such that individual computers in a group is prepared by transmitting the installation packages for a predetermined set of software products and a configuration program to the individual computers. In response to a computer being started for the first time, the configuration program loads a user-specific configuration file from a database system. According to the information contained in the configuration file, software products are subsequently installed and configured on the computer on a user-specific basis using the installation packages.
US08051404B2 Software development
A method of developing software capable of performing a task, the task comprising at least one task step required to perform the task. The task step has a resultant effect. The method comprises recording a use case comprising one or more scenarios, that comprise one of more further steps; recording the scenario or one of the scenarios as a main success scenarios such that the resultant effect of the main success scenario is the same as the resultant effect of the task step. Use cases which have been stripped of context-specific information may be re-used. Such information may be included in a reference to the re-used use case.
US08051402B2 Method and apparatus for implementing communication between a software side and a hardware side of a test bench in a transaction-based acceleration verification system
Method and apparatus for implementing communication between a software side and a hardware side of a test bench in a transaction-based acceleration verification system are described. In one example, transactors and communication channels are identified in a hierarchy of the test bench. Software side endpoints of the communication channels are automatically bound to hardware side endpoints of the communication channels during verification based on naming attributes of the transactors and communication channels with respect to the software side and the hardware side of the test bench.
US08051398B2 Test method and system for characterizing and/or refining an IC design cycle
Systems and methods are provided for refining a design cycle for an integrated circuit. An integrated circuit design is generated. A plurality of non-critical paths within the integrated circuit design are identified. A set of at least one of the plurality of non-critical paths is modified to produce a modified design in which the sensitivity of each of the set of non-critical paths to at least one parameter is enhanced. Each parameter is either a design parameter or a process parameter. An integrated circuit is fabricated according to the modified design. The fabricated integrated circuit is evaluated to measure a set of timing data representing each of the plurality of non-critical paths. The value of the parameter is determined from the measured set of timing data.
US08051396B2 Logic synthesis of multi-level domino asynchronous pipelines
Methods and apparatus are described for optimizing a circuit design. A gate level circuit description corresponding to the circuit design is generated. The gate level circuit description includes a plurality of pipelines across a plurality of levels. Using a linear programming technique, a minimal number of buffers is added to selected ones of the pipelines such that a performance constraint is satisfied.
US08051382B1 Displaying rating indications for drop targets in response to user dragging of mobile icon
When a user drags a mobile icon, ratings indications are displayed for target icons on which said mobile icon can be dropped.
US08051380B2 Communicating shared electronic calendar modifications
A shared electronic calendar modification notice provides calendar users accessing the calendar with notification that a calendar modification has been made by another calendar user. A shared electronic calendar user accessing the shared calendar is identified. Upon identifying a shared electronic calendar user, calendar modifications that are new to the shared electronic calendar user are identified. Modification notices are then output to communicate the new calendar modifications to the calendar user.
US08051372B1 System and method for automatically detecting and extracting semantically significant text from a HTML document associated with a plurality of HTML documents
A system and method for automatically detecting and extracting semantically significant text from a HTML document associated with a plurality of HTML documents is disclosed. The method may include receiving a HTML document, parsing the HTML document into a parse tree, segmenting the parse tree into one or more segments of one or more unique paths, processing the one or more segments based at least the HTML document, and extracting one or more processed segments from the at least the HTML document based on a predetermined number.
US08051368B2 Microprocessor and method for detecting faults therein
A method for detecting microprocessor hardware faults includes sending at least one input signal to a logic block within the microprocessor, collecting an output response to the input signal from the logic block, and determining whether the output response matches an expected output response of the logic block.
US08051365B1 Viterbi decoder method and apparatus with RI detector in servo channel detector in servo channel
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for decoding data stored on a data storage medium. A disclosed decoding method and decoder include a radial incoherence (RI) detector that increases the probability of detecting RI and improves the decoding performance in terms of the bit error rate of the decoded signal. RI is detected by comparing an input signal to the decoder against a RI threshold value and generating a RI-type signal. The RI detector may include a filter for filtering out noise and error in the RI-type signal, an adaptive threshold unit that adjusts the RI threshold value based upon the RI-type signal, a transition-based threshold unit that adjusts the RI threshold value based upon each transition in the input signal, or a path-based threshold unit that adjusts the RI threshold value based upon a best surviving path corresponding to the input signal, in combination or alone.
US08051362B2 Distributed data storage using erasure resilient coding
An erasure resilient coding (ERC) distributed data storage system and method for storing data in a reliable and survivable fashion while minimizing hardware and associated costs. The system and method includes forming multiple protection groups both within and across storage nodes of the storage system. Data is segmented into original data blocks and ERC data blocks. Load balancing occurs by interleaving storage nodes with equal numbers of original data blocks and ERC data blocks while ensuring each node has an equal number of combined read and write operations. Unique read and write operations on data block can be performed independent of other data blocks in a protection group. The write operation uses Galois field arithmetic and ERC transform to either write or append a new data block to a storage node. The read operation recovers data in a variety of ways using ERC decoding.
US08051359B2 System and method for optimizing iterative circuit for cyclic redundency check (CRC) calculation
A system for generating CRC code words associated with data ranging up to w-bytes in width to be communicated over a communications channel includes a first plurality of serially coupled code-generation blocks each for generating a CRC value based on data input to each block, respective blocks of the first plurality configured for receiving data inputs having respective byte widths ranging from 2N+M to 2N−L+M, where N is equal to log2(w), and M is an offset value, and L is a whole number based on a maximum propagation delay criteria; a second plurality of parallel coupled code-generation blocks each for generating a CRC value based on data inputs, respective blocks of the second plurality configured for receiving data having respective byte widths ranging from 2N−L−1+M to 20; and, a device for selecting particular CRC code generation blocks in the first and second pluralities to be included in a CRC calculation based on the data input; wherein any number of data input bytes may be processed.
US08051358B2 Error recovery storage along a nand-flash string
Apparatus and methods store error recovery data in different dimensions of a memory array. For example, in one dimension, block error correction codes (ECC) are used, and in another dimension, supplemental error correction codes, such as convolutional codes, are used. By using separate dimensions, the likelihood that a defect affects both error recovery techniques is lessened, thereby increasing the probability that error recovery can be performed successfully. In one example, block error correction codes are used for data stored along rows, and this data is stored in one level of multiple-level cells of the array. Supplemental error correction codes are used for data stored along columns, such as along the cells of a string, and the supplemental error correction codes are stored in a different level than the error correction codes.
US08051355B2 Multilevel low density parity-check coded modulation
A method and apparatus are provided for encoding and decoding a communication signal. Processes for encoding and decoding the communication signal use a first low density parity-check code (LDPC) construction and a second low density parity-check code construction that differs from the first low density parity-check code construction. Multilevel coding (MLC) is applied to protect each address bit of a signal point by an individual LDPC code. In one embodiment, the first level is coded with a progressive edge-growth LDPC code, the second level is coded with a Reed-Solomon LDPC code and the third level is left uncoded.
US08051354B2 Realization method for HARQ in multiple frequency points cell
The present invention relates to a method for realizing HARQ in multi-carrier cell, comprising: when distributing high-speed shared resource for UE, Node B distributes the high-speed downlink packet service to N frequencies, and reports the information of the established physical channel, including the frequency information, to RNC and said UE; after Node B establishes the high-speed shared resource for said UE at N frequencies, it establishes N HARQ sub-entities on the HARQ entity built for said UE, each sub-entity independently processes the high-speed downlink packet service at one frequency; correspondingly, said UE also establishes N HARQ sub-entities on the HARQ entity; Node B configures parameters for each HARQ sub-entity and notifies the configuration information to RNC and said UE through upper-level signaling; Node B and UE complete their configuration for each sub-entity of HARQ entity according to the information, and realize the HARQ function in the service. The present invention can realize HARQ function on multiple frequencies simultaneously and is compatible with current protocol in TD-SCDMA system that utilizes multi-carrier HSDPA technique.
US08051349B2 Link instruction register with instruction register, and gate and multiplexer
A test architecture accesses IP core test wrappers within an IC using a Link Instruction Register (LIR). An IEEE P1500 standard is in development for providing test access to these individual cores via a test structure called a wrapper. The wrapper resides at the boundary of the core and provides a way to test the core and the interconnections between cores. The test architecture enables each of the plural wrappers in the IC, including wrappers in cores embedded within other cores, with separate enable signals.
US08051347B2 Scan-enabled method and system for testing a system-on-chip
Scan-enabled method and system for testing a system-on-chip (SoC). The method includes electronically determining a slack in a signal at each port of a core of the SoC. The SoC includes multiple cores. Each core includes input ports and output ports. The method also includes selecting flip-flops for each port if the slack does not exceed a slack threshold. Further, the method includes integrating a wrapper cell to each port for which the slack exceeds the slack threshold. Moreover, the method includes coupling integrated wrapper cells and selected flip-flops corresponding to the input ports to form at least one input scan chain for the core, and corresponding to the output ports to form at least one output scan chain for the core. The method also includes testing the SoC using the at least one input scan chain and the at least one output scan chain of each core.
US08051343B2 Method of testing a memory module and hub of the memory module
Example embodiments relate to a method and system of testing a memory module having the process of receiving single ended input signals via differential input terminals through which differential pairs of packet signals may be received from a testing equipment, wherein a number of terminals of the testing equipment may be different from a number of terminals of the memory module, and testing memory chips of the memory module based on the single ended input signals.
US08051329B1 Method and system for initializing a computing system
Method and system for executing instructions out of a non-volatile memory that may have defective blocks is provided. During an initialization process, a processor reads operating system instructions from the non-volatile memory that may have defective blocks. While reading the operating system instructions, the processor expects a valid signature at a known offset. If the processor does not receive a valid signature at the expected offset, the processor continues to search for a valid signature for X more blocks after the offset. The X blocks are the number of defective blocks in a memory partition where the operating system instructions are stored.
US08051325B2 Multiprocessor system and failure recovering system
A multiprocessor system includes a plurality of nodes, each of which includes a plurality of processors, a plurality of memories, and first and second node controllers. Unique identifiers are assigned to all the components. Each of the first and second node controllers includes: each of first and second request control sections configured to determine the identifier of a transmission destination of a request based on a memory address of an access destination of the request; each of first and second registers configured to hold in the first request control section, the identifier of the transmission destination of the request; a first routing table configured to specify one of the first request control section and the second request control section as an output destination of the request based on the identifier held by the first register, the identifier held by the second register, the identifier of the transmission destination of the request, when receiving the request, and a second routing table configured to specify a signal line for the identifier of the transmission destination of the request based on the identifier of the transmission destination which is determined by the first request control section or the second request control section, to transmit the request.
US08051310B2 Method for reducing power consumption of processor
A method for reducing power consumption of a processor is disclosed comprising steps of applying time-frequency transformation to a plurality of load values of the processor to obtain the feature sampling cycle of the processor, and adjusting the voltage/frequency of the processor based on said feature sampling cycle. With the method of the present invention, the processor load value in next time interval can be accurately predicted, and thus the voltage/frequency of the processor in the next time interval can be adjusted on the basis of the load value.
US08051303B2 Secure read and write access to configuration registers in computer devices
The disclosed embodiments relate to a secure configuration space for a computing device. Each of the configuration resisters in a configuration space are divided into security bits and configuration data bits. The security bits are assigned a predetermined value. When reading from or writing to a given configuration register, the data in the bit positions corresponding to security bits must match the predetermined values or read/write access is denied.
US08051301B2 Memory management system and method providing linear address based memory access security
A memory management unit (MMU) is disclosed for managing a memory storing data arranged within a plurality of memory pages. The MMU includes a security check unit (SCU) receiving a linear address generated during execution of a current instruction. The linear address has a corresponding physical address residing within a selected memory page. The SCU uses the linear address to access one or more security attribute data structures located in the memory to obtain a security attribute of the selected memory page. The SCU compares a numerical value conveyed by a security attribute of the current instruction to a numerical value conveyed by the security attribute of the selected memory page, and produces an output signal dependent upon a result of the comparison. The MMU accesses the selected memory page dependent upon the output signal.
US08051296B2 System and method for initializing secure communications with lightweight devices
System and methods for initializing secure communications with lightweight devices are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes enabling a device manager to securely communicate with a lightweight device, the method comprising receiving encrypted data from the device manager, wherein the device manager received the encrypted data from the lightweight device. In the embodiment, the method also includes decrypting the encrypted data to produce access information, wherein the access information enables the device manager to securely communicate with the lightweight device. In the embodiment, the method also includes securely transmitting the access information to the device manager.
US08051290B2 Increasing integrity of watermarks using robust features
This invention relates to a method and an arrangement for embedding a watermark pattern in an information signal. A method of embedding a watermark pattern in an information signal comprising the steps of determining a robust signature as a set of robust features in said information signal, creating a watermark pattern as a signature dependent function of a predefined basic watermark pattern and embedding said watermark pattern in said information signal. The invention also relates to a corresponding method and arrangement for detecting a watermark pattern in an information signal.
US08051286B2 Vehicle antitheft system
A vehicle antitheft system includes an immobilizer unit and a portable unit. Each of the units includes an antenna, a communication part, a data processor, and storages. The immobilizer unit and the portable unit authenticate each other, based on a highly encrypted authentication method, using at least first data for mutual authentication. Thereafter, the first data for mutual authentication or second data for mutual authentication different from the first data for mutual authentication is stored in the storages of the immobilizer unit and the portable unit.
US08051283B2 Message security processing system and method for web services
A message security processing system and method for Web services are provided. In the message security processing system in which messages are exchanged between a client and a server with a SOAP-RPC format, each of the client and the server includes: a security interface allowing information related to digital signature, encryption, and timestamp insertion to be set in a security context object for an application program to meet security requirements of the client or the server; a security handler receiving the security context object from the security interface, and performing security processing of a request message by calling security objects stored in a request queue of the security context object one by one in order or performing security processing of a response message by calling security objects stored in a response queue of the security context object one by one in order; and an XML security unit supporting an XML security functions by called by the security handler.
US08051277B1 Programmable arithmetic logic unit cluster
A Programmable Arithmetic Logic Unit Cluster is claimed. The plurality of Programmable Logic Blocks (50) in the cluster are in a physically linear sequence; but, will process data in parallel when the data pathways permit. A physically linear and operationally parallel design is possible mainly due to an Internal Register Bus (30). A small subset of data from the Internal Register Bus (30) is modified by each Arithmetic Logic Unit (53). The greater chunk of information of the Internal Register Bus (30) passes, without changes made to the data, through a plurality of two-to-one-multiplexers (54) as data inputs, bypassing the Data Selection (52) and Arithmetic Logic Unit's (53) circuitry. Only the data specified as the Accumulator (41) and Carry History (31) are modified by the blocks (50). The Accumulator (41) and the Carry Output Line (44) are distributed back onto the Internal Register Bus (30) for subsequent blocks or for the Output Register File (79) by said two-to-one-multiplexers (54).
US08051268B2 Memory controller, nonvolatile storage device, nonvolatile storage system, and nonvolatile memory address management method
For address management of a nonvolatile memory, the whole logical address space is divided into logical address ranges (0 to 15), and the physical address space is divided into physical areas (segments (0 to 15)). The logical address ranges are respectively associated with the physical areas (segments) to manage the addresses. The sizes of the logical address ranges are equalized. The size of the physical area (segment (0)) corresponding to the logical address range (0) in which data of high rewrite frequency such as an FAT is expected to be stored is larger than those of the other physical areas, and the logical address ranges and the physical areas are allocated. Alternatively, the sizes of the physical areas are equalized, and the size of the logical address range (0) is set as a smaller one than those of the other logical address ranges. With this, the actual rewrite frequencies of the physical areas (segments) are equal to one another, and consequently the life of the nonvolatile memory can be prolonged.
US08051265B2 Apparatus for managing memory in real-time embedded system and method of allocating, deallocating and managing memory in real-time embedded system
An apparatus for managing memory in a real-time embedded system and a method of allocating, deallocating and managing memory in a real-time embedded system. The apparatus includes a defragmentation unit performing a defragmentation task according to a predetermined priority to collect together memory fragments, and a memory manager allocating or deallocating a predetermined area of memory upon request of a task, and calculating a memory fragmentation rate of the memory to determine a priority of the defragmentation task. The method of managing memory in a real-time embedded system includes determining whether the conditions under which the memory is used vary, and if the condition vary, calculating a memory fragmentation rate of the memory to determine a priority of the defragmentation task according to the memory fragmentation rate.
US08051263B2 Configurable memory protection
A method can include receiving a signal associated with an attempted access to data that is stored at a specific location in memory; obtaining a selection value that selects which memory protection register of multiple alternative memory protection registers is to provide a memory protection attribute for the specific location in memory; obtaining, from the selected memory protection register, a memory protection attribute; and controlling access to the specific location in memory based on the obtained memory protection attribute.
US08051259B2 Space efficient de-allocation for cascade/multiple target flash copy cleaning
Illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method for incremental storage de-allocation during a clean process within a point-in-time copy storage management system. The computer implemented method determines whether to perform the clean process and responsive to a determination to perform the clean process, determines whether a set of discrepant bits is present. Responsive to the determination that the set of discrepant bits is present, the computer implemented method copies each dirty grain for each discrepant bit in the set of discrepant bits to a downstream target to form a set of copied dirty grains and determines whether a particular dirty grain in the set of copied dirty grains has been allocated to a space efficient storage unit. Responsive to a determination that the particular dirty grain was allocated to a space efficient storage unit, the computer implemented method de-allocates the particular grain from an upstream source.
US08051251B2 Method and apparatus for setting status of cache memory
One aspect of the embodiments utilizes a system controller which has a broadcast transmitting and receiving unit that receives a memory access request from each of CPU and notifies to the other system controllers and a snoop control unit that judges when the memory access request from any of the CPUs for each of the cache memories in the CPU is received, whether object data conflicts with object data requested by a prior access request received earlier than the memory access request and whether the object data is present in any of the cache memories, selects the status of the cache memory of the CPU, notifies the other system controller of a snoop processing result in which the status selected and the cache memory are associated, and set a final status as the status of the system controller based on priority of each status of other system controllers.
US08051245B2 Information processing system capable of recognizing and accessing removable external storage device in simple scheme, method for controlling information processing system, and image input and output apparatus
It is recognized that an attached USB memory is an unanalyzable USB memory. Then, disconnect setting is made. A USB connection process is performed. A PC is instructed through a connection line to establish USB connection. The PC recognizes that the attached device is a USB-connected MFP. The PC acquires data control information of the MFP. The MFP then transfers, through the connection line, the data control information output from the USB memory.
US08051243B2 Free space utilization in tiered storage systems
Embodiments of the invention include first storage mediums having first storage characteristics for making up a first pool of capacity of a first tier of storage, and second storage mediums having second storage characteristics for making up a second pool of capacity of a second tier of storage. Free capacity of the first and second pools is shared between the first and second tiers of storage. When the first pool has an amount of free capacity available over a reserved amount of free capacity reserved for first tier data, a first quantity of second tier data is moved from the second tier to the first tier. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, the first and second storage mediums are contained within one or more thin provisioning storage systems, and data is moved between the first and second tiers by allocating thin provisioning chunks to the data being moved.
US08051237B2 Multiple purpose integrated circuit
An integrated circuit of the type comprises a plurality of units that may act as initiators and targets. At least some of the units are for a first purpose such as a cable modem function and others are for a second purpose such as television data processing. The units are connected together by a interconnect comprising a number of nodes. One of the nodes is configurable such that requests made from initiator units on one side of the node to target units on the other side of the node are not sent to the target units. The units for the first purpose are arranged on the opposite side of the node from those of the second purpose, so that the circuit is effectively configurable into two separate logical partitions, one partition for television data processing and the other partition for cable modem functions.
US08051231B2 Data communications among electronic devices within a computer
Data communications among electronic devices within a computer, including transmitting, from a transmitting device to a first translation device, data communications encoded according to an unreliable wireline data communications protocol; translating, by the first translation device, the data communications from the encoding of the unreliable wireline data communications protocol to an encoding of a reliable wireless data communications protocol; transmitting, by the first translation device to a second translation device, the data communications according to the reliable wireless data communications protocol; translating, by the second translation device, the data communications from the encoding of the reliable wireless data communications protocol to the encoding of the unreliable wireline data communications protocol; and transmitting, by the second translation device to a receiving device, the data communications according to the unreliable wireline data communications protocol.
US08051227B1 Programmable queue structures for multiprocessors
A command is received from a first agent via a first predetermined memory-mapped register, the first agent being one of multiple agents representing software processes, each being executed by one of processor cores of a network processor in a network element. A first queue associated with the command is identified based on the first predetermined memory-mapped register. A pointer is atomically read from a first hardware-based queue state register associated with the first queue. Data is atomically accessed at a memory location of the memory based on the pointer. The pointer stored in the first hardware-based queue state register is atomically updated, including incrementing the pointer of the first hardware-based queue state register, reading a queue size of the queue from a first hardware-based configuration register associated with the first queue, and wrapping around the pointer if the pointer reaches an end of the first queue based on the queue size.
US08051215B2 Configuring of an intelligent electronic device
An intelligent electronic device and a method for activating a function in an intelligent electronic device; the device includes an inter-module bus, a first interface and a number of hardware modules connected to each other via the inter-module bus. The modules include a process control module including a control unit that senses the types of hardware modules connected to the inter-module bus, that obtains set-up data from an external portable data carrier, where the set-up data includes configuration data and verification data, where the verification data includes hardware type data related to the modules in the device, that compares the obtained verification data with own verification data including data regarding the sensed hardware type, and that activates a protection function only if there is a match between all verification data being compared.
US08051202B2 Method and apparatus for providing alarm correlation for a gateway router
A method and an apparatus for providing alarm correlation for a gateway router are disclosed. For example, the method receives one or more alarms, wherein each of the one or more alarms having a message signature in accordance with a router redundancy signaling protocol. The method then identifies one or more root causes by correlating the one or more alarms in accordance with the message signatures.
US08051200B1 Forming multi-user packet based groups using response behavior
A plurality of candidate access terminals for participation in a multi-user packet-based (MUP-based) communication are determined. Two or more candidate access terminals are grouped into a MUP-based group, the grouping based on a hybrid automatic repeat request behavior of the plurality of candidate access terminals. Data is sent to the MUP-based group using a multi-user packet.
US08051199B2 Self-routing address assignment in packet-switched networks
A method and system for assigning self-routing addresses to nodes in a network with arbitrary, including irregular, topology is provided. The method and system are useful in packet-switched networks and in particular optical packet-switched networks for reducing processing associated with routing packets. Each self-routing address encodes a set of paths from all nodes in the network to the destination node. In an embodiment of the invention each output port of each node in a network sends a packet in response to the state of a bit in the self-routing address in a packet. Alternatively, each node address in the network is mapped to a bit in a self-routing address. Furthermore, a node can have multiple self-routing addresses encoding different sets of paths from all other nodes in the network to the node. In addition, hierarchical networks are included among the networks suitable for self-routing addresses.
US08051194B2 Method for buffer management for video swarms in a peer-to-peer network
A method for loading a buffer of a consumer node operable in a system for streaming multimedia content. The method includes dividing the buffer to sections each section being filled with multimedia data during a different time interval; loading a first section of the buffer by accessing at least one resource node of the multimedia content during a first time interval; and loading a second section of the buffer by accessing at least one reliable node of the multimedia content during a second time interval; wherein the buffer continuously delivers the multimedia content to a display of the consumer node and wherein the at least one reliable node is adapted to guarantee delivery of multimedia content to connected nodes.
US08051192B2 Methods and systems for presentation layer redirection for network optimization
The present invention relates to systems, apparatus, and methods of intercepting commands at an application presentation layer. The method includes intercepting, at a proxy client, a command issued by an application to a network resource before the command is converted into a corresponding protocol command. The method further includes forwarding a simplified command of the corresponding protocol command to a proxy server, and converting, at the proxy server, the simplified command into the corresponding protocol command. Further, the method includes transmitting the corresponding protocol command to the network resource and receiving a response from the network resource, such that, the response corresponds to the protocol. The method further includes transmitting a confirmation message to the proxy client upon completion of the corresponding protocol command and transmitting the confirmation message to the application.
US08051188B2 Method of proposing a service via a description document of such a service
A server computer sends, to a client computer, a service description document comprising information relating to a communication protocol used for exchanging messages, the service description document including a description of at least one functionality implemented by the communication protocol for an execution of the service over on the communication network using the protocol. The client computer analyzes the service description document by extracting the description of the functionalities implemented by the protocol from the service description document, verifying that each functionality is supported by the client computer of the communication network, and adding the protocol to a list of protocols usable for the execution of the service supplied by the server computer if all the functionalities associated with the communication protocol are supported by the client computer.
US08051179B2 Distributed session failover
A distributed session failover mechanism is disclosed for facilitating the replication and retrieval of session information. A first server, in a trusted network, providing a single sign-on (SSO) solution, stores session information pertaining to a particular client requesting services associated with the server. In order to provide session failover, the first server sends a copy of the session information to a bus mechanism, which is connected to one or more persistent repositories. When a second server attempts to validate the client, the second server may discover that the first server failed. The second server then requests a copy of the session information pertaining to the client from the bus mechanism. The bus mechanism retrieves the copy from a persistent repository and provides the copy to the second server.
US08051177B1 Media proxy having interface to multiple virtual private networks
A VPN media proxy for communication between VPNs and external networks having different addressing schemes, has interfaces to the two or more VPNs, a configuration store, and an address translator arranged to translate the source and destination address of the information based on the configuration. Sharing of the proxy by many VPNs can keep costs down or enable more VPNs to be provided. A call server also shared by the VPNs is used to set up the session and to establish the configuration. The proxy can have an address within each VPN so that it appears to be a dedicated resource for each VPN.
US08051169B2 Methods and systems useful in linking from objects to remote resources
An identifier corresponding to an object is used in establishing links to related electronic resources. The identifier can be obtained by decoding a watermark, performing a hashing algorithm on content data, reading a bar code, etc. The object can be physical (e.g., a magazine page) or electronic (e.g., music or image data). Suitable devices useful with this technology include cell phones, PDAs, and the like, which may include sensors for capturing object data. The associated electronic resource can be a web site from which information, image/audio content, etc., is provided. A variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.
US08051168B1 Method and system for security and user account integration by reporting systems with remote repositories
The present invention presents security and user account integration with remote authentication servers, (e.g., repositories not owned by the server). Integration may occur with Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), an operating system (e.g., Microsoft Windows™ NT™) authentication, custom account repositories and others. For example, the server may synchronize associated user lists with a remote repository. In another example, the server may also make external calls to remote authentication servers to validate a user's username and password. Other information may be validated.
US08051166B1 Service provider optimization of content management
A system and method for monitoring the performance associated with fulfilling resource requests and determining optimizations for improving such performance are provided. A processing device obtains and processes performance metric information associated with processing a request for an original resource and any embedded resource. The processing device uses the processed performance metric information to determine a set of service providers for alternatively hosting, processing, and/or transmitting at least a portion of the original resource and/or any embedded resources. In some embodiments, in making such a determination, the processing device assesses performance metric information collected and associated with subsequent resource requests for the original resource and any embedded resources using each of a variety of alternative set(s) of service providers. The processing device may also consider service provider selection criteria obtained from the original content provider. Aspects of systems and methods for generating recommendations associated with monitoring the operation and performance of service providers with respect to specific resource requests are also provided.
US08051161B2 Peer-to-peer (P2P) streaming overlay construction and optimization
This document describes a directed graph model using a peer-to-peer overlay structure and a gossip-based protocol to maintain the distributed membership. A protocol suite for peers to join the live streaming session, form the P2P streaming overlay, and exchange video packets with others has also been presented. The different capabilities of the heterogeneous peers are well depicted using an adaptive out-degree mechanism. The performance of the whole system is maintained by a contribution-aware mechanism, which ensures that the peers with large contribution will get more chance to be served than those with small or no contribution.
US08051159B2 Systems and methods for configuring a network of affiliated websites
A plurality of affiliated network of websites may be configured to log user interactions thereon. The respective logs may comprise user identification information to allow a profile aggregation service to correlate user interactions across the plurality of websites and to generate respective user profiles, which may be used to configure the websites. A context aware platform (CAP) website may be configured to provide web services for entities in a business hierarchy. The CAP website may capable of presenting content in one of a plurality of operational modes associated with a geographical granularity of the franchise hierarchy. In addition, the CAP website may be configurable according to a user profile generated using user interactions across a plurality of websites and/or on the CAP website.
US08051154B2 Enterprise service delivery technical framework
An Enterprise Service Delivery Technical Architecture includes a Technical Model, and a Technical Delivery Framework, and is designed to facilitate the development of complete enterprise service management solutions. The use of the Enterprise Service Delivery Technical Architecture results in solution designs created to be independent of the technology platform being managed with a view that meets the overall business requirements that span the technology platforms within a business environment. An information technology infrastructure already in place for a customer is analyzed and broken down to its very lowest level building blocks. Then the building blocks within the model of the technical architecture are mapped with the building blocks of the customer's information technology infrastructure to determine which of the building blocks of the model are to be used for the customer's information technology operation. A specific technical delivery framework is developed for each customer.
US08051153B2 Switch apparatus for a remote boot sequence of a network device
A switch apparatus for a remote boot sequence of a network device is disclosed. The network device may comprise a processor and a network control circuit. The switch apparatus may comprise a first storage element for storing a first boot code, a second storage element for storing a second boot code, and a detect and switch circuit electrically connected to the network control circuit. The detect and switch circuit may selectively connect to one of the first storage element and the second storage element in response to whether there is a detected signal of a pluggable unit inserted into said network device, so that the processor executes the remote boot sequence in accordance with the boot code stored in the selected storage element.
US08051152B2 Isolated application server
Dynamically isolating application servers, wherein only active application servers are indicated to client applications to prevent access to inactive application servers by the client applications. A central server of a distributed system determines a state of application servers in a system, and generates a list of application servers that includes all application servers of the system including an indication of the state of the application servers. The central server also generates a filtered list of application servers that excludes inactive application servers or application servers in an inactive mode. The filtered list is passed to client applications, which enables the client applications to only access the active application servers, but not access the inactive application servers.
US08051142B2 Computer program and method for granting multiple users access to a secure repository
A computer program, system, and method for granting multiple users access to a secure repository. Embodiments of the present invention provide for authenticating either of first or second users desiring access to the secure repository. In embodiments of the present invention, a respective encryption or decryption operation of files or folders transferred in or out of the secure repository is performed using a key created, at least in part, on an enrolled security template provided by said first user. Thus, even if the second user is authenticated and allowed access to the secure repository, said creation of the key is performed using the security template associated with the first user. In even further embodiments of the present invention, a single storage device contains a plurality of secure repositories.
US08051133B2 E-mail filing system and method
An exemplary embodiment providing for one or more improvements includes an e-mail server including at least one client mailbox for the receipt of e-mail over a network, and at least one client apparatus of the client computer coupled to the e-mail server for access to the e-mail in the client mailbox, wherein at least one of the e-mail server and the client apparatus facilitates in the filing of e-mail by providing a number of suggestions to the client user as to where to file the e-mail. One exemplary method facilitates the filing of e-mail by monitoring the filing of e-mail by an e-mail recipient, creating a dynamic shortcut list based upon the monitoring, and displaying the shortcut list to facilitate the filing of e-mail by an e-mail recipient. Another exemplary method to facilitate e-mail filing includes detecting a request for a recommendation as to where to file an e-mail by an e-mail recipient, analyzing the e-mail, comparing the e-mail to a database of e-mail filing information, and displaying a shortcut list to facilitate the filing of the e-mail by the e-mail recipient.
US08051132B2 Integrated interactive messaging system and method
A system and method for organizations to develop, test, execute and analyze messaging programs defining a message application server comprising (a) a dialog designer configured to provide a user interface to an organization's program designers and marketers, to allow for rapid messaging program creation, to provide the ability to select the type of messaging program, to select service addresses for the messaging program, to schedule messaging programs for execution, to upload messaging user data into lists, to create segments, to download messaging program result data, to test messaging programs, to provide reports, including real-time reports, on messaging programs; (b) a dialog server configured to execute messaging programs by execution of program instructions, to manage substantially simultaneously executed messaging programs, to store messaging user results and message delivery status, to maintain state and session context across message invocations for messaging users within messaging program; and (c) a message exchange configured to route messages to and from messaging service providers, to manage service addresses, to perform message billing and to connect to messaging service providers. The system and method allow organizations to interact with messaging users who own a messaging communication device by using the services of messaging service providers.
US08051123B1 Multipurpose functional unit with double-precision and filtering operations
A multipurpose arithmetic functional unit selectively performs planar attribute interpolation, unary function approximation, double-precision arithmetic, and/or arbitrary filtering functions such as texture filtering, bilinear filtering, or anisotropic filtering by iterating through a multi-step multiplication operation with partial products (partial results) accumulated in an accumulation register. Shared multiplier and adder circuits are advantageously used to implement the product and sum operations for unary function approximation and planar interpolation; the same multipliers and adders are also leveraged to implement double-precision multiplication and addition.
US08051116B2 Apparatus and method for generating packed sum of absolute differences
A method for executing an MMX PSADBW instruction by a microprocessor. The method includes generating packed differences of packed operands of the instruction and generating borrow bits associated with each of the packed differences; for each of the packed differences: determining whether the borrow bit indicates the packed difference is positive or negative and selecting a value in response to the determining, the value comprising the packed difference if the associated borrow bit is positive and a complement of the packed difference if the associated borrow bit is negative; adding the selected values to generate a first sum and a first carry and in parallel adding the borrow bits to generate a second sum and a second carry; adding the first and second sums and the first and second carries to generate a result of the instruction; storing the result in a register of the microprocessor.
US08051112B2 Apparatus and method for providing online content service for product warranties
A data-processing system including an information inputting device for inputting one or more information; a transmitting/receiving device for transmitting/receiving the one or more information; and a processing device for processing the one or more information, the processing device including: an image processing module; a data extraction module; a data storage device; and a data tracking module; wherein the data tracking module is in operable communication with a user of the information inputting device to allow the user to organize the one or more information.
US08051111B2 Method and system for modularizing windows imaging format
A method and system may include capturing a computer system in a file-based manner that promotes single-instancing of files and thus prevents the occurrence of duplicate files, separating the captured computer system into primary file resources and ancillary file resources, and creating a parent image and a child image that refers to the parent image. The method and system may further include writing the primary file resources on the parent image, and writing the ancillary file resources onto the child image. The child image may include a resource-only file and a metadata-only file which provides instructions on how to recreate the file resources stored in the parent image and the child image.
US08051108B2 Synchronization of data on survey devices
Tools for synchronizing survey data between one or more survey devices and a surveying office application. The disclosed tools can help to ensure that each of the devices, and the office application, have consistent data. An exemplary tool might detect a change to data in an office application, identify any affected files on one or more survey devices, and ensure that the affected files are updated with the appropriate information. Conversely, in other aspects, a data inconsistency (which might be caused by a data change in the office application and/or on one or more of the survey devices) might be detected, and tools might be provided to enable a user to ensure that the correct version of the data is maintained by the system.
US08051105B1 Directing searches on tree data structures
A computer-implemented method to access a tree data structure in a computing environment is provided. The method includes generating a tree data structure in a computing environment, wherein the tree data structure includes nodes and links to link the nodes, wherein each node includes fields for various data types, accessing contents of the tree data structure with a single command in a computing environment. The single command references at least one specified node of the tree data structure, wherein the single command is based on at least one of: a command to access contents of the tree data structure for all nodes associated with the specified node, a command to access contents of the tree data structure for all nodes in a subtree of the at least one specified node, and a command to access at least a subset of contents of the tree data structure for all nodes in a subtree of the at least one specified node, and providing in the computing environment the contents of the tree data structure based on the single command.
US08051103B1 Systems and methods for creating documents from templates
A merge application creates a particular set of documents for a particular matter. The merge application receives a selection of a particular master template corresponding to the particular set of documents, where the selected master template specifies a plurality of slave templates, and also receives a selection of a data structure from a database with data relating to the particular matter. The selected master template and the selected data structure are employed to produce the set of documents for the particular matter in an electronic form, where a corresponding document of the set is produced for each specified slave template in the selected master template. Each corresponding document is produced according to common content in the slave template and data in the selected data structure in the database referred to by placeholders in the slave template.
US08051101B2 Methods and procedures to provide complete test copy environment of hosted applications
Systems and methods that create a duplicate database instance on which database testing may be performed. The techniques for creating a test database instance enable database testing to proceed without impacting other organization's access to their data in the database or corrupting an organization's data. The ability to allow one organization (“org”) to test their portion of a database without interrupting other organizations from using their portions of the database enables a database system to support more than one organization as tenants.
US08051100B2 Recording medium, recording device, and playback device for use in individual sales and method therefor
A recording medium has a hierarchical directory structure. In the directory structure, a ROOT/BDMV directory and a MoDESTxx/BDMV directory are located below a root directory. The ROOT/BDMV directory contains a BD-J application that constitutes a FirstPlayback title. The BD-J application is a program to be first executed by a playback device upon loading of the recording medium to a playback device. When executed, the BD-J application causes the playback device to display a menu for receiving a user operation of selecting the BDMV directory and executes a root change function. The root change function is to cause the playback device to recognize the selected MoDESTxx directory as a virtual root directory.
US08051098B2 Systems and methods for state-less authentication
Systems and methods for providing user logon and state-less authentication are described in a distributed processing environment. Upon an attempted access by a user to an online resource, transaction, or record, a logon component asks the user to supply a logon ID and a password. The logon component verifies the provided information, and upon successful identification, a security context is constructed from information relevant to the user. The security context is sent to the user and is presented to the system each time the user attempts to invoke a new resource, such as a program object, transaction, record, or certified printer avoiding the need for repeated logon processing.
US08051087B2 Customized geographical location indexing
A system is disclosed for customizing a geographic location index based on user preferences. The system obtains geographic data provided by a user and generates a customized geographic region based on the obtained geographic data. The system generates relationship data corresponding to the new customized geographic region. The system updates the geographic location index based on the new customized geographic region and corresponding relationship data. Thereafter, on-line content may be delivered to an audience associated with the new customized geographic region, thereby allowing the user, such as an advertiser or publisher, to define targeting regions that are optimal to their specific business environment.
US08051085B1 Determining regular expression match lengths
A method and apparatus are disclosed for determining the lengths of one or more substrings of an input string that matches a regular expression (regex) The input string is searched for the regex using an non-deterministic finite automaton (NFA), and upon detecting a match state a selected portion of the input string is marked as a match string. The NFA is inverted to create a reverse NFA that embodies the inverse of the regex. For some embodiments, the reverse NFA is created by inverting the NFA such that the match state of the NFA becomes the initial state of the reverse NFA, the initial state of the NFA becomes the match state of the reverse NFA, and the goto transitions of the NFA are inverted to form corresponding goto transitions in the reverse NFA. The match string is reversed and searched for the inverted regex using the reverse NFA, and a counter is incremented for each character processed during the reverse search operation. The current value of the counter each time the match state in the reverse NFA is reached indicates the character length of a corresponding substring that matches the regex.
US08051082B2 System and method for facilitating interactive selection of clusters and presentation of related datasets
A system and method to facilitate interactive selection of groupings of clusters and presentation of related datasets are described. An interactive data interface is presented to a user in a display window, the interactive data interface configured to display multiple alternate groupings of clusters associated with at least one dataset of records targeted by the user. Selection of a grouping of clusters from the plurality of selectable groupings is further facilitated based on one or more predetermined parameters associated with each grouping of clusters and the individual clusters within a respective grouping, such as, for example, a target ratio value and a target count value corresponding to each cluster of records.
US08051080B2 Contextual ranking of keywords using click data
Techniques are provided for ranking the entities that are identified in a document based on an estimated likelihood that a user will actually make use of the annotations. According to one disclosed approach, usage data that indicates how users interact with annotations contained in documents presented to the users is collected. Based on the usage data, weights are generated for features of a feature vector. The weights are then used to modify feature scores of entities, and the modified feature scores are used to determine how to annotate documents. Specifically, a set of entities are identified within a document. A ranking for the identified entities is determined based, at least in part, on (a) feature vector scores for each of the identified entities, and (b) the weights generated for the features of the feature vector. The document is then annotated based, at least in part, on the ranking.
US08051079B2 Wish lists based on images, references, or third party beneficiaries
The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can create a wish list based upon a variety of inputs and criteria. In one aspect the architecture can generate a wish list based upon one or more images of an item desired by a user. Accordingly, the architecture can examine the image to identify the desired item and to extract relevant features from the item in order to, e.g., match the imaged item to a catalog item for sale by a vendor. In another aspect, the architecture can access information associated with a third party to build a wish list for a user. Appreciably, according to the particular aspect, the wish list can include items that are designated to a particular beneficiary.
US08051073B2 System and method for measuring the quality of document sets
Systems and methods are described that calculate the interestingness of a set of one or more records in a database, either absolutely (i.e., compared to an overall collection of records) or relative to some other set of records. In one embodiment, the measure is a relative entropy value that has been normalized. Various applications of the measure are described in the context of an information retrieval system. These applications include, for example, guiding query interpretation, guiding view selection and summarization, intelligent ranges, event detection, concept triggers and interpreting user actions, hierarchy discovery, and adaptive data mining.
US08051066B2 Expression-based web logger for usage and navigational behavior tracking
Configurably storing data in a plurality of files based on expressions and conditions associated with the data. Logging software enables tracking of the navigation pattern of users for selected network properties under specified conditions. The logging software is configurable such that most current and future logging specifications may be fulfilled without any code changes to the logging software.
US08051064B2 Method and system for automatically updating search results on an online auction site
A method and system for updating searches on an online auction site are described. In one embodiment, a database of auction postings is automatically searched based upon at least one search criteria to produce at least one new search result. The at least one new search result is compared with at least one previous search result. In addition, an e-mail notification of the result of the comparison is sent to a user notifying a user of the comparison.
US08051062B2 Optimal stochastic auctions for constrained sponsored search
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for processing an auction for sponsored search according to a set of constraints. In accordance with one embodiment, a polyhedron that incorporates a set of one or more restrictions is defined, wherein the polyhedron that incorporates the set of one or more restrictions represents a plurality of allocations, wherein each of the plurality of allocations is a subset of a plurality of ads to be displayed on a particular occurrence of a search query received via a search engine. A subset of the plurality of allocations is obtained via application of an analysis tool to the polyhedron. One of the subset of the plurality of allocations is then identified, enabling the ads in the allocation to be displayed.
US08051055B1 Tracking table and index partition usage in a database
Apparatus, methods and computer-readable medium for displaying information related to performance of a given database statement which accesses a plurality of multi-partition objects during a time interval. In some embodiments, the method comprises: a) determining, for a given database statement that accesses a plurality of index or table partitions during the time interval, for each accessed partition of a plurality of partitions, a respective aggregate wait time associated with said accessed partition; b) in accordance with the determined wait times for the given database statement, presenting, to a user, a description of performance of the database during the time interval.
US08051050B2 Block-level data de-duplication using thinly provisioned data storage volumes
Data segments are logically organized in groups in a data repository. Each segment is stored at an index in the data repository. In association with a write request, a hash algorithm is applied to the data segment to generate a group identifier. Each group is identifiable by a corresponding group identifier. The group identifier is applied to a hash tree to determine whether a corresponding group in the data repository exists. Each existing group in the data repository corresponds to a leaf of the hash tree. If no corresponding group exists in the data repository, the data segment is stored in a new group in the data repository. However, if a corresponding group exists, the group is further searched to determine if a data segment matching the data segment to be stored is already stored. The data segment can be stored in accordance with the results of the search.
US08051046B2 Methods to perform disk writes in a distributed shared disk system needing consistency across failures
Techniques are provided for managing caches in a system with multiple caches that may contain different copies of the same data item. Specifically, techniques are provided for coordinating the write-to-disk operations performed on such data items to ensure that older versions of the data item are not written over newer versions, and to reduce the amount of processing required to recover after a failure. Various approaches are provided in which a master is used to coordinate with the multiple caches to cause a data item to be written to persistent storage. Techniques are also provided for managing checkpoints associated with the caches, where the checkpoints are used to determine the position at which to begin processing recovery logs in the event of a failure.
US08051031B2 Metadata for software aircraft parts
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for creating a data structure residing on a computer recordable medium for verifying whether a software aircraft part can be loaded. The data structure comprises a set of aircraft identification objects. An aircraft identification object within the set of aircraft identification objects contains a level of specificity about a set of aircraft on which the software aircraft part can be loaded. The set of aircraft identification objects are capable of being read from the computer recordable medium to verify whether the software aircraft part can be loaded in an aircraft.
US08051027B2 Method and system for transitioning from a case-based classifier system to a rule-based classifier system
A computer implemented method including determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied with respect to a case-based dataset stored within memory accessible by at least one processor; generating, for each of a plurality of rule-based classifiers, rule-based classification data identifying class boundaries between the records upon determining that the predetermined condition has been satisfied; computing a structural risk of the rule-based classification data for each of the rule-based classifiers with respect to the records identified within the record data; selecting rule-based classifiers having generated rule-based classification data identifying class boundaries between the records with a structural risk below a predetermined threshold; identifying selected rule-based classifiers having rule-based classification data that is within a predetermined degree of similarity with the case-based classification data; and replacing the case-based dataset stored within the memory with rule-based classification data of at least one of the identified rule-based classifiers, wherein determining whether the predetermined condition is satisfied comprises determining whether the number of records identified within the record data exceeds a predetermined record threshold.
US08051019B2 Neural network resource sizing apparatus for database applications
A neural network resource sizing apparatus for database applications. Through use of multiple database application metrics input into a neural network learning algorithm, recommended resource capacities are generated. Input parameters such as the number of records, lookups, images, PDFs, fields, BLOBs and width of fields for example may be utilized to train a neural network to yield needed resource metrics such as the processing power, memory, disk and/or network capacities required to run the database application. Training for the neural network may involve running tests over all desired cross interactions of input and output parameters beginning for example with a small repository and ending with the maximum complexity of data and schema test. The training data is input into the neural network for the given database application version and utilized to plan resource utilization. A portal or webservice may be utilized to provide an interface to the apparatus.
US08051017B2 Practical model for high speed file delivery services supporting guaranteed delivery times and differentiated service levels
A practical economic and technical model for building commercial-grade electronic file delivery services that provide the same scale, predictability, and differentiated service levels as physical courier services traditionally used to move electronic data on physical media. Systems and methods for providing such services using a charge-back scheme based on congestion pricing are described.
US08051013B2 System and method for providing a system that includes on-line and off-line features in a network environment
An apparatus for coordinating a relationship in a network environment is provided that includes a central web site operable to interface with one or more end users and to manage information related to one or more of the end users. The central web site includes an on-line component and an off-line component such that one or more of the end users can communicate and gather information about each other at the central web site and the central web site can facilitate a meeting in person between two of the end users.
US08051008B2 Method and system for using reward points to liquidate products
A user selects a product to be liquidated from a product provider and then designates to the transacting entity that reward points are to be used towards the purchase of the liquidated product. The transacting entity acts to decrease the number of reward points in the user's reward account by the required number of points. The reward account holder conveys consideration to the transacting entity equivalent to the par value of the reward points consumer obtains the product in exchange for reward points having a retail value equivalent to what he would have otherwise paid for the product, while the reward account holder is required to convey only the par value of the points. The product provider is able to liquidate the product and obtain payment equivalent to what it would otherwise have obtained in a prior art liquidation process, auction or trading environment.
US08051007B2 Method and system to facilitate a payment in satisfaction of accumulated micropayment commitments to a vendor
A method and a system facilitate payments between a plurality of parties. A plurality of payment commitment made to a second party is accessed, the plurality of payment commitments contributing towards a total commitment receivable value for a second party and made by a plurality of payor parties to the second party. The total commitment receivable value for the second party is calculated utilizing a risk indication, where the risk indication is based on reputation information of a party. A payment process, for payment of the total commitment receivable value by a first party to the second party, is initiated.
US08050997B1 Instant availability of electronically transferred funds
A system and method for making proceeds of an ACH (Automated Clearinghouse) transaction available to a user before the transaction is completed. The system may be part of an on-line system or traditional merchant configured to facilitate payments or fund transfers from users. A user requests the transfer of funds to an entity (e.g., another user, a merchant, the user's account with the system) via an ACH entry. The system calculates a risk associated with the user, while considering various data (e.g., number of previous ACH entries, how many failed, how many succeeded, amount of the transfer). If the risk is low enough, the ACH entry is initiated and the desired funds are released for the transfer even before the ACH entry clears. The ACH entry may be presented as a default choice for funding the transfer.
US08050992B2 Secure card with stored biometric data and method for using the secure card
A secure card comprising biometric data of an individual for identifying or confirming authority of the individual. Prior to issuing the secure card a cardholder's biometric data is stored in the secure cards memory. When the secure card is used the cardholder inputs biometric data. This input biometric data is then compared to the biometric data stored in the card. If the input biometric data matches the stored biometric data the identity of the cardholder is confirmed. The secure card also comprises a transparent input area to separate the cardholder from an identity verification machine.
US08050986B2 System and method for determining a quantity mismatch report
A system, method, and computer program for determining a quantity mismatch report so that a plurality of configured quantities for a plurality of product variants can be compared. The method includes transforming a plurality of logical expressions. The method also includes detecting a quantity mismatch report from said transformed logical expressions. The method further includes determining at least one product variant from the quantity mismatch report.
US08050974B2 Method and system for price suggesting using item-specific attributes
A method and system for generating transaction price data relating to electronic commerce. In one embodiment, the system classifies items based on an item classification hierarchy. Each item classification in the hierarchy may have associated item-specific attributes. When a commercial transaction relating to an item is conducted, the item is identified based on its item classification and values for the associated item-specific attributes. The system records information relating to commercial transactions for items that have been so identified and uses those records to generate transaction price data. For example, the system may evaluate commercial transactions relating to a fixed-price sales or auctions to a suggest the fair market value of the item. When generating transaction price data, the system may allow the user to specify an item classification along with values of its attributes. The system identifies records of commercial transactions relating to items with that item classification and with matching attribute values and bases the transaction price data on those identified records.
US08050968B2 System and method for the real-time transfer of loyalty points between accounts
The invention includes facilitating the substantially real-time transfer of loyalty points between accounts. The method and system include receiving a transfer request (e.g., consumer request, triggering event, etc) for a transfer of a certain number of loyalty points, accessing and analyzing the total number of loyalty points in the transferor account to determine if a sufficient number of points exist, analyzing the type/level of consumer and type/level of points to be involved in the transfer, deducting the requested loyalty points from the transferor account, determining if any rules exist for restricting or limiting the transfer of points, using a conversion engine to convert the point value to an appropriate point value in the transferee account and increasing the point balance in the transferee account.
US08050963B2 Method of assessing a parking fee
A method for assessing fees for parking is disclosed. The method includes determining the length of a vehicle and assessing a parking fee based upon that vehicle length. The disclosed method may also include marking at least a portion of the selected parking area in increments of length or marking the length of a vehicle on that vehicle. Embodiments of the method are also disclosed that include calculating the parking fee so that a longer vehicle is charged more than a shorter vehicle for parking in the selected parking area. Other embodiments of the disclosed method include calculating the parking fee based on different length ranges that include at least a first length range and a second length range. The first length range has lengths that are shorter than lengths in the second length range. The parking fee is based on which length range the length of the vehicle falls within.
US08050962B2 Methods and apparatus for providing mission assurance
Methods and apparatus are provided for assuring content of a product. The method comprises identifying key elements that at least partially specify the content of the product creating assessment criteria for each of the key elements, and defining maturity levels for each of the assessment criteria. The method further comprises developing a planned maturity level for each of said assessment criteria that comprise a relationship between the maturity and the maturity levels and conducting evaluations of the assessment criteria with at least the planned maturity level to determine a plurality of metrics for each of the assessment criteria that at least partially corresponds to the maturity of the content. In addition, the method comprises projecting a future maturity level for at least one of the assessment criteria based at least in part upon a statistical analysis of the metrics of the at least one of the assessment criteria and identifying issues with the content of the product based at least in part upon the future maturity level.
US08050960B2 Recommendations based on an adoption curve
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for recommendations based on adoption curve. A method includes tracking over a period of time user popularity of a media content using a web service residing in a server, the popularity and period of time representing a life cycle of each of the media content. The method tracks over the period of time users enrolled in the web service and when in the period of time each of the users adopted the tracked media content and associates adopted media content with user profiles representing the users. The method recommends media content associated with a first user who adopted the tracked media content earlier in the period of time to a second user who may want to adopt the tracked media content subsequently in the period of time.
US08050959B1 System and method for modeling consortium data
A method is provided for analyzing operational risk associated with one or more organizations, comprising receiving operational loss data from a plurality of organizations at a third-party risk management entity that is a separate entity from the plurality of organizations. The operational loss data includes confidential information regarding one or more of the plurality of organizations. The data received from the plurality of organizations, including the confidential information, is pooled. The pooled data is used to generate an operational risk model for one of the plurality of organizations, and this operational risk model is transmitted to the organization. A system for modeling operational risk for a plurality of organizations is provided, comprising a first data store configured to collect data regarding operational losses from the plurality of organizations, whose data includes confidential information regarding one or more of the organizations. The system includes software instructions configured to pool the operational loss data collected from the plurality of organizations and software instructions configured to generate operational risk models for the organizations using the pooled data, wherein the confidential information is not removed from the pooled data. The system also includes a second data store configured to store the generated models.
US08050955B2 Method for forecasting and managing multimedia contacts
Multimedia contacts are forecasted, propagated, and managed for each period in a range. The number of contacts received in a period is forecasted using historical methods and is propagated to succeeding periods based on the business goals, such as how quickly a certain contact type is to be handled. After the contacts have been propagated, a total contacts to handle is determined for each period, and the staffing requirements are calculated therefrom.
US08050952B2 Documenting occurrence of event
A method of documenting occurrence of an event in a computer system includes receiving first event information forwarded upon a first event occurring in execution of a first step in a transaction process. The first event information includes a first step key, a first step type, and first time-of-occurrence information. The method includes identifying, upon receiving the first event information, an anchor step type that previously has been assigned for use in documenting the first event. The anchor step type is associated with an anchor step in the transaction process. The method includes reading, using the anchor step type, an anchor key of the anchor step in an execution log for the transaction process. The execution log is identified using the first step key. The method includes associating the anchor key with the first time-of-occurrence information. A performance measure having start and end events may be evaluated.
US08050948B2 Method and apparatus for an itinerary planner
A method and apparatus for providing an itinerary planner is described. The itinerary planner generates itineraries for visiting locations which are personalized to the user's preferences. Unknown conditions are handled by contingency plans that the itinerary planner generates in an anytime manner. The first itineraries are derived in a short time, and as more computation time is allowed, additional itineraries that better suit the preferences of the user are obtained.
US08050943B1 Systems and methods for retaining or shifting prescription market share
Systems and methods are provided for retaining or shifting prescription market share. The systems and methods may include receiving, from a pharmacy computer, a prescription claim associated with a drug requested by a customer; determining that a payor will not cover the prescription claim; subsequent to determining that the payor will not cover the prescription claim, determining that eligibility requirements in accordance with a market share retention program have been satisfied in order to make the drug available for free to the customer; and transmitting, to the pharmacy computer, a notice of availability of the free drug for the customer.
US08050940B2 Identification of specialty drugs
Methods for determining whether a drug is a specialty drug, methods for creating tools to be used in making the determination, and the tools themselves are disclosed. The overall value of a drug depends on the drug's attribute values with respect to each of a set of drug attributes (concerning, e.g., the drug's route of administration, targeted disease, possible adverse reactions, risk of toxicity, cost, need for patient compliance with the treatment regime, and handling, preparation, and/or storage requirements. If the overall value or its partial overall values meet certain criteria, the drug is deemed to be a specialty drug.
US08050934B2 Local pitch control based on seamless time scale modification and synchronized sampling rate conversion
This invention locally controls the pitch of speech and audio signals. The invention is based on a seamless time scale modification (S-TSM) scheme connected to a synchronized sampling rate converter that switches between different time scale factors in a seamless manner and controls pitch during playback in a nearly continuous way.
US08050926B2 Apparatus and method for adjusting prompt voice depending on environment
An apparatus for adjusting a prompt voice depending on an environment comprises a receiver module used for receiving a background sound, an analyzer module generating a control signal according to the background sound and an output module adjusting an output frequency of a prompt voice through the control signal and outputting the adjusted prompt voice.
US08050924B2 System for generating and selecting names
Methods and apparatus for implementing the generation of names. In one implementation, a system for generating a name includes: a user interface that receives user input including values for corresponding characteristics and name lengths; a rule dictionary that indicates one or more rules, each rule indicating a relationship between a phoneme and a characteristic; a phoneme selector that selects a phoneme using a value for a characteristic received through said user interface and a rule corresponding to that characteristic; a phoneme compiler that combines selected phonemes to form a name, wherein said name includes a number of letters based on said name length; storage storing data, including data representing said user input and said rule dictionary; and a processor for executing instructions providing said user interface, said first phoneme selector, said second phoneme selector, and said phoneme compiler.
US08050921B2 System for and method of automated quality monitoring
A system and method according to the present invention automates call monitoring activities to evaluate and directly improve agent-customer interactions. Rather than listening to an entire call or monitoring only a small fraction of all the calls made in the contact center, the system performs highly accurate, automated evaluations of all customer interactions. By automating the time-consuming aspect of monitoring calls, the system empowers contact center operators to address quality issues, more accurately measure, coach and reward agents, and identify business-critical trends.
US08050915B2 Apparatus and method of encoding and decoding audio signals using hierarchical block switching and linear prediction coding
In one embodiment, sample information and frame length information are obtained from the audio signal. The sample information indicates a total number of audio data samples for each channel in the audio signal, and the frame length information indicates a number of samples in a frame of each channel. An optimum prediction order is determined for each block based on a maximum permitted prediction order and a length of the block, where a prediction order is the number of linear prediction coefficients. The optimum prediction order is selected as a minimum one of the global prediction order and the local prediction order. The global prediction order is determined based on the maximum permitted prediction order, and the local prediction order is determined based on the length of the block.
US08050909B2 Apparatus and method for post-processing dialogue error in speech dialogue system using multilevel verification
Provided are an apparatus and method for post-processing a dialogue error in a speech dialogue system using multilevel verification, in which both of a user's current utterance and a whole dialogue flow are taken into account through the multilevel verification including speech recognition results analysis, linguistic analysis, discourse analysis and dialogue analysis. As a result, various errors that may occur in the speech dialogue system are detected, and error post-processing appropriate to a detected error type is performed, so that speech recognition errors may be reduced.
US08050894B2 Method for automatic generation of optimal space frame
Space frames consist of combination of one or more basic modules to function as a decorative feature or a building element in architectural design. There are certain aesthetic criteria to meet on the design of a basic space frame module; space frame module, geometric regularity, and dimension regularity for all the angles and lengths between edges. Designers exercise their own creativity to develop space frame modules base on these criteria. The present invention relates to a hybrid algorithm based on evolutionary algorithm for graph encoding scheme (EAGES) and genetic algorithm (GA) to evolve the design automatically in relative small number of generations. The hybrid algorithm is a tool to architects and designers to rapidly produce aesthetically pleasing designs with the resources available to them.
US08050886B2 Motion plane correction for MEMs-based input devices
An electronic motion-based input device and method for correcting errors in acceleration due to a deviation from a horizontal plane of motion by correcting for gravitational acceleration components due to the deviation in the plane of motion.
US08050884B2 Method and apparatus for determining the emissivity, area and temperature of an object
Methods and apparatus are provided to determine the emissivity, temperature and area of an object. The methods and apparatus are designed such that the emissivity and area of the object may be separately determined as functions dependent upon the temperature of the object derived from a three or more band infrared measurement sensor. As such, the methods and apparatus may only require a regression analysis of the temperature of the object without any regression analysis of the emissivity and area of the object.
US08050883B2 Material property estimation using inverse interpolation
A method is provided for performing inverse interpolation that estimates the values of at least two identified parameters. Initially, a database of sensor responses is generated over a range of values for each of the identified parameters. The sensor responses associated with incremental changes in each parameter value form a grid cell. Each corner of a grid cell is a grid point which represents the sensor response for a specific value of each of the identified parameters. A target point of sensor values is obtained from a sensor. The database is searched to identify the grid cell which contains the target point. Using the grid cell corners as reference values, the final estimate of the parameter values is interpolated. In some cases there are three or more parameters to be estimated. The database may include sensor responses computed at multiple excitation frequencies.
US08050880B2 Generation of a constant envelope signal
One or more embodiments of the present invention relates to an iterative method for generating an almost-constant, nearly constant, or substantially-constant envelope time signal with prescribed Fourier transform magnitude in the frequency domain, and a constant envelope time signal whose Fourier transform magnitude closely matches the prescribed Fourier transform magnitude in the frequency domain. Different starting points for the iterative algorithm give rise to different solutions and their accuracy can be adjusted using a monotonic error criterion presented here.
US08050869B2 Profile searching in nucleic acid sequences using the Fast Fourier Transformation
The invention provides methods for detecting known blocks of functionally aligned protein sequences in a test nucleic acid sequence, e.g., in an uncharacterized EST. The method can detect the presence of known blocks of functionally aligned protein sequences in a test nucleic acid sequence based on the total number of base matches for the variety of possible lags.
US08050863B2 Navigation and control system for autonomous vehicles
A navigation and control system including a sensor configured to locate objects in a predetermined field of view from a vehicle. The sensor has an emitter configured to repeatedly scan a beam into a two-dimensional sector of a plane defined with respect to a first predetermined axis of the vehicle, and a detector configured to detect a reflection of the emitted beam from one of the objects. The sensor includes a panning mechanism configured to pan the plane in which the beam is scanned about a second predetermined axis to produce a three dimensional field of view. The navigation and control system includes a processor configured to determine the existence and location of the objects in the three dimensional field of view based on a position of the vehicle and a time between an emittance of the beam and a reception of the reflection of the emitted beam from one of the objects.
US08050858B2 Multiple visual display device and vehicle-mounted navigation system
In a vehicle-mounted navigation system, an operating unit that operates the driver's seat side image and an operating unit that operates the passenger's seat side image had to be provided separately, which increased the number of operation buttons and the size of the navigation system device. In a vehicle-mounted navigation system that displays images in multiple directions, an operating direction detector detects which direction an operation was performed from, and a controller controls the vehicle-mounted navigation system based on a detection result of the operating direction detector.
US08050850B2 Control apparatus and control method for internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine includes a valve timing change mechanism that changes the phase of an intake cam, and a lift amount change mechanism that changes lift amount by causing displacement of a control shaft. An electronic control unit performs a coordinated control in which the lift amount change mechanism is operated such that the position of the control shaft that is detected by a position detection sensor becomes the target position, and the valve timing change mechanism is operated according to a control state of the lift amount change mechanism. When a discrepancy between the actual position of the control shaft and the detected position thereof is estimated to be large, coordinated control is forbidden and the valve timing change mechanism is operated based on engine load.
US08050849B1 Mixed-mode fuel minimization
A mixed-mode method for operating a vehicle's propulsion plant to travel at a selected average speed using the minimum amount of fuel. The method involves travelling in one mode at high speed part of the time, and in a different mode at low speed part of the time, in such a way that the average speed is the selected value.
US08050845B2 Fuel pressure controller and fuel pressure control system
An ECU estimates a variation amount of fuel which is actually suctioned by a fuel pump based on a fuel pressure in a common rail. Even though the fuel pressure in the common rail deviates from a target fuel pressure, when the estimated variation amount of fuel is substantially zero, an energization quantity to a solenoid of a flow control valve is compulsorily reduced.
US08050834B2 Driving support device, driving support method and driving support program
Information pertaining to a first zone set ahead of a host vehicle and a second zone farther ahead than the first zone is acquired. Based on the information, if a distance between an end point of the first zone and a start point of the second zone is shorter than a distance within which the host vehicle can be slowed at a predetermined deceleration to a second target vehicle speed for traveling the second zone at the start point of the second zone, a second acceleration gear ratio is acquired for accelerating the host vehicle in a second acceleration zone following the second zone. The gear ratio of the host vehicle is set to the second acceleration gear ratio in a first deceleration zone for slowing the host vehicle before reaching the first zone.
US08050830B2 Driving apparatus for vehicle
A driving apparatus includes a first transmission mechanism receiving mechanical power from an engine output shaft by a first input shaft, a second transmission mechanism receiving the mechanical power from the engine output shaft and a motor by a second input shaft, and a first clutch capable of engaging the engine output shaft with the first input shaft. When performing cranking of an internal-combustion engine, an ECU selects a gear position of the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism to reduce speed of the mechanical power received by the second input shaft and transmit the power to the first input shaft, and puts the first clutch into an engaging state. The speed of the mechanical power from the motor is reduced by the first and second transmission mechanisms to increase torque, and power is transmitted to the engine output shaft through the first clutch.
US08050824B2 Electric power steering apparatus
An assist gradient Ra and also an F/B gain gradient Rp are inputted to an assist gradient compensation control unit. The F/B gradient Rp is added to the assist gradient Ra in an adder and the sum obtained is inputted into a switching control unit. The assist gradient Ra that has been inputted from a basic assist control unit is directly inputted together with the sum to the switching control unit. When a torque feedback control is executed, the switching control unit outputs the sum of the assist gradient Ra and F/B gain gradient Rp to a filter constant computation unit and an assist gradient gain computation unit.
US08050822B2 Controller of vehicle
A driving/braking force manipulation control input of a k-th wheel, which denotes one or more specific wheels among a plurality of wheels of a vehicle, is determined such that a required condition concerning a relationship among a road surface reaction force that may act from a road surface on the k-th wheel on the basis of the detected values or estimated values of a road surface reaction force and a friction characteristic of the k-th wheel, a feedback control input related to the driving/braking force of the k-th wheel for bringing a difference between a state amount of the vehicle and a reference state amount close to zero, a driving/braking force feedforward control input based on a drive manipulated variable supplied by a driver of the vehicle, and a k-th wheel driving/braking force manipulation control input is satisfied.
US08050815B2 Method and system for selectively monitoring vehicle systems and for controlling vehicle system parameters
A method for selectively monitoring one or more vehicle systems is disclosed. The method includes recognizing, at the vehicle, an activation device that is configured to trigger predetermined setting(s) for the one or more vehicle systems. The telematics unit transmits to a secure server a signal indicative of the fact that the activation device is in use. Access to the secure server for monitoring the one or more vehicle systems via an Internet-enabled program is selectively enabled. A system for monitoring one or more vehicle systems is also disclosed. Further, a method for controlling vehicle system parameters is disclosed herein.
US08050802B2 Method and apparatus of compensating for position shift
A levitated XY stage with a mechanism to disable the bearing element to allow the physical elements of the stage to come into contact with one another and “Coulomb weld” together, thereby eliminating drift. Preferably, the XY position shift of the stage that results from disabling the bearing is measured, and feed-forward communication to, for example, the AFM scanner is used to enable an offset and remove the error.
US08050801B2 Dynamically extensible and automatically configurable building automation system and architecture
A building automation system (BAS) architecture is disclosed. The BAS comprises, in one embodiment, an architecture comprising a communication network and having a dynamic extensibility capability and an automatic configuration capability; an engine communicatively coupled to the communication network; and at least one control device communicatively coupled to the communication network, the control device being known or unknown to the engine. The engine can be adapted to selectively implement the dynamic extensibility capability to establish communications with and to control both known and unknown control devices. The engine can be further adapted to selectively implement the automatic configuration capability to determine at least one characteristic of both known and unknown control devices. A method of adding a control device to a building automation system (BAS) by dynamically extending and automatically configuring an architecture of the BAS is also disclosed.
US08050799B2 Method for determination of spraying parameters for controlling a painting appliance which uses spraying means
A method for determining of spraying parameters for controlling a painting appliance which sprays and is moved over an area to be painted, in particular a robot with a painting application. A known spraying map is produced, using known spraying parameters and paint amount, for a predetermined movement speed of the painting appliance, and a paint amount is matched to a new movement speed in comparison to the predetermined movement speed. Furthermore, new spraying parameters are calculated for the adapted paint amount, while maintaining a spraying map which is similar to the known spraying map.
US08050792B2 Method and device for optimization of flatness control in the rolling of a strip
A method and a device for optimization of flatness control in the rolling of a strip using any number of mill stands and actuators. A mill model is used represented by a mill matrix that includes information of the flatness effect of each actuator. Each actuator's flatness effect is translated into a coordinate system having a dimension less than or equal to the number of actuators used. The actual flatness values are monitoring/sampling across the strip. A vector of the flatness error/deviation is computed as the difference between the monitored/sampled strip flatness and a reference flatness vector. The flatness error is converted into a smaller parameterized flatness error vector. A dynamic controller is used to calculate optimized actuator set-points in order to minimize the parameterized flatness error, thereby achieving the desired strip flatness. Also a system for optimization of flatness control in rolling a strip.
US08050780B2 Apparatus and method for controlling a force-activated controller
A servo-controlled system is disclosed for providing simulated feel equivalent to that of traditional mechanical hand controllers. Processed position and force sensor signals are used in a feedback loop that controls the motor mechanically connected to the stick. The feedback loop comprises a low-level motor feedback loop, and high-level force feel loop. The latter comprises static and dynamic performance components. The system allows variable and additional force cues to be specified externally to the system and felt by the operator, and/or external signal to backdrive the stick to follow a specified motion. The control framework permits the electronic coupling of the motion and applied forces by pilots in a dual arrangement while retaining the above-mentioned features. It simulates cross-coupling mechanical compliance due to force fight between pilots, detents and asymmetric force feel gradients. Parameters associated with loops and performance components can be specified independently.
US08050776B2 Apparatus and method for alleviating nausea
A method and apparatus for prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting by the simultaneous electrical stimulation of the pericardium meridian six point and pericardium meridian seven point on the ventral side of the wrist of a patient. The meridian stimulator comprises a wrist-band like housing that is worn on the ventral side of the human wrist and contains a circuitry means included within the said housing and electrically coupled to the electrodes. A negative electrode is positioned on the pericardium meridian six point and a positive electrode is placed on the pericardium meridian seven point and a low amperage current is passed through these points via electrodes positioned at these points. A liquid crystal display unit reads the current supplied to the electrodes and indicates via an indicator light when current is being supplied to the meridian stimulator and further comprises a touch screen for a power on and off button and for increasing the rate of electrical stimulations.
US08050766B2 Respiratory triggered, bilateral laryngeal stimulator to restore normal ventilation in vocal fold paralysis
A laryngeal stimulation system including a sensor for detecting an occurrence of a respiratory signal in a subject and a laryngeal stimulator adapted for coupling to a laryngeal muscle and operable to stimulate the laryngeal muscle in response to the sensor detecting the occurrence of the respiratory signal is provided. A method for laryngeal stimulation including detecting an occurrence of a respiratory signal in a subject and then stimulating a laryngeal muscle in response to detecting the occurrence of the respiratory signal is also provided.
US08050761B2 Method for treating myocardial infarction
A method for treating patients after a myocardial infarction which includes pacing therapy is disclosed. A cardiac rhythm management device is configured to deliver pre-excitation pacing to one or more sites in proximity to an infarcted region of the ventricular myocardium. Such pacing acts to minimize the remodeling process to which the heart is especially vulnerable immediately after a myocardial infarction.
US08050755B2 Delay to therapy following patient controlled atrial shock therapy request
An implantable cardiac device detects a patient therapy request originating from external to the implantable device. A shock therapy delay period is timed in response to the detection of the patient therapy request. Atrial shock therapy is provided to the patient after expiration of the shock therapy delay period (if the presence of an ongoing atrial arrhythmia is detected). The patient therapy request may be provided by a patient activator including a magnet for operating a reed switch in the implanted device to provide the request. A patient activator including an input and receiver/transmitter circuitry may be employed to request the immediate providing of atrial shock therapy, and/or to set the duration the shock therapy delay period. By allowing specific delays to therapy after a therapy request, a patient can prepare for the requested therapy and thereby mitigate therapy discomfort.
US08050752B2 Method of treating lumens, cavities, and tissues of the body with an ultrasound delivered liquid
The present invention relates to a method of treating lumens, cavities, and tissues of the body with a liquid delivered with the use of ultrasound. Delivering a liquid with the use of ultrasound may be accomplished by utilizing a device comprising an ultrasound transducer, an ultrasound horn, a channel running at least partially through said horn, and a dampening grommet at the distal end of the horn (hereafter called the “delivery device”). The delivery device may further comprise a liquid supply emptying into said channel. Subjecting liquids within the horn of the delivery device to ultrasonic energy accelerates the liquid, thereby creating a higher velocity, low pressure liquid stream. Consequently, the method of the present invention enables the treatment of maladies deep within lumens, cavities, and tissues of the body. The method of the present invention may also be used for douching and/or cleaning lumens, cavities, and tissues of the body.
US08050750B2 Event discrimination using unipolar and bipolar signal differences
A medical device and associated method discriminate near-field and far-field events by sensing a bipolar signal and a unipolar signal at a tissue site, detecting an event in response to one of the bipolar and unipolar signals, and comparing an event feature determined from the bipolar signal to an event feature determined from the unipolar signal.
US08050749B2 Reconstruction of a surface electrocardiogram based upon an endocardial electrogram
The reconstruction of a surface electrocardiogram based upon an endocardial electrogram. This method includes: (a) acquisition (10) of a plurality of endocardial electrogram signals (EGM) through a plurality of endocardial leads defined based upon endocardial electrodes; (b) calculation (12), by combining the endocardial electrogram (EGM) signals acquired at step (a), of the corresponding endocardial vectogram (VGM); (c) angular rescaling (14) of the orthonormalized mark of the endocardial vectogram (VGM) with that of the surface vectocardiogram (VCG); (d) estimation (16), based upon the endocardial vectogram (VGM) calculated at step (b), of a reconstructed surface vectocardiogram (VCGreconstructed), and (e) calculation (18) of the surface electrocardiogram (ECG) corresponding to said reconstructed surface vectocardiogram (VCGreconstructed).
US08050748B2 Decision support system to detect the presence of artifacts in patients monitoring signals using morphograms
A method for monitoring a patient (110) includes determining (114) convex hulls for pairs of monitored signals from the patient, and determining whether a perturbation has occurred (115, 116) in one or more of the convex hulls. This exemplary embodiment (110) can also include alerting an operator that a clinically significant change may have occurred (117) in the patient if each of the convex hulls has been perturbed. If only a subset of the convex hulls is perturbed, an artifact has probably occurred (118).
US08050747B2 Method and apparatus for determination of atherosclerotic plaque type by measurement of tissue optical properties
Methods for diagnosing vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque using optical coherence tomography to measure tissue optical properties, including backreflectance of heterogeneous layers, such as plaque cap, lipid pool composition and macrophage presence. Methods also include measurement of spatially and temporally dependent reflectance, measurement of multiple wavelength reflectance, low coherence interferometry, polarization and quantification of macrophage content.
US08050744B2 Optical system for measuring metabolism in a body and imaging method
In an optical measurement system and imaging method adapted to measure in vivo information in a living body without harming the living body, light rays of a plurality of wavelengths which are modulated in intensity with a plurality of different frequencies are irradiated on a plurality of irradiation positions on the surface of a living body, and time-variable changes in living body transmitting light intensity levels corresponding to the respective wavelengths and the respective irradiation positions are measured at different positions on the surface of the living body. Light is utilized to image the results of the measurements, in which the measuring time is shortened by estimating fluctuation attributable to the living body, and the presence or absence of a change in measured signal can be decided easily by displaying an estimation signal and a measured signal at a time.
US08050742B2 Biopsy device
A biopsy device for marking a biopsy site is disclosed. The biopsy device can include a marker deployer and at least one marker disposed within an internal lumen of the deployer. The marker can include a non-metallic marker body sized and shaped to reduce variability in marker deployment force. In one embodiment, the marker body can be shaped to cooperate with a feature in the internal lumen of the deployer.
US08050738B2 Position detecting apparatus using the magnetic field direction of the earth's magnetic field
A position detecting apparatus includes a linear magnetic-field generator that generates a linear magnetic field in an area inside the subject; a diffuse magnetic-field generator that generates a diffuse magnetic field having position dependency on magnetic field direction in the area; a magnetic-field line orientation database in which a correspondence between magnetic field direction and position of the diffuse magnetic field in a reference coordinate axis is recorded; an orientation calculator that calculates orientation information of a body-insertable device introduced into a subject in the reference coordinate axis based on linear magnetic-field information and the earth magnetism direction; and a position calculator that calculates a magnetic field direction of the diffuse magnetic field at the position of the body-insertable device based on the linear magnetic-field information, orientation information, and diffuse magnetic-field information, and calculates the position of the body-insertable device based on the magnetic field direction and correspondence recorded.
US08050735B2 Apparatus and method for multi-modal imaging
An imaging system for imaging an object, including: a support member adapted to receive the object in an immobilized state; a removable phosphor plate assembly adapted to respond to ionizing radiation by emitting visible light; first imaging means for imaging the immobilized object in a first imaging mode to capture a first image; second imaging means for imaging the immobilized object in a second imaging mode, different from the first imaging mode, to capture a second image; and third imaging means for imaging the immobilized object in a third imaging mode, different from the first and second imaging modes, to capture a third image, wherein the first imaging mode uses the phosphor plate assembly and is selected from the group: x-ray mode and low energy radio isotope mode; the second imaging mode uses the phosphor plate assembly and a high energy radio isotope mode, and the third imaging mode is selected from the group: bright-field mode, fluorescence mode and luminescence mode.
US08050733B2 Sensor system, garment and heart rate monitor
The invention relates to a sensor system, a garment and a heart rate monitor. The sensor system comprises at least one flexible film structure comprising: a first insulation layer and at least one electric conductor layer formed on top of the first insulation layer and comprising an electrode area, which is configured to establish an electric contact with the surface of the user's skin and to generate as output an electric signal proportional to a momentary value of the electrocardiogram.
US08050728B2 Multiple wavelength sensor drivers
A cable is capable of communicating signals between a monitor and a physiological sensor. The monitor is capable of activating individual light emitters of an emitter array arranged in an electrical grid by driving at least one of row drive lines and at least one of column drive lines of the electrical grid. The cable has a first row input, a first column input, a second row input and a second column input. The cable also has a first output which combines the first row input and the first column input and a second output which combines the second row input and the second column input. The inputs are adapted to connect to electrical grid drive lines of a monitor. Further, the outputs are adapted to connect to contacts of a physiological sensor having back-to-back configured LEDs in electrical communication with the contacts.
US08050727B2 Slide mechanism for slide-type terminal device
An exemplary slide mechanism (100) includes a rear cover (20), a front cover (30), and a coil spring (50). The front cover is slidably attached to the rear cover. The coil spring connected is configured for creating an elastic force to make the front cover slide relative to the rear cover. The coil spring includes a coiled portion (52) connected to the front cover, a free portion (54) connected to the rear cover, and a connecting portion (56) connecting the coiled portion and the free portion.
US08050716B2 Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a terminal body having a display unit; a band connected with both ends of the terminal body; and a manipulation unit disposed on the terminal body and moving in multiple directions based on a central shaft.
US08050711B2 Methods, systems and apparatus for displaying the multimedia information from wireless communication networks
Video signals for a mobile terminal are converted to accommodate reproduction by an alternative display terminal. The video signal is processed to provide a converted video signal appropriate for an alternative display terminal that is separate from the mobile terminal. This converted video signal is then provided for the alternative display terminal to accommodate the corresponding video display on a screen provided by the alternative (e.g., external) display terminal.
US08050689B2 System and method for creating minimum bounding rectangles for use in a geo-coding system
A method is disclosed for determining a minimum bounding polygon for use in a geo-coding system. A first polygon is received defining a geographic region. A minimal number of points is determined corresponding to the first polygon to define a second polygon at least bounding the first polygon.
US08050682B2 Method and system for delivering and constructing status information in communication system
Disclosed is a method for delivering buffer status information to a target base station, to which a mobile station has decided to hand over, by a serving base station in a communication system. The method includes the steps of constructing buffer status information containing a first parameter indicating the number of a smallest packet among packets within a predetermined section stored in a buffer, a second parameter indicating the number of a packet to be transmitted at a next point of time, a third parameter indicating the number of a first packet, the lifetime of which has not yet expired, and a fourth parameter indicating whether or not an instruction to initialize the buffer status information has been transmitted to the mobile station; and transmitting a message containing the constructed buffer status information to the target base station.
US08050680B2 Apparatus and method for performing vertical handover in a wireless communication system
A vertical handover method and apparatus in a wireless communication system are provided, in which a serving network selects a target network for a vertical handover of a terminal from among at least one candidate target network to which the terminal can perform the vertical handover, transmits information about the selected target network to the terminal, and requests the vertical handover of the terminal to the target network, the target network acquires a profile of the terminal from a policy store, upon receipt of the vertical handover request from the serving network, the terminal requests a connection to the target network, and the target network transmits information about a router to which the terminal will connect to the terminal, upon receipt of the connection request from the terminal and updates a proxy binding for the terminal in the policy store.
US08050672B2 Telecommunication system, mobile phone and calling method
The present invention provides a telecommunication system, a mobile phone and a calling method adapted for the telecommunication system. The telecommunication system includes a mobile phone connected to a wireless network and a wired phone connected to a wired network. The mobile phone and the wired phone communicate each other within a predetermined coverage area. When there is not a wired phone within the predetermined coverage area or there is a wired phone within the predetermined coverage area and the current state of the wired phone is busy, the mobile phone makes a call via the wireless network. If there is a wired phone within the predetermined coverage area and the current state of the wired phone is idle, the mobile phone sends a phone number to the wired phone, and the wired phone makes the call via the wired network.
US08050671B2 Method and apparatus for network growth planning in wireless networks
The invention includes a method and apparatus for determining network growth information for a radio access network (RAN) and a wired network supporting communications of the RAN (denoted as a core network). The method includes obtaining RAN configuration information including RAN component configuration information and RAN component connectivity information, obtaining actual traffic information and forecast traffic information for the RAN, and determining RAN growth information by correlating the actual traffic information and the forecast traffic information with the RAN configuration information, the RAN growth information indicating whether at least one additional RAN component is necessary to support the actual and forecast traffic. The method may further include determining network growth information associated with the core network using core network configuration information and at least a portion of the RAN growth information.
US08050661B2 System and method for redirecting message attachments between a host system and a mobile data communication device
A scheme for redirecting e-mail messages and message attachments from a mail system to a mobile data communication device. In one embodiment, a method comprises one or more of the following: automatically detecting a data item including an e-mail message and a message attachment by a redirector component associated with the mail system, processing the data item for sending a first portion of the data item to the mobile data communication device via a wireless network, receiving a command message from the mobile data communication device at the redirector component requesting more of the data item, and sending a second portion of the data item including the message attachment to a user of the mobile data communication device in response to the command message.
US08050660B2 Apparatus and method for handling messaging service message adaptation
A method and apparatus for handling messaging service message adaptation. An original message is received from an originating communication device, the original message based on a wireless communication message protocol, the original message being of a first message type. The message is modified according to preferences of a message recipient communication device to generate a second message of a second message type. The second message is sent to the message recipient communication device. A modification notification is sent to the originating communication device, the modification notification indicating that the original message was modified.
US08050657B2 Tamper resistant circuitry and portable electronic devices
A portable electronic device. Tamper-resistant circuitry for inclusion in an electronic device. The tamper-resistant circuitry comprises wireless receiving circuitry operable to receive an incoming communication. The tamper-resistant circuitry also comprises a first circuit operable to change a signal state in response to the incoming communication. The tamper-resistant circuitry also comprises a verification sensor circuit coupled to the first circuit. The sensor is operable to detect a circuit condition indicative of unauthorized use and upon detection of the circuit condition to prevent the change of the signal state.
US08050654B2 Method for locking function and mobile communication terminal
A user of a mobile communication terminal registers a title or test body that a lock request electronic mail should have for locking function of a contactless type communication device is a lock control information area 23R of the mobile communication terminal. After that, if a lock request electronic mail having the registered title is received, and the lock request electronic mail is detected by the lock request detection section 51, then when the contactless type communication device is in a usable state, in the mobile communication terminal the function lock section 52 within the control section locks the function of the contactless type communication device via the wired communication path.
US08050646B2 Noise suppressing device
To provide a noise suppressing device which accurately suppresses weak electric field strength pulse noise.A band-limiting unit (5) band-limits a composite signal obtained by demodulating an FM baseband signal, to a frequency band equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency so as to output a monaural audio signal. A pulse detecting unit (62) which detects pulse noise in the audio signal outputted by the band-limiting unit (5). A pulse judging unit (63) judges that a detection result of the pulse detecting unit (62) is valid in the case where pulse noise is detected in the composite signal, at a position corresponding to the detected pulse noise. A pulse suppressing unit (64) suppresses the pulse noise detected in the audio signal, in the case where the pulse judging unit (63) judges that the detection result is valid. Specifically, the amplitude of the composite signal which is synchronized with the audio signal is compared with a threshold, and it is judged that the detection result is pulse noise in the case where the amplitude of the composite signal exceeds the threshold.
US08050638B2 Power amplifier controller with polar transmitter
A power amplifier controller controls a power amplifier and is coupled to a polar modulator. The polar modulator generates an amplitude component and a phase-modulated component of the desired RF modulated signal, and outputs to the power amplifier controller. The power amplifier controller regenerates a combined phase and amplitude modulated RF signal to generate an input signal to a power amplifier by adjusting the gain of a VGA based on the amplitude component of the desired RF modulated signal. Concurrently, the power amplifier controller both controls an adjusted supply voltage to the PA and adjusts the gain of the VGA based upon an amplitude correction signal or amplitude error signal.
US08050635B2 Systems and methods for reducing power consumption in vehicle communication systems
A vehicle communication system includes a connection quality module and a channel scan frequency module. The connection quality module determines that a vehicle is out-of-range (OOR) from a host when a connection quality between the vehicle and the host is below a predetermined connection quality threshold. The channel scan frequency module controls a frequency of attempts by the vehicle to connect to the host when the vehicle is OOR based on at least one of whether an engine is on and a movement rate of the vehicle.
US08050630B1 Method for monitoring the operation of a global position system receiver
A method is provided for determining the validity of a signal received by a GPS receiver. A signal that is unfiltered, either mathematically or electronically, is monitored to determine the variability of different occurrences of the signal. These occurrences, which may be sequential, are compared to each other in order to detect whether or not variation exists between one occurrence of the signal and a subsequent occurrence of the signal. If no variation exists, it is determined that the signal is invalid and that a loss of fix of the satellite signal has occurred. If sufficient variability exists in the signal, between successive occurrences, the signal is deemed to be valid and suitable for use to control a vehicle such as a marine vessel.
US08050627B2 Method and system for predictive sensing of periodic intermittent interference
A method (10 or 40) or system (200) of predictive sensing of periodic intermittent interference (PII) can include the measuring (12) of energy on a channel for an indication of PII, determining (14) if a channel is currently in a PII on-cycle, and adjusting (16) a clear channel assessment threshold to a new threshold for improved sensitivity of the PII on-cycle. If a current energy level on the channel is below the new threshold and if a previous on-energy characteristic suggests that the current energy level will remain below the new threshold for a predetermined minimum period of time, then a clear channel indication can be provided (20). A busy channel indication is provided (45) when either the current energy level is above the new threshold or the previous on-energy characteristic suggests the current energy level will not remain below the threshold for predetermined minimum period of time.
US08050613B2 White-out for paper reuse
A method of reusing a sheet includes receiving a sheet having a printed image, scanning a new image, determining whether the sheet is acceptable for reuse, covering at least one portion of the printed image on the sheet with a white-out toner via a white-out unit, fusing the white-out toner to the at least one portion of the sheet, printing a new image onto the sheet, and performing the receiving, scanning, determining, covering, fusing and printing operations on the sheet a plurality of times. A printing device for covering and printing over a printed image includes a receiving subsystem configured to receive a sheet, a processing module configured to determine whether the sheet is acceptable for reuse, and a fuser module configured to fuse a white-out toner.
US08050603B2 Image forming apparatus, image forming method and image forming program
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms multicolor toner images superposed on a transfer belt. A sensor is disposed in an image formation region and detects a pattern on the transfer belt. A controller determines, when image data is received, whether or not a region of a toner image based on the image data will be superposed on a region of the pattern. The controller controls the image forming unit to form the toner image based on the image data and the pattern simultaneously on the transfer belt when the controller determines that the region of the toner image based on the image data will not be superposed on the region of the pattern.
US08050599B2 Toner cartridge and image forming apparatus having toner cartridge
A toner cartridge includes a toner receptacle that houses toner, a plurality of stirring members housed in the toner receptacle, a plurality of gears meshing with each other on outside of the toner receptacle, and a phase display section. The stirring members are arranged next to each other in the toner receptacle and rotate to stir the toner. Each of the stirring members has a scraper that scrapes off the toner adhering to an inner surface of the toner receptacle. The gears rotate to rotate the stirring members in an interlocked manner with each other. The phase display section shows a meshing position of the gears so that the gears mesh with each other at a position where a phase difference along a rotating direction of the stirring members occurs between the scrapers of the stirring members that are next to each other.
US08050597B2 Toner container having a gear portion and image forming apparatus
A toner container includes a container body that contains toner therein, and a cap portion that is held by a toner-container holding unit and includes a toner discharge opening to discharge the toner contained in the container body. A gear portion is detachably attached to the container body so that a rotational force is transmitted to the container body.
US08050592B2 Image-forming device and process cartridge configured to be installed in and removed therefrom
An image forming device includes a casing having a guide, image forming portions configured to form images on a recording medium, and a drawer configured to be installed in and withdrawn from the casing along the guide in a first direction for installation and in a second direction for withdrawal opposite the first direction. The drawer may include a housing configured to house each image forming portion, a projecting portion coupled to the housing and protruding in the first direction, and a support portion coupled to the projecting portion. An engagement of the support portion with the guide regulates movement of the drawer upward or downward during installation and withdrawal.
US08050584B2 Power control method and apparatus to heat a heating roller
A power control apparatus includes a heating roller provided to fix a toner image of print data in an image forming apparatus, the heating roller having a heating resistor to receive roller power. A maximum level of a source power supplied from an external source is gradually increased up to a specific maximum supply level and the maximum source power to the heating resistor is supplied as the roller power while gradually increasing the maximum level of the source power up to a specific maximum supply level. A surface temperature of the heating roller is measured, and the source power of which maximum level is equal to the maximum supply level is supplied to the heating resistor as the roller power until the measured surface temperature reaches a specific fixing target temperature, and the toner image is fixed onto a fed printing medium.
US08050581B2 Image forming apparatus and control method thereof
An image forming apparatus and a control method thereof are disclosed. A charge unit charges a surface of an organic photo conductor (OPC) to a predetermined electric potential. A developing unit develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the OPC by coating a developer on the same. A power supply unit supplies power to the charge unit and the developing unit. A control unit regulates the power supplied to the charge unit and the developing unit. After a developing process in the developing unit, the control unit regulates the power applied to at least one of the charge unit and the developing unit so as to collect a residual developer on the surface of the OPC to the developing unit. Accordingly, contamination of the charge unit and the transfer unit can be prevented and an image of a good quality can be achieved.
US08050569B2 Device for optical remote monitoring and system comprising such a device
A device for optical remote monitoring, preferably an optically readable membrane-based microphone, and a system including such a device is provided. The device for optical remote monitoring includes a retroreflector and an acoustic membrane. The acoustic membrane suitably is a light-modulating component and modulates the reflection of an incident light beam in relation to the pressure field, from a sound source, to which the membrane is exposed. The retroreflector may be a corner cube having three sides with the membrane arranged on one of the sides. The membrane can be part of a side or one side may consist of a membrane.
US08050565B2 Multiservice private network and interface modules for transporting, on such a network, data in different formats
A multiservice private network and interface modules (M1-M5). Each of said modules is dedicated to interfacing a specific terminal equipment (T1-T4, GTW; 310-380) in the multiservice private network. The interface modules (M1-M5) are connected to the terminal equipment on a one-to-one basis. Each interface module (M1-M5) is configured to send and/or receive data in a format adapted to the terminal equipment to which it is connected, at a specific wavelength, in order to interconnect, via said private network, at least two mutually compatible terminal equipments among all the terminal equipments. This arrangement is typically applicable in particular to interconnecting, via a common network, heterogeneous different terminal equipments, so that the mutually compatible terminals communicate directly with one another without interfering with communication between other terminals of a different type.
US08050564B2 Coherent optical channel substitution
In an optical data transmission system, one channel is removed from a group of wavelength division multiplexed optical channels and another channel carrying different information at the same wavelength is inserted in its place. The process occurs by adding an optical signal whose electric field is the difference between the electric field of the new and old channels. The difference calculation takes into account the phase of the incoming WDM channel and phase of the laser source of the difference signal. The method has applications in optical transmission networks as add-drop nodes and optical regenerators, for generation of high bandwidth optical signals, and for secret optical communications.
US08050559B2 Multi-chassis router with multiplexed optical interconnects
A multi-chassis network device includes a plurality of nodes that operate as a single device within the network and a switch fabric that forwards data plane packets between the plurality of nodes. The switch fabric includes a set of multiplexed optical interconnects coupling the nodes. For example, a multi-chassis router includes a plurality of routing nodes that operate as a single router within a network and a switch fabric that forwards packets between the plurality of routing nodes. The switch fabric includes at least one multiplexed optical interconnect coupling the routing nodes. The nodes of the multi-chassis router may direct portions of the optical signal over the multiplexed optical interconnect to different each other using wave-division multiplexing.
US08050557B2 Transmission system and system startup method
An exemplary aspect of the invention is a transmitter for transmitting an optical signal, comprising a level comparing unit for measuring an input level of an entered optical signal, and determining whether the input level has exceeded a preset level and a controller for performing high-speed control of the level of an optical signal to be outputted when the input level exceeds the preset level.
US08050551B2 Covert camera with a fixed lens
A covert camera for surveillance in an aircraft comprises a front panel that can have an appearance other than a conventional camera. The front panel can include at least one aperture therethrough. A lens can be in or near the aperture, the lens having a field of view. A camera mount can be positioned on the front panel. The camera mount can include a sensor capable of receiving an image of at least a portion of the field of view. The camera mount can be capable of adjustment without movement of the lens.
US08050530B2 Method for producing elements comprising fiber optics, device for implementing said method, optical fibers element and optical arrangement comprising such an element
A method for producing an optical fiber element provided with several optical fibers disposed in a matrix, including: a) placing and maintaining the several optical fibers in grooves formed in a mould plate, said grooves being in different planes, b) injecting a hardenable material adhering to the several optical fibers, c) solidifying the hardenable material to maintain the several optical fibers in a position set by the grooves, and d) removing at least the mould plate.
US08050522B2 Video processing apparatus and video processing method thereof
Provided are a video processing apparatus and a video processing method thereof. The video processing apparatus includes: an input unit which receives a broadcasting signal which may include zoom-in information having regional information on a part of a video image; a video processor which processes the inputted broadcasting signal; and a controller which controls the video processor to zoom in the part of the video image based on the regional information of the zoom-in information if the broadcasting signal includes the zoom-in information.
US08050518B2 Image processing apparatus and method for readily identifying image data suitable for super-resolution processing
An image processing apparatus includes a determining unit that determines whether image capturing conditions concerning super-resolution processing are satisfied for each piece of image data, and an adding unit that adds data corresponding to a result of determination made by the determining unit to each piece of the image data.
US08050517B2 Method and apparatus for modulating sub-channel pixel in multi grayscale monochrome output apparatus
Provided is a method and apparatus for modulating sub-channel pixels in a multi grayscale monochrome output apparatus, more particularly, a method and apparatus for modulating sub-channel pixels in a multi grayscale monochrome output apparatus that can represent a high grayscale input image on a low grayscale output apparatus through sub-channel pixel modulation.
US08050515B2 Image processing circuit and method thereof for enhancing text displaying
An image processing circuit and method thereof for enhancing text displaying of an image are provided. The image processing circuit performs the method. Firstly, at least a first illumination area and at least a second illumination, which is located adjacent to the first illumination area in the image are defined according to luminance values of a plurality of pixels of the image. Next, a luminance regulation value of at least one of the pixels in the first illumination area is calculated, and the luminance value of the corresponding pixel in the first illumination area is adjusted according to the luminance regulation value. During processing of the image, the luminance values of all of the pixels in the second illumination area are restricted from any adjustment.
US08050513B2 Method of generating multiscale contrast enhanced image
A method of generating a multiscale contrast enhanced image preserving the shape of the edge transitions is described. Enhanced detail pixel values are computed by combining enhanced center difference images at least one scale.
US08050508B2 Detecting method and system of compression-related noise levels
A detecting system and method of compression-related noise levels is provided to produce a compressed index of an image. A line buffer temporarily stores a pixel (i, j) and neighboring pixels. An edge filter calculates an edge index for the pixel (i, j). A line filter calculates a line index for the pixel (i, j). A first determination device produces an edge signal according to the edge index and the line index for indicating whether the pixel (i, j) locates at an edge. A first buffer temporarily stores edge signals of the pixel (i, j) and left and right pixels. A second buffer temporarily stores line indexes of the pixel (i, j) and associated pixels. A second determination device produces a ringing signal for the pixel (i, j) according to the edge signals temporarily stored in the first buffer and the line indexes temporarily stored in the second buffer.
US08050507B2 3D depth generation by local blurriness estimation
A system of generating three-dimensional (3D) depth information is disclosed. A color and object independent local blurriness estimation unit analyzes blurriness of each pixel of a two-dimensional (2D) image. Subsequently, a depth assignment unit assigns depth information to the 2D image according to the analyzed blurriness.
US08050501B2 Image matching apparatus, image matching method, and image data output processing apparatus
In an image matching apparatus of the present invention, when a document type discrimination section that discriminates a document type determines that a target document is an N-up document on which plural document images are laid out, a resolution conversion section that converts a resolution of image data into a default resolution before features are extracted from the image data converts a resolution of image data of the target document into not the default resolution but a resolution which varies depending on the number of document images laid out on the target document and a document size of the target document. This makes it possible to determine a similarity to a reference document with high accuracy even in a case where each document image included in the target document to be matched is reduced in size from its original document image, i.e., in a case of an N-up document.
US08050493B2 Method for generating a high quality scanned image of a document
An improved image processing method for generating an image from a hard copy document includes the following steps: scanning the hard copy document multiple times using a scanner to generate a plurality of images; performing deskewing for each image; performing translational compensation for each image; selecting two images (first and second) among the plurality of images that have the highest similarity to each other; dilating the first image; converting the dilated first image into a binary form; eroding the converted first image to generate a first processed image; eroding the second image; converting the eroded second image into a binary form; dilating the converted second image to generate a second processed image; and extracting common portions of the first and second processed images to generate a final image. This method can be used to generate high quality scanned images of hard copy documents for purposes of document authentication.
US08050492B2 Apparatus and method for generating and outputting stereoscopic images
An apparatus and a method for generating and outputting stereoscopic images. A user can select either a barrier mode and an interlaced mode. In the barrier mode, images are generated in the barrier scheme, whereas in the interlaced mode, images are generated in the interlaced scheme. In a case where the user selects the interlaced mode, when the images are detected with the left and right camera sensors, the images are rotated by −90 degrees and are then detected. Subsequently, stereoscopic images are generated from rotated images according to the barrier scheme, and generated images are stored along with information on a currently set image generation mode. Next, when the user desires to output the stored stereoscopic images through an interlaced output device for providing stereoscopic images in the interlaced scheme, the stored stereoscopic images are rotated by 90 degrees, and the rotated stereoscopic images are provided to the interlaced output device. Accordingly, without an additional configuration unit for a special purpose, the stereoscopic images stored in the barrier scheme can be output as normal stereoscopic images through the interlaced output device.
US08050491B2 CAD modeling system and method
A 3D object modeling system and method system and method captures a 2D representation of the object to be modeled and breaks the 2D image into its geometric elements. The 3D stereoscopic image is then fitted to the geometric elements generated from the 2D image to generate the final model. The 3D stereoscopic image may be compared with the geometric elements to detect distortions in the object, allowing the distortions to be corrected in the final model to ensure that the model accurately depicts the original object.
US08050484B2 Method and system for image recognition for aiding the visually impaired
A method for tracking paper currency in a holder, includes: scanning paper currency deposited or removed from a holder; determining the total number of each individual denomination of paper currency contained within the holder based on the scanned paper currency deposited and removed from the holder; recording the total number of each individual denomination of paper currency; determining the total value of the paper currency within the holder; outputting the denomination of paper currency when the paper currency is scanned during depositing or removal from the holder; outputting the recorded number of each individual denomination of paper currency and the total value of the currency within the holder; and wherein the recorded number of each individual denomination of paper currency and the total value of the currency within the holder is dynamically tabulated based on the scanning of paper currency deposited or removed from the holder.
US08050475B2 Detection and localization of vascular occlusion from angiography data
A technique for detecting and localizing vascular occlusions in the brain of a patient is presented. The technique uses volumetric angiographic data of the brain. A mid-sagittal plane and/or lines is/are identified within the set of angiographic data. Optionally, the asymmetry of the hemispheres is measured, thereby obtaining an initial indication of whether an occlusion might be present. The angiographic data is mapped to pre-existing atlas of blood supply territories, thereby obtaining the portion of the angiographic data corresponding to each of the blood supply territories. For each territory (including any sub-territories), the asymmetry of the corresponding portion of the angiographic data about the mid-sagittal plane/lines is measured, thereby detecting any of the blood supply territory including an occlusion. The angiographic data for any such territory is displayed by a three-dimensional imaging technique.
US08050459B2 System and method for detecting pedestrians
A method is provided for detecting a pedestrian exterior to a vehicle by use of a vehicle-mounted image-based monitoring system. An edge-based pedestrian detection analysis is applied to the input image data to determine an edge-based confidence value of a candidate image area being a pedestrian. A motion-based pedestrian detection analysis is applied to the input image data to determine a motion-based confidence value of a candidate image area being a pedestrian. A final confidence value is obtained by combining the edge-based confidence value and motion-based confidence value using weighting factors that are functions of vehicle speed. The final confidence value is compared to a threshold value for determining whether to generate a warning that a pedestrian may be present in the input image data.
US08050441B2 Portable speakers
A portable speaker having at least one driver mounted in a first enclosure and a second enclosure separate from the first enclosure and having pivotally mounted to it the first enclosure. The second enclosure has all electronics, controls and a battery compartment. The first enclosure is moveable relative to the second enclosure between a first configuration and a second configuration, the at least one driver being protected by the second enclosure when the first enclosure is in the first configuration.
US08050436B2 Method for amplifying an acoustic signal and corresponding acoustic system
In acoustic systems, especially with hearing aids, feedback whistling keeps occurring. To avoid this, a limit gain frequency response of the amplification device, which represents the limits of feedback whistling, is thus recorded. On the basis of the curve recorded a required gain frequency response with a number of interpolation points is created, with each interpolation point having a predetermined minimum distance in each case to the limit gain frequency response in at least two different directions. This enables feedback whistling to be largely avoided, even with shifts in resonant frequencies.
US08050434B1 Multi-channel audio enhancement system
A method for processing audio signals can include receiving left and right front audio signals, where the left and right front audio signals including information about front spatial position of sound sources relative to a listener. The method can also include receiving left and right rear audio signals, where the left and right rear audio signals include information about rear spatial position of sound sources relative to a listener. In addition, the method can include applying at least one front perspective filter to each of the left and right front audio signals to yield filtered left and right front output signals, where the left and right front output signals each drive a front speaker. Moreover, the method can include applying at least one rear perspective filter to each of the left and right rear audio signals to yield left and right rear output signals, where the left and right rear output signals each drive a rear speaker to simulate a rear surround sound effect when positioned in front of a listener.
US08050428B2 Audio signal transmission circuit
An exemplary audio signal transmission circuit includes a codec to provide analog and digital audio signals; an amplifier connected to the codec to receive the analog audio signals; a control circuit connected to the codec to receive the digital audio signals and connected to the amplifier to selectively turn off the amplifier; a front audio port connected to the amplifier to receive amplified analog audio signals generated by the amplifier; and a rear audio port connected to the amplifier and the control circuit to selectively receive the amplified analog audio signals or the digital audio signals. The control circuit and the front audio port are turned off when the rear audio port is connected to an analog system, and the amplifier and the front audio port are turned off when the rear audio port is connected to a digital system.
US08050425B2 Audio signal supplying device, parameter providing system, television set, AV system, speaker apparatus, and audio signal supplying method
An audio signal supplying device includes a connection terminal which is connected to a speaker unit and which outputs an audio signal to the speaker unit, a specifying section which specifies a type of the speaker unit connected to the connection terminal, an acquiring section which acquires a parameter corresponding to the type of the speaker unit specified by the specifying section from an outside, a storing section which stores the parameter acquired by the acquiring section, an inputting section into which the audio signal is input, an acoustic characteristic controlling section which adjusts an acoustic characteristic of the audio signal input into the inputting section based on the parameter stored in the storing section, and a supplying section which supplies the audio signal whose acoustic characteristic is adjusted by the acoustic characteristic controlling section to the connection terminal.
US08050417B2 Auxiliary electromagnetic valve for a gas servo valve
Auxiliary electromagnetic valve for its incorporation into a main valve of a gas servo valve, which comprises a body with an auxiliary outlet conduit connected to an outlet conduit of the servo valve, a pivoting arm that comprises a closure member of a valve seat of the auxiliary outlet conduit, a ferromagnetic armature that closes the magnetic circuit opening the valve seat, and a return means, supported by a plate, that returns the pivoting arm in order to keep the seating closed. The body is configured by means of a peripheral surface fitted to a cavity of the main valve, a lower surface supported against the cavity by means of fitting means, an intermediate transverse surface on which the valve seat is fitted, a transverse perimetral rim upon which the plate is fixed, and an auxiliary hole that connects the valve seat to the outlet conduit.
US08050414B2 Robust pipe-strike pulse detector
A method for discriminating a noise pulse from a background noise in which a signal of interest is converted to an envelope signal using an entropy-based envelope generator, which envelope signal is then integrated over a plurality of consecutive integrative periods, producing an integrated envelope signal for each of the integration periods. The ratio of the envelope signal at the end of each of the integration periods corresponding to each corresponding said integrated envelope signal is determined and compared with a predetermined threshold signal for each of the integration periods, resulting in a comparison value. The integration period in which the comparison value exceeds the predetermined threshold signal and which is preceded by two integration periods in which the comparison value does not exceed the threshold value represents the point in time at which the noise pulse is detected.
US08050411B2 Method of managing one-time pad data and device implementing this method
A device stores one-time pad data for use in carrying out various tasks. In order to preserve the ability to carry out important tasks that require the use of one-time data, use of the one-time pad data held by the device is controlled such that an amount of this one-time pad data is only usable by a predetermined set of important tasks comprising at least a replenishment task for replenishing the device with one-time pad data.
US08050402B2 Method and related device for hardware-oriented conversion between arithmetic and boolean random masking
A method for secure conversion between two different random markings used for cryptographic functions, converts a first binary data word, masked by a binary mask word according to a first masking process, into a corresponding second binary data word, masked by said binary mask word according to a second masking process, the first and second binary data words and the binary mask word including corresponding pluralities of bits, wherein each of the pluralities of the bits includes a least significant bit, a first bit, and at least one i-th bit i≧2.
US08050398B1 Adaptive conferencing pod sidetone compensator connecting to a telephonic device having intermittent sidetone
Disclosed herein are teleconferencing pods that include a microphone and a loudspeaker for open-air conversations, connectible to a separate telephonic device that generates an intermittent sidetone that is active at certain times not in the control or monitoring of the pod. In those pods is a sidetone suppressor that suppresses a distracting open-air echo produced from the intermittent sidetone and a compensator that detects sidetone transitions to avoid generating an echo signal in the pod and to avoid adapting suppression in the absence of an externally-generated sidetone. Sidetone suppression may be by several means, and may include variables controlled by adaption, including delay factors, scalers and coefficients. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.
US08050390B2 Device and a method for feeding electric devices from a telephone line
A system for powering an electric device with power drawn from a telephone line in a telephone network includes an exchange connecting a telecommunication network to a subscriber apparatus through one telephone line. The system includes a control and feeding device located at the subscriber's premises, connected between the telephone line and subscriber apparatus, and further connected to the electric device to be powered, and a logic control unit in the exchange connected between the subscriber line interface circuit of the telephone line and the telecommunication network, and a bidirectional device connected between the logic control unit and subscriber circuit for recognising and applying to the logic control unit signals received by the subscriber circuit through the telephone line, and for sending to the subscriber circuit control information generated by said logic control unit and relating to the power drawing.
US08050389B2 Method and system for automatically selecting outgoing voicemail messages
A system for automatically selecting an outgoing message for an incoming call. In response to receiving an incoming call, a calling party is identified. The identified calling party is compared against call log data to determine that the identified calling party has previously heard a first outgoing message. In response to determining that the identified calling party has not previously heard the first outgoing message, the first outgoing message is played as a selected outgoing message for the incoming call. In response to determining that the identified calling party has previously heard the first outgoing message, a second outgoing message is played as the selected outgoing message for the incoming call. Then, the call log data is updated to identify the selected outgoing message played for the incoming call.
US08050383B2 Radiographic apparatus and radiographic method
A radiographic apparatus controls the irradiation of a subject with radiation on the basis of a comparison result between an irradiation area calculated on the basis of an opening area of an aperture and a detection area of radiation of an image data generator that detects radiation that has been transmitted through the subject and generates image data.
US08050363B2 Turbo decoder and method for turbo decoding a double-binary circular recursive systematic convolutional encoded signal
A Turbo decoder and method for decoding a double-binary circular recursive systematic convolutional (DBCRSC) encoded signal with unknown initial and final states executes iterations of forward and backward recursion on a payload block of the DBCRSC encoded signal and a padded block using an estimated forward state metric (FSM) and an estimated backward state metric (BSM), which are updated at one or more iterations.
US08050359B2 Continuously variable phase frequency shift keying
Method for modulating an RF signal includes the steps of modulating an RF signal using frequency shift keying (FSK) modulation to define a plurality of symbols (2030, 2031). The FSK modulation includes transitioning the modulated signal (204) between at least two different frequencies (f1 and f0) during a guard period (210). The method includes the further step of varying a frequency of the modulated signal 204 during the guard period (210) in accordance with a predetermined rate of change. The predetermined rate of change is selected to minimize a bandwidth of the RF signal.
US08050351B2 Quadrature modulator with feedback control and optical communications system using the same
The method and system are disclosed for automatic feedback control of integrated optical quadrature modulator for generation of optical quaternary phase-shift-keyed signal in coherent optical communications. The method comprises the steps of detecting at least a part of an output optical signal from the QPSK modulator, extracting of a particular portion of the output signal in frequency domain, and processing the signal in frequency domain to optimize the transmission of an optical link. The system and method of optical communications in fiber or free space are disclosed that implement the quadrature data modulator with automatic feedback control.
US08050348B2 Receiver and method performing adaptive overlap and add function in multi band orthogonal frequency division multiplexing scheme
A receiver performing an adaptive overlap and add (OLA) function in a multi band orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) scheme and a method using the receiver. The receiver performing the OLA function in the multi band OFDM includes a channel estimator to estimate a delay spread from a digital input signal; a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) estimator to estimate an SNR from the digital input signal; and an overlap and add (OLA) module to determine an OLA length based on the estimated delay spread and the estimated SNR and to perform an OLA according to the determined OLA length, wherein the OLA module adds, to header samples of an OFDM symbol, tail samples corresponding to the estimated delay spread of the OFDM symbol corresponding to the digital input signal.
US08050347B2 Digital broadcast transmitting/receiving system having an improved receiving performance and signal processing method thereof
A digital broadcast transmitting/receiving system and a signal processing method thereof that can improve the receiving performance of the system. A digital broadcast transmitter has a randomizer to randomize an input data stream which has null bytes being inserted at a specified position, a multiplexer to output a data stream formed by inserting specified known data into the position of the null bytes of the randomized data stream, an encoder to encode the data stream outputted from the multiplexer, and a modulator/RF-converter to modulate the encoded data, RF-convert the modulated data and transmit the RF-converted data. The receiving performance of the digital broadcast transmitting/receiving system can be improved even in a multi-path channel by detecting the known data from the received signal and using the known data in synchronization and equalization in a digital broadcast receiver.
US08050341B2 Method and apparatus for acquiring frequency of multi-path signal
A method and an apparatus for acquiring a target frequency of a multi-path signal are disclosed. The multi-path signal includes a first path signal and a second path signal. First, the first path signal is received through a first path and the second path signal is received through a second path. Then, a target region is determined. The target region is a portion of a second cyclic prefix in the second path signal which overlaps with a first cyclic prefix in the first path signal. Afterward, the target frequency is determined based on the target region.
US08050332B2 System and method for selectively performing single-ended and differential signaling
In a communication system, data is selectively transmitted using single-ended or differential signaling. The data is transmitted in relation to a plurality of clock signals having different relative phases. When the data is transmitted using single-ended signaling, data on adjacent signal lines undergo logic transitions at different times in relation to the plurality of clock signals.
US08050325B2 System and method for boundary motion vector correction in motion compensated frame rate
A system and method for more efficiently determining motion vectors of uncovering areas adjacent the edge of frames when the frame image is moving in the direction of the frame boundary. Backwards motion estimation is used to determine a block of video data which is, in one implementation, the block of video data adjacent the frame edge having a reliable motion vector known from the first frame. Once the block is identified, the blocks of video data in the uncovering area between the identified block and the frame boundary can then be assigned the motion vector data of the identified block.
US08050321B2 Grouping of image frames in video coding
A method for encoding a video sequence comprising an independent sequence of image frames, wherein at least one reference image frame is predictable from at least one previous image frame that is earlier than the previous reference image frame in decoding order. An indication of at least one image frame is encoded into the video sequence, which indicated image frame is the first image frame, in decoding order, of the independent sequence, said at least one reference image frame being included in the sequence. In the decoding phase, the indication of at least one image frame is decoded from the video sequence, and the decoding of the video sequence is started from said first image frame of the independent sequence, whereby the video sequence is decoded without prediction from any image frame decoded prior to said first image frame.
US08050317B2 Receiver with equalizer and method of operation
A receiver with an equalizer and an equalizing method are disclosed. The method includes equalizing received serial data in the equalizer, detecting an error in equalized serial data output by the equalizer, and determining reset of the equalizer in relation to an error detection.
US08050315B2 Open collector / open drain integrated bidirectional digital isolator
An open collector/open drain interface, such as I2C interface between two or more integrated circuit devices, employs isolation techniques to provide electrical isolation of a digital signal for transmission of the signal between the devices. Uni-directional isolator channels are utilized to transmit bidirectional digital signals, and a selection of an isolator channel operating in an intended transmission direction is performed by direction control logic. Edge detection logic is utilized to determine changes in edges of a digital signal, thus determining a transmitting device and a transmission direction. The direction state is held in a direction state register. This state is held until the appropriate edge is detected on the transmit side, returning the isolator to the idle state. In the idle state neither side of the isolator is in a driven state. During transmission, the digital signal is transmitted through an isolator channel and sent to a receiving device.
US08050311B2 Method and arrangement for improved relaying
A first aspect of the present invention relates to a wireless relaying network having a number of network nodes, including a transmitting node, at least one relaying node and at least one receiving node. Briefly, according to the present invention the transmitting node forms an OFDM-symbol and transmits a signal comprising the OFDM-symbol to the at least one relay node and directly to the receiving node. The relaying node receives, amplifies and transmits the symbol to the receiving node in such manner as to enable the relayed signal and the direct signal to be receive concurrently at the at least one receiving node to enable constructive interference of the OFDM symbol.
US08050305B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device having high reliability, a long lifetime and superior light emitting characteristics by applying a novel material to a p-type cladding layer is provided. A semiconductor device includes a p-type semiconductor layer on an InP substrate, in which the p-type semiconductor layer has a laminate structure formed by alternately laminating a first semiconductor layer mainly including Bex1Mgx2Znx3Te (0
US08050304B2 Group-III nitride based laser diode and method for fabricating same
A laser diode comprising a first separate confinement heterostructure and an active region on the first separate confinement heterostructure. A second separate confinement heterostructure is on the active region and one or more epitaxial layers is on the second separate confinement heterostructure. A ridge is formed in the epitaxial layers with a first mesa around the ridge. The first mesa is 0.1 to 0.2 microns above the second confinement heterostructure.
US08050298B2 Dual transmission stream generating device and method
A digital broadcasting receiver and a stream processing method are provided. The digital broadcasting receiver includes a demodulator which demodulates a received transmission stream and an equalizer which equalizes the transmission stream, wherein the transmission stream includes at least one field which includes additional data stream packets and normal data stream packets, wherein the transmission stream is constituted such that at least a portion of packet data of the additional data stream packets is included in an area disposed in each packet of at least one of the normal data stream packets, and wherein the additional data stream packets are inserted into the area after being encoded and interleaved.
US08050287B2 Integrated universal network adapter
An integrated network adapter is operable to establish a network interface with a plurality of media types, including at least a power line network and a telephone line network, based on pre-configuration, upon initialization and dynamically during operation. The adapter further is operable to establish network interfaces simultaneously or separately with a plurality of media types and provide that a communications event can occur simultaneously or separately over a plurality of media types.
US08050279B2 Method for accessing integrated services by an access network
The present invention relates to a method for accessing integrated services by an access network, including: establishing at least one Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) Label Switch Path (LSP) in a broadband access network; MPLS encapsulating at a broadband access node a service to be transmitted, and transmitting the encapsulated service in the broadband access network via the LSP. As MPLS is a technology for providing multi-layered connection, in the embodiments of the present invention, MPLS is utilized as the means for networking of broadband access network and private line passing through the core network, so that the problem faced by the broadband access network serving as the bearer network of integrated services can be solved, the integrated services of video, voice, data and private line (including IP private line, and traditional private lines of ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode), TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) and FR (Frame Relay)) can be carried over the broadband access network at a lower cost.
US08050278B2 Method and system for communicating with a virtual circuit network
A host computer communicatively linked with a virtual circuit network and communicatively linked with a device over a local area network receives a virtual circuit message from the virtual circuit network, such as an asynchronous transfer mode network. A data structure associating a virtual circuit of the virtual circuit network with the device is referenced, and based on the association, the virtual circuit message is passed to the device over the local area network. The data structure may be a table containing an entry associating the virtual circuit with the device or with the network address of the device.
US08050269B2 Mobile terminal and message transmitting/receiving method for adaptive converged IP messaging
A mobile terminal and message transmitting/receiving method are disclosed for adaptive converged IP messaging. The mobile terminal supporting converged IP messaging (CPM) converts a CPM message into an adaptive converged message and transmits the adaptive converged message. Upon reception, a received message is converted into a CPM message according to a message identifier.
US08050266B2 Low impact network debugging
A method for debugging network connections that involves receiving a packet for a first destination by a network interface card (NIC), classifying the packet, sending the packet to a first receive ring associated with the NIC, and sending the packet from the first receive ring to a first virtual NIC, where the first virtual NIC is associated with a second destination, and where the second destination is used to debug the first destination.
US08050264B2 System and method for re-routing a multicast stream
A method and system for re-routing a multicast stream is provided. The method for re-routing a multicast stream includes: providing a prior multicast forwarding path corresponding to a first route; establishing a new multicast forwarding path between a downstream router and a second upstream router corresponding to a second route; re-routing a multicast stream from said prior multicast forwarding path to said new multicast forwarding path, wherein said multicast stream utilizes said prior multicast forwarding path until said new multicast forwarding path is operational; and pruning said prior multicast forwarding path when said new multicast forwarding path is operational. Therefore, the multicast stream transmitting will not be interrupted during the switchover process of the multicast forwarding path caused by that a unicast route to a multicast source or a rendezvous point has changed.
US08050260B1 Method and system for load balancing in infiniband switches and networks
A switch element and a method for routing packets in an IB Multi Level switch and network is provided. The method includes determining if alternate routing is enabled for a packet; determining an alternate route address for the packet, if alternate routing is enabled; and routing the packet using the alternate route address, if the alternate route address is valid. The switch element includes a routing table in a port that determines a base route address; and if alternate routing is enabled for a packet, the port determines an alternate route address for a packet; and routes the packet using the alternate route address.
US08050257B2 Network with a fast-switching optical core
A high capacity network comprises a plurality of edge nodes with asymmetrical connections to a plurality of switch planes, each switch plane comprising fully meshed fast-switching optical switch units. Upstream wavelength channels from each source edge node connect to different switch planes in a manner which ensures that upstream wavelength channels from any two edge nodes connect to a common switch unit in at most a predefined number, preferably one, of switch planes. Thus, switch units in different switch planes connect to upstream channels from orthogonal subsets of source edge nodes. In contrast, downstream wavelength channels from a switch unit in each switch plane connect to one set of sink edge nodes. In an alternate arrangement, the upstream and downstream asymmetry may be reversed.
US08050253B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for decentralized processing of signaling messages in a multi-application processing environment
Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for decentralized triggerless processing of signaling messages in a multi-application processing environment. According to one method, a signaling message is received at a screening module. At least one application to perform message processing on the signaling message is determined from a screening policy. The signaling message is modified to include application routing information to allow the at least one application to complete signaling message routing. The signaling message is forwarded to, and routed by, the at least one application using the application routing information.
US08050247B2 Method and apparatus for retransmitting packet in a mobile communication system, and system thereof
A retransmission method and apparatus performed in a transmitter of a mobile communication system supporting a Hybrid Automatic Retransmission reQuest (HARQ) operation and an Automatic Retransmission request (ARQ) operation for retransmission of a packet are provided. At least one ARQ entity generates at least one ARQ packet, and an HARQ entity transmits an HARQ packet including the at least one ARQ packet to a receiver, and transmits a local NACK signal indicating transmission fail of the ARQ packet to a corresponding ARQ entity, if the HARQ packet fails in transmission.
US08050244B2 Communication system providing hybrid optical/wireless communications and related methods
A communication system includes at least one optical-wireless device coupled to a longitudinal side of an optical fiber. The optical-wireless device may include an optical fiber power unit for converting optical power into electrical power, and a wireless communication unit electrically powered by the optical fiber power unit. The optical-wireless device may include a substrate mounting the optical fiber power unit and the wireless communication unit to the longitudinal side of the optical fiber. The wireless communication unit may include a radio frequency transmitter, and a signal optical grating coupling the transmitter to the longitudinal side of the optical fiber. The radio frequency transmitter in some embodiments may include an ultra-wideband transmitter. A dipole antenna may also be provided including first and second portions extending in opposite directions along the longitudinal side of the optical fiber.
US08050220B2 Method of transmitting reference signal and transmitter using the same
A method and apparatus of transmitting a reference signal in a wireless communication system is provided. A reference signal sequence is generated by using a pseudo-random sequence. A portion or entirety of the reference signal sequence is mapped to at least one resource block and is transmitted. The pseudo-random sequence is generated by a gold sequence generator which is initialized with initial values obtained by using cell identifier. The reference signal provides low PAPR and high cross correlation characteristic.
US08050203B2 Multi-channel digital wireless audio system
In a multi-channel digital wireless audio system with at least one transmit node and at least one receive node, each node can both receive and transmit digital audio signals. Signals sent from a receive node to a transmit node may acknowledge satisfactory signal receipt, or may requesting retransmission of data packets received in a corrupted state. Original and retransmitted signals may be sent in compressed form to enable use of narrow-band digital radios. The system preferably incorporates a dual control channel to enable transmission of meta data. Each system node preferably incorporates a hardware-multithreaded processor adapted to implement various functions such as baseband functions, RF protocol functions, error correction functions, and audio processing functions, with each independent thread being adapted to implement a different functional block.
US08050202B2 Mobile communication method, mobile station, and radio base station
A radio resource selecting method according to the present invention semi-persistently selects a radio resource to be allocated to an uplink acknowledgement signal indicating a reception state of a persistently allocated downlink signal from a plurality of radio resources defined by frequencies and codes, and includes the steps of: (A) selecting candidates for an allocation radio resource to be allocated to the uplink acknowledgement signal from the plurality of radio resources; (B) notifying candidate information on the selected candidates for the allocation radio resource; and (C) selecting a single allocation radio resource from the plurality of candidates for the allocation radio resource indicated in the candidate information notified in the step (B).
US08050196B2 Method and apparatus for controlling packet transmissions within wireless networks to enhance network formation
Network formation in wireless networks according to an embodiment of the present invention is enhanced based on control of network formation packet transmissions (e.g., Packet Radio Organizational Packet (PROP) transmissions). A source-initiated approach controls re-transmission of inquiry/reply PROP packets based on the presence of a neighboring node. This reduces the size and amount of PROP packets transmitted during neighbor discovery. In addition, the source-initiated approach controls re-transmission of PROP packets indicating a change in an upstream or control type node (e.g., LNC PROP). In this case, the node determines the presence of steady-state conditions (e.g., maintenance of conditions for the original LNC PROP transmission), and enables a single re-transmission of the LNC PROP packet, thereby reducing the transmission of unnecessary or duplicate LNC PROP packets (e.g., containing substantially the same information as previously transmitted packets since conditions have remained the same).
US08050194B2 Customer premise equipment device-specific access-limiting for a cable modem and a customer premise equipment device
A method of initializing, provisioning, and managing a cable modem and a customer premise equipment device includes, prior to receiving the configuration file for the cable modem, providing an equipment identification message containing a description of the customer premise equipment device connected to the cable modem. In the case where the cable modem has yet to be provisioned, the configuration file received from the network server is a particular access-limiting configuration file that is selected from a group of access-limiting configuration files. The selection of the particular access-limiting configuration file is based on the description of the customer premise equipment device in the equipment identification message. This allows different devices to have different network restrictions or different walled gardens.
US08050192B2 Port forwarding configuration system and method for wire and wireless networks
In a port forwarding configuration system and method for wire and wireless networks, when an Internet protocol (IP) is allocated according to a request from a wireless terminal of a private network and an initialization information message is transmitted by the terminal, a port to be used by the terminal is configured and a configured port information message is transmitted to the terminal so as to open a port for the terminal, thereby performing a remote connection of a user terminal to the wireless terminal through port forwarding.
US08050179B2 Method and system for acknowledging frames in a communication network
A communication device (1001) is provided. The communication device (1001) can include a transceiver (1003), for transmitting and receiving communications when operably connected to a communication network. Also, the communication device (1001) can include a processor (1009) cooperatively operable with the transceiver (1003). The processor (1009) can facilitate receiving (1015) one or more frames from a transmitting device. Also, the processor (1009) can obtain a frame check sequence result (1019). Before obtaining the frame check sequence result, the processor can initiate (1017) a transmission of a responsive frame corresponding to the one or more frames. The responsive frame will explicitly indicate an acknowledgement (ACK) or negative acknowledgement (NAK) of the one or more frames.
US08050178B2 System and method for avoiding stall using timer for high-speed downlink packet access system
At least one timer is used to prevent a stall condition. If a timer is not active, the timer is started for a data block that is correctly received. The data block has a sequence number higher than a sequence number of another data block that was first expected to be received. When the timer is stopped or expires, all correctly received data blocks among data blocks up to and including a data block having a sequence number that is immediately before the sequence number of the data block for which the timer was started is delivered to a higher layer. Further, all correctly received data blocks up to a first missing data block, including the data block for which the timer was started, is delivered to the higher layer.
US08050174B2 Self-healing chip-to-chip interface
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing a set of signal paths for a chip. A defective signal path within the set of signal paths for the chip is detected. Signals are re-routed through the set of signal paths such that the defective signal path is removed from the set of signal paths and sending signals using remaining data signal paths in the set of signal paths and using an extra signal path in response to detecting the defective signal path.
US08050165B2 Optical information recording apparatus and optical information recording method
A need to effectively record data of various sizes on a large-capacity holographic memory capable of high-speed recording is achieved, for example, by curing a first part of the holographic recording which is able to be multiplex-recorded in one or more units of a predetermined volume, and by not recording/curing a second part which is not able to be multiplex-recorded in a predetermined volume at a timing when the first recording part is cured. Also the above need can be achieved by, another example, by adding dummy data to the second part. Alternatively, the second part can be recorded on another track, in which it is possible to record in different units, e.g. by bit recording in a track that utilizes a DVD recording format. According to the present examples, we can record data of various sizes on the holographic memory effectively while performing large-capacity and high-speed holographic recording.
US08050150B2 Near-field light detection element and information reproducing medium reproducing method
A near-field light detection element is provided with a light source, a conductive scatterer for generating near-field light by being irradiated with light from the light source, and a photoelectric conversion element arranged in a near-field light generation region near the scatterer. The scatterer irradiates near-field light to a recording medium, and the near-field light detection element detects an intensity change of the near-field light generated by a change of the dielectric constant of the recording medium based on an electrical conductivity change of the photoelectric conversion element.
US08050141B1 Direction finder for incoming gunfire
A system and method is provided for estimating a trajectory of an incoming bullet based on the acoustics of the shock wave created as the bullet travels through the air. A first auditory signal representing a direct sound from the shock wave is recorded and its azimuthal direction is determined. Based on this azimuthal direction and other assumptions two possible bullet directions that can cause that shock wave are estimated. A second auditory signal representing a reflection of the shock wave as it travels through the air also is recorded and its azimuthal direction determined. The azimuthal direction of the ground reflection will lie between the azimuthal direction of the first auditory signal and the more correct of the two estimated trajectories, and thus can resolve the ambiguity in the estimated direction of the bullet source.
US08050140B2 Storage system and method for seismic data acquisition units
A marine seismic exploration method and system comprised of continuous recording, self-contained ocean bottom pods characterized by low profile casings. An external bumper is provided to promote ocean bottom coupling and prevent fishing net entrapment. Pods are tethered together with flexible, non-rigid, non-conducting cable used to control pod deployment. Pods are deployed and retrieved from a boat deck configured to have a storage system and a handling system to attach pods to cable on-the-fly. The storage system is a juke box configuration of slots wherein individual pods are randomly stored in the slots to permit data extraction, charging, testing and synchronizing without opening the pods. A pod may include an inertial navigation system to determine ocean floor location and a rubidium clock for timing. The system includes mathematical gimballing. The cable may include shear couplings designed to automatically shear apart if a certain level of cable tension is reached.
US08050135B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes: a first address buffer configured to be used in a test mode and a normal mode and to receive more addresses in the test mode than in the normal mode; and a second address buffer configured to be used in the normal mode and disabled in the test mode.
US08050132B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device 110 has a plurality of memory cell blocks provided with a plurality of memory cells storing a predetermined amount of data. Each memory cell block has four or more inputs and outputs, and is internally provided with a read address decoder to the memory cell and a sense amplifier for amplifying a voltage in outputting outside. Each memory cell block is structured so as to store a truth table data for outputting a desired logic value in response to a specified address input, thereby operating as a logic circuit. The memory cell has a read word line correspondingly to the read address decoder. In the case when a voltage is applied to the read word line, the data that is held at that time is read from a read data line. The memory cell blocks are connected to each other such that the four or more outputs from one memory cell block are inputted to other four or more memory cell blocks through the sense amplifier.
US08050129B2 E-fuse apparatus for controlling reference voltage required for programming/reading e-fuse macro in an integrated circuit via switch device in the same integrated circuit
An electrically programmable fuse (e-fuse) apparatus includes an e-fuse macro and a switch device. The e-fuse macro is disposed in an integrated circuit, and has a plurality of e-fuse units. The switch device is disposed in the integrated circuit, and has an output node coupled to the e-fuse units and a first input node coupled to a first power source which supplies a first reference voltage acting as a programming voltage of the e-fuse macro. The switch device connects the first power source to the e-fuse units when the e-fuse macro is operated under a programming mode.
US08050125B2 Bit line sense amplifier of semiconductor memory device having open bit line structure
In an embodiment, a bit line sense amplifier of a semiconductor memory device with an open bit line structure includes sense amplifier blocks, first voltage drivers, and a second voltage driver. The sense amplifier blocks include a first sense amplifier and a second sense amplifier, each sensing and amplifying a signal difference between a bit line and a complementary bit line. The first voltage drivers apply a power source voltage to the first sense amplifier, and the second voltage driver applies a ground voltage to the second sense amplifier. The first voltage drivers are disposed for every two or more sense amplifier blocks in a bit line sense amplifier region in which the sense amplifier blocks are arranged, and the second voltage driver is disposed in a conjunction region in which a control circuit is located to control the sense amplifier blocks. Both capacitive noise and device size are minimized.
US08050123B2 Semiconductor memory device and method of defective cell test by adjusting a bitline reference/precharge level
A semiconductor memory device simultaneously selects an object cell and a counter cell which connect with a common bit line, simultaneously activates sub-word lines of the object cell and the counter cell after predetermined levels are written in the object cell and the counter cell, simultaneously read data of the object cell and the counter cell from the common bit line, and hence, determines whether the object cell is normal or defective, based on a voltage level of the common bit line. Thereby, the defective cell in the semiconductor memory device can be reliably detected.
US08050118B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device having read and write operations includes a discrimination signal generating unit for generating a discrimination signal during the write operation; and a selective delay unit for receiving and selectively delaying a command-group signal in response to the discrimination signal.
US08050112B2 Internal voltage generation circuit
An internal voltage generation circuit includes a temperature detection unit which detects an internal temperature of a semiconductor memory device and generates a temperature signal, a driving control signal generation unit which receives the temperature signal and generates first and second driving control signals, and an internal voltage generation unit which receives the first and second driving control signals and generates an internal voltage.
US08050109B2 Semiconductor memory with improved memory block switching
A non-volatile memory core comprises one or more memory bays. Each memory bay comprises one or more memory blocks that include a grouping of non-volatile storage elements. In one embodiment, memory blocks in a particular memory bay share a group of read/write circuits. During a memory operation, memory blocks are transitioned into active and inactive states. The process of transitioning blocks from an inactive state to an active state includes enabling charge sharing between a memory block entering the active state and another memory block that was previously in the active state. This charge sharing improves performance and/or reduces energy consumption for the memory system.
US08050106B2 Fast writing non-volatile memory with main and auxiliary memory areas
A method writes data in a non-volatile memory comprising memory cells that are erased before being written. The method comprises the steps of providing a main non-volatile memory area comprising target pages, providing an auxiliary non-volatile memory area comprising auxiliary pages, providing a look-up table to associate to an address of invalid target page an address of valid auxiliary page, and, in response to a command for writing a piece of data in a target page writing the piece of data as well as the address of the target page in a first erased auxiliary page, invalidating the target page, and updating the look-up table.
US08050097B2 Method of programming nonvolatile memory device
According to an aspect of a method of programming a nonvolatile memory device, a first program operation command is input, and a program operation is executed according to a program start voltage stored in a program start voltage storage unit. Here, a program voltage, which is applied at a time point at which a memory cell programmed higher than a verify voltage while the program operation is performed occurs for the first time, is updated to a program start voltage.
US08050096B2 Programming method to reduce gate coupling interference for non-volatile memory
A non-volatile memory device and programming process is described that compensates for coupling effects on threshold gate voltages of adjacent floating gate or non-conductive floating node memory cells by adjusting the threshold voltage level programmed in view of the data being programmed on a following programming cycle into adjacent memory cells, so that the coupling effect results in the desired target threshold voltages for the cells. In one embodiment of the present invention, memory cell coupling is compensated for by adjusting programming level of one or more memory cells of a first page a memory array to a higher or lower threshold verify target voltage given the data/programming level to be written to directly adjacent memory cells of a second page, so that coupling between the directly adjacent memory cells of the first and second pages brings the memory cells of first page to their final target programming level.
US08050091B2 EEPROM devices and methods of operating and fabricating the same
An electrically erasable and programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) is provided. The EEPROM includes a semiconductor substrate including spaced apart first, second and third active regions, a common floating gate traversing over the first through third active regions, source/drain regions formed in the third active region on opposite sides of the floating gate, a first interconnect connected to the first active region, a second interconnect connected to the second active region, and a third interconnect connected to either one of the source/drain regions.
US08050089B2 Multi-bit flash memory device and memory cell array
A flash memory device includes a plurality of memory blocks. A selected memory block among the plurality of memory blocks includes 2n pages of data. The selected memory block includes different types of memory cells capable of storing different numbers of bits.
US08050084B2 Nonvolatile memory device, storage system having the same, and method of driving the nonvolatile memory device
A nonvolatile memory device includes a memory cell array including a plurality of nonvolatile memory cells each having a resistance corresponding to one of a plurality of first resistance distributions, a temperature compensation circuit including one or more reference cells each having a resistance corresponding to one among one or more second resistance distributions, and a data read circuit including a compensation unit and a sense amplifier, the compensation unit being adapted to supply compensation current to a sensing node, an amount of the compensation current varying based on the resistance of each reference cell, and the sense amplifier being adapted to compare the level of the sensing node with a reference level and to output a comparison result.
US08050074B2 Magnetic packet memory storage devices, memory systems including such devices, and methods of controlling such devices
A memory device is comprised of a magnetic structure that stores information in a plurality of domains of the magnetic structure. A write unit writes information to at least one of the plurality of domains of the magnetic structure by applying a write current to the magnetic structure in response to a control signal. A read unit reads information from at least one of the plurality of domains of the magnetic structure by applying a read current to the magnetic structure in response to the control signal. A domain wall movement control unit is coupled to a portion of the magnetic structure and moves information stored in the plurality of domains in the magnetic structure to other domains in the magnetic structure in response to the control signal. The write unit, the read unit and the domain wall movement control unit are all coupled to the same control signal line that provides the control signal.
US08050073B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory block having first and second word lines extending in a first direction and bit lines extending in a perpendicular second direction; a first driver region at a side of the memory block in the first direction driving the first word lines; a second driver region at another side of the memory block in the first direction driving the second word lines; a sensing region at a side of the memory block in the second direction controlling the bit lines responsive to signals from drive lines; a first conjunction region at an intersection of the first driver and sensing regions including a first driver driving the drive lines responsive to signals from control lines; and a second conjunction region at an intersection of the second driver and sensing regions, including a second driver driving the drive lines responsive to signals from the control lines.
US08050071B2 Memory core and semiconductor memory device having the same
A memory core capable of decreasing the area of core conjunction region is disclosed. The memory core includes a first sub word-line driving circuit and a first sub word-line control signal generating circuit. The first sub word-line driving circuit is disposed in a first region, and generates a first word-line driving signal to provide the first word-line driving signal to an array unit. The first sub word-line control signal generating circuit is disposed in the first region, and generates the first sub word-line control signal based on a sub word-line driving signal. Therefore, the memory core has a small size and, consequently so can the semiconductor device.
US08050067B2 Method and control system for controlling power conversion in a power converter
A control system for controlling conversion of an input power into an output power in a converter module is provided. The control system includes an input power terminal, an output power terminal, and an active switching device. The control system further includes a master controller and a communication link interconnecting the master controller and the converter module. Also, the system has a timing generator generating a timing signal with a cycle time equal to or less than the shortest time constant of the converter module and immediate power circuit elements relating to the converter module. The timing generator is integrated in or interconnected with the master controller. Furthermore, the control system has a signal generator integrated in or interconnected with the master controller generating switching control signals, each switching control signal containing a control message defining a switching state for the active switching device.
US08050062B2 Method and system to allow for high DC source voltage with lower DC link voltage in a two stage power converter
A system for supplying AC power from a DC power source, such as a photovoltaic array is disclosed. The system includes a converter and an inverter coupled by a DC link. Control methods and systems are provided to maintain the DC source voltage and the DC link voltage below the open-circuit voltage of the DC power source. During steady state conditions, the DC source voltage and the DC link voltage are maintained below the open-circuit voltage of the DC power source by controlling the output of the inverter. The DC link voltage is temporarily adjusted to allow for higher DC link transients when the DC power source is first coupled or re-coupled to the system. During conditions when the inverter is decoupled from the system, the converter is controlled to maintain the DC link voltage below the open-circuit voltage of the DC power source.
US08050060B2 Method for operating a converter circuit and apparatus for implementing the method
The disclosure specifies a method for operating a converter circuit, the converter circuit having a converter unit with a large number of drivable power semiconductor switches and with a three-phase electrical AC voltage system, in which the drivable power semiconductor switches are driven by means of a drive signal (SA) formed from a control signal ((SR), and the control signal (SR) is formed by adjusting an H-th harmonic component of system currents (iNH) to a system current setpoint value (iNHref), where H=1, 2, 3, . . . . In order to reduce a harmonic component in the system voltages, the system current setpoint value (iNHref) is formed by adjusting an H-th harmonic component of system voltages (uNH) to a predeterminable system voltage setpoint value (uNHref), the control difference (uNHdiff) from the H-th harmonic component of the system voltages (uNH) and the system voltage setpoint value (uNHref) being weighted by a system impedance (yNH) determined with respect to the H-th harmonic component. In addition, an apparatus is disclosed for implementing the method.
US08050045B2 Electronic component and method of manufacturing the same
The invention relates to a surface mount type electronic component mounted on a printed circuit board or hybrid IC (HIC) and a method of manufacturing the same and provides an electronic component which can be formed with a small size and a low height at a low cost and a method of manufacturing the same. A common mode choke coil as the electronic component has an overall shape in the form of rectangular parallelepiped that is provided by forming an insulation layer, a coil layer (not shown) formed with a coil conductor, and external electrodes electrically connected to the coil conductor in the order listed on a silicon substrate using thin film forming techniques. The external electrodes are formed to spread on a top surface (mounting surface) of the insulation layer.
US08050038B2 Heat dissipation device
A heat dissipation device for dissipating heat from an electronic component mounted on a printed circuit board, includes a fin unit, a heat-conducting board attached to the electronic component, a heat pipe thermally connecting the fin unit and the heat-conducting board, and a clip disposed on the heat pipe. Two engaging portions protrude upwardly from a top face of the heat-conducting board towards each other. The heat pipe extends between the two engaging portions. The two engaging portions press two opposite ends of the clip downwardly, thereby securing the heat pipe to the top face of the heat-conducting board.
US08050037B2 Electronic control device using LC module structure
In an electronic control device that includes two or more kinds of lead-insertion-type parts, including at least a coil and a capacitor, the parts are installed on a support that has a wiring, a terminal structure and mechanically fixing portions; the leads of the above parts are respectively inserted in and electrically connected to holes formed in the wiring portion of the support; the parts and the support are fixed to each other with an adhesion material for fixation; the upper surfaces of the parts are attached to a metallic chasis with a thermally conductive material of a low elasticity modulus interposed in between; the mechanically fixing portions of the support are fixed to the metallic chasis; and the terminal structure of the support is electrically connected to a circuit board that mounts at least a controlling element.
US08050021B2 Ejectable/retractable interface module for a computer system
An ejectable/retractable interface module is disclosed. AN exemplary interface module may include a display trolley assembly, and a display module pivotally connected to the display trolley assembly. A management cable connects the display module to a computer board in the display trolley assembly. The display trolley assembly and display module are configured for during ejection and retraction in a blade enclosure so that the display module folds flat and retracts into the blade enclosure to reduce damage during shipping. The display module pivots to a desired viewing angle during use.
US08050017B2 Computer with a pen or touch sensitive display
A computer with a touch sensitive or pen sensitive display is disclosed in which the position of the fully opened display has been designed in order that the torque typically applied to the top most pen or touch sensitive part of the display, in relation to a rotational axis about which the computer would rotate if it were to tip backwards, is less than that needed to cause the computer to tip backwards about that rotational axis. The computer is therefore stable even when the display is being touched by pen or finger, unlike conventional clam shell designs.
US08050014B2 Solid electrolytic capacitor and method for production thereof
A solid electrolytic capacitor having a solid electrolyte layer, comprising: the solid electrolyte layer having an electrically-conductive polymer hybrid layer containing an electrolytically-polymerized electrically-conductive polymer and a chemically-polymerized electrically-conductive polymer.
US08049998B2 Magnetoresistance effect device and method for manufacturing same, magnetic memory, magnetic head, and magnetic recording apparatus
A magnetoresistance effect device includes: an insulator layer; a first and second ferromagnetic layer laminated to sandwich the insulator layer; a magnetic bias layer laminated with the second ferromagnetic layer; and a connecting section formed discontinuously on a side face of the insulator layer. The connecting section is not interposed between the second ferromagnetic layer and the magnetic bias layer. The connecting section is made of a ferromagnetic material, and electrically connecting between the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer. A method for manufacturing a magnetoresistance effect device includes: laminating a first and second ferromagnetic layer to sandwich an insulator layer, and laminating a magnetic bias layer with the second ferromagnetic layer; and forming a connecting section for electrically connecting between the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer by discontinuously forming a ferromagnetic material on a side face of the insulator layer.
US08049997B2 Magnetoresistive element including a pair of free layers coupled to a pair of shield layers
A first shield portion located below an MR stack includes a first main shield layer, a first antiferromagnetic layer, and a first magnetization controlling layer including a first ferromagnetic layer exchange-coupled to the first antiferromagnetic layer. A second shield portion located on the MR stack includes a second main shield layer, a second antiferromagnetic layer, and a second magnetization controlling layer including a second ferromagnetic layer exchange-coupled to the second antiferromagnetic layer. The MR stack includes two free layers magnetically coupled to the two magnetization controlling layers. Only one of the two magnetization controlling layers includes a third ferromagnetic layer that is antiferromagnetically exchange-coupled to the first or second ferromagnetic layer through a nonmagnetic middle layer. The first shield portion includes an underlayer disposed on the first main shield layer, and the first antiferromagnetic layer is disposed on the underlayer.
US08049980B1 Partial disk failures and improved storage resiliency
A mass data storage system including a hard disk drive comprising heads and platter surfaces determines when a head of the disk is faulty and the disk continues to operate as a partially failed disk with respect to the remaining heads which are not faulty. A striped parity disk array comprises disks capable of operating as partially failed disks allows copying of data from the platter surfaces not associated with a faulty head of a partially failed disk to a spare disk which reduces the amount of data that must be rebuilt in the rebuild process, thereby reducing the amount of time the array spends in degraded mode exposed to a total loss of data caused by a subsequent disk failure.
US08049977B2 Lens module
A lens module includes a lens barrel, a lens mounted to the lens barrel, and an anti-dazzling film received in the lens barrel. The anti-dazzling film defines at least two first postholes. The lens module further includes at least two positioning posts. The positioning posts integrate with the first postholes to secure the anti-dazzling film to the lens barrel.
US08049974B2 Method and apparatus for accurately aligning optical components
A first part has first, second and third inwardly-facing surface portions angularly spaced about an axis, and a second part has outwardly-facing fourth, fifth and sixth surface portions spaced angularly about the axis, a radial distance from the axis to each surface portion decreasing progressively in a given direction along the axis. Each of the fourth, fifth and sixth surface portions faces, is closely adjacent to, and is substantially congruent in shape with a respective one of the first, second and third surface portions. At least one of the first and second parts is an optical component.
US08049970B2 Zoom lens system and electronic image pickup apparatus using the same
A zoom lens system has, in order from an object side, a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power, an aperture stop, a third lens unit having a positive refractive power, and a fourth lens unit having a positive refractive power; during magnification change, the first lens unit, the second lens unit, the third lens unit, the fourth lens unit and the aperture stop move; the first lens unit includes a negative lens and a positive lens in order from the object side; the second lens unit includes a negative lens and a positive lens in order from the object side; the third lens unit includes three or less lenses including one positive lens and one negative lens; and the fourth lens unit includes one positive lens.
US08049949B2 Multi-layer electrode for high contrast electrochromic devices
An electrochromic device includes a first substrate spaced from a second substrate. A first transparent conductive electrode is formed over at least a portion of the first substrate. A polymeric anode is formed over at least a portion of the first conductive electrode. A second transparent conductive electrode is formed over at least a portion of the second substrate. In one aspect of the invention, a multi-layer polymeric cathode is formed over at least a portion of the second conductive electrode. In one non-limiting embodiment, the multi-layer cathode includes a first cathodically coloring polymer formed over at least a portion of the second conductive electrode and a second cathodically coloring polymer formed over at least a portion of the first cathodically coloring polymer. An ionic liquid is positioned between the anode and the cathode.
US08049948B2 Process for producing electrochemical display element and electrochemical display element
This invention provides a novel process for producing an electrochemical display element, which can easily form a white scattering layer between opposed electrodes, has a high level of suitability for production, and has high stability after long-term use. The production process is characterized in that a film containing a white scattering material and a polymeric binder is formed on at least one electrode in opposed electrodes, the other electrode is disposed so as to face the electrode with film formed thereon, a low-viscosity electrolyte is poured into a space between the opposed electrodes, and the polymeric binder is dissolved in or swollen in the electrolyte to form a gel-like electrolyte layer containing the white scattering material and the polymeric binder within the space.
US08049946B2 Lubricating micro-machined devices using fluorosurfactants
A method of lubricating MEMS devices using fluorosurfactants 42. Micro-machined devices, such as a digital micro-mirror device (DMD™) 940, which make repeated contact between moving parts, require lubrication in order to prevent the onset of stiction (static friction) forces significant enough to cause the parts to stick irreversibly together, causing defects. These robust and non-corrosive fluorosurfactants 42, which consists of a hydrophilic chain 40 attached to a hydrophobic fluorocarbon tail 41, are applied by nebulization and replace the more complex lubricating systems, including highly reactive PFDA lubricants stored in polymer getters, to keep the parts from sticking. This lubrication process, which does not require the use of getters, is easily applied and has been shown to provide long-life, lower-cost, operable MEMS devices.
US08049943B2 Quantum computing method and quantum computer
A quantum bit computation method includes operating a two-quantum-bit gate on quantum bits of a first physical system and a second physical system, second energy states of second physical systems except for the first physical system and the second physical system do not change, three energy states being represented by |0>, |1> and |3>, the two energy states being represented by |2> and |4>, energies of |2> and |4> being higher than energies of |0>, |1> and |3>, a transition frequency between |3> and |2> being equal to the resonance frequency, |0> and |1> representing quantum bits, flipping quantum bits of first physical systems after operating the two-quantum-bit gate, executing no operations by a time equal to a time for operating the two-quantum-bit gate, after flipping the quantum bits, and again flipping the quantum bits of the first physical systems after executing no operations.
US08049937B2 Image sensor unit and image reading apparatus using the same
In a frame (8) holding a sensor board (7) with a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements (6k) arranged and mounted and an imaging element (5) for focusing light reflected from an original onto the sensor board (7), the imaging element (5) includes a plurality of rod lens arrays (5) each having at least one cut end in a lengthwise direction, and cut portions of the rod lens arrays (5) are connected to each other to be tailored to a predetermined reading width, the frame (8) includes a holding section (13) for holding the rod lens arrays (5), and the holding section (13) includes a bottom surface (13B) widened at a part where a cut portion and/or a connection portion of the rod lens arrays (5) is located.
US08049912B2 Image processing system, image processing program and image processing method
An image processing system having a reading section which reads a document image to obtain an image data, an impact detecting section to detect an impact, an identifying section which identifies an image data obtained by reading the document image using the reading section upon receiving an impact, when the impact is detected by the impact detecting section during a reading operation of the document image using the reading section, and an outputting section which visualizes and outputs the image data identified by the identifying section for an operator.
US08049910B2 Configurable single submission event printer
A method for configuring a printer to automatically print multiple proof prints includes configuring a printer with an adjustable process parameter to a first value, configuring the adjustable process parameter to a second value; generating a single submission event that expresses the first value and the second value of the adjustable process parameter, and configuring the printer with the single submission event such that the printer automatically prints a first proof print with the first value and a second proof print with the second value.
US08049900B2 Apparatus and methods for uniform frequency sample clocking
A method and a system for Uniform Frequency Sample Clocking to directly sample the OCT signal with a temporally-non-linear sampling clock derived from a k-space wavemeter on the external sample clock input port of a digitizer. The Uniform Frequency Sample Clocking comprises at least one Pathway, which includes characterizing the swept light source, creating a digital representation of the waveform based from the characterization data, and generating a clock signal using a waveform generator to output the clock signal to a digitizer external clock.
US08049899B2 Method and apparatus for determination of geometric values on a transparent or diffusive object
A Michelson-interferometer which has two reference arms and a short coherence length is used for the method and apparatus for measurement of geometric values on transparent or diffuse objects (19). The basic optical delay times of the reference arms (11, 12) are chosen in such a manner that they result in an optical delay time difference corresponding to a layer thickness, as a geometric value. The at least two reference arm beams (33a, 35a) are passed to a single rotating path-length variation element (23), with a mutual spatial offset angle (dw). A delay-time change, which is dependent on the rotation angle, of the reference arm beams is produced as a function of a rotation angle caused by rotation, in order to allow a delay-time change caused by the path-length variation element (23) to be applied successively to the basic optical delay times in the reference arms (11, 12). A topography as a further geometric value is obtained by projection of a light-intensity structure onto a surface to be measured, and by measurement of its image.
US08049894B2 Multiple wavelength optical analyzer device
A device and method of operation for analyzing signal features over multiple optical wavelengths is presented. A plurality of rotating thin film filters is arranged with respect to a collimated beam of light so that each thin film filter transmits light of a particular wavelength to a detector unit responsive to an angle of incidence of light upon the thin film filter when the thin film filter optically interposes the collimated light beam. Each of the plurality of thin film filters is optically interposed periodically and rotated so that the angle of incidence of light from the first input unit upon the thin film filter varies when the thin film filter is optically interposed to scan the light by wavelength within a selected wavelength band into a detector unit for measurement.
US08049891B2 Adjustment method for position detection apparatus, exposure apparatus, and device fabrication method
The present invention provides an adjustment method for a position detection apparatus which comprises an optical system including first and second optical members whose positions can be changed, and detects a position of an object, comprising the steps of calculating a value representing an asymmetry of a detection signal of a light which enters a photoelectric conversion device via the optical system, for each of a plurality of positions of the first optical member in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the optical system, specifying a position of the object in the direction of the optical axis, at which the value is insensitive, for each of the plurality of positions, and adjusting a position of the second optical member in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis based on the value at the position of the object specified in the specifying step.
US08049887B2 Spectroscopic module
The spectroscopy module 1 is provided with a body portion 2 for transmitting light L1, L2, a spectroscopic portion 3 for dispersing light L1 made incident from the front plane 2a of the body portion 2 into the body portion 2 to reflect the light on the front plane 2a, a light detecting element 4 having a light detecting portion 41 for detecting the light L2 dispersed and reflected by the spectroscopic portion 3 and electrically connected to a wiring 9 formed on the front plane 2a of the body portion 2 by face-down bonding, and an underfill material 12 filled in the body portion 2 side of to the light detecting element 4 to transmit the light L1, L2.
US08049879B2 Method and apparatus for measuring transmitted optical distortion in glass sheets
An apparatus and associated method for measuring transmitted optical distortion in a glass sheet includes a glass stand which receives a glass sheet for mounting between a background screen which includes a matrix of spaced apart dots, and a digital camera which captures (1) an image of the glass sheet surface, and (2) an image of the dot matrix transmitted through the glass sheet. The captured images are downloaded to a computer that is suitably programmed to analyze the image data to (1) determine the presence of any markings or elements on the surface of the glass sheet that should be isolated from the dot matrix image, (2) modify the background image to eliminate the image data corresponding to any such surface markings or elements from the image, and (3) determine characteristics indicative of optical distortion in the modified image of the dot matrix background transmitted through the glass sheet.
US08049863B2 Method for manufacturing liquid crystal display panel
A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel is provided. The method includes: providing a first substrate and a second substrate; providing a plurality of liquid crystal drops on the first substrate, wherein two adjacent liquid crystal drops in X direction is kept by a distance d1 mm, and two adjacent liquid crystal drops in Y direction is kept by a distance d2 mm, each liquid crystal drop is G mg, d1 16.7, d2 15.4, and G 1; connecting the first substrate and the second substrate so that the liquid crystal drops are sealed between the first substrate and the second substrate; and polymerizing the polymeric components of the liquid crystal drops while applying a predetermined voltage to the liquid crystal drops.
US08049860B2 Glass substrate for reflective mirror, reflective mirror including the glass substrate, glass substrate for liquid crystal panel, and liquid crystal panel including the glass substrate
A glass substrate for a reflective mirror of a rear projection television (RPTV) which ensures display quality by quantitative control, and can reduce control cost and manufacture cost is provided. A reflective mirror 3 of the rear projection television (RPTV) includes a float glass plate (glass substrate) 1 formed to have a plate thickness of 3 mm by a float process, and a reflection enhancing film 2 constituted of aluminum (Al) formed on one surface 1a of the glass substrate 1 by a sputtering method. In the measurement condition of a cut-off value of 0.8 to 8 mm, the maximum amplitude of a filtered waviness curve is 0.1 μm or less, the maximum value of a viewability index value γ (=A/D3) in a range of spatial frequencies 2 to 500/mm by spectral analysis of the filtered waviness curve is 0.02 (/m2) or less, and an integral value of the viewability index value γ is 2.0 (/m3) or less.
US08049859B2 Liquid crystal display device including a relief area
A liquid crystal display device includes a first flexible substrate and a second flexible substrate, a liquid crystal layer sealed between the first substrate and the second substrate by a frame-shaped sealing member, a display area located inside the sealing member, a non-display area located outside the display area and a plurality of spacers interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. A relief area in which a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate is larger than that in the display area is provided in at least a portion of the non-display area.
US08049857B2 Liquid crystal display device
An LCD device includes: a backlight unit including a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) which generate light, and emit the light to a liquid crystal panel; a main flexible circuit board on which driving circuits to drive the LEDs and the liquid crystal panel; a sub-flexible circuit board on which the LEDs are mounted and electrically connected to a wire pattern formed on the main flexible circuit board by being soldered to a side surface of the main flexible circuit board to electrically connect the light emitting diodes and the driving circuits for the light emitting diodes; and a support main encompassing the liquid crystal panel and the backlight unit and including a step portion at a side surface thereof to accommodate a soldering portion between the side surface of the main flexible circuit board and the sub-flexible circuit board which are connected by soldering.
US08049848B2 Liquid crystal display and method of manufacturing the same and method of driving the same
A liquid crystal display having a wide viewing angle and easily manufactured. The liquid crystal display comprises an upper substrate and a lower substrate, and a liquid crystal material disposed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate. The liquid crystal display has a conductive protrusion disposed on the surface of the upper substrate opposing to the lower substrate. The conductive protrusion is disposed over a scanning electrode line or a signal electrode line and has the same potential as that of the upper electrode. As another structure, each of pixel electrodes on the lower substrate has a smaller area than that of a common electrode on the upper substrate and is covered by the common electrode, and each of the pixel electrodes comprises an electrode portion having approximately symmetrical shape.